I'm with you, Tex, if I wore a Rolex on one wrist and a Richard Mille or PP on the other, they'd steal the Rolex.
No one has commented on any of my watches, but I get some funny looks from people when I am staring at their wrists. It doesn't help that I have long hair, big beard and 20mm holes in my ears. The biggest problem is trying to get close enough to see what someone is wearing.
While on holiday in Hungary there was an American gentleman wearing what seemed to be an omega 320 from the late 50s. I was trying to get a closer look and he noticed me, he then nudged his wife and they both speeded up to get away from me.
There are very few watches out there that can be recognized from more than 5 feet away - maybe a Rolex GMT / Sub (though could be an "homage"), any Panerai, a TAG / Heuer Monaco etc. During the summer here in New York, I wear my shirt-sleeves rolled up with my watch for all to see - and so far, no problems. I'm a bit self-conscious about it if the subway is crowded and I'm holding the pole with my watch right in front of someone's face, but that's very very rare, and only bothers me with the more extroverted, modern LE Speedmasters I own. I'm not worried about my vintage pieces being recognized by the wrong types...
That said, I've been planning a purchase of a Dark Side for some time now, but worry about how noticeable it is on the wrist 馃榾
I am in the process of getting my first ever Omega watch. I am eyeing on the FOIS (Model 311.32.40.30.01.001) since my wrist is kinda small, so the 39" case diameter will work better than the traditional Speedy.
Do you guys have any additional thoughts or ideas want to share with me?
Do people worry about how noticeable a watch is on the wrist before buying?
I just bought a fairly flashy Omega black dial/bezel. It's quite notable, is it something that you put into consideration when you buy a piece?
22 year old "average" lad here.
I think it's hit and miss as to who recognizes the watch you're wearing.
One of my professors wears a Speedy - he was working with the overhead projector, projecting it onto the screen on the board. One of the students puts his hands up, gets picked by the professor, and asks, "Sir, is your watch broken? How come the second hand is stuck at 12?". The prof explained to him (and the class) the concept of a chronograph watch, and the history of the watch itself - everyone was blown away.
I think most of my friends and acquaintances could identify a Sub, a Daytona, and an Explorer II, as well as watches features in bond movies - the 300m, 300, Planet Ocean, and Aqua Terra. Breitlings.....I'd recon they'd recognize the Navitimer and the infamous 'Bentley for Breitling' fakes. However, I think most of them don't quite grasp the differences between an quartz/automatic/mechanical watch.
For myself, I recognize most Rolex watches, and I usually always comment on them - and the owners are mostly always happy to chat about them.
I recognize most modern-ish Omegas (not vintage as I have no interest in those [sorry guys/gals]), but their owners somehow seem to shy away from conversation about their timepieces as if they want to keep them a secret.
Besides that, I recognize watches here and there to a limited extent. Especially if it's a watch that's either rare or with a steep price tag.
I'm guessing some do, some don't, on both sides of the equation - some people want to be noticed, some don't! For me, I'd rather not have other people noticing the watch I'm wearing. It's not a fear of crime though; I just prefer a more quiet style.
Sure but the whole brand perception of Rolex for example is not based on looks at all. The sub is leaner, smaller and less bling than a PO, the explorer is much simpler and low key than an AT.... It's just the crown that makes some people shiver, and that's not based on the watch but on the brand perception.
That is why I had to just shake it off. If you care about people then go ahead, but if you want a smaller size, simple and bespoke sports mid level watch then am explorer or a no date sub beat pretty much anything.
If you want Bling Invicta!
But don't blame the watches for our hang ups!
Yes, I worded that wrong. Bright watches don't appeal to me anyway, but perhaps I do have some hangups about wearing watches that one might say are extroverted 馃榾 Nothing against those who prefer Rolex or modern Seamasters! I'll bet they're very enjoyable watches and I would never judge a fellow watch nerd for wearing them.
J jaymymsFor starters - WEAR YOUR WATCHES! Don't hide em under clothing! People fought wars wearing these things, they can easily take daily wear. Each mark the watch encounters is character, and can be polished out at next service if it bothers you so much. Enjoy your hard-earned pieces to the fullest! There's no point owning a Porsche if it doesn't leave the driveway!
