Watch Snob: Is There A Rule For How Much To Spend?

Patek Philippe

“I have seen the noblest of men grossly under-timepieced, while some of the greatest buffoons should be summarily stripped of their Pateks.“

The Watch Snob is in.

What Percentage Of Your Salary Should You Spend?

Dear Watch Snob,I am a small business owner in my mid-20s, with huge aspirations to grow my cleaning company into a corporation, and eventually invest in other areas. As my interest in horology has recently sprung up, my question is about the cost of a watch. Is there a rule of thumb, such as a percentage of income, that may be applied since a man’s watch can possibly be a great insight into his personality and level of success?

There is no rule of thumb for percentage of income to spend on a timepiece, and I would not deign to suggest one, given the various mitigating factors that exist, from offspring to purse-string-holding wives. Every man has to set his own priorities, and, while I am a firm believer in the timepiece as a far better way to spend $10,000 than a fishing boat, it is all too evident that the majority differs. So you’re on your own for how you want to spend your tax return.

As to your point about a watch being a bellwether of a man’s personality and level of success, you clearly are new to the horological game. I have seen the noblest of men grossly under-timepieced, while some of the greatest buffoons should be summarily stripped of their Pateks. So if you’re hoping your watch will project an image of a savvy, lionhearted janitorial mogul, just remember that the watch does not make the man.

Eric Clapton’s Patek

Doc,

I would like to know how excited the world of horology is about the potential sale of Eric Clapton’s super-rare platinum-cased Patek Philippe. For most of us mere mortals, it seems a little ludicrous that a watch, even a Patek, could drive such a price. Is it perhaps the history? Why are there only two of these watches in existence? Does Patek make limited additions, or perhaps they were crafted for royalty? A little background knowledge if you would be so kind.Next Page >>