When Can I justify It?

[Pay M3]

So I'm now 35 years old, as a family we save good money (60% of our net household income) and have planned for the future with secured pensions for both my wife and myself. I have wanted a Rolex for a while; Submariner to be exact. I'm in sales management and earn quarterly bonuses that can cover a Sub (base salary is great but irrelevant for this topic). While a big part of me wants this watch, a small part feels like I might be abandoning our frugal habits. For the majority of you guys on this forum, please tell me at what stage in your career you decided to jump in. I figure I still have enough time for at least two more promotions before I retire and need some convincing that the time is right.

This is a serious question guys, I hope there are some of you that are like me and in sales. What was your bonuses like before you justified it?

btw, this might be a slippery slope because I love the SS Daytona as well.

[Muxi]

Good observation. It's not the cost of the Sub that matters, it's awakening that horology connoisseur that might be lying dormant inside you.

[Stig722]

You should always distinguish between an appreciating asset and a depreciating asset. You M3 for instance is a depreciating asset. The sub on the other hand will hold it's value and you can get most of your money back if needed. Hence if you have the cash now seems to be the best time imho.

[greeneyedguy]

As long as your watch purchase doesn't alter your set savings habits then you are good to go! Save to invest first and then save for a watch. I always set aside what I want to save and then put left over money in three separate accounts, one for vacations, one for watches, and one for car parts. My dream buckets so to speak. Go for it man!

[Spoonage]

I bought my first Rolex at 35, but have had many other watches prior... Although not in Sales I think it isn't relevant what your position is. What is relevant is if you can purchase your luxury good without straining your financials. You should be able to cover the purchase in its entirety in cash. While many will use a card to purchase (to get points/ rewards) then pay it off when the bill comes in. Both your choices are great ones. They wear and look different so try them both on if possible before you make your decision on which to get. Owning both (and others) the Daytona is more comfortable on my wrist, but if I had to choice between the two I would take the Sub. It's more of a do everything for me (my watches do everything with me including military when I was still in) and the timing bezel is more useful day to day than the chrono. But also look at the GMT... GMT > Sub > Daytona for my day to day and that would be my order of recommendation... Hope to see your incoming pics soon.


BTW, you can't be that frugal if you have an M car in the garage (based on your avatar). LOL.

[Pay M3]

Originally Posted by Spoonage

I bought my first Rolex at 35, but have had many other watches prior... Although not in Sales I think it isn't relevant what your position is. What is relevant is if you can purchase your luxury good without straining your financials. You should be able to cover the purchase in its entirety in cash. While many will use a card to purchase (to get points/ rewards) then pay it off when the bill comes in. Both your choices are great ones. They wear and look different so try them both on if possible before you make your decision on which to get. Owning both (and others) the Daytona is more comfortable on my wrist, but if I had to choice between the two I would take the Sub. It's more of a do everything for me (my watches do everything with me including military when I was still in) and the timing bezel is more useful day to day than the chrono. But also look at the GMT... GMT > Sub > Daytona for my day to day and that would be my order of recommendation... Hope to see your incoming pics soon.

BTW, you can't be that frugal if you have an M car in the garage (based on your avatar). LOL.

That is a funny story, the wife surprised me with this car when I went to the dealer to get a 335. I've wanted one forever and she knew it, said I was settling with the 335, took the M3 with a loaded package out for a test drive and we fell in love with the car as a family. Every day I hit the start button it brings a smile to my face, the Rolex will complete the financial dream for me.

[colpol]

If you want it - get it

I’m mr frugal when it comes to cutting expenditure like bring in lunches, getting coffee/ tea from office kitchen, reviewing/ switching utilities for household bills, cash back cards, etc BUT need to know what your getting up for every morning whether that be planning holidays, nice motorbike or car in garage or putting on a nice watch.

Can’t take the money with you when your gone & would you rather have that sub on your 35 year old wrist or your 60 year old wrist .......

[Pay M3]

Originally Posted by colpol

Can’t take the money with you when your gone & would you rather have that sub on your 35 year old wrist or your 60 year old wrist .......

That is the best thing I have heard! Good point!

[mjclark32]

Sounds like you have your bases covered, go for it!
It is a slippery though

[DLRIDES]

Sounds like your financial affairs are in order, so there is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor in MODERATION.

Post photos of your new watch when it arrives.

[bobabreath]

Once you've got your priorities straight, it's time to enjoy a ROLEX.

[travisb]

Sounds like you're surely on the right track. Treat yourself and then get back to the grind. You'll be happy you did.

[The Libertine]

As long as your bills are paid, are actively saving for retirement, and have approximately 6 mos. salary separately put aside for emergency/job loss, etc., I think you will be in a good position to buy one.

[MartinRG]

Sounds like you can justify it, but what I normally do to justify a bigger than average purchase is ask myself a few questions. Am I going to miss the money and need it for anything else important? Do I have a big enough buffer? If anything comes up and makes me actually use money that I can't miss, I don't do it. But you probably already did that and also do that in your opening post.

While reading your situation it looks like there's not a problem justifying it. Well, I was also questioning the same a few days ago after I got the AD call. And the thing that kept me questioning was more something like fear, but not about the money wise. Just a little excitement fear. I'm glad I did it, and I'm 100% secure about if I can justify it or not. And I think you'll too.

[AK797]

Sounds like you are sensible, but to alleviate that first guilt, it passes believe me, you can eat out less and have more cheaper salads etc, that also goes over well with the missus. Lose a bit of weight, work out some more and she'll even want you to get the Daytona!

[JayHantz]

I echo what these fine gentleman have already said: it sounds like you’re doing everything right and I wouldn’t feel bad about the purchase. If the wife is on board go for it!

You’ll have a lifetime wrist companion with hundreds of stories to tell.


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[brandrea]

You have our approval

[Joeguy]

Get it.

It’s uncharted territory for you. I wrestled with the same things.

What impact will there be on your clients? How will friends react? Do I really need it? Etc, ad nauseam ...

But really, it’s just a question of how long you want to be uncertain about it. The itch won’t end, and there is only one way to answer those questions for sure ...

What’s interesting, is once you pull the trigger on that first, “expensive” watch, you won’t bat an eye at the next one.


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[Mitch105]

Like others said you seem financially responsible and able to buy the watch for cash. You are clear for go. 35 is perfect age. I was around that age too. 50 now. I caught the bug, had many Rolex and Patek too.

PS: frugal is relative when driving a BMW let alone an M3;) I love BMW too have had many! (Currently drive and love our new 2019 X3)

[Pw92676]

You’re ready.

I was in a similar boat...always making sure other boxes checked before I could “justify” to myself buying a luxury watch. So many other important things (paying off student loans/savings goal of x/ paying down mortgage to y/other savings vehicles up to z). Truth is for me these were more of a chase and kept wanting to up the ante. When my wife and I were expecting our first born is when I (actually she) put the foot down and said time to get one.

To me TRF is not only enabling for get more watches but also a very nice breath of fresh air to step away from the rat-race :)

[1William]

The Submariner is a great watch and while it appears you are just starting out with watches it can be addictive but manageable. What I have learned over the years is that life is about balance. Eat too much, get fat, spend too much money, go bankrupt, you get the thought. You are saving for retirement and doing the things you need to do for you and your families future. The watch can be worn for the remainder of your life and passed down to be enjoyed for another lifetime. You have the money, buy it. Next bonus, take the wife and buy her one. Set up for life if you should choose. Balance is achieved. Go get your watch and don't over think it. I look forward to seeing an incoming post.

[DtownRRS]

The reason I bought my first one (16750 GMT BLRO) 28 years ago was that I was tired of spending a couple hundred bucks on a watch that would stop working on go out of style etc. I have saved way more than I spent over the time line having a watch that has been in style and strong running for 28 years! Not to say I have not bought another Rolex as life allowed.

Get it!

[jsausley]

If you own an M3, relax, the Submariner is a far better financial decision.

[Craigdwh]

Simple as this, life is short, if you want a nice watch buy it.

You might be dead next week.

[datejustrms]

Go for it! It's $8,000.00 less you'll give a nursing home some day.

[SFmedic13]

GET IT!....I am that 60 year old wrist and have been without my Sub. for 11 months now and I am not sure if I should replace it! Enjoy whichever one you get.......always brought a smile when I put it on.

[macrowatch]

Could just set a sales goal where the bonus equals the price of the watch. Seems responsible and doesn’t mess with the savings goal.

[watchwatcher]

When I bought my first Rolex, I was a little over 40 and in really no financial position to do so. I am confident that if I had called in to that Suze Orman show "Can I Afford it?" she would have said 'definitely not.' And...if I had been on TRF then (I wasn't) and asked for everybody's opinion (I wouldn't), I'm equally as sure all the financial 'experts' here would have said don't do it.

Well, it's nearly 20 years later, and I somehow survived. And bought a few other nice watches along the way. And enjoyed every minute of this crazy addiction...uh, I mean hobby.

Point is, if it's what you want, then you'll figure out a way to make it work. Sounds like you're a very hardworking and thoughtful person, and...the wife's on board. All systems are GO.

Without even knowing your finances, I would say go for it. Good luck.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by colpol

... would you rather have that sub on your 35 year old wrist or your 60 year old wrist .......

This^

My answer to this question: BOTH



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[mr.president1]

Originally Posted by Stig722

You should always distinguish between an appreciating asset and a depreciating asset. You M3 for instance is a depreciating asset. The sub on the other hand will hold it's value and you can get most of your money back if needed. Hence if you have the cash now seems to be the best time imho.

This.