Looking for that one perfect watch? Don't bother, I've been there. Once you have that one watch, a second one will follow, a third one, and before you know it you will have a whole collection again. The fun is not in that one watch but in the diversity. And they don't even have to be expensive watches.
Still, at least in my case one watch gets 2/3 of the time worn. The rest of the collection (including a g-shock) shares the remaining 33%. And that’s OK. Just make sure to pick the daily wear well!
Plenty of people find that one perfect watch. In fact most do. It’s just obsessed watch geeks that can’t be satisfied with just one. Watches are just tools, not the focus of life
Good picks -- I own all of them. Some quick additions: -- Alpinist is great, gorgeous and a steal, but I prefer the Murph because I did not value the Alpinist's internal bezel/compass and don't love a cyclops date window. -- Agree that the Omega AT is better on a strap. Omega needs to up its bracelet game to at least Tudor levels. -- The Tudor BB58 benefits hugely from the aftermarket EZ Link sold by steelreef. Really improves the wearing. (Steelreef site says they might bring out an extension for the AT) -- Agree that the RS (red seconds) version of the Sinn is much better and less starkly German.... -- The Longines Spirit is killer, but look at the titanium version with the anthracite dial and no date. I had the steel bracelet blue with date and traded it for the titanium and strongly prefer it. -- You did not add a GMT watch. The Longines Zulu Time, especially the new 39mm, is killer. Loved the 41 also (19cm wrist), but happily traded for the 39 and prefer it. The Tudor GMT is also great, but it's a lot bigger and costs more. -- Much depends on what you can score on recently used watches, but if you find the right deal on a MKII Explorer, I'd advocate for it over the AT as the GADA "exit watch". My main point of disagreement is that "Exit Watch" and "Quit the Game" only apply to those of you who are emotionally well--balanced and invulnerable to the fads and entreaties of watch RUclips and forums. If you are watching these videos and reading these comments, you are probably too far down the rabbit hole to recover. :)
read your whole comment, and I've quit the game . Personally, I believe you can enjoy the watch world and not spent the money you have time and time again. All you need to do is fulfill 5 category of watch that you should own. 1. Everyday watch 2. Dive 3. GMT 4. Chrono 5. Dress watch. By all means, take your time and touch every watch that you know, put it own from every store you visit. My personal collection is the PRX for everyday use, BB58 as my dive watch, and surprisingly I've settled with BBpro as my GMT (eventhough i like zulu time better but the diameter threw me off, and yes im talking about the previous model). Then the love of my life Daytona panda as my chrono, I wont take anything else. and got the small cartier tank as my dress. Maybe the new zulu or the new hydro might entice me back just to change the BBpro, but for now I love it still. something about the way it looks and feel. That's another key point to not keep buying. Just because there's a new model doesn't mean you have to buy one. When it sucks, you'll go in the store once more and cough up more money and repeat.
I would also look at the Casio Oceanus T200S. It has 100m water resistance, tough solar, and bluetooth link. At around $400 it has some some of the best finishing and dial for the price. It has that minimalistic (kind of like the aqua terra) look to it.
Longines has more One and done / Exit watches than anyone else in that price bracket by far currently (in my opinion). I only say that bc of their new releases. The zulu time, zulu time gmt, Conquest, Hydro conquest, master's collection... They are absolutely on fire
The 58 is the perfect watch imo. I have been wearing it daily for 2 years, it’s understated, refined, slim yet solid and just gives the feeling of a quality watch.
Love my Tudors. Took a little time to get over my unhappiness that Rolex has lost control of their retail and didn’t want to reward them by buying a Tudor. But they are so solid that I now actually don’t care if I ever get ‘the call’. Plenty of money left in my pocket.
Bb58 is almost perfect, i say almost as i dont love the bracelet. Still gets a solid wrist time with me competing with my explorer and omega po in rotation.
Lack of identity is the clear problem. If the Aqua Terre Had it's own name in a cool font on the dial (as it obviously should)...then yes. But this nonsense approach Omega have (disclosure; I own an SMP300, Speedmaster and a beautiful rose gold vintage) of naming everything and it's wife a Seamaster means no. And a big no at that. Is an Explorer called a Submariner? No. Because it isn't. And nor should an AT be called a Seamaster. Omega missed a trick here. Big time.
I think this varies based on where you’re at in your life. I refined my collection down to an F91W, an SKX007 and a Seagull 1963. I have now stopped collecting because I feel like nothing beats these at my price points. They’re all essentially unbeatable, they should last forever if kept well. There’s no dress watch but in formal situations I wear the SKX… because I’m James Bond. I’ve never got a negative comment. In semi formal times I wear the Seagull on leather, people think it’s a neat choice, particularly women.
A steel dial 36mm Oyster Perpetual was and is my exit watch, almost 5 years not wanted another watch since. I have developed an emotional attachment to it, so it’s a marriage not an easy fling.. doesn’t stop me looking at beautiful watches 😊
Totally agree with your number one choice Max. How about a Christopher Ward C63 Sealander for under £1k on a bracelet? It has the Aqua Terra vibe for a fraction of the price. Wearing my blue diaal 39mm as i type...
I think I found my one watch to get out of the game with it’s the Rolex explorer II. I use it at work, casual, hiking, just about everything all day every day and it makes me happy when ever I look at it. The only thing I don’t do is wear it to the gym. Other than that I have all my bases covered and I really don’t feel compelled to buy any more stuff watches like I used to even though I still nerd out over them
I thinking the Rolex OP 41mm is a perfect candidate for a one watch person. It is simple, but elegant. It is robust, but classic. It is a basic watch, but with the Rolex DNA all over it.
I am currently trimming the collection down and taking a step back from watches. Too much money involved, too many attractive new models released each month and the realization that high quality watch content (except Watch Crunch), be it podcasts or YT vids, is frustratingly rare. I am lucky to have in the sock drawer all the models, including the Sinn 556 and the BlackBay 58, that fit my lifestyle and activities. The craziness, hopefully, stops now.
I tried the 54 and it’s definitely not too small on my 6.5 wrist. I think as a 1 watch collection the 54 is perfect. However, if you have a multiple watch collection, you may want something with a little more spice because for all its goodness, the 54 is kind of boring looking watch at least when compared to the 58. Unlike the 54, the 58 is not an exact replica of back catalog Tudor, it is its own thing. The gilted bezel adds a nice warmth and harmony with the gold on the dial, the red triangle harkens back to the Rolex Big Crown and serves to break up the monotony of the watch. I also find the more refined coin edge bezel and matching crown very elegant.
@@michaelriera6277 I’m someone who prefers vintage and think that is where the perfect designs lie. Before the 54 release I had been really into the 6204 submariner the original reference, and this 54 got closer to that than anything ever will. To me the guilt on the 58 bezel looks so forced and makes the watch far less versatile
Aqua Terra is a master class in conflicting design: simple yet complex, common yet unique, subdued yet flashy. I recently purchased the summer blue 41 and i gotta say - that was probably a mistake, given now my 9k Chronomat and a couple other slightly lower tier watches that I was deliberate about keeping in rotation have just been sitting in the box. I just can’t put that damn thing down!
@@MadMan-cp6tn The fact you prefer 38mm diameter cases tells me all i need to know about your watch preferences. Dainty case sizes is not my forte. Even my wife wouldn’t go for a case size less than 40mm.
@@MadMan-cp6tn Guys who find a 38mm AT too thick and heavy typically lean towards daintier case sizes - and that’s ok. No need to get your panties all in a wad.
I read somewhere if you took a Rolex Explorer 1016 of its time and graded historically against modern inflation it would cost exactly the same amount as the Sinn 556a - the Sinn is also much more legible, has better AR and is more of an equivalent tool watch than a modern Explorer. I’ve collected watches for 30 plus years, and in all respects less is more!
@@WatchCrunchOfficial I think the AR is great - some people moan it can be scratched cos it’s on outer crystal too but never had any issues - most of the day it looks like there is no crystal there the legibility is that good - I also have the RS
No surprises here but an excellent set of choices. I went with the 556A RS and it's been my daily wear for 16 months, now looking to add something to the rotation. The BB58 is high on that list. I've loved the AT since I started looking a couple of years ago but can't justify the spend. Anyway, just saying this is pretty much the defacto classic GADA list, great job.
I tried. Cannot be done. Hence it is called the rabbit hole. However, after years of this crazy hobby (and many mistakes), I’ve sold my hublot big bang, rolex DJ 41, tudor ranger, hamilton murph, omega aqua terra, sinn 556 and 104, tissot prx I now keep a 3 watch collection that I can wear without a single worry and not having to baby them too much to actually enjoy them: 1. Hamilton khaki auto 38 (my first serious watch) 2. Omega SMP 300 (my first luxury watch after getting my first paycheck at my awesome current job) 3. Cartier tank must L (39th bday gift from wife) At the end, I kept the ones that hold meanings / marked an important period in my life. In addition, I now just enjoy staying up to date with new releases and window shopping.
The Omega AT (especially 41 small seconds) is really a higher quality watch even when compared to the Rolex DJ, which is another GADA. All the other watches on the list are good too, but not on the same level of craftsmanship, then again, that's what you're paying for. Great video!
I recently I bought a Sinn EZM 13.1 and it quickly turned out to be my exit watch. It completely surprised me, I wear it all the time even though I have 41 watches.
Dude, that Manufacture Calibre MT5612 (COSC) movement in the Tudor is Rolex accuracy of +/- 2 per day. It beats the Aqua Terra and is less expensive. More value.
I bought the 41mm AquaTerra back in 2019 as my first good watch, the same one that James Bond wear in the Skyfall movie. Now I have a bigger collection and another blue dial watch, I have many reasons to sell or to trade in this AquaTerra to check more boxes for my collection but I just cant. This watch is simply too good, too comfortable and too versitle to be my daily driver. Plus it is my first luxury watch and it represents how my career started.
I’ve got 4 Orients (Black/Gold Kamasu, Silver Bambino 2, Red Bambino 8, and Neo 70s Chronograph (JDM)). Love them all SO much. The Kamasu is a fantastic diver and all around watch - I’d imagine the Mako is great, too. I went with the Kamasu because I wanted the sapphire crystal and I liked the bezel better.
The fact that the second crown on the Alpinist is not screw-down is always ignored. Why, I wonder? I have a SARB 017 and SPB241J1 but wouldn't want either as a one and done. I don't think a dive style is suitable for a single watch so the BB58/54 are out but theBB36 could fulfil the role.
Video like this with some many useful info yet brief is hard to find. Not to mention I completely agree on your choice of 5 watches that can replace all! Great choice and nicely done!
Great subject, it’s my plan to halt my purchases . I had realized enough is enough. My recent purchase Tudor bb41 Breitling super ocean 42 Oris bc pointer date Longinus Evadenza Oris Aquis Forits b42 Hamilton jazz master GMT Hamilton khaki a aviation pilot pioneer Fortis b42 marine master Seiko Skx 007j and 009j Raymond Weil freelance Tag Heuer aquaracer My inheritance: Rolex submariner 16610 Omega Devile Omega seamaster (quartz) Rolex date just 36 pink dial with diamond 16234💎 Ebel sportwave Tag Heuer link Omega Conciliation Quartz Breitling Chronomat Yachting Corum admiral cup Cartier santo quartz Cartier frances tank To stop myself. Will the following. Omega seamaster aqua terra 8900 IWC mark 18 or 20 Longines sprite green edition Breitling Navitimer 41mm Bell&Ross new BR03 41mm I hope this will end for me 😂😂
sinn FINALLY put an exhibition case back on a watch, hell has frozen over! But they can't ween themselves off of dates yet. Until they do, I'm not interested.
Great list, hard agree with everything on the list, only caveat being the seiko. The green is nice but can somwtimes be hard to match with certain attire. Also funny thing is I have the Longines Spirit 37mm in blue, wear it pretty much all the time but I'm STILL looking for my next watch so I'm definitely not out of the game yet hahaha.
I've found the Grand Seiko SBGX263 to be an excellent one and done watch. 9F quartz so super accurate, gorgeous sunburst champagne dial that is understated snd goes with everything. 37mm and classic styling. Very underrated.
That Grand Seiko watch is truly a watch that you can wear it everywhere. It's a casual sporty watch that even looks dressy. And it will always be accurate no matter what.
I have this exact sinn 556 ars love it. But it didn't stoped me from buying a breitling an omega and a girard perregaux. 😅 but I had to purge all the collection for monetary issues. The 556 would be the last one standing for sure.
@@WatchCrunchOfficial why? When the Apollo missions returned from orbit they landed in the ocean. EVA training (Extravehicular Activity, aka spacewalk) is conducted underwater in massive pools. And the astronauts wear everything, including their standard-issue Speedmasters. This 50m myth has been perpetuated in the watch community but it’s not grounded in fact. When Omega says 50m, they mean 50m underwater. Not just “splash resistance” or “wash your hands under the sink” resistance
I'm now down to just a BB41 silver, an FC Highlife blue dial 3 hander. and an Alpina Seastrong Gyre edition. Covers all the bases for me, as Tudor does the sports/chunky thing, the FC is a superb all day/every day with the QR straps, and the Gyre is super light being made from recycled plastic. I've not bought a watch in over 18 months, which was the Tudor - I think I've got one more in me, and that's almost certainly going to be a The Citizen washi dial 40mm. The thing that's holding me back is I know it'll ruin the other three and be my checkout watch - it'll cover all the bases required, never need winding, or setting, or anything.
The older 8500 aqua terra 38.5 has the jump hour even in the smaller size - interesting they removed that function in the mid size now I think they’d do better if the AT was a little thinner though!
Excellent choices, I've been playing the watch game for about a dozen years now and I am so done with all the games. Sold all my watches other than my beater Garmin and purchased a black dial Aqua Terra in 38mm and its definitely all the watch I need.
Not ready to quit the game by any means. Yet, all of these pieces are part of my collection, including the Explo 1 in 36mm and the Ingénieur. Precisely because they are GADA watches, but each with its own slightly different flair. So yes, one could be enough, but having the choice of being a little bit dressed up or down, sterile or with a little twist of fantasy and at a whole range of price points, picking a different one (or not…) everyday is also lots of fun 🤩
I have done an about face on the date display. With a cell phone on hand at all times I find it an unnecessary disruption of the look of the dial. It’s also nice not having to set the date when rotating through automatic watches. Also, watch makers are very unimaginative with the look of date displays. Even high end, luxury watches use sadly generic fonts for the number and do absolutely nothing to integrate the display into the look of the dial. I don’t get it.
I feel like most watches these days are made to be pretty versatile. You could basically pick almost any Longines, Tudor, Omega, IWC or Rolex and call it a day.
Great video! Great list… i agree with the entire list. I do own the Baby alpinist in 38mm with green dial and its absolutely beautiful. Lastly, I bought a month ago an Railmaster denim dial and i have the same issue you have with your aquaterra… I cannot put this watch down. Its so good! And ALL brushed!
The Longines is the no-brainer. You have options but not too many and it doesn't look too busy. It punches above. It can be argued that the Omega has a confused face. The hour markers point inward for seemingly no reason, the dial having a deck slat motif, no sunray effect, and the shine of the case is a little hard to dress down with a NATO. Not impossible, just not a Black Bay level of adaptable. Distressed leather is as far as I'd take it. Omega appears to present the AquaTerra as a dress watch for the sport-conscious. That works for some, although anything Omega does in that regard, Grand Seiko does considerably better.
No such thing as one perfect watch. If you are an enthusiast you will need one for every occasion. Diving, flying, racing, cooking, secret missions, walking on the moon…lol
HEY! Don't forget the OEM leather on the Aqua Terra. It is absolutely perfect ( at least with my silver dial one) I bought the bracelet later. It's truly like two different watches. The perfect "one and done"
I have a collection of 10-12 automatic watches. I try to think of myself as an enthusiast - and indeed I’ve learnt quite a lot about watches over the years. However, I can’t escape the feeling that I am being very extravagant & selfish owning so many watches, when so many people have so little, not to mention shallow and wasteful by devoting so much time to this hobby when there are so many more important things in the World that warrant my attention. I would love to find the ‘one watch’ to knock this habit on the head, but I’ve just never found it 😢
Never just one, so…. TOP FOUR (All Pre-Owned): DRESS: First Gen Omega Aqua Terra (39.2mm), blue face, bracelet. ACTION: First Gen Planet Ocean (42mm), black face, white numbers, bracelet with upgraded adjustable clasp. DAILY: Mid 2000’s Omega Seamaster Professional 300M (41mm), black face, quartz (yes, quartz), silicone and leather straps. BEATER: Casio G-Shock GBD200-1, black.
For 30 years I only wore a Speedmaster Reduced so I suppose you could add a Speedmaster to the list. I then had an accident which smashed the Speedmaster and required it to be shipped back to Switzerland to be repaired, taking months. So I bought a Planet Ocean 39mm to replace it, which is a bit too sporty so I bought the 38mm blue dial AT that you have in the video. The AT gets worn most of the time and I only wear the PO when doing something that suits its vibe. The Speedmaster is hardly worn.
I have a Speedmaster Reduced blue face and I wore it daily for 11 years, and then last year I got an IWC Pilot Automatic, and now I alternate daily between them. I do love the Speedmaster, so hopefully you'll regain the love.
The 58 is so well made and perfectly proportioned for a sports GADA watch. It borrows from classic Tudors and Rolex without being a slave to an exact copy . It really is it’s own thing. The gilt bezel gives the 58 a warm feel, the red triangle offers a pop of color paying homage to the Rolex Big Crown, the chunky coin edge crown is so satisfying to wind with a refined matching coin edge bezel and I love the snow flake seconds hand. It’s different from the more traditional lollipop style. 39 mm is on the smaller side for a modern sized sports watch and I think anything smaller is playing vintage territory.
Retire from the game? Firstly, you said that the Tudor Pelagos FXD was better than the BB58. But then you recommend a BB58! Did you forget? Alpinist: if you see one in the flesh, it's an absolute no. Cheap and trashy. Selection rating 7/100. Sinn: brilliant recommendation. Quality. Beautiful design SR 93/100 Longines: Why do people like Longines? Dated in a very bad way. Again, the feel is terrible in person. Plus there's ALWAYS something better out there. SR 12/100 Tudor: Perfect choice. Understated. Cool. Straight forward. What value. But a victim of it's own popularity. SR 88/100. Aqua Terra. Good solid choice. But totally lacking any flair or imagination. If you want to be a grey man, sitting un-noticed wherever you go, get an AquaT. SR 67/100. Grand Seiko Unless you buy 2nd hand forget it. Stuffy. A bit pompous. And the owners are terrible bores. Have you seen this? Have you seen that? No! SR 41/100. Watch Crunch An indifferent video. A bit obvious. Needs to be creative. To make it interesting. The mentioning of the Seiko and the Longines were big red flags. But he did avoid even bigger man trap choices. SR 51/100. Pelagos FXD Perfect watch. Impossible to fault. Stealthy. Uber cool. Rarish. And very light. SR 98/100 Watch Crunch man: keep at it. You might make it this year. But remember to remember your previous videos so you don't make a school boy Tudor error. Thanks!!!
Oh you think I would quit the game...? Ahahaha. I only buy watches like this. ALL OF THEM. My exit plan is finding the new Daytona among Zelo's collection and selling it in 15 years to buy all the watches like that I can't afford - looking at you, Blancpain Aquascaphe Fifthy Fathoms iridescent green dial!!!!!!!
I LOVE Omega and have 3 pieces myself. However, as good as the Omega AquaTerra is, IMHO it is overpriced. Again, another overpriced ($13K+) piece IMHO, is the IWC Ingenieur. Per the TimeTeller, there are A LOT of Ingeneuir similarities with the ($4K) B&M Rivera automatic. Other than the IWC name, WHY would anyone pay pay al most $10K more. As always, great and interesting video - thanks.
That Spirit 37, with the blue dial, is my daily driver. I had been following the spirit line for some time, and when they came out with the 37, I was in. It wears perfectly on my 7 1/4" wrist. (Your video review of this watch was a big part of my decision.) Buying this was not a mistake. However, I must admit that I still haven't quit the game!
I’m a simple guy and really only look out for these one-watch collection killers. Unfortunately there is almost an intentional flaw in each one. The SARB035 is my daily but… Looking at; Tudor: BB54- only one variant Chrono- too thick BB Explorer- tank. 1 inch thick Classic BB- smiley is off putting and the new rice braclet is suck ass Omega: Aqua terra- love this watch but the deck panel dial, the odd date wheel and the fact that the watch could be thinner if they dropped the ridiculous height between the dial and crystal. The early 2000 models hit the target Moon watch- way to big Seamaster- everything about it hurts my eyes Seiko- modern sieko sucks right now. Even the alpinist cumbersome, most are basically fashion watches. Clunky, junky. Seiko needs a re-do after the end of an era with the SARB line Rolex- we all have a one-watch-collection in mind via Rolex. However most are cost prohibitive if you can even get one in hand from a dealer. I’d quite the watch game with the right OP, Explorers, Daytona (a man can dream right?)
For me, it would be: G-Shock, Seiko Cocktail, Speedmaster, Grand Seiko. Two down, two more to go! Would love to have a Longines Spirit if the 40mm didn't have humongous lugs. 37 is too small for my wrist
Funnily enough, MaMaCoo 's replicas are perfect for people who can actually afford a luxury watch. Because in those social circles, it wouldn't matter and everybody would just assume it's real. You have a yacht and a beach house in Tuscany, of course that replica is real. There isn't a millionaire out there going around with a jeweller's loupe to scrutinize their acquaintance's watch. They'll just go "Oh is that a Patek? Nice, I should really get my hands on one of those, they look great."
It's sad that watches that look good cost over 1k+. amzwatch watches are REALLY well made, and it just shows how a brand name on a watch can make its price 10x higher. I understand that if you look under a microscope, you'll find the difference, but just how many of you really inspect a watch at that level when you see someone with a watch?
It's sad that watches that look good cost over 1k+. amzwatch watches are REALLY well made, and it just shows how a brand name on a watch can make its price 10x higher. I understand that if you look under a microscope, you'll find the difference, but just how many of you really inspect a watch at that level when you see someone with a watch?
I think that your choices are cool but they are obviously biased by your own taste. For my wrist even a 40 mm looks small. What about an elegant diver or a thin pilot? You see this is the thing with watches like the saying goes: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have well over 28 watches that range from $350 to $9000 and I enjoy them all. Out of your list I would only buy the omega. And all would be 41 mm and above. The last thing is that if you enter this world, you will keep on buying, selling or exchanging watches FOR EVER. You’ll have some winners to keep for life and some that will be just passing through !! Tough hobby
1. Seiko, when you offer an exhibition caseback, we want to see the movement. You shouldn't print too many words on it, especially not on the crystal. Also, stop being so thick. 2. Sinn: yep it's a bit dull. Definitely too German. 3. Longies: that writing on the clasp ruined it for me. Come on. 4. Tudor: yeah, that's nice, but... 5. Omega: now we're talking.
I know more than 20 watches which are below 300 and which have both technical quality and looks of these snob watches. Most reasonable people know it. Brand hype and status is the only reason why people buy these Rolex-es and Omegas etc. No one can prove that they are proportionally better (as their prices.) They are better - yes ,but - just marginally. This has been tested long ago.People buying them are those who want status symbol anf are hypnotised by brand status. And I don't blame them. They can do whatever they want with their money. But even best Chinese watches are of similar quality for the fraction of price. And what a disaster - no one can find big quality differences! And what snob watch ambassadors do? They use microscope to compare them with "people" watches - to justify the price! Isn't it pathetic?
I've owned 3 of these watches in the video (Longines Spirit, Black Bay and Green AT 41mm. All great watches and worthy at their price points. For me.bow its between the Rolex DateJust 41 blue dial or Rolex Submariner black for the title of "one and done" watches for me.
I did that trimming down, organizing to one watch one beater phase, and regret it, I never wore the beater and I ended up scratching my Omega Seamaster Co-Axial 41mm 😫 never again will I follow a trend, if you like your minimalist superiority trend do you but not me, I’m back to 12 luxury watches for rotation, 4 Seiko shitters and 4 G-Shock for the gym!
@@WatchCrunchOfficial Yea 🤪I’m more insane having 1, I find sanity having 12 same looking pieces to the random viewer outside our rabbit hole hobby lol
I got nomos club campus 4 years ago, for my 21 birthday when I just started working. Hope to buy Rolex datejust 36 in a couple of years, I’m a software engineer in Ukraine, so my plan is to relocate to US and start working there, so dropping 10 k on a watch wouldn’t feel so insane 😅. Probably end game for me would be a white gold day date 36. Let’s set is as a goal for 40 yo.
You got it 200% right on the green and gold Alpinist. Recently I got one and absolutely loving it. However had to regulate / adjust it a bit and now is at -5 sec a day. Not bad at all as I can set it a minute ahead and be good for a2 whole weeks. It works with all attires and occasions.
I bought this popular video watch from amzwatch , which was originally priced at a few thousand dollars, but now it's only $380! It's really suitable to pick up feces!
The Aqua Terra is beautiful, but I don't think it's as refined as Rolex. I actually owned the 41mm version, and ended up getting rid of it. I loved the look, but I thought the crown was a bit annoying and harder to grip comparing to Rolex. The jumping hour function is cool, but when adjusting the hours and minutes, you have to turn the crown the ''wrong'' way. Also the date changing on the watch is not as good as on Rolex models. It's a small detail, but when paying a lot of money for a watch, I don't want to watch the date gradually change over a few hours and then snapping in place at about midnight. I want the watch to just snap to the next date. For me personally, I thought the watch was a bit too thick as well and could lose a few millimeters. All in all a cool watch, that's actually available for purchase but not a collection killer for me
Really trying to like using watchcrunch, but same as this video, I get the feeling that there's not much room left for affordable preferences. You really missed out on having options for the under $200 us level and the $201 -$600 level watches. I get it, me and more than 3/4 of earth are not your target, but it's sad to see that you have a chance to be more inclusive and you pass it up. Best regards
I have a rolex oyster perpetual and a ton of other watches ranging from the Sinn 556 to a omega speedmaster. I never wear anything except the Rolex 😅. I also disagree with the IWC option, when you can buy a submariner for the same price. call me a Rolex fanboy I guess 🤷♂
You can look and appear stunning with just a few homage automatic watches under $200. At the end of the day, your wallet only takes a soft hit. The marketing of name brands convinces you that you need that 5k 10k and up watch. Some of this watches are stunning pieces. However, you can achieve the same feel for under $200.
Looking for that one perfect watch? Don't bother, I've been there. Once you have that one watch, a second one will follow, a third one, and before you know it you will have a whole collection again. The fun is not in that one watch but in the diversity. And they don't even have to be expensive watches.
One can try... 😔
Still, at least in my case one watch gets 2/3 of the time worn. The rest of the collection (including a g-shock) shares the remaining 33%. And that’s OK. Just make sure to pick the daily wear well!
You are so correct.
It is an ill fated attempt since no such thing as perfect.
However, you may find an okay watch and live with it.
Plenty of people find that one perfect watch. In fact most do. It’s just obsessed watch geeks that can’t be satisfied with just one. Watches are just tools, not the focus of life
Good picks -- I own all of them. Some quick additions:
-- Alpinist is great, gorgeous and a steal, but I prefer the Murph because I did not value the Alpinist's internal bezel/compass and don't love a cyclops date window.
-- Agree that the Omega AT is better on a strap. Omega needs to up its bracelet game to at least Tudor levels.
-- The Tudor BB58 benefits hugely from the aftermarket EZ Link sold by steelreef. Really improves the wearing. (Steelreef site says they might bring out an extension for the AT)
-- Agree that the RS (red seconds) version of the Sinn is much better and less starkly German....
-- The Longines Spirit is killer, but look at the titanium version with the anthracite dial and no date. I had the steel bracelet blue with date and traded it for the titanium and strongly prefer it.
-- You did not add a GMT watch. The Longines Zulu Time, especially the new 39mm, is killer. Loved the 41 also (19cm wrist), but happily traded for the 39 and prefer it. The Tudor GMT is also great, but it's a lot bigger and costs more.
-- Much depends on what you can score on recently used watches, but if you find the right deal on a MKII Explorer, I'd advocate for it over the AT as the GADA "exit watch".
My main point of disagreement is that "Exit Watch" and "Quit the Game" only apply to those of you who are emotionally well--balanced and invulnerable to the fads and entreaties of watch RUclips and forums. If you are watching these videos and reading these comments, you are probably too far down the rabbit hole to recover. :)
Ugh. Your last point hits hard. I wish I could be satisfied with one watch.
read your whole comment, and I've quit the game . Personally, I believe you can enjoy the watch world and not spent the money you have time and time again. All you need to do is fulfill 5 category of watch that you should own. 1. Everyday watch 2. Dive 3. GMT 4. Chrono 5. Dress watch. By all means, take your time and touch every watch that you know, put it own from every store you visit.
My personal collection is the PRX for everyday use, BB58 as my dive watch, and surprisingly I've settled with BBpro as my GMT (eventhough i like zulu time better but the diameter threw me off, and yes im talking about the previous model). Then the love of my life Daytona panda as my chrono, I wont take anything else. and got the small cartier tank as my dress.
Maybe the new zulu or the new hydro might entice me back just to change the BBpro, but for now I love it still. something about the way it looks and feel. That's another key point to not keep buying. Just because there's a new model doesn't mean you have to buy one. When it sucks, you'll go in the store once more and cough up more money and repeat.
A true connoisseur.
Spoken like a true Watch sicko. I relate with you 100%.
Amen to the last part.
The perfect watch for "one watch only" isn't a watch can do everything but a watch makes you smile all the time.
Well said
Hear hear
It's like with a car. Life is to short to drive boring cars. I always drive a car, which after work when I see...I smile;) same with watch;)
@@marcinzarebski6435oh that feeling is just **chef kiss** 👌
I would also look at the Casio Oceanus T200S. It has 100m water resistance, tough solar, and bluetooth link. At around $400 it has some some of the best finishing and dial for the price. It has that minimalistic (kind of like the aqua terra) look to it.
Great call 🤙
T200 is good… but S100 is so, SO much better. This watch should be illegal ‘cause it kills most of sub-5K watches for you.
@@2005batman s100 is great but I just prefer the design of the 200s. Good choice either way 👍
@@KevinFought tastes differ, yes. The fact is, both are amazing timepieces, and criminally underrated.
If only it was 38mm. I've been waiting years for that... Come on Casio!
Longines has more One and done / Exit watches than anyone else in that price bracket by far currently (in my opinion). I only say that bc of their new releases. The zulu time, zulu time gmt, Conquest, Hydro conquest, master's collection... They are absolutely on fire
Ultrachron, man, ultrachron. Hi-Beat watch for 3k? It's a struggle trying to save up for something when I know it's out there.
I didn't even know about that one. Very cool! @@Justin6477
I agree…I have the Longines diver and thinking about selling my Grand Seiko for another.
Agreed 💯
I agree completely. I have the Master Collection 42mm with only a date display. It is simple but elegant, and I love it.
The Sinn 556 is such a beauty, especially the models with applied indices
💯
Which one? I thought they all have printed dial
@@falkenvirthe LE colored dials have applied indices
Also the one with blue dial has applied indices, and it is not limited
I still struggle with their prices. I love the tegimented U50 - just can’t justify the price.
The Alpinist as your only watch is…..wild
Some people are wild
The 58 is the perfect watch imo. I have been wearing it daily for 2 years, it’s understated, refined, slim yet solid and just gives the feeling of a quality watch.
Love my Tudors. Took a little time to get over my unhappiness that Rolex has lost control of their retail and didn’t want to reward them by buying a Tudor. But they are so solid that I now actually don’t care if I ever get ‘the call’. Plenty of money left in my pocket.
Agree 100%. The BB58 OG or blue are great everyday watches.
Yep, it's all you need 👍
Bb58 is almost perfect, i say almost as i dont love the bracelet. Still gets a solid wrist time with me competing with my explorer and omega po in rotation.
Don't forget the ranger. I'm loving the new version.
Lack of identity is the clear problem. If the Aqua Terre Had it's own name in a cool font on the dial (as it obviously should)...then yes. But this nonsense approach Omega have (disclosure; I own an SMP300, Speedmaster and a beautiful rose gold vintage) of naming everything and it's wife a Seamaster means no. And a big no at that. Is an Explorer called a Submariner? No. Because it isn't. And nor should an AT be called a Seamaster. Omega missed a trick here. Big time.
I think this varies based on where you’re at in your life. I refined my collection down to an F91W, an SKX007 and a Seagull 1963. I have now stopped collecting because I feel like nothing beats these at my price points. They’re all essentially unbeatable, they should last forever if kept well. There’s no dress watch but in formal situations I wear the SKX… because I’m James Bond. I’ve never got a negative comment. In semi formal times I wear the Seagull on leather, people think it’s a neat choice, particularly women.
What price points? All of these are under $1k. You are talking about 3 watches from the same price point..
A steel dial 36mm Oyster Perpetual was and is my exit watch, almost 5 years not wanted another watch since. I have developed an emotional attachment to it, so it’s a marriage not an easy fling.. doesn’t stop me looking at beautiful watches 😊
Nope, definitely can't stop now 😉
That’s a good choice! 36mm Explorer would be my exit watch, but in the meantime I’m still delighted with my Tudor BB36.
Totally agree with your number one choice Max. How about a Christopher Ward C63 Sealander for under £1k on a bracelet? It has the Aqua Terra vibe for a fraction of the price. Wearing my blue diaal 39mm as i type...
Yes, though I never liked the hour hand on that one
@@WatchCrunchOfficial for so.eone with a visual disability, that hour hand is pretty helpful.
Getting my IWC Mark 16 back from the guy I sold it to a year ago ha ha. We watch people are mental
Haha, congrats! The heart wants what it wants
@@WatchCrunchOfficial wise words
I'll stick to buying
I think I found my one watch to get out of the game with it’s the Rolex explorer II. I use it at work, casual, hiking, just about everything all day every day and it makes me happy when ever I look at it. The only thing I don’t do is wear it to the gym. Other than that I have all my bases covered and I really don’t feel compelled to buy any more stuff watches like I used to even though I still nerd out over them
I brought the same. White dial. 216570. Perfection.
I thinking the Rolex OP 41mm is a perfect candidate for a one watch person. It is simple, but elegant. It is robust, but classic. It is a basic watch, but with the Rolex DNA all over it.
I am currently trimming the collection down and taking a step back from watches. Too much money involved, too many attractive new models released each month and the realization that high quality watch content (except Watch Crunch), be it podcasts or YT vids, is frustratingly rare.
I am lucky to have in the sock drawer all the models, including the Sinn 556 and the BlackBay 58, that fit my lifestyle and activities. The craziness, hopefully, stops now.
That's all you need 👍
Sold everything bought the bb54 and quit. Been out for 5 months now
Congrats! You've exited the matrix 👍
Jealous 😢
I tried the 54 and it’s definitely not too small on my 6.5 wrist. I think as a 1 watch collection the 54 is perfect. However, if you have a multiple watch collection, you may want something with a little more spice because for all its goodness, the 54 is kind of boring looking watch at least when compared to the 58. Unlike the 54, the 58 is not an exact replica of back catalog Tudor, it is its own thing. The gilted bezel adds a nice warmth and harmony with the gold on the dial, the red triangle harkens back to the Rolex Big Crown and serves to break up the monotony of the watch. I also find the more refined coin edge bezel and matching crown very elegant.
@@michaelriera6277 I’m someone who prefers vintage and think that is where the perfect designs lie. Before the 54 release I had been really into the 6204 submariner the original reference, and this 54 got closer to that than anything ever will. To me the guilt on the 58 bezel looks so forced and makes the watch far less versatile
No quick date function and no microadjust disqualifies aqua terra at its price
The 38 has quick date. No micro adjust though.
You may hate the Aqua Terra, but my oh my does it look.... GOOOOOOD on you.
I bought a Sub no date and it was truly a grail, one watch for me. Frankly it's a little embarrassing to wear. I almost always wear my Apple Watch
I would chose a Casio Oceanus 200 IF it would be made of titanium.
I bought a BB58 and it killed collecting for me
It is the GOAT GADA!
Aqua Terra is a master class in conflicting design: simple yet complex, common yet unique, subdued yet flashy. I recently purchased the summer blue 41 and i gotta say - that was probably a mistake, given now my 9k Chronomat and a couple other slightly lower tier watches that I was deliberate about keeping in rotation have just been sitting in the box. I just can’t put that damn thing down!
I sold my 38mm AT recently. Too thick, too heavy, didnt get familiar with the somehow indecisive design.
@@MadMan-cp6tn The fact you prefer 38mm diameter cases tells me all i need to know about your watch preferences. Dainty case sizes is not my forte. Even my wife wouldn’t go for a case size less than 40mm.
@@Thigster Well, thats complete bullshit. Case size depends on wrist size as we all know. What do you know about my wrist size? Nothing.
@@MadMan-cp6tn Guys who find a 38mm AT too thick and heavy typically lean towards daintier case sizes - and that’s ok. No need to get your panties all in a wad.
what a bogan@@Thigster
I read somewhere if you took a Rolex Explorer 1016 of its time and graded historically against modern inflation it would cost exactly the same amount as the Sinn 556a - the Sinn is also much more legible, has better AR and is more of an equivalent tool watch than a modern Explorer. I’ve collected watches for 30 plus years, and in all respects less is more!
Agreed, but the AR is not that great 😉
@@WatchCrunchOfficial I think the AR is great - some people moan it can be scratched cos it’s on outer crystal too but never had any issues - most of the day it looks like there is no crystal there the legibility is that good - I also have the RS
I want one maybe two Swiss luxury everything watches and a bunch of affordable conversation starters. That’s my ideal collection.
Great plan!
Why is no one talking about the Orient AC0K03L10B? It's the most beautiful pepsi bezel dive watch under $1000. It makes the SKX look like trash.
No surprises here but an excellent set of choices. I went with the 556A RS and it's been my daily wear for 16 months, now looking to add something to the rotation. The BB58 is high on that list. I've loved the AT since I started looking a couple of years ago but can't justify the spend. Anyway, just saying this is pretty much the defacto classic GADA list, great job.
Thanks dude 😊
I have the BB54 and have no complaints. Everything is excellent about it. You'll not go far wrong with a Black Bay 54/58
A blue 58, Sinn 556a RS, Longines Heritage Classic Sector, the perfect 3 watch collection for less than the rrp of a modern explorer
I tried. Cannot be done. Hence it is called the rabbit hole.
However, after years of this crazy hobby (and many mistakes), I’ve sold my hublot big bang, rolex DJ 41, tudor ranger, hamilton murph, omega aqua terra, sinn 556 and 104, tissot prx
I now keep a 3 watch collection that I can wear without a single worry and not having to baby them too much to actually enjoy them:
1. Hamilton khaki auto 38 (my first serious watch)
2. Omega SMP 300 (my first luxury watch after getting my first paycheck at my awesome current job)
3. Cartier tank must L (39th bday gift from wife)
At the end, I kept the ones that hold meanings / marked an important period in my life.
In addition, I now just enjoy staying up to date with new releases and window shopping.
Good call, you got a nice trio 👍
I don't know about the watches, but your wife is definitely a keeper if she bought you a Cartier for your birthday
@@goldencalf5144thanks!
As much as I love the Aquaterra and Blackbay … the Longines Spirit wins for me !
The Omega AT (especially 41 small seconds) is really a higher quality watch even when compared to the Rolex DJ, which is another GADA. All the other watches on the list are good too, but not on the same level of craftsmanship, then again, that's what you're paying for. Great video!
Damn right 👍
Yes, and it basically has the same retail price as Rolex DJ. Omega went completely bananas with their price increases every 2-3 months
I recently I bought a Sinn EZM 13.1 and it quickly turned out to be my exit watch.
It completely surprised me, I wear it all the time even though I have 41 watches.
Congrats! Enjoy watch retirement 😀
Dude, that Manufacture Calibre MT5612 (COSC) movement in the Tudor is Rolex accuracy of +/- 2 per day. It beats the Aqua Terra and is less expensive. More value.
Kindly do a review of SEIKO SPB 379❤7
Aqua Terra is simply Latin for "Planet Ocean"
I bought the 41mm AquaTerra back in 2019 as my first good watch, the same one that James Bond wear in the Skyfall movie. Now I have a bigger collection and another blue dial watch, I have many reasons to sell or to trade in this AquaTerra to check more boxes for my collection but I just cant. This watch is simply too good, too comfortable and too versitle to be my daily driver. Plus it is my first luxury watch and it represents how my career started.
One top way to avoid which watch you choose in a morning! Wear your chosen watch 24/7 😂😅😂
Thank you for a really good presentation and fully agree with your choices. My only request is could you cover a budget watch like the Orient Mako?
I’ve got 4 Orients (Black/Gold Kamasu, Silver Bambino 2, Red Bambino 8, and Neo 70s Chronograph (JDM)). Love them all SO much. The Kamasu is a fantastic diver and all around watch - I’d imagine the Mako is great, too. I went with the Kamasu because I wanted the sapphire crystal and I liked the bezel better.
The fact that the second crown on the Alpinist is not screw-down is always ignored. Why, I wonder? I have a SARB 017 and SPB241J1 but wouldn't want either as a one and done. I don't think a dive style is suitable for a single watch so the BB58/54 are out but theBB36 could fulfil the role.
Hmmm good point 🤔
Video like this with some many useful info yet brief is hard to find. Not to mention I completely agree on your choice of 5 watches that can replace all! Great choice and nicely done!
Great subject, it’s my plan to halt my purchases . I had realized enough is enough.
My recent purchase
Tudor bb41
Breitling super ocean 42
Oris bc pointer date
Longinus Evadenza
Oris Aquis
Forits b42
Hamilton jazz master GMT
Hamilton khaki a aviation pilot pioneer
Fortis b42 marine master
Seiko Skx 007j and 009j
Raymond Weil freelance
Tag Heuer aquaracer
My inheritance:
Rolex submariner 16610
Omega Devile
Omega seamaster (quartz)
Rolex date just 36 pink dial with diamond 16234💎
Ebel sportwave
Tag Heuer link
Omega Conciliation Quartz
Breitling Chronomat Yachting
Corum admiral cup
Cartier santo quartz
Cartier frances tank
To stop myself.
Will the following.
Omega seamaster aqua terra 8900
IWC mark 18 or 20
Longines sprite green edition
Breitling Navitimer 41mm
Bell&Ross new BR03 41mm
I hope this will end for me 😂😂
The disease is real. You my friend have the watch bug.
@@michaelriera6277 😂🤣
sinn FINALLY put an exhibition case back on a watch, hell has frozen over! But they can't ween themselves off of dates yet. Until they do, I'm not interested.
The 556 ALWAYS has an exhibition caseback. You can purchase the 556 without a date complication in the models 556i b and the 556 i perlmutt
104 has an exhibition case back as well
I love the 58, it's a lot of watch for the money but you're right that aquaterra would be my choice as well.... in 41mm
Jump hour 👌
Another intelligent, pleasant and thoughtful review. Max- you really need to up your douchebag game if you want to be a "watch influencer".
Haha, going to kick a few puppies
The Tudor is hydrophilic???
Great list! I'd go Sinn but the AT is really that good. Especially if u go bracelet and buy that excellent strap. Worth it.
Soon there will be the Seiko Alpinist GMT.
There is...
Great list, hard agree with everything on the list, only caveat being the seiko. The green is nice but can somwtimes be hard to match with certain attire.
Also funny thing is I have the Longines Spirit 37mm in blue, wear it pretty much all the time but I'm STILL looking for my next watch so I'm definitely not out of the game yet hahaha.
I've found the Grand Seiko SBGX263 to be an excellent one and done watch. 9F quartz so super accurate, gorgeous sunburst champagne dial that is understated snd goes with everything. 37mm and classic styling. Very underrated.
That Grand Seiko watch is truly a watch that you can wear it everywhere.
It's a casual sporty watch that even looks dressy. And it will always be accurate no matter what.
I have this exact sinn 556 ars love it. But it didn't stoped me from buying a breitling an omega and a girard perregaux. 😅 but I had to purge all the collection for monetary issues. The 556 would be the last one standing for sure.
You win!
Longines big eye avigation. For the money I think it’s unbeatable
Great watch 👍
Fantastic list. I would also add that (boring, but true) you could buy a Speedmaster or a Submariner and call it a day.
Definitely, but the speedy needs more WR
@@WatchCrunchOfficial why? When the Apollo missions returned from orbit they landed in the ocean. EVA training (Extravehicular Activity, aka spacewalk) is conducted underwater in massive pools. And the astronauts wear everything, including their standard-issue Speedmasters.
This 50m myth has been perpetuated in the watch community but it’s not grounded in fact.
When Omega says 50m, they mean 50m underwater. Not just “splash resistance” or “wash your hands under the sink” resistance
Honestly, the new Khaki Field Titanium 38mm on bracelet has caught my eye recently.
There is jo quitting the game, whatever your watch inventory is you always want more
😂😂
Agree. If I ever won the lottery I’d probably fill a room in a mansion with all the watches I’d get.
I'm now down to just a BB41 silver, an FC Highlife blue dial 3 hander. and an Alpina Seastrong Gyre edition. Covers all the bases for me, as Tudor does the sports/chunky thing, the FC is a superb all day/every day with the QR straps, and the Gyre is super light being made from recycled plastic. I've not bought a watch in over 18 months, which was the Tudor - I think I've got one more in me, and that's almost certainly going to be a The Citizen washi dial 40mm. The thing that's holding me back is I know it'll ruin the other three and be my checkout watch - it'll cover all the bases required, never need winding, or setting, or anything.
Only way to know is to try 😂
Datejust 36 the perfect one watch. You spend 8k and you’re done.
Explorer 36mm for the purists.
This is funny, I own the sinn and longines, and was thinking of doing a Tudor black bay 58 as my next piece 😂
The older 8500 aqua terra 38.5 has the jump hour even in the smaller size - interesting they removed that function in the mid size now
I think they’d do better if the AT was a little thinner though!
Definitely can be thinner with a nearly flat crystal
I keep buying that “ last watch “. Such is the curse of appreciation of art, craftsmanship and history
Yep, I have about 6 'last' watches!!!!
Guilty 😜
Since I got my Sinn 556A, I haven't worn my other 8 watches. I'm very pleased to see it here because its totally my exit watch.
I bought one, sold one and bought it back and just declined collection on an explorer for the same reason
Excellent choices, I've been playing the watch game for about a dozen years now and I am so done with all the games. Sold all my watches other than my beater Garmin and purchased a black dial Aqua Terra in 38mm and its definitely all the watch I need.
Totally 💯
Not ready to quit the game by any means. Yet, all of these pieces are part of my collection, including the Explo 1 in 36mm and the Ingénieur. Precisely because they are GADA watches, but each with its own slightly different flair. So yes, one could be enough, but having the choice of being a little bit dressed up or down, sterile or with a little twist of fantasy and at a whole range of price points, picking a different one (or not…) everyday is also lots of fun 🤩
I have done an about face on the date display. With a cell phone on hand at all times I find it an unnecessary disruption of the look of the dial. It’s also nice not having to set the date when rotating through automatic watches. Also, watch makers are very unimaginative with the look of date displays. Even high end, luxury watches use sadly generic fonts for the number and do absolutely nothing to integrate the display into the look of the dial. I don’t get it.
I am with you on the no date!
I can do without a date as well
I feel like most watches these days are made to be pretty versatile. You could basically pick almost any Longines, Tudor, Omega, IWC or Rolex and call it a day.
That's true
watches to buy for people who don't want to buy watches anymore. coming up next, wars to start for people who seek peace
Great video! Great list… i agree with the entire list. I do own the Baby alpinist in 38mm with green dial and its absolutely beautiful. Lastly, I bought a month ago an Railmaster denim dial and i have the same issue you have with your aquaterra… I cannot put this watch down. Its so good! And ALL brushed!
The Aqua Terra looks okay, But the date at the six just ruins it for me. Throws off the whole symmetry of the piece.
The Longines is the no-brainer. You have options but not too many and it doesn't look too busy. It punches above. It can be argued that the Omega has a confused face. The hour markers point inward for seemingly no reason, the dial having a deck slat motif, no sunray effect, and the shine of the case is a little hard to dress down with a NATO. Not impossible, just not a Black Bay level of adaptable. Distressed leather is as far as I'd take it. Omega appears to present the AquaTerra as a dress watch for the sport-conscious. That works for some, although anything Omega does in that regard, Grand Seiko does considerably better.
The Longines is a great watch, but holding it next to a Tudor, you can see where a little more money can get you...
No such thing as one perfect watch. If you are an enthusiast you will need one for every occasion. Diving, flying, racing, cooking, secret missions, walking on the moon…lol
And moon walking 🕺
HEY! Don't forget the OEM leather on the Aqua Terra. It is absolutely perfect ( at least with my silver dial one) I bought the bracelet later. It's truly like two different watches. The perfect "one and done"
True true
I have a collection of 10-12 automatic watches. I try to think of myself as an enthusiast - and indeed I’ve learnt quite a lot about watches over the years. However, I can’t escape the feeling that I am being very extravagant & selfish owning so many watches, when so many people have so little, not to mention shallow and wasteful by devoting so much time to this hobby when there are so many more important things in the World that warrant my attention.
I would love to find the ‘one watch’ to knock this habit on the head, but I’ve just never found it 😢
Keep the search alive ✊
You are not the only one thinking this way. I think a balance is the way to go. Maybe give half to charity.
Never just one, so….
TOP FOUR (All Pre-Owned):
DRESS: First Gen Omega Aqua Terra (39.2mm), blue face, bracelet.
ACTION: First Gen Planet Ocean (42mm), black face, white numbers, bracelet with upgraded adjustable clasp.
DAILY: Mid 2000’s Omega Seamaster Professional 300M (41mm), black face, quartz (yes, quartz), silicone and leather straps.
BEATER: Casio G-Shock GBD200-1, black.
For 30 years I only wore a Speedmaster Reduced so I suppose you could add a Speedmaster to the list. I then had an accident which smashed the Speedmaster and required it to be shipped back to Switzerland to be repaired, taking months. So I bought a Planet Ocean 39mm to replace it, which is a bit too sporty so I bought the 38mm blue dial AT that you have in the video. The AT gets worn most of the time and I only wear the PO when doing something that suits its vibe. The Speedmaster is hardly worn.
I have a Speedmaster Reduced blue face and I wore it daily for 11 years, and then last year I got an IWC Pilot Automatic, and now I alternate daily between them. I do love the Speedmaster, so hopefully you'll regain the love.
The 58 is so well made and perfectly proportioned for a sports GADA watch. It borrows from classic Tudors and Rolex without being a slave to an exact copy . It really is it’s own thing. The gilt bezel gives the 58 a warm feel, the red triangle offers a pop of color paying homage to the Rolex Big Crown, the chunky coin edge crown is so satisfying to wind with a refined matching coin edge bezel and I love the snow flake seconds hand. It’s different from the more traditional lollipop style. 39 mm is on the smaller side for a modern sized sports watch and I think anything smaller is playing vintage territory.
Yep, that's why it's still King 👑
Retire from the game? Firstly, you said that the Tudor Pelagos FXD was better than the BB58. But then you recommend a BB58! Did you forget? Alpinist: if you see one in the flesh, it's an absolute no. Cheap and trashy. Selection rating 7/100.
Sinn: brilliant recommendation. Quality. Beautiful design SR 93/100
Longines: Why do people like Longines? Dated in a very bad way. Again, the feel is terrible in person. Plus there's ALWAYS something better out there. SR 12/100
Tudor: Perfect choice. Understated. Cool. Straight forward. What value. But a victim of it's own popularity. SR 88/100.
Aqua Terra. Good solid choice. But totally lacking any flair or imagination. If you want to be a grey man, sitting un-noticed wherever you go, get an AquaT. SR 67/100.
Grand Seiko Unless you buy 2nd hand forget it. Stuffy. A bit pompous. And the owners are terrible bores. Have you seen this? Have you seen that? No! SR 41/100.
Watch Crunch An indifferent video. A bit obvious. Needs to be creative. To make it interesting. The mentioning of the Seiko and the Longines were big red flags. But he did avoid even bigger man trap choices. SR 51/100.
Pelagos FXD Perfect watch. Impossible to fault. Stealthy. Uber cool. Rarish. And very light. SR 98/100
Watch Crunch man: keep at it. You might make it this year. But remember to remember your previous videos so you don't make a school boy Tudor error. Thanks!!!
Oh you think I would quit the game...? Ahahaha. I only buy watches like this. ALL OF THEM. My exit plan is finding the new Daytona among Zelo's collection and selling it in 15 years to buy all the watches like that I can't afford - looking at you, Blancpain Aquascaphe Fifthy Fathoms iridescent green dial!!!!!!!
I LOVE Omega and have 3 pieces myself. However, as good as the Omega AquaTerra is, IMHO it is overpriced. Again, another overpriced ($13K+) piece IMHO, is the IWC Ingenieur. Per the TimeTeller, there are A LOT of Ingeneuir similarities with the ($4K) B&M Rivera automatic. Other than the IWC name, WHY would anyone pay pay al most $10K more.
As always, great and interesting video - thanks.
That Spirit 37, with the blue dial, is my daily driver. I had been following the spirit line for some time, and when they came out with the 37, I was in. It wears perfectly on my 7 1/4" wrist. (Your video review of this watch was a big part of my decision.) Buying this was not a mistake. However, I must admit that I still haven't quit the game!
I'm so glad! This was but a mental exercise 😉
I’m a simple guy and really only look out for these one-watch collection killers. Unfortunately there is almost an intentional flaw in each one.
The SARB035 is my daily but…
Looking at;
Tudor:
BB54- only one variant
Chrono- too thick
BB Explorer- tank. 1 inch thick
Classic BB- smiley is off putting and the new rice braclet is suck ass
Omega:
Aqua terra- love this watch but the deck panel dial, the odd date wheel and the fact that the watch could be thinner if they dropped the ridiculous height between the dial and crystal. The early 2000 models hit the target
Moon watch- way to big
Seamaster- everything about it hurts my eyes
Seiko- modern sieko sucks right now. Even the alpinist cumbersome, most are basically fashion watches. Clunky, junky. Seiko needs a re-do after the end of an era with the SARB line
Rolex-
we all have a one-watch-collection in mind via Rolex. However most are cost prohibitive if you can even get one in hand from a dealer.
I’d quite the watch game with the right OP, Explorers, Daytona (a man can dream right?)
For me, it would be: G-Shock, Seiko Cocktail, Speedmaster, Grand Seiko. Two down, two more to go!
Would love to have a Longines Spirit if the 40mm didn't have humongous lugs. 37 is too small for my wrist
Funnily enough, MaMaCoo 's replicas are perfect for people who can actually afford a luxury watch. Because in those social circles, it wouldn't matter and everybody would just assume it's real. You have a yacht and a beach house in Tuscany, of course that replica is real. There isn't a millionaire out there going around with a jeweller's loupe to scrutinize their acquaintance's watch. They'll just go "Oh is that a Patek? Nice, I should really get my hands on one of those, they look great."
It's sad that watches that look good cost over 1k+. amzwatch watches are REALLY well made, and it just shows how a brand name on a watch can make its price 10x higher. I understand that if you look under a microscope, you'll find the difference, but just how many of you really inspect a watch at that level when you see someone with a watch?
It's sad that watches that look good cost over 1k+. amzwatch watches are REALLY well made, and it just shows how a brand name on a watch can make its price 10x higher. I understand that if you look under a microscope, you'll find the difference, but just how many of you really inspect a watch at that level when you see someone with a watch?
I have the exact Seiko Alpinist in this video. Beautiful watch but the strap is in fact garbage. It’s a squeaky plastic/vinyl blend.
I think that your choices are cool but they are obviously biased by your own taste. For my wrist even a 40 mm looks small. What about an elegant diver or a thin pilot? You see this is the thing with watches like the saying goes: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have well over 28 watches that range from $350 to $9000 and I enjoy them all.
Out of your list I would only buy the omega. And all would be 41 mm and above. The last thing is that if you enter this world, you will keep on buying, selling or exchanging watches FOR EVER. You’ll have some winners to keep for life and some that will be just passing through !! Tough hobby
1. Seiko, when you offer an exhibition caseback, we want to see the movement. You shouldn't print too many words on it, especially not on the crystal. Also, stop being so thick.
2. Sinn: yep it's a bit dull. Definitely too German.
3. Longies: that writing on the clasp ruined it for me. Come on.
4. Tudor: yeah, that's nice, but...
5. Omega: now we're talking.
I know more than 20 watches which are below 300 and which have both technical quality and looks of these snob watches. Most reasonable people know it. Brand hype and status is the only reason why people buy these Rolex-es and Omegas etc. No one can prove that they are proportionally better (as their prices.) They are better - yes ,but - just marginally. This has been tested long ago.People buying them are those who want status symbol anf are hypnotised by brand status. And I don't blame them. They can do whatever they want with their money. But even best Chinese watches are of similar quality for the fraction of price. And what a disaster - no one can find big quality differences! And what snob watch ambassadors do? They use microscope to compare them with "people" watches - to justify the price! Isn't it pathetic?
I've owned 3 of these watches in the video (Longines Spirit, Black Bay and Green AT 41mm. All great watches and worthy at their price points.
For me.bow its between the Rolex DateJust 41 blue dial or Rolex Submariner black for the title of "one and done" watches for me.
I did that trimming down, organizing to one watch one beater phase, and regret it, I never wore the beater and I ended up scratching my Omega Seamaster Co-Axial 41mm 😫 never again will I follow a trend, if you like your minimalist superiority trend do you but not me, I’m back to 12 luxury watches for rotation, 4 Seiko shitters and 4 G-Shock for the gym!
12 is a good number 😂
@@WatchCrunchOfficial Yea 🤪I’m more insane having 1, I find sanity having 12 same looking pieces to the random viewer outside our rabbit hole hobby lol
I got nomos club campus 4 years ago, for my 21 birthday when I just started working.
Hope to buy Rolex datejust 36 in a couple of years, I’m a software engineer in Ukraine, so my plan is to relocate to US and start working there, so dropping 10 k on a watch wouldn’t feel so insane 😅.
Probably end game for me would be a white gold day date 36. Let’s set is as a goal for 40 yo.
You got it 200% right on the green and gold Alpinist. Recently I got one and absolutely loving it. However had to regulate / adjust it a bit and now is at -5 sec a day. Not bad at all as I can set it a minute ahead and be good for a2 whole weeks. It works with all attires and occasions.
Such a beauty
I bought this popular video watch from amzwatch , which was originally priced at a few thousand dollars, but now it's only $380! It's really suitable to pick up feces!
I agree with all of these choices. Although I pick my Tudor BB 925 over the Aquaterra most days
925 is magic
@@WatchCrunchOfficial I only bought mine because it was a good deal, now it’s a core piece of my rotation
The Aqua Terra is beautiful, but I don't think it's as refined as Rolex. I actually owned the 41mm version, and ended up getting rid of it. I loved the look, but I thought the crown was a bit annoying and harder to grip comparing to Rolex. The jumping hour function is cool, but when adjusting the hours and minutes, you have to turn the crown the ''wrong'' way. Also the date changing on the watch is not as good as on Rolex models. It's a small detail, but when paying a lot of money for a watch, I don't want to watch the date gradually change over a few hours and then snapping in place at about midnight. I want the watch to just snap to the next date. For me personally, I thought the watch was a bit too thick as well and could lose a few millimeters. All in all a cool watch, that's actually available for purchase but not a collection killer for me
Really trying to like using watchcrunch, but same as this video, I get the feeling that there's not much room left for affordable preferences. You really missed out on having options for the under $200 us level and the $201 -$600 level watches.
I get it, me and more than 3/4 of earth are not your target, but it's sad to see that you have a chance to be more inclusive and you pass it up.
Best regards
Really........its like you've already quit the game.....if those were my only choices, id quit too
I have a rolex oyster perpetual and a ton of other watches ranging from the Sinn 556 to a omega speedmaster. I never wear anything except the Rolex 😅. I also disagree with the IWC option, when you can buy a submariner for the same price. call me a Rolex fanboy I guess 🤷♂
You can look and appear stunning with just a few homage automatic watches under $200.
At the end of the day, your wallet only takes a soft hit.
The marketing of name brands convinces you that you need that 5k 10k and up watch. Some of this watches are stunning pieces. However, you can achieve the same feel for under $200.