indignantdenial
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What are your biggest mistakes or regrets in this hobby?
And a follow-up: how would you counsel on avoiding them? Or alternately, how have you learned to embrace them and their outcomes?
I find that since my journey hasn't been particularly long, I think I'm missing out on some possible wisdom. And, since I know many of you have been doing this far longer than I with collections greater in scope and value than mine, it could be valuable to hear from what you've learned and what you'd suggest to a younger version of yourself, or perhaps just the less seasoned collector.
I think I have one major regret so far, which is selling my 118238 (which I realize is very hard to get back in the configuration I had). I should've just held onto it. Anyway, please let me know your thoughts re: the above and if you have any other questions or comments, I'm happy to hear them.
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Gary G shares his watch photography portfolio and insights on improving technique. Explore macro shots, lighting, and artistic vision in luxury watch photography.
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Explore the personal journeys and diverse reasons why collectors fall in love with watches, from mechanical fascination to art and heritage.
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What are your biggest mistakes or regrets in this hobby?
And a follow-up: how would you counsel on avoiding them? Or alternately, how have you learned to embrace them and their outcomes? I find that since my journey hasn't been particularly long, I think I'm missing out on some possible wisdom. And, since I kno...
I don't think that I've made any 'mistakes'....
But then, I only ever had six valuable timepieces (i.e. which cost thousands of dollars). 'Regret'-wise, only that I had to sell a couple of them that I really didn't want to sell, but that's life, the largely unpredictable ebbs and flows of personal and ...
Thanks for your reply, Filip.
Good to hear you've got a way of understanding and explaining that ebb and flow. Sometimes it seems to have sharp teeth!
Two pieces of advice:
First Advice: Don't buy "sorta" watches: If you really like a watch, then hold out till you can buy that one... unless it is some crazy unattainable thing obviously. Without stepping on anyone's feet here, a good example is buying a Tudor when you really ...
I think these are good remarks.
I agree especially on the sorta: money isn't unlimited unless you're in a very lucky/profitable spot, so saving and buying what you really want is always better. I think your second remark is also true: buy what you love. So far I've made that choice, tho...
Hmm!
So this way you are buying the thing you want instead of trying to determine if it's "worth" it? I think this is similar to the adage "buy what you love" in that you buy it not because the price or spec is good, but because you have reasons for loving the...
Okay, very specific then.
Totally understand. I agree with you, there's almost always something suspect if the price is off...
Mandatory 90 Day Waiting Period!
I’m trying to be more purposeful with my collecting now that I live in Canada again (insane import tax). I found a 90 day waiting period before I pull the trigger on a watch is a good thing. 😂 Most of the time I don’t really want the watch anymore after w...
This sounds like good practice.
I understand the import problem; same for me. Hence, I try to source locally when I can but... Anyway, the waiting period is probably a good idea. Does it start when you decide you want it or when you can afford it?
First principle: know thyself.
Take some time to understand why you want what you want. Hype, status, popularity and prestige will usually not provide long term satisfaction. Likewise, one’s tastes change over time, so don’t regret a purchase if your tastes or appreciation of a brand e...
I am glad I read your comments
I realized I still love my steel sports watch, it's just I'm in the mood for a dress watch now. I am also very glad PP has no calatrava for me, which leads me to discover how much I like the Saxonia thin.
Only regret is not pulling trigger on a couple of watches
But I'm sure pretty much everyone is in that boat! On the flip side of that - you can't buy everything. As others have said buy what you like & don't worry if no one else likes it - you didn't buy it for them! Finally, I'm sure we've all done - buying a w...
On average, probably more the selling than the buying..
Also, corollary to what Nico said about buying the watch not the price and what Berlin Flatline said about sorta watches, I find that it’s most satisfying buying a watch when you’re in love with it, gives you sleepless nights, makes you do a deep dive and...
I do lament my decision not to pull the trigger on a new ALS 1815 Moonphase in Pt., when one was offered to me way back when.
I wanted to hold out for a new piece in rose gold, but, alas, a chance at that one never did come around !
Regrets? Not many, since I believe that we get and loose everything for a reason!
But if I would start again with the knowledge I have now, I would buy what suits my lifestyle, buy what you’ll wear daily without anxiety or fear of damage, but most importantly, learn to let go if it doesn’t make you happy and this applies to everything ...
Honestly I think my biggest regret
is not having the funds to pursue a few of the pieces I really would like to have. I have other obligations in life that take priority, and that is fine as all involve my family. With that in mind it makes me appreciate what i do have even more and feel b...
Contrary to majority opinion expressed here, I regret selling
I was always trying to keep the size of my collection reasonable (and of course definition of reasonable is totally subjective), so when buying new pieces I sold some. Now I am kicking myself for parting with them. Patek 5004P, original Daniel Roth palill...
I guess it would be to put things in perspective, money wise
Watches are beautiful, but they should never be a financial burden. This hobby is full of multimillionaires with seemingly limitless funds, and they may make you feel like you're not enough of a watch enthusiast because you don't buy the level of watch th...
This is refreshing.
Comparison is the thief of joy, especially when dealing with something with which money is involved and personal sentiment too.
Retained value or resale value is never the primary consideration for me when I buy a watch but it's one third of my regret moments. There are three stars that when aligned should result
in buying (assuming you can afford it). 1, You really love the watch. 2, You have been offered a great deal. 3 It's VERY likely to hold or even increase in value over time. Two examples for me are a white dial El Primero powered Daytona and an Omega Speed...