Should you save for a “Grail” purchase?
From a watch collector’s perspective, waiting to buy that expensive, distant and seemingly “perfect” item is not necessarily a good idea.
Oh, money. It created the best things in life while also making them unattainable for most people.
Unless you have a daddy who owns half a state in your country or you have some random genetical condition which makes you cry rough cut diamonds, you might be suffering from that heinous torture of having to save money for a future purchase which gives you immense excitement and joy but is fundamentally unnecessary.
Each of us have their own “thing”.
Some people want a ridiculously over-powered but very cool looking sports car. Maybe you’re into traveling and “finding yourself” in ironically expensive locations always far away from home. Or maybe you just want that damn video game console to give you that brilliant excuse for you to be a social recluse.
I call this the “Grail Obsession”.
Fundamentally, it is the search for a typically expensive and unattainable object at the moment which can’t seem to escape your mind.
This terrible disease resembles the infamous Boggart from Harry Potter because it takes a very different shape for each of us, which most of the time makes little to no sense from an outsider’s perspective. Like a high school unrequited crush, it make sense only to you and it tortures you day and night without no hope to escape.
My particular gateway drug are watches. And my biggest Grail purchase is the ever so wonderful and ever so torturing Omega Speedmaster Professional.
This watch represents one of the most important horological achievements in history as it was first model to be used on the surface of the moon. It has a timeless and elegant design while featuring my favorite mechanical complication of all time: the chronograph. Sadly, it also happens to cost a little over 7,000 USD.
So if you are like me and happen to be as broke as Hollywood’s credibility, an obvious question comes to mind:
“Should I wait and save my money to acquire that watch I really want? Or is it better to dismiss these senseless fairytales and get a cheaper alternative instead, even though it might not be my first choice?”
At first glance, this question seems to be rather tricky. You aren’t wrong.
There are plenty of arguments to be had on both sides of the spectrum.
The watch community (and brands as well, obviously) support almost unequivocally the idea that you should always wait to save up for that desired Grail. They present the argument that no single purchase will ever fill the “void” in your lusty heart. Frankly, they do have a good point here. Would you settle looking for the love of your life, after all?
But on the other hand, we happen to be living an extremely exciting situation in the watch world. Now, more than ever, we have access to fantastic offerings from multiple brands that happen to be incredibly affordable.
This prompts the question:
“Am I being reasonable with my financial situation at the moment?”
Let’s say that your Grail costs 10,000 dollars. It’s very big number but at the same time it has that “maybe-one-day” feel to it. It feels big yet somehow possible at the same time. So you might be tempted into thinking that saving for your Grail makes sense.
But if you happen to be working at a zoo picking number twos from animals while earning 240 dollars a month; then it would be fair to say your expectations do not align with your current reality.
Unless you happen to hit the lottery or an absurdly rich and unknown relative passes away and inherits you their yacht, I’m sorry to say that you ain’t seeing that 10,000 dollar watch anytime soon. It’s just not realistic.
For instance, another one of my Grail watches is this handsome boy called the Vacheron Constantin Overseas.
I know that there is nothing in the market which resembles its unique elegance and craftsmanship. But I also know that most writers won’t get to experience the luxury of being able to afford its ridiculous 35,000 dollar price tag.
My best recommendation to myself and to you fellow readers when it comes to saving for a Grail comes from the unlikeliest of places: the wise words from the contemporary philosopher and poet Shawn Corey Carter, also known as Beyonce’s husband:
“If you can’t buy it twice, you can’t afford it.”
Truth sucks, huh?
It is as simple as this, dear reader.
If you can’t afford your Grail watch solely with cash, even if you saved money constantly for over 10 years, then I’d suggest you go for a cheaper alternative.
You have to be absolutely and completely honest with yourself about your current financial capabilities.
You have to have to set a reasonable time horizon for that Grail purchase to happen as well be completely honest about your own spending and saving habits. If not, you will set up yourself for failure.
Fortunately, the world is a chaotic place which changes constantly. Who knows, maybe you’ll wake up tomorrow with your dream job secured and a hefty six figure pay check and this question is as useful as the United Nations.
Even so, I’d suggest you always follow this very useful heuristic at all times: I shall not lie to myself.
Either way, I wish you good fortune in your quest for your own Grail. Hopefully, one day it will be yours. Just remember that even if it doesn’t, you will be fine.
Like I say to myself: in the end, it’s just a watch.
Thank you for reading!
Don’t forget to leave a comment and before I forget:
Fuck Vladimir Putin.