Originally posted by: 1EZduzit
Back in the early 80's we had a pheasant hunter come out. He was paying us to hunt through a mutal friend (this guy was our stockbroker's stockbroker)
My brother pulled in with his cherry red '69 vette. He had just bought it that summer for $6000 and was quite proud of it. Well, this hunter waited until he came over and was introduced then asked him why people wear $6000 Rolexes. He pealed back his shirt to show us his Rolex and said because they can't get their 'vetts on their wrists.
My brother still has the car and I'd guess it's worth somewhere between $20 to $30 grand. Anybody know how much a 1980's Rolex is worth now?
That very much depends on the Rolex. They retain their value quite well, and many have been known to increase in value. Most recently, the Daytona was going for well over the asking price.
Very, very few cars actually increase in value over time. For most people, they want assets that will retain their value as long as possible. A Rolex accomplishes that quite nicely, and an 80s Rolex in good condition will still command a hefty premium.
So, bad analogy for you.
Originally posted by: Descartes
Originally posted by: 1EZduzit
Back in the early 80's we had a pheasant hunter come out. He was paying us to hunt through a mutal friend (this guy was our stockbroker's stockbroker
My brother pulled in with his cherry red '69 vette. He had just bought it that summer for $6000 and was quite proud of it. Well, this hunter waited until he came over and was introduced then asked him why people wear $6000 Rolexes. He pealed back his shirt to show us his Rolex and said because they can't get their 'vetts on their wrists.
My brother still has the car and I'd guess it's worth somewhere between $20 to $30 grand. Anybody know how much a 1980's Rolex is worth now?
That very much depends on the Rolex. They retain their value quite well, and many have been known to increase in value. Most recently, the Daytona was going for well over the asking price.
Very, very few cars actually increase in value over time. For most people, they want assets that will retain their value as long as possible. A Rolex accomplishes that quite nicely, and an 80s Rolex in good condition will still command a hefty premium.
So, bad analogy for you.
Got proof for that claim? I just checked ebay and they have 3 men Rolex wathces with less then 2 hours to bid on that have bids. None of them are over $1000. I know his car is worth over $20,000.
Thanks for the suggestions. What do you guys think of Bulova? I'm feeling this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Bulova-M...2/ref=pd_rhf_f_i_k2a_2
Of the Hamilton ones I like this one, though not sure if a leather strap would hold up for me (but the leather completes the look and contrasts the face beautifully, IMO:
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton...&qid=1200849657&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/Bulova-M...2/ref=pd_rhf_f_i_k2a_2
Of the Hamilton ones I like this one, though not sure if a leather strap would hold up for me (but the leather completes the look and contrasts the face beautifully, IMO:
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton...&qid=1200849657&sr=8-4
Well sure there are always more expensive watches that you can get, but in a purely utilitarian point of view a watch is supposed to tell time, now my 10$ wall mart watch tells time just fine and I've never had to reset it, I'm sure it is less accurate than an expensive watch, but I don't need to to be accurate for 50 years or something. So yeah, 300$ isn't the same status symbol that 1000$ might be, but its still something. But then again I know nothing of such things, I did not even know they made watches that were 100$+ except for a very few companies, and according to people here a 100$ watch is pedestrian for what someone would want in the working world...
Just FWIW though, how rich does someone have to be to think they need a 300$-600$ watch to fit in? And what sort of business are we talking here too?
Also, I just want to address this statement:
I would just like to address this statement, there are ALOT of different ways of measuring what you have. Some people put it on friendships, or on their health, or having time to spend with their families etc. Likely some combination of alot of things, but you often are having to trade one for the other, so rich dude might get lots of $$$ and have an expensive watch and be happy and that GREAT. But some other dude might think working in a world where everyone judges you based on your clothes and appearance is like torture, and maybe he never makes as much money, but is happy doing what he wants, thats GREAT too. Don't just assume that people who dislike conspicuous consumption are jsut jealous they can't afford 1000$ watches etc..
daniel1113
Diamond Member
- Jun 6, 2003
- 6,448
- 0
- 0
It's the same reason some people drive a Honda rather than an Aston Martin. In terms of usefulness, a Honda is just as capable as the Aston Martin (in fact, the Honda may even be more useful). But I don't think anyone would argue that the Honda is a better car.
I wouldn't say I'm trying to fit in. It's just that being around people who have very nice watches all day has made me want a decent watch.
Yes, but thats my point, you were claiming the expensive watch was better and I was just saying only from an aesthetic point of view. I mean look at my cell phone, it was like 50$ and it tells time to, AND even synchs up with cell network to keep time accurate and adjust for timezones etc, thats MORE useful than an expensive watch. Also, it can call people and take pictures and go to the internets. I'm just saying if you are buying the expensive watch admit its only for the looks, because the precision is not really any noticeably better.
PSST, how much money do you make, me wants to know?
PSST, how much money do you make, me wants to know?
Hey man, I read the thread and folks getting on you, etc. I'm sort of in the same boat, but the one guy who said that a watch in this price range is too cheap for the crowd you're working for to notice is true. In fact, you'll find there really isn't a huge selection of quality watches in that range, but there is in the $1500+ because it's totally a money drop for people with a lot of disposable income.
Anyway, I'll tell you what I did. I bought a $75 Invicta Diver Automatic from Amazon. It has a heavy, solid feel when you wear it, and it has the look of a Rolex Submariner from a few feet away. It'll send the message that you care about how you present yourself, but it won't cost a fortune. Pocket the rest of the money for another suit or a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes (which do get noticed). I've gotten a ton of compliments from people with much nicer watches, and at least with those that I'm good friends with, I've handed it to them, had them look it over, and told them it was under a hundred bucks. Definitely a lot of surprises there.
Invicta Diver Auto
Everyone on ATOT is under 30 and makes 6 figures, remember?
The OP's whole point is that he wants to fit in a little better with the business crowd he has to work with. He obviously makes a LOT less than they do, but in the more conservative professions, fitting in is important.
I can't fault the guy, he's trying to build a network in a profession that obviously demands that to advance. He'll have plenty of time to stick to his ideals and maybe not judge the more junior crowd by how they're dressed once he's the guy calling the shots. That's my take on it, anyway.
Yeah, that was sorta my take too, I just wanted to see how it really was from his own mouth. That having been said, this is the difference between engineering and other fields, engineers start out with high salaries, but hard to get up past maybe 150,000$, whereas in business they might start you out lower and have less job security, but the rewards are MUCH larger if you can get ahead of the pack.
Skunkwourk
Diamond Member
- Dec 9, 2004
- 4,662
- 1
- 81
Yes, this is true. I make around 60, but people who sit less than 15 feet from me make 7, maybe 8 figures a year.
I think it's a combination of trying to fit in better without breaking the bank (trying to look like I belong without showing off), and yes, I would never judge junior people if I were in the other position (if anything, I'd empathize). I mean everything about my wardrobe doesn't match up. So I'm just doing what I can to look more professional. I'm all for spending just a hundred or two if that can serve the same purpose.
So, thoughts on these two?
http://www.amazon.com/Bulova-M...ch-96E02/dp/B000GAOLWC
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton...&qid=1200849657&sr=8-4
Originally posted by: Descartes
ATOTers are so clueless when it comes to watches and status in general. The things people think convey status are mostly irrelevant, and the disproportional amount of money people spend on things generally reflects their interest more than anything else.
I know people that wear $15k watches (one by Lange, and it's a beautiful watch). 99% of people have no clue what his watch is, so no status is conveyed whatsoever. Similarly, only a smattering of people have ever recognized my watches, and the ones that did were enthusiasts.
And about the nonsense of walking into Hermes wearing a t-shirt and flip flops. I've walked into such places with a hat, flip-flops, etc. and never had a problem. People look to you for confidence, not some silly social norms. Let's stop with the generalizations...
[edit]
Fully agreed and also do the same.
For the OP, I'd suggest looking into a jewelry store and looking yourself. Trust me when I say pictures never do the watch justice. I love the Corum Golden Bridge but when I saw that thing in person, my god...words don't describe.
Might I suggest a Tissot, a good brand that's in the swiss movement.
Hamilton is not a bad brand, but I prefer Bulova over them (for no reason other than probably overall style I see).
Do they have the Hamilton with a metal bracelet? I think it'd look stronger that way, although I like the case/face.
The Bulova looks like something you see at a club, not in the business world, but I could be wrong.
Honestly, man, if you're pulling down $60k, you could afford a $500 watch, but you're probably better off spending $100 and putting the remainder towards a suit or a pair of shoes (or just putting it towards retirement). Options like the Invicta that I posted will do the job.
you can get a tag watch for t hat price -- a very entry level tag.
i have a few nice watches (Tag, Breitling, AP, Rolex), and i have the invicta watch that is mentioned in the thread.
honestly, the invicta is pretty nice watch for the price.
check out costco, they have some cool watches for decent prices!
i have a few nice watches (Tag, Breitling, AP, Rolex), and i have the invicta watch that is mentioned in the thread.
honestly, the invicta is pretty nice watch for the price.
check out costco, they have some cool watches for decent prices!
Babbles
Diamond Member
- Jan 4, 2001
- 8,253
- 14
- 81
I had a Bulova and it was a piece of junk. The battery kept on dying - I would get it replaced over and over again and I, along with the battery place, was convinced it had to be some problem with the watch itself draining the battery. They would last about a month or so before the battery would die. Additionally a pin broke on the band near the watch face which was not repairable without shelling out some money.
Other people's mileage may vary, but I would not put any more of my money on a Bulova.
Other people's mileage may vary, but I would not put any more of my money on a Bulova.
Originally posted by: 1EZduzit
Originally posted by: Descartes
Originally posted by: 1EZduzit
Back in the early 80's we had a pheasant hunter come out. He was paying us to hunt through a mutal friend (this guy was our stockbroker's stockbroker
My brother pulled in with his cherry red '69 vette. He had just bought it that summer for $6000 and was quite proud of it. Well, this hunter waited until he came over and was introduced then asked him why people wear $6000 Rolexes. He pealed back his shirt to show us his Rolex and said because they can't get their 'vetts on their wrists.
My brother still has the car and I'd guess it's worth somewhere between $20 to $30 grand. Anybody know how much a 1980's Rolex is worth now?
That very much depends on the Rolex. They retain their value quite well, and many have been known to increase in value. Most recently, the Daytona was going for well over the asking price.
Very, very few cars actually increase in value over time. For most people, they want assets that will retain their value as long as possible. A Rolex accomplishes that quite nicely, and an 80s Rolex in good condition will still command a hefty premium.
So, bad analogy for you.
Got proof for that claim? I just checked ebay and they have 3 men Rolex wathces with less then 2 hours to bid on that have bids. None of them are over $1000. I know his car is worth over $20,000.
Look around. It's not difficult. TimeZone has many examples. eBay is probably the last place I'd ever want to buy a Rolex, and the lack of bids demonstrate that. People that are willing to pay a premium for quality watches generally stick to venues where other similar people trade in full confidence.
For what it's worth, I have a 1952 Omega Seamaster that's now worth ~$1000. That's almost as much as a new one, and certainly a lot more than it was in 1952. I have a Rolex that I can still sell for up to 90% of it's full retail price, and others that also maintain their value quite well. If you want an example of the Daytona craze, then just Google around; many were selling for a significant premium.
You're missing the point though. People don't buy a car expecting it to appreciate anymore than someone does with a watch. My watches will last me a lifetime, and I can hand them down to my children, grandchildren, etc. similar to how my grandfather gave me some of his timepieces. It's about tradition, not about some silly status symbol or pretending that it's a long-term investment.
Babbles
Diamond Member
- Jan 4, 2001
- 8,253
- 14
- 81
As another source you may want to check out: Darlor Watch
They are a legit place; you can surf around watch forums and see this place talked about.
Most watches are probably just right out of your budget, but maybe you can find something that you can afford.
You may not be able to afford a brand new Bulgari, Rolex, Omega, whatever, but maybe you can get a vintage used one which would be classy as hell and probably a lot cheaper.
They are a legit place; you can surf around watch forums and see this place talked about.
Most watches are probably just right out of your budget, but maybe you can find something that you can afford.
You may not be able to afford a brand new Bulgari, Rolex, Omega, whatever, but maybe you can get a vintage used one which would be classy as hell and probably a lot cheaper.
For your price range, I'd probably get a Stowa. They're minimalist pieces with few complications, and they have a nice classy look. They also have the added benefit of being different than what you typically see out there. The movements are of a high quality, and Stowa is popular with watch enthusiasts, so if you keep it in good condition you'd be able to sell it with little loss. That much isn't true for a Hamilton, Bulova, etc.
imo
The problem is that you're looking at everything strictly through a utilitarian perspective. That's great for some things, but when it comes to expression you simply can't quantify it so easily. Art, music, fashion, etc. have no actual quantifiable utility and yet still command an incredible amount of money.
People like to express themselves, and they pick things that do so accurately. I know I'm repeating myself, but the false impression is that everyone who buys an "expensive" (even that's relative; there are insanely expensive watches out there that look no different than your average watch) watch does so for the benefit of others. The reality is that most of the truly expensive watches are sold into markets where the people care more about craftsmanship, horological tradition, engineering, etc.
This is true of almost anything. People spend more money in areas where they have more knowledge and appreciation. There are some exceptions of course, but watches are certainly not one. This is evidenced by the simple fact that the majority of the public has no clue about watches, and from a distance no one can tell the difference between a $25k Patek and something for $500.
Uh, anyone saying he should buy a pair of nice jeans instead of a watch is either out of touch with any sort of profession or is still in high school. If I wore a pair of 7's into the office, someone would (and should) smack me, because I should be wearing proper pants instead.
Nice jeans are still.. jeans.
Nice jeans are still.. jeans.
Yeah, even in a casual type setting jeans are TOO casual, in a place like the OP is describing we are talking designer suits and ties I'm sure.
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