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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'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.
Think of it as wearing jewelry on some level, which is what watches are - more or less. When I’m home I’m doing stuff around the farm and a G Shock is more appropriate, when I’m on the road seeing customers I like to wear something a little bit nicer.

Add in the fact that, with a few exceptions, we’ve dialed our social schedule back to almost zero. Wearing a nicer watch isn’t worth the effort, atm, and I don’t like to have “stuff” just lying around not being used. I’ve also sold a bunch of nicer knives, lights and pens over the last few months for the same reasons.

Things will eventually get back to quasi-normal and I will likely rebuild the collection then. Until then I’m content with what I have and there isn’t anything I’ve sold that can’t be replaced, they’re just baubles.
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Alright, so...

I posted my final 2021 Q4 roundup here:


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.
I like how you planned for an unlimited size watch collection by using cheap foam pipe insulation instead of pillows. Well played!
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The GO SeaQ in 39mm is amazing. I just wish their big date version wasn't so big :/. I'd just prefer a big date if getting a GO.
I didn’t put the SeaQ on my official list of watches to buy this year but after handling it at an AD a few weeks ago, it’s on a list in my head. It would be an aspirational purchase for sure but not out of reach, especially as the prices move down on the secondary market. GO seems to take a little bit of a beating once they’re driven off the lot.
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Think of it as wearing jewelry on some level, which is what watches are - more or less. When I’m home I’m doing stuff around the farm and a G Shock is more appropriate, when I’m on the road seeing customers I like to wear something a little bit nicer.

Add in the fact that, with a few exceptions, we’ve dialed our social schedule back to almost zero. Wearing a nicer watch isn’t worth the effort, atm, and I don’t like to have “stuff” just lying around not being used. I’ve also sold a bunch of nicer knives, lights and pens over the last few months for the same reasons.

Things will eventually get back to quasi-normal and I will likely rebuild the collection then. Until then I’m content with what I have and there isn’t anything I’ve sold that can’t be replaced, they’re just baubles.
Oh, I get it. But different strokes, and all. Kudos to you for being you.

Me, doing messy things around the house? Swap out to beater watch... then back to lounging WotD.

Also, me, just hanging around the house, all casual-like:

Outerwear Hairstyle Beard Human body Neck
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Oh, I get it. But different strokes, and all. Kudos to you for being you.

Me, doing messy things around the house? Swap out to beater watch... then back to lounging WotD.

Also, me, just hanging around the house, all casual-like:

View attachment 16330789
In my mind I pictured you as more of a top hat and monocle kind of guy.
Face Chin Hat Eye Vertebrate
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Man, I was all in on this for 2022 until I just bought a cherry wood 30 watch case (17 slots filled). Only 13 more to go. 😳😬
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Man, I was all in on this for 2022 until I just bought a cherry wood 30 watch case (17 slots filled). Only 13 more to go.
Simple solution - keep your 17 watches socially distanced
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Man, I was all in on this for 2022 until I just bought a cherry wood 30 watch case (17 slots filled). Only 13 more to go. 😳😬
Yet another reason watch display boxes shouldn't be used, you feel the urge to fill them.
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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
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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.
Seems like a good day for me to pop out to buy a lottery ticket...
Lots of new brethren to WPAC, so welcome to you all :) (y), haven't got the time or patience for individual greetings :ROFLMAO:.

If you've got a goal of abstinence then remember that participation in the thread can be enormously helpful in keeping on track with that. Same goals for other goals really. Just remember someone will always be around to give support, advice or bash what ever watch is absorbing your attention......
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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!

Automotive lighting Automotive parking light Tableware Hood Automotive tire
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Alright, so...

I posted my final 2021 Q4 roundup here:


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.
Three more sold today. To clarify current SOTC:

The ones circled are either for sale, shortly will be listed, or are under consideration. The four along the bottom... not sure which will stay, which will go.

Watch Analog watch Photograph White Light


The two empty spots were watches not shown, but already gone.

Watch White Analog watch Light Black


Down to 23, with 3 of those still listed; 7 watches sold in the past few days.

Harder choices coming up...
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Okay so was wanting to do this last year but did not. The past few years have been crazy in watch buying and selling. So here is a pic of the collection minus one of my skx007 which is at a watch maker so the one in the pic is my backup, and one cheap quartz watch that was a gift that I do not have a picture of, other than that its all here the good and bad lol.

My watch hobby goals this year is to only buy one and I may sell some that do not click with me. Maybe this will get me to focus on what I have and enjoy them or find them homes.

I am looking forward to this and have no idea what the one watch for the year will be. Here is the collection.
First picture are the divers/dive style

Watch White Blue Natural material Clock

Second pic is field watches
Watch Analog watch Photograph Product Rectangle

Third pic are dress watches
Watch Analog watch Watch accessory Clock Rectangle

Fourth pic are aviation inspired watches
Watch Analog watch Black Clock Watch accessory

Fifth pic, Gshock and digitals
Watch Analog watch Clock Silver Watch accessory

6th pic a wooden watch that was a gift
Watch Brown Analog watch Clock Everyday carry

7th two pocket watches
Photograph Clock Wood Analog watch Font

8th a unworn glock 35th anniversary chrono
Watch Green Analog watch Font Clock

9th pic is my last one for 2021 and is currently in the mail system on its way to me.
Watch Analog watch Watch accessory Clock Font

10th pic are my sport watches, mainly bezeless woth good WR, the new Ball will be here, the two woth bezels here lack decent WR so they are casual watches.
Watch Analog watch Black Fashion Everyday carry


Okay so yeah might have a problem, might not. Not sure but I want to slow down. This puts me at 46 total counting the two not here.
So help me keep to only getting one this year and maybe selling some of these. 🙂
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Second pic is field watches View attachment 16331240

Wow you have a Weiss?
I was really into camerons podcast and he seemed like a genuine and knowledgeable guy, but his designs never spoke to me. what is it like wearing it? Are you happy with it?
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I bought quite a few watches in 2020, of which way too many Pagani designs (4).. ended up with 13 watches in total:
Light Black Automotive tire Font Art


Sold all but 2 in 2021 and added another 2 so my SOTC is a total of 4 watches:
Watch Analog watch Photograph White Blue


I pledged the fee at a Kickstarter campagn for a Revelot Hexmariner which should arrive somewhere in februari/march '22.
Watch Photograph Analog watch Light Rectangle


At some point I would like to add a nice looking skeleton watch with a Japanese or Swiss movement. But I do feel I'm otherwise done buying (and selling) watches. I personally don't care for watches beyond the affordable range (>$1000) so won't be looking to move 'upwards'. But we will see what kind of temptations 2022 will bring. :)
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Wow you have a Weiss?
I was really into camerons podcast and he seemed like a genuine and knowledgeable guy, but his designs never spoke to me. what is it like wearing it? Are you happy with it?
It is my favorite field watch and prob in my top 5 of all my watches.
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Okay, I’ll throw my hat in this ring too - love the idea! I will get around to posting a collection pic when I have some time, but there are 19 in my “active” rotation, a mix of Omega, Tudor, Sinn, Seiko, Doxa, and then another four or five outside of that.

The last few years have been really active with buying and selling so it’s time to hit a big pause button. I have one purchase planned, a Garmin Fenix 7, but going to really try and limit it to just that and who knows - maybe I’ll even sell a watch or two. Good luck everyone!!
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Okay so yeah might have a problem, might not. Not sure but I want to slow down. This puts me at 46 total counting the two not here.
46 watches is quite a lot by any standard. WPAC's main goal is to stop unbridled watch purchasing although many of us have found that reducing the number of watches in our collection helps to focus our attention on what really is desired as opposed to what may happen to be the latest Watch Hotness (insert buzzy micro-brand release here) or what can be obtained just because you found a bargain. I see a ton of overlap in your collection and wonder if some carefully-considered culling might be helpful to you.
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I bought quite a few watches in 2020, of which way too many Pagani designs (4).. ended up with 13 watches in total:
View attachment 16331314

Sold all but 2 in 2021 and added another 2 so my SOTC is a total of 4 watches:
View attachment 16331316

I pledged the fee at a Kickstarter campagn for a Revelot Hexmariner which should arrive somewhere in februari/march '22.
View attachment 16331326

At some point I would like to add a nice looking skeleton watch with a Japanese or Swiss movement. But I do feel I'm otherwise done buying (and selling) watches. I personally don't care for watches beyond the affordable range (>$1000) so won't be looking to move 'upwards'. But we will see what kind of temptations 2022 will bring. :)
Rossi fan then?
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