Dive into the Watch World on Instagram with @crudotaco

Instagram is a blessing and a curse for watch collecting. At its worst, the platform encourages you to buy a new watch damn near every day, with hordes of enablers pushing you to spend money you have no business spending. At its best, Instagram promotes community in a unique way unlike any other app—and that’s what makes it special and worth the countless hours we pour into it.

image source: Instagram @crudotaco

As I write this, I think back on the friendships, opportunities, and creativity that Instagram has fostered. I can take a decent photo, sure, but I maintain that I’m no photographer, at least in the professional sense—I learn by trial and error and by getting to know my camera. At the same time, though, if it weren’t for my desire to post every day and for tips early on from amigos like @chronos_1010 and @kicktoc, my skills almost certainly wouldn’t be where they are today.

image source: Instagram @crudotaco

One of my earliest memories was a WhatsApp group with the two aforementioned kooks and @lactardjosh. We constantly cracked all sorts of jokes, but we engaged in serious discussions, too: about life, watches, camera gear, cars, music—you name it.  Later, when Grand Seiko began updating their branding, I joined a chat with @grander_seiko, @marekielbasa, and @company_policy, for the sole purpose of scrutinizing the new dial designs.

image source: Instagram @crudotaco

Possibly my most memorable moment, however, was the March Madness competition hosted by Head2HeadCopycat. I miraculously emerged victorious through multiple photography competitions and won a great watch from microbrand, Gavox. When @lactardjosh stepped down from the H2H board, I was given an opportunity to take his spot, which I still enjoy to this day. The H2H crew—@kicktoc, @bharmon417, and @bzabodyn214 –is a great group of guys, who have photography chops we could all certainly learn a thing or two from. Killer collections, too. @Kicktoc knows he’s going to give up his vintage Bulova surfboard chrono one of these days.

image source: Instagram @crudotaco

All that said, perhaps Instagram is more than an app. It’s admittedly frustrating at times with the constant changes in the algorithm, but if you’re only there for likes, what’s the point? Using Instagram as a tool for industry news, an excuse to hone your photography skills, a way to link up with other watch nerds, and to simply research your next purchase is the way to go. In fact, it’s not so bad that we encourage each other to buy more watches. There are much worse (and less fun!) hobbies in which to indulge.

Written by @crudotaco