Help! Is This Normal???

[rios0311]

Hi everyone. I'm sort of new here. Well, new to posting on TRF.

I need to ask, what the heck is going on here? Ever since I started looking at watches on TRF, it's like I'm addicted to the site. I no longer watch TV, the house is a mess, I haven't washed the cars or raked the yard. I constantly log onto TRF to see what's newly listed. I haven't even gone into the discussion section. I fear that if I do that, it'll be game over - I'll lose my job and possibly my wife. Here's how I got here:

Back in 2000, I wasn't a fan of Rolex watches, so I bought an Omega Speedmaster and an Omega Constellation Chronograph. The Constellation hasn't gotten much wrist time, but the Speedmaster has traveled the world with me. Absolutely fantastic watch, although I did get salt water in it when it was 10 years old, but my insurance company paid to have it overhauled. Around 2003 I fell in love with Cartier Roadsters, but I could not afford them, so I put that idea on the back burner.

Fast forward about 12 years. I was at a friend's Christmas party last November and bumped into another friend from my former job. He was wearing a beautiful watch (I didn't know what it was), so at the end of the night I complimented him on it. He told me it was a Rolex Submariner and let me handle it for a few minutes and spin the bezel. That thing was beautiful, but no way in hell I'd spend that kind of money on a watch... or so I thought.

I got to thinking... then thinking more and more. Shortly thereafter I found myself perusing Cartiers on ebay. My search paid off. I eventually found a perfect Roadster with a complete set. Pristine condition. However, the seller explained that he didn't complete transactions there. Instead, he referred me to TRF. When I saw how it worked, I was like WTF, who the heck sends a complete stranger thousands of dollars by wire??? That's just nuts.

However, the site kept pulling me in, and the more I read and looked through the Who's Who section and the volume of watches being sold, the more I began to understand the concept and began to feel more comfortable with the idea. With some trepidation, I wired nearly $3k to Watchaser and two days later I had a gorgeous Roadster. Thanks Watchaser!

Feeling I was done buying watches, I didn't visit the site after that. However, the Roadster began to feel too shiny and dressy for work. After putting a small scratch on it and putting it's first desk dive swirls on the bottom of the bracelet, I stopped using the watch for fear of ruining it. I needed a watch I could use on a daily basis. Now I felt I was ready for a Rolex. I started looking at the Submariners, but really wanted a date complication and those seemed too expensive.

Next thing I knew a few new model Air Kings popped up at good prices. Those things are beautiful - the new one. Not everyone likes the new design, but I love it. I also began looking at Explorer IIs. A pristine Explorer II turned up, so I was torn between an aggressively priced BNIB Air King for sale by AbsolutelyRolex! or an Explorer II in excellent condition for sale by Takuya. After a couple of days thinking about it I though that the pre-owned Explorer II represented a better value for me. Off I sent my funds to Takuya and less than 36 hours later I had my new explorer. Ahhh, love, love, love. Thanks Takuya!!!

This was only about three weeks ago, and I guess it's not enough. Now I'm trying to find an older Datejust 16013, but just saw a newer 16220 SS white roman dial that I really like. I don't know how I'll explain that one to my wife, but I'll think of something. Luckily, she wants a Rolex too, so that gives me an excuse for being here. I may try to sell the Roadster here, but I find it doubtful, as I am not an established seller.

I'm supposed to be working on a paper right now, but here I am on TRF again. This site just sucks you in. I keep telling myself I'll stop once I get the Datejust. Well, maybe a good deal will pop up on an Air King. Then I'll be done... I think. (and BTW, I kick myself for not having noticed that AbsolutelyRolex! reduced the price on his BNIB Air King last week before trading it. I missed out on that deal.)

Anyway, is this normal? Am I the only one? Do I need help? Is therapy available? Will it go away once I get another watch... or two? Ugh!

[Urosfan]

Welcome enjoy the madness

[RHJ]

Remember the ant in the funnel of the scorpion? Welcome here 😈

[Mkj]

Welcome great intro I know exactly how you feel!!

[Hairdude1]

Welcome to the craziness of TRF and Collecting

[Audemars Piguet]

Welcome

[rios0311]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

Welcome to the craziness of TRF and Collecting

Thank you! Incidentally, what defines a watch collector? Is it based on the number of watches owned? The intent with which they are purchased? Just wondering where the line gets drawn between, "I like watches, so I have a few", and "I am a watch collector".

Just wondering.

[HL65]

Welcome

[sickened1]

Welcome to TRF.

[philisme]

Madness of rolex forum is making another victim (after car's forum when I was younger)...

[Chewbacca]

welcome.

[locutus49]

Welcome to TRF.

PS: I used to live in Annandale once upon a time. We used to call it Ah-Nahn-Da-Lay. Our first house when we got married.

[sea-dweller]

Welcome!

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by Mkj

Welcome great intro I know exactly how you feel!!

Me too...love, love, LOVE TRF!

[Psmith]

Welcome