My Sir/Madam, what a nice watch

[shedlock2000]

I have rarely been complimented (or even commented) on my watch, so i was just wondering.

When we admire others watches, then strike up conversation, what is the best way to open the watch conversation?.......'Nice watch.' seems so feeble and boystrus.

What have all you TRF's said to open the conversation without appearing condisending, rude or over bearing?

[Jedi]

Well, Steve, I am very often guilty when it comes to asking total strangers about their watch. Usually a mention of the brand or model (if known) and a compliment is sufficient to get the ball rolling.

Eg. "Excuse me but that's an interesting Submariner on your wrist," or "I couldn't help but admire the watch you're wearing..."

[f16570]

It all depends on the situation, I would not approach a total stranger and comment.

[Porsche]

Hmmm, maybe...

"nice GMT, is it a 3185 or 3186, have you tried the wiggle test???"

If they look at you like you came from the moon, obviously not a WIS, ha ha

[Gil F.]

I've complimented a colleague before on a nice Omega. I just said, "I like your watch ... looks like an Omega ..." He was pleased and told the story about its purchase.

[marshallr47]

If you run into someone that enjoys watches like we do then I think a great conversation is inevitable however, if not a WIS, you probably won't get much. Just the chances you have to take.

[frostie]

I was complimented twice but i was feeling uncomfortable

[SUPERDOC]

I have had some great conversations, but never with a total out of the blue stranger...often sales people ...My wife thinks I bought my Audi because the manager there had a GMTc...I also think that he knocked a bit more off the price because of that.

But one time, we were at an art Gallery, and the Curator had a great looking Sub LV...I happened to have My Bluesy... So I commented on how great the LV looks in person, and how I had not seen one in the wild...he looked at mine and said ..."oooh you have the same one but with gold in it."

I went on to explain to him what his model actually was, and pointed out the maxi-dial, and the significance of the LV.
And then I demanded that he relinquish his watch, as he was clearly not worthy of wearing it....

It amazes me how people could spend that much on a watch and not have a passion for it...but they do walk among us..(or, more accurately, we walk among them)

[Dan Pierce]

When traveling I typically wear my GMT and bring along an issue of Watchtime magazine to read during the flight. This week the guy across the isle said every time I turned the page he saw a great looking watch then found out it was because it was a magazine dedicated to fine Swiss timepieces. I showed him watches selling for $250,00.00 and he said "well, the watch you're wearin' ain't cheap either".
Watchtime magazine gets more comments than my GMT!
dP

[SLS]

I have made a few comments in the past and they were usally met with on odd stare, so I no longer do it. Though I do have an exception, if I see vintage Sub, GMT or Exp I always ask if they want to sell it...no luck yet!
~Scott

[Dan Pierce]

Running thru airports on a constant basis I see every watch brand known to man. When I have the opportunity I'll comment on someones watch and typically get a polite thanks in return.
dP

[vh_bu98]

I rarely make a comment to a complete stranger. Usually it has to be an interesting piece or I'm bored.

[TheDude]

I was waiting for my coffee at Starbucks a few weeks ago, and another guy waiting for coffee had a really nice Hublot Big Bang on. I had my IIc on. I was on the fence about commenting, but eventually decided to say something. I think I said, "nice Hublot". He thanked me, but was kind of a prick about it. Didn't spark any conversation at all.

[TimeOnHand]

I fly with different people on the Flight Deck almost every time I go to work. Some pilots will have a really nice watch on... Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Panerai's etc...

I will usually start out by saying something like this...

"Hey that's a really nice watch, you had it long?"

and that usually starts up the conversation.

[Dan Pierce]

Kevin,
Always great to see a GMT hard at work in it's natural habitat.
dP

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by cx007

I fly with different people on the Flight Deck almost every time I go to work. Some pilots will have a really nice watch on... Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Panerai's etc...

I will usually start out by saying something like this...

"Hey that's a really nice watch, you had it long?"

and that usually starts up the conversation.

That's a great pic, Kevin!! How long have you been with Cathay Pacific?

My daughter worked with them from 1994 to 1998 as a Flight Attendant. That's how the wifey and I got to visit HKG on so many occasions!!

[entropydave]

I was in the bakers' last weekend with one of my obys and noticed the elderly genteman's watch standing next to me " Nice Daytona you got there!" - he seems pleasantly pleased and showed me is lovely 18k Daytona - boy - such a big and heavy watch compared to my already quite heavy AK!
I don't think he was embarrassed...just surprised I spotted it

[tphan]

While vacationing in Ft. Myers I complimented a gent wearing a ss blk Daytona. His exact respond was " Thank you very much, not too many people know what it is".

I believed the compliment made his day...

[SUPERDOC]

from a personal perspective...I like it when people comment my watches...

If that person is also wearing a swiss timepiece, I like it more. It will always result in a bit of a conversation, and some eye rolling from my wife
When the person is wearing a cheaper watch and is gushing...I feel a little awkward, and sometimes guilty.

It's nice when they recognize the Rolexes....but I really like it when they notice the Omegas or the Breitling, or the Pam...

I find that people comment on the pam and Breitling most...but only to say 'wow big watch!' or 'neat looking watch'. wihout really showing appreciation for what they are...

[Numismatist]

I always like it; however, I hate the 'is it real?' follow up you get from non-WISs

[ramz7887]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

I always like it; however, I hate the 'is it real?' follow up you get from non-WISs

There is nothing worse than that.

[shedlock2000]

Excellent stories, and good advice. Keep them comming, ( and i love the coke!) great to see it in proper use! I use my GMT function all the time. but sadly not because i am a pilot!! :0(

[Ed Rooney]

I only bring it up if I know the person.

[mgm]

Ditto

[tanndonn]

Met a great guy a couple of weeks ago in Naples, Fl at a hotel's pool bar. I commented on his white, ss Daytona and shared 2 hours of beers and great conversation. Aside from time with my 2 boys playing in the ocean and pool and dancing with the wife after dinners, I would say that it was the highlight of the trip for me.

[Brcmpbl]

I sometimes just say, "Whatcha got there?" even though I generally already know what it is if I have taken the time to notice the wrist dweller. I find that other people wearing decent watches typically have at least a small appreciation for the things so they usually will be willing to discuss them for a minute.

[dman]

Since Panerai are much more few and far between I almost almost always comment with "nice 88" or whatever the model is. I live in Texas and if I complimented every Rolex I saw, I would have no voice left.

[Dalton]

I was at a bar a couple of days ago and the guy next to me at the bar was wearing a Seiko that looked alot like a YG Prez. I thought it was a Prez at first so I had to get a closer look. I asked about his watch with these words. "Are you wearing a Presidential?" I got the close up I needed and saw the SEIKO on the dial, when he proceeded to take off his watch and put it in his pocket. He looked scared, and drank his drink quickly then left about 5 minutes later. I did get a chance to call him a A-hole to his face for doing that, but I truly felt bad. I meant no harm and it escalated very quickly. I'll never ask a stranger about their watch unless we are within the same circle of friends. That went very bad. Luckily, my friends showed up a half hour later and all was forgotten, until now.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by Dalton

I was at a bar a couple of days ago and the guy next to me at the bar was wearing a Seiko that looked alot like a YG Prez. I thought it was a Prez at first so I had to get a closer look. I asked about his watch with these words. "Are you wearing a Presidential?" I got the close up I needed and saw the SEIKO on the dial, when he proceeded to take off his watch and put it in his pocket. He looked scared, and drank his drink quickly then left about 5 minutes later. I did get a chance to call him a A-hole to his face for doing that, but I truly felt bad. I meant no harm and it escalated very quickly. I'll never ask a stranger about their watch unless we are within the same circle of friends. That went very bad. Luckily, my friends showed up a half hour later and all was forgotten, until now.

His response to your question was odd.

[Dalton]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

His response to your question was odd.

the weirdest in my 10 year experience with rolex and their owners. He's probably been mugged before, and if that's the case then I can understand.