Is the popularity of a watch a turn off?

Yes and no. I don’t like trendy watches but adore the classics. It’s more about the image associated with the piece.

The great icons are icons for a reason.

Popularity isn't a turn off. I worry only about what's on my wrist. I tend to like "classic" watches that happen to be popular. It's not a positive or a negative, it just is. Whether others like them is no concern as they are mine.

There's a fine line between a "classic" watch and just plain boring and unimaginative. To me, a modern Rolex Submariner is not very interesting and a bit cheesy. But my favourite watch is my Seiko SKX007. So I'm a hypocrite really.

When I don't get the appeal (Speedmaster, Reverso, Santos), popularity exacerbates my disdain. The ubiquity and universality of other watches is part of the appeal, such as with the F-91W.

As enthusiast, we all think everyone wears a certain watch…. Newsflash!! As long as you’re not wearing an Apple Watch you are one of the few… so don’t be silly … btw I used to think so but enthusiasts we are only a handful around Apple Watch wearers…

Yeah, kind of. There are reasons why some popular watches are popular and I can respect that . . . But mentally and emotionally I just don’t want my small, curated collection to be just “another one of those” . . . Even a slight change or a special edition can get me over this sometimes . . .I just want to be a bit different. I’ll also note that part of my issue is that I generally don’t have overlapping tastes with the majority of collectors in that I veer away from dive and tool watches, don’t care much about water resistance, and mostly dislike rotating bezels, so . . . There are personal aesthetic design choices that just don’t work for me that tend to be the classic popular watches.

C Nevermind - it's my collection

Popularity is only a turn off if I'm the only one that can't afford it😭

While all of us are crazy about watches, we need to remember that so few people actually like watches as much as we do. If we were to walk around wearing a Tissot PRX, for example, 99% of people probably wouldn't even know of the brand, let alone the model name of the watch. So yes, a popular watch might be a turn-off for you but just try to remember: most people don't care or simply don't know what's on your wrist, so buy and wear watches as you please.

There’s a reason certain watches are popular. Historical significance, quality, interesting design, outstanding value. So it makes sense that people end up making them a “staple” watch.

Even as far as type of watch, not even specific brand or model. The idea of Dress, Field, Diver as a base collection. Then there’s people who go against the grain, some to be different, some who are different.

What I’m getting at, if I like a popular watch, it’s because of the reasons that made it popular in the first place, not just because it is popular.

I like and collect what I like - that might overlap with popular brands and/or models. I do not like watches because they are popular, trendy, or deemed essential to a collection; your collection is unique to you.

I don’t know if the popularity of a watch kills it for me. TheBatgirl, Reverso, and the Moonwatch are some of the most popular for their respective brands and I’d like to own all of them in the near future. However, the unpopularity of a watch may have a similar influence where I might get drawn more to an unpopular watch like Railmaster.

It makes very little difference to me. I never noticed what others are wearing and they never noticed what I'm wearing.

All that matters is if it's popular with me...

The truth is, the only really popular "watch" is the Apple watch, so...

I Like some hype watches. I don't like others.

To me, I don't care if everyone else likes it. Everyone likes pizza. Doesn't affect my love for pizza.

I love the speedmaster. I think the bb58 is solid. I still like my moonswatch (yes it is an overpriced toy... so what?)

I Don't really want a rolex submariner. That's not because of hype. It's just not for me.

Popular among enthusiasts? Want.

Popular among people who only buy luxury watches for the sake of status? Pass.

I think there are watches that are popular in watch nerd circles (Speedmaster, Nomos, Sinn) and then there are the hype watches (Rolex, AP, etc). Now these examples are operating at different price tiers, but hopefully I am communicating some of the distinction I personally see. I used to REALLY desire to own an AP at some point, assuming lottery winning and all that. I am a designer by trade and that was the first watch that really sold the DESIGN as the value (pricing above precision metal watches for the first time). For me, it represented an ethos I hold close to my heart...that design really matters. Over time I watched the prices launch out of our solar system and now an AP represents something completely different. I wouldn't turn one down as a gift, but I would not enjoy it the same way I would have 10 years ago. For that amount of money there are FAR more interesting choices out there, and I would rather not have the same watch as everybody else.

Depends what it is, more than often a popular peice is popular for a reason… especially when it comes to the watch community.

I actually wasn't that crazy about speedy moonwatches until I tried one on.... then it was love....❤❤❤❤

I don’t do hype pieces but the classics are classics for a reason.

I prefer the innards of my watches to be popular (i.e. ETA, Miyota or Seiko movements of proven reliability and easily serviced/replaced if anything goes wrong).

However, I want the visible parts of my watches to be individual or at least "niche". That's why I like materials such as Damascus steel cases, silver leaf lacquer or MOP dials, days, months or numerals in exotic languages or scripts and individualising my timepieces by replacing the stock straps or bracelets.

As to the "everybody wants a Sub" statement: If I could afford one, I'd still prefer the GO SeaQ. That's why I have a Seestern S434 rather than some Sub homage, of which there certainly are enough at any price point.

Im in the camp that prefer the watch to be popular or at least a well known brand. For the reason stated in the poll. Playing it safe i guess. Also, rare pieces, i worry, will also have rarer service parts far in the future.

I think this only applies to Swatch collabs, otherwise the popularity of a watch is usually warranted (emphasis on usually)

Depends on the brand and how many pieces they are releasing annually.

Neither of those answers. And both. Some watches deserve the hype. Some don't. But, that shouldn't be the reason for buying a watch. Don't be disappointed or embarrassed if you fall for hype. Who knows, you still may actually enjoy the watch. We are all guilty of seeking attention in some way, shape or form so don't be too harsh on yourself.

I can think of one instance that it isn’t a turn off.

That is a watch that is so popular you can’t buy one at MSRP. I’m thinking items like the B&R BR-X5 in Ice Blue or any Rolex for that mater! 😎

Popularity does not factor in to my watch selection nor do I think it indicates more than it has caught the watch buying public’s attention.

I have some popular watches. I'm yet to meet anyone else wearing one of them. When we sit in our little watch nerd world it is easy to forget that hardly anyone wears a real watch these days. However, I've lost count of how many smartwatches I've seen people wearing.