“However, the rationale behind such purchases often has less to do with utility and more to do with perceived value, scarcity, and the ability to prove provenance. When these three elements converge, they create the conditions for substantial future resale value. Which is why you often see serious money investing into things that many would consider ‘silly.’”
My lawyer (absurdly successful guy, makes more money in business than as a lawyer) likes his watches. Different watch every time I see him, heavy on the AP, Rolexes.
I like watches, too, but not as much.
He told me how his grandfather got off a boat from Germany in 1938 with the clothes on his back and his Rolex. He had traded another one to get his papers. With that watch he started a store in Galveston, fed his family, and his dad and brothers went on to be very successful.
Portable, quick, easy. Enough to start over.
Post-script: Lots of folks that would balk at spending $1K for a handbag have no problem spending it in installments, to feed a nicotine habit. What do you have to show for that?