The Watch

During the final stages of my Supernova run last December, I stumbled upon an item in the PokerStars VIP store that I really wanted -- a customized Tag Heuer Aquaracer Watch.

To be honest, I don't know why I wanted it.  I've never been a 'watch guy.'  The last one I owned was a flip-up Ninja Turtles watch, estimated retail value of $10.  Oh, and I was 8 years old at the time.  Considering the price tag on the Tag (113,000 VPPs, or roughly $1.9k), I didn't feel the impulse buy was +EV.  So I passed.

Come January, my watchless life went on.  I did find myself spending more time staring at the fake watches sold in various Thai marketplaces.  I used to walk right by but I couldn't do that anymore.  I even tried a few on, but I couldn't find anything that I liked as much as the Tag.  Even the few counterfeit Tags I came across didn't have the Stars logo, something that I (unlike most of my friends) was rather fond of.  Then a fellow grinder pointed out that the Tag had been discounted, by 21% -- now it would only cost me 89,000 VPPs ($1.4k).

Not necessarily a steal, but it was enough to make me think.  From a practical perspective, it didn't make sense for me to buy it.  How often would I wear it?  Rarely, almost never.  I don't need to dress up for work, I'd be a fool to wear it to the gym, and even if I chose to hit the town on a Friday/Saturday night, I'd likely leave the watch at home.  Moreover, I thought about what I could buy with $1.4k:

Two months of rent
One flight home (Roundtrip)

1400 cheeseburgers

As much as it pained me, I once again made the decision to pass on the watch.  I couldn't convince myself to spend that much money on an item that may bring a sparing amount of joy.  And then, one moment, everything changed.  I was driving my motorbike down one side of the moat (Chiang Mai has a moat surrounding the old city) and was nearly clipped by a car.  The driver had abruptly changed lanes and if I hadn't seen it/accelerated, I might not be around to type this.

Later that night, I thought to myself -- Why not allow myself to live in the moment?  Why not get that watch?  I'm healthy enough, financially, to afford it.  And it'll make me happy.  One main difference between Thai and Western culture is that in Thai culture, people don't spend nearly as much time worrying about the future.  I've seen thousands ride their motorbikes without helmets and not once have I heard a Thai say "I'm on a diet."  They eat what they want, when they want, because who knows what'll happen tomorrow.  I'm not about to go full YOLO (Example: I'm actually in a cutting phase right now), but incorporating some aspects of the 'live for now' mentality will certainly make the present time more enjoyable.  And to help me keep track of that time, I now have this.