First of all, even without this perceived bubble, nobody cared about watches in my immediate vicinity anyway. Even when I go to swanky places, while I do see nice watches on people, it is very rare that I see secret handshake type watches. For Rolex, hard to say, not unless I see a quirky model on someone else's wrist like a Milgauss or an AK. Otherwise, I'm thinking, I wonder if he has a good relationship with his AD :p
Secondly, it's fun to see how prices move up and down with various models, loved or unloved. I'm on watch enthusiasts and market sites every day and it's a good thing to be able to get a pulse on where everything is at and having a laugh at people who try and predict where things will go.
Thirdly, it's interesting to see how people get riled up with supply and demand (I'm not immune to it btw but I try and catch myself) putting up youtube posts about getting fed up with Rolex eg and then see them wear one anyway or see a poster or a memorabilia of said crown in the background.
In the grand scheme of things, nobody really cares. My gf rolls her eyes everytime I watch a Submariner youtube videos. My close friends wear apple watches. The few who don't notice more the NATO strap I have on my Railmaster than the watch itself!
In the not so grand scheme of things, in our very little world, it's really quite fun still. We can't learn and enjoy in a vacuum. The current trends add a lot to the collector enthusiast experience, IMO.
I'm on some fictitious Rolex waitlist. Sad, yes. But funny at the same time. Because I kid myself and know it :p
Best, Echi