Has anyone had to start over?

[GoodThings]

I had a bad couple years and had to sell my watches and my cars.

Has anyone had to start over from scratch?

I could save by summer to buy a used steel sub, but what I want is a solid gold sub. That would take more than a year to save for. The desire to have a good watch on my wrist is strong. How many of you have purchased a less expensive watch just to have something, instead of saving for your grail watch?

I feel like I will lose the next couple years just to regain what I lost. It feels like wasted time instead of getting ahead.

[JCZ5]

Sorry for your circumstance, but what price range would be your "less expensive watch"?

I would save up for the grail watch as oppose to buy something to fill the "void" which it would never really fill. Of course I would buy something less than say $200 just to have a nice looking watch. But nothing more than that as I would want to stay focus for my ultimate goal.

For example, I never had to start over, but every since wanting the sub, I started saving for just that. I bought a Seiko 007 as my nice watch prior to the sub.

[dysondiver]

if you buy well , it may turn out to be more of a rent , but it wont be the answer long run ,,,
good luck on the up , if you have been there before , at least you know the way , that helps.

[Stresst]

Originally Posted by GoodThings

I had a bad couple years and had to sell my watches and my cars.

Has anyone had to start over from scratch?

I could save by summer to buy a used steel sub, but what I want is a solid gold sub. That would take more than a year to save for. The desire to have a good watch on my wrist is strong. How many of you have purchased a less expensive watch just to have something, instead of saving for your grail watch?

I feel like I will lose the next couple years just to regain what I lost. It feels like wasted time instead of getting ahead.

I am starting over as we speak! And it really sucks!!! I had a TT Sub, TT Datejust with MOP diamond dial, a few Tags and numerous other several watches. Then a short while after 911 the walls caved in and everything had to go. All I have now is a TT Fendi and a SS Tag, luckily the obsession went away for a awhile but now its back and I am racking my brain searching for a new piece. I went to a local AD today and tried on a Hulk (they had no black ones left) along with a 36mm DJ and the DJ2 which I really liked as well!

My ongoing dilema is do I buy a new SS Sub C, or a used one along with a SS Datejust.....

What I will say is NEVER SELL YOUR WATCH's if your down on your luck . I paid less for both watches then what they are asking for a TT Datejust today. FML

[GoodThings]

Originally Posted by Stresst

I am starting over as we speak! And it really sucks!!! I had a TT Sub, TT Datejust with MOP diamond dial, a few Tags and numerous other several watches. Then a short while after 911 the walls caved in and everything had to go. All I have now is a TT Fendi and a SS Tag, luckily the obsession went away for a awhile but now its back and I am racking my brain searching for a new piece. I went to a local AD today and tried on a Hulk (they had no black ones left) along with a 36mm DJ and the DJ2 which I really liked as well!

My ongoing dilema is do I buy a new SS Sub C, or a used one along with a SS Datejust.....

What I will say is NEVER SELL YOUR WATCH's if your down on your luck . I paid less for both watches then what they are asking for a TT Datejust today. FML

I felt great pressure to find a way to pay bills and I sold watches even though I knew it was not a long term solution. It was stupid in hindsight.

[SLS]

Welcome. A very close collector friend of mine went through a divorce, was laid off from his job, lost his house and subsequently had to sell off almost of his collection. It has taken him several years to get back on his feet but the passion of this hobby never left. He has a great attitude about saying that he was happy that he had his watches to get him through the tough times. I did not have the collection that he had, but I have also sold watches when I needed some extra cash. Nothing wrong with it, just makes you appreciate it all the more once you earn it back again.

[masterserg]

Why wasted time? You are back on your feet or working towards that goal. A watch is just a watch.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by masterserg

Why wasted time? You are back on your feet or working towards that goal. A watch is just a watch.

Been there done that and got the T-shirt but have to agree and one of the less important things in life is watches of any description, getting back on the original posters feet that's the most important and not a Rolex watch.

[LordNinja]

I started over. I tried a few different watches after I had to sell my first Rolex but it never felt 'right'. I'm lucky enough to say I am doing the best I have ever done in my entire life today.. even when I thought I was on top prior. However, I had to sell my first Rolex and start over.. I never imagined I'd own as many as I do now/be in the position again to acquire basically whatever I wanted.. but life is a wild ride my friend.

You'll get back there if you want it enough and you don't lose sight. I lusted after that weight of 'My' watch back on my wrist for a long time. It was almost painful. It may sound stupid and petty to some of you but I took for granted my 'first round' of 'success' and that is what hurt the most because that truth came with the absence of that weight on my wrist.

What I can promise you is that you feel so much better about getting back there and appreciate things a lot more. I feel for you, I really do. It's less about the value of these pieces and more about the joy and pride of collecting them and sharing that passion. Catching yourself looking down at your wrist and people asking you if your late for something or what time it was and you say no/have no idea what time it is at that moment..

So,you are not alone. I'm right here cheering you on.

[nauticajoe]

Save up & get the one you really want.

Good luck!

[theken]

I bought a second generation Seiko monster about a month ago from an online retailer for $200. It is an substantial knock around watch for when I am working around the house. I feels a lot like my Sub Date 116610 when it is on my wrist.
My suggestion is buy something inexpensive that you can enjoy now and save until you can afford the watch that you really want.
Wishing you great success in 2014.

[jcd]

I've not had to start over, and I'm sorry you do. But....I don't see a problem with a less expensive watch until you save $$$ for the one you really want.

That being said, my perspective is such that I enjoy several less expensive watches as well as my Rolex. But I get why others don't. My Rolex feels different than those others. I guess it depends upon where you're coming from. If you want to, I think you could find boutique brand divers to be a lot of fun.

[samsmart]

Originally Posted by theken

I bought a second generation Seiko monster about a month ago from an online retailer for $200. It is an substantial knock around watch for when I am working around the house. I feels a lot like my Sub Date 116610 when it is on my wrist.
My suggestion is buy something inexpensive that you can enjoy now and save until you can afford the watch that you really want.
Wishing you great success in 2014.

Good advice Ken. And for $200 that's a great beater!

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[beshannon]

Originally Posted by GoodThings

I feel like I will lose the next couple years just to regain what I lost. It feels like wasted time instead of getting ahead.

Then focus on the important things, not watches.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Then focus on the important things, not watches.

I agree.
I'd have 50 other things to take care of before fancy cars and watches if I was coming back from zero.
I guess I'm old fashioned. I'd rather have the money for my house, debts, car loan, kids education, retirement, etc before I thought about getting into more than a modest luxury watch (sub, speed master, etc.). Then when you're secure and have a safety net of at least 6 months in cash (which some of my anesthesia pals call the F You account) then and only then would I consider making the decision to get back into the big ticket items.
And when you're there, if you're like me, you won't want any of them anymore. I don't need to impress anyone with a 40k Rolex or 100k range rover, I can have anything I want, but I've got way more important things I'd rather do with my money now.  That makes me happier. I've been there and passed through to the other side.
When I hit around $10m, then I'll think about getting back in the game.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

I agree.
I'd have 50 other things to take care of before fancy cars and watches if I was coming back from zero.
I guess I'm old fashioned. I'd rather have the money for my house, debts, car loan, kids education, retirement, etc before I thought about getting into more than a modest luxury watch (sub, speed master, etc.). Then when you're secure and have a safety net of at least 6 months in cash (which some of my anesthesia pals call the F You account) then and only then would I consider making the decision to get back into the big ticket items.
And when you're there, if you're like me, you won't want any of them anymore. I don't need to impress anyone with a 40k Rolex or 100k range rover, I can have anything I want, but I've got way more important things I'd rather do with my money now.  That makes me happier. I've been there and passed through to the other side.
When I hit around $10m, then I'll think about getting back in the game.

I like your style, Brian.

[Rbdport]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

I agree.
I'd have 50 other things to take care of before fancy cars and watches if I was coming back from zero.
I guess I'm old fashioned. I'd rather have the money for my house, debts, car loan, kids education, retirement, etc before I thought about getting into more than a modest luxury watch (sub, speed master, etc.). Then when you're secure and have a safety net of at least 6 months in cash (which some of my anesthesia pals call the F You account) then and only then would I consider making the decision to get back into the big ticket items.
And when you're there, if you're like me, you won't want any of them anymore. I don't need to impress anyone with a 40k Rolex or 100k range rover, I can have anything I want, but I've got way more important things I'd rather do with my money now.  That makes me happier. I've been there and passed through to the other side.
When I hit around $10m, then I'll think about getting back in the game.

Husband and I lost everything in a tornado back when we had nothing. We had insurance, but when your shit is shit, your insurance doesn't cover much. Starting over? My priorities were less on replacing the jewelry I lost and more on putting panties on my ass. I can loose everything I own today....as long as my husband and I survive to tell the story all is good.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Rbdport

Husband and I lost everything in a tornado back when we had nothing. We had insurance, but when your shit is shit, your insurance doesn't cover much. Starting over? My priorities were less on replacing the jewelry I lost and more on putting panties on my ass. I can loose everything I own today....as long as my husband and I survive to tell the story all is good.

Right on.

[Frosty]

Many, many years ago, I had an electrical fire in my apartment which burned the interior walls to the studs and burned the roof off. Somehow, my cat made it with only singed paws

Back in those days no one ever bought renters insurance. I literally had the watch I was wearing (I worked at a nuclear power plant so it was not expensive in case I got crapped up), the clothes on my back, and my car. I brought an arson investigator in and he proved it was the electrical wiring in the stove.

A friend of mine I went to college with was an attorney and I gave him the information from the investigator. I called him to find out what was going on and he admitted he missed the last filing date.

Yes, I know what it is like to lose everything. At that time there were a lot more important things than what watch I was wearing. I wore the only one I owned.

Wear what you can now and get what you want later, when it is possible. jmho

[1William]

I would buy a nice pre-owned Rolex as soon as I could afford it from a trusted seller at the best price I could negotiate. I would make sure it has the right box and papers. I would continue to save and would trade up as you recover. SS, TT to all gold. Might be the best way to wear a great watch now and save for the one you want. Just a thought.

[fullcourt]

Came close but been lucky enuf not to have to sell off the collection

[Jay Tee]

Sorry to hear about you misfortune. Getting a watch you can afford now, be it a SS sub or something else, is a good idea. Having it on your wrist as you work your way back would be a reminder of your long-term goals. Once you get there, you might find that you'll keep that watch for sentimental reasons, of those tougher times and working your way through them.

[Urosfan]

Welcome sorry to hear, sounds like you on getting back to where you wanna be.

[Lucky777]

Welcome,

Sorry to hear about your setbacks. Just remember someone is always going to have it worse, and God only gives you what you can handle. I would buy and flip my way to what I want in the long run, but that's just me. Let us know how you make out. All the best in 2014.

[UFGatorRolex]

Yes, and came back twice as strong the second time around with the potential to do more than ever. Just keep your head up and stay focused. Best of luck to you!

[anilzat]

9-11 & Obama.

Padi edit
Comments like above are not needed on forum take this as a warning as you will not be so lucky next time.

[eeh100773]

Very good thread. Sorry about the bad luck man, I hope your road "back" isn't a long one.

I liked the post about the Seiko. That's a great watch and an awesome value.

As for the SS Sub...why not? It's a great watch and I love mine. Love it so much, that I really don't feel the itch to start a collection (yet!!!). Guess I'm just content with it. Nothing wrong with that.

Good luck and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Ed.


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[AK797]

I think its great that you are looking forward now and a gold Rolex, as a symbol of a new and better future, is a great aim and motivation to drive you forward. Nothing is much fun or of consequence if it is too easily acquired, so when you do finally get that watch it will be both a wonderful day and symbolic achievement.

[mr.president1]

I'd say save for what you want. Personally I'm not a gold guy, though I love the GMT 2 in gold (116718LN).

However, saving for a long time may be unrealistic for you. At some point you may need the money for something else if you save it for a long period of time. So, I'd say go for something you can afford in the near future. If an 18K gold is in your near future then save for it. It will be worth the wait!

[Dr. Robert]

Yup, a failed business. & a costly divorce, I was on the balls of my arse for a few years, finally seeing some daylight , luckily never had to sell my watches, sold off a bunch of other material possessions but I didn't have to sell my soul
Keep on keeping on, damn the torpedoes full speed ahead!