Well…

Dec 18, 2023,17:03 PM
 

There really isn’t a one size fits all to the “problem”. I think ultimately it all boils down to how you feel and how much you want to show and share. The best GTGs for me are always those that are private and personable. These days I much prefer one on one meet ups. Why? Because one of my best friends once said, the best of times are about people and relationships. The watches are only side show. Getting to know that individual, understanding what motivates him/her behind the collection are far greater that the watches. And a one on one GTG allows me to form a deeper connection with that individual. When I choose to give someone my time, I commit fully. I don’t care about showing what I have in the collection really. I share when a particular passion for a particular watch stirs within me. And I share it with those those that matter. I’ve been to a GTG where I brought my entire Patek and independent watch collection for a client who happened to be a very good friend. I’ve also gone to a De Bethune GTG wearing a Parmigiani Tonda PF which some might say was way out of line (who the hell cares? It was a busy work day). My best moments for me at GTGs are when watch conversations transcend into conversations about life.

Regards
Gatsby


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Make Watch Collecting Pure again….

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-00:19
I really like this trend of seeing less speculative collectors as witnessed by recent events. The watch shows and people hanging out together (GTG) and feeling safe is nice to see, as we saw in DWW and that exotic event shared by J 👍🏻💪🏻 What are you looki...  

Awesome showing

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : December 18th, 2023-00:48
Your chopard quintet really shines here!

Awesome 🤩

 
 By: Pun : December 18th, 2023-03:30

Cheers 🥂

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-04:01

A lot of questions there!

 
 By: patrick_y : December 18th, 2023-05:54
What am I looking for at a GTG? It really depends on who is hosting the GTG. The ones hosted by big watch brands, I'm hoping for a nice sneak peek of a new watch that isn't really released to the public yet. Or some special insight about company operation... 

Thanks Patrick for taking the time to respond to my cluelss questions :)

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-16:52
I'm looking at private, individual GTGs, not by brands, so Yes, just making new friends with same hobby and passions. That is true it's about the people. I typically bring a 3-watch roll at max, and wearing one. Look at Wei K's Revolution YT...unfortunate... 

Honestly, half the time at our GTGs, I'm not even talking about watches...

 
 By: patrick_y : December 18th, 2023-21:19
Since the pandemic rules started to loosen, I've attended every official WatchProSite GTG; the one hosted by Amanico in Switzerland at JLC's factory (great GTG, thanks Amanico!!!), our two GTGs in Japan, and our GTG in Los Angeles hosted by Dr. No (lovely... 

Oh no….i like what Patrick said above that a member will remind upfront.

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-10:03
That vintage now becomes more vintage, but I hope no major trauma.

It's just another cycle

 
 By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : December 18th, 2023-09:43
Ups and downs, as historically happens. GTGs, dinners, events are just another part of the business, unless you meet up with 5/6 people you can't really talk or know anyone else.

2 or 3 is equally fun…

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-10:05
This site has made it possible for us to make friends all over the world. I have met with 1 or 2 people when I traveled in the past, good memories.

Me too, from Tokyo to NYC.

 
 By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : December 18th, 2023-17:05
At least we can meet up with some certain level of awareness of not being targeted or stabbed for our watch !

;)

 
 By: amanico : December 18th, 2023-16:11

Great line-up on the table.

 
 By: hora12reborn : December 18th, 2023-12:27

Thanks for looking :)

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-16:53

HEY... you kids get out of my home! ;-)

 
 By: enjoythemusic : December 18th, 2023-16:22
Great post and YES it is wonderful seeing enthusiasts GTG as speculators flee.

Lol....absolutely, only like-minds invited!

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-16:54

Well…

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : December 18th, 2023-17:03
There really isn’t a one size fits all to the “problem”. I think ultimately it all boils down to how you feel and how much you want to show and share. The best GTGs for me are always those that are private and personable. These days I much prefer one on o... 

The other good thing is you can see the different watches, maybe one that you always like and get real owner's input....

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-17:31
I agree it may not be a good idea to have some many valuables in a place and being targeted later, especially with what's going on in some parts of the world where you hear horror stories. "Be Here" for the right reason is more important than the watches.... 

Our alphabet soup gang has been gathering at the same watering hole . . .

 
 By: Dr No : December 18th, 2023-20:51
. . . since '05 between two and four times a year. We've had a few gatherings at member's homes, and a few at other locations, but usually at the same pub in the San Fernando Valley. Members come from as many as eighty miles away. And we always have a gre... 

Are you still down south?

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-22:27
Thought by now you should be up north, enjoying extra retirement $$ with less taxes 😁?

Still in So Cal, CC . . .

 
 By: Dr No : December 18th, 2023-22:37
. . . and will be for the time being. Moving north when family obligations here are fulfilled, not too far away from your locale. Northward bound, Art

No comprehensive answer. A medium sized...

 
 By: Ronald Held : December 18th, 2023-21:27
Group of like minded people. A fine environment to talk and dine. A safe location.

That is all the ingredients we need 👍🏻

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-22:23

+1! (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : December 19th, 2023-15:43
NT

The table should be getting smaller haha…

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 18th, 2023-22:25
Having said that, I do like to have the blessings and likewise, same to you Evan. Watches is not everything that makes me happy, and at this point I think it is good enough. Cheers 🥂

Amazing table shot!

 
 By: 1WatchMan : December 19th, 2023-05:35
And I see that someone took some time to organize the watches very nicely 👌🏻 I only see a GO that I would probably place differently 😜 And I've never been on a GTG with more than the watch on my wrist, not many opportunities really. But if I think about i... 

I was also thinking....should the GO be near to ALS, since they are both German....

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 19th, 2023-17:15
Thank you for your inputs....that's true too, need to be safe than sorry.