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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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Ezy101
Hi

Happy to join for 2022.

Stoc right now.

-Sentimental value ( never worn)

Casio W400 Marlin ,worn by my dad when I was a teenager.

Lotus chrono alarm , engagement present. FLUGLY but........

-On sale ,already boxed and with some interest shown in them.

Citizen NH 6050

Heimdallr Skx 007 with Padi dial.

- Should I..... Keep them, sell them, gift them...???

Casio Glx 5600, beater and daily alarm.

Shangai hand wind ,dress watch.

-Casio bunch, not worth selling.

Casio Ad520 ,daily for the last few weeks.

Casio Mtd 1047, missing insert

-Misc.

Garmin 910 xt, Sports watch, What sports??! Ouch.

Suunto T1c, Broken strap, awful visibility, eats batteries,...

-Incoming, Doxa Sharkhunter LE homage bought in October arriving in a few weeks.

Plan for the year.

Keep the Sentimentals and the Garmin . Everything else goes.

And two options:

A/ Gada, dress and beater.

B/Gada + 1( dress,beater or ...).

Will see if the homage stays as the one or if I look for something else( there is a Cw C65 vintage nearby and is calling my name.....)

Obviusly One in, one out rule in place once the purge is done.

Last option if I am brave enough would be to stick to one affordable ( sub 100€) and save up for my 50th and get a NICE watch for good ( Sinn 556i, GS 9F, ....)

And that is it really.


Enviado desde mi M2007J20CG mediante Tapatalk
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Trias
Alright, so now that we're done with the SOTC formality, it's been long enough : it is TIME, for a multiquoting post.



Stubbadub said:
I think this is my favorite style, i never knew how to word it before, but the way you worded it makes sense. The only part of a diving watch relevant to me is the lume, i just want a thin dress watch with sick lume. I bought myself a stowa pilot watch for chrismas, so i finally got that covered again. Now i have that perfect 5 piece collection i used to have. i had a stowa before, but i sold it and it made we sick with regret, so 2 years later i bought another, now i am at peace :D

I havent been reading this thread this year because i have sucsessfully stopped watch shopping. But its nostalgic coming back to this thread to read again, i almost feel like a budhist monk, with how i have no need for more. I really liked the whole "less is more" vibe you guys push, and it made me see things in a new light back in 2018


This is a new account because i forgot my old name and password lol
Click to expand...
Welcome back then, Stubbadub, glad to read you feel at peace with a rationalized 5 pieces collection. Don't hesitate to share some of your budhist experience when needed, as it is inevitable for some of us to be tempted to fiddle with their intial intentions as the year will unravel. :)

Hornet99 said:
OK, so my first post is a SOTC and setting out my aims/goals for 2022. SOTC is as follows:
  • Eterna dress watch
  • Helson shark diver 38mm Titanium
  • Tissot Heritage banana
  • Squale 30 Atmos 40mm GMT Pepsi
Unfortunately I can't do a "family" pic as they are all. Currently boxed up as they are all for sale, apart from the Eterna. None are being worn currently. Fitbit is currently doing duty on the wrist......

Odd situation for me to be in really, not having a watch to wear, and as well, as much as I like my Fitbit, I miss wearing a mechanical, proper watch. I've always worn one and it feels odd to not be wearing one. Having said that, it has been liberating to not have a watch to wear and the longer I go without one the less strange it is.......

So my intentions for 2022 is to buy a Tudor black bay 58 and I'll be generating the majority of the funds from sales of the watches mentioned above (and the ones I've sold already). This will be the only purchase of 2022, there will be no other watches in my collection. The Fitbit will act as a beater if required and the Tudor will be the daily watch, in fact the watch for everything. And that's it.

There's been the mental roadblock with the Tudor, as discussed ad nauseam on here and whilst I've been back and forth on this in my head it'll always be a mental struggle. I'm currently happy justifying it via the fact that I'll generate the majority of the funds from watch sales. And that buying (and keeping this watch….) this watch will satisfy me and I'll have a keeper…..

.......however, the BB58 isn't a done deal. I'm still not a 100% sold on needing it and in no hurry to buy. So I'll see how it goes.

I think that I'll spend less time generally on WUS, apart from WPAC, and watch sites.
Click to expand...
I see your views have evolved regarding the Tudor. It has indeed been quite discussed, but, possibly as you may have felt like invading the thread with your reflections, you seemed to be wishing to contain those to a minimum last december.

If I may :
  • Taking your time, even if it's about a full year to mature one's decision is a good move. In the end, most of us are here to break or avoid fueling the flipping cycle ; and IMO, the better the quality of the prior brainwork/thinking , the better the odds of the ensuing decision being a good one, and the lower the incentive to flip afterwards.
  • You're not invading the thread with your dilemmas. You're wondering what are the best choices to end the frustrated purchases behavior. Even if it might (or not) conclude with a purchases, that's fully in line with the objectives of 2022 WPAC.
That unless you prefer us to develop our thoughts on grammar points. ;)

jcombs1 said:
This was the SOTC in January of 2021
View attachment 16330035

This is the SOTC in January 2022
View attachment 16330041

Everything else is sold with a few flippers yet to be listed. In a little bit of a weird place, tbh. 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.

I have some probable purchases for 2022 but I’m having a hard time getting excited about doing anything. I did buy a Titanium bezel/bracelet for a G Shock mod that was delivered today and I may buy a GW5000 to complete the mod.

Another potential purchase is a 3861 Hesalite Speedmaster. If that happens I will reassess and decide what’s next, if anything. I still enjoy the hobby and I’m hopeful for a new release to spark my interest as there’s not much out there I really want to own.

Good luck to everyone and hope you meet your WPAC goals in 2022.
Click to expand...
I'm quite impressed by the evolution of your collection. And I'm saying that without irony : it takes more efforts to curtail, or trim down a collection than just to keep hoarding them little by little. I also understand better what you said when you qualified watches of baubles/ mere jewelry, since such a drastic reduction indeed implies you have no affective connection to their horological particularities. You're now a one watch man, which in a way is a grail objective for some of us (and it's interesting it brought you to a similar choice than Usclassic).

Now, the fact you're considering a Speedmaster, and do wonder for an hypothetical continuation afterwards could highlight some ambivalence regarding that. Yet as I know you, you probably don't wish to discuss it. ;)

Lee_K said:
My collection:

View attachment 16330163


Goals for 2022:
  • Sell the Sinn 104, and probably one more watch as well.
  • Don't buy a single watch for the entire year.
  • Participate in WPAC as a daily reminder of my goals.
Click to expand...
Nice collection, Lee, quite diverse, with a good variety in roles and ranges ; with nice luxury analog watches coexisting with digital shock-resistant units ; highly water resistant ones with others barely. It's obvious you're fond of divers-like bezels and of lumed non numerals indexes as well (hence the Tudor and Omega preference ? ;) ), but you still have a good diversity in dial colors, straps and even complications.

As for your objective, we share a very similar one. If I may, whether there's a purchase once the year has elapsed or not, it's an ambitious one. Yet I can tell there is satisfaction in managing to fulfill it, so it's well worth the try. :)

Miles_Wilson said:
As the clock struck twelve I took my WPAC vow with a glass of champagne.

First a bit of background to assess how I got here:

TLDR warning, see TLDR marker below
  • I enjoy collecting, many different things but watches have always been somewhere on the radar since I was a small child.
  • My best friend through middle and high school was a collector as well and got into a Seiko Black Monster (Gen 1) back in about 2011.
  • I dabbled, purchased an Orange Monster SKX781, then did a bunch of research and ended up with a Deep Blue Alpha Marine 500. Still a great tool watch to this day.
  • 2014 was a big year, I joined WUS and opened my eyes up to a whole new world of horology, history, and a marketplace of like-minded individuals.
  • Here is a photo of what I had back then, there are some smaller pieces below but a lot rotated in and out amongst this core collection. (The Eco-Drive actually got smashed and I never fixed it)
View attachment 16336376

  • At that time, the Laco was my biggest purchase (and the most expensive watch I have purchased to date, secondhand at $600. I was unhappy with the ETA 2824 gaining almost 30/SPD which seems laughable now to be honest.
  • Fast forward a few years to 2017: I purchase a house, I'm in an unhappy relationship and not financially stable any longer. I am wearing a G-Shock and have resigned my horological fascination as too expensive and frivolous. These were the dark years. I sold pretty much everything above, outside of the Deep Blue, for its' sentimental value to me. I did purchase one watch out of necessity, for my good friend's wedding.
  • Fast forward to the present "COVID-times," I still had an empty watch box but now I am in a fulfilling relationship, decent-paid job for my locale. I bought an Apple Watch, didn't like it but the convenience factor was there. My fiancée noticed I was unhappy and upgraded my old Apple Watch to a 40mm model, that's not what I was looking for. A few months went by and she noticed I still wasn't happy. I opened up about my past, about how much I enjoyed collecting. She said I should get back into mechanicals and sell my G-Shock or Apple Watch if it didn't bring me any joy. She also said she would get me a Chris Ward for the wedding. She's a keeper...
  • I considered watch-making school, instead of uprooting our lives we will continue to live close to family for now as I build skills on my own terms. Some project watches are outside of the scope of WPAC but I have plenty to work on in the coming year to hone my skills.
*TLDR

SOTC: Jan 1, 2021

View attachment 16336392

Top L-R
  • HMT Kanchan I bought to fix up, a project watch I just happened to get going over the holiday.
  • Slava (Craba) Vintage Soviet watch, I was fascinated both with Russian history and watchmaking. It is a sentimental piece as I searched for this Bauhaus combo for some time and will not be leaving.
  • Maratac Mid Pilot. I always wanted one of these but didn't buy one before they ran out of stock. I owned the larger model years ago but it was way too big for my wrists. Found an example on eBay, added the Sapphire display back as well. I cherish it.
  • Radia RBMK, a fashion watch more than anything else. I joined their Kickstarter back in the day but the price tag was always too high and I don't really like quartz watches. One day, out of the blue, they sent me a 66%-off coupon code for being one of the original supporters even though I never bought the watch on the campaign itself. Bit of an impulse but it gave me a reason to buy one. Very fun!
  • Orient "Howard" which was purchased for a funeral, I didn't end up going to the funeral but now I have a black dress watch that can pass as everyday wear.
  • Orient Power Reserve, Small Seconds. Purchased for my good friend's wedding. It's a great wedding watch for me and has sentimental value. Recently had it serviced for nearly the purchase price of the watch. Will never sell.

Bottom L-R
  • Invicta 9094 - which I got on a great coupon during Prime Day. Auto mechanical for under $50, might mod the bezel or replace the crystal this year but it's my beater for yard work, shop work, etc.
  • Maratac SR-35 Gen II, Titanium - An incredible watch. Just picked it up on a Black Friday coupon stacked with my own discount for a great price. Considered flipping but once it landed, I realized it is objectively the nicest watch I own. (And I realized I am firmly a dive watch guy.)
  • Maratac LSA - purchased just before Christmas. Figured it was my only chance to snag one as they are already out of stock on the CountyComm site, and I wouldn't be purchasing anything in '22. I was right, it's beautiful!
  • Vostok Komandirskie - purchased on a whim at first sight but I always wanted something to replace my Amphibia. Just a fun watch to wear, and quirky, as Russian watches tend to be.
  • Deep Blue Alpha Marine 500 - a stalwart of my collection, one of the first watches I bought for myself of real quality. It's a great tool and I plan to keep it forever.
  • Glycine Combat Sub 42 - This one means a lot to me. During some difficult times in my life, I bought a new Sub in this colorway. The quality is spot on. About a year later I was struggling financially, and I was forced to sell that watch mostly because of my ex. So, this year I found the same reference secondhand and pulled the trigger. That was the first time I felt "back" in this whole watch collecting journey.


Now for the project box:

View attachment 16336393

Top - A bunch of Janatas I have fixed, assembled, built, stripped down to clean, then rebuilt and regulated. You get the idea. They are simply a sacrifice to use my tools and get good at servicing.

Bottom - Vintage Timex which was inherited from a family member who passed away this year. I will clean and repair it, still runs with a battery hooked up but the case needs work. Cheap field watch I bought to beat up while working on difficult projects. ($2.12 on AliX!!) Also a Diantus (Diantvs) pin-lever hand winder. Also inherited from the passed family member. Needs a good cleaning which I'm working up to.

---

Not pictured:

Apple watch 40mm, fiancee purchased for me and I wear to our gym sessions to monitor heartrate, etc.
One Kickstarter project watch I backed in the middle of 2021
A 1963 Chronograph I purchased to replace the Seagull version I sold back in 2014. Pulled the trigger last night just before midnight so I could avoid the 2022 program. (cheeky I know.)
An incredible number of cheap quartz project watches that were handed down to me from that deceased family member. Nothing of note.
A Lucerne (Baumgartner 588 movement) "Mustang II" promotional watch I am restoring for my soon-to-be father-in-law. I'll probably make a post about that project on its own. Pin-lever movements are frustrating to work on! Especially single-jewel movements.

---


Goals:

1. No watch purchases in 2022. With one exception: I am selling my house this year, and if the profit margin is as high as I am anticipating, I'm going to close out that difficult chapter of my life with a SMP in silver. Something I would never otherwise be able to acquire; it's what the heart wants but which the head did not allow.
Of course... If I don't hit my number or the house takes too much funding to sell, no chance!

View attachment 16336437

Beautiful, innit?

2. If I'm a good boy, I'll get a Chris Ward for my wedding in October. That is enough to look forward to.
3. Parts and accessories don't count in this. That means some straps are allowed, or parts for projects I need to complete. This should not be taken as a loophole to buy "project watches" that I end up wearing regularly. All my HMT projects so far have been less than $15 a piece. That was justifiable this year.


That's pretty much it. I have a watch Instagram which I enjoy using as a creative outlet, and I really enjoy the company of everyone here on WUS and especially \f71 :)

Thank you for being a part of my crazy ride and stay WPAC 2022 strong! 💪
Click to expand...
First, compliments on this SOTC and write-up ; it sees you are a watch enthusiast, and the sentimental value and memories your associate with some of your watches (the Deep Blue Alpha Marine for example) do highlight it.
Now, either one or two watches for the year seems quite reasonable objectives. Best wishes to attain those, and welcome around ! 😃

cortman said:
6. Citizen Nighthawk Blue Angels Edition, on Rios1931 shell cordovan strap.
View attachment 16336628


Goals for 2022:

1. Practice one in, one out, with no more than 10 watches this year- preferably less. That may seem like no restraint at all, but I must qualify that buying and reselling is the only way for me to try stuff that interests me (I live hours away from any AD or vintage dealer). Coupled with this is to not lose any money, all told, on watches through the year. No AD purchases for me.
2. Hold off buying anything until March of this year. This is a common goal for me.
3. Learn more about watchmaking, and learn how to service a movement with a date. Also learn how/acquire the tools to service mainsprings.
4. Do more writing- articles, reviews etc.

I look forward to hanging out with you all in this new year!
Click to expand...
There seems to be some uncoveded dial space available on the inner part of the 12H-3H quadrant. Wonder if the designers are aware of it ? 😌

Jokes aside, your 2022 objectives indeed seem like a rather moderate restraint. But better aim for something moderate and meet them, than state something too ambitious and keep failing. Not to mention you'll lend us a hand here meanwhile. ;)

Ezy101 said:
Hi

Happy to join for 2022.

Stoc right now.

-Sentimental value ( never worn)

Casio W400 Marlin ,worn by my dad when I was a teenager.

Lotus chrono alarm , engagement present. FLUGLY but........

-On sale ,already boxed and with some interest shown in them.

Citizen NH 6050

Heimdallr Skx 007 with Padi dial.

- Should I..... Keep them, sell them, gift them...???

Casio Glx 5600, beater and daily alarm.

Shangai hand wind ,dress watch.

-Casio bunch, not worth selling.

Casio Ad520 ,daily for the last few weeks.

Casio Mtd 1047, missing insert

-Misc.

Garmin 910 xt, Sports watch, What sports??! Ouch.

Suunto T1c, Broken strap, awful visibility, eats batteries,...

-Incoming, Doxa Sharkhunter LE homage bought in October arriving in a few weeks.

Plan for the year.

Keep the Sentimentals and the Garmin . Everything else goes.

And two options:

A/ Gada, dress and beater.

B/Gada + 1( dress,beater or ...).

Will see if the homage stays as the one or if I look for something else( there is a Cw C65 vintage nearby and is calling my name.....)

Obviusly One in, one out rule in place once the purge is done.

Last option if I am brave enough would be to stick to one affordable ( sub 100€) and save up for my 50th and get a NICE watch for good ( Sinn 556i, GS 9F, ....)

And that is it really.


Enviado desde mi M2007J20CG mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Saludos, Ezy,

About your reflections, I think that when rationalizing a collection, considering the watches per utility, particularities and sentimental value is one of the way to spot overlaps. You seem to have a lot of Casio digital alarms beaters for example, maybe just one is necessary ? Which could lead you to wear one of the sentimental ones (aren't watches made to be worn after all ?), and possibly give, sell or possibly even recycle some of those who never get wrist time. Recycling or giving to a charity would be what I would do for the "not worth selling" Casios personally, as they would be more useful that way than in a drawer.

Yet, rationalizing a collection is an interesting mind exercise. Welcome around for 2022, hombre ! 🕺😃
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Lee_K
BHWookie11 said:
Goals of 2022:
  • Get rid of all of my unworn watches, which are mostly affordables, and most of them will be given away to my brother, who has a growing interest in horology, and could benefit from selling any he doesn’t like.
  • Reduce my consumption of watch media and participation in watch forums: Spend more free time in the gym, learning a new language, learning about investing or having quality time with my family.
  • Really enjoy and bond with the watches that I do have, go to more places, do more things wearing my current collection.
  • one in / one out rule (after getting rid of unworn watches), really try to keep my core stable at 6 watches (not including a few heirloom pieces and the A).
Click to expand...
Welcome to WPAC, BH. These are very laudable goals.
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jcombs1
Trias said:
Alright, so now that we're done with the SOTC formality, it's been long enough : it is TIME, for a multiquoting post.



Welcome back then, Stubbadub, glad to read you feel at peace with a rationalized 5 pieces collection. Don't hesitate to share some of your budhist experience when needed, as it is inevitable for some of us to be tempted to fiddle with their intial intentions as the year will unravel. :)

I see your views have evolved regarding the Tudor. It has indeed been quite discussed, but, possibly as you may have felt like invading the thread with your reflections, you seemed to be wishing to contain those to a minimum last december.

If I may :
  • Taking your time, even if it's about a full year to mature one's decision is a good move. In the end, most of us are here to break or avoid fueling the flipping cycle ; and IMO, the better the quality of the prior brainwork/thinking , the better the odds of the ensuing decision being a good one, and the lower the incentive to flip afterwards.
  • You're not invading the thread with your dilemmas. You're wondering what are the best choices to end the frustrated purchases behavior. Even if it might (or not) conclude with a purchases, that's fully in line with the objectives of 2022 WPAC.
That unless you prefer us to develop our thoughts on grammar points. ;)

I'm quite impressed by the evolution of your collection. And I'm saying that without irony : it takes more efforts to curtail, or trim down a collection than just to keep hoarding them little by little. I also understand better what you said when you qualified watches of baubles/ mere jewelry, since such a drastic reduction indeed implies you have no affective connection to their horological particularities. You're now a one watch man, which in a way is a grail objective for some of us (and it's interesting it brought you to a similar choice than Usclassic).

Now, the fact you're considering a Speedmaster, and do wonder for an hypothetical continuation afterwards could highlight some ambivalence regarding that. Yet as I know you, you probably don't wish to discuss it. ;)


Nice collection, Lee, quite diverse, with a good variety in roles and ranges ; with nice luxury analog watches coexisting with digital shock-resistant units ; highly water resistant ones with others barely. It's obvious you're fond of divers-like bezels and of lumed non numerals indexes as well (hence the Tudor and Omega preference ? ;) ), but you still have a good diversity in dial colors, straps and even complications.

As for your objective, we share a very similar one. If I may, whether there's a purchase once the year has elapsed or not, it's an ambitious one. Yet I can tell there is satisfaction in managing to fulfill it, so it's well worth the try. :)

First, compliments on this SOTC and write-up ; it sees you are a watch enthusiast, and the sentimental value and memories your associate with some of your watches (the Deep Blue Alpha Marine for example) do highlight it.
Now, either one or two watches for the year seems quite reasonable objectives. Best wishes to attain those, and welcome around ! 😃
There seems to be some uncoveded dial space available on the inner part of the 12H-3H quadrant. Wonder if the designers are aware of it ? 😌

Jokes aside, your 2022 objectives indeed seem like a rather moderate restraint. But better aim for something moderate and meet them, than state something too ambitious and keep failing. Not to mention you'll lend us a hand here meanwhile. ;)

Saludos, Ezy,

About your reflections, I think that when rationalizing a collection, considering the watches per utility, particularities and sentimental value is one of the way to spot overlaps. You seem to have a lot of Casio digital alarms beaters for example, maybe just one is necessary ? Which could lead you to wear one of the sentimental ones (aren't watches made to be worn after all ?), and possibly give, sell or possibly even recycle some of those who never get wrist time. Recycling or giving to a charity would be what I would do for the "not worth selling" Casios personally, as they would be more useful that way than in a drawer.

Yet, rationalizing a collection is an interesting mind exercise. Welcome around for 2022, hombre ! 🕺😃
Click to expand...
I’m happy to discuss but I may need some clarification on the topic. I will agree that I don’t have the same emotional attachment to watches that others may and although I refer to watches as jewelry, that doesn’t mean I don’t like them or that I dislike wearing them. I still spend too much time here but I do enjoy the hobby and I’m constantly learning.

I want to have a small 3-5 watch collection, probably closer to 2-3 if I’m honest, but atm there are just a handful of watches I’m interested in, the Speedmaster is certainly one of them and the GO SeaQ is another but my interest has waned and my focus is elsewhere, tbh.

I will buy 1-2 watches in 2022 but I’m not sure when that will happen or what exactly I’ll get.
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Lee_K
Trias said:
It's obvious you're fond of divers-like bezels and of lumed non numerals indexes as well (hence the Tudor and Omega preference ? ;)
Click to expand...
Thanks, Trias. Yes, divers do form the majority of my collection and Tudor and Omega figure prominently after years of flipping and moving up the price ladder. It's been interesting seeing the SOTC posts of new members who profess a desire to obtain watch from one of those brands as well. Very little talk about the Crown or higher-tier brands.

Watch Analog watch Azure Watch accessory Font
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B
Nice to be home. I sort of feel at home on the WPAC thread. I have decided to keep a watch wearing log for this year. I am still on my first, although I did have a Speedmaster on for half an hour to consider a thread about them.

First serious test in a few days, as CW will most likely have some seasonal reductions that I will need to carefully avoid.
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Hornet99
Trias said:
Alright, so now that we're done with the SOTC formality, it's been long enough : it is TIME, for a multiquoting post.



Welcome back then, Stubbadub, glad to read you feel at peace with a rationalized 5 pieces collection. Don't hesitate to share some of your budhist experience when needed, as it is inevitable for some of us to be tempted to fiddle with their intial intentions as the year will unravel. :)

I see your views have evolved regarding the Tudor. It has indeed been quite discussed, but, possibly as you may have felt like invading the thread with your reflections, you seemed to be wishing to contain those to a minimum last december.

If I may :
  • Taking your time, even if it's about a full year to mature one's decision is a good move. In the end, most of us are here to break or avoid fueling the flipping cycle ; and IMO, the better the quality of the prior brainwork/thinking , the better the odds of the ensuing decision being a good one, and the lower the incentive to flip afterwards.
  • You're not invading the thread with your dilemmas. You're wondering what are the best choices to end the frustrated purchases behavior. Even if it might (or not) conclude with a purchases, that's fully in line with the objectives of 2022 WPAC.
That unless you prefer us to develop our thoughts on grammar points. ;)

I'm quite impressed by the evolution of your collection. And I'm saying that without irony : it takes more efforts to curtail, or trim down a collection than just to keep hoarding them little by little. I also understand better what you said when you qualified watches of baubles/ mere jewelry, since such a drastic reduction indeed implies you have no affective connection to their horological particularities. You're now a one watch man, which in a way is a grail objective for some of us (and it's interesting it brought you to a similar choice than Usclassic).

Now, the fact you're considering a Speedmaster, and do wonder for an hypothetical continuation afterwards could highlight some ambivalence regarding that. Yet as I know you, you probably don't wish to discuss it. ;)


Nice collection, Lee, quite diverse, with a good variety in roles and ranges ; with nice luxury analog watches coexisting with digital shock-resistant units ; highly water resistant ones with others barely. It's obvious you're fond of divers-like bezels and of lumed non numerals indexes as well (hence the Tudor and Omega preference ? ;) ), but you still have a good diversity in dial colors, straps and even complications.

As for your objective, we share a very similar one. If I may, whether there's a purchase once the year has elapsed or not, it's an ambitious one. Yet I can tell there is satisfaction in managing to fulfill it, so it's well worth the try. :)

First, compliments on this SOTC and write-up ; it sees you are a watch enthusiast, and the sentimental value and memories your associate with some of your watches (the Deep Blue Alpha Marine for example) do highlight it.
Now, either one or two watches for the year seems quite reasonable objectives. Best wishes to attain those, and welcome around ! 😃
There seems to be some uncoveded dial space available on the inner part of the 12H-3H quadrant. Wonder if the designers are aware of it ? 😌

Jokes aside, your 2022 objectives indeed seem like a rather moderate restraint. But better aim for something moderate and meet them, than state something too ambitious and keep failing. Not to mention you'll lend us a hand here meanwhile. ;)

Saludos, Ezy,

About your reflections, I think that when rationalizing a collection, considering the watches per utility, particularities and sentimental value is one of the way to spot overlaps. You seem to have a lot of Casio digital alarms beaters for example, maybe just one is necessary ? Which could lead you to wear one of the sentimental ones (aren't watches made to be worn after all ?), and possibly give, sell or possibly even recycle some of those who never get wrist time. Recycling or giving to a charity would be what I would do for the "not worth selling" Casios personally, as they would be more useful that way than in a drawer.

Yet, rationalizing a collection is an interesting mind exercise. Welcome around for 2022, hombre ! 🕺😃
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In response......

....never felt like I was invading, just usually like to apologise for self-indulgent navel gazing! As you can probably imagine it helps me by "vocalising" my thoughts and getting the feedback of the WPAC brethren, a sounding board if like.

With regard to any decision on a future purchase this will not be rushed, I'll be taking my time. The years of buying and flipping crazily and the years of WPAC have taught me that already. Also the experience is coming to what I'd like to think of as the conclusion; buying many affordables, slowly reducing the size of my collection, experiencing more expensive watches, refining what I like and what I want along the way. At the moment the BB58 is the conclusion of that, but it ain't finished yet......
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Colmustard86
So an idea am thinking about to help with enjoying what I have now is to start making reviews here on the watches I have. This may keep me in a state of contentment and also give a new spin to the hobby. What do you all think?
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Hornet99
Colmustard86 said:
So an idea am thinking about to help with enjoying what I have now is to start making reviews here on the watches I have. This may keep me in a state of contentment and also give a new spin to the hobby. What do you all think?
Click to expand...
Not a bad idea, and you could combine that with an old technique we used to suggest; wear the same watch for a month. Allows you to really bond.
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Lee_K
Hornet99 said:
....never felt like I was invading, just usually like to apologise for self-indulgent navel gazing! As you can probably imagine it helps me by "vocalising" my thoughts and getting the feedback of the WPAC brethren, a sounding board if like.
Click to expand...
To me, this is the greatest strength of WPAC: discussing our hopes and our fears with others as we struggle to break free of the whirlpool of watch researching, buying, wearing, falling out of love, and flipping -- all to be repeated over and over again.

Zero need to apologize. This is why we're here.
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Hornet99
Lee_K said:
To me, this is the greatest strength of WPAC: discussing our hopes and our fears with others as we struggle to break free of the whirlpool of watch researching, buying, wearing, falling out of love, and flipping -- all to be repeated over and over again.

Zero need to apologize. This is why we're here.
Click to expand...
Well, I agree Lee, but as my navel gazing does tend to ramble on and be frequently a repeat I still can't help being polite and apologise.....
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walpow
Resolved: To not look at the Best of AliExpress thread this year. I've bought at least 15 watches because of it and the only one still in my collection is the Escapement Time Type B Flieger.
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AMM1959
Hornet99 said:
Not a bad idea, and you could combine that with an old technique we used to suggest; wear the same watch for a month. Allows you to really bond.
Click to expand...
This strikes me as a very sound idea.

Late in the fall as I was grappling with the fact that I had let myself get a bit carried away and had more watches that I was personally comfortable having, I did a test of sorts in the opposite direction. I set myself the goal of wearing a different watch each day, and if I was happy to put it on, great. If, on the other hand, I found myself shying away from one, that'd be one sell signal.

It worked out differently than I expected. In my head one of my two Tudors was my favorite. What I found in practice was that I passed it over and wore it less frequently because of it's size. I realized I was always bumping into things with it, LOL.

Anyhow, that helped me make my downsizing choices. Hope it is of some help.

Cheers,
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Hornet99
walpow said:
Resolved: To not look at the Best of AliExpress thread this year. I've bought at least 15 watches because of it and the only one still in my collection is the Escapement Time Type B Flieger.
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It's the classic; you spend time looking at watches and it drives the desire to buy then, usually without thinking carefully whether you really need or want them.....
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cortman
walpow said:
Resolved: To not look at the Best of AliExpress thread this year. I've bought at least 15 watches because of it and the only one still in my collection is the Escapement Time Type B Flieger.
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Controversial opinion: Ali watches are for consumers, not collectors. ;)
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walpow
cortman said:
Controversial opinion: Ali watches are for consumers, not collectors. ;)
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I tend to agree with you, with the exception of Sea-Gull. Though there are many people on WUS who I'd call collectors who find many watches on AliX that they're very happy to have in their collections.

The bottom line for me (and it was touched on a little higher in the thread) is whether or not I looking at and feeling a watch on my wrist makes me happy. And most AliX watches don't, the exception being the aforementioned Flieger. And I'm still happy with my four Heimdallrs, but I bought them from the Heimdallr site, not Ali, so there's my out.

I'm still slightly on the fence with the Sea-Gull in my to-be-sold box. The quality is good, and it has many characteristics which I like, but somehow the whole is less than ... blah, blah, blah.
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Wimads
cortman said:
Controversial opinion: Ali watches are for consumers, not collectors. ;)
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I'll double you down on the controversial opinions.

Patek and AliX watches are both mere trinkets that add equally insignificant value to life.
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walpow
For the sake of completeness in my SOTC post a little while back ... here's what I call my museum, consisting of the watches I won't get rid of but simply won't wear.
Watch Analog watch Photograph Blue Azure


Top row: watches I'd wear if I could get them running. (I've spent a lot of time on each, and they all continue to defy me.)
  • Orator small-seconds
  • Clipper Alldate diver
  • Cardinal diver
  • Poljot
Bottom row: these are running, but I wouldn't be happy wearing them out of the house.
  • Timex from the 1960s. I got this when I was a kid for boxtops or something. My father got the same watch in silver. A movement swap got it running a year or two ago, but when I put it on I go meh.
  • Seiko Sealion. Sentimental value only: it was my father-in-law's, but I'd never wear it.
  • Two Slavas that I wore for a while but which don't give me that happy feeling when I wear them. I keep them because I suspect I may feel different about them someday.
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Hornet99
Wimads said:
I'll double you down on the controversial opinions.

Patek and AliX watches are both mere trinkets that add equally insignificant value to life.
Click to expand...
I'll raise you with giving the opinion that ALL watches are mere trinkets.....
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J
Trinkets or not, they bring a lot of enjoyment and that has a lot of value in itself.
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