Why do we spend $$$ on watches?

[Dlanz]

A recent response on this forum about the functionality of the Milgauss made me think about why many of us crave for quality and expensive watches.

In modern society is a watch helpful in the same way it was years ago? My perspective is that in modern society all the complications are essentially unneeded, and fact can be replaced for a fraction of the cost, i.e. with smartphone apps. You go as far to say that a watch is very much an unnecessary purchase given that we can tell the time in many other ways these days.

For me, the desire for a quality timepiece serves two fundamental purposes, 1) the desire for a beautiful looking timepiece, and 2) an appreciation for the way a watch is made and its complications.

After all, let's face it, I can't imagine too many people really need to spend $$$$ to withstand magnetic fields of 1,000 gauss.

I own a number of watches, vintage and new including Rolex, GP and Panerai, so clearly I have the bug!

I'd be interested to hear other peoples thoughts on this subject...

[Psmith]

They are jewellery which also happen to have a useful (but not essential) function, and in some cases an interesting brand history.

Why do we buy them? Same reason we buy other luxury items - they make us feel good!

[FTX I]

When I think about that, the words of our fellow Grady come to mind. He said there's a pleasure in having a 400 yrs technology attached to the wrist - or something like that cause I can't remember the the exact quote - and I agree 100%.

[Rolex time is money]

To celebrate what I done so far in my Life and the feeling with it on my wrist. It make me feel good. Some do drugs, I do Rolex

[locutus49]

When I'm playing chess, my brain emits high energy EM Pulses, so an anti-magnetic Rolex is definitely useful.

[AK797]

I like having a functional piece of art on my wrist.

[eco8gator]

Makes me happy and always reminds me that good design, workmanship, quality control and marketing typically leads to a solid respected product...something that many of the bean counter tend to forget.

[soho]

To me its a piece of (mechanical) art, with the huge plus that I can take it with me everywhere I go.

[Time Exposure]

Originally Posted by AK797

I like having a functional piece of art on my wrist.

Originally Posted by soho

To me its a piece of (mechanical) art, with the huge plus that I can take it with me everywhere I go.

That little 3-letter word says it all. I marvel at the ability of springs and gears to regulate at a pace of 8 times per second, and have such a low rate of error over 691,200 beats a day, day after day. Truly, ART.

[rle737ng]

A fine watch is a beautifully crafted precision engineered work of mechanical art that you can wear. It can also serve a number of useful functions.

[DCheeta]

I definitely agree with the "mechanical piece of art" description. Mechanical being the key. If they removed the mechanical movement from our beloved Rolex or PP or AP or whatever, and replaced it with a quartz movement from a Timex watch, how many of us would have the same passion for that piece?

To me, it's amazing that humankind has come up with this tiny machine that tells perfect time, and looks beautiful on the outside as well...and the whole thing is run on springs and gears.

[irish john]

Originally Posted by AK797

I like having a functional piece of art on my wrist.

Well put

[Dlanz]

Couldn't agree more with all the comments. The beauty and appreciation of the mechanics are certainly key to loving them.

[Chrispare]

Because we can

[porschedude]

Beauty of the fine craftsmanship, and having something substantial to enjoy for pretty much a lifetime

[joli160]

Our last jackets will have empty pockets anyway, better spent your money now on something you like.

[Jack T]

So many great comments, I can relate to all of them.

[Cinquecento]

I like to show off and want people to think I'm some sort of big shot. The bigger the piece the more I feel I am impressing those who notice ! :)

[broulstone]

I concur with all the above👍


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[regnant]

I am watch enthusiast and I just love it look at my wrist and second hand running .Years ago , my dad asked a contractor why he didn't wear a watch .He said he had an Ericksson 688 and it showed time .
Watches are my passion may be running thru our family DNAs because everyone in the family love the watches regardless of brand SWISS MADE or not .It's,however, SWISS MADE ones are always dwelling in top places
A cheap quartz movement can also show time but mechanical piece of art movements are whole different level , I also love the way these movement sound , a music to my ears hearing the sounds

[jmiicustomz]

I have to agree to so many of these answers. This question is no different than asking why we buy Benz, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, etc when a kia will do. Or why buy Brooks Brothers, Armani, Gucci, etc when we can go to target or walmart. Its about quality and timelessness! A Jag E-type will always be in style as will an E-30 M3 and a Rolex, Omega, And Brooks Brothers suit. These are items with heritage that we can add too buy passing down to the next generation. You don't keep a cell phone for 80 yrs and pass it down nor a computer. But for some of us its interesting to think about what stories our vintage watch or car or firearm or house would tell if only they could!

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[BlakeC]

The mechanical aspects behind a fine time piece fascinates me. The amount of thought and effort that went into the original concept of the automatic watch is a testament to mans genius in using math, raw natural materials from the earth, and trial and error as a means of physically manifesting a functional concept that only existed in ones mind initially...

Oh, and they are look cool too

[locutus49]

They make me happy. Don't know why, but nice watches and clothes and cars make me happy. I wanted my Rolex (or Rolexes) cremated with me, but the wife vetoed that brilliant idea.

[HL65]

Pure mechanical pieces of wrist art with important history and deep meaning designed purely for our own personal connection.

[Bisquitlips]

It has to do with affection!

The engineering, the design, the 18K gold, the desire, the svelte!!! It it just all there.

Why not wear it on your wrist???!!!

[WhatTheDeuce]

For me, stupidity...


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[GradyPhilpott]

Fortunately, I don't need a reason, but someday, someone will be quite pleased that I did buy some nice watches in my lifetime.

[azguy]

They make good picture subjects

Family 6.jpg

[HL65]

Also because they are far cheaper than comic books.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=367761

[tfly212]

As said earlier...its mechanical art you can comfortably wear. And its IMO the only piece of men's jewelry other than a wedding band that you won't potentially be mocked for in many circles.