The OCD Epiphany

[illiguy]

Most on these forums like a watch, acquire a watch and wear their watch (read: you're normal).

For those that are or were more OCD or keeping "safe queens", have any of you ever had the epiphany where you say - what fun is lamenting every scratch or keeping a beautiful watch in the safe? And you peeled the stickers embraced the dings and wore your watch proudly?

Maybe it's the proliferation of vintage pieces or the "drought" of AD available models, but as a self-identified OCD'er, I am beginning to evolve to just enjoy my damn watch(es).

I was listening to the Hodinkee podcast yesterday (older episode with Adam Scott - PGA Golfer), and I loved how he professed his love for Subs and vintage Rolexes because he could wear them and "bang them" around.

In short, it's time to live it up!

[kegan]

So you are saying it’s better to slap it on your wrist and use as a timepiece than to take
Macro hd photos blow it 20 times and look for signs of the evil polish wheel. That’s crazy talk!

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by kegan

So you are saying it’s better to slap it on your wrist and use as a timepiece than to take
Macro hd photos blow it 20 times and look for signs of the evil polish wheel. That’s crazy talk!

100%

[captain_NEMO]

If you don't wear them out now, someone else (who gets your watch from your estate sale) will - long after you've become worm food.

Carpe Diem!!!

[glamorama]

I'm just now fiddling with my NOS 116600 that I purchased to replace a polished 116600. Almost regret getting this perfect example as I actually wore the other one without worries. Now I'm sitting here thinking I should just remove some stickers and wear it. Not getting easier when people say it is going to be a future collectable.

On the other hand, will it ever become so valuable that I feel I have to sell it? Probably not, and by that time I anyway plan to be so rich that I do not care to sell.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by glamorama

I'm just now fiddling with my NOS 116600 that I purchased to replace a polished 116600. Almost regret getting this perfect example as I actually wore the other one without worries. Now I'm sitting here thinking I should just remove some stickers and wear it. Not getting easier when people say it is going to be a future collectable.

On the other hand, will it ever become so valuable that I feel I have to sell it? Probably not, and by that time I anyway plan to be so rich that I do not care to sell.

Did you love the watch because of its aesthetic and movement with intent to wear, or do you love the watch because it's NOS with stickers?

[glamorama]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Did you love the watch because of its aesthetic and movement with intent to wear, or do you love the watch because it's NOS with stickers?

Both

[David5807]

Originally Posted by kegan

So you are saying it’s better to slap it on your wrist and use as a timepiece than to take
Macro hd photos blow it 20 times and look for signs of the evil polish wheel. That’s crazy talk!

My thoughts exactly

[904VT]

I wear and enjoy my watches. That doesn't mean I'm not careful with them though as they are expensive items. Great Adam Scott interview....I am a bit jealous though bc if he beats his too much, I'm sure Rolex can find him anything he wants to replace it lol

[jayhaa]

I don't mind scratches and dings on my brushed steel watches, but the scratches and dings on my polished steel dresses watches drives me crazy. I still wear them all the time, but it takes away a bit of the oomph .. if you know what I mean

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by 904VT

I wear and enjoy my watches. That doesn't mean I'm not careful with them wear and enjoy my watches. That doesn't mean I'm not careful with them wear and enjoy my watches. That doesn't mean I'm not careful with them though as they are expensive items. Great Adam Scott interview....I am a bit jealous though bc if he beats his too much, I'm sure Rolex can find him anything he wants to replace it lol

There it is.

[carlhaluss]

I wear my watches everywhere, even to the gym. First scratch, then I feel it is really my watch! Why spend thousands of bucks to keep a watch in the safe. Might as well invest the money.

Cheers,
Carl

[Floorguy]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Most on these forums like a watch, acquire a watch and wear their watch (read: you're normal).

For those that are or were more OCD or keeping "safe queens", have any of you ever had the epiphany where you say - what fun is lamenting every scratch or keeping a beautiful watch in the safe? And you peeled the stickers embraced the dings and wore your watch proudly?

Maybe it's the proliferation of vintage pieces or the "drought" of AD available models, but as a self-identified OCD'er, I am beginning to evolve to just enjoy my damn watch(es).

I was listening to the Hodinkee podcast yesterday (older episode with Adam Scott - PGA Golfer), and I loved how he professed his love for Subs and vintage Rolexes because he could wear them and "bang them" around.

In short, it's time to live it up!

Well said, and WELL DONE!! Enjoy!!

It’s not a watch unless you wear and enjoy it!!

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by captain_NEMO

If you don't wear them out now, someone else (who gets your watch from your estate sale) will - long after you've become worm food.

Yes!

And that is the final kick in the butt for the original owner.

[exador]

Couple of thoughts...

1. Regarding Adam Scott, you do know he's a Rolex Ambassador don't you? And I can guess he can afford to 'bang' his watches (if he even pays for them). 2018 earnings = $2.2M.

2. Being a little OCD myself, I've gravitated to vintage pieces. They come pre-dinged so I never have to worry

[HK Islandboy]

Originally Posted by kegan

So you are saying it’s better to slap it on your wrist and use as a timepiece than to take
Macro hd photos blow it 20 times and look for signs of the evil polish wheel. That’s crazy talk!

[HogwldFLTR]

Wearing it seems like a good idea to me. Actually had quite the interaction on here, not too far back, with someone who refused to wear their watch and was offended when I discussed that there were many here who wore them regardless of cost. He assured me that wasn't the norm and keeping it in a safe was the norm. Whatever. I wear mind!!!

[Sublovin]

In my opinion Stocks and Real Estate are for investing. This hobby is for fun, and the fun is wearing the watches. If they happen to increase in value, great, but don’t cheat yourself out of the enjoyment of wearing them.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by exador

Couple of thoughts...

1. Regarding Adam Scott, you do know he's a Rolex Ambassador don't you? And I can guess he can afford to 'bang' his watches (if he even pays for them). 2018 earnings = $2.2M.

2. Being a little OCD myself, I've gravitated to vintage pieces. They come pre-dinged so I never have to worry

Re: Your #1, yes, of course. That said, I don't think Adam Scott would be going out of his way to surf or golf with a Ref. 6263.

Totally agree on #2. I am looking to get into the vintage market ... even though the prices can get quite high!

[englandspeedy]

Originally Posted by captain_NEMO

If you don't wear them out now, someone else (who gets your watch from your estate sale) will - long after you've become worm food.

Carpe Diem!!!

Agreed!

[SamP]

Originally Posted by glamorama

I'm just now fiddling with my NOS 116600 that I purchased to replace a polished 116600. Almost regret getting this perfect example as I actually wore the other one without worries. Now I'm sitting here thinking I should just remove some stickers and wear it. Not getting easier when people say it is going to be a future collectable.

On the other hand, will it ever become so valuable that I feel I have to sell it? Probably not, and by that time I anyway plan to be so rich that I do not care to sell.

The lucky position is to have the “Future collectible.”
The unlucky position is to not wear it.
Sure you’ll get less for a used example in years to come, but how much less?
Whatever the price difference between selling a well loved example and unworn example, divide that by the year’s of wearing and the answer will literally be pence per day.
Wear with honour. Post us what you decide.
Regards

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by SamP

The lucky position is to have the “Future collectible.”
The unlucky position is to not wear it.
Sure you’ll get less for a used example in years to come, but how much less?
Whatever the price difference between selling a well loved example and unworn example, divide that by the year’s of wearing and the answer will literally be pence per day.
Wear with honour. Post us what you decide.
Regards

Quite well said, Sam!

[GB-man]

Sounds like progress. Have to agree with Adam a Rolex is one of the few fine watches that wears scratches well. Enjoy them.

[blown5.0]

Rip the stickers off like a bandaid and enjoy!

Originally Posted by glamorama

I'm just now fiddling with my NOS 116600 that I purchased to replace a polished 116600. Almost regret getting this perfect example as I actually wore the other one without worries. Now I'm sitting here thinking I should just remove some stickers and wear it. Not getting easier when people say it is going to be a future collectable.

On the other hand, will it ever become so valuable that I feel I have to sell it? Probably not, and by that time I anyway plan to be so rich that I do not care to sell.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Wearing it seems like a good idea to me. Actually had quite the interaction on here, not too far back, with someone who refused to wear their watch and was offended when I discussed that there were many here who wore them regardless of cost. He assured me that wasn't the norm and keeping it in a safe was the norm. Whatever. I wear mind!!!

Agreed, I think most buy Rolex to wear, not to sit in a safe, regardless of the price. If you want a safe queen, buy a Patek. Great watches, but the reason you buy a Rolex is to wear it and its robust Oyster case.

I also met a guy that was wearing a Sub and got to talking watches. He said he has a Platona, but keeps it in the safe and have only worn it 2-3 times over the years. My immediate thought was what's the point

[Old Geezer]

I guess I'm a recovering OCD. I wear all my watches. I won't say I wear them with absolute abandon but I'm well past the point of worrying about every scratch. Big dents bother me but scratches and minor nicks just disappear with time.

[GradyPhilpott]

I've always felt that when starting out with anything that has smooth, shiny surfaces, one is being set up for disappointment, so the best course is to use the product as it was designed to be used and don't sweat the small stuff. The bigger stuff can always be fixed, when the time comes.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by glamorama

I'm just now fiddling with my NOS 116600 that I purchased to replace a polished 116600. Almost regret getting this perfect example as I actually wore the other one without worries. Now I'm sitting here thinking I should just remove some stickers and wear it. Not getting easier when people say it is going to be a future collectable.

On the other hand, will it ever become so valuable that I feel I have to sell it? Probably not, and by that time I anyway plan to be so rich that I do not care to sell.

The 116600 will never be collectible, not very loved reference. I use mine for everything

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Most on these forums like a watch, acquire a watch and wear their watch (read: you're normal).

For those that are or were more OCD or keeping "safe queens", have any of you ever had the epiphany where you say - what fun is lamenting every scratch or keeping a beautiful watch in the safe? And you peeled the stickers embraced the dings and wore your watch proudly?

Maybe it's the proliferation of vintage pieces or the "drought" of AD available models, but as a self-identified OCD'er, I am beginning to evolve to just enjoy my damn watch(es).

I was listening to the Hodinkee podcast yesterday (older episode with Adam Scott - PGA Golfer), and I loved how he professed his love for Subs and vintage Rolexes because he could wear them and "bang them" around.

In short, it's time to live it up!

Congrats on this change of mind set.

I've never understood the safe queen thing. I put my watch on my wrist and then promptly forget about it until I want to know the time.

[Burlington]

Worn my diver from the start as a daily.

The first few months I was on the watch out for dings and scrapes. Inevitably got a few nevertheless. Now I don’t think about it much at all beyond avoiding big damage.