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The 2022 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).

316475 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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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.
Tim at the Watchbox (YT) doesn’t really review watches as much as he gives excellent information in a very short period of time. The video is high quality and his knowledge of watches seems to be off the charts.

You have to know going in that every watch he features is for sale on their site, so it’s less of a review and more an informational advertisement. I’m not looking for a review as much as I want to know specs, how it wears, etc. and he is very good at that.
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Happy new year yall, 13 pages in 3 days!

Trinkets or not, they bring a lot of enjoyment and that has a lot of value in itself.
Yes!

Curious to understand, for you, how that enjoyment manifests itself?
I'm bored on the train and actually spent a few minutes contemplating the question and how to answer it.

Back when I was studying in Lisbon and took these 4.5 hour train rides four times a month, I'd watch films and/or listen to music. These days I keep it mostly to music. Regardless, I'm on my own, nothing but strangers around. This is to say, music and cinema are something I enjoy deeply and for the vast majority do so alone, other than discussing it with my mates. See where I'm getting at?

When I pick my watch up in the morning, wind it, clean it and put it on my wrist, and glance (more like stare) at it throughout the day, I get an enjoyment akin to that of being sat on the train, earphones in, and drowning the outside world in my tunes. Or being at home, 1am, GnT in from of me, watching a film. Or, as I did back in my parents house, looking at magnificence of The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory hanging on the wall over my working desk.

Of course, you can experience music, films and art in other, more socially active ways, such as going to a music festival, the cinema or a museum. Likewise you can go to watch meet-ups and yes, these are my favourite ways of experiencing said hobbies. As I've mentioned many times, the only thing better than the watches is the people we meet along the way. But we can't do that every day.

I know I haven't answered your question very well, but these comparisons are the best I can do.
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We're recommending watch purchasing enabling youtube channels now?
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I watched a video by Jenni Elle on a Tudor and she was apparently going to tell me 5 useful things on the watch, it took her soooooo long to get to the first point I'd given up. This seems common, in that the reviewer bulks out the video to make it seem worthwhile.
I recently found out why. A friend started a youtube channel and the first thing she had to achieve in order for something good to happen was 1,000 subscribers, the next is 4,000 hours of viewing. I assume watched hours means revenue, which then leads to tricks to eke out viewing time for each video.
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We're recommending watch purchasing enabling youtube channels now?
Oddly, there are very few channels I watch anymore. I know what I want, I know what I like, and mostly, they are not reviewing those. I've resorted to searching by model to find what I'm looking for, which has led me away from the more mainstream channels.
We're recommending watch purchasing enabling youtube channels now?
Nope, just doing what we've always done; talking rubbish about the horological "scene".
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The pretty girlfriend ones are my favourite too!
Link to one of the pretty girlfriend ones? Asking for a friend.
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Happy new year yall, 13 pages in 3 days!
Happy new year to everyone indeed !

And glad to see you around in WPAC 2022 after all, Jmario. ;)

Back when I was studying in Lisbon and took these 4.5 hour train rides four times a month, I'd watch films and/or listen to music. These days I keep it mostly to music. Regardless, I'm on my own, nothing but strangers around. This is to say, music and cinema are something I enjoy deeply and for the vast majority do so alone, other than discussing it with my mates. See where I'm getting at?

When I pick my watch up in the morning, wind it, clean it and put it on my wrist, and glance (more like stare) at it throughout the day, I get an enjoyment akin to that of being sat on the train, earphones in, and drowning the outside world in my tunes. Or being at home, 1am, GnT in from of me, watching a film. Or, as I did back in my parents house, looking at magnificence of The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory hanging on the wall over my working desk.
I too derive pleasure from using my watch. Reading the time on a good dial, setting it, cleaning it, tracking the accuracy & hands alignment, winding if necessary, enjoying the comfort & aspect of a clean strap/bracelet... Little things from ordinary life, but which become enjoyable to the enthusiast.

In those 13 pages, quite a few members accurately described that they did enjoy the hunt, with the browsing, the search, the comparisons, the tries, the adrenaline of price negotiations (and sometimes even bids), etc.

But there are other ways to enjoy a watch in everyday, which you mention very well. That's why it's possible to control or even stop the desire-purchasing machine : taking one's time to enjoy what he has in the present instead of always awaiting the future. 🔍

You're revealing a hidden truth about our hobby, Hornet. One that many of us aren't comfortable admitting, imo.

It's the online research, the comparisons, looking at dozens or hundreds of glossy photos, trying them on at stores, the ordering, the waiting (and obsessively tracking the shipment), and the unboxing that many of us love more than anything else. The Chase is our obsession. After the honeymoon, it's just a tool on our wrist, at best, and mere jewelry at worst.

I am no exception. Although my watch purchases each year in WPAC have been slightly better in control than the previous, I fall off the wagon several times a year. I fall victim to the temptation of The Chase, and I give into the compulsion that drives so much of us on WUS.
Well, I didn't remember who was saying it, but the multiquotes button did. 😆

Truth be told though : you're clearly wording something both untold and yet obvious for a massive amount of WUS addicts.


View attachment 16330398

Left to right:
  • Vostok Komandirskie mod - The watch that ended it all for me. Right now my daily watch, no need for anything else.
  • Union Glashutte Noramis - Gift from my parents during a challenging time in my life. Its not being worn a lot, but I love it when I do, mostly on slightly more formal occasions. Its a special watch that won't go anywhere.
  • Hamilton Viewmatic open heart - This watch I picked as graduation gift, partly sponsored by my friends. So again a special watch, that doesn't see wrist time on a daily basis, but gets a lot of enjoyment when I wear it. Won't go anywhere either.
  • Raketa mini alarm clock - not really a watch, but just included for full disclosure (it does have a watch movement 😛)
I am pretty happy where I am at right now with watches. I got a daily wearer that's legible and functional and costs so little to replace I don't have to worry about banging it around. And then I got two special watches to enjoy on more special occasions (with a pretty low threthreshold for special occasion lol). What else could I possibly need?

2021 was definitely the year I got the purchasing under control. My obsession definitely waned, and don't really feel the urge to even look for new watches anymore.

My goal for 2022 is to maintain that stability. There's no desire for any new watches right now, and hasn't been for at least half a year.

2022 will also be the year I'm starting my own business. If 2022 is a success in that regard, just maybe I might reward myself, in which case I'll allow myself 1 purchase - but that may also turn out to be something other than a watch.

I may participate a bit less actively in WPAC this year than in previous years I think. But I'll drop in from time to time when the conversation is good ;)
You'll be more than welcome.

I'll use the occasion to salute :
  • Your tasteful yet concise collection. You have quite elegant watches, with distinct roles and features. I do wonder if a mechanical is perfectly suited as a beater, but I can see you have pleasure using your Vostok that way. :)
  • For your discipline during 2021. Not many of us managed to abstain, even less abstain completely. That's a feat to be noted.

Tim from Ohio, USA and I have a watch addiction. It's nice meeting all of you here.

I purchased 11 watches in 2021 (one was a catch/release) which can be viewed here: 2021 purchases. In addition to the 2021 purchases, I unfortunately already had a full collection going into 2021, which most would say didn't need any additions.

What I did do in 2021 with my collection is thin out a couple slightly large watches and replace with smaller variations. This process is now complete. Also, I've been trying to do a two out, one in method where I can maybe feed my addiction a bit, but also cull the herd. Finally, I've given a couple watches away (to family, don't get too excited).

My goal for 2022 is to continue the two out one in method. Also, to not make impulse buys. I admit I do have a short list of watches I'm interested in acquiring. There's no hurry, and they may not be 2022 purchases or I may not purchase them at all. So the additional 2022 goal would be to be patient.

My current wish list is:
  • Omega Seamaster 300
  • Glashutte Original PanoMaticLunar or Sixties
  • Zenith El Primero
  • A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Up/Down
By no means do I intend to purchase all (or even any from this list). I very well could wait till 2025 or never purchase. These are just what I've been considering for a while now. Again, being patient, these watches are not going anywhere, they'll still be available long after I'm gone. Also, to aquire I'd sell two watches (as per the rule).

So in closing, I welcome all the current members and those that post after. Hopefully, we can work together to reach our 2022 goals.
Hey, Teckel, didn't expect to see you here !

You have quite honest objectives. At the very least gaining control, and setting rules and limits is probably a good step in order to cull a collection into something more concise. Welcome around ! 😃

SOTC here at the end of 2021:



Omega Speedy Pro. 40th bday present a few years back. Never going anywhere and IMO the most greatest wrist watch of all time.
Omega Seamaster Pro. Purchased in 2021 as gift to myself for getting promoted. Beautiful watch and the quality is way up there. Also a keeper.
Certina DS2 HAQ LE. Bought in 2020 after looking for it for almost thee years. I don't wear it often but I love it.
Citizen Calibre 2100. Classic Citizen chrono and also a keeper for me. 16 years old almost and works perfectly (of course).
CW C60 7750 Chrono aka "The Beast". 17.1 MM of wrist crushing awesomeness. It's a fantastic watch and will never leave the collection.
CW C60 316L Yellow LE. Another MK2 C60 (the best version IMO and I've had 6 of them by now). Gorgeous yellow and a really fun watch to wear.
CW C60 "Kermit". Just got this a few weeks ago. I wear it all the time right now. It's fabulous. If I was to ever sell, a fellow WUS'er already has dibs on it.
Citizen Signature Courageous with the gray dial and steel bezel. Perfect grab and go. Just a superb watch for not a lot of money.
CW C1 Grand Malvern Small Seconds. If this said for example IWC on the dial, it would be $4000. It does not, but that's the only reason you'd know this is not a very expensive piece. Incredible build quality. 5 day PR. COSC. It is my most worn watch. (not counting the AW)
Apple Watch 6. I wear this 23.5 hours a day, every day, on the right wrist. Sleep tracker, fitness tracker, etc etc. It's just awesome, let's be honest.

So there we have it. 2021 was a weird year for me with watches. I bought a ton of watches and enjoyed them but then the lure of "something else" crept in and I sold so many of them, some of which I'd like to have back. I was chasing something, but what? I piled up paypal slush funds and now nothing is on the horizon to spend it on. I feel a bit lost right now in this hobby and will be taking a break for a while. I'm just posting this here in WPAC to give myself a point to look back at down the line and see how things evolved for me.

I'm considering if a Tudor of some variety is in my future but it's too early to tell at this time. The money is there but the research has yet to be done. We will see what happens.

I wish you all a wonderful 2022, with watches and everything else, and I'll check in from time to time (maybe ;) ).

J
Nice, SOTC, Jkpa. Particularly enjoyed reading the small descriptions you added for each watch. Other than translating true WIS enthusiasm, this conveys each has a meaning for you, and thus your collection is meaningful. I guess the question is now if there aren't overlaps, and if not, if it is really wise to keep a hunting eye ? Time will tell. :)
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Happy new year to everyone indeed !

And glad to see you around in WPAC 2022 after all, Jmario. ;)
I'll say come and say hello from time to time 👍

In those 13 pages, quite a few members accurately described that they did enjoy the hunt, with the browsing, the search, the comparisons, the tries, the adrenaline of price negotiations (and sometimes even bids), etc.

But there are other ways to enjoy a watch in everyday, which you mention very well. That's why it's possible to control or even stop the desire-purchasing machine : taking one's time to enjoy what he has in the present instead of always awaiting the future. 🔍
I wasn't going to comment but noticed exactly that, most people answered the hunt, the "research", etc. Personally that falls more in the "interesting" camp rather than "enjoyment". I like to learn about watches the same way I like to learn about science and engineering, or keeping up to date with the developments on technology. But, for example, I have no interest in music theory, or how to read and write music, to keep the previous comparison rolling.
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SOTC: 2021 goal met.
My goal for 2021 was to get my collection from more than a dozen (several high-end) to no more than four affordables. Here's the result:

Lorier Hyperion GMT, 39mm, 100m WR, acrylic, Soprod C125 automatic movement, $799 MSRP
Mido Multifort, 38mm, 100m WR, sapphire, Powermatic 80 automatic $920 MSRP; I paid $460 gray market. Shown with aftermarket leather strap.
Cincinnati Watch Company field watch, 36mm, 100m WR, sapphire, Seiko NH38 automatic, $350 MSRP
Timex Galli S1, 38mm, 50m WR, sapphire, Miyota 9039 automatic, $450 MSRP

These cover all my needs from dressy to casual to outdoor. I'm liking that all are <40mm, too; perfect for my Old Guy 6-3/4" wrist.

For 2022, my goal: do nothing. Not even a new strap.

Watch Analog watch Clock Motor vehicle Watch accessory
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Tim at the Watchbox (YT) doesn’t really review watches as much as he gives excellent information in a very short period of time. The video is high quality and his knowledge of watches seems to be off the charts.

You have to know going in that every watch he features is for sale on their site, so it’s less of a review and more an informational advertisement. I’m not looking for a review as much as I want to know specs, how it wears, etc. and he is very good at that.
Yes I've used his videos to get specs that manufacturers and some ADs are often coy about, e.g. thickness, calibre, microadjustment etc.

Being better informed is a good thing on the whole as long as the viewer is aware they're being sold to. I wouldn't call them all enablers.
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So I sold my Nomos Tangente today. That leaves me with my new Stowa Marine Classic 36, Archimede Outdoor Protect and Vaer C5 Tradition. My Monta Noble is up for sale.
I’m undecided on my Pancor P03 diver. I may keep it as my beater. It’s inexpensive, well made and I love the green dial!

My plans for 2022? I have none. I may not be around much though I do love this group. The excitement of watch collecting has waned and I am happy with what I have. I wish everyone the same.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
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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.
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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?
If the E36 is something you've been pining for for years and you now have an opportunity to buy one at Retail Price, then what is the dilemma? Sell one of your Orises to compensate (it really doesn't have to be in the same price bracket), wear the Rolex to see if it really is as marvelous as you had hoped, and be content with a four watch collection that now includes an Explorer. I don't see much of a conflict here. 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.

Some of our WPAC brethren will disagree and opine that the only true path is to not purchase any watches but I don't personally subscribe to that. What I prefer to get out of WPAC is control: control over impulse purchases, control over what our motivations are, and control over the things that make us miserable rather than bring us joy.

You can submit it for a formal bash but we all know the truth: you are smitten with the Explorer so why not take advantage of what appears to be a very rare opportunity?
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Aaargh!!

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



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.
I believe the Explorer is one of the most beautiful watches on the planet.
Would I purchase one? No. For the same reason I wouldn’t buy an expensive piece of art, it doesn’t fit my lifestyle.
Does it fit your lifestyle or are you ok admiring it from a distance? That’s up to you.


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Aaargh!!

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



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.
I’m the nameless WPAC brethren. I would buy it no matter what the intentions are. If you love it, keep it. If you simply like it, then flip it and pocket a couple grand.

A Rolex at retail is a rare opportunity, especially in the current market, and it would be silly not to purchase it if finances allow. I would be at the AD first thing in the morning, cash in hand, and then decide later what I was going to do with it.

Spoiler alert: I would keep it and wear the hell out of it.
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OK - let the bashing (and hopefully some actual usefull feedback) begin.
Easy. Next question. That's what I would do anyway. Either that or tell them "no thanks," which is more in keeping with the goals of this WPAC.
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I watched a video by Jenni Elle on a Tudor and she was apparently going to tell me 5 useful things on the watch, it took her soooooo long to get to the first point I'd given up. This seems common, in that the reviewer bulks out the video to make it seem worthwhile.
Her channel has high quality video, but the content is a snoozer to me.

Also, her fan base is a lot of very thirsty watch nerds.
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Aaargh!!

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



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.
I doubt they would let you take it away still with stickers on, but that would be a bonus.. in any event, the thought was that you could just do nothing with it while you consider the alternatives, (and get your name down for a Sub or a Daytona). Waiting a year or two to flip might not get your name on their naughty list.

It's hard not to consider the potential profit though. Were it not for that madness, I wouldn't be interested in a Rolex personally, but that's just me.
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Then why are you even here?
Same reason I attend AA. To meet my wife.
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