OT: Any wristwatch junkies on here?

[WskyCowboy]

Big watch guy here, I currently have a Panaeri, Rolex, Tag Huer, Luminox, a couple of beater invictas and a couple of other brands.

 

[hawkmoon]

You don’t like watches much do you do you?

Question Mr. Collector. What are your thoughts on Omega? My wife and I bought each other one when we got married 30 years ago. It is favorite watch . . . and is as thin as a quarter.

Omega has a huge catalog having been around so long (much longer than Rolex). Some of their vintage pieces are very nice as well.
I like their older dive watches, no newer than the original Planet Ocean. I sold my Speedmaster Pro Moonwatch last year as I never wore it despite its relative fame in the watch world.

These two I still have and will be keeping.

 

[pothole]

Yeah, I have somewhere north of 100 now.

After I got my last Grand Seiko (my sixth) I sort of chilled out. I sold some I wasn't wearing for profit and kept my favorites.

20-25 Mid high end Swiss and Grand Seikos.

30-40 Seikos and Orients

20+ Gshocks

50+ high quality reps. I have a thing for older Panerai so besides 3 genuine (had 4) I have 40 or so reps and a hundred or so straps.

Reddit opened my eyes to the rep game. The quality that some of these factories are putting out is mind blowing.

After sitting on a Rolex ADs “waiting list” for over a year and half and constantly getting the run around I said screw this and picked up a VSF 126610LN. Saved around 12k and it’s a 1:1 copy. The only “tell” is the serial number.

 

[Big A]

Reddit opened my eyes to the rep game. The quality that some of these factories are putting out is mind blowing.

After sitting on a Rolex ADs “waiting list” for over a year and half and constantly getting the run around I said screw this and picked up a VSF 126610LN. Saved around 12k and it’s a 1:1 copy. The only “tell” is the serial number.

One of the main attractions of buying a Rolex is the sense of accomplishment.
You did not save $12k. You are wearing a fake.
The bodybuilding equivalent is getting pec implants and then proudly showing them around. You are not impressing anyone worthwhile, including yourself.

 

[pothole]

One of the main attractions of buying a Rolex is the sense of accomplishment.
You did not save $12k. You are wearing a fake.
The bodybuilding equivalent is getting pec implants and then proudly showing them around. You are not impressing anyone worthwhile, including yourself.

I disagree. For anyone who asks I tell them it’s a rep. I see it as sticking it to the ADs who treated me like I was sub human for a year plus. Not sure if you’ve tried to buy a Rolex recently from an AD but it’s a shit show of playing favorites and making you buy 1000s in jewelry to be “worthy” of buying a Rolex from them.

 

[NEMSZ]

I disagree. For anyone who asks I tell them it’s a rep. I see it as sticking it to the ADs who treated me like I was sub human for a year plus. Not sure if you’ve tried to buy a Rolex recently from an AD but it’s a shit show of playing favorites and making you buy 1000s in jewelry to be “worthy” of buying a Rolex from them.

Or you can just say fuck em’ and pay a little more (depending on the model) and get it 2nd hand on the open market from a reputable dealer..

I’m a big Day Date fan, love the way they look compared to other pieces, instead of getting dicked around for 2 years to get one at retail for $40k, which really isn’t $40k because as you said they try to make you buy other shit to “build a relationship” I’d rather pay $50k and get it today and that’s it, done.. 2 years of my time is worth infinitely more than $10k..

I’m sure whatever piece you were looking at for $12k could probably be found for $14k ish on the market, maybe a little more, maybe even less than retail depending on the piece and how flexible you are on the year of production etc..

What were you looking for?

 

[Big A]

Or you can just say fuck em’ and pay a little more (depending on the model) and get it 2nd hand on the open market from a reputable dealer..

I’m a big Day Date fan, love the way they look compared to other pieces, instead of getting dicked around for 2 years to get one at retail for $40k, which really isn’t $40k because as you said they try to make you buy other shit to “build a relationship” I’d rather pay $50k and get it today and that’s it, done.. 2 years of my time is worth infinitely more than $10k..

I’m sure whatever piece you were looking at for $12k could probably be found for $14k ish on the market, maybe a little more, maybe even less than retail depending on the piece and how flexible you are on the year of production etc..

What were you looking for?

Exactly this.

Buying a fake is not sticking it to the AD's, it's sticking it to yourself.

 

[pothole]

Or you can just say fuck em’ and pay a little more (depending on the model) and get it 2nd hand on the open market from a reputable dealer..

I’m a big Day Date fan, love the way they look compared to other pieces, instead of getting dicked around for 2 years to get one at retail for $40k, which really isn’t $40k because as you said they try to make you buy other shit to “build a relationship” I’d rather pay $50k and get it today and that’s it, done.. 2 years of my time is worth infinitely more than $10k..

I’m sure whatever piece you were looking at for $12k could probably be found for $14k ish on the market, maybe a little more, maybe even less than retail depending on the piece and how flexible you are on the year of production etc..

What were you looking for?

Just a regular Submariner date

I debated for a while about buying on the grey market but I didn’t want to pay the added premium and perpetuate the watch flipping that’s boomed since Covid and created this watch culture that makes it impossible for normal to acquire pieces.

I played the game with multiple ADs for a while “building a relationship”, checking in with them once or twice a month to show I was still very interested etc. the final straw was when they offered me a sub from their Rolex certified pre owned section for 16k. This watch was 4 years old. Absolutely ridiculous.

Funny story, one of the ADs I was dealing with ended up losing their dealer status with Rolex and Tudor because the sales associates were selling to flippers. The day after their statues was revoked they somehow happened to have “brand new preowned” watches with stickers and tags in the display case. No exhibition only nonsense. Everything was available for purchase. Daytonas, subs, batgirl, Pepsi. For an insane mark up. I think the panda daytona they had was listed at 65k.

 

[NEMSZ]

Just a regular Submariner date

I debated for a while about buying on the grey market but I didn’t want to pay the added premium and perpetuate the watch flipping that’s boomed since Covid and created this watch culture that makes it impossible for normal to acquire pieces.

I played the game with multiple ADs for a while “building a relationship”, checking in with them once or twice a month to show I was still very interested etc. the final straw was when they offered me a sub from their Rolex certified pre owned section for 16k. This watch was 4 years old. Absolutely ridiculous.

Funny story, one of the ADs I was dealing with ended up losing their dealer status with Rolex and Tudor because the sales associates were selling to flippers. The day after their statues was revoked they somehow happened to have “brand new preowned” watches with stickers and tags in the display case. No exhibition only nonsense. Everything was available for purchase. Daytonas, subs, batgirl, Pepsi. For an insane mark up. I think the panda daytona they had was listed at 65k.

Duuuude, you can get Submariners for like $14k brand new 2024 unworn on the grey market..

But the number one thing is to find yourself a good dealer with a solid reputation, those assholes were clearly scamming people because I’ve seen brand new untouched Pandas 2024 going for $28k-$32k.. $65k?! They’re out of their minds..

The way I look at it is you were willing to spend $12k almost 2 years ago, if you save $200 a month, which if you’re spending $12k on a watch, shouldn’t be a whole lot for you, then you justify that extra $2k, that’s how I look at it anyway.. Having to wait 2+ years for a day date at retail or telling myself damn, paying that extra $10k to have it now is worth the $400 a month id be “saving” for the wait.. I spend more on gas, give me the watch now

Unfortunately bro, you’re not going to change an entire market, the aftermarket watch business is here to stay and it’s been around for decades, if millionaires and billionaires who are paying millions of dollars for some pieces aren’t doing anything about it (and I’m sure some of them have the money and status to do so if they really wanted to) then who are you and I to think we can do something about it?

I’ve come to terms a long time ago that I’m just going to have to do well enough in life to just get what I want when I want it, and that’s how you tell em to get fucked properly..

It happens in the sneaker world too man, I’ve paid $1200-$1500 for sneakers that have retailed for $120-$150..

 

[jl9987]

One of mine. Got the sprite too

 

[jl9987]

Better pic

 

[Pheedno]

I don't own a watch but I found this thread really interesting. This popped up in my youtube. Not sure anyone wants to listen to the entire but it was timely for the thread.

 

[hawkmoon]

One of the main attractions of buying a Rolex is the sense of accomplishment.
You did not save $12k. You are wearing a fake.
The bodybuilding equivalent is getting pec implants and then proudly showing them around. You are not impressing anyone worthwhile, including yourself.

I have a 30+ PAM reps because I love the variety that can be found in the simple Bettarini and 1950s cases. Case materials and dials, etc. I also built my own Marina Militaire (below) years ago. It's an addiction.
Also straps - I have probably 100 24 and 26mm straps, mostly handmade from Spain, Romania, etc.

I would not buy 30+ genuine PAMs just for variety. I had four and still have three historic PAMs all purchased at Japan's best dealers (Jackroad and Kamekichi) - 055c, 372, and 1024, sold my 112e. Thankfully Japan has a great used watch market!

I have "collectoritis" and now have 100+ pairs of sneakers as well; a personal weakness

 

[hawkmoon]

Just a regular Submariner date

I debated for a while about buying on the grey market but I didn’t want to pay the added premium and perpetuate the watch flipping that’s boomed since Covid and created this watch culture that makes it impossible for normal to acquire pieces.

I played the game with multiple ADs for a while “building a relationship”, checking in with them once or twice a month to show I was still very interested etc. the final straw was when they offered me a sub from their Rolex certified pre owned section for 16k. This watch was 4 years old. Absolutely ridiculous.

Funny story, one of the ADs I was dealing with ended up losing their dealer status with Rolex and Tudor because the sales associates were selling to flippers. The day after their statues was revoked they somehow happened to have “brand new preowned” watches with stickers and tags in the display case. No exhibition only nonsense. Everything was available for purchase. Daytonas, subs, batgirl, Pepsi. For an insane mark up. I think the panda daytona they had was listed at 65k.

A steel sub is still one of the hardest watches to get.

I got my 114060 used but unworn for slightly under retail (820,000 yen with 10% tax included) when Covid hit and people panicked.
Probably my best pickup for the money ever. Second best will be my pair of Tudor Date-Day Princes.

This is probably my favorite in my current collection. Salmon dial IWC 3227. 200 set to be made, only 100 produced. Never selling it.

 

[Poonami]

One of the main attractions of buying a Rolex is the sense of accomplishment.
You did not save $12k. You are wearing a fake.
The bodybuilding equivalent is getting pec implants and then proudly showing them around. You are not impressing anyone worthwhile, including yourself.

I’m not impressed with anything you or anyone has wrapped around their wrist lol

its like a woman wearing makeup. It’s not actually part of your being so what is there to be impressed by? The insecurities of a man that needs to show others he has some cash by wearing flashy jewelry and watches.

nah, that’s weak. Especially when it’s just for show. These Garmin and Apple Watches make sense because they give you valuable data to track. A regular watch is the equivalent of a woman’s make up.

…..gif with guy at table and a sign saying “change my mind”

 

[Big A]

I’m not impressed with anything you or anyone has wrapped around their wrist lol

its like a woman wearing makeup. It’s not actually part of your being so what is there to be impressed by? The insecurities of a man that needs to show others he has some cash by wearing flashy jewelry and watches.

nah, that’s weak. Especially when it’s just for show. These Garmin and Apple Watches make sense because they give you valuable data to track. A regular watch is the equivalent of a woman’s make up.

…..gif with guy at table and a sign saying “change my mind”

You have completely missed the point. You impress yourself with the sense of accomplishment of achieving something special to yourself, the same way that your bodybuilding accomplishments give that sense. If you don't understand that, you live a very sad existence.

 

[Big A]

I would not buy 30+ genuine PAMs just for variety. I had four

Then you only have four PAM's. The rest are junk. If collecting junk makes you feel good, fine. Call it for what it is though.

About the straps and aftermarket accessories, that is different. You are accessorising the real deal with what ever personalisation that you want, but it's still real.

You collect sneakers. Why don't you collect fake sneakers? Because you can afford the real deal! The same should apply to watches or whatever else you collect. There is no satisfaction or self achievement for collecting fakes. It always comes down to the money. People that collect fakes of anything, regardless of what justification they try to use, they only do that because they cannot afford the real thing. I would LOVE a collection of Patek Grand Complications. I can only afford one, so that is all that I have. I would never, ever lie to myself and collect fake ones. I would feel ashamed of myself to myself.
I know what my lane is and that is where I'll stay until I can move to another lane for real, not in a make believe world.

 

[NEMSZ]

I’m not impressed with anything you or anyone has wrapped around their wrist lol

its like a woman wearing makeup. It’s not actually part of your being so what is there to be impressed by? The insecurities of a man that needs to show others he has some cash by wearing flashy jewelry and watches.

nah, that’s weak. Especially when it’s just for show. These Garmin and Apple Watches make sense because they give you valuable data to track. A regular watch is the equivalent of a woman’s make up.

…..gif with guy at table and a sign saying “change my mind”

Don’t take any of what I’m about to say the wrong way;

It’s not necessarily about being impressed or impressing other people as much as it is about a sense of accomplishment and for some a sense of status.

It’s much different than a woman wearing make up, any broad can throw on some make up, but not just any broad is on the cover of Vogue or in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show..

Anyone can buy an Apple Watch to tell the time and know how they’re doing with the “valuable data”, not just anyone can buy a $500k Patek..

And I’m not sure what type of life you live or what business you’re in, but it may behoove you to strike up a conversation with someone wearing a nice Rolex, Patek, FP Journe etc, because odds are that’s an important person with some status and connections, and if you’re interested in being anything more than just the average Joe worried about your grocery prices then I’d say those are some people you might want to befriend and looking at someone’s wrist is a nice clue on if you might want to start a conversation with them.. It won’t always yield results, but as I said, it’s a nice give away..

I will add this part that I actually heard a comedian say the other day so I won’t take the credit for it but I laughed and it is perfect to address your comment;

“An Apple Watch isn’t a watch, it tells you how you're doing?

When I look down at my wrist and see a gold Rolex, I know I’m doing great AND it tells me the time.”

Just food for thought..

 

[hawkmoon]

Then you only have four PAM's. The rest are junk. If collecting junk makes you feel good, fine. Call it for what it is though.

About the straps and aftermarket accessories, that is different. You are accessorising the real deal with what ever personalisation that you want, but it's still real.

You collect sneakers. Why don't you collect fake sneakers? Because you can afford the real deal! The same should apply to watches or whatever else you collect. There is no satisfaction or self achievement for collecting fakes. It always comes down to the money. People that collect fakes of anything, regardless of what justification they try to use, they only do that because they cannot afford the real thing. I would LOVE a collection of Patek Grand Complications. I can only afford one, so that is all that I have. I would never, ever lie to myself and collect fake ones. I would feel ashamed of myself to myself.
I know what my lane is and that is where I'll stay until I can move to another lane for real, not in a make believe world.

Correct, I only have four (three) PAMs, the rest are reps. Could I afford them? If I wanted to yes, but I'd much rather invest that money - or buy other gens, both of which I have done.
The thing with PAMs is that I loved the simple look before I ever knew what they were (first I saw were the homages made by GETAT); it was never about prestige. People that buy replicas with the explicit aim of impressing others are indeed only fooling themselves.
Where I am in Tokyo luxury watches are so common no one is impressed anyway.

I never, ever try to pass off reps as gen, they are for me alone. I can tear down and rebuild 6497 movements for fun. People that follow me on IG see many of my watches and never see a rep - I don't share them.
Sneaker money doesn't amount to anything substantial, otherwise as I say I'd be investing it.

 

[hawkmoon]

Some people asked elsewhere, so here is my current state of the core collection. Loads of Seiko divers, etc in other boxes.