1000th post and I was wondering....

[Green Arrow]

I have over 1000 posts in a different forum, and now 1000 here with this. I went from 1982-2004 with a Rolex GMT Master Two Tone, and have gone through over 70 watches ranging from $165 (US) to $26,000 (US) each. I've bought in good times, and liquidated during the Great Recession when my company was having troubles. Just in the past two weeks I went through my latest (expensive) flurry of catch and release "flipping" only to come back to where I started in 2004 with a TT "Bluesy" although this is the later model ceramic sunburst blue.

So I was wondering....

To everyone who posts here, and particularly those who post regularly:

1. Do you see watch buying as:

a. an addiction;
b. a hobby;
c. a form of investing;
d. a case of never being content with what you have and always wanting something else;
e. all of the above;
f. other (explain).

2. Do you feel that you've accumulated either knowledge, friendship, or wisdom on watch forums, and what has been the most valuable part of being here or on other watch forums.

3. Do you feel that posting photos of watches that most people will never be able to afford is a form of "bragging" or is this a safe harbor where everyone has the same interests and no one is going to feel left out, or left behind?

So my 1,000 is really a series of questions. Have at it.

[Snow-Dweller]

Congratulations on the 1000th post.

1.....a hobby

2. all three....knowledge, friendships and a tiny bit of wisdom! Most valuable lesson has been learning the importance of buying correctly

3. I very rarely feel that people are bragging here. TRF goes from people who save for years to buy an SS Rolex to others who are fortunate enough to pickup multiple PPs every year, with everything in between.

[zjd168]

1)a
2)no
3)no

[bp1000]

1
It’s a hobby and if I’m honest an addiction. (I received a HODINKEE push notification today and within seconds emailed my omega boutique to get on the list for a 4.5K gbp watch — that’s not really normal)

2
Discussing my hobby with like minded people. It’s an accumulation of knowledge really. Better than passing time reading useless content. I learn things here like details, variations etc

3
I never post about my watches anywhere else. I occasionally share here, no different from car entusiasts. I never talk about my watches or flash them. It’s my hobby and I’m more interested in what’s inside, it’s history etc

[turboevo2]

started as a hobby then went to addiction lol

[Doc Savage]

Congrats.

If I looked acted like it was an investment, I would call it a bad investment, based on my experience. Like the OP, I bought in the good times and sold during the Great Recession, so I lost money on my Rolexes.

To me, this hobby will always be an expense.

[Skyrider01]

Congratulations on your 1000th post!
Hobby - yes
Addiction - yes
Investment - no
Not being content with what I have - maybe. But I think it's more like just wanting more pieces in my collection.

[Oakley12]

as I am noooo where near my 1000th; congrats to you.

hobby, yes
addiction, starting to be

investment, well yes and no. yes, in that i appreciate the $$$$$ I spent will appreciate in value. No in the sense the money doesn't matter if it never gets sold. I have a couple other "investments" (firearms) which I was able to get a hold of at the right price. I look at their current value and it makes me smile, but again, it is all for not if I never sell them. I guess it is just a reassurance if I ever found myself in a situation of needing to liquidate some "assets" I know where I stand.

[Beckster]

Congrats on your 1000th post.

1) Hobby
2) information, knowledge and camaraderie among others with the same interest. Quite difficult to get among our other circle of friends who are mostly not interested. Although I have inadvertently influenced a couple of buddies into the craze!
3) Showing off? I really don’t think so. Simply sharing the joy we get with others who can appreciate it.

[Nikrnic]

Agree and Congrats on your 1000th. Yeaah!!

[Nikrnic]

Hobby. Yes, an invested hobby
Investment. No Way, I don't like to be in the red. I do have other investments, watches are more of a personal reward.
Addiction. I'm in Denial
I also very much enjoy the camaraderie and the knowledge I've gained from all in the world of horology.

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[pandrew]

Yes a hobby
Yea an addiction

Yes to knowledge and friendship(s).

I have been a member her since the beginning (#76) and have know idea how to post a photo; but, the advice, photos and information (reviews) from others is invaluable to my watch addiction.

[kneedeep]

1. Mainly hobby, sometimes addiction, never investment
2. Yes - knowledge and friendships
3. Should be a safe harbor for the hobby and inclusive

[JimSnyder]

My name is Jim and I have a watch problem

[BNA/LION]

Nice!

[Joearch]

Hobby
Knowledge
No

[oldman2005]

Still a hobby after all these years...

[Mephist]

Congratulations on 1000 posts, a great achievement that should be celebrated with a new Rolex.


1. Do you see watch buying as:

f. other (explain). I enjoy items of high quality, that are solid built, can take a beating, keep it's value and outlast my time here on earth. Items that can be passed down in generations. I have two Datejust's at the moment and I plan on giving my two toddlers one each in 20 years or so.

2. knowledge and wisdom.

3. I do not think it is bragging here at the Rolex forum. We all have the same interest and I think most people here enjoy seeing photos of what ever watches other people have.

[Time4aRolex]

My answers are as follows:

1) Probably Other. I have always worn a watch and about 25 years ago bought a DJ and that was my only watch for 17 years. About 8 years ago I was liking the Sub look - but didn't like the hulk weight .... fast forward to today I bought a Sub C, a Seamaster, still have my DJ, and have been through a few quartz work outside watches. Bottom line - I like to wear a good mechanical watch.

2) all of the above. Pretty darn good group of people.

3) nope - l personally like looking at watches. What I wonder about is on the WRUW today thread - no one's watch is set to the same date ....