Horological Meandering

MTR
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Very late to this inspiring thread.

I hope not too late? Somehow I missed your initial post? ☺️

Well, here my personal thoughts:

You’ve articulated a sentiment that resonates with many of us heartfelt and passioned collectors.

The phenomenon you describe as "horofatigue" is indeed becoming more prevalent for a quite a lot of us passionate watch lovers, and it’s not too hard to see why.

The „watch world“, which once thrived on innovation and creativity, seems to have shifted focus towards exclusivity and inaccessibility. This shift has left many of us feeling disenchanted.

The late 90s to early 2010s you mention were indeed a … very special … era for horology. The excitement around each new release was high due to brands not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of design and technology.
For me always to the better, but there was this exciting spirit…Watches are not just timepieces; they are embodiments of artistry, engineering. And full of passion! And this feeling was apparently stronger in this special era.
The fairs were also celebrations of horological culture. And not just commercial events (but of course they were always commercial events)

Today, however, the landscape has changed. Especially the well-known brands have embraced a business model that prioritizes scarcity over substance, creating a luxury experience that is more about status than craftsmanship. The result? We, the passionate collectors, feel like we are being treated as mere consumers („milked cows“), rather than as enthusiasts and connoisseurs who appreciate the art and history behind each piece.

It’s also important to recognize that the current approach of many brands is a logical development. The market has been flooded with wealth, and in a world where so many people already have everything, the allure of luxury has shifted. The difficulty in acquiring these objects of desire feeds into the experience-hungry nature of today’s consumers, making the chase part of the luxury itself.

But there is a silver lining. Even among the well-known brands, there are still hidden gems: special, fascinating pieces that may not be in the spotlight but are certainly worth the search. So, while the industry has undoubtedly changed, there are still treasures to be found for those with the patience and passion to seek them out.

For me as a passionate watch lover with growing knowledge (but still with to less knowledge!!), the hunt for these pearls can be as exciting and rewarding as the discovery itself.

In fact, I’ve found that my own initial feelings of fatigue have evolved into a renewed sense of enthusiasm. My personal taste has continued to refine, thanks in large part to this forum and to you, Nico.

Our community has helped me enter a fascinating new phase in my collecting journey. I’ve started to part with pieces that no longer resonate with me, making room for those that truly capture my heart—regardless of era or brand.

So - for me personally - I don’t see the situation as so negative.
In fact, I view it with a certain optimism. This new era challenges us as collectors to dig deeper, to be more discerning, and to truly connect with the pieces that speak to us on a personal level. It pushes us to appreciate the artistry and history behind the watches, rather than just following trends. This shift has helped me refine my collection, focusing on what truly matters to me. So, while the landscape may have changed, it has also opened new doors for me in this crazy and fascinating world of horology.

Just my very personal thoughts
Thomas