Well, I am still going for option B. Now, the theory assumes zero dopamine between "purchases". That need not be the case... My Focus the last few years have be solely on indies and comissioning from independent watchmakers. The whole process which often last several years is rewarding. Updates, dinners, meeting and event making friends in the process. So many spikes on the route and a rush at the end.
Perfect way to actually get the dopamine rush from not buying, but from experiences and personal interaktion.
Peter, what an astute observation... in fact, I would tend to agree with you COMPLETELY. In fact, you hit the nail on the head... what would otherwise be mini-dopamine-hits from small silly purchases is replaced with all the social and emotional upsides of your approach. I think your conclusion would trumps mine, thank you for writing 😁🥂
Great comment. I think the takeaway message, for us afflicted, should be you do not need to get all your dopamine hits from watches, but you can by buying high end independents 😂
I generally I have always done A, even as a kid I was buying cheap quartz watches all the time to enjoy different styles, complications and refine my taste. And loved collecting and wearing variation. I can always sell to buy better/expensive ones more often too!
For me the whole point of collecting however is variation, and as a result quantity. If you just have 3-5 watches and are content, you're not a collector in my book..I have more pairs of shoes I wear regularly and I don't consider myself a shoe collector! It's just an accessory then and you need some different ones to fit the occassion. Or it's a fashion/status symbol.
This may well be how a collection starts, but it can't be the end goal. You may settle, consolidate a large collection but that end the collecting journey for me.
Collectors often have some philosophy, for example to collect a certain era, brand, complication or some range within these. Mine is to collect a watch I appreciate from each brand (only 1!), and to get as broad a range of complications, style, age and utility across the collection.
I enjoy the hunt for new things (and hidden gems/deals give an extra kick) to add and will add as much as my budget (and safe) fits. Sometimes selling to get something better, I enjoy watches nearly the same regardless if they are 1000 or 10.000 pounds and get a very similar honeymoon period as described for both ranges.
Below 1000 some quality/movement issues can start to affect enjoyment and satisfaction period. So I do try to hold off on cheap hits (like a Baltic or Furlan Marri).
Above 15-20k there are also negative enjoyment factors such as increased worry about theft/loss/damage which is why I try to avoid that range as I don't see it fit my current lifestyle. But no doubt may become more fitting later, as these worries are also relative. Some treat a 40k watch like I do a 1k watch because it has the same relative value for them. They might struggle to wear a 250k watch in the same way I do a 40k watch.
Another key advantage I find owning a larger collection (20+) is that you get to rediscover watches after having worn them for a while and the average use per watch remains very low in a decent rotation so the condition and service cost per watch are also improved.
Some well made points... I resisted the urge to link to a bunch of old posts, but you touched on so many relevant things... most of all, the key one is relative value, that is, relative to one’s own net worth. That’s always a factor which makes it difficult to ever write a watch post which “lands” with everyone who reads it.
That said, one thing that does always land, is the idea of the hunt. The hunt is always the most satisfying part... in some ways, this is true of all nice things, even women 😅
I don’t even see myself as a collector - I like watches, I enjoy the conversations and friendships which watches create, and I think I’ve learned how to appreciate watches without ownership - and only a handful of pieces ever make it to the level where I’m curious enough to want to experience ownership. So far I still think I own too many, but then I also have to think about why I have each one, and they’re not really easy to get rid of. This might be related to sentimental value which I try not to get caught up with, but there’s also a big problem of fear: that is fear of regret.
Another thing, one big reason to own watches is the membership to a club. Slightly related to “status” but not in the sense of wealth or prestige, but rather, just ... credibility. It’s much easier to have deep collector conversations when people place you in a box that they “rate highly” - not because of the price of the watches or the implied wealth you possess - but the perception of what “level” you’re collecting at. This could be anything from an obscure rare Heuer or UG to a Haldimann H9. Money is one thing, but knowledge and experience to get to certain depths is arguably more impressive as a “status symbol” in this weird world.
But hey, thanks for sharing your thoughts man. Appreciate you 🫡
B, because the things that I value about watches the most are not found in watches falling within A. Accordingly, purchases in A fail to satisfy. Additionally, the expenditure of money on things that I don't value causes dissonance, decreasing internal happiness. For more frequent acquisition desires, I buy books about horology.
Could be because the things in A weren't as satisfying and/or the things in B were now accessible as you earned more and saved up more? Thanks for reading!
Option A (always)…I’m a watch addict! I need to have my watch shot frequently 😏. Love this article my man! Good reflection! Gotta go pick up my new Tudor Redbull FXD 😉
Well, I am still going for option B. Now, the theory assumes zero dopamine between "purchases". That need not be the case... My Focus the last few years have be solely on indies and comissioning from independent watchmakers. The whole process which often last several years is rewarding. Updates, dinners, meeting and event making friends in the process. So many spikes on the route and a rush at the end.
Perfect way to actually get the dopamine rush from not buying, but from experiences and personal interaktion.
Hope this makes sense. Cheers!
Peter, what an astute observation... in fact, I would tend to agree with you COMPLETELY. In fact, you hit the nail on the head... what would otherwise be mini-dopamine-hits from small silly purchases is replaced with all the social and emotional upsides of your approach. I think your conclusion would trumps mine, thank you for writing 😁🥂
Wow, thanks for your kind words! Small dopamine rush right there! 😁
I really hold your views in high regard. Many interesting insights. Cheers! 🥂
Appreciate you saying that. Truly. 🙏
Great comment. I think the takeaway message, for us afflicted, should be you do not need to get all your dopamine hits from watches, but you can by buying high end independents 😂
There’s a lot of wisdom in that… largely because the dopamine hits from indies are actually more valuable (relationships / friendships etc)
Exactly! The solution 😁
I generally I have always done A, even as a kid I was buying cheap quartz watches all the time to enjoy different styles, complications and refine my taste. And loved collecting and wearing variation. I can always sell to buy better/expensive ones more often too!
For me the whole point of collecting however is variation, and as a result quantity. If you just have 3-5 watches and are content, you're not a collector in my book..I have more pairs of shoes I wear regularly and I don't consider myself a shoe collector! It's just an accessory then and you need some different ones to fit the occassion. Or it's a fashion/status symbol.
This may well be how a collection starts, but it can't be the end goal. You may settle, consolidate a large collection but that end the collecting journey for me.
Collectors often have some philosophy, for example to collect a certain era, brand, complication or some range within these. Mine is to collect a watch I appreciate from each brand (only 1!), and to get as broad a range of complications, style, age and utility across the collection.
I enjoy the hunt for new things (and hidden gems/deals give an extra kick) to add and will add as much as my budget (and safe) fits. Sometimes selling to get something better, I enjoy watches nearly the same regardless if they are 1000 or 10.000 pounds and get a very similar honeymoon period as described for both ranges.
Below 1000 some quality/movement issues can start to affect enjoyment and satisfaction period. So I do try to hold off on cheap hits (like a Baltic or Furlan Marri).
Above 15-20k there are also negative enjoyment factors such as increased worry about theft/loss/damage which is why I try to avoid that range as I don't see it fit my current lifestyle. But no doubt may become more fitting later, as these worries are also relative. Some treat a 40k watch like I do a 1k watch because it has the same relative value for them. They might struggle to wear a 250k watch in the same way I do a 40k watch.
Another key advantage I find owning a larger collection (20+) is that you get to rediscover watches after having worn them for a while and the average use per watch remains very low in a decent rotation so the condition and service cost per watch are also improved.
Some well made points... I resisted the urge to link to a bunch of old posts, but you touched on so many relevant things... most of all, the key one is relative value, that is, relative to one’s own net worth. That’s always a factor which makes it difficult to ever write a watch post which “lands” with everyone who reads it.
That said, one thing that does always land, is the idea of the hunt. The hunt is always the most satisfying part... in some ways, this is true of all nice things, even women 😅
I don’t even see myself as a collector - I like watches, I enjoy the conversations and friendships which watches create, and I think I’ve learned how to appreciate watches without ownership - and only a handful of pieces ever make it to the level where I’m curious enough to want to experience ownership. So far I still think I own too many, but then I also have to think about why I have each one, and they’re not really easy to get rid of. This might be related to sentimental value which I try not to get caught up with, but there’s also a big problem of fear: that is fear of regret.
Another thing, one big reason to own watches is the membership to a club. Slightly related to “status” but not in the sense of wealth or prestige, but rather, just ... credibility. It’s much easier to have deep collector conversations when people place you in a box that they “rate highly” - not because of the price of the watches or the implied wealth you possess - but the perception of what “level” you’re collecting at. This could be anything from an obscure rare Heuer or UG to a Haldimann H9. Money is one thing, but knowledge and experience to get to certain depths is arguably more impressive as a “status symbol” in this weird world.
But hey, thanks for sharing your thoughts man. Appreciate you 🫡
Appreciate the thoughtful reply! And fully agree with your very valid points. 🙏
B, because the things that I value about watches the most are not found in watches falling within A. Accordingly, purchases in A fail to satisfy. Additionally, the expenditure of money on things that I don't value causes dissonance, decreasing internal happiness. For more frequent acquisition desires, I buy books about horology.
You could also try straps... that seems to work when it significantly changes a watch!
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve moved from A to B.
Could be because the things in A weren't as satisfying and/or the things in B were now accessible as you earned more and saved up more? Thanks for reading!
A, but I collect cheaper watches.
No wrong answer man!
Started A but sold most of my watches, so now B.
Do you miss more regularly getting that new watch feeling? Or do you find that fix elsewhere?
Best part is the hunt for me. Once I get the new watch, I’m like Wile E Coyote if he’s captured the Roadrunner. Now what?
😂 same with women. It’s why this is seen as a disease
Option A (always)…I’m a watch addict! I need to have my watch shot frequently 😏. Love this article my man! Good reflection! Gotta go pick up my new Tudor Redbull FXD 😉
Hahaha congrats on the NWA. Do what makes you happy, I guess 😄🥂
Have been doing A for a few years. I have just decided try B this year. More pain more gain right?
Option B
Option B
Because that’s where I am now and how it has gone this far
Doesn’t mean you must stay here. Just saying 😂
Yes, exactly 😬😎