TGIF! Collars and Co Navy cotton silk polo over grey Vertx Defiance jeans. Brown Anson belt belt with silver buckle and brown Thursday President boots. Monterey Kitty Hawk blue dial watch and Scent Reserve inspired by Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille!

While visiting a local jeweler, my wife spotted a watch she absolutely loved. The sticker price was $395, but my inner WIS (Watch Idiot Savant) couldn’t resist doing a little reconnaissance first. Sure enough, I found the exact same watch online for $350. Armed with that bit of intelligence, I returned to the store and launched my opening salvo. “Is $395 your best price?” The sales associate didn’t even flinch. “Nope… I can do $340.” At that point I was already beating the online price, so I smiled and said, “Deal!” As we continued talking watches and swapping stories, a little rapport developed. While she was boxing up the watch, I casually asked, “Do you happen to offer a military discount?” “Yes, we do—and thank you for your service.” Just like that… another 10% vanished from the total. Final score: * MSRP: $395 * Negotiated price: $340 * Military discount: 10% * Final price: Just over $306 before tax. Not bad for a few minutes of friendly conversation. Watch collecting teaches patience, research, and timing. This time, all three paid off. Better yet, my wife walked away with a watch she genuinely loves, and I got the satisfaction of knowing the only thing sweeter than a new watch is getting one without paying full retail. I guess you could say this purchase was right on time