Job Discussion Forums

[Apsara]

I like to have things, but would never spend more than about 10,000 yen on a watch, shoes, clothes, anything like that. I'm a bit different I guess- I'm pretty frugal and I have always thought expensive weddings, jewellery, brand name bags etc are a complete waste of money. The most expensive thing I own by a long shot is this computer I am typing on, and I need it for work.

If I absolutely had $5000 or similar to spare I would give it to charity before I bought anything I could wear with it. I'm not judging other people but I can't wear an expensive watch or carry an expensive bag after travelling in 3rd world countries a lot- it would feel immoral to me personally.

You're right about not wearing expensive watches in S. Am- my mother was wearing small gold earrings when she crossed the border into Peru a couple of years ago and she had them ripped out of her ears.

[markle]

[Wintermute]

I can see why people shell out for expensive watches. My girlfriend bought me a 30000yen watch for my birthday last year and it's a beautiful piece of machinery. Not quite in the league of an Omega or Tag (and in a different galaxy compared to a Rolex) but you can feel the quality over something like a 5000yen G-Shock. It depends on what you like though. While I would feel uncomfortable spending over a $1000 on a watch I wouldn't blink when it comes to a DSLR camera - different strokes for different folks I guess.

[AndyH]

I've got no problem with people spending $$$ on fine watches. i've got six or seven, three of which happen to be nice Swiss-made. And, i've been able to travel, work, and live in 25 countries, and I'm NOT rich. I make up for it by driving cars with almost 200,000 miles on the odometer (a VW vanagon and a Volvo wagon), and not being a slave to fashion.

And as far as my conscience goes, after having served two tours in the Middle East, volunteered at a home for torture survivors, and worked with the UN in El Salvador, I've got no problem sleeping at night or looking myself in the mirror in the morning....

[gaijinalways]

Actually, I haven't wanted an expensive watch since I was a kid. Why, you may ask? I'm hard on them.

I knocked the winder stem off a Timex in my teens playing street hockey (and no, it didn't keep ticking), and later damaged an Omega diving watch that my father gave to me (swimming, what else). After paying nearly 150 dollars to have it fixed (and this back in '78 dollars), I pass on that. I can always ask someone the time.

[AndyH]

^ Good reason not to waste money!!
(In my experience, Timex watches were always crap. I've owned two, and neither lasted more than a month).
For inexpensive watches, I've always liked Casio and Fossil.

[markle]

While we are talking watches I have to say the best watch I've had is my current one. Not the most expensive, I paid 8,000 yen for it second hand, it was in mint condition, just no warranty. It's a Casio G shock which means it's bulky, I don't like it but no big deal. On the up side it is waterproof which means I don't have to take it off swimming, showering, onsening, and it's solar so I don't have to change the battery ever.

[gaijinalways]

[markle]

[SeasonedVet]

To the OP I never noticed that.
I'll check it out.

As for me I haven't worn a watch in years. I just use my cell phone.

I always say that if I was ever rich I wouldn't want a benz or Ferrari or BMW. I would drive a Toyota or Nissan.
What's the reason for buying a very expensive car just because you're rich? Because you can afford it? or just a status symbol?
If I were rich I wouldn't need an expensive car to "show" people I am rich. I would already know that I am rich and I wouldn't feel the need to show anyone.

Same as with the watch. Don't need to spend 1 mill on a watch just so you could know that I am rich. I could just buy 2 good watches at 30 000 yen a piece and be satisfied. But that's just me.

[southofreality]

[markle]

Well I used to think that Benz drivers were all w ankers, then I had a job in a car park that required moving the cas around. I gotta say that the Benzes especially the older models were always sweet to drive and park. Now I look at the driver to determine if they are a tosser, not the fact that they drive a Benz. If you drive a Hummer on the other hand... instant tool.

[gaijinalways]

Certainly there are people that appreciate driving a well designed vehicle. My father drove an older Mercedes at one time, said it was one of the most comfortable cars to drive. That being said, he ditched it later when the repair bills started rising rapidly, and went back to driving Fords.

[quote]Some people might appreciate a certain type of car more than others. If it happens to be an expensive type, well...
I'm pretty cynical and guess that too many people with money keep expensive cars as status symbols, but I'm sure there are plenty who buy such cars because they truly feel pleasure by owning and driving them. Of course, there is such a concept as ridiculously expensive (still subjective, though) and it applies to cars, watches, at least one of my ex-girlfriends...[/quote]

Was she expensive ?

Seriously though, many people drive things they really can't justify (like the guy living in the city with a Ferrari, how often will he get to open it up)? At the moment, I'm happy with whatever we rent as long as I can squeeze my 198.3 cm frame in.

[SeasonedVet]

It is true that some buy expensive stuff like the watches and cars to 'show off" or to "get attention" or simply to "belong" whether they be rich or not.
The point I was making is that's not me.
On the othe hand, the truly rich (which has changed reently by the way, being a millionaire is no longer truly rich) in some cases must buy stuff like that to use up some of the money they have or just that they are truly rich and that is their real lifestyle.

However there are exceptions. I saw a story about a rich guy in America ( I forget which state) who has ONE pair of shoes and a BICYCLE and a small house. WHY?
he gives all his money away to help sick people and the underprivileged. he has some kind of a company that makes millions but he gives it ALL away except enough to eat and pay bills I guess.
he rides a bicycle everyday. he started doing this when he was younger I believe and now he is old.
He said that that's what he thinks he should do with his money.

[Yawarakaijin]

It was explained to me once that for the average tokyoite an expensive car isnt really a realistic option. So how do they show off their status? What better way to catch the eye of that hottie on the subway than with a 5,000$ watch. Makes sense to me.