I'm done....(with expensive watches)

[Thomas]

I think I'm quite likely done buying expensive watches. Not only can I really no longer justify them, they really do no more than a "mid range priced" or a $25 watch. Sure, when I put on my DJ, or Sub they feel great, but really, they only tell me the time. While I will keep what I have, 2 Rolex, a Girard-Perregaux and several vintage pieces, I think I will concentrate my efforts when I want a new watch on someting like a nice Omega, B&M, Longines. I really can't even justify Omega, B&M or Longines when the money can certainly go towards home improvement, college tuition, savings,etc. I can get a solid gold B&M for much less than an Air King, Rolex' "cheapest" model.
Yeah, yeah I know it's not an in-house movement but really, I no longer care.
My new attitude may not last long, or maybe it will, it's just how I feel. While I will always have a passion for watches I realize (and always did) you no longer need to spend thousands of dollars to get a watch that 9 out of 10 people don't know what it is anyway. Maybe this is just my way of trying to forgive myself for shelling out so much on a Sub, DJ and a ladies DJ all within the span of 3 months a while back. I don't regret it, but the days of "expensive" watches are over for me. Everybody's idea of expensive is something different. I'm really starting to think that I could strap on the Omega, B&M or Longines and be completely satisfied and not look back.
Sorry if I rambled, just my thoughts when everyone , including me and my family are trying somewhat to be "thrift minded" For what it's worth, I now even take my own reuseable bags to the grocery store.

[bodybump]

Hey thomas i think it all depends on the person..Omega's arn't that cheap also...

[davestan]

[QUOTE= Sure, when I put on my DJ, or Sub they feel great... QUOTE]

For most of us here that says it all....doesn't it?!

But if thats the way you want to go, good luck to you. There's probably a stimulating Timex forum out there somewhere

[marshallr47]

Thomas, if that's the way you feel, then so be it. You're expression your feelings here and that's what I like about this forum. True, honest individuals. You've done well with your purchases. If you don't want any additional timepieces, then we should all be cool with that. Hope to keep you as a TRFer...however dangerous that could be...lol. Best of luck.

[sakuraba]

So there IS a cure!

[deserted]

No problems with rolex , just wish they had a selection of bigger case sizes, how about instead of a 40mm a 47mm in some models like the sub that would look awesome in a 47mm, just a thought.......

[diversified]

Thomas, I know the feeling, 5 years ago I decided to change my lifestyle. I stopped buying luxury cars and started buying cars with my head and not my heart, I bought an average size ranch in which I actually live in, instead of a larger home in which I visited three rooms only, dropped out of 3 clubs and now only belong to 1 small club and I'm just as happy now as I was with all the toys, maybe even happier.
Funny though, I don't want to give up my Rolexes, go figure!

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by diversified

Thomas, I know the feeling, 5 years ago I decided to change my lifestyle. I stopped buying luxury cars and started buying cars with my head and not my heart, I bought an average size ranch in which I actually live in, instead of a larger home in which I visited three rooms only, dropped out of 3 clubs and now only belong to 1 small club and I'm just as happy now as I was with all the toys, maybe even happier.
Funny though, I don't want to give up my Rolexes, go figure!

I also have no plans to give up any of mine, just not to purchase anymore. We too are changing our lifestyle a bit, not frugal, just a bit more thinking goes into what we do buy. Actually when I look back this is something that should have happened years ago. We were never big spenders, but if we wanted it , we got it. That's not so easy to do now with 2 in college and a
3rd yet to go.

[ocie2000]

I honestly wish I could come to that decision in my life. My kids are 2 & 5 and I should save for their college education. I know I will have enough for them later but it's hard to think about that right now. I just bought my 2nd Rolex but want a 3rd. Maybe 3 will be enough.
.......maybe I should buy a powerball ticket and all might be solved!

[Singslinger]

To each his own. Some people are passionate about cars and others about motorcycles yet all are simply modes of transport that take you from point A to B.

It's your money so you're perfectly entitled to spend it whichever way you want. You have some nice watches already, so it probably makes sense to scale back a little.

[onkyo]

I am happy that you are happy with your decision.......

I wish I felt the same way........

[Lol-x]

Nothing stays the same forever, but feeling satisfied is pretty good..........while it lasts

[Max]

It's easy to quickly get burnt out on any hobby by overdoing it in a short span. Whether it's watches or something else, it's easy to get caught up in just the excitement of a new purchase and collecting rather than enjoying. You've gotta do what makes you happy and it sounds like you have a good handle on that.

[Czechman]

Thomas, I feel exactly the same way. Thanks for summing it up so well.

[gregdolley]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

So there IS a cure!

[Quicksilver]

I respect your decision and quite understand your reasoning. After all having a passion is illogical - it's based on feelings and emotions. If that passion is no longer there or is over ruled by saner financial considerations then you are probably all the better for it - take it from someone who is ruled by their passions

[dalip]

if you have stopped enjoying buying watches then sure...stop. Money is also there to be "enjoyed" ... and I sure do enjoy spending it on beautiful watches...mind you I'm new to it all

[Strut99GT]

Originally Posted by bodybump

Hey thomas i think it all depends on the person..Omega's arn't that cheap also...

x2

If you're going to try to save money, then save money...you aren't going to fulfill what you're talking about by switching to some other luxury brand!

[dalip]

Originally Posted by Strut99GT

x2

If you're going to try to save money, then save money...you aren't going to fulfill what you're talking about by switching to some other luxury brand!

true - you seem to be talking about a brand swap...and also a $25 watch because you just need them for time...which is it

[DWdrummer]

I have always loved and appreciated nice watches. Rolex and Omega mostly, BUT I have some $300 watches which I LOVE. Some designs are just cool, no matter what name is on the dial.

I am wearing a stealth black Casio G-Shock here, with a reverse display, VERY cool looking watch. I get more compliments on it than watches I have costing ten times as much. Go figure.

I used to drive Cadillac DTS's and BMW's, then I got tired of the constant and never ended repair bills. Most luxury cars that are beyond the warranty phase are money pits. I drive a Toyota Camry. It is nice enough, and all I do is put gas in it and change the oil.

My wife drives a Camry too. She drives for her job and she has put 60K+ miles on her cars in ONE YEAR at times. Her Camry is still going strong. I do all the routine stuff, belts, hoses, oil changes, brakes and rotors, fuel filters and tune ups. That is something that ANY car needs, and they run smooth as silk. I have saved thousands in the last two years, not pumping the money into a luxury brand that breaks when you look at it wrong.

With the depressed economy I can certainly see where the OP is coming from. I am not saying Rolex and other high end brands are NOT worth it either. Though I believe there is a happy medium.

[stockjock1975]

I understand your point of view. But I see things in perhaps a slightly diffrent light. You mentioned in the original post that you had children. I do as well. At somepoint in life when I'm close to taking my last breath here on earth, I hope to have a legacy to pass down to my children, and perhaps their kids as well. Hopefully this legacy will consist of many things....precious memories, a few sentimental trinkets, a vast empire of wealth (hey, I can dream can't I???)......and a few great timepieces that will carry on to the next generation and the generation after that.

I just think it would be so nice for my kids & grandkids to be able to wake up every morning and think a fond memory or two that pops into their mind as they strap on the Rolex that I had worn throughout my life. Sappy? Yes! But, it is one of the reasons I enjoy my small and humble watch collection. Chances are slim that I would be able to make a $39.95 timex a generational heirloom. So it's Rolex for me!

Just another mans perspective.

[BarkMaster]

Passion can skew priorities. It sounds like you are doing the right thing for your situation, so kudos to you!

[ROLEX MAN]

I'm done?


man you have no idea............

I have read that before http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=42617


I have seen this collection and it is the best ever!

[Dan Pierce]

The popularity of mechanical watches in the last decade has created many brands and models at competitive prices. Hamilton, Oris, etc are great values. The Marathon SAR is an amazing piece and incredible value for a well made, robust tool watch. Many, many brands available that charge much less than Rolex.
Having said that, nothing feels as good as a Rolex Oyster, imho. I own more Oysters than I ever thought possible. But because they include "poor man" Tudor DD's, chronos, and Sub, I can still enjoy rare models w/ Rolex attributes but at a guilt free price.
dP

[novae500]

I respect OP's decision. Monetary priorities change drastically with kids in the picture. Thats why i pulled the trigger a few weeks before my son was born to pick up my GMT II. I knew if i didn't, i would never be able to drop $$ on big ticket item like that. I would feel really guilty. I didn't really need a new watch, since nothing was wrong with my Omega. But i have the best of both worlds now and am done. (unless i win the raffle:-))

But i did start a 529 plan for my son and rest of excess cash flow will go into diapers, formula (when my wife stops breast feeding), and daycare.

[Christiaan]

While I will always have a passion for watches I realize (and always did) you no longer need to spend thousands of dollars to get a watch that 9 out of 10 people don't know what it is anyway.

Luxury items are not for everyone and in this economy no one would blame you for shedding your high priced items for something more down to earth. The above comment you made makes me wonder; are you wanting to "get rid of" your Rolex because people dont realize what you are wearing (image issue) OR are you getting rid of them because you truly dont feel that spending the money is wise?

Whichever the reason, I truly hope you are satisfied with your decision.

[STEELINOX]

There's nothing abnormal about having a "reconciling" of how you go about things like buying watches that cost lots of money.

I believe its a feeling felt by even those that "cant stop" buying. The guilt is "always there" and it taps on the windows, it creeps into your sweat glands at the ADs counter while your AMEX sits "stoically" on the felt "please touch me all over" pad next to the cold steel or gold, yes Leo, white gold is "cold looking", watch.

It's always desirable to get the "mechanical wonder" of an auto watch. Some of the mfg's do a pretty nice job, but they're expensive. Men, especially, not to count females out, are attracted to these little machines. Its kinda like the opposite of "Diamonds (being) are a girls BF" as watches are a guys BF.

Maybe that too is questionable. It may be firstly for men that "cars" are a guys BF as watches seem to always creep up a tier or two above getting "nice" things lika car. Usually it goes: car then house. A car is always, firstly, a required "covet" as it serves not just one but two desires; if you have the means, meaning it can getya from point a to pt b AND it's one of the first possessions that gives ya an identity. "Oh there's Patrick, I can see his Mercedes coming over the hill and all those 'glints of light' must be coming off of his wrist where you'll find a diamond encrusted bezel of a Supercased GMT". Thats changing too now as peeps are seeing that in a time of going "green," many are forgoing the buying of a "Charger" and going for a Prius!

Its a mad world.

RandY

[greekbum]

Peoples, lives, lifestyle, income, choices, needs, wants,and desires change daily. Watches are not cheap and can get out of hand easily. I think owning 1 watch can bring you the same feeling as having 100. Its all how you look at things.

[Texsubmariner]

I just think that priorities and desires do change over time. A few years back, I was into luxury SUV's and bought one. Now with gas prices and a little more wisdom, I drive a Prius. Sure, I can still afford to drive the SUV, but the desire is no longer there. As for watches, I am happy with what I have, and it's a pretty good feeling. I still lurk around this forum, but no longer lust after these Rolexes. That's just life.

[DWdrummer]

I also want to say that I will get my Rolex at some point and would like to leave it to my son someday. THAT is one of the beautiful things about Rolex and other high end timepieces, they are heirlooms because they will most certainly outlive us.

Every time my son checks the time, he will feel warm and happy knowing dad gave him that watch.