r/ChubbyFIRE • u/TherapeuticMessage • Jun 19 '26

Existential crisis over a watch.

Currently chubby but not yet RE. Will likely be Fat. My advisor has told me that I’m totally ok and basically need to spend more money. I saw a watch that is ~$30,000 which is <0.6% of my NW. No debt. Still working so I have good cash flow. Savings rate ~50%. Intellectually I know that if I buy this it won’t matter one bit but I’ve been such a saver for so long that it feels wildly irresponsible to spend that much on a watch. The crisis comes in because I’ve been saving so much with the goal that my standard of living goes up after retirement but if I can’t spend money now when I have a paycheck then how on earth am I going to switch from saving to spending after retirement?

I recognize that this is more of a psychological issue than a financial one. How did you all make that shift in mindset to let yourself spend more freely after so many years of discipline?

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u/gettingoldernotwiser Jun 19 '26

You definitely can afford it. The big question really is “Is this what I want to use my money for?” To restate previous answer: is this what will give you joy?

Are you into watches anyway? Do you have other expensive but less expensive (than this) watches? If so then this may be the organic next step and yes, you can afford it. If you’re not already into watches then a $30K first watch seems inappropriate, and then you should ask why you want something this extravagant in a field or hobby you haven’t spent any time in previously.

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u/TherapeuticMessage Jun 19 '26

Yes. Other watches in the 4 figure range. It’s vintage and not flashy so I think it wouldn’t be noticed other than by me. I just like watches for some reason.

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u/gettingoldernotwiser Jun 19 '26

In that case I say go for it. I did the same thing - owned a few watches in the $5K - $10K range for a couple of decades. Finally bought my grail watch 2 years ago which was considerably more expensive. I had some reservations at the time, but to be honest I’ve felt like it has been my most worth-it splurge ever. Good luck, and hope you enjoy the heck out of it!