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The 2022 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).

316472 Views 6601 Replies 157 Participants Last post by  bth1234
The 2022 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).

Welcome to the 2022 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club, otherwise known as WPAC. This is the 6th year of WPAC, which was started at the beginning of 2017 to try and get myself and some other addicts out of a crazy buying/flipping cycle with watches, we were buying for the sake of it rather than for the appreciation of the watch itself, constantly chasing the next, new shiny watch or searching endlessly, fixated on some watch; generally, IMHO, a rather unhealthy behaviour.

So, what is the point of WPAC? Well, the aim is to abstain from purchasing watches. But that's a bit blunt really, the abstinence is a tool or a method to break the cycle of buying/flipping and become a discerning consumer of horology. Learning to appreciate what you have, understand what works for you with watches and think rationally about purchases, rather than emotionally. Or the ethos of less is more, as some have suggested the philosophy is here. Yes we still love watches, but as we all know we can be weak, so WPAC is a place to get help; here you can take solace from like minded people and get support and encouragement to stop impulse buying.

With those that stick around and make some commitment WPAC has been successful; for me it's certainly helped me break the buy/flip cycle and stop obsessing, so maybe it can help you.

In previous years we've had some rules, but this year there aren't going to be, there seems little point when we all have subtly (sometimes massively) different goals. If you are in serious horological trouble with buying then look back at the OP in previous WPAC threads, the rules should be a useful starting point if you want to get things under control or just shout out here to get some advice, it's what we're good at. Think of it like a clubhouse or a WUS subforum dedicated to being friendly, chatting about everything and anything and where you can find like minded watch fans.

Having said that, there is one rule I'd like everyone to adhere to; first post should be an intro with a SOTC picture (include everything, don't cheat) and some goals/aims for 2022. Whether you want to abstain completely, want to save for a special watch, just need to take control, slow things down or whatever, we'll be happy to have everyone. Just as long as you're clear on what your aims are.

Please participate in the thread, it's what makes it what it is. Any reasonable topic of conversation is acceptable and in fact welcomed.

Bashing of any potential purchases should still be a mandatory element, but let's keep it funny. Nuclear level bashing is required for any actual purchases.
Expect to be challenged by others if you're suggesting a purchase, whatever your personal goals/aims and expect to need to defend yourself.

.....and one last thing, we do occasionally get some trolls visiting, let's agree to not feed them.

Edit - clarification on enabling: this is a difficult one to deal with as WPAC has evolved such that we discuss watches, post pictures, etc., previously we tried not doing that but it didn't really work and as well despite the temptation provided by this individuals need to develop the control to not be tempted every 5 minutes by something. However, this year we seem to have a mixture of regulars and new participants, and some the latter are wanting to abstain. Hence please don't directly enable by suggesting watches......
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This will be the third year running I try to join. I flunked myself out the last two years. But I really feel like this time is different though (famous last words). Good luck everyone!

SOTC as of the end of 2021, as well as my plans for 2022 are below. To summarize: I'm going in to the year with 6. I'll most likely sell 3, buy 2, and banish 1 to a drawer. Leaving me with a tight 4 watch collection: diver, pilot, chrono, solar Casio. Edit: I'm not really in a hurry to replace the Pro Trek and Certina, since I do like them. So I guess best case scenario is I sell 1, banish 1 and then just chill.
  • Damasko DS30 - This one is a keeper. Light, tough, and slim. My barton elite and ritche strap mount platform.
  • Certina DS Action 38mm - I have to have a GADA dive watch. I wish this one was a bit larger though. It's just on the side of too small for me. On the chopping block, to be replaced with another diver. Maybe C Ward Trident Pro 600 40mm. Maybe even Tudor BB58...
  • Pro Trek PRW-50 - My ultra beater that I never actually wear. I'll probably sell this one and replace it with a G-Shock solar square.
  • Chris Ward C63 Sealander GMT - While I like the watch a lot, I realize I dislike the GMT hand. It takes me as much time to calculate 24 hour time as it does to just add whatever the time zone difference is in my head. I think this one will go. I don't think I need a separate GADA watch, I think my diver on a bracelet will do.
  • Freddy C Runabout Chrono - Just got this one to replace my old chrono I sold off. While it's a bit on the large side on paper (42mm) and in pics, it wears so well. The case profile is just exquisite and the lug to lug distance is comparatively short. I'll keep this around. I like having a mechanical chrono on leather.
  • Casio Edifice - I like this because the light is so bright I can use it as a dim flashlight at night when tiptoeing around the room trying not to wake the new baby. But once the baby is moved to her own room I won't have much use for it anymore. It's an odd mix visually, both flashy and tooly at the same time. I may sell eventually but it won't fetch much, so I can just relegate it to a drawer without much thought.
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On the subject of watch review videos (or online press) is there anyone that people trust to give an objective view? We'd discussed here before about how most if not all reviews seem to be gushing and that lead to Lee suggesting that they are not wanting to bite the hand that feeds. I tend to watch reviews with the sound muted, I just want to see the watch not hear someone blabbering on.
I really enjoy Ben's watch club. I'm not even interested in the watches he usually reviews, but he is so refreshingly open and transparent, as well as entertaining.
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Just wanted to report in that I managed to avoid buying anything in that flash sale today for [redacted brand] that tempted me hard with that FOMO. Whew!

I need to unsubscribe from these watch website emails.
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Two week check in here. All is going to plan so far. Sold my C Ward. No new purchases made. Other than the BB58, nothing is tempting me. I don't seem to get that same dopamine rush from learning about new watches anymore.
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