What to bring? What to bring?

Do those who attend watch gatherings also struggle with what watches to share at the event? I'm finding that what interests enthusiasts is often much different than what interests others. What goes into your selection to share? What is it you hope to see? Do you have a set number of pieces to bring along?

We've all seen a base model Speedmaster, Explorer or Seamaster so it seems those don't garner much attention despite being fine watches. I've stopped bringing them for the most part even though newer enthusiasts and casual hobbyists often gravitate towards them.

I keep an eye on the display tables at these events to see what is being handled and discussed the most and frequently it's newness, rarity and premium price point that seems to draw the most attention.

I did however bring a Felca to a meet up a few nights ago and the rarity of the brand in the U.S. plus the jump hour complication made it a draw despite the very humble price point. There was actually a small line to see it.

Many of us handled our first PRX that evening, a lovely light blue auto, which due to the well deserved hype felt long overdue. Handling a popular piece feels mandatory and is essential in my view when contemplating a purchase. I was grateful to the person who brought it.

A real plus has been that the negativity frequently encountered online gives way to increased civility once people move away from the keyboard. The positivity and encouragement on display at the meet ups has been key to my going back again and again even when travel is required. There are some wonderful people involved in this hobby and meeting them (you!) has been the BEST part of my collecting and key to my watch "growth".

I've also noticed collectors bring pieces that are discreetly "available" though the No Sales environment at many of the events I attend is a strong draw for me. I don't relish someone chatting me up and complementing my watch choices then transitioning into a sales pitch. My soul dies a little each time that occurs with the realization that there goes five minutes of my life thst I can never get back.

Have I bought a watch from someone I've met at a gathering? Fo' sure! Several! I haven't always gotten a great deal but if not then it was for a watch difficult to source (pristine Seiko 6138 Bullhead). We want what we want and jump on "opportunities".

I've attended perhaps half a dozen gatherings in the last two months and to be unapologetically repetitive I have really appreciated the lack of judgment and the absence of gatekeeping by those attending. Apparently people don't feel as compelled to verbalize their every dislike and concentrate on handling the watches that feel like an opportunity and simply pass by the others. The food and beverages on hand certainly enhances the conviviality on display!

Despite the unrelenting online backlash the many MoonSwatch variants that turn up get a lot of positive attention while Rolex often feels underrepresented in relation to their market share. (I attended a cars and watches event in Orange County where only the host and I brought a Rolex.) Conversely there was a Mission to Moonshine present Thursday night and it's owner was getting high fives left and right. No haters in attendance or just good manners on display? Who cares, I'll take it.

One enthusiast proudly displayed his gold Speedmaster next to his bioceramic Mission to Mars and not one person felt compelled to tell him he should've bought a Pagani instead. This confirms for me that the online experience differs greatly ftom the default offline reality and why WC should continue making acceptance and tolerance foundational.

Seikos also get a lot of love and of course any unique pieces provide a rare opportunity for an up close and personal event. The Rowing Blazers collabs have been very well received despite being unknown to many (even my Seiko AD!).

Heading to San Diego this weekend so the question of what to share isn't rhetorical. The hospitality of @HotWatchChick69 isn't taken lightly and seeing @Max, @Half_Life, and others again will be as interesting as seeing what they bring. Feel free to view my gallery and make suggestions.