Should I buy a expensive watch (Rolex, Breitling, etc.) or save my money?

[Big D 51]

Jeez, what do you do that you can afford $5k on a watch at 26?!

Can I has job?

I got REALLY lucky/blessed. I was at the right place at the right time and took advantage of it. There is a lot
of money to be made in the oil and gas industry. Especially the engineering and management positions.

Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

Very kind of you to offer to help me save me some money. That would be great. I'll keep this in mind after I look around this weekend.

And I apologize for flooding the thread with multiple replies. I use tapatalk and I can't figure out how to multi quote.

 

[fireshot91]

There are a lot of jobs out there if you have the education or experience. I was making $48k right out of college at 21. That's decent money for a single guy.

Very well. But you also have expenses...

He can afford a $5k watch. Meaning he most likely has more than $5k sitting in his bank account. Probably has more than $20k, of which he wants to spend $5k on a watch. This is all after expenses...Sounds pretty nice to me.

 

[Sodner]

I have a Rolex Submariner and love it. Wear it everyday. I feel naked and lost without it. Got it when I was 20 years old after getting my frist real job, and have that same watch on my wrist right now, more than 25 years later. I consider it to be one of the best purchases I've ever made.

As far as which brand, ROLEX IS THE ONE AND ONLY!

 

[Mr Kram]

like the other poster said, do not pay full retail, in fact you can do better than 10% in the gray market. these watches are sourced from authorized dealers and come with all boxes and open papers. there is a guy that i have done about 5 transactions with who has a great reputation and a ton of references.

i also wouldn't hesitate to explore the second hand market. i often buy used when i know that i won't be keeping a piece for very long. this usually ensure very little or no loss on resale.

in any case, do some homework. even if you're buying new, make sure that the price reflects the correct generation of the watch. this is easily determined by the serial number. i've seen many new watches for sale that are 5 or 6 years old still in the box. you can also learn the subtle differences between generations which may affect your buying decision. Timezone is probably the best forum out there. They have a wealth of knowledge and their marketplace has many reputable sellers.

you can pm me if you have specific questions, especially if they are rolex related.

 

[ashman70]

I'm also an owner of an Omega Sea Master, got it about 5 years ago now and I love it, best watch I have ever owned. I wear it every day and its elegant yet tough. I would set a budget of no more then 2K for a watch, beyond that, in my opinion, it becomes an expensive piece of jewelry.

 

[glossywhite]

If you even need to ask, then your potential purchase is not something you need, and therefore you would be foolish to pursue such an item. What vanity, also!

Had I that kind of money spare, I'd rather give it to someone who's less fortunate, than spoil myself with a piffling little weight around my wrist, that is not even a necessity.

Bottom line: The fact that you even considered so much as to ask, means your decision is inherently unwise.

 

[StvenH90]

Had I that kind of money spare, I'd rather give it to someone who's less fortunate...

I am pretty sure you and most others would not just hand $5000ish over to someone less fortunate, at least if your upper middle class.

 

[glossywhite]

I am pretty sure you and most others would not just hand $5000ish over to someone less fortunate, at least if your upper middle class.

Please do not presume as to bundle me into your "most others" category, as you do not even know me as a person. Yes, I would give it away, had I enough to spare. It's just cash, and to see it make someone who genuinely had a need for it, happy, has exponentially greater (and lasting) value than that which is denoted upon the bills.

People bring me happiness. Speech, song and debate bring me joy. Money is a necessity, but NEVER brings me happiness, and the love of it for its' own sake is a sin. If I can help, I shall do. A fool would presume to know the thoughts of another, and ignorance would bring you to merely assume I think like every other selfish person on this planet; why do people struggle to wrap their heads around the fact that money CAN be given away, and you still enjoy a happy life without all the surplus? How very sad.

Money is not everything, and a shame SO many people prize it so highly.

Humanity is blind.

 

[codymac]

Please do not presume as to bundle me into your "most others" category, as you do not even know me as a person. Yes, I would give it away, had I enough to spare. It's just cash, and to see it make someone who genuinely had a need for it, happy, has exponentially greater (and lasting) value than that which is denoted upon the bills.

People bring me happiness. Speech, song and debate bring me joy. Money is a necessity, but NEVER brings me happiness, and the love of it for its' own sake is a sin. If I can help, I shall do.

Money is not everything, and a shame SO many people prize it so highly.

Humanity is blind.

I take checks.

 

[StvenH90]

Please do not presume as to bundle me into your "most others" category, as you do not even know me as a person. Yes, I would give it away, had I enough to spare. It's just cash, and to see it make someone who genuinely had a need for it, happy, has exponentially greater (and lasting) value than that which is denoted upon the bills.

People bring me happiness. Speech, song and debate bring me joy. Money is a necessity, but NEVER brings me happiness, and the love of it for its' own sake is a sin. If I can help, I shall do. A fool would presume to know the thoughts of another, and ignorance would bring you to merely assume I think like every other selfish person on this planet; why do people struggle to wrap their heads around the fact that money CAN be given away, and you still enjoy a happy life without all the surplus? How very sad.

Money is not everything, and a shame SO many people prize it so highly.

Humanity is blind.

Sorry, money is everything.

I take checks.

Ditto, I also accept all major credit cards....

 

[glossywhite]

 

[Zombie Acorn]

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Don't wear a watch. Problem solved, cash saved. I'm not sure what the point of a 5000 dollar watch that has the same functionality as a 5 dollar one at the dollar store.

 

[Shrink]

Please do not presume as to bundle me into your "most others" category, as you do not even know me as a person. Yes, I would give it away, had I enough to spare. It's just cash, and to see it make someone who genuinely had a need for it, happy, has exponentially greater (and lasting) value than that which is denoted upon the bills.

People bring me happiness. Speech, song and debate bring me joy. Money is a necessity, but NEVER brings me happiness, and the love of it for its' own sake is a sin. If I can help, I shall do. A fool would presume to know the thoughts of another, and ignorance would bring you to merely assume I think like every other selfish person on this planet; why do people struggle to wrap their heads around the fact that money CAN be given away, and you still enjoy a happy life without all the surplus? How very sad.

Money is not everything, and a shame SO many people prize it so highly.

Humanity is blind.

A bit puffed up and stiffly moralistic - but an admirable and laudatory position.

 

[glossywhite]

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Don't wear a watch. Problem solved, cash saved. I'm not sure what the point of a 5000 dollar watch that has the same functionality as a 5 dollar one at the dollar store.

I hate wearing a watch, and yes - your sentiment is correct. Even if I had £1M (and liked watches) I'd buy a lesser one, and save the pointless expense.

A fool and his money are easily parted.

A bit puffed up and stiffly moralistic - but an admirable and laudatory position.

Which part of my post do you find "puffed up"? Do you find it offensive that I am comfortable with my native tongue? Odd how people think it is "puffed up" to use extensive vocabulary; would you cast aspersions of the same ilk, upon a sculptor who uses more intricate and beautiful detail, than that of one who uses crude, basic chisel strokes?

I suppose I had better revert to "everyday" vocabulary, so that noone feels threatended, hmm?

 

[Rooskibar03]

If you even need to ask, then your potential purchase is not something you need, and therefore you would be foolish to pursue such an item. What vanity, also!

Had I that kind of money spare, I'd rather give it to someone who's less fortunate, than spoil myself with a piffling little weight around my wrist, that is not even a necessity.

Bottom line: The fact that you even considered so much as to ask, means your decision is inherently unwise.

Begin Rant
Get over yourself. Who are you tell someone who worked hard, got himself a good job, and saved enough money to buy this watch what he should do with his money?

Guess what. There are "haves" and "have nots" in this world. If you aren't on the side of the coin you want, then work and do something to change it, but don't expect a handout.

Lemme guess who you voted for last election. This is why I stay out of PRSI forums on this site, way to much on this thinking.
End Rant

Back on Topic.

I was in the same spot a few months ago. New job, lots of "watch snobs" floating around. Looked a few Tags and second hand Rolexs but in the end I couldn't bring myself to drop the coin on a watch. Granted I found other ways to spend the money (I'm good at that) hobbies, vacation, ect but for me a watch just wasn't something I could convince myself I wanted bad enough.

Rolex is probably your best bet for long term value retention, but I always liked the look of the Breitlings. There is also some really nice Omegas out there.

Good luck with whatever you purchase and don't let anyone make you feel bad for spending money on yourself. You earned it.

 

[Shrink]

Sorry, money is everything.



Ditto, I also accept all major credit cards....

How sad.

Money is important as a means to an end, and equally certainly makes life easier.

But EVERYTHING!? I feel concern for those people who care for you because if you believe what you say - money takes precedence over them.

 

[glossywhite]

How sad.

Money is important as a means to an end, and equally certainly makes life easier.

But EVERYTHING!? I feel concern for those people who care for you because if you believe what you say - money takes precedence over them.

This thread has already provided answers to the initial, rhetorical "questions" that were asked by the OP. There really is no logic to the fact that this has become a multi-page thread, all pivoting around one person's decision as to whether or not to buy a watch, for goodness sake.

Such self-satisfied snobbery and pre-judgemental aspersions are cast. Do whatever you will with your gains, I care more of the colour of the nearest passing car, than I do of your utter tripe and piffle.

I'm bailing, enjoy the circular and insane battle of wills.

 

[Zombie Acorn]

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Sorry, money is everything.



Ditto, I also accept all major credit cards....

How sad.

Money is important as a means to an end, and equally certainly makes life easier.

But EVERYTHING!? I feel concern for those people who care for you because if you believe what you say - money takes precedence over them.

You worked your whole life for the same thing you wipe your ass with and flush down the toilet.

 

[codymac]

Such self-satisfied snobbery and pre-judgemental aspersions are cast.

Hello, pot, have you met the kettle?

 

[Phil A.]

OP - if you can afford a nice watch and you really want one, I'd say go for it while you can. It's your money and you've worked hard for it, so why not reward yourself once in a while?
Just think, in 50 years time you could be giving that watch to a grandchild as a family heirloom and it could still be in your family in 150 years time: That's not bad for a $5K investment...

 

[Simon Templar]

Realise that what I am going to say is coming from someone who is a 'watch guy'...so I have certain bias in the matter. In fact, I hold certification from the NAWCC as a Master Watchmaker. (however, by choice I have never actually been employed in the field.)

All of that being said....I would second the advice that, if you're not a watch geek, you probably will eventually regret a huge expenditure on a watch. Quite honestly, as a rule of thumb those who truly are consistently happy with a large price tag watch are either those who appreciate them for their mechanical engineering and art form of design.....or those who bought one to flaunt (or feign) affluence. The average person on the street these days really does not care. The majority don't even recognise an expensive watch when they see one. Just about everyone can spot a cheap watch without any trouble.....but from middle-of-the-road on up, they just don't care enough to notice.

If you feel you need another (or several other) watches as a style issue, there are quite a few that can be had in the $1500 + or - range....all of which would be respectable and durable choices.

Myself, I have no trouble justifying the 'high-priced spread'....but again, I'm a watch geek. All of that is a decision only you can make for yourself.

If you do decide to shop in the upper-echelon brands (and I hope you at least look at what's available before you decide) all of the more famous brands are good and reliable choices. In no particular order...Breitling, Omega, IWC, Panerai, Tissot, Vacheron, Patek, Rolex, etc., are all really pretty much equal from a mechanical and build-quality point of view.

Arguably, the main difference really is style. NONE are going to be a wise investment for the sake of investment. Sure....20 years from now you might find a Rolex or Patek (or the like) collector who might be willing to buy yours from you for more than you paid. But I wouldn't make such a purchase with that outcome in mind. If you do.....you're chances at best will be 50/50 of being successful. You'd do better buying T-bills or some such.

All of the above are good watches and will last equally as long if well-taken care of. But remember just like an oil change on a Ferrari will cost more than a VW...so will Vacheron service cost you more than more pedestrian makers for no other reason than cachet. This is, for the most part, also the reason you'll pay two or three times as much for a Rolex than for an Omega, for example.....cachet.

So...if you're asking which is better from a build-quality point of view, the answer really is they're all about the same. If you're asking based on style or the like....that is a decision only you can make. The upside is....it's your preference so whichever choice you make will be the proper one. You can't muck it up.

Not sure what help I could possibly be above and beyond the above...but if I can help, feel free to PM me.



...sT

 

[Vudoo]

Maintenance is something that needs to be considered. I was in a store where a customer brought in a Tissot and the maintenance was going to be a $100 when the watch only cost a little more than than. So research the maintenance cost and see what percentage of that is the value of the watch.

 

[born4sky]

Every man should have a good pair of watches. Look through watch review sites for example this watch review. Curently saving my money to get new breitlings.

 

[Big D 51]

I have been doing some research, and as of now these are my top candidates. These are the ones I want to see in person while shopping around. I still may come across something different but these interest me the most for now.

1. Rolex Milgauss - The only negative is it has orange. I'm really looking for something with no colors except silver and white.



2. IWC Ingenieur - The downfall is I'm worried the face will be too small. I liked the fact that "Ingenieur" stands for engineer in french.



3. Ball Engineer II - I like the engineer name relating to my profession so the watch would have some meaning behind it since I'm not really a watch guy. This watch has all the colors I want which is great. The decision here is it don't have the Rolex name...Does that really matter?



4. Rolex Day Date ii - This is a nice watch, but I'm pretty sure it is going to be out of my price range even after major discounts. I think the diamonds will be too much bling as well. I still want to check it out in person for final say so though.



5. TAG Heuer Aquaracer - Nice watch. It has the colors I want. No engineering meaning behind to tie to other than it just being nice. It's one of the lowest costing out of the top 5 and still nice.

 

[Big D 51]

6. Casio Edifice Chronograph Watch - Nice watch. Only $100 which is a big seller. It has a slide rule layout which relates to engineering which is cool. This gives me a cheap option if I'm satisfy with it in person. However, it still leaves me without a really nice watch.




Thank you all for the input. Once I go shopping, I'll post the final decision for viewing pleasure .