The Watch Appreciation Thread - Part two (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre,

[McWu]

That stupid article embodies much of what I hate about the hobby.

It would be one thing if it took a "Watch Snob" satirical approach, but it does not. It's, as previously mentioned, an advertisement trying its damndest to look like a serious article. All-in-all it comes across as shallow at best, and outright "douchey" at worst.

 

[am55]

Nothing to do with whether I like BP or not (and actually I like the standard 50 Fathoms, just wouldn't spend that much on one). Even if they guy had said he was wearing an AP, Patek, or VC, they aren't something most people recognize as anything special.

Depends on your definition of special, but if I had a meeting* with someone wearing a watch from any of these makers, I'd be impressed and it would probably increase my attention to what they have to say by a good 20%. Signalling is useful, if it is genuine.

*does not apply to my time in finance.

 

[Emospence]

Hai guys. New here.

 

[mimo]

Maybe impressed is the wrong word, but of course I notice people's watches, and they tend to like it when you do. Sure, there are some who are remarkably ignorant of the trinket on their wrist, but generally speaking, people who wear fine watches are people who like watches. It's a nice ice-breaker, and a strong signal if you know.

The exception is probably Rolex, simply because it's such a strong brand: I have met several people wearing them who didn't even know what their watch was made of, or what the model was called. I guess if you have money it's the first stop and such an obvious statement of achievement.

But like you said, if I saw someone with a VC on the wrist, I'd assume they'd thought about it a bit and definitely want to mention it. It's nice to see something unusual.

Talking of which, I saw that jewelled Harry Winston/Baumgartner thing again the other night - not subtle, but still fascinating. And the week before that, I met a Panerai 507. Don't see those every day, and he seemed pretty chuffed I'd noticed.

 

[Imyouricecreamman]

Jumped on the bandwagon. i have to say the smiles per buck factor is great with this one

 

[Belligero]



[...]But like you said, if I saw someone with a VC on the wrist, I'd assume they'd thought about it a bit and definitely want to mention it.  It's nice to see something unusual[...]

Particularly in Russia, Vacheron Constantin is often chosen purely as a status symbol and wearing one doesn't necessarily imply any watch knowledge. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just how luxury goods work.

Likewise, one of my colleagues wears an ultra-slim Lange in rose gold. I asked him about it when we were out for drinks once, and although he knew it was a good watch, it was a gift from his brother and he didn't have much interest in it beyond that. It's tricky mentioning this stuff in real life, which is why I never do it unless I know the person already.

 

[NonServiam]

Yeah, I see a lovely vintage Explorer every day at work (where I'm a hired consultant), on the wrist of a guy in management. I rarely speak to him about work stuff even, and I've yet to find myself next to him at lunch. Maybe it's his fathers old watch, maybe he just bought it on a whim, or maybe he's a commited watch geek just like myself

I'll have to bait him with my old Daytona I guess, he ought to bite if the latter

 

[Belligero]

Likewise; one of the other office mates has a 1655 Explorer II. When I asked about it, he said he'd bought it sometime in the '70s, and wore it until it stopped running. After about a decade of it sitting in a drawer, he decided to take it in for a service, and was very pleasantly surprised to find out what he had. He's been wearing it daily for the past few years, and though he likes it just fine and is now aware of what he could sell it for if he wanted to, he's not particularly interested in watches.


And damn, is that Daytona ever nice. Thanks for the photo!

 

[Keith T]

Welcome, Emospence...might I ask if that's the 38mm version? Looks good on your wrist.

Excellent "bait", NS.

 

[Dino944]

Depends on your definition of special, but if I had a meeting* with someone wearing a watch from any of these makers, I'd be impressed and it would probably increase my attention to what they have to say by a good 20%. Signalling is useful, if it is genuine.

*does not apply to my time in finance.

First of all if you are reading this threat you aren't the average person, you probably have some interest in watches. My point although, not clear enough, was that average people won't notice or know what an AP, VC, PP, or BP are, so wearing one won't get you any special treatment.

I've worn watches from AP and VC and doing so, never resulted in special or preferential treatment. I never went to a restaurant and gave my name for a reservation, and had the maitre d glance at my wrist and then show my group to a table in special room for people wearing high end watches.

The whole idea in that article, that wearing a fine watch opens special doors or is like being part of a special club is nonsense!

 

[Keith T]

I typically just announce myself to the maitre d' upon arrival as "THE" Keith T.

And then I order a Big Mac

 

[Emospence]



Welcome, Emospence...might I ask if that's the 38mm version? Looks good on your wrist.

Excellent "bait", NS.

Thanks!

Nope, 35mm. 38mm I felt was too lug-prominent

 

[Keith T]

Ah. Good call

 

[Kappelan]



Particularly in Russia, Vacheron Constantin is often chosen purely as a status symbol and wearing one doesn't necessarily imply any watch knowledge. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just how luxury goods work.

I remember days when there (in Russia, Ukraine) Franck Muller was on top, then Uysse Nardin made its way to be the best choice to show the status and only truly brave people could wear Rolex ))

But this is truth about lack of watch knowledge among people in Russia sporting PP or VC.

 

[Kappelan]



^
Well of course a high-end quartz movement from Seiko is going to keep good time.

Yeah as well as regular Seiko or Citizen movements