Why did you buy your first premium watch?
Discussion
Hi all
I've always loved watches, but I'm also a clumsy forgetful fool. As a consequence I could never justify buying a 'premium' watch and will continue with my policy of only buying sub 100 quid watches for my collection! However I was wondering why other people started buying theirs? Was it love of the design and a desire to own an original, in memory of a loved one or another reason?
I've always loved watches, but I'm also a clumsy forgetful fool. As a consequence I could never justify buying a 'premium' watch and will continue with my policy of only buying sub 100 quid watches for my collection! However I was wondering why other people started buying theirs? Was it love of the design and a desire to own an original, in memory of a loved one or another reason?
I bought my mid size Seamaster in 2008 the main reason I bought it is the result of a life time goal I'd set myself around 2005 as a teenager.
My Dad is someone I look up to and someone who I consider to be successful generally in life, he's achieved that through working his ass off for decades to run his business and travelling throughout the UK to provide for his family. I was with him when he bought his Mid Size Seamaster in Barbados, it was his first expensive watch. I guess it was then I said to myself that I'd consider myself a success like my dad if I could go out and also buy a watch like his out of loose change from a salary without having to save for it, I also love the design which helps!
In 2008 I was able to do exactly that. I'm proud to wear that watch, its not the biggest or flashiest thing, but it means something to me and is a constant reminder of what the rewards of hard work are.
My Dad is someone I look up to and someone who I consider to be successful generally in life, he's achieved that through working his ass off for decades to run his business and travelling throughout the UK to provide for his family. I was with him when he bought his Mid Size Seamaster in Barbados, it was his first expensive watch. I guess it was then I said to myself that I'd consider myself a success like my dad if I could go out and also buy a watch like his out of loose change from a salary without having to save for it, I also love the design which helps!
In 2008 I was able to do exactly that. I'm proud to wear that watch, its not the biggest or flashiest thing, but it means something to me and is a constant reminder of what the rewards of hard work are.
TobyLaRohne said:
I bought my mid size Seamaster in 2008 the main reason I bought it is the result of a life time goal I'd set myself around 2005 as a teenager.
My Dad is someone I look up to and someone who I consider to be successful generally in life, he's achieved that through working his ass off for decades to run his business and travelling throughout the UK to provide for his family. I was with him when he bought his Mid Size Seamaster in Barbados, it was his first expensive watch. I guess it was then I said to myself that I'd consider myself a success like my dad if I could go out and also buy a watch like his out of loose change from a salary without having to save for it, I also love the design which helps!
In 2008 I was able to do exactly that. I'm proud to wear that watch, its not the biggest or flashiest thing, but it means something to me and is a constant reminder of what the rewards of hard work are.
Nice My Dad is someone I look up to and someone who I consider to be successful generally in life, he's achieved that through working his ass off for decades to run his business and travelling throughout the UK to provide for his family. I was with him when he bought his Mid Size Seamaster in Barbados, it was his first expensive watch. I guess it was then I said to myself that I'd consider myself a success like my dad if I could go out and also buy a watch like his out of loose change from a salary without having to save for it, I also love the design which helps!
In 2008 I was able to do exactly that. I'm proud to wear that watch, its not the biggest or flashiest thing, but it means something to me and is a constant reminder of what the rewards of hard work are.
My first expensive watch was an engagement present from my now wife of 23 years. It was my only watch for at least a decade and even though now I have a selection to pick from it still gets more wear than any of the others.
I bought a Tag Carrera for my 30th. I'd always liked the "prestige" brands. A few people who I'd looked up to when I first started working wore various watches from Monaco's to Constellations. I'm a Xmas baby so when the sales came round and I saw the watch I thought why not.
Been a slippery slope ever since.
Been a slippery slope ever since.
Thanks for the responses gentlemen (and ladies?!). It's genuinely interesting to find out about the motivations for purchasing the prestige watches! How did you feel post-purchase though? I think I'd be paralysed with fear at the risk of scratching/damaging/losing an expensive watch, in particular if they had the sentimental meaning that some of your clearly have!
nadger said:
Thanks for the responses gentlemen (and ladies?!). It's genuinely interesting to find out about the motivations for purchasing the prestige watches! How did you feel post-purchase though? I think I'd be paralysed with fear at the risk of scratching/damaging/losing an expensive watch, in particular if they had the sentimental meaning that some of your clearly have!
Not especially. I bought it to enjoy, I've been diving with mine and worn it to work and to play sports etc, yes its true the strap is scratched and scuffed up but it by no means looks rough. If anything I think the fact it looks well used improves the look of it, makes it look like it has been around a bit and enjoyed.That being said, my IWC Portofino which I bought because I love their designs does lead a more sheltered life and I am afraid to drop it as it see it as more delicate.
As for the Daytona I'm going to be getting soon, that'll be getting used as much as I can get away with, (dont think I'll be going on the jetskis with it though).
nadger said:
Thanks for the responses gentlemen (and ladies?!). It's genuinely interesting to find out about the motivations for purchasing the prestige watches! How did you feel post-purchase though? I think I'd be paralysed with fear at the risk of scratching/damaging/losing an expensive watch, in particular if they had the sentimental meaning that some of your clearly have!
The only concern was how to run it past the missus. Lol. The magazines I used to take to oil rigs for myself and everyone to read (I assume GQ, Maxim, car stuff etc) always had adverts for Breitling ' Instruments for Professionals' and I was eventually seduced, that was the brand for me.
One day whilst flying to Tunisia via Geneva, Breitling were half price in a boutique there. I maxed out all my cards and boughty a SuperOcean 1000m with a blue dial and never took it off for the next 7-8 years, it was my one true love. I even had a framed magazine advert of it on my bedroom wall
Then I bought a TAG Monza for car stuff. Then a Speedmaster Pro to be a pretend astronaut. And then everything just spiralled out of control for the next 10 years
One day whilst flying to Tunisia via Geneva, Breitling were half price in a boutique there. I maxed out all my cards and boughty a SuperOcean 1000m with a blue dial and never took it off for the next 7-8 years, it was my one true love. I even had a framed magazine advert of it on my bedroom wall
Then I bought a TAG Monza for car stuff. Then a Speedmaster Pro to be a pretend astronaut. And then everything just spiralled out of control for the next 10 years
I remember 30 years ago driving to work and being next to a guy at the lights….he was driving a Rolls and was talking into a car phone …..his other hand was on the wheel and he was sporting a gold day/date Rolex. I thought to myself " I want a bit of that" it took me another 7 years to have the Rolex on my wrist…… it was stolen a few years later.
Since then Ive grown up and bought watches that are a bit more subtle ………however……….I have just been offered a mint day/date with President bracelet gold Rolex, and I fancy a "Archie Luxury" f
k off Ive arrived cuz I'm sporting a 23k watch
Since then Ive grown up and bought watches that are a bit more subtle ………however……….I have just been offered a mint day/date with President bracelet gold Rolex, and I fancy a "Archie Luxury" f
k off Ive arrived cuz I'm sporting a 23k watchMy theory is that expensive watches are primarily bought as status symbols, whatever their owners might claim.
These days, most chaps dress down in jeans, trainers, T-shirt / polo shirt etc. The posh watch has therefore grown in importance as a very obvious signifier of wealth and success.
Just my observation, each to his own etc. (I own a humble Tissot and an equally humble Mondaine btw.)
These days, most chaps dress down in jeans, trainers, T-shirt / polo shirt etc. The posh watch has therefore grown in importance as a very obvious signifier of wealth and success.
Just my observation, each to his own etc. (I own a humble Tissot and an equally humble Mondaine btw.)
Back in the early 90's one of my friends had a Series 2000 Tag. As an impressionable teenager, I thought it was awesome.
Around that time I was left some money, and thought it would be a good keepsake to get for myself. Circa 20 years later I still wear my series 2000 Tag on a daily basis.
My next proper watch purchase was a few years back when I got married. I never fancied the idea of wearing a ring, and somehow managed to persuade the Mrs that it would be a good idea for me to buy a watch instead.
Around that time I was left some money, and thought it would be a good keepsake to get for myself. Circa 20 years later I still wear my series 2000 Tag on a daily basis.
My next proper watch purchase was a few years back when I got married. I never fancied the idea of wearing a ring, and somehow managed to persuade the Mrs that it would be a good idea for me to buy a watch instead.
My Granddad gave me a couple of grand a few years ago and said I should buy something I really wanted to keep forever. Unfortunately I ended up spending it on the cost of living much to my self disgust.
Last year for my birthday he gave me a cheque which literally made me sit down, I decided there and then that I would spend it all (and more) on a watch for life that I could always associate with him (he is nearly 92) and also my first child had recently been born, as such I plan for her to inherit it.
I bought a brand new Rolex Explorer 1 (8% AD discount) and can't wear any of my other watches anymore.
I love the idea of a miniature mechanical marvel "ticking" away on my wrist and the buying experience was totally unforgettable too.
Last year for my birthday he gave me a cheque which literally made me sit down, I decided there and then that I would spend it all (and more) on a watch for life that I could always associate with him (he is nearly 92) and also my first child had recently been born, as such I plan for her to inherit it.
I bought a brand new Rolex Explorer 1 (8% AD discount) and can't wear any of my other watches anymore.
I love the idea of a miniature mechanical marvel "ticking" away on my wrist and the buying experience was totally unforgettable too.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff