What watch would make you speak to a stranger?

[RobDad]

I spotted a lovely old sub with a very pale bezel insert and creamy patina on the wrist of a grizzled old guy in a bar in the West End a few years ago. I commented on it whilst we were ordering drinks, then realised he was a relative of one of the girls I was there with. Turns out he was a photographer with an exhibition opening around the corner - he had bought the watch decades ago and it had been on his wrist when he was covering the Vietnam war and the Munich Olympics among other events! He actually said I wasn't the first person to comment on it, and he was kind of disappointed that he'd probably have to stop wearing it soon as it was worth a lot financially and he would hate to get it stolen as it was in his wrist in some memorable places!
I did offer to swap it for the Panerai I was wearing that evening - which he politely declined before asking me to write the name and model number down as he hadn't seen one before and 'it will suit my failing eyesight - and my latest wife is Italian' - all in all a very nice evening!

[Concub1ne]

Pretty much any watch other than the standard rollies or perhaps breitlings would probably make me strike up a conversation. Seeing someone with a mechanical of any kind these days is pretty rare round my parts.

The last time I saw a memorable watch in the wild was when the president of one of our suppliers came by for a meeting and brought along some upper middle management type to help him out. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw that the new guy was wearing an alain silberstein. I'd been told there were interesting pieces out there, but prior to this I thought I'd have a better chance of spotting a unicorn than seeing something other than a sub.

[Shin]

buddy of mine had a Linde Werdelin Spido speed that drew quite a bit of attention. some guy did approach him on the street asking him what is was.

[seikopath]

i used to wear my g10 quite a bit and if ever i was looking at watchy bits at a car boot someone would comment on it

[Itsguy]

Definitely agree on the GS, particularly if it was a JDM version. Stranger or not, they would most likely be pleased that someone knew what it was, instead of thinking 'Just a seiko!' The only other one would be an f300 of some sort.

I don't think I'd ever comment on something expensive, they'd probably think you were about to rob them! Or is that just in London?

[apm101]

I'd strike up a conversation for an old f300, as a fellow owner. High end stuff I don't know so much about, but I reckon a Monster would be a definite as I own 3!

[Vahalis]

Did it lead to anything further then? ;)

[wanderlust]

We sound so very English!

Anything really uncommon and vintage that suited the wearer. Have only a mild interest in vintages but am always interested in the story behind people's watches.

[geoffcotton]

I've always been cautious about striking up any watch conversation with a stranger, it generally makes people nervous especially if I suddenly pull me balaclava down over my face..lol
On a serious note, I have struck up a few conversations but they were challenging

From reading another thread and also thinking about when on public transport etc, if you saw a particular watch, would that make you think about asking about watches in general?

Eg - JDM Seiko or Precista would make me consider asking, whereas Tag / Rolex I wouldn't...

Anything that would make you consider striking up a conversation?

[TheFlyingBanana]

If I see someone wearing a nice watch or one that interests me, I'll often comment. Never had any kind of negative response - most are only too pleased it was noticed in my experience.

I'm pretty comfortable with talking to complete strangers.

Some might think I'm weird, but I'm really not.

I hope.

[grosby]

I've never had a negative response, people are mostly happy to be noticed.....having said that I've only commented 2 times, both to blokes with Sinns (U1 & 103).

On the other hand, I've been spoken to about my Speedy by a bloke with an Orange Monster (only time I've ever seen one in the wild).....I certainly didn't take offense!

[hansblix2001]

I've been spoken to about my Speedy by a bloke with an Orange Monster (only time I've ever seen one in the wild).....I certainly didn't take offense!

You want to watch out for those...

[snowman]

I think it would depend on context.

Under some circumstances a comment about my watch would be a welcome diversion. Under others it would, perhaps, be reason to be wary.

Personally, I wouldn't ever approach a total stranger about their watch, although I might comment on one to someone I met in a meeting, for example.

M.

[mindforge]

Seiko are high street but not Grand Seiko...where in the UK are GS sold? nearest place I thought was Paris in the Seiko AD boutique.

Selfridges.

[Umbongo]

Strangely, the last couple of watches Ive commented on belonged to medical professionals.
As my dentist cast his eye over my cakehole recently, I noticed the rather unmistakeable clasp and bracelet of a VC overseas - it was a frustrating ten minutes with my mouth wide open before I got the chance to comment upon it but, once I did, the ensuing conversation almost certainly resulted in his next patient being seen late!
The next encounter was with my shoulder specialist who, with a bit of luck, will soon be getting rid of a bit of a niggle I have from an old sports injury.
His watch was a cartier. a bit too "pretty" for my taste, but a nicely-made thing nevertheless and definitely worth a comment.
He seemed very pleased I mentioned the watch, but Im 99% certain he bought it because it had "cartier" written on it.
Generally though, the only time I wouldn't comment on a nice or interesting watch is if it was being worn by an a**hole - though I think itd take one hell of a watch to make me chase a complete stranger down the street to remark upon it!

[Umbongo]

I do know dealers who do this all the time but they are trying to buy them!

Sadly true.

[SSK007]

Definitely not a sub!

[Itsguy]

Selfridges.

Not any more sadly - they may be back but they're not there now.

[JP Chestnut]

From reading another thread and also thinking about when on public transport etc, if you saw a particular watch, would that make you think about asking about watches in general?

Eg - JDM Seiko or Precista would make me consider asking, whereas Tag / Rolex I wouldn't...

Anything that would make you consider striking up a conversation?

A Rolex Sub. Just kidding. I wouldn't discuss watches with a stranger under any circumstances. It seems too weird to me and I'd rather not discuss my watch with a stranger either.

[Omegamanic]

Strangely, the last couple of watches Ive commented on belonged to medical professionals.
As my dentist cast his eye over my cakehole recently, I noticed the rather unmistakeable clasp and bracelet of a VC overseas - it was a frustrating ten minutes with my mouth wide open before I got the chance to comment upon it but, once I did, the ensuing conversation almost certainly resulted in his next patient being seen late!
The next encounter was with my shoulder specialist who, with a bit of luck, will soon be getting rid of a bit of a niggle I have from an old sports injury.
His watch was a cartier. a bit too "pretty" for my taste, but a nicely-made thing nevertheless and definitely worth a comment.
He seemed very pleased I mentioned the watch, but Im 99% certain he bought it because it had "cartier" written on it.
Generally though, the only time I wouldn't comment on a nice or interesting watch is if it was being worn by an a**hole - though I think itd take one hell of a watch to make me chase a complete stranger down the street to remark upon it!

There was a locum in at my Dr's surgery and he was wearing a 14060 - nothing special but one of my favourite watches, so I commented on it and he said 'yes, they used Zenith watch movements in them up until recently'.

[jwg663]

The only time I comment on a stranger's watch is when they're using the ATM & taking an age.

Simply saying "That's a nice watch you're wearing," certainly speeds them up

[uktotty]

Saw a bloke wearing a Richard Mille a few weeks back, had to spark up a convo with him as he rapidly pulled his sleeve over it!

[xellos99]

Bit like asking another man what aftershave he has on, I just don't go there lol.

[Dark Side of The Loon]

Something that I was interested in and which couldn’t be worn by accident (and if the situation was appropriate).

So, a COMEX dialled Sub or Seadweller, a Smiths W10, that sort of thing.

[sweets]

While my family and I were having a meal a while back I noticed that our waiter was wearing a Sinn 556, so I commented on it. He seemed pleased I had noticed, as he was very specific that he chose it as a quality watch that very few people had. We had a bit of a chat about the process of selecting and buying it. A perfectly pleasant couple of minutes spent chatting to a complete stranger with a similar hobby. No harm in that.

[usedtobelurch]

I probably wouldn’t comment, I’m just not that observant, but of all the different watches I’ve worn the only one that has ever had people comment is my Seiko Shogun.

[Alansmithee]

In better times, when I'm walking Clapham Common, I've always got my eye on what is on the wrist. Just recently I got an excellent look at an nice shiny Bullshead and the owner was only too happy for me to have a closer look.

[Sinnlover]

A bit of vigorous shaking to keep the power reserve topped up. They need a lot of work

[Foxy100]

I had a chat with someone in a pub garden in Bath, he was wearing a Flightmaster and it transpired he was on here.

Last March I was heading back to Geneva airport from the motor show (about a ten-minute walk) when I realised the bloke walking alongside me was sporting a Speedmaster 125. We had a chat about it, his father had been given it after being in the winning team at a hockey tournament in Sweden or Finland in 1974 or so. He'd persuaded his father to part with it (from his drawer, naturally) on the promise he wasn't planning on selling it. He sent it to Bienne for a service and wears it every day. Not long after I saw another for sale, with the same hockey tournament inscription in the back. Not the same watch, but what a weird coincidence.

There've been a few more: a fantastic Ed White at Goodwood, a DRSD at a car meet and so on. The oddest one for me was parking up at the Goodwood Revival about 10 years ago and the chap who'd just parked next to me recognising both my car and my watch from here.

[weaselid]

Yeah. I would imagine anyone wearing a German luxury watch like Nomos, Damasko or Sinn is a hobbyist?

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[GraniteQuarry]

Big tits.

[Man of Kent]

Big tits.

Quote of the day.

[oldoakknives]

In better times, when I'm walking Clapham Common, I've always got my eye on what is on the wrist. Just recently I got an excellent look at an nice shiny Bullshead and the owner was only too happy for me to have a closer look.

Thanks.......................I'll clean the beer off my keyboard now.

[Jari37]

While my family and I were having a meal a while back I noticed that our waiter was wearing a Sinn 556, so I commented on it. He seemed pleased I had noticed, as he was very specific that he chose it as a quality watch that very few people had. We had a bit of a chat about the process of selecting and buying it. A perfectly pleasant couple of minutes spent chatting to a complete stranger with a similar hobby. No harm in that.

Yep for some reason I'd be more likely to/comfortable with completing someone on a Sinn than most other watches. Don't know why.

[jimmer42]

Something a bit different. For example a Doxa Sub, as until very recently you wouldn't tend to own one unless you specifically sought one out as I did

Maybe other brands or specific models that fit the same criteria or something vintage.
I remember commenting on some chaps ND Sub in a queue for a ride at Thorpe Park a year or so back and he looked at me like i was wielding a machette......most uncomfortable next 20 minutes or so in the queue. I vowed not to ever do it again unless a really unusual watch

[bambam]

Some might think I'm weird, but I'm really not.

I hope.

Well maybe just a little bit!

I’ve had someone take a lot of interest in my JLC after a meeting we had both been in.

I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to someone about their watch, but I did share a tube carriage with a guy that had a LV on at the same time I was wearing mine - both were visible as we were standing up and holding on - we exchanged a nod. 100% sure it was because of the watches we were wearing.

[hughtrimble]

I've done so four times:

1. Rolex 5513 on a plane - I didn't know what it was exactly, but could tell it was a Sub and had the most beautifully patinated dial and bezel.

2. A pocket watch at drinks - it was an antique, but when I found out the guy wore it even though he'd never even looked into getting it to work, I made my excuses and walked off.

3. Omega bumper at a dinner - lovely old thing that was extremely worn but still beautiful.

4. Fortis Cosmonaut 7750 at an antiques market - resulted in a good long chat about its functionality and the other variants available.

[Billy4389]

I wouldn’t unless I was wearing the same watch as them..


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[Jari37]

Typing about strangers' watches: easy
Talking about strangers' watches: surprisingly complex

[Linocut]

I've learned that most people don't like having their watches brought up in public, they go a bit suspicious and why not I suppose; but I often discuss watches with people who come in to my workplace and it can be very interesting. One chap came in wearing a BB58 and turned out to be a watch blogger, another had a fantastic watch given to him by an actor with a great story and a photo to confirm.

It's a bit like the antiques roadshow; it's the stories that make the watches interesting.

[mycroft]

In my case it’s the other way round - people talk to me about my watches. I’m a business skills trainer, run 2 or 3-day training courses and habitually wear a different watch every day. Typically anyone with an interest in watches will have noticed by Day 3, and will raise the subject with me.

It’s probably happened 8 or 9 times in the last 5 years alone.

Simon

[McBeardy]

Anything really, generally the one thing I’m pretty observant about & even so the other half, if your polite about it, and it’s an icebreaker why not?

Saying that was at the petrol station the other night and noticed the guy next to me wearing a PloProf never seen one in the wild, as both leaving mentioned nice watch don’t see many about - he hastily added thanks and run off. Yes social distancing was correct and this was 3 weeks ago - but expect the current climate didn’t help.


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[Robsmck]

At a first night GTG for my MSt course I noticed a TT blue dialled sub and a Breitling emergency being worn. We did chat about our respective watches, I was wearing my 116660 for that fortnight.

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[weaselid]

Sorry to state the bleeding obvious however someone wearing a Rolex or Omega is a tricky one. Rolex/Omega wearers fall into two camps..... those that really know about watches and those that don't have a clue. Obviously if someone is wearing A. Lange & Söhne then I must assume they know about watches.

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[Rod]

Saw a chap on Worthing sea front wearing a Damasko DA36. Had a chat with him as I used to have one too. Seemed ok to have a talk about it, not a WIS for on TZ.

[SteveM112]

None..


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[Hocuspocus]

It wouldn't likely be the first thing that I would engage then on, but if I was having a conversation about something else I might then say something.

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[Kingstepper]

Maybe lack of watch if you wanted to know the time:

[weaselid]

Saw a chap on Worthing sea front wearing a Damasko DA36. Had a chat with him as I used to have one too. Seemed ok to have a talk about it, not a WIS for on TZ.

If not then how does someone 'discover' Damasko???? When this lockdown is over could you hang around Worthing sea front in case he comes back and ask him please?

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[Rod]

If not then how does someone 'discover' Damasko???? When this lockdown is over could you hang around Worthing sea front in case he comes back and ask him please?

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Lol, I don't live there, I'm up North but if I'm ever there again and by a trillion to one chance I see him, I'll ask him on your behalf and report back to you. 

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