I'm that guy

I'm that guy.

I'm that guy who started seriously thinking about watches around 2021. The "Pandemic Watch Guy". It never feels right to say that. It sounds almost derogatory. I've heard people on podcasts and read content where they discuss it like people were sitting at home, watching YouTube, and found watches out of boredom. Creating this wide but shallow pool of newbie watch enthusiasts. That wasn't me. Well maybe I was wide and shallow but I wasn't home or bored. I was an "Essential" worker and was working the most O.T. of my life. But I was newly single with some disposable income, no one to answer to, and an itch to replace the watch my dad gave me as a young man. But like it or not, the timeline fits, I'm that "Pandemic Watch Guy"

I'm that guy

I'm the guy who bought cheap watches instead of saving up. In the first couple of years after joining the Cult of Horology, I bought a couple of silly Timex, and a couple of Quartz from Offerup. Amazon was my original AD. I bought a couple of Seiko's online and a couple of "Homage" watches from AliX. I built several NH35 variations before I started to consider spending more than a couple hundred on a watch. It's true what they say, if I would have saved all that money and spent it on a single watch I probably could have bought a $1500 watch. If I shop pre-owned (which I do) that would have gotten me a great entry level luxury watch to start. But I didn't, I'm that guy that chased around "budget" watches.

I'm that guy.

I'm the guy who bought way too many watches way too quickly. The guy who bought watches with no reason, direction or connection.

It didn't start that way. I started getting seriously interested in watches in the summer of 2021. But I didn't buy my first watch until January of 2022.

I spent months deciding to pull the trigger on that first watch. I learned the difference between quartz and mechanical, the difference between mechanical and automatic. I learned the difference between a dress watch and a sport watch. That a watch band is called a strap (or a bracelet). Little did I know I hadn't even scratched the surface.

I had to learn what a designer watch was. I mean when I first googled watch brands it brought up Filippo Loreti, Nixon, Fossil, and Invicta. They seemed legit (No offense if that's your thing 😜). And $200 for a watch! Wow! That's crazy expensive for a watch. They MUST be luxury right? I'm glad I kept researching.

I sent dozens of pictures to my daughter and my friend over those months. "What do you think about this one? Is orange too bright? Can you believe this thing cost $200?" to the point my friend finally reply "Just buy a f#@king watch already".

So I did. I bought my late fathers brand. A Timex Expedition. $35. Just to test the waters. Would I even like wearing a watch? And btw, I didn't. It was stiff and itchy and uncomfortable. I was confused why guys enjoy this. That stock canvas strap was a P.O.S. but I had no idea. Then I saw a post on a forum of an Expedition on a NATO and decided to give it a try. It changed everything! And the game was on!

2022 I only bought a total of 5 watches including that Timex. But in 2023 I bought or built no less than 20 watches. I was like a kid in a candy store. EVERYTHING seemed amazing! Colors, textures, shapes, handsets, straps, bracelets, bezels, big watches, small watches, silly, serious, sub dials, dive, dress, micro brands, aaahhhhhhh! I wanted to try it ALL! So I did, or I tried at least. So I'm that guy who filled his box too quickly without any real appreciation for each piece.

And do you know what? I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING!

Do I have a couple of questionable pieces? Yes, for sure. I've gifted a half dozen of the sketchiest. But I enjoy every one I currently have.

Do I have too many watches? Idk but probably.

Did I have fun? H&ll yes!

Did I learn stuff? Another H&ll yes!

I'm not saying things won't slow down, that they won't find more direction. They already have. I've begun to discover my tastes. I've begun to find sentimental appreciation for some, like the watch gifted to me by my best friend. I've begun to appreciate the difference between price points. While I still believe watches should be fun sometimes, like my Charlie Brown watch or my Kermit and I still consider buying San Martin and SeeStern (Man I like that SeaQ copy) I also understand that a little more will get me a Hamilton or killer Nodus. I understand that if I have the patience to hold out maybe I can score a Oris or Formex or Omega.

But I don't regret being that guy for a second. I wouldn't trade all of those watches in exchange for the single Tudor North Flag (My favorite Tudor). BORING! And if your that guy, know your not alone.

It's okay if you disagree. And it's okay if you agree. It's okay if you love San Martin and SeeStern and It's okay if your a Swiss Luxury guy. It's your watch journey. Be whatever guy you want to be.

Just have fun and let the next guy have his fun as well.