Watch Community: New Member Introduction

Gwai · 2021-02-10T08:07:10Z

Discover Gwai's journey into luxury watches and his review of the WatchProSite community, featuring insights on Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Sky-Dweller.

Gwai

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

29 replies3581 views6 photos

Gwai, a criminal defense lawyer from Germany, shares his journey into luxury watch collecting, a passion he discovered in his mid-40s. His introduction highlights the unique, inclusive atmosphere of WatchProSite, where both entry-level and haute horlogerie timepieces are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. Gwai's perspective offers a valuable look at what makes this community a distinguished forum for watch enthusiasts worldwide.

Having haunted these pages for a long time, there came a point when merely consuming just wouldn't do anymore and I just had to share the odd comment or offer my indispensable opinion here and there. Doing that, I was aware that my conduct was most impolite if not downright rude, writing from the shadows without so much as showing my face, so to speak.

So let me introduce myself at long last. German and a criminal defense lawyer by profession, I am a late inductee to the world of watches, having caught the bug in earnest only in my mid-40s, some five, six years ago. While I have but two "good" watches to my name, this number hardly reflects the degree of my passion, or affliction - for that I'd rather go by the countless hours I spend looking at watches, reading about watches, fantasizing about watches. (Plus I am positive there will be more in good time.)

I have been a daily visitor here for many years now. There are two things that stand out for me and truly distinguish the Purists' meeting place. One, I know of no other site where you just can count on each new major watch being shown "in the metal" and discussed right after it has launched, from the mundane to the exotic, throughout the entire price range. That is quite fantastic. The second noteworthy thing for me is that your humble Orient or Seiko is met with just as much enthusiasm as are your PP Grande Complications. So while snobbery is not exactly a stranger to these pages - after all we all enjoy showing off (our watches) to some degree or else we wouldn't be here -, I think the overall vibe is rather classless and thoroughly enjoyable. And there is so much class!

So thank you all for making this place what it is and for having me.

Cheers

Marc

Key Points from the Discussion

The community's welcoming nature and the quality of its members are key reasons for the site's enduring success and its moderator's dedication over 13 years.
The journey into watch collecting often starts later in life, and financial circumstances can initially limit access to dream watches, but passion eventually leads to collecting luxury pieces.
The Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Sky-Dweller are highly regarded choices, even for a modest collection, with their appeal spanning across different collector preferences.
The Omega Speedmaster's Co-Axial Caliber 9300 movement is praised for its astounding consistency and accuracy, maintaining excellent timekeeping even after years without service, though power reserve can eventually diminish.
The 'Black Black' Speedmaster is recognized as a bold, masculine, and unique statement piece, though some collectors might prefer other variants for daily wear due to lume or aesthetic preferences.
Watch collecting is a continuous learning process, where knowledge and tastes evolve through reading, forum participation, and discovering new brands and models.

The Discussion

brauner

Feb 10, 2021

although we know us already. I like your Omega.

Subexplorer

Feb 10, 2021

... your personal introduction and thoughts about our site. I wish you’ll enjoy so much not only visiting and reading but also participating sharing your watches and your personal points of view. You share two interesting pieces : your modern version of Speedmaster and your Sky Dweller. Two watches I own and love so much. Best cordial regards! Abel

amanico

Feb 10, 2021

Your description of this site of ours is exactly why I moderate it, for more than 13 years, now. An exceptional longevity ( 20 years, soon ) for a website dedicated to watches. Thanks to all our members, by their quantity and quality. Such as you, mon cher confrère. All the best! Nicolas

nacelle

Feb 10, 2021

Welcome.... well spoken 👍

Gwai

Feb 10, 2021

for your kind words and warm welcome! It is funny and I'm sure a lot of you can relate to this: While I haven't met any of you in person, I think I know more than a few already - and that doesn't only go for those who were bold enough to show their actual faces like Nico has. Among the things I forgot to write: The watches some of you have... Cheers Marc

Gwai

Feb 10, 2021

when and where... (Seems Germany will essentially remain locked down through March 7 as announced tonight.)

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