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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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My dilemma with my Gen 2 Orange Monster as well. I don't ever wear it but it was the first automatic watch I bought when I first started this journey seven years ago. It has more sentimental value as a milestone than anything else. Logically, I should just sell the thing and move on, but every time I consider doing so, a little voice in my head says don't do it. So it sits around as a reminder of a more innocent time.
Another thing about the Gen 2 OM is that it comes from a time when good quality ISO rated divers were cheap and plentiful. It represents a snapshot in Seiko's catalog that we are unlikely to ever see again. They have moved away from making watches the same at a similar price point now. In ten years time, the Gen 2 Monsters might be priced like the Sporks on the secondary market...maybe then we will all be more motivated to sell them off, LOL.
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Right, from latin then. English is a silly language with too many roots... So you get things like unicorn where onehorn would make much more sense (like in the much more sensible Germanic languages 😅, eenhoorn in dutch)
I always find it funny its similar to eekhoorn (squirrel)
Wow, how many were purchased in 2021? Welcome by the way.......:)
All three Aquaticos (all in the past month and a half), both Bulovas, the Deep Blue (though it's a direct replacement for another that looks huge on me), the Escapement Time, the Hamilton (just this week), the Heimdallr 62MAS, and the Timex. So, ten. Plus another couple I've already sold, plus six of the ones already in the to-be-sold box. Plus a couple I bought and tore down for parts for builds.

I should point out that I've got a hard limit of $300 per watch, and prefer to keep them under $200.
All three Aquaticos (all in the past month and a half), both Bulovas, the Deep Blue (though it's a direct replacement for another that looks huge on me), the Escapement Time, the Hamilton (just this week), the Heimdallr 62MAS, and the Timex. So, ten. Plus another couple I've already sold, plus six of the ones already in the to-be-sold box. Plus a couple I bought and tore down for parts for builds.

I should point out that I've got a hard limit of $300 per watch, and prefer to keep them under $200.
Well, if you need to stop then you're in the right place......
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I should point out that I've got a hard limit of $300 per watch, and prefer to keep them under $200.
As per my earlier post, I found that dabbling in the inexpensive end of the Affordables pool can be quite dangerous and a crutch to lean on when giving into one's impulses. "It's only 200 dollars!" often ends up in one having twenty or more $200 watches lying around. I'm all for variety in a collection, but sometimes that becomes an overwhelming proposition with none of the watches getting the attention that they may deserve.
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So I rarely posted in the 2021 thread but did enjoy reading it (usually 5-10 pages at a time when I had a rare spare hour free) - you guys helped maintain my sense of proportion when it comes to watches, and avoid impulse buys! So I'll be following along the 2022 thread, although probably won't be able to post very often.

SOTC:

Watch Photograph Blue Analog watch White



Breakdown / details:
Watch Photograph Analog watch Blue White


I aim to stay at 12, with a rough goal of keeping at one purchase per year.

Most of these I bought in 2020 in a rush, and so I consciously decided to slow down - in 2021 I added just the Farer, replacing a Laco pilot that I decided wasn't for me - the Farer is something I'm much happier with.

In 2022 I aim to fill that empty slot, and that's all, avoiding any other tempting watches that might pop up... I've pretty much already decided what to get, but will be posting it later here for a bash in case any of you can see flaws I've missed. I'll also be planning for the 2023 purchase, which will probably push out that Svalbard quartz, but I have a whole year to decide so no rush there. Potentially I could replace the Vario or Orient, either directly or by buying a higher end one and pushing something down from the top 6 into that slot. Basically by having a structure I want to avoid random purchases.

Anyway, here's hoping 2022 will be better than 2021!
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Basically by having a structure I want to avoid random purchases.
Most excellent! :)
As per my earlier post, I found that dabbling in the inexpensive end of the Affordables pool can be quite dangerous and a crutch to lean on when giving into one's impulses. "It's only 200 dollars!" often ends up in one having twenty or more $200 watches lying around. I'm all for variety in a collection, but sometimes that becomes an overwhelming proposition with none of the watches getting the attention that they may deserve.
Setting a dollar amount per watch is misguided. You might be better served setting a total overall limit for the whole collection. If spending money makes you uncomfortable, you should have an upper limit that accurately reflects the "investment" you have tied up in the hobby.

20 watches x $200.00 = $4,000.00. Would you ever spend 4k on a single watch? If no, why not? Especially relevant if you've already spent that equivalent on 20 watches. Just food for thought -- not calling anyone out. We have to be honest with ourselves...sometimes we play a lot of silly mind games with ourselves to justify the "hobby"...
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I am officially in for 2022, and I have a feeling I am have better success than I did when I joined in 2020 and 2021. Maybe I am jinxing myself, but I feel like I am in a pretty good position with my collection overall.

Collection picks:




Tier list:

Almost certainly not going anywhere:
1) French skeleton watch - the watch that started it all which I bought on my honeymoon. I almost never wear it, but I will keep for sentimental reasons. Plus it wouldn’t be worth much anyway
2) G-Shock square - my go to travel/outdoors watch. It has gone with me to Peru, French Polynesia, and who knows where next. Plus again, it is pretty cheap where it is not worth reselling.
3&4) Rolex Explorer and Cartier Santos - I got both of these at the end of 2021 when I only intended to get one, but sometimes life is funny. I am still in the honeymoon period, so maybe my thoughts will change, but right now I can’t see myself parting with either of these

Unlikely to go anywhere
5) Casio baby-G Pokémon - it puts a smile on my face and isn’t worth enough to warrant selling. It doesn’t get worn much, but I enjoy having it around
6) The Citizen - a wonderful piece with a great movement and a stunning dial. Wearing the explorer makes this feel a little large, and it seems a bit redundant with the Santos and Explorer. Still I don’t see myself selling it. Plus my wife loves it
7) Oris 65 - I think this is the most comfortable watch in my collection, and I love the funky arabics
8) Ginault Ocean Rover with custom red bezel. I love that Ginault customized this for me, and it is my most worn ever watch ever.

Will get sold eventually
9) Archimede Outdoor Chronograph - I plan on getting a 3861 speedy eventually. I am still debating if I should sell it now to recoup some funds from getting the santos and explorer, or hold off until I am able to get the moonwatch. It is a fun watch, even if the thick slab sides makes it not get worn too often.

Sometimes I consider selling either the Oris or the Ginault to reduce redundancy, although I don’t think I will follow through with that. I don’t mind a bit of redundancy as you can tell from the rest of my collection. I saw some advanced pictures of the upcoming Ginault Silent Service and have also considered replacing the Ginault with a Ginault, but I’m not sure if I will do that. I love that my ocean rover is customized, so I can’t see myself selling it.

Anyways, that is my story and I am looking forward to another year of WPAC membership!


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I am officially in for 2022, and I have a feeling I am have better success than I did when I joined in 2020 and 2021. Maybe I am jinxing myself, but I feel like I am in a pretty good position with my collection overall.

Collection picks:




Tier list:

Almost certainly not going anywhere:
1) French skeleton watch - the watch that started it all which I bought on my honeymoon. I almost never wear it, but I will keep for sentimental reasons. Plus it wouldn’t be worth much anyway
2) G-Shock square - my go to travel/outdoors watch. It has gone with me to Peru, French Polynesia, and who knows where next. Plus again, it is pretty cheap where it is not worth reselling.
3&4) Rolex Explorer and Cartier Santos - I got both of these at the end of 2021 when I only intended to get one, but sometimes life is funny. I am still in the honeymoon period, so maybe my thoughts will change, but right now I can’t see myself parting with either of these

Unlikely to go anywhere
5) Casio baby-G Pokémon - it puts a smile on my face and isn’t worth enough to warrant selling. It doesn’t get worn much, but I enjoy having it around
6) The Citizen - a wonderful piece with a great movement and a stunning dial. Wearing the explorer makes this feel a little large, and it seems a bit redundant with the Santos and Explorer. Still I don’t see myself selling it. Plus my wife loves it
7) Oris 65 - I think this is the most comfortable watch in my collection, and I love the funky arabics
8) Ginault Ocean Rover with custom red bezel. I love that Ginault customized this for me, and it is my most worn ever watch ever.

Will get sold eventually
9) Archimede Outdoor Chronograph - I plan on getting a 3861 speedy eventually. I am still debating if I should sell it now to recoup some funds from getting the santos and explorer, or hold off until I am able to get the moonwatch. It is a fun watch, even if the thick slab sides makes it not get worn too often.

Sometimes I consider selling either the Oris or the Ginault to reduce redundancy, although I don’t think I will follow through with that. I don’t mind a bit of redundancy as you can tell from the rest of my collection. I saw some advanced pictures of the upcoming Ginault Silent Service and have also considered replacing the Ginault with a Ginault, but I’m not sure if I will do that. I love that my ocean rover is customized, so I can’t see myself selling it.

Anyways, that is my story and I am looking forward to another year of WPAC membership!


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The trio of the Santos, Explorer and Citizen is such a great group of watches. I’d be tempted to sell everything else, buy a luxury diver and get the hell out of here. Congrats on a superb collection.
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I always find it funny its similar to eekhoorn (squirrel)
Yeah, that begs the question, where does the dutch word eekhoorn come from? No clue what an eek without the hoorn is, nor what part on a squirrel/chipmunk resembles a horn to justify the hoorn part of the name..

Too much beers/Champaign (happy 2022!!) to bother googling it. Maybe a good distraction for the fellow dutch addicts to keep the mind off of watches 😅

Interestingly, eek (pronounced English "ake" as in cake) means one in hindi. So eekhoorn (akehorn) would be Hinglish for unicorn? Probably completely irrelevant..
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Well… we are all officially in it now. 365 days to go.
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Well… we are all officially in it now. 365 days to go.
We are! Happy New Year to all, I wish you happiness and health. And an easy year, as your watch goals/abstinence are concerned.
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I wonder - is it possible to get every member through January - just January- without a purchase?
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I wonder - is it possible to get every member through January - just January- without a purchase?
I’m in, let’s do it👍🏼
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I wonder - is it possible to get every member through January - just January- without a purchase?
I'm game Rusty.......
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I’m in. Applying the 5,4,3,2,1 rule! 5,4,3,2,1 close internet browser and stop looking at watches! After a long time searching I finally found this Seamaster 2254.50 towards the end of 2021, full set and I’m mint condition. Flipped quite a few to fund it. After a few years going at this hobby it’s a watch that I love, much prefer it to the Seamasters that followed (skeleton hands etc). For me purchasing watches is simply a way to find the things one likes in a watch. Think I’m pretty much there with the 2254! Anyways, I’ll check in at the end of the month with a progress report...


Watch Analog watch Everyday carry Gesture Clock



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I’m in. Applying the 5,4,3,2,1 rule! 5,4,3,2,1 close internet browser and stop looking at watches! After a long time searching I finally found this Seamaster 2254.50 towards the end of 2021, full set and I’m mint condition. Flipped quite a few to fund it. After a few years going at this hobby it’s a watch that I love, much prefer it to the Seamasters that followed (skeleton hands etc). For me purchasing watches is simply a way to find the things one likes in a watch. Think I’m pretty much there with the 2254! Anyways, I’ll check in at the end of the month with a progress report...





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Love it! do you know you can get a adjustable clasp for it?
you can get a 2020 Planet ocean clasp for it, you will need 2 new links so it fits the old bracelet, but afterwards i found it went from a great watch to the best watch in its price class. i got a list of all the part numbers i needed through the forums and sent it to my Omega AD, and it just works now. that made the watch a keeper for me
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Love it! do you know you can get a adjustable clasp for it?
you can get a 2020 Planet ocean clasp for it, you will need 2 new links so it fits the old bracelet, but afterwards i found it went from a great watch to the best watch in its price class. i got a list of all the part numbers i needed through the forums and sent it to my Omega AD, and it just works now. that made the watch a keeper for me
Hi no I didn’t know that and actually that would be great as I can’t quite get great bracelet right without a micro adjustment. Can you point me in the right direction or send a pic? I’m going to an Omega AD later on this month. I do love this watch, works on a leather strap really well I think.


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