Would you compliment a strangers watch?

[ozwatchguy]

I was staying at a hotel with my family and I was outside pushing my baby in her pram back into the hotel. We were about 20metres away from the entrance and an Asian man walked outside and as he was walking past me I noticed he was wearing a Richard Mille. I couldn’t help myself but my reaction was “wow that’s a really nice watch” and I stopped to talk but he just smiled and chuckled and kept walking away haha

I was a bit embarrassed walking away and couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t have a chat as he didn’t look to be in any rush or maybe

A) he was scared I might rob him
B) didn’t speak English so didn’t want to speak
C) maybe a fake?

I’m no RM specialist but I remember it was black with a black band and looked like a skull inside, and looked real!

Have you guys ever stopped a stranger after spotting there watch? This was definitely my first time!

[jed11]

I have...no issues.

[TswaneNguni]

Absolutely.I always compliment.Reactions are usually very postive.
If not,so what !

[schoolboy]

I have complimented a couple of people.

I usually just say “nice watch” and make sure that my body language conveys that I am not going to stop and ask them too much about it

I say it as a “passing comment” if you will

This way I try to leave it up to them if they want to talk about it or not

For example, one time an older gentleman extended his arm out to shake my hand and told me that he’s been wearing the same watch for over 20 years

That was cool

But like said, I leave the next step up to them


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[In-Cog-Neeto]

Sure would. Might not chase someone down the street to do it (I know you didn’t either)

[walw]

I do this a lot, and usually people are pretty surprised when you call out their specific model or brand. A couple of times this guaranteed a 10 minute conversation if that person is also a WIS in a professional setting.

Other time I did this was to a server at a cafe (DW - not a fan myself, but a great intro to anyone who may become a WIS), random guy at an airport lounge (Seiko Alpinist), and more recently a valet in Vegas (had an AP Royal Oak!)

My wife thinks I'm weird, but I don't want to be just staring without saying something.

[42itus]

Sure. I compliment people on their attire as well. But I don’t usually wait for a reaction.

[tyler1980]

if its a watch i get the feeling its a watch someone who is into watches would be wearing i would say something. With RM i feel you need to have a basic appreciation for watches to even know who they are. Rolex crosses broadly over into the group who has no clue about watches so i never comment on anyones Rolex as you never know if you are going to get the WIS or the show off guy. If they have a Patek, RM, JLC, AP, or some obscure independent on usually they know something and probably would want to talk about it.

[BNA/LION]

Yup!

[Swiss Mad!]

Once went to look at a second hand car & the dealer was wearing a BLNR Batman.

I noticed straight away so as we went inside and sat down to discuss trade in values etc I commented on it.

The guy was over the moon I noticed and was even happier when I showed him my Sub I was wearing at the time.

We ended up chatting more about our watches and comparing etc than we did about the cars!

As it happens we didn't end up doing a deal on the cars but did have a good hour or so chatting about watches...so not a total waste of time after all...lol

[jerryhum]

That’s how I react also when someone compliments my watch, but not because I feel weird about it. If they ask me about my watch, then i’ll have a conversation about it but when someone just says “nice watch,” I have no idea if they actually care about watches or if it’s just something shiny that caught their eye. I assume most it’s usually the latter, not everyone is a WIS.

[Andad]

Only if they are smaller than me.

[JCZ5]

Yep, I’ve complimented and some people engage in deep conversations while others not so much.

Doesn’t prevent me from doing it again and again because I love the hobby and when you get the chance to speak with someone who shows an appreciation for watches, it’s all worth it.


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[junamuan]

I have never experienced someone noticed and complimented what's on my wrist. Certainly I would be delightful.

I always say something nice when I see it. It's like wave when you see fellow runners/bikers on the road.

[dubins930]

Depends on the watch...if it is a "WIS brand" I generally do

[Brew]

I would no sooner comment on a stranger's watch than I would his shoes or tie.

[RL777]

Depends on the situation. Generally if just on the street I would say no but if it were in the correct environment to strike up a conversation absolutely.

[WatchLurv]

I give a thumbs up, a smirk (semi-smile) and a comment: Nice watch!

Ive also received compliments before. Usually in restaurants.

[thesharkfactor]

I have done in the past.. 6/10 times you wish you hadn't bothered.

[ozwatchguy]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

I have done in the past.. 6/10 times you wish you hadn't bothered.

I’m at 2/3 I wish I didn’t bother.

[antbkny]

I’m guessing he didn’t understand you

[Harry-57]

Depends on the person and the circumstances.

I have noticed that some people's eyes go straight to my watch and if I don't know them I am suspicious by default.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by ozwatchguy

I
C) maybe a fake?

I’m no RM specialist but I remember it was black with a black band and looked like a skull inside, and looked real!

if it was a Tourbillon Skull, a fake would probably be pretty obvious i would think. RM is so openworked i would be surprised to see a convincing fake. Kind of like an AP openworked. I see regular AP's faked but a convincing 15407 would be exceedingly difficult i assume.

[travisb]

I have and sometimes it ends up in an interesting conversation about collecting or the history of the watch.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by travisb

I have and sometimes it ends up in an interesting conversation about collecting or the history of the watch.

i was recently in the mall in houston and i complimented an AD on their grand seiko's as they just started carrying it. Then i proceeded to explain what spring drive was as he butchered the explanation and really had no idea... so kind of the same thing. He was a stranger and it was kind of his watch

[travisb]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i was recently in the mall in houston and i complimented an AD on their grand seiko's as they just started carrying it. Then i proceeded to explain what spring drive was as he butchered the explanation and really had no idea... so kind of the same thing. He was a stranger and it was kind of his watch

[Psmith]

I usually go straight in with an attempted high-five

[1William]

No issues and you did like his watch. His response does not matter and I would not get caught up in speculating why he did not respond. Next time someone has a nice watch complement them if you want and if you don't want to then move on.

[Fat_ninja]

I dont comment unless its in a watch store or at a watch event.

[Travelair007]

I’m guessing cultural/language barrier or could also be worried about stopping to chat about his $100k watch