Intermediate watch Nerd lessons
How quickly we forget. We forget that we were beginners not that long ago.
I consider myself an intermediate watch nerd. I'm a purple belt watch nerd. I've learned some stuff, but I'm still learning. Just last week @Ichibunz posted an awesome Seiko Presage on WRUW. I commented that I really liked the font. @drcarter13 commented he was a sucker for Breguet Numerals. Breguet Numerals! How did I not know that! I always say I learn new things all the time on WC.
But I know enough that sometimes novice watch nerds, newbie watch nerds, white belt watch nerds bug me.
Like the guy at work who wants to talk to me about watches. He's trying to fake it but CLEARLY has no idea what he's saying. He wants to bash homage watches while he shows me the Invicta Pro Diver he just bought on eBay. Admittedly I'm an a$$. I treat him like the little brother who asks too many questions.
And I get frustrated as I wade through the flood of newbie white belt posts. "I'm wearing my xxx today". Good for you big guy, that belongs on WRUW. "What do you think of Homages?". Ugh... Do you know there is a search bar on WC? "I found this watch in my grandma's attic. I can't find any info online. Anyone know anything about it?" Really?! Nothing?! You search for a Vintage Certina, a 150 year old Swiss watch company and came up empty?! Really?!
I conveniently forget that it wasn't that long ago that it was ME creating those posts. That it was me asking all the questions. It was me who was trying to fake his was through a watch conversation. It wasn't that long ago that I was the white belt watch nerd.
At least as a white belt I KNEW I didn't know much. As opposed to now when I THINK I know more than I do. That's when a brown belt watch nerd, or good forbid, a black belt watch nerd, reminds me that I'm not that far from a white belt.
@samjones1983 posted asking about #nodus. Specifically about the new Canyon collab with Matt Farah. Me and my purple belt jumped to answer the call. Of course I was qualified to answer the question. I own 2. They are great watches. And I've looked into the Canyon, seen some podcasts. Where's my keyboard?!
I proceed to tell the truth, or what I saw as the truth. I'll spare you the whole thing but the cliff notes are, Nodus is freaking great! My favorite is the Sector series, but the Canyon is overpriced. And even went as far as to list what I felt were better options at that price point. Here's the thing. I was wrong.
For some background you don't care about, I'm not a fan of Matt Farah. I don't dislike him, he's just not my cup of tea. Some people are like that, you love them or you don't. H#ll, come to think of it I might be like that.
Also one of the things that is amazing about Nodus is the price point. Like many of us, I'm a budget purple belt. And to be able to afford a spectacular watch is a treat.
So my response was emotional. "Why is Matt ruining my watch company?". "Upgraded specs or not this isn't worth the money". "Why are the guys at Nodus pricing me out?".
Here's the thing Cullen and @Wes_nodus make great watches. Matt wasn't ruining one of my favorites. He was pushing them to level up. I was just mad that I wasn't at that level.
It took that brown/black belt @AllTheWatches to gently (wrist lock/arm bar/tap) remind me. Again readers digest version, "Hey dummy (my artistic licence not his words), several steps up in movement and polishing, your comparing new vs pre-owned, and the Canyon has better specs than any of your alternatives". I also realized I was being a Heritage Snob. I was leaning toward this examples because of the price vs heritage and not taking the information on it's own. I HATE it when others do that. Every heritage brand began as a start up at some point. OMG, I don't know as much as I thought! Ugh....
Now, to be honest I would still buy those alternatives at that price. But that's not because the Canyon isn't worth it, it totally is. It's just a personal design preference. Also, both the Canyon and my alternatives are currently out of my price range.
So to all the white belts, I take back all those terrible things you didn't hear me say about you. And I'll try to remember to be more patient.
To all the brown/black belts, well, all I can do is bow and step off the mat.
To Cullen and Wes, I'm sad I can't afford the Canyon. But your doing great things! And if your leveling up I'm happy for you. Sell lots of inventory. Just keep a couple sku's in my price range please.
Just a watch dumi hoping to learn stuff
It takes a good man to admit fault. As I’m often reminded myself…
That Panda's doing the Novak Djokovic challenge 😂
Nicely written up Mike. I was sharing similar sentiment, we all start somewhere and even I have to rein it in when someone new comes in and spouts off. We were all there. It is the classic Disney story about the greeter pointing people to the nearest bathroom. They get the question hundreds if times a day, but it is the first time for that person asking (hopefully). I try never to say “Use the search” or insinuate, “how could you not know that?” Though I find myself ignoring more posts vs. re-explaining why watches are horrible investments or the how the SMP300 can be an awesome watch while also being an objectionably worse watch than the Sub.
All that said, I hope my comments did not put you in an armbar! :-). Your sentiment was absolutely spot on; The sales of the watch prove it, people are not quite ready to see Nodus sell $1000 watch, even if the specs back it up. One cannot fault anyone for opting for a watch with greater legacy/heritage. Totally get it. Do you know how frustrated I get knowing people sleep on Monta? Similar tale.
I have gone back and forth about supporting Nodus on this watch and it is literally in my cart every time I visit the site, but I told myself I would only buy a few watches this year and try to stick to more unique pieces. Still may buy it, but I get why others struggle at the price point given all the options available.
Nicely written up Mike. I was sharing similar sentiment, we all start somewhere and even I have to rein it in when someone new comes in and spouts off. We were all there. It is the classic Disney story about the greeter pointing people to the nearest bathroom. They get the question hundreds if times a day, but it is the first time for that person asking (hopefully). I try never to say “Use the search” or insinuate, “how could you not know that?” Though I find myself ignoring more posts vs. re-explaining why watches are horrible investments or the how the SMP300 can be an awesome watch while also being an objectionably worse watch than the Sub.
All that said, I hope my comments did not put you in an armbar! :-). Your sentiment was absolutely spot on; The sales of the watch prove it, people are not quite ready to see Nodus sell $1000 watch, even if the specs back it up. One cannot fault anyone for opting for a watch with greater legacy/heritage. Totally get it. Do you know how frustrated I get knowing people sleep on Monta? Similar tale.
I have gone back and forth about supporting Nodus on this watch and it is literally in my cart every time I visit the site, but I told myself I would only buy a few watches this year and try to stick to more unique pieces. Still may buy it, but I get why others struggle at the price point given all the options available.
Thanks!
Hopefully I'll graduate to Black belt someday 😁.
And arm bar might have been dramatic. Another artistic licence 😜
That Panda's doing the Novak Djokovic challenge 😂
The Dragon Warrior is a pro at the Novak Djokovic challenge 😂
It takes a good man to admit fault. As I’m often reminded myself…
Some days your the shark
Other days your the shark
Appreciate the perspective. As a brand owner, it is easy to forget what it was like to buy watches before I started creating them. I don't get offended easily, so no offence was taken by any of your posts.
If Matt had bought a stake in our company and nixed all of our sub 1k watches, then yes he would have ruined it. He asked us in private (and on the Smoking Tire pod) why we haven't pushed above $1k before. It isn't that we aren't capable of it, as we have produced and continue to produce watches in the 2k range - just not under our own banner. The truth is that most choices between 1.5k and 5k puts me to sleep. It is an overwhelmingly boring segment of the market. Just my .02.
As far as Nodus goes, I like to play in the sub-1k space because it is much more competitive and therefore, exciting. That doesn't mean we can't pack the watches full of features found in higher price ranges. Typically for consumers, the price precedes the quality when you go above 1k - that is to say price almost always dictates the perceived quality of a watch, but for some reason that psychology breaks (in many instances, inverts) when the watches are under 1k.
This is what I enjoy and love about this platform. We are all at different levels of the horological (I cant believe I used this word) spectrum. I myself a self-proclaimed white belt did not actually start learning about watches until about 1.5 years ago.
I've gained so much knowledge from everyone's posts and comments since joining WC! Often when read one about a topic or watch I have yet to come across I 🔥 up the Google machine immediately.
Admittedly I haven't done anything more technical than change a watch band or battery on one of my quartz watches. That being said I'm looking forward to that part of my journey. Right know I'm enjoying the ride.
Great post Mike.
Appreciate the perspective. As a brand owner, it is easy to forget what it was like to buy watches before I started creating them. I don't get offended easily, so no offence was taken by any of your posts.
If Matt had bought a stake in our company and nixed all of our sub 1k watches, then yes he would have ruined it. He asked us in private (and on the Smoking Tire pod) why we haven't pushed above $1k before. It isn't that we aren't capable of it, as we have produced and continue to produce watches in the 2k range - just not under our own banner. The truth is that most choices between 1.5k and 5k puts me to sleep. It is an overwhelmingly boring segment of the market. Just my .02.
As far as Nodus goes, I like to play in the sub-1k space because it is much more competitive and therefore, exciting. That doesn't mean we can't pack the watches full of features found in higher price ranges. Typically for consumers, the price precedes the quality when you go above 1k - that is to say price almost always dictates the perceived quality of a watch, but for some reason that psychology breaks (in many instances, inverts) when the watches are under 1k.
Perspective is another word for opinion, and we all know what opinions are like 😉. And generally I might be a little too eager to give mine sometimes.
I for one am glad Nodus "plays" in the sub $1k space. And I'm excited to see what comes in the future.
Thanks for taking a minute to comment.
This is what I enjoy and love about this platform. We are all at different levels of the horological (I cant believe I used this word) spectrum. I myself a self-proclaimed white belt did not actually start learning about watches until about 1.5 years ago.
I've gained so much knowledge from everyone's posts and comments since joining WC! Often when read one about a topic or watch I have yet to come across I 🔥 up the Google machine immediately.
Admittedly I haven't done anything more technical than change a watch band or battery on one of my quartz watches. That being said I'm looking forward to that part of my journey. Right know I'm enjoying the ride.
Great post Mike.
Thanks Danilo! Your far more humble than I. But for what it's worth, your at least a blue belt. Maybe I'm a blue belt too 😂
Another Breguet numerals for you viewing..
😁❤…
Nicely written up Mike. I was sharing similar sentiment, we all start somewhere and even I have to rein it in when someone new comes in and spouts off. We were all there. It is the classic Disney story about the greeter pointing people to the nearest bathroom. They get the question hundreds if times a day, but it is the first time for that person asking (hopefully). I try never to say “Use the search” or insinuate, “how could you not know that?” Though I find myself ignoring more posts vs. re-explaining why watches are horrible investments or the how the SMP300 can be an awesome watch while also being an objectionably worse watch than the Sub.
All that said, I hope my comments did not put you in an armbar! :-). Your sentiment was absolutely spot on; The sales of the watch prove it, people are not quite ready to see Nodus sell $1000 watch, even if the specs back it up. One cannot fault anyone for opting for a watch with greater legacy/heritage. Totally get it. Do you know how frustrated I get knowing people sleep on Monta? Similar tale.
I have gone back and forth about supporting Nodus on this watch and it is literally in my cart every time I visit the site, but I told myself I would only buy a few watches this year and try to stick to more unique pieces. Still may buy it, but I get why others struggle at the price point given all the options available.
Re: Nodus, this is an issue brands will face, especially micros. I see that Christopher Ward has its detractors now because of a mark up in price range for certain newer models. We saw it with Islander and their GMT the other year - I thought the Republic was a stunning package for the price, but you still had those moaning it wasn’t a $400 Seiko-powered diver like the rest of the offerings. I’m guilty of balking at Bremont’s pricing of their latest models (again, unreliable narrator), and I want to support as many brands as I can, but nearly £6k for a Fury, and just over £3k for the limited edition Broadsword is too rich for my blood. It’s hard - everyone is a critic, but not everyone is a realist.
You can be a one trick pony, or you can try and “grow”/“improve”/“innovate”/“adjust” but you will never please everyone all the time. I struggle to see why many brands bother, in this day and age, because some watch people are fickle bellends. I guess you can’t police who buys and indirectly promotes your brand, but such is life.
Are we categorising how helpful people are now via karate belts? That’s a new one. It’s more that you get what you put in, and many have admitted that they are happy with the square root of fuck all - that’s great, so expect wall to wall what to buy next and SOTCs, that shit sells.
I think watch knowledge should be shared freely, unlike other fields, because we can all learn from experience. There is so much online already, you don’t need to make it up. There is even a lot of decent content on this platform, but it is lost to churn, cycle, and the lack of decent search options… and we’ve mentioned this to the platform time and time again. The simple answer is people just don’t want to put in the effort, and that’s ok, but goodwill only lasts so long. In the Google age I do find it odd that no one can type (x) vintage watch and then in 5 minutes come across a fair amount of related information that might help form a coherent picture, but then again, I know people only want to know what the watch is worth. Fuck the movement or the history, can I sell this for a few bob and buy a Tudor? No.
Saying all that, I have bought the pin-pallets and vintage complications I warn people about. I have the wasp nests. I have an insight into vintage if people care to indulge, and I will wade into the size debate purely because our forefathers wore tiny watches whilst fighting each other, unless they were wearing specialist suits.
Muahahahahaha!!! At least I’m not the only one that’s feels off with Matt Farah muahahaha!!
Yeah dude I feel
The same… at times I do have to step back and think back when I was a beginner and not know anything about mechanical movement and only thought all watches were quartz !! Yeah that’s not too long ago… anywhos’s… How do you feel about SoTC posts 🥳😁🤣🤣😜!!!
I do feel certain collabs can ruin a brand for me as well…
Love this posts!!! Also I wear no Belts for easy access 🤣🤣🤣…
I totally understand this feeling, although I would only consider myself a green to blue belt. Maybe yellow who knows 😅
Muahahahahaha!!! At least I’m not the only one that’s feels off with Matt Farah muahahaha!!
Yeah dude I feel
The same… at times I do have to step back and think back when I was a beginner and not know anything about mechanical movement and only thought all watches were quartz !! Yeah that’s not too long ago… anywhos’s… How do you feel about SoTC posts 🥳😁🤣🤣😜!!!
I do feel certain collabs can ruin a brand for me as well…
Love this posts!!! Also I wear no Belts for easy access 🤣🤣🤣…
Every time I see a SOTC I want to shout "NO ONE EFFEN CARES".
But apparently that's another lesson I need to learn. Because other people do seem to care. Even I care of I find the collection interesting.
The short version of both the post and the comment is apparently I'm a hypocrite.
Another Breguet numerals for you viewing..
😁❤…
Every time I see a SOTC I want to shout "NO ONE EFFEN CARES".
But apparently that's another lesson I need to learn. Because other people do seem to care. Even I care of I find the collection interesting.
The short version of both the post and the comment is apparently I'm a hypocrite.
Search on here for jumping the shark - I took one for team hypocrite, although I stand by what I said
Re: Nodus, this is an issue brands will face, especially micros. I see that Christopher Ward has its detractors now because of a mark up in price range for certain newer models. We saw it with Islander and their GMT the other year - I thought the Republic was a stunning package for the price, but you still had those moaning it wasn’t a $400 Seiko-powered diver like the rest of the offerings. I’m guilty of balking at Bremont’s pricing of their latest models (again, unreliable narrator), and I want to support as many brands as I can, but nearly £6k for a Fury, and just over £3k for the limited edition Broadsword is too rich for my blood. It’s hard - everyone is a critic, but not everyone is a realist.
You can be a one trick pony, or you can try and “grow”/“improve”/“innovate”/“adjust” but you will never please everyone all the time. I struggle to see why many brands bother, in this day and age, because some watch people are fickle bellends. I guess you can’t police who buys and indirectly promotes your brand, but such is life.
Are we categorising how helpful people are now via karate belts? That’s a new one. It’s more that you get what you put in, and many have admitted that they are happy with the square root of fuck all - that’s great, so expect wall to wall what to buy next and SOTCs, that shit sells.
I think watch knowledge should be shared freely, unlike other fields, because we can all learn from experience. There is so much online already, you don’t need to make it up. There is even a lot of decent content on this platform, but it is lost to churn, cycle, and the lack of decent search options… and we’ve mentioned this to the platform time and time again. The simple answer is people just don’t want to put in the effort, and that’s ok, but goodwill only lasts so long. In the Google age I do find it odd that no one can type (x) vintage watch and then in 5 minutes come across a fair amount of related information that might help form a coherent picture, but then again, I know people only want to know what the watch is worth. Fuck the movement or the history, can I sell this for a few bob and buy a Tudor? No.
Saying all that, I have bought the pin-pallets and vintage complications I warn people about. I have the wasp nests. I have an insight into vintage if people care to indulge, and I will wade into the size debate purely because our forefathers wore tiny watches whilst fighting each other, unless they were wearing specialist suits.
This reminds me a bit of music. Your favorite band puts out a new album and you're mad because it's different. You wanted to hear your favorite band. But then they put out another album that's more like what you asked for and you're mad because it's more the same. Sometimes there's no pleasing people.
The belt thing was obviously just a silly plot device that amused me. I know when I write a post there's going to be a lot of people who don't like it. So I'm mostly just write to amuse myself and if somebody else enjoys it, I'm stoked. Probably not too different from the band and watch references.
Also I have never bought a watch with a pin pallet movement strictly because I've seen multiple posts or comments where you warned to stay away. And there are a lot of vintage Oris that I wanted to buy. So you've reached at least one person.
This reminds me a bit of music. Your favorite band puts out a new album and you're mad because it's different. You wanted to hear your favorite band. But then they put out another album that's more like what you asked for and you're mad because it's more the same. Sometimes there's no pleasing people.
The belt thing was obviously just a silly plot device that amused me. I know when I write a post there's going to be a lot of people who don't like it. So I'm mostly just write to amuse myself and if somebody else enjoys it, I'm stoked. Probably not too different from the band and watch references.
Also I have never bought a watch with a pin pallet movement strictly because I've seen multiple posts or comments where you warned to stay away. And there are a lot of vintage Oris that I wanted to buy. So you've reached at least one person.
If I can convince at least one person, then my work is done.
I can eventually deactivate my account knowing I’ve made a difference 😇
This post was very disappointing. I read through the entire thing and nowhere was a word mentioned about the great clickbait picture, Kung Fu Panda watch that I was going to find a link to purchase. 😠😔
I did read the entire post though. 😉
This post was very disappointing. I read through the entire thing and nowhere was a word mentioned about the great clickbait picture, Kung Fu Panda watch that I was going to find a link to purchase. 😠😔
I did read the entire post though. 😉
That how clickbait works! I have to get people to read somehow. But....
Here you go.
I don't want you to leave disappointed.
(I don't actually recommend giving them any personal or financial information)
I totally understand this feeling, although I would only consider myself a green to blue belt. Maybe yellow who knows 😅
I used jiu-jitsu belt colors only because I have a friend who is involved so I'm vaguely familiar. But you can make up whatever belt color you want to be 😂
Another Breguet numerals for you viewing..
😁❤…
Breguet is the most minor highlight here!!
Jet black urushi lacquer (poisonous tree sap only fired and polished in traditional Japanese studios, with a luster Swiss enamel can’t match) and featuring Maki-e ( gold powder applied applied by brush to wet lacquer by high level artists) and with a sweet 6L35 , a great 4hz (28k) movement
It’s an awesome watch 👊
I used jiu-jitsu belt colors only because I have a friend who is involved so I'm vaguely familiar. But you can make up whatever belt color you want to be 😂
Hahaha I used Taekwondo belts for reference since when I was younger I was in the sport a couple of years. It goes white-yellow-orange-green-purple-blue-brown-red-black.
That how clickbait works! I have to get people to read somehow. But....
Here you go.
I don't want you to leave disappointed.
(I don't actually recommend giving them any personal or financial information)
Maybe I’ll go get a gift card and try to order it. The movies 😆 crack me up.
🍻
That Canyon is a nicely spec’d watch for the price.
..
but I hear you, it’s tough when a brand you like puts out a nice watch that’s priced a bit out of your comfort zone, and it’s also a collab with someone you’re ambivalent on.
That combo would kill it for me as well.