The Essence of PuristSPro Community

pingtsai's introspective post, "What's So Special About PuristSPro?", delves into the unique essence of the WatchProSite community. She highlights how the collective passion, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering support for independent watchmakers define its members. This piece serves as a timeless tribute to the spirit of horological purism and the vibrant community it fosters.

You might not already know this but the single most distinguishing factor about PuristSPro.com is quite simply, “YOU”. Yes you the hopelessly hooked and wondrously devoted watch enthusiasts who admirably pour out your passion for all the virtual world to hear. You are Purists. And in that title you set yourselves apart by choosing to fully embrace that passion as well as commit to recognizing the art and science of horology in its purest sense.    

It is a beautiful commitment and one that brings with it such technicality and detail, such unexplained emotion and noteworthy buzz that little could ever come close to matching the thrill. What else could unite elements of historical significance, modern technology and creative innovation and design in such perfect harmony?

The rest of the world may consider the eccentricity in Purists’ behaviors and reactions as odd but it is only because Purists will notice what others do not. This has been proven time and time again when you have noticed things like slight changes in the thickness of letters on a dial from one watch to another or minute imperfections in the beveled finishing of the edges on a plate. Others may look at these seemingly unimportant details, scratching their heads and think, “Really?” Nothing escapes your eyes and therefore all is taken in, to your minds and your hearts.

Not only do you scrutinize the individual parts but you also notice the brands that others glance past or lack the care to seek out. PuristS are a dream for independent watchmakers who are trying to gain notoriety in the massive watch industry. They are sure to give more than five minutes of their time to take a look and listen to the story, especially if the watchmaker can impress them with precise hand finishing, or an in-house movement. Slap that together with an entertaining and heart-felt story about working long hours in a workshop, forgoing easy-made fortunes for long-lived passions and innate talents and he may just earn himself a true fan. More importantly however, he may have a buying fan who will be eager to pass the word along and some pictures too. 

PuristSPro is special because our community is special. You are smart, perceptive, meticulous, passionate, proud, respectful, unique and incredibly fascinating in so many ways. And when you share a little part of yourself on the site, whether it be your thoughts about a watch, pictures of the details that you notice or your anticipation and excitement over the arrival of the Fedex guy, you add to the PuristSPro pot.

Unfortunately or fortunately depending on which way you look at it (we prefer the latter), PuristSPro is undeniably different from the “other” places you might visit around the web. It’s not really that kind of squeaky clean, much too conformed and predictable to be much fun type of setting. No, hanging out on PuristSPro is more like Poker night with the geeks. It’s an escape with your buddies and a safe haven to express your true self, a place where you are as much a part of the game as the dealer. The room is a little untidy and the decor has an odd character but it is cozy. You can take your shoes off at any time and make yourself right at home.

Expect to find conversations with a lot of depth, the kind you can really sink your teeth into. Jokes and humor are a given and always taken in good spirit. You may even have a chance or several chances to collect congratulatory shoutouts and notes of envy for your pieces of pride and joy. Because if there is one thing that serious watch collectors have a lot of, it’s pride. Everyone feels it and therefore understands it. There is a shared comfort among all when you are surrounded by people just like you, even though physically, they may be halfway across the globe.       

What makes up the true substance of PuristSPro, is not the well-formatted and unsurprising articles trickled down from a manufacturer’s marketing department or a luxury industry writer who means well, although we do throw those in for good measure. It is the spontaneous and expressive thoughts and feelings which prompt someone to take a picture of his watch while eating breakfast, during an outing at sea or out enjoying a Sunday drive. It is the first-hand experiences that are in essence “pure” and not expressed through a corporate filter.

PuristSPro is special because it’s “real” - or should it be said, “It’s relative”... to you, to us, to the newly promoted VP who has just bought his first Rolex, to the veteran collector who has seen just about everything but still yearns to see more, to the modest lad who admires more than he buys, to the quirky business owner who will like the watch that everyone else thinks is ugly and to the distinguished gentleman who has it all. PuristSPro brings together varying backgrounds and stories but what is brought to the table remains constant. It’s about the watches and how you feel about them, pure and simple.

So it’s your turn to be a Purist. How is PuristSPro unique for you and what do you like or not like about the site?