From Online to Real Life

Last week I traveled to San Diego for a work trip. I had a few hours to burn once the flight got in Friday night and I reached out to @Mr.Dee.Bater for recommendations.

Instead of just telling me where to go, he tells me to meet up with him instead. We don’t know each other outside of the site and although we’ve interacted many times, he has no idea who I am nor I him.

Plans are set and an Uber takes me to his address. I probably shouldn’t stocked his house on Zillow or at least looked at it on Google Maps ahead of time but I just sat in the back of some rando’s car listening to Bob Marley on his radio.

Wife: “What if he’s a serial killer? Or a pedo? Or worst of all… a lawyer?”

Me: “I’ll send you the address. If I don’t check in at least once an hour, you know where to send good guys.”

I’m greeted by the happiest, nicest, and possibly most infectious guest and his nearby friend @VictorAdameArt. Turns out we’re all the same nerd deep down staring at each other’s watches like

@VictorAdameArt brought a beautiful collection spanking Seiko to Habring2 and I wish we bro out every weekend. Super cool, super nice, and apparently super famous in some circles!

Our host @Mr.Dee.Bater was exceptionally gracious with delicious drinks, a 4 course home made meal, and even a gourmet selection of desserts.

I have poked fun at his exclusive Grand Seiko collection before, but I ate my words trying on these beautiful pieces spanning the entire GS collection. My favorite had to be the SLGA007 on leather. If I wasn’t afraid of immediate divorce, I might’ve made an offer on the spot.

Turns out that @Mr.Dee.Bater and @VictorAdameArt were both cooler than their online personas and had me dreaming about West Coast jobs back at the hotel. They took a risk on me and I couldn’t have had a better time. Many thanks to both of them and I more than look forward to doing it again.

Yes, @WatchCrunch is a great place to meet and talk with others about this stupid toy hobby of ours but it can help spark real human friendship if you try a little.

I was offered a watch to try by @thekris shortly after I joined WC a few years ago which turned into a purchase for myself and a continuation of the idea of sharing. Part of what makes this hobby fun is trying new stuff that you may never have never actually thought much about or would never buy for yourself. This

I have swapped watches a few times with @Edge168n and his most recent Horage Supersede GMT hasn’t disappointed. Not a brand I’ve considered outside of admiration from afar, but very well done. Dare I say sexy? I am yet to hang out with this brosef in person but I don’t doubt many laughs and drinks and jewel counts will be had when we do.

Places like WC, Reddit, and other forums can be great for new ideas, suggestions, and help. They can also be the most depressing examples of human interaction and selfishness in existence too. Use them for what they are, but don’t be afraid reach out for in person interaction too. We all come from different backgrounds, different socioeconomic standings, different educations, and different places on earth but it’s not that hard to form a real bond over love and appreciation of our grown-up jewelry.