I don't think I'm going to comment on anyone else's watch in the wild anymore

[jerryguo]

Better to talk about cars than watches. I think staring at somebody’s wrist will make most comfortable.

[Muxi]

My spidey senses would be tingling except when I am at a safe gathering like a party or a hotel environment.

Remember the story where an elderly man got recently robbed of his watch on the street? The perp approached him and talked about watches before running of with the watch.

[GB-man]

I can’t believe nobody has said that’s a completely acceptable response. He smiled. That’s a subtle thanks.

You can’t expect him to check your wrist and then engage in a conversation. Odds are you aren’t wearing a Rolex and he looks like an idiot.

I would have said thanks but he might not be so social.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I can’t believe nobody has said that’s a completely acceptable response. He smiled. That’s a subtle thanks.



You can’t expect him to check your wrist and then engage in a conversation. Odds are you aren’t wearing a Rolex and he looks like an idiot.



I would have said thanks but he might not be so social.

Very good point to be honest.

[junamuan]

I think it depends where I am. When at home and in my hood and if someone notices my watch I would gladly acknowledge it.

But if on vacation or biz travel somewhere not my comfort zone, would probably have different reaction.

[Fleetlord]

NEVER speak to strangers in the general public about their watch.

When I was a young Fleetlord, I used to chat up peeps about their watches, but I learned quickly that they ARE not that into their own watch to discuss it with a stranger and they can't really understand why you would be...

The Rules.

1) If you are member of TRF, then there is no reason to talk to strangers hoping they are WIS...Plenty of those conversations to be had here...as in depth as you could possibly want.

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

3) The conversation will more than likely be disappointing and awkward. That will lead to you needing to tell TRF members about, when if you had followed rule #1, then you wouldn't have to cope with the gnarly encounter and debrief.

My only exception to the rule is if I'm at an AD and another shopper has something interesting on, but that really depend on the situation and the vibes that are being off gassed.

[FloridaSam]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

NEVER speak to strangers in the general public about their watch.

When I was a young Fleetlord, I used to chat up peeps about their watches, but I learned quickly that they ARE not that into their own watch to discuss it with a stranger and they can't really understand why you would be...

The Rules.

1) If you are member of TRF, then there is no reason to talk to strangers hoping they are WIS...Plenty of those conversations to be had here...as in depth as you could possibly want.

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

3) The conversation will more than likely be disappointing and awkward. That will lead to you needing to tell TRF members about, when if you had followed rule #1, then you wouldn't have to cope with the gnarly encounter and debrief.

My only exception to the rule is if I'm at an AD and another shopper has something interesting on, but that really depend on the situation and the vibes that are being off gassed.

[rominvicta]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

NEVER speak to strangers in the general public about their watch.

When I was a young Fleetlord, I used to chat up peeps about their watches, but I learned quickly that they ARE not that into their own watch to discuss it with a stranger and they can't really understand why you would be...

The Rules.

1) If you are member of TRF, then there is no reason to talk to strangers hoping they are WIS...Plenty of those conversations to be had here...as in depth as you could possibly want.

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

3) The conversation will more than likely be disappointing and awkward. That will lead to you needing to tell TRF members about, when if you had followed rule #1, then you wouldn't have to cope with the gnarly encounter and debrief.

My only exception to the rule is if I'm at an AD and another shopper has something interesting on, but that really depend on the situation and the vibes that are being off gassed.

Spot on.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

NEVER speak to strangers in the general public about their watch.

When I was a young Fleetlord, I used to chat up peeps about their watches, but I learned quickly that they ARE not that into their own watch to discuss it with a stranger and they can't really understand why you would be...

The Rules.

1) If you are member of TRF, then there is no reason to talk to strangers hoping they are WIS...Plenty of those conversations to be had here...as in depth as you could possibly want.

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

3) The conversation will more than likely be disappointing and awkward. That will lead to you needing to tell TRF members about, when if you had followed rule #1, then you wouldn't have to cope with the gnarly encounter and debrief.

My only exception to the rule is if I'm at an AD and another shopper has something interesting on, but that really depend on the situation and the vibes that are being off gassed.

I know where you're coming from but this was a Platona wearer. It's a long shot to say he probably knew nothing about it. I suppose it's possible...'I like the blue Rolex. How much is that? Ok. I'll take it.'

[Speedbird-1]

Maybe he didn't speak English?

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

NEVER speak to strangers in the general public about their watch.

When I was a young Fleetlord, I used to chat up peeps about their watches, but I learned quickly that they ARE not that into their own watch to discuss it with a stranger and they can't really understand why you would be...

The Rules.

1) If you are member of TRF, then there is no reason to talk to strangers hoping they are WIS...Plenty of those conversations to be had here...as in depth as you could possibly want.

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

3) The conversation will more than likely be disappointing and awkward. That will lead to you needing to tell TRF members about, when if you had followed rule #1, then you wouldn't have to cope with the gnarly encounter and debrief.

My only exception to the rule is if I'm at an AD and another shopper has something interesting on, but that really depend on the situation and the vibes that are being off gassed.

Not a bad list as a "guideline" but hardly rules IMO. I've had some really nice random experiences with strangers and some terrible ones as well. Not everyone fits into this box.

And while TRF is obviously the best place for conversation, it can't replace the human fulfillment of standing next to someone in person and having a conversation. Of course there are gtg's which are wonderful.

[Investr]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

NEVER speak to strangers in the general public about their watch.

When I was a young Fleetlord, I used to chat up peeps about their watches, but I learned quickly that they ARE not that into their own watch to discuss it with a stranger and they can't really understand why you would be...

The Rules.

1) If you are member of TRF, then there is no reason to talk to strangers hoping they are WIS...Plenty of those conversations to be had here...as in depth as you could possibly want.

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

3) The conversation will more than likely be disappointing and awkward. That will lead to you needing to tell TRF members about, when if you had followed rule #1, then you wouldn't have to cope with the gnarly encounter and debrief.

My only exception to the rule is if I'm at an AD and another shopper has something interesting on, but that really depend on the situation and the vibes that are being off gassed.

words of Wisdom via the Fleetlord….

[Montremoi]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

Indeed but there are clues to pick up. For example if the guy is wearing his Rolex on anything other than a metal bracelet, chances are it's someone who's into watches enough that he likes to (slightly) mod them.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

The Rules.

1) If you are member of TRF, then there is no reason to talk to strangers hoping they are WIS...Plenty of those conversations to be had here...as in depth as you could possibly want.

2) 99% of the general public that wear a Rolex know little to nothing about it expect for it's a ROLEX and it's the Best and that subsequently makes them BEST. That attitude will make itself apparent rather quickly.

3) The conversation will more than likely be disappointing and awkward. That will lead to you needing to tell TRF members about, when if you had followed rule #1, then you wouldn't have to cope with the gnarly encounter and debrief.

My only exception to the rule is if I'm at an AD and another shopper has something interesting on, but that really depend on the situation and the vibes that are being off gassed.

The Fleet Lord generally speaks truth, but I am going to have to go high and right on this one.

On rule #1 - I will keep talking to Rolex strangers, as I've had lots of great convos and had many great responses. In comparison, I'v had few awkward interactions.

On rule #2 - I've not found this to the true at all. Far more than half the Rolex owners I have approached are knowledgable and interested in talking about their watches.

On rule #3 - That just hasn't been my experience. Either I've been lucky, or I'm a really awesome conversationalist, or Rolex wearers are more interested in interfacing than the dark lord...ergh, Fleet Lord....thinks.

[TswaneNguni]

I always comment,if I feel it appropriate in the situation .
Very much positive response ,if negative ..too bad.

[mahefa]

I did comment a ’Daytona’ once. She was not happy of reality check given.

[Tarmbomb]

I find this very situation dependent. As others have said, mood, location and a myriad of other factors all influence a person's reaction.
My general tact is to say "Nice watch" which is open and allows them to say as much ir as little as they like back or also saying something a little bit more specific to show that you are a WIS as in "I really like your Aquanaut".
Don't be discouraged I wouldn't say this was a negative outcome.

[rominvicta]

Imagine it was a copycat? You wouldn’t feel like talking to someone, would you?

[listentoyoureyes]

Not many people know how to take compliments.

[Onikage]

You weren't lying.

[Brew]

I don't want the attention, and I assume others are the same. I don't randomly comment on other people's watches.

[descartes]

The Platona appeals to certain buyers because it looks like just a steel watch to the unknowing masses. I suspect the person wearing this one doesn’t care for unwanted attention, and I don’t blame him.

Also, if you ask me, it pretty awkward and unsettling when a complete stranger essentially calls you out for wearing an unusually expensive item. (As someone else mentioned, this can be a pre-cursor to a theft, or at the very least, unwanted attention). This underscores the point of the Platona’s appeal as an under the radar “steel-looking” watch.

[Centron]

Just mind your own business.

[Rollie Gent]

I like it when people (WIS) comment on my watch when it's a more private situation. I tend to get embarrassed when someone says something around a large group of people. If that happens, I will just say thanks and try to move on. I guess I feel guilty for having a watch on my wrist that may cost the yearly salary of others that maybe present.

[marc12]

i was in boston’s back bay a few months ago and someone across the street yelled “NICE SKYDWELLER” as i was walking. i yelled back thanks and kept walking

[faimag]

I typically say a nice comment, and don't particularly care about the reaction. If the other person responds positively, we may exchange a few sentences. Otherwise, I go my own way.

Right after reading this I went out to an electronics shop to buy a new router and the customer who was before me was wearing a beautiful black dial 16520. I was thinking about this post and didn't say anything :(

[billfredericks]

Once, at at AD, I witnessed a young guy getting his first Rolex.

I game him a Redford nod, and said “congratulations.” Absolutely made his day.

Context is everything. Don’t lose hope!

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by rolexryan329

What do you do when you see a grail watch in the wild?

I think to myself, "nice watch" and move on with my life without bothering a total stranger.

[latchford9]

don't let a miserable arse ruin your day. Keep being you.....

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by latchford9

don't let a miserable arse ruin your day. Keep being you.....

Person minding their own business and they are a "miserable arse"

Wow