I should probably clarify one point at least regarding the whole idea of "the club", particularly with reference to the idea of being exclusionary or a bastion of one-upsmanship. I've been posting here for several years (much less so recently, but I've always been looking on) and I've had the opportunity to meet quite a few participants in this community in person. Never, ever, have I been greeted with anything other than warmth and courtesy and friendship--that's one of the best things about this place. Nor have I been treated condescendingly when I show one of my "tool watches" right after someone else passes his UN Sonata around the table.
It's certainly true that although this site probably has one of the most affluent memberships of any online forum site, the prevailing ethos is entirely based on interest, love, and passion for fine watches.
And thank God for that.
The crucial point to my original post is that the feelings of "oh,damn, I wish I could afford a tourbillon" don't come from being made to feel inferior by other watch owners who do own them. No, they come mostly from my own purely internal desires to go further in this hobby--my recent exposure to a Speake-Marin, and the feelings it elicited, are a good example of that. Alas, the Speake ain't available in the price range where I feel comfortable just whipping out the plastic...
Thanks for your thoughtful comments!
-Rip