The story was shared on X by a user named Aditya, who said the man was his friend.

“A friend of mine earns ₹32k/month,” Aditya wrote.

According to him, his friend recently bought an ₹85,000 luxury watch on EMI because his colleagues at the office were wearing premium brands.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the man later called Aditya asking for help with his house rent following an unforeseen expense.

“Yesterday he called asking if I could help him with his house rent after an unexpected expense,” Aditya wrote.

He said he helped his friend without thinking twice, but questioned the financial decision behind the expensive purchase.

“But I still don't understand one thing. Why do people buy status symbols before building financial stability?” Aditya asked.

“Nobody remembers what’s on your wrist. But you’ll definitely remember the stress of unpaid bills,” he added.

The post quickly gained attention online, triggering a debate over financial priorities, social pressure and the desire to maintain a certain lifestyle.

One user defended the decision, writing: “When you want to enter a certain circle, you need to make yourself look like you fit in. Just like this.”

Another shared a similar experience: “Yes. I have a friend who spent ₹2.5k on a stupid tattoo. And in next 6th day, phoned me up asking for ₹2k.”

A third user offered a more nuanced perspective, saying there was nothing inherently wrong with buying an expensive watch if someone could comfortably afford it.

“From a financial point of view, there is nothing wrong with buying a good watch if you can comfortably afford it,” the user wrote. “But if an ₹85k EMI purchase leaves you struggling with rent when an unexpected expense comes up, it’s a sign that savings and emergency funds should have come first.”

The user concluded: “Enjoy your money, but first make sure your basics are financially secure.”