First Expensive Watch Purchase Experiences

Baron - Mr Red · 2016-04-15T09:05:22Z

Collectors share their emotional experiences of buying their first expensive watches, from JLC to Patek Philippe and Omega, detailing the stress, research, and lasting memories.

Baron - Mr Red

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

64 replies9996 views1 photos

Baron's evocative post delves into the profound experience of purchasing a first 'expensive' watch, a Jaeger-LeCoultre that served as both a tribute to his father and a personal milestone. His candid recounting of the emotional and financial deliberation resonates with many collectors, highlighting the unique blend of stress and satisfaction inherent in such a significant acquisition.

I was in my 20s. Had a few years of work under my belt.....my father had collected JLC. I had some money and I thought I would buy myself a really expensive JLC. A part of it was as a tribute to my dad. A part of it was to mark a good year at work.

But I was of the view that this would be the watch I owned until my end-of-days. I would never need another watch again....the cost was around £14k. It was a lot of money to me. I remember going into the JLC Boutique and trying on several watches. The one I settled on was stunning to me. Of course....I still own it. But at the time, it was a massive purchase. It was many times more than any other watch I had bought. Maybe, I had paid £2k for a watch before....but £14k was just a different league. I remember negotiating with the AD. I remember sweating and procrastinating. One minute I was about to get up and just say no...leave the Boutique and leave the watch...but keep my £14k. The next, I was going to say.."Done".

I felt like this......

On the table in front of me was the Big Kahuna.

I remember the moment so well. Such a stress. Such a feeling.

Do you remember yours?

This message has been edited by Baron on 2016-04-15 09:09:45

Key Points from the Discussion

One collector recounts their journey to acquiring a Chopard L.U.C Chrono One, starting with a modest budget that gradually expanded as their research led them to more aspirational pieces.
Another collector describes the intense decision-making process when choosing between a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 blue dial and a 5726/1A white dial, emphasizing the struggle despite extensive prior research.
A collector shares the memorable experience of purchasing an Omega Speedmaster for $4k after a year of work and professional exams, marking it as their first 'real' watch.
A collector describes the anxiety and 'sea sickness' felt before making a significant watch purchase, preferring to make the decision away from the boutique after careful consideration.
One member recalls their first expensive watch being a Rolex GMT-Master 16700 in 1997 for under 3000 Euros, followed by a Daytona 16520 and Yachtmaster, noting the initial guilt associated with the price.
A collector shares a story of making a small deposit on a Patek Philippe Calatrava, inspired by his godfather, and the dealer taking a risk to send the watch, leading to a cherished acquisition.

The Discussion

drphileasfogg

Apr 15, 2016

I wired the funds overnight. I did ponder the purchase the entire evening. Finally I executed the money transfer few minutes before midnight knowing that it could not be cancelled. I pressed the return key on my keyboard shouting “Banzai”. This hobby is mad knowing the kind of money that goes into it but since then I got to really enjoy my pieces and the pleasure I take from them is in the end well worth it. Great subject. Best.

Baron - Mr Red

Apr 15, 2016

I suspect many collectors have shared this "Banzai-Kahuna" moment.

Tyo

Apr 15, 2016

happy to see that I'm not the only one who procrastinated many days. It was one year after my graduation in finance ( important detail because at this time I tried to make the parallel with an investment ) and one year after my first job . The price was less expensive than yours but represent a this time a lot of money. The previous watch cost me barely 100€. I still own this watch, JLC also. Just after bought it I ask myself if I was crazy. Lol

Clueless_Collector

Apr 15, 2016

That was in 2014 when I purchased my first Patek, a milestone for any watch collector. I did an extensive study and searches online to read about the Nautilus 5711 Blue dial, almost all blogs you can find. My mind was fixed on the blue, and my in-law said he'll get the white then, since I wanted the Blue. At the AD, I was also presented the 5726/1A in white and the Lange Saxonia AC...and it was such a struggle after spending so much time focusing on the 5711 Blue. I remembered walking around the

Baron - Mr Red

Apr 15, 2016

....there is a well-known psychologist who works for one of the major hedge funds. He writes for a national magazine. He made the argument that in order to deal with moments of stress (like this), its important to expose oneself to the risk again and again. I read this to mean I needed to buy more and more expensive watches so that I numbed the fear. LoL

amanico

Apr 15, 2016

A Rolex GMT MASTER 16700. I paid it a bit less than 3000 Euros. It was in April 1997. And it was a lot of money! I spent many days staring at the dial like an idiot. Exactly like I still do, and probably am. One year after, bing bang, Rolex Daytona 16520. The year after, Rolex Yachtmaster. Both around 7, 5 K euros. At that level of price I felt guilty. And let some years go before going forward. With my very big expensive watch in 2001: A GP WW TC in white gold. Then, you know the story. I feel

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