Flipping Motivation

[Quailhunter]

I enjoy reading the posts in this forum and have learned a lot.

The one thing that still mystified me is flipping watches.

The Rolex I wore yesterday has been mine for over 25 years. I spend a lot of time studying a watch I'm interested in buying. I may try one on several times. In the rare case that I convince myself that I really want to buy the watch, I make the commitment and the watch goes home with me.

Somehow, buying an expensive watch with the expectation that I will be selling it shortly at a loss just doesn't compute in my mind.

I'm not putting down the practice, I just don't understand the motivation.

[superdog]

If you don't understand it now, it's unlikely any answers here will change that.

Different strokes for different folks.

I don't tend to hold onto watches for very long. I'm also an extremely impulsive person in many ways. I tend to jump right into the deep end with just about everything I do.

I flip when I'm not wearing a watch, or the love has faded, and I want something new.

If I'm not interested in spending money, I find one of my rotation to sell. It's pretty simple really.

[Rocco21]

I may love a watch tomorrow and lose love for it next week.Also I might see a watch that catches my eye and instead of having multiple watches I will flip the watch I have to get the one that caught my eye.For instance I've had the 114060 6 times now,I love it but sometimes want something else and I'm a one watch guy so I flip it and get it back later.Ive had the 116610ln 3 times,116610lv 3 times,14060 8 times etc...Hard to understand if you don't do it,its natural for me.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by superdog

If you don't understand it now, it's unlikely any answers here will change that.

Different strokes for different folks.

I don't tend to hold onto watches for very long. I'm also an extremely impulsive person in many ways. I tend to jump right into the deep end with just about everything I do.

I flip when I'm not wearing a watch, or the love has faded, and I want something new.

If I'm not interested in spending money, I find one of my rotation to sell. It's pretty simple really.

Like I said at dinner, let me know when you're ready to flip the 114060. My brother has been hot to trot on one lately.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

Like I said at dinner, let me know when you're ready to flip the 114060. My brother has been hot to trot on one lately.

LOL. Brother, I know that my history will negate nearly everything I say on the subject. So I can't fault any doubt.

But I love the 114060. I do not see myself moving that anytime soon.

Famous....last.....words.....

edit: so if I do move it, I will let you know first. lmao.....

[gregmoeck]

Once bitten it never ends...but I like opening FedEx boxes. Lol

[jbenjamin1]

Originally Posted by gregmoeck

Once bitten it never ends...but I like opening FedEx boxes. Lol

Couldn't agree more

[cedargrove]

I work with a guy who is a constant flipper. I've only know him four months but in that time he has bought and sold a dozen watches, six of them Rolexes. He seems to absolutely love each Rolex when he initially gets them, but then gets bored quickly and trades them for another. I might understand it if he was constantly trading up, but he even agrees sometimes he's trading to a less desirable watch.

[1William]

As someone who trades/flips watches on a regular basis I don't see any issue with it. I enjoy doing my research on different models. Trying them on and then finding a deal. I buy right and have on occasion made money on a flip or sell. Most times I break even or lose a little money but that is the price for the flip. I have owned many watch that while great just did not work in the long run. I also have committed a specific amount of money to my collection and what does it matter if it is in 10 SS watches or 2 PM. As long as the values are consistent and when you move you can transfer the value to another watch(s). It is a hobby and as such I have committed a certain amount of money to enjoy it. To each their own.

[Chiboy]

I am much more like the OP (still wearing the Rolex I got in 1985), but some folks apparently like to buy and sell and buy back the same watch numerous times.

It's not unlike car enthusiasts. If you buy new cars and sell them every six months, you will burn thru an awful lot of money. But if you buy them right and continually flip them, you can burn through less. If it's your hobby and what you want to do, go for it!

For me, it seems like the cost/difficulty of selling/shipping/servicing Rolexes would add up. If I looked back and realized I cycled through six Rolexes in a year and the all-in cost of doing so was enough to buy a SS Rolex, I would not be happy. But others may think it's an appropriate cover charge to get to wear a different Rolex every month. I am sure there are some TS here who absolutely adore these folks!

[tommy91]

My famous last words are "I am going to keep this one" then few months down the line it has gone

[tommy91]

I flip a watch around 6 times a year on average, it isn't too bad as I know a lot worse however I never loose money on any of the pieces I sell. Usually make 100-200 per watch. I buy in Spain or Italy where I have a few trusted Grey dealers and sell in the U.K.

[Flywheel]

I don't get it either.

[beshannon]

Some people enjoy the hunt more than the ownership

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Some people enjoy the hunt more than the ownership

I would agree with this. The hunt is very exciting.

[Eagle dunes 75]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Some people enjoy the hunt more than the ownership

Well said. I hate to admit it but I think I am in that category

[Afghanvet]

Originally Posted by Eagle dunes 75

Well said. I hate to admit it but I think I am in that category

x2

[reloxt]

Wish I was like the OP. Would bring a lot of rest. I buy what I like most and than go looking for something I like more.... and that over and over again, in some cases coming back to something I had already. Sounds really stupid when I write it down, but in practice.... I think I need help...

[watchwatcher]

It's a hobby. A very expensive one, but it's still a hobby. There are those like you who are very methodical and precise in their approach. And there are others who like to flip their way to what they want.

We flippers get this question regularly...yet we don't ever question or call out the methodical and studious members. Why is it so hard to understand we all have different approaches to our hobby?

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It's a hobby. A very expensive one, but it's still a hobby. There are those like you who are very methodical and precise in their approach. And there are others who like to flip their way to what they want.

We flippers get this question regularly...yet we don't ever question or call out the methodical and studious members. Why is it so hard to understand we all have different approaches to our hobby?

Agree with this ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ And then...my different approach. I've flipped my way to what I want, and have a core 4/5. Those will stay. Although at any time, I may have a couple more on hand to trade, flip, try different pieces with, etc....

[melrob1]

I think there are flippers that flip their way to happiness and finally find the one. I think there are flipper that flip for fun. But I think the majority of flippers flip to be able to afford something they want to try. I think if they had the ability to keep and just but the next piece they would. Or maybe like me have the ability to buy plenty but have a wife thay would not be so happy so the flip justifies it and losing a little is the cost of enjoying it for a few.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by melrob1

I think there are flippers that flip their way to happiness and finally find the one. I think there are flipper that flip for fun. But I think the majority of flippers flip to be able to afford something they want to try. I think if they had the ability to keep and just but the next piece they would. Or maybe like me have the ability to buy plenty but have a wife thay would not be so happy so the flip justifies it and losing a little is the cost of enjoying it for a few.

I think I fit a little bit into each of those categories....

But ultimately, I am looking for the grail. The perfect watch. The daily I can wear till they put me into the ocean for my final swim.

[ap1]

I'm with these guys - one things for sure - this place doesn't help any.
My thoughts are you never really k ownuntil you take it home and live with it. Then when you settle in, something else catches the eye and it starts all over again. I re-purchased the hulk This year for the first time ever owning the same watch 2x. Guess I like that one.

[Quailhunter]

Thanks to all that responded.

I think I understand better now.

[Lemieux66]

After analysing my flipping behaviour I think it's a combination of 'champagne tastes on a beer budget' and being addicted to the excitement of getting new toys - the persuit of novelty. Seems to pretty incurable!

[singe89]

When watches don't get wrist time they need to go. That money is better used on a watch that is going to get enjoyed. I would rather take a $5k hit trading in a watch towards a another that I'm going to love wearing than sitting on a $25k watch that never gets worn.

I usually don't flip that quickly so after wearing a watch for 2-3 years and taking $3-$5k hit really isn't that bad compared to other hobbies. Off road racing was the worst. 25-50% depreciation on a car as soon as it was finished being built and would cost $2-3K per weekend to use. If you broke something, blew a motor, trans etc. that would be another $10k+. I miss the adrenaline but not the bills

[drgoro]

When I first started collecting, I flipped through most of the steel catalog, eventually I realized the design elements I liked and since then my purchases have been more additions rather than flipping. I guess I learned what I loved about the brand. Case in point, how flat the GMT wears or how small the daytona looks on my wrist vs how differently a DD40 profiles under a cuff, etc

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

Somehow, buying an expensive watch with the expectation that I will be selling it shortly at a loss just doesn't compute in my mind.

I'm not putting down the practice, I just don't understand the motivation.

I doubt that anyone buys a watch for the sole purpose of selling for a loss. Instead, I expect that a watch is bought with the intent to wear but, for whatever reason, just doesn't meet the needs or preference of the buyer. At that point, it would be an even greater loss just to keep the watch - for the sake of keeping it, as opposed to selling it.

[m j b]

Sometimes things are bought on more of a whim than after rational thought. Other times, one has a watch that one likes, but when the new version (think ceramic sub) comes out, one prefers the newer version.

My solution is whenever possible, buy used. Then you can flip it with either a small loss, or sometimes no loss at all or even a profit if you've had it for a while and prices go up.

I can usually rationalize away a loss of $500-700 by thinking "eh, that's the cost of a service."

[droptopman]

I go through phases. My tastes keep changing. I do not intentionally want to flip, but at some point, I decide to move onto something else. A few years ago I was fascinated with vintage watches and moved my small collection towards vintage. Lately, I have been moving the vintage pieces back to modern references. No real rhyme or reason to it, I just decide I want something different at some point.
Only one real constant for me, I always have a Sub in the collection. The era may vary but if I could have only one watch it would be a Sub...which one is where the flipping comes into play.