Crazy US Prices

[Welder]

The rich people I know are far too tight to spend that sort of money on Hi Fi and in general don’t seem to care about making a public display of their wealth by wearing the right watch, or driving the right car etc etc.

What I do see more and more of is people who are earning excessive amounts of money (but still having to work) trying to impress their way into a class shift with the erroneous belief that their display of “good taste”, (right car, house, lifestyle) will help.
It doesn’t work general. In England in particular, class is something you get born into and all the money you like wont make the change and in general such obvious displays of wealth and bad taste are viewed with distaste.

[synsei]

Semi-detached Barrat Home in the minor counties, 5 year old BMW 318 masquerading as an M3 parked on the drive, fake Rolex on the wrist, iPad on show whenever possible. Know the type John

[Welder]

Semi-detached Barrat Home in the minor counties, 5 year old BMW 318 masquerading as an M3 parked on the drive, fake Rolex on the wrist, iPad on show whenever possible. Know the type John

I was thinking more of a couple of financial tiers up Dave.
No problem with access to finance who tends to buy and place high value on items and a lifestyle he/she believe are indications that they are discerning people with taste going up in the world.

[Techno Commander]

Rolex, OTOH, has brand identity.

But would you want to be identified with that particular brand?

[Barry]

It's the Rolex effect. You don't buy one if you want really good timekeeping. Horribly blingy. Only for those with more money than sense.

Well I've worn a Rolex for the last 41 years! It's not 'blingy' and I wouldn't change it for the world.

[Macca]

But would you want to be identified with that particular brand?

I couldn't wear that coat. I'd get chocolate stains or ash or something on it in seconds. Besides Gangsta Pimp doesn't suit my eyes

I don't think the majority of people associate Rolex with that image anyway. It's just a widely known expensive brand and more likely to impress the rubes than a Patek Phillipe at 5 times the price. And sometimes it is necessary to impress the rubes.

Barry your Rolex is lovely but too tasteful for me

[Welder]

Reminds me of something I was told when I was kid.

Never ask a man wearing a watch anything but the time.

[Macca]

Reminds me of something I was told when I was kid.

.

Remind me again, John, you were a kid - when? The 1890s?

[Welder]

Remind me again, John, you were a kid - when? The 1890s?

Close Martin, close.
There is however some wisdom in the saying.

[Macca]

I have to say I feel uncomfortable if I am not wearing a watch. I have done so constantly since I was about six years old. I while back both of my watches were broken I still wore a broken one because it felt odd not to. I suppose it is the opposite of when you put a collar on a cat for the first time and it goes schiz for a minute or two before accepting it.