Watches leave me feeling sad lately

[Boothroyd]

I have a very limited "collection" as you can see from my signature line. But to the spirit of the thread, my view on the hobby has always been influenced by my economics background, and the idea of marginal value. The first Rolex (as an example) provides a lot of value. The third or fourth, not so much.

I still covet many models, and funds aren't really the issue (within reason). But I find it very difficult to pull the trigger even when thinking of adding basic models. I have one Rolex for work or dress, one for play, and one Tudor for weekend-type wear. I can't seem to get myself motivated to acquire more, although I certainly enjoy what I have. The next watch just won't get extended wear, or one that I have will get less wear. That lessens my enthusiasm greatly for getting a fourth or fifth.

[GradyPhilpott]

The current climate and tone of the hobby is actually depressing.

There is so much negativity that it isn't really very enjoyable to dwell on it all, at least for now.

I still enjoy my watches very much and enjoy discussing them with the friends who will listen to me and most of all I enjoy wearing them.

I won't be getting rid of any any time soon, but there's no real urgency to buy any more at this stage of my life.

It is interesting though how many of the things I used to enjoy so much have been tarnished by so much discord and animosity.

Fun just doesn't seem to be what it used to be.

[77T]

Maybe Rolex anticipated the Baby Boomer slump as they reached retirement and make careful choices of what they buy.

The other generations put their money into things that don’t match the Rolex lineup price points.


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[Bigblu10]

All I can say is the mood and attitude of the forum has evolved in the last year or so. Too much focus on these mechanical marvels as "investments", "will my watch be worth?", "grey market sales", etc. The positive threads concerning the "enjoyment" of wearing a Rolex have unfortunately dwindled. This is why many of the long time members who have been here since the early days have backed off from forum participation. Just an observation.

[AK797]

Great post Brian, and I agree with that bloated feeling of excess, be it over watches or a hobby or food, and that you need to detox and cleanse yourself, or consolidation s we like to fancifully put it. I subscribe now to the one in one out rule for most things, esp clothes and things that can build up easily. As for the forum, it is what it is due to the changing times and I go with the flow on that.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

I have a very limited "collection" as you can see from my signature line. But to the spirit of the thread, my view on the hobby has always been influenced by my economics background, and the idea of marginal value. The first Rolex (as an example) provides a lot of value. The third or fourth, not so much.

I still covet many models, and funds aren't really the issue (within reason). But I find it very difficult to pull the trigger even when thinking of adding basic models. I have one Rolex for work or dress, one for play, and one Tudor for weekend-type wear. I can't seem to get myself motivated to acquire more, although I certainly enjoy what I have. The next watch just won't get extended wear, or one that I have will get less wear. That lessens my enthusiasm greatly for getting a fourth or fifth.

The law of diminishing returns... glad at least something we learnt at Uni has some real world use.

[gettocard]

My advice : something is missing in your life,or something needs to be fixed. I've pretty much been there done that. I've had a lot of watches and kept buying and flipping them,but the whole thing always left me empty and unemotional,cold I would say. I used to buy a watch only to end up selling it to finance for another one. At some point I've figured out what was going on : my marriage was going south and there was no way we could saved it,so this watches shopping spree was working as a sort of compensation of what I was missing. At some point even my body became to feel sick,that's when I've decided to end my marriage. Been happy and watch free since then. And healthy !!!
Take a break and ask for help,therapy worked wonders for me. If I look back at those years that guy was a totally different me.

Best of luck !

[antbkny]

There’s nothing wrong with changing priorities

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The current climate and tone of the hobby is actually depressing.

There is so much negativity that it isn't really very enjoyable to dwell on it all, at least for now.
.

i hate to say it, but if its bad now its going to be way worse when these "investment" watches crash. Then its going to be angrier for a different reason as this time people will have lost real money. IMO its not getting better for the foreseeable future. At least for a significant subset of people who the investment proposition is the draw.

[drc73]

I think it’s just natural evolution of growing “wiser”. We settle on the things that really matter. Family, beleifs, legacy, etc. Much of the world is just noise. As we grow wise, we simplify.

[THC]

Very eloquently stated Brian... you have tapped into an emotion that many have, but do not share..

[brandrea]

Thanks for the post Brian. I share some of your sentiments.

It’s a good reminder to all of us that sometimes less is more

[car_wash_guy]

Originally Posted by gettocard

My advice : something is missing in your life,or something needs to be fixed. I've pretty much been there done that. I've had a lot of watches and kept buying and flipping them,but the whole thing always left me empty and unemotional,cold I would say. I used to buy a watch only to end up selling it to finance for another one. At some point I've figured out what was going on : my marriage was going south and there was no way we could saved it,so this watches shopping spree was working as a sort of compensation of what I was missing. At some point even my body became to feel sick,that's when I've decided to end my marriage. Been happy and watch free since then. And healthy !!!
Take a break and ask for help,therapy worked wonders for me. If I look back at those years that guy was a totally different me.

Best of luck !

Good advice sir.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

you are not wrong, but hobby forum people have addictive/obsessive personalities generally and its obvious. So its better watches than hookers, gambling, booze, porn, or drugs

So it’s bad that I also like hooker, gambling, booze, porn and drugs?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Great post Brian.
This is the worst moment I've experienced here.
People joining to ask about investment or to whine about lists and availability.

Thanks and yes I agree, the general forum is littered with this

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The current climate and tone of the hobby is actually depressing.

There is so much negativity that it isn't really very enjoyable to dwell on it all, at least for now.

My feeling exactly

Originally Posted by gettocard

My advice : something is missing in your life,or something needs to be fixed.

Undoubtedly

Originally Posted by THC

Very eloquently stated Brian... you have tapped into an emotion that many have, but do not share..

Thanks, felt I need to say it, the cleanup continues today

[Etschell]

i am posting and visiting less now because i have tests and other things going on that are more important. doesnt help the state of the industry at the top is quite difficult to be a buyer in. i would just give this piece of advice, no matter what watches arent the most important thing in life. if they are you are doing it wrong.

perhaps a vacation with loved ones is a better way to commemorate your accomplishment.

dont get me wrong i really like watches. i decided my next watch will be what i really want, price is insane. id rather have one or two stellar watches than a bunch that are lateral. for me it must be a gold or platinum sports model rolex. i will wait until the time is right. that said ive learned that if you are not happy material things really dont change that (although it is easier to cry in a porsche).

however, the fact that i dont have that watch wont change my happiness. a watch on the wrist is not what i want to define me or be remembered by.

this forum is great because it brings rolex enthusiasts together. however for most rolex is a complimentary not defining piece of who they are. buying into the material world is fine, but it can leave one empty because there is always someone with more.

good luck and be well.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Etschell

perhaps a vacation with loved ones is a better way to commemorate your accomplishment.

Thanks I think We may spend 11 days in Switzerland and I had planned to look for a watch, now I am not so sure

[Art 1]

I made big changes in my life in several areas. I sold all my watches and bought an Explorer and couldn't be happier watch wise. A person needs to get over feeling peer pressure and some other things that go with that. In fact, when I read on this forum some posters angst in what expensive car to buy or what extremely expensive pm watch to buy , or what watches to wear on vacation I actually feel sorry for them. I was once them but no longer am. Thankfully.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Thanks I think We may spend 11 days in Switzerland and I had planned to look for a watch, now I am not so sure

Perhaps you can look AT watches but not necessarily FOR watches.

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by Art 1

I made big changes in my life in several areas. I sold all my watches and bought an Explorer and couldn't be happier watch wise. A person needs to get over feeling peer pressure and some other things that go with that. In fact, when I read on this forum some posters angst in what expensive car to buy or what extremely expensive pm watch to buy , or what watches to wear on vacation I actually feel sorry for them. I was once them but no longer am. Thankfully.

I am so glad I got an Explorer as my first serious watch. I could live with that as my one and only and be very happy, even though I added a couple more.

And to your point, I just came home from a business trip and found out my wife's car needs a $4500 repair. Spent this morning at the Audi dealership and decided, "what do I need a new one for"? Will just fix her's and drive it into the ground over time. I am past the point where I need to impress anyone with what we drive or show as consumer durable goods.

[kultschar]

Take a break from watches for a while.

When you come back this Rolex madness will all be errr....much worse

[TRM]

I completely understand where you are coming from. My watches don't make me sad, quite the opposite but I really have no desire to add to the collection unless the right JLC happens to come along at the right time. Watches are not my priority right now.

Expensive watches equal expensive servicing and only one can be worn at a time anyway. I'm not ready to sell what I have and keep only one yet, but have considered it a time or two. Actually my collections of other things are somewhat in limbo now as I have plenty of "things" and don't use everything I have anyway.

None of it is costing me anything and nothing takes up much room so everything can stay for now. When I think about it just how many watches, ink/fountain pens, guns and fly fishing items does one guy need. When out I still like to look at watches and talk to the sales/AD people about them but have no burning desire to walk out with a new one.

[gettocard]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

I am so glad I got an Explorer as my first serious watch. I could live with that as my one and only and be very happy, even though I added a couple more.

And to your point, I just came home from a business trip and found out my wife's car needs a $4500 repair. Spent this morning at the Audi dealership and decided, "what do I need a new one for"? Will just fix her's and drive it into the ground over time. I am past the point where I need to impress anyone with what we drive or show as consumer durable goods.

Say what ???? get rid of that Audi and get a Toyota FFS !!
A car that needs a $4500 repair needs to be binned asap..

[rmurphy]

I can really relate to everything you said. Thanks for sharing this today, I needed to be reminded that things will never make me happy.



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[The Libertine]

Understandable.

Makes me appreciate even more those Rolex watches I own.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Perhaps you can look AT watches but not necessarily FOR watches.

Good point!

Well I did my good deed for the day and gifted my 14060M Sub to my son for his birthday.

He will enjoy owning and I will enjoy seeing him with it. Made me feel better knowing someone will enjoy wearing it more often than I am.

One down, several more to go!

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Good point!

Well I did my good deed for the day and gifted my 14060M Sub to my son for his birthday.

He will enjoy owning and I will enjoy seeing him with it. Made me feel better knowing someone will enjoy wearing it more often than I am.

One down, several more to go!

That’s REALLY awesome, Brian!!!

[superdog]

Been thinking bout this post.

Have you thought about wearing your watches more? Sounds like you only wear them when out.

Personally, I wear mine 24 x 7. Only time it’s off is gym and shower. They give me great satisfaction to wear at all times.

I love waking up at 2:00 and looking at my watch. It’s one of the reasons lume is so important to me.

Anyway, it’s a tough time to be a watch lover. Tons of bitching takes a toll. Negativity breeds negativity.

Seek the positive.

[TRM]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Understandable.

Makes me appreciate even more those Rolex watches I own.

That's an excellent way to look at that, appreciate what you already have.

[FTX I]

.