Alright, so I finally did it. I went to that watch convention in NYC everyone’s been yappin’ about. Been meanin’ to go for ages, and this year, the stars just kinda aligned, you know? Packed my bag, well, not really a bag, just made sure my phone was charged and I had comfy shoes on. NYC is no joke on your feet.
Getting There and First Impressions
Took the train into Penn Station, then hopped on the subway. Always a bit of an adventure, that. Found the venue easy enough. Walked in, and man, it was a bit overwhelming at first. Lights, glass cases, and just a sea of people. Lots of folks lookin’ real serious, loupes glued to their eyes. You could just smell the enthusiasm, and maybe a little bit of expensive cologne.
I didn’t really have a plan, which, lookin’ back, maybe I should’ve. I just started wanderin’. My goal wasn’t to buy anything, not really. My wallet’s still a bit thin from the last time I convinced myself I needed a new timepiece. This trip was more about soaking it all in, seeing what’s out there, and maybe chattin’ with a few people who know their stuff.
What I Saw and Who I Talked To
Saw the big names, of course. Rows of shiny Rolexes, Omegas, Breitlings – the usual suspects. They’re nice to look at, like supercars you know you’ll never drive. But what I really dig are the smaller brands, the independent guys. Found a few tucked away in corners, and those were the tables I spent the most time at. You can actually talk to the person who designed the watch, or at least someone who’s super passionate about it. That’s cool.
There was this one fella, had a small booth with these really unique, kinda rugged-looking dive watches. We got to talking, not even just about his watches, but about watch collecting in general, what makes a piece special. He wasn’t pushy, just happy to share his passion. That’s the kinda interaction I go for. Avoided some of the louder, more sales-y tables. Not my scene.
I also spent a good chunk of time just people-watching. You see all sorts. The serious collectors with their multi-watch rolls, clearly on a mission. Then you got guys like me, just kinda drifting, eyes wide. Saw a few couples too, one partner clearly more into it than the other, which is always a bit funny to observe.
The Nitty Gritty – What I Learned (or Re-Learned)
Patience is key. If you’re actually looking to buy, you can’t rush it. And if you’re just looking, you gotta be patient to get a good view sometimes, especially at popular booths.
Prices are… aspirational. Let’s just say convention prices can be a bit higher than what you might find elsewhere if you do your homework. But then again, you’re paying for the convenience of seeing so much under one roof, and maybe finding something rare.
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. I said it before, I’ll say it again. My feet were barkin’ by the end of the day. Concrete floors are no joke.
You know, I got into watches because my grandad gave me his old Seiko when I was a kid. Thing was beat up, scratched, but it always told the time. It wasn’t about the brand or the price, it was about the mechanics, the history it had. That’s kinda what I look for, even now. The story behind the watch, the craftsmanship. Sometimes you find that at these big shows, sometimes you don’t.
So, yeah, that was my day at the watch convention in NYC. Walked out with no new watches, but a head full of ideas and a renewed appreciation for the hobby. And sore feet. Definitely sore feet. Would I go again? Probably. It’s a good way to spend a day if you’re into this stuff. Just gotta manage your expectations, and maybe bring a thicker wallet next time, just in case.
