Why does this forum care so much about what watch other people like??

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by 10klakes

I feel some of the members on TRF have more experience and knowledge on watches than most YouTube personalities.

I understand why one might come to TRF and ask for some first hand perspectives on a reference, provided, they are not chastised or shamed for doing so. Lol

I fee fortunate to have people in real life (not internet land) that I talk to and see in person, to talk watches and share opinions. It’s what people like to do that are enthusiastic about this hobby. If others don’t have close friends like this, I see why they turn to the forum.

You’re right. Searchart and watchmaker are invaluable technical resources to the forum as they are actual watchmakers. As are the older members who have gained a vast amount of knowledge-base on watches. I personally vet my sources of information wherever it’s from and agree with you that many of the YouTube personalities produce anecdotal evidence and unsubstantial information. However, there are also great examples of credible sources from highly knowledgeable people like Tim Mosso for watch industry tidbits and watch specifications, and IDGuy for watch design.

I like talking about watches too, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. My friends’ interest in watches is mostly superficial. I don’t see anything wrong with people being how they choose to be. Just participating as usual by attempting to answer OPs question.

[mmaggi]

The majority of people just want ideas. They want to converse. I'm a firm believer of buy what you like, wear what you like and don't give a hoot of what others have to say.

[harvey]

Mystro, any of my reasons valid?

[JebM]

yeah I don't see how any of those questions are bizarre in the slightest.

[10klakes]

I read and responded to a thread about the 4k vs SD43 where the OP was asking what members like better.

The 4k was/is an oddball being a 40mm case 15.5mm thick. It is not one a person will see or try on anytime soon, to gather their own opinion (on the wrist).

The SD43 is 43 mm and one that enthusiasts often ask “is it too big” or how does it wear/compare to a sub or DSSD.

Nowadays, people are unable to try on watches and they have to rely on the internet for pics, videos, and perspectives. If/when I have first hand experience with a reference that another member is asking about, I’ll do what I can to lend an opinion. Nbd

[IR201]

Originally Posted by 10klakes

I read and responded to a thread about the 4k vs SD43 where the OP was asking what members like better.

The 4k was/is an oddball being a 40mm case 15.5mm thick. It is not one a person will see or try on anytime soon, to gather their own opinion (on the wrist).

The SD43 is 43 mm and one that enthusiasts often ask “is it too big” or how does it wear/compare to a sub or DSSD.

Nowadays, people are unable to try on watches and they have to rely on the internet for pics, videos, and perspectives. If/when I have first hand experience with a reference that another member is asking about, I’ll do what I can to lend an opinion. Nbd

That was my thread! And your post was very helpful. I own the SD4K but haven't been able to try on a 43. But after reading so many posts about how great it is I started to think the collective wisdom of the forum must be onto something. To me that is valuable. I got the call for the 43 today and picked it up! Randomly right after starting that thread. I love it.

[leooooo]

It's a forum for a specific watch brand. Gonna run out of subjects to discuss?

[beshannon]

Many people need constant validation to live their lives, this is not unique to watches.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Many people need constant validation to live their lives, this is not unique to watches.

"I hope my death makes more cents than my life." Joker 2019

[djgallo]

I think asking for feedback on a potential watch purchase is just fine....I would think the long time forum members would welcome and encourage this.

The forum members can provide many different points of view...and the purchaser can learn things about a particular watch that they would have not known if they didn’t ask...prior to making the watch purchase.

[Jona]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Many people need constant validation to live their lives, this is not unique to watches.

I think this sums it up quite well. Some, if not many, people spend hours seeking the "high" of getting likes on social media. I cannot cite a specific study but I have read that researchers have determined that the lure of FB, IG, Twitter, etc has a great power over people. I DID see a study where people would be given $100 if they could sit in a seminar w/o their cellphones for an hour. They had to turn in the phones upon entering the study room.

Behind the scenes the conductors of the study called those cell phones and they rang on the shelf where they were put. All but one person got up, took the "call" and forfeited. Such is the addiction to the device.

I sometimes post a watch with an aftermarket strap. I am not a fan of PCL's. I don't care if no one likes it. Sometimes people will post a strap they have and it gets me interested. I appreciate the sharing.

We need to use social media and forums as a tool to use, not be used by it. Many people are.

[10XRolex]

Nothing wrong with getting an opinion on something.

[rmlovett1]

I see where some would say ...why in the world??... I’ve asked several times on the forum what folks thought of a certain piece, and also the ‘this or that one’ thread. But generally it was just to hear opinions, thought processes, maybe get some perspective from current owners, or something to consider that I hadn’t thought of (especially looking at some vintage pieces).....
But in the end, the forum opinions/advice was exactly what I was looking for, but didn’t sway my buying decision, and I did make my own decision.

[TickTockChuck]

Originally Posted by Richris1

I see where some would say ...why in the world??... I’ve asked several times on the forum what folks thought of a certain piece, and also the ‘this or that one’ thread. But generally it was just to hear opinions, thought processes, maybe get some perspective from current owners, or something to consider that I hadn’t thought of (especially looking at some vintage pieces).....
But in the end, the forum opinions/advice was exactly what I was looking for, but didn’t sway my buying decision, and I did make my own decision.

I agree with this. Nothing wrong with asking for opinions and part of the social aspect of watch collecting. It's also just part of kicking the tires before taking the financial plunge. If it bothers certain folks, then just skip the thread. Cheers!

[akordz]

I guess that's one of the features of being human

[s2h904]

I asked a slew of questions before obtaining my Day Date. Not for validation-I am not as knowledgeable as some in regards to five digit vs six digit references.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by Mystro

It’s one of the most bizarre turns this forum has taken. Shouldn’t YOU know what watch YOU like before spending a considerable sum of money on? This isn’t hard and doesn’t require any knowledge or skill set to know what model watch looks good to you. You like the watch, you buy the watch, you wear the watch. This isn’t complicated stuff here. I would think toilet training might even be more difficult than this.

It went from “what Rolex will increase in value the most?” To now “What model does everyone like the most X or Y?” Is this a odd way of seeking people’s approval or validation of some kind to know what watch to buy???
Why would anyone care what model other people like as their background and taste is meaningless.

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[JParm]

Originally Posted by Token74

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[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Token74

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Wow, way back to 2013. You are really invested in some research. That’s great and I get the direction you were going but I wasn’t asking anyone’s opinion on buying the watch I already owned but if the (new then) rubber straps would work on a serti sub.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by Mystro

You are really invested in some research. That’s great but I wasn’t asking anyone’s opinion on buying the watch I already owned but if the (new then) rubber straps would work on a serti sub.

Not sure that a strap is different to a watch, by asking people whether they thought it was too dressy, you were asking their opinion based on their taste. Which by the way, I think was perfectly reasonable and I would also have asked. But it goes against your original post in my eyes.


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[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Token74

Not sure that a strap is different to a watch, by asking people whether they thought it was too dressy, you were asking their opinion based on their taste. Which by the way, I think was perfectly reasonable and I would also have asked. But it goes against your original post in my eyes.


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Thank god I didn’t go with the rubber strap idea. That would have been a trainwreck on that watch. The take away from the OP was the constant need for popularity contest between models before buying..

[bezler]

Originally Posted by Token74

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Token74 wins the internet for today!

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[superdog]

Originally Posted by bezler

Token74 wins the internet for today!

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lmao. just actually seeing this.....

whew, it appears the OP was made in jest.

good one.

[sub2011]

It is simple. Lots of money. Lack of personality. That's it.

[Blansky]

I think a lot of it has to do with the marketing of Rolex perhaps more than most other brands. It is for a lot of people an "I have arrived" watch. I'm now a member of the club.

Which can lead to fanboy-dom.

A great many posts here are less about a watch brand than a breathless excitement of owning one of these watches, which to many is all about image.

But in the end it's all good. We have a forum about this brand and many people for many reasons own one.

[harvey]

Vince, I dedicate my 4000th post to you!

Thank you for providing much needed laughs in what could be an inflammatory thread.

You have a good day...

[zian]

I think it's part of the exploration journey, love from first sight is rare those days:)

[schoolboy]

@Mystro

Hey Mystro, I completely understand what you’re saying

I’ve seen this before on car forums

“Hey guys, what color should I paint my car?”

“Hey guys, what wheels look better on my car?”

I’m just glad I myself am not like that

[LandWatch]

While I’ve never asked for an opinion on any watches, when you boil it down to the core, there’s not a hell of a lot to speak about a watch, is there? I guess it’s just conversation, no more significant than asking your mates opinion on something in the pub?

[037]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Is this a odd way of seeking people’s approval or validation of some kind to know what watch to buy???

Perhaps, but isn't starting a thread about validation in itself seeking validation?

Couldn't resist.