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Privateday7
路Not a problem for me at the moment. But I'll tell you what, those college girls I go on dates with love Omegas [emoji1][emoji23]
The infamous "why would you spend so much on a watch?!" question....
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ffej4
路It the person is receptive, and i have the time. I will say that a $5000 watch bought right is actually cheaper than a $100 Casio. Explain the difference between buying an appreciating asset vs. an expense. Share some stories from my personal experience, and lessons from my parents on this very point. And end with, it brings me enjoyment and makes me happy in some silly way.
If not receptive I will just say, it brings me enjoyment and makes me happy in some silly way, smile and move on.
Exactly. This is an excellent response.
Plus, I view it like this:
You buy a few Omegas. You buy a Rolex. Hell, maybe you even buy a Patek.
Here's the breakdown:
Those Omega's? They cost $7,500.
The Rolex? It cost $5,000.
The Patek? It cost $15,000.
The breakdown ---
Monetary factors:
$27,500 of watches in total. You'll own them all for at least 25 years, at a minimum (not to mention, they'll be passed down to kids/grandkids/friends/family).
There are 9,125 days in 25 years.
$27,500/9,125 = $3.01
You're paying an average of $3.01 per day to own watches you wear, treasure, enjoy, and love. Not to mention, they'll most likely gain value over the years (especially with the world becoming increasingly reliant on technology - the availability of fine mechanical timepieces will most likely become more limited over time due to this)
Emotional factors:
You love what you own. You can look at them any day, everyday, and sincerely appreciate their beauty. You can have an intense emotional connection (each different) with each timepiece that you own - you wore one on your wedding day, you wore one when your child was born, you wore one on your trip to Argentina. Over the years, they each develop a unique emotional connection with you that is deeply appreciated by the wearer.
Longevity factors:
These luxury timepieces could potentially last 50+ years. You can own them until you die, and then your kids can wear them for decades after that. Not to mention, whoever you hand the piece(es) down to, they'll most likely be a part of that person's life for many years to come.
To me, watches are totally worth it. I will never judge someone for buying a nice watch, no matter how much it cost. They're something that will last decade after decade, be greatly appreciated, and will create an amazing emotional connection with their wearer.
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ffej4
路There is no need to justify your choice, or to try to convert someone.
Funny how I've never really been asked that question....do people think that you shouldn't be spending, or can't afford?
Do Ferrari owners get asked why they would spend so much on a car?
I never really answer... Because there is no rational Justification. You can try to argue all you want about the practical merits, but as was stated already by @Modest_Proposal , there is no true argument there... you can argue 'resale value' and engineering as much as you like, but the fact is that it is an emotional object, and emotion transcends practical thought...
Think about what money really means to you when something of great emotional value is at stake...
You don't owe anyone an explanation...
If asked 'How much?'...
I say , "Don't ask.."
I fully recognize that the price cannot be fully justified by any amount of rationalization, I am just grateful to have another thing about which I can express passion...
So many people live lives completely void of passion... think about how much people would pay to find passion...(for anything)
I treat Depression every day...one of the hallmark symptoms is 'Anhedonia', a loss of interest for something in which you were previously passionate...so one of the markers of success in treatment is a resumed interest in that passion...
When I ask a patient what his passion is/was....so often there is no response...
So what then is the issue? Clinical depression, or lack of passion to begin with?
Never feel guilty about following a passion, no matter how insignificant, or trivial it seems to others...
Ok, I realize that this is so much more of an answer than the tone of the forum would dictate...but sometimes this forum is my own form of therapy...
the short form response advice is ... just say "it's my Passion".. try to find someone who could argue with that...
Sir, I applaud you for this response.
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ricardorio
路Passion has no reasons or motives. Only understands the unique pleasure sensations that gives the object of desire . In our case watches . Unique items related to the intangible. Life, time, past, present continuous to fade into each second that eternal unique pieces are made .
Justification ? None.
Guilt? either.
The watches move me at unbeatable moments of human history and was immersed in unique emotions.
It is very hard to explain. How often happened to all of you that pleasure looking at their watches his companions asked these: hurry ? you're late for somewhere ? Are you boured ?
People do not always understand passions often . Our passion is the story and watches that marked his time.
Best, Ricardo.
Justification ? None.
Guilt? either.
The watches move me at unbeatable moments of human history and was immersed in unique emotions.
It is very hard to explain. How often happened to all of you that pleasure looking at their watches his companions asked these: hurry ? you're late for somewhere ? Are you boured ?
People do not always understand passions often . Our passion is the story and watches that marked his time.
Best, Ricardo.
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Nobel Prize
路...because it's my money, I earned it and I can do whatever I damn please to with it?
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oddboy
路There is a difference between buying something because you can and having the money to buy something. 馃榾
Yes, there is. That's my point.
馃榾
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OculusPrime
路Hi all,
So, I completely understand why I would and why everyone else on these forums would spend over $500 on a watch. BUT, 95% of people don't get it.
I've had plenty of people say, "Oh jeez, that's an Omega? How much was that?" Literally, every time I have told them the actual price, I'm pretty sure I hear a brick drop inside their pants, and then they say, "Whoa... Wh-wh-why would you pay so much for a watch?" And, honestly, I feel like I could only make them understand if I sat their and explained the complexity of watch movements, the history of the brand, the heritage of that particular watch, a brief rundown of luxury goods in our economy, and my view on what "overpriced" means. Do you guys feels the same way?
I don't want to make it seem as if I care that much, because I don't - it just gets a little annoying by having the uniform sh**ing bricks response when I talk about my watches with people.
I guess I just get frustrated with people, and I don't really know how to concisely make a logical statement explaining why I would pay that much for a watch. Usually, I'm just honest and I say I buy them because I love and appreciate watches, and I view them as little pieces of art that you can wear on your wrist instead of pin on your wall or display on a table (which, you could do as well if it floats your boat).
And one quick tangent on overpriced: if a good is overpriced, then very few, if no one, will buy it. Any luxury watch, be it $5,000 or $50,000, isn't overpriced if people are willingly buy it. Tell that to someone next time they say watches are overpriced 馃槈
Again, I'm not self-conscious about what people think about my watch endeavors, I'm just wondering if there is an effective response that doesn't take 20 minutes to communicate to the other person about why you enjoy expensive watches. Maybe, "because I like it" would suffice. 馃榾
I'm a huge fan of Omega's most recent movements, the 8500/9300 and the Master Co-Axial movements, so I'll use them as an example - being a Speedmaster 9300 owner. Ask the person to name one mechanical engine that can run for 8 years straight without breaking down. The 8500 and 9300 don't require - in most cases - servicing for up to 8 years. That's an astounding feat of engineering. Couple in the art of the designs and what more could you ask for? Obviously, the anti-magnetic properties of the Master Co-axial movements are even more remarkable, but people who don't understand horology's merits won't understand that. Tell that person to buy themselves a iWatch that they can keep glancing at as they drink their Starbucks coffee 馃槈. The thing that surprised me was that the Omega watches NASA used on missions were unmodified, used as-is from standard manufacturing.
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ffej4
路I'm a huge fan of Omega's most recent movements, the 8500/9300 and the Master Co-Axial movements, so I'll use them as an example - being a Speedmaster 9300 owner. Ask the person to name one mechanical engine that can run for 8 years straight without breaking down. The 8500 and 9300 don't require - in most cases - servicing for up to 8 years. That's an astounding feat of engineering. Couple in the art of the designs and what more could you ask for? Obviously, the anti-magnetic properties of the Master Co-axial movements are even more remarkable, but people who don't understand horology's merits won't understand that. Tell that person to buy themselves a iWatch that they can keep glancing at as they drink their Starbucks coffee 馃槈. The thing that surprised me was that the Omega watches NASA used on missions were unmodified, used as-is from standard manufacturing.
I agree. They're truly astounding pieces of engineering. I really, REALLY want the new SMP300 8400. I'd give a kidney to get my hands on one!
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OculusPrime
路I agree. They're truly astounding pieces of engineering. I really, REALLY want the new SMP300 8400. I'd give a kidney to get my hands on one!
Agreed. Personally, I'm in wait of a Master Co-Axial Liquid Metal Planet Ocean Chrono for my next Omega, whenever that's going to come out lol.
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SpikiSpikester
路路@ 惟FJust wait until you meet people who own three cars but can't comprehend why anyone would own two motorbikes馃槈
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STANDY
路路schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collectorWhen asked by a non watch people "how many watches do you actually need?", the correct response is either:
A) n+1 (where n is the number of watches you currently have)
or
B) n-1 (where n is the number of watches which would cause your other half to dump you)
A) n+1 (where n is the number of watches you currently have)
or
B) n-1 (where n is the number of watches which would cause your other half to dump you)
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citizenrich
路David: you're describing "the greater fool" theory.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
Vintage watch collecting is an almost pure form of a Keynesian beauty contest.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
Vintage watch collecting is an almost pure form of a Keynesian beauty contest.
Look,
I enjoy watches. I love researching, collecting, and wearing them. I don't think twice about spending hundreds or thousands on a watch I fancy - but I do it with the insular market in mind, irrespective of the actual justification for the prices themselves.
Arguments:
1. Watches are miracles of engineering!
Retort: If this were true, a Lemania CH 27 watch would be worth the same as a Omega 321. It is not. At times, they are worth orders of magnitude less. Different dial? Perhaps somewhat prettier? Give me a break.
2. Why buy expensive things? Because I can!
Retort: If you're not embarrassed, I'll be embarrassed for you.
3. Watches are art!
That statement is independent from momentary value and it always will be. It's a pretty but flawed way to justify the costs.
My easy mindedness about spending the kind of money that I do on watches rests solely on the fact that I know that other collectors are willing to pay the same. That is it. I will not try and assure myself that a watch is worth as much as three years of groceries, I simply will not and I don't think I or anybody else has to.
These things fall within the economic parameters of luxury goods and although I feel the concept is actually genuinely evil, I will continue to indulge myself because I understand the rules of the game and enjoy the hobby. 馃槦
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citizenrich
路It the person is receptive, and i have the time. I will say that a $5000 watch bought right is actually cheaper than a $100 Casio. Explain the difference between buying an appreciating asset vs. an expense. Share some stories from my personal experience, and lessons from my parents on this very point. And end with, it brings me enjoyment and makes me happy in some silly way.
If not receptive I will just say, it brings me enjoyment and makes me happy in some silly way, smile and move on.
Hate to be a Debbie Downer but hardly any mechanical watches will ever be worth more than the original sale price for a specific watch. If you factor in inflation, you're approaching ZERO deviations.
For every $1500 Daytona that is now worth $15,000 or even $150,000, there are ,well, probably 150,000 watches which will never appreciate in the manner you describe. I know you qualified yourself with "bought right" - did you mean new, used or LE's? A combination of (2) of those??
Edited:
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Archer
路路Omega Qualified WatchmakerThe answer is simple - because I like them.
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imexian
路I recondo Archer hit it bang on, and one other small reason, My wife and i work bloody hard, no hols, phone driving us mad some days, crap going on...why not rewards yourself with something the average joe doesn't understand or care about. i'm glad i can go out and grab a watch 'ive wanted for a while. We got off our ass and made our business work from nothing, now we can buy some nice things!!
Regards,
Ian
Regards,
Ian
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imexian
路And i would maybe suggest the OP has some rich parents bankrolling him if still at collage with Subaru and lots of v expensive watches??
馃槜
馃槜
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supersimon
路The response I came up with is to mention that it is an investment and instead of having another few shares of Apple, I have a hobby and "some" watches that I get to enjoy on a daily basis.
Not to mention some timepieces have a great history behind them, nice to see another college guy on the forums!
Not to mention some timepieces have a great history behind them, nice to see another college guy on the forums!
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watchme
路in my clique they don't agree with me having more than one watch. They say that watches just tell time nothing else. And cheaper watches do the same job
I gave up up explaining. When they notice a further watch, I just answer: Yes and I like it.
I've got to work for it, as @imexian mentioned bloody hard, and I just got one life. My wife even supports me ( better than spending the money on drugs and girl friends).
So I go on!!!
I gave up up explaining. When they notice a further watch, I just answer: Yes and I like it.
I've got to work for it, as @imexian mentioned bloody hard, and I just got one life. My wife even supports me ( better than spending the money on drugs and girl friends).
So I go on!!!
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dennisthemenace
路And i would maybe suggest the OP has some rich parents bankrolling him if still at collage with Subaru and lots of v expensive watches??
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Flingit1200s
路There is no need to justify your choice, or to try to convert someone.
Funny how I've never really been asked that question....do people think that you shouldn't be spending, or can't afford?
Do Ferrari owners get asked why they would spend so much on a car?
I never really answer... Because there is no rational Justification. You can try to argue all you want about the practical merits, but as was stated already by @Modest_Proposal , there is no true argument there... you can argue 'resale value' and engineering as much as you like, but the fact is that it is an emotional object, and emotion transcends practical thought...
Think about what money really means to you when something of great emotional value is at stake...
You don't owe anyone an explanation...
If asked 'How much?'...
I say , "Don't ask.."
I fully recognize that the price cannot be fully justified by any amount of rationalization, I am just grateful to have another thing about which I can express passion...
So many people live lives completely void of passion... think about how much people would pay to find passion...(for anything)
I treat Depression every day...one of the hallmark symptoms is 'Anhedonia', a loss of interest for something in which you were previously passionate...so one of the markers of success in treatment is a resumed interest in that passion...
When I ask a patient what his passion is/was....so often there is no response...
So what then is the issue? Clinical depression, or lack of passion to begin with?
Never feel guilty about following a passion, no matter how insignificant, or trivial it seems to others...
Ok, I realize that this is so much more of an answer than the tone of the forum would dictate...but sometimes this forum is my own form of therapy...
the short form response advice is ... just say "it's my Passion".. try to find someone who could argue with that...
Well said and I resemble all parts of this response right down to the depression and loss of interest in the passion that created much wealth for me years ago. Interestingly, the choice of my first Omega seems to be boiling down to the non physical attributes of a watch. My wife suggests that I should choose the one that "looks the best to me". The moon watch is a nice looking piece for sure but the reason I am attracted to it is because of the history of the mechanics, the complexity and accuracy yet the retro cool part of winding it by hand. I believe a 3570.50 is in my near future. To the OP, I never tell anyone how much I pay for anything nor do I ever bring up something I just bought so I never have to participate in those conversations. It's easier for me to retain friendships this way. Friendships for me do not center around things. They center around things like my buddies wife has ALS and there is one person who is driving a total of 8hrs every monday to sit with him and his wife.....................find people who could care less about your watch.......including women........just my take. Enjoy your watches!
