I work at shipyard as a underwater welder. Been daily wearing a two tone daytona for the last few years. All the scratches, little dings, etc i find beautiful. It tells a story and that the watch lived a life alongside its owner. My late fathers patek however gets worn only on family involved holidays, could never be able to replace that thing.
I also work at a shipyard as an underwater welder. I also been daily wearing a two tone Daytona for the last few years also. All the scratches, little dings, etc I also,find beautiful.
This is a classic example of why I enjoy watching your videos. You speak the truth. You unearth thoughts we’ve all had, but haven’t put into words. You clear the air by giving meaning to our emotions. Thank you for making our watch collecting more enjoyable.
Great video, Teddy…thank you. The only thing I would add is in your 5th category…watched that you’re afraid to own…I have a vintage Omega that has a Radium dial and I’m now paranoid about wearing it as often as I did before I bought a Geiger Counter😢
My King Seiko was a nightmare to repair and refurbished as the parts are near impossible to replace. It took me 5 years to get it to finally work! I was lucky enough to locate an eBay seller who sold me all his spare parts on the 1960s King Seiko that I own. Technically my King Seiko is now serviceable and will outlive me!😊
@@boatdetective Even for quartz Seiko of that vintage (the famous 9983 movement ones) is very hard to service. It took me a couple months to source the crystal alone.
“Watch poor” is a fantastic way to describe when people overbuy and can’t bear to actually wear their watch for fear of something happening. Love it. Great stuff.
It actually happened to me for my very first mechanical watch. Hence why I sold it rather quickly...(for a loss ofc :/ ). Now I am no longer afraid to wear watches, even though I try to be cautious and not put a dent in them, and I'm also accepting the fact that I would lose money should I sell them. Not everyone can buy Rolex/AP/PP...ahaha
On the other hand, and point well-taken, I would rather be watch poor than car poor. I’d rather be admiring a nice pre-owned or new Patek, Audemars, or A. Lange & Sohne on my wrist than having a $100K car in my garage for all the reasons Teddy described. A car comes with more baggage, burden and worries than any watch I can think of, while a watch will be well-cared for much more easily. On my wrist, I can get ROI out of it every time glance down or need to know what time it is. In short I can fall just as in love with a watch as any car, and I will admire a fine watch for its engineering and craftsmanship far more than a car. But that’s just me.
My favorite watches are the simplest ones. Pilot’s watches or Field watches are my go to types. They’re essentially the same thing for the most part. Simplicity is key for me. I don’t need all those extra features that I’ll never use. A nice clean dial with a date window that’s easy to read at a glance is what I prefer.
Yes, that's me too, totally. Sinn and Damasko are situated just right from a quality/price perspective, and I wouldn't ever really be willing to spend more on something I'm actually intending to wear day-to-day.
I mean you wouldn’t ever use the annual calendar feature on a watch? I glance down at my seamaster and can see the exact date each day of the month and it sets itself by month. Pretty amazing
Great video. I am a recent buyer of a Rolex GMT Master II (16713.) I told the seller that this will NOT sit in a box and just be worn on special occasions. Naturally, I take it off if I'm doing something that could damage the watch, but I would have done that with a $100 watch too. As mine is 19 years old, I was aware that a service is in my future, but without the history on this watch, I don't know when it will be. I did have the watch checked out on a time graph machine and it's in good shape. My wife has a 1981 DateJust that used to belong to her mother. In the past 25 years we've put $2,500 in it for repairs/service (most recent service was done this month and cost $650.) The watch is likely worth about twice what we've paid to keep it working and looking great.
I appreciate the honesty in this video. If you are afraid to wear the watch, in most cases you should probably sell it. The one exception is my all original mint condition SKX. I may not wear it often, but seeing it in my watch box gives me joy.
Microbrands almost always have off-the-shelf mechanisms inside, so service is rarely a problem. Crystals, straps, crowns, and often even the hands, are likewise standard items, not custom-made.
I bought a Speedmaster for my 50th after wanting one for decades. - turns out I didn’t actually like its greyness, but it took a long time for me to admit it wasn’t the right watch for me and to sell it. Still looking for ‘the one’ that’s in my price range, could be an IWC Pilot, but I’m enjoying the hunt.
I was also on the hunt for a speedmaster too: and I found the right, busy dail just meh after a while. I also felt it is a very popular first “serious watch” most people get - one indicator is: there’s a lot for sale in the secondary market. I then looked into a seamaster; one with timezone function because I travel a lot but still wasn’t convinced. I eventually decided to get an IWC pilot; their new 41mm chronos with sunburst dails look great in person!
I love the directness of the message--"You do not own it, it owns you." This should be part of every rational buying decision. "Will I own this thing or will it own me?"
Great points. Replaced my beloved GMT Master II with a Farer lander IV because I was worried about wearing it around London. Fortunately, I really like my Farer even more!!!
I live in an apartment complex and I have a neighbor who has a Porsche but doesn’t have a garage to park it in. That’s how I feel sometimes when I see someone with a watch brand that I know is beyond their means.
there are two types of people in this world. The first, own a good house, but their cars are old and beat to shit. The second, own a good car, but their home is old and beat to shit. In other words, it just depends on the person and what they prefer; so don't feel the need to raise your chin up at someone who just wants to buy something they enjoy
I think you did a great job with this video. I am also into vintage cameras, and it's very much the same world as vintage watches. Its fun at first, but they are quite delicate and very expensive to repair. I recently sold all my vintage Leica because they kept having issues and had to be babied all the time. It made me realize that I don't think I can handle a vintage watch right now haha.
How are you having issues with a Leica? I own a single stroke M3 from 1963 for 15+ years. I’ve shot thousands of frames through it, and invested about $500 over the whole time (2x CLA). Runs smooth and perfect.
Love your last point there - watches you’re afraid to wear. I bought a watch out of my price bracket (a speedy) for my 50th, and I thought long and hard before buying it about whether it was a watch I could wear in normal everyday life, because if not, I wasn’t going to buy it. In the end, I decided it’s insured, I don’t care about wear and tear, it’s fine. But it was a big decision in buying that watch.
Great and honest video. I’ve owned too many overpriced watches to count and don’t miss any of them. I’ve settled down or up into reasonably priced quality watches. One is one of your recent recommendations, thanks! I recall a great story. A pro athlete goes to an expensive jewelry store and likes a $27,000 watch. He has to call his business manager for approval. His manager ask him what time does the watch say it is? Athlete says 3:15, manager says mine says the same thing and cost $25. ‘Get out of the store now!’
Keith Earls when starting out in Munster Rugby bought a Range Rover the car of his dreams. Took it over to his mother and father’s house and ended up trading that for a Toyota Avensis after a conversation with his father.
I've just experienced Point #5. I owned a Rolex 15505 for about 30 years. Bought when I was young and loved it, but as time went on I wore it less and less until it got to the point I just didn't like it any more; it's an all gold shelled affair, very ostentatious, and was not like me at all as a person. It was tough to part with it as it's been in my life for so long but I recently sold it at auction and feel so much better for doing so. The only down side is that model unfortunately does not go for Sub prices!
@@eyeheartsushi2212exactly, like most things we own in life we outgrow. The beauty of being a watch enthusiast also comes with the pleasure of seeing them live on. Pass it on to someone dear or sell it/trade it to a passionate person.
As someone who collects vintage watches I can say I think I have put my watchmaker's kids through college. They break down a lot and not many people can fix them. In regards to the person who is afraid to wear their watch I had a buddy who had a royal oak and he would put a sweatband over it while wearing a suit at work. It always cracked me up lol
I’ve got in my watch box, all mechanical watches. Orient, Deep Blue and Seiko as daily beaters. Longines Spirit Chrono and Hydroconquest, Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot, Tudor BB GMT and a 1977 Rolex OysterDate. Lastly I have an all original 1973 Seiko “Pogue.” (My father’s first pilots watch.) The Seiko Pogue and Rolex OysterDate are cool to me, because I take a couple minutes each morning and wind them both to keep time and date so I’m not way behind if I let them sit for days or weeks. The Seiko does have a quick set date, but, to wind it you have to hold and rotate your hand. It is a true automatic movement. It does not wind at the crown. I could keep it in a winder, but I don’t have one. The Rolex doesn’t have quick set date and is also a true mechanical movement. So that one can take some winds setting the date, if you let it get behind. I enjoy keeping up with the watches and they all get worn. But of all my watches; it seems the Tudor is the most um controversial maybe. When I come across a horological snob, the first thing I hear is usually, “oh that’s a poor man’s Rolex.” Or the “Rolex wannabe!” I wouldn’t say those reactions would cause me to say owning that watch sucks, I’d say it brings out the suck in other people and there are many!
Thank you for the video. As someone who is new to the watch game, this was definitely insightful. I’m glad I controlled my initial impulses and researched more before spending my money lol had I not, I would’ve been stuck with watches that are now at the bottom of my wish lists. Great work!
Here’s another tip: create a list of rules you want to oblige to. Then whenever you see a watch, you check if it ticks all the boxes and then you decide to add it to your wish list or not.
That list is ever changing. You will see more watches, learn about new brands, and that list will grow and change. That's the problem. Definitely do your homework.
Just finished watching 5 watches that suck to own while on my cycling trainer. Teddy, I am 70 YO and you are wise beyond your years. I am an amateur watch repair enthusiast and have collected quite a few vintage watches because I find them unbelievably cheap and antiques malls. And I am talking some NICE names. Right now on my wrist is a vintage Gruen automatic for which I paid less $5. It looks spectacular and runs great--now... :) But everything you say in your reviews is SPOT ON! You never come off like an arrogant watch snob; just matter of fact, and here's my opinion. Keep up the great work! (BTW, 3 weeks ago hitting some some church "Christmas bazaars" there was a tupper ware bowl with maybe 7 watches in it with a sign saying "For Free." I figured they would abll be very crappy quartz/fashion watches and they were--except the last one. Vintage Longines ladies watch, mechanical and 21 jewels. I end up giving a lot of my "learning watches" away. :)
I bought a mechanical Oris watch with their Calibre 400 movement. Sole complication is a countdown bezel. 10-year warranty and 10-year service intervals. Reputable Swiss brand established in 1904. No brainer.
When you are deep into a subject, study the material, investigate the history, and have a passion for the matter, it shows. Teddy's analysis and list of 5 types of watches that suck to own is pristine in my humble opinion. His understanding of watches, how it impacts the owner/collector, is squarely on point. Quite well done.
For the affordable watches with expensive complications to service, people don't service the movement but just change it for a new one. a SeaGull ST1901 chronograph movement is around 100$ for a new one and any repair shop can swap the movement in your watch for the new one for the tourbillon it's the ST8230 but it's a little harder to find, i couldn't find a replacement for sale, but there are watches using the movement that can go under 250$ new for the whole watch. so at this point just buy a new watch for 250$ and you either keep it or take the movement out of it to replace yours it's the same for watches using Seiko NH35 family of movements, nobody services a Seiko NH35 when the movement itself is worth 30$ and you can just swap it for a new one.
Definitely agree with the last point. It goes for anything, if you are afraid of using it, it's not going to bring you much joy just sitting in a drawer.
Great article…. So many excellent thoughts on the reality of watch ownership. Now I have retired and no longer wear a watch to the office I certainly think twice about what watch from my collection I wear just going to the shops with the rise in watch crime…. It has taken the edge off my enjoyment from wearing some of my higher end watches. On the flip side I have found pleasure in wearing lower end watches that I had previously not considered, and actually found great enjoyment in wearing, classic example is my Casio Mission Impossible watch. Thank you for such a thought provoking piece.
I started with inexperienced watches and gradually moved “upstream.” I own a WWII ORD watch from my dad and a Hamilton 992B railroad watch-I’ll wear them but not often. I kept my two vintage watches but sold all my expensive watches. I wear a slightly modded SNK809 most of the time. I’ve become attached to the SNK809. Usually you develop a deep love for a beater because it’s with you most of the time. I still follow what goes on in the watch community, but it’s like watching a football game without your team playing-emotionless and stress free.
about 40 years ago, I bought a Rolex Submariner for $750. I finally sold it because of the servicing costs. About every 3 to 5 years I had to spend about $700 for a tune-up.
Vostoks are a very fair example here. I don’t discourage people from getting them, but I do always tell them the negatives so that they can have realistic expectations and just be an overall informed consumer about it. I like mine, but i don’t look forward to getting them fixed. But it’ll be a labor of love.
This is full of great takes. I feel a lot of this as I have a few watches that I dread picking up and wearing. I find myself looking towards my higher end quartz or no date autos since they just require so much less to put on and go
I have viewed many hosts presenting their opinions related to the watch industry, but I enjoy your vides above all others, Teddy. If and when I decide to make such a purchase, I will surely contact you.
Build a relationship with a good watchmaker. Most of these issues won’t be a problem. I love my watchmaker. He can solve any problem, and gives me fair prices. It also helps to learn how to make small repairs, or to swap out movements. I repair and mod watches. I take care of most of my issues, but when I can’t, I have my trusty watchmaker.
Great video! I completely agree. I also like your point about conditions being personal to each of us. I own watches that check many of your boxes but treasure them dearly. Some of my watches are from my dad (1960s) and my grandad (pre-1940). They were tools back then and not bought for status or anything. It shows now: they are small and look dated. They are not worth the money I spent servicing them, they are delicate (waterproof? 😂), I am absolutely terrified to wear them (I’d be crushed if I lose them, if they break, I’d just fix them again), and sometimes they stop so not all that reliable. But I love them. They are mine, and they will go to my kids. They talk about our history. Thanks for the video!
From all my watches the one I wear most is the gshock because it's give me true freedom : freedom to move and do whatever I need and want to do, it's always "atomic clock synchronized", never breaks, sun powered and it's gorgeous. Our watches should not be a reflection of our bank account but of what makes us happy
Thank you Ted. There's a MrWonderful who recently started a watch insurance business just so you can wear a watch and not be afraid of losing it in use or travel.
yes, but have you ever tried to (a) lodge a theft with the police and (b) lodge a claim with an insurer ... it doesn't take just 5 minutes. It's the exact opposite of waiting for the courier when you've bought a new watch. Often the insurer will wait a length of time just in case it's swept up within greater events. Donate a Casio (which is probably the most accurate GMT you'll ever own) when you're at risk.
Servicing does play a big part in my decision on buying a watch.... it's either a throw-away, or it's going to be worth service, but the "middle-ground" watches are a hard sell for me. Since I pretty much keep a service value of $500 in my head, and I refuse to pay more than a third of the value of a watch in service cost, that means to me any watch under $500 is the throw-away, $1500 plus is fine, but any watch between that $500 to $1500 is usually a no-go. This can, and has, eliminated a lot of potentially nice pieces, but it's just how I am psychologically.
I have my fathers 1950's Rolex Speedking which no longer works. It would take a large amount of money to fix and it is only 29mm. Therefore, it sits in the safe.
I recently downsized my collection into far less watches but watches of higher price point and quality. Servicing costs definitely played into this decision. I want to focus on my favorite watches I can own for life and put the time, effort, and money into these watches only
This is a pretty good list. I'll add one more type - the watch that you just don't like but has sentimental value. I have a few watches in my collection that I will probably never sell, but I will also never wear, because I just don't like how they look on me, or I've moved on to other styles and brands.
I own a Nautilus. Have had it for about 8 years and I have worn it 5 times. It isn’t flashy, but recognisable and with crime around I only wear it on special occasions where there is plenty of security around. I enjoy the watch, but rarely wear it. I also have a rare Vacheron which I no longer wear. It attracts to much attention. Truth is that I slap on my Batman, Sea Dweller or even my G Shock in many cases, if they were burned in the drive. It wouldn’t change my life. But, some watches I just cannot wear in the world in which we live. Teddy, you are very correct in this video. I agree with you fully on reasons not to own watches. I do still like a vintage watch. I actually have a few watches made in the same year I was born. But, that is just for fun and I do recognise that getting people to work on them isn’t easy. It takes great watch makers and they come at a cost. But, for me it is an indulgence I can live with.
The "afraid to wear it" is definitely an issue, especially in the US these days (I live in San Francisco area) - which is also an issue with my sports cars that I only drive them in the morning during weekend. I can only wear my white gold or platinum watches in Japan or other countries that are safe, or at venue that are well guarded (e.g. someone's wedding). They are enjoyable to wear especially that heft and being much more shiny than stainless steel ones. Anyway... I wear the lesser known/flashy ones like the Explorer or Explorer II or Hublot carbotech or Sekio Superior especially during summer. In winter I can hide them under the long sleeves. For areas I know that might get me into trouble I rock my titanium G-Shock. It's just messed up how unsafe the US is these days.
I agree with these comments. My list would include a day/date. because I rotate watches regularly, I get fed up with resetting the day and date every time. I know it sounds lazy, but so what. I like a watch with no date or day feature. Next on my list is a watch that is uncomfortable to wear. Either to bulky, or has a terrible bracelet. I have had to switch to leather straps when a bracelet was rubbish.
Thanks for the insights! Many youtubers praise watches for their cost/quality but don’t tell you what’s behind it. I’m reconsidering some of my plans after watching this 👍🏻
I would add one more category that's happened to me twice. Cheap quartz watches like Timex and Swatch are fun to buy because they're maybe unique or so inexpensive that you don't care if they get broken. My issue is that these sub $100 watches are comparatively very LOUD. I can literally hear my Timex and Swatch watches ticking from across a room while they're inside a desk draw. Maybe this doesn't bother you, but that audible constant ticking can bother some people.
Wise advice. That’s why I sold my submariner. I rarely wore it since I retired during the wu flu. The few places I would go to were either remote or near a downtown area. Anymore, both are somewhat dicey.
Love the new Marathon quartz! My support to Teddy entertaining me. Marithon was selling at 20% off so that $100 was a Teddy donation. I love my Invicta COSC that cost $700. Ceramic quatrz under $400! Dad left me a Patec super thin 18k manual and it put $$ in my account!
I have owned Omegas, Tags, Longines, Concords and Rolexes all great watches, all extremely costly just to clean, leaving servicing out the picture. Now my favorite watches are Citizen, Seiko and Casio. All great durable watches that I wear daily, don't worry about life scars and costly servicing. My watches are tools, not jewelry or look at me items. Great video and content.
Love your good Ole "midwestern" common sense approach and advise. Keep 'em coming, it's helped me shape good collecting. (My favorite Teddyism is "nobody cared about your damn watch"😂cracks me up every time!
I'm from the philippines and I bought HYT, CVDK and Greubel Forsey. No one services those watch in my country but I bought them because I love them and I take good care of them. I know its a risk to buy them but having them is a joy.
Another category is a watch you might be embarrassed to wear in some situations, like to work. I’ve been eyeing a Breguet to add to my collection for a while, and while I could wear it on evenings/weekends my sense is it’d be a little too over the top to show up at work with a $30k watch on my wrist…
My wife got me a Citizen ecodrive as an anniversary present ten years ago. I hate resetting it so much I had it serviced last year; I got them to set it to exactly GMT and I only wear it six months of the year.
Another aspect of this and certainly one I’ve personally struggled with is buying a watch for the lifestyle I wish I was living instead of the one I am living. I have several dress watches,and ones that have moon phase and other complications that are wonderful,however I rarely wear them because they would be destroyed by the life I’m living. My office/cubical is a Marina I’m more likely to be using an impact driver than a laptop or underwater freeing up a prop or trying to keep a sinking boat from going down for the count.
Dude, so true!! I have been looking at two watches that fit a lifestyle that I am not living. I am most days in jeans and a t-shirt, so I do not need a six thousand dollar automatic dress watch, much less both of the ones I am drooling over at the moment, haha! Maybe I will go for a dive watch on a rubber strap. Hmmm, gotta go shop online to do some more dreaming and drooling!
When you use a modern watch spring replacement for a vintage watxh it becomes Franken. When you add Inca block antishock component the vintage becomes Franken. When you add a modern gear that does the same job as the old, it becomes Franken. It is up to you how much improvement you want on your timepiece.
As someone who collects only vintage watches I completely agree with your assessment of having to baby the watches all time, service is more frequent and costs a lot, but i just can’t relate to contemporary watches… so its either this or no watches at all. I guess vintage or contemporary it all boils down to how much money one can afford to put into this hobby and what you are looking to get out of it that matters. As long as one stays in those limits and you feel good abt yourself its all good!
Love this guy! So knowledgeable with his head screwed on tightly and his priorities in order. Sensible advice and right on the money in each category. I've learned a lot from Teddy's superb videos and wish him a lot of success.
Good points, but I will add a counterargument: A lot of people enjoy buying expensive watches (for example, Rolexes or Royal Oaks), when the watch itself doesn't have any intrinsic value, but just perceived value. But folks still want to grind harder to get that watch as a symbol of their achievement. If thats you, totally keep doing that, as rewarding yourself for working hard is a better way to live your life than to not work hard and achieve very little or nothing at all.
Great information about owning watches. I only buy watches less than a thousand dollars so I never worry about damage or loss but if someone is a collector of expensive luxury watches then I can understand that person being more careful. Look forward to the next video and enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend.
Great advice! My "watch I'm afraid to wear" is, surprisingly, an IWC. I learned their movement is less friendly to day to day life and I guess, as I was told "don't pull the crown like pulling the pin of a grenade." And, I always advise for the interesting off-brands, buy based on the look, the feel of it, since it may wind of being a dead movement that can look nice in your collection, but not worth trying to figure out how to get it repaired. I have a few dead watches in my collection that deliver on the "wow, that is awesome looking!" factor even if it doesn't actually run any more.
I have 4 watches. All worth under a few hundred dollars each. I realized after I found this channel that I am a collector of economic time management devices. I even bought a nice little collection case for them a few years back. They are all quartz watches and need batteries. Last time I bought batteries it was for all of them at the same time. Yes, they all died within hours of each other. I showed my wife and we got a laugh out of it. I do like them very much. Since I started watching Youtude videos on watch collecting and repair I have been very intrigued about taking this a little motre seriously. Still thinking about it but sounds enjoyable. This video was helpful.
I started my watch journey by collecting vintage Seiko 6309 divers. At first I bought them already modded then started modding them my self. I then learned how to fully service them and regulate them. Parts now are next to impossible to source. So I moved on to 7s26 divers. After 20 watches I’m pretty much done with modding. I’ll continue to service them if needed, if I can get the parts. So now I’m collecting iconic dive watches, Rolex, Doxa, Omega, and Seiko. As you said, if you don’t wear it why have it. I’m finding that I enjoy wearing my vintage modded watches just as much, if not more, as my expensive watches. One point I would like to add. In my opinion, watches are very personal. They should be eye candy. You should want to glance at your watch, not to tell time but to look at what pleases you.
The Seagull "1963" is a big buzz nowadays, every amateur wants one, despite the fake ones, which abound....And the serious drawback that is explained here; good job ! As about the maintenance costs, I know why the majority of my collection is made of Quartz calibers. A Ferrari engine is a superb piece of engineering, but it might be usefull to use a Toyota most of the time.
The cost of service for a 1963 isn't going to be much different than, say a Valjoux. But with the 1963 you have the option of replacing the movement with a new one for 1/5 the price. With another mechanical chronograph, you're stuck paying the high service cost. If I get 10 years out of a $250 1963 and can then replace the movement for $100, in a happy camper.
Definitely thinking of these qualities when I decided my dream watch is an Omega Seamaster, but what I can happily wear to work daily are Seikos, Citizens, and Casios. Maybe an Omega or Grand Seiko as a retirement gift. 😅
While on the "Watch You Are Afraid To Wear" subject, I find myself in a peculiar situation. I've always been a Speedmaster fan, so my father gifted me a Speedmaster Automatic Reduced as a university graduation present and to mark the occasion. I wear it quite often, but I'm always a bit afraid of damaging it, so when the swatch x Omega collaboration was released, I got a "Mission to Jupiter", thinking I'd have an inexpensive Speedmaster for daily use that I wouldn't mind if I scratched it or banged it up a bit. Turns out, on the first day of ownership it rubbed against a door frame while walking through my office bulding and it left some nasty scratches; something that wouldn't happen with a much cheaper watch's crystal. Then I start reading online about how fragile the "MoonSwatches" are (for example, broken bezels with really light impacts) and realize that they're just overpriced throwaway watches - thing is, at that price point, I never thought I was getting a throwaway watch. Now I rarely use my "Mission to Jupiter" because I love it, but I'm too afraid of ruining it; so much so that I find myself using the Omega Speedmaster Automatic Reduce more instead, since despite the hesalite crystal it's a tougher watch in comparison. On a side note, after this experience and since I loved the swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms "Atlantic Ocean", which I was considering as my first diver, I decided to study before pulling the trigger. Warnings about the non-serviceability of swatch's System 51 and MoonSwatch-like fragility, made me decide on a Casio Duro as my first diver, and boy am I glad I bought it. A decision also influenced by your thoughts on it, that you shared on a couple of your videos.
I'm glad you made this video. I'm new to the watch world and I've been trying to figure out what watch I want. Because I just want ONE watch that is in my budget and ticks the boxes I need it to tick. And while I haven't bought a watch yet, I think if I followed the advice I was getting from various forums, I would have "a watch that sucks to own." I am going to keep going until I find that watch that "I" want and that works for ME, then I will pull the trigger and buy it. And to heck with being owned by the watch or having something that sucks to own. Silly as it may be, I feel better after watching this.
3:40 That's the beauty of all these vintage homages floating around out there. If you own a vintage Capt Willard for example, simply get one of the better homage-versions of it and wear that one in situations where water resistance or higher risk of damage are an issue.
That’s true with micro brands like Stanton. Saw their watches online. Decided to get one so I send in an enquiry. Never heard back. The email is to give them business and they didn’t bother to answer. Imagine there’s a problem 🤦♂️
I have a Tudor black bay 39 M79660 and a Credor alpinist phoenix GCBR995. Both are wonderful watches aesthetically and mechanically, and they take turn to be worn daily. I find 2 watches are enough
What perfect timing (no pun intended): was considering buying a vintage chronograph I’d spotted online (from a highly regarded outlet). Decision made and saved myself $1500 Australian. Thank you.
Well, I have to agree, a watch is made to be worn; however, just watching a watch is also enjoyable. I think you can have some watches that you don't wear but just love to watch, pun intended.
If i buy a watch, i favor the no date variant as i can set, wind, wear and forget. The ones with dates i will set and treat the task as one with a past time and love for the thing. I have a Hamilton khaki field auto which i wear virtually 24/7 and only take it off when i wash dishes. I come to look at it as almost symbiotic.
I think everything said in this video is completely reasonable, even when Teddy stresses this is his opinion, it's backed up by facts and logic by a watch enthusiast and collector who appreciates the craftsmanship that goes into making watches. Also, its very good to have an understanding of reality; yes people are out to mug you if you have an expensive watch, thats why a cheaper looking watch such as casio could be preferable in busy cities.
I work at shipyard as a underwater welder. Been daily wearing a two tone daytona for the last few years. All the scratches, little dings, etc i find beautiful. It tells a story and that the watch lived a life alongside its owner. My late fathers patek however gets worn only on family involved holidays, could never be able to replace that thing.
That's cool
That's awesome, cheers to you!
If you work as an underwater welder you can probably afford to daily a Daytona 😂
Bi-metal watches are crap
I also work at a shipyard as an underwater welder. I also been daily wearing a two tone Daytona for the last few years also. All the scratches, little dings, etc I also,find beautiful.
Teddy forgot, "The watch your wife can't know you bought."
What does the wife have to do with it?
Or the watch you can never around your wife, because your girlfriend bought it for you?
Or the junk watch your wife bought and you don’t want to wear it!!!
@@Schwaapilzlmaoooo
That’s a scary thing
“You don’t own the watch, the watch owns you!” How true! Thanks TB. That sentence summarizes the whole video.
No truer words were ever spoken...
That way with a lot of things.
This actually holds true for all of your stuff.
This is a classic example of why I enjoy watching your videos. You speak the truth. You unearth thoughts we’ve all had, but haven’t put into words. You clear the air by giving meaning to our emotions. Thank you for making our watch collecting more enjoyable.
I’m not a watch collector, but I like Teddy’s honesty and transparency here. There’s no aire of “you have to become one of us” or whatnot.
You forgot the most important challenge in owning crazy expensive watches. And that would be that Margot Robbie thinks you’re a “douche flex.”😘
Great video, Teddy…thank you. The only thing I would add is in your 5th category…watched that you’re afraid to own…I have a vintage Omega that has a Radium dial and I’m now paranoid about wearing it as often as I did before I bought a Geiger Counter😢
Great comments usual Daryl. You are my hero
@@snakesonn3590 Why thank you!
My King Seiko was a nightmare to repair and refurbished as the parts are near impossible to replace. It took me 5 years to get it to finally work! I was lucky enough to locate an eBay seller who sold me all his spare parts on the 1960s King Seiko that I own. Technically my King Seiko is now serviceable and will outlive me!😊
Shame you need a donor parts watch ⌚
The same happened to me! Parts for vintage Seiko can be a challenge. The 27J King Seiko movement was not that common.
I hope it was worth it and it does not end up in a dump somewhere.
@@boatdetective Even for quartz Seiko of that vintage (the famous 9983 movement ones) is very hard to service. It took me a couple months to source the crystal alone.
Jesus Christ, these companies are selling you a hobby. I know someone who bought a Lambo and was a nightmare to repair.
“Watch poor” is a fantastic way to describe when people overbuy and can’t bear to actually wear their watch for fear of something happening. Love it.
Great stuff.
Drive it like ya stole it.
Absolutamente de acuerdo en todos los puntos.
It actually happened to me for my very first mechanical watch. Hence why I sold it rather quickly...(for a loss ofc :/ ). Now I am no longer afraid to wear watches, even though I try to be cautious and not put a dent in them, and I'm also accepting the fact that I would lose money should I sell them. Not everyone can buy Rolex/AP/PP...ahaha
That's why I don't buy ultra expensive cars.
On the other hand, and point well-taken, I would rather be watch poor than car poor. I’d rather be admiring a nice pre-owned or new Patek, Audemars, or A. Lange & Sohne on my wrist than having a $100K car in my garage for all the reasons Teddy described. A car comes with more baggage, burden and worries than any watch I can think of, while a watch will be well-cared for much more easily. On my wrist, I can get ROI out of it every time glance down or need to know what time it is. In short I can fall just as in love with a watch as any car, and I will admire a fine watch for its engineering and craftsmanship far more than a car. But that’s just me.
I eat out of dumpsters but I wear a Hublot Big Bang doing it.
😆😆
😂 ‼️
Ive seen you before....hanging around my 4 yard greeny
My favorite watches are the simplest ones. Pilot’s watches or Field watches are my go to types. They’re essentially the same thing for the most part. Simplicity is key for me. I don’t need all those extra features that I’ll never use. A nice clean dial with a date window that’s easy to read at a glance is what I prefer.
Yes, that's me too, totally. Sinn and Damasko are situated just right from a quality/price perspective, and I wouldn't ever really be willing to spend more on something I'm actually intending to wear day-to-day.
Right. Simplicity is king. The more complications the more it gets complicated to read the dial…
Diver’s watches as well
I mean you wouldn’t ever use the annual calendar feature on a watch? I glance down at my seamaster and can see the exact date each day of the month and it sets itself by month. Pretty amazing
My Hamilton field watch is a favorite. Retired Military here.
Great video. I am a recent buyer of a Rolex GMT Master II (16713.) I told the seller that this will NOT sit in a box and just be worn on special occasions. Naturally, I take it off if I'm doing something that could damage the watch, but I would have done that with a $100 watch too. As mine is 19 years old, I was aware that a service is in my future, but without the history on this watch, I don't know when it will be. I did have the watch checked out on a time graph machine and it's in good shape. My wife has a 1981 DateJust that used to belong to her mother. In the past 25 years we've put $2,500 in it for repairs/service (most recent service was done this month and cost $650.) The watch is likely worth about twice what we've paid to keep it working and looking great.
I appreciate the honesty in this video. If you are afraid to wear the watch, in most cases you should probably sell it. The one exception is my all original mint condition SKX. I may not wear it often, but seeing it in my watch box gives me joy.
Microbrands almost always have off-the-shelf mechanisms inside, so service is rarely a problem. Crystals, straps, crowns, and often even the hands, are likewise standard items, not custom-made.
I bought a Speedmaster for my 50th after wanting one for decades. - turns out I didn’t actually like its greyness, but it took a long time for me to admit it wasn’t the right watch for me and to sell it. Still looking for ‘the one’ that’s in my price range, could be an IWC Pilot, but I’m enjoying the hunt.
Don't know what you mean about "greyness". I have a Speedmaster as well and it's definitely black.
He might have bought a grey side of the moon speedmaster.
Stowa Flieger is the bees knees design wise
I was also on the hunt for a speedmaster too: and I found the right, busy dail just meh after a while. I also felt it is a very popular first “serious watch” most people get - one indicator is: there’s a lot for sale in the secondary market. I then looked into a seamaster; one with timezone function because I travel a lot but still wasn’t convinced.
I eventually decided to get an IWC pilot; their new 41mm chronos with sunburst dails look great in person!
I love the directness of the message--"You do not own it, it owns you." This should be part of every rational buying decision. "Will I own this thing or will it own me?"
Great points. Replaced my beloved GMT Master II with a Farer lander IV because I was worried about wearing it around London. Fortunately, I really like my Farer even more!!!
I live in an apartment complex and I have a neighbor who has a Porsche but doesn’t have a garage to park it in. That’s how I feel sometimes when I see someone with a watch brand that I know is beyond their means.
there are two types of people in this world. The first, own a good house, but their cars are old and beat to shit. The second, own a good car, but their home is old and beat to shit.
In other words, it just depends on the person and what they prefer; so don't feel the need to raise your chin up at someone who just wants to buy something they enjoy
@@wardog5537you forgot the third type of person: the one who owns both a nice car and a nice house.
@@yeedbottomtext7563 *specifically the middle class*
@@yeedbottomtext7563😂😂
@@yeedbottomtext7563you forgot the fourth..
I think you did a great job with this video. I am also into vintage cameras, and it's very much the same world as vintage watches. Its fun at first, but they are quite delicate and very expensive to repair. I recently sold all my vintage Leica because they kept having issues and had to be babied all the time. It made me realize that I don't think I can handle a vintage watch right now haha.
How are you having issues with a Leica? I own a single stroke M3 from 1963 for 15+ years. I’ve shot thousands of frames through it, and invested about $500 over the whole time (2x CLA). Runs smooth and perfect.
Well said teddy, owning a basic or luxury Mechanical watch, the service cost comes as a nightmare
No it doesn't!
Stick to quartz then.
Love your last point there - watches you’re afraid to wear. I bought a watch out of my price bracket (a speedy) for my 50th, and I thought long and hard before buying it about whether it was a watch I could wear in normal everyday life, because if not, I wasn’t going to buy it. In the end, I decided it’s insured, I don’t care about wear and tear, it’s fine. But it was a big decision in buying that watch.
Insure it, then don't worry about it.
Great and honest video. I’ve owned too many overpriced watches to count and don’t miss any of them. I’ve settled down or up into reasonably priced quality watches. One is one of your recent recommendations, thanks! I recall a great story. A pro athlete goes to an expensive jewelry store and likes a $27,000 watch. He has to call his business manager for approval. His manager ask him what time does the watch say it is? Athlete says 3:15, manager says mine says the same thing and cost $25. ‘Get out of the store now!’
Keith Earls when starting out in Munster Rugby bought a Range Rover the car of his dreams. Took it over to his mother and father’s house and ended up trading that for a Toyota Avensis after a conversation with his father.
I've just experienced Point #5. I owned a Rolex 15505 for about 30 years. Bought when I was young and loved it, but as time went on I wore it less and less until it got to the point I just didn't like it any more; it's an all gold shelled affair, very ostentatious, and was not like me at all as a person. It was tough to part with it as it's been in my life for so long but I recently sold it at auction and feel so much better for doing so. The only down side is that model unfortunately does not go for Sub prices!
You experienced it for 30 years and nothing can take away that from you. That’s all that matters.
@@eyeheartsushi2212exactly, like most things we own in life we outgrow.
The beauty of being a watch enthusiast also comes with the pleasure of seeing them live on.
Pass it on to someone dear or sell it/trade it to a passionate person.
As someone who collects vintage watches I can say I think I have put my watchmaker's kids through college. They break down a lot and not many people can fix them. In regards to the person who is afraid to wear their watch I had a buddy who had a royal oak and he would put a sweatband over it while wearing a suit at work. It always cracked me up lol
I’ve got in my watch box, all mechanical watches. Orient, Deep Blue and Seiko as daily beaters. Longines Spirit Chrono and Hydroconquest, Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot, Tudor BB GMT and a 1977 Rolex OysterDate. Lastly I have an all original 1973 Seiko “Pogue.” (My father’s first pilots watch.) The Seiko Pogue and Rolex OysterDate are cool to me, because I take a couple minutes each morning and wind them both to keep time and date so I’m not way behind if I let them sit for days or weeks. The Seiko does have a quick set date, but, to wind it you have to hold and rotate your hand. It is a true automatic movement. It does not wind at the crown. I could keep it in a winder, but I don’t have one. The Rolex doesn’t have quick set date and is also a true mechanical movement. So that one can take some winds setting the date, if you let it get behind. I enjoy keeping up with the watches and they all get worn. But of all my watches; it seems the Tudor is the most um controversial maybe. When I come across a horological snob, the first thing I hear is usually, “oh that’s a poor man’s Rolex.” Or the “Rolex wannabe!” I wouldn’t say those reactions would cause me to say owning that watch sucks, I’d say it brings out the suck in other people and there are many!
Thank you for the video. As someone who is new to the watch game, this was definitely insightful. I’m glad I controlled my initial impulses and researched more before spending my money lol had I not, I would’ve been stuck with watches that are now at the bottom of my wish lists. Great work!
Here’s another tip: create a list of rules you want to oblige to. Then whenever you see a watch, you check if it ticks all the boxes and then you decide to add it to your wish list or not.
@@boykaunlimitted4514 I appreciate that! That’s a great idea.
That list is ever changing. You will see more watches, learn about new brands, and that list will grow and change. That's the problem. Definitely do your homework.
Just finished watching 5 watches that suck to own while on my cycling trainer. Teddy, I am 70 YO and you are wise beyond your years. I am an amateur watch repair enthusiast and have collected quite a few vintage watches because I find them unbelievably cheap and antiques malls. And I am talking some NICE names. Right now on my wrist is a vintage Gruen automatic for which I paid less $5. It looks spectacular and runs great--now... :) But everything you say in your reviews is SPOT ON! You never come off like an arrogant watch snob; just matter of fact, and here's my opinion. Keep up the great work! (BTW, 3 weeks ago hitting some some church "Christmas bazaars" there was a tupper ware bowl with maybe 7 watches in it with a sign saying "For Free." I figured they would abll be very crappy quartz/fashion watches and they were--except the last one. Vintage Longines ladies watch, mechanical and 21 jewels. I end up giving a lot of my "learning watches" away. :)
I always appreciate that you regularly encourage people NOT to buy too much watch for their income.
I bought a mechanical Oris watch with their Calibre 400 movement. Sole complication is a countdown bezel. 10-year warranty and 10-year service intervals. Reputable Swiss brand established in 1904. No brainer.
When you are deep into a subject, study the material, investigate the history, and have a passion for the matter, it shows. Teddy's analysis and list of 5 types of watches that suck to own is pristine in my humble opinion. His understanding of watches, how it impacts the owner/collector, is squarely on point. Quite well done.
For the affordable watches with expensive complications to service, people don't service the movement but just change it for a new one.
a SeaGull ST1901 chronograph movement is around 100$ for a new one and any repair shop can swap the movement in your watch for the new one
for the tourbillon it's the ST8230 but it's a little harder to find, i couldn't find a replacement for sale, but there are watches using the movement that can go under 250$ new for the whole watch. so at this point just buy a new watch for 250$ and you either keep it or take the movement out of it to replace yours
it's the same for watches using Seiko NH35 family of movements, nobody services a Seiko NH35 when the movement itself is worth 30$ and you can just swap it for a new one.
Great video Teddy!
Number 5 is an interesting proposition. I can wear my current pieces without much thought, but if I got my grail would I be quite so chill? Not sure.
Definitely agree with the last point. It goes for anything, if you are afraid of using it, it's not going to bring you much joy just sitting in a drawer.
Great article…. So many excellent thoughts on the reality of watch ownership. Now I have retired and no longer wear a watch to the office I certainly think twice about what watch from my collection I wear just going to the shops with the rise in watch crime…. It has taken the edge off my enjoyment from wearing some of my higher end watches. On the flip side I have found pleasure in wearing lower end watches that I had previously not considered, and actually found great enjoyment in wearing, classic example is my Casio Mission Impossible watch. Thank you for such a thought provoking piece.
The Mission Impossible is dead cool - I love mine 👍
I started with inexperienced watches and gradually moved “upstream.” I own a WWII ORD watch from my dad and a Hamilton 992B railroad watch-I’ll wear them but not often.
I kept my two vintage watches but sold all my expensive watches. I wear a slightly modded SNK809 most of the time. I’ve become attached to the SNK809. Usually you develop a deep love for a beater because it’s with you most of the time.
I still follow what goes on in the watch community, but it’s like watching a football game without your team playing-emotionless and stress free.
about 40 years ago, I bought a Rolex Submariner for $750. I finally sold it because of the servicing costs. About every 3 to 5 years I had to spend about $700 for a tune-up.
If you had to have it serviced every three years then you had a defective watch,or you have been hyped by Rolex Oh dear!
I didn't have to have it serviced. Somehow the time was inaccurate by 5-10 minutes which prompted sending it to Rolex for service.
Vostoks are a very fair example here. I don’t discourage people from getting them, but I do always tell them the negatives so that they can have realistic expectations and just be an overall informed consumer about it. I like mine, but i don’t look forward to getting them fixed. But it’ll be a labor of love.
This is full of great takes. I feel a lot of this as I have a few watches that I dread picking up and wearing. I find myself looking towards my higher end quartz or no date autos since they just require so much less to put on and go
I have viewed many hosts presenting their opinions related to the watch industry, but I enjoy your vides above all others, Teddy. If and when I decide to make such a purchase, I will surely contact you.
Build a relationship with a good watchmaker. Most of these issues won’t be a problem. I love my watchmaker. He can solve any problem, and gives me fair prices. It also helps to learn how to make small repairs, or to swap out movements.
I repair and mod watches. I take care of most of my issues, but when I can’t, I have my trusty watchmaker.
Great video! I completely agree. I also like your point about conditions being personal to each of us. I own watches that check many of your boxes but treasure them dearly.
Some of my watches are from my dad (1960s) and my grandad (pre-1940). They were tools back then and not bought for status or anything. It shows now: they are small and look dated. They are not worth the money I spent servicing them, they are delicate (waterproof? 😂), I am absolutely terrified to wear them (I’d be crushed if I lose them, if they break, I’d just fix them again), and sometimes they stop so not all that reliable.
But I love them. They are mine, and they will go to my kids. They talk about our history.
Thanks for the video!
From all my watches the one I wear most is the gshock because it's give me true freedom : freedom to move and do whatever I need and want to do, it's always "atomic clock synchronized", never breaks, sun powered and it's gorgeous.
Our watches should not be a reflection of our bank account but of what makes us happy
Yep, I agree. I have G-Shock MRG watches that I love to wear during the day. Then Grand Seiko watches for the evenings.
Thank you Ted. There's a MrWonderful who recently started a watch insurance business just so you can wear a watch and not be afraid of losing it in use or travel.
yes, but have you ever tried to (a) lodge a theft with the police and (b) lodge a claim with an insurer ... it doesn't take just 5 minutes. It's the exact opposite of waiting for the courier when you've bought a new watch. Often the insurer will wait a length of time just in case it's swept up within greater events.
Donate a Casio (which is probably the most accurate GMT you'll ever own) when you're at risk.
Servicing does play a big part in my decision on buying a watch.... it's either a throw-away, or it's going to be worth service, but the "middle-ground" watches are a hard sell for me. Since I pretty much keep a service value of $500 in my head, and I refuse to pay more than a third of the value of a watch in service cost, that means to me any watch under $500 is the throw-away, $1500 plus is fine, but any watch between that $500 to $1500 is usually a no-go. This can, and has, eliminated a lot of potentially nice pieces, but it's just how I am psychologically.
I have my fathers 1950's Rolex Speedking which no longer works. It would take a large amount of money to fix and it is only 29mm. Therefore, it sits in the safe.
This video is an instant all-time classic. Pretty much unavoidable if you are serious about your watch(es).
People that buy luxury watches that have the money to do so they shouldn’t need to worry about servicing costs
Exactly
“You don’t own the watch the watch owns you” Brilliant
Definitely the best advice, for any wouid be potentially watch collector..
In fact any comsumer item...
Absolutely TJT .. that's top job Ted ..🤘🏼
I recently downsized my collection into far less watches but watches of higher price point and quality. Servicing costs definitely played into this decision. I want to focus on my favorite watches I can own for life and put the time, effort, and money into these watches only
This is a pretty good list. I'll add one more type - the watch that you just don't like but has sentimental value. I have a few watches in my collection that I will probably never sell, but I will also never wear, because I just don't like how they look on me, or I've moved on to other styles and brands.
I own a Nautilus. Have had it for about 8 years and I have worn it 5 times. It isn’t flashy, but recognisable and with crime around I only wear it on special occasions where there is plenty of security around. I enjoy the watch, but rarely wear it. I also have a rare Vacheron which I no longer wear. It attracts to much attention. Truth is that I slap on my Batman, Sea Dweller or even my G Shock in many cases, if they were burned in the drive. It wouldn’t change my life. But, some watches I just cannot wear in the world in which we live. Teddy, you are very correct in this video. I agree with you fully on reasons not to own watches. I do still like a vintage watch. I actually have a few watches made in the same year I was born. But, that is just for fun and I do recognise that getting people to work on them isn’t easy. It takes great watch makers and they come at a cost. But, for me it is an indulgence I can live with.
The "afraid to wear it" is definitely an issue, especially in the US these days (I live in San Francisco area) - which is also an issue with my sports cars that I only drive them in the morning during weekend. I can only wear my white gold or platinum watches in Japan or other countries that are safe, or at venue that are well guarded (e.g. someone's wedding). They are enjoyable to wear especially that heft and being much more shiny than stainless steel ones. Anyway... I wear the lesser known/flashy ones like the Explorer or Explorer II or Hublot carbotech or Sekio Superior especially during summer. In winter I can hide them under the long sleeves. For areas I know that might get me into trouble I rock my titanium G-Shock. It's just messed up how unsafe the US is these days.
"Afraid" to wear it immediately classifies it as a piece of jewelry
I agree with these comments.
My list would include a day/date. because I rotate watches regularly, I get fed up with resetting the day and date every time. I know it sounds lazy, but so what. I like a watch with no date or day feature.
Next on my list is a watch that is uncomfortable to wear. Either to bulky, or has a terrible bracelet.
I have had to switch to leather straps when a bracelet was rubbish.
Thanks for the insights! Many youtubers praise watches for their cost/quality but don’t tell you what’s behind it. I’m reconsidering some of my plans after watching this 👍🏻
I would add one more category that's happened to me twice. Cheap quartz watches like Timex and Swatch are fun to buy because they're maybe unique or so inexpensive that you don't care if they get broken. My issue is that these sub $100 watches are comparatively very LOUD. I can literally hear my Timex and Swatch watches ticking from across a room while they're inside a desk draw. Maybe this doesn't bother you, but that audible constant ticking can bother some people.
I agree with your views. I would really love a nice-looking watch but wouldn’t want it to get scratched, which is why I’ll just get a g-shock I like
I love my Sea-gull. It proudly sits between my rolex and omega.
I like mine, too, but it wears too small on my wrist so I’ll sell it.
@@eyeheartsushi2212just buy bigger one
Wise advice. That’s why I sold my submariner. I rarely wore it since I retired during the wu flu. The few places I would go to were either remote or near a downtown area. Anymore, both are somewhat dicey.
Love the new Marathon quartz! My support to Teddy entertaining me. Marithon was selling at 20% off so that $100 was a Teddy donation. I love my Invicta COSC that cost $700. Ceramic quatrz under $400! Dad left me a Patec super thin 18k manual and it put $$ in my account!
You sold a watch your dad
Passed along to you?
I have owned Omegas, Tags, Longines, Concords and Rolexes all great watches, all extremely costly just to clean, leaving servicing out the picture. Now my favorite watches are Citizen, Seiko and Casio. All great durable watches that I wear daily, don't worry about life scars and costly servicing. My watches are tools, not jewelry or look at me items. Great video and content.
Awsome video, go to Atlantic city often. will not wear my rolex on the boardwalk..silly but true....lol
“Afraid to wear” watch is an excellent point
Love your good Ole "midwestern" common sense approach and advise. Keep 'em coming, it's helped me shape good collecting. (My favorite Teddyism is "nobody cared about your damn watch"😂cracks me up every time!
I'm from the philippines and I bought HYT, CVDK and Greubel Forsey. No one services those watch in my country but I bought them because I love them and I take good care of them. I know its a risk to buy them but having them is a joy.
Why did you use the Daytona Panda as the thumbnail if it isn’t even featured in the video?
Using the Panda Daytona as click bait when it’s not even featured in the video. You’re so fake Teddy
Once again, excellent work. Thanks
Another category is a watch you might be embarrassed to wear in some situations, like to work. I’ve been eyeing a Breguet to add to my collection for a while, and while I could wear it on evenings/weekends my sense is it’d be a little too over the top to show up at work with a $30k watch on my wrist…
The last point - a gem!
My wife got me a Citizen ecodrive as an anniversary present ten years ago. I hate resetting it so much I had it serviced last year; I got them to set it to exactly GMT and I only wear it six months of the year.
Another aspect of this and certainly one I’ve personally struggled with is buying a watch for the lifestyle I wish I was living instead of the one I am living.
I have several dress watches,and ones that have moon phase and other complications that are wonderful,however I rarely wear them because they would be destroyed by the life I’m living. My office/cubical is a Marina I’m more likely to be using an impact driver than a laptop or underwater freeing up a prop or trying to keep a sinking boat from going down for the count.
Dude, so true!! I have been looking at two watches that fit a lifestyle that I am not living. I am most days in jeans and a t-shirt, so I do not need a six thousand dollar automatic dress watch, much less both of the ones I am drooling over at the moment, haha!
Maybe I will go for a dive watch on a rubber strap. Hmmm, gotta go shop online to do some more dreaming and drooling!
When you use a modern watch spring replacement for a vintage watxh it becomes Franken.
When you add Inca block antishock component the vintage becomes Franken. When you add a modern gear that does the same job as the old, it becomes Franken. It is up to you how much improvement you want on your timepiece.
As someone who collects only vintage watches I completely agree with your assessment of having to baby the watches all time, service is more frequent and costs a lot, but i just can’t relate to contemporary watches… so its either this or no watches at all. I guess vintage or contemporary it all boils down to how much money one can afford to put into this hobby and what you are looking to get out of it that matters. As long as one stays in those limits and you feel good abt yourself its all good!
So freaking HONEST video dude thanks Teddy
Love this guy! So knowledgeable with his head screwed on tightly and his priorities in order. Sensible advice and right on the money in each category. I've learned a lot from Teddy's superb videos and wish him a lot of success.
Good points, but I will add a counterargument:
A lot of people enjoy buying expensive watches (for example, Rolexes or Royal Oaks), when the watch itself doesn't have any intrinsic value, but just perceived value. But folks still want to grind harder to get that watch as a symbol of their achievement. If thats you, totally keep doing that, as rewarding yourself for working hard is a better way to live your life than to not work hard and achieve very little or nothing at all.
Great information about owning watches. I only buy watches less than a thousand dollars so I never worry about damage or loss but if someone is a collector of expensive luxury watches then I can understand that person being more careful. Look forward to the next video and enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend.
Great advice! My "watch I'm afraid to wear" is, surprisingly, an IWC. I learned their movement is less friendly to day to day life and I guess, as I was told "don't pull the crown like pulling the pin of a grenade." And, I always advise for the interesting off-brands, buy based on the look, the feel of it, since it may wind of being a dead movement that can look nice in your collection, but not worth trying to figure out how to get it repaired. I have a few dead watches in my collection that deliver on the "wow, that is awesome looking!" factor even if it doesn't actually run any more.
I have 4 watches. All worth under a few hundred dollars each. I realized after I found this channel that I am a collector of economic time management devices. I even bought a nice little collection case for them a few years back. They are all quartz watches and need batteries. Last time I bought batteries it was for all of them at the same time. Yes, they all died within hours of each other. I showed my wife and we got a laugh out of it. I do like them very much. Since I started watching Youtude videos on watch collecting and repair I have been very intrigued about taking this a little motre seriously. Still thinking about it but sounds enjoyable. This video was helpful.
I started my watch journey by collecting vintage Seiko 6309 divers. At first I bought them already modded then started modding them my self. I then learned how to fully service them and regulate them. Parts now are next to impossible to source. So I moved on to 7s26 divers. After 20 watches I’m pretty much done with modding. I’ll continue to service them if needed, if I can get the parts.
So now I’m collecting iconic dive watches, Rolex, Doxa, Omega, and Seiko. As you said, if you don’t wear it why have it. I’m finding that I enjoy wearing my vintage modded watches just as much, if not more, as my expensive watches. One point I would like to add. In my opinion, watches are very personal. They should be eye candy. You should want to glance at your watch, not to tell time but to look at what pleases you.
I totally agree Teddy, especially with what you said about the watch you are afraid to wear.
Excellent information, and some VERY good points! Great video!
Teddy says, "You don't own that watch...it owns you." That was great!
Great video Teddy. You are one of the most authentic voices in this space. Each point in this video is 100% in point.
especially with the last one, its good to be a little careful, but scratches and nicks are what give a piece character
The Seagull "1963" is a big buzz nowadays, every amateur wants one, despite the fake ones, which abound....And the serious drawback that is explained here; good job ! As about the maintenance costs, I know why the majority of my collection is made of Quartz calibers. A Ferrari engine is a superb piece of engineering, but it might be usefull to use a Toyota most of the time.
The cost of service for a 1963 isn't going to be much different than, say a Valjoux. But with the 1963 you have the option of replacing the movement with a new one for 1/5 the price. With another mechanical chronograph, you're stuck paying the high service cost. If I get 10 years out of a $250 1963 and can then replace the movement for $100, in a happy camper.
Definitely thinking of these qualities when I decided my dream watch is an Omega Seamaster, but what I can happily wear to work daily are Seikos, Citizens, and Casios. Maybe an Omega or Grand Seiko as a retirement gift. 😅
While on the "Watch You Are Afraid To Wear" subject, I find myself in a peculiar situation. I've always been a Speedmaster fan, so my father gifted me a Speedmaster Automatic Reduced as a university graduation present and to mark the occasion. I wear it quite often, but I'm always a bit afraid of damaging it, so when the swatch x Omega collaboration was released, I got a "Mission to Jupiter", thinking I'd have an inexpensive Speedmaster for daily use that I wouldn't mind if I scratched it or banged it up a bit. Turns out, on the first day of ownership it rubbed against a door frame while walking through my office bulding and it left some nasty scratches; something that wouldn't happen with a much cheaper watch's crystal. Then I start reading online about how fragile the "MoonSwatches" are (for example, broken bezels with really light impacts) and realize that they're just overpriced throwaway watches - thing is, at that price point, I never thought I was getting a throwaway watch. Now I rarely use my "Mission to Jupiter" because I love it, but I'm too afraid of ruining it; so much so that I find myself using the Omega Speedmaster Automatic Reduce more instead, since despite the hesalite crystal it's a tougher watch in comparison.
On a side note, after this experience and since I loved the swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms "Atlantic Ocean", which I was considering as my first diver, I decided to study before pulling the trigger. Warnings about the non-serviceability of swatch's System 51 and MoonSwatch-like fragility, made me decide on a Casio Duro as my first diver, and boy am I glad I bought it. A decision also influenced by your thoughts on it, that you shared on a couple of your videos.
That's why appreciate watches with a 7750 vs recent in-house versions of about the same watch
I'm glad you made this video. I'm new to the watch world and I've been trying to figure out what watch I want. Because I just want ONE watch that is in my budget and ticks the boxes I need it to tick. And while I haven't bought a watch yet, I think if I followed the advice I was getting from various forums, I would have "a watch that sucks to own." I am going to keep going until I find that watch that "I" want and that works for ME, then I will pull the trigger and buy it. And to heck with being owned by the watch or having something that sucks to own. Silly as it may be, I feel better after watching this.
3:40 That's the beauty of all these vintage homages floating around out there. If you own a vintage Capt Willard for example, simply get one of the better homage-versions of it and wear that one in situations where water resistance or higher risk of damage are an issue.
That’s true with micro brands like Stanton. Saw their watches online. Decided to get one so I send in an enquiry. Never heard back. The email is to give them business and they didn’t bother to answer. Imagine there’s a problem 🤦♂️
I have a Tudor black bay 39 M79660 and a Credor alpinist phoenix GCBR995. Both are wonderful watches aesthetically and mechanically, and they take turn to be worn daily. I find 2 watches are enough
Excellent balance. Don't skip this vid.
What perfect timing (no pun intended): was considering buying a vintage chronograph I’d spotted online (from a highly regarded outlet). Decision made and saved myself $1500 Australian. Thank you.
Well, I have to agree, a watch is made to be worn; however, just watching a watch is also enjoyable. I think you can have some watches that you don't wear but just love to watch, pun intended.
Quality video Teddy.
Complications... Yes. I agree. I just need a minute and hour hand. Everything else is too busy.
Skeleton the watch, hour hand, minute hand - done.
Nice reminder to just enjoy and not take it all so seriously, great points
If i buy a watch, i favor the no date variant as i can set, wind, wear and forget.
The ones with dates i will set and treat the task as one with a past time and love for the thing.
I have a Hamilton khaki field auto which i wear virtually 24/7 and only take it off when i wash dishes. I come to look at it as almost symbiotic.
Best video of Teddy so far. Not just a nice watch review but opinion as well.
I think everything said in this video is completely reasonable, even when Teddy stresses this is his opinion, it's backed up by facts and logic by a watch enthusiast and collector who appreciates the craftsmanship that goes into making watches. Also, its very good to have an understanding of reality; yes people are out to mug you if you have an expensive watch, thats why a cheaper looking watch such as casio could be preferable in busy cities.