Post number 1000 (2000)

styggpyggeno1

Post number 1000.

I would like to start off with a big thank you to the founders and moderators of this site. You all, together with some contributors, have improved my knowledge, my watch-life - and even saved me from abandoning the internet side of watches completely. I have been in this hobby for a while now and I have seen the rise and fall of some sites. It often comes down to the moderators/owners loosing the humor, giving up on individuality and last but not least – they end up letting personal gain come first. For me OF stands for a perfect mix of integrity, humor and unselfish sharing of knowledge. Some of the moderators are seriously sick guys. The Alfred E Neumans of the watch world. Sometimes it is hard to tell if they are the trolls or if they are hunting them. They are dead serious BS-detectors and very knowledgeable about watches - at the same time as they are fooling around. And I love it. The Alfred E Neuman approach combined with knowledge and integrity - that sets the tone and the culture of OF in my opinion. That makes this site stand out.

It was LouS who lured me here and I am forever grateful. I think he had some idea of me being able to contribute to the UG side of the forum. Bummer.

I am at about 60 watches now and still lusting for more. There are cheap watches in my collection and there are those that are not. I have never bought a watch as an investment and never a watch I do not intend to use. I had already gone thru Desmonds eminent guide to Constellations when I got here but I really started to hunt for Connies pushed on by all you members input and pictures. Thru this site I have since also found a love for early Seamaster bumbers and for that I am thankful. They are beautiful and still available at a reasonable cost. There are some Omegas though that, in my opinion, does not get enough attention. Those that come to mind are the Memomatic and the Flightmaster. I do understand that their chunkiness and bright colors does not appeal to everyone but the Memomatic has a movement that is still unsurpassed in function and I will take a Flightmaster over a Speedmaster any day. Flightmasters are just so much more - and unusual in comparison - and still have a space history. One day you are all going to regret not getting one in time… As I am regretting not buying an early Speedmaster in time… (sulking… no…more of sobbing actually)

I have noticed, with great pleasure, that the odder brands/low profile brands do get attention here and that makes all the difference to me. The Lemanias, the Enicars, Seikos and Eternas among others. And there are special sections for three of my other favorites – Universal, Zenith and Longines. In my mind this is proof of this site being inhabited by real watch lovers and makes for a much nicer place than total fanboy country.

What have I done in my 1000 posts then? Mostly nothing. Posting in the WRUW thread trying to get people to like me (or maybe my watches). Sometimes I might have had my moments and written something that was of interest to others but compared to the real contributors my part is meager at the most. I have been awarded a byline here – a first for me on any site. Even if the enforcing was done in my youth - and I am really happy no one here has asked me to “pay someone a visit”- it was nice to get a byline at last. The only thing I honestly can be proud of is flying the diversity of brands flag. Which is kind of ironic being written in a salutation post for a site with one of the world’s most recognized watch brands in its name… That might be my contribution here though – helping in keeping the balance.

I have gotten to know some people thru this site that I would like to meet in real life and that is truly a wonderful feeling – even if we never actually do.

Thanks OF – founders, moderators and members. And in line with being the enforcer – “…go ahead, make my day…” *

*While not from the film The Enforcer but from Sudden Impact – same character though.

Some watches of mine - just to make this post a little more pleasing to the eye.

Steve9pm

Can we get a "family" shot of your collection?

kentlinardi

...but every time I see WRUW, your pics leave me in awe!

styggpyggeno1

I knew I had it coming...

No - I have tried but it does not photograph well. I have toyed with the thought to just pile them up in a heap and take a photo of it - but I have not got around to do it (yet).