Ah toys! Used to be that I was very much into teddy bears and dolls and stuffed animals and ponies and… Somehow got a grip on myself and put a stop to that in 2022. This year will be the year of me putting a stop to bags and shoes and scarves. 😊
The 2023 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).
Welcome to the 2023 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club, otherwise known as WPAC. This is the 7th year of WPAC, which gives me pause to stop and think that I'm surprised it has lasted this long. We might just be onto a good thing?
I'm not intending to repeat the usual opening remarks, but if you're coming to this thread wondering what this is all about have a gander at the last couple of years WPAC threads:
www.watchuseek.com
www.watchuseek.com
www.watchuseek.com
.....obviously don't read them all, but the original, opening posts should give you a good idea. In short this is a thread for a like minded group of watch obsessed individuals who are generally trying to improve their watch buying habits. Anyone is welcome to join, but if you join we want participation and contribution!
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 2023. 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 with that I declare WPAC 2023 open for business. Yes, it's a little premature but I reckon I'll be quite busy after Xmas and between NY, so a little forward planning is required.
I'm not intending to repeat the usual opening remarks, but if you're coming to this thread wondering what this is all about have a gander at the last couple of years WPAC threads:
The 2022 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).
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...
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
The 2020 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC).
The 2020 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club (WPAC) Welcome to the 2020 Watch Purchasing Abstinence Club, otherwise known as WPAC. This is the 4th year of WPAC, which was started at the beginning of 2017 as I was in a spiral of buying, flipping and buying again. Sometimes I was looking at the...
www.watchuseek.com
.....obviously don't read them all, but the original, opening posts should give you a good idea. In short this is a thread for a like minded group of watch obsessed individuals who are generally trying to improve their watch buying habits. Anyone is welcome to join, but if you join we want participation and contribution!
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 2023. 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 with that I declare WPAC 2023 open for business. Yes, it's a little premature but I reckon I'll be quite busy after Xmas and between NY, so a little forward planning is required.
421 - 440 of 2727 Posts
Parallel to getting your shopping habit under control, you may want to do some introspection on the underlying reasons for the habit as well. A little awareness and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of your mind can go a long way in getting a grip on your behaviour.
Especially as it seems to span many different types of objects for you, there is the risk that one addiction abolished will just keep on being replaced by the next addiction, if you don't also address what is going on underneath the surface.
That's nothing you need to share on here of course (unless you wish to). Just a little advice from my personal experience, also aimed at anyone else here btw, who recognize having a problem that extents beyond watches.
All right, here's the "commemorative picture collage of our collective former hoard"TM
![Watch Photograph Green Light Blue]()
Going like text from the top left.
Cauny Prima
Bought on: 2018/08/14, the day I re-started wearing watches. Was my dad's and thus cost 0.
Sold on: still around (1611 days)
Verdict: wore it daily for the better part of two years. Keeps an insane -50spd. Not going anywhere on the account of being my dad's, but also not worn anymore.
Casio Royale
Bought on: 2018/09/19, new for €35.
Sold on: still around (1575 days)
Verdict: Hit. Was bought as a placeholder while I learned more about these wonderful little things, after seeing the watch I wanted in real life (SRPB41) and it being too big. The PT colours mod 2.5 years ago brought new life into it, also not going anywhere.
CWard C60 Trident Mk3 38mm
Bought on: 2019/07/04, new for €750.
Sold on: 2020/05/21 for €510 (-32%) (322 days)
Verdict: Miss. Ultimately a mistake, but taught lessons that still last.
Seiko SNK375 mod with Lucius Atelier Stardust dial
Bought on: 2019/10/27, new for €173 (all in).
Sold on: 2020/10/01 for €126 (-27%) (340 days)
Verdict: Miss. Just a mistake; crazy to think it lasted almost a year.
Farer Hudson
Bought on: 2020/03/29, new for £960.
Sold on: still around (1018 days)
Verdict: Hit. My beloved, the one that should have been the first (read third). Currently waiting the chopping block, but will always remember it.
HKED ED63 Green
Bought on: 2020/06/14, new for £214.
Sold on: 2020/09/26 for £217 (+1%) (104 days)
Verdict: Hit. Did exactly what I wanted from it, answered the question "do I like chronos?".
anOrdain Model 2 Green Fumé
Bought on: 2020/06/23, used for ~£1035.
Sold on: still around (932 days)
Verdict: Hit. I've contemplated selling it a number of times, mostly fueled by the super reflective crystal, but the people behind the brand decided it should stay when they recoated the crystal completely free of charge. Still my #1 green dial on the market.
Zelos Nova Meteorite
Bought on: 2020/09/09, new for £733 (including crown replacement).
Sold on: 2020/11/30 for £592 (-18%) (82 days)
Verdict: Miss. Settling + FOMO + early bird pricing + not seeing the watch before buying = never again.
Fears Brunswick Salmon
Bought on: 2021/09/18, new for £3500.
Sold on: still around (480 days)
Verdict: Hit. You all know by now how much I love this watch.
Armida A1 38mm
Bought on: 2022/05/05, new for £317.
Sold on: still around (251 days)
Verdict: Miss. Was bought with one purpose, remind me I don't like automatics. Turns out that's mostly true, but I like the NH35 and what really bothers me is screw down crowns. Almost a success?
Citizen AQ4100-141L Summer
Bought on: 2022/10/03, new for £3029.
Sold on: still around (100 days)
Verdict: Hit. The Farer was falling short compared to the anordain and Fears, plus my revelation regarding quartz. This is a fantastic watch, likely the one I'd keep if I had to get rid of all but one.
Summary: 4.5 years, 10 watches (sans the Cauny), 6 hits, 4 misses. Really happy with the way my journey in the world of watches is going.
Going like text from the top left.
Cauny Prima
Bought on: 2018/08/14, the day I re-started wearing watches. Was my dad's and thus cost 0.
Sold on: still around (1611 days)
Verdict: wore it daily for the better part of two years. Keeps an insane -50spd. Not going anywhere on the account of being my dad's, but also not worn anymore.
Casio Royale
Bought on: 2018/09/19, new for €35.
Sold on: still around (1575 days)
Verdict: Hit. Was bought as a placeholder while I learned more about these wonderful little things, after seeing the watch I wanted in real life (SRPB41) and it being too big. The PT colours mod 2.5 years ago brought new life into it, also not going anywhere.
CWard C60 Trident Mk3 38mm
Bought on: 2019/07/04, new for €750.
Sold on: 2020/05/21 for €510 (-32%) (322 days)
Verdict: Miss. Ultimately a mistake, but taught lessons that still last.
Seiko SNK375 mod with Lucius Atelier Stardust dial
Bought on: 2019/10/27, new for €173 (all in).
Sold on: 2020/10/01 for €126 (-27%) (340 days)
Verdict: Miss. Just a mistake; crazy to think it lasted almost a year.
Farer Hudson
Bought on: 2020/03/29, new for £960.
Sold on: still around (1018 days)
Verdict: Hit. My beloved, the one that should have been the first (read third). Currently waiting the chopping block, but will always remember it.
HKED ED63 Green
Bought on: 2020/06/14, new for £214.
Sold on: 2020/09/26 for £217 (+1%) (104 days)
Verdict: Hit. Did exactly what I wanted from it, answered the question "do I like chronos?".
anOrdain Model 2 Green Fumé
Bought on: 2020/06/23, used for ~£1035.
Sold on: still around (932 days)
Verdict: Hit. I've contemplated selling it a number of times, mostly fueled by the super reflective crystal, but the people behind the brand decided it should stay when they recoated the crystal completely free of charge. Still my #1 green dial on the market.
Zelos Nova Meteorite
Bought on: 2020/09/09, new for £733 (including crown replacement).
Sold on: 2020/11/30 for £592 (-18%) (82 days)
Verdict: Miss. Settling + FOMO + early bird pricing + not seeing the watch before buying = never again.
Fears Brunswick Salmon
Bought on: 2021/09/18, new for £3500.
Sold on: still around (480 days)
Verdict: Hit. You all know by now how much I love this watch.
Armida A1 38mm
Bought on: 2022/05/05, new for £317.
Sold on: still around (251 days)
Verdict: Miss. Was bought with one purpose, remind me I don't like automatics. Turns out that's mostly true, but I like the NH35 and what really bothers me is screw down crowns. Almost a success?
Citizen AQ4100-141L Summer
Bought on: 2022/10/03, new for £3029.
Sold on: still around (100 days)
Verdict: Hit. The Farer was falling short compared to the anordain and Fears, plus my revelation regarding quartz. This is a fantastic watch, likely the one I'd keep if I had to get rid of all but one.
Summary: 4.5 years, 10 watches (sans the Cauny), 6 hits, 4 misses. Really happy with the way my journey in the world of watches is going.
You’re right, that is indeed food for thought. I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t this way, tbh. I was always buying / collecting things. I don’t exactly know why or how. I think shopping itself has always been so enjoyable and I love collecting things. Aesthetics really appeal to me. And I take excellent care of my possessions, and often just give away a lot of them and love to see the look of the face of whomever gets them, too.Parallel to getting your shopping habit under control, you may want to do some introspection on the underlying reasons for the habit as well. A little awareness and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of your mind can go a long way in getting a grip on your behaviour.
Especially as it seems to span many different types of objects for you, there is the risk that one addiction abolished will just keep on being replaced by the next addiction, if you don't also address what is going on underneath the surface.
That's nothing you need to share on here of course (unless you wish to). Just a little advice from my personal experience, also aimed at anyone else here btw, who recognize having a problem that extents beyond watches.
But yes I need to ensure one spree doesn’t just end for another to pop up. It is always only with my discretionary money, might I add - my financials are quite well set up and investments are always taken care of first; I have zero debt of any form, multiple real estate properties I bought with my own money, quite a bit of investments and so on.
But I do like to collect pretty stuff with my disposable income - always have, right from the days when my parents used to give me allowances. I guess I am now motivated to reduce as a means of trying to cut down on material things a bit, rather than actually being hurt by spending financially. I have always been into fashion and decor and design, and I think that is fuelling a lot of my purchases as well. I will give it some real thought and see if there is anything I can understand about myself and course correct. Thanks a lot for the perspective. 🤗
While the hand-wound is awesome, I feel that a BCPD without the cathedral hands just doesn't look right.Remember my intentions post? Specially this part?
Oris just did a thing, and it's indeed spectacular.
Hands-On - The New Oris Big Crown Calibre 473
Big news for the Big Crown with a new, high-performance, anti-magnetic, hand-wound Calibre 473 developed in-house by Oris.monochrome-watches.com
View attachment 17150685
I should know by now to never underestimate independent brands...
Absolutely not in need of a bash (for now). The Citizen is much more interesting to me and going nowhere, and my thoughts on mechanicals as stated in the intentions post above haven't changed. But damn if this isn't a great looking watch with what seems like a fantastic movement.
Remember my intentions post? Specially this part?
Oris just did a thing, and it's indeed spectacular.
Hands-On - The New Oris Big Crown Calibre 473
Big news for the Big Crown with a new, high-performance, anti-magnetic, hand-wound Calibre 473 developed in-house by Oris.
View attachment 17150685
I should know by now to never underestimate independent brands...
Absolutely not in need of a bash (for now). The Citizen is much more interesting to me and going nowhere, and my thoughts on mechanicals as stated in the intentions post above haven't changed. But damn if this isn't a great looking watch with what seems like a fantastic movement.
421 - 440 of 2727 Posts
