Spousal Influence on Watch Collecting Decisions

rnaden · 2017-07-18T17:48:18Z

Explore how spouses influence watch collecting. Collectors share anecdotes and advice on balancing personal passion with a partner's perspective.

Wanted to float this out there for your comment and input.

In our strange and peculiar hobby of collecting watches that we wear, we (at least I) are influenced by many factors when choosing a watch. It could well be branding, status, movement, watchmaker etc., and I think no matter which way we deal, one or more of these factors do come into play in us making our choices. These same factors play in our decisions to keep a watch or to eventually let it go.

I'm probably more influenced by wearability, some level of exclusivity, the cost of ownership and versatility. Also, in the last 2 years, I've been trimming my collection down to a manageable number to be worn and loved....and all was and has been well. Until a few days ago....

Was out with my wife looking at some watches and then she made this comment, I think your watch looks old and doesn't suit you too well. While I'd like to think I'm a man who makes my decisions and stick by them, this comment now is making me seriously consider selling that particular watch, which BTW, is one I took a long while to consider before pulling the trigger. I'll attribute this to a probable reason that she knows me and my lifestyle better than anyone else, but even then, I'm beginning to think that maybe I'm going mad to even be moved by a simple statement like that.

Any of you have this same issue or predicament? How do we limit the extent of influence of these outside forces?

[Photo added by editor]

Multicoloured Swapshop

This message has been edited by MTF on 2017-08-01 02:45:44

The Discussion

Esharp

Jul 18, 2017

Nah...

You're not going mad, Richard. On the contrary - this shows you 1) have good communication with your other half and 2) a reasonable approach to your hobby. For what it's worth, I am similarly swayed by Mrs E. "honey, what you think of this?" "Oh, no, it's got X problem" "hmmm...no! You're wrong! Oh wait. Actually you have a point." Well, that's how it usually goes with us... Best E.

rnaden

Jul 19, 2017

Yes, she usually has a point that I'm seldom able to dispute :-) [nt]

Esharp

Jul 19, 2017

You're not the only one!

Hehe Best E.

Vcf.camper

Jul 18, 2017

It could be that your taste has somehow changed over time without you realizing. Maybe just small and gradual changes, but they happen such that the watch (and for other people, myself included, dressing style, hobbies and interests, ideologies and even political views) no longer fits well within. Admittedly we buy watches accepting certain compromises, there's no be all end all watch, and the mrs comment made you look back and realized what had been overlooked. I wouldn't think too much about i

rnaden

Jul 19, 2017

I did, and it makes a lot of sense, from her viewpoint

I bought the timepiece for a certain vintage look and feel, which also is non-conventional, and she's pointed out that based on my general preferences that she's observed and my lifestyle, it wasn't something that fit in. She makes a really good point.

Luis6

Jul 18, 2017

She says your watch looks old? What she might actually mean is: You can buy a new watch! 😁

Spousal Influence on Watch Collecting Decisions

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