[AMM1959]

I have been lurking on the 2021 WPAC thread for two months, and I'm happy to join this group!

I’ve never wanted a large collection, but I do like a rotation with some diversity (one diver, a dress watch, a versatile GADA, and something casual that is not a diver). I have had a long-held wish for either a Rolex OP, an Explorer 1, or an Omega SMP. Lastly, I’ve had a long-held wish to have two mechanical chronometers if I could. I am an astronomer, and love the historical linkage between astronomy, navigation, and precision timekeeping (John Harrison is a personal hero of sorts).
SOTC at the beginning of 2021:

• Seiko 5 Field-style (SNKK35J1)
• Oris Artelier Skeleton (my first “near luxury” model; a gift from my wife some years back)
• Seiko SARB 17 Alpinist
• Tudor P01 as my diver (pool diver that is...)

During the year I made a few trades and purchases and learned a surprising thing:

• I gave the SNKK35J1 to my son who now wears it as his daily
• I replaced the SNKK35J1 with a used Tudor Ranger at a very fair price in hope it would scratch my Explorer itch
• I bought an Oris BCPD 80th Anniversary Bronze, partly because I really loved it, partly because it reminded me of my mom’s service as a USAAF WAC, and partly to pander to my local Rolex AD just a bit (which, in retrospect, was pretty dumb.) Thankfully, I love the watch.
• I traded my Alpinist for a Glycine Airman Base 22 with a little cash in the deal. This was impulsive, but I did really like the 3-time zone functionality.

In September I learned on WUS that some years back AAFES opened online shopping to all honorably discharged veterans, AND that they have remarkable sales on Omegas. This set up an end-of year flurry of activity. I bought an Omega SMP 300m on the AAFES black Friday sale. At the price, I simply could not pass it up. On receipt of the watch, I was truly blown away. I love it.

So on Dec 1 I had six watches in hand, including two divers and two pilots, which felt like a bit much. I also had some sellers regret about the Alpinist because it had been my versatile GADA. And, like I said before, Omega. Wow. So, between Thanksgiving and Christmas I did a 3-for-1 set of transactions; the P01, Ranger and Airman (all of which I did really like) went out, and an Aqua Terra from my local AD (thankfully also discounted a bit) came in.

The SOTC now is:

• Oris Artelier Skeleton
• Oris BCPD 80th Anniversary Bronze
• Omega SMP 300m
• Omega Aqua Terra

I now have pretty much everything I ever hoped for. A diver that was on my obtainable grail list, a dress watch, a beautiful GADA, and something casual but not a diver. Two are high quality chronometers, one is from my wife, and into the bargain they all have the same 20mm lug width. My 2022 objective is to avoid temptation and be happy with what feels like an amazing rotation to me. My biggest fear is that I may get an AD call about an available Rolex – in which case I am truly not sure what I would do, because I’ve learned that 4 is the right number for me.

Cheers!

 

[AMM1959]

That’s a great 4 watch collection but think I could find a spot for a Rolex Explorer, especially at retail. I have a permanent, yet unoccupied, space for a 36mm Explorer. It’s unlikely to be filled but I keep it open just in case.

Thank you!

But, isn't this the thread I come to to NOT be enabled?

 

[AMM1959]

I've also thought about selling the Orange Monster, but it was a gift from my wife and with these being discontinued and going up in price, I think I'd rather keep it.

I empathize, there were times when I thought about parting with my Oris Artelier Skeleton, and it was a gift from my lovely wife. Why? Well, it is gorgeous, but I rarely need a dress watch and it is not the most readable... And then, I reminded myself that she bought it for me as a gift because she wanted to support my passion, even though she doesn't fully understand it. So, I tried (and succeeded) to reframe how I thought about it. Dollar value doesn't enter into it for me. It's part my my small collection, true. But it's really a token of my relationship with her, for which I'm very thankful. So, my advice is that the Orange Monster might be the last one you would ever want to part with!

Cheers!

 

[AMM1959]

Not a bad idea, and you could combine that with an old technique we used to suggest; wear the same watch for a month. Allows you to really bond.

This strikes me as a very sound idea.

Late in the fall as I was grappling with the fact that I had let myself get a bit carried away and had more watches that I was personally comfortable having, I did a test of sorts in the opposite direction. I set myself the goal of wearing a different watch each day, and if I was happy to put it on, great. If, on the other hand, I found myself shying away from one, that'd be one sell signal.

It worked out differently than I expected. In my head one of my two Tudors was my favorite. What I found in practice was that I passed it over and wore it less frequently because of it's size. I realized I was always bumping into things with it, LOL.

Anyhow, that helped me make my downsizing choices. Hope it is of some help.

Cheers,

 

[AMM1959]

Aaargh!!

It is January 3rd. Two days ago I joined this group, posted my SOTC and said,

My biggest fear is that I may get an AD call about an available Rolex – in which case I am truly not sure what I would do, because I’ve learned that 4 is the right number for me.

And this afternoon, after 18+ months on "the waiting list" that I became convinced didn't really exist, I got a call from my local Rolex AD. They are holding a new Explorer 36 for me that came in today. 😶

Truly I am beyond conflicted. You can't make this stuff up. Cosmic test of will, anyone?

My left brain (and one of our WPAC brethren who will remain nameless) is telling me it would be silly not to simply pick it up and flip it.

My wife thinks I should just get on with it. "You'll be buying one for less that it will be worth next week? And it's a Rolex? Why is there a question? It's not like you're buying a third Seiko 5..."

And there's a whole bunch of back and forth rationalization going through my head. Pick it up and keep it. (Don't buy it and keep it! A Rolex is theft bait! LOL) Turn a quick buck...?

One in one out? That's OK, right!!? I could sell an Oris to stay at 4. But that's not exactly a fiscal wash.

Mind you, no, I would not be going into hock to buy it, and the mortgage is in fact paid off...

OK - let the bashing (and hopefully some actual usefull feedback) begin.

 

[AMM1959]

First off, thank you all for your perspectives.

Carefully-made and considered purchases are something that all of us should be striving for, and you even posted in your SOTC that a phone call from your AD was a possibility.

Yes, and I truly agree with that objective.

Spoiler alert: I would keep it and wear the hell out of it.

That would be the idea if I kept it and sold another.

IF you are going to wear it... Ok... No argue. Just wear it. It is great watch. Any rolex is actually a great watch.

Exactly. I don't invest in watches, I enjoy them. My home is for living in, and index funds are for investing (and Jack Bogle is my guiding light.) I don't do safe queens. It's just silly to me.

Interesting that you're talking about moving on an Oris to keep you at 4 when the Orises are not in direct competition, the AT is.

That is an excellent point that I need to reflect on. Really, I find the AT more formal and a bit less classic, but there's no question that both are luxury level GADAs. Two of the best and they really are in the same class. Notwithstanding, the BCPD Bronze is more historically grounded as a design, which is why I immediately thought of it as "more like" the E36 for wear.

F*cking enablers........

Right!!? Maybe this is the "2022 WPAC (except if you keep a small collection and trip over your grail) ".

Well, I have a good bit to think about. Again, my thanks.

Cheers!

 

[AMM1959]

these kinds of purchases typically come at the end of our watch journey.

That is certainly where I think I am. Time will tell I suppose. I'm glad that I never had addictive tendancies-but I can certainly be impulsive on occasion and later regret a decision.

This annual thread is brimming with potential to help break addictive and impulsive buying cycles. I'm thankful that doesn't feel like it is happening for me in this case, it really has been a long term goal. On the other hand (no malice intended) this does feel a bit like having an AA meeting in a bar, but of course where else could it happen? Nowhere.

Irrespective of where I land on the E36 call today, I do appreciate all of the thoughtful and thought provoking discussion.

Cheers

 

[AMM1959]

View attachment 16342193

Shiny bezel on an "adventurering" watch guaranteed to scratch in no-time.
"Oystersteel" 904L, while shinier, is prone to scratching more easily than mundane 318 stainless. Shiny bezel, you say? How about scratched bezel, is that pretty, too...?
Mercedes hands. You love them or hate them. I hate them. Maybe you can tolerate them? I can't. Yuck. Single most egregious design error here.
Rolex movement = Rolex or Rolex Certified $ervice. Dare you not service your investment? "The pricey watch that keeps on being pricey!"
Shorter service interval than a Vostok. Could buy 20 Vostok movements for the cost of one service...
Symmetric dial because no date! Horse-pucky. 3 arabic indexes and... a triangle yoni? Horizontally symmetrical... oh, wait, except that crown. Vertically symmetrical? Nope.
White on black, how exciting...
Logo/text. Look printed. Wait, is that logo printed? For real? At that price...?
Oyster Perpetual / Explorer. OK, which is it? If I wanted an OP, I'd buy and OP, because frankly, they look better than this model. But no, it's an Explorer. Way to dilute the model branding, Rolex!
"Chronometer" means it has been officially certified, to we need to be told again? So redundant.
Does this watch even Automatic? How would we know...? Many other watches tell us, on the dial. The ones that don't, we assume are quartz...
At least it's got a full minute track... Oh, wait, no it doesn't. Tiny little crown under the 6. Because all the other branding isn't enough, we have to do one super-tiny to make sure you don't even see it.
Exrol exrol exrol rehaut
Only 100m WR?!? Pathetic.
Non-standard, proprietary tooling caseback.
Does the clap even glidelock?

Oh, nicely done!

All watches should be Vostoks.

All restaurants should be Taco Bell.

You forgot to mention the clear tendancy for Rolex to apparently drive owners into fits of egocentric superiority It's like driving a BMW corrupting previously decent human beings, right...? LOL

 

[AMM1959]

Which is why I didn't bring up the size...

Now, now. It's not how big it is, it's...

 

[AMM1959]

need it.

Hm. Need it.

Need it?

It's a mechanical watch, and it is jewelry. If "need it" is your litmus test then your "SOTC" should be a flip phone.

 

[AMM1959]

So what Vostok watch should I buy as an investment?

 

[AMM1959]

What YOU need to decide is what is right for you here and keep to whatever it was you wanted to achieve.

Yes, @Hornet99. Right you are sir.

A couple of days ago I stirred up a lot more of a tempest in a teapot than intended. And today I decided.

Here's the surprise in all of this, BTW. I asked my AD if they would please give me 2 days to reflect on the decision, and they graciously agreed. I didn't see that coming either.

I didn't really reflect too much on the bashing, or the "I hate Rolex for reason X" posts. (BTW, I really like both mercedes AND cathedral hands, so there! LOL). I also didn't spend much time thinking about the enabling posts. I did think a little bit about how having a watch appreciate in value for a change (even if only for the short term) would be nice. But that can change, and we all should know that.

Mostly I reflected (and discussed with my wife) the question of whether I felt some need for this thing, or if I simply thought it would add a bit of additional enjoyment to my impending retirement. That is, would I "like" to have both of my "grails" (achieveable grails mind you, the Patek with the planisphere dial is never happening, LOL) or, would one be superfluous, like one glass of fine wine too many.

Today I brought home my new E36.

Some of you will be happy for me. Some of you think I have bad taste. I think one of you believes my next stop is detox or a slippery slope to heroin, LOL. And all of that is OK. (Well, not the heroin bit. Please be assured that's not happening).

A few of you will be pleased to know that the bracelet has been sized, and the watch was worn on my way home. It will also be worn tomorrow, and if I am lucky on many days in the future.

We do not have to agree on everything. I love the fact that this thread has a bunch of well intended and honorable participants who actually care. Good on all of you.

I'm going to take my time deciding which of my others will be departing, and how. Possibly a sale. More likely a gift. Either way I'll take some time to see which one is getting used the least, and at some point it will be back to 4.

Thanks again to all of you who chimed in about my dilemma, no matter what you had to say!

I wish all of you good health, good fortune, and the strength to keep your personnal challenges in check.

I'll post a pic tomorrow.

Cheers

 

[AMM1959]

A good idea to take some time to see how it fits into your life and what might be sold once you’ve lived with it for a while.

Totally agree.

You deliberately avoided the core message of my previous post to avoid wording that disagreement.

True. I did not hold off on responding to be malicious, or because I have any disagreement at all with the principles you were communicating. I chose to not respond because your pointed feedback was predicated in part on a significant misunderstanding of my situation. I tried to point that out with my brief "need" post, and I clearly failed. Please know that your communication was top of mind as I thought about my decision and discussed it with my wife.

Peace.

Now only time will tell if it was the right choice or not. Do enjoy your Explorer in the meantime.

True! And thank you, sir.

Enjoy the new watch in good health!

Thank you.

Cheers all.

EDIT: And I failed to include this in my post...

 

[AMM1959]

Hello again. Haven't been active much lately and I guess that's a sign of abstinence...sort of.
It's been a miserable year mostly with my mother passing away, COVID and stuff. Been around WPAC since year one and it helped immensely put the madness on hold. Can't say I'll be participating much but we'll see.

My condolences.

 

[AMM1959]

Anyone here bootstrapped their own business in the past? Because that's what I'm about to do, and I'm sh-tting my pants lol. Excited as well, don't get me wrong, but sh-tting my pants. So would love to hear how other people managed it.

Yes. Twice. From 1995 until 2005 I was a partner in a Telecoms consulting firm that I started with a partner. The business basically dried up after the infamous "dot com and telecoms crash."

In 2007 I started a new management consulting firm, and have two partners to this day.

How we managed - savings, lots of marketing, knowing the market we were going after. Lots of long hours - the firm policy was that if you sealed a drawing after 9 PM, you used purple ink to sign it. Lots of second hand equipment.

All excellent points. Customer understanding (drawing out what their real needs are by asking a lot of questions), investing your time, and cost control are all very important.

Although, maybe as a specialty designer, you could get hooked up with some of the larger firms that don't have that in house?

Again, great advice. Our current firm has has great success using this approach. Bigger companies that don't have our expertise in-house are our entire customer base today.

I found most of my clients by referrals

100%. We maintain a web site for credibility purposes, but our entire book of business with 14 active clients is from referrals.

I ran a consulting business for a while. Never more than part time, but from my experience I'd say carpoon is spot on. It's all about word of mouth, who you already know that trusts you, and what those people tell their network of colleagues.

I agree.

Take everyone in the beginning, but pay attention to which clients fit in each of those categories. As your business matures, weed out the trouble makers and look to duplicate the excellent ones. I've fired a few clients in my time, and my life was immensely better afterwards.

Yes! Be as selective as you can, and over time you'll be able to focus on clients who really value your contributions and pay on a timely basis. Always be willing to fire a client if justified.

But, also pay attention to invoicing and collecting. I suck at that. And I knew it then. My partner was great at it. You have to have all the pieces in place to make it work.

I also agree with this. I suggest it is important to actually force yourself to have a set of strict priorities financially, and have a good bookkeeper. Be deliberate about your money priorities. For us what works is that a reasonable profit is priority 1 (you cannot lose money and make it up on volume). Cash flow (getting paid timely) is priority 2. Revenue (top line sales) is our lowest priority. Most of the small independent companies I have seen go under were killed by failing to account for their costs, or due to poor cash flow.

Networking is my weak point..

Mine too! I had a mentor who helped me with this. A core principle he taught me was to force myself to spend a few hours every week reaching out to trusted colleagues. Schedule the time. It's like eating your vegetables as a kid. 😉 Don't ask your trusted colleagues directly for work; rather ask after them, and make them aware of what you are doing. Then ask for advice. Some will give advice. Some will offer referrals. Some will ask if you can take on work, and then you'll have a client.

What you are doing can be frightening, it sure was for me. But the fact is that if you can get 2 or 3 active clients, you'll begin to have more security than a "job" can ever provide.

Best of luck!

 

[AMM1959]

Enjoy

Thank you!

 

[AMM1959]

feeling like I'm doing wrong by following the edict I set for myself not 10 days ago. 😂

And yet, in your SOTC post you said your goal was to not buy a watch in 2022, and...

2. If I'm a good boy, I'll get a Chris Ward for my wedding in October. That is enough to look forward to.

Personnally, I don't see any conflict here. Your annual plan was a) to not buy a watch, and b) to accept your fiancee's generous gift. Looks to me like that's exactly what you're doing. You're following the edict you set for yourself.

If you think the CW gift is putting your collection back into "too many watches territory", then I will share @Hornet99's good advice to me.

What YOU need to decide is what is right for you here and keep to whatever it was you wanted to achieve.

I know that I have a watch to sell or gift this year to stick to what I wanted to achieve. I'm not sure if you do or not, that's for you to decide. But this gives me the impression that you're leaning towards giving at least 1 up.

Maybe I'll even sell some stuff within the year.

Whatever you decide on that score, treasure your blue CW and what it represents! Congratulations.

Cheers

 

[AMM1959]

A list of criteria is like a list of justifications to buy a new watch...

It could be but equally it can work the other way in discounting shiny new (FOMO....) trinkets because they don't meet the criteria. In fact I think that if the list of criteria are accurate and true they'd be more like that than a set of justifications.....

Both are true.

I think it can also be the case that intangibles have may a huge influence. The story associated, or the story imagined, or perhaps the experience connected to a particular watch. It's no different than how other kinds of objects or experiences can connect to an emotion, like a remembered experience connected with a piece of music. Sometimes positive, and sometimes not.

 

[AMM1959]

That's how I use a list.
"Hm. Beautiful, but 40mm. I wouldn't wear it."
"Hm. Beautiful, but 14mm thick. I wouldn't wear it."
"Hm. Beautiful... how much?!"
"Hm. Beautiful, but it's almost exactly like XX that I already have."
"Hm. Beautiful, but 3 ATM. I'm not careful enough to deserve that one."
"Hm. It alerts me to the time in Cairo - I may need to know that when the cat wakes me up. I'll buy it."

Yes. And yet we still need to learn such personal rules the hard way. For example, it was simply trying to wear a watch of 14.5mm thickness for more than a year that taught me I could not continue to do so. I enjoyed it in every other way, but kept banging it into things, which was most irritating. LOL.

 

[AMM1959]

The one watch to rule them all?

WPAC Process to test this question:

1) Place selected watch in fire.
2) Look for strange red script to appear.
3) Post WPAC message regarding success downsizing your collection...

Hmm. Maybe not.