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The 2022 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).

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Hornet99
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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Wimads
Present for 2022!

SOTC:

Watch Analog watch White Clock Grey


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 ;)
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RustyBin5
Aaah said:
That's a lot of Tudors! Are they staying as the core thing you collect or are they going to be part of the rationalisation?
Click to expand...
I have a very loose idea that possibly the bb58 might go. Other than that no thoughts at all.
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RustyBin5
Hornet99 said:
You didn't keep the blue BB58 Rusty?
Click to expand...
Nope. It didn’t last a month. Dial and bezel being different colours of blue was the elephant in the room for me. I just couldn’t unsee it.
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Stubbadub
Sotc
Seamaster gmt
Ceramic speedmaster
Midsize seamaster
60s dress seamaster
Stowa flieger

Last time i got into wpac i started tracking wrist time in a spreadsheet over a year, and i realised i was wearing my midsize 50% of the time , and everything else was sharing the last 50%, so i sold alot of my colection(and spent the money on a couple more omegas) . Now i know anything i buy is in direct competition with the midsize, its just a do it all watch, i went to the pool with it, went skiing, and its perfect with a suit too.

The speedmaster is nice when i want something shinier. The gmt is for when i feel like wearing something heavier, the 60s seamaster was my grandpas, and the stowa is my newest aquisition, and i have not taken it off since i got it. Its a nice pop of color.

This year i bought the stowa, and a gshock. Now i know gshocks arent my thing, and i think not buying anything next year will be plausible.

You can see the snow outside in the reflection hahaha


Enviado desde mi CLT-L29 mediante Tapatalk
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Stubbadub
RustyBin5 said:
Nope. It didn’t last a month. Dial and bezel being different colours of blue was the elephant in the room for me. I just couldn’t unsee it.
Click to expand...
Thats funny, the different colors on my smp midsize is great, the dark grey bezel and the black dial makes the watch fun to look at in the sun

Enviado desde mi CLT-L29 mediante Tapatalk
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teckel12
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.
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VizslaFriend
Stubbadub said:
Isnt going from a titanium seamaster to a steel seamaster a downgrade and not a upgrade? Even if the other is newer... I was really close to buying that model in the past, so i have a soft spot for it.

Your collection is exactly what i would have had if i was making more money 4 years ago
Click to expand...
Yes, it seems logical, and actually I like my titanium version a lot. In certain lighting conditions it is just perfect.
However, having seen the new one a few times I just prefer it for the following reasons:
  • It sits better on my wrist. The old one is a bit tall and appears overall smaller on my wrist. The proportions of the new one are vastly better. Not only is it thinner, but the bezel is closer to my wrist thanks to the new domed glass design.
  • The new bracelet is a winner. It tapers from 21 to 16 mm, is thinner, the end link design is greatly improved (hugs my wrist better), and the clasp is smaller. This is important for me as I wear my watch on my right wrist (I am a lefty), and the large clasp is inferior when using a mouse.
  • The dial is more elegant and simple with the matt black color, less text, and slightly larger aperture. Its color also fits the bezel better - this is a major improvement. On my titanium in some lighting the blue of the bezel is too harsh and doesn’t go well with the color of the dial.
  • I believe the new black one can be combined with a broader selection of leather/cordura/NATO straps.
  • Overall, the older version looks a bit “flat” compared to the new one, and a bit like mixing vintage with new. The new version with its domed sapphire and many incremental updates looks more refined and an instant classic IMO.
By the way, I like your collection very much! 🙂

Cheers, Peter
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J
carpoon said:
A lot of G-Shocks and some Seiko divers and homages.

This isn’t the problem. The two boxes of G-Shocks that I need to sell. I get into buying them from Goodwill and other places, then I get them, don’t like them, and throw them in a box.
Click to expand...
Nice Citizen in the lower left corner.
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A
teckel12 said:
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.
Click to expand...
Wow, those are a lot of nice watches. The trouble is, if you only wear one at a time, it's a lot of nice watches that you're not wearing at any given time. So your 1 in 2 out policy seems sensible.

What's intriguing me is what you already had coming into 2021. Without looking at any post history, I'm going to guess your collection also includes a Blancpain FF and an IWC Portugueser.
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RustyBin5
Stubbadub said:
Thats funny, the different colors on my smp midsize is great, the dark grey bezel and the black dial makes the watch fun to look at in the sun

Enviado desde mi CLT-L29 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
The bluebay58 though is meant to have matching blue dial and bezel.
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jcombs1
RustyBin5 said:
The bluebay58 though is meant to have matching blue dial and bezel.
Click to expand...
The reason I didn’t buy it after walking into an AD with cash in hand just days after it was introduced.

It doesn’t come across very well in pictures but I felt the difference between the blue bezel and gray/green dial was stark irl and a deal breaker for me.

The FXD Pelagos and SeaQ are good examples of blue done right. The SeaQ in 39mm is fantastic IMO.
Watch Analog watch Silver Clock Everyday carry
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mconlonx
Alright, so...

I posted my final 2021 Q4 roundup here:

www.watchuseek.com

The 2021 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).

The 2021 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC). Welcome to the 2021 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club, otherwise known as WPAC. This is the 5th 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...
www.watchuseek.com www.watchuseek.com

And since then, listed 9 10 watches for sale - 7 from year end SOTC, two not shown, and of these, 4 5 sold, including three four pictured.

Goals for 2022: Consolidate.
  • end the year at less than 20.
  • finally do an online watchmaking course.

Q1 may be messy, with a few purchases planned. I've already sold more than I will buy, and when all is said and done, sales will cover purchases and there will be net outflow.

Q2-3 zero purchases

Q4 one Big Purchase.

WPAC has never been about complete abstinence for me. I like the community, the people who contribute and the level of conversation. It has also led to a very much more discerning view toward purchases - i look for reasons not to buy, rather than reasons to buy.

And it seems like I will follow that well-trodden path of fewer purchases, but higher-peiced watches. The mrs-ish gifted me a Tudor BB36, and it is actually all that. I now have my eye on a 4-5 watch collection as an ultimate goal, with maybe 3-4 slots for messing around with affordables.
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Hornet99
RustyBin5 said:
Nope. It didn’t last a month. Dial and bezel being different colours of blue was the elephant in the room for me. I just couldn’t unsee it.
Click to expand...
Was it really that bad? In all the photos I've seen it's not something I'd noticed, but I do now remember you mentioning this. Was it particularly noticeable in daylight or just all the time? I've noticed the colour, or depth, of the blue varies hugely depending on the lighting.....
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Szechuan
Last watch I bought was in February. My goal is to no longer buy a watch.
My method is simple. Wear the watches I have, if they trigger me to want to buy another watch, I no longer wear a watch til the itch is gone.

In the end I'm still a bit ashamed how much I spend on watches.... I am happy I am off it now, but I wish I never fell for it in the first place.....
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RustyBin5
Hornet99 said:
Was it really that bad? In all the photos I've seen it's not something I'd noticed, but I do now remember you mentioning this. Was it particularly noticeable in daylight or just all the time? I've noticed the colour, or depth, of the blue varies hugely depending on the lighting.....
Click to expand...
All the time - just felt wrong or badly done. It might not bother you and I know some people love it, but it annoyed the crap out of me.

Oh and if you buy one you’ll get it used and mint for £2100
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Hornet99
RustyBin5 said:
All the time - just felt wrong or badly done. It might not bother you and I know some people love it, but it annoyed the crap out of me.

Oh and if you buy one you’ll get it used and mint for £2100
Click to expand...
Yeah, prices have dropped to a realistic level now, rather than crazy profiteering prices.....
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mconlonx
jcombs1 said:
In the 20+ years prior to COVID I traveled 125 nights/year for work, in the last 2 years I’ve not been out 25 nights total. I’m sure that has a lot to do with the waning interest in watches and I’ve worn my G Shock 90% of the time.
Click to expand...
I've heard a similar sentiment expressed by many, and I'll be honest - I just don't understand this. Another friend says most of his good watches are in storage in Austria - he doesn't have them because he doesn't need them, having retired from the business world.

Even when I was working from home 4/5 days of the week, I still wore different watches in rotation, still got a kick out of whatever WotD was on my wrist. Maybe this is why things did not appreciably slow down for me in 2021?

In any case, members have posted some really compelling smaller collections, which is the kind of inspiration for which I hang out at WPAC.
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wgroves
So I read through this thread last night, having never participated before. I was aware of it, having seen it on the forum listings and stuff, obviously, but never really browsed through it.

In the last few weeks, I've impulse bought a few things, put them on, and immediately thought "wow, I'm an idiot. This is not for me." So I'm looking to end that kind of thoughtless buying for the sake of buying.

I'm one of the people who got into watches at the beginning of the pandemic out of lockdown boredom, and I already feel like I've gone through the phase where learning and acquiring was exciting, so now I'm hoping to be a little more targeted.

My current collection:
Watch Analog watch Clock Watch accessory Rectangle


-G-Shock GWM-5610 which I wear 3-4 days a week
-Bluro that my girlfriend just got me for Christmas, and which I plan to do a couple tweaks to (sapphire, 12hr bezel insert)
-early 80s Timex I impulse bought on eBay and have totally fallen for
-F-91W
-Christopher Ward C63 GMT which was going to be my travel watch, because I naively thought I would be getting back to my old schedule of 100+ nights a year on the road for work
-Sinn 556i which gets worn on all the days I'm not wearing my G-Shock

Not pictured: the two other F-91Ws I keep in my bag and my car, in case I forget to put on a watch in the morning; the Vario Empire I got in on Tuesday and immediately realized I don't really care for. Going to put it up for sale this evening when I get home.

Goals for 2022:
-save up for my first foray into the $2000+ category that will be the watch I wear to my wedding. (Thinking Nomos, anOrdain, possibly GS, even less possibly GO)
-related, spend some money on an engagement ring
-maybe, MAYBE sell the Christopher Ward. It's on a shaky nail since, like @jcombs1, I travel a lot less now than I did. And even if things return completely to normal tomorrow, the fundamental nature of my job has changed. I've been very fortunate that my company has grown over the past two years, and I do less boots-on-the-ground selling now, and more managing relationships with our distributors and staff in other markets.
-spend less time on WUS and the internet in general and more time on hobbies that make me happier (fly fishing/fly tying, cycling, woodworking)

So basically I'm signing up for ferocious chiding in the event I buy anything this year. Thanks in advance, and have a happy and safe new year, everybody!
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teckel12
Aaah said:
Wow, those are a lot of nice watches. The trouble is, if you only wear one at a time, it's a lot of nice watches that you're not wearing at any given time. So your 1 in 2 out policy seems sensible.

What's intriguing me is what you already had coming into 2021. Without looking at any post history, I'm going to guess your collection also includes a Blancpain FF and an IWC Portugueser.
Click to expand...
No Blancpain, but you nailed the Portugieser. Also a Speedmaster, BB58, marathon GSAR and my only remaining Rolex (GMT Pepsi). There's probably something else I've forgotten. I did have a few others at the start of 2021 which were sold as part of the 1 in 2 out program and watch size downsizing.
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teckel12
jcombs1 said:
The reason I didn’t buy it after walking into an AD with cash in hand just days after it was introduced.

It doesn’t come across very well in pictures but I felt the difference between the blue bezel and gray/green dial was stark irl and a deal breaker for me.

The FXD Pelagos and SeaQ are good examples of blue done right. The SeaQ in 39mm is fantastic IMO.
View attachment 16330527
Click to expand...
The GO SeaQ in 39mm is amazing. I just wish their big date version wasn't so big :cautious:

I'd prefer a big date if getting a GO, but the size is an issue.
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