Bank Account Reaches High But Desire Fades?

[rolexsubdate]

Many times I have noticed what happens to me is that I like a particular watch and start saving $$ for it. So I have a special account where I throw the $$ for these toys ....I go to the malls or AD and try it out, or look at the window display and drool over it ....It adds to the pleasure of saving....

A year or two later, the account exceeds the purchase price of the watch. So now I am able to buy. I go to take a look at the watch and it doesn't seem all that it seemed before because now my ability to make the purchase is there ....sometimes I end up buying, other times I do not. Then i realize, it wasn't the watch, it was the chase that was exciting ... othertimes, it is the watch ....

So does this type of thing happen to others who have multiple watches?

[bluemartinifan]

Does not happen to me because I am usually not that patient...

I love that you plan for the purchase and end up truly deserving to buy your watch because you saved for it. Think how many times people "drool" over a watch - want immediate gratification, put it on plastic, then realize it wasnt for them or now are lusting after another.
Now your fund is set and you have many choices.

[speedo]

Originally Posted by rolexsubdate

Many times I have noticed what happens to me is that I like a particular watch and start saving $$ for it. So I have a special account where I throw the $$ for these toys ....I go to the malls or AD and try it out, or look at the window display and drool over it ....It adds to the pleasure of saving....

A year or two later, the account exceeds the purchase price of the watch. So now I am able to buy. I go to take a look at the watch and it doesn't seem all that it seemed before because now my ability to make the purchase is there ....sometimes I end up buying, other times I do not. Then i realize, it wasn't the watch, it was the chase that was exciting ... othertimes, it is the watch ....

So does this type of thing happen to others who have multiple watches?

The chase is better than the catch.

[cronin]

Originally Posted by speedo

The chase is better than the catch.

I agree the anticipation of getting a new watch can often be far more exciting than actually receiving it. I buy most of my watches pre-owned so the day they are coming in the mail there is nothing better.

[Fiery]

I cannot imagine saving up for such a long time for a watch. But I agree, in several cases the chase could be better than the catch.

[nauticajoe]

Originally Posted by speedo

the chase is better than the catch.

x2.

[theken]

""So does this type of thing happen to others who have multiple watches? "
Yes, but less now than in the past.
I try to make the watches I add to my collection a better "fit".
I also realize there are many watch brands that I like but I probably would never wear.

[spuds]

I kinda know how you feel mate.

Took me eighteen months to save for my GMTIIc & I've only had it a few days & I almost miss that 'hunger' even though I lurrrrrrrrve my watch!

I don't think it's that the watch is a disappointment as such but more acurately..... IMHO.... the thrill of that particular chase is over.

(So I've set my sights on another one!!)

[chet]

Very common. I have a client who saved for a plane. He said it was
a letdown when he finally got it.

[speedo]

Originally Posted by chet

Very common. I have a client who saved for a plane. He said it was
a letdown when he finally got it.

i feel deeply sorry for him. don't you want to pass him my email address. he can contact me any time!

[Rscmaine]

This is an actual 'syndrome' - after the end of the first Gulf War doctors reported a rise in lethergy and listlessness amongst folks who had watched every minute of the coverage.

You have a gap in your normal pattern - fill that time with something new, like heavy drinking, and it will pass quickly.

[speedo]

Originally Posted by Rscmaine

This is an actual 'syndrome' - after the end of the first Gulf War doctors reported a rise in lethergy and listlessness amongst folks who had watched every minute of the coverage.

You have a gap in your normal pattern - fill that time with something new, like heavy drinking, and it will pass quickly.

To be honest, I've never gotten to understand that. If I save for something and then I get it I am happy. Am I just too shallow?

[seedgun]

I'd say I have the same feeling. I enjoy the reasearch, the looking and searching, then the negotiation, and sometimes the selling off to finance, then when the new acquisition comes it's nice but it's soon time to start the cycle again.
I have observed the same thing in my other collecting activites, Old toy trains and classsic american small pellet accelerators- all have the same cycle. I guess what I'm saying is the thrill of the hunt and the anticipation are the best part and then the actual arrival is almost a non event. Perhaps it's just me but I see the same pattern in many other folks that are serial collectors.
I have a friend that collects Ferraris and he is exactly the same- once it's delivered and he drives it a few times it's time in his garage may be short.
Andy

[jtrader]

Yea I think it's the thrill. The ability to make a choice and buy just about anything in the store. But your in search of only one thing so you try as many watches on as you can and go to several AD's knowing at any time you can drop your cash on the table and make a purchase.

[Rodmo]

Yes this happens to me as well.

I attribute some of my feelings to the tough economic times. Before spending several thousand dollars of hard earned money I really think twice. I want a solid nest egg to see my wife and I through hard times. We both wear Rolex, and enjoy the watches, so we don't feel as if we are deprived.

My view is that you are thinking responsibly, and will take a responsible decision either way. Good on you.......

[want to be]

Same thing with WOMEN!

[2005rivers]

I'm an impulse buyer, so no I don't have that problem.

[hennabav]

I definitely have that problem. Anything serious I buy, I think twice if not three times. Therefore sometimes by the time I have enough to purchase it, my interest runs out and I go for something else. Or it just doesn't feel that special to me anymore. Like people here say, its more in the chase for me. Especially for watches that are rare.

[ersnyder]

Yes, I understand. So, if interest wanes, that's OK; the watch wasn't meant for you. When you find one you REALLY like, you'll like it as much 6 months or 6 years later and be glad that you have it. If you lose interest in a few months saving up the bucks then keep saving until you find something you can't live without!!

[galloman]

+1

if the interest goes away then it was not really for you; if the interest stays then it is for you

[slcbbrown]

The anticipation and hunting is fun, and when it's over there is a definite letdown that isn't a problem with the watch-- it's just that all the excitement is over.

[Tools]

I have a "slush fund", but it doesn't always have a specific goal.. It's there in case I do find a watch or other toy I find interesting...

Once It gets used for that watch, it just starts building up again for the next one, whatever it may be............

[ducatidoc]

Originally Posted by want to be

Same thing with WOMEN!

Yep. You save up to buy the one you really want, shell out an obscene of $$, etc,etc. Difference is the watch is reliable, makes little, if any sound, costs way less to maintain, and you can always sell the it, and recoup some of your investment.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by ducatidoc

Yep. You save up to buy the one you really want, shell out an obscene of $$, etc,etc. Difference is the watch is reliable, makes little, if any sound, costs way less to maintain, and you can always sell the it, and recoup some of your investment.

[Wink]

I know how you feel. I have saved the $$$ for another watch, but I simply don't want another just now. Maybe after Basel.

Wink

[ft laud mike]

Originally Posted by speedo

The chase is better than the catch.

can be said about many things in life...

[RLXSTR]

Yes the chase is better than the catch. This happens to me with cars. But I look at the catch is a luxury item that got me to save which is hard to do for many these days.

Since I'm more of an impulse buyer...the catch is usually reeled in pretty quickly.

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by ducatidoc

Yep. You save up to buy the one you really want, shell out an obscene of $$, etc,etc. Difference is the watch is reliable, makes little, if any sound, costs way less to maintain, and you can always sell the it, and recoup some of your investment.

Plus, my watch is always on time!

[Taffi Abernathy]

I believe what you are describing is associated with the concept of habituation. We see something which grabs our fancy - a watch, a car, a boat. We tell ourselves that our life will in some way improve by owning this item, e.g., heightened self-esteem, gaining the admiration of others, adding fun, etc. We purchase the item and initially feel good, but after repeated use, it loses its novelty and excitement (habituation). So it's back on the treadmill to chase the next "thing" which promises to bring something wonderful into our lives. Part of the problem (potentially) involves the use of new toys to fill an emotional need. We elevate a want into a need. Think about it, it's really not about chasing the item, it's about chasing a particular feeling. Because material items can't fill an emotional need, one needs to then chase the next item . . . and the next . . . and the next. You are left insatiable.

[ChickoftheSea]

After buying I don't know how many Rolexes and several Porsches and my third boat and several really good cameras, and on and on, I am relieved to see that there are others who share my penchant for "the chase".

I think it's time for me to ask, when I get in this obsessive place, what else can I focus on that might actually help someone and make me think as I lay on my deathbed - how did all that gorging on "things" help anyone?!?!?

This is not to pass judgement on anyone else, but to acknowledge that I understand the bewilderment of why, after all that looking and researching and getting, there is such a let-down...maybe on some level we know that perhaps there is a better, deeper, more meaningful use of our time and money, and maybe we feel a little self-indulgent.

I also venture to offer that since 9/11, we have learned that life can be tragically short, and perhaps we've on some level adopted the "if I don't get it now, I may never have it" sense of urgency.

Obviously, I have no answers but I find comfort in the questions of others. Thank you each for coming forward!