Watch compliment etiquette
Do you compliment people’s watches that you see “in the wild?” I was in Kiawah Island last month and complimented a woman for her Tiffany datejust. She seemed to appreciate someone noticing and was excited to talk about it. I have talked to my wife about watches to the point that she successfully identified a Seamaster on a client last week and he was really pumped to discuss his watch collecting journey (I don’t think she intended to spend 30 minutes talking about it though!).
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Garrett
Trying to learn and have fun on my watch collecting journey. I enjoy drumming, golf and coaching my kids.
Severna Park, MD
Member since
Last active: 7 hrs ago
7.00” / 17.78 cm
I always want to compliment watches I see around but am always too chicken, which is funny because I can strike up a conversation with anyone about anything but watches. Many opportunities missed!
Maybe in a Vacation setting or a work/networking setting. If I do it in the streets of LA it would be a bit awkward. Probably call the cops on me thinking I'm trying to rob them.
I will generally be politely inquisitive towards anyone with a non-smart watch if given the opportunity.
Did it once. Felt weird quick. Might not do again.
It is a tricky situation, my experience has been people will remark about my watches first. Certain people sort of give off signals that they do not want to engage. Of course servers and sales are different like to chat about their watches. I stay away from new Rolex owners based on past experience. You can be wearing a vintage Calatrava and some will be nervous.
Only online.
In real life I mind my own business.
I was in an airport recently and the flight was delayed for two hours. I was sat next to a chap wearing a steel Daytona. I was wearing my Seamaster NTTD.
But we were both British so we ignored each other for the entire time.
I don't have a problem with it, I just think of it as the same as complimenting a nice jacket or tie.
I do avoid Rolex wearers though, the odds are heavily stacked against bumping into one that isn't wearing it as a flex. That includes my circle of friends who all wear DJs, except for one from the next generation who wears a 50s Omega, showing a touch of elegance.
Great conversation starter...no downside really. If they aren't into watches, they will just say thank you or maybe give you a look depending on the location (be careful of compliments in the elevator...a little creepy). If they are into watches, they will readily engage and be appreciative that you noticed.
I can only imagine doing so as a fleeting aside, which is also the only way I've received such interest. Like so...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBkrhky2sl8
Ill do it to someone im talking to, no problems,,but i dont stop someone in the street n say hey nice watch ...
Sometimes I will drop a small compliment, if the other person isn't a geek I usually leave it at that.
I'm not a "people person" in that I just prefer to keep to myself, however I will compliment a nice watch on someone when the mood hits.
Maybe in a Vacation setting or a work/networking setting. If I do it in the streets of LA it would be a bit awkward. Probably call the cops on me thinking I'm trying to rob them.
I too live in LA(sadly).I do all the time,haven’t been shot by LAPD or”jacked”
If I see a nice watch 9 times out of 10 I ask to try it on, my wife goes mental with me 😂
Smart woman! 100% correct
She married me so she can’t be that smart! Haha.
I too live in LA(sadly).I do all the time,haven’t been shot by LAPD or”jacked”
Yet
She married me so she can’t be that smart! Haha.
😂😂 her one lapse in judgement, let her live lol
😂😂 her one lapse in judgement, let her live lol
Lol, you have no idea my friend. She is 10 years younger than I am, smart( one lapse), pretty, kind, great mom, I can go on but I am certain you have a great lady in your life!
Lol, you have no idea my friend. She is 10 years younger than I am, smart( one lapse), pretty, kind, great mom, I can go on but I am certain you have a great lady in your life!
Yeah, I got me a wonderful one when she's not hungry lol all in all my saving grace 🙏🏾 I'd be in prison now or worse if it weren't for her and these kids she's blessed me with.
Yeah, I got me a wonderful one when she's not hungry lol all in all my saving grace 🙏🏾 I'd be in prison now or worse if it weren't for her and these kids she's blessed me with.
They do make us better or make us want to be better! My wife and I just celebrated 37 summers together not counting the 3 years we were together before marrying. Lots of ups and downs. Sure you know about life a little.
If I see something I take a shot. If I get a bad reaction. It’s just like talking to anybody else. Sometimes I’m lucky and you get a bit of a conversation back like humans, you know.
If I had a dollar for every time this happened to me.. I'd buy myself a 222! A couple times my lady has said "babe ur staring!".
Earlier this summer I was in the supermarket and the guy cashing before me had on a Yacht Master 2, told him nice watch... He told me he can only wear it certain places and he'd never wear it in London.
To my lady's displeasure we spent about half an hour talking about watches and showing each other pictures of each other's collections 😁.
At least it's about watches and it other objects of desire....
Rarely, unless it's in a conducive environment. Eg sitting in a coffee shop and we're both not doing much. Saw a MJW and called him out and the dude literally lit up in delight and surprise. If I'm a watch boutique, I'll gladly opine on someone's watch for sure.
I was in an airport recently and the flight was delayed for two hours. I was sat next to a chap wearing a steel Daytona. I was wearing my Seamaster NTTD.
But we were both British so we ignored each other for the entire time.
Whilst waiting at the airport to come home a couple of days ago, we were sat next to a youngish couple - my husband noticed he was wearing a Mr Jones watch but was too timid to compliment him. Separately I noticed she was wearing a Tudor of some sort (I only saw the shield on the clasp). We figured afterwards this was probably an unusual enough combination and we should have said something!
I tried it once at an airport. A guy was sitting next to me and was wearing the same watch. I complimented his choice and just got a strange look. No more words were exchanged.
I work in an auction and have complimented clients and customers on their watches various times. One guy got very defensive and hid his wrist away and almost snarled like a dog. I said "I was giving you a complement sir, because I love watches, I'm not trying to steal it or do you any harm, we're friendly here." He didn't respond and just looked at me like I was wiping my arse on his mother's pillow.
I work in an auction and have complimented clients and customers on their watches various times. One guy got very defensive and hid his wrist away and almost snarled like a dog. I said "I was giving you a complement sir, because I love watches, I'm not trying to steal it or do you any harm, we're friendly here." He didn't respond and just looked at me like I was wiping my arse on his mother's pillow.
"OK then, I take it back. You're ugly, your mom dresses you funny & your watch isn't that great. I'd rather have an MVNT. Harumph!"
Yes. Always. I walk up to them very quickly too, like I have business with them.