I'm done....(with expensive watches)

[watchnut]

There seems to be a movement afoot in this country to make us feel "guilty" for our consumerism, our desire for "things" etc. Many other countrys are just coming to where we were years ago. We can do all we want to to save the planet but it's a drop in the ocean. By the time everybody in China has two cars and a house,etc we'll be back to the horse and buggy wondering what happened. You do what you feel is right for you, period.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Thomas

I think I'm quite likely done buying expensive watches. Not only can I really no longer justify them, they really do no more than a "mid range priced" or a $25 watch. Sure, when I put on my DJ, or Sub they feel great, but really, they only tell me the time. While I will keep what I have, 2 Rolex, a Girard-Perregaux and several vintage pieces, I think I will concentrate my efforts when I want a new watch on someting like a nice Omega, B&M, Longines. I really can't even justify Omega, B&M or Longines when the money can certainly go towards home improvement, college tuition, savings,etc. I can get a solid gold B&M for much less than an Air King, Rolex' "cheapest" model.
Yeah, yeah I know it's not an in-house movement but really, I no longer care.
My new attitude may not last long, or maybe it will, it's just how I feel. While I will always have a passion for watches I realize (and always did) you no longer need to spend thousands of dollars to get a watch that 9 out of 10 people don't know what it is anyway. Maybe this is just my way of trying to forgive myself for shelling out so much on a Sub, DJ and a ladies DJ all within the span of 3 months a while back. I don't regret it, but the days of "expensive" watches are over for me. Everybody's idea of expensive is something different. I'm really starting to think that I could strap on the Omega, B&M or Longines and be completely satisfied and not look back.
Sorry if I rambled, just my thoughts when everyone , including me and my family are trying somewhat to be "thrift minded" For what it's worth, I now even take my own reuseable bags to the grocery store.

Well regarding in house well all ETA movements are 100% in-house built even more in-house built than Rolex.Rolex will be 100% in-house built by 2010, the cut off point when the ETA swatch group will refuse to supply escapement
parts outside the Swatch group.

[BarkMaster]

I spent a good deal of my life indulging myself (within my means, that is).

Having a child has changed my perspective completely...

• I had a house built in a kid-friendly area.
• I switched from multiple (luxury) vehicles to a minivan. My wife also "downgraded" from a luxury vehicle to kid-friendly one.
• I re-structured my finances and insurance to insure that my child is taken care of, even after I am long gone. My wife has done the same. (separate finances)

Oddly, I just recently purchased Rolexes for my wife and I.

My justification was that I needed to move some funds from an account that I had been putting money into for years into a "cash" account. Money market and savings rates are horrible, so I decided that buying "pre-owned" Rolexes for each of us wouldn't be too bad of an option in that the major depreciation has already occured and it's an "investment" that we can enjoy.

Now, before all the financial geniuses give me a hard time.. We save 28% spread out among pre-tax / after-tax retirement vehicles, maintaing an emergency fund and the kiddo's 529... That is on top of a generous government pension I have coming from 20yrs in a previous life. My financial advisor even gave it a

All I am saying is that having a child should change your priorities, but it doesn't mean you can't indulge yourself also as long as it does not negatively impact those priorities and your goals.

[Nick1959]

Everyboy has to prioritize according our own emotions, feelings, life realities, etc. So Thomas all the best for your new life experiments

[Joey_V]

Thomas,

You can try wearing the cheaper watches and see how you feel. Trying to convince yourself to wear something less than you're used to may show you how futile your effort is at getting rid of the "disease".

I applaud you for your efforts, but don't be surprised if when you don that BM, Tag, etc that you may feel just a bit out of your zone and that you need to don that Rolex back.

I tried to wear cheap watches just to add numbers to my collection - and it never works for more than a week. I end up returning them.

Stay well, bud.

[scottjal]

Originally Posted by Thomas

I also have no plans to give up any of mine, just not to purchase anymore.

That's what I did, I have what I want and still browse occasionally but I don't see anything I must have.

[Skullring]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

So there IS a cure!

Yes but the cure is worse than the disease.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by watchnut

There seems to be a movement afoot in this country to make us feel "guilty" for our consumerism, our desire for "things" etc. Many other countrys are just coming to where we were years ago. We can do all we want to to save the planet but it's a drop in the ocean. By the time everybody in China has two cars and a house,etc we'll be back to the horse and buggy wondering what happened. You do what you feel is right for you, period.

I think it more has to do with "whats practical" or sensical. I mean is driving a 50 thousand dollar car practical? Is wearing a 7 thousand dollar watch practical? No and no. Seems a "Star Trek" future is coming sooner than later.
Science and medicine will take more of a front seat to our very existence - practical or not - "its in YOUR FACE ! "

[DSJ]

My problem is I keep forgetting to bring the bags back to the grocery store!

[jvo300]

I think the original argument was one of form over function. It's true that you can get a Timex with more functionality than a Rolex for a fraction of the price. However, there's no dispute that the quality of materials and workmanship is superior with Rolex. Not everyone appreciates these qualities (form). Heck, not everyone wears a watch at all because you can find the time anywhere these days (cell phone, computer, TV, etc).

I think the OP does appreciate form though because he mentioned Omega as a substitute. Omega makes some great watches in both form and function which cost less than Rolex. At the end of the day though, Omega (though a decent alternative) is not Rolex.

I think it is wise to not sell off your current watches if you do not have to do so. Only you know your personal situation and what needs to be done. This current economic climate has us all reprioritizing our habits, but we should be wary of going too far the other way on the pendulum and potentially regretting the decisions made getting there.

[surillious]

Just make sure your third gets a full ride through college.

[Gerardus]

It is your feeling and that is what counts!
That was for me the exact reason lately for my downsizing from 5 to 2 watches.
You can wear only one at the time.
But it stays my number 1 hobby!
Good luck

[meloncap78]

That is exactly what makes each person an individual.....independent thinking and we are all entitled to it. I think that it is a worthy decision. Just think, you will save money yet still have all of the watches that you love. I can find no fault in that.

~ Joshua

[cody p]

i can relate. at a certain point, good is good enough.

[tthopp05]

I bought 1 watch that I want to pass on and hopefully will be in my family for decades to come.I respect your thoughts and wish you and yours the best.

[ersnyder]

Originally Posted by Skullring

Yes but the cure is worse than the disease.

He's not CURED, simply making some adjustments. If he wins Lotto, he's right back in the game! There is no cure, only brief respites as you enjoy your newest baby.

[GEZ7ch]

Thanks for sharing Thomas!
I'm feeling exactly the same way and not only for expensive watches but expensive brands in general.
Although i'm not regreting buying my Explorer, I recently discovered that in order to be happy in my life I don't need expensive products or a fancy car, it's enough having a great family and friends, and knowing to always look at the good things in life, take everything calm and easy and not complaining about nothing. Above a certain level of money which allows you to leave in dignity, more money won't give you more happiness, on the other hand, more friend, doing more good things to people and having a certain job not because it has a big salory but since it's meaningful to you and gives you a meaningful reason to get up in the morning and go to work will give you a long lasting happiness ;)
Gal.

[Perdu]

Well you have your priorities right. You don't need an expensive watch to be a WIS.

[Art 1]

I hear ya. My Son is now a Senior in college and will be continuing on. My daughter is a Senior in a very expensive HS in Orlando and will be off to college next year. I'll be glad when it's all over with.

[ommmjido]

There are many relatively inexpensive pieces that can be enjoyed as much as a 10k+ Rolex. My last 2 purchases were BB58 and an iwc pilot heritage which are both 3k watches, and I enjoy them as much as my Hulk. It’s all about the mentality.

[dmitrii_]

Originally Posted by ommmjido

There are many relatively inexpensive pieces that can be enjoyed as much as a 10k+ Rolex. My last 2 purchases were BB58 and an iwc pilot heritage which are both 3k watches, and I enjoy them as much as my Hulk. It’s all about the mentality.

Wow, decade old resurrection. Amazing to read this.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

It’s funny how a guy waits to get his Rolexes and then decides to get frugal.

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by dmitrii_

Wow, decade old resurrection. Amazing to read this.

[EEpro]

Well the kids should be through college by now based on the age of the thread. Time to load up on some Rolex again. Oh wait. There aren't any!

[Screwly]

Wonder why the op was banned

[ThatSubGuy]

Originally Posted by Screwly

Wonder why the op was banned

Clearly because of this thread. We don't want quitters here.

[GST15]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

Clearly because of this thread. We don't want quitters here.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by Thomas

Sorry if I rambled, just my thoughts when everyone , including me and my family are trying somewhat to be "thrift minded" For what it's worth, I now even take my own reuseable bags to the grocery store.

OK

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Screwly

Wonder why the op was banned

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

Clearly because of this thread. We don't want quitters here.

If so it was a slow fuse as it was not till two years following this thread.

Hell, it's not even Easter!! This one deserves to be buried for good!!!

[THC]

Too funny