Who else is slightly averse to overly popular watch models?

I've had quite a few of the most popular watches out there, and still have a few, and I have NEVER seen ANY watch I've had on the wrist of anyone else ever, except in watch shops and watch meetups. We watch geeks tend to think everyone is a watch geek, but it's so rare to see anything on a person's wrist other than a Apple, Fitbit, Smartwatch...if they have anything at all on their wrist.

I tend to prefer watches that are less commonly seen, but if I like a popular watch, I won't let it's popularity dissuade me from getting it.

I tend to avoid models (or brands) that YT over popularized, but the definition of popularity is relative and fluid.

I don't see a lot of wrist watches around me, and when I do these are most likely to be a Smartwatch of some kind. I also don't see a lot of customers in AD shops. At one time I thought I will be able to see plenty of Rolex at events, but even there they are pretty rare.

My only criterion is that I like it. I have a BB58 because I like it, even though I know it's popular. My opinion wouldn't change due to exclusivity. A good watch is good no matter who else has it.

The Grand Seiko I have is very common but when I purchased it, I had zero idea of its popularity - not that it would’ve made any difference in my decision. Bottom line is I like what I like and if others happen to like the same, then I’m part of a group with great tastes - a win-win 😂🤙

I think most enthusiasts already know what they like for the most part. Unless you're rolling in dough, I would not recommend an expensive first choice. If I had listened to the popular opinion of saving up and getting a nice first watch instead of six affordable ones, I would have ended up with a Tudor or a used Speedy, etc., and would have quit the next day. Screw this hobby. Instead, learning about watches, history, movements, terms, brands, the wait, the itch to buy something else, multiple days researching watches, and the online community are what make it all special to me. To me, it's not about the popular choice; it's about finding what you like and the journey that led to it. Why did I choose the Sub, Snowflake, or SKX?

I agree with you but for whatever reason only with Rolex. Watches like the SBGA413 is popular… among watch enthusiasts, it’s not a generally well know watch so I would give any GS a pass.

I would rather contemplate the thought process that went into said watch, when I buy. For instance, if a watch company decided to make an existing model better or changed / updated the case or movement then you have my attention, usually. This usually denotes thinking and problem solving and I like that.

I see what you mean. I try to go for watches where the design is so good it’s barely changed since the original.

That goes for other products too like Levi 501s and Nike Air Jordan’s. I watched Air last night on Amazon Prime (very good) and bought my son a pair recently - it’s amazing how little the design has changed.

For me it's not so much swimming against the tide, but getting de-sensitised to their appeal.

I've just posted elsewhere that I got bored of my Speedy because it was everywhere online. At one point I fancied a Cartier or Reverso, but spent so long deciding which one that I grew bored of seeing those too, so they won't make it into the collection. I think the same would happen with a Sub, DJ or Explorer (if I liked them).

More and more I find myself drawn to something different, like a Poljot Stadium or a 70s digital jump hour, or a Mr Jones or Studio Underdog. The Moels and Briston definitely ticked that box for me and I think that's where my collection is headed.

I’ve got a mixture of both but I do have a soft spot for microbrands because they aren’t so commonplace. Today’s watch for example my Vilhelm is one I haven’t seen anywhere.

Popular not popular

if I like it I get it don’t matter to me.

Also delving into microbrands a lot, these are occupying my wrist even more than my big name luxury pieces

SBGA413 is a popular piece within the Grand Seiko set, but still even a niche piece in the greater Watch collecting. Community

Every single time I tell anybody I collect watches they asked me if I have a Rolex. I have never had any interest in Rolexes. I will NEVER be able to afford a Rolex. I don’t even have a Rolex homage. But the minute I say, watch collection they just look at me and say Rolex?

Those two look great. I keep considering Traska just haven’t taken the jump yep.

I liked the Traska except for two things -- I wanted at least a 200M WR rating, and I despised the 10 o'clock wart. So I went for Zelos' Mako GMT as an alternative 9075 powered piece.

That's cool, 150m is plenty for me 👍🏼

Being different is not really one of my criteria. Just wearing a watch in public (non-smartwatch) is unique enough in itself amongst the general population. Of course watchcrunch community is a totally different story 😄

Primary criteria for me is whether I think it’s cool or not.

I buy what I want and what looks good to me, with no regard to what’s popular or hyped. I did most of my collecting, before this “renaissance” (2018-present) in mechanical watches, pre-2010.

As said many times in earlier post, most people don’t give a good god damn about watches. 😱. The only watches I see a lot of in the wild are Rolexes, and the Tissot PRX. Oh and G Shocks. And of course Apple Watches.