"If you care about the pieces it wears you out after a while."

I found this to be an interesting sentiment and one I am still mulling over. I agree that there are many "don't care dealers" out there but I'm not sure the buyers are to blame.

My experience is that it is hard to mix passion and profession in a buy/sell--retail type environment. The fervor that originally attracts you is also the same thing that will often keep the new dealer from being successful.

I know too many "avid enthusiasts" like myself who have crossed over to the dark side and became psuedo-dealers who no longer have the passion I still feel for fine time pieces. I see and understand the temptaion but believe my favorite hobby is too important to risk for a few bucks profit. Money is a drug and once you start buying and selling strictly for profit you will be hooked. The test for me is simple; when I look at a watch do I see art or cash? I believe this is what separates me from the dealers.

I have a few simple rules which allow me to enjoy my hobby:

1) Buy smart. (never buy new and avoid most dealers if possible)

2) I never buy anything I wouldn't wear or be willing to keep forever.

3) When selling I never price anything more than 10% over what I paid.

4) When selling be willing to accept 20% less than I paid.

Unlike a dealer my goal is to break even or come as close as possible to coninue funding my hobby. I keep records of all transactions and at the end of the year I have always recouped through trades/sales at least 95% of what I've spent. That -5% is just the cost of having fun and anyone will tell you that fun isn't free.