Some thoughts........
Perhaps the results are surprising (disappointing??) because it's an open competition that lets guys like me vote - a watch novice who comes here to learn and has little to contribute. I have a limited understanding of watch technology, can't judge the craftsmanship from the pictures, and am not really tuned into what's hot and what's not in the watch world. Further, with no knowledge of prices, it becomes a picture-based beauty pageant for me - the prettiest face with no chance to fondle, understand what's in the case and can't determine whether I'd be willing to pay the (unknown) price for her.
Perhaps there should have been three categories of voters:
> Watch experts - to better judge the value of the various contestants
> Fashionistas - to isolate style points
> Novices - like me who just like what we like and pay what we want to pay
BTW, I have an Aerospace, a Colt Chronograph II, a Rolex Daytona (gold/stainless), a Baume & Mericer gold auto sporting a custom gold band, an Omega gold quartz also sporting a custom gold band, a Noblia quartz on leather, and a titanium Casio ProTrek riding titanium. So you can see my "collection" looks like a dog's breakfast.
Roff, thanks for your efforts on the competition - I've learned a lot by watching it. Your efforts on the Forum are also greatly appreciated and have been invaluable to me as I try to climb up the learning curve. The patience you exhibit, the time you invest and the knowledge you willingly share are indeed impressive.
Desert Hiker
