compulsive buyer or researcher..?

[petesjag]

A thread on the site made me think about the way in which I make my Rolex purchases.....
I buy my Rolex's with razor sharp precision...I research exactly which model I would like, where I will buy it.... and when...
The result is always the feeling of making the right choice and getting the best deal possible.....

The flipside to this approach is that it costs tons of time, both on the internet and visiting many AD's and grey dealers....It also calls for a lot of patience....waiting, waiting and more waiting...untill the time is right...

I was curious what the rest of you do...are you compulsive buyers or researchers or ????
pete

[Eric88]

Interesting topic. I've done a bit of both and prefer the deep research to really know what I'm getting (my Sub-C is an example of a watch I obsessed over and researched for months). On the other end of the spectrum, I've done some very impulsive buying that has been pure fun. There's something exciting about the unknown of a quick buy and the worst thing that can happen is needing to flip the watch if you don't like it.

[mike]

For me I guess you could say the research is never ending. I like to study all the various time frams/era of the sport models whether I plan to buy or not. It's mostly the fascination with the heritage that is Rolex.

I suppose that by doing that one gets a certain idea of what's what when the "hunt" begins.

[karmatp]

I am more of a researcher, that is probably why I frequent watch forums so much. It is all about making a informed decision of what is best for me and what will make me the happiest.

I have bought and sold a bunch of watches over the years, and every one had some serious thought behind them except for my GV, which I flipped a few weeks later.

[petesjag]

Originally Posted by Eric88

There's something exciting about the unknown of a quick buy and the worst thing that can happen is needing to flip the watch if you don't like it.

I can see that, but the idea of flipping is not something I enjoy doing..I have flipped four watches now (no Rolex's) and its always been a case of loosing money...not much in some cases but loosing neverless..

I can be very compulsive but not with such amount of cash...Would rather do that on less expensive things but then again thats all relative...

[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by mike

For me I guess you could say the research is never ending. I like to study all the various time frams/era of the sport models whether I plan to buy or not. It's mostly the fascination with the heritage that is Rolex.

I suppose that by doing that one gets a certain idea of what's what when the "hunt" begins.

Me idea too

[petesjag]

Originally Posted by mike

For me I guess you could say the research is never ending. I like to study all the various time frams/era of the sport models whether I plan to buy or not. It's mostly the fascination with the heritage that is Rolex.

Mike,
I do this as well, but with specific intentions....I love to spend time looking at all of the models and learn as much as possible about them...Even the ladies models....because im infatuated by the Rolex brand.....but for me its different when I start researching to buy......im like a shark in the water looking for prey!

[DG123]

When I was shopping the range of choices was narrow. I did not feel comfortable wearing a maritime oriented sports watch so that eliminated much of the Rolex line. And for size, 34mm or 36mm is what I wanted. So the only models I seriously considered were :
Air King ( did not want the airline pilot origin)
Datejust (did not want the date)
Explorer 114270 (did not want the black dial)
Oyster Perpetual (by process of elimintation, this is the model I purchased).

[JBat]

Originally Posted by petesjag

A thread on the site made me think about the way in which I make my Rolex purchases.....
I buy my Rolex's with razor sharp precision...I research exactly which model I would like, where I will buy it.... and when...
The result is always the feeling of making the right choice and getting the best deal possible.....

The flipside to this approach is that it costs tons of time, both on the internet and visiting many AD's and grey dealers....It also calls for a lot of patience....waiting, waiting and more waiting...untill the time is right...

I was curious what the rest of you do...are you compulsive buyers or researchers or ????
pete

I guess at this point I pretty well know what I like and don't like in the Rolex line. It's simply a matter of saving the funds to acquire them. In the case of the DJ that I don't quite have yet, I did go to an AD to make sure the color combo I wanted looked as good in person as it does in pics. Buying from dealers here on TRF almost automatically gets you a better deal than an AD, so no issue there.

[esm]

if there is a watch i want - i research it first, then buy as soon as i can

[GerardoG]

Research here as well.

[RedwinGV]

Yup, count me in the research crowd. That's one of the reasons I'm reading these threads

I admit, these bds really improve my comfort factor when I decide. And I just decided yesterday!

Of course, at times it can make a decision harder as one finds more pro's vs cons for an option. But in the end, I don't know how I'd buy these things without the internet.

[Eric88]

Originally Posted by petesjag

I can see that, but the idea of flipping is not something I enjoy doing..I have flipped four watches now (no Rolex's) and its always been a case of loosing money...not much in some cases but loosing neverless..

I can be very compulsive but not with such amount of cash...Would rather do that on less expensive things but then again thats all relative...

Even if you lose a little bit of money here and there, I view it as "rent" I paid to enjoy the watch. If you're careful and buy second-hand, not too experimental, then most of the time you can recoup what you spent or even profit. I've had my fair share of losses, particularly on watches I've bought new and then sold. I try to keep these for at least 6 months, so the "lease" period makes it worthwhile.

[Dr. Robert]

another vote for research!

[Howie]

I tend to do some research as well, but on a couple of occasions - while on vacation, there have been inpulse buys!

[tfarchio]

There's nothing wrong with research when it comes to a big purchase like a rolex, IMO. I actually enjoy that part of it. I'm the same way with other things, like suits and shoes, and other higher priced items. I research cars for weeks (if not longer) before I finally lease or buy one. As you said, it can take a lot of time. But I think it works out okay in the end - I mean, how else would I have ever learn what a balance cock was?

[clpski]

For me the research is the best part of the hobby. I start with an idea and a budget. After months of research the budget has usually balloned and I have spent countless hours finding the best watch and best deal I can. After a short break the process usually starts all over at the begining. A vicious cycle for sure.

[tkc324]

I always research... Part of the fun.

[Cannop]

I'm a compulsive researcher!

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by Cannop

I'm a compulsive researcher!

x2

I think I love the process at least as much as I love the watches!

[m5blitzer]

Originally Posted by Cannop

I'm a compulsive researcher!

Me too.

[dddrees]

Not alot of research so far, however I will be spending more time researching before buying any future watches.

Part of the beauty in buying a new Rolex, is that I know whatever I buy it will be a great watch. So far I have just bought the ones that caught my eye.

[Frogman4me]

When it comes to a modern rolex there is nothing to it. Call DavidSW he gives me a price and I pay and get it the next morning. But with vintage I spend months researching, Checking in with vintage dealers and forums, asking a lot of questions, comparing models and asking opinions from TRF friends.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

When it comes to a modern rolex there is nothing to it. Call DavidSW he gives me a price and I pay and get it the next morning.

I absolutely agree with this sentiment.

I barely research at all. I just started-out to buy all of the SS divers and accidentally acquired some duplicates, a GMT, and a Milgauss along the way.

(so I guess I am an impulse buyer)

[Dan2010]

I am a big researcher. Especially if I am going to be spending $5,000 - $10,000 or more on ANYTHING.

[sea-dweller]

Researcher here and also a small time buyer.

[gypsy]

The research and anticipation is one of the best parts, I never buy what I decide on though lol

[Art 1]

Neither.

[Mike1066]

I research ANYTHING that costs this much money, no matter what it is. Big time researcher here, like month and months of research.

[Watchdog]

Research and "the hunt" for me. Makes it all the more enjoyable.