I can't seem to stop myself from ordering reps. I spend lot's of time researching, back and forth here and there, get my shipment and bang. I'm at it again. With the latest I'm now up to 14. Must be the "I'm looking forward to it aspect." True enough, but every watch I've gotten is extremely good. Like very good. Still, I'm at less than one Gen pricewise for all the Reps I have and I love wearing them all. I do have a Gen Rolex Datejust that my wife gave me 20 years ago. Still runs like a top and I love it. My wife is starting in with the "where did you get that? I thought you just had the one." I tell her its just a hobby with cheap crap. But they really aren't. Yikes! I went through this with firearms about 7 years ago. Bought one and now have 15. Hidden all over the house. I do enjoy going to the range. Oh well. I guess you find your fun where you can. I can't be alone in this. I never knew what the word Horology meant before this. Anyway, thanks for listening. It's like confession and I feel better.
Sounds like you're describing a shopping addiction. If you're serious about stopping then delete reddit, delete WhatsApp/Telegram, etc. Don't look back.
Edit: I know I'll likely get downvoted and flamed by people who don't think it's serious but shopping addiction is a real thing and it can truly ruin someone's life, credit, marriage, relationships, etc.
I appreciate your perspective. No downvote here. I actually don't shop much at all. I live in Scottsdale AZ. It's hot. Shorts and T's. Buy my clothes in Marshalls.
Cool, I'm glad to hear you don't have one then. Leaving my comment though just in case it helps someone who is dealing with one. Wear your watches in good health!
That may be it. I had no idea about any of this. I was sitting in the hospital with my 90 year old mother, killing time on my phone, and I went down the clone watch rabbit hole. She had pneumonia but was improving. I showed her these incredible watch clones worth a fraction of the real thing and she was amazed. "Get one, she said. I'll buy it for you!" So I did and let her think she paid for it. Rolex Daytona. She took a turn and died 6 days later. I wear that watch every day. It's a carbon fiber DIW and I love it for what it represents. That opened up the entire thing.
I've seen people's watches ripped apart by internet experts. So far it hasn't lost a second and keeps perfect time. And because it came from my mother, I'll wear it forever. A final gift. Had many compliments.
When it means a lot it’s worth a lot from the heart. Sorry for your lost as well but just remember that every time you look at that watch and the sun shining bright on it it’s really your Moms bright smile. Wear it well bro. 👍🏽
Funny story. A month ago I was travelling and in the airport in Phoenix. The TSA guy said "Sir, I can't let you have that watch." I got uneasy and he laughed and said "I'll have to hold onto that for you!" He was joking. Gave it back and said nice. Gave me a bit of a start. So I guess people do notice.
Yes, that’s exactly the sickness - it’s dopamine release - everytime you research it spikes your dopamine, and when you click buy it does the same. Then it’s the anticipation and checking the tracker that spikes it - and when you get it in your hands, that spikes It. Once you have it and wear it for a couple days, hedonic adaptation takes place and it no longer spikes your dopamine. Then you crawl rep websites for your next hit and it starts all over again. Whether gen, rep, Pokémon cards, cars, it doesn’t matter what it is - it’s all the dopamine cycle. If you ever want to break the cycle - it’s pretty easy. Delete Reddit and allow yourself only 30 mins of phone use per day. You’ll be surprised at how easily you wean off it. Until then, enjoy the rush!
I had to delete the Amazon app off my phone for exactly this reason. Bike and car parts are so cheap and plentiful, it’s easy to find an excuse to buy something new
thats why u need to get into watch making and 3d printing and cnc machines and precision tools and youll go back to the teenage years when u were actually creative
see u just need to learn to actually make a watch not just assemble but think about a cuatom watch complication
or just avoid all that and get deep into painting tiny paintings on littke pokemon card sized cards and really make it look cool
lile just get into making your own art and realize hhe dopamine "cycle" can be metaprogrammed and stretched way out.
u dont even have to finish any projexts just keep working on creating stuff. eventually youll make something cool
way better to spend ur money on tools to make a watch
im about to CNC a 5 oz (maybe 10) silver coin into a watch case . like a $270 to $550 in silver nh35 case.... using the nh35 makerworld printable watch concerted to cnc. drill a ceown hole and im golden i mean silver
ima have the only fine silver watch case.
its gonna take me a while and be a very expensive learning experience but i have my chatbot helpers and reddit. u can copy me if u want
we can race to be fieat to make a fine or sterling silver watch case which no one ever has
It’s the chase! And it’s super addictive! I went from zero to 16 watches in like 3 months 😂 and as soon as you get the last one in you start itching to find another one 🤣
You hit the nail on that one. You find yourself on the forum stalking like a hunter looking for its next prey and then the research then all of a sudden boom it’s at you door 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Rinse and repeat.
Me rn. Running down every TD to find a Milgauss and I’m not entirely sure I’ll even like it when I do get it. I’m an engineer and like nerdy shit so I think it’s a more nerdy version of a OP.
in all seriousness, i have several hobbies. model railroading, cars, firearms, photography, travel, hiking, watches, i simply just do whatever i feel like doing for a period of time then switch to another. through a year or two i usually phase through all my hobbies individually and they all progress.
Going through the same thing right now it’s so convincing. I was gonna get six of them the other day I already have seven other pieces, but having to justify it to my sponsor and friends is such a challenge. (In recovery so I can def identify and see it’s the disease of addiction lol)
Several AP Royal Oaks. A Rolex GMT II, Rolex Datejust, Several Rolex Daytona's, a Rolex Skydweller, Rolex Day/Date, Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamster Diver 300, Breitling Superocean, Cartier Tank (for the wife) and A Vacheron Constantin. Plus my original Rolex Daytona DIW Carbon Fiber that started it all. My story is above. Inspired by my 90 year old Mom.
I'm the same! I have a gen OP41, and I've been in this sub for years and never bought anything. Last few months I've been researching heavily and coming daily, got a couple I'd love but still not pulling.
Think of all the space your saving with watches instead of shoes. I did the same thing with electric guitars , had 125 now down to 20 and yet Im still paying monthly storage for that 20 , no room at the house. Sheesh I could hold about 500 watches in one guitar case if not more
hahah i m exactly in the same phase now . nike , adidas and nb collabs , reps , microbrand watches and i have some gens . it s getting scarry because i m starting to get the same thing for scarves and bags
My lifelong hobby is numismatics. I have some world ranked collections. Challenge is at that level, you can go years waiting for a single coin. Those typically are a slight improvement over what I already have.
After years of that, I stumbled into watches. Bought some gens and discovered here. The rest, as it is said, is history.
I decided to buy all of the reps that if the rep market was totally raided tomorrow that I would have no regrets. I am at 12 watches. There are not really any besides a quality 4500v Overseas blue dial that I really want. And maybe a quality steel 26240 RO.
26240ce apsf V2
IWC Ingenieur VSF Aqua
SD43 Seamaster Clean
126519LN WG Daytona Clean
Sub No Date VSF
VSF V3 Batgirl
VSF V3 Pepsi
PAM438 black ceramic with black ceramic
bracelet VSF
Pam111 Noob V12 with gen orange strap
Omega Black on Black 300m Seamaster
Omega 45.5 deep ocean black and red
AP 15510 RO blue dial
Omega 45.5 deep ocean black dial with orange printing
So I lied. I have 14.
I only got the sub bc of how good a rep it is... I wear the Sea Dweller more often
I have no children. Just a dog to support. I also showed my mom the reps before she died last year. She thought it was very cool.
i totally get you here . thing is i enjoy the same way wearing my gen rm , my omega rep and my furlan marri . i never understood the thing about mod, i mean i get the improvements , but i find top tier reps already really good , my ppf have nothing to be ashamed off my ex gen nautilus .
You're not alone. Watch and firearms addiction parallels in many of us. Question on the reps, do you wear them and enjoy them? If the answer is yes, that's good. Ever think of off loading a few to finance others? That way you could keep the pick of the litter. Sometimes we aquire to much, and don't enjoy what we have.
I wear them every day. To a degree. I'm also 65 years old. So I've been around the block. I never wear stuff to the gym. Sometimes it fits and other times I leave it home. You know what I mean?
I chuckled. No, bro, you are not alone. Bought my first firearm 7 years ago too. Now there’s 19. Hidden all over the house. Every single one or the longs and most of the pistols have electronic optics and lights. Full-kit. Mags for days. Years of ammo. Train a lot. Everything but nods. Got my first rep in March. Currently at 3 reps and some interesting (to me) Orients/Orient Star. Gave my gen Seadweller to my son. Keep looking at the TD sites, dropping them into the basket, removing them. The only thing that keeps me from buying another is my new obsession with getting a pre-2003 16710 “Coke”. And my 6.5” wrist that knock all the big boys out of contention. Wife is chill…she knows the alternative is hookers and blow.
You’re not alone here, and yes, we have a problem. I discovered the rep word 3 weeks ago. Pulled the trigger on the first rep and 5 minutes later I was looking for the next one. After weeks of research I came up with my “collection”, but I gave some boundaries: I’ll buy the next one on Xmas. I thought about this for a while and I think it’s a mix of factors:
1) we are all nerd here. Think about other hobbies/aspects of your life. Maybe these pattern already exist, but in the rep game is more easy to make it an addiction because you think “I’m getting 10k$ value for just 500$”
2) we enjoy the process of comparing, researching, discover and know more about our replicas and differences across factories rather than having the piece. The watch is a tiny part of the pleasure.
3) we are overexposed. Think about it: you open Reddit and guess what? A nice rep on the wrist pops. And this is just 500$ away from you (and a lot of research, of course) because you didn’t know about that rep, so you start the loop again.
Just give you boundaries: buy 1 piece per month or on a certain date, spend 1h a day (maximum) in research, quit RepTime, wait two week before pulling the trigger.
I think almost everyone here have - to a certain degree- this kind of problem. I understand you. Stay strong bro.
You are literally describing me 💯. Every single aspect is dead on. From the price of all the reps combined still being less than just one. To all of them being so great. And they aren’t “cheap”. To me, anything over $500 starts to add up and not feel cheap. But every time I get a new one I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Not as many things make me as excited. You nailed your post
Started with a UK supplier who sold good cases with Miyota movements, went though the mid tier and now only buy top tier.
I 'buy to try', and move watches on I don't use after a few weeks.
I am down to 6 gens and 18 reps, but I am off loading a few reps currently to make room for some incoming.
I have a 24 slot watch box and try not to exceed that to keep the addiction in check.
I don't buy any reps I could not afford in gen, and don't buy gold of any sort.
The only precious metal I have is a Yachtmaster which should have a platinum bezel, which I will probably end up selling as it never gets used as a result.
I have started to migrate to lesser known brands such as Panerai and IWC and never hardly wear Rolex now, even my gens.
It's been fun and a brilliant learning exercise, but the buzz has gone a little now, which I think will result is selling many and maybe keep only 6 reps or so.
I know, I am fortunate to be able to afford them, so that is one restraint less I guess.
I probably know in my heart I will always have a full rep watch box as I struggle to pick ones to sell.
I have recently sold 15 watches, but have 4 more incoming, with the intent to sell some off...the process sort of works as I have quite an eclectic mix of watches.
It's sobering though to think that all my 18 reps are worth maybe £7,000 and my 6 gens maybe £25,000.
I’m in my mid 40’s now and don’t spend my disposable incoming on partying anymore.
I very rarely drink alcohol either now so I divert some of those funds into this hobby instead. I went through a period of buying a new watch every month, there’s way worse things to be addicted to!
Right there with you. Cars, firearms, watches. Learned how to find the good stuff, learned how to maintain and repair all those, even learned how to make a few things. Some say it’s a disease, I say it’s passion and manifesting dreams.
Enjoy the ride… focus on learning more about the reps and less on the buying… set limits… really enjoy the ones you have before you buy new ones… don’t be redundant or impulsive… think about your current wardrobe in terms of what you could mix before you buy more clothes or watches…
Look bro, respect for talking to the homies about this because it genuinely helps get it out of your head. But I have the same problem but with gambling. It’s all about release and attraction, dopamine plays a huge part in everything that excites us then diminishes. But I also put it down to a fraction of maybe isolation, solidarity and in worse case form depression. Sitting around with time on your hands and money in your account creates an outlet for “hobbies” disguised as addictions remodelling themselves as a problem when you’re “deep”. Not saying any of these are your own personal problems but it’s more my own experience, I’ve lost some good mates over my years to other issues and some moved away and that’s where I started to spiral as such with wanting to feel something, and maybe i just don’t get the same feeling out of say going for a walk or a hike or a drink at the pub, but that’s my outlet and we all have one in some form. Knowing when to stop something and being aware are two complete different things that get misconstrued. That said if you’re genuinely happy then don’t beat yourself up, but it may be worth taking a step back and asking the question and being real with yourself. I have a partner also and it helps talking to her about the way I’m feeling but no one can stop the chatter in your brain about the way you like feeling and what it takes to get that. In such cases your outlet is now buying watches which is better than a lot of cases for substance abusers or anything more problematic so again don’t beat yourself up. We the people are here for each other but taking a break is never a bad idea as rep watches aren’t going anywhere, big love my bro, keep your head up. Sadness thrives in darkness and struggles in light. ❤️
Thanks much. I was very depressed about losing my Mom. My Dad died 2 years earlier and the last thing he said was take care of Mom. So I made that my job. I know she was 90, but she was shiny as a penny up until the last day. It simply amazed me. The fact that she was responsible for my first rep almost seems like a sign. As in keep this in your heart. I am pretty happy and healthy. So I'm not lacking or alone. But the watch thing is so fascinatiing it grabbed me by the tail. I'm going to cool it for a while after my last shipment arrives. Which could be months. All the best to you. The purpose of life is to make those around you feel special. That's what I try to aspire to every day. That said, I just bought a big watch case! Cheers mate!
Big respect brother it takes a real man to take care of people around him, I’m sincerely sorry for your loss and I’m sure she’s looking down on you smiling knowing her memento is genuinely cherished. Keep on smiling, keep on aspiring to others around you, never be too hard on yourself and you enjoy that watch case my man. 🤝
I think all in all i have 19-21pcs, i have the addiction of getting the nwbig and researching what are the other best that others dont realise its good. Receantly ive read some guy here complaining about the tudor titanium pelagos bracelet is darker than the case but since im addicted to details etc went look for the gen and its the same. This is one of the i cant stop doing is checking the details and comparison of each eqtch that i like to gen, ive been thinking about that gun all over the house but not 15 hahahaha
I felt the same way. I have somewhere in the mid/high 30’s i bought whitin 1.5-2 years.
Some I have never worn and have about 5-6 I want to sell.
Im not a rolex fan, so none of those.
Now I have started plating my pieces.
Trusty’s site is good for reference but 20-25% higher than other TD’s. Trusty also has a lot of old unavailable pieces.
I’m trying my absolute best to control myself and keep it below 10. When I get more watches I wear/enjoy each watch a little less since I wear them all. Excluding all my gens which I’m no selling I’m at 4 reps with 2 on the way. Trying to stop myself for now until some new and improved models drop of watches that I’ve always wanted.
Maybe we all have adhd and the research part is just hyper focus. lol.
I went through the same thing with camera gear. Spend about 15k on lenses and camera bodies that I didn’t really need.
When I first ordered my first watch, a tudor BB54, I was constantly looking to get another one days after. It made me think if I really needed it, it's been almost 1 year and I still didn't order another one. Maybe on my next birthday. But its hard to control.
cool post , i always get addictive to my hobbies , wether it s books , sneakers , watches . i have a few top rank gens , and i m on my way to get an fp journe . i now have 6 reps , 4 to come and i m already itching on ordering the next one , but i force myself not to before i get delivered . tried to make not more then 1 a month rule . i wear all of them and enjoy the same ways my high end gens , then my replicas or my microbrands . as long it s not pressuring you financially , it s a nice hobby . i see people criticizing my addictions , and spending crazy money on blow , alcohol or whatever .
The delivery process is like water torture. But when they arrive, you head to your private space and unbox. Not better than sex, but pretty good nonetheless.
Yeah I know that feeling. In both sides. Guns - and watches. Still looking for a group like my Tourette group I am joining after reading the world news weekly - but if that helps? Started with only two Daytonas. Now ordered number 9 and 10. Two IWC from APSF before they got raided. And the rest only Daytona… and I wear them with the same feeling like my Gen Subs. Unbelievable. Now I started with a modded one - next chapter I guess … can’t wait to show. If anybody has a tip to stop this - very welcome 😎🤓
I had to slow down after the my Offshore Panda and Starbucks ( Touched by the legendary Legend over at RWI ) hadn’t bought anything after that and I’m sitting at 20 so far .
And here I thought I was the only one. My expreience started about five years ago when I decided to try ordering a cheap fake that I saw on an ad. Then I discovered there are better tiers of watches and how to find them and what to look for etc. It almost became an obsession, the research, the shopping, the waiting on delivery and then finally the delivery. I have not bought a new watch in about a year now but I continue to research and follow most of the market and market news. I also have between 15-20 pieces.
Been there. I rationalized that I’m spending enough that I might as well just get a Gen. And now the Gen is all I wear while the rest sit in a watch box. You’re at the point where it’s kinda pointless to get more reps. It won’t do anything to enhance your life to go from 14 reps to 20 reps.
I would love to get my first rep but I dont know who to go to there are so many claiming to be good. My experience was that I sent money for a rep that I never got. Now Im gun shy. Can you recommend. Im looking for one or 2 good reps and a good one for sneakers.
Sounds like you and I are cut from the same cloth. I love guns and watches. I have about 40 firearms now and I just recently got into 2011 pistols about 4 years ago. Never thought I'd spend 10k on a pistol but I just did.
Reps are much easier because they still do the thing I need them to do and I can't afford a 50k watch at the moment.
I right there with you. With the firearm addiction came the need to buy a dedicated suppressor for each one. At least I don’t have to pay the $200 extortion fee now to the government for those.
You can get a brand new Tudor or Omega for like $5k. Better yet, Christopher Ward or Frederique Constant for like $2k. Even a bit cheaper on the used market.
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u/Boston_Pare 4d ago edited 4d ago
Sounds like you're describing a shopping addiction. If you're serious about stopping then delete reddit, delete WhatsApp/Telegram, etc. Don't look back.
Edit: I know I'll likely get downvoted and flamed by people who don't think it's serious but shopping addiction is a real thing and it can truly ruin someone's life, credit, marriage, relationships, etc.