Should I spend my paycheck on a Rolex?

Been working at a prop trading firm think jane street/citadel/2sigma. I was wondering if I should spend my new shiny paycheck on a Rolex now? Advice appreciated and what else to buy instead.

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If you insist on blowing money on this (and don’t get me wrong, I love watches, I just wouldn’t do it at this point in your career):

First thing I would recommend is getting it pre-owned as you’ll get a much better deal. Now depends if you want an “everyday” watch, something sporty, or something more dressy, by my recommendations:

1) JLC: ultra thin moon, master perpetual as two options 2) Arnold & Son CTB (pre owned, new is crazy) 3) glashutte senator moon phase or panomatic lunar 4) IWC Portugieser 7 day (or others IWC, portofino is nice too) 5) omega (seamaster or similar) 6) if you go Rolex I like GMT, Daytona is nice too, or “hulk” 7) a bit of a curveball but Jaquet Droz Les Deux Fuseaux

I’m sure I’m missing some (AP, but not my favorite, you are getting close to VC area - those are great) but a reasonable list. Obviously personal taste plays a role, so these might not be what you enjoy.

 

I disagree. There are tons of watches you can buy between $1-5K that may (or may not) appreciate over time, while also making a statement (fashion, horology, etc.). If you are going to spend real money on a watch, you should do some research -> sometimes a starter model (like a used or new IWC pilot) can be a well-though out purchase. Also, many watch dealers will let you trade or swap watches as you get more interested and invested in certain brands over time.

You have to be careful when buying used (authenticity), but in many cases you can save a lot of money because you can avoid a mint premium (your average Hublot might be worth 60 cents on the dollar once you put it on). In the above case, you could buy a used JLC reverso for sub-$5K that will be a timeless buy.

 

Sounds like you are just beginning your journey into quality wristwatches which means pretty much only Rolex will work for you. Don’t worry that will change ;)

The comments about not blowing your first paycheck on a watch make sense, but I did the same when I stated out so who am I to tell you not to do it ;)

I’d recommend getting the Rolex yachtmaster 1 with blue dial, understated, actually possible to obtain at MSRP and a freaking awesome watch! Good luck sir!

 

Everyone here: "I wouldn't recommend getting a watch as an intern" .... But then follows up with a long paragraph on ridiculously expensive watches that a watch salesman probably couldnt top

path less traveled
 

Not sure why that’s an issue. If you don’t agree with how someone wants to spend their money but that’s what they want to do, you don’t help them? (Outside of clearly immoral/illegal/etc things). I don’t think an intern should spend that much money on a watch, but if that’s what they are going to do, then sure I’ll help them figure out what are interesting watches that might hold value (but are at least well made). I can do that while commenting that I think it is better to save that money as you get ready for graduation for moving costs/etc, that you’ll probably enjoy a trip more, that having a bit of spending money when you move is also nice, etc.

 

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