The Breitling Watch Source Forums
https://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/

Flight to Europe got me thinking
https://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=33527
Page 1 of 1

Author:  czar [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Flight to Europe got me thinking

Was booking flight to Paris in November and was pricing difference between coach and business class. Coach was about $900, business about $4000. So was thinking about it and then realized that all the times I have difficulty rationalizing a $3k or $4k Breitling (or some other watch), here I am debating over whether it's worth $3k for 15 hours of extra comfort. The watch will last a lot longer, and I'll get a lot more out of it, so I've now gotten my justification.

But it made me think, what would you give up for a watch? Maybe not all in one shot (e.g., small things that would add up over time), but what would you be willing to forego for a new, or gently used, watch?

Author:  nr123 [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 2:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

The watch you get to keep - the 15 hours of comfort you'll spend about 60% of that time asleep, and then once you get off the plane it's all over.

Author:  czar [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 3:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Flight to Europe got me thinking

nr123 wrote:
The watch you get to keep - the 15 hours of comfort you'll spend about 60% of that time asleep, and then once you get off the plane it's all over.


I agree with you. What struck me was that I do fly business class or first class sometimes depending on cost and flight time. When I flew to Shanghai last April, I was certain I at least wanted to go business. Anyway, it's usually a few $k difference but I figure it's worth it if I arrive in a better state. But I hem and haw over the price of a new watch that amounts to the same cost as my ticket. Just never thought of it that way before today.

Looking forward to spending Thankgiving in France this year. And, I compromised. Coach on the way there, business on way back. $1100. Not bad. That leaves $3k for my Montbrillant Olympus. Almost there...

Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 4:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

I think that this comes down to more than just watches, it's just individual priorities. I spend well over 5 hours a day commuting in order to be able to enjoy the lifestyle that I have and to 'future proof' my financial security Many people would think that I was crazy, but it works for me. I would never consider flying business / first class because the cost of what is a 'consumable' doesn't make sense to me.

In terms of pure financial costs I only use discretionary income for watches so I don't really feel that I am sacrificing anything, just choosing the hobbies to invest time and money in.

Author:  mboverst [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

Ha, I was also thinking about this recently. I was sitting there going back and forth with a seller over $50...two hours later the first round I purchased for some friends at a bar was twice that and I didn't blink an eye.

Author:  czar [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Flight to Europe got me thinking

Roffensian wrote:
I would never consider flying business / first class because the cost of what is a 'consumable' doesn't make sense


I used to commute from PB to NYC every week for a year, so I had elite status - got "fat.". Lost it a couple tears ago. Although I flew fc to shanghai on miles and had to fly coach back and that was a loooong flight.

Anyway, I also use my DI for my watches, too. I guess that's the tough part - figuring out what (or what not!) to do with it.

Author:  rockmastermike [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

mboverst wrote:
Ha, I was also thinking about this recently. I was sitting there going back and forth with a seller over $50...two hours later the first round I purchased for some friends at a bar was twice that and I didn't blink an eye.

This - it's all about perspective. good way of putting it.

Author:  jlee5050 [ Sun Sep 18, 2011 10:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

rockmastermike wrote:
mboverst wrote:
Ha, I was also thinking about this recently. I was sitting there going back and forth with a seller over $50...two hours later the first round I purchased for some friends at a bar was twice that and I didn't blink an eye.

This - it's all about perspective. good way of putting it.


oh boy... if I imagined all of the money I spent on alcohol from my early 20's until now...

gees... :lol:

I don't drink as much now as I did before that's the good part... :D

Author:  F14D_Tomcat [ Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

Like it's been said, it's personal priorities.

I think that business, and mainly first, is a rip off. For what? Some silverware and china, sleepers or a choice between two menus? That's from where the airlines are making their money. With that kinda money I would prefer to buy a Marquis card and fly private.

A good solution that works for me is to buy coach and upgrade to business with miles earned but on long haul flights only, for three hours or less of flying time I don't think it's worth the miles spent.

Author:  Endless [ Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

From what I have seen here, mostly corporate people fly first class where they can expense it. Here at my firm, any trip over 5 hours is automatically upgraded to first class and I hear this is very typical for any finance related company.

Author:  mboverst [ Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Flight to Europe got me thinking

My rule of thumb is if it's a 3+ hours flight time to at least give it the old college try for an upgrade. Otherwise I usually just try for the American 500 mile purchase upgrades, or the cash upgrade at check-in (if the flights not full). I do book first class many times, on the rare occasion I remember to book in advance, on free tickets where it's only 12,500-25,000 more miles.

The only time I'm really wiling to splurge and pay full boat is if it's a big yearly vacation with the better half and a longer flight. IMO if it's less than 3 hours then it's not really worth it.

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 8 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
https://www.phpbb.com/