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.

Doesn’t seem a good use of money for me. But it’s your money, do what makes you happy with it.

If it’s your money, and you can afford it, crack on. It’s feck all to do with anyone else. For what it’s worth I spent a similar amount on a piece of jewellery I’d lusted after for years. It remains my favourite thing in the world, gives me so much pleasure, and I feel a million dollars every time I wear it.

Life is short - buy the watch

Not my personal choice and I think I’d feel the same if DH wanted to spend that much on a piece of jewellery. I’d rather put the money into savings and have an everyday watch that does the same job.

However if you can afford it from your own salary alone, are still paying your half of bills and have decent savings for a rainy day then it’s your money to spend as you please.

I don't think you're unreasonable for wanting to buy it, but I would consider some other brands too, especially if you'll mind that once you buy it you'll realise just how many other people wear them and how similar they all look!

Yes, I’d rather have a Patek but you’re into a whole other ball park.

Well if is a lot. And of course if your kitchen is scruffy or your house needs a new roof or you need a new car it would be daft spending that amount. If you won't miss the money why not.m

I think you're crackers, sorry.

Well it matters to you it's important to me you, buy it, my opinion doesn't matter!

I've lusted after beautiful rings so I'd probably buy some proper jewelry for that, some necklaces, rings.. Mostly to hand to dds...

If you can afford it, then why not. I’m all about being sensible, having savings etc etc but sometimes, you have to say fuck it, and treat yourself.

I’ve actually never physically tried one on! I’ve always felt a bit too intimidated to go in to a jewellers and try one on to be honest

I only had the guts when I’d met a girlfriend for lunch in London and we’d drunk a bottle of wine. 😂 The staff were lovely. Wire white gloves. Let me take photos of it on my wrist.

Honestly, it was such a let down. I have an Apple Watch now, instead, and it’s lovely.

Definitely definitely definitely see it in person, on YOUR wrist, before you buy.

Personally I think a quarter of that would be an absurd amount of money to spend on a watch, but it's your money!

Comparing it with a holiday or a car is a false comparison imo, because the cost of a non-luxury car or holiday is far, far more than a non-luxury watch. I'm not suggesting that everyone can afford £6k for a holiday or a car, but it's an extreme price for a watch, not nearly as extreme for a holiday or a car.

My arms are freckly and the black crocodile strap and silver case looked crap on me. 😆

@Halowinslet

Stealth boast alert!

Oh for goodness sake, really? I’m posting online anonymously to ask for opinions on buying a watch which costs far less than most MNers would spend on a car or family holiday, hardly a stealth boast 🙄

Get the watch. You will love it

it's an extreme price for a watch

It’s really not. Plus, a used Rolex will hold its value well and even appreciate in some cases.

Mumsnet really is another planet.

Bloody hell.

Wouldn't you be afraid of losing it?

People value different things. I'm with you on valuing nice objects / jewellery a lot.
I don't own anything anywhere near that valuable but treasure my diamond jewellery. If you've wanted this forever, it's important to you.

Many people spend 10K + on a car that nothing more useful that people's 1K second hand cars (what mine cost). Expensive cars are just status symbols of a different kind - and the expensive ones tend to destroy the environment too. If you gave me the choice between diamond earrings and a 10K car I'd go for the earrings and treasure them forever (plus pass them down).

I'm also a bit confused by people comparing it to holidays / experiences. They bring joys of different kinds - holidays last 2 weeks and go. Sometimes, the weather is terrible or the rental accommodation shabby or you're ill and end up having a terrible time. There is joy in saving up for something precious for ages and being able to get it.

I don't understand the appeal of expensive watches personally but Dh does.
He has a Rolex that he got 8 years ago.

Whilst I don't really 'get' it I do know that they retain their value and some. Dh's watch has gone up in value by a lot in those eight years.Its likely to continue doing so.

Wow I googled Rolex Datejust. It just looks like... a watch. I honestly don't get it!

I love my Rolex had it 6 years got it from my parents for a 30th it still looks as new as it did they say I got it. Classic and beautiful. Buy a watch winder for when your not wearing it.

It's up to your and if it's your money then fine. My dh bought a watch for much the same cost a few years ago and it was entirely his choice. Surely it's an investment anyway.

My DH is very into watches. He did try on some in a similar price band a couple of years ago and discovered they actually didn’t feel as special as he thought they would. He was surprised about that - so I think you should try one on first as it may be once it’s on your wrist it doesn’t feel/look how you thought it would?

If it's your personal spending money, crack on. I wouldn't, but I'm not you, so any of us saying we'd spend it on anything else is pointless! This is about whether your spouse gets to veto your individual spending. I say no unless there's a big issue you haven't mentioned like having massive debts to pay off.

Lots of people have had a big rethink during lockdown about what really makes them happy and what they want to spend their time and money on. If this is something you've always dreamed of and you've decided you don't need to hold back any longer, fair enough.

@ThatOtherPoster

If they retain their value, why buy a second-hand one?

Some are limited edition or significant due to date it was made etc. Also some models are very difficult to get hold of new, demand is much higher than supply and waiting lists can be long.