Watch beaters, why do you do it?

[LVx2]

I've long been fascinated with people who seem very proud that they've managed to destroy the finish of their luxury watch. Why? Why be proud that you've carelessly treated a very expensive object, one who's initial value is related to its finish? Just curious.

[jdp12199]

People don't purposely beat up their watches. It is just something that happens over time from wearing it. Take a Submariner for example. A watch built like a tank and is considered a tool watch. It wasn't designed to be babied and kept in a safe.

I have a friend who is a mechanic and never takes his sub off. It has a few dings and scratches but is 100% functional and he has been using it for years.

I think your point of view is a bit skewed. You make it seem like people purposely beat there watches up. This isn't the case. It is something that is pretty much unavoidable if you wear your watch. Some people do believe that dings and scratches give a watch some character but that is different from purposely beating it up.

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by LVx2

I've long been fascinated with people who seem very proud that they've managed to destroy the finish of their luxury watch. Why? Why be proud that you've carelessly treated a very expensive object, one who's initial value is related to its finish? Just curious.

Not everyone considers Rolex a luxury good. Some just treat them as (expensive, relatively speaking) tools.

Other argue that if you can’t afford to “really” wear (and tear) a Rolex, you could never afford it to begin with.

Not necessarily my thoughts, but…you asked.

[Crazy Lugs]

Flex…

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by jdp12199

People don't purposely beat up their watches. It is just something that happens over time from wearing it. Take a Submariner for example. A watch built like a tank and is considered a tool watch. It wasn't designed to be babied and kept in a safe.

I have a friend who is a mechanic and never takes his sub off. It has a few dings and scratches but is 100% functional and he has been using it for years.

I think your point of view is a bit skewed. You make it seem like people purposely beat there watches up. This isn't the case. It is something that is pretty much unavoidable if you wear your watch. Some people do believe that dings and scratches give a watch some character but that is different from purposely beating it up.

I don’t know. I wear mine daily (well, in rotation) and have very few signs of wear. Granted, I’m a physical therapist…but even I have desk work. And I have few desk diving marks.

[CarlOver]

Years ago I brought a watch in for service. The saled associate was horrified how scratched it was. I wore the watch regularly. Did not purposefully scratch the watch. No big deal....its my watch. Now if it was a PM Total Oak, I would not be wearing it every day.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by LVx2

I've long been fascinated with people who seem very proud that they've managed to destroy the finish of their luxury watch. Why? Why be proud that you've carelessly treated a very expensive object, one who's initial value is related to its finish? Just curious.

I think what you are doing is misinterpreting the folks who are pushing back against the incredibly obsessive types that occasionally post a query asking what they should do when a nearly invisible scratch appears on their priceless watch.

Other than that, I'm kind of with you. My neighbor has a OP that's pretty beat up, and before he retired, he was an office drone like most of us here. So I don't know how he did it, other than pure carelessness and neglect.

[kieselguhr]

There’s a middle ground between admiring your protective stickered safe queen in a glass box and purposely running your watch through the Indiana Jones gauntlet.

It’s simply called wearing your watch and I believe the majority falls within this middle ground.

Wearing a watch inevitably leads to minor scuffs and dings, even with proactive defensive watch wearing habits. Sometimes accidents happen and majors scratches and dents occur.

Most members simply advise to enjoy the watch rather than constantly strive to maintain a pristine condition because that defeats the purpose and induces stress rather than enjoyment.

[Lesnerelli23]

The same question could be asked about people who want to keep their watch “like new” at all costs.

I wear my watches and don’t plan to give extra attentive resources to the limb supporting my watch. It’s not a flex or dismissive attitude toward the level of money involved. It’s the opposite, I want to appreciate the things I own, I want them to earn the badges of love and let each scratch or ding add to the “heirloom” experience. After all, many of us purchase these with future generations in mind. I lived, I left my mark…. I was here.

[Jocke]

I feel it is nice to have a great watch at work when it can take it.

[LVx2]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I feel it is nice to have a great watch at work when it can take it.

Haha, here we go! Yikes!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

There’s a middle ground between admiring your protective stickered safe queen in a glass box and purposely running your watch through the Indiana Jones gauntlet.

It’s simply called wearing your watch and I believe the majority falls within this middle ground.

Wearing a watch inevitably leads to minor scuffs and dings, even with proactive defensive watch wearing habits. Sometimes accidents happen and majors scratches and dents occur.

Most members simply advise to enjoy the watch rather than constantly strive to maintain a pristine condition because that defeats the purpose and induces stress rather than enjoyment.

That’s really well said Nick, and it describes my wearing habits to a “T”

[digitalR]

The only way to be “careful” is to never take it out the box… at which pt why buy one?

Totally unrealistic to expect something on your wrist daily to be magically shielded from the environment around… got nothing to do with carelessness.

[S.Explorer]

It's the memories / bond that you've created with the watch, e.g. skiing, hiking, etc.

[LVx2]

Originally Posted by CarlOver

Years ago I brought a watch in for service. The saled associate was horrified how scratched it was. I wore the watch regularly. Did not purposefully scratch the watch. No big deal....its my watch. Now if it was a PM Total Oak, I would not be wearing it every day.

See, you've horrified the sales associate! This is what I'm talking about, hope you're proud of yourself!

[BDII]

In my experience it has been impossible to wear a metal watch on a daily basis and not collect scratches.


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[franktehtank]

There are definitely people who enjoy the juxtaposition of a luxury watch being beat to crap. I find that weird, but it takes all kinds of kinds.

I personally just wear my watches and don't worry about it, and whatever happens, happens. But I also won't purposely beat my watch to hell for no reason, and will take it off if I'm doing something exceptionally rough.

[Marcjvr]

Because you only have 1 life and it’s for the living.

So quit worrying about your watch and go out there on an adventure and build some memories with your watch. You can’t take it with you when you die

[Paul H]

Around 1989 I bought my first Rolex, a 10 year old Sea Dweller. I have worn it every day, all day for over 30 years taking if off only when I sleep. I have serviced it regularly and it keeps easily within COSC specifications but now it has become so valuable that I am probably going to sell it. Then I can buy another newer Rolex to "beat up". I'm happy with that.

[LVx2]

Originally Posted by Paul H

Around 1989 I bought my first Rolex, a 10 year old Sea Dweller. I have worn it every day, all day for over 30 years taking if off only when I sleep. I have serviced it regularly and it keeps easily within COSC specifications but now it has become so valuable that I am probably going to sell it. Then I can buy another newer Rolex to "beat up". I'm happy with that.

I love your reply

[Spoonage]

I don't purposely scratch or bang my watch, but I wear it for its purpose. If it gets a scratch so be it. I know most hate comparing watches to cars but it's the same as buying an expensive car. You don't purposely throw rocks at it, but if your driving on the highway or track and you get a rock chip what are you gonna do....


But please don't say wrap the watch in protective film like a car. LOL...

[Tzachi]

Originally Posted by jdp12199

People don't purposely beat up their watches. It is just something that happens over time from wearing it. Take a Submariner for example. A watch built like a tank and is considered a tool watch. It wasn't designed to be babied and kept in a safe.

I have a friend who is a mechanic and never takes his sub off. It has a few dings and scratches but is 100% functional and he has been using it for years.

I think your point of view is a bit skewed. You make it seem like people purposely beat there watches up. This isn't the case. It is something that is pretty much unavoidable if you wear your watch. Some people do believe that dings and scratches give a watch some character but that is different from purposely beating it up.

Watches meant to be worn and enjoyed.

[LVx2]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

The same question could be asked about people who want to keep their watch “like new” at all costs.

I wear my watches and don’t plan to give extra attentive resources to the limb supporting my watch. It’s not a flex or dismissive attitude toward the level of money involved. It’s the opposite, I want to appreciate the things I own, I want them to earn the badges of love and let each scratch or ding add to the “heirloom” experience. After all, many of us purchase these with future generations in mind. I lived, I left my mark…. I was here.

"I wear my watches and don’t plan to give extra attentive resources to the limb supporting my watch." Interesting thought.

[JSol1]

I also think this hyper value inflation has influenced some from wearing and enjoying their watches.
My first was a 2005 11613lb that I wore daily for 18 years and never gave a 2nd thought to scratches. I still wear my watches to enjoy during everyday life knowing a RSC visit will bring it back looking like new but I’d be lying if I wasn’t just a bit more conscientious when I put my Daytona on.

[greywolf617]

Every scratch on my watch is a memory, some good, some not so good.

[ExplorerI]

I’ve worn my watch every day for 10 years straight. The dings and scratches are a visual representation of the trials and tribulations it’s witnessed every step of the way.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by LVx2

I've long been fascinated with people who seem very proud that they've managed to destroy the finish of their luxury watch. Why? Why be proud that you've carelessly treated a very expensive object, one who's initial value is related to its finish? Just curious.

It is meant to be worn, and enjoyed. I agree do not beat the shit out of it, but definitely do not worry if it gathers bumps/bruises along the way.

[WantBlue15202]

I think the people that wear the watch would in reverse wonder why you'd buy something and never wear it, just to keep the "finish" nice.

I kind of understand this approach on an AP - every scratch stands out from 20 feet away.. but a Rolex - doesn't really change the dynamic of the watch unless you really put a huge dent in the case.

And I agree with a post above that the inflated prices have created a mystique that these are somehow an "investment" when at some point the value will drop, most likely significantly - given markets typically over correct - as these people who speculatively bought (and potentially leveraged) switch to selling. The benefit of the moment is if you are offered a watch from an AD you immediately know it's worth more than what you paid, if that situation slows or reverses, everyone will all of a sudden actually think before buying.

[TexEd]

I love my Rolex collection and am anal about keeping them in nice condition.

[NYMike]

Originally Posted by LVx2

I've long been fascinated with people who seem very proud that they've managed to destroy the finish of their luxury watch. Why? Why be proud that you've carelessly treated a very expensive object, one who's initial value is related to its finish? Just curious.

You couldn't help but use the word "value". That's the problem. There are people who are enjoying wearing the watch and others thinking about it's "value" - which is another way of saying "I'm going to sell this bad boy and I hope I don't lose one penny." It's a different sort of person. Up until a few years ago when most Rolex models outside of the steel Daytona and some subs were mostly going for 20-30% off, nobody cared. But now there are all these "investors" who really care more about value than enjoyment.