Man, I gotta tell you… and I hope this doesn’t come off as weird, but your channel keeps me calm at work. I learn a lot, and there’s something about that South African accent that is quite soothing. Cheers.
I love one or two of the Tudor range. However, I'll never get past the comment that stuck in my head that is shared by many...'Tudor are watches for people who can't afford Rolex'. That perception ruins them for me.
For this techie, Sinn has an excellent website - consistent, simple to navigate, with high information density. I despise pointless marketing fluff flash videos constantly popping up on so many other manufacturers' websites that make it harder for me to find what I want.
@@jhlocus You are right, they did. They now redesigned it for mobile phones, low information density, takes forever to find what you want... Terrible. I guess they figured by dumbing it down they will sell more watches. Not sure they think much of their customers.
@@mountainhoboClick the little dots in the corner and scroll down to Desktop Mode ✔️. Boom; much better. They know their customers better than you do.
Tudors position in the market is absolute genius. Moving upmarket slightly, started using in house movements, and getting METAS certifications. Rolex is clearly using Tudor to compete with Omega to show they’re not worried about other brands.
I would argue the opposite: Rolex is using their sister company to compete with the Omegas and other heritage / sports competitors of the horological world *because* they need someone to retain those aspiring owners that have been frustrated that they can’t acquire their sports models as they continue to move more upmarket.
Rolex will always be #1 for me if just for the brand recognition. Nothing is more impressive to the masses,most people don't know all these other luxury brands & we do like to impress.
@@richardmorris7063 That's mostly just marketing though. Couldn't care less. Give me something more interesting. They're a mainstream brand even though they're expensive. I'll take a Grand Seiko every day of the week over a Rolex - unless I want a gold dress watch. Then there are better.
I've been getting into watches in the last couple of months and really appreciate your vids, a nice level headed and unbiased (or as unbiased as one can strive to be). These types of vids are very useful for me to get a better understanding of the market. What these brands are known for, their most famous models, some of which will inevitably be discontinued and harder to find etc etc. If you are interested, I bought my first watch a couple weeks ago, a Longines Record L28204 (white dial, blue hands) for £890 never worn, which I think is a pretty good deal seeing as I've barely taken it off since!
Thorough analysis as always. Much appreciated. Now, TAG, Cartier, Omega, JLC, Panerai, Moser, Montblanc, Citizen. That would be a great follow up cadre.
I love IWC. But spot on you just can’t pay retail. I get it they overcharge but if you can get one 2nd hand for a good price, it’s a no brainer. Also best bracelet in the business.
I wait with genuine anticipation for each of your videos…a real compliment. Another excellent episode..your assessment of Longines is interesting, I definitely think a reduction in the range would help the brand..love my Majetek.
Grand Seiko's brand separation from Seiko has helped its image for me personally. The introduction of standalone GS boutiques alongside many high end Swiss brands has also helped. They're also starting to improve weakness areas like their bracelets. Personally I find some of the dressier pieces too conservative and actually prefer the "flashier" models like the Sports GMT with sapphire bezels because when you combine GS's superlative finishing with more avant-garde designs the effect is often spectacular imo.
Still Seiko though. I think they'd do better to remove that name from GS simply because the average Joe (who probably isn't in their target demographic anyway) just sees a Seiko. Nuanced. Great watches, but boring and way too expensive.
@lhuddyness anyone who appreciates GS doesn't care that others see "Seiko". We know we're wearing something that blows Rolex out of the water. It's enough that we know it, we don't need you or some other casual observer knowing it.
I was able to hold my first GS yesterday. I have criticized them in comment sections for years. Partly because I thought they were boring and partly because their advocates are so adamantly (obnoxiously 😅) committed. It was just as well finished as I thought it would be. The bracelet was better than thought it would be. And finally the three hand design was just as boring as I thought it would be. GS has so much unrealized potential. All they have to do is hire a couple of European designers and make a tool watch line, a complicated dress watch line, a complicated sports watch line and they could take over the watch market. They could continue to make watches reminiscent of stuff that their engineers see out of their windows but then the rest of us could all revel in watches that are as well designed as they are built. Deep down no one can argue the engineering or finishing. Just give us a little Parmagiani, Bovet, or even Lange. Is it too much to ask for creativity and engineering excellence? A hand full of Kodas a year are not enough, and yet a perfect example of what they could be if they would put forth the effort.
You are the only watch related youtuber I'm suscribed to and I only have an old apple watch lol, but I like your insights, editing and overall vibe. Cheers
I love that you're not afraid to venture into the realm of subjectivity. I'm so bored of people reading specs and highlighting features without taking a personal stance on a watch or brand.
In general I find the objective piece of watches boring - at least not something worth spending time on. Regurgitating spec sheets is not a value add in my book. I would rather share a perspective (which could be completely off) that invites a conversation than just say what everybody else is saying 😃 Thanks for watching 😃
Damn, your videos are probably the best that can be found…very honest, detailed and you honor the nuances well. Additionally you’re quite frank when it comes to the shortcomings of a particular brand or watch….Bravo!
Really thoughtful video as always. I’m an IWC fanboy, and have both the Portugeuiser chrono and Mark XX, and yet fully agree about the cost at retail. Zenith, I now finally understand why I don’t understand the brand; they’re not just one brand! And one day I will get a Sinn 556, just waiting for the website to become useable😮
Really enjoyed your "fireside chat" and your observations. I've recently came out of my Tudor BB/Pelagos comfort zone by getting a Longines Conquest with the green/khaki dial. Just fallen in love with everything about this watch. I'm afraid my Tudor watches are enviously residing in my watch box. For now of course. 😀
I'm only starting my collection,6 months I have ten pieces but my Tudor Black Bay crono Panda I've fallen in love with. Close to a Daytona as I'm going to get for a minute!
@@richardmorris7063 Don't understand the Daytona craze. It's a kind of boring looking watch that has been copied ad infinitum so pretty everybody has a watch that looks like it. That said, the Tudor you chose is a nice watch and not as overpriced as the Rolex. Don't waste that money and get something unique.
I thoroughly enjoy your content! I have made a strange journey to my late life watch infatuation. I am 56 and my Dad passed when I was 17. His 3 watch "collection" sat in a safety deposit box virtually unworn for nearly 40 years. Very occasionally, I would break out his Rolex Day/Date for a wedding and then return it. I also inherited a Patek Philippe Calatrava and my favorite, a Universal Geneve "Nina Rindt", which over the last few months has become my almost daily wearer. I am currently awaiting delivery of my first fine watch that I actually am purchasing myself. While I wait, I am educating myself on watches and watch history and you have been the most entertaining and informative source of my information for that. Thank you.
I have to say. I'm finding myself stopping on your videos more and more. The presentation of the info and your comprehensive and thought provoking analysis is a welcome thing in these watch streets. I'm enjoying the content, sai... I did dig this style of video and look forward to more.
I do agree with your Rolex summary. Plus - I don’t want to pay so much for a watch that ends up paying for exclusive sports/activites…. I love Grand Seiko for exactly the reasons you find against them. Cheers.
In my opinion Sinn watches hold their value quite well due to the fact that they don't offer discounts and neither do the ADs, because they don't buy the watches from Sinn but sell them on commission. Got two chronographs that more than doubled their value, but it took 30+ years. 😂 In ny experience they normally drop at around 30% and then keep value quite good. Great video, as usual.
Grand Seiko fit and finish is incredible, possibly the best, and that buttery smooth sweep is to die for. Not a Rolex/Tudor fan or anything that looks like it (i.e. boring lookalike dive watches *cough* Seiko). Omega and Bulova are cool, and both Sinn and Nomos highly appeal to me.
I love the measured analysis of these unquestionably higher end brands. For those of us wading more into that side of things, it gives a good synopsis of pros and cons. If nothing else, it gets me thinking. Of one thing I'm absolutely sure, though. I have given up on NATO style straps. It's the keeper loop at the top of the wrist. Wear what you like.
Nice video and analysis. Would you considered to do a part two evaluating brands like Cartier JLC Omega..maybe picking from the watch swiss report in terms of sold watches and profitability?!? Always a pleasure to see your dissection on a very personal subject 😊...best watch for value
just discovered you on RUclips. Love your commentary. It is as all commentaries should be: 1) You talk fast but not too fast 2) you are straight to the point, no fluff, no "woke" over-explaining from a dozen different angles why your opinion is this and not that (a bit THANK YOU) 3) Your analysis and particularly comparisons are simply spot on 4) what you say feels not much scripted, no marketing guru has reviewed your content, really refreshing 5) you dont bore audience with technical details. on top of that, pleasant voice without strong accent, and you obviously have a lot of practical experience. subscribed!
Glad to hear that you appreciate my approach. Just trying to share my thoughts without professing to hold a certain truth - just perspectives and ideas 😀
Hi Mike, I really like this new format. It’s a good brand overview and highlights which models are best in brand. As someone who has yet to dive into the second-hand market and therefore more comfortable paying retail this format is helpful in exploring that choice for each brand. Some brands I’d like to see next: NOMOS (my likely next purchase, the Club Sport 37), Oris, Omega. Keep up the great work.
I think this is one of your best videos yet! As a CW fan,I feel you have explained CW perfectly. As for Bremont, they are trying to play the game the big boys are,yet they lack imagination and are charging big boy prices for their watches. Obviously, money is far more important than imagination!
Thanks Mike for the vid. Perhaps you could do the same approach again in some time for other brands as well. As for Longines: never been a great fan myself but have the impression they do rather well in Asia.. different perception there, I guess
This is brilliant as always Mike. You’re knocking them out of the park at the moment. There’s no one online whose opinion I trust more than you….thank you so much for what you do so incredibly well 🙏
Nice video! Thank you for including Christopher Ward and Longines. I'm relatively new to watches, and am more of a wearer than I am a collector, but I still want something of a decent quality. I'm angling for a Dolcevita, unless some other reasonably sized and priced dress watch comes along, so it was nice to hear your comments on Longines. Keep up the good work!
I own an Chronomaster Revival, the A385. It’s quite a fine watch. Their vintage leaning watches are spot on, clearly their sweet spot. As for paying or not paying retail, regardless of manufacture, I avoid retail. In this regard, Zenith, depending on model can offer great value by going preowned. My biggest wish from Zenith would be to see them revamp their Elite series of dress watches. Those are nice watches, but nothing particularly special. They could certainly be given a boost.
The video is constructed with data-based description and personal opinion. It is very helpful to inform people on the most important features of those brands. It is also entertaining to learn your opinions about the watches. Well done and thank you for a nice video!
Great video. It would be interesting to see you do more of these videos, then do deeper dives into one or two of the brands mentioned and speak about their lineups or popular models in a similar format to this.
I like this kind of videos because your takes are original and articulated. But what are CW and Bremont doing in this list of illustrious brands? Suggestion : Either mix it up completely or go by theme such as a country 🇬🇧, the execution of a complication, brand heritage by age bracket, pre-owned market value
Your videos are quite special. They’re a real breath of fresh air in a world of RUclips creators who are mostly just trying to sell the idea that X watch is fantastic or that Y brand is the best of 2024. I understand that people want to feel validated when they make a big purchase like a nice watch, but the truth is that it is a personal decision and there are a lot of compelling products out there. The watch industry is based so heavily on branding and stories to differentiate various brands that it’s a challenge for consumers to figure out what they’re buying and why.
Swiming againt the current, saying things the way you see it, and yet not pretending it is anything else but your own (highly educated) opinion. That last coment of buying what you like is the hidden pearl of the video. Thank you sir...
Finally! Someone calls Tudor, boring. The original Black Bay was a great watch but, too much marketing, hype and media exposure have made it about as interesting as watching paint dry.
I'm thinking of dropping the word boring and replacing it with "vanilla". To me it captures it better. Vanilla isn't exciting but most people like vanilla 😀
I would love to see you do this video again but with Cartier, Omega, ALS, JLC, Mido, Formex, RM, and Girard Perregeaux. I’m new to your channel and loving your content, thanks for doing what you do for the watch enthusiasts!!!
Just wow Mike, your channel and whole vibe is so refreshing. Nothing about you is pretentious, which is far too common with a lot of the fireside chat style of watch channels. Gives me a lot to think about on how I can better deliver my videos.
I loved this video because you don’t muck around. You back everything up with observation (dial, size, and movement). I disagree on the Grand Seiko but I have a different aesthetic (Northern Californian). But I hope it and others listen to your marketing advice. In the future please do a video on the integrated bracelet. In the 1960s and 1970s that’s all my alcoholic dad wore so I don’t have good associations . All I hear now are complaints (pain, sizing, and scratches). Thanks
You continue to impress with both your objective and subjective analysis. To be clear yes I am an “Original” Bremont fanboy dating back to 2010 but I appreciate your inclusion of them in a list like this (and what I think of as your BRUTAL TRUTH) to provide a more balanced perspective. In some ways I wish we could have gotten your Bremont analysis before the brand became Cerrato’d. Lastly as I consider my next acquisition whether it be a Tudor BB 58 or CW Twelve I feel even more confident in my thought process.
I subscribed to this channel due to genuine good quality opinions from Mike.. Keep going 👊🏾 Was wondering why Omega Aqua Terra or any other omegas were not mentioned ?
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I purely make decisions of buying watch based on your videos now.I was not expecting you to reply me.But this reply states your commitment and passion. Shoutout to you and looking forward to you next video.I am finalizing purchase between Omega Aqua Terra,Tudor BB58 & Rolex Oyster perpetual! Thanks
Great analysis! I’d love to see another one of these on like Tag, omega, breitling, new seikos, ball, Panerai, Oris, fortis, rado, zodiac and some of the other brands that sell watches under 10k. I think all of the brands listed will have to get really ‘creative’ lol if they want to continue to sell watches as the weak economy, internet, and micro brand offerings forge more and more discerning customers.
This is a superb video, totally agree with most of the points. Tudor have captured the upper midmarket right up to the point just below Rolex and in doing so they will have devalued a lot of other brands . Tudor won’t discount but most others including omega will. Discounts on brands like longine even zenith run up to 20% - I’m expecting IWC to be offering relatively modest discounts as their sales suffer. strong enthusiast brands like sinn won’t have this problem and aspirational watch enthusiasts may look in that direction more.
Tudor is losing sales turnover and share. Thats not a success story. What you have laid out is marketing theory….but in reality less people (not more) are actually buying Tudor offerings (Source: Morgan Stanley Swiss Watch Business Performance Analysis)
That may well be correct for 2023 because at that point the boom is over, but I did say that’s also going to be the case for a lot of other brands in the 2500 upwards section. once you have bought one Tudor watch like myself, you are unlikely to buy another. And if you bought one in the recent boom. Late 2020 to spring 2023 you are very unlikely to buy another unless you are a real enthusiast with the money. so yes you are right but the problem there is those other brands will be seeing the same thing maybe even to a greater extent which in the UK is definitely reflected in the discounts available.
@@Robert-vw3od I think you are correct regarding Tudor with many buyers being one and done (I bought a BB41 and have since sold). However, the reason behind that is their one trick BB pony lineup that has little variation and therefore little incentive to build a Tudor collection. Longines has a broader catalog (agree with Mike maybe too broad) and therefore broader appeal to more buyers…hence the reason they’ve remained a Top 10 sales turnover brand
@@GoTerpsGoBlueagree with you about there being little incentive in being a Tudor collector. I’m considering doing a type of rotation where I’ll sell one Tudor to buy another Tudor, and keep doing that. It’d be all preowned, of course. I would have to sell my Black Bay Heritage to get started, though 😉
@@GoTerpsGoBlue I would totally agree with that. You could build a excellent collection from longines. my comments are mainly about how these things will be handicapped in Price by what Rolex have done. You will see discounts in the UK 20% is the max but is very common.
Good on you for giving time to Sinn. I love my Rolex watches, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about that… I also own Sinn and wouldn’t mind if that’s all I had, they are great watches, and a brand I recommend often.
I like your smooth intelligent discussion style, I assume english is not your first language, so respect for that, love the content... it's what I look for when deciding on a new watch ! Carry on Sir !
My best watch is Onega hour vision but I rarely wear it. A few years ago got Sinn 856 UTC as a gift and it was my daily watch till last year, when I bought Steinhart pilot dual timer titanium for 1/5 the price of the Sinn. I just love it. My next one will be Nomos Worldtimer but I'm afraid it would be like the Omega, in the safe most of the time.
Great takes on these brands Mike! My fav would be Longines and Sinn. Its exactly like you said. I've seen more Rolex's than any other brand on this list and it the only brand on this list I've actually owned!
Got to disagree on the bracelet. I own two bracelet models and found them easy to adjust. We live in a bit of an echo chamber, at least when it comes to GS bracelets, butterfly claps, etc.
My GS bracelet fits my right wrist in the way most people wear. It fits my left wrist so perfectly I never notice the watch unless I deliberately look at it. It sucks that it has no micro-adjustment, but if it fits as you want, it is a superb bracelet in titanium. The same principle is true for the watch itself.
You'd have to say the same about a lot of brands. Zenith bracelets suck. Longines bracelets suck. Even Omega bracelets suck (except the newest Speedmaster bracelet). On the other hand, IWC bracelets are incredible.
Another brilliant presentation Mike! Thanks for doing what you do. Your content is more often than illuminating to say the least. FYI when I referred to you as the Dr Phil of the watch enthusiasts, that why... So I definitely meant it in a good way...
Good video. I like IWC & Tudor. I must say, I quite like all the brands you mentioned, but those two do it for me. I don’t mind Bremont, but do think I could pay what they’re asking.
Very informative as always..... This video needs to be MUCH longer to include all the other brands..... Looking forward to more episodes on the same theme. Keep up the good work!!
Another great video! I love some of the analogies. Of the brands you mentioned, I think GS is the most over hyped. Dials are great, but the case polish is a scratch magnet. The bracelets are borderline unacceptable for the price they charge. Nevertheless, a good brand to buy used as the price drops by a lot. I love the Sinn website comment. 😂
I’m not going to lie, Tudor needs to beef up the Pelagos lineup. We need better crown guards and better/more colors. I’m fine with titanium since it’s a “tool watch” and to keep it separate from the black bay but we need to have other dial options and not just sunburst. My idea (as just a random guy on the internet so take it with a grain of salt. I realize I’m not that important) just do a legitimate Tudor sub with an in house movement and keep it titanium with a better bracelet and keep the quirky clasp. That’s the new Pelagos line. The applied markers, the dial, and the bezel should look almost identical to the 79190 instead of the gigantic squares of today. If you want to keep the snowflake hand and squares, I guess that’s fine but please make them a tad bit smaller so that they look good with a suit and tie as well. The Tudor sub was so good at being a daily driver in all situations and the Pelagos is so incredibly close but so far away.
Nice to hear your informed opinions ( I confess total ignorance 😂) but how refreshing to listen to your statement “ buy what you like “ that’s awesome.
Your insight to the philosophy of watches and the purchase of watches is interesting. The title is overrated, every purchase should be subjected. It doesn’t matter how expensive or inferior the watch is, as long as you’re happy with your purchase. But I do appreciate your guidelines.
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
There is no better commentary about watches.
This is so true
We're going to pretend that Archie Luxury III just, what, doesn't exist?
Easily the most logically thought out watch opinion
@@threethrushesArchie luxury the turd ?
Yes .❤
Very kind of you - thanks 😀
Andrew Morgan = Shakespeare of watches
Teddy B = that cool teacher from highschool of watches
Mike = Foucault of watches
I'd argue Teddy is the Bond Villain .
Bill- The haute horoligist
What about Tim Moso?
@@Bloodcrave87 Not sure, any ideas?
Andrew could also be described as the David Attenborough of watches ?
As someone who is new to watch collecting, I find these types of videos very helpful. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it 😀
Get out while you can! This is your warning, sincerely, all of us lol
@@paulbonaventura4969😂
Man, I gotta tell you… and I hope this doesn’t come off as weird, but your channel keeps me calm at work. I learn a lot, and there’s something about that South African accent that is quite soothing. Cheers.
Lol. I wish I had the same effect on myself at work 😂
Me too. Keeps me calm and my mind of other s***. The UK has big problems at the moment.
In my opinion Longines are an amazing value for the money.
Comparing them to Tudor is a travesty imho. Longines has incredible history of design and innovation.
@@AndreiLucaaCould not agree more. Tudor is a product of hype from the crown mothership
@@GoTerpsGoBlue well said
I love one or two of the Tudor range. However, I'll never get past the comment that stuck in my head that is shared by many...'Tudor are watches for people who can't afford Rolex'. That perception ruins them for me.
@@AndreiLucaaToo right!
Bravo to CW for even making the list. They are what every micro brand aspires to be.
Not a micro
They do numbers and own their own manufacture.
@@Newerasamearea they do now…
For this techie, Sinn has an excellent website - consistent, simple to navigate, with high information density. I despise pointless marketing fluff flash videos constantly popping up on so many other manufacturers' websites that make it harder for me to find what I want.
with an outraging cost for shipping... another German nonsense
They have actually updated the site! (8/12/24)
@@jhlocus You are right, they did. They now redesigned it for mobile phones, low information density, takes forever to find what you want... Terrible. I guess they figured by dumbing it down they will sell more watches. Not sure they think much of their customers.
@@mountainhoboClick the little dots in the corner and scroll down to Desktop Mode ✔️. Boom; much better. They know their customers better than you do.
Tudors position in the market is absolute genius.
Moving upmarket slightly, started using in house movements, and getting METAS certifications. Rolex is clearly using Tudor to compete with Omega to show they’re not worried about other brands.
I would argue the opposite: Rolex is using their sister company to compete with the Omegas and other heritage / sports competitors of the horological world *because* they need someone to retain those aspiring owners that have been frustrated that they can’t acquire their sports models as they continue to move more upmarket.
The $4K to $6K was Omega’s market, but Omega got greedy raising their prices. Omega messed up.
If you weren't worried about other brands, you wouldn't ostentatiously try to compete.
@@eyeheartsushi2212 How long ago?
Love my Tudor Panda But I have to say Breitling has some unique watches that are all their own.
Best summary of Rolex I’ve ever heard. Spot on, my friend. 😊
Thanks - Glad you found it balanced 😀
Rolex will always be #1 for me if just for the brand recognition. Nothing is more impressive to the masses,most people don't know all these other luxury brands & we do like to impress.
@@richardmorris7063 That's mostly just marketing though. Couldn't care less. Give me something more interesting. They're a mainstream brand even though they're expensive. I'll take a Grand Seiko every day of the week over a Rolex - unless I want a gold dress watch. Then there are better.
Always appreciate the conversation and points you make. Keep sharing!
Always 😀
I've been getting into watches in the last couple of months and really appreciate your vids, a nice level headed and unbiased (or as unbiased as one can strive to be). These types of vids are very useful for me to get a better understanding of the market. What these brands are known for, their most famous models, some of which will inevitably be discontinued and harder to find etc etc.
If you are interested, I bought my first watch a couple weeks ago, a Longines Record L28204 (white dial, blue hands) for £890 never worn, which I think is a pretty good deal seeing as I've barely taken it off since!
Me too,started six months ago, its terribly addictive but you only live once!
Thorough analysis as always. Much appreciated. Now, TAG, Cartier, Omega, JLC, Panerai, Moser, Montblanc, Citizen. That would be a great follow up cadre.
+ Chopard, Junghans to round it out to 10.
Also Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Oris, Nomos, and (what the hell) Tissot.
@@gfxdaddyTry on a L.U.C. and you realize the people at Chopard actually care about the watch community 😎👌🏾
another idea/order for RUclips video
Additional video incoming - Had to split this one for time .😀
I love IWC. But spot on you just can’t pay retail. I get it they overcharge but if you can get one 2nd hand for a good price, it’s a no brainer. Also best bracelet in the business.
Kinda chilly this morning…gotta get a green hoody along with my morning coffee, to warm me up 😊. Mike understands the power of BRANDING
Not a coffee man myself (diet cola all the way), but I'm with you on the green hoody and a slow start up for the day 😀😀😀
I wait with genuine anticipation for each of your videos…a real compliment. Another excellent episode..your assessment of Longines is interesting, I definitely think a reduction in the range would help the brand..love my Majetek.
You have a majetek? Lucky you 💪💪💪
Yes, inspired by your review.
Grand Seiko's brand separation from Seiko has helped its image for me personally. The introduction of standalone GS boutiques alongside many high end Swiss brands has also helped.
They're also starting to improve weakness areas like their bracelets. Personally I find some of the dressier pieces too conservative and actually prefer the "flashier" models like the Sports GMT with sapphire bezels because when you combine GS's superlative finishing with more avant-garde designs the effect is often spectacular imo.
Does it matter Seiko is a great brand, I don't care what people are saying
Still Seiko though. I think they'd do better to remove that name from GS simply because the average Joe (who probably isn't in their target demographic anyway) just sees a Seiko. Nuanced. Great watches, but boring and way too expensive.
Exactly this.
@lhuddyness anyone who appreciates GS doesn't care that others see "Seiko". We know we're wearing something that blows Rolex out of the water. It's enough that we know it, we don't need you or some other casual observer knowing it.
I was able to hold my first GS yesterday. I have criticized them in comment sections for years. Partly because I thought they were boring and partly because their advocates are so adamantly (obnoxiously 😅) committed. It was just as well finished as I thought it would be. The bracelet was better than thought it would be. And finally the three hand design was just as boring as I thought it would be. GS has so much unrealized potential. All they have to do is hire a couple of European designers and make a tool watch line, a complicated dress watch line, a complicated sports watch line and they could take over the watch market. They could continue to make watches reminiscent of stuff that their engineers see out of their windows but then the rest of us could all revel in watches that are as well designed as they are built. Deep down no one can argue the engineering or finishing. Just give us a little Parmagiani, Bovet, or even Lange. Is it too much to ask for creativity and engineering excellence? A hand full of Kodas a year are not enough, and yet a perfect example of what they could be if they would put forth the effort.
You are the only watch related youtuber I'm suscribed to and I only have an old apple watch lol, but I like your insights, editing and overall vibe. Cheers
I appreciate that, thanks 😀
Dude, get rid of that "watch" and class up! Once you start wearing real watches, you don't go back.
I love that you're not afraid to venture into the realm of subjectivity. I'm so bored of people reading specs and highlighting features without taking a personal stance on a watch or brand.
In general I find the objective piece of watches boring - at least not something worth spending time on. Regurgitating spec sheets is not a value add in my book. I would rather share a perspective (which could be completely off) that invites a conversation than just say what everybody else is saying 😃
Thanks for watching 😃
The U50 and Sinn 104 are probably my favorite watches I own right now.
Fortunate individual 💪💪💪
Sinn & Zenith both fly under the radar. Both have impressive watches.
Damn, your videos are probably the best that can be found…very honest, detailed and you honor the nuances well. Additionally you’re quite frank when it comes to the shortcomings of a particular brand or watch….Bravo!
Thanks - Glad you like my approach 😀
Damn, you skipped Omega, JLC and Breitling.
I noticed that. Maybe they’ll get their own video?
Don’t worry, I’m sure they’re coming!
They will get their own video - I just had to split this one for time. 17 minutes is already pushing it 😀
I saw a transformer and a Gundam and knew I respected this dude's opinion! Great Job!!!
Thanks - Usually people are like "How can I respect someone that has toys in their video?". 😂😂😂
Really thoughtful video as always. I’m an IWC fanboy, and have both the Portugeuiser chrono and Mark XX, and yet fully agree about the cost at retail. Zenith, I now finally understand why I don’t understand the brand; they’re not just one brand! And one day I will get a Sinn 556, just waiting for the website to become useable😮
Seriously -- as a watch newbie, how does one even go about buying a Sinn (in Canada)?
Really enjoyed your "fireside chat" and your observations. I've recently came out of my Tudor BB/Pelagos comfort zone by getting a Longines Conquest with the green/khaki dial. Just fallen in love with everything about this watch. I'm afraid my Tudor watches are enviously residing in my watch box. For now of course. 😀
I'm only starting my collection,6 months I have ten pieces but my Tudor Black Bay crono Panda I've fallen in love with. Close to a Daytona as I'm going to get for a minute!
@@richardmorris7063 Don't understand the Daytona craze. It's a kind of boring looking watch that has been copied ad infinitum so pretty everybody has a watch that looks like it. That said, the Tudor you chose is a nice watch and not as overpriced as the Rolex. Don't waste that money and get something unique.
I thoroughly enjoy your content! I have made a strange journey to my late life watch infatuation. I am 56 and my Dad passed when I was 17. His 3 watch "collection" sat in a safety deposit box virtually unworn for nearly 40 years. Very occasionally, I would break out his Rolex Day/Date for a wedding and then return it. I also inherited a Patek Philippe Calatrava and my favorite, a Universal Geneve "Nina Rindt", which over the last few months has become my almost daily wearer. I am currently awaiting delivery of my first fine watch that I actually am purchasing myself. While I wait, I am educating myself on watches and watch history and you have been the most entertaining and informative source of my information for that. Thank you.
Thanks for watching - Thanks for sharing your story 😀
Mike, I like this style of vid. Honest opinions clearly stated. I like each brand and their models explored.
Regards,
Chris
Cheers 😀
I appreciate your logical and to the point approach. Very nice review
Glad you liked it 😀
I have to say. I'm finding myself stopping on your videos more and more. The presentation of the info and your comprehensive and thought provoking analysis is a welcome thing in these watch streets. I'm enjoying the content, sai... I did dig this style of video and look forward to more.
I'd take Longines over Tudor every single time. The quality for the price is astonishing.
Couldn't agree more.
Their watches are also much less boring than Tudor watches. I say this as a Black Bay owner.
Fully agree.
Must be good, they say 5 stars right on the dial.
Sadly the Tudor non-Black Bay series: Royal, 1926, Ranger, Style don't catch much attention.
Your videos are always very informative, down to the point, and very analytical - outstanding in a low-key and conversational way. Well done!
Thanks again 😀
I do agree with your Rolex summary. Plus - I don’t want to pay so much for a watch that ends up paying for exclusive sports/activites….
I love Grand Seiko for exactly the reasons you find against them.
Cheers.
One thing about a Rolex,if you're ever in a pinch you could sell off a watch & have a nice pile of Benjamins.
You, sir, are outstanding. Thanks for the commentary it was spot on per usual.
Glad you enjoyed it 😀
In my opinion Sinn watches hold their value quite well due to the fact that they don't offer discounts and neither do the ADs, because they don't buy the watches from Sinn but sell them on commission.
Got two chronographs that more than doubled their value, but it took 30+ years. 😂 In ny experience they normally drop at around 30% and then keep value quite good.
Great video, as usual.
Grand Seiko fit and finish is incredible, possibly the best, and that buttery smooth sweep is to die for. Not a Rolex/Tudor fan or anything that looks like it (i.e. boring lookalike dive watches *cough* Seiko). Omega and Bulova are cool, and both Sinn and Nomos highly appeal to me.
Excellent objective analyses! More videos like this please!
More to come - Still have to cover Omega, Breitling and Patek 😀
I love the measured analysis of these unquestionably higher end brands. For those of us wading more into that side of things, it gives a good synopsis of pros and cons. If nothing else, it gets me thinking. Of one thing I'm absolutely sure, though. I have given up on NATO style straps. It's the keeper loop at the top of the wrist. Wear what you like.
Always nice to hear an honest balanced opinion. Well done
Thanks - Glad to have you popping by. Enjoy your channel 😀😀
You mentioned Breguet as the forgotten brand and then forgot to talk about them!!! 😂😂😂
lol 😂😂
Nice video and analysis. Would you considered to do a part two evaluating brands like Cartier JLC Omega..maybe picking from the watch swiss report in terms of sold watches and profitability?!? Always a pleasure to see your dissection on a very personal subject 😊...best watch for value
Part two on the way 😀
just discovered you on RUclips. Love your commentary. It is as all commentaries should be: 1) You talk fast but not too fast 2) you are straight to the point, no fluff, no "woke" over-explaining from a dozen different angles why your opinion is this and not that (a bit THANK YOU) 3) Your analysis and particularly comparisons are simply spot on 4) what you say feels not much scripted, no marketing guru has reviewed your content, really refreshing 5) you dont
bore audience with technical details. on top of that, pleasant voice without strong accent, and you obviously have a lot of practical experience. subscribed!
Glad to hear that you appreciate my approach. Just trying to share my thoughts without professing to hold a certain truth - just perspectives and ideas 😀
I bought the Sinn 556 (mother of pearl), absolutely love the quality and find it more interesting than other "beaters". Another great video.
The El Primero alone is worth buying a Zenith! I have recently been going through your videos and I have really enjoyed them!
Great video, and would love to see more like it. I think Zodiac needs to be involved in the conversation, or maybe a video of their own.
Great to see a quality channel growing
I'm happy with it as well 😀😀
Hi Mike,
I really like this new format. It’s a good brand overview and highlights which models are best in brand.
As someone who has yet to dive into the second-hand market and therefore more comfortable paying retail this format is helpful in exploring that choice for each brand.
Some brands I’d like to see next: NOMOS (my likely next purchase, the Club Sport 37), Oris, Omega.
Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the feedback - I'm still going to do my analysis vids and the like, but I like to change things up also 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch absolutely. Both formats have merits. Mixing things up is good.
Early 2000s IWC was 🔥. They need to get back to that.
Great summary!
I think this is one of your best videos yet! As a CW fan,I feel you have explained CW perfectly. As for Bremont, they are trying to play the game the big boys are,yet they lack imagination and are charging big boy prices for their watches. Obviously, money is far more important than imagination!
Thanks Mike for the vid. Perhaps you could do the same approach again in some time for other brands as well. As for Longines: never been a great fan myself but have the impression they do rather well in Asia.. different perception there, I guess
There will be a follow up vid with Omega and others 😀
Great video. I love Sinn. The EZM 9 is my daily - practically indestructible
Thermo nuclear explosion resistant for sure 😀
You sound like the voice in my head that discusses everything with me. Thanks for the great videos.
Be careful with extra voices in the head. Generally not a good sign 😂😂
This is brilliant as always Mike. You’re knocking them out of the park at the moment. There’s no one online whose opinion I trust more than you….thank you so much for what you do so incredibly well 🙏
Very kind of you, thanks 😊😊
You had two of my favorites brands here , IWC and a Tudor . Furthermore , you opened my eyes on Christopher Walt , their watches are beautiful !
Nice video! Thank you for including Christopher Ward and Longines. I'm relatively new to watches, and am more of a wearer than I am a collector, but I still want something of a decent quality. I'm angling for a Dolcevita, unless some other reasonably sized and priced dress watch comes along, so it was nice to hear your comments on Longines. Keep up the good work!
Always a pleasure tuning in to your take on watches
I own an Chronomaster Revival, the A385. It’s quite a fine watch. Their vintage leaning watches are spot on, clearly their sweet spot.
As for paying or not paying retail, regardless of manufacture, I avoid retail. In this regard, Zenith, depending on model can offer great value by going preowned.
My biggest wish from Zenith would be to see them revamp their Elite series of dress watches. Those are nice watches, but nothing particularly special. They could certainly be given a boost.
The video is constructed with data-based description and personal opinion. It is very helpful to inform people on the most important features of those brands. It is also entertaining to learn your opinions about the watches. Well done and thank you for a nice video!
Really love these reviews/commentaries. Lots of objective information. No hype or false praise.
Just sharing a perspective - From there you can make up your own mind 😀😀
This is such an underrated channel on YT, especially in the watch space. Amazing video as always!
Thanks thank and thanks again
A spotlight cutting through the fog. Thanks for your succinct guidance.
So nice of you 😃
Excellent and honest review of the watches and the watchmakers. I love hearing about the positives, the negatives and the opinions.
Great video. It would be interesting to see you do more of these videos, then do deeper dives into one or two of the brands mentioned and speak about their lineups or popular models in a similar format to this.
Will do 😀
I like this kind of videos because your takes are original and articulated. But what are CW and Bremont doing in this list of illustrious brands? Suggestion : Either mix it up completely or go by theme such as a country 🇬🇧, the execution of a complication, brand heritage by age bracket, pre-owned market value
Great content as usual. Different than all others and great perspective.
Glad you think so 😀
Your videos are quite special. They’re a real breath of fresh air in a world of RUclips creators who are mostly just trying to sell the idea that X watch is fantastic or that Y brand is the best of 2024. I understand that people want to feel validated when they make a big purchase like a nice watch, but the truth is that it is a personal decision and there are a lot of compelling products out there. The watch industry is based so heavily on branding and stories to differentiate various brands that it’s a challenge for consumers to figure out what they’re buying and why.
Regarding watches, I'm most impressed with how you can outdo yourself every week!
Great videos!
Hopefully I can keep it up....
Swiming againt the current, saying things the way you see it, and yet not pretending it is anything else but your own (highly educated) opinion. That last coment of buying what you like is the hidden pearl of the video. Thank you sir...
Cheers 😀
Yes, loved this video. Great blend of objective info and clearly stated and explained opinions.
Thanks - I try to just say what I think and let people decide for themselves 😀
Finally! Someone calls Tudor, boring. The original Black Bay was a great watch but, too much marketing, hype and media exposure have made it about as interesting as watching paint dry.
Having a million Black Bay versions surely doesn’t help.
And yet - boring sells.
I'm thinking of dropping the word boring and replacing it with "vanilla". To me it captures it better. Vanilla isn't exciting but most people like vanilla 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Tudor Vanilla Bay has a ring to it!!!!!
I would love to see you do this video again but with Cartier, Omega, ALS, JLC, Mido, Formex, RM, and Girard Perregeaux.
I’m new to your channel and loving your content, thanks for doing what you do for the watch enthusiasts!!!
This was great! Very well thought out, objective, and concisely delivered. Thank you!
Just wow Mike, your channel and whole vibe is so refreshing. Nothing about you is pretentious, which is far too common with a lot of the fireside chat style of watch channels. Gives me a lot to think about on how I can better deliver my videos.
Lol. My wife says I'm pretentious sometimes, but maybe it's just her. 😂😂Thanks for the kind words 😊😊
I loved this video because you don’t muck around. You back everything up with observation (dial, size, and movement). I disagree on the Grand Seiko but I have a different aesthetic (Northern Californian). But I hope it and others listen to your marketing advice. In the future please do a video on the integrated bracelet. In the 1960s and 1970s that’s all my alcoholic dad wore so I don’t have good associations . All I hear now are complaints (pain, sizing, and scratches). Thanks
Good takes all. Thoughtful analysis. Earned a follow! Nice job.
You continue to impress with both your objective and subjective analysis. To be clear yes I am an “Original” Bremont fanboy dating back to 2010 but I appreciate your inclusion of them in a list like this (and what I think of as your BRUTAL TRUTH) to provide a more balanced perspective.
In some ways I wish we could have gotten your Bremont analysis before the brand became Cerrato’d.
Lastly as I consider my next acquisition whether it be a Tudor BB 58 or CW Twelve I feel even more confident in my thought process.
This is the first video I’ve seen of yours and it’s a follow for me, loved it
Happy to hear it - welcome aboard 😀
I subscribed to this channel due to genuine good quality opinions from Mike.. Keep going 👊🏾
Was wondering why Omega Aqua Terra or any other omegas were not mentioned ?
Omega will make its' way into another video - didn't have space for more brands 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I purely make decisions of buying watch based on your videos now.I was not expecting you to reply me.But this reply states your commitment and passion. Shoutout to you and looking forward to you next video.I am finalizing purchase between Omega Aqua Terra,Tudor BB58 & Rolex Oyster perpetual! Thanks
Don't do that - Always do your own research and follow your own decisions. No person, including me, should wield that kind of power .😀
Great analysis! I’d love to see another one of these on like Tag, omega, breitling, new seikos, ball, Panerai, Oris, fortis, rado, zodiac and some of the other brands that sell watches under 10k.
I think all of the brands listed will have to get really ‘creative’ lol if they want to continue to sell watches as the weak economy, internet, and micro brand offerings forge more and more discerning customers.
Thanks - There will be a follow up where I cover Omega and others. Had to split this one for time 😀
This is a superb video, totally agree with most of the points. Tudor have captured the upper midmarket right up to the point just below Rolex and in doing so they will have devalued a lot of other brands . Tudor won’t discount but most others including omega will. Discounts on brands like longine even zenith run up to 20% - I’m expecting IWC to be offering relatively modest discounts as their sales suffer. strong enthusiast brands like sinn won’t have this problem and aspirational watch enthusiasts may look in that direction more.
Tudor is losing sales turnover and share. Thats not a success story. What you have laid out is marketing theory….but in reality less people (not more) are actually buying Tudor offerings (Source: Morgan Stanley Swiss Watch Business Performance Analysis)
That may well be correct for 2023 because at that point the boom is over, but I did say that’s also going to be the case for a lot of other brands in the 2500 upwards section. once you have bought one Tudor watch like myself, you are unlikely to buy another. And if you bought one in the recent boom. Late 2020 to spring 2023 you are very unlikely to buy another unless you are a real enthusiast with the money. so yes you are right but the problem there is those other brands will be seeing the same thing maybe even to a greater extent which in the UK is definitely reflected in the discounts available.
@@Robert-vw3od I think you are correct regarding Tudor with many buyers being one and done (I bought a BB41 and have since sold). However, the reason behind that is their one trick BB pony lineup that has little variation and therefore little incentive to build a Tudor collection. Longines has a broader catalog (agree with Mike maybe too broad) and therefore broader appeal to more buyers…hence the reason they’ve remained a Top 10 sales turnover brand
@@GoTerpsGoBlueagree with you about there being little incentive in being a Tudor collector. I’m considering doing a type of rotation where I’ll sell one Tudor to buy another Tudor, and keep doing that. It’d be all preowned, of course. I would have to sell my Black Bay Heritage to get started, though 😉
@@GoTerpsGoBlue I would totally agree with that. You could build a excellent collection from longines. my comments are mainly about how these things will be handicapped in Price by what Rolex have done. You will see discounts in the UK 20% is the max but is very common.
Your videos are comforting to watch! It feels like I am listening to a elder sharing his experience.
Hopefully not too elder 😂
Love your videos. It has a good amount of information and opinion.
Good on you for giving time to Sinn. I love my Rolex watches, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about that… I also own Sinn and wouldn’t mind if that’s all I had, they are great watches, and a brand I recommend often.
I like your smooth intelligent discussion style, I assume english is not your first language, so respect for that, love the content... it's what I look for when deciding on a new watch !
Carry on Sir !
My best watch is Onega hour vision but I rarely wear it. A few years ago got Sinn 856 UTC as a gift and it was my daily watch till last year, when I bought Steinhart pilot dual timer titanium for 1/5 the price of the Sinn. I just love it. My next one will be Nomos Worldtimer but I'm afraid it would be like the Omega, in the safe most of the time.
Great takes on these brands Mike! My fav would be Longines and Sinn. Its exactly like you said. I've seen more Rolex's than any other brand on this list and it the only brand on this list I've actually owned!
I do like this style of video and this is my favorite watch channel because of your analysis.
No mention of Grand Seiko bracelets as a weakness? That's one of the main complaints. They seem like a complete afterthought.
Agreed. I own three Grand Seikos and adore their design and finishing. But they're all on leather straps. Because their bracelets BLOW.
The endless GS bracelet comments are as boring as Tudor watches.
Got to disagree on the bracelet. I own two bracelet models and found them easy to adjust. We live in a bit of an echo chamber, at least when it comes to GS bracelets, butterfly claps, etc.
My GS bracelet fits my right wrist in the way most people wear.
It fits my left wrist so perfectly I never notice the watch unless I deliberately look at it.
It sucks that it has no micro-adjustment, but if it fits as you want, it is a superb bracelet in titanium.
The same principle is true for the watch itself.
You'd have to say the same about a lot of brands. Zenith bracelets suck. Longines bracelets suck. Even Omega bracelets suck (except the newest Speedmaster bracelet).
On the other hand, IWC bracelets are incredible.
Another brilliant presentation Mike! Thanks for doing what you do. Your content is more often than illuminating to say the least. FYI when I referred to you as the Dr Phil of the watch enthusiasts, that why... So I definitely meant it in a good way...
Yeah... Still not sure about the Dr Phil reference... 😂😂
I have a Zenith Type 20 pilot (and love it), but like you mentioned, have a very big wrist, so it fits well.
One of the best overview or assessment of watch brands I have ever seen
Wow - very happy to hear that 😀
Good video. I like IWC & Tudor. I must say, I quite like all the brands you mentioned, but those two do it for me. I don’t mind Bremont, but do think I could pay what they’re asking.
Very informative as always..... This video needs to be MUCH longer to include all the other brands..... Looking forward to more episodes on the same theme. Keep up the good work!!
I think I'll keep it to this length - But I have a video on the way for another 10 brands 😀
This is how I start my Saturday mornings, lol
😀
Love your insides Mike. You mentioned several of my favorites 😊
Cheers 😀
Another great video! I love some of the analogies. Of the brands you mentioned, I think GS is the most over hyped. Dials are great, but the case polish is a scratch magnet. The bracelets are borderline unacceptable for the price they charge. Nevertheless, a good brand to buy used as the price drops by a lot.
I love the Sinn website comment. 😂
I’m not going to lie, Tudor needs to beef up the Pelagos lineup. We need better crown guards and better/more colors. I’m fine with titanium since it’s a “tool watch” and to keep it separate from the black bay but we need to have other dial options and not just sunburst. My idea (as just a random guy on the internet so take it with a grain of salt. I realize I’m not that important) just do a legitimate Tudor sub with an in house movement and keep it titanium with a better bracelet and keep the quirky clasp. That’s the new Pelagos line. The applied markers, the dial, and the bezel should look almost identical to the 79190 instead of the gigantic squares of today. If you want to keep the snowflake hand and squares, I guess that’s fine but please make them a tad bit smaller so that they look good with a suit and tie as well. The Tudor sub was so good at being a daily driver in all situations and the Pelagos is so incredibly close but so far away.
Nice to hear your informed opinions ( I confess total ignorance 😂) but how refreshing to listen to your statement “ buy what you like “ that’s awesome.
Oh thank you 😉😀
Thanks Mike! Great video as always. I missed Bell&Ross, Nomos and Glashütte.
Once again, concise, thoughtful, intelligent and spot on!
If they aren't listening yet,
they will!
Your insight to the philosophy of watches and the purchase of watches is interesting. The title is overrated, every purchase should be subjected. It doesn’t matter how expensive or inferior the watch is, as long as you’re happy with your purchase. But I do appreciate your guidelines.
No omega?
Will be in the next video with 10 other brands (had to split the vid up as it was getting a bit long) 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch No Breitling :)
No Apple Watch?