Anyone Else Experience This (Finding Rolex in the Wild)

[brmeyers]

There is a fair amount of money in Sarasota, so I see Rolexes all the time.

For some strange reason, very few people want to talk about watches...
I'm always looking and noticing and commenting in a complementary way.

It's strange, one guy I met at a restaurant tonight had on a SS Daytona and said he had 30 watches at home but watches mean nothing to him anymore.
He didn't know about the new Daytona C and could care less.
I quickly changed the subject.

This happens often to me, seems most people aren't WIS or really into talking about watches.

I do get some people that will talk, but very few have a clue about new Basel 2016 watches or current models, trends, etc.
It's no big deal to me, the guy was nice and we talked about something else, but I find it strange that investing so heavily in watches,
you have no interest talking about them?

[Hairdude1]

I would be hesitant to speak on watches to a stranger, you don't know if they believe you might be there to steal it. I only talk watches once I know it isn't awkward for both parties

[Headshrinker]

I have a home on Longboat Key, next door to Sarasota, and I agree with you. Too much money and no idea what they have on there wrist. All they know is the price. The only people that appear friendly are the tourists. It is the only place I have seen a lot of Pateks and APs on people's wrists, but I would not dare approach them or compliment them.

[bmrisko]

That's like trying to talk to a woman about the Cayenne Turbo that her husband bought her...most guys have no idea about the nice watch they're wearing except that it was $$$.

[Abdullah71601]

On my flight from ORD to DXB the man in the seat next to me had a YM2. I said "nice watch", he thanked me and commented it's too bad they discontinued my black dialed Milgauss. It was a 14 hour flight, and a mini-WIS GTG. He's also a MB sales manager and I learned quite a bit about buying versus leasing a MB.

Contrary to a lot of advice given on TRF, I think a simple nontechnical compliment can open a door. The people who snarl at you would snarl at anybody (no loss there).

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I have a home on Longboat Key, next door to Sarasota, and I agree with you. Too much money and no idea what they have on there wrist. All they know is the price. The only people that appear friendly are the tourists. It is the only place I have seen a lot of Pateks and APs on people's wrists, but I would not dare approach them or compliment them.

Interesting, actually this guy was next to us and we already striked a conversation about my son just turning 1.

But you are right, they seem to hate the compliments...
I am going to be more reluctant to ask, but if I strike a conversation with someone wearing a Rolex, I can't help myself to say something..
I guess Sarasota is WIS - free zone...LOL

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

I would be hesitant to speak on watches to a stranger, you don't know if they believe you might be there to steal it. I only talk watches once I know it isn't awkward for both parties

That's a good point

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

On my flight from ORD to DXB the man in the seat next to me had a YM2. I said "nice watch", he thanked me and commented it's too bad they discontinued my black dialed Milgauss. It was a 14 hour flight, and a mini-WIS GTG. He's also a MB sales manager and I learned quite a bit about buying versus leasing a MB.

Contrary to a lot of advice given on TRF, I think a simple nontechnical compliment can open a door. The people who snarl at you would snarl at anybody (no loss there).

Interesting, I usually do start off non-technical, but I think I am going to not get into new Basel watches, new trends, etc... A couple people have turned cold when I brought that up, probably because they had no clue what I was talking about.
Anyway, thanks for sharing

[Bgator]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

He's also a MB sales manager and I learned quite a bit about buying versus leasing a MB.

Any advice or insight on that topic?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Russell44]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I have a home on Longboat Key, next door to Sarasota, and I agree with you. Too much money and no idea what they have on there wrist. All they know is the price.

That type is quite often what I call a 'Label Drinker', the wine label is to impress other drinkers.

[bmrisko]

Originally Posted by Bgator

Any advice or insight on that topic?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was going to say, can we start a thread on that?

Wife is currently in the market for a GL350 and considering all of the above, plus potentially going the CPO route, so we're not taking a haircut on the depreciation.

[andreturning]

Originally Posted by brmeyers

There is a fair amount of money in Sarasota, so I see Rolexes all the time.

For some strange reason, very few people want to talk about watches...
I'm always looking and noticing and commenting in a complementary way.

It's strange, one guy I met at a restaurant tonight had on a SS Daytona and said he had 30 watches at home but watches mean nothing to him anymore.
He didn't know about the new Daytona C and could care less.
I quickly changed the subject.

This happens often to me, seems most people aren't WIS or really into talking about watches.

I do get some people that will talk, but very few have a clue about new Basel 2016 watches or current models, trends, etc.
It's no big deal to me, the guy was nice and we talked about something else, but I find it strange that investing so heavily in watches,
you have no interest talking about them?

If you are looking for a friend to talk watches with I'm here lol

[brmeyers]

^^ Haha - yes, but are you in CT?

[Droolex]

I own a single Rolex, and I obsess over every detail and characteristic of the watch. Different people, different tastes, different perspectives.

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by bmrisko

I was going to say, can we start a thread on that?

Wife is currently in the market for a GL350 and considering all of the above, plus potentially going the CPO route, so we're not taking a haircut on the depreciation.

Is this a Rolex or MB thread...LOL..
Not that it isn't a great topic, but maybe general discussion

[DESH]

Originally Posted by brmeyers

There is a fair amount of money in Sarasota, so I see Rolexes all the time.

For some strange reason, very few people want to talk about watches...
I'm always looking and noticing and commenting in a complementary way.

It's strange, one guy I met at a restaurant tonight had on a SS Daytona and said he had 30 watches at home but watches mean nothing to him anymore.
He didn't know about the new Daytona C and could care less.
I quickly changed the subject.

This happens often to me, seems most people aren't WIS or really into talking about watches.

I do get some people that will talk, but very few have a clue about new Basel 2016 watches or current models, trends, etc.
It's no big deal to me, the guy was nice and we talked about something else, but I find it strange that investing so heavily in watches,
you have no interest talking about them?

Next time you in orlando hit me up we will chat watches over happy hour.

[andreturning]

Originally Posted by brmeyers

^^ Haha - yes, but are you in CT?

unfortunately i am,

[quanghaiii]

this kind of thing happens everywhere tbh. people have money and they dont know where to spend so the most common things are cars and watches. how many ferrari owners you think know their supercars like a fraction of chris harris or the people who buy merc amg 65 with the 20 year old V12 engines that needs 4 turbos just to pass the emission test? they see the price tag is higher, a v12, more horsepower and quicker 0-60 time and they buy it because they have the money. swear to god if you come up to a person with a s65 amg and tell them hey you know that your car's engine is a hunk of s**t they would not bat an eye. same thing for watches. If anyone's been to japan you'll see secondhand rolexes being sold everywhere (of course they're authentic). People have money so they buy it, not all of them care about the movement or the heritage or anything. at the end of the day it's just a watch.

[locutus49]

I HOPE YOUR HOUSE SURVIVED THE HURRICANE.

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I have a home on Longboat Key, next door to Sarasota, and I agree with you. Too much money and no idea what they have on there wrist. All they know is the price. The only people that appear friendly are the tourists. It is the only place I have seen a lot of Pateks and APs on people's wrists, but I would not dare approach them or compliment them.

[JP Chestnut]

I'm into watches and I doubt I'd like to talk to some random dude while in at a bar, restaurant, whatever.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by brmeyers

There is a fair amount of money in Sarasota, so I see Rolexes all the time.

For some strange reason, very few people want to talk about watches...
I'm always looking and noticing and commenting in a complementary way.

It's strange, one guy I met at a restaurant tonight had on a SS Daytona and said he had 30 watches at home but watches mean nothing to him anymore.
He didn't know about the new Daytona C and could care less.
I quickly changed the subject.

This happens often to me, seems most people aren't WIS or really into talking about watches.

I do get some people that will talk, but very few have a clue about new Basel 2016 watches or current models, trends, etc.
It's no big deal to me, the guy was nice and we talked about something else, but I find it strange that investing so heavily in watches,
you have no interest talking about them?

This topic comes up about once a month and the advice I always give is:

DO NOT TALK TO STRANGERS ABOUT THEIR WATCHES. DON'T

99% of the people you encounter who are wearing a Rolex know absolutely nothing about it other than these common beliefs.



1) It's a ROLEX...which is the best, which means I'm the best.

2) It's expensive, so common people can't have one.

3) Why are you looking at my watch....I mean I'm glad you know I own a ROLEX, but are you looking because you want to steal it?

4) Again it's EXPENSIVE so you possibly couldn't afford it.

So expecting these people to even know what as DAYTONA -C is, let alone BASEL is going to lead to disappointment every time.

When I was a young WIS I would try to engage in geeky watch conversations with strangers who had Rolex or other luxury brands and it ALWAYS ended the same way....The owner was clueless about their watch and it was an uncomfortable and awkward journey into ego and arrogance.

So...I stopped doing it. PERIOD

If you want to talk watches, do it here. Go to a local GTG. Sometimes...very rarely...you might run into a fellow WIS at a AD...but again the odds are very slim so let them engage first. If they compliment your watch and seem knowledgeable, then you can cautiously geek out.

[brmeyers]

^^^ I get what you are saying but I would think people like to be complimented (Guess not or I would have a different experience, so you are probably right).
It's just hard not saying anything, but I will try to feel it out better. I have NOT totally struck out, there have been a some people that will talk, like a younger guy with a SS Yachtmaster. I don't fear rejection so I probably will continue, just more cautiously
Hey if they don't want to be noticed, they can wear a Fossil or a G-shock...LOL

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

This topic comes up about once a month and the advice I always give is:

DO NOT TALK TO STRANGERS ABOUT THEIR WATCHES. DON'T

99% of the people you encounter who are wearing a Rolex know absolutely nothing about it other than these common beliefs.



1) It's a ROLEX...which is the best, which means I'm the best.

2) It's expensive, so common people can't have one.

3) Why are you looking at my watch....I mean I'm glad you know I own a ROLEX, but are you looking because you want to steal it?

4) Again it's EXPENSIVE so you possibly couldn't afford it.

So expecting these people to even know what as DAYTONA -C is, let alone BASEL is going to lead to disappointment every time.

When I was a young WIS I would try to engage in geeky watch conversations with strangers who had Rolex or other luxury brands and it ALWAYS ended the same way....The owner was clueless about their watch and it was an uncomfortable and awkward journey into ego and arrogance.

So...I stopped doing it. PERIOD

If you want to talk watches, do it here. Go to a local GTG. Sometimes...very rarely...you might run into a fellow WIS at a AD...but again the odds are very slim so let them engage first. If they compliment your watch and seem knowledgeable, then you can cautiously geek out.

The people who buy a Rolex because it's a Rolex are exactly the type of people that want to be recognized for their Rolex. They may not know enough to talk about their watch, but they will be pleased that you recognized their superior status. You'll know in 4 or 5 seconds whether they want to talk about their watch.

A WIS may see the opportunity to step through the door you opened. A polite compliment costs you nothing, and may lead to something enjoyable.

Awkward moments don't cost anything either, FWIW.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

A WIS may see the opportunity to step through the door you opened. A polite compliment costs you nothing, and may lead to something enjoyable.

Awkward moments don't cost anything either, FWIW.

So true, I see nothing wrong with some polite human interaction. World is cold enough as it is.

[MLF]

I work on building sites and wear my sub all the time
One day out of the blue a labourer approach me and
Started chatting about my watch I was a bit unnerved
At first but he was asking me about the maxi dial

Turns out he was just out of prison and had a collection
Seized by the police who were auctioning them off and
He was heading off that week to buy them back

[Relyt]

When I was buying my car at the Lexus dealership I mentioned how beautiful the Omega He had on was. He acted like nobody ever said anything about his watch, didn't once look at mine and jumped to the next subject.

The only place I run into a guy who will constantly talk to me about his watches is a "guy store" (no not a sexual store) lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Quailhunter]

I would guess there are more Mensa members in the US than there are people who could recognize any Rolex and even fewer give a whit. Us watch enthusiastic true believers are a rare and somewhat strange bunch of birds.

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by brmeyers

There is a fair amount of money in Sarasota, so I see Rolexes all the time.

For some strange reason, very few people want to talk about watches...
I'm always looking and noticing and commenting in a complementary way.

It's strange, one guy I met at a restaurant tonight had on a SS Daytona and said he had 30 watches at home but watches mean nothing to him anymore.
He didn't know about the new Daytona C and could care less.
I quickly changed the subject.

This happens often to me, seems most people aren't WIS or really into talking about watches.

I do get some people that will talk, but very few have a clue about new Basel 2016 watches or current models, trends, etc.
It's no big deal to me, the guy was nice and we talked about something else, but I find it strange that investing so heavily in watches,
you have no interest talking about them?

Tom

There are quite a few people who have a good income and when they buy something be it a car or a watch etc, they just want to buy the best because they can.

I can fully appreciate a guy walking out of a shop with a new Skydweller on his wrist and having no interest in it at all. He wanted a watch and he walks out with a good one. He is happy with that.

Regards

Mick

[jschmidtdmd]

As people become sucessful they spend on things that are luxury items, regardless how much they know about them.

I don't think it is uncommon to find someone who has purchased a few Rolex watches as their careers took off, but currrently have no idea about what's happening with the brand.

Although my father got me into watches, I think he is the quintessential example of this type of behavior. He has his rolexes, two day dates he purchased for himself, and a dayejust I got for him. Yet, he has no idea about what's happening with the brand, what's new or changed, etc. He loves his pieces but only will ever have a watch conversation with me, for the reason that he is actually uninformed and out of the loop.

Just my thought,

Jps

[Onikage]

Not everyone who owns a Rolex is a wis. Similar to powerful car owners not being overly interested in cars. A friend of mine will happily talk twin turbos, superchargers, v8s GTs Vtechs etc etc and it irritates me - This is what we must sound like only it's column wheels, flybacks, moonphase, Superluminova SubCs 16610s, 16710s etc etc. Some people just buy the nice Rolex and couldn't care less.