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The Collector’s Crossroads: The watch meetup and its importance to the modern collector

The Collector’s Crossroads: The watch meetup and its importance to the modern collector

Ricardo Sime

As things slowly get back to normal in this (fingers crossed) post-pandemic world, the number of physical watch events continues to grow. As a result, in the span of two weeks, I recently found myself being pulled in multiple directions. New watch release over here, 2022 collection reveal over there… Ten days in, I was ready to shout “No mas!”. However, there was one event I had to make. An event that, as a collector, was probably the most important on my monthly calendar. That event was a watch meetup.

Panerai Luminor PAM00590

Some might be wondering why I hold a watch meetup in such high regard. Isn’t it just a bunch of watch people, with a couple beers and a couple of dozen watches on a table? Well, the watch meetup, as a result of the current industry, has become the modern collector’s best friend.

Here are some reasons why.

Rolex Submariner, No-Date

First, there is the issue of hype. Some of the most popular watches out there are disappearing from watch cases only to appear on grey market websites for a much higher price. Not only does this leave a buyer with no option of purchasing one at retail but should they pay the grey market price, they’re making a huge financial purchase sight unseen. Sure, if they don’t like the eventual product, they’ll probably be able to sell the watch after some buyer’s remorse, but who wants the hassle of selling a watch? Vetting buyers. Hoping they’re willing to pay what you paid. Shipping. Insurance. Just too much leg-work for most people.

Instead, at a watch meetup, chances are you’ll find that hype piece there. It gives you an opportunity to try it on, see how it fits, providing you with valuable information that you can use to make an informed decision on the purchase.

Tutima M2 Seven Seas S

Second, at a meetup, you’ll be introduced to watches you’ve never seen before. Not because of hype but because the manufacturer doesn’t have a large presence where you live. Case in point, the Tutima ME Seven Seas S I brought to the meetup. It was the first time those there have seen the brand in person. They were able to check out the degrade dial, the finishing on the case and bracelet as well as the way the watch fits on the wrist. All things that are hard to communicate online.

Rolex Explorer 2 and Grand Seiko SBGM247

Another reason for the watch meetups importance is the ability to compare. Unless you are at an authorized dealer that has both the watches you’re looking at, chances are you’ll never be able to compare two watches in the same category. In my case, I spent months looking at the Rolex Explorer 2 as a steel bezel GMT addition to my collection. But when the SBGM247 “Hunter” was released, I just had to get it. The overall look of the watch was exactly what I was looking for and when I had a chance to compare the two, it was a no brainer.

In addition, you also get to see just how different the watches are. In a time when something as small as a similarity in fonts warrants arrest from the “Watch Copy” police, these moments go a long way to quieting that noise.

Finally, as a collector, the watch meetup does something that is very important for my health. It reminds me that I am not crazy for having this passion for watches. The ability to socialise among people with a common interest goes a long way to opening up what often can be an introverted individual. Furthermore, it allows you to grow as a collector, experiencing different watches that you’d have never opened yourself up to.

So if you ever get a chance, roll a few of your watches up and hit your nearest watch meetup.

Special thanks goes out to @johnnymacs1026 on Instagram for hosting the meetup I attended. To @timepeacelove, @stuckontime, @clocksontherocks, @woundwheels and @timepieceteacher, thanks for bringing one heck of spread.