How much of your annual salary do you spend on watches?

[skywatch]

Watches are very bad investments for anything other than aesthetic appreciation, so I try not to spend money that isn't completely disposable income. I think to myself: "Does it cost about as much as a tank of gas or a dinner out with my wife? Then it's an easy purchase." My handful of more expensive watches didn't cost more (each) than about a week's income.

[wildpack]

...I think to myself: "Does it cost about as much as a tank of gas or a dinner out with my wife? Then it's an easy purchase."...

I think you'd best just go with "a tank of gas", as in "I'd much rather go out with my wife than buy a watch".

(I just got a Raketa 24hr, but it was a Canadian tank of gas cost. )

[TroyNVie]

I spent around 10% of my annual income on watches last year (see slide show in signature for just a few of those purchases). That being said though, (i) it was a "big" watch purchasing year that I don't plan on duplicating again for a long time, and (ii) the particular watches I bought at the prices I paid I truly believe ARE relatively good investments, especially as far as fun purchases are concerned.

[billyp7718]

Just depends on the watch. I want some that are worth more than my car, while others I want I could buy multiples of right now. Some things have to be saved for and would certainly equal more than 2 weeks worth of salary; I see nothing wrong with that - as long as you are being responsible with all of your other financial obligations, family included. I just can't seem to pull the trigger on anything new right now because I can't make up my effin' mind!! Being on WUS all the time just serves to muddy the waters even more on that point...LOL

Well said....

[BigBluefish]

My entire 'personal' budget is about 1 1/2 weeks salary per year. And that's got to cover my guns, target shooting, hunting, fishing, flashlights, knives, scotch, bourbon and watches. Which pretty much explains why I hang out in the Affordable Watches forum, rather than the Omega and Rolex forums.

Not a complaint...just married with a young son, frugal, and I like to think, selective.

One thing I've learned after 20 some odd years of collecting, randomly accumulating, using and selling some 50+ guns is that I don't have to OWN each gun that intersts me, even if I can afford to purchase it.

"'In time, you may come to find that having is not nearly as pleasurable as wanting.'" - Mr. Spock.

It did take the better part of that 20 years to get to get me to that frame of mind, though. I'm hoping to achieve that attitude with watches, but being much newer to the hobby, it's pretty tough at this stage. But my objective financial situation does a pretty good job of keeping me in line.

[Mr.Kane]

40-45%

[TGE]

This year it'll be about 2% or 1 week's salary, total. I guess I could get away with spending more, but I like saving money and dreaming about an early retirement too much.

My wife and I have been on a cash budget since we were extremely poor college students, and we've kept that up ever since. Basically we take out a set amount of cash each week and use it for our groceries, entertainment, and hobbies/goodies. This way there's no chance of going overboard - if you have money left over after necessities, you can buy fun stuff. Added benefit is there's no resentment on either side: I can buy (critical/needed/awesome) watches/straps and she can buy (ridiculous/silly/wasteful) $5 lattes and everyone's happy.

In reality I control our finances and I could spend a little more if I wanted to, but like I said I'm a big-time saver and it makes me happier to save and have an occasional special purchase than it does to buy lots of stuff. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself, because there is one watch out there I REALLY want right now

[TGE]

40-45%

Wow that's a lot. Either you make a ton of money or you don't have rent/mortgage/utilities/insurance, I guess? Either way, very cool =)

[TroyNVie]

"'In time, you may come to find that having is not nearly as pleasurable as wanting.'" - Mr. Spock.

I could not agree more!

[Mr.Kane]

Wow that's a lot. Either you make a ton of money or you don't have rent/mortgage/utilities/insurance, I guess? Either way, very cool =)

Just irresponsible my friend.