Collecting Alternatives: Cash, Gold, and Watches

bernard cheong · 2012-04-23T02:27:59Z

Bernard Cheong compares collecting cash, gold bars, and rare watches, exploring the 'illusion of wealth' and the unique satisfaction each offers. Which collection is truly worth it?

bernard cheong

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

27 replies6507 views3 photos

Bernard Cheong's 'Collecting alternatives' series offers a unique perspective on different forms of wealth and collecting, comparing the experience of accumulating cash, gold, and rare timepieces. This installment playfully explores the 'illusion of wealth' and the tangible satisfaction derived from each collection, prompting reflection on what truly constitutes value.

27 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

No Kidding...here is a harmless game, which for once your wife will not say no.

I tried, and suceeded in filling a case with $100,000 USD.

The only bad thing is, I did it in 1999.

So I lost quite a bit of money!!!!

But, it is still damned nice to look at!

Today, I am actually going to repeat that...because the Singapore dollar is high, and I think I can fill a case with notes, just like in the movies.

Crazy?

OK..I can tell you...it is fun.

And it sort of gives you some crazy feeling, an illusion of wealth!

After a hard day at the ofice, you go home, and look in this case.

Alternative 2 is MUCH MUCH harder.

Filling a briefcase with 3kg of gold. In 1 kg bars!

When I began in 1990s..it costs $33,000 a bar, fortunately, I completed the "hobby" in less than a year.

If you tried that today...maybe cost $50,000 or more for a bar.

If you wanna go "tourbillon" level, try 10 KILOBAR, at $500,000 an more a bar.

A briefcase can fit 3 bars, if more, the handles will break..trust me...I tried!

1,700,000 dollars approx.

Damned nice to look at...maybe not an investment...I don't know.

But is is fun...I don't know if it is against the law though.

Finally, as a watch collector...this is more costly.

Filling a briefcase with a case of rare timepieces.

Equally enthralling to look at.

Better than an aquarium of rare fish!

I think there is almost the same as 3 bars of gold in this set.

harmless fun.

Crazy? MOST CERTAINLY.

And don't keep it at home.

Have fun!!!!

But honestly, from experience, the cheapest is a case of CASH...all in $50 bills.

From experience, it will take about $80,000 to $120,000 sgd to fill a standard briefcase.

Ask a banker, and he will tell you I am mad.

Chuckles.

But having these three all together, and often looking at them, makes you feel what is best to do with time and money. Really. Straight face. I am not kidding.

Key Points from the Discussion

Gold bullion bars, especially the 10-kilobar size, come with extensive documentation and storage requirements, making them less practical for casual handling than 1kg bars, which are more easily convertible to cash.
The experience of collecting watches often leads to unique life experiences and travel opportunities that other forms of collecting, like cash or gold, do not provide.
For a more extended and engaging collecting exercise, filling a suitcase with diamonds is suggested as an alternative to cash or gold bars.
The enjoyment of looking at cash and gold bars is acknowledged, but the watches ultimately offer better returns on resale and a more fulfilling ownership experience.
Concerns about tungsten-filled gold bars, even in 1kg sizes, highlight the importance of assaying and verification in the gold market.
The idea of burying gold for future discovery evokes a 'treasure hunter' fantasy, adding a layer of anticipation to the act of collecting.

The Discussion

VMM

Apr 23, 2012

I like your aquarium full of rare fishes. Thanks for sharing. Vte

Nicko16

Apr 23, 2012

Three interesting propositions

But for me the watches would be the most satisfying!

bernard cheong

Apr 23, 2012

In this day, that box of watches is the most stable.

Everything inside, I bought, has increased, but if I resell...I may break even, or gain a few dollars.

bernard cheong

Apr 23, 2012

If..if I can keep this box of watches untouched till 2023

I am sure that my returns on resale will be better than the gold and cash. To make it more attractive, I get to enjoy the hard earned money. To be fair, it sounds silly, but I do enjoy looking at the cash and the gold bars...but it was dumb when I took them to a dinner event!!!! I actually did. But in Singapore, I am well known to be eccentric, and I could get away with it. It was really fun.

optionc

Apr 23, 2012

great timing

I was trying ot think of an alternative to collecting... I like all three... and maybe I should attempt a more scaled down version! OpC

bernard cheong

Apr 23, 2012

I will start with the cash.

Then when it hits $12,000, seal the box. Then move to the next $100,000...then buy watch or watches..and a box. Finally..the gold. That's hard...I sold one car to do that.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 27 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →