Watch meetup etiquette???

I’ve wondered the same. Thinking about doing one in NYC during windup watch fair but don’t know the etiquette.

• How many watches should one person bring?

However many they like? May just be the one on their wrist, others bring a roll.

•How many people before it’s too many people?

Number only limited by venue size in my opinion 🤷‍♀

•Should you tag your watch so not to get mixed up in the pile?

I've never known of a 'watch pile'. Is it like putting keys in a bowl kind of thing? 🤭 I've never hosted that kind of meetup, but maybe I'll see if people are up for it next time 🤣 People will take care of their own little collection that they bring in my experience, but I've never had a meetup with more than about 16 people.

•Should security be a concern?

Depends on your area/venue. I've hosted in London in public venues and left it to individuals to decide what watches they feel comfortable bringing.

• Assuming replica watches, are not accepted but how about homage watches?

I wouldn't care what people bring. I'd actually be really curious to see a replica, but maybe that's just me! I've hosted meet ups where people have come in everything from F91Ws to super limited edition holy trinity pieces.

Honestly, it feels less about the watches there and more about the people and conversation to me.

I'd love to see someone be really gangsta and come bare wristed, or in some funky fashion piece 😎

Best advice I can give, bring some stickers and a pen so you can give people name tags!

I suppose it depends on the group you're putting together. If you're planning to have hundreds of thousands of dollars of watches in one room, you might not want to plan it in the seedy part of town, but if you're just getting people together for some drinks and a chat about watches, it's likely not a big concern.

The last time I met up with a fellow watch nerd to ogle watches we made arrangements to meet at a local upscale pub called Beertown Public House. We both took a a roll of watches that we thought were interesting, and spent a couple of hours chatting and fondling each other's watches.

What part of Onterrible are you in?

I host get-togethers very often with friends and wouldn’t be difficult for me to organize a Watch meet up but with strangers, this would be a first. 🤝

That’s easy enough.

I was thinking more along the lines of inviting WC in the toronto region to my place would mean strangers !!

But I guess the best for all is a public place.

Btw I’m in Alliston.

Thanks for the info🤝

Sounds super chilled and easy, like any other party.

That is the way I like it!

Sticky name tags> noted!

A few chats later, discover some interesting watches followed by some different points of view, and naturally everyone goes home happy🍺🍸🥃

Thanks for the info.🤝

Would love to attend if you have one that weekend.

Turn up

Drink too much

Tell everyone why their watch is sh*t, including others who aren’t there for the watch meet-up

Lose watch in taxi

Fake death

Set up dummy account

Attend next meeting with false moustache

This is the accepted strategy worldwide.

Ahhh memories of Redbar Crew meets. I stopped going when they got too big and the sex piles got ridiculous (and potentially damaging)

I’ll def post in here if I end up hosting. Would love to grab drinks or dinner with a group of enthusiasts to talk watches during and after the event.

I’m thinking of doing with strangers. No one in my friends group is into watches. If I made friends who were into watches, the ms. wouldn’t mind me being out with them all the time. anything to keep me from talking to her about watches 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

The most important thing is be respectful of other's property. Like over rotate on it. It always amazes me the lack of awareness sometimes when it comes to properly handling something and asking first before doing so.

I'd keep the location private and not openly post it on social media.

I've been a bit reluctant to attend meetups.

I've attended a few but it usually feels awkward.

I'm not super comfortable about bringing a roll of watches and having complete strangers handle them.

I suspect a WatchCrunch meetup would be a little better since we share some common bond in this community.

Still looking at the fence...

I would just act as you want to be treated and I'm sure it'll go just fine. But I would definitely be careful with security, and make sure the place you're going to meet is aware of what's coming in.

You might have to take a leap of faith, it may help you leap over that fence.

I hear ya loud and clear, like the post says I’m thinking about it.

Thank you🤝

Here are some of mine:

Ask who’s watch it is when I pick something up - just to let that person know their watch is still atound.

I never put two watches on the same wrist or on the same hand - I’m not going to be the one who adds another scratch onto someone else’s watch regardless of whether it bothers them or not. If metal comes into contact with metal it will scratch.

I always ask iff a watch is ok to wind. I may not know if a watch is manual wind or if it has been wound to to full power already. Or if it has a problem with the stem. Or if it requires special attention/care.

I normally bring a loupe. You can really see more details and experience what the fuss is about with regards to finishing. And my eyesight is bad in low light.

I try to talk to as many people as I can. There’s always something to learn and hearing other people’s experiences can serve as a way to increase my own knowledge. It may be daunting to chat to strangers but everyone is there for the same thing thing. It would be even weirder if everybody turned up, put their watches on a table and didnt say a word!

You asked a number of good questions, and I think people have provided some great answers. @Chunghauphoto mentioned asking before winding - right on! - also ask before running a chronograph.

P.S. Don't bring replicas. Nothing wrong with an homage.

I'm organizing my first watch meetup with strangers tomorrow actually in a group of ten. I'll let you know if it goes well! We decided to go pretty casual, just wear the watch on your wrist and let's chat. Some drinks provided and probably will last a couple of hours only. We're holding it in an IWC Boutique and they will do a small presentation.

I plan to hold the next one at a larger venue hosted probably by Delugs! Maybe we will bring more watches there since it's a strap shop!

I know a good moustache guy if it all goes South

Truly helpful info, thank you!

We are not in a shop buying the watch so maximum respect for the watches and their owners…got it.

I’m not a shy person so there is a good chance I’ll speak to everyone.

Thanks🤝

Another great tip, thanks.

I ask about replicas and homage as its a controversial topic and unaware if it frowned upon or excepted these days, I don’t have any!

Thank you🤝

This sounds like fun, I’m excited for you.

IWC one of my favourite!

What a great idea in a shop, public place, security already at the door, and if the watches in the wrist are boring you can tryout some new IWC watches.🤯

Wish I could be there.

Enjoy hopefully all goes well!

Let me know for sure, I would love to hear the outcome.

Thank you🤝

I'm hoping, but not expecting an Ingenieur to show up! Probably not......

It should turn up 🤞🏻

Wild night… now there is the pile I was talking about🫣.

I can see your point, if I reach that point of ridiculousness I’d do the same.

Thanks 🤝

Here's the actual story behind the infamous #sexpile hashtag

https://timeandtidewatches.com/friday-wind-down-17th-april-2015-sexpile-special-edition/

Good luck finding which Submariner or SKX is yours after 😂

So I’m not wrong in thinking of tagging the watches!

#Sexpile has a distinct hip and nerdy ring to it… I like it!

This was fun to read thanks for sharing👊🏻

Usually bring however many you are comfortable with, participate how you feel comfortable, and if you bring a bunch just mentally keep note where they are at all times. Security us rarely a concern if the event is properly organized

Thanks for your the helpful info.

👍