Agreed, unless it's a unique timepiece and you keep it safe as a work of art. Anything that can be purchased freely is just "an instrument" made for being used and menat to be.
You’re right. However this all depends on one’s financial situation. For some, a Submariner is something that they would only wear for special occasions. For others it’s a daily beater. Some people would never swim with a Royal Oak or Nautilus. To others they’re rather “cheap” watches.
I have modded a few watches, and so long as you find a clean space and have the right tools, it is fine. The hand pusher-on tool thingy is the most important (hands are fragile). The best part is that you can regulate the watch and have a Seiko NH35 run to COSC standards. Just buy the tools, get two of everything (three winding stems), and learn while doing. The best part is that you can make extra watches with your spare parts, not to mention swap out Seiko movements to avoid paying for a service.
I remember when my Brietling Callisto main spring broke I took it to the local watch maker they wanted $675 to repair it!! this was in 2005! then I found this Chinese guy who could barely speak English and he did the work including the parts for $90!! needles to say became friends with him since have taken him even a Patek Philippe pocket watch! he fixed it no problem that guy is amazing he services the watches while you wait and see him work! its truly an art form!
@@CGR9Noveno entirely possibly if he didnt see him work on the first one. entirely possible.. especially considering the price he paid to get it fixed, 90 bucks is like fast food workers daily wage lol. not sure how he thought that was a good idea to do.
AGREE! Bought a Timex Indiglo Expedition with a full-coverage metal back. Need to change the battery, and somehow managed to pry the metal back off. Changed the battery with no problem, but could NOT replace the backing because it takes a special Press gizmo to push the backing back into place. BAD design, and even though I have had good luck with the accuracy of Timex products, I will be very careful when purchasing another Timex watch-----taking special care not to purchase one unless it is kept in place with screws that can be removed with the small screwdrivers used to adjust eyeglasses. Costco carries them.
@@tittyblast1978 Hahaha love your name!!! 😂 🤣 😂 Christopher Walken top boy 👌Wonder if he's into time-pieces too and what he'd go for 🤔 Yes I know, too much time on my hands... Perhaps should take one or two off phnar phnar!!!
In 1986 I bought a Seiko Moon Phase Watch, and I still wear it every day and adore it. I would cry tears of blood if I ever lost it. It looks perfect on my arm, it's fairly small and quite flat. I barely feel it while I'm wearing it.I've tried other watches but nothing has beaten old faithful. Truly the best item I've ever bought. I think I paid about $250au for it.
I got a gold Seiko quartz, and a old Seiko world timer and they've both been in my family for over 20+ years with no issues after upkeep, truly a fantastic brand
You sound like a real sad sack over a watch. How many watches did I own as a kid and teen in the 1980's, about three. One was a calculator watch, a Seiko of some sort and a Citizen analog/digital. They're been and gone. I own two watches I bought years ago and can't be bothered wearing them because no one wears watches, we all get the time from our phones.
Thank you sir. In 1997 I was in the market to spend a decent chunk of change on s watch for my dad and one for me to scuba dive in. I sold a car and had $3,000 to spend. We shopped for a few watches that were Grey market, a 1960s Omega, and a few that were frankly too high end for fellas like us. My dad saw a Wenger Swiss Army for a little over $100 I think and I found an entry level Citizen (non eco drive,) for $225. My dad still wears that watch and he worked as a machinist. I made 500 or so dives with the Citizen and still wear it as well. Great video and you are doing a tremendous service for folks. I just got lucky and made the right choice but I would have loved to see your video back then. Cheers from Mississippi.
A friend of mine bought a Tommy Hilfiger watch and i was going for an Emporio Armani. I'm getting an Orient Bambino in the same price instead. You are doing God's work with these kind of videos, sir. Thank you.
Have fun with your Bambino! It's truly a beautiful piece; i wear mine on occasions and it always draws interested looks. It's really a conversation starter :)
Amazing video. No.4 reminds me a hilarious saying: “You never actually own a daniel wellington. You merely look after it for the trash bin.” Rude but kind of true.
I know a person who intentionally bought a counterfeit DW because „the genuine is so expensive but they are so beautiful I have to own one, especially I like their fancy straps”. If only they knew DW straps are ordinary NATO straps and can be mounted on almost any watch. I couldn’t stop laughing. I thought it was a joke but the person was dead serious 😂🤣
Disagree about the grey market point. Every time I've purchased or came close to purchasing a mid to high end watch from an Authorised Dealer, every single time they've tried to sell me their display model with scratches and scuffs and what have you. I once requested a newly boxed one to be shipped in and they simply received another display model from another store. It's just the nature of their business that they can only keep so much stock on hand for security/finance reasons. I've purchased a number of grey market watches and all but one of them have been flawless. One had a misaligned bezel, and it went straight back to the manufacturer who fixed it free of charge under warranty.
Just found your channel. Boy did you hit home on many topics and I fall into one of them. Rolex Submariner.. It cost 800 dollars for a tune up and the shop recommended a tune up every couple of years. Plus only wear it on special occasions. My brother had one also and he wore it everyday as a cop. Said you pay all that money and you never wear it. Very true.
Thank you for the caliber of your presentation! I'm a layman in terms of watches but your video gave me very clear advice that was easy to understand and offers the benefit of your experience in this realm. Excellent pointers!
Grey market is perfectly fine up to a certain price point. I absolutely would not buy a rolex or omega speedmaster from one, due to restocking fees and other reasons you listed. But there's nothing wrong with getting cheaper watches like a Khaki Mechanical or Seiko skx007 for well below retail.
I should’ve found your channel earlier. I just realized that I recently bought an automatic chronograph watch in what you refer to as gray market. It came with a two year international warranty, but after I had it registered with the manufacturer, I found out that the warranty is only valid if it was bought from an authorized dealer. Now, the packaging and information of origin comes from an authorized dealer name, but the online company I made the purchase from doesn’t show in the list of authorized dealers. The only way for me to communicate with the seller is by email and she couldn’t give me a satisfactory answer when it came to the warranty cover. I’m happy with the watch, the price I paid for it and the fact that all the codes and numbers checked ok with the maker when I had it registered, but I sure hope it doesn’t give me any issues for the next two years at least.
If it was repairable, would it even be worth it? A smart watch is like a phone eventually the hardware can not support the new software with up to date security features and now you are getting into vulnerabilities like malware infection and possibly getting hit with things like identity theft.
Better buy a g-shock with heart rate monitor. The price is just a little bit expensive than an apple watch. But hey, a g-shock guarantees worth of money. At least can last many years without worrying the battery
People who buy Apple watch will buy a new one in 4 years to get a useless new feature. Apple watches are for gadget lovers, not watch lovers. They didn't buy their Apple watch for keeping time or for style/fashion. Bigger question is, I wonder how many "I don't need a watch, I have a phone" people ended up getting an Apple watch lol.
I don't see a problem with a reputable grey market dealer like Jomashop. I always hear, "what about the warranty?". So what about the warranty? If I am saving $3k, who cares if it needs $700 in repair work, I am still winning.
I’ve personally had a bad experience with them but I wouldnt get into that as I eventually got my money back but I’ve read about people making use of their warranty and getting it back damaged and saying the watch was delivered to the dealer for repairs already damaged and having to live with bent hands or scuffs on the dial etc.
Another thing that I don’t like is that they sell old models that don’t have the latest specs and cannot truly confirm anything until you get it and the dilemma is some specs you won’t be able to know unless you open the watch or hold onto it long enough to verify but considering their return policy you won’t be able to return for refund by the time you figure out what version of the model you got.
Enjoyed your video. I had a most unpleasant experience with a Rolex knock-off. My husband bought it for me as a joke when he was on a business trip to Hong Kong. He presented it to me when he got home and I decided to wear it that day. By early evening, the watch had stopped working. One of the little studs glued on as hour markers came loose and got tangled in the hands. The bad news is I inadvertently left my husband waiting for me for more than an hour at the concert we were to attend that night. The good news? This time being late wasn't my fault! The useful alibi aside, the fake Rolex wasn't even worth the @ $20 my husband paid for it.
MVMT got me into watches and eventually looked into it when I wanted to get some more. Learned alot about the watch market and easily learned that these fashion watches are overpriced for questionable quality. Got a Timex Weekender and love it. Tried an inexpensive watch brand that charges proper prices and like it for what it is. Finally got an Orient Defender and I'm never going back. I'll honestly slowly grow a collection because watches are just so interesting.
NOTHING wrong with a Timex. They make some fantastic watches. Id rather a bog standard low end €20 Timex than a MVMT, Daniel Wellington, philippe loreti etc.
I paid about 400 box forn an oris artelier and I am really curious how is it possible, what was the trap. But I bought it with a warranty from a a watch store
I bought a frankenwatch Seiko from India. It was cheap enough that if it's just awful, I won't mind tossing it. I like the look of it and buying a "non-frankenwatch" of the same watch would cost like $300 while the dial is all scratched and deteriorating. Update: Watch arrived. Looks great. Works fine. Happy with my purchase.
I bought a £13 Ricoh watch (including postage) from an Indian seller last week. Honestly, if it runs fine I'll be happy with it, I don't mind if it's not all original, I just like the look of it and I'm not going to find one like it in a hurry (or even at all). If it doesn't work, it's no big loss! Shame it's going to take almost six weeks to arrive 🙄
I wear vintage Omega watches. Five manuals and one automatic. All six are excellent time keepers. But one was a problem. It was a Bombay special. it worked for a while and quit. I have a good watch repairman. He took the watch apart and the movement was clued together. It is a 1943 black face war watch. Very nice looking. This watch is a omega 26.5t3. They quite making this 15 jewel watch in the early 1950's. My repairman said the parts were made out of unattainium. He said but in drawer and forget it. I did that, but every once in a while I would look at, In my eyes it is a beautiful watch. So if the watch parts were not attainable, I decided to buy another 26.5T3 for parts. It took three tries. I got the right last December. its was made very close to mine. The part came out of Australia. They look beat up. Put the movement was in great shape. My repairman just wanted to swap the movement., but I decided I wanted to keep its original numbers. So Dr Frankenstein did the work. And said it was a live. I went though quite a lot to fix this watch, but damn. I wanted that watch fixed and fixed it is. It keeps excellent time, I believe very close to current watches. I wear this watch a lot.
Very good advice for a novice and also a reminder to those of us who have been collecting watches for years. Many years ago, I lost money on a very good fake but, fake never the less, Royal Navy Omega Seamaster 300 and also a Synchron Doxa Sub that was genuine but not really restorable due to the parts now made of unobtanium. The Doxa runs and is a good beater. The Omega doesn't run but is kept as a good reminder. We live and learn.
Casio for life! My Gshocks may not be the nicest looking of watches but they are are very capable and damn near indestructible. My G shock steel is my daily driver and looks good. I'd like a MR.G in the future love the look.
I love G-Shock. I bought the Wave-Ceptor solar powered ones, and they are still beating away on the same power cells they came with. One is thirteen years old.
Great video! You said everything important things about when buying a watch! I'm not a collector, I just have about 3-4, but when buying a watch I really do a lot of research what fits most to me what to avoid. Really great video! You get my like
So when I was a "kid" I bought what was then "the" pilot's watch. It was lost in a move. Ten years later I found my 500$ watch in a box I nearly tossed. I had lost the bezel years earlier. A new thing, the internet had come along, so I looked up a bezel for the watch I had bought, and worn, so long ago, my Rolex GMT 6542. The result nearly killed me. Are there really idiots that would pay that much? I wish I could say I replaced the bezel with an original...I would have to sell a house. I did have it serviced (not cheap). As to owning a watch you can't wear (my watch is probably worth a quarter of what my house is worth). Zooming down the highway on my Ironhead I sometimes think of the odds that, after an accident, would my watch still be with me but I still wear it, every day. I love that watch. What I hate are collectors vacuuming up relics to put in their own museums, never to be enjoyed; driving the cost of ownership past the point of sanity. Now if someone would just send me a Bakelite bezel...
Thank you SO much! Especially for the advice on fashion watches. They did really get me into watches, yes. But now I see the way I should move further and what to avoid.
Just dipping my wrist into the world of watch collecting and I have to say your content has been very helpful indeed! Great presentation; friendly casual exposition. Nicely done. New subscriber!
Here is the "Austin Powers IV: Watch Maker, the Ultimate Time Master" version: (enjoy) Watch Maker: "I've been expecting you, Powers! ...but first check out my latest Patek Philippe Uber Ultra Grand Complications!! It comes complete a standard tachymeter, tourbillon, and a special repeater that chimes on leap year; a perpetual calendar, day, date, and month; a moon phase, of course, and also the retrogrades of Mercury and Mars, it has TWO GMT hands, one for each meridian-- both Prime and International Date Line--and a 24 hour and double 12 hour fully rotating bezel, and looks quite exceptional...exquisite...I get emotional just thinking about it. There's even a special setting for when I'm in those awful time 30 & 45 minute time zones---WHY DO THEY DO THAT?? ...wait, where was I?"
I *strongly* agree with number 2. Those who genuinely value watches like myself don't like the idea of smart watches. They're not reliable at all. They need charge and are more high maintenance than average watches due to being a very sensitive little machine. If there's no charge and internet you'll be just wearing a screen LOL I always buy things thinking of the most scariest survival scenarios in my head. Call me old fashioned, but I still love traditional watches. I want my watch to only show me the correct time, not stalk me. Smart watches are made to keep an eye on you. It's designed to control your mind. Overtime people are gonna become more and more stupid using these gadgets! Plus the radiations from smartphones are harmful enough, you don't need more cancer causing gadgets that's harmful for your health. Though I am of this generation I don't like smart watches. Apple can't even run their phones properly for 5 years straight, I can't imagine their watches 5 years down the line! Apple slows down all their devices when new ones come out to push customers into buying their new products. Apple heavily manipulates their customers. I know this because I've used Apple since iPods first came out LOL not worth it. I'd put smart watches in the "fast fashion" category.
And they just don't look as...classy as a real watch either, imo. ⌚ I've not bought a smart watch all this time just because of looks. Plus, like you said, my phone is enough of an invasion of privacy as it is. I don't need another miniature one strapped to my wrist all day and night. Lol
I bought a couple of Smartwatches- the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the Casio GShock Protrek WSDF20. But the fact that at times I’d forget to charge those Watches made me appreciate my Gravitymaster Tough Solar Casio GShock.
Great video. Unfortunately, I've learned several of these lessons (gray market and unservicable timepieces). I will not repeat the mistakes again and have one additional insight for the smartwatch discussion. Even if you can purchase extra watches (sans precious metals) or additional internal components to use for potential repair work, the batteries have a service life of 2-3 years (thanks Apple for admitting this). A new battery purchased at the end of a production run will also last only 2-3 years. By that time, the battery will be replaced by a new design, making it incompatible with your smartwatch (whether precious metal or not). One ends up with an expensive and value-less paperweight in half a decade.
Excellent comment John. Thank you, especially for having the integrity to share this. So often people do not what to admit their mistakes. You sir, are true Gentry! Onwards and upwards. Best regards, TGV
I have bought several watches on the grey market. However they were only $200 or less. I think buying a luxury watch on the grey market is too dangerous. Sorry you had bad experiences.
John Clark I used to love my Pebble Steel for a great knock about smart watch. Hammer proof and had some really wonderful apps, worked beautifully as a smartphone companion. That is until Pebble went out of business. It's still usable but the app hasn't been updated in years and sends a lot of your personal information to a 3rd party. Shame about the Apple batteries and Companies making watches knowing they will last 2-3 years tops.
Honeslty I had my Seiko for 2 years now and it still works like I bought it yesterday... and got gifted a solar seiko as well and it still works great with me.
Thank you for mentioning the Bombay specials, aka the Indian frankens. I'm from India and it honestly hurts to see great pieces being painted over and sold unscrupulously on fleabay
I sincerly love your videos. I have just started as “collector” and your wisdom and sincere opinion has help a lot. Watching from México while drinking a pint!
Can't agree with you on gray market watches. I bought omega that would cost me over $10k to buy from AD, bought it on gray market from reputable seller for $4500🤷♂️ ,4 years later I had to service the watch for $1000 from omega with 2 years omega warranty. So buying on gray market saved me $4500 🤷♂️ how is that not great deal??? Yes buying on GM means no factory warranty but who cares if you saving that much money you can have to factory service it and still save money definitely worth the risk as long as the price is right.
I entirely agree; I have bought GM watches (sometimes with the dealers stamp) and had no trouble. The only time I have had an issue with a new watch was with my Rolex Daytona which I bought from an AD in Singapore and had to have repaired when I got back to the US. I have made some incredible savings buying GM watches. In two cases I saved in excess of $10 000 which is better in my pocket than that of an AD 😁.
You're spot on about fake watches. When my dad finished his PHD, my brother-in-law and I went to buy my watch a fake Rado in Chinatown. Several years later the gold had faded and when my dad tried to replace the battery, the jeweler told my dad that he couldn't because it was a fake and he did not want to be responsible for any damage. My dad told me about it, I felt so bad. I was in my early 20's when we bought this cheap $200 fake and even though we split the bill, $100 was very hard to come by. Now I'm in my 40's and making good money. If he was still alive today, I'd buy him a real Rado.
I started carrying a pocket watch around 2016 and like it. At first it amazed me at the number of people I'd run across who had never seen one. Whenever I pulled it out to check the time some people would just trip out. I'm not going to say much about the mainly young people who can't tell time by one. It's mostly not their fault it's their elders. I'd often wanted a pocket watch and one day saw one that I really liked and bought it. It didn't cost much but looks a lot more expensive.
Hi, I love your videos and I have to say that I agree with you almost at 95% with you. I would like to ask you something about the new Omega Seamaster 300M Limited Edition James Bond 50th anniversary... Do you think is worthy to pay more than 2000€ over the standard 300M?
I'm sure it varies from product to product, but I've got an iPod that's about ten years old at this point. It's scratched up with a dented backplate (probably from the time it rattled down a small cliff and got lodged in the roots of a tree) and the battery isn't great, but it still works as new. Doesn't see much use anymore, but when it does, it's fine.
They will if you take care of them mines last forever and don’t even get a scratch on them 😂I just use a case and screen protector that I haven’t changed since I bought it doesn’t even have a crack on it and has been dropped multiple times
I have been thinking about buying a Citizen Eco-Drive for a while now. I like the no-battery & no watch winder aspect of these Eco-Drive watches. Seems almost too good to be true. I’d appreciate any other insights you have and which models you’d recommend?
@@Kenerdmann Considering this comment is almost a year old now, I figured I'd chime in to your reply. I just bought my first watch, a Citizen Nighthawk Eco-Drive. Obviously I'm inexperienced but I'm super happy with it, at 42mm I was worried it would be too big, but it looks and wears great. The steel band on it is also pretty decent quality, which from what I've researched, usually isn't the case with under $200 watches. Good luck!
My youngest boy is a Navy pilot. I got him a Citizen Skyhawk AT (I think it was a ProMaster but can't remember) several years ago when his Citizen Blue Angels AT got fried by SPIE radar. Every time I've seen a picture of him anywhere around the world; at Fleet locations ashore, in Europe or aboard a carrier, he's had that watch on his wrist. He loves it. He knows how to and uses the whiz-wheel and all the features of the watch. I asked him a couple years after I gave him the watch how he liked it. His reply was "You done good, Dad. You done real good." He's moved up in rank since then and is now second in command of a stateside Naval Base and still wears that watch. Some of that is no doubt because "Dad" gave it to him but it's been a real good watch. I just bought a new Citizen Eco Drive Bryson BL5551-06L and I love it. I've had Eco Drives before that got destroyed through no fault of their own (one had a window slam shut on it because I stupidly put it in the wrong place to charge. Won't make that mistake again.) and I've been a fan of Eco Drives for quite a while. I have other watches l like to wear too, but the Bryson is still new enough to be novel and a real treat. Every time I look at the time I think about how much I love this watch. When the novelty wears off (if ever) and I wear something else now and then it will go on a light charger I got on Amazon so it will always be charged up and ready to rock.
I don't know if this is incorrect or not but is it true that an Eco-Drives cannot be serviced even by Citizen themselves. Like, if the hour hand starts acting up you just have to throw it away or live with it. I'm new to watches and saw this on some forum.
Excellent video as usual but I disagree on the grey market. I bought many watches ($200 - $1200) from Joma (about 8 watches), Gemnation, World of Watches and Ashford and never had a problem. Every watch I received was brand new. They make it very easy to return and I have never been charged a restocking fee. I probably wouldn't be buying from an AD as the extra money for just the warranty is not worth it for me.
if I'm saving $1500 on sticker price, I can afford to take the risk that the watch wont fail within the normal manufacturer warranty. If it does, it probably wont come close to making up that $1500 difference for out of pocket repairs.
@@judeplante6241 I recently ordered an Omega Aqua Terra from Joma through eBay and all was good. Brand new all in plastic. eBay has an extra layer of protection with the authenticity guarantee and easy returns. eBay items are always in stock so that's nice to know as well.
I take exception with your No. 1. Vortic Watches from Fort Collins, CO, appears to be a quality company that specializes in converting pocket watches into wristwatches and they stand behind their work.
My first watch was a mvmnt watch which I did like and got me into watches. Then I started to really see how cheap it felt compared to the watches I was looking at. I now wear a junghans max bill everyday for work.
smartwatches got me into watches. I bought an apple watch and loved it..... less and less over time when I discovered the magic of mechanical timepieces. sold it after 9 months and started my mechanical watch collection and saving up for a speedmaster professional :)
Congrats on educting yourself. Good luck on your goal. Then look into Vintage receivers such as Marantz 2600/2500, Pioneer 1280/50 or Sansui 9090 etc. Go for QUALITY first. Always. It'll save you big $$ in the long run.
Great video as always TGV. I saw your videos when my Armani Exchange watch was still under the 30 days return period from Macy's. I returned that watch the same day and bought the SKX with money left to spare.
The Urban Gentry I have in mind buying a Chinese Seagull, but I have to buy it online and I never bought before a watch that I haven’t got in my hands before. I already have a khaki field classic model, is the seagull in the same level of quality?. Thank you.
Puthearith Chea, good idea. When I shop for a watch at Macy's I just pass by the fashion watches that are seen in large quantities in flashy, attractive display cases and look for a Seiko automatic...I got one Seiko at a Macy's with 25% off.
I hear you... But I absolutely love my Vincero watch. White face, rose gold hands and hour markers, brown strap, kairos series. It was also my wedding present from my wife so it has a special meaning behind it for me, but I do get a lot of compliments on it as well. I do intend on picking up some mechanical movement watches down the line but for now I am incredibly content with my vincero.
@@toastbrotL1 Im new to watches and I have to agree. Ive seen a number of snobs online. A lot of the reasons Ive been told to avoid certain brands are actually irrelevant to me (and practically everyone I know). I get that watch enthusiasts prefer a watch with heritage and certain materials. But the ones Im interested in are leagues better, from an aesthetic standpoint, than the ones recommended to me (imo) and have been shown to be of good quality on unbiased reviews Ive read. So I would honestly just go for a good looking fashion-watch. As long as I'm not trying to impress anyone, it just makes more sense.
After wanting a good watch for so long but worried about my budget you have inspired me to start a cheap collection. Casio edifice and gshock in the case so far and now looking at a bulova cheers
Speaking of watches you might want to avoid. I'd absolutely love it if you could review some Seagull watches. Particularly their Tourbilon. A $3k Chinese Tourbilon movement is something I find really interesting, but no western channels seem to have reviewed or featured it.
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I just wanted to say I appreciate everything you do for this channel the amount of effort that goes into the videos and the intro best regards to you and the viewers of the urban Gentry
I really like my Bulova it's perfect for just about any occasion, well for me that is. But it's not too classy, or dressy, or even sporty. I love how you can watch all the movements going on in it. But I really enjoyed your video thanks for sharing it.
I just purchased my 1st watch ever! a tag heuer mario editon new release, (very lucky to get) it is a smart watch and after watching not sure I did the right choice whats your opinion on it ? Thank you kindly
I agree with all your points, but you must treat every situation individually... I build watches from pocket watch movements myself...I service the movements myself, I create the dials myself and sell them myself... A big difference though is that I never pretend that the watches I build are something created by the original manufacturer. In fact, I have my own logo on the dials and don't pretend that these are original in any way. I've created and sold over 300 watches in the past 4 years and have only had one unsatisfied customer...I made him satisfied by standing behind my product and refunded the entire amount of the watch... Kind regards, Don
In my limited experience, In terms of vintage, Soviet watches seem to be good value. There are many sellers in eastern Europe with good feedback on Ebay who sell serviced watches that don't perhaps have the glitz and glamour of the legendary brands, but some of them use western European influenced movements and have that typically Russian design philosophy of ''nothing flashy, does the job, low maintenance'
I’ve been really happy with a vintage Vostok. It’s not water resistant-learned that the hard way-but other than that, it has been great! Put it on a bond strap, which makes me laugh. An east meets west espionage conflict right on my wrist...
My favorite watch is Casio G-shock ! Man... It keeps perfect Time and so Reliable , you dont need to worry anything else ! Great videos! Great Job !:))
@@DigiteAquiONomeDoCanal Doesn't that only apply to Eco-Drive watches and not all Citizens are Eco-Drive. Cheaper ones are just quartz. I am looking into buying a watch right now. I have looked at online shops from big to small, mom and pop shops, mall and department stores and pretty much any authorized dealer I can find. The Seiko 5s have been a lot cheaper than the Eco-drives and in most cases even the regular Citizen quartz.
I'm a new viewer, and I have two questions. What "grey market" watch place in New York was he talking about? And what is his name/nickname. He says his name a couple times in this video but he says if sooo fast and it sounds like an acronym? If someone can let me know. Thanx
Uh, the reputable used market internet dealers charge near new retail prices on pieces that are still in production. A new Rolex Explorer 1 from AD with a 10% discount (which can be had), goes for $5900, whereas the reputable used market internet dealers with their glorified laughable DBA's, sell them used in the range from $5 to 5.5k, depending on box/papers. I don't know how they stay in business and I have told them so. Same scenario as to new Seamasters still in production. As to pieces no longer in production, there are no deals to be found with them. Oh, yea, supposedly their highly skilled watch makers go through the pieces with a fine tooth comb, which I'm not buying at all. If one is looking for a 10 year old Sub for instance, might as well go to a brick and mortar in the Big Cities who deal in pre-owned luxury. The big Internet Warehouse in New York is OK in my book, say on a highly discounted entry level Swiss piece. Might even roll the dice with them on a new Speedo MOTM, one does have some protection using a credit card if the piece is a dog. Pls excuse the long post which is not my style.
I do find it a bit odd how they stay in business. I don't like wearing my nice watches to work, so I wanted a daily driver for the office/Factory. Decided to go with a Hamilton Khaki field 42... Now I can buy the watch new, at a authorized dealer for $780 Canadian (Tax incl) or... I can buy it off a grey market for $650... + any tax/duty & shipping + no factory warranty....and used Sites want about $600 for the dame watch... + shipping, tax and duties.
If I want a GMT Master II and don't feel like waiting 7 or 8 years, the Gray Market is pretty much the only option though. And I think there are plenty of great dealers out there.
Thank you for this video, and your others too. All I could think about watching this was how many of these mistakes I've made, and how much money I could have saved from knowing these things when I started. The good thing is you're honest enough to admit you made a couple yourself when you started, so I don't feel so bad about it! What I most like about the video is that there is no shaming or snobbery whatsoever, just trying to keep people as informed as possible. I lost thousands on several of those mistakes you mentioned, particularly with watches that I hadn't considered the cost of servicing. I'm still paying for my mistakes, but I'm aiming to sell 7 or 8 in the new year and put it down to experience. So yeah, awesome advice and I hope some new watch enthusiasts can learn from them! 🙂
I think fashion watches can serve a purpose. I have a Skagen, which cost around £100. I wear it in the office and on casual days out etc. It's held up great for 3/4 years now. It may be made in China, but the materials are surprisingly hardy. No it isn't going to be an heirloom; but it's a lightweight low profile piece that sits well under a shirt cuff. The nearest equivalent Max Bill quartz, which has very similar styling, cost 5 times as much. Yes it's a superior machine, but £500 is a fair chunk of dosh and I certainly wouldn't wear it so casually.
Hi. Same here. Low profile Bering on mesh bracelet. Looks really good to formal dress and business casual. Have also jaeger for "better" occasions, but honestly bering is more universal.
Buying second hand Rolex watches with non-factory diamond diais ....you can't send them to Rolex for servicing unless you return it back to factory spec.
Hi imaad42...yes they will and they're cheaper too..just make sure they're reputable...if you're in London I can help point you in the right direction - if you do not want to service with Rolex that is. I've owned several Rolex watches and have bought 2 for my wife.....one is a 1978 DateJust...after having it serviced...it came back brand new - but this one I purchased - turned out to be a non-factory Rolex placed diamonds. I could not tell though - even with a 30x mag...but Rolex knew because the serial number of the watch did not leave the factory with diamonds. I still think it is a Rolex factory dial with diamonds though - but not 100% sure. Maybe someone here can help explain.
...one other point....if you send a Rolex to Rolex Servicing...and say the dial isn't factory...they class it as non-factory....they will not return it unless you return it back to factory...which means you either have to buy a exact dial from Rolex..or you provide them with a factory spec dial....be warned!
It's all relative really you buy what you like and can afford. I have a box full of "fashion watches" I love the style of each and they are all different.
The first watch I ever bought with my own money when I left school in 1976 was a Sinclair Black Watch. I struggled with it and got it repaired a couple of times before throwing it in the bin. It cost me a weeks wages.
When it comes to cheaper watches ($1000 below), I completely disagree with the grey market argument. We do have numerous Facebook groups that vouch for individual sellers based on their reliability and legitimacy. I could buy a Seiko $150 less in grey market vs the actual retail. Just do a legitimacy check or LC on the Facebook groups. It is very worth it.
The majority of "grey market" watches, from my personal experience, have been good. By this I mean I have purchased genuine watches online through retailers which use third party suppliers. I believe manufacturers are behind some of it simply to move stock when newer models are on the horizon. I would break it down based on my own research that it's about a 90% vs 10% hit / miss. This means 90% are good deals where post-sale is uneventful and 10% are either minor issues or disastrous with breakdowns or other major problems in the first year. I've had a couple of grey market Seikos which are still running better than ever and have arrived with a stamped authenticity / warranty certificate. It also depends on the retailer and supplier. Amazon are getting better but make sure the supplier is regulated somehow where they will look after you in the event of problems. Remember a brand new piece out of an authorized retailer can stop next day.
I've had good luck with the grey market (Jonashop and Amazon) watches. I'm willing to pay $250 for a $750 watch and hope for the best, or less than $100 for a $300 watch. So far, so good. And if a watch ever does stop working, I'd see if the Jonashop warrantee was any good or just throw the watch away if it cost less than $100. I'm now actually trying to give up my obsession with watches - 24 watches is more than enough! (Also, all but 2 of my watches are quartz or solar quartz - so not as complicated as automatic, less to go wrong.)
Thanks for the tips. Im looking into buying a mechanical watch. One that has caught my eye is by tapferkeit, an automatic with a Japanese miyota movement. Not very expensive. Is this just complete rubbish or a watch that can can be serviced.
I had a Breitling B1 that I really liked, but I ended up selling it because of reason #6. Depending on where I took it, and I'm talking only Breitling authorized dealers, it cost $250-350 to get the battery replaced. The funny thing was that I chose the B1 over a Navitimer hoping to avoid the expensive cleaning service that an automatic movement needs occasionally. Now I only have Citizen Radio Controlled Eco Drive watches. They are affordable, rugged, supremely accurate, come in a lot of great designs, and best of all, require zero maintenance.
Citizen watches have lasting power! Myself, I am totally happy with my Shark ( made in Texas, USA) waterproof, and knock on wood Never has been any problem. Under $100, last one is still ticking but got a new style because I can.
The guy isn’t wrong about citizen watches. They ARE supremely accurate and like zero maintenance, if not rugged. I wish mine had sapphire Crystal on it, but for $100 it’s an incredible value for a watch.
I unfortunately was caught. Not that it's bad, but I bought exactly what was shown, a Daniel wellington for my wife. She loves it, but going forward I'll be researching as I've just started with watches
Another type of watch to avoid: a watch so expensive you are afraid of using it
Agreed, unless it's a unique timepiece and you keep it safe as a work of art. Anything that can be purchased freely is just "an instrument" made for being used and menat to be.
pretty safe strapped on my wrist. i had to get over scratches, now i just call it "character". although i'll insist on a quality glass.
I wear an AP offshore nearly everyday.
This is so true. Just like an expensive car that your afraid to take out of the garage.
You’re right. However this all depends on one’s financial situation. For some, a Submariner is something that they would only wear for special occasions. For others it’s a daily beater. Some people would never swim with a Royal Oak or Nautilus. To others they’re rather “cheap” watches.
A man wearing two watches has a lot of time on his hands
😂😂😂
Ba dum tsss
Nice
Im stealing this. And you can't stop me
I have a Sundial watch with nightlights.
“Beautiful view of Manhattan” *shows something that looks like a Soviet-era town*
haha ! well said...
😂 thats Manhattan for you
it doesnt look manattan , looks suisse.or a nearby country..
Rohan Bansal do you know manhattan price per square foot ? It’s a nice view for manhattan 😂
Have you ever been to Detroit?
It's you, Rohan, living in a world of shit.
We lived in the future.
I have modded a few watches, and so long as you find a clean space and have the right tools, it is fine. The hand pusher-on tool thingy is the most important (hands are fragile). The best part is that you can regulate the watch and have a Seiko NH35 run to COSC standards.
Just buy the tools, get two of everything (three winding stems), and learn while doing. The best part is that you can make extra watches with your spare parts, not to mention swap out Seiko movements to avoid paying for a service.
Well said, isn't this how Horology starts potentially?. Must be some cases out there.. Major watches for example?..
You look like a Bond villain in this video
Lol true
More like a sidekick
007nikster2 hahah sad
Casio Casino Royale .
That SAS sweater tho
Me: "What's your age?"
Him: "I don't know, between 19 and 72"
He’s 37
Hahahahahahaha 😂😂😂
Best comment ever
He is an immortal (😢🤣😄).
I said this the other day! He should be the mascot of r/13or30
I remember when my Brietling Callisto main spring broke I took it to the local watch maker they wanted $675 to repair it!! this was in 2005! then I found this Chinese guy who could barely speak English and he did the work including the parts for $90!! needles to say became friends with him since have taken him even a Patek Philippe pocket watch! he fixed it no problem that guy is amazing he services the watches while you wait and see him work! its truly an art form!
that Chinese guy probably swapped out your real watch for a counterfeit right under your nose bruh!
@@CGR9Noveno entirely possibly if he didnt see him work on the first one. entirely possible.. especially considering the price he paid to get it fixed, 90 bucks is like fast food workers daily wage lol. not sure how he thought that was a good idea to do.
was he fixed it using authentic after market parts or he used parts that are from similar calibre / module like an ETA movement ?
R/boneappletea (its needless to say)
Just curious, was it in Boston? I think i go to the same guy
An old man told me once that “Only two types of people open a watch. A watchmaker and a fool.”
Lol, sounds like your dad opened a watch once.
Fuck around : find out
AGREE! Bought a Timex Indiglo Expedition with a full-coverage metal back. Need to change the battery, and somehow managed to pry the metal back off. Changed the battery with no problem, but could NOT replace the backing because it takes a special Press gizmo to push the backing back into place. BAD design, and even though I have had good luck with the accuracy of Timex products, I will be very careful when purchasing another Timex watch-----taking special care not to purchase one unless it is kept in place with screws that can be removed with the small screwdrivers used to adjust eyeglasses. Costco carries them.
fake replica watches and gilt jewellrey in the safe for when you get a home invasion, real stuff behind the cat food in the pantry
Gosh 🤫 now I just need to find another place to stash it lol
Thats where the patek lies for sure!
Safe inside a safe always works
I bought a watch for 10 euros 2 years ago . It's skeleton mechanical watch and still works fine. Perfect on time. It's a fake but i love it.
Why the hell would you own a cat?
So does this Guy look like a young Willem Dafoe or what?
Yes. He kind of does.
Christen walken too
This fella is much better looking .
@@tittyblast1978 Hahaha love your name!!! 😂 🤣 😂
Christopher Walken top boy 👌Wonder if he's into time-pieces too and what he'd go for 🤔
Yes I know, too much time on my hands... Perhaps should take one or two off phnar phnar!!!
Willem Dafoe looks like an old him.
In 1986 I bought a Seiko Moon Phase Watch, and I still wear it every day and adore it. I would cry tears of blood if I ever lost it.
It looks perfect on my arm, it's fairly small and quite flat. I barely feel it while I'm wearing it.I've tried other watches but nothing has beaten old faithful.
Truly the best item I've ever bought.
I think I paid about $250au for it.
Got a picture
I got a gold Seiko quartz, and a old Seiko world timer and they've both been in my family for over 20+ years with no issues after upkeep, truly a fantastic brand
You sound like a real sad sack over a watch. How many watches did I own as a kid and teen in the 1980's, about three. One was a calculator watch, a Seiko of some sort and a Citizen analog/digital. They're been and gone. I own two watches I bought years ago and can't be bothered wearing them because no one wears watches, we all get the time from our phones.
Thank you sir. In 1997 I was in the market to spend a decent chunk of change on s watch for my dad and one for me to scuba dive in. I sold a car and had $3,000 to spend. We shopped for a few watches that were Grey market, a 1960s Omega, and a few that were frankly too high end for fellas like us. My dad saw a Wenger Swiss Army for a little over $100 I think and I found an entry level Citizen (non eco drive,) for $225. My dad still wears that watch and he worked as a machinist. I made 500 or so dives with the Citizen and still wear it as well. Great video and you are doing a tremendous service for folks. I just got lucky and made the right choice but I would have loved to see your video back then. Cheers from Mississippi.
A friend of mine bought a Tommy Hilfiger watch and i was going for an Emporio Armani.
I'm getting an Orient Bambino in the same price instead.
You are doing God's work with these kind of videos, sir.
Thank you.
I was giving a Tommy Hilfiger.. doesn't keep time, its 2 +- hours off every 6 days
Have fun with your Bambino! It's truly a beautiful piece; i wear mine on occasions and it always draws interested looks. It's really a conversation starter :)
1 year ago i bought a T. Hilfiger watch for my 18 years old birthday and its work perfecty for the moment
Magnificent Bastard got one for 100
Don't get watches from companies that make jeans and colognes.
More importantly avoid wearing a watch on each arm.
Well, I'd wear them on the wrist!!! :)
So two on one, then?
But what if one of them are one of those watch calculators from the 80s?
wear one on each arm and on each ankle
Gentlemen , groin carry is a thing in 24
Amazing video.
No.4 reminds me a hilarious saying: “You never actually own a daniel wellington. You merely look after it for the trash bin.”
Rude but kind of true.
😳
I know a person who intentionally bought a counterfeit DW because „the genuine is so expensive but they are so beautiful I have to own one, especially I like their fancy straps”. If only they knew DW straps are ordinary NATO straps and can be mounted on almost any watch. I couldn’t stop laughing. I thought it was a joke but the person was dead serious 😂🤣
Almost got a daniel wellington as my first watch
Thankfully i dodged a bullet and ended up with seiko presage
If it looks simple it means the person performing the “simple” service is a master of the craft.
11) Mechanical watches for your wife. (Unless your hobby is setting the time and date on watches)
Grinder oh I can so relate to this.
It should also handle water and dirt. She loves to water test watches and she have green fingers.
LOL
I purchased a watch winder for her automatic. Boom!
Or work and it wind itself up
Buy whatever watch you can afford and like the looks of. That's my rule of thumb.
And even if it's broken at least the time is correct twice a day hahaha
@@wb3213 Yes ha ha old joke, see you on TicTok😋
@@wb3213 😂😂
@@larsstougaard7097 gay
This channel is more about investment level watches
Disagree about the grey market point. Every time I've purchased or came close to purchasing a mid to high end watch from an Authorised Dealer, every single time they've tried to sell me their display model with scratches and scuffs and what have you. I once requested a newly boxed one to be shipped in and they simply received another display model from another store. It's just the nature of their business that they can only keep so much stock on hand for security/finance reasons.
I've purchased a number of grey market watches and all but one of them have been flawless. One had a misaligned bezel, and it went straight back to the manufacturer who fixed it free of charge under warranty.
You are VERY lucky sir.
Thank you, enjoy your watches.
Best regards,
TGV
Just found your channel. Boy did you hit home on many topics and I fall into one of them. Rolex Submariner.. It cost 800 dollars for a tune up and the shop recommended a tune up every couple of years. Plus only wear it on special occasions. My brother had one also and he wore it everyday as a cop. Said you pay all that money and you never wear it. Very true.
Thank you for the caliber of your presentation! I'm a layman in terms of watches but your video gave me very clear advice that was easy to understand and offers the benefit of your experience in this realm. Excellent pointers!
In the end, I had to give up collecting watches, I just didnt have the time lol
Ron Wylie BADUM TSSS
Not bad, not bad
Jesus christ
Laughing at your own joke is a terrible idea.
Grey market is perfectly fine up to a certain price point. I absolutely would not buy a rolex or omega speedmaster from one, due to restocking fees and other reasons you listed. But there's nothing wrong with getting cheaper watches like a Khaki Mechanical or Seiko skx007 for well below retail.
fax
Seiko is actually a quality watch in my opinion
I should’ve found your channel earlier. I just realized that I recently bought an automatic chronograph watch in what you refer to as gray market. It came with a two year international warranty, but after I had it registered with the manufacturer, I found out that the warranty is only valid if it was bought from an authorized dealer. Now, the packaging and information of origin comes from an authorized dealer name, but the online company I made the purchase from doesn’t show in the list of authorized dealers.
The only way for me to communicate with the seller is by email and she couldn’t give me a satisfactory answer when it came to the warranty cover. I’m happy with the watch, the price I paid for it and the fact that all the codes and numbers checked ok with the maker when I had it registered, but I sure hope it doesn’t give me any issues for the next two years at least.
I didn't know Willem Dafoe was that much into watches! ;)
Lol
And I didn't know Christopher Walken was that into watches 50 years ago.
Will the apple watch be repairable in even 4 years? No. A waste of resources
If it was repairable, would it even be worth it? A smart watch is like a phone eventually the hardware can not support the new software with up to date security features and now you are getting into vulnerabilities like malware infection and possibly getting hit with things like identity theft.
Probably repairable. Solid state devices do not wear out.
JimzAuto false. There are things such as soft errors and hard errors. Further the transistors denature over time. There is also electromigration.
Better buy a g-shock with heart rate monitor. The price is just a little bit expensive than an apple watch. But hey, a g-shock guarantees worth of money. At least can last many years without worrying the battery
People who buy Apple watch will buy a new one in 4 years to get a useless new feature. Apple watches are for gadget lovers, not watch lovers. They didn't buy their Apple watch for keeping time or for style/fashion. Bigger question is, I wonder how many "I don't need a watch, I have a phone" people ended up getting an Apple watch lol.
I don't see a problem with a reputable grey market dealer like Jomashop. I always hear, "what about the warranty?". So what about the warranty? If I am saving $3k, who cares if it needs $700 in repair work, I am still winning.
Exactly. I'm not gonna pay 2~3k more just to be told how "beautiful this watch looks on me".
Is jomis shop the place hes referring to in New York?
@budaflash Joma is based in NewYork and grey market so i'd assume so.
I’ve personally had a bad experience with them but I wouldnt get into that as I eventually got my money back but I’ve read about people making use of their warranty and getting it back damaged and saying the watch was delivered to the dealer for repairs already damaged and having to live with bent hands or scuffs on the dial etc.
Another thing that I don’t like is that they sell old models that don’t have the latest specs and cannot truly confirm anything until you get it and the dilemma is some specs you won’t be able to know unless you open the watch or hold onto it long enough to verify but considering their return policy you won’t be able to return for refund by the time you figure out what version of the model you got.
Enjoyed your video. I had a most unpleasant experience with a Rolex knock-off. My husband bought it for me as a joke when he was on a business trip to Hong Kong. He presented it to me when he got home and I decided to wear it that day. By early evening, the watch had stopped working. One of the little studs glued on as hour markers came loose and got tangled in the hands. The bad news is I inadvertently left my husband waiting for me for more than an hour at the concert we were to attend that night. The good news? This time being late wasn't my fault! The useful alibi aside, the fake Rolex wasn't even worth the @ $20 my husband paid for it.
MVMT got me into watches and eventually looked into it when I wanted to get some more. Learned alot about the watch market and easily learned that these fashion watches are overpriced for questionable quality. Got a Timex Weekender and love it. Tried an inexpensive watch brand that charges proper prices and like it for what it is. Finally got an Orient Defender and I'm never going back. I'll honestly slowly grow a collection because watches are just so interesting.
NOTHING wrong with a Timex. They make some fantastic watches. Id rather a bog standard low end €20 Timex than a MVMT, Daniel Wellington, philippe loreti etc.
Was MVMT worth it?
I love Timex and Casio.
I work in a very demanding, all weather dirty job and my Timex has been with me the whole way. I own several and love them all. Extremely reliable
"The Indian Frankenwatch market"
*Me sweating after paying $50 a week ago for a Seiko that's coming from India*
I paid about 400 box forn an oris artelier and I am really curious how is it possible, what was the trap. But I bought it with a warranty from a a watch store
I would love to own a perfect Frankenwatch, that would be a unique watch, but who to trust ?? 🤔🐿
I bought a frankenwatch Seiko from India. It was cheap enough that if it's just awful, I won't mind tossing it. I like the look of it and buying a "non-frankenwatch" of the same watch would cost like $300 while the dial is all scratched and deteriorating.
Update: Watch arrived. Looks great. Works fine. Happy with my purchase.
I bought a £13 Ricoh watch (including postage) from an Indian seller last week. Honestly, if it runs fine I'll be happy with it, I don't mind if it's not all original, I just like the look of it and I'm not going to find one like it in a hurry (or even at all). If it doesn't work, it's no big loss! Shame it's going to take almost six weeks to arrive 🙄
@@EnCrypticon23x from where did you buy
I wear vintage Omega watches. Five manuals and one automatic. All six are excellent time keepers. But one was a problem. It was a Bombay special.
it worked for a while and quit. I have a good watch repairman. He took the watch apart and the movement was clued together. It is a 1943 black face
war watch. Very nice looking. This watch is a omega 26.5t3. They quite making this 15 jewel watch in the early 1950's. My repairman said the parts
were made out of unattainium. He said but in drawer and forget it. I did that, but every once in a while I would look at, In my eyes it is a beautiful watch.
So if the watch parts were not attainable, I decided to buy another 26.5T3 for parts. It took three tries. I got the right last December. its was made very close
to mine. The part came out of Australia. They look beat up. Put the movement was in great shape. My repairman just wanted to swap the movement.,
but I decided I wanted to keep its original numbers. So Dr Frankenstein did the work. And said it was a live. I went though quite a lot to fix this watch,
but damn. I wanted that watch fixed and fixed it is. It keeps excellent time, I believe very close to current watches. I wear this watch a lot.
I have several 25+ year old fashion watches. They’re all quartz and still work perfectly and look fine. They’re what got me into watches.
Very good advice for a novice and also a reminder to those of us who have been collecting watches for years. Many years ago, I lost money on a very good fake but, fake never the less, Royal Navy Omega Seamaster 300 and also a Synchron Doxa Sub that was genuine but not really restorable due to the parts now made of unobtanium. The Doxa runs and is a good beater. The Omega doesn't run but is kept as a good reminder. We live and learn.
Casio for life! My Gshocks may not be the nicest looking of watches but they are are very capable and damn near indestructible. My G shock steel is my daily driver and looks good. I'd like a MR.G in the future love the look.
I love G-Shock. I bought the Wave-Ceptor solar powered ones, and they are still beating away on the same power cells they came with. One is thirteen years old.
Whipped99 some of them are even better looking than rolex!
like steelseries
or rangeman
I doubt it. How are G-Shocks germ traps, when we wear them in the shower/bath, almost every day? Or just clean them now and again.
G shock are amazing
@Star Trek Theory
I have disassembled many.
Please forgive my ignorance, but your point is lost on me.
Guns … fountain pens … watches … and now I'm headed for the next Mecum classic car auction … God help me!
horselips haha sounds expensive lol!!! I love watching there auction on tv. I’ve seen some beautiful rides go across!!
Dang I'm already in watches and fountain pens dont throw me down further lol
No knives? You are missing out. And vintage Barbie dolls. LOL
I call this the ‘RUclips effect’
Guns and watches I understand but fountain pens? Get the fuck out!
Great video! You said everything important things about when buying a watch! I'm not a collector, I just have about 3-4, but when buying a watch I really do a lot of research what fits most to me what to avoid. Really great video! You get my like
I am 16 and I just bought my first real watch, it's the citizen eco drive black watch, I am in love and it's only my first watch
Nice dude. My first watch was an eco drive also. I'm 17 now and have a job so I can indulge into my hobby alot more now lol😊
Eco Drives are terrific watches. When you want to jump into mechanicals look at Seiko for a extremely nice watch at a very low price.
Conrats! May you enjoy it for a long time ! :)
Good choice
Let's hope the first of many
So when I was a "kid" I bought what was then "the" pilot's watch. It was lost in a move. Ten years later I found my 500$ watch in a box I nearly tossed. I had lost the bezel years earlier. A new thing, the internet had come along, so I looked up a bezel for the watch I had bought, and worn, so long ago, my Rolex GMT 6542. The result nearly killed me. Are there really idiots that would pay that much?
I wish I could say I replaced the bezel with an original...I would have to sell a house. I did have it serviced (not cheap).
As to owning a watch you can't wear (my watch is probably worth a quarter of what my house is worth). Zooming down the highway on my Ironhead I sometimes think of the odds that, after an accident, would my watch still be with me but I still wear it, every day. I love that watch.
What I hate are collectors vacuuming up relics to put in their own museums, never to be enjoyed; driving the cost of ownership past the point of sanity. Now if someone would just send me a Bakelite bezel...
Seems pretty cheap for a house to be honest ...
david ervin could you name-drop some more products next time.
Aren't Rolex bezels unmarked? As long as it looks original it should be fine unless that is something that really, really bugs you.
"I would never belittle somebody for their watch, it's just ungentlemanly" basta, mi hai conquistato. Subscribe immediato! 🙂
I compliment the watch just the fact that they have one on
Quest’uomo è un signore :)
Unless they’re wearing a smart/Apple Watch
Thank you SO much! Especially for the advice on fashion watches. They did really get me into watches, yes. But now I see the way I should move further and what to avoid.
Just dipping my wrist into the world of watch collecting and I have to say your content has been very helpful indeed! Great presentation; friendly casual exposition. Nicely done. New subscriber!
My Indian Oris worked fine for 10 Days 🎬
Gary Sharples
It must’ve been a good one.
That's exactly how many days I got out of my Indian Citizen Automatic. Never again!
Gary Sharples it's works only 10monts that bad watch
😂
what did you expect with a Franken?
" I've been expecting you, agent 007 "
Here is the "Austin Powers IV: Watch Maker, the Ultimate Time Master" version: (enjoy)
Watch Maker: "I've been expecting you, Powers! ...but first check out my latest Patek Philippe Uber Ultra Grand Complications!! It comes complete a standard tachymeter, tourbillon, and a special repeater that chimes on leap year; a perpetual calendar, day, date, and month; a moon phase, of course, and also the retrogrades of Mercury and Mars, it has TWO GMT hands, one for each meridian-- both Prime and International Date Line--and a 24 hour and double 12 hour fully rotating bezel, and looks quite exceptional...exquisite...I get emotional just thinking about it. There's even a special setting for when I'm in those awful time 30 & 45 minute time zones---WHY DO THEY DO THAT??
...wait, where was I?"
Where is blofeld ??🧐
@@keldonmcfarland2969 shut up
@@matthewj4066
Don't be an asshole
I *strongly* agree with number 2. Those who genuinely value watches like myself don't like the idea of smart watches. They're not reliable at all. They need charge and are more high maintenance than average watches due to being a very sensitive little machine. If there's no charge and internet you'll be just wearing a screen LOL I always buy things thinking of the most scariest survival scenarios in my head. Call me old fashioned, but I still love traditional watches. I want my watch to only show me the correct time, not stalk me. Smart watches are made to keep an eye on you. It's designed to control your mind. Overtime people are gonna become more and more stupid using these gadgets! Plus the radiations from smartphones are harmful enough, you don't need more cancer causing gadgets that's harmful for your health. Though I am of this generation I don't like smart watches. Apple can't even run their phones properly for 5 years straight, I can't imagine their watches 5 years down the line! Apple slows down all their devices when new ones come out to push customers into buying their new products. Apple heavily manipulates their customers. I know this because I've used Apple since iPods first came out LOL not worth it. I'd put smart watches in the "fast fashion" category.
And they just don't look as...classy as a real watch either, imo. ⌚ I've not bought a smart watch all this time just because of looks. Plus, like you said, my phone is enough of an invasion of privacy as it is. I don't need another miniature one strapped to my wrist all day and night. Lol
I bought a couple of Smartwatches- the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the Casio GShock Protrek WSDF20. But the fact that at times I’d forget to charge those Watches made me appreciate my Gravitymaster Tough Solar Casio GShock.
You sir need your own TV Show. One of the best, honest and enjoyable videos I’ve seen regarding watches. Keep em coming.
He could be Dick Cavett grandson
Great video. Unfortunately, I've learned several of these lessons (gray market and unservicable timepieces). I will not repeat the mistakes again and have one additional insight for the smartwatch discussion. Even if you can purchase extra watches (sans precious metals) or additional internal components to use for potential repair work, the batteries have a service life of 2-3 years (thanks Apple for admitting this). A new battery purchased at the end of a production run will also last only 2-3 years. By that time, the battery will be replaced by a new design, making it incompatible with your smartwatch (whether precious metal or not). One ends up with an expensive and value-less paperweight in half a decade.
Excellent comment John. Thank you, especially for having the integrity to share this.
So often people do not what to admit their mistakes. You sir, are true Gentry!
Onwards and upwards.
Best regards,
TGV
I have bought several watches on the grey market. However they were only $200 or less. I think buying a luxury watch on the grey market is too dangerous. Sorry you had bad experiences.
John Clark I
John Clark I used to love my Pebble Steel for a great knock about smart watch. Hammer proof and had some really wonderful apps, worked beautifully as a smartphone companion. That is until Pebble went out of business. It's still usable but the app hasn't been updated in years and sends a lot of your personal information to a 3rd party. Shame about the Apple batteries and Companies making watches knowing they will last 2-3 years tops.
John Clark
Honeslty I had my Seiko for 2 years now and it still works like I bought it yesterday... and got gifted a solar seiko as well and it still works great with me.
Of course it does 2 years is nothing.Mine is quartz and needs a battery replacement now after 10 years
Never had a bad Seiko in my entire life.
Thank you for mentioning the Bombay specials, aka the Indian frankens. I'm from India and it honestly hurts to see great pieces being painted over and sold unscrupulously on fleabay
They just use 1965 movements
and put them in brand new cases and dials mostly.,
@@stevenc8054what's wrong with that if you get a working watch for $32 with great movement
I've got a couple of those and to be honest... a lot of them look fucking great. Sure they run like absolute poop, but hey, for what you're paying...
I'm considering them as sacrificial watches to take apart to learn how to clean and oil mechanical watches and of course to change the crystals.
@@nicholasperri6005 The problem is you may only get a couple of wears out of it, as I did mine.
I've done the "Grey Market" thing. The watch I liked was "OUT OF STOCK" Everywhere online and Brick & Mortar. So, "Buy It Now" worked out.
I sincerly love your videos. I have just started as “collector” and your wisdom and sincere opinion has help a lot. Watching from México while drinking a pint!
Can't agree with you on gray market watches.
I bought omega that would cost me over $10k to buy from AD, bought it on gray market from reputable seller for $4500🤷♂️ ,4 years later I had to service the watch for $1000 from omega with 2 years omega warranty. So buying on gray market saved me $4500 🤷♂️ how is that not great deal???
Yes buying on GM means no factory warranty but who cares if you saving that much money you can have to factory service it and still save money definitely worth the risk as long as the price is right.
SENGVIN , hows the weather in Mumbai?
Can i get the seller contact??
I entirely agree; I have bought GM watches (sometimes with the dealers stamp) and had no trouble. The only time I have had an issue with a new watch was with my Rolex Daytona which I bought from an AD in Singapore and had to have repaired when I got back to the US. I have made some incredible savings buying GM watches. In two cases I saved in excess of $10 000 which is better in my pocket than that of an AD 😁.
You're spot on about fake watches. When my dad finished his PHD, my brother-in-law and I went to buy my watch a fake Rado in Chinatown. Several years later the gold had faded and when my dad tried to replace the battery, the jeweler told my dad that he couldn't because it was a fake and he did not want to be responsible for any damage. My dad told me about it, I felt so bad. I was in my early 20's when we bought this cheap $200 fake and even though we split the bill, $100 was very hard to come by. Now I'm in my 40's and making good money. If he was still alive today, I'd buy him a real Rado.
The last line beautiful
My personal number one: wearing two watches at the same time.
Dont buy a watch you cannot afford!
To late 😎
@@andrewbarclay235 *too late
I'd say: don't buy a watch that it will lead you to bankruptcy 😁
Sold my house to buy a gorillaz x gshock of ebay... damn scalpers
Thank you I'm trying to justify spending on a watch
Before watching this: Too late
After watching this: Need another watch.
I started carrying a pocket watch around 2016 and like it. At first it amazed me at the number of people I'd run across who had never seen one. Whenever I pulled it out to check the time some people would just trip out. I'm not going to say much about the mainly young people who can't tell time by one. It's mostly not their fault it's their elders. I'd often wanted a pocket watch and one day saw one that I really liked and bought it. It didn't cost much but looks a lot more expensive.
Hi, I love your videos and I have to say that I agree with you almost at 95% with you.
I would like to ask you something about the new Omega Seamaster 300M Limited Edition James Bond 50th anniversary... Do you think is worthy to pay more than 2000€ over the standard 300M?
Apple watches and products are not meant to last for more than a couple years.
Aymanali Jumma And yet they do last longer than that.
I'm sure it varies from product to product, but I've got an iPod that's about ten years old at this point. It's scratched up with a dented backplate (probably from the time it rattled down a small cliff and got lodged in the roots of a tree) and the battery isn't great, but it still works as new. Doesn't see much use anymore, but when it does, it's fine.
Lifragen Change the battery, I assume you only get like 3 hours of battery.
@@wooferjr169 Something like that. I don't really use it on the go anymore, so I'm not sure a battery change would be worth it.
They will if you take care of them mines last forever and don’t even get a scratch on them 😂I just use a case and screen protector that I haven’t changed since I bought it doesn’t even have a crack on it and has been dropped multiple times
Thankyou a million times for the recommendation to avoid fashion watches! I bought my first watch, a Max Bill, last month and I couldn't be happier.
How much did it cost you?
This was the first video I watched of yours, very informative and intriguing, I look forward to more.
Save yourself the grief, and buy yourself a reliable Japanese made watch, especially a Citizen Eco-Drive.
Good video.
True, I got a navihawk AT, and its a great watch ;)
I have been thinking about buying a Citizen Eco-Drive for a while now. I like the no-battery & no watch winder aspect of these Eco-Drive watches. Seems almost too good to be true. I’d appreciate any other insights you have and which models you’d recommend?
@@Kenerdmann Considering this comment is almost a year old now, I figured I'd chime in to your reply. I just bought my first watch, a Citizen Nighthawk Eco-Drive. Obviously I'm inexperienced but I'm super happy with it, at 42mm I was worried it would be too big, but it looks and wears great. The steel band on it is also pretty decent quality, which from what I've researched, usually isn't the case with under $200 watches. Good luck!
My youngest boy is a Navy pilot. I got him a Citizen Skyhawk AT (I think it was a ProMaster but can't remember) several years ago when his Citizen Blue Angels AT got fried by SPIE radar. Every time I've seen a picture of him anywhere around the world; at Fleet locations ashore, in Europe or aboard a carrier, he's had that watch on his wrist. He loves it. He knows how to and uses the whiz-wheel and all the features of the watch. I asked him a couple years after I gave him the watch how he liked it. His reply was "You done good, Dad. You done real good." He's moved up in rank since then and is now second in command of a stateside Naval Base and still wears that watch. Some of that is no doubt because "Dad" gave it to him but it's been a real good watch.
I just bought a new Citizen Eco Drive Bryson BL5551-06L and I love it. I've had Eco Drives before that got destroyed through no fault of their own (one had a window slam shut on it because I stupidly put it in the wrong place to charge. Won't make that mistake again.) and I've been a fan of Eco Drives for quite a while. I have other watches l like to wear too, but the Bryson is still new enough to be novel and a real treat. Every time I look at the time I think about how much I love this watch. When the novelty wears off (if ever) and I wear something else now and then it will go on a light charger I got on Amazon so it will always be charged up and ready to rock.
I don't know if this is incorrect or not but is it true that an Eco-Drives cannot be serviced even by Citizen themselves. Like, if the hour hand starts acting up you just have to throw it away or live with it. I'm new to watches and saw this on some forum.
Excellent video as usual but I disagree on the grey market. I bought many watches ($200 - $1200) from Joma (about 8 watches), Gemnation, World of Watches and Ashford and never had a problem. Every watch I received was brand new. They make it very easy to return and I have never been charged a restocking fee. I probably wouldn't be buying from an AD as the extra money for just the warranty is not worth it for me.
Thank you Frank, glad you hear you were luckier then me!
Best regards,
TGV
Frank Wulfers is it safer than amazon ?
if I'm saving $1500 on sticker price, I can afford to take the risk that the watch wont fail within the normal manufacturer warranty. If it does, it probably wont come close to making up that $1500 difference for out of pocket repairs.
Frank - your reply was 4 years ago....do you still feel confident in Joma? Ordered an Omega (delivery still TBD) and TGV comment making me nervous
@@judeplante6241 I recently ordered an Omega Aqua Terra from Joma through eBay and all was good. Brand new all in plastic. eBay has an extra layer of protection with the authenticity guarantee and easy returns. eBay items are always in stock so that's nice to know as well.
I take exception with your No. 1. Vortic Watches from Fort Collins, CO, appears to be a quality company that specializes in converting pocket watches into wristwatches and they stand behind their work.
Doug Weedman Username checks out
@@cameron6537 Dead XD
My first watch was a mvmnt watch which I did like and got me into watches. Then I started to really see how cheap it felt compared to the watches I was looking at. I now wear a junghans max bill everyday for work.
for the price of the junghans i'd get a orange monster seiko
smartwatches got me into watches. I bought an apple watch and loved it.....
less and less over time when I discovered the magic of mechanical timepieces. sold it after 9 months and started my mechanical watch collection and saving up for a speedmaster professional :)
That was a very good decision.
This is exactly what i experienced too. I bought a Samsung SmartWatch and now discorverd the real Art of mechanical watches...
I don't like smart watches but they really did start getting a generation who never wore watches to start wearing them.
Congrats on educting yourself. Good luck on your goal.
Then look into Vintage receivers such as Marantz 2600/2500, Pioneer 1280/50 or Sansui 9090 etc.
Go for QUALITY first. Always. It'll save you big $$ in the long run.
same
Great video as always TGV. I saw your videos when my Armani Exchange watch was still under the 30 days return period from Macy's. I returned that watch the same day and bought the SKX with money left to spare.
Nice one my friend, nicely done indeed!!!!
Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Good choice
The Urban Gentry I have in mind buying a Chinese Seagull, but I have to buy it online and I never bought before a watch that I haven’t got in my hands before. I already have a khaki field classic model, is the seagull in the same level of quality?. Thank you.
Puthearith Chea, good idea. When I shop for a watch at Macy's I just pass by the fashion watches that are seen in large quantities in flashy, attractive display cases and look for a Seiko automatic...I got one Seiko at a Macy's with 25% off.
I hear you... But I absolutely love my Vincero watch. White face, rose gold hands and hour markers, brown strap, kairos series. It was also my wedding present from my wife so it has a special meaning behind it for me, but I do get a lot of compliments on it as well. I do intend on picking up some mechanical movement watches down the line but for now I am incredibly content with my vincero.
And that's totally fine! The watch community is very snobby
@@toastbrotL1 Im new to watches and I have to agree. Ive seen a number of snobs online. A lot of the reasons Ive been told to avoid certain brands are actually irrelevant to me (and practically everyone I know). I get that watch enthusiasts prefer a watch with heritage and certain materials. But the ones Im interested in are leagues better, from an aesthetic standpoint, than the ones recommended to me (imo) and have been shown to be of good quality on unbiased reviews Ive read. So I would honestly just go for a good looking fashion-watch. As long as I'm not trying to impress anyone, it just makes more sense.
After wanting a good watch for so long but worried about my budget you have inspired me to start a cheap collection. Casio edifice and gshock in the case so far and now looking at a bulova cheers
Speaking of watches you might want to avoid. I'd absolutely love it if you could review some Seagull watches. Particularly their Tourbilon. A $3k Chinese Tourbilon movement is something I find really interesting, but no western channels seem to have reviewed or featured it.
Pre-Order The ERA Prometheus - The World's First Accessible Millionaire Tourbillon [Batch 3] please check it before you buy and tell me if you think its worth $999.00
I just wanted to say I appreciate everything you do for this channel the amount of effort that goes into the videos and the intro best regards to you and the viewers of the urban Gentry
Thank you so much my friend, knowing always inspires me
Best regards,
TGV
I really like my Bulova it's perfect for just about any occasion, well for me that is. But it's not too classy, or dressy, or even sporty. I love how you can watch all the movements going on in it. But I really enjoyed your video thanks for sharing it.
I just purchased my 1st watch ever! a tag heuer mario editon new release, (very lucky to get) it is a smart watch and after watching not sure I did the right choice whats your opinion on it ? Thank you kindly
I agree with all your points, but you must treat every situation individually... I build watches from pocket watch movements myself...I service the movements myself, I create the dials myself and sell them myself... A big difference though is that I never pretend that the watches I build are something created by the original manufacturer. In fact, I have my own logo on the dials and don't pretend that these are original in any way. I've created and sold over 300 watches in the past 4 years and have only had one unsatisfied customer...I made him satisfied by standing behind my product and refunded the entire amount of the watch...
Kind regards, Don
Winston Baby that is something very humbling. Not a lot of times you see someone stand by what they create.
How can we see some of your work?
I don't think its appropriate to list my website but you can do a Google search for DJW Custom Timepieces !!!
Winston Baby your work is beautiful
In my limited experience, In terms of vintage, Soviet watches seem to be good value. There are many sellers in eastern Europe with good feedback on Ebay who sell serviced watches that don't perhaps have the glitz and glamour of the legendary brands, but some of them use western European influenced movements and have that typically Russian design philosophy of ''nothing flashy, does the job, low maintenance'
I’ve been really happy with a vintage Vostok. It’s not water resistant-learned that the hard way-but other than that, it has been great! Put it on a bond strap, which makes me laugh. An east meets west espionage conflict right on my wrist...
I wear a Timex at work because I’m a Registered Nurse! If someone hocks a loogie on my watch .... I can throw it away! 😁👍🏼
hope you are keeping safe James.
Same here brother! Cheap little Casio for me.
😫
Get a waterproof one! You are wasting earth's resources!
@@twbrkfd1733 germs u moron
Good advice however is it just indian franken watches or all franken watches we need to avoid?
"In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed watch enthusiast with a high end Swiss watch is King."
My favorite watch is Casio G-shock ! Man... It keeps perfect Time and so Reliable , you dont need to worry anything else ! Great videos! Great Job !:))
Gshock is great, theres a lot of special editions
And everyone loves them!
Basically, buy a Seiko and be happy!
Hear hear!
Well said,
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
nah citizen is cheaper and accurate and you won't need to open the screwback case for at least 10yrs.
@@DigiteAquiONomeDoCanal Doesn't that only apply to Eco-Drive watches and not all Citizens are Eco-Drive. Cheaper ones are just quartz. I am looking into buying a watch right now. I have looked at online shops from big to small, mom and pop shops, mall and department stores and pretty much any authorized dealer I can find. The Seiko 5s have been a lot cheaper than the Eco-drives and in most cases even the regular Citizen quartz.
I’ve been wearing Seiko for 2 years now, haven’t had to wind it since, and perfectly accurate.
12012channel my seiko 5 just “feels” cheaper than my citizens
I'm a new viewer, and I have two questions. What "grey market" watch place in New York was he talking about? And what is his name/nickname. He says his name a couple times in this video but he says if sooo fast and it sounds like an acronym? If someone can let me know. Thanx
Thanks for the tips. I am
New to the hobby. Just bought a Citizen eco drive and a nato bond strap I love it.
Well I will WATCH out for these 😜
I have no friends
Me too
@@BigAirr. same
@someone from the netherlands get some friends then dude
😂 that made my day
someone from the Netherlands ,I’m not surprised!
Uh, the reputable used market internet dealers charge near new retail prices on pieces that are still in production. A new Rolex Explorer 1 from AD with a 10% discount (which can be had), goes for $5900, whereas the reputable used market internet dealers with their glorified laughable DBA's, sell them used in the range from $5 to 5.5k, depending on box/papers. I don't know how they stay in business and I have told them so. Same scenario as to new Seamasters still in production. As to pieces no longer in production, there are no deals to be found with them. Oh, yea, supposedly their highly skilled watch makers go through the pieces with a fine tooth comb, which I'm not buying at all. If one is looking for a 10 year old Sub for instance, might as well go to a brick and mortar in the Big Cities who deal in pre-owned luxury. The big Internet Warehouse in New York is OK in my book, say on a highly discounted entry level Swiss piece. Might even roll the dice with them on a new Speedo MOTM, one does have some protection using a credit card if the piece is a dog. Pls excuse the long post which is not my style.
JP Davis Is he referring to Long Island Watches? Wasn't TGV the one promoting the company not that long ago?
I do find it a bit odd how they stay in business. I don't like wearing my nice watches to work, so I wanted a daily driver for the office/Factory. Decided to go with a Hamilton Khaki field 42... Now I can buy the watch new, at a authorized dealer for $780 Canadian (Tax incl) or... I can buy it off a grey market for $650... + any tax/duty & shipping + no factory warranty....and used Sites want about $600 for the dame watch... + shipping, tax and duties.
Very true
If I want a GMT Master II and don't feel like waiting 7 or 8 years, the Gray Market is pretty much the only option though. And I think there are plenty of great dealers out there.
Thank you for this video, and your others too. All I could think about watching this was how many of these mistakes I've made, and how much money I could have saved from knowing these things when I started. The good thing is you're honest enough to admit you made a couple yourself when you started, so I don't feel so bad about it! What I most like about the video is that there is no shaming or snobbery whatsoever, just trying to keep people as informed as possible. I lost thousands on several of those mistakes you mentioned, particularly with watches that I hadn't considered the cost of servicing. I'm still paying for my mistakes, but I'm aiming to sell 7 or 8 in the new year and put it down to experience. So yeah, awesome advice and I hope some new watch enthusiasts can learn from them! 🙂
XL9
All of your videos are way better then watching TV. A class act.
Buy a digital 20 $ casio from walmart works good if you want a calculator 25$ .... Battery 10 years
I think fashion watches can serve a purpose. I have a Skagen, which cost around £100. I wear it in the office and on casual days out etc. It's held up great for 3/4 years now. It may be made in China, but the materials are surprisingly hardy. No it isn't going to be an heirloom; but it's a lightweight low profile piece that sits well under a shirt cuff.
The nearest equivalent Max Bill quartz, which has very similar styling, cost 5 times as much. Yes it's a superior machine, but £500 is a fair chunk of dosh and I certainly wouldn't wear it so casually.
Hi. Same here. Low profile Bering on mesh bracelet. Looks really good to formal dress and business casual. Have also jaeger for "better" occasions, but honestly bering is more universal.
Buying second hand Rolex watches with non-factory diamond diais ....you can't send them to Rolex for servicing unless you return it back to factory spec.
Excellent contribution to the discussion, thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Rolex Kings will other 3rd party dealers still service them? Was thinking about getting one but not sure.
Hi imaad42...yes they will and they're cheaper too..just make sure they're reputable...if you're in London I can help point you in the right direction - if you do not want to service with Rolex that is. I've owned several Rolex watches and have bought 2 for my wife.....one is a 1978 DateJust...after having it serviced...it came back brand new - but this one I purchased - turned out to be a non-factory Rolex placed diamonds. I could not tell though - even with a 30x mag...but Rolex knew because the serial number of the watch did not leave the factory with diamonds. I still think it is a Rolex factory dial with diamonds though - but not 100% sure. Maybe someone here can help explain.
...one other point....if you send a Rolex to Rolex Servicing...and say the dial isn't factory...they class it as non-factory....they will not return it unless you return it back to factory...which means you either have to buy a exact dial from Rolex..or you provide them with a factory spec dial....be warned!
You have elements of Christopher Walken in your tone. Could you please try and do an American New York your accent? Cheers
" ya got me all wrong here, does your mother sow? Get her to sow this 'boom'"
It's all relative really you buy what you like and can afford. I have a box full of "fashion watches" I love the style of each and they are all different.
The first watch I ever bought with my own money when I left school in 1976 was a Sinclair Black Watch. I struggled with it and got it repaired a couple of times before throwing it in the bin. It cost me a weeks wages.
When it comes to cheaper watches ($1000 below), I completely disagree with the grey market argument. We do have numerous Facebook groups that vouch for individual sellers based on their reliability and legitimacy. I could buy a Seiko $150 less in grey market vs the actual retail. Just do a legitimacy check or LC on the Facebook groups. It is very worth it.
I love the passion and stayed for the information
The majority of "grey market" watches, from my personal experience, have been good. By this I mean I have purchased genuine watches online through retailers which use third party suppliers. I believe manufacturers are behind some of it simply to move stock when newer models are on the horizon.
I would break it down based on my own research that it's about a 90% vs 10% hit / miss. This means 90% are good deals where post-sale is uneventful and 10% are either minor issues or disastrous with breakdowns or other major problems in the first year. I've had a couple of grey market Seikos which are still running better than ever and have arrived with a stamped authenticity / warranty certificate. It also depends on the retailer and supplier. Amazon are getting better but make sure the supplier is regulated somehow where they will look after you in the event of problems. Remember a brand new piece out of an authorized retailer can stop next day.
I've had good luck with the grey market (Jonashop and Amazon) watches. I'm willing to pay $250 for a $750 watch and hope for the best, or less than $100 for a $300 watch. So far, so good. And if a watch ever does stop working, I'd see if the Jonashop warrantee was any good or just throw the watch away if it cost less than $100. I'm now actually trying to give up my obsession with watches - 24 watches is more than enough! (Also, all but 2 of my watches are quartz or solar quartz - so not as complicated as automatic, less to go wrong.)
Thanks for the tips. Im looking into buying a mechanical watch. One that has caught my eye is by tapferkeit, an automatic with a Japanese miyota movement.
Not very expensive. Is this just complete rubbish or a watch that can can be serviced.
Not gonna lie, they seem like a decent deal. while the movement isn’t amazing, it’s a workhorse and the watches look really nice!
I had a Breitling B1 that I really liked, but I ended up selling it because of reason #6. Depending on where I took it, and I'm talking only Breitling authorized dealers, it cost $250-350 to get the battery replaced. The funny thing was that I chose the B1 over a Navitimer hoping to avoid the expensive cleaning service that an automatic movement needs occasionally. Now I only have Citizen Radio Controlled Eco Drive watches. They are affordable, rugged, supremely accurate, come in a lot of great designs, and best of all, require zero maintenance.
So this is an ad for Citizen watches?
Citizen watches have lasting power!
Myself, I am totally happy with my Shark ( made in Texas, USA) waterproof, and knock on wood Never has been any problem. Under $100, last one is still ticking but got a new style because I can.
The guy isn’t wrong about citizen watches. They ARE supremely accurate and like zero maintenance, if not rugged. I wish mine had sapphire Crystal on it, but for $100 it’s an incredible value for a watch.
Well they last about 10 years! Not saying it’s bad, but not something to pass down as a family jewel.
Just getting into the hobby, I'm more of a enthusiasts than a collector. But thanks so much for all these tips!
You saved me from fashion watches few months ago..Thanks
A pleasure!
Thank you for posting that.
Best regards,
TGV
I unfortunately was caught. Not that it's bad, but I bought exactly what was shown, a Daniel wellington for my wife. She loves it, but going forward I'll be researching as I've just started with watches
Same I came to the conclusion they aren’t well made and the movement of them sucks for the price.
Saved me from those huge blingy Invictas
2soccerfreak2 I'm sorry for you're loss