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.

"Part of the point of Rolex is they don’t use batteries. You are supposed to have them serviced, a bit like a car since they are mechanical though."

@DynamoKev Oops, I'm a bit embarrassed, I should have known that Rolex don't do battery operated watches. That makes sense though.

There was a Rolex watch featured on The Antiques Roadshow a while back, which was made to order for a British officer during WW2. He ordered it by mail, from a German prison, and apparently it was common for Rolex to give credit during the war, on the understanding that once the war was over the bill would be paid! So weird to think that officers held in German prisons could get watches by mail order!

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz Well, she had actually just bought it from the posh jewellery shop a short walk away - I think she was just really pleased that I noticed it and admired it. She visits that resort regularly and apparently had had her eye on the watch for months. It didn't come across that she was bragging, more that she had mixed feelings about spending that amount on it, but my reaction had chuffed her and made her feel less "guilty", in a way. She was probably in her mid sixties, she was very graceful and had a sort of genteel manner about her. She honestly didn't come across as being keen to brag about having money, she was as classy as the watch.

Life is too short ,and if you have the money and like the watch then buy it, but remember a “Rolex” isn’t going out of fashion anytime soon so don’t rush into anything .

@scully29

covid vaccines, starving children, basic hygiene for communities, I could name plenty of things that Id be thinking about if I had a random £6k. But Im no fan of watches so accept its not my world as Ive said.

@scully29 It's true that if everybody donated all their spare cash to charity, many of the world's problems could be solved. However, that doesn't mean that OP is wrong to spend her own spare cash on a luxury item that will bring her pleasure. Do you hold the view that nobody should buy luxury items with their spare cash, instead they should donate all their spare money to charity until the needs of the whole world's population have been met? Do you donate every spare penny you have to help those less fortunate than you? It's easy to point the finger at the perceived weaknesses of others, but are you really in a position to judge?

Neither of you are BU, DH also cannot see why I would spend a lot of money on a handbag.

I personally don't like watches, well I don't dislike them but I don't have an eye for them if you like.

My DH is an electrician so I'm used to the rough and ready building site look.

Personally, I never look at somebody and say to myself "oooh their watch is nice!" It's more likely to be something about their necklace, ring, shoes or bags.

I wouldn't be able to tell a Rolex on somebody from a distance.

Saying this, I love handbags and shoes. I have 3 pairs of Louboutins, a couple of Chanel handbags and the matching scarves, a Gucci carry on luggage and a very sparkly wedding ring, engagement ring and eternity set.

We live in a normal house and are normal people.
Apart from my wedding rings, the other bits are stuff I saved for, or from bonuses at work, or when I've had a promotion.

We have no children yet so when that happens, our extra money or savings will go into a pot for them or towards family holidays etc.

If you can afford the watch and have wanted it for years go for it!

@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 🙄

You really think ‘most’ people would spend that on a holiday? And that a car is comparable to a watch?

It’s your money, so you don’t need the permission of MN users to spend it. But don’t pretend it’s not a frivolity.

I 'love' the posts that we should be giving all our money to vaccines etc. If that was the case I wouldn't bother working in my stressful job to earn additional money to spend on whatever I like. I hope those suggesting that are working flat out to make more and more money to give it ALL away.

I'm not a big fan of fancy possessions, more a fan of experiences, life is to be lived, bucket lists aren't full of stuff to own

Yes I am amazed how people live and how much they have for frivialities and am also amazed at how people laugh at the idea of giving to others.

And to be fair there has been ALOT of memes about what a dick Jeff Besos is with his spending choices, along the lines of despairing state of humanity.

@Shade17

Just do it and remind him that it’s not actually that much money for a nice watch!

It might not be a lot for a Rolex, but it is a lot of money for a nice watch. My Tissot watch is nice, and cost £125 when new several years ago.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to spend £6000 on a holiday. 2 flights (Business) usually come in around £3500, good hotel for a week can be around £2000, then add on food, shopping and incidentals.

Life’s too bloody short not to have a few frivolities. The “why don’t you give it all away” route is endless, where does it stop? If the last 18 months have taught me anything it’s live for the day because you might not have tomorrow.

How unsavoury. Oh what unreasonableness.

Has she bought it yet?

Entirely your choice.
As you ask,no I wouldn't.
Also too easily broken,lost or stolen.
If it really matters to you and will make you happy go and buy it.
But please do insure it properly.

@ThatOtherPoster that’s a good point, 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

Don't be, I once walked into a jeweler and said I don't have the money and probably never will but can I try on a Patek Philippe and they were lovely asked which one I wanted to try on, did I want to try another.

If I win the lottery I'm heading straight for that Jeweler.

The watch I liked is only £6000.

6K?!??!? I think that is absolutely ludicrous but then I'd never have enough money and currently wear an £8.99 casio. I suppose if you can easily afford it it doesn't really matter but it seems absolutely insane.

It's your money, if you can afford it, and you think it's worth it, it's your choice. My partner would cause an unholy row over this, and make me feel like a selfish criminal. He'd be examining it for damage every day, so he could be proved right in his eyes that I put no value on things. Don't be a person who has "their own finances" but still can't buy what they want. You will feel resentful.

• Can you afford it?
• Will it bring you joy?

If the answer is yes to both, then buy it.

Whether he (or indeed we on this thread) think it's a ridiculous amount of money for a watch or not isn't relevant. The point is that your pot of money is yours to do as you wish with. You still cover your part of the bills etc by paying into the joint account, so although he can moan, he should appreciate that at the end of the day it's up to you.

I've just spent £370 on an Apple watch, that does pretty much everything, and I thought THAT was extravagant!!

- Will it bring you joy?

I think this is very important. A £6k watch would bring me no more joy than a £100 watch.

An ex neighbour of ours spent most of his life wanting to own a Bentley. When he retired he eventually got one, and he said it was such an anti climax and he regretted it because it never gave him the joy he thought it would. He eventualy sold it.

We got my dad a Rolex 12 years ago for a milestone birthday. He loves it and it still looks great now. I wouldn't get one for myself personally but different strokes sor different folks. Get the watch.

I don't see the point of a watch these days. It's just a status symbol

But then again, so are expensive cars so if you can afford it, why not?

Thirty years ago I bought a Cartier. Not as expensive as a Rolex, but it was a lot of money to me at the time.

I have worn it every day since. It has kept time perfectly throughout and every time I look at it, it makes me smile.

It's a one-off purchase so I would say if you can afford it easily, do it.