mkvc
1381
What I took home from IGOTT2
Aside from a few extra pounds and the joy of personally interacting with the other participants, I really feel that I came away from the gathering with a changed perspective on watchmaking.
I fall into that large group of people who may never be able to do more than admire some of the more exotic creations that were on display. That doesn't prevent me from enjoying them, but I learned that there is more to it:
1. The watches are much more personal than I thought. They are expressions of what their creators want to be as artists and watchmakers. This is true of both independent and company watches. The fanciest watches are not invented to make money, they are invented as a means of self-expression.
2. I have missed my chance to meet Ver Meer or Brahms, but I can meet these people, see the light in their eyes, and gain an understanding of the relationship between the creator and the product.
3. Even those of us who are not directly a part of the market for those watches benefit the watchmakers by understanding, caring about, providing feedback and communicating about them. Buying is not the only way to be a genuine participant in the top end of the watch industry.
Bottom line: when talking about watches, we frequently hear it said that "it's all about the people." I now understand the truth of that statement much more deeply than I did before. Thanks to all of you who shared the experience.

Discussion
foversta · Dec 2, 2017
foversta shares insights from his FHH Journal interview on watch industry challenges, brand-customer disconnects, and market trends.
17 replies3039 views

Discussion
Joepny · May 23, 2018
Explore the evolving motivations of watch collectors: the pursuit of ownership, passive enjoyment, or a desire for deeper fulfillment beyond consumerism.
16 replies2258 views

Lifestyle
pingtsai · Apr 30, 2013
Explore how watch collectors foster their partners' appreciation for horology. Read personal stories and insights on sharing the passion for watches, from joint events to building shared collections.
23 replies7600 views

Community
nilomis · Mar 19, 2012
Nilomis shares lessons from 1000 posts on WatchProSite, celebrating diversity, respect, and evolving watch tastes. Discover the community's unique spirit.
50 replies4679 views

Discussion
foversta · Apr 24, 2020
foversta explores the Watches & Wonders 2020 virtual fair, debating the irreplaceable value of physical interaction and community exchange in luxury watch appreciation.
9 replies1711 views

Discussion
small-luxury-world · Dec 29, 2014
small-luxury-world reflects on 2014, sharing insights on luxury watch manufacturing, the balance between handcraft and machines, and the importance of collector knowledge. A must-read for enthusiasts.
90 replies15866 views

Discussion
pingtsai · Jun 7, 2015
Explore what a man's love for watches reveals about his character. This article delves into how watch collecting offers insights into personality, fostering understanding in relationships.
20 replies4537 views

Discussion
dxboon · Mar 7, 2010
Explore the personal journeys and diverse reasons why collectors fall in love with watches, from mechanical fascination to art and heritage.
42 replies12190 views
What I took home from IGOTT2
By: mkvc : June 2nd, 2011-22:24
Aside from a few extra pounds and the joy of personally interacting with the other participants, I really feel that I came away from the gathering with a changed perspective on watchmaking. I fall into that large group of people who may never be able to d...
So true.
By: dxboon : June 2nd, 2011-22:45
Thanks for these thoughts. I appreciate so much the camaraderie we have shared as part of the LA-based PuristS, and our time at IGOTT2 only reinforced those feelings. Keep well! I'm proud to be a Purist with you! Cheers, Daos
wonderful words mkvc!
By: DRMW : June 3rd, 2011-09:18
" Bottom line: when talking about watches, we frequently hear it said that "it's all about the people." I now understand the truth of that statement much more deeply than I did before ." can't say it any better, thanks mkvc! -MW
Perfect summation ...
By: AndrewD : June 3rd, 2011-10:25
Thanks for these thoughts, Michael. It was great to chat with you as always. IGOTT2 had the perfect mix of independent watchmakers, and larger established companies with a purist view to watchmaking. Sure, they all have a business to run and in the end ha...