Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin: The Collector's Dilemma of Passion vs. Practicality
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Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin: The Collector's Dilemma of Passion vs. Practicality

By TeutonicCarFan · Jun 20, 2022 · 39 replies
TeutonicCarFan
WPS member · Independents forum
39 replies5854 views1 photos
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TeutonicCarFan's post about his Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin delves into a universal dilemma for luxury watch collectors: balancing passion for exquisite timepieces with the practicalities of daily life. His candid reflection on wearing habits, lifestyle constraints, and the emotional attachment to watches sparks a vital conversation about the purpose of collecting. This article synthesizes community insights on whether to keep watches that are deeply appreciated but rarely worn.

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I love wearing my LF origin. The shape is great, the dial, the hands, and of course a beautifully finished movement. To me it is great. I had always wanted an LF since seeing their tourbillon and this ticks many boxes. However with owning this, and two more watches I purchased in this price range in the the last year, I now have a shift of focus (or dilemma).

I wear a watch every day, but most of the time they are steel; rolex, omega and even my VC work well here. I'm not in a suit or polo at work, and when I'm not at work I have 3 little ones around. They are either grabbing my arms, or we are playing on the carpet, or I have a baby seat, or playing outside, etc. For my iwc, my daughter picked it up off the table, walked 5 feet, dropped it on some tile resulting in a huge gouge in the case (perfectly fixed by richemont with some laser welding btw).

This leads me to my newer watches and this LF. It is something I truly appreciate- the hard work that went into it, being independent, it's beauty. But, it get worn at best once a month. Other pieces the same. It's not for lack of lust or desire as they still elicit that, but they don't fit my lifestyle much. So my internal question- do I keep them (or some) knowing that I am now basically collecting for the sake of having access to them only to be pulled out once a month to wear, maybe going to look at and wind them every two week...or let them go knowing I will still want them but they don't make 'sense.

All of us have had this question as collections get larger and we can move up to bigger targets. But I guess I need to decide if just because I like it and can buy it, do I want it just to sit. I have been throwing out or giving stuff to charity, etc if they have been sitting in my basement unused for a year, but keep watches not being used. Interesting dilemma. There is always a financial discussion, for me there would be no use for the money I'd get selling this watch other than keep in checking or do something silly like buy a btc or two. I also am not worried about significant appreciation as I don't have a RO or nautilus πŸ˜‚ Basically I don't use any money for luxury stuff that has an affect on my overall lifestyle. That being said money is fungible, so if I do have more money around I will do something with it.

So, the debate will rage on in my head. Am I buying what I will actually use, or be okay having stuff for accumulation sake? 🀣 -Kevin



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The Discussion
MD
mdg
Jun 20, 2022

...and you won't have little ones grabbing your arm forever...

AN
analog_sheen
Jun 20, 2022

keep the watches, write each child a letter telling them what they mean to you, what the watch means to you, and how that fits together, and pass them on when the time is right.

LM
lm6
Jun 20, 2022

Keep them! The kids will grow up, and if you really like the watches you will regret it in the future if you sell them. That said, I fully understand that you think about it and have some doubts as what path to chose.

TO
toxly347
Jun 20, 2022

You seem blessed with the capacity to buy what you like. I would absolutely keep this watch. I think it always makes more sense to give to charity at the beginning of the year.

JP
jp884
Jun 20, 2022

Personally, if I'm not using something, I get rid of it. However, if it brings me joy, even it it is a few times a year I tend to hold onto it. I've been there before where I've sold watches in the past where I felt I was not using them enough although I enjoyed having them. It wouldn't be too long where I was looking to reacquire the watch I just sold, if not one very close to it. So I guess what I am trying to say is, if you like it I would probably keep it. I have a quite a few watches that I

PE
penfriend
Jun 20, 2022

but even with deeper pockets I would say that at a certain point things that are not used (i.e. watches not worn) will leave the collection. I tend to loose the overview within my different collections and when I realize/remember what I have got that is not used I go ahead and sell a single piece or even a bundle of those items. And have never looked back yet but spent the incoming money for new toys I am pretty sure you already know whether you want to keep your LF or not ;-)

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