Watches

JimN said:
I thought everyone in the chain wax thread was personally trolling me, but this thread is next level. Though I imagine if this was a forum for NJ people that like fancy watches, and someone said how much they spent on a bicycle, people over there would feel the same way.
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I thought it was a joke at first.

These are just because guys don't have designer purses?
 
JimN said:
I thought everyone in the chain wax thread was personally trolling me, but this thread is next level. Though I imagine if this was a forum for NJ people that like fancy watches, and someone said how much they spent on a bicycle, people over there would feel the same way.
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I actually really like watches too, but can only not afford one expensive hobby at a time. It's also why I don't own a bunch of really cool guns, but will happily accept an invite when my friends head to the range 😁
 
Santapez said:
I thought it was a joke at first.

These are just because guys don't have designer purses?
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It is an interesting statement. Buy a 10k bike that has limited value 5 years later if it didn't break, vs a watch that should go to the oldest great grandchild.

Even the sales guy was busting on what is perceived rare, thus higher value. Ie the green face.
 
Patrick said:
It is an interesting statement. Buy a 10k bike that has limited value 5 years later if it didn't break, vs a watch that should go to the oldest great grandchild.

Even the sales guy was busting on what is perceived rare, thus higher value. Ie the green face.
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For my birthday this year I was worried my wife was going to buy something stupid expensive for me. Luckily she didn't. But if she did, id have preferred a watch that I'd enjoy for decades and pass along vs a bike that would be dated in a few years.
 
Patrick said:
a watch that should go to the oldest great grandchild.

Even the sales guy was busting on what is perceived rare, thus higher value. Ie the green face.
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If it weren't for the fact that my father was somewhat into watches, I don't think I'd be into it as much as I am. I knew he had what he said are nice watches and got my mother nice watches but I never paid much attention to them because what kid is interested in watches? Because he was a sea captain and got to see many ports of call around the world he was able to bring back some very interesting things like watches. It wasn't until he passed away and me and my brothers got possession of some of his things like his watches that I started learning more about them and started to appreciate them. But even before he passed away some watches started to catch my eye which is why when I graduated college and got my first real job that I splurged for a $1300 Tag Heuer over 30 years ago (TAGs were all the rage back then). I wore that every day and I wear it everywhere doing just about anything. I wear it biking, skiing, swimming, snorkeling, working on my cars, around the house, you name it. I never bought another watch until I got married and saw a woman's version of my TAG so I bought that for my wife. This started our his/hers matching watch thing we have going. Anyway, so I haven't bought another watch for myself until I started looking at my father's old watches (Omega, Longines, Seiko, etc.) and I started really appreciating the timelessness of those watches and thought these are actually heirlooms you can pass on for generations and generations. I don't buy them as investments or to flip them like many do but they retain value so well that you can consider many of them as investments. So to a certain extent you can't compare spending money on a watch vs. bikes or even cars in most cases but I can see how some would make that comparison if they don't understand the luxury watch market. OK, off my soapbox now.
 
tonyride said:
If it weren't for the fact that my father was somewhat into watches, I don't think I'd be into it as much as I am. I knew he had what he said are nice watches and got my mother nice watches but I never paid much attention to them because what kid is interested in watches? Because he was a sea captain and got to see many ports of call around the world he was able to bring back some very interesting things like watches. It wasn't until he passed away and me and my brothers got possession of some of his things like his watches that I started learning more about them and started to appreciate them. But even before he passed away some watches started to catch my eye which is why when I graduated college and got my first real job that I splurged for a $1300 Tag Heuer over 30 years ago (TAGs were all the rage back then). I wore that every day and I wear it everywhere doing just about anything. I wear it biking, skiing, swimming, snorkeling, working on my cars, around the house, you name it. I never bought another watch until I got married and saw a woman's version of my TAG so I bought that for my wife. This started our his/hers matching watch thing we have going. Anyway, so I haven't bought another watch for myself until I started looking at my father's old watches (Omega, Longines, Seiko, etc.) and I started really appreciating the timelessness of those watches and thought these are actually heirlooms you can pass on for generations and generations. I don't buy them as investments or to flip them like many do but they retain value so well that you can consider many of them as investments. So to a certain extent you can't compare spending money on a watch vs. bikes or even cars in most cases but I can see how some would make that comparison if they don't understand the luxury watch market. OK, off my soapbox now.
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I don't look at watches as jewelry, so collecting isn't something that I would be into, although I understand it. If you're into mechanical things and craftsmanship, I get it. Experience has taught me to become a buy once cry once kind of person, with all things, not just watches. I have 2 watches that I regularly wear, the one I wear when I ride, mow the lawn, work on shit, and one for everything else. My everyday is a Solar G-Shock that I bought like 12 years ago that will not die, and its been through some shit. Its tied to the atomic clock in Ft. Collins Colorado so there is nothing that's more accurate from a time-telling perspective. My "nice" watch also goes through some shit. It goes fishing, camping, in the ocean, skiing when I forget it on, etc. Its supposed to be a "sport" watch, so I do sport things with it. Again, not jewelry.
 
Captain Brainstorm said:
I don't look at watches as jewelry, so collecting isn't something that I would be into, although I understand it. If you're into mechanical things and craftsmanship, I get it. Experience has taught me to become a buy once cry once kind of person, with all things, not just watches. I have 2 watches that I regularly wear, the one I wear when I ride, mow the lawn, work on shit, and one for everything else. My everyday is a Solar G-Shock that I bought like 12 years ago that will not die, and its been through some shit. Its tied to the atomic clock in Ft. Collins Colorado so there is nothing that's more accurate from a time-telling perspective. My "nice" watch also goes through some shit. It goes fishing, camping, in the ocean, skiing when I forget it on, etc. Its supposed to be a "sport" watch, so I do sport things with it. Again, not jewelry.
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I'm a mechanical engineer who loves to tinker with anything so it explains my appreciation for all things mechanical, of course watch included. I have an automatic watch with sapphire caseback and I can watch the balancer on the hair spring and the hammers cycle all day long. My view differs with you in that I see any watch over $200 as jewelry. There are literally tons of digital watches under that price point more accurate than any mechanical watch made by any brand, luxury or not. So pure performance goes (which is to tell time) luxury watches don't provide more accurate time than a good digital watch (your G-Shock is a perfect example). What they do provide are craftsmanship, materials, design, and artistry which to me describes jewelry. But that's just my opinion.
 
Captain Brainstorm said:
I don't look at watches as jewelry, so collecting isn't something that I would be into, although I understand it. If you're into mechanical things and craftsmanship, I get it. Experience has taught me to become a buy once cry once kind of person, with all things, not just watches. I have 2 watches that I regularly wear, the one I wear when I ride, mow the lawn, work on shit, and one for everything else. My everyday is a Solar G-Shock that I bought like 12 years ago that will not die, and its been through some shit. Its tied to the atomic clock in Ft. Collins Colorado so there is nothing that's more accurate from a time-telling perspective. My "nice" watch also goes through some shit. It goes fishing, camping, in the ocean, skiing when I forget it on, etc. Its supposed to be a "sport" watch, so I do sport things with it. Again, not jewelry.
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Received my Omega as a gift. The salesman promised my wife that it could take a beating. Gotta say, he was correct. I've worn it daily for 11 years doing everything you mentioned and more. In the shop I've banged it into numerous chainrings, pedals and handlebars. I smashed it into the metal door jam more times than you'd think possible. It still looks almost new. Personally, I wouldn't spend this much on a watch, but the wife is into jewelry and likes that I wear it. One day it will spend the rest of it's time buried in the back of my son's closet.
 
Captain Brainstorm said:
I don't look at watches as jewelry, so collecting isn't something that I would be into, although I understand it. If you're into mechanical things and craftsmanship, I get it. Experience has taught me to become a buy once cry once kind of person, with all things, not just watches. I have 2 watches that I regularly wear, the one I wear when I ride, mow the lawn, work on shit, and one for everything else. My everyday is a Solar G-Shock that I bought like 12 years ago that will not die, and its been through some shit. Its tied to the atomic clock in Ft. Collins Colorado so there is nothing that's more accurate from a time-telling perspective. My "nice" watch also goes through some shit. It goes fishing, camping, in the ocean, skiing when I forget it on, etc. Its supposed to be a "sport" watch, so I do sport things with it. Again, not jewelry.
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They have fancy watches now that time sync with atomic clocks floating above our heads in outer space.

tonyride said:
I'm a mechanical engineer who loves to tinker with anything so it explains my appreciation for all things mechanical, of course watch included. I have an automatic watch with sapphire caseback and I can watch the balancer on the hair spring and the hammers cycle all day long. My view differs with you in that I see any watch over $200 as jewelry. There are literally tons of digital watches under that price point more accurate than any mechanical watch made by any brand, luxury or not. So pure performance goes (which is to tell time) luxury watches don't provide more accurate time than a good digital watch (your G-Shock is a perfect example). What they do provide are craftsmanship, materials, design, and artistry which to me describes jewelry. But that's just my opinion.
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That is one thing that is seriously appealing about mechanical watches. Even if you had a $20 Timex that shows the movement. The technology in my Garmin watch is pretty crazy magic but not visually striking if you were to see the insides.

bergsnj said:
You can get these things for $10 on canal street. And also my phone is my watch
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It's really convenient having time on a watch. I used to feel the same way but it's pretty awesome to not have to go pulling my phone out of my pocket or finding my misplaced phone.
 
tonyride said:
I'm a mechanical engineer who loves to tinker with anything so it explains my appreciation for all things mechanical, of course watch included. I have an automatic watch with sapphire caseback and I can watch the balancer on the hair spring and the hammers cycle all day long. My view differs with you in that I see any watch over $200 as jewelry. There are literally tons of digital watches under that price point more accurate than any mechanical watch made by any brand, luxury or not. So pure performance goes (which is to tell time) luxury watches don't provide more accurate time than a good digital watch (your G-Shock is a perfect example). What they do provide are craftsmanship, materials, design, and artistry which to me describes jewelry. But that's just my opinion.
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I can see how watches can veer into the realm of jewelry, something with a lot of gold, diamonds, etc. would qualify. My initial view of an automatic watch is something you pay more for up front, but requires minimal maintenance, like the inconvenience of a battery change every 2 years. Reality is automatics require maintenance, but with a Rolex or Omega, its once every 10 years for something that's heirloom quality. With the previously mentioned watches, their "tool" watch line qualifies for a good every day watch. Unless you're a watch guy, they're not going to jump out to the average person.

bergsnj said:
You can get these things for $10 on canal street. And also my phone is my watch
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I have a $50 imitation Rolex Sub, its even automatic. Unless you take a real close look at it, or hold it (its light) you'd never know.

Santapez said:
They have fancy watches now that time sync with atomic clocks floating above our heads in outer space.
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The G-Shock Mr. G's are really cool, but they're big. I'm looking at replacement G's for when mine eventually dies. For a $80 watch I bought at Dick's in a crunch, its exceeded all expectations.
 
qclabrat said:
Maybe, some are getting lesser known brands like Hublot. They have a very distinctive bezel and strap design
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I'm so not a fan of Hublot, not just because of the watches but also because of the d-bag running the company. On the other extreme, I just put my name on the list for a Kuoe Kyoto 90-010.
 
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I like watches. I have a nice Sinn, a few Seikos and some others. I like microbrands and will probably get a Nezumi Terrain soon to scratch the Explorer itch. The Drakens are overpriced but fun. Generally I like field watches more than dive and pilot watches.

It's not a great hobby lol. I generally feel dumb after a year or so of caring about watches and focus back on mountain bikes. Couple years of that and then back. Fun times.
 
NJ-XC-Justin said:
I like watches. I have a nice Sinn, a few Seikos and some others. I like microbrands and will probably get a Nezumi Terrain soon to scratch the Explorer itch. The Drakens are overpriced but fun. Generally I like field watches more than dive and pilot watches.

It's not a great hobby lol. I generally feel dumb after a year or so of caring about watches and focus back on mountain bikes. Couple years of that and then back. Fun times.
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I can appreciate micro brands too. I'm on the wait list for a Kuoe Kyoto Royal Smith 90-010 Panda. Grainy dial with exhibition caseback.
 
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