Originally Posted by
ped
He may well be a massive WIS but you do start to notice that certain brands appear on the writs of people who buy these trinkets as a symbol of status and wealth as opposed to an actual interest in watches. It can't be coincidence that everyone on 'Talking Watches' for example has a Daytona. Occasionally you see someone with a brace of the usual suspects and a few really unusual pieces - That's when I think 'ah this guy likes watches, not just expensive watches'.
That being said Alan may indeed have some 'enthusiasts' pieces tucked away, so I make no serious judgment - but if you take someone with no knowledge of watches, give them a few million, tell them to buy a watch, what do you think they'd buy?
It reminds me of car enthusiasts - some are car enthusiasts who religiously maintain and love some right old bangers, whereas some have money to buy a nice car and become a defacto 'enthusiast' because they can afford to enter at a point unattainable to most, and think owning an expensive car because they can afford it makes them a member. Most of the time they've never looked under the bonnet. This is what I think of the new Top gear hosts, for example (except Harris, obviously). Flintoff even bought a Lamborghini that he couldn't fit inside because he didn't even drive it first. I'm guessing he hadn't been after one for long.
I'm aware this could be interpreted as jealousy, but although it's early I'd like to state that in fact I very much enjoy recognising 'proper' enthusiasts by talking to people on forums and at shows etc, and enjoy having my preconceptions challenged and being pleasantly surprised more often than not by the level of passion, but we can't escape the reality is that there are some unimaginative people out there.
All speculative, of course - never met the man and I live in hope that I am proved wrong. Overall I suppose it's just nice to see someone showing an interest!