Mohammed Alyafei There was only one time when I lent any of my watches. Me and my best friend went to a language exam together and he has no watches at all, but wanted to have one during the exam (and good thing he asked for it, because in the exam room we only had an awkward one-hander clock on the wall), and I lent him my daily watch, an Orient ER2F003B. He knew how important that was to me and that it is my most expensive watch, so he handled it with care despite having no experience with watches at all.
When I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, a few of us wore G-Shocks, since their reliability, durability, and affordability were well-regarded by us. On one of the longer missions we went on that got particularly heated, my buddy caught a bullet to the wrist, which surely would've penetrated the bone had he not been wearing his timepiece at the time. Fortunately he survived, but the watch didn't. I recall another guy in my platoon telling him he should let Casio know so they could use him in their advertising, and maybe send him some free watches. My own G-Shock never left my wrist for the entirety of the year, and managed to withstand the elements like a champ; luckily it never needed a battery change. Best $85 I spent pre-deployment.
I lost my retro Casio when I was 16 yo . After I saw it in one of your videos I bought a new one and directly fell in love with it again. So grateful man... thanks for that :D
As a kid i remember cracking my first watch that I begged my parents for, while I was playing drums. I was so upset that it scarred me for life. I still do awkward turns of my wrist all the time and walk down hallways with my watch arm behind my back. The upside is all my watches are pristine! I tried the beater watch thing with a casio royale - still end up protecting it like it's worth a million!
Just getting into watch collecting & of all the you tube channels available, this is honestly the best. Genuine advice without the condescending talk from the experts, simply a knowledgeable fan sharing wisdom with other watch fans! Best of luck with the channel
The f91w is my trusted watch for work as a mechanic, survived every fluid you could come into contact with in a shop, numerous drops etc. Best purchase so far
I’ve been binge watching your channel all week. I’m officially over heels into the wild world of horology. Thank you sir. I had no idea I could spend so much time & get so much enjoyment from drooling over gears & cogs. Cheers mate
The only time I drop watches is after security scanning at airports, when my hands are full and my mind is on other things. I take extra care now when packing up my bags.
James MC put your watch in a small compartment of one of your bags while you have plenty of time standing in line. then take you time putting it back on at the gate.
I'll admit that I had just received my Valjoux triple-date watch back from the repair man. Was on cloud 9 since all the lume and features worked. A week later I unstrapped my watch and onto the floor it went. Broken and the tritium lume broken. Never got it fixed. Nowadays I unstrap my watch over the bed or while the watch is laying on the table.
Thank you for supporting watchmakers and giving us a shoutout. It is definitely a dying art but I am looking to continue it and maybe pass it on when I get older.
I have a Tissot seastar that was passed onto me from my grandfather. He bought it in the mid 60s. Till now it has never been serviced and runs perfectly as my daily watch.
The ideal of slipping silica gel packs into watch boxes is a clever idea! I'll definitely do that. And yeah, I'm not TOUCHING the insides of my watches. Great video TGV. Ciao, John
Additional tip , they only work until they’re full of water. Before use you need to dry the silica gel out. Google for specific temperatures and tine but it’s basically a low over for a couple of hours. I collect the packets in jars, recharge a pile of them at once then seal them up for future use. You can also get big packs or metal case ones for large spaces like a safe.
If you are putting the silica gel desiccant in the storage the watch box, would it be advisable to unscrew the crown to “expose” the inside to facilitate dehumidification ?
You're the most graceful watch commentator on RUclips. No snobbery or looking down on so called lesser brands. I wish you all the best I'vee just bought a Tag heuer chronograph after saving for a few months. Thank you for these videos. Liked and subscribed 🙂
This is a must see for all owners of watches. When I was a kid 12 or so my Dad gave me his watch his Dad gave him at 12. Yup! He told me not to take it out when I was playing. Well I did and it fell apart. I put the pieces in my pocket and went home. Told my Dad and gave him the pieces I could find. He looked at the watch pieces and I could tell he was crushed. He then through the watch in the trash. If only I could go back in Time! Great video and thanks for sharing your love of all watches.
I heartily and somewhat regretfully agree with your advice to leave watch repair to the experts. My first Seiko automatic gained about six seconds a day. At the time I didn't understand that's actually a very acceptable level of accuracy. RUclips being both blessing and a curse, I found a video on how to regulate a watch movement. In attempting to do so, I somehow managed to unship a spring or gear and in an instant disabled that watch. If only I had left well enough alone!
JustinMiles17 TRUTH! I do this with EVERY watch. Because I have broad shoulders I'll always hit the door frame or the door knob. Especially if I'm in an unfamiliar place. Gem of a comment.
Honestly, I do the same - and it "went" into my "system". I do it a little different by passing doors turned a little sideways, to the left. This way the "watch-arm" (I wear it left) hangs straight and tight behind the body, safe. I did it today and suddenly realised I wasn't wearing a watch at all! Then I would not allow anyone else than myself to screw in the crown. I have my system which I always use. A little pressure on the crown, then turn it backwards until you feel it "clicking in". Then screw it in, it catches the thread immediately.
Even though I’m not actually interested in watches other than wearing them it’s so nice to see someone be so happy talking about a watch strap it’s infectious 🤣
I recently brought my grandfather's old Seiko (think it is a 8222-8000) to Service for probably the first time:D It stayed in my dad's desk for like 15 years and I thought it would be a great idea for my dad's birthday. Best greatings from Germany!
Probably a bit obvious for a quartz, but making sure you properly replace the battery. I can't tell you how many nice vintage quartz pieces have been destroyed because someone didn't know what they were doing. Awesome video as always, TGV!
I think it's because there's some kind of memory in your daily movement...so sometimes when you made a minimal change in your routine it can end in making these kind of mistakes like hitting something or tripping over something...(sorry for my english, not my first language)
I think it might be due to the slight bit of weight a watch adds to your arm. It’s a bit of a stretch, but I think it just might cause your hand to be an inch further than your mind expects leading to bumpingstuff.
Good video, and a great list of things to avoid! The only one I can't agree with 100% is do-it-yourself repairs. As a car enthusiast and a watch enthusiast, that's where I derive a lot of my pleasure. I"m also trying to actively learn to be a watch repairman, so doing it myself is how I learn!
I wish I would've seen this before doing a DIY repair and shattering the crystal on a watch... Great content as always TGV. Thank you! You've really helped me dive into a new hobby over the past few months that I'm passionate about. You seem to be a great and reliable source of information. Plus, your content isn't always so "serious" and "snobby" as people want to make the hobby. Much respect.
I would definitely do that. Salt water is sure to wear out the gaskets. Perhaps even fresh water and eco friendly soap, then rinse the soap off. I think even after swimming in a chlorinated or salt water pool (salt water is actually chlorinated but by a different means) it's wise to wash your watch with eco friendly soap and water, then rinse the soap off.
@@alanclark7325 To some extent, even the level or chlorine in tap water is problematic. I had a house with narturally soft well water. A new, cheap model toilet ran without issue the whole 25 years I owned the house. In the next house on municipal chlorinated water, I was replacing the rubber bits on the toilet about every 5 years.
@@DonaldPerley Yup. I used to shower with my subbie. I never took it off, not even when I slept. a couple of years later, I found under the clasp lumps of dried chlorine in the corners and all along the edges, quite a bit of it.
My tissot t-race died some time ago when I went to the beach and decided it was a good idea to adjust the time while the watch was still wet :). You can imagine what happened. I take it as a lesson.
You are so right my friend! Every piece of advice you give is valuable. And as far as I can judge from your gentle attitude you must be a decent person in real life as well. Thank you for inspiring us and also thank you for sharing your passion for watches and the wonderful art of horology.
It’s funny, when you advised that one needs a “beater watch” I first heard it as “beer watch” which I thought was hilarious. To double check I rewound and listened again and your enunciation was such that a person could hear both possibilities. Good work as usual Mr TGV. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Marmaduke Carruthers, there is a third possibility: a Beta watch; the inference being that this watch is a stand-in alternative to your Alpha Watch while that one is being serviced.
Today I brought the Seiko Frozen Margarita, I’ve never worn a watch so comfortable. I also like Longines. I’d love a book about all the watches in the world and the revolutionary development, especially in the last 200 years! Year by year! Great video.
Hey! I have got a little story for you, I started loving watches after I got my Samsung gear s3 classic edition. I was starting to look for expensive watch faces for my smart watch, didn't take long for me to realize I was definitely looking for a real mechanical watch. started to watch a lot of your videos, 2 weeks ago after seeing your review on the sarb033 and doing a lot of research I decided to explore my taste in watches with the sarb033. now I am waiting for it to arrive. I wanted to let you know, that I'm absolutely enjoying watching you videos! cheers!
Funny thing that, my Galaxy Watch Active's screen started glitching like mad (shifting color tones of the whole face cyan or bright red to spite the watch still otherwise working), and watching videos from the RUclips channel "Wristwatch Revival" seem to have kicked off an interest in watches. Mechanical watches (ordered a skeletal Boderry Urban watch, Chinese but with competent specs and seemingly well regarded), and even quartz digital and analog watches (looking to get a G-shock as a more reliable option, and a Bulova Lunar Pilot as my "top-end" goal), annoyingly all I wanted from the galaxy watch was a decent fitness tracker with wireless charging and a actually decent waterproof rating, but it's longevity clearly failed (inside a year). Might get a solar powered Garmin Instinct to fill the fitness role instead since it's much simpler and rated for far, far better waterproofing, even if it lacks wireless charging
Well... I used to work as a marine surveyor and loading master for chemical storage facilities. As it was an old facility there was nothing computer controlled, you had to work in a team and properly time when you had to start or stop pumps, so a decent beater watch was a must. I used to have a radiocontrolled Casio (model 28406) for this and that watch saved my arm after some phosphoric acid spilled on it. The watch still works today but the strap was destroyed as the acid melted the rubber from the strap. Long story short, ALWAYS have a beater lying around you can wear without worry if you are going to do something where your watch can get damaged. Probably the most important thing you mentioned imo.
I have a Timex Expedition as a beater watch for work and physical activities like repairing my car. Works great. The plastic bezel also doesn't show scratches readily so it tends to hide damage which is nice.
When removing your watch, don't do it over a ceramic tile floor. Instead, hold your wrist over a soft bed or chair. That way when you eventually and inevitably drop your watch while putting it on or off, it's no big deal. Think about it, unclasped and fiddling with it using one hand; clearly it's a recipe for disaster.
I push the strap against my chest so I don't drop it. I dropped my gshock a few times when it was my only watch until I started doing this. Now I never drop my other watches.
At least when I'm wearing a watch on the inside edge of my wrist, I'll press the cake against my chest while undoing the strap just so it can't go anywhere, and I don't wear anything at risk of scratching the crystal even on my cheapo commoner watches
I had the best experience going to a small "ma and pa" downtown business in historic San Marcos, Texas where I live. I ran into a bunch my friends, one a legend in our community. We sat there and talked for an hour. It was so cool to see other watch collectors. I agree, support local watch makers/repair shops. Im a new watch collector and love your videos. Again, as newbie it was great to be in that shop and talk with my friends who I had no idea collected watches. Just made my Friday afternoon talking with them about life in general! I just love the Bernhardt watch brand, made in USA and the owner is highly ethical and available to his customers. Have a great week! Love your trailers to each video, each is unique with high production value.
Best timing ever I'm on my break and there's a new TGV video 👍🏻✨✨✨ Edit... I did this recently to my SRP585 prospex..... I set the date to the danger zone... What might happen? 😭
I have been storing my watches on top of a speaker for years not realizing the potential damage it could cause. I will invest in a demagnetize and find somewhere else to display them. thanks for the tip, I learn something new from every one of your vids.
Great advices. For servicing interval, as I own too many watches, I would be broke if I would to send each one in for servicing every 3-5 years. So what I did is only send in those that I wear very regularly. So far I only sent in my Omega Aqua Terra for serving after wearing it for about 8 years on almost every weekdays, though it didn't have any issue. The other watches are only sent in if there is an issue.
Great video (which I'm coming into incredibly late). In reference to points (7) and (3): Don't amass a larger collection than you can manage: I've figured out that the ideal number for a "collection" for me is around 5 or 6 (including one or two quartz numbers): I can't deal with a watch that goes longer than 2-3 weeks out of rotation, so the "herd" needs to be rather tight. Naturally, this varies depending on the individual, but I'd rather have a small "good" collection than a much-larger collection that gets largely neglected.
your videos made me fancy a seiko, never had a proper watch, and i manage to buy 3 seiko 5 automatics for 200$ as a pack and i couldnt be happier thanks!!!
Strap failure. Lost a couple to this, albeit when I was younger and beat the hell out of my watches. One was a Timex whose strap decided to give way while I was swimming in the open ocean...
Only just seen this.Some really good tips.I have always highlighted the need to be careful when either putting on,or taking off your watch.It can be dropped onto a concrete floor! Additionally,try not to let the bracelet continually bang against the cashback,it will mark it.Take care and stay safe.
another addition, the danger zone of changing date isn't only with cheaper movements/watches..my friend had his rolex batman submariner unable to change date when he rotates the crown..just don't change the date on danger zone (9pm-3am usually), and don't rotate the crown too hard when changing date (like do it too quickly and change 3-4 days on one movement of your fingers)
U have great informative videos. I have been watching others and they do not hold a candle to your style. Appreciate your polished look/presentation and no arrogance. Keep up the videos, your passion shows through!
I wear my watch 24/7.. day & night in extremes of climates and temperatures around the world, above & below the waterline. It gets constantly bashed and knocked about during daily abuse. It has never been serviced (none of my watches ever have) yet never missed a beat. Watches are to be worn, not pampered.
This is Khiz from India, I watch almost all your when I find time. Here in my state people are not enthusiastic about watches, on the contrary I am. Here owning a Casio is itself a great thing. You're so lucky, I envy you.
Thanks for the tip about those magnetic fields. I build miniatures and i use a lot of strong neodymium magnets in that area. As of now i will use my magnetic resistance G-shock during those operations instead of any mechanical watches. ;)
I've ruined more than one crystal by thoughtlessly rubbing it against a banister or wall while simply walking around. Not as bad with sapphire crystals but mineral or vintage acrylic are very soft. Be mindful where your wrist is and keep the watch under a cuff if you can.
Man what an eye opener... i didnt know about the dangers of setting the time on my skx at the wrong hour... that... explains a lot... now i feel bad for calling it junk... mine broke down twice.. Thanks for your upload. Ps: got an orient at home... almost 20 years old already... its a dress watch and it took the mother of all beats... never serviced... never broke down... still accurate 5min a week of delay... Love it to bits
Yo sir, i am your subscriber from Indonesia and finally i bought SKX a couple months ago because you recommend it a lot as a beater. Now i'm really happy with my purchase. Congratulations for 100k subscriber!
@@hectorandem2944 oh fuck I was an arrogant prick three years ago. Like what was I trying to achieve with comment? Saying that I got an expensive watch and the 'peasant' problem does not apply to me? Just so cringe, me. Yeah I got a GA-2100 and wear it every day. I don't remember how long it has been since last time I wore a Rolex.
-Polywatch for hesalite glass scratches (not sure about acrylic but its worth a go) -Putting your dive watch in fresh water after salt water (slows the corrosion so I hear) -Layering watches in your box and travel pouch with a microfiber-cloth for dust build up
I took my Seiko 5 sports for snorkeling last holidays. After that I just take my watch and put it in a glass of clear tap water and let it sit there for a while and then rinse it off again with tap water. So there's no problem with exposing your diver watch to salt water.
daAnder71 Every piece of diving equipment should be rinsed with fresh water after use. They teach you this on the first level PADI, ISS, etc. Despite corrosive effect of salt water there is salt crystallization that can damage gaskets by building deposites between rubber and steel.
Good timing, I appreciate this video! My new Squale arrived yesterday (1521-026-A), and I chuckled when I read in the manual not to submerge the watch when cleaning. I guess there are always exceptions.
My beater is an Invicta Pro Diver right now. I know people hate invicta but its bloody tough and when its properly regulated I find it keeps fairly good time. Also only cost me £50 and when I got a new watch I figured I couldn't let my first automatic watch go.
My Invicta 8926 OB is also my beater, as I don't want to ruin my bespoke dress watch. Anyway, my Invicta only lost 8-seconds, in three days time. For a two-figure watch, that's absolutely fantastic!
I've never worn a watch, but I just started wearing a Galaxy smart watch. Smart watches are not what this channel is about, but for some reason I can't stop watching your videos. Very interesting content. I never paid any attention to watches before but you have a lot of beautiful and cool watches. While a real watch doesn't do all of the things a smart watch does, you can hand down a real watch to your children. A real watch might even go up in value. Smart watches are garbage after 2 or 3 years. The battery replacement would cost as much as the smart watch is worth.
Also, be careful of putting your watch in your pocket! I was running late for work and didn't really have much time to strap on my watch. Slipped it into my pocket and I got some scratches on the glass. Now this was mineral glass (zero scratches on my hardlex Seiko and sapphire Orient), so if anyone has a mineral glass watch, avoid pockets! Those tiny micro fibers will tear it up :o.
Hi TGV Very useful and informative video. It is my impression that many of us watch lovers neglect the service intervals because it is more interesting using the money on new, interesting watches. I am to a certain extent guilty of that too... On the other hand; if you have a fairly extensive collection - like 8-10 watches or more - you will usually wear each watch lesser. Then you can wait a bit longer servicing - as long as you keep the lesser active watches moving every now and then... It is indeed a matter of common sense. But it is - as stated - all too easy to "forget" servicing a watch. Agree on your advises. Keep up the good work👍
Haha, Thank you James, it would be wonderful to do it in the next few years but honestly my focus is on trying to up the quality over quantity, I have so much more to learn! Best regards, TGV
We will hit it soon! Awesome channel, by far the best one out of all the watch-themed channels out there without a doubt. I've learnt a lot, I've become very passionate about watches, and this is 99% thanks to TGV and the r/Watches subreddit (Which hit 100k subs around the end of last summer if I'm not mistaken). I hope both of these communities grow as fast as they deserve and soon take over the world 😀
Great review! The urban Gentry covered all the right aeas of watch maintenance. I particularly like the wisdom that when a watch starts to run slow it is in need of cleaning and a tune-up.
That's the Tissot Janeiro Z199 Chronograph Limited Edition. It's notable for having two sub-dials, tachymetre and telemetre scales and a Valjoux 7765 manual movement.
TGV is really the watchman. Thanks a lot for recalling all those always forgoten advices. I damaged my beloved Citizen Promasters Professional Diver, not because I used it regularly for diving but because I didn't take It off the wrist for my also regular hot showering plenty of soap foam. As to the G-Shocks IMO they will stand against anything. At least my Frogman does. Keep up this good work of teaching us watch lovers.
TG, on the topic of salt water on watch seals and o-rings, a moderate soak in distilled or soft water will dissolve contaminants making the seals last longer. I had a digital dive watch that leaked after a battery replacement. A good soak of the innards in distilled water cleaned the circuitry. A thorough air dry and assembly brought the watch back for a normal life.
After salt water wash it under ordinary water to remove salt is a good thing i do it with my diver but either way every couple years service is a must for seals and gaskets.Great chanel man i learned a lot from you GREETINGS FROM SERBIA.
Love the channel. I must disagree with one comment on dive watches. I have a 1998 Seamaster which has had exposure to salt water 3-4 days a week for the past 16 years. I wear it into the shower all the time. the watch was serviced once in 2010. this thing is a tank! No leaking seals . Saltwater has zero effect on this watch. Absolutely zero. Additionally the dramatic changes in temp associated with diving don't seem to affect accuracy. to be truthful most of the diving is generally inspection work at less than 50'. .For what it's worth that's what I expect from a high end dive watch. I have a coworker who dives with a submariner the same way. No troubles ever.
Door knobs are the perfect height for causing serious damage.
Mr Kitewine I smashed my watch with that method once 😂
Yes!! My wrists are exactly at the height of door knobs in my house D:
Gotta love hearing that *ding* and having your heart stop
@@jameslane9267 yep door knobs aka theheartstopper for watch lovers.
Done it. Luckily I was wearing Casio G-Shock, with DLC coating. Almost any other watch would have taken bad damage, but this one came off unscathed.
Don't give your watch to a friend who doesn't really care about watches but wants to show off in a date or an interview 😝 hahaha
EXCELLENT advice, thank you Mohammed :D
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Great advice! We all have to assess the borrowers before lending anything to them; whether it be money, watches, cars or Faberge eggs.
The thought of lending my watches never crossed my mind. I'd never lend my expensive watches to anyone.
Mohammed Alyafei There was only one time when I lent any of my watches. Me and my best friend went to a language exam together and he has no watches at all, but wanted to have one during the exam (and good thing he asked for it, because in the exam room we only had an awkward one-hander clock on the wall), and I lent him my daily watch, an Orient ER2F003B. He knew how important that was to me and that it is my most expensive watch, so he handled it with care despite having no experience with watches at all.
He deserves to be your friend then 😍👍🏼
When I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, a few of us wore G-Shocks, since their reliability, durability, and affordability were well-regarded by us. On one of the longer missions we went on that got particularly heated, my buddy caught a bullet to the wrist, which surely would've penetrated the bone had he not been wearing his timepiece at the time. Fortunately he survived, but the watch didn't. I recall another guy in my platoon telling him he should let Casio know so they could use him in their advertising, and maybe send him some free watches. My own G-Shock never left my wrist for the entirety of the year, and managed to withstand the elements like a champ; luckily it never needed a battery change. Best $85 I spent pre-deployment.
Amazing . Thanks for sharing.
Glad your buddy made it! I wore a G-Shock on deployment as well, but never thought of it as protective equipment 😅. Thank you for the story
What the fuck did you do in Avganistan???
Spreading American democracy?
Acting a world policeman?
Bullshit! 🤬
2:22
but gshocks are not good ooking watches theyre bulky rubbers
I lost my retro Casio when I was 16 yo . After I saw it in one of your videos I bought a new one and directly fell in love with it again. So grateful man... thanks for that :D
FANTASTIC!!!
Enjoy Daniel, thank you for sharing that, I find it truly inspiring.
Best regards,
TGV
.
As a kid i remember cracking my first watch that I begged my parents for, while I was playing drums. I was so upset that it scarred me for life. I still do awkward turns of my wrist all the time and walk down hallways with my watch arm behind my back. The upside is all my watches are pristine! I tried the beater watch thing with a casio royale - still end up protecting it like it's worth a million!
Just getting into watch collecting & of all the you tube channels available, this is honestly the best. Genuine advice without the condescending talk from the experts, simply a knowledgeable fan sharing wisdom with other watch fans! Best of luck with the channel
03:37 I prefer to lock the children away so I can show off my watches !
How often dou you see your children then? D,-
Oh crap, the kids! I'll be back in a minute...
The f91w is my trusted watch for work as a mechanic, survived every fluid you could come into contact with in a shop, numerous drops etc. Best purchase so far
"Keep them from the reach of children, if you have to, lock them away." The children? Lol!
lol a dangling participle
I thought of the same hahaha
I let my kids play with my G-Shock, it stood the test, the ultimate torture test for a watch!
@@appalachiangunman9589 same.
I towed one of mine round a pool while she was biting kn the strap.
Yes if you have an expensive watch justblock them in your roomwhile you show your watch off
I’ve been binge watching your channel all week. I’m officially over heels into the wild world of horology. Thank you sir. I had no idea I could spend so much time & get so much enjoyment from drooling over gears & cogs. Cheers mate
Another pro tip, is always be careful when unbuckling the watch specially with regular straps to avoid dropping it on hard floor :/
YESSSSS!!!!
Excellent one, I have done that a few times.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
DaVinci butterfly clasps ftw
The only time I drop watches is after security scanning at airports, when my hands are full and my mind is on other things. I take extra care now when packing up my bags.
James MC put your watch in a small compartment of one of your bags while you have plenty of time standing in line. then take you time putting it back on at the gate.
I'll admit that I had just received my Valjoux triple-date watch back from the repair man. Was on cloud 9 since all the lume and features worked. A week later I unstrapped my watch and onto the floor it went. Broken and the tritium lume broken. Never got it fixed.
Nowadays I unstrap my watch over the bed or while the watch is laying on the table.
Thank you for supporting watchmakers and giving us a shoutout. It is definitely a dying art but I am looking to continue it and maybe pass it on when I get older.
Door knobs omg they are just evil!! 4 years later and it’s still a great video thanks for this one buddy!
Yes you have to be very careful when opening doors. 80% of all knocks are from door knobs.
Abseiduk just walking by a door!!
I have a Tissot seastar that was passed onto me from my grandfather. He bought it in the mid 60s. Till now it has never been serviced and runs perfectly as my daily watch.
Niceeeee
The ideal of slipping silica gel packs into watch boxes is a clever idea! I'll definitely do that. And yeah, I'm not TOUCHING the insides of my watches. Great video TGV. Ciao, John
Thank you John :D
Best regards,
TGV
Additional tip , they only work until they’re full of water. Before use you need to dry the silica gel out. Google for specific temperatures and tine but it’s basically a low over for a couple of hours. I collect the packets in jars, recharge a pile of them at once then seal them up for future use. You can also get big packs or metal case ones for large spaces like a safe.
If you are putting the silica gel desiccant in the storage the watch box, would it be advisable to unscrew the crown to “expose” the inside to facilitate dehumidification ?
You're the most graceful watch commentator on RUclips. No snobbery or looking down on so called lesser brands. I wish you all the best I'vee just bought a Tag heuer chronograph after saving for a few months. Thank you for these videos. Liked and subscribed 🙂
This is a must see for all owners of watches. When I was a kid 12 or so my Dad gave me his watch his Dad gave him at 12. Yup! He told me not to take it out when I was playing. Well I did and it fell apart. I put the pieces in my pocket and went home. Told my Dad and gave him the pieces I could find. He looked at the watch pieces and I could tell he was crushed. He then through the watch in the trash. If only I could go back in Time! Great video and thanks for sharing your love of all watches.
I heartily and somewhat regretfully agree with your advice to leave watch repair to the experts. My first Seiko automatic gained about six seconds a day. At the time I didn't understand that's actually a very acceptable level of accuracy. RUclips being both blessing and a curse, I found a video on how to regulate a watch movement. In attempting to do so, I somehow managed to unship a spring or gear and in an instant disabled that watch. If only I had left well enough alone!
TGV: They have what's called a...
Archer: DANGER ZONE!
I couldn't resist looking for this in the comments lol
Hahahahaha good times :)
Rumor has it, Kenny Loggins only changes the date here.
I'll be honest when I'm wearing the two tone Tudor Tiger I put my arm infront of my body walking through doorframes. Confessions of a watch geek lol.
OMG that is the worst. I have since banned all doors in my home and opted for a portcullis ;-) LOL
Thank you Justin,
Best regards,
TGV
JustinMiles17 TRUTH! I do this with EVERY watch. Because I have broad shoulders I'll always hit the door frame or the door knob. Especially if I'm in an unfamiliar place. Gem of a comment.
i do the same thing everyday when i'm wearing my higher end watchs! btw, i love that tudor, congrats on having it :D
I do the same, but I put my arm behind, not infront :D
Honestly, I do the same - and it "went" into my "system".
I do it a little different by passing doors turned a little sideways, to the left.
This way the "watch-arm" (I wear it left) hangs straight and tight behind the body, safe.
I did it today and suddenly realised I wasn't wearing a watch at all!
Then I would not allow anyone else than myself to screw in the crown.
I have my system which I always use.
A little pressure on the crown, then turn it backwards until you feel it "clicking in".
Then screw it in, it catches the thread immediately.
Absolutely love the French military strap on the flighty!!!!
Thank you Andrew, I don't think I will ever wear the flighty with anything else!
Best regards,
TGV
Even though I’m not actually interested in watches other than wearing them it’s so nice to see someone be so happy talking about a watch strap it’s infectious 🤣
I recently brought my grandfather's old Seiko (think it is a 8222-8000) to Service for probably the first time:D It stayed in my dad's desk for like 15 years and I thought it would be a great idea for my dad's birthday.
Best greatings from Germany!
Fell in love with it already. It's the sort of watch one never tires of looking at, and appreciating every detail...
I still use my Grandfather's Omega Seamaster. It's 40 years old and it hasn't been serviced ever. Haha
Very cool indeed, enjoy it!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Super DuckPotato lucky, I always wanted a seamaster
I was really dissapointed when my granda sold his omega for tuppence, I would have loved to have it, it worked just fine but he had a new rolex.
So the watch is as good as your grandfather who is older than 40years old and dont need servicing.. Awesome!
@@RealLargeManTheGiantOne what's your gramps age?
Probably a bit obvious for a quartz, but making sure you properly replace the battery. I can't tell you how many nice vintage quartz pieces have been destroyed because someone didn't know what they were doing. Awesome video as always, TGV!
Thank you Joseph :D
Best regards,
TGV
That's why I bought automatic
I only bang my wrist on things when I'm wearing a watch... seriously
Yeah, i always hit my left hand on the wall when i wear a watch, it's like the wall is attracted the watch.
I think it's because there's some kind of memory in your daily movement...so sometimes when you made a minimal change in your routine it can end in making these kind of mistakes like hitting something or tripping over something...(sorry for my english, not my first language)
@@chonzzza no, that's probably right👌
I think it might be due to the slight bit of weight a watch adds to your arm. It’s a bit of a stretch, but I think it just might cause your hand to be an inch further than your mind expects leading to bumpingstuff.
@@chonzzza don't be silly. no need to explain it, it doesn't actually happen. just a confirmation bias fallacy.
TGV is a reviewer that earnes respect from experienced and beginners collectors. Classic reviews with style. 👌
Good video, and a great list of things to avoid!
The only one I can't agree with 100% is do-it-yourself repairs. As a car enthusiast and a watch enthusiast, that's where I derive a lot of my pleasure. I"m also trying to actively learn to be a watch repairman, so doing it myself is how I learn!
I wish I would've seen this before doing a DIY repair and shattering the crystal on a watch... Great content as always TGV. Thank you! You've really helped me dive into a new hobby over the past few months that I'm passionate about. You seem to be a great and reliable source of information. Plus, your content isn't always so "serious" and "snobby" as people want to make the hobby. Much respect.
Put a crack along the outer rim of my crystal yesterday trying to service my watch. 😢
Saw this video a day late!
after wearing your watch in saltwater you have to give it a thorough wash with freshwater
I would definitely do that. Salt water is sure to wear out the gaskets. Perhaps even fresh water and eco friendly soap, then rinse the soap off. I think even after swimming in a chlorinated or salt water pool (salt water is actually chlorinated but by a different means) it's wise to wash your watch with eco friendly soap and water, then rinse the soap off.
Not fresh,...sweet water to neutralise the saltiness..
@@alanclark7325 To some extent, even the level or chlorine in tap water is problematic. I had a house with narturally soft well water. A new, cheap model toilet ran without issue the whole 25 years I owned the house. In the next house on municipal chlorinated water, I was replacing the rubber bits on the toilet about every 5 years.
@@DonaldPerley Yup. I used to shower with my subbie. I never took it off, not even when I slept. a couple of years later, I found under the clasp lumps of dried chlorine in the corners and all along the edges, quite a bit of it.
My tissot t-race died some time ago when I went to the beach and decided it was a good idea to adjust the time while the watch was still wet :). You can imagine what happened. I take it as a lesson.
I love how happy your are talking about watches. You've found something that truly puts a smile on your face.
That just made my day, thank you for posting that, it inspires me greatly.
Best regards,
TGV
I'm becoming a big fan of this channel! thanks tgv, all the best
Hooray :D
Thank you Will,
Best regards,
TGV
You're a lovable guy. :)
You are so right my friend! Every piece of advice you give is valuable. And as far as I can judge from your gentle attitude you must be a decent person in real life as well. Thank you for inspiring us and also thank you for sharing your passion for watches and the wonderful art of horology.
It’s funny, when you advised that one needs a “beater watch” I first heard it as “beer watch” which I thought was hilarious. To double check I rewound and listened again and your enunciation was such that a person could hear both possibilities. Good work as usual Mr TGV. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Marmaduke Carruthers, there is a third possibility: a Beta watch; the inference being that this watch is a stand-in alternative to your Alpha Watch while that one is being serviced.
TGV said a beta watch. meaning secondary watch.
Paul Doran no I think if you ask Tristano he will confirm it is heater watch meaning one that can handle a beating
That brown strap on the watch you were winding is absolutely gorgeous.
It is remarkable that you love watches so much. Glad I found your channel.
I am happy to have you with us!
Welcome aboard.
Best regards,
TGV
Today I brought the Seiko Frozen Margarita, I’ve never worn a watch so comfortable. I also like Longines. I’d love a book about all the watches in the world and the revolutionary development, especially in the last 200 years! Year by year! Great video.
Another source of strong magnetism to be aware of: microwave ovens!
Oh shit...
Don't walk to close to door frames, also make sure the diver extension is fully closed, its easy to leave it half closed.
Dean Spence agree on the door frames may need bumpers. lol
Exactly.
DIY watch maintenance? Guilty as charged. My ambition exceeded my abilities and I learnt the hard way..
Haha, me too my friend! Me too!!! ;-)
Thank you Peter,
Best regards,
TGV
Who else winced when they saw the cracked Omega?
Stephan Heinzer me
Me
It hurt my lower regions when I seen it
I literally gasped!
Hey! I have got a little story for you, I started loving watches after I got my Samsung gear s3 classic edition. I was starting to look for expensive watch faces for my smart watch, didn't take long for me to realize I was definitely looking for a real mechanical watch. started to watch a lot of your videos, 2 weeks ago after seeing your review on the sarb033 and doing a lot of research I decided to explore my taste in watches with the sarb033. now I am waiting for it to arrive. I wanted to let you know, that I'm absolutely enjoying watching you videos! cheers!
Dvir Shany I have heard many complaints about movement failures on the SARB033 so I was wondering how your watch has held up after a year of use
@@simoncirkel6348 btw I'm wondering the same 🤣🤣🤣
How's your watch after 2 years? I got a Seiko too, love it
Funny thing that, my Galaxy Watch Active's screen started glitching like mad (shifting color tones of the whole face cyan or bright red to spite the watch still otherwise working), and watching videos from the RUclips channel "Wristwatch Revival" seem to have kicked off an interest in watches.
Mechanical watches (ordered a skeletal Boderry Urban watch, Chinese but with competent specs and seemingly well regarded), and even quartz digital and analog watches (looking to get a G-shock as a more reliable option, and a Bulova Lunar Pilot as my "top-end" goal), annoyingly all I wanted from the galaxy watch was a decent fitness tracker with wireless charging and a actually decent waterproof rating, but it's longevity clearly failed (inside a year).
Might get a solar powered Garmin Instinct to fill the fitness role instead since it's much simpler and rated for far, far better waterproofing, even if it lacks wireless charging
He never replied back guys, Legend says SARB failed on him and he went back to his Galaxy Smartwatch
My watchdealer told me not to play golf with my mechanicals...
Fan off your show! Thanks!
Well... I used to work as a marine surveyor and loading master for chemical storage facilities. As it was an old facility there was nothing computer controlled, you had to work in a team and properly time when you had to start or stop pumps, so a decent beater watch was a must. I used to have a radiocontrolled Casio (model 28406) for this and that watch saved my arm after some phosphoric acid spilled on it. The watch still works today but the strap was destroyed as the acid melted the rubber from the strap.
Long story short, ALWAYS have a beater lying around you can wear without worry if you are going to do something where your watch can get damaged. Probably the most important thing you mentioned imo.
What I like about this guy is he's very knowledgeable and passionate about watches, without being a know-it-all.
Great video TGV, as always. PLEASE, you should make one about taking proper care of the different kind of straps!
I have a Timex Expedition as a beater watch for work and physical activities like repairing my car. Works great. The plastic bezel also doesn't show scratches readily so it tends to hide damage which is nice.
When removing your watch, don't do it over a ceramic tile floor. Instead, hold your wrist over a soft bed or chair. That way when you eventually and inevitably drop your watch while putting it on or off, it's no big deal. Think about it, unclasped and fiddling with it using one hand; clearly it's a recipe for disaster.
I push the strap against my chest so I don't drop it. I dropped my gshock a few times when it was my only watch until I started doing this. Now I never drop my other watches.
At least when I'm wearing a watch on the inside edge of my wrist, I'll press the cake against my chest while undoing the strap just so it can't go anywhere, and I don't wear anything at risk of scratching the crystal even on my cheapo commoner watches
I had the best experience going to a small "ma and pa" downtown business in historic San Marcos, Texas where I live. I ran into a bunch my friends, one a legend in our community. We sat there and talked for an hour. It was so cool to see other watch collectors. I agree, support local watch makers/repair shops. Im a new watch collector and love your videos. Again, as newbie it was great to be in that shop and talk with my friends who I had no idea collected watches. Just made my Friday afternoon talking with them about life in general! I just love the Bernhardt watch brand, made in USA and the owner is highly ethical and available to his customers. Have a great week! Love your trailers to each video, each is unique with high production value.
Best timing ever
I'm on my break and there's a new TGV video 👍🏻✨✨✨
Edit...
I did this recently to my SRP585 prospex..... I set the date to the danger zone...
What might happen? 😭
I have been storing my watches on top of a speaker for years not realizing the potential damage it could cause. I will invest in a demagnetize and find somewhere else to display them. thanks for the tip, I learn something new from every one of your vids.
Great advices. For servicing interval, as I own too many watches, I would be broke if I would to send each one in for servicing every 3-5 years. So what I did is only send in those that I wear very regularly. So far I only sent in my Omega Aqua Terra for serving after wearing it for about 8 years on almost every weekdays, though it didn't have any issue. The other watches are only sent in if there is an issue.
Great video (which I'm coming into incredibly late). In reference to points (7) and (3): Don't amass a larger collection than you can manage: I've figured out that the ideal number for a "collection" for me is around 5 or 6 (including one or two quartz numbers): I can't deal with a watch that goes longer than 2-3 weeks out of rotation, so the "herd" needs to be rather tight. Naturally, this varies depending on the individual, but I'd rather have a small "good" collection than a much-larger collection that gets largely neglected.
Wonderful episode as usual .. we need these things .. keep going .. Thank you TGV
your videos made me fancy a seiko, never had a proper watch, and i manage to buy 3 seiko 5 automatics for 200$ as a pack and i couldnt be happier thanks!!!
Strap failure. Lost a couple to this, albeit when I was younger and beat the hell out of my watches.
One was a Timex whose strap decided to give way while I was swimming in the open ocean...
Ouch!
Why a G10 strap is king.
Only just seen this.Some really good tips.I have always highlighted the need to be careful when either putting on,or taking off your watch.It can be dropped onto a concrete floor!
Additionally,try not to let the bracelet continually bang against the cashback,it will mark it.Take care and stay safe.
another addition, the danger zone of changing date isn't only with cheaper movements/watches..my friend had his rolex batman submariner unable to change date when he rotates the crown..just don't change the date on danger zone (9pm-3am usually), and don't rotate the crown too hard when changing date (like do it too quickly and change 3-4 days on one movement of your fingers)
Amazing channel. Great information especially for those of us enthusiasts that care about what we wear on our wrists.
One of my best friends got me deeper into horology. He suggested me to subscrive to your channel, turned out I already did! xD
U have great informative videos. I have been watching others and they do not hold a candle to your style. Appreciate your polished look/presentation and no arrogance. Keep up the videos, your passion shows through!
I wear my watch 24/7.. day & night in extremes of climates and temperatures around the world, above & below the waterline. It gets constantly bashed and knocked about during daily abuse. It has never been serviced (none of my watches ever have) yet never missed a beat. Watches are to be worn, not pampered.
BTW that black dial watch at #2 is stunningly wonderful. What a beautiful chronograph time piece.
Watching this because I'm getting my first Holy Grail watches shipped in this week and I can't sleep 😂
This is Khiz from India, I watch almost all your when I find time. Here in my state people are not enthusiastic about watches, on the contrary I am. Here owning a Casio is itself a great thing. You're so lucky, I envy you.
Thanks for the tip about those magnetic fields. I build miniatures and i use a lot of strong neodymium magnets in that area. As of now i will use my magnetic resistance G-shock during those operations instead of any mechanical watches. ;)
this guy has so much passion for watches
I've ruined more than one crystal by thoughtlessly rubbing it against a banister or wall while simply walking around. Not as bad with sapphire crystals but mineral or vintage acrylic are very soft. Be mindful where your wrist is and keep the watch under a cuff if you can.
plexiglas can be polished using toothpaste: removes almost all scratches which aren't too deep
Louis Meluso done the same thing many times
Man what an eye opener... i didnt know about the dangers of setting the time on my skx at the wrong hour... that... explains a lot... now i feel bad for calling it junk... mine broke down twice..
Thanks for your upload.
Ps: got an orient at home... almost 20 years old already... its a dress watch and it took the mother of all beats... never serviced... never broke down... still accurate 5min a week of delay...
Love it to bits
"They need some love and attention..." Well said! :)
Yo sir, i am your subscriber from Indonesia and finally i bought SKX a couple months ago because you recommend it a lot as a beater. Now i'm really happy with my purchase. Congratulations for 100k subscriber!
7:55 I smile as I look at my milgauss and rest it on my phone.
My sinn 856 UTC laughs at magnetic fields.
I have the submariner
My dad has a Milgauss and I settled for an Omega >15000 Gauss.....
My _(comparatively)_ "throwaway" GAW-100B G-shock: 🤝
@@hectorandem2944 oh fuck I was an arrogant prick three years ago. Like what was I trying to achieve with comment? Saying that I got an expensive watch and the 'peasant' problem does not apply to me? Just so cringe, me.
Yeah I got a GA-2100 and wear it every day. I don't remember how long it has been since last time I wore a Rolex.
-Polywatch for hesalite glass scratches (not sure about acrylic but its worth a go)
-Putting your dive watch in fresh water after salt water (slows the corrosion so I hear)
-Layering watches in your box and travel pouch with a microfiber-cloth for dust build up
I took my Seiko 5 sports for snorkeling last holidays. After that I just take my watch and put it in a glass of clear tap water and let it sit there for a while and then rinse it off again with tap water. So there's no problem with exposing your diver watch to salt water.
daAnder71 Every piece of diving equipment should be rinsed with fresh water after use. They teach you this on the first level PADI, ISS, etc. Despite corrosive effect of salt water there is salt crystallization that can damage gaskets by building deposites between rubber and steel.
Clever idea! I usually just give mine a quick rinse but I like your way better!
Just got myself a first proper watch - Orient Ray II (was on a huge sale on Orient website, couldn't resist). These tips are helpful! Thanks :)
THE WALL! THE DOOR! THE COUNTER! (*triggered*) AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Good timing, I appreciate this video! My new Squale arrived yesterday (1521-026-A), and I chuckled when I read in the manual not to submerge the watch when cleaning. I guess there are always exceptions.
My beater is an Invicta Pro Diver right now. I know people hate invicta but its bloody tough and when its properly regulated I find it keeps fairly good time. Also only cost me £50 and when I got a new watch I figured I couldn't let my first automatic watch go.
Seiko.
My Invicta 8926 OB is also my beater, as I don't want to ruin my bespoke dress watch. Anyway, my Invicta only lost 8-seconds, in three days time. For a two-figure watch, that's absolutely fantastic!
I've never worn a watch, but I just started wearing a Galaxy smart watch. Smart watches are not what this channel is about, but for some reason I can't stop watching your videos. Very interesting content. I never paid any attention to watches before but you have a lot of beautiful and cool watches. While a real watch doesn't do all of the things a smart watch does, you can hand down a real watch to your children. A real watch might even go up in value. Smart watches are garbage after 2 or 3 years. The battery replacement would cost as much as the smart watch is worth.
Also, be careful of putting your watch in your pocket! I was running late for work and didn't really have much time to strap on my watch. Slipped it into my pocket and I got some scratches on the glass. Now this was mineral glass (zero scratches on my hardlex Seiko and sapphire Orient), so if anyone has a mineral glass watch, avoid pockets! Those tiny micro fibers will tear it up :o.
Hi TGV
Very useful and informative video. It is my impression that many of us watch lovers neglect the service intervals because it is more interesting using the money on new, interesting watches. I am to a certain extent guilty of that too...
On the other hand; if you have a fairly extensive collection - like 8-10 watches or more - you will usually wear each watch lesser. Then you can wait a bit longer servicing - as long as you keep the lesser active watches moving every now and then...
It is indeed a matter of common sense. But it is - as stated - all too easy to "forget" servicing a watch.
Agree on your advises.
Keep up the good work👍
Thank you Kjeld,
As always, an insightful comment from you, I always greatly value what you have to say.
Best regards,
TGV
So when are we hitting 200k Subs TGV? Haha congrats on the 100
Haha, Thank you James, it would be wonderful to do it in the next few years but honestly my focus is on trying to up the quality over quantity, I have so much more to learn!
Best regards,
TGV
We will hit it soon! Awesome channel, by far the best one out of all the watch-themed channels out there without a doubt. I've learnt a lot, I've become very passionate about watches, and this is 99% thanks to TGV and the r/Watches subreddit (Which hit 100k subs around the end of last summer if I'm not mistaken). I hope both of these communities grow as fast as they deserve and soon take over the world 😀
I have just now been getting into timepieces. This channel has been great! Thanks for your quality, and classy videos!
What a beautiful vintage brietling!
Indeed! :D
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I am new to the Rolex family so I am here absorbing the knowledge..
Congratulations with the 100k subscribers!
Thank you sir! :d
Best regards,
TGV
Great review! The urban Gentry covered all the right aeas of watch maintenance. I particularly like the wisdom that when a watch starts to run slow it is in need of cleaning and a tune-up.
4:25 What watch is this? Gorgeous piece.
That's the Tissot Janeiro Z199 Chronograph Limited Edition. It's notable for having two sub-dials, tachymetre and telemetre scales and a Valjoux 7765 manual movement.
TGV is really the watchman. Thanks a lot for recalling all those always forgoten advices. I damaged my beloved Citizen Promasters Professional Diver, not because I used it regularly for diving but because I didn't take It off the wrist for my also regular hot showering plenty of soap foam. As to the G-Shocks IMO they will stand against anything. At least my Frogman does. Keep up this good work of teaching us watch lovers.
Nice pink polo TGV hahaha,great video and tips.
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
Not a huge fan of the usual watches and straps you wear but that Seiko and that army surplus strap is AMAZING.
I had a motorcycle wreck while wearing my Seiko SKX007.
The watch was undamaged, but the jubilee bracelet was not so lucky.
YGBSM?!
Did ya break a bone? The only time I heard of a G shock getting killed the guy crashed his bike and broke his leg.
TG, on the topic of salt water on watch seals and o-rings, a moderate soak in distilled or soft water will dissolve contaminants making the seals last longer.
I had a digital dive watch that leaked after a battery replacement. A good soak of the innards in distilled water cleaned the circuitry. A thorough air dry and assembly brought the watch back for a normal life.
excellent relevant & informative video... thank you
Thank you sharma :D
Best regards,
TGV
The corners and edges of supermarket shelves are what get my clumsy self.. Good informative vid as usual
Im guulty of slamming my bezels into walls and doorways ):
After salt water wash it under ordinary water to remove salt is a good thing i do it with my diver but either way every couple years service is a must for seals and gaskets.Great chanel man i learned a lot from you GREETINGS FROM SERBIA.
Tulips soften the look! Nice touch!
Love the channel. I must disagree with one comment on dive watches. I have a 1998 Seamaster which has had exposure to salt water 3-4 days a week for the past 16 years. I wear it into the shower all the time. the watch was serviced once in 2010. this thing is a tank! No leaking seals . Saltwater has zero effect on this watch. Absolutely zero. Additionally the dramatic changes in temp associated with diving don't seem to affect accuracy. to be truthful most of the diving is generally inspection work at less than 50'. .For what it's worth that's what I expect from a high end dive watch. I have a coworker who dives with a submariner the same way. No troubles ever.
You know you just jinxed yourself, lol!