Ruminations

todays walk outside was quite beautiful ⬆

1. Peak Rolex?

I get that it's an 800 pound gorilla of the industry. I get that they are the number 1 watch.  I get that Rolex has infinite cash and ADs that enjoy making the buying process... humbling (if they allow it at all). 

But when 7 of top 10 posts on the 'Crunch are Rolex or Tudor centric ... Please, let's talk about something else.

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I love Watchcrunch for its colorful characters, its generally kind nature, and for the amount of knowledge shared here daily.  

I love the spectrum of tastes, prices, materials and designs in the watches we discuss.   Let's at least take a Rolex Ozempic 

2. Ug, I suck. Got jelly of some of my buddies here that have landed the 365 day WRUW badge, so I tried making a more diligent run for it.  

Wheels fell off yesterday.  Busy day and was worrying about the litany of other little household concerns, and boom, posted just after midnight.  

I had previously decided I'd never pull it off since I occasionally do crazy hours at work that screw up my concept of day and night... but I missed doing it on just a normal random Saturday.   From the mid 80s back to zero.  I think this challenge isn't for me 😢

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3. Grand Seiko GS9 club Event in LA Nov 4th - whoop whoop!  😃

Who is mental enough to spend over $1K to attend a free watch event?  Me!  I dragged my wife and kid across Japan to go to the Shizukuishi watch studio, remember?  So of course I'm making a big trip just for a 1 day watch nerd event!    

Sadly, work constraints mean I'm only in LA from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning.  I’m Attending GS nerd-con with the esteemed @Mr.Dee.Bater  and am hoping some of the other illustrious netizens of #crunchnation will turn up.  

I'm gonna be shameless, pushy, and take tons of pictures. So expect a GS centric Watches in the Wild post (© @Edge168n) to follow when I've had time to process and write it up!  And look at that weirdly happy cartoon lion on the GS9 pin! Stonecutters us!

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4. Watches in waiting.  I'm bursting at the seams to blather about some possible new additions and changes to my small quiver.😀   

Also, I'm a little concerned that a trip to LA to drink and try on Grand Seikos could unexpectedly produce a bouncing baby new watch.   

But I'm going to remain mum until one/some new watches are on my wrist.  🤐. It’s gonna be a long wait I think.

5. Rumination now complete…  your thoughts?  

Is Crunch actually not Rolexey enough?  

Should WRUW have any grace period, or 1 second over kills the last 360?  

Will I bust the Fieldwalker family budget in LA?   

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Oh , and a chronograph Q!  Is this correct: a column wheel chrono can run continuously during daily wear, no downside to power or movement.  A mechanical chrono that’s not column wheel - should not be run continuously.  

Is this basically accurate? 🍻

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Thanks! I feel your angst on the “spend a $1000 on a free trip to a watch event”. Been there. 😁

I don’t find Crunch too Rolex focussed. One of the things I like is the depth and range of brands (large and small) that folk showcase and discuss.

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I never do it myself but as far as I know running a column wheel chrono will not harm the movement in your timepiece but should affect the power reserve adversely. Do you have a reason to run the column wheel function continuously? I guess mechanical chronos should not, my info is from listening to reviews and convos with my ad who sells watches fitted with chrono functions. I think we were chatting about the new GS Tentagraph but I stopped listening when he told be the MSRP. Good luck with your family budget!

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Re the Rolex question - I might be wrong, but I feel like on WRUW the percentage of Rolexes posted is quite small - lots of Seikos or Casios is my impression. Are we therefore talking about things we don't/can't/won't/might one day have?

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FeebleWrists

Re the Rolex question - I might be wrong, but I feel like on WRUW the percentage of Rolexes posted is quite small - lots of Seikos or Casios is my impression. Are we therefore talking about things we don't/can't/won't/might one day have?

Agree, compared to other forums the R word isn't mentioned nearly as much. But maybe I'm getting better at just ignoring those posts, like G-Shock or anything else that doesn't interest me.

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I think what you are asking is about the vertical clutch and horizontal clutch as both column wheel and cam and lever are just used to activate the clutch and either can have vertical or horizantal.

The vertical clutch has the advantage of not having to mesh gears to run the chrono and is smoother but once running I believe that neither has an advantage on the amount of wear

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I could do with less Rolex this and Rolex that in favor of more experiences from niche brands I'd love to discover. But all things considered, WC is a lot more tame in that regard than my daily Instagram scroll. I feel like 50% of the pictures there are subs and Explorer 2. On a variety of bad and overpriced straps they are paid to promote. Influencers are so boring. 💤

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I always enjoy your ramblings, my friend. Hey, I agree it's too Rolexy. But then, if that's what gets so many comments, what can we do? Go ahead and enjoy your LA trip and the GS event. But next time, you can send the $1000 to me so I can get a Traska or Farer. ;) Finally, I'm not into the WRUW streak really as I don't really care at all for the badges. I post on WRUW because I love taking photos that's all. Cheers buddy!

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I have also suffered the pain of losing my WRUW streak.

I was over 230 days in...

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I have a Rolex centric post some time over the next few weeks planned just to vex you 😉

"Performing a Natural Experiment: Just How Long is the Submariner Wait-list anyway?"

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Wow, what a way to start my Crunch week.. I feel you are talking more to the Reddit crowd then the Crunchers here.... I enjoy this site because we dont make judgements and it isnt a bunch of "let me show you my new ROLEX" ..but heck you can say anything you want..it is still America.. Enjoy the hobby...JMO

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I agree, lots of Rolex - and especially Tudor & Omega posts - but I'll usually just breeze over them and stay in my lane.

Oh, and I missed a day once too. Currently in 61st place on the streak list, with 142.

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Sorry to hear about the WRUW. That sucks. I have had close calls me self. I’m at 72 I think and if I forgot at this point I would still post just not everyday.

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TOwguy

I never do it myself but as far as I know running a column wheel chrono will not harm the movement in your timepiece but should affect the power reserve adversely. Do you have a reason to run the column wheel function continuously? I guess mechanical chronos should not, my info is from listening to reviews and convos with my ad who sells watches fitted with chrono functions. I think we were chatting about the new GS Tentagraph but I stopped listening when he told be the MSRP. Good luck with your family budget!

Thanks! I'm chrono curious since I don't love the small second subdial (or absence of a sweep second), and owning no chronos, had considered that the big chrono second hand could function fine in that role.

So if I was to get one, I was interested to know if that is an option.

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FeebleWrists

Re the Rolex question - I might be wrong, but I feel like on WRUW the percentage of Rolexes posted is quite small - lots of Seikos or Casios is my impression. Are we therefore talking about things we don't/can't/won't/might one day have?

Last night when I opened crunch - as stated - 7 of first 10 posts were Rolex/Tudor. So it felt excessive. Yes, it's quite possible sometime 70% is posts about some other specific brand.

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Cantaloop

Agree, compared to other forums the R word isn't mentioned nearly as much. But maybe I'm getting better at just ignoring those posts, like G-Shock or anything else that doesn't interest me.

I wonder if other boards are gradually migrating to Crunch as a slightly more pleasant place to hang out, but accordingly the Rolex numbers are spiking. I'm comparing with a year or so ago when it gets mentioned just as often as any other brand but didn't dominate posts so much.

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Ryan_Schwartz

I have also suffered the pain of losing my WRUW streak.

I was over 230 days in...

Oh man! Brutal!

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Fieldwalker

I wonder if other boards are gradually migrating to Crunch as a slightly more pleasant place to hang out, but accordingly the Rolex numbers are spiking. I'm comparing with a year or so ago when it gets mentioned just as often as any other brand but didn't dominate posts so much.

I migrated here, a much better experience

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Mr.Santana

Sorry to hear about the WRUW. That sucks. I have had close calls me self. I’m at 72 I think and if I forgot at this point I would still post just not everyday.

Yeah... I'm returning to a now and then system, and the pic should be 'WRUW worthy' in order to get posted. No filler pics is the goal now.

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It’s funny how a little time in nature brings clarity.

1 - Peak Rolex? When you think we’ve hit the peak, there’s always another level. Just wait until the next hype release. Think about how many posts we had on the SwatchPain, whether serious or irony. Luckily, we can either ignore or mute both.

2 - Let’s get back on the WRUW train my man. You can do it. Start with a Canadian Thanksgiving WRUW. I lost a streak earlier and am days away from 180. Time flies when you’re having fun. But yes, I wish there was some grace period for WRUW.

3 - One day I hope to join the GS Club…one day.

4 - I’m waiting for some international holidays to end to get my watch shipped out. Nobody should get a day off except for me 😂. I demand satisfaction! Give us a hint at what’s coming.

5 - I will put money that you’re coming back with a GS in tow. Who’s with me? Have fun and looking forward to some pictures.

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Fieldwalker

Oh man! Brutal!

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It hurt a lot...

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SpecKTator

It’s funny how a little time in nature brings clarity.

1 - Peak Rolex? When you think we’ve hit the peak, there’s always another level. Just wait until the next hype release. Think about how many posts we had on the SwatchPain, whether serious or irony. Luckily, we can either ignore or mute both.

2 - Let’s get back on the WRUW train my man. You can do it. Start with a Canadian Thanksgiving WRUW. I lost a streak earlier and am days away from 180. Time flies when you’re having fun. But yes, I wish there was some grace period for WRUW.

3 - One day I hope to join the GS Club…one day.

4 - I’m waiting for some international holidays to end to get my watch shipped out. Nobody should get a day off except for me 😂. I demand satisfaction! Give us a hint at what’s coming.

5 - I will put money that you’re coming back with a GS in tow. Who’s with me? Have fun and looking forward to some pictures.

The voice of calm direct from the garden isle 😌

I just had a walk in the rain under the big trees (to get some cream cheese for thanksgiving cooking) and yup, it calms and relaxes your mind.

Brutal on the 180 - ouch 😬. In hindsight, my streak wasn't really that long compared to some. But now I think I’ll revert to a ‘only great or interesting pictures’ system, and abandon the streak idea. I dislike just ticking off the box with a routine boring pic.

I think my NWAs (other than ill advised GSs) are many months away .. so it’s really premature to reveal. But lots of wacky and wonderful 😃

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Fieldwalker

The voice of calm direct from the garden isle 😌

I just had a walk in the rain under the big trees (to get some cream cheese for thanksgiving cooking) and yup, it calms and relaxes your mind.

Brutal on the 180 - ouch 😬. In hindsight, my streak wasn't really that long compared to some. But now I think I’ll revert to a ‘only great or interesting pictures’ system, and abandon the streak idea. I dislike just ticking off the box with a routine boring pic.

I think my NWAs (other than ill advised GSs) are many months away .. so it’s really premature to reveal. But lots of wacky and wonderful 😃

I’m back home but basking in the afterglow and recovering from bug bites and jet lag.

I go back and forth between going with weird and whacky stuff and then thinking how much wrist time something like that would get. I didn’t pull the trigger on the latest Zelos Swordfish Bronze with Meteorite dial cause I struggled to see when I would wear something that unique.

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Sadly, just like YouTube Rolex/Tudor get the clicks. I have started to refrain from many of them unless it is a new topic, but there is only so many times one can say the same thing. I tend to ignore top posts and go right to recent posts and that does a nice job of spreading the love.

Definitely get a GS on the trip! I am heading to NYC in a couple weeks and I am all but guaranteed to come home with something different, though I too am holding out for a GS later this year.

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AllTheWatches

Sadly, just like YouTube Rolex/Tudor get the clicks. I have started to refrain from many of them unless it is a new topic, but there is only so many times one can say the same thing. I tend to ignore top posts and go right to recent posts and that does a nice job of spreading the love.

Definitely get a GS on the trip! I am heading to NYC in a couple weeks and I am all but guaranteed to come home with something different, though I too am holding out for a GS later this year.

Nice!

NYC for the windup watch fair? Or it’s a just a work trip that will include a fun visits to the plentiful ADs? I’ve not been to NYC, but imagine it’s something like Ginza where there is more watch dealers than coffee shops.

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Haha, love the hamster meme pic. Condolences on the streak being broken. That's f'n annoying. You going to keep trying again?

Enjoy the event!! Take pics of unique GS's! Looking forward to it

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Rest assured I'm doing my part to flood this place with Seiko posts hahaha. I will admit I want that one Rolex though, you know the one...

I am expecting a human baby (felt I needed to clarify, not a watch lol) exactly on Nov 4th. Otherwise, I might also be crazy enough to invite myself to yours and @Mr.Dee.Bater party for a short but what I'm sure will be an amazing trip. I think it's a very high probability you and Brian both end up with something new. Best just plan for it than against it 😎

You enjoy my friend! I will once again live vicariously through others here on WC.

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tonmed

Rest assured I'm doing my part to flood this place with Seiko posts hahaha. I will admit I want that one Rolex though, you know the one...

I am expecting a human baby (felt I needed to clarify, not a watch lol) exactly on Nov 4th. Otherwise, I might also be crazy enough to invite myself to yours and @Mr.Dee.Bater party for a short but what I'm sure will be an amazing trip. I think it's a very high probability you and Brian both end up with something new. Best just plan for it than against it 😎

You enjoy my friend! I will once again live vicariously through others here on WC.

Nov 4th is baby day/ watch budget destruction day?? Hmmm, what time? 🤔

If late afternoon, or in the evening, you can totally still make it!! 😀👍

Explain to wifey that it's a GS event and you are my +1 and I'd be embarrassed if I'm stood up. Canucks looking out for Canucks 😉

Yes please, continue to Seiko the crap outta this place 🤪

(oh, and pre emptive congrats on your new literal baby!)

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Fieldwalker

Nov 4th is baby day/ watch budget destruction day?? Hmmm, what time? 🤔

If late afternoon, or in the evening, you can totally still make it!! 😀👍

Explain to wifey that it's a GS event and you are my +1 and I'd be embarrassed if I'm stood up. Canucks looking out for Canucks 😉

Yes please, continue to Seiko the crap outta this place 🤪

(oh, and pre emptive congrats on your new literal baby!)

Oddly enough, baby lines up with my bday almost. I've convinced everyone I deserve to get this for that matter:

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So that might be the one for a while hahaha.

Can't wait for the trip pics, I know you're great a photodocumenting.

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Fieldwalker

NO kidding! After booking the whole trip I started translating the funds into the equivalent in microbrands and movements! 🤪 I generally didn't care for badges but ended up caring a bit more after the #1WC where we got briefly tasked with collecting. You are doing WC right my friend, and I take council from your zen approach.

Hehe, microbrand price range right? ;) Yeah, it's cool and fun to get the badges and all with the #1wc competition, including the Photography Club Theme of the Week. Let's enjoy WC regardless, my friend.

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Enjoyed your freeform essay! Lots to see and explore here for sure.