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WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Horological Meandering

Spot on

 

Joe, I'm recovering from a nasty bout of food poisoning so won't say much - but you and I see things very similarly.

Shopping generally - I work in a building which is above a shopping mall. It's a fantastic way to rid me of any desire to shop, ever. Clothes and shoes - I have a tailor and go to a small number of shops which (to me) represent a reasonable quality/value ratio for these things, never on an exploration but only when I need something in particular.

My wife often buys things, little things, quite randomly when we are travelling - I play the Grump and try to dissuade her. She always wins, of course, and eventually I have to begrudgingly admit the little souvenir is cute, but the flat doesn't get any bigger and we have plenty of stuff in storage already (doesn't help that we currently live in HK, where housing is thumbnail-sized).

As for watches? I was just looking at a few things this weekend. Came pretty close to starting the bargaining conversation with an AD. And then was thinking what you were thinking - the prices asked for the items I'm considering are completely bonkers when you consider them. I can afford them but I don't yet find the value propositions compelling enough.

Best

E.

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16 Comments view entire thread 

Sunday ennui thoughts

 
By: Joepny : July 31st, 2016-10:45
As befits the day of rest, I was catching up on watch-related internet readings this morning. I linked over to TZ for an article by Alan Downing that was written back in the year 2000. That year has some resonance as it marks the start of the new century ...  

Decreasingly materialistic over the years here as well . . .

 
By: Dr No : July 31st, 2016-12:37
. . . and also registering changes in outlook and desires. There was a time when having a desirable car mattered. No more, although I still have a hankering for a '60s Dodge or Plymouth. Maybe yes, maybe never; at this point in my life, though, it doesn't... 

Much better written than I did

 
By: Joepny : July 31st, 2016-13:27
thank you Art. And yes, shooting pool & reading history is very appealing. I remember reading Boorstin's The Discoverers in my 20's and it really stirred my imagination and for a while I loved reading Western Civilization literature. Cheers. -Joe

That was a most . . .

 
By: Dr No : July 31st, 2016-13:51
. . . thoughtful musing, Joe, which inspired my reply. Best, Art

What kind of audio are you into Art? That was my main passion/obsession for years, and now I've reached a point where I can sit back and enjoy.

 
By: watchthatman : August 2nd, 2016-15:36
By analog, do you mean tubes, vinyl, reel to reel, or all of the above? I have a constantly growing vinyl collection, and digital has taken a back seat to my records.

As my house is nearly full, I am buying less

 
By: cazalea : July 31st, 2016-19:08
Somehow over the last decade or so, I have whittled down the "needs/wants" list pretty far. Stereo - Klipsch and Luxman are good enough, and two channels adequate Cars - got too many and not inclined to sell them as it's more work than paying the DMV bill... 

for your heirs, it will be more of a blessing than a curse :-)

 
By: Joepny : July 31st, 2016-19:43
My wife has put her foot down on most space-taking items in the house. We used to buy curios from our vacations but she has vetoed them over the last couple of trips. I can get away with watches because they are still easy to hide at the bank. But she not... 

Spot on

 
By: Esharp : August 1st, 2016-04:31
Joe, I\'m recovering from a nasty bout of food poisoning so won\'t say much - but you and I see things very similarly. Shopping generally - I work in a building which is above a shopping mall. It\'s a fantastic way to rid me of any desire to shop, ever. C... 

ignoring the wide-eyed kid in me to get shiny new stuff is easier as I'm older

 
By: Joepny : August 1st, 2016-05:37
except for watches which is a major weakness, it might be a good thing to let my conscience rule for now and not feed the gravy train for the industry. Obviously I am not the only person thinking this way with the Swiss negative financial results for some... 

Cheers Joe

 
By: Esharp : August 1st, 2016-10:21
Modern medicine is a wonderful thing - almost back to 100%. Best E.

Love these philosophical posts. The vale of "things" versus " experience'

 
By: watch-guy.com : August 1st, 2016-17:06
I am still an avid vintage collector. I find the chase still fires me up but I am definitely more selective in what I chase. As we get older I find my choice of what I can afford is much bigger, but much like a few of the other posters here , I often have... 

yes, I suppose man's constant need for stimulation and entertainment is what commerce feeds upon

 
By: Joepny : August 1st, 2016-18:17
the question I put to myself is -- will 55 year old me call me a bloody fool to spending ungodly sums on mechanical watches and I'm thinking yeah. I would hope I have a good laugh.

Not cheating anyone and allowed by conscience are two important things, for sure.

 
By: amanico : August 1st, 2016-22:44
And everybody can do what he likes, which is also crucial. These are open doors opened, but what is interesting is that these open doors opened are less and less easy to open, due to the price of our beloved tic tacs which are going higher and higher. I w... 

my company gifts a Rolex on a big anniversary

 
By: Joepny : August 2nd, 2016-03:15
not a Daytona, a DateJust. if I have the discipline of Gandhi and not buy another, I could look forward to a Rolex by around 2020. but I am quite sure my resolve will crumble like a cheap lawn chair well before then, maybe in months!!! well said Nicolas.