Well put. I agree. I also think that the “quality” of added cost includes quality control. Maybe the quality itself isn’t much different, but the reliability of expected quality can be a lot higher.

Looks like you are a collector who cares about heritage of a watch! Good collection!

I think buying Seiko watches in that price range, off the official website is the best way. A lot of Seiko watches come with a huge discount on the “gray market”. Maybe check out Jomashop or such!

Just budget it in advance, so it is an expected and tolerable spending that is accounted for.

For example, for you, maybe $50 a month is fine. “Instead of doing XXX, I am putting that money aside for a watch”, or “let’s each put $50 a month to a fun/hobby account.” And, once you have enough money, you can get it. It’s clear, and each month, it’s a manageable amount. You and your wife can do it as a fun thing for both of you. Maybe she can use it for purse, jewelry, or something else.

Budgeting gives freedom, not restriction like a lot of people think. For example, if you don’t budget, you might feel bad for every time you go out and eat. But, if you already budgeted $200 for eating out, you can feel free and have fun going out as long as you stick to the budget. Same with watches, or other “fun” spending. Allow yourself that budget, and have guilt-free fun.