diff --git a/pagure/lib/__init__.py b/pagure/lib/__init__.py
index 857d6bf..2b3eb65 100644
--- a/pagure/lib/__init__.py
+++ b/pagure/lib/__init__.py
@@ -3259,13 +3259,7 @@ def is_watching_obj(session, user, obj):
     if not user:
         return False
 
-    if obj.user.user == user.user:
-        return True
-
-    for comment in obj.comments:
-        if comment.user.user == user.user:
-            return True
-
+    # First check if the user explicitely turned on/off notifications
     if obj.isa == "issue":
         query = session.query(
             model.IssueWatcher
@@ -3288,6 +3282,14 @@ def is_watching_obj(session, user, obj):
     if watcher:
         return watcher.watch
 
+    # Otherwise, just check if they are in the default group
+    if obj.user.user == user.user:
+        return True
+
+    for comment in obj.comments:
+        if comment.user.user == user.user:
+            return True
+
     return False