I've been buying so many watches lately, I'm starting to think I need counseling. Is there a group for watch addicts? Watch Addicts Anonymous?
Seriously, please share any strategies that you use to control/limit buying. Auction sites seem to have an endless supply of rare models, or ones that I don't have, or have never seen, so any such criteria alone is insufficient. Do you set limits for yourself, either by dollar or number of watches, maybe within a set time period?
And please don't tell me to exercise self discipline. I've never mastered that, and I'm not likely to start now, on the eve of becoming a senior citizen. I need a rational methodology to use when faced with the thrill of the chase.
Ahh, just sniped another one. . . . ;>}
Nova, here's what I did. I bought a watch I couldn't afford. That was about two months ago, I haven't bought a watch since. I have tried all the methods you mentioned above. The can't afford but bought anyway worked the best for me ........ so far anyway :-) Oh and I have never been able to sell one of my watches ( he said sheepishly) I need help!!!!!
Bob
How do you know when you can't afford something? I mean, is that before you declare bankruptcy, or after you've been through bankruptcy and had all your previous debts discharged? I've been reading about all those financial institutions and car manufacturers, and I still can't figure out what's affordable.
Just think of it as a investment, plus you all are preserving a piece of history, hopefully when we all pass on and our kids inherit all of our prized watches, they will also pass them on to the next generation....at least that is what I tell myself.
Otherwise there will be a lot of rolling over in our graves going on... :>(
In reply to Just think of it as a by OldTicker
LOL. . . just what I needed, OldTicker, another rationalization. I tell my husband that I'm saving the economy. What rationalization could top that?
I don't have kids, and my nieces and nephews think my watch collecting is crazy. Maybe we should set up a foundation to which I could bequeath my watches.
In reply to LOL. . . just what I needed, by NOVA
Well, I started buying Gold coins and Gold pocket & wristwatches back in the early 80's jwhen it was around $300-350.00 an oz, and people thought I was crazy then, not so much now, and when I remind them of it, I get no comments, but they sure drool when they look at what I have aquired over the years.
I'm knocking on the door of the 1/2 century mark and my better half is in her early 30's, She has no interest in my hobby, but I am hoping with time she will come around and appreciate the things from the "Good Ole Days" (fingers crossed)
I'm sorry to say, it dont get easier! , I have been doing this for over 25 years now, and now I eat, sleep and breath watches! LOL, once your adicted, it's all over. LOL
You will find out the first time you buy a $500.00 watch at a yard sale for $2.00 and it does happen.
Patience, Patience, and more patience. And then research, research and more research. If that doesn't help you slow down.
Then tell the wife how much you've spent, she'll slow you down, or maybe you'll end up like me......divorced! lol
Seriously though, we're all in the same boat , once bitten, your done for. I just keep trying to tell myself another will come along if I see the price is past my comfort level.
In reply to Patience, Patience, and more by bourg01
In reply to Patience, Patience, and more by bourg01
In reply to Yeah... this is what I need by plainsmen
Look it's really easy to cure yourself, time comsuming but easy! Just start refurbishing them. After the first 500 you strip, polish, redial, find hands and crystals for, put on new bands then sell at a loss, I promise you will never want to see another watch, let alone own one.
By the time it reaches several thousand you'll be loosing the will to live and promising yourself that you will get a life, soon.
I don't own one or even wear one any longer.
They are all for sale.
Still it keeps the wolf from the door, and if I need to know the time I always have my mobile (cell phone) or I can ask a police man!
I would have to disagree with el-loose, after having done 4-500 a year for the past few years, selling some at a loss but making a killing on others I'm still hooked, and I still love doing this. What was once a hobby, then a bobby, then a business keeps me more motivated than ever. Like el-ooose says, taking a wreck and restoring it to it's former glory is an awesome feeling. Getting praised by some buyer that's been able to replace a lost or stolen family hierloom, or being able to have a watch like their Grand Father or father just tops it all off. There can be many rewards for every watch junky, to each our own.
One day I'll have to give it up but I think it will be when I'm in a intensive care ward or 6 ft under. I'm not kidding here cause I've been sick as a dawg the past week and I'm still working, just a bit slower with nap time. lol
Thats me Bourg!
I have been doing this for 25 years or so, and the addiction seems to be getting stronger. The more learn about these old watches, the more interesting they become.
I also work everyday at the bench, and the satisfaction that I get from others keeps me there.
I very rarely get a day off, and when i do, I'm still thinking of watches or playing with them. Like I said before, I eat, sleep, and dream watches all the time and I cant see it coming to a end until they plant me too.
How wonderful is it to find a occupation that you can do every day and love it more every day?
Oh, I think the gold watches come sooner than that. I picked up a Tuxedo with a 14K band about two years ago. I thought I paid a dear price then but not now. With gold prices going bonkers I could double my money for scrap value. Not bloody likely though but it just might take a big chunk out of my son's 1st year university fees in another 5 years from now. Then again, he would probably want to keep it. He's only 14 and really doesn't understand the value yet but he loves to sit at the bench with me, and tinker with the parts watches I'll strip down. Now that's something you just can't put any value on. I can only hope he developes the same skills or better or goes to a school and carries the byegone art of being a watchmaker, even if he just does it for fun.