First off I am a pretty easy going guy. Not alot bothers me, but what I saw and experienced today has pushed me away from the NAWCC. I have been collecting watches for about ten years. I am not an expert, but do enjoy my collection.

The once a year regional mart was in town (only real reason I am a member, that and I like the magazine) so I decided I would go and take a peak and maybe hand off some of my hard earned cash.

One of the first things I noticed was the insider trading that was rampant. I would find a nice watch only to hear, Oh sorry that whole tray is on hold. I understand making a profit by buying and reselling but come on.

I saw several very nice 23j watches (Illinois, Hampden, etc) only to be told that the watches were being sold at "minty" prices.

I did find a Howard series 7 and put it on hold. I came back a few minutes later to hear " Sorry, I just sold my whole table to that guy over there. You need to talk to him now".

So, instead of paying 70 dollars next year, I will continue to pay my dues here and bid on the watches in our auction.

Kind of a look-but-can't-own situation, huh? That would frustrate me, too.

Sadly, I am also a NAWCC member (this is the last year for that) AND a member of the co-sponsoring chapter for thie SW Regional Mart. My 2007 visit to this overpriced event was not pleasant because it's sparse turnout due to NAWCC discrimination against public participation on the argument that it would "invite theivery" was enough for me! Somebody asked me this year if I was going and I replied "Maybe in 10 years".

The EXORBITANT entry fee plus gas to drive 100 miles round trip from my home plus parking at Del Mar to blow a day looking at untouchable stuff at a "members only" event of this ilk lacks any attraction at all!

If the NAWCC sponsored and advertised these through the local media to recruit members and educate the general public about the history and wonders of Horology, that would be a quite different thing!