Watch as a present for a watch enthusiast/collector.
While insulating my garage door earlier today, I was listening to a Russian watch YouTube channel. It was sort of Q&A episode, with a couple of watch experts answering questions.
Most of the question were about prices, usage, quantity in a collection, i.e., the usual stuff. But one of the questions was "Do you give a watch as a present to a watch enthusiast?"
I found the question as well as the answer from one of the experts interesting. He said that giving a watch as a present to a watch geek is amoral. By giving them a watch, you are taking away from them the stuff that makes watch collecting so fascinating. You are taking away the process of learning about the watch, the research about it, its history, its mechanism, the search for a seller, figuring out how to get it, trying it on, talking to other collectors about it.
I agree with this expert. If someone want to give me a watch, just give me the money and let me select what I want. Because the selection process is as much fun as having that watch.
Do you agree with this?
Watch enthusiast trying to become a watch collector.
Interesting point of view and I must admin I agree with it. Just give me an Amazon gift card and let me deal with the rest 😁
Most of the time I would prefer the cash to pick my own but there are exceptions. Heirlooms being the main exception. Watches from family would be an exception. I would also enjoy a watch from a fellow collector of a watch they really love would also be an exception as I would enjoy learning about it from them.
Don't give a watch to an enthusiast, the chance of getting it right are too small unless it is something you know they want and they have spoke about it. Get them something watch related and it will be appreciated just as much.
I appreciate watch gifts - people are showing an interest in my hobby - and pieces are accessible at all price points. I got this pink f-91w from my brother in laws family for Xmas - and I can’t think of a better way for them to have spent £12.99 on me!
In some cultures giving a watch as a gift is considered bad luck. I have no idea why or which culture it was, but I heard it on a podcast once.
Most of the time I would prefer the cash to pick my own but there are exceptions. Heirlooms being the main exception. Watches from family would be an exception. I would also enjoy a watch from a fellow collector of a watch they really love would also be an exception as I would enjoy learning about it from them.
I agree with your family heirloom and sentimental value exceptions. A present from a watch collector is also close to being an exception. But generally, ask me what I want, or let me select my own.
In some cultures giving a watch as a gift is considered bad luck. I have no idea why or which culture it was, but I heard it on a podcast once.
Actually, the experts on the show discussed this aspect also. They said that in old Russia, giving a watch present was bad because it would remind you that your time is limited.
I appreciate watch gifts - people are showing an interest in my hobby - and pieces are accessible at all price points. I got this pink f-91w from my brother in laws family for Xmas - and I can’t think of a better way for them to have spent £12.99 on me!
I would enjoy a gift like this also. I think your brother-in-law family have a great sense of humor. This is a real conversation piece and only for £12.99. I do not think that I would ever buy a watch like this for myself. Would you?
Depends on the watch/person. My brother collects Rolex but he was stoked when I gifted him a Seiko SRPK17 because I know what he likes.
Researching can happen both before and after gifting/receiving a watch. All it takes is a curious mind.
I would enjoy a gift like this also. I think your brother-in-law family have a great sense of humor. This is a real conversation piece and only for £12.99. I do not think that I would ever buy a watch like this for myself. Would you?
Oh yes - pink is cool
I have to say you make a good point but I'm going to disagree. Each watch should have a story and I think on that note we are in agreement. However I think receiving a watch as a gift is just as good as any story any of my watches have to tell. I have gifted many watches and I think they make a great gift for any person enthusiast or not.
In some cultures giving a watch as a gift is considered bad luck. I have no idea why or which culture it was, but I heard it on a podcast once.
You’re right. Usually Chinese are a bit more superstitious when it comes to gifting a time piece. But mostly clocks, as they deem it as a bad omen for death/living a short life. Watches I would say are less so but there are still elderly who deem it the same as gifting a clock. 😅 Just my experience and sharing 😎
Fair point, i dont mind a GS gift card tho. 🤭