Constant Need For More?

[shteam]

Hello Rolex Forums!

Most of the individuals on here have been purchasing/collecting much longer than I have. I've gotten into watches for about 2 years and it seems the more exposure to various brands/pieces I get, the more I'm feeling like it's never enough.

Within the past two years I've managed to purchase various pieces ranging from an Omega Planet Ocean "Casino Royale" to a YMII SS. Every time I wanted a piece, it seemed like the price was unattainable. Then you work hard, get lucky, find a great deal and the moment you pull the trigger & put it on your wrist, one of the most amazing high's occur. However, it seems the more (quantity+value) I purchase, the less the "high" lasts and I end up looking for the next thing within a month.

Does/Did this happen with any of the experience members? This post is not meant to be a humble brag, complaining, etc. I'm just curious if anyone else has experienced this and might be able to pass on some advice. Feels like I'm chasing the "high" rather than enjoying what I've worked for.

[douglasf13]

Pick your favorite and sell off everything else. That's what I did. Read this for motivation: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/op...-one-watch-guy

[SROB]

I understand, and have likely had some form of this myself.... I'll assume, others as well.

I have no sage wisdom.... maybe think of this from an economic perspective - financial responsibilities, retirement, etc... then allocate however much you feel is right for watches, and enjoy

[Muzz]

I think it happens along the way to becoming experienced for a lot of people. The new acquisition feeling is addictive similar to many other things in life.

If you want to control it then buying for sentimental reasons or to mark achievements may be a way to curb it a little.

Many member’s most prized pieces are not related to the cost of the watch believe it or not. They are the pieces that hold high emotional value.

Recognizing this now should save you a lot of future frustration.

[mjclark32]

Yup, I’m cutting a few pieces back that never get worn. Just had our first baby and I want my 16610 to be the watch my family looks back and sees in every picture when I’m gone.
Wore it on my wedding day, delivery day for baby, baby photos etc etc. will keep a couple pieces no matter what but the sub will be on my wrist 99% of the time

[Quailhunter]

You are trying to fill a void with “things”. It doesn’t work. I know. I’ve been there.

[Bleu Martinez]

*Disclaimer: I'm new as well and not experienced as others here, so feel free to discard what I say* In my opinion it may be a sign that you may not have actually found the piece(s) you're truly interested in (I know you prob wouldn't get any you didn't like, but that doesn't always equal LOVING the watch. To tie into this I have read that it's advisable to buy quality, not quantity. With that said, you can have as many watches as you like. I just think like this and constantly ask myself if I REALLY want a particular one or if I'm just in the heat of the moment. Well anyway, I hope this may help. Cheers.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Yup, I’m cutting a few pieces back that never get worn. Just had our first baby and I want my 16610 to be the watch my family looks back and sees in every picture when I’m gone.
Wore it on my wedding day, delivery day for baby, baby photos etc etc. will keep a couple pieces no matter what but the sub will be on my wrist 99% of the time

[shteam]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

You are trying to fill a void with “things”. It doesn’t work. I know. I’ve been there.

Appreciate the feedback so far everyone! Quailhunter, I do agree this is definitely a part of it. What did you do or what realization did you have?

[sensui]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

You are trying to fill a void with “things”. It doesn’t work. I know. I’ve been there.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by shteam

Hello Rolex Forums!

Most of the individuals on here have been purchasing/collecting much longer than I have. I've gotten into watches for about 2 years and it seems the more exposure to various brands/pieces I get, the more I'm feeling like it's never enough.

Within the past two years I've managed to purchase various pieces ranging from an Omega Planet Ocean "Casino Royale" to a YMII SS. Every time I wanted a piece, it seemed like the price was unattainable. Then you work hard, get lucky, find a great deal and the moment you pull the trigger & put it on your wrist, one of the most amazing high's occur. However, it seems the more (quantity+value) I purchase, the less the "high" lasts and I end up looking for the next thing within a month.

Does/Did this happen with any of the experience members? This post is not meant to be a humble brag, complaining, etc. I'm just curious if anyone else has experienced this and might be able to pass on some advice. Feels like I'm chasing the "high" rather than enjoying what I've worked for.

This is normally why moderation is a good idea. It IS never enough. You need to slow it down whilst you ascertain your favourite watch. There is no reason it should be the most expensive.
I hope you're just into Rolex and you're over this by the time you're looking at more expensive brands.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by shteam

Hello Rolex Forums!

Most of the individuals on here have been purchasing/collecting much longer than I have. I've gotten into watches for about 2 years and it seems the more exposure to various brands/pieces I get, the more I'm feeling like it's never enough.

Within the past two years I've managed to purchase various pieces ranging from an Omega Planet Ocean "Casino Royale" to a YMII SS. Every time I wanted a piece, it seemed like the price was unattainable. Then you work hard, get lucky, find a great deal and the moment you pull the trigger & put it on your wrist, one of the most amazing high's occur. However, it seems the more (quantity+value) I purchase, the less the "high" lasts and I end up looking for the next thing within a month.

Does/Did this happen with any of the experience members? This post is not meant to be a humble brag, complaining, etc. I'm just curious if anyone else has experienced this and might be able to pass on some advice. Feels like I'm chasing the "high" rather than enjoying what I've worked for.

Happened to me and almost cost me my interest in watches.

I still need to sell more

[Bleu Martinez]

To shorten up what I just said in last post - if you look at your watch on your wrist and think to yourself "cool", then prob not the right one. But instead you think to yourself "OH YEAH" in Macho Man Randy Savage's voice = jack pot.

[shteam]

Originally Posted by Bleu Martinez

To shorten up what I just said in last post - if you look at your watch on your wrist and think to yourself "cool", then prob not the right one. But instead you think to yourself "OH YEAH" in Macho Man Randy Savage's voice = jack pot.

Hahaha that's a good point. I often think "OH YEEEEEEEAH" in Kool-Aid Man's voice for a month or so and then it becomes "cool". I still love it and don't want to sell. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ weird place i'm in.

[armen34]

Op, just stick around trf and your problem will not be a problem, it will be the norm.

[jets]

This is a very good question and I have been there. I've gone through many pieces and can attest to the highs and lows you're feeling. What I found was that after I had all these pieces I seemed to gravitate to two of them most of the time and found I need to come up with reasons to wear the others. That's when you know what has to go and what can stay. I did this and started cleaning house.

Find what I think of as the core collection. One stunner you can wear with a suit or dressed up, another killer for sporting your casual side for the rest of the time. In my case I have a 3rd - what I think of as a solid high end beater. This is a piece I can wear on site working, meeting clients, get dirty and if I kill it I can get another. Depending on your line of work you may not need this but I do. Check my sig, the X33 is this watch for me. Now that I'm here I am happy and content. At this point I just sit back and if something catches my eye I'll pick it up and if I really like it than it stays. Until I get to my financial goal of not worrying about anything I'll bust out and get a Patek or serious PM piece. I don't think I want to have more than 5 watches ever again.

Just my take on it.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by armen34

Op, just stick around trf and your problem will not be a problem, it will be the norm.

True dat

[harvey]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

You are trying to fill a void with “things”. It doesn’t work. I know. I’ve been there.

...this quote is on the mark.

[red1108nyc]

Slippery downward slope so you can choose your own way down :-)

[GB-man]

Welcome

[meganfox17]

Isn't there a unique term for this kind of obsessive compulsive behaviour...
Horophile....Horophiliac ?

[Fleetlord]

You essentially have a shopping addiction.

Recognizing it is the first step.

[polaris72]

I rather enjoy what I already have. Getting a new watch means letting one go. Helps to control the cravings.

[Star Ferry]

Sounds like you are addicted to the high of making big ticket watch purchases

Better to appreciate what you have. You can achieve a sense of novelty by doing weekly or monthly rotations

[Quailhunter]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

You are trying to fill a void with “things”. It doesn’t work. I know. I’ve been there.

I still suffer sometimes with this problem of buying things to fill a void, but have realized that I should not “love” anything that can’t love me back and there is a huge difference between being happy and being contented.

The elation and happiness that results from buying a watch or whatever fades quickly. Thinking about real need vs want helps. Thinking about a perhaps wiser or more generous use of the money helps. There are some other things that fill the void better than physical things, but talking about them here isn’t appropriate.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by shteam

Feels like I'm chasing the "high" rather than enjoying what I've worked for.

And that is exactly what is happening.

Part of it is you haven't done enough self-reflection to know what it is that you really want. Another part is that our way of lives tend to be push for more and more. More money, better jobs, nicer cars, bigger houses...the list goes on and on. Nauseatingly so.

So...enjoy more and chase less.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

You are trying to fill a void with “things”. It doesn’t work. I know. I’ve been there.

Agree.

Buying watch after watch will only make you stop and ask yourself one day: “Why do I have so many watches, when I continually wear but a few”. Then you’ll wish you had saved your money....

Need to find out why you are not content first.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Agree.

Buying watch after watch will only make you stop and ask yourself one day: “Why do I have so many watches, when I continually wear but a few”. Then you’ll wish you had saved your money....

Need to find out why you are not content first.

Amen, and then comes the sell off...

[locutus49]

It is the addiction pattern and it can happen with material goods, drugs, etc. You have to learn to taper off and be happy with one or two of the best.

I am down to one watch, but I get pleasure reading about others and their watches. You don't have to own them to enjoy them. Good luck.

[AK797]

The hunt is often more thrilling than the kill. And the Law of diminishing returns also applies the further up and on you go in this hobby, which is why price can become exponentially astronomical at the haute end for just a little bit more finesse or an extra complication. With that said it is important to find your lane and where you are most comfortable and so less likely to suffer from regret or boredom or envy. You have to buy a few watches and experience them to know where that is, all part of learning.