Community Stories

"What is the point in collecting"?

styggpyggeno1
Posts
3,940
Likes
45,376
On a bike/bicycling related and local site I was asked - "what is the point in collecting?"

It was asked in a context/with an undertone of it (collecting) being something negative and not worth while. At first I started writing a piece about it but then I just felt not up to spend time to explain it.

So... for the first time ever I asked chatgpt...

This is what came out of it:

"1. Personal enjoyment: Many people collect items simply because they find joy and satisfaction in owning and displaying them. It can be a way to express their interests, passions, or personal style.

2. Historical or cultural significance: Collecting items with historical or cultural importance allows individuals to preserve and appreciate the past. Collecting can help to document and remember certain eras, events, or traditions.

3. Investment: Some collectors view their collections as an investment, hoping that the value of the items will increase over time. This can be especially true for rare or limited-edition items.

4. Social connections: Collecting can provide opportunities for networking, socializing, and connecting with others who share similar interests. It can be a way to join communities, attend conventions, or participate in online forums.

5. Personal growth and knowledge: Collecting often involves research, learning, and acquiring knowledge about specific items or subjects. It can be a way to expand one's understanding and expertise in a particular area.

Ultimately, the point of collecting is subjective and can differ based on individual motivations and interests."


Not a bad answer and it took seconds.

20230611_191443.jpg
 
paddymoran
Posts
899
Likes
1,723
I like the fifth reason above - we definitely become more knowledgeable as we collect (often based on lessons learned as we make mistakes). An additional reason that we collect I’d simply describe as “the thrill of the chase”!!
 
Laneside
Posts
245
Likes
197
I totally agree with all the points in the lead article except item 3. Personally, I have never really made money on my watches.

There are items I would also add:

6. It creates employment for a whole supporting structure
7. It gives me a portable asset to pass on to my children
 
Evitzee
Posts
7,682
Likes
14,207
There is a line of thought among some people, especially on the younger side, that you should be happy with what you have and not expect or pursue more than you need. It's a slightly anti-capitalism meme, in line with the 'save the planet' idea. Doesn't work for me.
 
Twocats
Posts
1,070
Likes
5,853
Evitzee Evitzee
There is a line of thought among some people, especially on the younger side, that you should be happy with what you have and not expect or pursue more than you need. It's a slightly anti-capitalism meme, in line with the 'save the planet' idea. Doesn't work for me.
They are being brainwashed by Klaus Schwab and the WEF "You will own nothing and be happy".
 
Pastorbottle
Posts
2,781
Likes
4,693
8, Because I bloody well want to!
9, It gives the anti capitalist, save the plant zealots the shits!
10, He who dies with the most good stuff wins!
 
Dan S
Posts
24,257
Likes
54,020
Diverting items from landfill to more sustainable uses. 👍
 
DaveK
Posts
5,082
Likes
15,701
Dan S Dan S
Diverting items from landfill to more sustainable uses. 👍
Is this true for non-Invicta collectors as well?
 
Davidt
Posts
13,201
Likes
22,957
I’d add Choice.

Just as I don’t like wearing the same clothes, or eating the same food every day, I don’t want to wear the same watch.
Sure just like clothes and food, there are certain watches I wear fairly frequently, while others are for specific occasions, but variety keeps the mundane at bay.
 
Archer
Posts
29,672
Likes
76,830
Evitzee Evitzee
There is a line of thought among some people, especially on the younger side, that you should be happy with what you have and not expect or pursue more than you need. It's a slightly anti-capitalism meme, in line with the 'save the planet' idea. Doesn't work for me.
Contentment is a terrible thing, clearly...😉
 
Pastorbottle
Posts
2,781
Likes
4,693
Archer Archer
Contentment is a terrible thing, clearly...😉
Perhaps they are content because they lack the imagination for anything more? Perhaps they lack any ambition? Perhaps if the had the courage of their convictions, they would remove themselves from the burden they place upon the earth by doing it a favour by ceasing to exist?
After all they must have an awful dull, grey existence ..........What no takers?..........I thought not!
 
Archer
Posts
29,672
Likes
76,830
Pastorbottle Pastorbottle
Perhaps they are content because they lack the imagination for anything more? Perhaps they lack any ambition? Perhaps if the had the courage of their convictions, they would remove themselves from the burden they place upon the earth by doing it a favour by ceasing to exist?
After all they must have an awful dull, grey existence ..........What no takers?..........I thought not!
I'm sure that applies to some. But perhaps others are content because they realize that material things don't bring true happiness. Perhaps some understand that the pursuit of material things means that you will spend your life in pursuit of money that you really do not need. Perhaps their experience so far is that even when they do the things they are "supposed" to do and play by the rules that you and I played by, that the game is rigged now, and they still can't afford a house, or to have children.

I will say though, that advocating for young people to kill themselves is a new low for you - and that's saying something.
 
YYTIN
Posts
1,333
Likes
13,008
Thanks @styggpyggeno1 & @gbesq to remind me I NEED a black connie 😀

edit : and to add to the OP, you can add greed to my sins or to chatgpt list 😀
Edited:
 
Zman4eva
Posts
787
Likes
6,745
Reminds me of this pic from Reddit.

I guess some of you are still stuck in the "vintage" phase.

1000010475.jpg
 
Pastorbottle
Posts
2,781
Likes
4,693
Archer Archer
I'm sure that applies to some. But perhaps others are content because they realize that material things don't bring true happiness. Perhaps some understand that the pursuit of material things means that you will spend your life in pursuit of money that you really do not need. Perhaps their experience so far is that even when they do the things they are "supposed" to do and play by the rules that you and I played by, that the game is rigged now, and they still can't afford a house, or to have children.

I will say though, that advocating for young people to kill themselves is a new low for you - and that's saying something.
No not advocating, merely taking a hypothetical exploration of philosophy..........
 
Archer
Posts
29,672
Likes
76,830
Pastorbottle Pastorbottle
No not advocating, merely taking a hypothetical exploration of philosophy..........
BS_meter.jpg
 
23 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Omega D

What is the point?

Omega D Open Discussion
gbesq
gbesq
Posts
27
Views
3K
Annapolis

On value vs. cost in luxury watches: what brand is most aligned?

Annapolis High-end Watches
Annapolis
Annapolis
Posts
17
Views
8K
schoolboy

What is the point of this?

schoolboy Modern Omega Watches
T
toolr
Posts
15
Views
4K
M'Bob

In a bit of good news: the watch collecting hobby may not be so dead after all…

M'Bob Swatch Watches
spacemission
spacemission
Posts
53
Views
12K
Rudi99

My first year of collecting vintage Omega - Thank you again, OF!

Rudi99 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
BAJJ
BAJJ
Posts
28
Views
4K
mzinski

What is the most significant factor in your watch selection?

mzinski Open Discussion
saulgoodman
saulgoodman
Posts
47
Views
4K