The internet is a remarkable resource. Neither of my parents nor any of my extended family are interested in watches. Everything I discovered was on the web, and much of it on forums like this one. I suppose the reason I have 'skipped steps' is simply that I didn't have the money for those purchases. I just kept discovering more and more brands and people without buying any big pieces. Now that I have the money for something big, I have a pretty good idea of what's out there.