A huge—and sometimes surprising—part of watch collecting is the incredible, tight-knit community that has grown around this tradition and pastime. If you’re eager to break into the world of watch collecting, here are some ways for you to connect with fellow enthusiasts, expand your network and knowledge about this fascinating hobby.
Pose questions in a watch forum.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned collector, watch forums are an incredible resource and easy way to quickly connect with other watch fans. Lively discussions unfold here as collectors post questions, list watches they’re interested in purchasing or recently added to their collections and invite feedback.
Join one of the lively discussions on WatchUSeek, TimeZone and Vintage Rolex Forum. Post a question and you’ll receive a variety of intriguing responses and opinions to make you a well-rounded collector.
There are also brand-specific watch forums if you’re a devotee of one particular brand like Omega Forums or On the Dash for TAG Heuer fans and
Join a local RedBar Chapter.
A fun and causal way to meet other watch collectors in your area is to grab a drink and geek out over watches at a RedBar meeting. RedBar is a vast international network of collectors who come together every week to discuss—you guessed it—watches. Meetings are low-key affairs where members bring in select pieces from their own collection for
A RedBar Meeting, Photo by Atom Moore
others to take a look at and talk about. From there, conversation just free flows (admittedly slightly facilitated by a cocktail or two) and attendees easily chat and swap watch knowledge.
What makes this a particularly fun group of collectors is the club’s uniquely unpretentious and easy going vibe. That said, new members are vetted, but don’t be intimidated! TrueFacet’s contributor and head of RedBar’s Miami chapter, Sophy Rindler explains that, to preserve RedBar’s open and casual attitude, she welcomes fellow watch enthusiasts who are, “cool, nice to others, not a snob and willing to learn from or teach to other members.”
To attend a RedBar meeting, reach out to your local chapter through Instagram or fill out their contact form here.
Read watch blogs—and the article’s comments.
Bone up a little bit on general watch industry news and history by reading a handful of watch blogs like Watchonista, A Blog to Watch, and Hodinkee. More mainstream publications like Robb Report, Forbes and Business Insider have staff writers dedicated to the watch industry as well.
If you’re new to watch collecting, the language can be difficult to understand at first; these posts are often incredibly technical and peppered with industry-speak. What’s helpful though is articles often interlink to past stories and information to offer new readers more context for why a new tourbillion is such a breakthrough or the backstory for a brand’s recent relaunch.
Also, it’s always worth combing through the comments of posts. Similar to a watch forum, readers will share their opinions and sometimes even disagree with the author. Either way, it’s a fascinating look at what’s going on and how watch fans are reacting to new releases and industry news.
Ready to start chatting about watches? Call 1-800-690-3736 and speak with one of our expert concierge associates to learn more about your favorite brand and receive personal recommendations on how to build your own collection.
Hero image courtesy of The CEO Magazine.