They'll never understand...

[TheVTCGuy]

First, congrats to the staff on 15K.. yeah, I know, wrong thread but I thought I'd say it so There!

We've all been in this situation and I wondered how everyone else handles it.. You're at a social gathering, or business meeting, or on the moon, really doesn't matter but you're in a place with other human beings and wearing your Rolex proudly. Either someone notices it, or you bring it in to the conversation, (heck, since I got my brand new SS Daytona six months ago I've been chasing people down the street.. "Hey! Look what I got!!!!!")

I try not to brag but I am proud of my Rolex, I have been an enthusiast my whole life. There is something about a fine timepiece that... well, I know I don't have to explain it to you guys...

Inevitibly, there is some (insert chosen derogitory noun here) that holds up his wrist which contains a plastic strap attached to a digital Casio/Timex/Invicta etc. and exclaims: "I've had this watch 176 years, all I have to do is replace the battery and it keeps perfect time! Only cost me four dollars and seventy six cents and nine food stamps too!"

What's your reaction? I've put down a couple possibilities here, what's your choice or please feel free to make additional responses.

1. Look at him, shake his hand and reply: "Hey! Congrats on being so cheap!"

2. Just look at him

3. Tell him you admire his frugality... and that it's obvious he carry's that to other parts of his life and stare at his wife/girlfriend.

4. Act impressed, ask to see the watch and when he hands it to you smash it on the ground. Then hand him four dollars, seventy six cents and nine food stamps.

5. Try to explain to him the satisfaction of owning a fine timepiece... this reaction is not reccomended as it's a complete waste of time and energy.


Thoughts?

[stevenshin]

HAHA. Hilarious! The options got progressively funnier, too.
I would just look at him. Let him change the subject after an awkward silence.

[Jimbits76]

I wouldn't go with any of your responses...they would probably get me punched in the face!!!!

I'd say "good for you" then shrug away his comments with the usual spiel about luxury watches and the guys who are addicted to them...maybe compare them with cars.

You are never gonna change anybody's attitude towards watch expense. Those who don't get it, probably never will. It doesn't make them any less of a person though!

J

[CPTL]

Well...I'm not one to flash my Rollies, but I have a couple of friends that like to admire whichever one I happen to be wearing. That has frequently led to the above related plastic-watch puffing (and the inevitable "why in the world would you want MORE than ONE????").

I think the appropriate response would be a reference to the engineering marvel required to produce a mechanical device that generates its own power, beats with absolute precision 28,800 times per hour, and can travel deeper than a nuclear submarine...all using basically the same design for over 60 years. It's really the specs and history--not the cost and prestige--that turns me on about Rolex.

[Jimbits76]

Originally Posted by CPTL

It's really the specs and history--not the cost and prestige--that turns me on about Rolex.

J

[BigHat]

You are just going to have learn how to coexist with the world now that you have a Rolex.

About a million threads on the subject. Try a search and you can literally spend a week reading clever retorts, and rookie philosphers weigh in on the subject.
The reality is you need to come to terms personally on how YOU should address owning something that others are envious of or think you stupid for buying.

So until you can snatch the pebble from my hand Rolex grasshopper, just wear it around the house.
I will offer a hint --stop "chasing people down the street" -- it's crass. I don't show-off and I don't get asked about my watches. If there is a fine watch a-hole, he owns a Rolex.

[stevenshin]

I don't try to understand my wife's need for mulitple handbags, jewelry and designer jeans and she doesn't try to understand my need for cars and watches. That's a key to a successful marriage!

[mfer]

I just tell them it's cheaper than kids!

If I ever have kids, I'll need another quick excuse to blow them off!


Give me some ideas.

[DavidHasselhoff]

There is no point in getting into an argument with an idiot.

They will inevitably drag your down to their level, where they will win in their own back yard...

[toph]

good post made me laugh!

[spogehead]

I would just say 'cool good for you, look who's the mug (me)' in a more than friendly manner and then just change topic.

I'm not the sort to brag and sometimes get a little embarrassed about the value of my watches.

[Lisa]

I don't have any negative reactions to people owning cheap watches. They just need something to tell time with. My dad just wore his ol' Timexes until they stopped, then he threw them away. But he always paid cash for his Lincoln Continentals.

[redshirt1957]

How did ZZ Top say it. I bought my Rolex for the tush.

[Irish Dan]

The kid at the service station told me he could buy a nice Harley for what I paid for my Rolex.
I looked him right in the eye and told him, "I already have a nice Harley".
It left him a little speachless.

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by Irish Dan

The kid at the service station told me he could buy a nice Harley for what I paid for my Rolex.
I looked him right in the eye and told him, "I already have a nice Harley".
It left him a little speachless.

[seantk]

I've said this many times - a Zen saying:

"When you meet a master swordsman show him your sword. When you meet someone who is not a poet, do not read him your poem"

Sean

[DCG]

I never flash my watches to anyone as I don't care what they think. I bought it for myself as I have an appreciation for fine engineering. The real difference you will find is that everyone’s time is worth more or less. This is a fact of life. I am not saying that one person is better than another it is just that every person lives at his or her comfort level. Example, I know a few people that are happy they made a few dollars off ebay. The time it takes to take pictures and post their stuff I can make 20 times what they will in the same amount of time during a different kind of business transition. It all comes down to Life Comfort Level. If you run into someone like that I would not let them bother you it is just their style and yours is different.

[veefour]

I would feel happy for him. He is a man feeling proud about his watch, just like me!

[scottschoe]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

First, congrats to the staff on 15K.. yeah, I know, wrong thread but I thought I'd say it so There!

We've all been in this situation and I wondered how everyone else handles it.. You're at a social gathering, or business meeting, or on the moon, really doesn't matter but you're in a place with other human beings and wearing your Rolex proudly. Either someone notices it, or you bring it in to the conversation, (heck, since I got my brand new SS Daytona six months ago I've been chasing people down the street.. "Hey! Look what I got!!!!!")

I try not to brag but I am proud of my Rolex, I have been an enthusiast my whole life. There is something about a fine timepiece that... well, I know I don't have to explain it to you guys...

Inevitibly, there is some (insert chosen derogitory noun here) that holds up his wrist which contains a plastic strap attached to a digital Casio/Timex/Invicta etc. and exclaims: "I've had this watch 176 years, all I have to do is replace the battery and it keeps perfect time! Only cost me four dollars and seventy six cents and nine food stamps too!"

What's your reaction? I've put down a couple possibilities here, what's your choice or please feel free to make additional responses.

1. Look at him, shake his hand and reply: "Hey! Congrats on being so cheap!"

2. Just look at him

3. Tell him you admire his frugality... and that it's obvious he carry's that to other parts of his life and stare at his wife/girlfriend.

4. Act impressed, ask to see the watch and when he hands it to you smash it on the ground. Then hand him four dollars, seventy six cents and nine food stamps.

5. Try to explain to him the satisfaction of owning a fine timepiece... this reaction is not reccomended as it's a complete waste of time and energy.


Thoughts?

What are you going to do when in response, the guy flashes his Patek and says "Hey! Congrats on being so cheap!" (and all the rest of the things on your list)

I never understood posts like this.

[veefour]

Originally Posted by scottschoe

What are you going to do when in response, the guy flashes his Patek and says "Hey! Congrats on being so cheap!" (and all the rest of the things on your list)

I never understood posts like this.

[marshallr47]

I explain that it's a passion of mine. People collect cars and coins. I collect watches.

[pwrslider]

Originally Posted by seantk

I've said this many times - a Zen saying:

"When you meet a master swordsman show him your sword. When you meet someone who is not a poet, do not read him your poem"

Sean

classic!! Great line!

[danielillo]

Originally Posted by veefour

I would feel happy for him. He is a man feeling proud about his watch, just like me!

+1

[Parachrom]

friend of mine does the same stunt. Belittles me for spending so much on a Rolex dive watch. He flashes his Casio G Shock says 49,99. we were diving that weekend, and his watch took a good smack, as we were moving rocks around from a crib that got smashed. My rolie Sea Dweller got a few good smacks as well. His flooded and died, mine kept beation 28,800 beats per hour. I sold him a submariner that i wasnt using. Now he too puffs out his chest and can now appreciate the quality . He now tells others about the cheap waxcthes and hoe they dont last

[highroller]

If he asked why would you pay so much for a watch. Tell him that's how you ROLL! and if he gets smart

[daytona1]

Ouch!!!

[daytona1]

the ouch!! comment was in refrence to the Patek post but you guys are posting to fast

[therolexguy]

Depending on who it is, if it's someone I know who keeps giving me crap about how much my watches cost vs. their cheapies, I ask, "which cereal box did that come with?"

If you don't know them...well everyone's got their "thing" whether it's golf, fishing boats, professional sports games, $100 cable bills, $400 car payments, etc.....I just explain that nice watches are my "thing".

[flumazenil]

I don't talk to people in the real world. I only talk to people on this forum.

[ratae1950]

If you are 'attacked' by a self righteous type just say: "I have a Rolex addiction and I am in therapy. Things seem to be working out and I am taking it one day at a time...." It would work here in Cambridge. Maybe.