All Watch Forums Closed...

So, some crazy law gets passed and watch forums aren't allowed any more, do you think you would still be as avid collector as you are now?

I know we all say, "I buy a watch to please myself" but there is that RUSH of getting compliments on it when you post...

So, would collecting be as much fun without forums?

Certainly forums have enhanced the hobby for me. I would miss them, but I'd still buy watches.
I suspect I'm one of the Ancients here (translation a very old guy). I was collecting BEFORE there even was an internet , not to mention watch forums. Forums have given me a new dimension. I have connected with hobbyists all around the world, learned about brands I could never research as thoroughly on my own and been able to hoot and holler with buds (and foes) about the stuff we see on TV, which brings me great fun. In my mind, chatting, ranting and raving about the TV antics was like sports fans discussing Howard Cossell on Tuesday mornings after the origin of Monday Night Football. (Yes, I was there when it was a unique and wonderful idea).

I was a watch collector far before I got involved in the watch forums. I also did not get into watch collecting because of the shop either..So if all watch forums shut down it would not stop my addiction...I would still collect watches...

I agree with Dan. Owned watches before the Internet and BBS boards, will own them long after forums go south. Not sure about anyone else but I do not need someone to tell me how nice or ugly a watch I own is. My business, not anyone else's.

I admit that Shop did get me into watch collecting...fortunately, I've outgrown the place...

I'd still collect, as well, though the loss of forums would curtail the flow of information from members a lot more knowledgable than I...

I think so. I was a watch lover long before the internet...although one or two was enough for me. I really cant say if I would have as many without the forums. Probably not, but I would still love them.

First rolex in 83, would like to thank all the forum haters that let me know the 3 great rolex watches i enjoyed without any trouble before joining a watch forum were junk!! Think it might cost me more dough without a forum beacuse i can live thru you guys when a new pieces arrives, talking about, look at and sharing stories can substitute for buying! Plus what in the world would i do with all my time!!!

I would not be as avid a collector. I would not be able to get the information on watches as easily. Because of this, I'd be limited to what I see in most B&M stores. Most of these have the same tired designs from the same 15-20 companies.

Great thread. Forums are what make me buy watches. I see or learn about something I like and go from there. During the summer when I work, I have almost no interest in buying watches. It's during my off season that I participate and usually purchase something.

So for me.... No forums equals no new watches.

. . . .I actually only buy watches so I can hang with you guys here . . . .

I have a cell phone you know .. . . .

randyswagon wrote:

. . . .I actually only buy watches so I can hang with you guys here . . . .

I have a cell phone you know .. . . .

Excellent!

This is a watch forum?

I, too, was into watches before home computers, and even before Al Gore invented the internet.
So, forums leave, I'll still be looking at/buying watches. There were plenty of ways to get information on different brands before the internet came alng.

Hard to say how i'd react, but my collecting speed would slow, and probably would be limited to brands I've already had experience with.

smellody wrote:

This is a watch forum?

Not really. It's a Komedy Klub.

boscoe wrote:

smellody wrote:

This is a watch forum?

Not really. It's a Komedy Klub.

Boscoe! Playing 4 times daily, please tip the waitresses...

I would still be a watch enthusiast without the forums. Like the Pug said, the forums just enhance the experience. You can learn quite a bit and commiserate with people who understand this wacky obsession. Almost makes it seem normal.

I wore the same watch for over 20 years. As much as it causes me to taste vomit in the back of my throat by admitting it....a certain forum started my passion for watches. That place is no longer appealing to me nor did I learn much there. This forum has kept me interested, taught me a lot, and created a few great friendships. If watch forums were BAND it would probably just get me pistawf at da summabeechez that BAND them in the first place, but I would have to say that my love of watches would probably still be there. WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST SAY?

NO..It would not be as much fun without watch forums !
I would still be an avid collector of watches and enjoy them.
For several years I enjoyed watches basically by myself and
read up on and learned alot about watches. Once in a while
getting one here and there as well ! Nevertheless a watch
forum takes the hobby to new and exciting levels ! You can
do ALL the same things as before, but with a forum, it becomes
different. It becomes more entertaining, more interesting, more
informative, more exhilarating and inspiring !..In short it becomes
more FUN and ENJOYABLE !..It's fine to learn and collect alone !
However, it's OUTSTANDING to share the hobby with friends !!!!!

Certainly it is a fun factor on watch fora, discussed you hobby with like minds and so, I will miss it no doubt ... that said, I starting to have an interest and or collecting watches, way back in the 70's... mainly to please myself , it will make no difference to me or affect my buying habits at the end of the day

I would still collect but most of my info would come from magazines.....I would miss out on a lot of great watches. We would just make a email list or something else.

Bought them BF and will buy AF.

I doubt I would collect anymore as my source for info would dry up. I depend a lot on threads, links, etc. from our forum here to point me in a direction that has my interest. I don't have any friends that are serious collectors, some have some interest and ask me questions, but they are not the type that would take time to join a forum. So I'll just hang out with AH and drink beer while you guys go Brick & Mortar shopping.

I too had a few watches before joining the forums. My knowledge was only from tv and brick and mortar.
Now, I have all these wonderful knowledgeable friends to show me all the great watches that i would
never have been able to see or even hear about. My collecting would definitely take a nose dive.

I've liked watches ever since I was a kid so I doubt I would stop liking them if watch forums were no longer
around.