DH says I’m ridiculous for wanting to spend this amount of money on a watch, who is BU?

[Halowinslet]

I’ve been lusting after a Rolex datejust for as long as I can remember, but have always stopped myself from buying because there has always been something more ‘sensible’ to do with the money, like keeping it in savings or spending money on an experience like a holiday. This year I’ve been feeling pretty low what with the current situation and there’s no way I’ll be able to go on holiday this year as I’m vulnerable health wise.

Announced to DH this morning that I’m thinking about treating myself to a nice pre owned Rolex (£6k) on the basis that it’s what I’d usually spend on holidays in a year anyway and they hold their value pretty well, in the event that I ever wanted/needed to sell.

DH thinks I’m being absolutely ridiculous spending such a large amount of money on a watch and now I’m wondering whether I’m having a moment of madness. I should point out that the funds would be coming from my own pot of money, rather than joint.

I’m with your husband on this one.
To spend that amount on something that is essentially just to show other people is mad. Honestly I’ve never looked at someone and gone wow they’ve got a 6K watch or ring on.
I’m sure you can get just as good of a watch for less than half that money.
What is it about this specific watch that is special?

Married to a watch fanatic.

Would spend £6k on a good watch but not on a Rolex. Blancpain or IWC maybe.

My watch is worth nearly that although we paid much less 10 years ago, they do increase in value. Downside is you have to have them properly serviced every now and then and that can cost several hundred pounds a go.

If it won't affect your family finances/deplete savings then I suppose, go for it!
Depends on what you're usually like with money and if it impacts negatively?

I wouldn't spend that much on a watch even if I had the money but that's just me 😆

@m0therofdragons

I’ve just looked online thinking I’m missing something… they just look like a normal watch. Do they come with a miniature engineer who’s been resized with a shrink ray? Clearly I don’t appreciate expensive things but to my eye it looks like a watch you buy on the market.

I don't see the point in persistently googling something in order to screenshot and wilfully display a lack of knowledge or appreciation. Of anything, actually, not just watches. Is it a just a slow day or like a look at me I'm edgy thing?

One thing you can guarantee about a luxury goods thread, it will bring everyone out to comment!

If the OP goers ahead and buys it, enjoys it for a few years and then sells it at a profit (or even just a small loss) would all the people saying she is being ridiculous with her money come back and admit they were wrong?

Probably not. They’d still be weirdly angry!

@Handsoffstrikesagain

lafie we are also really happy trudging through our fields, swimming in the (slightly dirty) pond. DH also likes watches. The two aren’t mutually exclusive 🤷🏽‍♀️

Yeah, I didn't mean to imply that they were mutually exclusive per se, just describing myself.

You are perhaps in an ideal position to explain why someone would want a watch that cost £6k because you like owning expensive material goods but at the same time you like trudging through your fields.

I don't get the obsession with watches at all. I love my Fitbit but a watch that just tells the time seems like a waste of money to me. The last time I wore one I was about 40 years ago. I particularly don't get the appeal of a Rolex. They are so chunky and to my eyes that's unattractive.

That being said, a lot of my friends do love a Rolex so I know enough about them to know they hold their value so if you like it and can afford it, buy it.

Rolexes are certainly expensive but they aren’t a waste of money because they hold their value well and are collectible items. My husband has had his for 15 years and no doubt will wear it for his whole life because they are made so every part can be replaced. If you are ever skint and need the money, you can sell it with no issues at all.

They are only a waste of money if you have more pressing things to buy, which you don’t.

Make sure you budget for the regular service too - they lose about five minutes in between services and these cost several hundred pound. However, they do buff scratches and clean it all so it comes back like brand new.

@verv in no way do I think I’m “edgy” - I have an Apple Watch like most people I know. What a bizarre attempt at a personal attack. I was curious as I do love jewellery so thought maybe Rolex have a different look to a normal watch that sets them out so I googled it. Yes it was not the best use of my time but neither is reading mn threads while chilling in the garden. I’ve learned that I still don’t get the love of Rolex. Not sure why that makes you so prickly.

If you can afford it, go for it. I wouldn't spend that on a watch, but would spend that on a ring or bracelet, as long as it wouldn't leave you broke, you don't need permission

You are perhaps in an ideal position to explain why someone would want a watch that cost £6k because you like owning expensive material goods but at the same time you like trudging through your fields.

why wouldn't you? I can't even understand the question.

Do you think that expensive goods should only be bought to show off in an indoor place?

Wow, how the other half lives.

What a bizarre attempt at a personal attack
Yes, very strange post from Verv. This thread is obviously touching a nerve.

@CirqueDeMorgue

Wow, how the other half lives.

Yup

I’m sleeping on a bed so old the spring pokes through in places and I desperately need a new one. My kids could also use a new bed too. But hey, it’s their money

I have a Rolex Datejust OP
I had always wanted a Rolex and 5 years ago I got one from Mappin & Webb. It was £7,200 when I got it and new, is now just under £10,000. It's been worth every penny because it's the only watch I wanted and ever will want.
DH has a few Brietlings and has never wanted a Rolex. It's up to you but if you can easily afford it, why not?!

@pleasedonttextmyman

You are perhaps in an ideal position to explain why someone would want a watch that cost £6k because you like owning expensive material goods but at the same time you like trudging through your fields.

why wouldn't you? I can't even understand the question.

Do you think that expensive goods should only be bought to show off in an indoor place?

My question to the OP was why she wanted to own the watch. My question isn't why someone would want to own the watch and also want to trudge through fields.

I love mine. I got it for my 40th. I inherited a vintage 1960s Omega which I also love. I have many other much cheaper watches as well - I just really like watches! I'm the same about handbags too. However, I can't see any value in expensive cars. Most people I know pay way more for their cars, but we drive a skip on wheels. Same with shopping at Waitrose, I wouldn't pay that money even if I was a millionaire. I like Lidl.

One of the benefits I think of having expensive watches and jewellery is that if we had it in the bank we'd always find something we needed to spend it on (we've bought a money pit/fixer upper house). That means if ever we really needed cash fast we could sell our watches etc, they hold their value and if I was to walk out of this house tomorrow with only my personal possessions I could get a few grand for my watch. I really like that security. I get to enjoy it for now and sell it when I need some money. To me it's no different than having the savings in the bank only I get to enjoy it too.

I’ve honestly never understood the point of watches, not how we have smartphones in our pockets that tell the time and just about anything else you need to know. It probably says a lot about me but I don’t think I could ever justify spending thousands on myself for any reason. Not unless it was something that benefited everyone, say driving lessons when I did those for example.

I don't get why you would want it and would not want one myself. I would think it a massive waste of money so I sympathise with your DH but there is nothing wrong with you thinking it is worth spending 6k on a watch. I hope my DH never thinks of spending 6k on a watch as I would rather he spend it on something I think of as giving more value. Basically you and your DH value different things but neither of you are wrong. (Apart from you. You are wrong because I just don't get it).

[quote m0therofdragons]@verv in no way do I think I’m “edgy” - I have an Apple Watch like most people I know. What a bizarre attempt at a personal attack. I was curious as I do love jewellery so thought maybe Rolex have a different look to a normal watch that sets them out so I googled it. Yes it was not the best use of my time but neither is reading mn threads while chilling in the garden. I’ve learned that I still don’t get the love of Rolex. Not sure why that makes you so prickly. [/quote]
2 virtually identical posts in the "I dont get it its an Argos watch, its a market stall watch" vein made me wonder why bother with the second if the first was enough to prove the "dont get it" point.
I assumed it had wandered into look at me not getting it territory which isn't beyond some personalities.

Rolex have an enduring design in various watches that is often homaged or copied by lesser brands hoping to achieve similar levels of success by mirroring the style.
The Milgauss that you screenshot was a design released in the 50s, the Datejust in the 40s.
They dont look like other watches, other watches look like them.

Are you on commission, Verv?! Some people don't appreciate fine watches, and that's ok. It doesn't affect you (or your watch).

I have learnt from Mumsnet that some people do not like other people having things that they can’t have.
Also that many people can’t understand people having different priorities to them or different values.

@GreyhoundG1rl

What a bizarre attempt at a personal attack Yes, very strange post from Verv. This thread is obviously touching a nerve.

I've spent decades inwardly rolling my eyes at people who titter and do the "teeheeheehee I dont get it tho!" routine while twirling their hair on this very subject. It does wear thin eventually.

My viewpoint may be skewed a bit by the fact that today I found out that a friend who is my age (forties) is terminally ill and another person I know more casually has died as a result of the vaccine.

So I say, if you can afford it, buy the bloody watch.

They dont look like other watches, other watches look like them.

I think this sums it up for me. I like original things. I dislike anything pretending to be something else. I’ve previously studied design and some jewellery making and there are styles I just love. But if I couldn’t afford what I wanted I wouldn’t wear a knock off. A real Timex is better than a fake Rolex is always my motto.