The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

[Newcomer]

Stitchy--I appreciate you coming across strongly, no need to apologize of course! The last thing I would ever want TWAT to be is a place where we all mindlessly agree about everything. It is the variety of opinions which makes this thread so great. I will think about my response and make one later, after I finish studying for the day

 

[in stitches]

thanks! i look forward to your response, buddy.

 

[Omega Male]

Good stuff Stitches.

Don't want to pick the scab, but think the history you've related casts some light on the reaction we had to the bit about that uber-show in the Gulf. There are different kinds of enthusiast, for pretty much anything you care to name in the "luxury" space. Some care mostly about the thing qua thing, for its innate qualities, and some care about it largely as a status signifier. There isn't a right or wrong either way -- it's just a piece of metal (or leather, or whatever) -- but I'm guessing the majority of us posting here tend toward the former motivation. The makers, of course, need to serve both of these constituencies if they can, while satisfying the usual economic imperatives like growth of market share or net margin, or whatever their own particular focus may be.

 

[in stitches]

thanks, and you make a solid point. well said.

 

[mimo]

Great posts here, and if I might chip in two penn'rth.

Firstly, one thing I love about this thread, and certain others on this Forum, is that "long posts" are not a crime. The awesomeness of this thread in particular is the easy mix of watch pr0n, debates over optimum female bottom size, and the sometimes weighty, unashamedly intellectual or specialised posts that are informative and sometimes provocative (in the positive, intelligent sense) at the same time.

Secondly, back to the subject of the original Forbes article. I actually beg to differ just a little on this point: sure, it's not a wonderful example of informed writing, but I do see some benefit in it. Just as seeing a billboard or hearing some ill-informed guys in a bar bragging, anything can get someone started with an interest in good watches: I don't really even have any, but I'm hooked on the subject somehow just because of this thread! Yes, it is rather trivialising the design and engineering achievements of all these makers to make a list of what they're supposed to "mean" socially. But in the context of a lifestyle article that seems to be a in series of light pieces about what all sorts of things mean socially, I don't see much harm.

The company and opinions of experts can be an intimidating and unfriendly place to many - cliquey, exclusive and unwelcoming. So just as it was said that manufacturers should keep offering watches at accessible prices in order to draw in more potential aficionados, so there's a place for an article like this. If I'd never heard of JLC or Panerai or whatever, or didn't even really think much about mechanical watches at all, these shallow generalisations might nevertheless tickle my interest: first, the idea that a mechanical watch is a part of good dress. Second, that buying anJLC or a Rolex would be a good way to avoid being laughed at when expressing an interest in learning more about the subject. It might be simplistic and vacuous, but at the end of the day, it's promoting the idea of mechanical watches to people who can probably afford one, but either didn't think of it, or didn't know where to start.

Watch nuts can find a hundred places to read specialist, informed reviews, or debate their likes and dislikes. But in a magazine offering business news plus some light lifestyle ideas for aspiring executives, a little light tattle is probably the right tone, and perhaps we should be happy they bothered with the subject at all. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, but when it sparks a quest for more, it's priceless. Perhaps, then, we shouldn't be looking at this as a review of watches and criticising it as such, rather thinking of it as a simple, primary-coloured billboard, that might draw in some new friends.

 

[Flake]



Let me know when y'all do another Nashvegas trip, I can easily make that trip.

Same here. Easy drive.

 

[Flake]

Came close last night on a Breguet 3137 at the Tourbillon boutique in Gustavia. Decent price for new net of VAT. Wish I had thought to grab a pic. Beautiful.

 

[in stitches]

No watch and no pic?

 

[no frills]

...... i may come of as harsh, and sorry if i did. but i think that like many things, there is more than one POV here, and i wanted to share mine.

....... sorry for the way long post.

Firstly, one thing I love about this thread, and certain others on this Forum, is that "long posts" are not a crime. The awesomeness of this thread in particular is the easy mix of watch pr0n, debates over optimum female bottom size, and the sometimes weighty, unashamedly intellectual or specialised posts that are informative and sometimes provocative (in the positive, intelligent sense) at the same time.

.... Perhaps, then, we shouldn't be looking at this as a review of watches and criticising it as such, rather thinking of it as a simple, primary-coloured billboard, that might draw in some new friends.

Good, level-headed perspective, as always.

And the fact that you can write "unashamedly intellectual" and "debated over optimum female bottom size" in the same sentence is what keeps guys like me coming back to this thread over and over again. I mean, aside from learning about watches and viewing awesome pics, of course.

 

[no frills]

As for the Double Red SD, what a stunner! Don't deny yourself...that is one hot watch!!!

I almost missed responding to this. This may well be the most overtly enabling statement you've issued for one of my prospective purchases, current collection (and speed at which I amassed them) aside. That double red SD really got to you, huh!

It may well no longer be available but just to tempt myself further and test my willpower, I'll ask my dealer again if I can take a look at it. I am afraid to put it on my wrist!

 

[mimo]

Thanks for that, Frilly, made me chuckle. I'm looking forward to pictures of your new SD. It's a natural evolution; you were bound to move on to "rare and collectible" sooner or later...

 

[DerekS]



Same here. Easy drive.

definitely! i was in your neighborhood a couple weeks ago...eating at the whole foods in mountain brook. Had some meetings there. i had never been before...hate birmingham, loved MB though.

 

[Flake]



definitely! i was in your neighborhood a couple weeks ago...eating at the whole foods in mountain brook. Had some meetings there. i had never been before...hate birmingham, loved MB though.

Great food in birmingham. And love living in mountain brook

 

[Flake]



No watch and no pic?

When it comes time to buy ill call you.

 

[DerekS]



Great food in birmingham. And love living in mountain brook

I swear...i saw this girl wearing the shortest skirt ive ever seen anyone wear in public and not in a titty bar in the whole foods parking lot. at like 2pm. I cant blame her, i would wear that too if i had legs like her. wowza. That made me love mountain brook.