Uncomfortable Experience

[TopNotchChach]

cool story.
lol, im not letting a stranger try on my watch.

[ArtNouveau]

Had a similar question about my coral red OP from a young guy at the next table in a local eatery. He was all smiles when I confirmed it was what he thought it was.
I don’t live in an area where I would give a second thought to this sort of thing.

[DoubleDeac]

Hey, most of the time when I've encountered this, it was a well-meaning young individual w/ aspirations of wanting the same watch. To him/her it's that awesome that they want to point it out. I take it as a compliment and know that it comes w/ the territory. It's the same thing when I drive my sports cars, some ppl know what it is and can't contain their excitement, I've been there. It's nothing to be awkward or fearful about.

[alex.cicollo]

Here’s my uncomfortable experience…

Two weeks ago, in NYC, 5th Ave, wearing my blue dial steel SkyDweller, and looking at a window with watches with a friend, this woman approaches me, and starts getting really close (too close for comfort) and starts pointing at several watches and telling me this watch and that watch would suit me, and what did I think of this other watch.

As she was getting way too close, immediately my suspicious self told me to be careful, and I firmly stepped back, and said “I’ll give you more room for you to admire the timepieces, but thank you for your advice”.

Soon after I saw her and another lady approaching other males, and getting really close to them….

I think I had a lucky escape - and thankfully I still have my SD!

[OG1982]

Only seemed awkward because you made it so. It takes nothing to be nice in these situations.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wesssyyy]

Originally Posted by Krash

Are you guys serious?

What are you scared of?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree this seems like extremely snobby behavior. Maybe the guy was just an enthusiast.

[2loaded]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Box & Papers, bro!

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by racerx

At a local casual restaurant, a young man seated with a few friends and a parent, attracts my attention by loudly saying "nice Rolex Bro" and extending his hand for a fist bump. He asked for details, I replied "its a watch", and followed my wife to the outdoor dining area.

I chalked it up to youthful exuberance, but awkward none the less.

Yeah, that would have been awkward but dismissing him and walking off comes off as snobbish or rude. I guess you had to be there to read the vibe from his facial expression and body language to determine if he was trolling or legitimately interested.

[PBJ1925]

Naturally much less stranger danger but had a TSA officer once I ask me as I was walking through the metal detector "sir, I need to see your wrist." I was a little puzzled and he goes nice YM and broke out into a huge grin and flashed his Exp40.

I couldn't help but smile after, sort of made my day knowing there are many others in the wild who share a similar appreciation for our hobby.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by alex.cicollo

Here’s my uncomfortable experience…

Two weeks ago, in NYC, 5th Ave, wearing my blue dial steel SkyDweller, and looking at a window with watches with a friend, this woman approaches me, and starts getting really close (too close for comfort) and starts pointing at several watches and telling me this watch and that watch would suit me, and what did I think of this other watch.

As she was getting way too close, immediately my suspicious self told me to be careful, and I firmly stepped back, and said “I’ll give you more room for you to admire the timepieces, but thank you for your advice”.

Soon after I saw her and another lady approaching other males, and getting really close to them….

I think I had a lucky escape - and thankfully I still have my SD!

I would have done the same. Situational awareness is important and when strangers invade your personal space, it's a red flag and time to exit.

[kritameth]

Omega.

[omar10213245]

I once had a person come up to me at a bar and say, "nice Daytona ya got there. Would be a real shame if something were to happen to it". A split second later, he was laying on the ground, knocked out cold after I delivered a Chuck Norris-esque roundhouse kick to his temple. His gf swooned and I took her home and gave her the business, she insisted I keep the Daytona on my wrist the whole night.

[Boopie]

This is why I disagree when people often write here that “no one notices my Rolex.”

People do notice. Not commenting on your watch doesn’t mean people don’t notice.

Why doesn’t everyone comment? Because, clearly, it creeps some people out.

Years ago in Los Angeles, I was waiting at an intersection crosswalk waiting for my light. The guy standing next to me was wearing a Daytona, so I said “Nice watch.” He did not say anything in response, and got really stiff. So, after that I haven’t commented on the watches of strangers. When I’m at a conference, I do comment, but the people attending either know me or know that I’m there for the conference.

[Nodzex]

Originally Posted by jed11

Probably just curious…if he was a watch enthusiast, then nothing abnormal with asking for details. We all know we love the details!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

100% agree!

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

If they don’t seem too sketchy and the moment strikes right I will take it off and let them check it out and try it on.

Just did this the other day with an enthusiastic younger patient who called out my Milgauss. I responded with “you a watch guy!?” Which he humbly confirmed and so I offered if he wanted to inspect it up close. He said I totally made his day

[jamesgames]

You wear a rolex - expect people to see / comment. Most popular watch brand and popularity just keeps soaring - people love and know rolex.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by Boopie

This is why I disagree when people often write here that “no one notices my Rolex.”

People do notice. Not commenting on your watch doesn’t mean people don’t notice.

Why doesn’t everyone comment? Because, clearly, it creeps some people out.

Years ago in Los Angeles, I was waiting at an intersection crosswalk waiting for my light. The guy standing next to me was wearing a Daytona, so I said “Nice watch.” He did not say anything in response, and got really stiff. So, after that I haven’t commented on the watches of strangers. When I’m at a conference, I do comment, but the people attending either know me or know that I’m there for the conference.

was gonna post this same exact thing lol

[MrGoat]

I compliment damn near every Rolex I see. Never had a bad interaction or awkwardness from the owner and I’m told I am not the most approachable looking man out there by a long shot.

My usual go to is “that’s a great watch!! I’ve got its brother.” As I flash my watch their direction. Then conversation starts and I’ve made new watch friends.


The part where you have to feel em out is when you ask to take a picture of the watches together. Never been turned down though.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

That’s it … I’m not wearing these darn things anymore

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by racerx

At a local casual restaurant, a young man seated with a few friends and a parent, attracts my attention by loudly saying "nice Rolex Bro" and extending his hand for a fist bump. He asked for details, I replied "its a watch", and followed my wife to the outdoor dining area.

I chalked it up to youthful exuberance, but awkward none the less.

If I'm sitting in a restaurant and had the same experience, I wont feel offended I would be happy to interact to a certain degree, there are many decent people out there that they are interested in watches the same goes for cars, if someone likes my car I would feel good and let him have a look.

The only exception, is if I do not feel safe.

[1st amg]

I don’t know. But this hardly seems like a big issue. I think your response may have come off snobbish and portray a Rolex owner as such. I do get comments occasionally and I just respond with respect and confidence.
Not such a big deal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fozzyf18]

I think it all boils down to assessing the situation, the risk, and the environment you are in, and reading people. Young kid with friends and a parent- not necessarily threatening. Young kid calls out your watch loudly- threat level increases because he is boisterous but no need to go to DEFCON 1 because he may be just young and uncouth. Young kid follows your wife to the outdoor dining area- yeah, that's a concern regardless if he had good intentions and just wanted to talk. Remain guarded, no need to get crazy, but I would certainly start being assertive and my body language would change.

Most interactions that I have had in the wild while wearing my watch have been pleasant. I see both sides of the opinion curve on this one. I think the majority don't really care what is on your wrist like many have said. There are a select few that engage because they know what you are wearing, like it, may have one or admire one, want to talk about it, and I have had great conversations with those people. I have also commented on someone wearing a Rolex and, no kidding, I swear they didn't know the brand of the watch that they are wearing. When you say "nice Day-Date/GMT/SUB" and they reply with "WHA?!?!" I retreat.

There are also a select few that that notice what you are wearing for other (potentially nefarious reasons). I pay the most attention to the last category.

I don't wear my watch scared. I never will. In summary, don't be afraid of people. Be on guard for bad people- they tend to telegraph who they are if you stay vigilant.

[jamesbondOO7]

I would have given him my watch and run like the wind.

[7sins]

I tend to be a rather extroverted individual and always try to compliment an individual's watch when I recognize it, when appropriate. Certainly not yelling across a restaurant or to make someone uncomfortable in a large group setting. Made many new friends with strangers this way, it is an immediate bond when you meet someone also into watches or cars. As a caveat, I am almost always in a suit so I suppose I don't look like the person who will rob you haha.

Interestingly enough, the most standoffish owners, are almost always Rolex owners. Clearly they aren't here on TRF and I suspect many are not a WIS but wearing it as a status piece. Friendliest conversations with AP and PP, RM can be hit or miss but I find those owners are also into cars.

Anyways, it never hurts to be nice and you never know when you can make someones day, maybe just the inner optimist in me.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

My usual go to is “that’s a great watch!! I’ve got its brother.” As I flash my watch their direction. Then conversation starts and I’ve made new watch friends.

Exactly

MrGoat once again proves he is indeed the GOAT

[Cambo]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Always fun discussing timepieces with enthusiasts. Sharing knowledge and fun

This^
Read the room…..if the guy is really sketchy, just say thanks and move on.but he is a young enthusiast a great opportunity to chat.

[Drew.rob]

Nothing weird about somebody complimenting your watch…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Exactly

MrGoat once again proves he is indeed the GOAT

I mean how can I argue if the kitten jamming to some music wearing headphones and the black Crown Royal bag decree it? :eye roll:


In all seriousness, I am the farthest thing from the GOAT in anything, I just try hard. I appreciate the kind words though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[racerx]

Quite a mix of comments in this thread. I’ll say this and be done, the experience was cringy. I doubt this young guy intended any harm, but did cause everyone to look. Not the kind of attention anyone wants or needs. Sort of wish I’d had a long sleeve shirt on. And for those who are curious, the watch is nothing too special, 16710 with a black bezel.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Box & Papers, bro!