Instagram Influence on Your Collection and Overall Market

watchknut · Feb 29, 2016

U ulackfocus
That's the way things are today. Sound bites and Photoshopped pictures for the ADHD world that we now live in. Guys like us who have patience and reading comprehension are a dying breed. If you can't say it in 140 characters or less you're ignored.

What is the old adage, "a picture is worth a thousand words..."? I find it amusing that forum members always ask for pics so that they judge what words cannot describe, yet bemoan IG for not having enough words. It is possible to learn a tremendous amount from pictures, especially when you know that the collector whose account you are following has top notch pieces.

For example, when I see a watch that Spacefruit, achim, LouS, Gemini4, emilio, CajunTiger, or countless other members posts on OF, I take a mental picture, and file it away for the time that I may need to reference it. These members have some of the best pieces, and when they photograph them, they take extra care in making sure that they are appropriately represented.

For those who have little to know experience with IG, I suggest you try it out, follow trusted forum members, check out recommended accounts, and see what you can learn.

The Omega Forum is unique in that it truly is a complete source, IMO, for collectors, but not everyone on earth that is into Omega or vintage watches is a member, and IG is a great platform to expand your horizons.

As far as Photoshop is concerned, there is overprocessing an image that creates something far from reality, and there is using Photoshop to correct discrepancies that occur during the photography process (i.e. under/over exposure, tint, color, contract, etc.) to get a more true representation of what the image looks like through the human eye.

There is no difference from collectors on IG from the collectors on OF--they are all proud of their pieces, and want to showcase them in their natural state. I have no idea about the users that use the stock filters, as I don't see any of their crap.

MMMD · Feb 29, 2016

watchknut
...As far as Photoshop is concerned, there is overprocessing an image that creates something far from reality, and there is using Photoshop to correct discrepancies that occur during the photography process (i.e. under/over exposure, tint, color, contract, etc.) to get a more true representation of what the image looks like through the human eye...

This a very important distinction. We are not developing large-format plates somewhere in Yosemite. Most of the images on this forum are taken by little computers with cameras attached. Those little computers then do their little-computer best to create a visual representation of an image's data that may or may not resemble what the human eye has perceived. Post-processing may be used for deception, to conceal imperfections, etc., but many photographers use it to create a more "accurate" image. And many who don't do any post-processing complain about how their photos "don't do the watch justice." Doing justice will often require some extra work after the shutter clicks.

Andy K · Feb 29, 2016

I have no issues with the watch community that has emerged on IG, but to me it is a matter of software functionality and preference. IG doesn't lend itself to lengthy back and forth like a forum, nor does it have the archival features of a forum. So it's a matter of preference as far as what I want out of the hobby.

For example, lately I found two WUS threads on an uncommon dial variant I've become interested in from 2006 that involved prominent collectors (Georges Z, Steve Waddington, and Chuck Maddox) and pasted excerpts from their direct correspondence with Marco Richon, who was at the time working on what would become A Journey Through Time. It was fascinating to see this conversation from a decade ago preserved for me to find years later when the interest struck me, not unlike a virtual research library.

Not everyone needs a "library" of sorts like that, but forum software is flexible enough to be many things to many people. I can get a similar experience to an IG feed by checking the WRUW thread here. It has a more formal approach to buying, selling, and feedback.

watchknut · Feb 29, 2016

Andy K
I have no issues with the watch community that has emerged on IG, but to me it is a matter of software functionality and preference. IG doesn't lend itself to lengthy back and forth like a forum, nor does it have the archival features of a forum. So it's a matter of preference as far as what I want out of the hobby.

For example, lately I found two WUS threads on an uncommon dial variant I've become interested in from 2006 that involved prominent collectors (Georges Z, Steve Waddington, and Chuck Maddox) and pasted excerpts from their direct correspondence with Marco Richon, who was at the time working on what would become A Journey Through Time. It was fascinating to see this conversation from a decade ago preserved for me to find years later when the interest struck me, not unlike a virtual research library.

Not everyone needs a "library" of sorts like that, but forum software is flexible enough to be many things to many people. I can get a similar experience to an IG feed by checking the WRUW thread here. It has a more formal approach to buying, selling, and feedback.

No one is saying that IG is a platform to replace a forum, but rather that it is another medium for collectors to learn from and network with fellow collectors from all over the world.

bazamu · Feb 29, 2016

I would be curious to know how many of the people in this thread that have said it's "ADHD" or "disingenuous" are actually on IG and have participated. It's one thing to bemoan it's existence as a millennial creation for people that only have a surface-level attraction to watches. But speaking from personal experience, that really sells it short. If a forum collapses, I don't think it's because of IG. It probably would have collapsed anyways. I love IG and I'm on it a fair amount, but I still come to OF multiple times per day to get a completely different "fix."

They're not mutually exclusive, as watchknut says above.

CajunTiger · Feb 29, 2016

Ludi
IG killed the French forum I was a member of. Why would you bother to write great indeep review when a bunch of filtered photo does the trick 🙁

It must have been a crappy forum if IG killed it. 😀

Clearly there is a dislike for IG here...anyone who buys a watch based on a single IG image isn't very bright. And if you can't look at an image and tell it was heavily processed, then you should probably stop buying watches you can't put your hands on first.

IG is a social platform, its not a replacement for a forum or a blog.If you want to discuss a watch or read detailed information IG is not the place to go. IG will never replace a forum.

Andy K · Feb 29, 2016

watchknut
No one is saying that IG is a platform to replace a forum, but rather that it is another medium for collectors to learn from and network with fellow collectors from all over the world.

Maybe I should have boldened the word "preference"? I wasn't suggesting that you or anyone else was putting forward the notion of IG replacing a forum. I was just offering a reason why some of us might prefer one platform to the other. It's fine to like and participate in both. I've been active on IG for many years, but not much in the watch world of IG.

ulackfocus · Feb 29, 2016

ChicagoFrog
I would be curious to know how many of the people in this thread that have said it's "ADHD" or "disingenuous" are actually on IG and have participated.

Not me. I don't Tweet either, and I'm barely on Facebook unless you count Candy Crush and other games. I think Social Media is ruining social skills and therefore refuse to contribute to the downfall of civility and common courtesy.

Albe100 · Sep 5, 2016

Modest_Proposal
One of my beefs with Instagram is the sheer vanity of it.

All people do there is show off their watches or show off other people's watches. Or they show off a watch with the implicit intention of selling it - or maybe not? Who knows? You feeling lucky, punk?

Now, we all on this forum show off to some extent - but on Instagram it's practically required. At OF, we also write extensively (and pictureless) for the sake of furthering the knowledge of the community, without any secondary need for circle jerk approval.

I've recently started an account strictly for watches because I wanted to share my collection with people who had the same interest. I guess it's showing off, but I look at it as a medium to meeting other watch enthusiast/collectors.

I've found some reputable sellers who were also forum members or had an online store. I've made a few purchases through IG. Found some great strap makers and some knowledgeable people who like here, share info and broaden your network by introducing you to others with this watch addiction.

I agree I don't need to see pics of some guy with a gold AP and a Lamborghini in the background, but it's fun to see photos of guys who love their watches and share their finds. Like OP said, it also gives you access to seeing what's out there.

CajunTiger · Sep 5, 2016

Its all about who you follow...you are in control, not IG.

NT931 · Sep 5, 2016

Albe100
Found some great strap makers and some knowledgeable people who like here, share info and broaden your network by introducing you to others with this watch addiction.

I'd have to agree that while there are a lot of preening d*ckheads who flaunt their watches, what I've unexpectedly found fun with IG is following the strap makers. They have a wide range of straps paired with different watches which gives me all sorts of new strap ideas, which is kind of fun. I've just ordered custom straps from Dangerous9straps and theleatherstrap, and they've been really responsive. Wouldn't have found them without IG.

WatchWarlock · Sep 5, 2016

Albe100
I've recently started an account strictly for watches because I wanted to share my collection with people who had the same interest. I guess it's showing off, but I look at it as a medium to meeting other watch enthusiast/collectors.

I've found some reputable sellers who were also forum members or had an online store. I've made a few purchases through IG. Found some great strap makers and some knowledgeable people who like here, share info and broaden your network by introducing you to others with this watch addiction.

I agree I don't need to see pics of some guy with a gold AP and a Lamborghini in the background, but it's fun to see photos of guys who love their watches and share their finds. Like OP said, it also gives you access to seeing what's out there.

Agreed. There are indeed aspects of IG that promote a "lifestyle" - look at my watches, cars, jets and cash stacks. And then there are IG accounts that try to promote horology as a hobby worth pursuing - macro shots showing the level of craftsmanship/vintage pieces etc. I created a separate watch-only account solely for the purpose of sharing my collection and enjoying other people's collections. I haven't made any purchases through IG, but it does give me a good idea of market value and desirability of certain models. It also gives me some good strap ideas! Seeing your exact watch looking good mounted on a strap beats the hell out of buying them blind.

alam · Sep 5, 2016

Stewart H
What's Instagram?

...the closest thing to a porno website not blocked/sensored on official Government computer networks... 😜

Thomas P. · Sep 5, 2016

I like to use Instagram to find pictures of many different types of watches. It is just another picture source for me. I'm sure there are many people on Instagram that do not own the watches and other things they photograph and are merely selling a lifestyle. As far as the market is concerned I can't really tell what the watches sell for unlike Ebay or auction house results...

sliceoftime_ · Sep 7, 2016

Instagram has been very helpful to me to venture out and meet even more collectors.

OF will always be for me a safe zone, for instance, I do meet people on Instagram who are on OF and that would cause me to be more trusting to that collector.

As @CajunTiger has mentioned, its all about who you follow. We can choose the people and images we see on our profile and our interest.

My Instagram is @sliceoftime_ for anyone interested!

Sanmilc · Sep 7, 2016

I never used (I guess I´m an old guy) but I´m gone open an account and give it a try..... lts see what happens

lillatroll · Sep 7, 2016

I am a bit useless when using the internet for anything more advanced than clicking on pages I know about. How does one find watch collections on instagram? Does it have some kind of search section? Also who is worth looking at.

Larry S · Sep 7, 2016

OF is my safe zone. Instagram is a vanity site where my female Russian colleagues put up pictures of shoes and fashion accessories. The connection with actual transacting of business is a mystery to me. I hate it when the blogs talk up watches that are on there. I suppose as one who manages Ad Agency relationships for a living I ought to be more hip to what it does. Plus my kid tells me its for old people..Just like Facebook. (I was once told by one of our Digital Geeks that I "Was too old to have a Facebook page." HA! 😕

Clibka · Sep 7, 2016

I understand this is a watch forum so the conversation is tending towards the watches of IG, but one of the best things about it is the fact that you can follow all of your interests in one platform. Family/friends/guns/watches/cars ... As for the specific value for watch related efforts, I would say it is a net benefit for the community ... One of the more interesting things to follow is people like @fakewatchbusta that focus purely on calling out people and their fake watches (rappers and the like). @_rolexbusta @rolex_enforcer are other examples.

For what it is worth my name = @Clibka on instagram.

RawArcher · Sep 7, 2016

Russian females?

Instagram Influence on Your Collection and Overall Market

watchknut

MMMD

Andy K

watchknut

bazamu

CajunTiger

Andy K

ulackfocus

Albe100

CajunTiger

NT931

WatchWarlock

alam

Thomas P.

sliceoftime_

Sanmilc

lillatroll

Larry S

Clibka

RawArcher

Similar threads

Influences on your current collection?

Cad290 is a lovely gentleman to deal with. Great communication and overall nice person to chat with.

Post SIHH and Basel 2018: What's on your watch evaluation list for 2018?

New guy, a humble collection, and an actual barn-find.

Lets See Your Favorite Watch Of Your Collection And Why!

Have you ever tested the overall efficiency of your watch movement?