diff --git a/aprsd/packets/watch_list.py b/aprsd/packets/watch_list.py
index dec5e21..aa4d872 100644
--- a/aprsd/packets/watch_list.py
+++ b/aprsd/packets/watch_list.py
@@ -21,9 +21,12 @@ class WatchList(objectstore.ObjectStoreMixin):
     def __new__(cls, *args, **kwargs):
         if cls._instance is None:
             cls._instance = super().__new__(cls)
-            cls._instance._update_from_conf()
         return cls._instance
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._update_from_conf()
+
     def _update_from_conf(self, config=None):
         with self.lock:
             if CONF.watch_list.enabled and CONF.watch_list.callsigns: