Buyers remorse or the thrill of the chase?

[MattGoldi]

Hey all,

A long time reader (years and years) but just joined.

Like so many, I’ve been through my fair share of watches, highs and lows, waiting forever for some, a few impulse buys, differing budgets, falling in love and out of love with a variety of watches….but, how long is that new honeymoon watch period for you all?

Wondering sometimes, how much is the thrill of getting the watch, part of the fun?

Yes, I love watches, but I’ve noticed as the years pass and the collection increases, I tend to do a reset and reduce the numbers right down again.

Is it just me, curious to know.

Thanks

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

I’d say as I get a bit older (and hopefully wiser), I try to resist the impulsive purchases and focus more on what I want to own long term, and what I enjoy wearing.

I’ve gone through a fair number of watches in Rolex and a few in other brands. Recently I whittled my modest collection down to three, and that’s where I hope to stay.

If something comes along that I just have to own, I’m going to do my best to keep it at three total.

That may seem arbitrary or forced to some, but I think for me that’s the magic number and a decent self imposed limit.

Otherwise, I’m afraid I’d just go bonkers

[Harry-57]

I've only come to the end of the honeymoon with one of my Rolex watches. It's not that I didn't like it any more, it just got eclipsed by all the other watches I reached for in preference and in the end I decided to convert it into money and send it off to an owner who would appreciate it more.

Originally Posted by acorn

It’s all about the white plastic hang tags for me (sarcasm)

I'm starting to seriously consider wearing the tags and boxing the watches. Or maybe I'll read threads a bit more selectively (conflicted).

[Hardtimes]

I find that unless you buy a watch you LOVE you will have that let down if you just buy the watch you like

[Krash]

The thrill of the chase is pretty exciting. But my last acquisition occurred when I was dormant. I was happy with what I had, but I unexpectedly got a call for my GMT BLNR. I couldn’t refuse so I bought it. That purchase just came out of the blue. I never had any expectations of getting one.

My Sub, Speedy, and DJ41 were all bought when I was in hot pursuit. That was lots of fun. The only watch I bought on a whim is my Seamaster.

Fortunately, I never experienced any buyers remorse. I’m pretty happy with what I have now.


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[~Ocho1~]

Almost 10 years later & I still catch myself looking at my BLNR with admiration. It's still the watch that I wear the most & the one I would keep if I had to get rid of all my watches (about 15) but one.

There have been only a few watches that I've purchased on a spur of the moment, and those have been much more affordable than any Rolex. Usually I really overthink any purchase (of anything) over a couple hundred bucks.

My watches are a lot like my tattoos, I really think it over & make sure it's what I want. Although, much easier to flip a watch than a tattoo, lol.

[sbrit88jr]

Originally Posted by MattGoldi

Hey all,

A long time reader (years and years) but just joined.

Like so many, I’ve been through my fair share of watches, highs and lows, waiting forever for some, a few impulse buys, differing budgets, falling in love and out of love with a variety of watches….but, how long is that new honeymoon watch period for you all?

Wondering sometimes, how much is the thrill of getting the watch, part of the fun?

Yes, I love watches, but I’ve noticed as the years pass and the collection increases, I tend to do a reset and reduce the numbers right down again.

Is it just me, curious to know.

Thanks

Definitely love the chase sometimes


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[996marty]

The thrill of the chase of getting something you have wanted for a long time always helps

[MattGoldi]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Welcome to the forum

I’d say as I get a bit older (and hopefully wiser), I try to resist the impulsive purchases and focus more on what I want to own long term, and what I enjoy wearing.

I’ve gone through a fair number of watches in Rolex and a few in other brands. Recently I whittled my modest collection down to three, and that’s where I hope to stay.

If something comes along that I just have to own, I’m going to do my best to keep it at three total.

That may seem arbitrary or forced to some, but I think for me that’s the magic number and a decent self imposed limit.

Otherwise, I’m afraid I’d just go bonkers

Thats the key I’ve found, having a core of watches that you wear, and ultimately really want, and I kinda like the self imposed limit at any given time 😀

[MattGoldi]

Originally Posted by Hardtimes

I find that unless you buy a watch you LOVE you will have that let down if you just buy the watch you like

Can’t argue with that, and definitely made that mistake 😂

[Actor07]

For me, the ultimate thrill is getting the Rolex I want from the AD at MSRP. The unveiling, pomp and circumstance (including the celebratory champagne toast) and the swag from the AD is always second to none. I don't get that same thrill when I go grey. So I don't go grey market on Rolex. Every watch that I've had to hunt for is a grail for me and is a forever keeper. Everytime I put on one of my grail watches, I remember the hunt first then I bask in the the acquisition moment.

[~JJ]

In full transparency, the chase and landing a piece was really driving me the first five years of getting into mechanical timepieces. However, it started to feel like a drug addiction and I had to reevaluate my priorities. Plus, once I got over 10 nice pieces it started to become a bit much to manage. Now, I really enjoy reading and following the direction of brands and setting goals. I went from getting ~2 watches a year to getting one if I hit a major goal every couple years and enjoy the hobby much more, but ymmv.

[DC116710LN]

I started collecting when virtually every stainless steel sports model was available for immediate purchase so the thrill of the chase wasn't a factor.

Now, there is an excitement to finally getting something I've waited for, but what makes me truly happy is making thoughtful purchasing decisions and having a modest collection of pieces that all bring me joy.

[Snow-Dweller]

Less is more.

I was never happier than when I got my little “collection” down to 4.

Currently at 5/6…..

[the dark knight]

If I'm honest, it's definitely an unhealthy addiction at times for me, all thrill of the chase and that dopamine hit from waiting for the FedEx package to arrive. I've had two such phases, one was at the beginning of my journey like 25 years ago, and the other is very recent during the pandemic hype.

I'm just now starting to get it under control again. My life ascribes meaning to the watches, watches should not be ascribing meaning to my life. I want a small collection that I wear a LOT and build memories with.

[piratfisk]

My "chase" was years. I had dreamt about the Smurf while deployed, then it got discontinued. Had to hunt down a mint, unworn, unsized, no "stories" full set in CONUS. That took some time. Added to the thrill. Then I got it. AND I LOVE IT. I'll never part with it.

[AF_Rob]

I definitely enjoy the hunt and the research. Reading, spec sheets, watching reviews, I get a lot from that.

Nothing has beat the first, though. Also, more have gone through the watch box than what is currently in it. I’m pretty satisfied with what I have. Nothing is currently on my radar.


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[MattGoldi]

Originally Posted by Actor07

For me, the ultimate thrill is getting the Rolex I want from the AD at MSRP. The unveiling, pomp and circumstance (including the celebratory champagne toast) and the swag from the AD is always second to none. I don't get that same thrill when I go grey. So I don't go grey market on Rolex. Every watch that I've had to hunt for is a grail for me and is a forever keeper. Everytime I put on one of my grail watches, I remember the hunt first then I bask in the the acquisition moment.

The joy of the AD (yet the eternal struggle too) is a better experience for sure, but, the instant nature of going grey!!!

[MattGoldi]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I definitely enjoy the hunt and the research. Reading, spec sheets, watching reviews, I get a lot from that.

Nothing has beat the first, though. Also, more have gone through the watch box than what is currently in it. I’m pretty satisfied with what I have. Nothing is currently on my radar.


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Love the research too, and the calmness of nothing on the radar 😀

[MattGoldi]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

If I'm honest, it's definitely an unhealthy addiction at times for me, all thrill of the chase and that dopamine hit from waiting for the FedEx package to arrive. I've had two such phases, one was at the beginning of my journey like 25 years ago, and the other is very recent during the pandemic hype.

I'm just now starting to get it under control again. My life ascribes meaning to the watches, watches should not be ascribing meaning to my life. I want a small collection that I wear a LOT and build memories with.

I think I’ve been rather similar, and definitely now align to the wear them a lot mantra 😀

[ltmgeller]

Welcome to the forum. I definitely flipped more in my early days. Now I have trouble letting any of my watches go.

[KatGirl]

I was a Seikoholic for the past 10-15 years, after being an Omega fanatic for a long time. In my Omega days, I was a serial flipper. I had a great connection with a grey dealer, who would give me a 30% discount, so I’d buy one, wear it for awhile , then flip it and buy another model. Sometimes I made money, when I flipped them. Always, though, I kept my eyes peeled for other Swiss brands, and also micro brands. I had a brief affair with Breitling. I collected both vintage and modern versions of brands I really liked. I had several vintage Rolexes years ago. My son still wears one of those.The chase was a big part of it for me. I would see a watch that interested me, and learn everything about it. I’d devour YouTube reviews, and finally order the watch. The excitement of seeing “out for delivery” in the tracking history was palpable. Seldom did I actually buy a watch in a brick and mortar store. After the watch arrived, I’d size it, wear it for a few days, or weeks, and I’d be on the hunt for another. Looking back at my routine, it’s more about the chase than the acquisition. I must confess to loving fiddling with them, as well: checking them on the Timegrapher, cleaning them, winding them, changing out straps. I have all the tools you can think of, and lots of straps. I guess I’m an addict. But things are changing. Now I want several high quality Swiss watches, and I’ll be satisfied. In the past 6 weeks, I’ve sold 17 of my watches, mostly modern Seikos, and there goes another, so I’m 18 watches down. Still plenty more to sell. I opened up a watch store on eBay, to get my collection down to a manageable number. That’s my collecting story. I love watches, and right know I love Rolex watches. Who knows what’s next, though I think Rolex is a good place to land. No Buyer’s remorse here.

Kat


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[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by acorn

It’s all about the white plastic hang tags for me (sarcasm)

It would be, according to your profile picture you’re a squirrel - and that Tag sure is nuts…

[alphadweller]

I have a long term view on any addition to the collection. Resist the urge to splurge, the URGE to SPLURGE!

[Zyfon]

I used to have a lot of fun researching watches and wonder what to buy next. I would sell what I had to fund the next purchase. Ever since the watch craze and prices skyrocketed, I haven't made a new purchase since. Still enjoying the few I have though.

[1William]

I have been at it for more than 30 years and have run through many of the collecting phases. Right now, I just buy what I want, when I want and can get it and of course what I can afford. I don't want to sound negative, but in a way, I have given up trying to explain it to myself and to others. Watches are my hobby. I really don't do much else but exercise and spend time with family and friends. All of the phases of watch ownership appeal to me. The finding of a new watch or revisiting a former watch. Searching and researching the specifics and the pricing across various platforms and of course making the deal. But it does not stop there as I really enjoy ownership and wear. Maybe I could do it better or different but I am, and have been, having fun. I have found a lot of peace with not over thinking it and just enjoying it. Just my thoughts.

[MattGoldi]

Wow, some great tales of the watch journey, when you put it like, I do agree, I don’t regret buying any, just regret a couple I let go!!

[hutch300]

Wrist time is the measure of love for me. I enjoy whatever I own but some are just a little more special.

[Kingcobb]

The divergence between collecting and accumulating is a big issue for people. It's not a one size firs all equation either.

If you don't watch yourself you can get sucked in to just the idea of buying something new regardless of what it actually is.

A new rolex, a new fishing rod, a new gun, a new double edged safety razor, a new hunting knife, a new whatever.

Collecting is about each individual item having a value. Accumulating is about the joy/excitement/endorphins of just getting something new chasing it down, the actual item is secondary.

[Kingcobb]

I will add, accumulating is also very strongly tied up with or related to having something new to show someone or post on a messageboard. If the primary motivation is that your excited to be able to post about a new wat h you acquired, you might want to take a deep breath.