Andrew, I completely agree with you that there are some awfully nice watches to be had "in the foyer"--my most recent acquisition is an Omega Planet Ocean, steel band, black dial, orange bezel, 42mm, and personally I think it's one of the most beautiful watches I've ever seen, much less owned. And as a side benefit, since it has the co-axial escapement lurking inside it, it also has a certain horological heft to it as well!
And so, like you, the foyer is pretty much where I hang out now, so to speak. A few years ago, just once, I did venture fairly deep into the inner reaches of the club (the ROO Arnold LE, as old-timers here may recall). I still have that one, and still love it, but over time I find myself wondering what possessed me, and the amount I spent, especially as a ratio to what I have, gives me retrospective heart palpitations. Of course, if Arnold ever becomes president, I have my retirement fund pretty much taken care of....
And three things about the foyer that are worth repeating, really loudly: first, I LOVE the watches I have "from the foyer"; second, I'm not in the least embarrassed to share what's on my wrist with any other watch lover I encounter, whether he or she is wearing a $1500 watch or a $150,000 watch; and third, I've never, ever, met another watch lover who was wearing one of those megabuck watches who ever, ever, treated me with even a smidgen of condescension.
But that said, I must confess that the watches that I still really really want are way beyond my reach: the Lange Datograph is one, so that I can look at that awesome movement through the looking glass; I'd also love to have any example of what I consider "solo practitioner" watches, the products of one watchmaker's heart and soul (a Dufour, or a Voutilainen, among others). I don't want them for investment purposes, nor do I want them to impress others. No, I just want them because they appeal to me, very very strongly.
But there's simply no way I'll have one of these, unless I win the lottery.
But that's okay. I'm a big boy, I can cope.
-Rip