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The 2022 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).

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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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I resemble that remark! I don't think I have 50+, though.

For me, it's an affordable variety thing. I don't aspire to a 3-watch collection. I know I'd want more variety. I will grant that I have some near duplicates that could bo away, though. I think I could appreciate quality, but I don't seem to be willing to spend that much on any one watch.
Yeah, I understand some folks will always desire more variety. You are certainly welcome to your own opinions and doing what works best for you.

But because this is WPAC, going along with Lee’s earlier advice to break the habit, I agree with the suggestion that in general, consolidating multiple affordables into one well thought out luxury watch might be a solid exit strategy for a chronic buyer.

Note that I don’t necessarily mean something brand new and super expensive either: Mid-Size Seamasters from a few generations ago, Sinn 104/556, Vintage dress pieces, many really nice options in the 1-2k range that I would gladly take over 10+ affordables, and be much less likely to flip or buy something else in a similar category.
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SOTC 2022

No change from 2021. I thought I might finish at least one of the projects from last year, but, nope.

My watch goals / timeline has changed a little. My daughter's practicum has been delayed so she won't complete her master's until next December. This means my grandfather's Omega Bumpy lives with me and I wait a year to look at something like a Tissot Banana in earnest.

If I happened upon a sub $250 Yema reverse panda Rallygraf, I'd try to sell the Tissot Quickster.

The collection / rotation:

View attachment 16000679

The hide-in-the-back-of-the-drawer collection:

View attachment 16000680

The current projects:

View attachment 16000689
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Late to the party, but I am in again.
SOTC is largely unchanged since April of 2020.
(One out / in - on two different occasions.)

Not the best photo, and the two not in a case are rarely worn, and live in the strap box in my closet.
The open slot on the far left will be my only purchase this year, when available.
(I have been on the waiting list for the better part of a year.)

Watch Analog watch Photograph White Light
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Late to the party, but I am in again.
SOTC is largely unchanged since April of 2020.
(One out / in - on two different occasions.)

Not the best photo, and the two not in a case are rarely worn, and live in the strap box in my closet.
The open slot on the far left will be my only purchase this year, when available.
(I have been on the waiting list for the better part of a year.)

View attachment 16343273
Nice collection and welcome to another fun year! What’s the waitlist watch?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Nice collection and welcome to another fun year! What’s the waitlist watch?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Helm Komodo - White dial.
If it's just FOMO then surely the Zelos's of this world pull the same trick with all their aventurine meteorite dials, and the limited release numbers. Skillful although less of an earner, I should think.
Any pre-order and "limited" runs play on the same psychological mechanics.

Basically be weary of any ploy that tells you to pull the trigger NOW or you may miss out. Real estate agents are very familiar with this as well..

Resist it. Force yourself to take a month or two - not from the moment you started thinking about it, but from the moment you'd normally have pulled the trigger. Don't be swayed by savvy real estate agent tactics.

If you mis out, whats the big deal? Its just a watch... Missing out is part of life, live with it.

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I admire your jacket! What is the gold motif on the sleeve there?
Well that right there is yet another reason not to buy a Rolex! If I were wearing a Rolex, you'd admire my watch instead of my Ryan Michael shirt.
Watch Hand Analog watch Arm Azure

(It was one of those notorious impulse buys. I was buying a gift online, the shirt was on sale, and buying the shirt for myself qualified the entire purchase for free shipping so the marginal cost of the shirt was something like $20. Became one of my favorite shirts. Not all impulse buys turn out so well.)
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So what Vostok watch should I buy as an investment? :p
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You know, I've been kind of fascinated by Russian watches since I first learned of them. But, for some reason, the price of the basic Vostok amfibia has increased somewhat steadily over the last year or two. Maybe it's a Eurozone-Rouble thing, or just the sellers I'm looking at. I don't know.
That being said, they're still only €129. But I used to see them running around €109 and then going on sale for less.
You know, I've been kind of fascinated by Russian watches since I first learned of them. But, for some reason, the price of the basic Vostok amfibia has increased somewhat steadily over the last year or two. Maybe it's a Eurozone-Rouble thing, or just the sellers I'm looking at. I don't know.
That being said, they're still only €129. But I used to see them running around €109 and then going on sale for less.
If you're seeing Amphibia's for 129, you're definitely not looking in the right place... but I'm not going to tell you where to look.🤐
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If you're seeing Amphibia's for 129, you're definitely not looking in the right place... but I'm not going to tell you where to look.🤐
Oh man. That's cruel!

I didn't realize WPAC was like that.

But now that I know it is, I'm also not telling.
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Glad I loaded the latest comments, I was going to tell him too. 🤓
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Brief update, I'm one watch down for 2022.

But it was the one I said I was going to sell, and didn't picture in my SOTC. So that might not qualify as a true "-1."

Either way, it's ~$200 and instead of buying a couple G-Shocks, which is what I may have done last year, I'm spending it on a new fly tying vise so I can better enjoy my winter fly tying.

So in a way I'm just trading a vice for a vise.
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You know, I've been kind of fascinated by Russian watches since I first learned of them. But, for some reason, the price of the basic Vostok amfibia has increased somewhat steadily over the last year or two. Maybe it's a Eurozone-Rouble thing, or just the sellers I'm looking at. I don't know.
That being said, they're still only €129. But I used to see them running around €109 and then going on sale for less.
I know where you can get Amphibias for 53 dollars new. But this being cruel thing is fun.
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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.
That's indeed true for a majority of people, not all though.

I hope that's not all you've retained from my post, however.

Oh my, you're good........ (y)
Not good enough yet apparently. 😆

Couldn't have worded it better. Rolex is very clever in their marketing, and its hard not to fall for it if you're in the position.
They make you wait first, so it seems like a well considered purchase when you get "the call". But really, they play on your impulses and FOMO with that call, which will make you feal like you have to pull the trigger asap, or you may miss the opportunity - basically pushing any rational considerations to the background.

Ideally, when you get "the call", you should wait a couple of months before answering it - but I'm guessing that's not an option..

The whole ploy is a massive turnoff to me to begin with, but I get how it can suck ppl in..
Well, some even take photos of the small purchase session then ensuing at the A.D. I guess Rolex doesnt leave many people indifferent at least, however it'd result by love or hate.
As a side note, maybe leave out the alcoholism metaphor... its been done to death here (by me also), I know its an easy comparison to make, but it never quite plays out well..
Duly noted. 👼
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Again, late to the party, but still join if you'll have me. Great to see the familiar "faces" from last year. My SOTC is now the following:
  • Omega Planet Ocean 39.5mm: the default daily watch.
  • Garmin Instinct: sports watch.
  • Casio G-Shock GW-5000: tough and motorcycling watch.
  • Seiko Samurai Great White Shark SE (SRPD23): for vacations, swims and lots of great memories.

Watch Clock Gauge Font Measuring instrument


Last year i joined WPAC, sold 3 watches and bought 1. Part of the watch-detox I also left WUS in May, only checking back irregularly. I do miss the banter here and in other threads, but I don't miss the lust and hunt after new watches. Particularly don't miss the flipping.

So here is the plan. I intend to participate more in WPAC. I do not intend to sell anything. I think maybe I'll buy one watch this year, something a bit better suited to rougher days than the Omega. The Omega will still be my No 1 work and outings watch. But maybe I'll get something different, less flashy, something more quartz, tough and "grab-and-go" accurate. Main candidates are Seiko Astrons SSH093 (white dial) or SSH079 (green dial). Maybe a similar Citizen. Or a metal G-Shock square (MR-G or steel). Definitely not mechanical and not overly expensive as I have a deposit down on a new bike.

Maybe I won't buy a watch at all. Keeping one slot open in the box and in the great oath of WPAC. An option to buy but deciding not to is liberation in itself. The watch-detox has been good, promoted this watch-thing from an obsession to a diversion. I don't have to have each watch I like. And nothing can beat the PO anyway.

Stay strong, brothers!

Miklós
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So what Vostok watch should I buy as an investment? :p
You laugh, but people made money on some of the GMT watches, and I do think they 1967 series in bronze and Ti might have a chance at appreciating.

I don't think people took me seriously a couple years ago when they would post, "What what should I invest in, which will appreciate?" and I answered, "Buy 10 Seiko SKX007/009."
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Hmmmm, this is my first time seeing this WPAC thread in any year, so it's interesting to read all the posts and see what everyone is dealing with.

I fell hard for the hobby in 2021 (when your AD is texting you pictures of his family on Christmas morning, you know you've been a good customer), and have had such a great time. Buying or selling, the people I've met have all been outstanding, and when you find another enthusiast it's like meeting a long lost family member.

The deeper I get into the hobby, the more I understand both the product and the business, the more interesting it becomes. I even stopped in Dubai this year for Watch Week on my way to a business trip to India. People could not have been nicer.

That being said, I already have more watches than I can realistically give any significant wrist time to, and by Jan 2 I was already texting my AD about a new piece I'm interested in. I can see getting to the point that I may be a participant in WPAC for 2023, but now, I'm feeling good!

(Here's a pic of one of my 3 watch boxes, with a few December editions, including the new Breitling AVI Corsair, which is a PHENOMENAL watch)

Watch Analog watch Rectangle Watch accessory Nickel
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So this rolled in yesterday. I ordered it last year. Yes, I already have 20 divers (12 branded and eight homemade), but this is way different from anything else, and I really like its retro vibe. (Except for the abysmal bracelet it came on. And did I just say "vibe"?) Did I mention I ordered it last year? (And have another Seizenn, a pilot-type, ordered last year, that hasn't shown up yet.) I've got such a culling job ahead of me that I want to just give it a pass, because percentage-wise, it doesn't make much of a difference. (And I did order it last year.) Thoughts?
Watch Analog watch Azure Clock Watch accessory
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