What about this hobby is fun? - for you.
I run a youtube channel thats tiny. I worry about weird things like 'if we say some collections are good - does that imply others are bad?", the impact of the neurobiology of sight on whether you think the Zenith Chronosport looks like a Daytona (its doesn't - your brain is just lazy) and geeking out over swiss export figures and reading Richmont group financial reports.
I routinely get told I should lighten up, that watches and this hobby is supposed to be fun.
But here's the point, I think about the things I do precisely because this is my fun - I really enjoy that stuff. I think watch folks are like gamers - all doing roughly the same thing but getting all sorts of different fun from it.
So that's my question - what about this hobby is fun for you?
Consistently overthinking watches, still, better than underthinking I guess.
I suspect part of the fun for me is in owning shiny things, and being able to hold them in my hands like a flightless Smaug...
Another part of the fun for me is in looking at watches, trying to determine if they match some aspirational requirement for me. As an example, I want to do a 3-7 day kayak trip somewhere in Eastern Canada. So I look at watches I own, and ones I don't own(yet?!?), and imagine them in that situation. Another example would be my longer term plan to do some overlanding along the Pan-America highway, so I look at watches and think about how much they would help or hinder on a trip like that.
It allows me to combine my interests, and still have shiny "preciouses".
First off, I'd like to start by saying that your YouTube channel is one of my absolute favorites, because it always makes me think. I don't always agree with what you say, but quite often I end up thinking about things differently after watching one of your videos. I also really enjoy several other watch related channels that are more focused on entertainment, but I tend to prefer substance over fluff. I can't recall an instance where I've felt like I've wasted time after watching one of your videos, but can't say the same about so many of the others.
The thing that I enjoy most about the watch hobby is the people I've met through it. I'm fortunate enough to live in a small city where we have a local watch enthusiasts group, which has allowed me to meet several other watch enthusiasts, several of whom have become good friends. Being able to get together in person to discuss a shared interest is very enjoyable.
The other thing that I find fun about the hobby is the learning aspect. This includes not only learning about watches, brands, etc, but also learning about myself, and the psychology of watch collecting.
Really love 'The Hunt' for the perfect piece and finding those hidden gems. It was you who put me on to Atlantic Worldtimers.
I just like watches and I enjoy taking photos of them. Is that weird??
I’m an enthusiast. I’m not a collector in the sence that I have a theme or hunting rare references etc. I gravitare to watches I like the look of and aometimes buy them. Could be new, preowned or vintage.
I have fun with watches because
I love the connection that watches give me to other times, people, events, places or ideas. When I look at them, pick them up and wear them the thoughts of all these other things spark a lot of joy and emotion.
There are certainly lots of watches that I look at and think look amazing, but only a few that really trigger enough of the 'feels' that make me want to actually own one (unless it's like a £10 Casio, then I need no excuse to buy those 😁) The others I am happy to admire from afar.
I would say it's the research. Trying to find out what a watch is about. I never bought a watch on a shopping channel, but watching these shows and trying to figure out what they are selling exactly is intriguing. The same goes into researching a watch that I could like, might like, or even consider buying. It may take months before I make up my mind.
P.S.: Did I mention watch bands?
Great question, Pete! The history, design, and social aspect. I love learning new things. I also enjoy winding and changing straps (working on my watch… I say like I’m working on a car 😆).
Interesting post as always, Pete!
For me, it's the overthinking about the collection, the brand, the dimensions, fit and fun factor when wearing the potential buy. Also, there's the learning about watches, the brands, the heritage and future direction.
It's a geeky hobby isn't it!