TGIF: The Magic of a Luxury Watch - Tribe and Vibe

I've been doing a lot of pondering about watches lately. When we think about watch purchases, there are the tangible aspects of a watch--like materials, quality, and performance--and there are intangibles. Sometimes, when it comes to a luxury watch like this pre-owned Cartier Santos 100, the intangibles and the associated emotions are what matter most in a luxury watch purchasing decision.  

Cartier Santos 100 Automatic (Amazon Photo)

As I've posted on X, when the traditional Swiss watchmakers face off against upstart Asian manufacturers, they have two things that the new companies don't - vibe and tribe.  A high-end Swiss watch is a talisman of accomplishment. The feeling of satisfaction that comes from the ability to add such a tangible touchstone of success to your watch collection must be immense. Even used, this Rolex Perpetual Sea Dweller on Amazon is something special in the world of watches.

Rolex Perpetual Sea Dweller (Pre-owned) - Amazon Photo

That's a vibe you don't get from an homage. Another part of the luxury watch vibe is class. When you reach watches that only the extremely wealthy have heard of, you have likely entered a different social class. A watch like this Breguet White Gold Marine Chronograph available on Amazon exudes sophistication and old money.

Breguet Marine Chronograph (Amazon photo)

With class, accomplishment, and wealth comes tribe. The watch becomes a part of an unspoken communication between a highly successful, monied, connected class of people. An understated watch like this Ulysse-Nardin Classico is like a membership badge. Only accomplished people with knowledge and money would wear such a watch.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Automatic (Amazon photo)

People will always strive to succeed and have something to show for their efforts. They'll need to show that they are members of that successful tribe. The prestigious watch is just one small token that represents EVERYTHING. You can't buy it for $150 off Aliexpress. This combination of tribe and vibe is the magic of an ultra-luxury watch.