zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

This has happened a few times to me. most recently when I was in Vienna for a conference and I stopped to look at one of the new Planet Oceans on display in the window of a jewelry store while I was walking after dinner with an old friend of mine. He asked how much that watch was: "$200? $300?" When I told him the price, he asked, "And you would pay that much for a watch?"

When I pointed out the Omega GMT on my wrist, and said, "Yes I would", he asked how I could justify it. So, I put my lifestyle into perspective compared to his, which I know fairly well.

I have a 5-year old car, paid for. I don't have cable. I have dial-up internet (free from my University). I have a pay-as-you go cell phone that costs me $95 a year. I live in a small, inexpensive house with a low mortgage I will own outright in 10 years. I make a comparable salary to my friend, with benefits and a good retirement plan. I am quite happy with my lifestyle. My two luxuries that I enjoy are nice watches, and good Scotch.

My friend leases a new car every 3 years, with payments of more than $300/month (at least). He's done this for at least 10 years, and will probably indefinitely. He just likes new cars. He has full cable with high-speed internet (@ $60/month). He has a cell phone (@$60/month). Right there, that is at least $420/month (or $5040/year).

When I pointed out this by my not spending money on these "luxuries" I am able to afford several "luxury" watches/per year, his response was: "Well, you don't have children, so you have more money I guess."

Its just really not worth getting into discussions about it.