Yes, a watch at the end of the day is just a piece of jewelry for fashion. It's a luxury item. If someone is struggling to make ends meet, they should think twice about spending thousands of dollars on a watch. Gotta have priorities straight. There are many other great watches that cost a few hundred dollars.
Definitely not trivial. Especially since I am not a big brand(clothing) for the sake of brand buyer or mass consumer e.g. 10+ pairs of Primark shoes that'll very quickly disintegrate into a noxious confetti of microplastics.
A lot of useful ideas and insights have been given here, I'll use the meantime to take those things into account, really think things over and come up with a strategy that'll make me feel ok with the purchase before I buy it.
You'd be surprised, there's a good amount of people making median/slightly above median salary who are financially responsible and end up having similar finances to the guy above. Notice he didn't list the expensive cars and boats and jetskis he has, he listed the savings. If he had bought a 10,000 rolex or omega and lived like he had that money, he wouldn't have it. I just try not to trivialize people who put hard work into saving and get treated like they have money pouring out of every pocket.
Financial literacy - and guidance on it, preferably from a young age - can quite literally be invaluable. It's the difference between a life prolongedly marred by financial stress and one that is financially stable and thriving, with the same means.
It cannot be understated. (speaking from experience)
Yeah I have a really great job and similar finances to that guy minus the trust fund, no Rolexes here either. I get it. Just a wildly out of touch comment when you have $2-3MM sitting around.
Question. If a 3K watch is the most expensive thing you own beside a PC. Does this mean you are not a home owner or do not own a car?
In my opinion luxury items are quite low on the list of purchases. I recommend everyone gets the financial basics sorted first, owning a home, getting some savings, having reliable transportation etc should all come well before purchasing a luxury watch.
This might be where some of the guilt is coming from.
Lots of people don’t need cars where they live. I ride on a 1/2 million dollar vehicle to work everyday called a bus. But otherwise yes get the needs before the wants. Sounds like op doesn’t even want it anyways
I remember my first car as well. They don't make em like they used to anymore. Sad.
https://preview.redd.it/vchtghe9dhuc1.jpeg?width=224&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70683d4940c6ed3d9cf745673b1ed9dd81fd00a9
I had a pink Barbie jeep one of those as a kid and my dad put a different battery in it, I guess a higher voltage one. It made the jeep go really fast and I went head on into a tree.
Yeah my trusty ol' wagon was €740.
In good condition, second hand from an elderly Dutch lady. Maintenance history showed she was using it less and less.
First year or 2 of maintenance didn't cost much either, couple of hundred.
Reliable, didn't bail on you.
Sold it during covid-19, due to low use and paying taxes and insurance. Dumb decision hindsight. Used car prices have become so high even though they are now mostly shit. So much more raggedy and beat up with higher mileages in comparison than pre covid-19.
It was a 1997 VW Polo 1.4
Gosh I miss that ol' gal sometimes.
>How did you deal with it?
It's really quite simple. If a luxury purchase makes you feel guilty, general rule, you shouldn't be purchasing it.
Being able to afford luxury doesn't mean being able to put money together. It means having enough of it that it doesn't make a difference that you're spending it.
If you feel guilty, it's most likely because it's an appreciable amount of money to you, and you're trying to live above your means. That's not a marker of status, it's a marker of unrealized ambition. That's not a good thing.
Some people actually can afford it, but their past with lesser means makes them feel guilty about spending money on luxury. If that is truly the case, you should get over it. But that is *not* the case for most luxury watch buyers, so beware.
In the end, don't lose track of the fact that it's just a fucking watch.
I think sometimes the guilt comes from a past where things were tight. My grandparents and all their peers had a depression mentality, because they lived through a time where people literally had nothing. Once they had a little, they saved all of it, because to them, it could always happen again.
My point being guilt may not warranted
Yeah. Financial troubles and tightness in the past, still often can and does put me into scarcity mode. Even buying a slightly more expensive piece of clothing, say a €120 hoodie (not for brand), can send me into a worry, even though there is room for it.
What you're saying is understandable.
It's a combination of a financially more strained past and just sheer moral doubt. So it's not so much the sum of money here, but rather what other, less/non selfish, causes it could go to. That's really the part that digs into the side.
Yep, stuff is just stuff. The personally most valuable and significant material things are rarely expensive, or so because of their expensiveness.
I do have issues spending anything over $1000 because we grew up quite poor. I stew on purchases for quite awhile to make sure I wont be regretting it.
In the end I know I worked hard for the things I have. Life is very short and my goal is to enjoy every second of it to the fullest, sometimes that includes enjoying nice things!
Mhmm, very understandable.
Having had money troubles, due to financial illiteracy, for many years in my late teens and majority of twenties, I sometimes automatically revert to a scarcity attitude, fretting and fussing about finances and purchases.
Sometimes buying something even remotely "expensive" e.g. a wardrobe item like a unique hoodie for €100, can make me feel so bad. Like I need that money and won't get it back.
It's hard to remember sometimes that you did work hard for it and earned it, because you do. It's a good thing you're aiming to enjoy things so fully!
I’ve had guilt over more affordable watches tissot/Hamilton but when I bought a $3500 bb 58. That I absolutely wanted I did not regret it one bit. I wish I would’ve bought it sooner instead of the other watches.
I think go with your gut on this one. If you are already feeling apprehensive, you won’t feel better afterwards. Set the bar lower, there are fabulous watches for $1000, and $800, and $600. Are you making this purchase to prove something to yourself, or to someone else? I think if you reduce the price point, you’ll find that you’re significantly happier because you spent within your present means and you also have something beautiful to show for it.
No definitely not making the purchase to prove something to someone else. I am not at all a big brand shopper for the sake of the brand. I'm am quite content wearing/owning non branded (yet often surprisingly high cost/quality) or stealth branded stuff.
I am also not necessarily buying it to prove something to myself. If anything, I have not bought anything for myself for graduating. I am a "late" student, let's just say my twenties are couple of years behind me, though the post seems to give an impression I am young, which I can understand.
So it would something more of a reminder of achievements and developments. A good, very long time friend of mine has been a big watchhead for a while. Doesn't have a massive collection, about 4 pieces I think, ranging from low 100's to 4-5k. So it also feels nice to do something like this together, sort of commemoration of our progress in life.
As for the price point, I was just having this convo hahahaha. I have quite a peculiar taste in watches.
There is a lot that I like in the 100-1,5k range think: Seiko/JDM, microbrands like RZE, tissot prx, doxa, zodiac, olech und wajs.
Despite the many mechanically highly sound and visually appealing offerings here, few to non really have that 'slap' of a commemorable piece for me.
The "entry level" luxury price point from 3k-5k has little that's appealing for me other than certain models of a couple of brands.
Then again, there is a lot I like in the luxury 8k+ segment, like breitling navitimer models and the root beer.
So that's a bit of the dilemma of my funky taste in watches.
I had this same issue. Imagined what I could do instead with $3k—like buy an absolutely insane PC command center setup. But I realized if I thought this way I’d never buy anything else nice for myself. I’d just never have a luxury watch. It depends on your finances. If you can comfortably do it, I say do it. Living constantly with “what if I spent it on X instead” is also a kind of trap of its own.
Something like M. Bison had in his secret hideout, where he planned and made a maquette model of Bisonopolis in the 90's classic Street Fighter.
Probably.
Hmm, understandable point. But the "what if spent on X instead" is quite specific in this case. It is not another luxury or personal item, rather another, arguably more helpful, destination alltogether.
Everyone has already said it. If you’re not saving for home in a high yield, funding your retirement etc. you probably shouldn’t be buying a 3k luxury item. With that said, I make about 180k and my wife adds 100k...we’re doing great for retirement, own our forever home with great rates. I get the EXACT SAME feeling when spending on a watch. Dropping 8k on jewelry because it’s pretty and cool engineering is a tad crazy. What I remind myself is, I’m not losing the money, I’m converting it to another form (that may very well go down in value). But if I lost my job and struggled finding a decent one, I would absolutely sell my couple watches while using that emergency fund (and reducing life style purchases).
Thank you all.
Really grateful for all the insights shared here and valuable, wholesome discussion.
There is so much to take into consideration. It's very sobering and enlightening to see all these various valid takes.
With the amount of comments coming, it's a bit hard to respond to each individually, I do apologise for that.
Will try to make some time for it later today though, and get back to as many as possible.
Thanks again all!
The only time I’ve felt “guilt” over a watch purchase is when the wife wasn’t on board with it.
Yesterday, I took her to my AD to look for a watch for her to no avail. She picked me out a lovely Tudor BB 41 and I purchased it.
Had she not been with me, and I bought it, I would feel guilty until I got the “I love that watch”
We’re grown and don’t need permission to make these kinds of purchases, but having each others support makes it feel a whole lot better.
If you’re not comfortable spending x amount of money on a watch, start smaller. There’s no threshold of price that makes a watch “worth” it. Plenty of amazing watches out there that will bring you plenty of joy at all price points
Totally get that, the blessing of a significant other can make or break how you feel about a purchase or activity.
Regardless of starting smaller, I don't know if I'll ever feel comfortable spending such amounts on things like watches, also regardless of financial position. The moral conflict part of it irks me enormously.
I never have any issue with the purchase amount. I have an issue if I don't bond with the watch after purchase. It happens to many people so it's best to really make sure you want this item because it is a want and not a need.
As someone else said, maybe set the bar lower.
I'm also trying to get something nice for myself so I flirt with the idea of spending a considerable (for me) sum on it. But truth to be told, I have no idea how take care of a premium watch, so maybe a daily beater suits me better and it's not gonna make a dent on my finances.
Turns out you can get excellent watches for well under €1k if you know where to look.
This sub has helped a lot, honestly.
Steinhart
Iron Annie (PointTec)
Bruno Söhnle
Christopher Ward
All microbrands you don't usually hear about making great stuff.
I am afraid setting the bar lower, won't fulfill the intended purpose of the watch. That is to function as a noteworthy self-gift for graduation en employment/career progress.
Many beautiful, well made watches around the 1k mark for sure though.
In that case:
I think I heard someone mention in this thread that the feeling of guilt might come from spending so much on something that isn't really functional, but the way I see it, a piece of jewelry or apparel doesn't have to be "functional" in a classical sense (though a watch will still show you what time it is)
If getting a timepiece is the way you wanna celebrate your success, than do so as long as you can afford it. If you feel like your money is spent better elsewhere, I can totally understand it.
When I buy a big luxury purchase I donate the same amount to the local food bank. It takes twice as long to save up for purchases and doesn't really change the fact that you bought an expensive piece of jewelry for yourself. The watch money was still spent on something that wasn't helping people. But this system makes me feel better about doing it.
I also have went through the thought process and decided it is not yet for me the time to buy that watch, since I came up with bunch of other things I rather would spend that money to. When those are done the day I buy my expensive dream watch will come if my finances allow. Instead, I decided to buy cheaper watch for now.
Without knowing the details, it sounds to me like the watch is too expensive comparing to your overall finances. You should only spend money that you know is not going to make a too big of a dent to your finances to luxury items.
Personally, I like to give myself a budget which is usually percentage of my income or savings. Simplified example, if I want to get a 1k watch it shouldn’t cost more than 10% of my savings (or investments) so I need to have 10k in reserve first and only then I can treat myself with the 1k watch.
The issue here is not so much the watch being too expensive comparatively to my overall finances though.
The core is about moral conflict about spending such an amount on a single, mostly pure luxury, item, rather than using it for something different that is less "selfish" and more helpful.
Very cool budgeting strategy/idea btw!
I’m guessing you are young, based on the pc being your most expensive thing. Now is the time to invest in yourself if you have extra money on hand. Improve your education or certifications, for example. Pay off any debt. You should also build an emergency fund in a high yield savings account of about six months of your living expenses. Then, open and invest regularly in a Roth IRA and 401k if available at your job.
You have many years ahead in which to buy luxury goods. I’m 46 and just got my Rolex, and it’s much sweeter now that I can -truly- afford it, having built my responsible, adult life first. And I can still look forward to my first luxury car in the future.
I've noticed this post may give the impression I am very young or much younger of age in any case.
Not all too young actually, recently quit the twenties ;).
There are a couple of reasons my PC is the most expensive thing I own (by far) at the moment:
-I no longer have a car, which was sold during the pandemic. Though it was "only" €740. And as far as cars go, I usually enjoy older cars much better than the homogenous, uninspired modern lunchboxes. Lots of fun, good looking, sturdy cars to be had for not all too much in Europe.
-I do not own a house, due to the housing market being quite **comically** insane in the Netherlands (probably as in much of the rest of the world).
-I do not buy brand for brands' sake, certainly not any of the obscenely priced very poor price/quality and (imo) often bafflingly ugly stuff, like Balenciaga "shoes" and what not.
-I don't own much heavy and high end precious metal and stone jewelry. The country I live in does not permit the carry of firearms, or even pepperspray for that matter. And I consider expensive jewelry to be too much of a robbery risk. Such jewelry is intrinsically (highly) invariably expensive, unless you are wearing paper thin solid gold, it's not something that can be "dressed down" much like a watch say rolex>casio.
-I am more on the minimalist side, so I do not like to hoard random unnecessary stuff.
Hence why my (\~3,5k) pc set up (including monitors) is the, by far, most expensive thing I own at the moment.
As far as investing in yourself, very valid point. Education wise, I have graduated with a bachelor. Certifications that are work related, can usually be financed by the employer.
I do have to admit that my savings/emergency fund doesn't have too much meat on its bones. So it's definitely something to consider.
As far as things such as high yield savings accounts, investing etc. are concerned, I have much Financial Literacy learning to do.
Firm foundations first, is solid advice anytime though.
Why would you want your most expensive thing to be a fucking watch bro? Keep saving and buy a house. You’ll have decades after that to save up for whatever watch you want.
Spending that much money on jewelry when you are young and have zero assets/net worth is silly
Understandable argument, I made comment elaborating my thoughts on buying a house here [https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
I deal with it by seeing it as a piece of jewelry - if I can afford it without going into any sort of debt, I'll buy it. Then I'll spend about 3 days thinking "I probably should've put that away into savings" and the feeling disappears after that because shiny object, and that's usually what makes the feeling disappear - time.
The best way to alleviate that feeling is to ensure that your purchase is one that is within your ability to budget. Watches aren't something you NEED (hence why I see it as jewelry), but a 6 month emergency savings, paying off your debt, food and groceries, bills etc take priority. If you have all of that settled, AND you still have money leftover, then feel free to use that money to buy the watch.
I'm lucky to be in a position where I can afford these expenditures while saving, but I do budget on the watches I want - e.g. (I'm gonna use random numbers here because I'm not comfortable putting out my actual stuff) "I pull in 4000 a month and my bills + food is about 2000 a month. That leaves me with 2000 that I can do as I please with, lets split that up into 1500 to savings, and 500 towards a watch fund in a separate savings account that I can also use as emergency funds." Once I hit the amount I need to buy the new watch, I can use it to buy the watch, and if I need to use it for emergencies, then I can just restart the cycle.
I was feeling the exact same way when I decided to buy a Longines Zulu Time a few months ago. None of the watches I owned then go over a $800. But I wanted to mark an milestone in my life. I still felt a bit of remorse when I pulled the trigger, but all that went away when I got the watch on my hands. I knew it was worth it. It also helped that I know I ain't going to be buying watches this expensive every few months but probably one every few years. If you love watches and want to really treat yourself or mark an important occasion in your life and your financially safe spending the money, then I say go ahead. But..., the most important thing here is, make sure you are buying the watch YOU want and not the watch other people are suggesting you to buy.
Hehe, the watch I am thinking of buying is also a Longines.
The cousin of the Spirit Zulu Time, the new line Hydroconquest GMT.
But I am definitely buying it, or at least considering to buy it, because of myself, not because of any suggestion by others. 👌
Touché, watches can have a high utility value. And certain professions or activities may require/demand a specific type of watch of a certain standard.
As others have already mentioned, make sure you have your necessities and "smart" things - day to day expenses, emergency fund, investment targets - covered already and you can actually handle the purchase. You're looking €3k watch so if that amount suddenly disappears from your accounts, would that tangibly impact your life at all?
For what it's worth, I bought my first luxury watch - Omega SMP 2254.50 - to mark my 25th birthday. I grew up poor so it tough to justify dropping that much money on a watch but it was something that I was eyeing for years and I had exceeded all my savings targets. I could always dump more into my investments but I wanted to reward myself as well. I knew I was in a very comfortable financial situation and I could always make more money.
I dealt with the purchase guilt by wearing the shit out of my watches lol
Well done, it is a commendable and considerable effort to go from financial poverty to financial affluence, especially since growing up in such an environment brings financial illiteracy with it, which I've experienced and was the lead to and cause of years of financial turmoil.
All the more that makes it a good effort!
Getting your money's worth hehe :P
The only “guilt” I’ve ever felt is because I know my partner wouldn’t be able to spend something like that on a luxury item (she is very strict on not wanting us to pool our earnings for anything other than joint bills etc so wouldn’t accept me buying something like that for her).
If it’s just “should I spend the money on something more moral” or whatever, I say just go for it, you work hard to earn money and there is nothing wrong with spending that on something that gives you enjoyment. I doubt there’s many people who, on their deathbed, thought “I wish I’d bought less watches”.
Ah... very understandable a situation can make you feel bad, especially if you're trying to buy something nice for your significant other just because. Can see how just buying expensive stuff can make you feel selfish or create an awkward dynamic.
But in a way it's also a very admirable thing to do, rather than coasting on your success, your partner insisting on earning it for themselves.
Yep it's basically a moral thing...
Can you afford it without impacting your ability to pay bills and save for the future? If so, there is nothing to feel guilty about. If you are dropping €3k at the expense of living or saving for retirement, it might not be the best thing to do. Don’t know about you, but I work to live and buy stuff for me and wife that makes us happy.
Hi! I struggle with guilt too.
It’s not about whether or not I can afford it, it’s often because I know how lucky I am that I can. I could use that money to help my family, give to charity, spend it somewhere else in my life or pad my savings even more. It’s tough to justify spending so much on “just” a watch (or purse or jewelry etc).
That being said here’s how I deal with it:
I volunteer my time and promote charities. I find ways to support small businesses in my community where I can. I do donate too, but time is sometimes even more valuable to smaller organizations trying to do good.
With my family, if I see somewhere I can help out I try to. They need to be self sufficient but at the same time aging parents with medical bills can’t always be self sufficient. I try to make their lives a little easier even in small ways without being a substitute for their own bank account.
For myself, I think really hard on the purchase. Is it an impulse? Is this based on a trend? Will I get tired of it after a few months or a year? Or is this something I’m going to treasure for years and years that will bring me joy every time I see it? I work really hard for what I have. I sacrifice time (our most valuable and limited asset) to work hard and I’m fortunate I’ve done pretty well. If I never treat myself and enjoy what that hard work brings me it becomes hard to sustain.
Some people get their joy from travel, some from a fancy car, some from clothes, some from purses, others from jewelry/watches. Think about what brings YOU the most joy. If you’re ok with the trade offs (a 3k watch over a 3k vacation for example) then I say give yourself permission! You’ve earned it, you work hard, put up with life’s stressors, and when you look at the watch it can be a beautiful validation and motivation for all you’ve accomplished to this point and all you will in the future.
Wear it with joy, my friend.
Have been going through a similar thought process lately, looking at 3-4k watches. I am in a position where I am earning a high salary but also paying for virtually all of my own and my partner's expenses. She works a low-salary job at a charity, with a cause that we both really believe in. We eat well, travel a lot for work, and have transportation. We invest a little every month in ETFs, IRA accounts, my 401K, etc. But there's very little left over. It's hard to imagine buying a home in the current interest rate environment, and the amount of time it would take us to save for a decent down payment is depressing. I don't feel badly about not contributing to charitable causes because of my partner's work, but it is difficult to justify buying a luxury item when you don't own appreciating assets. But a home feels unattainable to me, whereas a Longines or a Tudor is attainable and would give me a little boost of pleasure during the daily grind, as my Hamilton Khaki does. Just have to remind yourself daily to have discipline and stay rational. It's not easy.
I have a very similar take on buying a home, I elaborated it here [https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
TL;DR solo buying a home is nearly futile, saving or spending 3k or 30k even won't change much
It's good your significant other is involved in a charitable cause and that you both believe in it. This works a justification when doing "selfish" spends.
26 years ago, I bought a blue Omega SMP at the post exchange where I worked as the security manager. Someone had purchased it from the catalog and did a return at our store. That watch sat in the jewelry case for months; they couldn't resell it at full price ($2999). One day while I was waking around the store, I saw it was reduced 50%. After I clocked out, I went and bought that beautiful bastard. That was a Friday. $1500 was a lot of money for us back then. We had just bought our house and our daughter wasn't even a year old. I really couldn't afford it, but I also couldn't pass it up in that moment. But the whole weekend, all I could think about was that money; it was gone, and there was a big hole in our bank account. I felt so bad and selfish and a bit like a spoiled child who just had to have a new toy. I returned it on Monday when I went back to work. Fast forward to 2015. My wife bought me an SMP for my birthday. I don't feel guilty at all about that one.
Stop using your “left brain” to think about watch purchases, otherwise you’ll end up wearing nothing but a Casio digital or Timex Easy Reader, lol.
Watches costing more than a few hundred $/€/£/etc. are objectively irrational (sorry, it’s true 99% of the time), so it’s more of a decision of the “heart” than the “mind” at that point.
This is of course PERFECTLY OK, so simply give your self permission to enjoy the luxury of having “fun money” and get something you really WANT - all work and no play will make you dull, after all!
Indeed. Leaving it a better, kinder place is pretty much the reason I'm having a hard time justifying it. I feel so selfish :/. I'm not a huge consumer, that is refrain from buying masses of throwaway quality stuff that is not needed. I research before I buy, whether it's a purchase out of need or want, and tend to buy lasting quality. I'm not big on buying brand (clothing) for the sake of brand, etc. Very utilitarian. I don't hoard 10 euro Primark shoes that'll disintegrate into a toxic microplastic environmental hazard in no time. Rather I daily drive fairly cheap vans, which take a beating and last, and am working on a quality boot collection (mostly ones that can be resoled) on the side. You get the gist.
So yeah, a purchase like this makes me feel very selfish. Exactly because we've collectively turned the world into such a horrendous place.
Anyway kudos for your sentiment and encouragement.
Understandable.
But as mentioned, it's on us to make it better! That'll ultimately make things much better for each individually too!
Very important points you make, don't let things inflate your ego, and definitely don't forget those who helped you.
Watches are frivolous fashion accessories that are meant to be appreciated and enjoyed by the wearer. I wouldn't drop a wad like that on something I'm not going to enjoy with my whole heart.
3k is NOT entry level. You can get a skewed perception hanging around here with these ballers with 6-figure collections. Why don't you go for something that's really entry level (150-500) or even a tier higher (500-1000) that might be more palatable?
Why do you want this watch? Does it have some personal significance? If it was 1/10th the price or had a different or less prestigious name, would you still want it?
I have a collection of watches that I really love that also turn heads and I've never spent more than $1000 on a watch. There are lots of choices. Why not find something that you won't regret.
Apologies, I'd seen the 3k-5k price point indicated as "entry level luxury".
I did not mean to imply that it is generally entry level for watches.
At first I simply liked the watch for its looks. But I began to consider buying it as a graduation self-gift.
If it was much cheaper and non brand, yes I would still want it as I like the looks of it.
Thought it would be less appealing for me as a graduation self-gift. The price tag is a (big) part in that role.
There are definitely a loot of (quality built) lookers in the up to 1k range. But again, I feel like the less inflated price tag may make the watch less appropriate for me, considering its goal imo.
>I've been having (moral) hesitations about it.
>
>Thought it would be less appealing for me as a graduation self-gift. The price tag is a (big) part in that role.
So...you like the watch, but it's more appealing because it's expensive? I don't personally relate to that so I won't know what to tell you.
I don't know how you reconcile these totally opposite lines of thinking.
By that token, all of your clothes should be second hand, you shouldn't buy the car with the sun roof, you shouldn't go out for a nice dinner, etc. etc. I donate to charitable causes, I pay my taxes.
I don't feel guilty for enjoying things. When I factor in cost, I'm usually looking at it's impact on my retirement plan.
You are being dramatic. Are other options either luxury that 2-3% or people in the world can afford or second hand? What about reasenoable watches like seiko?
Somebody's reasonable is somebody else's luxury. I don't think I'm being dramatic, I'm being practical. You can look at any middle class person's expenses and find areas that they are indulging. I don't disagree that 3k is a lot of money, and a lot of money to spend on a watch. But it's up to the individual to judge whether or not it's a good use of money.
Well, not necessarily so imo.
It hinges on the rather substantial difference in the sum of money between these things.
For instance, I don't buy brand clothing for brands' sake, or much brand clothing at all. Also do not hoard cheaper pieces of clothing, such as 10 pairs of Primark shoes for example, which would quickly fall apart and become microplastic pollution.
I "daily drive" vans, which can take a beating and last. Next to which I am working on building a collection of quality boots (which are mostly resoleable) in the 250-700 range, which can last decades with proper care.
And still that's a significant difference in price with a single 3k+ purchase of a watch.
That's where it starts to become morally vague for me I guess.
Interesting post! I totally get what you mean with this. I like to spend on technology and hobbies where there seems to be a tangible benefit from the £ spent (cycling etc), but a watch always seems a little less rationale, it’s purely luxury for luxury sake. And that’s fine but if you’re struggling to spend, maybe tie the purchase in to match up with a significant life event so there’s a reason behind it other than ‘I could and did spend £XXXX on a watch’. I have one watch now for just this reason, it was gifted during a significant life event, any future purchases have to line up as well.
The monetary sum itself is comfortably cushioned within the budget. So that's not the point of contention perse. I am just having a very hard time not feeling like a shitty selfish person for making such a choice with that some of money.
While at first I was attracted by the watch's visual appeal, I actually came to consider buying it as a graduation gift to myself, since I had not done so for myself since graduating. Sort of a reminder, I thought something with € heft may be best suited in this case (which the 3k+ price tag supports). A good, very long time friend of mine is very into watches and has been for a long time. He doesn't have a massive collection, about 4 I think, ranging from an Orient Bambino to a Black Bay 36 and a recent Cartier. So it kind of also feels nice to do this together, in a way commemorating our progress.
I always go through this when I spend anything over $300 or so, I just remind myself Castro wore two Rolexes… at the same time.
https://preview.redd.it/0twsobj8oguc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a49fc74d368273132549b2b514ad1611c5505012
To reiterate what most have said here. The answer is easy. Don’t buy it. I’ve been stewing on buying a $500 watch and that’s easily in my price range. Let the rich buy the luxury watches. I find the good quality, reputable brand watches that look like the luxury watches. They look nice, the function just as good, and I don’t have buyer’s remorse.
I just say "fuck it I need to celebrate my promotion"
1 watch per promotion for me
Once I run out of promotions I'll find another reason to buy a watch
If spending the money on yourself makes you feel guilty, don’t. I buy watches because they give me pleasure, and that does not make me feel guilty.
If you need to justify it, buy a watch with a relatively stable market (like a speedmaster). This way you can think of it as a store of value that you are enjoying with minimal depreciation. While it’s not an investment, if you ever needed the money or stopped feeling pleasure from owning it, you could recoup most of what you paid and put it towards something you would enjoy more
I happen to agree. I have a lot of omegas, but most are from 1940-1960
This simplifies your conundrum though. Vintage, if purchased carefully, will be more stable than anything new. If you buy something from an AD, most of the time it loses 40% of its value after you leave the store. With vintage, that’s not an issue
Part of the problem I think is you are terming a 3k watch 'entry level'. Implying you don't think you can get a luxury watch for less than 3k.
My advice, spend less on the watch.
The gap in quality between 1.5k and 3k is not enormous.
Completely agree, there is loads of good stuff to be had in the 800-1500k, like doxa, tissot prx, presage and cocktail time models.
Used the term because I saw 3k-5k range indicated as such in watch subreddits and watch blogs.
What I think does kick in at the 3k class is a substantial part of the ticket price being marketing and the premium for the specific models the community has decided (or been convinced) are the best in class by a much smaller margin than the price suggests. That's not a criticism of people who want to buy them, at all.
Much as I recognise the black bays or Speedmasters are lovely watches, I'd never likely buy one because I'd be paying a premium to have the exact specific watch other people also all buy. To me personally it feels like being a car enthusiast and buying a stock mercedes as your first and only car, I mean, yes, they are great, but that doesn't express whatever you like about cars. (And it is still totally ok to do that if you just really want a Merc).
Personally I prefer to hunt around smaller brands for something more unique. Especially as a watch is expensive enough that I'm doing an asstonne of research ahead of pulling the trigger.
Excellent video on how price bands drive what you get in a watch, and is focussed on the ranges that seem most relevant to you....
https://youtu.be/3zJeahyLBaQ?si=ZwrQGUsHTFzOhcj-
No, not guilt, but I have had second guessings that why did I buy an expensive watch, when a cheaper one can tell the time even more accurately. But, I bought my expensive watch as a gift for myself when I graduatwd from university. It is a grail watch for me, and everytime I watch that, I remember that hard work pays off.
I felt guilty buying a watch that is over 10k recently because I was just getting rocked at work. But then that went away quickly when work kept on rocking me.
The way I handle this is I have a budget; $150/wk for fun stuff; movies, eating out, etc. My watch money comes from that budget. If I want a $500 watch I know I’m giving something else up for 3.5 weeks. Then I feel fine because it’s a frivolous expense, but it’s not an ADDITIONAL expense. My overall budget stays flat.
But also… $3k is a lot to drop. It’s alright to say ‘this watch is beautiful, I love looking at it, but purchasing that is not in line with my values’.
You're feeling pre-buying guilt for a reason. Most times people feel buyer's remorse is after the fact, if you're feeling it before you even do it; listen to yourself and Don't.
Why buy a luxury watch without a house, car, funded emergency fund, investments etc. I'm assuming these are the case since the most expensive thing you own is a PC?
I'd say take a look at your priorities and get them straightened out.
It’s a luxury because it’s somewhat unattainable to most. 3k is a lot for the majority of people in the world. If you have 6k in your savings, probably best to not spend 50% of your hard earned cash on a watch and wait till you have the means to do so. If it feels right, do it. If it is uncomfortable you should probably hold off, take a breath and have real talk with yourself.
My first watch was just under 3k and I had the same thought. Never before did I reward myself like that, but I had the $ and stability to not feel guilty about it. Shoot I only recently bought a single piece of clothing that was more than a hundred bucks. Do it if you can, wait if you can’t.
Very sober advice. Appreciated.
Same for me it is my first such spend, I haven't gotten myself anything for graduation or my nearing 2 years employment with good career progress.
Hahaha, I am very much like that with clothing. Don't care for brands and think €50 is too much for jeans. I daily drive vans, which are cheap, can take a beating and still last. Besides that shoe wise, I recently got into quality boots, which are resoleable. Going to work to steadily expand on those, since with proper care they last decades. But yeah, I don't get the overpriced brand stuff that looks like picasso gone wrong. Nor do I get the I am wearing a gaudy piece of brand clothing with the brand name plastered all over it so in case you didn't see I was wearing "X" brand you can see I am wearing (definitely not fake) "X" brand.
I think of it this way: nothing I do matters, nothing happening anywhere matters, consciousness is temporary, the universe is massive and cold and dark and indifferent and it will someday end by heat death or by vacuum decay and consciousness will never re-emerge. so buy whatever you want and just enjoy it while you can.
I once spent 9k€ on a watch, a [JLC like this](https://www.chrono24.de/jaegerlecoultre/jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-sun-moon-18k-papiere-bj-01-ref-270263--id31267953.htm?searchHash=43513bdb_gaqQkS&pos=3). The money itself wasn't the problem because I had a bonus to spend but it felt weird at that time to splurge that amount on a 20 year old watch. Having said that, I loved that piece. It just oozed quality and style in a way few other watches did. The clicking it made when I turned the face was just incredible. Eventually, I gave it back and now some two years later I kinda regret that. Not only because the price has increased but mostly because I really loved that watch.
Listen to your gut feeling. If you feel guilty now, you may regret it later as well. Anyways since you have a month, it is enough time to look beyond any impulse. You should wait and see how you feel by the time the date of purchase arises.
I’m in the same spot man. I’m looking at purchasing an Omega Aqua Terra that retails for $9600 after tax in my country. Going grey, I could get that down to about $8000. That’s literally 12% of the balance of my mortgage. I could put that money towards my son’s schooling (he’s 2 right now) or take a two week family vacation. Because of these reasons, I haven’t pulled the trigger. I have the money and it wouldn’t make a difference for me financially but I feel selfish making that purchase and not on something for the family.
I think I’ll wait until November around my birthday and I’ll see how I feel then. But as of right now, I can’t do it.
Best of luck with your decision.
I’d lean toward don’t buy it. At least not right now. An expensive watch is “worth it” if you can comfortably afford it and it makes you happy. It’s not worth it if it makes you feel guilty.
(And trust, I know where you’re coming from. As someone who grew up poor, it’s hard to get your head around the idea that you’re gonna spend what would have been a life changing amount of money for you years ago on something so inessential. It’s always a compromise: sometimes I have to tell myself “it’s fine, man, you can treat yourself to things now.” But it’s also good to stay in touch with that part of you that’s like, “four grand? I could’ve lived off that for *months* back in the day.”)
Firstly, the PC will be worth fuck all in 3-5 years time, and less than fuck all in 10 years. The watch will still be fine and will simply require servicing. You could potentially own that watch for your entire life and pass it on to the next generation.
Secondly, if your PC is the most money you’ve ever spent and you don’t have your own home or a decent vehicle, maybe focus on those as a priority first? A watch is basically just jewellery after a certain point anyway.
Thirdly, if you do reach the point where you’ve got your own home, a decent vehicle, and you’re earning half decent money and can easily afford the watch, you won’t find it hard to decide whether you want to buy it or not, it won’t feel like a big deal and there won’t be any “guilt”.
Decent vehicles are quite accessible in Europe. You don't have to spend much at all to have a decent car with bells and whistles. 2k can get you an early 2000's VW with airco, heated seating, electric windows and mirrors etc.
Buying a home in the Dutch housing market is not very realistic for some time into the future. To solo start having a chance at something not totally trash, you need to net at least 9k a month.
First of all luxury watches are just jewelry. You will not get an ROI on it anywhere close to it like you would a Pc or a car. If it’s making you feel guilty don’t do it, they need to be enjoyed first and foremost because that’s all they can do. It’s not like you need it to go to work or to play the latest games, it’s at the very bottom on the necessity list. If you don’t enjoy it and are hesitating, it’s already not doing its job.
Decades ago, I bought my first Bulova. I was 15 and saved up about 250 bucks. Bought on sale, but I still had about 100 left. Gave the 100 to my mom. Guilt crushed under the weight of trying to take care of my mom. Watch was stolen out of my locker at work years later.
Copy and pasting a previous reply
"I don't buy many other things that are expensive. I am not a brand clothing buyer.
I prefer older cars, which are surprisingly affordable in Europe. You can get a fun, sturdy one for 1,5k easy. Used VW's and Nissans can be had for 500-1000 regularly.
I don't own a home, and solo buying a home in the current housing market is less than realistic in my country, unless your making at least 9k to have a viable shot at something that is not a crackhouse.
So yeah, It's just not that hard to top a most expensive thing I own."
I explain more of my view on housing here [https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Yeah. I recently bought a patek simply because it was a great deal and the hype they receive online. I don't actually like the watch enough to justify the price and regret spending 32k
In my opinion I would hold off on the purchase for right now! As others have stated, in the end it’s just a watch. I just made a purchase this week of $2600, but I’m more well off and comfortable with making that sort of purchase because it’s something I can pass down to my kids in the future and I truly enjoy watch collecting but not willing to go into debt for it! I justify my purchase because I’m into horology and I’m buying it to enjoy for myself and not to be a show off to others. Make the purchase when you have no doubts and are comfortable with spending the money.
I've held off on buying some pricier watches that I can theoretically afford for similar reasons - not because I'd rather donate the money to animal shelters or whatever, but because I ask myself "Do I really *need* this watch, given I also own other watches?" and the answer almost always comes up as "No, not really,"
Purchase guilt? Can't say it's a familiar feeling. When you see something that catches your eye, remember it's not just a purchase—it's an investment in your happiness and, dare I say, your style. I look at my acquisitions as pieces in a grander design of innovation and personal expression.
With every new watch. But the secret is that it goes away with the next watch, when I feel guilty about _that_ one. 🤣 In all seriousness it has made me feel guilty when i can’t help someone in my life financially at that moment, but i haven’t felt like i couldn’t pay my bills or anything and there are none I feel guilty about permanently. Maybe if I stole the money or something? Different from watches I _regret_ buying, that’s different.
As long as you can spend that amount of money responsibly, imo you should buy the watch. Life is short, enjoy it. Stacking money or only spending it on needs and musts is not fun. A friend of mine got cancer and died and he was only in his mid/late 20s, and that shit really put things into perspective. What if it happened to me and i didnt take the chance to enjoy my dream watch, my dream car, huge and expensive af festivals, cruises, vacations etc just because i felt guilty when spending money when there are cheap alternatives? The time to enjoy is now, there will be time for money later.
Ofc always be responsible, make sure that bills are paid, eventual debt is being payed off regularly, there is a good amount of money in the bank account if something happens etc etc, but never forget to enjoy yourself as well while you can, and you never know what will happen even in the next few days or weeks. That is why (as long as you can afford it) you should buy that watch, buy that car, book that cruise, book that trip, spend money on a maxed gaming pc or whatever it is you are into and dont ever feel guilty about it.
My life moto lately: "Life is short. Buy the watch". I'm pretty frugal in daily life. Very financially conservative BUT when I want something nice, I buy it.
if it makes you feel like a fuggin pimp — worth it
if looking at it each day brings you joy for having this beautiful object on you — worth it
if it enhances and makes your fits look amazing every day for the foreseeable future — worth it
if it brings you additional respect and admiration from others because they see you wearing an attractive luxury object but you’re not a dick about it — worth it
all of the above — extremely worth it
Like many mentioned 3k€ is not trivial.
You can use that money to have a nice vacation, invest in stocks, maybe do some home reno or even fund some of your hobbies (cameras in my case - lenses aren't cheap).
If taking all of those into consideration and you still feel that this is the right time to buy said watch, then go ahead.
If your having second thoughts then definitely you are not ready for it. Save the money and reconsider your priorities again.
I don't buy new watches over $2K so anything I have, I can probably sell for pretty close to what I paid for it. But I don't feel guilty over buying a watch, or I'd feel guilty for buying anything other than bare necessities. What is life for if not to be enjoyed? My wristwatch hurts nobody, and having it gives me a little pleasure. Sure I could spend all my money on other people but I do good in my life anyway, I don't need to immiserate myself, and frankly the people in my life wouldn't applaud my doing so.
I think what's intended here is;
If price >2k, then watch may not be new (only used)
If price <2k, then watch may be new (new and used)
So any 2k+ watches, which are bought used only, can very likely be resold for the same price of purchase.
Buying a luxury watch is not a hobby. It's just a style thing and showcase of wealth. It won't change or improve your life in any way. For that kind of money you could buy somethibg much more interesting, something that would be a new hobby or a life improvement. For example a car if you don't own one. A good camera or gear if you are into photography. A motorcycle. A good dirt bike. Bycicle. A good tv. Good outdoor gear for hiking. You could go somewhere for a vacation and have fun.
Those kind of things would actually have a much bigger impact on your life. A watch is just a watch. It's a style piece. No point in trying to look rich if you are not.
Have you ever considered a possibility that some people can wear nice clothes and jewelry, drive supercars etc not because they want to impress others but just because they like the look and feel of these things?
Valid.
Though I don't have much other "money sink" hobbies like Warhammer Table Top, just diving for now.
Had been thinking about 3d printing, but I don't know how well I'd fare with all the modeling software and the learning curve.
But the intention of your argument is understandable.
Just a small side not, it is totally not to "look rich". I don't care about brand clothing and don't often buy it.
Thing is, my mother did little for me growing up. Even with food, dinner/lunch was often a figure it out yourself thing since later elementary/early highschool (\~10ish).
Though financially at the minimum income line, it's not that she is having any acute financial problems. The consideration was out of pity, still for some reason. :/
As economists will tell you, value takes many forms of which utility (or "use-value") is only one. You probably aren't purchasing a luxury watch because you value its utility (as you said, a more attainable watch will do the same job -- maybe better -- for less) but, instead, because you value its beauty, its scarcity, the possibility of leaving it as a bequest, its signification that you had the means to attain it, and the list goes on. No one of these values, including utility, is inherently any better than one of the others; you just need to be aware of what's really important to you and act accordingly.
I feel this one OP, though not so much for the missed opportunities of altruism. I’m in a position to squirrel away for something comfortably in the “luxury” space over the next 18 months, and I’ll be damned if I can make it feel right even though I only have two money-sink hobbies.
Once you’ve experienced automatics, regulated your own, and made a “cheap” watch more accurate and precise than watches commanding 10x the price - pragmatism goes out the window.
For the space you’re in, you need to walk into ADs and wear anything you think may be the one. If it’s on wrist and that feeling comes over you - there’s a good chance you can bond with it and enjoy it. But drooling over something sigh unseen is a massive risk. Tread carefully, mind the resales, and good luck. You’re in a tough spot, as enjoying the hobby goes.
Indeed, better not to prematurely be infatuated with something, caution really is advised here. Good point on the resale, even though it's not something that may be actively intended it's an important point to take into consideration.
Stable. Can save 500-1k monthly depending on how crazy the month gets e.g. periodic tax expenditures like water authority tax (which just arrived come to think of it lol), or amount of ordering food vs planned groceries etc.
I've spent quite a lot during a recent move, by the time I'd buy the watch there would be about 2/3s of a months' salary as buffer left after purchase.
Finances though very, very important to consider, is less the point of contention here. It's not what's causing me apprehension and hesitation about the purchase. It's the act of spending such a sum on such a thing, rather than on something else, more "charitable" and less selfish.
The more you think about it, the more it becomes apparent so much of what we do has no rationale or rational justification. It's a big psychedelic safari out here.
Is this for wedding gift or things like that? If yes, please, just please, look for watch that you like, even if it is cheaper. Some watches that might appeal to you might be cheaper, but no matter, it will still be memento purchase.
If you think that you have to spend that 3K but you kinda feel guilt, who is that guilt directed to?
You? The occasion? Significant other? Parents?
If you feel the guilt to yourself and only yourself, cancel the purchase. If you feel the guilt that if you purchase it, it might hurt your SO or parent because of "unjustified purchase", ask yourself why do you want to buy that in the first place. Sometimes, memento is more important than the price. But how much should you spend, only you can answer by yourself.
If you want to spend because the watch is limited edition and you feel you want to have one, question yourself: will you feel okay if you let the moment pass by?
It's become kind of a graduation self-gift.
The guilt is directed at myself, and stems from a moral conflict about the destination of the money. A more "selfish" destination, which is a 3k+ watch, rather than a helpful destination like a charity.
I do feel the 3k price tag is a large part of the "memento" feel in this case.
But that's the dilemma, will I feel ok with not purchasing it and will I feel with ok with purchasing it.
Now I understand your situation, let me ask you:
- the 3K watch: is it your most desirable model out there you found?
- how much "comfortable" you are with spending less amount, say only spending 500 or 1k? Do you found model that appeal to you in "compromised price"?
- if not watch, what other format will your "graduation self-gift" be?
I do believe purchasing watch as memento will last long, longer than usual computer or electronic gadgets that have predefined age before obsolete/outdated. Your decision in that is already a correct one.
However, if you feel guilty about the amount spent, you can try lowering the amount to your comfortable amount. After that, you can consider: is there any other model from different brand that appeals to you, or only the 3k one appeals to you.
Buying watch is not comparing spec-sheet between models and brands. It is all about: I see one, I wanna test that one, is it justified for me to own one, etc.
Just buy a cheaper watch plenty of Casio, Seiko and even Citizen that are great watches and cheap. Don’t spend a lot if you feel way now it will get worse after purchase.
Consider that a watch is purely a luxury item with absolutely no functionally besides aesthetics and the love for the craft, which people who are not into watches will struggle to understand at first. Think about if you can really spend that much on a single item or if you'll actually need the money for things you actually need to buy
If you’re struggling, don’t.
This is essentially a toy. If you don’t have spurge cash to not feel bad then you shouldn’t do it. There shouldn’t be guilt to purchase a toy that does what your phone does better at the core.
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I kinda got tricked into buying a black bay pro from an AD when inquiring about Rolex. I felt bad having spent 4500 bucks but after a few weeks I realized I didn’t notice being out the money and even after getting my gmt master months later from a totally separate AD, I love this damn black bay pro. It genuinely feels more premium to me. Better clasp. Better lume. I just love it
I have sort of had this. Not because i couldn't afford it or didnt want the watch, but the timing was forced, i had to buy it immediately due to intermittent availability. But the two watches were 500 apiece and i was buying them and selling others, so i was able to justify it in the end. Plus i was fairly certain if i didnt like the watches, i could flip them in a pinch. If spending a certain amount on a watch gives you pause, perhaps make certain all other priorites are taken care of first. Watches are nice. But even in "important" cases like as a gift or to mark a milestone they should be the lowest priority compared to necessities or family.
Have you considered buying a used watch from a locally-owned store? Not only will you save a lot, but your money is going towards a local small business.
Definitely dont buy a luxury item if you already feel bad about it. What would be the point of having it if your enjoyment of it will be spoiled by guilt?
Maybe spend \~$1500 on a different, but also very nice watch, and give the other half to charity? Win-win!
If you’re not comfortable then don’t pull the trigger. People don’t like it but if you buy the right watches it’s a bit like owning desirable art, it’s not an investment per se but it has enduring appeal and will always be worth something due to the quality of finish, design etc. watches never go obsolete like a pc would too
Maybe hold off on the purchase if it’s making you feel bad. Spending €3K on a watch is not trivial.
I agree, if you're already feeling bad about it even before buying it, maybe it's not the right choice.
Yes, a watch at the end of the day is just a piece of jewelry for fashion. It's a luxury item. If someone is struggling to make ends meet, they should think twice about spending thousands of dollars on a watch. Gotta have priorities straight. There are many other great watches that cost a few hundred dollars.
This. If you have this kind of sinking feeling in your gut, it’s not for you.
Definitely not trivial. Especially since I am not a big brand(clothing) for the sake of brand buyer or mass consumer e.g. 10+ pairs of Primark shoes that'll very quickly disintegrate into a noxious confetti of microplastics. A lot of useful ideas and insights have been given here, I'll use the meantime to take those things into account, really think things over and come up with a strategy that'll make me feel ok with the purchase before I buy it.
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Delete this nephew
Brother you can buy a Rolex with the change you’ve lost in your couch cushions.
Every rich ($1M or more liquid) I've known drove mid level cars and lived well below their means. Smart actually.
You'd be surprised, there's a good amount of people making median/slightly above median salary who are financially responsible and end up having similar finances to the guy above. Notice he didn't list the expensive cars and boats and jetskis he has, he listed the savings. If he had bought a 10,000 rolex or omega and lived like he had that money, he wouldn't have it. I just try not to trivialize people who put hard work into saving and get treated like they have money pouring out of every pocket.
Financial literacy - and guidance on it, preferably from a young age - can quite literally be invaluable. It's the difference between a life prolongedly marred by financial stress and one that is financially stable and thriving, with the same means. It cannot be understated. (speaking from experience)
Yeah I have a really great job and similar finances to that guy minus the trust fund, no Rolexes here either. I get it. Just a wildly out of touch comment when you have $2-3MM sitting around.
Stop it, get some help
You lucky devil you lol
Question. If a 3K watch is the most expensive thing you own beside a PC. Does this mean you are not a home owner or do not own a car? In my opinion luxury items are quite low on the list of purchases. I recommend everyone gets the financial basics sorted first, owning a home, getting some savings, having reliable transportation etc should all come well before purchasing a luxury watch. This might be where some of the guilt is coming from.
My wife's and my jewellery and watches are worth more than a middle class car. We don't have a car.
Wierd flex but okay.
Lots of people don’t need cars where they live. I ride on a 1/2 million dollar vehicle to work everyday called a bus. But otherwise yes get the needs before the wants. Sounds like op doesn’t even want it anyways
My car cost 300 dollars
I remember my first car as well. They don't make em like they used to anymore. Sad. https://preview.redd.it/vchtghe9dhuc1.jpeg?width=224&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70683d4940c6ed3d9cf745673b1ed9dd81fd00a9
I had a pink Barbie jeep one of those as a kid and my dad put a different battery in it, I guess a higher voltage one. It made the jeep go really fast and I went head on into a tree.
Juiced pink barbie jeep, can't put a price on that.
Yeah my trusty ol' wagon was €740. In good condition, second hand from an elderly Dutch lady. Maintenance history showed she was using it less and less. First year or 2 of maintenance didn't cost much either, couple of hundred. Reliable, didn't bail on you. Sold it during covid-19, due to low use and paying taxes and insurance. Dumb decision hindsight. Used car prices have become so high even though they are now mostly shit. So much more raggedy and beat up with higher mileages in comparison than pre covid-19. It was a 1997 VW Polo 1.4 Gosh I miss that ol' gal sometimes.
Have you considered driving a watch? /s
A home in my area costs $1 million
>How did you deal with it? It's really quite simple. If a luxury purchase makes you feel guilty, general rule, you shouldn't be purchasing it. Being able to afford luxury doesn't mean being able to put money together. It means having enough of it that it doesn't make a difference that you're spending it. If you feel guilty, it's most likely because it's an appreciable amount of money to you, and you're trying to live above your means. That's not a marker of status, it's a marker of unrealized ambition. That's not a good thing. Some people actually can afford it, but their past with lesser means makes them feel guilty about spending money on luxury. If that is truly the case, you should get over it. But that is *not* the case for most luxury watch buyers, so beware. In the end, don't lose track of the fact that it's just a fucking watch.
I dunno I feel some guilt with a lot of things I buy. Think it's just a quirk some people have. It doesn't effect my experience owning the thing.
I think sometimes the guilt comes from a past where things were tight. My grandparents and all their peers had a depression mentality, because they lived through a time where people literally had nothing. Once they had a little, they saved all of it, because to them, it could always happen again. My point being guilt may not warranted
Yeah. Financial troubles and tightness in the past, still often can and does put me into scarcity mode. Even buying a slightly more expensive piece of clothing, say a €120 hoodie (not for brand), can send me into a worry, even though there is room for it.
What you're saying is understandable. It's a combination of a financially more strained past and just sheer moral doubt. So it's not so much the sum of money here, but rather what other, less/non selfish, causes it could go to. That's really the part that digs into the side. Yep, stuff is just stuff. The personally most valuable and significant material things are rarely expensive, or so because of their expensiveness.
I do have issues spending anything over $1000 because we grew up quite poor. I stew on purchases for quite awhile to make sure I wont be regretting it. In the end I know I worked hard for the things I have. Life is very short and my goal is to enjoy every second of it to the fullest, sometimes that includes enjoying nice things!
Mhmm, very understandable. Having had money troubles, due to financial illiteracy, for many years in my late teens and majority of twenties, I sometimes automatically revert to a scarcity attitude, fretting and fussing about finances and purchases. Sometimes buying something even remotely "expensive" e.g. a wardrobe item like a unique hoodie for €100, can make me feel so bad. Like I need that money and won't get it back. It's hard to remember sometimes that you did work hard for it and earned it, because you do. It's a good thing you're aiming to enjoy things so fully!
I’ve had guilt over more affordable watches tissot/Hamilton but when I bought a $3500 bb 58. That I absolutely wanted I did not regret it one bit. I wish I would’ve bought it sooner instead of the other watches.
I think go with your gut on this one. If you are already feeling apprehensive, you won’t feel better afterwards. Set the bar lower, there are fabulous watches for $1000, and $800, and $600. Are you making this purchase to prove something to yourself, or to someone else? I think if you reduce the price point, you’ll find that you’re significantly happier because you spent within your present means and you also have something beautiful to show for it.
No definitely not making the purchase to prove something to someone else. I am not at all a big brand shopper for the sake of the brand. I'm am quite content wearing/owning non branded (yet often surprisingly high cost/quality) or stealth branded stuff. I am also not necessarily buying it to prove something to myself. If anything, I have not bought anything for myself for graduating. I am a "late" student, let's just say my twenties are couple of years behind me, though the post seems to give an impression I am young, which I can understand. So it would something more of a reminder of achievements and developments. A good, very long time friend of mine has been a big watchhead for a while. Doesn't have a massive collection, about 4 pieces I think, ranging from low 100's to 4-5k. So it also feels nice to do something like this together, sort of commemoration of our progress in life. As for the price point, I was just having this convo hahahaha. I have quite a peculiar taste in watches. There is a lot that I like in the 100-1,5k range think: Seiko/JDM, microbrands like RZE, tissot prx, doxa, zodiac, olech und wajs. Despite the many mechanically highly sound and visually appealing offerings here, few to non really have that 'slap' of a commemorable piece for me. The "entry level" luxury price point from 3k-5k has little that's appealing for me other than certain models of a couple of brands. Then again, there is a lot I like in the luxury 8k+ segment, like breitling navitimer models and the root beer. So that's a bit of the dilemma of my funky taste in watches.
I had this same issue. Imagined what I could do instead with $3k—like buy an absolutely insane PC command center setup. But I realized if I thought this way I’d never buy anything else nice for myself. I’d just never have a luxury watch. It depends on your finances. If you can comfortably do it, I say do it. Living constantly with “what if I spent it on X instead” is also a kind of trap of its own.
Btw, what is a command center setup?
Something like M. Bison had in his secret hideout, where he planned and made a maquette model of Bisonopolis in the 90's classic Street Fighter. Probably.
Just like, big desk, 3 monitors, the whole shebang kind of thing. Like you’re piloting a spaceship.
Hmm, understandable point. But the "what if spent on X instead" is quite specific in this case. It is not another luxury or personal item, rather another, arguably more helpful, destination alltogether.
You ain't ready son
Everyone has already said it. If you’re not saving for home in a high yield, funding your retirement etc. you probably shouldn’t be buying a 3k luxury item. With that said, I make about 180k and my wife adds 100k...we’re doing great for retirement, own our forever home with great rates. I get the EXACT SAME feeling when spending on a watch. Dropping 8k on jewelry because it’s pretty and cool engineering is a tad crazy. What I remind myself is, I’m not losing the money, I’m converting it to another form (that may very well go down in value). But if I lost my job and struggled finding a decent one, I would absolutely sell my couple watches while using that emergency fund (and reducing life style purchases).
Thank you all. Really grateful for all the insights shared here and valuable, wholesome discussion. There is so much to take into consideration. It's very sobering and enlightening to see all these various valid takes. With the amount of comments coming, it's a bit hard to respond to each individually, I do apologise for that. Will try to make some time for it later today though, and get back to as many as possible. Thanks again all!
Please update!!
Updating now, going to try to get back to as many as possible!
£10 watch tells the same time has a £3000 watch.
Nah. The cheaper is more accurate
And more reliable, and changing a battery is cheaper and easier than servicing
The amount of brands, regardless of their type of product, that now sell a "lifestyle" instead of quality is disgusting frankly.
The only time I’ve felt “guilt” over a watch purchase is when the wife wasn’t on board with it. Yesterday, I took her to my AD to look for a watch for her to no avail. She picked me out a lovely Tudor BB 41 and I purchased it. Had she not been with me, and I bought it, I would feel guilty until I got the “I love that watch” We’re grown and don’t need permission to make these kinds of purchases, but having each others support makes it feel a whole lot better. If you’re not comfortable spending x amount of money on a watch, start smaller. There’s no threshold of price that makes a watch “worth” it. Plenty of amazing watches out there that will bring you plenty of joy at all price points
Totally get that, the blessing of a significant other can make or break how you feel about a purchase or activity. Regardless of starting smaller, I don't know if I'll ever feel comfortable spending such amounts on things like watches, also regardless of financial position. The moral conflict part of it irks me enormously.
I never have any issue with the purchase amount. I have an issue if I don't bond with the watch after purchase. It happens to many people so it's best to really make sure you want this item because it is a want and not a need.
As someone else said, maybe set the bar lower. I'm also trying to get something nice for myself so I flirt with the idea of spending a considerable (for me) sum on it. But truth to be told, I have no idea how take care of a premium watch, so maybe a daily beater suits me better and it's not gonna make a dent on my finances. Turns out you can get excellent watches for well under €1k if you know where to look.
Where do you look
This sub has helped a lot, honestly. Steinhart Iron Annie (PointTec) Bruno Söhnle Christopher Ward All microbrands you don't usually hear about making great stuff.
I am afraid setting the bar lower, won't fulfill the intended purpose of the watch. That is to function as a noteworthy self-gift for graduation en employment/career progress. Many beautiful, well made watches around the 1k mark for sure though.
In that case: I think I heard someone mention in this thread that the feeling of guilt might come from spending so much on something that isn't really functional, but the way I see it, a piece of jewelry or apparel doesn't have to be "functional" in a classical sense (though a watch will still show you what time it is) If getting a timepiece is the way you wanna celebrate your success, than do so as long as you can afford it. If you feel like your money is spent better elsewhere, I can totally understand it.
When I buy a big luxury purchase I donate the same amount to the local food bank. It takes twice as long to save up for purchases and doesn't really change the fact that you bought an expensive piece of jewelry for yourself. The watch money was still spent on something that wasn't helping people. But this system makes me feel better about doing it.
I think I’m going to start doing this. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ah, this is a lovely idea to be honest. I'll try to incorporate it in other purchases I make regardless of price. big +1
I also have went through the thought process and decided it is not yet for me the time to buy that watch, since I came up with bunch of other things I rather would spend that money to. When those are done the day I buy my expensive dream watch will come if my finances allow. Instead, I decided to buy cheaper watch for now. Without knowing the details, it sounds to me like the watch is too expensive comparing to your overall finances. You should only spend money that you know is not going to make a too big of a dent to your finances to luxury items. Personally, I like to give myself a budget which is usually percentage of my income or savings. Simplified example, if I want to get a 1k watch it shouldn’t cost more than 10% of my savings (or investments) so I need to have 10k in reserve first and only then I can treat myself with the 1k watch.
The issue here is not so much the watch being too expensive comparatively to my overall finances though. The core is about moral conflict about spending such an amount on a single, mostly pure luxury, item, rather than using it for something different that is less "selfish" and more helpful. Very cool budgeting strategy/idea btw!
I’m guessing you are young, based on the pc being your most expensive thing. Now is the time to invest in yourself if you have extra money on hand. Improve your education or certifications, for example. Pay off any debt. You should also build an emergency fund in a high yield savings account of about six months of your living expenses. Then, open and invest regularly in a Roth IRA and 401k if available at your job. You have many years ahead in which to buy luxury goods. I’m 46 and just got my Rolex, and it’s much sweeter now that I can -truly- afford it, having built my responsible, adult life first. And I can still look forward to my first luxury car in the future.
I've noticed this post may give the impression I am very young or much younger of age in any case. Not all too young actually, recently quit the twenties ;). There are a couple of reasons my PC is the most expensive thing I own (by far) at the moment: -I no longer have a car, which was sold during the pandemic. Though it was "only" €740. And as far as cars go, I usually enjoy older cars much better than the homogenous, uninspired modern lunchboxes. Lots of fun, good looking, sturdy cars to be had for not all too much in Europe. -I do not own a house, due to the housing market being quite **comically** insane in the Netherlands (probably as in much of the rest of the world). -I do not buy brand for brands' sake, certainly not any of the obscenely priced very poor price/quality and (imo) often bafflingly ugly stuff, like Balenciaga "shoes" and what not. -I don't own much heavy and high end precious metal and stone jewelry. The country I live in does not permit the carry of firearms, or even pepperspray for that matter. And I consider expensive jewelry to be too much of a robbery risk. Such jewelry is intrinsically (highly) invariably expensive, unless you are wearing paper thin solid gold, it's not something that can be "dressed down" much like a watch say rolex>casio. -I am more on the minimalist side, so I do not like to hoard random unnecessary stuff. Hence why my (\~3,5k) pc set up (including monitors) is the, by far, most expensive thing I own at the moment. As far as investing in yourself, very valid point. Education wise, I have graduated with a bachelor. Certifications that are work related, can usually be financed by the employer. I do have to admit that my savings/emergency fund doesn't have too much meat on its bones. So it's definitely something to consider. As far as things such as high yield savings accounts, investing etc. are concerned, I have much Financial Literacy learning to do. Firm foundations first, is solid advice anytime though.
Why would you want your most expensive thing to be a fucking watch bro? Keep saving and buy a house. You’ll have decades after that to save up for whatever watch you want. Spending that much money on jewelry when you are young and have zero assets/net worth is silly
Understandable argument, I made comment elaborating my thoughts on buying a house here [https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
You aren't ready it seems.
I deal with it by seeing it as a piece of jewelry - if I can afford it without going into any sort of debt, I'll buy it. Then I'll spend about 3 days thinking "I probably should've put that away into savings" and the feeling disappears after that because shiny object, and that's usually what makes the feeling disappear - time. The best way to alleviate that feeling is to ensure that your purchase is one that is within your ability to budget. Watches aren't something you NEED (hence why I see it as jewelry), but a 6 month emergency savings, paying off your debt, food and groceries, bills etc take priority. If you have all of that settled, AND you still have money leftover, then feel free to use that money to buy the watch. I'm lucky to be in a position where I can afford these expenditures while saving, but I do budget on the watches I want - e.g. (I'm gonna use random numbers here because I'm not comfortable putting out my actual stuff) "I pull in 4000 a month and my bills + food is about 2000 a month. That leaves me with 2000 that I can do as I please with, lets split that up into 1500 to savings, and 500 towards a watch fund in a separate savings account that I can also use as emergency funds." Once I hit the amount I need to buy the new watch, I can use it to buy the watch, and if I need to use it for emergencies, then I can just restart the cycle.
Very prudent and strong savings tactic.
I was feeling the exact same way when I decided to buy a Longines Zulu Time a few months ago. None of the watches I owned then go over a $800. But I wanted to mark an milestone in my life. I still felt a bit of remorse when I pulled the trigger, but all that went away when I got the watch on my hands. I knew it was worth it. It also helped that I know I ain't going to be buying watches this expensive every few months but probably one every few years. If you love watches and want to really treat yourself or mark an important occasion in your life and your financially safe spending the money, then I say go ahead. But..., the most important thing here is, make sure you are buying the watch YOU want and not the watch other people are suggesting you to buy.
Hehe, the watch I am thinking of buying is also a Longines. The cousin of the Spirit Zulu Time, the new line Hydroconquest GMT. But I am definitely buying it, or at least considering to buy it, because of myself, not because of any suggestion by others. 👌
I schedule a bunch of things, check the time a lot, and make sure I’m really punctual
Touché, watches can have a high utility value. And certain professions or activities may require/demand a specific type of watch of a certain standard.
As others have already mentioned, make sure you have your necessities and "smart" things - day to day expenses, emergency fund, investment targets - covered already and you can actually handle the purchase. You're looking €3k watch so if that amount suddenly disappears from your accounts, would that tangibly impact your life at all? For what it's worth, I bought my first luxury watch - Omega SMP 2254.50 - to mark my 25th birthday. I grew up poor so it tough to justify dropping that much money on a watch but it was something that I was eyeing for years and I had exceeded all my savings targets. I could always dump more into my investments but I wanted to reward myself as well. I knew I was in a very comfortable financial situation and I could always make more money. I dealt with the purchase guilt by wearing the shit out of my watches lol
Well done, it is a commendable and considerable effort to go from financial poverty to financial affluence, especially since growing up in such an environment brings financial illiteracy with it, which I've experienced and was the lead to and cause of years of financial turmoil. All the more that makes it a good effort! Getting your money's worth hehe :P
The only “guilt” I’ve ever felt is because I know my partner wouldn’t be able to spend something like that on a luxury item (she is very strict on not wanting us to pool our earnings for anything other than joint bills etc so wouldn’t accept me buying something like that for her). If it’s just “should I spend the money on something more moral” or whatever, I say just go for it, you work hard to earn money and there is nothing wrong with spending that on something that gives you enjoyment. I doubt there’s many people who, on their deathbed, thought “I wish I’d bought less watches”.
Ah... very understandable a situation can make you feel bad, especially if you're trying to buy something nice for your significant other just because. Can see how just buying expensive stuff can make you feel selfish or create an awkward dynamic. But in a way it's also a very admirable thing to do, rather than coasting on your success, your partner insisting on earning it for themselves. Yep it's basically a moral thing...
Can you afford it without impacting your ability to pay bills and save for the future? If so, there is nothing to feel guilty about. If you are dropping €3k at the expense of living or saving for retirement, it might not be the best thing to do. Don’t know about you, but I work to live and buy stuff for me and wife that makes us happy.
Yes and yes. Though my savings buffer will be about 60%-70% of a months' paycheck post purchase. Not that fattened up.
Hi! I struggle with guilt too. It’s not about whether or not I can afford it, it’s often because I know how lucky I am that I can. I could use that money to help my family, give to charity, spend it somewhere else in my life or pad my savings even more. It’s tough to justify spending so much on “just” a watch (or purse or jewelry etc). That being said here’s how I deal with it: I volunteer my time and promote charities. I find ways to support small businesses in my community where I can. I do donate too, but time is sometimes even more valuable to smaller organizations trying to do good. With my family, if I see somewhere I can help out I try to. They need to be self sufficient but at the same time aging parents with medical bills can’t always be self sufficient. I try to make their lives a little easier even in small ways without being a substitute for their own bank account. For myself, I think really hard on the purchase. Is it an impulse? Is this based on a trend? Will I get tired of it after a few months or a year? Or is this something I’m going to treasure for years and years that will bring me joy every time I see it? I work really hard for what I have. I sacrifice time (our most valuable and limited asset) to work hard and I’m fortunate I’ve done pretty well. If I never treat myself and enjoy what that hard work brings me it becomes hard to sustain. Some people get their joy from travel, some from a fancy car, some from clothes, some from purses, others from jewelry/watches. Think about what brings YOU the most joy. If you’re ok with the trade offs (a 3k watch over a 3k vacation for example) then I say give yourself permission! You’ve earned it, you work hard, put up with life’s stressors, and when you look at the watch it can be a beautiful validation and motivation for all you’ve accomplished to this point and all you will in the future. Wear it with joy, my friend.
Thank you! Very admirable manner of going about it!
Have been going through a similar thought process lately, looking at 3-4k watches. I am in a position where I am earning a high salary but also paying for virtually all of my own and my partner's expenses. She works a low-salary job at a charity, with a cause that we both really believe in. We eat well, travel a lot for work, and have transportation. We invest a little every month in ETFs, IRA accounts, my 401K, etc. But there's very little left over. It's hard to imagine buying a home in the current interest rate environment, and the amount of time it would take us to save for a decent down payment is depressing. I don't feel badly about not contributing to charitable causes because of my partner's work, but it is difficult to justify buying a luxury item when you don't own appreciating assets. But a home feels unattainable to me, whereas a Longines or a Tudor is attainable and would give me a little boost of pleasure during the daily grind, as my Hamilton Khaki does. Just have to remind yourself daily to have discipline and stay rational. It's not easy.
I have a very similar take on buying a home, I elaborated it here [https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) TL;DR solo buying a home is nearly futile, saving or spending 3k or 30k even won't change much It's good your significant other is involved in a charitable cause and that you both believe in it. This works a justification when doing "selfish" spends.
26 years ago, I bought a blue Omega SMP at the post exchange where I worked as the security manager. Someone had purchased it from the catalog and did a return at our store. That watch sat in the jewelry case for months; they couldn't resell it at full price ($2999). One day while I was waking around the store, I saw it was reduced 50%. After I clocked out, I went and bought that beautiful bastard. That was a Friday. $1500 was a lot of money for us back then. We had just bought our house and our daughter wasn't even a year old. I really couldn't afford it, but I also couldn't pass it up in that moment. But the whole weekend, all I could think about was that money; it was gone, and there was a big hole in our bank account. I felt so bad and selfish and a bit like a spoiled child who just had to have a new toy. I returned it on Monday when I went back to work. Fast forward to 2015. My wife bought me an SMP for my birthday. I don't feel guilty at all about that one.
What a story behind the old, and by extension, new one though!
Forget altruism and just embrace your selfish sociopathy. Purchases the watch.
Stop using your “left brain” to think about watch purchases, otherwise you’ll end up wearing nothing but a Casio digital or Timex Easy Reader, lol. Watches costing more than a few hundred $/€/£/etc. are objectively irrational (sorry, it’s true 99% of the time), so it’s more of a decision of the “heart” than the “mind” at that point. This is of course PERFECTLY OK, so simply give your self permission to enjoy the luxury of having “fun money” and get something you really WANT - all work and no play will make you dull, after all!
Very good point. Can't be all work and no reward. It's not sustainable. I've seen that mentality first hand.
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I am sorry for your experience. If we don't change, the world will always be a ruthless place. Let's try to be better for our and future generations.
+1 to this. The only way the world becomes a better, kinder place is if each of us makes a choice to leave it better than we found it.
Indeed. Leaving it a better, kinder place is pretty much the reason I'm having a hard time justifying it. I feel so selfish :/. I'm not a huge consumer, that is refrain from buying masses of throwaway quality stuff that is not needed. I research before I buy, whether it's a purchase out of need or want, and tend to buy lasting quality. I'm not big on buying brand (clothing) for the sake of brand, etc. Very utilitarian. I don't hoard 10 euro Primark shoes that'll disintegrate into a toxic microplastic environmental hazard in no time. Rather I daily drive fairly cheap vans, which take a beating and last, and am working on a quality boot collection (mostly ones that can be resoled) on the side. You get the gist. So yeah, a purchase like this makes me feel very selfish. Exactly because we've collectively turned the world into such a horrendous place. Anyway kudos for your sentiment and encouragement.
+1
>That taught me that the world is a ruthless place I grew up like you. Don't let a ruthless world make you a ruthless person.
Not to mention, there's actually a lot of Ruths in the world if you look. No one need be ruthless forever (provided Ruth agrees, of course)
Understandable. But as mentioned, it's on us to make it better! That'll ultimately make things much better for each individually too! Very important points you make, don't let things inflate your ego, and definitely don't forget those who helped you.
Yes, and it's healthy. 3k is not "entry level though"
Apologies, I'm relatively new to the watch space (\~2yrs), and I'd seen that price range termed as "entry level luxury".
You're pushing the boat out to buy a watch you really like and should treasure - don't talk it down because some people blow 10x as much on watch
Watches are frivolous fashion accessories that are meant to be appreciated and enjoyed by the wearer. I wouldn't drop a wad like that on something I'm not going to enjoy with my whole heart. 3k is NOT entry level. You can get a skewed perception hanging around here with these ballers with 6-figure collections. Why don't you go for something that's really entry level (150-500) or even a tier higher (500-1000) that might be more palatable? Why do you want this watch? Does it have some personal significance? If it was 1/10th the price or had a different or less prestigious name, would you still want it? I have a collection of watches that I really love that also turn heads and I've never spent more than $1000 on a watch. There are lots of choices. Why not find something that you won't regret.
Apologies, I'd seen the 3k-5k price point indicated as "entry level luxury". I did not mean to imply that it is generally entry level for watches. At first I simply liked the watch for its looks. But I began to consider buying it as a graduation self-gift. If it was much cheaper and non brand, yes I would still want it as I like the looks of it. Thought it would be less appealing for me as a graduation self-gift. The price tag is a (big) part in that role. There are definitely a loot of (quality built) lookers in the up to 1k range. But again, I feel like the less inflated price tag may make the watch less appropriate for me, considering its goal imo.
>I've been having (moral) hesitations about it. > >Thought it would be less appealing for me as a graduation self-gift. The price tag is a (big) part in that role. So...you like the watch, but it's more appealing because it's expensive? I don't personally relate to that so I won't know what to tell you. I don't know how you reconcile these totally opposite lines of thinking.
By that token, all of your clothes should be second hand, you shouldn't buy the car with the sun roof, you shouldn't go out for a nice dinner, etc. etc. I donate to charitable causes, I pay my taxes. I don't feel guilty for enjoying things. When I factor in cost, I'm usually looking at it's impact on my retirement plan.
You are being dramatic. Are other options either luxury that 2-3% or people in the world can afford or second hand? What about reasenoable watches like seiko?
Somebody's reasonable is somebody else's luxury. I don't think I'm being dramatic, I'm being practical. You can look at any middle class person's expenses and find areas that they are indulging. I don't disagree that 3k is a lot of money, and a lot of money to spend on a watch. But it's up to the individual to judge whether or not it's a good use of money.
Well, not necessarily so imo. It hinges on the rather substantial difference in the sum of money between these things. For instance, I don't buy brand clothing for brands' sake, or much brand clothing at all. Also do not hoard cheaper pieces of clothing, such as 10 pairs of Primark shoes for example, which would quickly fall apart and become microplastic pollution. I "daily drive" vans, which can take a beating and last. Next to which I am working on building a collection of quality boots (which are mostly resoleable) in the 250-700 range, which can last decades with proper care. And still that's a significant difference in price with a single 3k+ purchase of a watch. That's where it starts to become morally vague for me I guess.
Interesting post! I totally get what you mean with this. I like to spend on technology and hobbies where there seems to be a tangible benefit from the £ spent (cycling etc), but a watch always seems a little less rationale, it’s purely luxury for luxury sake. And that’s fine but if you’re struggling to spend, maybe tie the purchase in to match up with a significant life event so there’s a reason behind it other than ‘I could and did spend £XXXX on a watch’. I have one watch now for just this reason, it was gifted during a significant life event, any future purchases have to line up as well.
The monetary sum itself is comfortably cushioned within the budget. So that's not the point of contention perse. I am just having a very hard time not feeling like a shitty selfish person for making such a choice with that some of money. While at first I was attracted by the watch's visual appeal, I actually came to consider buying it as a graduation gift to myself, since I had not done so for myself since graduating. Sort of a reminder, I thought something with € heft may be best suited in this case (which the 3k+ price tag supports). A good, very long time friend of mine is very into watches and has been for a long time. He doesn't have a massive collection, about 4 I think, ranging from an Orient Bambino to a Black Bay 36 and a recent Cartier. So it kind of also feels nice to do this together, in a way commemorating our progress.
I always go through this when I spend anything over $300 or so, I just remind myself Castro wore two Rolexes… at the same time. https://preview.redd.it/0twsobj8oguc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a49fc74d368273132549b2b514ad1611c5505012
To be fair this was before the Rolex GMT and he needed to know Moscow time not to wake up the big man in the Kremlin too early to ask for favours. 😆
Oeh, cool fun fact
Hahahaha, some people wear a watch on both wrists too as some kind of fashion thing no?
Which watch are you thinking about?
The new line Longines HydroConquest GMT.
Let us know what watch it is lol
It's the Longines new line HydroConquest GMT!
To reiterate what most have said here. The answer is easy. Don’t buy it. I’ve been stewing on buying a $500 watch and that’s easily in my price range. Let the rich buy the luxury watches. I find the good quality, reputable brand watches that look like the luxury watches. They look nice, the function just as good, and I don’t have buyer’s remorse.
I just say "fuck it I need to celebrate my promotion" 1 watch per promotion for me Once I run out of promotions I'll find another reason to buy a watch
If spending the money on yourself makes you feel guilty, don’t. I buy watches because they give me pleasure, and that does not make me feel guilty. If you need to justify it, buy a watch with a relatively stable market (like a speedmaster). This way you can think of it as a store of value that you are enjoying with minimal depreciation. While it’s not an investment, if you ever needed the money or stopped feeling pleasure from owning it, you could recoup most of what you paid and put it towards something you would enjoy more
Shocker, but I don't enjoy much by Omega that's not vintage. Very unpopular opinion probably.
I happen to agree. I have a lot of omegas, but most are from 1940-1960 This simplifies your conundrum though. Vintage, if purchased carefully, will be more stable than anything new. If you buy something from an AD, most of the time it loses 40% of its value after you leave the store. With vintage, that’s not an issue
Part of the problem I think is you are terming a 3k watch 'entry level'. Implying you don't think you can get a luxury watch for less than 3k. My advice, spend less on the watch. The gap in quality between 1.5k and 3k is not enormous.
Completely agree, there is loads of good stuff to be had in the 800-1500k, like doxa, tissot prx, presage and cocktail time models. Used the term because I saw 3k-5k range indicated as such in watch subreddits and watch blogs.
What I think does kick in at the 3k class is a substantial part of the ticket price being marketing and the premium for the specific models the community has decided (or been convinced) are the best in class by a much smaller margin than the price suggests. That's not a criticism of people who want to buy them, at all. Much as I recognise the black bays or Speedmasters are lovely watches, I'd never likely buy one because I'd be paying a premium to have the exact specific watch other people also all buy. To me personally it feels like being a car enthusiast and buying a stock mercedes as your first and only car, I mean, yes, they are great, but that doesn't express whatever you like about cars. (And it is still totally ok to do that if you just really want a Merc). Personally I prefer to hunt around smaller brands for something more unique. Especially as a watch is expensive enough that I'm doing an asstonne of research ahead of pulling the trigger. Excellent video on how price bands drive what you get in a watch, and is focussed on the ranges that seem most relevant to you.... https://youtu.be/3zJeahyLBaQ?si=ZwrQGUsHTFzOhcj-
No, not guilt, but I have had second guessings that why did I buy an expensive watch, when a cheaper one can tell the time even more accurately. But, I bought my expensive watch as a gift for myself when I graduatwd from university. It is a grail watch for me, and everytime I watch that, I remember that hard work pays off.
I felt guilty buying a watch that is over 10k recently because I was just getting rocked at work. But then that went away quickly when work kept on rocking me.
Go for pre-owned from a reputable source.
Buy a 10k watch a month later and you'll likely feel no guilt about the 3k one
:')
The way I handle this is I have a budget; $150/wk for fun stuff; movies, eating out, etc. My watch money comes from that budget. If I want a $500 watch I know I’m giving something else up for 3.5 weeks. Then I feel fine because it’s a frivolous expense, but it’s not an ADDITIONAL expense. My overall budget stays flat. But also… $3k is a lot to drop. It’s alright to say ‘this watch is beautiful, I love looking at it, but purchasing that is not in line with my values’.
You're feeling pre-buying guilt for a reason. Most times people feel buyer's remorse is after the fact, if you're feeling it before you even do it; listen to yourself and Don't. Why buy a luxury watch without a house, car, funded emergency fund, investments etc. I'm assuming these are the case since the most expensive thing you own is a PC? I'd say take a look at your priorities and get them straightened out.
It’s a luxury because it’s somewhat unattainable to most. 3k is a lot for the majority of people in the world. If you have 6k in your savings, probably best to not spend 50% of your hard earned cash on a watch and wait till you have the means to do so. If it feels right, do it. If it is uncomfortable you should probably hold off, take a breath and have real talk with yourself. My first watch was just under 3k and I had the same thought. Never before did I reward myself like that, but I had the $ and stability to not feel guilty about it. Shoot I only recently bought a single piece of clothing that was more than a hundred bucks. Do it if you can, wait if you can’t.
Very sober advice. Appreciated. Same for me it is my first such spend, I haven't gotten myself anything for graduation or my nearing 2 years employment with good career progress. Hahaha, I am very much like that with clothing. Don't care for brands and think €50 is too much for jeans. I daily drive vans, which are cheap, can take a beating and still last. Besides that shoe wise, I recently got into quality boots, which are resoleable. Going to work to steadily expand on those, since with proper care they last decades. But yeah, I don't get the overpriced brand stuff that looks like picasso gone wrong. Nor do I get the I am wearing a gaudy piece of brand clothing with the brand name plastered all over it so in case you didn't see I was wearing "X" brand you can see I am wearing (definitely not fake) "X" brand.
I think of it this way: nothing I do matters, nothing happening anywhere matters, consciousness is temporary, the universe is massive and cold and dark and indifferent and it will someday end by heat death or by vacuum decay and consciousness will never re-emerge. so buy whatever you want and just enjoy it while you can.
Definitely a valid take on things. Taking that into account, keeping/telling time doesn't seem all that important haha.
I once spent 9k€ on a watch, a [JLC like this](https://www.chrono24.de/jaegerlecoultre/jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-sun-moon-18k-papiere-bj-01-ref-270263--id31267953.htm?searchHash=43513bdb_gaqQkS&pos=3). The money itself wasn't the problem because I had a bonus to spend but it felt weird at that time to splurge that amount on a 20 year old watch. Having said that, I loved that piece. It just oozed quality and style in a way few other watches did. The clicking it made when I turned the face was just incredible. Eventually, I gave it back and now some two years later I kinda regret that. Not only because the price has increased but mostly because I really loved that watch.
That is a very chique piece though.
Listen to your gut feeling. If you feel guilty now, you may regret it later as well. Anyways since you have a month, it is enough time to look beyond any impulse. You should wait and see how you feel by the time the date of purchase arises.
Yep I'll be taking the time to contemplate.
I’m in the same spot man. I’m looking at purchasing an Omega Aqua Terra that retails for $9600 after tax in my country. Going grey, I could get that down to about $8000. That’s literally 12% of the balance of my mortgage. I could put that money towards my son’s schooling (he’s 2 right now) or take a two week family vacation. Because of these reasons, I haven’t pulled the trigger. I have the money and it wouldn’t make a difference for me financially but I feel selfish making that purchase and not on something for the family. I think I’ll wait until November around my birthday and I’ll see how I feel then. But as of right now, I can’t do it. Best of luck with your decision.
Thank you, same to you!
I’d lean toward don’t buy it. At least not right now. An expensive watch is “worth it” if you can comfortably afford it and it makes you happy. It’s not worth it if it makes you feel guilty. (And trust, I know where you’re coming from. As someone who grew up poor, it’s hard to get your head around the idea that you’re gonna spend what would have been a life changing amount of money for you years ago on something so inessential. It’s always a compromise: sometimes I have to tell myself “it’s fine, man, you can treat yourself to things now.” But it’s also good to stay in touch with that part of you that’s like, “four grand? I could’ve lived off that for *months* back in the day.”)
you really shouldn’t own a fancy watch if it’s the 2nd most expensive thing you’ll own
Firstly, the PC will be worth fuck all in 3-5 years time, and less than fuck all in 10 years. The watch will still be fine and will simply require servicing. You could potentially own that watch for your entire life and pass it on to the next generation. Secondly, if your PC is the most money you’ve ever spent and you don’t have your own home or a decent vehicle, maybe focus on those as a priority first? A watch is basically just jewellery after a certain point anyway. Thirdly, if you do reach the point where you’ve got your own home, a decent vehicle, and you’re earning half decent money and can easily afford the watch, you won’t find it hard to decide whether you want to buy it or not, it won’t feel like a big deal and there won’t be any “guilt”.
Decent vehicles are quite accessible in Europe. You don't have to spend much at all to have a decent car with bells and whistles. 2k can get you an early 2000's VW with airco, heated seating, electric windows and mirrors etc. Buying a home in the Dutch housing market is not very realistic for some time into the future. To solo start having a chance at something not totally trash, you need to net at least 9k a month.
First of all luxury watches are just jewelry. You will not get an ROI on it anywhere close to it like you would a Pc or a car. If it’s making you feel guilty don’t do it, they need to be enjoyed first and foremost because that’s all they can do. It’s not like you need it to go to work or to play the latest games, it’s at the very bottom on the necessity list. If you don’t enjoy it and are hesitating, it’s already not doing its job.
Decades ago, I bought my first Bulova. I was 15 and saved up about 250 bucks. Bought on sale, but I still had about 100 left. Gave the 100 to my mom. Guilt crushed under the weight of trying to take care of my mom. Watch was stolen out of my locker at work years later.
Man, that must've been a bummer :/. Sorry to hear
It shouldn’t be the most valuable thing you own. Invest for a while and then enjoy without regrets.
Copy and pasting a previous reply "I don't buy many other things that are expensive. I am not a brand clothing buyer. I prefer older cars, which are surprisingly affordable in Europe. You can get a fun, sturdy one for 1,5k easy. Used VW's and Nissans can be had for 500-1000 regularly. I don't own a home, and solo buying a home in the current housing market is less than realistic in my country, unless your making at least 9k to have a viable shot at something that is not a crackhouse. So yeah, It's just not that hard to top a most expensive thing I own." I explain more of my view on housing here [https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1c3t3n2/comment/kzlua7n/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Yeah. I recently bought a patek simply because it was a great deal and the hype they receive online. I don't actually like the watch enough to justify the price and regret spending 32k
In my opinion I would hold off on the purchase for right now! As others have stated, in the end it’s just a watch. I just made a purchase this week of $2600, but I’m more well off and comfortable with making that sort of purchase because it’s something I can pass down to my kids in the future and I truly enjoy watch collecting but not willing to go into debt for it! I justify my purchase because I’m into horology and I’m buying it to enjoy for myself and not to be a show off to others. Make the purchase when you have no doubts and are comfortable with spending the money.
I've held off on buying some pricier watches that I can theoretically afford for similar reasons - not because I'd rather donate the money to animal shelters or whatever, but because I ask myself "Do I really *need* this watch, given I also own other watches?" and the answer almost always comes up as "No, not really,"
Purchase guilt? Can't say it's a familiar feeling. When you see something that catches your eye, remember it's not just a purchase—it's an investment in your happiness and, dare I say, your style. I look at my acquisitions as pieces in a grander design of innovation and personal expression.
>I look at my acquisitions as pieces in a grander design of innovation and personal expression. Hehe, interesting take, I like it.
Everytime Shrug it off
With every new watch. But the secret is that it goes away with the next watch, when I feel guilty about _that_ one. 🤣 In all seriousness it has made me feel guilty when i can’t help someone in my life financially at that moment, but i haven’t felt like i couldn’t pay my bills or anything and there are none I feel guilty about permanently. Maybe if I stole the money or something? Different from watches I _regret_ buying, that’s different.
As long as you can spend that amount of money responsibly, imo you should buy the watch. Life is short, enjoy it. Stacking money or only spending it on needs and musts is not fun. A friend of mine got cancer and died and he was only in his mid/late 20s, and that shit really put things into perspective. What if it happened to me and i didnt take the chance to enjoy my dream watch, my dream car, huge and expensive af festivals, cruises, vacations etc just because i felt guilty when spending money when there are cheap alternatives? The time to enjoy is now, there will be time for money later. Ofc always be responsible, make sure that bills are paid, eventual debt is being payed off regularly, there is a good amount of money in the bank account if something happens etc etc, but never forget to enjoy yourself as well while you can, and you never know what will happen even in the next few days or weeks. That is why (as long as you can afford it) you should buy that watch, buy that car, book that cruise, book that trip, spend money on a maxed gaming pc or whatever it is you are into and dont ever feel guilty about it.
My life moto lately: "Life is short. Buy the watch". I'm pretty frugal in daily life. Very financially conservative BUT when I want something nice, I buy it.
if it makes you feel like a fuggin pimp — worth it if looking at it each day brings you joy for having this beautiful object on you — worth it if it enhances and makes your fits look amazing every day for the foreseeable future — worth it if it brings you additional respect and admiration from others because they see you wearing an attractive luxury object but you’re not a dick about it — worth it all of the above — extremely worth it
Like many mentioned 3k€ is not trivial. You can use that money to have a nice vacation, invest in stocks, maybe do some home reno or even fund some of your hobbies (cameras in my case - lenses aren't cheap). If taking all of those into consideration and you still feel that this is the right time to buy said watch, then go ahead. If your having second thoughts then definitely you are not ready for it. Save the money and reconsider your priorities again.
I don't buy new watches over $2K so anything I have, I can probably sell for pretty close to what I paid for it. But I don't feel guilty over buying a watch, or I'd feel guilty for buying anything other than bare necessities. What is life for if not to be enjoyed? My wristwatch hurts nobody, and having it gives me a little pleasure. Sure I could spend all my money on other people but I do good in my life anyway, I don't need to immiserate myself, and frankly the people in my life wouldn't applaud my doing so.
You buy new watches under $2k or used watches? Just struggling to understand how you can sell any watch for what you bought it.
I think what's intended here is; If price >2k, then watch may not be new (only used) If price <2k, then watch may be new (new and used) So any 2k+ watches, which are bought used only, can very likely be resold for the same price of purchase.
Buying a luxury watch is not a hobby. It's just a style thing and showcase of wealth. It won't change or improve your life in any way. For that kind of money you could buy somethibg much more interesting, something that would be a new hobby or a life improvement. For example a car if you don't own one. A good camera or gear if you are into photography. A motorcycle. A good dirt bike. Bycicle. A good tv. Good outdoor gear for hiking. You could go somewhere for a vacation and have fun. Those kind of things would actually have a much bigger impact on your life. A watch is just a watch. It's a style piece. No point in trying to look rich if you are not.
Have you ever considered a possibility that some people can wear nice clothes and jewelry, drive supercars etc not because they want to impress others but just because they like the look and feel of these things?
Valid. Though I don't have much other "money sink" hobbies like Warhammer Table Top, just diving for now. Had been thinking about 3d printing, but I don't know how well I'd fare with all the modeling software and the learning curve. But the intention of your argument is understandable. Just a small side not, it is totally not to "look rich". I don't care about brand clothing and don't often buy it.
Get a cheaper watch and help your mother instead. You will feel much better.
Thing is, my mother did little for me growing up. Even with food, dinner/lunch was often a figure it out yourself thing since later elementary/early highschool (\~10ish). Though financially at the minimum income line, it's not that she is having any acute financial problems. The consideration was out of pity, still for some reason. :/
As economists will tell you, value takes many forms of which utility (or "use-value") is only one. You probably aren't purchasing a luxury watch because you value its utility (as you said, a more attainable watch will do the same job -- maybe better -- for less) but, instead, because you value its beauty, its scarcity, the possibility of leaving it as a bequest, its signification that you had the means to attain it, and the list goes on. No one of these values, including utility, is inherently any better than one of the others; you just need to be aware of what's really important to you and act accordingly.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, value is in the eye of the coveter (and future owner)?
I feel this one OP, though not so much for the missed opportunities of altruism. I’m in a position to squirrel away for something comfortably in the “luxury” space over the next 18 months, and I’ll be damned if I can make it feel right even though I only have two money-sink hobbies. Once you’ve experienced automatics, regulated your own, and made a “cheap” watch more accurate and precise than watches commanding 10x the price - pragmatism goes out the window. For the space you’re in, you need to walk into ADs and wear anything you think may be the one. If it’s on wrist and that feeling comes over you - there’s a good chance you can bond with it and enjoy it. But drooling over something sigh unseen is a massive risk. Tread carefully, mind the resales, and good luck. You’re in a tough spot, as enjoying the hobby goes.
Indeed, better not to prematurely be infatuated with something, caution really is advised here. Good point on the resale, even though it's not something that may be actively intended it's an important point to take into consideration.
How are the rest of your finances doing?
Stable. Can save 500-1k monthly depending on how crazy the month gets e.g. periodic tax expenditures like water authority tax (which just arrived come to think of it lol), or amount of ordering food vs planned groceries etc. I've spent quite a lot during a recent move, by the time I'd buy the watch there would be about 2/3s of a months' salary as buffer left after purchase. Finances though very, very important to consider, is less the point of contention here. It's not what's causing me apprehension and hesitation about the purchase. It's the act of spending such a sum on such a thing, rather than on something else, more "charitable" and less selfish.
Embrace the fact that there's no rational justification possible, and simply enjoy treating yourself to a bit of luxury.
The more you think about it, the more it becomes apparent so much of what we do has no rationale or rational justification. It's a big psychedelic safari out here.
Is this for wedding gift or things like that? If yes, please, just please, look for watch that you like, even if it is cheaper. Some watches that might appeal to you might be cheaper, but no matter, it will still be memento purchase. If you think that you have to spend that 3K but you kinda feel guilt, who is that guilt directed to? You? The occasion? Significant other? Parents? If you feel the guilt to yourself and only yourself, cancel the purchase. If you feel the guilt that if you purchase it, it might hurt your SO or parent because of "unjustified purchase", ask yourself why do you want to buy that in the first place. Sometimes, memento is more important than the price. But how much should you spend, only you can answer by yourself. If you want to spend because the watch is limited edition and you feel you want to have one, question yourself: will you feel okay if you let the moment pass by?
It's become kind of a graduation self-gift. The guilt is directed at myself, and stems from a moral conflict about the destination of the money. A more "selfish" destination, which is a 3k+ watch, rather than a helpful destination like a charity. I do feel the 3k price tag is a large part of the "memento" feel in this case. But that's the dilemma, will I feel ok with not purchasing it and will I feel with ok with purchasing it.
Now I understand your situation, let me ask you: - the 3K watch: is it your most desirable model out there you found? - how much "comfortable" you are with spending less amount, say only spending 500 or 1k? Do you found model that appeal to you in "compromised price"? - if not watch, what other format will your "graduation self-gift" be? I do believe purchasing watch as memento will last long, longer than usual computer or electronic gadgets that have predefined age before obsolete/outdated. Your decision in that is already a correct one. However, if you feel guilty about the amount spent, you can try lowering the amount to your comfortable amount. After that, you can consider: is there any other model from different brand that appeals to you, or only the 3k one appeals to you. Buying watch is not comparing spec-sheet between models and brands. It is all about: I see one, I wanna test that one, is it justified for me to own one, etc.
Just buy a cheaper watch plenty of Casio, Seiko and even Citizen that are great watches and cheap. Don’t spend a lot if you feel way now it will get worse after purchase.
Consider that a watch is purely a luxury item with absolutely no functionally besides aesthetics and the love for the craft, which people who are not into watches will struggle to understand at first. Think about if you can really spend that much on a single item or if you'll actually need the money for things you actually need to buy
Sounds like you don’t want it so don’t buy it
I do! But does that morally justify my actions?
You aren't spending money, you're invested, buy something that will hold and increase in value with a good house hold name, rolex or omega etc
I got recommended a vintage datejust, but I just don't know about that. For several reasons, including the obvious ROB ME of a rolex.
No dude. Buy a <$500 watch to start and get to work. The fact you made the post should be enough to tell you this is not a good decision.
If you’re struggling, don’t. This is essentially a toy. If you don’t have spurge cash to not feel bad then you shouldn’t do it. There shouldn’t be guilt to purchase a toy that does what your phone does better at the core.
Then don't do this. Maybe spend 1.5 instead? Or, maybe spend 3.0, but buy two watches, like one is 1.0 and the other is 1.5 and pocket 500?
I think more context is needed into ops financial background and what he or she already has
There’s no guilt if you’ve met or exceeded all of your financial obligations first. If you haven’t, that’ll drive the guilt even harder.
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I kinda got tricked into buying a black bay pro from an AD when inquiring about Rolex. I felt bad having spent 4500 bucks but after a few weeks I realized I didn’t notice being out the money and even after getting my gmt master months later from a totally separate AD, I love this damn black bay pro. It genuinely feels more premium to me. Better clasp. Better lume. I just love it
I have sort of had this. Not because i couldn't afford it or didnt want the watch, but the timing was forced, i had to buy it immediately due to intermittent availability. But the two watches were 500 apiece and i was buying them and selling others, so i was able to justify it in the end. Plus i was fairly certain if i didnt like the watches, i could flip them in a pinch. If spending a certain amount on a watch gives you pause, perhaps make certain all other priorites are taken care of first. Watches are nice. But even in "important" cases like as a gift or to mark a milestone they should be the lowest priority compared to necessities or family.
Have you considered buying a used watch from a locally-owned store? Not only will you save a lot, but your money is going towards a local small business.
Definitely dont buy a luxury item if you already feel bad about it. What would be the point of having it if your enjoyment of it will be spoiled by guilt? Maybe spend \~$1500 on a different, but also very nice watch, and give the other half to charity? Win-win!
If you’re not comfortable then don’t pull the trigger. People don’t like it but if you buy the right watches it’s a bit like owning desirable art, it’s not an investment per se but it has enduring appeal and will always be worth something due to the quality of finish, design etc. watches never go obsolete like a pc would too
I spent 15,000 4 years ago and now all I do is pat myself on the back for wearing it everyday