Pre or post-Katrina?
If you don't know already, a lot of mom and pop type of places in the Quarter went chain during the rebuild. Which is okay, to a large degree, because many of those were the nudie joints, anyway.
It's probably the way you remember it, for the most part: nasty, but a lot of fun.
Since I'm not invested in the day to day, it's hard for me to wrap my head around that collision of relative poverty vs relative wealth in constant, close proximity. For better or worse, I tend to romanticize it. I've been going probably an average of once every other year for about twenty years, and the folks are as nice as they've ever been. I've always tended to be on the more mellow side and know how to stay away from trouble before I get into it.
Best answer - I didn't run into any reason not to go back, and found two to keep me coming back.

 

Just moved to Boston a couple of months ago. I saw lots of new(ish) luxury watches of different varieties on the MIT campus yesterday. IWC, Omega, Rolex. My guess is they were graduation gifts.

 

In the pub last Friday and I'm almost positive the guy sitting on the other side of my wife was wearing a gold Speedmaster '57. I didn't get a pic but my wife was close enough to verify it was a Omega.

Stock photo of the '57

 

Guy at a works dinner wearing a white gold vintage Cartier tank (identical to this stock photo)

 

I moved to Stockholm in 2014 - so I was there for Katrina and all of her "aftermatch". I am able to fly back about once a year and always feel rejuvinated after my trips back home. I am glad you enjoy your stays - I always feel a sense of when I see that someone had a nice time in "my city". Thanks for writing - I agree with you 100%, that the city has seemed to mellow out a little post-katrina.

 

My CK LE feeling inadequate. Having lunch at some fancy restaurant in Beverly Hills. My quick walk to the restroom, I saw 2 ladies Cartier, a sky dwellers, AP ROO skeleton, and wait for it... Richard Milles! Never seen in the wild. Just at a boutique until now. And walking out saw a gold lady date-just, two gold Daytonas, and Milgauss. $$$$$$

 

In NY you see a lot. Most interesting to me is the people wearing. On the way home today I saw 2 guys wearing PP Nautiluses. First guy was in his 20s all tattooed, wearing a t shirt and jeans... wearing a newer 2 tone. Second guy was when coming out of the subway (which everyone takes). Maybe in his 70s faded jeans and polo...looked like a stainless 3711.

 

Today, while lunching at Sbarro, I spotted an Apple Watch. On a pleather strap.

 

I see my 2 tone Blue faced Submariner way to often...kind of depressing

 

Stop looking at your wrist then

 

LOL....once I find my Great White the Sub will be in hiding
G

 

I don't know if my job counts as 'in the wild' but I work in a London casino and see pretty much the worlds best watches every day, it's warped my perception of affordable. JLC, Vacheron, Patek, AP, Rolex, Mille, Panerai, etc. If you own one of these amazing watches I guess a casino is the place to show it off. A surprising lack of Omega or Grand Seiko which suits me fine, I like a bit of individuality!

 

Nice question. Happened to me only twice in last 12 months. First time it was 6 months ago. Potential investor for my minor project came in. His 20 years old son had vintage UG chronograph.

Today I met potential business partner for next project. I was really surprised and pleased to see vintage watch on his wrist. It was first meeting, so I did not ask more. As I was not sure what was the model. But I am about to see him next week again, if he has one, I will take picture.

 

I live in midtown Manhattan and see a decent amount of submariners and other rolexes.

 

I only seem to see decent watches when I am flying. Perhaps it is due to a large number of sedentary people? Just saw a two tone rolex gmt w/ blue dial on my last flight,

 

I love Stockholm. One of my absolute favorite places.

 

Sorry, this thread is only about NICE watches.

 

I saw a guy wearing a flat jedi today. I really wanted to ask him about it but he was on the phone so I let it be. Never seen one of those in the wild before.

 

That counts in my book.

 

My son drives a shuttle bus for a 5 star resort during his summer breaks, and he's a compulsive watch-spotter. This past week a Hulk and a BLNR caught his eye and he came home excited to tell me about it, because he doesn't really see that many watches on the guests that he recognizes.

I see more Apple watches and G-shocks on people than anything else.