Does the Itch Go Away?

THFan346 · Nov 23, 2021

I feel like this is a post that should be entitled Watch Collectors Anonymous.

I am very thorough when researching everything I buy, and that was very certainly evident when looking for my first proper watch. This turned out to be the excellent Seamaster 300M I got last month, but I did have a few others on my list.

I have paid for the watch out of savings, but the logic is that I want to pay this back before considering any other purchases. My Wife laughed when I said that btw.

The problem is, I am still looking around for the next purchase and keep going back to two out of three that were on my shortlist. They are older models that have a deal on them so won’t be around forever.

My question is, if I indulge now, will the itch to buy another go away or is this a continual hell for anyone inclined to collect things!?!

On the other hand, is it that much sweeter if you wait?

Paedipod · Nov 23, 2021

Larry S · Nov 23, 2021

At some point you will look at your collection and say, WTF? So I’d say take it slow.

aggie · Nov 23, 2021

Don't fool yourself, it's a "continual end" for every type of collection. .. Sweeter? It depends but, on the long term only! No pills to cure that...!

JayBe · Nov 23, 2021

At this moment I keep telling myself that buying the right watches at the right price is better for value retention than having money on the account. Maybe I am fooling myself to find an explanation for this madness, but given inflation and the tendency of collectables, I feel it has some merit...

THFan346 · Nov 23, 2021

Don’t get me wrong, I am chuffed with what I bought, but think I looked so hard that still thinking of the others that also caught my eye.

Makes me feel ungrateful a bit, at times. Problem is that we have always had to be careful about what we buy, as not been in a position to buy anything of this nature until this year. Change in job has improved things, hence the options are more attainable now.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that big a jump in wage, but has combined with getting older and various bills cleared. Still have to be careful, just somewhat easier now.

JwRosenthal · Nov 23, 2021

As you collect you become more discriminating. It never leaves your consciousness, you continue to look, but you can temper the enthusiasm. The collection may continue to shift as your fascinations change, and you may go a little nuts with the new avenue of collecting, but you come back to temperance once you get it out of your system. But the answer is no- you always find something to peak your interest.

THFan346 · Nov 23, 2021

JayBe
At this moment I keep telling myself that buying the right watches at the right price is better for value retention than having money on the account. Maybe I am fooling myself to find an explanation for this madness, but given inflation and the tendency of collectables, I feel it has some merit...

Hence the issue with the two “deals” in my head. Although the favourite one is not really an investment as far from general tastes.

THFan346 · Nov 23, 2021

JwRosenthal
As you collect you become more discriminating. It never leaves your consciousness, you continue to look, but you can temper the enthusiasm. The collection may continue to shift as your fascinations change, and you may go a little nuts with the new avenue of collecting, but you come back to temperance once you get it out of your system. But the answer is no- you always find something to peak your interest.

Clearly not alone then! I assumed not, but just wanted to ask as it’s happened so quickly.

JwRosenthal · Nov 23, 2021

bpsmith
Clearly not alone then! I assumed not, but just wanted to ask as it’s happened so quickly.

It’s the frenzy. It feels like feast or famine. In time you will learn to feel when it really is a deal you can’t pass on or if it’s just your ID saying “me want, must have, buy now”

crd · Nov 23, 2021

Just be careful to balance your decisions against a Fear of Missing Out and specific and intentional goals. As someone from fairly modest means myself, I find envelope budgeting key to my ability to afford luxury goods. My partner and I make sure our financial situation is good and stable first and foremost then we can start stashing funds away into an envelope dedicated for larger dollar purchases. When that envelope is full, we can spend from it without remorse. Rinse; repeat. We’re also careful not to consider jewelry that we plan to wear regularly as investments. YMMV; just my two cents.

THFan346 · Nov 23, 2021

JwRosenthal
It’s the frenzy. It feels like feast or famine. In time you will learn to feel when it really is a deal you can’t pass on or if it’s just your ID saying “me want, must have, buy now”

Feast or Famine is just about the perfect description for current feeling!

Going to try and sit back on current wildcard I think. Going to be hard though, as bought the solid piece for long term enjoyment, but this frivolous one does peak a different interest.

THFan346 · Nov 23, 2021

crd
Just be careful to balance your decisions against a Fear of Missing Out and specific and intentional goals. As someone from fairly modest means myself, I find envelope budgeting key to my ability to afford luxury goods. My partner and I make sure our financial situation is good and stable first and foremost then we can start stashing funds away into an envelope dedicated for larger dollar purchases. When that envelope is full, we can spend from it without remorse. Rinse; repeat. We’re also careful not to consider jewelry that we plan to wear regularly as investments. YMMV; just my two cents.

Solid advice there. No doubt.

It’s what we’ve done for years, but think I have savers fatigue combined with the perfect storm of slightly more disposable income presently.

Definitely recognising a hint of something I am not used to.

M'Bob · Nov 23, 2021

JwRosenthal · Nov 23, 2021

bpsmith
Feast or Famine is just about the perfect description for current feeling!

Going to try and sit back on current wildcard I think. Going to be hard though, as bought the solid piece for long term enjoyment, but this frivolous one does peak a different interest.

Part of the learning curve in collecting is casting the wide net at first- you just buy everything that is appealing to you, you get boxes at an alarming rate (which will raise an eyebrow at home), some even have them shipped to their office or a friends to avoid the eyebrow (I don’t advise this). You will quickly discover what you like and what you don’t, then start selling off what you don’t like and begin honing in on what is a must have versus what is a nice to have. It’s all part of the adventure.
The advise @crd gave is absolutely the most important- don’t go into debt for a hobby. Don’t put it on your credit card unless you can pay it off with fun money immediately! There is a never ending sea of this stuff out there, most of these watches were made in the thousands- there will always be another.

THFan346 · Nov 23, 2021

JwRosenthal
Part of the learning curve in collecting is casting the wide net at first- you just buy everything that is appealing to you, you get boxes at an alarming rate (which will raise an eyebrow at home), some even have them shipped to their office or a friends to avoid the eyebrow (I don’t advise this). You will quickly discover what you like and what you don’t, then start selling off what you don’t like and begin honing in on what is a must have versus what is a nice to have. It’s all part of the adventure.
The advise @crd gave is absolutely the most important- don’t go into debt for a hobby. Don’t put it on your credit card unless you can pay it off with fun money immediately! There is a never ending sea of this stuff out there, most of these watches were made in the thousands- there will always be another.

Cheers for the sound advice too.

Everybody’s getting fed and watered, and everyone has a solid roof over their head and a contingency, so I just need to get used to it after a longer struggle I guess.

Perhaps I should look for something relatively inexpensive next, for the fun watch.

JwRosenthal · Nov 23, 2021

When I started making real money and my college debt was paid off I treated myself with my first Rolex and first omega- both older pieces that were within my budget. I had previously collected Gruen bumpers and misc 1920’s watches I found in thrift shop's for under $50. I still have a few of those and still grab the occasional Gruen or Elgin when it’s spectacular. There is always something for everyone in this hobby at any price point.

crd · Nov 23, 2021

If you’ve got the discretionary funds available then I don’t see any reason that you shouldn’t buy anything that brings you joy within your means. It sounds like you've worked hard and taken care of what matters and deserve to have some nice things that make you happy.

SkunkPrince · Nov 23, 2021

I want something but most of what I'm interested in is pretty much a duplicate of something I already have. There is exactly one watch that isn't, and right now I'm trying to find out the best way of finding it.

gbesq · Nov 23, 2021

So you’re implying that there could be some kind of long term issue associated with this hobby? 😲

Does the Itch Go Away?

THFan346

Paedipod

Larry S

aggie

JayBe

THFan346

JwRosenthal

THFan346

THFan346

JwRosenthal

crd

THFan346

THFan346

M'Bob

JwRosenthal

THFan346

JwRosenthal

crd

SkunkPrince

gbesq

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