Hacker News Reader

Some people buy million dollar watches because they appreciate the craftsmanship and quality, some people buy them so you'll know just how much more valuable their time is than yours.

It's a status display in either case, given that one could adequately tell the time on a cheap digital Casio.

View on HN

Yes, but there is an interesting difference between the two w.r.t. status.

Status is generally derived from the signaling of certain values. Wealth is one such value, but in general we assign status to a combination of values. Aesthetic + Wealth = Art. Strength + endurance = Athletics. Leadership + Vision + Knowledge + Intelligence = Innovation.

For me, at least, these super expensive cars have lost all signaling value, except 'wealth'. Because of that, I would almost call it tasteless, senseless and idiotic.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com