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

[Jona]

It can be a slippery slope. I also tried to decide on the black vs blue dial YG Sub. I bought the black because I liked it better, and still do, but almost went blue based on the majority of folks here preferring the blue. There were some great photos, but I am glad I went with what I wanted. It would have been an error to do otherwise.

[dtwer]

Originally Posted by harvey

I have started threads on which reference to get, this or that.

I do this as it is difficult to get the references for a side by side comparison, so it’s good to get some thoughts and real life experiences from members here.

Of course ultimately it’s my decision but it helps by gleaning aspects or features which I may have missed.

Also with the help of members here I have been able to source the reference I’ve decided on.

Good point, Harvey; I think that makes sense.

I don't think seeking validations or affirmations is a bad thing; people do that with others around them all the time. For example I have asked the wife plenty times when I shopped for cars, watches, and even clothes. Do I need her approval to buy? No. But it's added bonus if she says "hey that's very nice."

Also there are times it's just to build comradery with others whom you consider to be friends. When I do car shopping, for example, I actually ask my car enthusiast friends to come. They like the experience of being able to test drive and discuss cars, and I appreciate the feedback and insight they offer.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Jona

It can be a slippery slope. I also tried to decide on the black vs blue dial YG Sub. I bought the black because I liked it better, and still do, but almost went blue based on the majority of folks here preferring the blue. There were some great photos, but I am glad I went with what I wanted. It would have been an error to do otherwise.

Yes, you hope the forum pushes you to think deeper into all aspects of the watch and the owning experience, but when you set the thing on your actual wrists then the heart wants what it wants.

[Tangier11]

I agree, if we all owned models based on the majority's opinion everyone would have a black sub and a hulk

For me, I buy ONLY what I like and have zero care what anyone else likes. With that said, I can also appreciate nice models even when I would never personally own them.

There is nothing I hate more than fads and there are a lot of fad watch buyers on here.

[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.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Token74

There is a lot of it going on here at the moment. Opinions are great, but being critical of others who haven’t done anything wrong isn’t.

As for the original question...

Do I care what others think? Of course, that’s why I make more of an effort with my appearance when friends come round, than I do when home alone, don’t most people?

Do I want experienced collectors opinions on watches I’m considering? Of course, why wouldn’t I want to learn? Most of us have bought and subsequently sold watches, and I’ve learned lessons when doing so, why would someone not am want to tap into that experience?

Do I want to show off what I’ve bought just a little? Of course, so does everyone that posts an ‘incoming’ thread. No harm, no foul, just human nature.

Do people really listen to others when making decisions on such purchases if those opinions are purely personal taste? Probably not. But...sometimes you don’t know what you want, until someone says what you don’t want! My wife asked me last night whether I wanted Chilli or Curry for tea. I said I didn’t mind, which I really didn’t. She said, Chilli it is then. At that moment I realised I was disappointed. We had curry!

Those of us who are on here daily get tired of the same old threads (I.e. investment or what should I buy), and I get that. But that’s generally a sign to me that I need to spend less time in here!!! (Which is normally a good thing, as time on here tends to directly correlate to number of watches purchased)!


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Very well said on all regards, Vince. Cheers.

[Gold Crown]

Because some people second judge there taste and value second and third opinions.

[Norbert]

Education. That's what's so great about today's forums. Back when the Rolex craze started with the SS Daytona, it was almost word of mouth. And real info was hard to find.

[173rdabn]

My reply is always the same to these queries. Buy what YOU like, your opinion is the only one that counts when spending YOUR money.

[Ssunnylee24]

Hope this becomes a pop up where everyone needs to click "ok" before signing up.

[EDL7]

Was in retail for 25 years...
True story..happened over and over..
2 friends come into the shop..
1 says they luv an item and are going to buy it..
2nd says they hate it...
Item goes back on shelf..

Most people dont even know what they like or not..and never will..
Its all based on cultural conditioning..
Few can actually like something for what it is..
And buck the system to get it..
As in...weak minded..

[afmars]

This made me chuckle:

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Mystro

You like the watch, you buy the watch, you wear the watch. This isn’t complicated stuff here.

Why would anyone care what model other people like as their background and taste is meaningless.

I couldn't agree with you more, when it comes to taste.

Certainly, people may need to know from others what kind of experiences others may have with certain watches, such as quality, reliability, or durability, but to ask a question such as, "What watch should I buy next?," only tells me that that individual is not ready to buy the next watch and when that question is posed to a forum such as this, there will scores of different answers, depending on individual tastes.

I've always gone by the philosophy that when is time to by a new watch and what watch that will be, it will be abundantly evident by one's own visceral response to the watch itself.

[srvrf]

I see nothing wrong with it as this is a forum to discuss watches. I pretty much make up my own mind but there are times when I’d like the opinions of those who have been in similar situations. There is simply no substitute for actual ownership experience compared to five minutes in an AD. Plus we are all at different stages of our lives and collections. Simply saying “just buy what you like” is not helpful at all.


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[Jabbo84]

Everyone wants to be validated

[RyanJ]

Because people want to be liked. People want to show off. People like to be revered.

You see it everyday here. People posting their cars, trip photos, expensive wallets, etc.

Forums also have a hierarchy where high post counts and early join dates give some the impression that their opinion is to be revered as they have been here "since the beginning".

Nothing wrong with it as it is mostly in good fun but it is amusing watching some really take it seriously..

[ap1]

Originally Posted by Brew

I was pleasantly surprised when everyone told me to get a little TT DJ with diamonds. You guys are the best!

[42itus]

Originally Posted by EDL7

Was in retail for 25 years...
True story..happened over and over..
2 friends come into the shop..
1 says they luv an item and are going to buy it..
2nd says they hate it...
Item goes back on shelf..

Most people dont even know what they like or not..and never will..
Its all based on cultural conditioning..
Few can actually like something for what it is..
And buck the system to get it..
As in...weak minded..

Next time you see someone shopping and trying on clothes or accessories, go up to them and tell them it looks great and see what happens.. It works more often than not.

For me, it really depends on who is giving the opinion. If I try on a watch, and my mom or my brother says it's ugly and I shouldn't get it... It won't change my opinion. But if my wife or my sister says it, I will at least think about it.

Also, the negative opinions don't sway me too much. If I know I want something it doesn't matter what anyone says because I'll probably buy it anway. But if I try on a shirt that I'm sort of on the fence with and everyone tells me it looks good then it will probably influence my decision.

[Seibei]

People are always trying to buy cool. The trouble is that you are either cool or you are not. You can not buy cool.

[iTreelex]

I think social media and the rise of watch blogs/ magazines aka hodinkee, worn and wound etc. is the reason for this. I definitely was caught up with the hype at one point of "this watch is the one because so and so said." The sooner you get out of that trap the better it is because you can actually enjoy watches you like despite the crowd.

And also I'm still biased on rolex SS watches lol.

[ALF61]

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.

Probably the thing that Rolex BUYERS, not WEARERS, care about, is what will others will think of their taste instead of self conviction. Absurd as it is.

[J.P.Jones]

Originally Posted by afmars

This made me chuckle:

Nice pickup!

Now, I've got to say..only been a member for a month, joined to browse the FOR SALE section, and initially thought this forum catered to the vain douchebag types and wannabees here only to post wrist shots of their timepieces resting on the steering wheels of their mostly German cars, waiting for the proverbial pat on the back...
I do see now that there's also a healthy contingent of normal people who appreciate the brand for what it has represented for the last 60 years, and who know their stuff.
I also think that some of the brand's current offerings are ugly and ostentatious giant tuna cans, like the Air King, the Yacht Master, the Milgauss, the PM Daytona...
To each his own, I guess.

Just my $.02.

[Calatrava r]

Its also amazing so many will answer who have never tied on the watch in question. But its all opinion and we all are entitled to that.

I think some people fear buying a watch that is unpopular and they need validation that folks like it before they buy it. Strange the world we live in.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Seibei

People are always trying to buy cool. The trouble is that you are either cool or you are not. You can not buy cool.

Can't we at least keep trying?

[djyolky]

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.

Agreed... Young kids these days...they need to be told what music to listen to and what watches to like. Pathetic times we live in. Sad really.

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[lucid]

I strongly believe that everyone should buy whatever watch they want and feel comfortable wearing, but basically people want to hear suggestions from others and i do not think it's such a bad thing.

[Ace775]

I think people ask because they can’t physically try any watch they want at an AD because of the current situation ,so asking people here gives them some insight about the watch they wanna buy . Ofcourse negative comments don’t help. We all know that we should buy what we like and all of that but getting a second opinion is not a crime. A newbie like me would love to know from the experts here about watches they have worn and how it has evolved their collection etc.

[blankapdx]

Originally Posted by srvrf

I see nothing wrong with it as this is a forum to discuss watches. I pretty much make up my own mind but there are times when I’d like the opinions of those who have been in similar situations. There is simply no substitute for actual ownership experience compared to five minutes in an AD. Plus we are all at different stages of our lives and collections. Simply saying “just buy what you like” is not helpful at all.


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+1

[bezler]

Originally Posted by Token74

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Token74 wins the internet for today!

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[superdog]

this cant be a serious question. and some of these responses....

this has been going on since I joined the forum. in fact it has been going on since the dawn of time.

marketing is potentially one of the largest single industries known to mankind.

forums were literally created so that people could bounce ideas off of each other. and YES, people are effected by what other people want and like. it is called human nature. and it is literally a fact of life.

This is not new to mankind and it most certainly is not new to TRF either.

Personally, I love to get other peoples opinions. And, just like most humans, I am swayed by other peoples thoughts and comments. Clearly, if you know anything about me, I buy what I want and like. But for certain I will ask for other opinions.