how do you justify spending $xx,xxx on watches...?

[taxico]

i was lucky to start my journey into watches way back when red subs found no buyers and were cheaper than white subs. my spend on watches thus, was fairly affordable and easy back then.

i don't think my wife would be very understanding if i had to amass my current collection at today's price. she will probably be on my case to no end.

how do you guys justify (or perhaps, even explain... or hide) spending tens of thousands on watches today? (whether new or old, rolex or not)

[exxondus]

That in 20 years time, i will post the same question to the generation at that time, citing that buying 20 years ago at 10k was so much cheaper and justifiable. how can the new generation spend 20-30k on watches and justify.

Theres really no justification needed as long u spend within ur means. Cos ur theory will hold true (in view the same model will continue to increase in retail prices as the years go by, models that are nw available gets discont and so on)

Its just that the earlier u buy, the longer time it has. Buying a red sub then vs a normal sub (non vintage) is probably comparative. 1k then when computed the future value could be 10-20k now?

Of cos the main diff is due to tech that allows mass production, modern watches do not really appreciate considerably. So when selling in 20 yrs time, chances are we make losses unlike if u bought a red sub then and sell now, u prob earn. But what do ya know, maybe something will happen and all the machinery and people that know how to make certain watches 'disappear' and we get to earn again lol

[wolfeyes1974]

it's hard to justify....but we only live once and money is meant to be spent...while all of us have different priorities/commitments but it doesn't mean we can't indulge in some luxury products to pamper ourselves. Besides, it's my money and as long as I stay disciplined in allocating enough amount from my monthly salary for the "fixed" financial commitments....it's ok to spend on watches. Also, I don't know anything about cars, wines, cigars so watch collecting is probably my only hobby that gives me joy. The smile and sense of satisfaction looking at my collection every time is the greatest justification.

We live only once so let's be happy...

[Oceanklassik]

it's hard to justify....but we only live once and money is meant to be spent...while all of us have different priorities/commitments but it doesn't mean we can't indulge in some luxury products to pamper ourselves. Besides, it's my money and as long as I stay disciplined in allocating enough amount from my monthly salary for the "fixed" financial commitments....it's ok to spend on watches. Also, I don't know anything about cars, wines, cigars so watch collecting is probably my only hobby that gives me joy. The smile and sense of satisfaction looking at my collection every time is the greatest justification.

We live only once so let's be happy...

Wah bro! Exactly my sentiments man

[eawtan]

The justification will never be fully defensible, I just ensure my luxury expenses are never more than my payment to IRAS (per annum). Not owning a car opens up alot of room ...

[niceguyeddy]

Agreed. So long as you don't overspend and spend within your limits, I think that is justifiable enough.

[agong]

it's hard to justify....but we only live once and money is meant to be spent...while all of us have different priorities/commitments but it doesn't mean we can't indulge in some luxury products to pamper ourselves. Besides, it's my money and as long as I stay disciplined in allocating enough amount from my monthly salary for the "fixed" financial commitments....it's ok to spend on watches. Also, I don't know anything about cars, wines, cigars so watch collecting is probably my only hobby that gives me joy. The smile and sense of satisfaction looking at my collection every time is the greatest justification.

We live only once so let's be happy...

Your belief is summed up with your signature! Great collection!

[peachmuffin]

I think these items are investment pieces. I'll be able to hand them down to the next generation. Unlike a trendy Michael Kors or Dior watch, Rolexes and other "real" watches will hold their value. Spending money, Justified!

[watchfromsky]

I will argue with my wife that if she every spend a single dollar on a bag, shoes, accessories etc, i shall be entitled to spend the same amount on a watch.
Anyway, these watches are assets and will appreciate over time unlike her shoes or bags... still subject to wear and tear.

[djlyrrad]

I justify it because most expenses that are spent have $0 recoverable value. (Eg: Dinners, shoes, bags, holidays, handphones, TVs). granted they do provide other forms of satisfaction, but once spent, u don't get much back.

As for my watches, once spent, in a few years, or 10 years, even if I cant make any money, I can get back at least 70% or more of the value I paid.

furthermore, its a choice of which item gives you pleasure, watches give me pleasure as opposed to the pleasure a $10,000 TV would give me. But to each its own. some TV fans would choose the latest 10k TV or a submariner.

so to summarize, justification all comes down to what gives you pleasure.

in my humble opinion

[Ahbenz]

I started with Rolex sub then follow by Daytona and then I fell deeper and deeper.. Hahah

From 9k watch till date 140k RM 11

But I enjoy the buy and sell process..

[Aiktan]

if i see the watch every day i feel shiok then its worth the money

[Neverland]

When I saw a watch and I tell yourself "This is my dream watch" and the watch is within my budget.

[taxico]

thanks for all the input. i can see some part of myself when i read many of the replies...!

[Matt Sandy]

Buying the right watch can be an investment. Although my wife would be shocked at how much I have spent over the years.