Reply With Quotesomeone needs a hug...
Right, as it seems to be some kind of ritual after being on this forum for a while, I too would like to inform you, in anticipation of your obvious eager interest, that I'm bored of watches. Not the forum. Watches.
You can almost fill in the rest from any of the previous posts on this. Buy watch, wear it, take pic, buy another, put one in the box, read about a different one, buy another, sell one, take more pics, buy strap, write watch-related nonsense, buy strap, sell watch, buy another, keep empty boxes and bubble wrap around "just in case", read watch-related nonsense. Rinse, lather, repeat.
Bored bored bored. "Basel" ? About as interested as I am in the latest photocopier models. It's not a hobby, it's a waste of time.
Paul
Last edited by Tokyo Tokei; 17th April 2017 at 10:43. Reason: became a guitar hero
someone needs a hug...
Maybe you need more than one hobby/interest?
I echo a lot of those sentiments. After being an avid reader, buyer and flipper for several years now I feel like I've exhausted all the watches I like and can afford. I've reduced my collection from 14-1 over time and can't really say I miss any of them. Now in a position to replace or add to my current Rolex Sub 5513 I just can't stir up the interest to do so. Starting to think its time to spend time and money on something else to be honest.
It might just be a phase, but the thought of spending thousands on another watch feels an expensive luxury (whereas before, i rarely thought twice) and makes me think my priorities have changed.
Any watches going cheap?
I have been the same for about six months now. Stalking Sales Corner for the latest secondhand camouflage rucksack took its toll.
I've two daily wearers, one auto, one quartz. The rest are stashed for a rainy day.
Sounds like you need a new hobby.
I hate to admit it but Im at tilt too! That said Ive always enjoyed them but having had everyone Ive ever wanted Ive scratched the itch and find they were all great but simple satisfaction comes from a good diet, exercise, a quality job, and a one half decent robust diver.
My 10,000th post will be my last you will be relieved to know
RIAC
Arguably all hobbies are a waste of time, and I suppose you could say that work is a waste of time too (but at least you get paid for it).Originally Posted by Tokyo Tokei
What is a hobby? Something you enjoy spending your time doing, or in fact just a way of labelling time. If you don't enjoy watches any more maybe it's time for another/new hobby.
Either way, it's better than time spent sitting on the sofa watching TV.
I agree though, it does sort of go round in the never ending circle you describe ending either with boredom or more watches...
I feel the same I have bought and sold quite a few watches and now I am down to just one watch which should be returned to me soon after a full service and case restoration. I got to the point of dreading having to package a watch up to post off I just don't want the hassle anyone and I also don't want thousands of pounds sat in watches when that money could be paying more off my mortgage.
I still love watches though and alway look on sc but my willpower is strong now :) it is a great hobby though.
Andy
Only, but only if there's a really cracking piece in the lower to middle price ranges I'm now operating in, I might be tempted.
Looking is still great though, even if it's much ado about nothing lately.
Daddel.
Got a new watch, divers watch it is, had to drown the bastard to get it!
Boredom with the repeated acquisition of more-or-less interchangeable material goods, squire? 'S all part of yer Great Wheel of Becoming, innit.
Every now and again the realisation hits home that watch acquisition per se is just a never-ending cycle of "get watch, enjoy watch, get bored with watch, flip watch, get watch..." and there really are only so many ways to tell the time: and that's bound to lead to feeling jaded and bored.
I think this is why I generally find vintage watches a more fruitful and interesting focus than new(ish) ones - there were many more independent brands in (say) the '70s, often with their own design DNA and house style, plus it was a time of great innovation in watchmaking, with the start of the quartz revolution.
I'm at a similar stage, although I still enjoy the watches I have.
The problem I find is that the major watch companies have increased prices to the point where they are no longer worth it to me. My datejust now retails at 7.5K. Nice watch but balls is it worth that!
This.
I'm down to just my Speedy and my Sub, and it's just as well I already have 'em, because there's no way I would replace either at current prices.
And good company - be that a partner or family or mates.
I've always been fascinated by watches. And I've upped my watch budget as household income increased. But to be fair, in the cold light of day, you realise it's the simple things in life that bring the most happiness or contentment.
I'll keep buying the odd watch here and there, I am sure. And keep reading about them etc. But ultimately I realise that for me (no offense intended to bigger 'collectors') more than around 4-6 watches (that I am happy with) is a bit silly.
That will be a shame and a sad loss to the 'community'.
Originally Posted by 100thmonkey
My 10,000th post will be my last you will be relieved to knowSeconded
I bored too.
Hopefully this is a passing phase. Most of my watches are now in the safe. I have no inclination to get them out.
It might have something to do with this miserable economic climate we're in. I haven't been paid in three months, my choice, I started the company. Or it might have something to do with this miserable actual climate we're in. Snow, rain, sleet, cloud...then the same all of again.
Or it might have something to do with the fact that they're only so many Rolexes you can look at before they all merge into a sports watch haze.
Rare, vintage gets my attention still. But not as much as it used to.
I need help.
Spot on! Watches are the ultimate expression of consumerism, desire in its purest form - it's highly magnetic but can't be expected to actually get you anywhere, aka 'samsara'. And it's not so much a hobby as a very extended and enjoyable shopping trip. At some point you do actually end up with the right watche(s), at which point it's time redecorate your house, or buy some art or something. Most likely it becomes relevant again when the rest of your life has actually changed significantly, and you deserve a watch that fits your age and accomplishments - perhaps a decade later on. Or if there are some actual changes in style and technology, but that's not every day. In the meantime, it can only be good to find some other things to obssess about, though unfortunately few seem to inspire the demented passion of watches, at least until you've seen them all.Boredom with the repeated acquisition of more-or-less interchangeable material goods, squire? 'S all part of yer Great Wheel of Becoming, innit.
Every now and again the realisation hits home that watch acquisition per se is just a never-ending cycle of "get watch, enjoy watch, get bored with watch, flip watch, get watch..." and there really are only so many ways to tell the time: and that's bound to lead to feeling jaded and bored.
.
I hardly looked at the forum for 6 months with cycling taking over the space, but all it took was one Orange Monster to get me back in the zone. Inexpensive can be very pleasurable
David
I've been into watches for decades but the degree of interest is cyclical which is true of other interests as well.
focus on other things and don't worry about it. there's awhole wonderful world out there to explore; so much to do and so little time!
Yep, just do something different. Life's too short to be bored
Couldn't agree more with the OP.
Just buying watches and taking pics to show off to like minded individuals is pretty shallow. Let's face it your only input in that situation is money.
Vintage watches, learning about watch movements and the chance of a coup at an antiques market/boot sale is the only thing that has kept me interested over time.
Conspicuous consumption of expensive baubles is not a hobby and is pretty meaningless in reality.
Cheers,
Neil.
I personally don't consider watch collecting a hobby. I won't apologise for my materialism, but I would certainly be against treating a form of materialism as a hobby.
I consider it more of an "interest", as I don't actually do anything other than pick the one I want and pay for it. Sure I like to read about it, research it, and increase my knowledge but again I still don't consider that to be a hobby. It's just sensible if I'm parting with a lot of money.
In the case of the OP (and others that share his sentiments), I wonder if his decision to treat watches as a hobby rather than as an interest has basically resulted in total overkill, to the point of him being fed up of it.
Been there, felt that, right back in the thick of it again. Went through a period of not buying anything for months and not being interested at all, but all it takes is one watch to spark that bit of interest and you get sucked in again. Maybe you just need a bit of a break from watches and then you can come back to them in a few months time and see how you feel?
Yep.. me too...
The non watch items in SC interest me more... so curently the spare cash has gone on upgrading the PC.. new graphics card/monitor.
When you like at the relative cost its shocking.. its like chirstmas come again when you see what you can buy for the price of one watch :)
There is still on watch I would like to get but the passion to pursue it is not there at the moment (nor is the cash unless I sell one of the remaing few).
Most likely in a couple of months gaming will be dead andI will move back onto something else..
I'm bored too to be honest.
My wife and I recently got some new pieces that are under warranty of 3 years and so I am off watches until that 3 years is up.
Coupled with the comments on the above, with ever increasing prices too, I struggle to justify the cost. Especially with the new Omega range, whilst using in house movements, gosh they are expensive!
I am however saving for an RM, totally cool things!
Chris
Well I'm not bored of watches and I'm quite happy to keep looking for the perfect watch (despite knowing it doesn't really exist!).
What I'm struggling with is that the way prices have shot up in recent years turning it from being a fun hobby and into a serious investment. Back in the days when you could get a Rolex sports model for a couple of grand and know the worst you'd loose was a couple of hundred things were fine, but now it's a £6k "investment" and you can easily take a haircut for a few grand on some brands if bought new.
That for me has taken a lot of the pleasure away.
Kerry only 8 posts to go then. Damn, things must be changing for you thinking of leaving.
I was in Southport today and noticed quite a few second hand Rolex in various shops, maybe there are more people letting their watches go than buying now.
I agree with much that has been said in that all these hobbies tend to be quite cyclical. As for me I've just bought my first proper watch so am still really excited :)
I wouldn't say I'm bored as such, but echo the comments above on new costs of (in particular) Rolex,Omega Breitling and IWC.
I frankly get just as much ownership fun out of cheaper stuff like Glycine, Alpina,Stowa,O&W and so on.
Thinking of going down from a dozen or so to 3 or 4 and slowing up a bit tbh.
Goat
Get some thing broken and fix it. Learning, skills and a sense of doing something worthwhile. A new watch is consumerism. Fixing a broken one...
Hope the spark rekindles... Watches are fine things; shopping is shopping!
Sounds like you two agree.
Start here:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/
Or you need to change your relationship to watches and start designing and building your own, which is way more fun than buying another of the same as everyone else on the forum has.
Bye. Have fun wherever you go.
If you love watches, or horology, and not bands and image. I applaud your perception, but nonetheless, you seem to be on the wrong forum.
This about sums it up for me at the moment, bought an Aerospace back in Jan and apart from a Casio thats it for me now, could add if i wanted but dont feel the need or inclined to do so.
Priorities have absolutely changed. And i think a lot of that has to do with the prices watches have been hyper inflated to (IMHO) over the last 2/3 years :-/
i just landed in the "bored" zone.. hope it will go away soon
Thirded.... if such a thing exists
Have to agree with others, prices are going too high. I am thinking about saving for my 30th now, three years away
I still love watches, still research them but i only have one definite purchase on the cards this year and the deal has been agreed well in advance.
With me it's a bit different. I still get quite enthusiastic with the new watches that come along that appeal to me. My problem is that my enthusiasm wanes very quickly after I get each watch. I find that I wear them for a short time and then into the watch box they go. When it's time to put a watch on in the morning before going to work, I look at all the expensive pieces I have in the watch box and then, 90% of the time, strap on my Casio. The reasons I give myself for doing this are as follows - I don't have to worry about winding the Casio or setting the time on it. I don't ahve to worry about keeping it clean or worry about dinging it up. The rest of the world doesn't notice or care about the watch I wear, so why should I?
But, the foregoing notwithstanding, I now find that I'm all in a dither to make sure I get that new DN watch and that new bronze-cased Cali style watch that Eddie's about to make available on the website. I've apparently still got the fever.
But on the positive side, it appears that after an 8 year infatuation with Panerai, I'm having no difficulty in walking away from that particular brand.
I'm also with the OP on this one. Strange really as I'm typing this on a watch forum!
If I had the balls, I'd put most of mine on SC toot suite, but what with the never ending economic shithole we're in, and the prospect of you lot pulling them to pieces with the view to skinning me (wink) they stay tucked away, awaiting the inevitable ping of the mainspring.........
Like Neil, the prospect of a summer (yeah, I know) of boot sale finds, keeps what's left of the jaded juices flowing.
Welcome to the horological menopause.
Haha...
Yeah, what' the matter Mr. Grumpy Gills....;)
There is little sadder than an enthusiast with no enthusiasm.
I'm interested in some of the comments here, as in some ways I feel similarly. However, I do think the issue abut vintage being the only credible approach is very harsh (Neil). I love vintage watches, but have found myself drawn to modern, complicated pieces of late. They're marvels of horological artistry and learning about them, identifying those that really float your boat and then - finally - hunting one down in the right condition and at the right price is just as satisfying as doing precisely that but in respect of an older model.
My interest has been reignited with a realisation that its sports watches and divers that I'm bored with. In a general sense I think that a lot of TZ members could perhaps just do with broadening their horizons a little, as it would open up a whole new world of wonder!
My 2254 Semaster makes me happy. So does my 3570 Speedie. Other than that... For a few months now I've started to steadily sell most of the rather expensive watches in my collection. I miss them less than expected...
The world does notice what watch you wear. Well known fact in social psychology; women look at a man's shoes and their watch. It's a marker of your ability to provide for a potential family apparently.
And for an entirely different reason (I swear), I noticed today my big boss was wearing a Speedmaster.
People notice detail.
Attempts at monopolising moral superiority are inherently quite amusing.
I was sipping a tisane on the terrace a few minutes ago and wondering whether it's actually the TZ-UK environment that makes watches seem boring.My interest has been reignited with a realisation that its sports watches and divers that I'm bored with. In a general sense I think that a lot of TZ members could perhaps just do with broadening their horizons a little, as it would open up a whole new world of wonder!
Because, thinking about it, I seem to be a lot less interested in watches since I joined here, and I wonder if it's the same malaise that is afflicting Tokei-san, and to which you refer. I could list the reasons - maybe it's a topic for a different thread - but you seem to have hit the central one spot on. Narrow horizons.
ForthedI have met Kerry and TZ will miss his WIS............................Hes a good good guy
regards
T
Fourth-ed then. A good forum member IMO and it would be a shame to lose him. :-(
R
Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.
Morning ( here ) and I'm reading this over breakfast. Well, it was just another "I'm bored" post. I'm not suggesting that watch collecting is necessarily boring, that it is a hobby ( choice of word may have been wrong, "pastime" or "activity" if you prefer ) of no interest, nor that anyone who does find it interesting is a shallow materialistic tokei otaku ( watch geek ). It was just a comment on my feeling right now. Which remains bored.
Secondly, vintage popped up and I understand the argument. I had a nice vintage Omega De Ville., a decent 16753, a rarish 1530, a nice OQ, some old GS and KS chronometer, vintage Swatch and Seamasters ... all fun at the time and I enjoyed the hunt. All but one of those has gone. The only difference with vintage vs new, is the price ( up or down ) and the "research" is slightly different. The activity though is largely the same - read, search, acquire, pics, posts, storage, sale, repeat. I'm bored of those activities.
Thirdly, complications and non-divers. Yes, there are more things than water resistance, "lume", fat cases and bezel action. I can appreciate a decent watch, I just don't need to ( temporarily, most likely ) own it. As my old forum signature used to say, "admire not acquire".
And finally, I've sold most of the things I bought in the last few years. At one point I bought a safe to keep them all in. I am retaining only two "expensive" ones - a Speedmaster sapphire sandwich and Sea Dweller. Both bought new and both now claimed in advance by my kids, as soon as they have wrists large enough to wear them. That leaves me with two Monsters, orange and black, and a DW5600. Enough I think.
Paul
This is an interesting subject for me and I'm going to guess that some of my views run contrary to the norm on this board. I presently have 32 watches in my collection and, other than a Poljot 3133 which it turns out is too gaudy for me to wear, the newest one of the bunch was made in 1976. This is because I can buy a '50s GP Gyromatic with a very nicely finished generic ETA movement for 1/20 the cost of a new Omega/Longines/Sinn/etc. with a very nicely finished generic ETA movement. If I'm getting the same thing either way and don't care about showoff value or name recognition why would I spend the extra money? Or I could go the other way and get an old Omega with an actual in-house movement, which is the sort of thing I often aim for. Of my collection, 22 have in-house movements and 9 have ebauche movements, with the one remaining a 1947 Tissot bumper automatic which could be interpreted either way, depending upon your temperament. While many of the names on the in-house watches may not spark universal admiration I take heart in knowing that their internal machinery required genuine engineering effort and wasn't a re-purposed generic requiring little more than a pen and an order-form. Too many companies these days seem content to advertise someone else's effort as their own and such companies are responsible for my own conditional boredom within the hobby.
I also perform the majority of repairs to my collection so I get to experience movement quality first hand. Within the past two weeks I've serviced a Seamaster bumper, an Eterna-Matic, and an oddball Juvenia bumper, among many others of limited interest. Between the two bumper movements I'd say the quality was fairly closely matched, with the Juvenia taking top honors in a few areas (possibly because they started with an ebauche and could justify more finishing time at the price). Between the three of them, nothing comes close to the Eterna - the pallet fork is a thing of beauty with anglage and black polishing to a level of expertise which is quite uncommon from its contemporaries at the same price point. This is what keeps me interested in watches, and likely will for years to come. It's one thing to see a pretty face and read about how high-quality the whole thing is - somewhat like selecting a mail-order bride, I would suppose - but it's still another to be able to separate reality from marketing hype yourself. A new perspective allows for a new appreciation.
That said, I've been squinting at modern Breitlings quite a bit lately....
I have a suspicion that the responses to the OP are serving to complicate matters unduly. You can collect vintage watches, for all the reasons stated in thread after thread on that particular subject. Or you can buy new(er) watches, for vaguely similar/completely different reasons. In both instances, the outcome and objective is pretty much the same, even if the approach is slightly different.
Paul is clearly bored with collecting watches (temporarily or otherwise) - regardless of age, style, etc. I'm beginning to feel similarly, and the choice for me seems to be to divesrify a little (which I'm doing) and/or to gradually reduce numbers to what I perceive to be a sensible level (which I'm also doing and shall continue to do). The only question that remains is whether it would make sense to liquidate the money I have in my collection and place it elsewhere, and for the sake of a few percent a year I'm not going to lose a lot of sleep over that one.
Paul, you've implied elsewhere that you've gone through precisely the same cycle with regard to photography and related equipment. Perhaps it's just a character trait that you need to recognise/acknowledge, and no more than that. And at least you don't live in some manky sh*t-hole where it rains every day.
I'd be bored of watches too, If i had all those Japanese girls around me.
I feel for you Paul
Funnily enough, I was just about to post a thread in the BP with the title 'enough is enough'.
For me, it was the Chancellor and all the associated newspaper articles. Same old same old rubbish being printed about the similarly self-serving people.
It may be the same feeling you appear to be having about watches TT.
The truth might be that the watches haven't changed but you have.
You might also be bored of the posts made by the same members day in, day out.
Typical thread:
1. Mildly stimulating view given about Romega watches.
2. OP thanked for raising the topic.
3. Someone rolls their eyes.
4. Someone else asks why the previous member is rolling their eyes.
5. Post defending the right of members to roll their eyes.
6. Citation from the European Court Of Human Rights stating that eye rolling is an inalienable part of us all that should be celebrated.
7. Handwringer asks everyone to consider the link between sub-prime lending and loosening of the muscles around the eye wall leading to increased eye rolling among bankers.
8. Member posts to show that those on benefits roll their eyes the most.
9. Delicate poster suggests we return to the OP topic.
10. All members accused of being lady gardens (or the Anglo Saxon equivalent).
As you say TT, rinse, lather and repeat.
Last edited by AlphaOmega; 21st March 2013 at 09:07. Reason: boredom
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