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ref1655 · 30 May 2016, 04:32 AM

countless threads about flipping this for that...having owned my 1655 for over 40 years, I still don't get the concept.

is it based on boredom, investment pipe dreams or simply bad choices? as far as being the 'first one on the block' to own a specific model, let's be clear...there will always be 'a new kid in town' with the newest and/or most expensive offering. that goes without saying.

the 'Rolex as an investment' philosophy/wishful thinking is also full of holes. unless it's a vintage/collectible timepiece which you either purchased new or paid dearly for later down the road, there are probably far better investment options to consider.

like classic BMWs, the esoteric nature of owning a Rolex seems to be lost amongst the countless newbies & Veblen oriented consumers.

peterskinner · 30 May 2016, 04:34 AM

All true, and good sense. But no hobby is about good sense.

dbluevette · 31 May 2016, 06:43 AM

1)Rationale
2)Flipping

choose one

Speed · 30 May 2016, 04:38 AM

Some people are simply unsure of their choices and/or get bored easily.

.458Chris · 30 May 2016, 04:53 AM

I love watches, which, might seem counterintuitive but that's why I flip. I get to own many more watches than if I never traded up. I sometimes feel bad letting an old piece go but that quickly subsides once I get my new one on my wrist. To each his own.

versatile1 · 2 June 2016, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .458chris

i love watches, which, might seem counterintuitive but that's why i flip. I get to own many more watches than if i never traded up. I sometimes feel bad letting an old piece go but that quickly subsides once i get my new one on my wrist. To each his own.

x2

kromdom · 30 May 2016, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Some people are simply unsure of their choices

and may I submit as evidence the dozens of threads/polls asking "strangers" for OPINIONS on what they should spend their money on

Javier2.0t · 30 May 2016, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kromdom

and may I submit as evidence the dozens of threads/polls asking "strangers" for OPINIONS on what they should spend their money on

Why be so harsh with people who share a hobby with you? I'm sure many of those topics are from people who want to share with the community and get some dialogue going.

Bulliondesk · 30 May 2016, 05:00 AM

Umm to make money.. Just a guess.

Speed · 30 May 2016, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulliondesk

Umm to make money.. Just a guess.

Well...I think if most flippers of modern pieces answer honestly, it's mostly a losing proposition.

Bulliondesk · 30 May 2016, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Well...I think if most flippers of modern pieces answer honestly, it's mostly a losing proposition.

Yes for those who don't buy right..

mtgjr · 30 May 2016, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulliondesk

Umm to make money.. Just a guess.

Bad guess. I assure you the vast majority of flippers lose money on the whole. It's just the cost of practicing their hobby. They're not doing it to make money....typically.

Bulliondesk · 30 May 2016, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtgjr

Bad guess. I assure you the vast majority of flippers lose money on the whole. It's just the cost of practicing their hobby. They're not doing it to make money....typically.

Flipping is buying a watch with intention to sell for a profit after purchase. Not owning a watch for 20 years and then selling it to buy a new watch.

mtgjr · 30 May 2016, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulliondesk

Flipping is buying a watch with intention to sell for a profit after purchase. Not owning a watch for 20 years and then selling it to buy a new watch.

Sorry, bud, you are mistaken about the meaning of the term "flipper". It is neither of the scenarios you stated above, as most commonly used on this forum.

Buying with the intention of selling for a profit is a form of flipping, sure. But not the usual meaning of the word as used here. Mostly, it's people who buy a watch, wear it for a while, then out of either boredom or just the desire to try a different watch, sell the watch to help fund the next purchase. Make no mistake, this hobby of flipping costs money....it doesn't make it.

Old Expat Beast · 30 May 2016, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Some people are simply unsure of their choices and/or get bored easily.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kromdom

and may I submit as evidence the dozens of threads/polls asking "strangers" for OPINIONS on what they should spend their money on

Quote:

Originally Posted by fskywalker

The fellow members on this forum has a lot to do with the urge to flip

Yep, when you have a dozen or so 'enablers' saying that 'you can't go wrong' with a Sub/GMT/Daytona/Explorer, it's easy to mess up.

ancientmariner · 30 May 2016, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtgjr

Sorry, bud, you are mistaken about the meaning of the term "flipper". It is neither of the scenarios you stated above, as most commonly used on this forum.

Buying with the intention of selling for a profit is a form of flipping, sure. But not the usual meaning of the word as used here. Mostly, it's people who buy a watch, wear it for a while, then out of either boredom or just the desire to try a different watch, sell the watch to help fund the next purchase. Make no mistake, this hobby of flipping costs money....it doesn't make it.

Bulliondesk has correctly described 'flipping' in my opinion. This definition is widely used regarding cars and to a lesser extent houses. It should apply to anything bought to sell on quickly for a profit.
I also agree that this forum uses 'flipping' in a different way, to replace the words 'selling' or 'trading-in' or part-exchanging' (these expressions may be different for different countries).

TripLockG · 20 August 2016, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulliondesk

Umm to make money.. Just a guess.

Anyone with a Daytona C , is certainly able to flip for a tidy profit

WJGESQ · 22 August 2016, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulliondesk

Umm to make money.. Just a guess.

I too read a lot of posting about flipping but never got the impression that they actually made money doing so. Interesting.

tommy91 · 30 May 2016, 05:01 AM

For me i think it's boredom. I have flipped so many now in such a short period. I see something and think that's what I want then when I have it I want something else. I have decided now I am not flipping my subc and explorer 2 ever, I have a datejust 16233 and 16013 that I am in the process of selling. From then I hope to just add and stop at 5 Rolex I really enjoy.

Sublovin · 30 May 2016, 05:03 AM

Unless it is being done for profit, I assume for most it is a matter of scratching an itch. Some people want to try many different watches and can't justify/afford to simply purchase all of them. Once they have had t for a while, the novelty wears off and they move to the next.
I am not they type who flips, but I do get it...

jrs146 · 30 May 2016, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Unless it is being done for profit, I assume for most it is a matter of scratching an itch. Some people want to try many different watches and can't justify/afford to simply purchase all of them. Once they have had t for a while, the novelty wears off and they move to the next.
I am not they type who flips, but I do get it...

This!
It's the itch... When it comes, it must be scratched. I suppose I fall in to the flipper category. However, I'm currently in rehab and have made myself a promise to only add and not flip at this point. (We will see how long that lasts).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

hoanghung45 · 1 June 2016, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Unless it is being done for profit, I assume for most it is a matter of scratching an itch. Some people want to try many different watches and can't justify/afford to simply purchase all of them. Once they have had t for a while, the novelty wears off and they move to the next.
I am not they type who flips, but I do get it...

Well said

visualplane · 30 May 2016, 05:37 AM

I recently flipped a watch because I wanted to give it a try but it wasn't right for me so I sold it.

kjp1Iam · 30 May 2016, 05:53 AM

Your post overlooks what I believe to be the most obvious reasons:
1. Watches are a fun hobby and it is nice to "try-out" several different models.
2. Most of us don't have unlimited budgets to buy every watch we like and hang onto it forever, so "flipping" lets us own a nice watch for a period of time and then move on to something else when we start to tire of it or something else catches our eye.

I have a vintage Sub 1680 that I love and will Never sell, but other than that, I enjoy trying something out and moving on to try the next thing that catches my eye.
If I were uber-wealthy I might add a few more watches to the permanent stable, but I think I would still buy/sell other models.

Relyt · 3 June 2016, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjp1Iam

If I were uber-wealthy I might add a few more watches to the permanent stable, but I think I would still buy/sell other models.

What is uber wealthy? Does that mean you driver for uber for a living and make bank? Ha. Jk. Sorry had to lighten the thread.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Runfar · 30 May 2016, 06:34 AM

definitely because we love them- we want to try others- we can't afford to keep them all- at least for me that is- I keep a couple sentimental watches and then flop a few others and try new things-

imperio · 30 May 2016, 06:36 AM

I'm have one foot in the camp that believes one should only have one watch at a time, the other in I want to try everything! I flip whenever I want something different and I always buy used so I minimize my losses.

Fez217 · 30 May 2016, 07:25 AM

My first couple of purchases were on a whim and later I found some others that I truly like and enjoy wearing. So I have traded those first choices for several others that now prefer. It's not really about making a profit, it's about trying not to lose too much on those not so good choices.

xjeeunitx · 30 May 2016, 07:31 AM

It all comes down to regret. You don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. This goes with everything... not just watches. =)

Etschell · 30 May 2016, 07:33 AM

I don't get it. Just buy and accumulate. If it's about moving up to PM then I get it.

30 May 2016, 04:32 AM	#1
ref1655 Banned Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: SF Bay Area Watch: 1655/MkI Posts: 1,100	The Rationale Behind Flipping? countless threads about flipping this for that...having owned my 1655 for over 40 years, I still don't get the concept. is it based on boredom, investment pipe dreams or simply bad choices? as far as being the 'first one on the block' to own a specific model, let's be clear...there will always be 'a new kid in town' with the newest and/or most expensive offering. that goes without saying. the 'Rolex as an investment' philosophy/wishful thinking is also full of holes. unless it's a vintage/collectible timepiece which you either purchased new or paid dearly for later down the road, there are probably far better investment options to consider. like classic BMWs, the esoteric nature of owning a Rolex seems to be lost amongst the countless newbies & Veblen oriented consumers.

30 May 2016, 06:36 AM	#27
imperio "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Watch: this space Posts: 1,867	I'm have one foot in the camp that believes one should only have one watch at a time, the other in I want to try everything! I flip whenever I want something different and I always buy used so I minimize my losses. __________________

30 May 2016, 07:33 AM	#30
Etschell "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: FL Watch: platinum sub Posts: 15,884	I don't get it. Just buy and accumulate. If it's about moving up to PM then I get it. __________________ If you wind it, they will run. 25 or 6 to 4.

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30 May 2016, 04:34 AM	#2
peterskinner "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: East Sussex U Posts: 1,351	All true, and good sense. But no hobby is about good sense.

31 May 2016, 06:43 AM	#3
dbluevette "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: TEXAS Posts: 302	1)Rationale 2)Flipping choose one

30 May 2016, 04:38 AM	#4
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Some people are simply unsure of their choices and/or get bored easily.

30 May 2016, 04:53 AM	#5
.458Chris "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Chris Location: Anchorage Watch: 116622 Posts: 41	I love watches, which, might seem counterintuitive but that's why I flip. I get to own many more watches than if I never traded up. I sometimes feel bad letting an old piece go but that quickly subsides once I get my new one on my wrist. To each his own.

30 May 2016, 05:00 AM	#9
Bulliondesk Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: Howard100/101 Posts: 656	Umm to make money.. Just a guess.

30 May 2016, 05:01 AM	#19
tommy91 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Real Name: . Location: . Posts: 1,343	For me i think it's boredom. I have flipped so many now in such a short period. I see something and think that's what I want then when I have it I want something else. I have decided now I am not flipping my subc and explorer 2 ever, I have a datejust 16233 and 16013 that I am in the process of selling. From then I hope to just add and stop at 5 Rolex I really enjoy.

30 May 2016, 05:03 AM	#20
Sublovin 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: USA Watch: Lots Posts: 4,595	Unless it is being done for profit, I assume for most it is a matter of scratching an itch. Some people want to try many different watches and can't justify/afford to simply purchase all of them. Once they have had t for a while, the novelty wears off and they move to the next. I am not they type who flips, but I do get it...

30 May 2016, 05:37 AM	#23
visualplane "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York, NY Watch: 5513 Posts: 1,170	I recently flipped a watch because I wanted to give it a try but it wasn't right for me so I sold it.

30 May 2016, 05:53 AM	#24
kjp1Iam Banned Join Date: May 2016 Location: USA Watch: me go.... Posts: 97	Your post overlooks what I believe to be the most obvious reasons: 1. Watches are a fun hobby and it is nice to "try-out" several different models. 2. Most of us don't have unlimited budgets to buy every watch we like and hang onto it forever, so "flipping" lets us own a nice watch for a period of time and then move on to something else when we start to tire of it or something else catches our eye. I have a vintage Sub 1680 that I love and will Never sell, but other than that, I enjoy trying something out and moving on to try the next thing that catches my eye. If I were uber-wealthy I might add a few more watches to the permanent stable, but I think I would still buy/sell other models.

30 May 2016, 06:34 AM	#26
Runfar "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Colorado Posts: 349	definitely because we love them- we want to try others- we can't afford to keep them all- at least for me that is- I keep a couple sentimental watches and then flop a few others and try new things-

30 May 2016, 07:25 AM	#28
Fez217 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Ontario Posts: 45	My first couple of purchases were on a whim and later I found some others that I truly like and enjoy wearing. So I have traded those first choices for several others that now prefer. It's not really about making a profit, it's about trying not to lose too much on those not so good choices.

30 May 2016, 07:31 AM	#29
xjeeunitx 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5,529	It all comes down to regret. You don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. This goes with everything... not just watches. =)

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