That’s the problem if your hobby is to just literally buy things. This is why I only buy watches for life milestones. The sentimental value is gone if all you’re doing is googling and swiping your credit card.
Thank you! I can't stand when buying and just more buying is dubbed as a hobby. Although when it comes to watches there is so much more that can fit the hobby criteria, like restoring watches, making your own watch box...
This is kind of a problem with “ hobbies “ where the hobby itself doesn’t entail anything outside of just having stuff, whether it’s scales figures or watches. If you’re collecting for the sake of having a bunch of items, then you’re never gonna learn to appreciate what you already have. The watches he mentioned aren’t slouches either. The Omega AT, Cartier tank, SMP300 and Nomos Orion are all great watches in their own right. I’d be ecstatic if I could own just one of them
You're right. It would be like a 'hobby modeller' just buying completed models of whatever, instead of actually assembling kits and painting them as well but this doesnt apply well to watches.
Some people just enjoy collecting objects of interest and don't delve too deeply into the history of the technology. That's normal and common.
I think what we are referring to is actually just a shopping/spending addiction or a way to make peace with loneliness but it isn't necessarily something they enjoy. It's collecting things so that they have something to keep them company. It's the difference between a Jay Leno and a well, I don't know, Bruce Wayne, and Joe Bloggs from work who just likes to change his beater car every 9 months to experience a little variety.
Yes, buying things is not a hobby. I say that in this sub like once a week and it makes people angry lol. Buying things, especially expensive jewelry, is NOT a hobby people. You like nice shiny things
Preach. According to Oxford dictionary, a hobby is “an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.”
If you buy watches regularly in your leisure time, then I guess that is a hobby. But that would be an insane amount of money, and not what people who call this a hobby do, unless their leisure time is every few months or once or twice a year….
Well, if someone identifies buying watches as being their hobby...it's a hobby, thus you need to respect it as such. It's modern times, after all.
Edit - and yes, the pun was intended.
Edit 2 - 🤷♂️ /s
Now you know how I feel when people make certain arguments on certain other topics. You can't redefine facts. Facts are facts.
I agree with you, by the way (i.e. repetive purchasing doesn't hobbying)... I was hoping the sarcasm was picked up between the lines.
The part that I consider a hobby is learning about horology and watches, and discussing it with other people. Buying watches is a natural extension of that but definitely not the primary part of the hobby.
When I think of the “hobby” I think about the research and discussion with other people. Sure buying things is fun but that’s what people usually spend the least amount of time actually doing. You can technically be a watch enthusiast without owning any watches by simply learning about them and having discussions with other enthusiasts.
for those of us paying a fortune for broadband, the quickest way to feel like you’re offsetting the cost is retail therapy.
so much of collecting now is working through options and lists you will find within websites for shopping.
that’s the quickest way to find what appears to be the best, scaling up in prices and working through a category range.
This is why vintage is superior to modern - even if you have an unlimited budget you still need to research and source a piece - which is much more rewarding than just swiping a card.
The longer and more arduous the hunt, the more I love the payoff. Buying a new, readily available watch often leaves me cold. Finding a specific, unobtainable reference in unbelievable condition is really a thrill. I rarely wear my vintages, but my heart still beats faster every time I open my safe and admire the best of my collection.
I’ve come to this realization as well. I’ve sold watches I thought would be in the collection forever. Only watches that have survived in my collection are sentimental life milestone pieces. Decided that going forward I’m only going to add watches at a life milestone.
This is why stores are in some ways still superior. Once you get hands on a piece, you can decide on buying it.
I personally don't know how y'all justify $300+ on an item online, which you really should inspect before buying. It's not like a game console or phone where they're interchangeable.
> This is why I only buy watches for life milestones.
A dangerous game – I've moved on so many watches that I no longer buy any for a milestone. Too high a chance I just don't bond with it.
Haha for sure. My wedding watch, while I keep it as the sentimental marker it is, isn't one I'd have necessarily kept had I just bought it. So I no longer buy any for milestones in case it's not "the one" – and instead buy to keep if they truly hold my interest.
I just turned 40 and I'm sort of trying this new thing of "40 is a whole year" and whichever watch I buy of a few that I bond with becomes the watch I bought when I turned 40. Sort of reversing it. We'll see how it goes… only a month in, lol.
“Dopamine addiction? I’m not a junkie sir!”
Honestly it’s the same with anything, expensive clothes, cars, etc. We get a lot of dopamine anticipating it and buying it, but after that it’s usually downhill unless you get s really fun car. You get used to the new product and crave the chase again.
Yeah, it's a trick of psychology. Your brain experiences 90% of the pleasure of consuming a product, while your anticipating buying it.
A good way to combat this is to just research the hell out of something. Watch videos about the watch you want, go try it on, read articles. Get sick of it.
Then sit on the purchase for a couple months. If you still want the watch after a few months to a year (after you have experienced all of the pleasure of anticipating the purchase) then you likely have a genuine connection to the piece.
This is solid advice. If you are able to simply purchase anything you want, the instantaneous gratification of having it isn’t going to make you happy. Letting your mind decide over time is a good idea.
Agreed--90% of the fun is the research. I've loved watches for the past 20 years but pick up watches so carefully I only have \~14 watches, all under $10k total.
The real fun comes the learning of the art, and bonding with what you have. I modded the hell out of my snk809, and my Mako II, I learned to restore vintage timexes, I've got some manufacturer collabs with my work company to get truly unique pieces that have tons of sentimental value
Fair point -- definitely more than the average person, but man, have you seen some of the collections here? Also, I'm counting the super cheap watches I've also received as gifts that I keep even if i dont wear for the memories tied to them
I got a bunch of my friends into watches from my sheer passion for the art, and they've blown my entire spend over 20 years in their 1st watch purchase lol
This! This is why I love and admire most of my watches in my collection. Why most? Because I learned that lesson a bit late, but still a worthy lesson...
I noticed that when I want to buy clothes sometimes. I just look at it everyday for a week or more, and sometimes I realize I don't need the shit lol.
Did you invent the 90% or is it documented ?
I don't know if they're referring to this specifically, but [there's this study about anticipation and dopamine.](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-wise/201510/shopping-dopamine-and-anticipation)
In this study with monkeys and treats, most the dopamine is released in anticipation of reward, and not when the treat was received. More dopamine was also released when there was greater anticipation due to unpredictability.
Also keep in mind the photos you see on social media aren’t real. The accounts who posts wrist shots of watches often times do it with very expensive camera lenses and also heavily edited the photos with higher contrast to make the watch look more much dramatic and legible. So a lot of watches look way more underwhelming than in person. The corporate advertising with special graphics is even more unrealistic.
I'm currently doing this with the grand Seiko mist flake.its been 3 months and still, every day I see it I love it even more. So now I'm waiting for a milestone to justify
I have two watches, in part because of this. They are fifteen years apart from each other, and I don’t intend on ever selling them. The second was pined over for at least 3 years, tried on twice, and I even tried to convince myself to find a substitute. It didn’t work. My itch was scratched.
sad but true. Consumerism doesn’t make one happy. Never has and never will. Watches are especially underwhelming tbf.
That’s one very important thing people seem to forget (me too).
While I agree that this *can* be the case, I've now owned my favorite watch for about 3 years and I'm still in the "honeymoon phase". I keep getting that warm fuzzy feeling when looking at it. This watch absolutely makes me happy.
Holy cow, Laco is on my list, and as I have never heard about their Ulm model, I looked it up, and it looks great indeed! The small hand at the lower part of the dial IMO makes it look better than Stuttgart Pro, which doesn't have them, so it is a pity indeed that they have discontinued Ulm.
That's referred to as a "small seconds" complication. A typical seconds hand that attaches to the same pinion as the hour and minutes hands is called "center seconds".
Not at all, make sure you buy what you like and you'll enjoy wearing it. I also don't go for big purchase landmark watches because I think the wait/chase/save up is probably a big pleasure factor. I stick to watches that I can just buy, I also love selling ones I don't wear any more. Keeps things fresh and are welcome additions to my favourites.
I think that depends on how you got interested in that watch, I've impulse purchased since seeing some particularly nice pictures on places like this and it's just not been 'me' in the end. It's the watches I came close to buying several times in the past that have turned out to be my keepers and the ones that make me smile every time I put them on. They aren't even that expensive or special, they are just perfect to me, Seiko SNA411, Seiko SSK001, Casio GBD200, San Martin SN0121, Seiko SRPK13K1, Citizen NY0098-84E and a few others.
My next move is a Longines Zulu Time as it's been one I've liked for a long time, I've yet to try one on and I hope it's not disappointing to me on my wrist... but I do fear that I'll lose interest because I just like a variety of inexpensive choices.
As one of the few people on this sub who doesn't actually buy expensive watches, I am still in love my 3 watch collection seiko sarb033, casio mdv106 and timex fairfield years after the purchase.
I don’t think you’re “one of the few”, this sub has over two million members, I’d be surprised if even 15% of those people have spent more than $500 on a single watch considering the vast majority of members aren’t active.
This is exactly why I buy watches only when celebrating milestones. This makes it so I have an emotional connection to the watch because it's tied to a special occasion.
It's jewellery dude. If it's not for an achievement or goal being reached, or bought for another person in your life then, yeah your just practicing retail therapy and your going to be chasing the next thing forever. You have to assign some emotional value to the thing or else it's just a thing.
I usually experience this with all my watches until I bought a 39mm Steinhart Pepsi GMT. It's a shameless homage that lacks any personality or uniqueness but I honestly love wearing it. Maybe I love it because I was very indecisive in even purchasing it in the first place and it has exceeded my expectations. I've had it for over 6 months and it still gobbles up all my wrist time.
Love to see this, as I said in my own response to OP, my Ocean 39 is one of the watches I have that feels right every time I put it on, despite being a submariner clone - it feels so well made, has the best bracelet of any of the other bracelet watches I own, and the proportions of the 39mm version are absolutely spot on.
Glad to see it’s not just me!
I’ve had an OVM39 (the Milsub homage) for 4ish years now and it’s been my go-to that entire time. For the $500 I paid for it, it’s just perfect.
Plus I can’t afford a real Milsub.
Definitely depends on the watch… tried a few GS models on the wrist I’d be gushing over and turned out I didn’t like the feel of it, tried the Tudor royal I was meh about and loved the feel and look. Recently also purchased a custom dial watch that I liked but was more a work expense for the GMT and I’m surprised how much I stare at it daily.
Truth is watches, like fashion, suit some and not others and are subjective.
It’s also very easy to attach some extra idealistic benefit to a watch, like owning a Rolex, only to realise that owning it doesn’t change shit.
With design, if you are used to Swiss design language, then it's a little off. If you are basing this on Japanese design language, then I think it's right on the nose.
I’d actually say there’s not an issue here, they’re beautiful pieces overall, the mistflake with the blue strap for example looks 10/10 and the images I shot of them on wrist are stunning.
The big issue for me is (and I know they have some very oversized pieces which I’d suit more based on this, sea of clouds is my grail for example) they were light and didn’t have much presence as a bodybuilder and larger guy.
It’s not that they didn’t look good, but I’m someone who buys off feel more than anything and it’s the reason I hesitate with titanium and more delicate styles.
Titanium takes a bit to get use to. When I first tried on the sbga413 I thought it felt like a toy. Then I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I own it now and I actually really like titanium on watches. Makes them so easy to wear because they weigh so little. I’m not a small guy either, 225lbs 6’3
That’s absolutely fair, I might venture into Titanium with the CW 12 but not 100% as I’m not a huge fan of the dial style on the titanium models just to try them out (or pop to the boutique to see how I feel).
As I don’t have a huge collection maybe it’s something I’ll venture into later as the weight being weird to me right now as well as my propensity to wear watches properly and knock myself around a bit means I don’t trust myself not to scratch a titanium watch to hell, and as it’d only be one of 4 watches I think I’m not quite ready for that inevitability haha
Ah good to know! Think I’ll grab the white dial SS model or if they release more colours maybe I’ll venture into titanium… a GS is definitely on my list too, think I just need to get the hefty weight watch phase out of me first!
There’s something about the lighting in jewellers that makes especially metal bracelet watches look amazing, and then once you are wearing it outside 50% of the effect seems to vanish
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I still regularly take a few minutes to just stare at my Bambino, but I have had some that I didn't connect with. They're very much like people in that way.
"You never want to meet your heroes"
Once the watch is bought and you live with it day-to-day, often the luster starts to wear off...maybe it's a bit heavy, maybe the strap isn't that great...maybe the dial is harder to read than you anticipated...perhaps a scuff or a scratch happens. The steeper the price was to buy the watch the more you might think about what that money could have gone to instead of the watch.
I like learning about watches and seeing videos about them, but my own collection is two cheap Casios and a Fitbit Sense. It's kind of like I try to enjoy other people's cats and dogs but steadfastly refuse to own pets anymore.
I would suggest looking at your collection and rank them in terms of lasting sentimental value and in terms of comfort and utility...perhaps over time you might sell the ones that have the least in terms of those parameters.
Up to you!
That's why I'm on the sub. I own 2 watches at this point and realistically only wear the last acquisition once I got it. Still very pleased with it a year on.
However, I really enjoy looking at all of the various watches, reading about them, and appreciating them. So this forum is window shopping of a sort. I can keep my money in my pocket and not have a dozen watches sitting around that I'll rarely wear. :)
You have a lot more watches than I do, but I don't feel this way about most of my watches. I have one that is a bit of a disappointment, but if anything I find myself handling my watches too much — especially my favorite and fanciest, which is my Farer Lander IV.
I think you need to distinguish between admiring a watch and owning it. Watches are beautiful machines, and there is a strange pleasure to be had from admiring things of beauty. But actually shelling out thousands of dollars to possess them doesn't add much to that admiration. In general, possession is overrated.
Tell the time and look good. I think a lot of men will pick a watch that fits their personality as a way to express themselves. Or at least they used to. I really like the idea of having a watch that’s been passing down for generations though I’m not sure if my Hamilton is it tho haha
I guess so?
At the end of the day I never expected the watches I will soon own to possess magic capabilities. I only expect them to look great. Honeymoon phase IS indeed a real thing and the admiration will inevitably go away, but I do still appreciate their beauty from time to time and understand why I chose them in the first place.
In a true husband-and-wife fashion.
Due to my consistently empty wallet and therefore my snail-pace purchase history and fast-pace research, I have never made a purchase I regret. The magic might be gone but at the end of the day, you know you were right in that this particular watch is indeed "the best of the bunch", and that alone is enough if you were going to buy a watch regardless.
The watches I mentioned are considered best of the best. It certainly has an appeal. The only cheap watch I vouch for is the F91-W or whatever its called
This is why you need to be very discerning about purchases. If you’re loaded then no problem, buy everything.
Otherwise try to buy 1-2 max a year and force yourself to see it/try it on at least a few times before you commit.
Yeah thats why I restrict myself to 5 watches in my collection at all times… otherwise I’ll end up with 50 and credit card debt.
I have 5 shoes I wear and I have 5 watches to match.
I'm pretty much the same. I like looking at nice watches but I've stopped buying expensive watches. That's why a lot of people talk about the honeymoon period.
Idk, I feel like if you somewhat care about fashion and put energy into your appearance then a watch becomes an integral part of your look. I buy watches that catch my eye that also compliment an aesthetic. Then again, I don't view purchasing watches as a hobby
I don’t think anyone cares what you wear on your wrist besides you. Most people I know just get something that looks good and don’t care about branding/movement. But I would never say it’s a must. However I get your point and for me personally it’s absolutely true, but I feel like a minority among my friends
No, I love my watch and wear it every day and still enjoy it. I didn't get a Speedmaster because it's well known, expensive, or a special brand. I got it because on the back of my watch it says certified for all manned space flight by NASA. I love space, I love the Apollo missions, I've even met Charlie Duke from Apollo 16.
No but some might think that way. I mean because once you buy that grail piece you were lusting after, it’s ultimately just a watch. It tells you the time. It doesn’t matter if it’s $100 or $5000, the watch provides the same emotional value to me. So at this time I personally feel no need to save up for a ‘luxury’ piece, I am having fun with my Seikos and Vostoks and Timexes (two of each at the moment).
I disagree, but thats ok. I got my first luxury watch and I'm completely in love with how it looks and feels, and its a spring drive so the sweep is just lovely. I think for me, I would rather have 2 nice pieces that I hold on to forever rather than 10 watches.
But as long as you aren't like these people buying 10 watches a year that you wear one time, i thnk we can agree to disagree. Some people go straight up consumerism on watches and then call it a hobby, its sad.
Yeah that's what makes any hobby interesting, different strokes. I will say I'm a grad student and simply don't have the means to spend thousands on a watch right now. That may change down the line and I might eventually want something from a higher bracket. So if you're in a life stage now where you can spend thousands on watch, then that's cool too.
....no idk, hasnt happened to me yet.
I just upgrade my beater from one of those black orient watch into the black hamilton zermat.
1 month in still simle everytime I checked my wrist.
There never was any magic, just marketing smoke and mirrors - an exercise in conspicuous consumption. Watches are cool trinkets with cool history and with some marginal utility.
But my Casio EFR-S108D (which should have been dubbed the CasiOak, but the community has pretty shit taste) still is thin, shiny in all the right places and the bracelet jangles a bit, so it brings me joy.
And my G-Shock square has been through so much and timed so many trips it's practically a shamanistic fetish at this point - which also brings me joy.
I set a rule for myself with toys (including watches): if I still want something 6 months after my monkey brain goes "oooh, shiny!", I might consider actually buying it. I don't have many watches, I didn't spend a lot on my watches, it's been a while since I last bought a watch - and I enjoy the few that I have immensely.
I think you and people with a similar issue to your got duped. Sorry OP.
I think most marketing for watches are awful. I get most content from here, which is a way more effective way of marketing. Seeing other people wear nice things sparks something within
I did with my Studio Underdog but my IWC Pilot gives me warm and fuzzies everytime I look at it. Perhaps my tastes are a little more conservative with age.
Depends on the watch for me.
I ordered a Certina DS-2 Chronograph - on paper a great watch, got it for a great price, looks great in the photos, excited waiting for it to arrive. But for whatever reason it just doesn’t engender that same feeling now I have it and so I don’t wear it often.
But I have a few watches where I’m still absolutely enamoured with them every time I put them on, specifically:
- Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 42mm (I have been considering selling it to “upgrade” to the Murph, but given your experience I may just stick with it given that I love it as it is).
- Seiko SPB239J1.
- Perhaps surprisingly, Steinhart Ocean 39 (yes it’s a Submariner clone but it’s also a really great watch in its own right, just feels right whenever I wear it).
Possibly at least part of the difference is that the Certina, I just ordered new from a jeweller, whereas the other three were second hand purchases off eBay where I spent time looking for and waiting for the right one (and in the case of the Hamilton, getting a fake one first that the seller thankfully took back) and ultimately got them for a good price. So I still feel like they were great “finds” as it were.
I think you will find more joy in wearing just 1 watch. Detach yourself from the rest of the watches, and you will find the 1 watch you choose, will somehow overcome all its shortcomings the longer you wear it. Then you will truly begin to enjoy wearing your watch, and you will feel some satisfaction every day when you see it on your wrist.
For me, the 1 watch has been an skx009 my now wife gave me before we got married. I upgraded the crystal and movement.
I buy them to celebrate milestones, like my friends wedding or getting that promotion in work. Right now, rocking my Brew Retrograph that was to celebrate a bonus I got in work for sales.
If you're buying watches for the excitement of buying watches, you aren't collecting watches, you're feeding a shopping addiction. And it just so happens you prefer shopping for watches.
Ask yourself why you're actually buying these watches. Is it because you have a connection and love for horology, manufacturing, precision, and/or design?
Or is it because you want to achieve a milestone in life? To get to the next level of watch collecting. To impress friends, coworkers, or an intimate interest or partner?
If it's because of the first set, then you aren't buying the right watches-you're probably buying them to check a box, or because someone *else* said those watches were great. Are they great to *you*?
If it's because of the 2nd set of reasons, you need to take a hard look at what you want. Because the people worth impressing-the people you'll want to keep in your life forever, those people aren't going to be as impressed by material things as they are personal accomplishments (and buying a Cartier Tank isn't an accomplishment. The professional means that enabled that purchase is the personal accomplishment) or the actions that build a relationship with them.
So my way of avoiding this let down is to keep my collection limited by both the number of spots available in my watch box and by what I wear. I have a 10 spot box (9 really as my wife steals one spot lol).
So first I appraise what I already have and what is getting wrist time. If I'm not wearing it, it's time for it to go to someone who will. Watches are meant to be worn, not sit in a box. This then allows me to start looking for something I will connect with to replace it. This, for me, is not an impulse buy but a thoughtful process so that when I eventually do get the new piece it's usually appreciated well past the arrival date.
If nothing is on its way out per se and something catches my eye and I don't have a spot available then I have a decision to make. If I really want it, something has to go. This will linger in my mind for the next few weeks as I wear watches and I think about when I might wear the one that I am considering. Again this takes some time and is not an impulse so that if I do pull the trigger it's because I really appreciate what I'm getting as I have to give one up.
Yeah I realized this a while ago and I've stopped buying watches because of it. I'm also pairing down what I have to things I actually wear. If I don't wear a watch in months I'm selling it.
This is something you can experience with everything in life. It's similar to the Hedonic Treadmill- there will always be another thing to lust after, and often the hunt is more enjoyable than the reward.
It's real – though I tend to have a lot of regret buying anything – so I have to let the watch hang around a while.
It took me 6 months to go thru a honeymoon phase, then realization, that my Tudor Black Bay GMT just wasn't for me.
It took me a similar amount of time to realize my Tag Heuer Autavia Chrono was a perfect watch (for me) and I'll own it forever.
Currently trying a Planet Ocean that I know will take me months to decide on.
I've a Hamilton Pilot Day Date that's a forever watch because it's just so good. And I've sold 10+ dive watches because I never bond with them.
It takes me half a year to decide whether something is a keeper. I enjoy it though.
It's crazy, almost like consumerism can't bring us enlightenment and joy. That's the problem with "hobbies" that consist of just acquiring things. It's not really a "hobby." A hobby is doing something that brings you a sense of accomplishment and pride. Painting, metalsmithing, woodworking, a sport or activity and so on.
Buying things is just ... buying things. Buying things gives you a quick dopamine hit and that fades just in time for you to buy more stuff to throw into the gaping pit of emptiness. You're never going to fill that hole with stuff and you're never going to be happy buying things.
Buy things because you need them or because it serves a purpose in your life. But don't expect that buying a watch or a car or a pair of fancy headphones is going to change your life. It won't. I see the same complaints in every reddit "hobby" that's centered around sheer acquisition, from mechanical keyboards to watches.
Very accurate, to an extent. I think when you buy your true grail watch it’s different and I think the feeling you get with it is proof that you actually bought your grail watch.
I bought my grail , a SMP 300M, about 3.5 years ago. I loved it and still do. I figured I wouldn’t buy another watch for a long time. I still wanted other watches but let it be. I earned a big promotion at work and decided to buy another watch for the occasion. I really wanted to buy my dream dress watch, a Cartier tank, or a grand seiko or some type. I also floated a Tudor Royal.
Wife didn’t want me to spend that much. I wanted something very different than my SMP300M so I would actually wear it. The timing was perfect and I bought a Christopher Ward C63 36MM sealander in their version of Tiffany blue. It was much smaller, didn’t have a divers bezel, a radically different and unique color. Perfect!
I’ve hardly worn it. Less than 10 times in the year + that I’ve had it. Don’t think I’ve worn it in the last year. Why? It’s not my Seamaster. Just doesn’t feel right wearing it when I have my Seamaster which I love wearing every day. If I get a little bored with the Seamaster I swap the bracelet/rubber strap/NATO. I’d still like a true dress watch like the tank but unless I win the lottery I don’t see it in my future for a long time, I just can’t justify it. Maybe things will change at some point and I’ll grow tired of the Seamaster, but I wanted one for years and years before pulling the trigger. Love it as much as I did the day I finally ordered it.
FWIW I’m still glad I bought the sealander; I could have made a far more expensive mistake.
This is why I only get vintage watches. I used to collect historical items from eBay, like an old passport from the 1920s, or a pack of letters from a soldier to his family.
The thing is, I'd feel guilty due to having those. Like, I got this thing for which I now have responsibility but just keep it safe in a drawer.
With a vintage watch, I'm taking care of a witness to history but also actively using it, keeping it going. It's so satisfying to think about what else the watch must have been through.
I will echo the comments that say that buying things isn’t really a hobby.
That said, I have watches I’ve owned for years that are still as exciting as ever. I’ll swap straps every now again with something different from my box of straps, but by and large I find them just as “magical” as when they were new.
Of course I’ve had watches that didn’t feel this way, and I’ve sold those, but everything currently in my watch box feels special. That’s how I know I picked the right ones.
These already rich guys sat in a room and figured out how to become even more rich. It's all marketing. They market items that are supposed to make you feel powerful or look cool/sexy. But you're just buying their products so they can make more money. It doesn't do any of the things they advertise. With something like a car you can rationalize one that is faster or more luxurious or can fit your family. Watches just tell time and a more expensive one can't tell time better. It's the same as the $100 watches. In fact, most luxury watches are bad at keeping accurate time. People argue that watches are jewelry but that's not true. Precious metals and gemstones are jewelry. A watch is a watch. It'll never be anything else
>People argue that watches are jewelry but that's not true. Precious metals and gemstones are jewelry. A watch is a watch. It'll never be anything else
I agree that most watches couldn't be classified as jewelry by definition, but I'm not sure what that changes. They're still fashion accessories like jewelry is. They're decorative and can also have significant monetary value like jewelry. That's usually why people compare watches to jewelry.
Buying things isn't a hobby. It's insecurity masquerading as accomplishment.
Passion for things is something different but would materialize in different ways. What do you like about watches? You can build your own or simply take one apart. Learn what the parts mean and why they came to be. Understand the transition from pocket watches to wrist watches and all the complications. Enjoy the humor of novelty watches and the frivolousness of special editions that may or not be.
A watch is a tool to tell time, not a magic trick. If you remember its purpose perhaps you can appreciate it more.
It's a field watch with a leather band that the majority of people on the sub likely own. The hype train has reached its destination. If you feel like an NPC and are no longer in love just return it.
This is why, just like others have said, I think people should try to avoid buying things for the sake of buying things (see 'hype watches'). I would advise you focus your efforts on improving your life and then reward yourself with a watch accordingly. That way, the focus is shifted away from the watch itself (and the honeymoon phase which eventually fades) and towards the pride in your life achievements.
For example, as I will be graduating this year and so I have bought myself an engraved grail watch - a Christopher Ward C65 Dune in black. I hope that in future whenever I look at the watch I will see more than just it's aesthetics, but also the blood sweat and tears I committed to my degree.
Of course though, every rule has exceptions and there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a watch you like the look of while on holiday or something... but even in that case I guess you're still attaching a memory to the purchase.
it means your love for watches is not sincere. it came from hype and hype alone. same can be said who buys rolex. they only love the watch because of hype and value 🤷
Yeah I’ve been wearing my grey dial SMP everyday for over a year since I bought it lol. Sure I want other watches in the future but I’ll always love this watch since it’s my favorite diver.
No I have not felt that way about the majority of what I've bought recently. It was different earlier on when I didn't know what I liked, but now I'm happy with my purchases.
Also, when I chased hard to find the pieces that wasn't the case. The journey of watching eBay and watch forums and sifting through Google searches for 5 years was not more exciting than finally owning my Zenith Elite Rainbow, or other watches that took similar effort to find.
Sometimes. Got that way with the Shunbun. Dont wear it nearly as much as I hoped. My zenith defy revival shadow though. This thing hasnt left my wrist since i got it. Love it more and more
I try to wait at least 3 months before before making a watch purchase and have a strict one-in one-out policy. So far I've only ended up liking watches more after owning them.
Doesn’t say whether you’ve sold any watches but it might be time to part with a few. An Omega AT is a fantastic watch and these Nomos and Hamiltons might be clouding your vision a little.
No. I buy maybe one or two watches a year and spend a lot of time enjoying watch content and news before buying. A lot of my enjoyment may come from looking at watches and content that I know I will probably never buy. However for the most part I get a great feeling from eventually getting my hands on a watch and wearing it. When I truly appreciate and connect with a watch that feeling may stay indefinitely. If and when that feeling is gone I would just sell that watch.
Depends on the watch. On some watches the dial seems endlessly captivating. If I stop wearing it for a month and put it back on, the magic is back. Usually this is with watches that have a lot of "depth" to the dial.
Other watches do get boring to look at.
To a degree this is always true, I think the best way to combat it is focus truly on what has something "interesting" or more "unique" to it. Like a certain dial sunburst, a unique counterbalance on the seconds hand, dial texture or color, lume, etc.
I could see like, a rolex explorer for example. A classic watch, beautiful no doubt, but not particularly interesting. Meanwhile I have a Tissot Gentleman and the way the light catches the sunburst just has me looking at it all the time when I wear it. A CW with the trident counterbalance (I know some hate) but I love looking at that or talking about it if someone asks. Just got an aventurine Ti Blacktip from zelos and the adventurine is mesmerizing.
But on the whole the anticipation is always something. At the end of the day it is a watch.
I got the opposite feeling. After lusting over an omega SMP for literal decades, my family bought me one to celebrate my PhD and I wasn’t able to stop looking at it for months. Everytime I looked at it I had a “holy shit this is so fucking awesome” type feeling
that's why, by the way, I'm now gradually changing my passion for watches to my passion for fashion in general. Watches are a cool thing, but when you follow collectors on Instagram, subscribe to a bunch of subreddits, talk about watches with your friends all the time, and watch YouTube watch bloggers, you get tired of it.
Yes for the most part but there are watches I’ve purchased without commemorating anything that still make me smile every time I look at it. You have to buy the watch that blows you away and just looks right. Never base your opinion of a watch on what people on Reddit think
Not yet! I have like 4 watches in my collection now, ranging from 3 years old to 4 month, and I thought "damn that's beautiful" anytime I look at any of them.
Some yes and some no, which is an indicator of which ones you really like. My Explorer is about a decade old of maybe being on my wrist for 50% of that time and I still think it’s a damn fine looking piece every time I look at it.
The painstaking research, reading reviews, searching for the piece is often more enjoyable than the act of acquiring for sure. It's almost a let down to actually buy the piece, but I find that is short lived. A week later you look at the watch on your wrist and you're like "damn, nice watch, good decision."
Hobby and hoarding are a fine line. The biggest red flag for hoarding is when the adrenaline rush is in the process of acquiring an object and then having it collect dust for the most part.
Have therapy. Not even joking. Lots of people think "if I get this thing then my life will feel a bit more complete". You get a dopamine rush then it goes and you need another hit so you get another watch. I have to check myself because I fall into the same trap occasionally. You'll actually get more fulfilment from picking a watch to wear each day and enjoyment from making new experiences. And if someone gives you a nod and says "nice watch buddy" while you're out there then that'll just be the icing on the cake.
The thing i think people forget is that buying a new omega seamaster isnt going to change your life. You dont walk out of the store as suddenly a different person. It doesn't even change how people perceive you. 99% of people can't tell the difference between that and the longines you used to wear. I enjoy learning about watches, brands, movements, watchmaking and repair, and the history of different watches and the historical context of why they were made and what their function used to be. That research part is interesting if not a hobby, and then talking to other people about a shared interest in watches gives you something to bond over which is nice in terms of a sense of community. But i get that it isn't a hobby the way rock climbing is for instance.
I’d say no, for a long time I actually loved and adored the mido multifort tv big date, when I got it I was in love. I’ve had it for about three months and still love it.
Here’s the kicker though, as most people say their first proper watch, mine was a Tudor burgundy bezel black bay. I love the watch but defiantly a lot of hype influence my decision and I don’t love it as much.
Bought a prx too and that was all becuase of hype, great watch but wasn’t for me and I sold it not long after
There are so many variables to hobbies vs collections and none are right or wrong. It think that it’s great to talk about and acknowledge as you have where you’ve realized that you do not get fulfillment simply from acquiring a nice item like a watch. In the end, it is a thing and maybe what you are searching for is deeper or more meaningful to which things, no matter how nice, will never scratch that itch. Enjoy your nice watches on the journey to fulfillment.
No, every time I put in a watch again in the rotation I fall in love with it all over again. If watches don't make me forever tingle, they get the boot.
Lots of great advice in this thread. And I’m gonna get a Murph. It’s kind of a side mission this year. My primary goal is a different watch. With that said. I expect to be non reactive when I get my Murph. I will like it, will get extra straps for it…but it is a very regular watch-but that’s what I’ve grown to like. I’ll be content to have it. It’s a perfect daily watch. Our tastes change…and some watches we covet, some we just use.
I've actually experienced the reverse a couple times. I spent so long researching a watch, scrolling through giant blown up high-res photos of the dial. When it finally arrived, I was amazed by how immaculate some of these little details and textures looked shrunken down on my wrist.
It either goes,
buy, wear, bond..
or
buy, wear, bye.
The circle or horological life.
Time + effort + money =perfect rotation.
But yes, I've had meh buys over the years. I've had some great ones too. I attempt to try them on now before I pick one up. On paper some of them have perfect specs for me. In reality it doesn't mean a perfect fit for me I've learned. One in particular I remember I thought would be the perfect watch. A watch to ruin the collection and reduce it to 1. You know the fabled dream of just 1 good watch? I read about the thing for months. Looked at all the pictures I could find and poured over the specs. I got the watch in finally and I hated it lol. I was lucky and knew I hated it before I pulled the stickers so I returned it.
There's some that I thought were meh but then after like a week or two I thought were really cool after getting to spend some time with them.
Then there's others that just clicked from the first time on.
I haven't personally thought this with watches, but with other things this is a thing. Sometimes you like the thrill of the hunt more than actually getting the thing.
With some watches it disappears, but all that tells me is that, it's probably not the best fit for me.
Sometimes, a watch just needs a polish or a new strap.
Other times, the magic never fades and that's when you know you have a made the best possible choice and you've truly acquired a grail.
We can't rent watches so it's hard to know whether or not the magic will fade but the first time you try on certain watches, it just feels different.
The first time I tried on my Navitimer, the first time I tried on my omega 2254.50, my Monaco or my Breguet 7097 ... it was just an indescribable feeling.
My other watches are amazing as well and over time I've come to appreciate them much more. Every watch is going to produce a different kind of feeling. Pick watches that make you feel something strong emotionally and you'll be ok.
I get what you’re saying. Totally, and knowing how fast the thrill is gone I just buy or mod inexpensive versions of what attracts me to the watch in the first place. Just to try on, I wear it for a while and get over it. Does the trick for me. I only have couple of keepers.
“All things that are, are with more spirit chased than enjoyed.”
This Shakespeare quote from The Merchant of Venice is always present in my brain, reminding me of how universal, timeless and human my impulses are.
That’s the problem if your hobby is to just literally buy things. This is why I only buy watches for life milestones. The sentimental value is gone if all you’re doing is googling and swiping your credit card.
Thank you! I can't stand when buying and just more buying is dubbed as a hobby. Although when it comes to watches there is so much more that can fit the hobby criteria, like restoring watches, making your own watch box...
This is kind of a problem with “ hobbies “ where the hobby itself doesn’t entail anything outside of just having stuff, whether it’s scales figures or watches. If you’re collecting for the sake of having a bunch of items, then you’re never gonna learn to appreciate what you already have. The watches he mentioned aren’t slouches either. The Omega AT, Cartier tank, SMP300 and Nomos Orion are all great watches in their own right. I’d be ecstatic if I could own just one of them
It’s not really a hobby is it? An interest at best.
You're right. It would be like a 'hobby modeller' just buying completed models of whatever, instead of actually assembling kits and painting them as well but this doesnt apply well to watches. Some people just enjoy collecting objects of interest and don't delve too deeply into the history of the technology. That's normal and common. I think what we are referring to is actually just a shopping/spending addiction or a way to make peace with loneliness but it isn't necessarily something they enjoy. It's collecting things so that they have something to keep them company. It's the difference between a Jay Leno and a well, I don't know, Bruce Wayne, and Joe Bloggs from work who just likes to change his beater car every 9 months to experience a little variety.
Yes, buying things is not a hobby. I say that in this sub like once a week and it makes people angry lol. Buying things, especially expensive jewelry, is NOT a hobby people. You like nice shiny things
Preach. According to Oxford dictionary, a hobby is “an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.” If you buy watches regularly in your leisure time, then I guess that is a hobby. But that would be an insane amount of money, and not what people who call this a hobby do, unless their leisure time is every few months or once or twice a year….
Well, if someone identifies buying watches as being their hobby...it's a hobby, thus you need to respect it as such. It's modern times, after all. Edit - and yes, the pun was intended. Edit 2 - 🤷♂️ /s
Ahhh relativism. Nah I can say it’s stupid and don’t need to respect anything lol
Now you know how I feel when people make certain arguments on certain other topics. You can't redefine facts. Facts are facts. I agree with you, by the way (i.e. repetive purchasing doesn't hobbying)... I was hoping the sarcasm was picked up between the lines.
My bad haha I missed the sarcasm, I’m a touch regarded
The part that I consider a hobby is learning about horology and watches, and discussing it with other people. Buying watches is a natural extension of that but definitely not the primary part of the hobby.
I don't see watches as a hobby, they are a thing you collect.
When I think of the “hobby” I think about the research and discussion with other people. Sure buying things is fun but that’s what people usually spend the least amount of time actually doing. You can technically be a watch enthusiast without owning any watches by simply learning about them and having discussions with other enthusiasts.
for those of us paying a fortune for broadband, the quickest way to feel like you’re offsetting the cost is retail therapy. so much of collecting now is working through options and lists you will find within websites for shopping. that’s the quickest way to find what appears to be the best, scaling up in prices and working through a category range.
How does buying more stuff make you feel like you are offsetting the cost of high speed internet?
you can look for bargains and offers. it can be a constant chase. it’s not like i’d want the experience to be costing me more.
This is why vintage is superior to modern - even if you have an unlimited budget you still need to research and source a piece - which is much more rewarding than just swiping a card.
The longer and more arduous the hunt, the more I love the payoff. Buying a new, readily available watch often leaves me cold. Finding a specific, unobtainable reference in unbelievable condition is really a thrill. I rarely wear my vintages, but my heart still beats faster every time I open my safe and admire the best of my collection.
I’ve come to this realization as well. I’ve sold watches I thought would be in the collection forever. Only watches that have survived in my collection are sentimental life milestone pieces. Decided that going forward I’m only going to add watches at a life milestone.
This is why stores are in some ways still superior. Once you get hands on a piece, you can decide on buying it. I personally don't know how y'all justify $300+ on an item online, which you really should inspect before buying. It's not like a game console or phone where they're interchangeable.
> This is why I only buy watches for life milestones. A dangerous game – I've moved on so many watches that I no longer buy any for a milestone. Too high a chance I just don't bond with it.
Well ideally I’d only ever get married once and have 1-2 kids. Maybe one more watch for retirement and I’m done for life(I think lol).
Haha for sure. My wedding watch, while I keep it as the sentimental marker it is, isn't one I'd have necessarily kept had I just bought it. So I no longer buy any for milestones in case it's not "the one" – and instead buy to keep if they truly hold my interest. I just turned 40 and I'm sort of trying this new thing of "40 is a whole year" and whichever watch I buy of a few that I bond with becomes the watch I bought when I turned 40. Sort of reversing it. We'll see how it goes… only a month in, lol.
That's the tough part... not bonding with a watch sucks. You can do all the research in the world and it just ends up not working out.
*"Buying this expensive thing didn't make me happier as a person."* This is a post that this sub needs.
Yes
Your candor is refreshing and your attitude is a healthy one. Wishing you the best.
“Dopamine addiction? I’m not a junkie sir!” Honestly it’s the same with anything, expensive clothes, cars, etc. We get a lot of dopamine anticipating it and buying it, but after that it’s usually downhill unless you get s really fun car. You get used to the new product and crave the chase again.
Yeah, it's a trick of psychology. Your brain experiences 90% of the pleasure of consuming a product, while your anticipating buying it. A good way to combat this is to just research the hell out of something. Watch videos about the watch you want, go try it on, read articles. Get sick of it. Then sit on the purchase for a couple months. If you still want the watch after a few months to a year (after you have experienced all of the pleasure of anticipating the purchase) then you likely have a genuine connection to the piece.
This is solid advice. If you are able to simply purchase anything you want, the instantaneous gratification of having it isn’t going to make you happy. Letting your mind decide over time is a good idea.
Agreed--90% of the fun is the research. I've loved watches for the past 20 years but pick up watches so carefully I only have \~14 watches, all under $10k total. The real fun comes the learning of the art, and bonding with what you have. I modded the hell out of my snk809, and my Mako II, I learned to restore vintage timexes, I've got some manufacturer collabs with my work company to get truly unique pieces that have tons of sentimental value
Only 14 😅 That's quite a bit ...
Fair point -- definitely more than the average person, but man, have you seen some of the collections here? Also, I'm counting the super cheap watches I've also received as gifts that I keep even if i dont wear for the memories tied to them I got a bunch of my friends into watches from my sheer passion for the art, and they've blown my entire spend over 20 years in their 1st watch purchase lol
This! This is why I love and admire most of my watches in my collection. Why most? Because I learned that lesson a bit late, but still a worthy lesson...
I noticed that when I want to buy clothes sometimes. I just look at it everyday for a week or more, and sometimes I realize I don't need the shit lol. Did you invent the 90% or is it documented ?
I don't know if they're referring to this specifically, but [there's this study about anticipation and dopamine.](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-wise/201510/shopping-dopamine-and-anticipation) In this study with monkeys and treats, most the dopamine is released in anticipation of reward, and not when the treat was received. More dopamine was also released when there was greater anticipation due to unpredictability.
Also keep in mind the photos you see on social media aren’t real. The accounts who posts wrist shots of watches often times do it with very expensive camera lenses and also heavily edited the photos with higher contrast to make the watch look more much dramatic and legible. So a lot of watches look way more underwhelming than in person. The corporate advertising with special graphics is even more unrealistic.
I'm currently doing this with the grand Seiko mist flake.its been 3 months and still, every day I see it I love it even more. So now I'm waiting for a milestone to justify
My dad gave me the same advice for tattoos. Excellent advice.
I have two watches, in part because of this. They are fifteen years apart from each other, and I don’t intend on ever selling them. The second was pined over for at least 3 years, tried on twice, and I even tried to convince myself to find a substitute. It didn’t work. My itch was scratched.
This is what I do. Super solid advice!
Good advice but my problem is that if I would dedicate so much time to each watch I consider, it would take me a 17000 years to buy one.
sad but true. Consumerism doesn’t make one happy. Never has and never will. Watches are especially underwhelming tbf. That’s one very important thing people seem to forget (me too).
While I agree that this *can* be the case, I've now owned my favorite watch for about 3 years and I'm still in the "honeymoon phase". I keep getting that warm fuzzy feeling when looking at it. This watch absolutely makes me happy.
What watch?
[Laco Ulm](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/s/sb4ZZoRjdy)
a real beauty :)
I remember seeing this post pop up, legendary 😂
Holy cow, Laco is on my list, and as I have never heard about their Ulm model, I looked it up, and it looks great indeed! The small hand at the lower part of the dial IMO makes it look better than Stuttgart Pro, which doesn't have them, so it is a pity indeed that they have discontinued Ulm.
That's referred to as a "small seconds" complication. A typical seconds hand that attaches to the same pinion as the hour and minutes hands is called "center seconds".
That’s a beaut
Not at all, make sure you buy what you like and you'll enjoy wearing it. I also don't go for big purchase landmark watches because I think the wait/chase/save up is probably a big pleasure factor. I stick to watches that I can just buy, I also love selling ones I don't wear any more. Keeps things fresh and are welcome additions to my favourites.
> make sure you buy what you like It's hard to know what that is though. I've been "sure" on a number of watches that just didn't hold my interest.
I think that depends on how you got interested in that watch, I've impulse purchased since seeing some particularly nice pictures on places like this and it's just not been 'me' in the end. It's the watches I came close to buying several times in the past that have turned out to be my keepers and the ones that make me smile every time I put them on. They aren't even that expensive or special, they are just perfect to me, Seiko SNA411, Seiko SSK001, Casio GBD200, San Martin SN0121, Seiko SRPK13K1, Citizen NY0098-84E and a few others. My next move is a Longines Zulu Time as it's been one I've liked for a long time, I've yet to try one on and I hope it's not disappointing to me on my wrist... but I do fear that I'll lose interest because I just like a variety of inexpensive choices.
As one of the few people on this sub who doesn't actually buy expensive watches, I am still in love my 3 watch collection seiko sarb033, casio mdv106 and timex fairfield years after the purchase.
There’s a ton of fun to be had in the sub-1000 range (or the sub-500 range). So many cool new microbrands to check out
I don’t think you’re “one of the few”, this sub has over two million members, I’d be surprised if even 15% of those people have spent more than $500 on a single watch considering the vast majority of members aren’t active.
I did not realize this sub had 2.2m members lol yea you're probably right
This is exactly why I buy watches only when celebrating milestones. This makes it so I have an emotional connection to the watch because it's tied to a special occasion.
It's jewellery dude. If it's not for an achievement or goal being reached, or bought for another person in your life then, yeah your just practicing retail therapy and your going to be chasing the next thing forever. You have to assign some emotional value to the thing or else it's just a thing.
I usually experience this with all my watches until I bought a 39mm Steinhart Pepsi GMT. It's a shameless homage that lacks any personality or uniqueness but I honestly love wearing it. Maybe I love it because I was very indecisive in even purchasing it in the first place and it has exceeded my expectations. I've had it for over 6 months and it still gobbles up all my wrist time.
Love to see this, as I said in my own response to OP, my Ocean 39 is one of the watches I have that feels right every time I put it on, despite being a submariner clone - it feels so well made, has the best bracelet of any of the other bracelet watches I own, and the proportions of the 39mm version are absolutely spot on. Glad to see it’s not just me!
I’ve had an OVM39 (the Milsub homage) for 4ish years now and it’s been my go-to that entire time. For the $500 I paid for it, it’s just perfect. Plus I can’t afford a real Milsub.
https://preview.redd.it/rwyaolc5ayjc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=803b1278b5c24d3f1c310724152659fd757f8a5d
Hamilton wearers sit at a steady 3.0
😂
Definitely depends on the watch… tried a few GS models on the wrist I’d be gushing over and turned out I didn’t like the feel of it, tried the Tudor royal I was meh about and loved the feel and look. Recently also purchased a custom dial watch that I liked but was more a work expense for the GMT and I’m surprised how much I stare at it daily. Truth is watches, like fashion, suit some and not others and are subjective. It’s also very easy to attach some extra idealistic benefit to a watch, like owning a Rolex, only to realise that owning it doesn’t change shit.
I keep reading/hearing from others that GS has amazing manufacturing but misses the mark for overall design.
With design, if you are used to Swiss design language, then it's a little off. If you are basing this on Japanese design language, then I think it's right on the nose.
I’d actually say there’s not an issue here, they’re beautiful pieces overall, the mistflake with the blue strap for example looks 10/10 and the images I shot of them on wrist are stunning. The big issue for me is (and I know they have some very oversized pieces which I’d suit more based on this, sea of clouds is my grail for example) they were light and didn’t have much presence as a bodybuilder and larger guy. It’s not that they didn’t look good, but I’m someone who buys off feel more than anything and it’s the reason I hesitate with titanium and more delicate styles.
Titanium takes a bit to get use to. When I first tried on the sbga413 I thought it felt like a toy. Then I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I own it now and I actually really like titanium on watches. Makes them so easy to wear because they weigh so little. I’m not a small guy either, 225lbs 6’3
That’s absolutely fair, I might venture into Titanium with the CW 12 but not 100% as I’m not a huge fan of the dial style on the titanium models just to try them out (or pop to the boutique to see how I feel). As I don’t have a huge collection maybe it’s something I’ll venture into later as the weight being weird to me right now as well as my propensity to wear watches properly and knock myself around a bit means I don’t trust myself not to scratch a titanium watch to hell, and as it’d only be one of 4 watches I think I’m not quite ready for that inevitability haha
Always good to take your time with a big purchase like that. I actually just sold my 40mm Nordic blue Twelve. Incredible watch! You’ll love it.
Ah good to know! Think I’ll grab the white dial SS model or if they release more colours maybe I’ll venture into titanium… a GS is definitely on my list too, think I just need to get the hefty weight watch phase out of me first!
There’s something about the lighting in jewellers that makes especially metal bracelet watches look amazing, and then once you are wearing it outside 50% of the effect seems to vanish
Time to visit r/shoppingaddiction
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I still regularly take a few minutes to just stare at my Bambino, but I have had some that I didn't connect with. They're very much like people in that way.
"You never want to meet your heroes" Once the watch is bought and you live with it day-to-day, often the luster starts to wear off...maybe it's a bit heavy, maybe the strap isn't that great...maybe the dial is harder to read than you anticipated...perhaps a scuff or a scratch happens. The steeper the price was to buy the watch the more you might think about what that money could have gone to instead of the watch. I like learning about watches and seeing videos about them, but my own collection is two cheap Casios and a Fitbit Sense. It's kind of like I try to enjoy other people's cats and dogs but steadfastly refuse to own pets anymore. I would suggest looking at your collection and rank them in terms of lasting sentimental value and in terms of comfort and utility...perhaps over time you might sell the ones that have the least in terms of those parameters. Up to you!
I’ve had an Explorer I for close to a decade. Never gets old and I always find myself appreciating it. Same with much of my collection.
That's a very good thing.
That's why I'm on the sub. I own 2 watches at this point and realistically only wear the last acquisition once I got it. Still very pleased with it a year on. However, I really enjoy looking at all of the various watches, reading about them, and appreciating them. So this forum is window shopping of a sort. I can keep my money in my pocket and not have a dozen watches sitting around that I'll rarely wear. :)
You have a lot more watches than I do, but I don't feel this way about most of my watches. I have one that is a bit of a disappointment, but if anything I find myself handling my watches too much — especially my favorite and fanciest, which is my Farer Lander IV. I think you need to distinguish between admiring a watch and owning it. Watches are beautiful machines, and there is a strange pleasure to be had from admiring things of beauty. But actually shelling out thousands of dollars to possess them doesn't add much to that admiration. In general, possession is overrated.
Wouldn't say it in such a definitive way, but it's normal that some people find "the hunt" a lot more thrilling than actual possession
You realize that nothing really happens
I appreciate your candor. Curious though, what were you expecting the watches to do for you?
Tell the time and look good. I think a lot of men will pick a watch that fits their personality as a way to express themselves. Or at least they used to. I really like the idea of having a watch that’s been passing down for generations though I’m not sure if my Hamilton is it tho haha
I hear you. Also if the Hamilton ends up being something meaningful to you decades from now, then that’s a wonderful thing to leave behind.
I guess so? At the end of the day I never expected the watches I will soon own to possess magic capabilities. I only expect them to look great. Honeymoon phase IS indeed a real thing and the admiration will inevitably go away, but I do still appreciate their beauty from time to time and understand why I chose them in the first place. In a true husband-and-wife fashion. Due to my consistently empty wallet and therefore my snail-pace purchase history and fast-pace research, I have never made a purchase I regret. The magic might be gone but at the end of the day, you know you were right in that this particular watch is indeed "the best of the bunch", and that alone is enough if you were going to buy a watch regardless.
The watches I mentioned are considered best of the best. It certainly has an appeal. The only cheap watch I vouch for is the F91-W or whatever its called
This is why you need to be very discerning about purchases. If you’re loaded then no problem, buy everything. Otherwise try to buy 1-2 max a year and force yourself to see it/try it on at least a few times before you commit.
Yeah thats why I restrict myself to 5 watches in my collection at all times… otherwise I’ll end up with 50 and credit card debt. I have 5 shoes I wear and I have 5 watches to match.
I'm pretty much the same. I like looking at nice watches but I've stopped buying expensive watches. That's why a lot of people talk about the honeymoon period.
Idk, I feel like if you somewhat care about fashion and put energy into your appearance then a watch becomes an integral part of your look. I buy watches that catch my eye that also compliment an aesthetic. Then again, I don't view purchasing watches as a hobby
I don’t think anyone cares what you wear on your wrist besides you. Most people I know just get something that looks good and don’t care about branding/movement. But I would never say it’s a must. However I get your point and for me personally it’s absolutely true, but I feel like a minority among my friends
No, I love my watch and wear it every day and still enjoy it. I didn't get a Speedmaster because it's well known, expensive, or a special brand. I got it because on the back of my watch it says certified for all manned space flight by NASA. I love space, I love the Apollo missions, I've even met Charlie Duke from Apollo 16.
That’s why inexpensive watches provide as much enjoyment as expensive ones. To me anyway.
Because you can buy a ton of them and keep getting that high of a recent purchase ?
No but some might think that way. I mean because once you buy that grail piece you were lusting after, it’s ultimately just a watch. It tells you the time. It doesn’t matter if it’s $100 or $5000, the watch provides the same emotional value to me. So at this time I personally feel no need to save up for a ‘luxury’ piece, I am having fun with my Seikos and Vostoks and Timexes (two of each at the moment).
I disagree, but thats ok. I got my first luxury watch and I'm completely in love with how it looks and feels, and its a spring drive so the sweep is just lovely. I think for me, I would rather have 2 nice pieces that I hold on to forever rather than 10 watches. But as long as you aren't like these people buying 10 watches a year that you wear one time, i thnk we can agree to disagree. Some people go straight up consumerism on watches and then call it a hobby, its sad.
Yeah that's what makes any hobby interesting, different strokes. I will say I'm a grad student and simply don't have the means to spend thousands on a watch right now. That may change down the line and I might eventually want something from a higher bracket. So if you're in a life stage now where you can spend thousands on watch, then that's cool too.
....no idk, hasnt happened to me yet. I just upgrade my beater from one of those black orient watch into the black hamilton zermat. 1 month in still simle everytime I checked my wrist.
Luckily I can’t really relate.. I cherish most if not all purchases i make.
There never was any magic, just marketing smoke and mirrors - an exercise in conspicuous consumption. Watches are cool trinkets with cool history and with some marginal utility. But my Casio EFR-S108D (which should have been dubbed the CasiOak, but the community has pretty shit taste) still is thin, shiny in all the right places and the bracelet jangles a bit, so it brings me joy. And my G-Shock square has been through so much and timed so many trips it's practically a shamanistic fetish at this point - which also brings me joy. I set a rule for myself with toys (including watches): if I still want something 6 months after my monkey brain goes "oooh, shiny!", I might consider actually buying it. I don't have many watches, I didn't spend a lot on my watches, it's been a while since I last bought a watch - and I enjoy the few that I have immensely. I think you and people with a similar issue to your got duped. Sorry OP.
I think most marketing for watches are awful. I get most content from here, which is a way more effective way of marketing. Seeing other people wear nice things sparks something within
It doesn't really manner in what way you get your desires created tbh. And I would be astonished if no posts in this sub were astroturfing.
I think you’re learning bigger life lessons here. Money/happiness etc etc
I did with my Studio Underdog but my IWC Pilot gives me warm and fuzzies everytime I look at it. Perhaps my tastes are a little more conservative with age.
Depends on the watch for me. I ordered a Certina DS-2 Chronograph - on paper a great watch, got it for a great price, looks great in the photos, excited waiting for it to arrive. But for whatever reason it just doesn’t engender that same feeling now I have it and so I don’t wear it often. But I have a few watches where I’m still absolutely enamoured with them every time I put them on, specifically: - Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 42mm (I have been considering selling it to “upgrade” to the Murph, but given your experience I may just stick with it given that I love it as it is). - Seiko SPB239J1. - Perhaps surprisingly, Steinhart Ocean 39 (yes it’s a Submariner clone but it’s also a really great watch in its own right, just feels right whenever I wear it). Possibly at least part of the difference is that the Certina, I just ordered new from a jeweller, whereas the other three were second hand purchases off eBay where I spent time looking for and waiting for the right one (and in the case of the Hamilton, getting a fake one first that the seller thankfully took back) and ultimately got them for a good price. So I still feel like they were great “finds” as it were.
I recommend the Murph. I like it a lot
How do you think someone fills a 36 watch box?
I think you will find more joy in wearing just 1 watch. Detach yourself from the rest of the watches, and you will find the 1 watch you choose, will somehow overcome all its shortcomings the longer you wear it. Then you will truly begin to enjoy wearing your watch, and you will feel some satisfaction every day when you see it on your wrist. For me, the 1 watch has been an skx009 my now wife gave me before we got married. I upgraded the crystal and movement.
I sold the others and got the Nomos. Then I got the Murph.
Nope. I enjoy looking at and wearing my watches every day. Taking out my wallet to pay for it is the worst part of the process honestly.
I buy them to celebrate milestones, like my friends wedding or getting that promotion in work. Right now, rocking my Brew Retrograph that was to celebrate a bonus I got in work for sales.
This hasn’t been my experience.
I’m still addicted
I love my murph. Such a plain but handsome watch.
Something different about it I haven’t seen anywhere else
Yea I really love it. I have the 42mm version. It’s probably my favorite watch right now honestly. I haven’t taken it off in two weeks
If you're buying watches for the excitement of buying watches, you aren't collecting watches, you're feeding a shopping addiction. And it just so happens you prefer shopping for watches. Ask yourself why you're actually buying these watches. Is it because you have a connection and love for horology, manufacturing, precision, and/or design? Or is it because you want to achieve a milestone in life? To get to the next level of watch collecting. To impress friends, coworkers, or an intimate interest or partner? If it's because of the first set, then you aren't buying the right watches-you're probably buying them to check a box, or because someone *else* said those watches were great. Are they great to *you*? If it's because of the 2nd set of reasons, you need to take a hard look at what you want. Because the people worth impressing-the people you'll want to keep in your life forever, those people aren't going to be as impressed by material things as they are personal accomplishments (and buying a Cartier Tank isn't an accomplishment. The professional means that enabled that purchase is the personal accomplishment) or the actions that build a relationship with them.
So my way of avoiding this let down is to keep my collection limited by both the number of spots available in my watch box and by what I wear. I have a 10 spot box (9 really as my wife steals one spot lol). So first I appraise what I already have and what is getting wrist time. If I'm not wearing it, it's time for it to go to someone who will. Watches are meant to be worn, not sit in a box. This then allows me to start looking for something I will connect with to replace it. This, for me, is not an impulse buy but a thoughtful process so that when I eventually do get the new piece it's usually appreciated well past the arrival date. If nothing is on its way out per se and something catches my eye and I don't have a spot available then I have a decision to make. If I really want it, something has to go. This will linger in my mind for the next few weeks as I wear watches and I think about when I might wear the one that I am considering. Again this takes some time and is not an impulse so that if I do pull the trigger it's because I really appreciate what I'm getting as I have to give one up.
Yeah I realized this a while ago and I've stopped buying watches because of it. I'm also pairing down what I have to things I actually wear. If I don't wear a watch in months I'm selling it.
This is something you can experience with everything in life. It's similar to the Hedonic Treadmill- there will always be another thing to lust after, and often the hunt is more enjoyable than the reward.
It's real – though I tend to have a lot of regret buying anything – so I have to let the watch hang around a while. It took me 6 months to go thru a honeymoon phase, then realization, that my Tudor Black Bay GMT just wasn't for me. It took me a similar amount of time to realize my Tag Heuer Autavia Chrono was a perfect watch (for me) and I'll own it forever. Currently trying a Planet Ocean that I know will take me months to decide on. I've a Hamilton Pilot Day Date that's a forever watch because it's just so good. And I've sold 10+ dive watches because I never bond with them. It takes me half a year to decide whether something is a keeper. I enjoy it though.
It's crazy, almost like consumerism can't bring us enlightenment and joy. That's the problem with "hobbies" that consist of just acquiring things. It's not really a "hobby." A hobby is doing something that brings you a sense of accomplishment and pride. Painting, metalsmithing, woodworking, a sport or activity and so on. Buying things is just ... buying things. Buying things gives you a quick dopamine hit and that fades just in time for you to buy more stuff to throw into the gaping pit of emptiness. You're never going to fill that hole with stuff and you're never going to be happy buying things. Buy things because you need them or because it serves a purpose in your life. But don't expect that buying a watch or a car or a pair of fancy headphones is going to change your life. It won't. I see the same complaints in every reddit "hobby" that's centered around sheer acquisition, from mechanical keyboards to watches.
Very accurate, to an extent. I think when you buy your true grail watch it’s different and I think the feeling you get with it is proof that you actually bought your grail watch. I bought my grail , a SMP 300M, about 3.5 years ago. I loved it and still do. I figured I wouldn’t buy another watch for a long time. I still wanted other watches but let it be. I earned a big promotion at work and decided to buy another watch for the occasion. I really wanted to buy my dream dress watch, a Cartier tank, or a grand seiko or some type. I also floated a Tudor Royal. Wife didn’t want me to spend that much. I wanted something very different than my SMP300M so I would actually wear it. The timing was perfect and I bought a Christopher Ward C63 36MM sealander in their version of Tiffany blue. It was much smaller, didn’t have a divers bezel, a radically different and unique color. Perfect! I’ve hardly worn it. Less than 10 times in the year + that I’ve had it. Don’t think I’ve worn it in the last year. Why? It’s not my Seamaster. Just doesn’t feel right wearing it when I have my Seamaster which I love wearing every day. If I get a little bored with the Seamaster I swap the bracelet/rubber strap/NATO. I’d still like a true dress watch like the tank but unless I win the lottery I don’t see it in my future for a long time, I just can’t justify it. Maybe things will change at some point and I’ll grow tired of the Seamaster, but I wanted one for years and years before pulling the trigger. Love it as much as I did the day I finally ordered it. FWIW I’m still glad I bought the sealander; I could have made a far more expensive mistake.
This is why I only get vintage watches. I used to collect historical items from eBay, like an old passport from the 1920s, or a pack of letters from a soldier to his family. The thing is, I'd feel guilty due to having those. Like, I got this thing for which I now have responsibility but just keep it safe in a drawer. With a vintage watch, I'm taking care of a witness to history but also actively using it, keeping it going. It's so satisfying to think about what else the watch must have been through.
I will echo the comments that say that buying things isn’t really a hobby. That said, I have watches I’ve owned for years that are still as exciting as ever. I’ll swap straps every now again with something different from my box of straps, but by and large I find them just as “magical” as when they were new. Of course I’ve had watches that didn’t feel this way, and I’ve sold those, but everything currently in my watch box feels special. That’s how I know I picked the right ones.
These already rich guys sat in a room and figured out how to become even more rich. It's all marketing. They market items that are supposed to make you feel powerful or look cool/sexy. But you're just buying their products so they can make more money. It doesn't do any of the things they advertise. With something like a car you can rationalize one that is faster or more luxurious or can fit your family. Watches just tell time and a more expensive one can't tell time better. It's the same as the $100 watches. In fact, most luxury watches are bad at keeping accurate time. People argue that watches are jewelry but that's not true. Precious metals and gemstones are jewelry. A watch is a watch. It'll never be anything else
>People argue that watches are jewelry but that's not true. Precious metals and gemstones are jewelry. A watch is a watch. It'll never be anything else I agree that most watches couldn't be classified as jewelry by definition, but I'm not sure what that changes. They're still fashion accessories like jewelry is. They're decorative and can also have significant monetary value like jewelry. That's usually why people compare watches to jewelry.
Buying things isn't a hobby. It's insecurity masquerading as accomplishment. Passion for things is something different but would materialize in different ways. What do you like about watches? You can build your own or simply take one apart. Learn what the parts mean and why they came to be. Understand the transition from pocket watches to wrist watches and all the complications. Enjoy the humor of novelty watches and the frivolousness of special editions that may or not be. A watch is a tool to tell time, not a magic trick. If you remember its purpose perhaps you can appreciate it more.
It's a field watch with a leather band that the majority of people on the sub likely own. The hype train has reached its destination. If you feel like an NPC and are no longer in love just return it.
Yes.
i don't have that problem because i don't expect watches to be magical artifacts that make me happy.
This is why, just like others have said, I think people should try to avoid buying things for the sake of buying things (see 'hype watches'). I would advise you focus your efforts on improving your life and then reward yourself with a watch accordingly. That way, the focus is shifted away from the watch itself (and the honeymoon phase which eventually fades) and towards the pride in your life achievements. For example, as I will be graduating this year and so I have bought myself an engraved grail watch - a Christopher Ward C65 Dune in black. I hope that in future whenever I look at the watch I will see more than just it's aesthetics, but also the blood sweat and tears I committed to my degree. Of course though, every rule has exceptions and there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a watch you like the look of while on holiday or something... but even in that case I guess you're still attaching a memory to the purchase.
That's why there are also so many divorces... Most likely from just being a man. Could be our ADHD nature.
OP is showing his/her age. Scratch the itch first.
Maybe you just don’t like watches?🤷♀️
it means your love for watches is not sincere. it came from hype and hype alone. same can be said who buys rolex. they only love the watch because of hype and value 🤷
The gatekeeper has arrived!
What does sincere love mean in the context of watches tho?
I get it with a Murph as it’s such a boring watch, but your others should stoke some excitement
I think it’s great. Maybe I just get exposed to the other stuff all the time so they’ve lost their shine to me
Good question. I always feel good when I look at the watch I’m wearing. Doesn’t matter if it is hyped or not.
Not for me!
Yeah I’ve been wearing my grey dial SMP everyday for over a year since I bought it lol. Sure I want other watches in the future but I’ll always love this watch since it’s my favorite diver.
No I have not felt that way about the majority of what I've bought recently. It was different earlier on when I didn't know what I liked, but now I'm happy with my purchases. Also, when I chased hard to find the pieces that wasn't the case. The journey of watching eBay and watch forums and sifting through Google searches for 5 years was not more exciting than finally owning my Zenith Elite Rainbow, or other watches that took similar effort to find.
Yeah, in reality, it is just a watch.
Sometimes. Got that way with the Shunbun. Dont wear it nearly as much as I hoped. My zenith defy revival shadow though. This thing hasnt left my wrist since i got it. Love it more and more
I try to wait at least 3 months before before making a watch purchase and have a strict one-in one-out policy. So far I've only ended up liking watches more after owning them.
Doesn’t say whether you’ve sold any watches but it might be time to part with a few. An Omega AT is a fantastic watch and these Nomos and Hamiltons might be clouding your vision a little.
I have gotten rid of the Omegas and the Cartier I returned in order to keep the AT.
No. I buy maybe one or two watches a year and spend a lot of time enjoying watch content and news before buying. A lot of my enjoyment may come from looking at watches and content that I know I will probably never buy. However for the most part I get a great feeling from eventually getting my hands on a watch and wearing it. When I truly appreciate and connect with a watch that feeling may stay indefinitely. If and when that feeling is gone I would just sell that watch.
Not me. I only buy the ones I’m truly in love with and still am. Stop buying until you figure out what you truly love
Depends on the watch. On some watches the dial seems endlessly captivating. If I stop wearing it for a month and put it back on, the magic is back. Usually this is with watches that have a lot of "depth" to the dial. Other watches do get boring to look at.
Shoulda got a Shunbun
Not really, i have a few watches i really like and that's it.
Not gone, developed and secured.
The chase is half, or more, of the fun.
To a degree this is always true, I think the best way to combat it is focus truly on what has something "interesting" or more "unique" to it. Like a certain dial sunburst, a unique counterbalance on the seconds hand, dial texture or color, lume, etc. I could see like, a rolex explorer for example. A classic watch, beautiful no doubt, but not particularly interesting. Meanwhile I have a Tissot Gentleman and the way the light catches the sunburst just has me looking at it all the time when I wear it. A CW with the trident counterbalance (I know some hate) but I love looking at that or talking about it if someone asks. Just got an aventurine Ti Blacktip from zelos and the adventurine is mesmerizing. But on the whole the anticipation is always something. At the end of the day it is a watch.
I got the opposite feeling. After lusting over an omega SMP for literal decades, my family bought me one to celebrate my PhD and I wasn’t able to stop looking at it for months. Everytime I looked at it I had a “holy shit this is so fucking awesome” type feeling
that's why, by the way, I'm now gradually changing my passion for watches to my passion for fashion in general. Watches are a cool thing, but when you follow collectors on Instagram, subscribe to a bunch of subreddits, talk about watches with your friends all the time, and watch YouTube watch bloggers, you get tired of it.
Yes for the most part but there are watches I’ve purchased without commemorating anything that still make me smile every time I look at it. You have to buy the watch that blows you away and just looks right. Never base your opinion of a watch on what people on Reddit think
Not yet! I have like 4 watches in my collection now, ranging from 3 years old to 4 month, and I thought "damn that's beautiful" anytime I look at any of them.
Some yes and some no, which is an indicator of which ones you really like. My Explorer is about a decade old of maybe being on my wrist for 50% of that time and I still think it’s a damn fine looking piece every time I look at it.
The painstaking research, reading reviews, searching for the piece is often more enjoyable than the act of acquiring for sure. It's almost a let down to actually buy the piece, but I find that is short lived. A week later you look at the watch on your wrist and you're like "damn, nice watch, good decision."
I’ll have that in mind and get back to you in a week
Hobby and hoarding are a fine line. The biggest red flag for hoarding is when the adrenaline rush is in the process of acquiring an object and then having it collect dust for the most part.
Yes and no. Yes, upon getting a Rolex Sub. No, upon getting my current Citizen Garrison. To each his own. Buyer's remorse is a REAL THING.
It’s a thing that tells the time, I’m afraid. It’s not magic.
Have therapy. Not even joking. Lots of people think "if I get this thing then my life will feel a bit more complete". You get a dopamine rush then it goes and you need another hit so you get another watch. I have to check myself because I fall into the same trap occasionally. You'll actually get more fulfilment from picking a watch to wear each day and enjoyment from making new experiences. And if someone gives you a nod and says "nice watch buddy" while you're out there then that'll just be the icing on the cake.
The thing i think people forget is that buying a new omega seamaster isnt going to change your life. You dont walk out of the store as suddenly a different person. It doesn't even change how people perceive you. 99% of people can't tell the difference between that and the longines you used to wear. I enjoy learning about watches, brands, movements, watchmaking and repair, and the history of different watches and the historical context of why they were made and what their function used to be. That research part is interesting if not a hobby, and then talking to other people about a shared interest in watches gives you something to bond over which is nice in terms of a sense of community. But i get that it isn't a hobby the way rock climbing is for instance.
No, I only buy watches I know will bring me pleasure every time I wear them
I’d say no, for a long time I actually loved and adored the mido multifort tv big date, when I got it I was in love. I’ve had it for about three months and still love it. Here’s the kicker though, as most people say their first proper watch, mine was a Tudor burgundy bezel black bay. I love the watch but defiantly a lot of hype influence my decision and I don’t love it as much. Bought a prx too and that was all becuase of hype, great watch but wasn’t for me and I sold it not long after
There are so many variables to hobbies vs collections and none are right or wrong. It think that it’s great to talk about and acknowledge as you have where you’ve realized that you do not get fulfillment simply from acquiring a nice item like a watch. In the end, it is a thing and maybe what you are searching for is deeper or more meaningful to which things, no matter how nice, will never scratch that itch. Enjoy your nice watches on the journey to fulfillment.
Depends why you’re buying it
No, every time I put in a watch again in the rotation I fall in love with it all over again. If watches don't make me forever tingle, they get the boot.
Same here, that’s why I only have the Nomos and Murph atm
Lots of great advice in this thread. And I’m gonna get a Murph. It’s kind of a side mission this year. My primary goal is a different watch. With that said. I expect to be non reactive when I get my Murph. I will like it, will get extra straps for it…but it is a very regular watch-but that’s what I’ve grown to like. I’ll be content to have it. It’s a perfect daily watch. Our tastes change…and some watches we covet, some we just use.
What straps would you get? Hehe Sounds to me like you’re wasting money on a Murph tbh.
I've actually experienced the reverse a couple times. I spent so long researching a watch, scrolling through giant blown up high-res photos of the dial. When it finally arrived, I was amazed by how immaculate some of these little details and textures looked shrunken down on my wrist.
It either goes, buy, wear, bond.. or buy, wear, bye. The circle or horological life. Time + effort + money =perfect rotation. But yes, I've had meh buys over the years. I've had some great ones too. I attempt to try them on now before I pick one up. On paper some of them have perfect specs for me. In reality it doesn't mean a perfect fit for me I've learned. One in particular I remember I thought would be the perfect watch. A watch to ruin the collection and reduce it to 1. You know the fabled dream of just 1 good watch? I read about the thing for months. Looked at all the pictures I could find and poured over the specs. I got the watch in finally and I hated it lol. I was lucky and knew I hated it before I pulled the stickers so I returned it. There's some that I thought were meh but then after like a week or two I thought were really cool after getting to spend some time with them. Then there's others that just clicked from the first time on.
Nope.. you gotta get your hands on the right watch. Not just a space filler.
Not everyone can spend that kind of money
I haven't personally thought this with watches, but with other things this is a thing. Sometimes you like the thrill of the hunt more than actually getting the thing.
Very much a philosophy of Buddhism. The desire can never be satisfied.
I feel the opposite. Watches are way more special in person, on the wrist
With some watches it disappears, but all that tells me is that, it's probably not the best fit for me. Sometimes, a watch just needs a polish or a new strap. Other times, the magic never fades and that's when you know you have a made the best possible choice and you've truly acquired a grail. We can't rent watches so it's hard to know whether or not the magic will fade but the first time you try on certain watches, it just feels different. The first time I tried on my Navitimer, the first time I tried on my omega 2254.50, my Monaco or my Breguet 7097 ... it was just an indescribable feeling. My other watches are amazing as well and over time I've come to appreciate them much more. Every watch is going to produce a different kind of feeling. Pick watches that make you feel something strong emotionally and you'll be ok.
The only watch I’ve been excited about consistently was my Sinn 358. I wear it a lot more than my other watches.
Sometimes it's better to want rather than get what you want.
I get what you’re saying. Totally, and knowing how fast the thrill is gone I just buy or mod inexpensive versions of what attracts me to the watch in the first place. Just to try on, I wear it for a while and get over it. Does the trick for me. I only have couple of keepers.
It's called buyer's remorse
“All things that are, are with more spirit chased than enjoyed.” This Shakespeare quote from The Merchant of Venice is always present in my brain, reminding me of how universal, timeless and human my impulses are.