The Second Annual One Watch Challenge

Last year, in the Spring, the WatchCrunch community committed itself to a social experiment in watch collecting: The One Watch Challenge. The idea was based on a thought had by @TimexBadger. He was wondering if he could wear one of his 60+ watches for one month (spoiler: no, he could not). Many of us have more daily watch changes than costume changes for Diana Ross in concert (Beyonce or Katy Perry if you are not a geezer). It is difficult to wear just one watch when you are like most here.

This ties in nicely with @Max ’s latest video. Will a GADA watch actually scratch the itch? Or will it fail to placate the irresistible impulse that causes us to buy more and more watches to feed the existential emptiness at the center of our beings? (That is what is called the “light touch”.)

So, we are going to start up the Second Annual One Watch Challenge soon. I got the ok from WC. The winner will receive WC merchandise. I don’t know what. I act on vague promises. It keeps me on my toes. Last year I made many update posts and kept the 1WC in the forefront of the WC consciousness. I made a mistake. The darned thing dragged on interminably. In the end we called it when we had five left: @Deeperblue , @Porthole , @unseenhero , @TheSharperTheBetter, and @TonyXXX . There were mechanical and quartz watches in a mix of styles. There were also some near misses. A Fossil lasted until near the end. Apparently, a GADA watch is just a watch that you wear every day. It needn’t have particular characteristics or qualities. Just wear it like your grandfather would.

Rules, there must be rules. And the rules will change as needs change. I am the final arbiter. There are no appeals. The rules are designed to discourage you. WC doesn’t want to give out merch to ten of you. I don’t want to have to pay attention to this for six months. Here is the starter pack of rules:

1.     You must own seven (7) or more watches and you must have bought a watch in the last four months. Why? Simple, you own more watches than any person “needs”. You are infected by the virus. The one watch collector is an oxymoron. The three watch collector only has two colors of shoe. The five watch collector is a three watch collector who needs to tidy up. If you sell watches and dip below seven, you are out.

2.     Every day you must post a photo of your watch on WRUW. It must contain the tag #1WC. In a change from last year I will no longer make allowances for the International Date Line. The farther from WC Pacific Time Zone that you get, the harder it is to post on the “right” day. I sympathize with Crunchers in Australia and Singapore. I just can’t keep up. Blame @Max for living in Seattle.

3.     Every week you must post a photo of your watch in the WatchCrunch Photography Club. @Deeperblue puts these up on Sundays. Your photo, with the Club’s weekly theme, must be in that thread.

4.     It goes without saying, you may only wear one watch during the challenge. We must work on the honor system. No “after work” or “nighttime” watches. No double wristing. Just one.

5.     No strap changes. Start on a NATO or bracelet, end on a NATO or bracelet. (This was my mistake last year. I let you off easy.)

6.     I reserve the right to make fun of your watch. If you are sensitive and are thinking “Wait a second, this is the nice forum. I didn’t sign up for this abuse.” Yes, you did. Right here. Offer, acceptance, consideration: this is a binding contract. I get to make fun of your watch. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. My call.

7.     Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s circus ceased operation on May 21, 2017. The 1WC is a circus, so it is only fitting that we begin on May 21. Put it on your calendar. Tie a ribbon on your finger. (Coincidentally, it is also the Circassian Day of Mourning and the birthdate of Noel Fielding.)

8.     I also reserve the right to change the rules on a whim.

9.     On Day 11 of the 1WC you must create a post (not WRUW) about your watch using the #1WC hashtag. You must explain why your watch is the perfect choice to win the 1WC. You must also explain which Disney princess or villain would wear your watch.

10. On Day 23 of the 1WC you must create a post (not WRUW) containing a haiku about your watch. Use the hashtag (always use the hashtag unless told not to).

11. On Day 31 of the 1WC (notice the prime number theme?) You must wear your watch on the “wrong” or opposite wrist and your WRUW photo must reflect this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPD0JLwpc3k

That’s enough for now. You may want to star this post if you are participating because I will not be reminding any of you. I want you to fail. You will all beat me. I chose a vintage skin diver last year and lasted all of ten days. I will try something different this time. I don’t predict success for myself.

You have time to plan, maybe even buy a watch. One interesting wrinkle, more of a self-imposed challenge, was one used by @Edge168n. He chose a watch by random. I don’t have that fortitude.

This should be fun.