Collecting for yourself: pay $150 and get a great watch that you sincerely enjoy Collecting for other people’s opinion and acceptance: pay$15,000 and maybe like the watch.
Maybe 200 years later, the Chinese watches will become some arrogant luxury products, waiting some other new power to defeat them.Dragon slayer and the Dragon, always like this.
I love watches wherever they are made, it's purely if that particular watch speaks to me and makes me buy it, of course it has to be sensibly priced for what it is.
Owned everything from Chinese cheapo to Rolex and JLC. Chinese watch are good value for the money and great for those just getting into the mechanical watch hobby.
Definitely a good start with online Chinese watches. It’s daunting for any beginner to start out with an AD for something they’re not even sure they enjoy.
I don't have any chinese watches, but I can tell you that I have had a Japanese Seiko wrist watch since 1987. I bought the watch new and have worn it steadily tto work, ( construction electrician ), AND I have NEVER had even one ptoblem with it ! Thank you Seiko !
@@stevehenrytagami4709 seiko is an awesome all around watch for people he want a time telling device that doesn't fish for compliments, have watch enthusiasts questioning is legitimacy at a glance and get your ass beat in broad day to take it.
Your absolutely right I went from omega !! Speedmaster ! To Beijing to watches ! I get the same is Excitement putting on it expensive watch !!! in a cheap watch so I learned that it’s not worth buying a fairly expensive watch I just buy what I like not what the world is telling me to like how to buy thank you thank you so much for your information
I think anyone, watch person or not, feel with todays manufacturing technology, a piece of stainless steel finely crafted that fits on or in the hand costing around 10K is ludicrous. That's why people who buy these type of watches have a heavy concern for resale value.
You made great points. Value seems to be a bit underrated in watch collecting. Maybe that's because watches aren't as important now that we all carry smartphones but I still like the idea of getting good value for my money.
Yeah, I was just thinking about that the other day when I was looking at more watches to review on the channel. I always try to stay budget friendly, but everybody wants to see the really high end expensive watches that nobody can really afford.
I live in the UK and have a Farm in South Asia, a country very close to China, in both countries 20 years ago, anything Chinese was frowned on, for being cheap & unreliable. However today, things have changed and the Chinese have upped their Manafacturing, including QC. Even their customer service has become much better. I Also have bought watches, their are Chinese Brands that offer great Value for watches, the San Martin & Cronos brand are just a couple ppl should consider
I have also discovered that Hamilton watches have started putting cheaper quartz movements in some of their watches for example take the quartz Hamilton Khaki aviation, the older model had a 27 Jewel ETA 251 292 movement where as the new model has the cheaper 4 jewel ETA G10 movement.
@@allthingsrandom8137 Then a lot of the public can steer their money to the makers who use quality movements. People can do huge research here on the net before they part with their money.
Great balanced view on Watches! I just bought an "Escapement time" Flieger A and a homage Capt. Willard just because.--there both Chinese with Seiko Movt. ...
It’s simple really. Buy what you like and at a price you are happy with! If you feel like you’ve bagged a bargain on a watch you love that’s what it’s all about for me. I have Swiss made watches (Luminox, Victorinox) and I have Chinese watches (Spinnaker, Ingersoll) and if I’m honest I probably prefer the Chinese made pieces because they are superbly made but were very reasonably priced at $200 or less! Mind you the Luminox Navy Seal I picked up was a steal in TK Maxx at well under $200 from an msrp of $600.
I have 5 Sea-gull watches and I rate. Them highly, I have owned 2 Rolex watches many years ago bought pre owned (about 28 years ago) nice and accurate, but no way are they worth what they are asking these days. My favourite Swiss brand is Ball, I have got 2 ! (Maybe I need to get a third ! Enjoyed your video.
You make some terrific points. I own three Rolex timepieces and one Patek and I love them. I also love a $30 Paris Hilton watch made by Gevril. It’s a stainless skeleton with an exhibition back. It’s an automatic Japanese watch with a Japanese movement. I don’t have the option of winding it as it’s a shake watch but again, I love it!
I have been collecting Swiss watches for over 30 years and I absolutely love them. The design of each is timeless and they still look gorgeous just like the first day I got them and I still wear them often. However, they are expensive to maintain and you have to be prepared to pay that price to be in the hobby. A while ago I dipped my toes into the Chinese mechanical water and I never looked back. The movements are reliable and they keep good time. I am only into Sea-Gull watches because I do not buy watches that do not make their own movements. Everyone knows about the Sea-Gull 1963 chronograph, but in fact they have many more gorgeous watches. However, they are not marketed internationally. Recently I also started collecting vintage Sea-Gulls. It is amazing how well they run when some of them are almost 70 years old.
Interesting thoughts. Agree with you. Gonna have to get the seagull 1963 again. Just broke mine last month. But they are so affordable, I don't feel too bad getting another one.
Given that it's possible to make near identical £500 clones of £10000 'luxury' watches, the argument you made about the movado surely applies to all prestige watches.
I’m not sure if you’re aware that I did this video in jest. I don’t care what watch you like, or what country you get it from. Swiss is a pretty good country for watches, China is not a bad country to get watches, get whatever watch you like. I own a lot from a lot of countries. Not sure how my vanity got the best of me.
Yes some swiss watch brands charge way to much for their quartz watches. For example Tag heuer charge £1,500 for a quartz chronograph with a swiss Ronda 5040d movement, I have a Victorinox swiss army chronograph with the same movement in which cost £350 and I think the Victorinox dial looks better. 3
What even a company like tag Heuer, I always steer away from them because of things like that. They use basic, ETA movements for their automatics, and basic Swiss quartz movements for the rest. So I’ve always steered away because it’s nothing but a brand.
Seiko's NE88 is a triple hammer, vertical clutch, column wheel chronograph found in watches from brands like Yema, Aragon, Zeppelin and Soldat so there's another alternative to the Swiss
I just bought aftermarket beads of rice stainless steel watch band off amazon for my Chinese made pilot watch, I paid 135.00 for the watch 38.00 for the bracelet, the watch has pt5000 automatic movement ceramic Dial swiss lume sapphire crystal screw down crown. Good to 300 meters, The band I just bought is tight and well made, with a milled clasp. I would say my 173.00 investment was money well spent this watch looks and feels like a 3000.00 tool watch. In my humble opinion the Chinese micro brands are kicking the shit out of the other big watch makers, the Japanese and the swiss have priced themselves right out of the market. Like most of the average Joe's I want a watch I can wear and not have to worry about scratching it and having to lock it away in a lock box to keep it safe. The most beautiful thing about my watch is in five years when my watch needs to be serviced I will just swap out the movement for a brand new one for fifty bucks.. Rather then paying a exuberant amount to have it taken apart and cleaned...
Great video my friend I personally don't buy watches for the name on the dial I buy watches that I like and don't have to worry about possibly beating it up and I really don't like spending my hard earned money to pay for celebritie endorsements I have yet to be let down by Heimdallr or the many other Chinese brands I own and love awesome video my friend 👍👍
I'm a liberal Democrat, and I own guns, too. Your gun analogy is actually apt for this watch video. I don't own a Benelli but I do own a Mossberg Maverick 88. I don't own an Aero Precision AR15, but I do own a PSA AR15. I'm not such a snob that I look away from low-tier shotguns and ARs, but I do recognize the need for high-tier products where it counts...my EDC pistol is a Sig P365, and my range/class sidearm is a CZ P-01. My dress watch is a German micro brand, Sternglas Naos Automatik. My dive watch is a Citizen Promaster Automatic (NY0040). I own a Tissot, but it's a quartz movement T-Touch. I'm not a fan of chronographs and understand they can be costly and complicated movements, so mine is a solar quartz, an Orient Kamasu chronograph solar with a dive bezel. My beater watch is the Boderry Voyager, which you have (it's Chinese...so what, right?). My next watch might end my collection (maybe), but I have my eye on another micro brand from France, the Baltic Aquascaphe (the future watch to end my collection used to be a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, but not anymore).
Oh man… a liberal democrat?! You sound like a conservative(which I am) but you sound like a person I could easily have a beer with. Love the collection so far. Both collections!
... it is not about just the quality, it is about satisfaction - the satisfaction of the ability to buy for example Patek Phillipe... If I got the extra money, even if the Chinese watch is good, I will still buy a Patek Phillipe because it will feel good :D, you know like a medal of achievement, not just about the quality. Also Rolex has retention value, meaning I can buy a Rolex and wear for a year and decided to sell, the depreciation is slow hence some money can be recouped and not a total lost.
I think you don't need to pay more than £500 for a great watch after that your probably throwing cash down the drain. Plus people forget if you do pay 5k plus etc then when it comes to servicing they are charged nearly that again. But if you think about it if it's that good it then shouldn't need regular servicing.
I have a Chinese watch with a Swiss quartz movement. Ronda, big date calendar and retrograde days of the week. Same movement on a Swiss watch is like $2k. Me? Got it for like $100
I'm watching your channel right now, and in deed, I agree with you. Not all Chinese brand watches are that bad, I have Pagani and paid less than a hundred bucks, and it's a really nice watch. I'm trying to pick up the aventi soon, but right now, I picked up another Chinese watch called " Atowak Cobra" I hope you could do a review on it also the other brand from Japan called "Zerootime T4" that looked like a Richard Mille. I enjoy your content on watch reviews keep it up and more power...
I’ve looked at the zero time in the past, but could never justify the review. Atowak reached out to me sometime Ago, but never followed through. That being said the Cobra looks awesome
@All Things Random !! The Cobra is a good Homage to Urwerk UR 202. I mean, those are out of reach brands that an average guy like me can't afford over my lifetime. Hope Atowak will reconnect with you someday so you can review it. It might be a Chinese brand, but it doesn't look and feel like cheap watch..... Thanks for the reply, and I will keep watching your channel...
You are making a couple of statements that I think are flawed. First, Seagull makes some very expensive beautiful watches that rival Swiss quality. Second, saying the Movado has no design aspect is completely off. The whole idea of the watch was an innovative design. I wouldn't pay what that want for it but recognize the design for what it is. Other than that I agree wholeheartedly
Ok, maybe the sour taste of movado has my mind skewed. I get the museum dial aspect and design, but I look back and I could strangle myself. I could’ve bought anything else so much more impressive
Yes this is true you get the same feel from a chinese homage richard mille watch for £100 as you do with an original richard mille for £300k for example. Yes the quality is quite a bit less but those are pedantic things like movement decoration etc that the wearer doesn't interact with on a daily basis anyway. Also theres no point buying swiss watches like maurice lacroix, raymond weil just because its swiss but still cost £1000 and there just quartz when you could get a better looking chinese watch that is automatic for £50. Most people have never heard of the lower swiss brands priced £500-1000 so you'll get no kudos just smaller pockets.
Other than Hamilton and Tissot, which I feel are well known, but MOST Swiss brands under a grand or even around 1500 is unknown. That I agree with. Why pay for an unknown Swiss brand, when a Pagani design has the same name recognition for $140 with an automatic movement
@@allthingsrandom8137 Yeh also Tag heuer make the f1 range starting at £1100 which is well known but unfortunately its quartz. I bought a Raymond weil Toccata square face a few months ago used for £120 purely because i loved the look of it quick google of its price shows it retailing at £895 in goldsmiths jewllers and i'm thinking to myself they are just waiting for suckers to purchase that Raymond weil at £895 knowing the resale value would only be £200 tops. I got the raymond weil cheaper because the pawn shop goes by what they sell for on ebay. Imagine somebody buying a Raymond weil freelancer for £4k and then not being able to sell it for even £800, it's sad really.
@@watchguy5675 well this is it you see i refuse to be governed on what society deems to be expensive just because its made by a particular bs luxury brand like richard mille its just a metal watch regardless of its brand name. i got a cheap audemaurs for $30 myself..
Seriously, a age old technology still charged exorbitant prices. Of not all Chinese watches are good.but there are few which are quiet good quality compared to Swiss that costs far less. The Swiss bubble is going to burst with a big sound
If you have to choose between omega-swatch moonswatch and a San Martin at the same price, which watch you would choose to buy? And why? So even famous watch brands sell garbage models like moonswatch.
San Martin in a heart beat. Saint Martin has overall better quality, the construction is amazing, their finishing is very high-quality for the price. And they’re durable. The moon swatch is a literal toy. For children. Not to say I wouldn’t own one, but I sure wouldn’t pay premium for it
Price lol. I can’t afford an expensive watch so for sure price is my motivating factor lol. I’ve been looking for a nice Tag Monaco lookalike and there’s some real nice examples out there.
Ok l get your opinion but the thing is that a lot of people don't get: swiss guys are WATCH makers the others are maybe toymakers or even that .....or tailors makers and in between their business they go like: dude let's do some...........watches!!!!!!
I believe you missed the afterservice part and the cost of development. Swiss luxury brands with "premium" prices usually come with certain years of warranty and premium customer service; it is doubtful that Chinese brands will provide the same level of customer experience...... But if you are talking about old Swiss watches on the second-hand market, then yes, they are expensive and over-priced (yet, it still depends on how you value a historical piece)
I own over 100 automatic watches, mostly Swiss, but some from China, Japan and Russia and sure a lot of Swiss watches are overpriced and some non-Swiss watches are pretty good too. Only problem their movements are mostly inaccurate (over 30s+/-) a day. My advice and best deal for your bucks is to buy Tissot, Certina, Mido, Glycine, Steinhart with an ETA or Sellita movement. For example the powermatic 80 from ETAb is absolutely great, dependable and very accurate with an unbeatable autonomy. For less than 1000$ you can easily buy a watch who will last for many decades... Only Swiss watches can do that!
Using an analogy in the auto industry, Kia Stinger is a great sport sedan and gives you more value for the buck but people won’t buy it cause its a Kia!
_When it comes to Japanese products, they defeat the Germans in terms of quality and the Germans make great quality watches. The Japanese are very traditional when it comes to their products having the highest quality possible, in Japan, craftsmanship is ancestral_ _The Chinese are known for quantity over quality if they can purchase or make products as cheap as possible they will do it definitely but would charge big bucks, their products look like find quality, but the material is not_ _Nevertheless, they are European _German and Japanese companies in China and that threw me off for a while. Whatever company is making the watch you need to find the true origin._ _I have had three watches, expensive ones from China with the company’s work originated in China that stop working or did not work upon arrival of purchase, after those three experiences, I will never purchase a watch from a company originating out of China_
For me a watches value it has nothing to do with a brands name. It comes down to a form to function equation. With this in mind I have a really hard time spending my money on anything other than Chinese made watches. I’ll never spend more than 400.00 on watch.
Good luck selling a Pagani Design for 60% of what you paid. You'll get 50% at best. It still doesn't sound like much, but if you're buying multiple PD watches, that 50% adds up real fast. I sold 4 of them, and still have a 5th one that nobody wanted at any price. So it cost me $200 to wear those 4 watches for a few months. I'd rather have put that money towards one good watch.
So most, I’d say 90% of all Swiss watches loose the same percentage of value. So spend 1000, and get 500. So now you’re out more. And there are several Swiss watches that really suck.. hopefully your one watch is not one of those
Isn´t it the case that Swiss watches have used Chinese internals since the Eighties ? If I spent thousands on a Rolex, people would assume it was a fake. My 60´s Vertex is a quiet unassuming real Swiss watch, I prefer it to any status symbol.
Cheap items will always be cheap items. If you have money to burn why buy a cheap watch. Doesn’t make sense. A person who have less money to spend will buy less expensive watches and once that person progresses, that person will buy an expensive watch no matter what. If the person who has money buys cheap products that tells the person’s taste is cheap. Sorry that’s how the world works these days. No money, buy the cheapest. Have money buy the best of the best.
When you use and enjoy today a watch purchased originally in 1965 (Rolex Submariner) which keep time by a second, you will understand the differences… sorry, it is not the same thing.
I guess the problem with chinese watches is that nobody really knows, right? They are mostly obscure, their warranty guidelines look weak; i mean, it is difficult to trust. Their looks are also weird, like bad copies of elaborated swiss watches. I saw one that copied the Jacob & Co style, and I wondered: why would you imitate a watch that is already ugly enough? I don't have a big budget, so I would prefer buying an honest, reliable japanese or swiss watch; a Citizen, a Seiko, a Tissot; they are all good, solid watches that look great.
Hey there mate just asking is there a review coming up on forge and foster as my purchase decision will be depending on your review, if you could get back to me👍
@@allthingsrandom8137 I’m stuck between the centurion on the spectre avantian x, both of them look decent but the centurion had a bit of a sporty look to it while the spectre I feel is very versatile, I would love your views on this
@@allthingsrandom8137 yeah true might actually go with that also there’s the maven x as well which is 42mm and is really similar to the spectre but it’s just that unique hublot kinds sporty look, the centurion has to it
My issue with Chinese is that in my experience at least the mechanical watches come out of the production facility not lubricated and not prepared for daily use. An expensive service is to be paid first. Then there is the absence of waterproof sealing. Not sure why. Apart from that, some machines out of China are beautiful and work well. And Swiss Made is completely overpriced for sure.
I feel like high end mechanical Swiss watches are expensive to just be expensive. Yes I understand the narrative that these are hand-made and limited numbers... but "rich" people want something that not every Tom, Dick and Jerry has.
I agree, especially lately. Though Tissot, Hamilton, and similar are still affordable, it good luck getting anything else. Even tudor and omega have increased 1000’s
I have seen now the video. I think you didn’t watched the Watchfinder channel. But the cheapest Swiss made Tourbillon is around 7000,-. It’s almost fully produced in-house and I think you cant compare that Chinese stuff with it.
An outstanding video! I agree with every single word that you said. I sold a Rolex datejust, Omega speedmaster and a seamaster and have since replaced with Pagani Design, San Martin, Phylida and Seagull. I have got far more satisfaction from these gems than from Swiss. My two Grand Seikos are keepers though.
Isn't the emperor's new clothes a lesson in the force is for good? Making money is a good thing. They're just making money. No wrong doing is found. Nevermind lack of honesty.
If you are honest you would say that you preferred Swiss luxury watches over the Chinese counter parts. The factor for me is the price to buy. I believe that an Omega speedmaster is worth its retail price but I am not comfortable using 4 or 5 thousand dollars to make the purchase. So, I buy a less expensive Chinese substitute. The Chinese substitute works for me because I can afford it. Never would I say that my substitute watch is better than the Swiss version. That would not be sincere.
You always get something extra with a Chinese manufactured movement i.e. Finger prints, dust etc. Plus with the Venus designed movements on Sea-Gull watches a tremendous movement which it is financially wise to buy a new watch if anything goes wrong. Going to a watch repairer in the west will cost you an arm and a leg to completely service it. That is not to say Swiss watches are good value as they are all well overpriced.
One can buy a car full of sapphire glasses for 25000 usd. And the Swiss companies chare the 50mm sapphire for thousands of dollars. One can get a mini truck full of 904l steel for 30000 usd and rilex charges for 120 gms of 904l steel a price of 30000 usd. Just a little more polished. Totally unjustifiable.
Chinese builds have come a long way. I started in the hobby a few decades ago, and Chinese was pretty junky. But, years of copycat and development has honed their edge. Even design is becoming more and more original. The recent Sugess "Daytona" is an amazing automatic for around $400, sapphire, ceramic, beautiful bracelet. A lot of good watches from China now, and yup, if buying just to brag, or attempting to impress, Rolex is your best bet, but I won't crawl on my belly just to have the "honor" of parting with $20k, lol, especially when, in many circles, it's now a very common, boring purchase. I have hundreds of watches, from a $45 Pagani, to a $3600 Breitling. To me, the best of the watch world can be had for one to two thousand dollars. Spending more is seldom justified, to me. I do have many tourbillons, and Aragon in particular makes them with great specs. Their center tourby with Timascus dial and white topaz bezel knocked my socks off, for a thousand bucks. Nicer than most luxury brands. I have a tourby from Zorbello, forged carbon, auto movement, a beautiful piece, for two thousand. Plus, no worries about theft or replacement costs, which is another bonus of spending less. Money saved means adding another watch, haha. Great thoughts you've offered here!
common social prejudice. now let's admit that Chinese products are not inferior. If they really are, American will never have to concern with Chinese growing economy!
The only swiss watch i want someday is from omega. When i can afford it. I owned 5 or 6 orient watches. An from their orient star line too. Their watches are the same quality an just as good as swiss made watches. Their bracelets arent, an orients design is not always good but the quality an the movements orient makes rival the swiss.. i love orient. BUT.... I do not like every watch they make. Their designs sometimes are just not good. But when orient does it right... They do it RIGHT an its perfect. I own one watch as of now. The orient sun an moon version 5.. blue dial. Watch is well made, an beyond beautiful. The bracelet was horrible!!!!. But its whatever. I want only two other watches someday... The orient star moonphrase... An a omega watch. Oreint should be charging more for their watches but they dont... They are getting more known an popular as of now, specific orient watches give you the same quality as oris, longines, etc.. excluding the bracelet.. but for less......
You need to ask yourself if you pay for a Rolex,Omega or Tag Heuer which are a thousand times more expensive than a Zelos. Are the Rolex a thousand times more accurate? Is the Omega a thousand times better built? Is the steel of the Tag Heuer steel a thousand times better? Never believe the hype.
How is Seiko the same quality as Hamilton? Materials used on Hamilton are better, build quality is better and ETA movements are much better than Seiko when it comes to accuracy.
Collecting for yourself: pay $150 and get a great watch that you sincerely enjoy
Collecting for other people’s opinion and acceptance: pay$15,000 and maybe like the watch.
Totally agree
Swiss watches used to be the “Chinese watches” back in the day: cheap knockoffs. The image of Swiss watchmaking superiority is rewritten history.
Maybe 200 years later, the Chinese watches will become some arrogant
luxury products, waiting some other new power to defeat them.Dragon slayer and the Dragon, always like this.
150 years ago
Hnehh....??? Watchmaking history revolves around Switzerland.... What on earth are you talking about brother? Care to enlighten me?
@@DoveSharma go watch some videos on the subject. You probably think diamonds are forever.
I concur.After years of collection.Chinese watch is gaining steam
Some good points. I love my Casios. They are made in China as well.
I love watches wherever they are made, it's purely if that particular watch speaks to me and makes me buy it, of course it has to be sensibly priced for what it is.
Owned everything from Chinese cheapo to Rolex and JLC. Chinese watch are good value for the money and great for those just getting into the mechanical watch hobby.
Agreed. That introduction is important
Definitely a good start with online Chinese watches. It’s daunting for any beginner to start out with an AD for something they’re not even sure they enjoy.
I recently got a Seagull mechanical chronograph and was blown away 🤯 Beautiful
I have a hoglund and sons with the seagull review coming tomorrow!
I’m sorry, but your watch blew up and blew you away, how could that be beautiful, were you injured from the accident ?
@@Aztec1050 🤣
With a swiss movement inside that did not get any updates since 1968 and thus doesnt cost nearly as much as the modern swiss movements...
@@Aztec1050 yes but I'm into that kinda freaky stuff
I don't have any chinese watches, but I can tell you that I have had a Japanese Seiko wrist watch since 1987. I bought the watch new and have worn it steadily tto work, ( construction electrician ), AND I have NEVER had even one ptoblem with it ! Thank you Seiko !
Awesome!
what's wrong with Seiko. cheap , stylish, reliable and well made
The Swiss act like a Cartel to maintain market share over value .
@@stevehenrytagami4709 seiko is an awesome all around watch for people he want a time telling device that doesn't fish for compliments, have watch enthusiasts questioning is legitimacy at a glance and get your ass beat in broad day to take it.
Your absolutely right I went from omega !! Speedmaster ! To Beijing to watches ! I get the same is Excitement putting on it expensive watch !!! in a cheap watch so I learned that it’s not worth buying a fairly expensive watch I just buy what I like not what the world is telling me to like how to buy thank you thank you so much for your information
I think anyone, watch person or not, feel with todays manufacturing technology, a piece of stainless steel finely crafted that fits on or in the hand costing around 10K is ludicrous. That's why people who buy these type of watches have a heavy concern for resale value.
Good point
Couldn’t disagree more.
Swiss vs Japanese.... Japanese for sure.
But Pagani Design with Seiko or Myota movement is great.
You made great points. Value seems to be a bit underrated in watch collecting. Maybe that's because watches aren't as important now that we all carry smartphones but I still like the idea of getting good value for my money.
Yeah, I was just thinking about that the other day when I was looking at more watches to review on the channel. I always try to stay budget friendly, but everybody wants to see the really high end expensive watches that nobody can really afford.
You are very right about Seagull they have a ton of original design watches that are really good.
Certina makes some really nice Swiss automatics, if nothing there is always a Swatch to save the day.
swiss used to make knock off of american and english pocket watches in the 1800 by replacing the first letter of the logo ;)
I just purchased a Sugess Tourbillion Master for $429 with an aventurine dial. And it's a keeper with a real croc band and all.
Agreed...Just picked up a Heimdallr sea ghost. $239...Love it! Dollar for dollar it blows away the omega sea-master 300 priced from 8-12k ...!
In 2025 their will be Chinese watches that will shit on a Rolex one day.
...lol
@@Embargoman Can’t see James Bond wearing a Chinese watch…..lol
@@felixt1470 Anythkng is possible!
Who in his right state of mind pays $150K for stupid looking stainless steel Patek with a stupid green dial?
People with a lot of money…
I live in the UK and have a Farm in South Asia, a country very close to China, in both countries 20 years ago, anything Chinese was frowned on, for being cheap & unreliable. However today, things have changed and the Chinese have upped their Manafacturing, including QC. Even their customer service has become much better.
I Also have bought watches, their are Chinese Brands that offer great Value for watches, the San Martin & Cronos brand are just a couple ppl should consider
I have also discovered that Hamilton watches have started putting cheaper quartz movements in some of their watches for example take the quartz Hamilton Khaki aviation, the older model had a 27 Jewel ETA 251 292 movement where as the new model has the cheaper 4 jewel ETA G10 movement.
Yeah… it seems like a lot of companies are steering this way
@@allthingsrandom8137 Then a lot of the public can steer their money to the makers who use quality movements. People can do huge research here on the net before they part with their money.
Great balanced view on Watches! I just bought an "Escapement time" Flieger A and a homage Capt. Willard just because.--there both Chinese with Seiko Movt. ...
Great choice
It’s simple really. Buy what you like and at a price you are happy with! If you feel like you’ve bagged a bargain on a watch you love that’s what it’s all about for me. I have Swiss made watches (Luminox, Victorinox) and I have Chinese watches (Spinnaker, Ingersoll) and if I’m honest I probably prefer the Chinese made pieces because they are superbly made but were very reasonably priced at $200 or less! Mind you the Luminox Navy Seal I picked up was a steal in TK Maxx at well under $200 from an msrp of $600.
I have 5 Sea-gull watches and I rate. Them highly, I have owned 2 Rolex watches many years ago bought pre owned (about 28 years ago) nice and accurate, but no way are they worth what they are asking these days. My favourite Swiss brand is Ball, I have got 2 ! (Maybe I need to get a third ! Enjoyed your video.
You make some terrific points. I own three Rolex timepieces and one Patek and I love them. I also love a $30 Paris Hilton watch made by Gevril. It’s a stainless skeleton with an exhibition back.
It’s an automatic Japanese watch with a Japanese movement. I don’t have the option of winding it as it’s a shake watch but again, I love it!
I have been collecting Swiss watches for over 30 years and I absolutely love them. The design of each is timeless and they still look gorgeous just like the first day I got them and I still wear them often. However, they are expensive to maintain and you have to be prepared to pay that price to be in the hobby.
A while ago I dipped my toes into the Chinese mechanical water and I never looked back. The movements are reliable and they keep good time. I am only into Sea-Gull watches because I do not buy watches that do not make their own movements. Everyone knows about the Sea-Gull 1963 chronograph, but in fact they have many more gorgeous watches. However, they are not marketed internationally.
Recently I also started collecting vintage Sea-Gulls. It is amazing how well they run when some of them are almost 70 years old.
Accidentally drop by as I am looking to build a watch for the first time. But the gun analogy got you a subscriber.
Interesting thoughts. Agree with you.
Gonna have to get the seagull 1963 again. Just broke mine last month. But they are so affordable, I don't feel too bad getting another one.
Given that it's possible to make near identical £500 clones of £10000 'luxury' watches, the argument you made about the movado surely applies to all prestige watches.
True
The Pagani Design "Daytona" actually has a Mecha-quartz movement.
Other that that, i do agree with you.
That’s true. I did miss speak. I reviewed one in the past. I think it’s the VK63. That being said… lol
@@allthingsrandom8137 I wanted to be a smartass. 😁 Gotta check that video, tho.
When you go on the lower end of the market Chinese watches are an bargain. But they are mostly not active on the high end market… so… yeaa…
Your vanity got the best of you.
I’m not sure if you’re aware that I did this video in jest. I don’t care what watch you like, or what country you get it from. Swiss is a pretty good country for watches, China is not a bad country to get watches, get whatever watch you like. I own a lot from a lot of countries.
Not sure how my vanity got the best of me.
Pagani Daytona homage is packed with a Seiko VK63 Meca Quartz movement not an auto
Correct…
But the Seagull ST1901 column wheel chronograph is in just about everything else
FFS, it is Mecha-quartz...
Yes some swiss watch brands charge way to much for their quartz watches. For example Tag heuer charge £1,500 for a quartz chronograph with a swiss Ronda 5040d movement, I have a Victorinox swiss army chronograph with the same movement in which cost £350 and I think the Victorinox dial looks better.
3
What even a company like tag Heuer, I always steer away from them because of things like that. They use basic, ETA movements for their automatics, and basic Swiss quartz movements for the rest. So I’ve always steered away because it’s nothing but a brand.
Seiko's NE88 is a triple hammer, vertical clutch, column wheel chronograph found in watches from brands like Yema, Aragon, Zeppelin and Soldat so there's another alternative to the Swiss
Great one to list!
I just bought aftermarket beads of rice stainless steel watch band off amazon for my Chinese made pilot watch, I paid 135.00 for the watch 38.00 for the bracelet, the watch has pt5000 automatic movement ceramic Dial swiss lume sapphire crystal screw down crown. Good to 300 meters, The band I just bought is tight and well made, with a milled clasp. I would say my 173.00 investment was money well spent this watch looks and feels like a 3000.00 tool watch. In my humble opinion the Chinese micro brands are kicking the shit out of the other big watch makers, the Japanese and the swiss have priced themselves right out of the market. Like most of the average Joe's I want a watch I can wear and not have to worry about scratching it and having to lock it away in a lock box to keep it safe. The most beautiful thing about my watch is in five years when my watch needs to be serviced I will just swap out the movement for a brand new one for fifty bucks.. Rather then paying a exuberant amount to have it taken apart and cleaned...
That Casio will be a really good gift for my son.
Great video my friend I personally don't buy watches for the name on the dial I buy watches that I like and don't have to worry about possibly beating it up and I really don't like spending my hard earned money to pay for celebritie endorsements I have yet to be let down by Heimdallr or the many other Chinese brands I own and love awesome video my friend 👍👍
Or San Martin, they are doing some impressive pieces for the cost
click bait vid title
🤷🏻♂️
I'm a liberal Democrat, and I own guns, too. Your gun analogy is actually apt for this watch video. I don't own a Benelli but I do own a Mossberg Maverick 88. I don't own an Aero Precision AR15, but I do own a PSA AR15. I'm not such a snob that I look away from low-tier shotguns and ARs, but I do recognize the need for high-tier products where it counts...my EDC pistol is a Sig P365, and my range/class sidearm is a CZ P-01. My dress watch is a German micro brand, Sternglas Naos Automatik. My dive watch is a Citizen Promaster Automatic (NY0040). I own a Tissot, but it's a quartz movement T-Touch. I'm not a fan of chronographs and understand they can be costly and complicated movements, so mine is a solar quartz, an Orient Kamasu chronograph solar with a dive bezel. My beater watch is the Boderry Voyager, which you have (it's Chinese...so what, right?). My next watch might end my collection (maybe), but I have my eye on another micro brand from France, the Baltic Aquascaphe (the future watch to end my collection used to be a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, but not anymore).
Oh man… a liberal democrat?! You sound like a conservative(which I am) but you sound like a person I could easily have a beer with. Love the collection so far. Both collections!
@@allthingsrandom8137 vets can sniff out other vets...and when we find one, wanting to share a brew is a natural reaction. USAF, 1993-1997 c(_)
Great topic - you are speaking the truth!
Thanks!
... it is not about just the quality, it is about satisfaction - the satisfaction of the ability to buy for example Patek Phillipe... If I got the extra money, even if the Chinese watch is good, I will still buy a Patek Phillipe because it will feel good :D, you know like a medal of achievement, not just about the quality. Also Rolex has retention value, meaning I can buy a Rolex and wear for a year and decided to sell, the depreciation is slow hence some money can be recouped and not a total lost.
I don't believe Chinese watches are better? No but, you can get fantastic looking Chinese watch for under $20.
A sapphire watch from japan is like $200. Orient mako.
Orient mako is like 120
I think you don't need to pay more than £500 for a great watch after that your probably throwing cash down the drain. Plus people forget if you do pay 5k plus etc then when it comes to servicing they are charged nearly that again. But if you think about it if it's that good it then shouldn't need regular servicing.
Thanks for making this kind of video
Any time
I have a Chinese watch with a Swiss quartz movement. Ronda, big date calendar and retrograde days of the week. Same movement on a Swiss watch is like $2k. Me? Got it for like $100
I'm watching your channel right now, and in deed, I agree with you. Not all Chinese brand watches are that bad, I have Pagani and paid less than a hundred bucks, and it's a really nice watch. I'm trying to pick up the aventi soon, but right now, I picked up another Chinese watch called " Atowak Cobra" I hope you could do a review on it also the other brand from Japan called "Zerootime T4" that looked like a Richard Mille. I enjoy your content on watch reviews keep it up and more power...
I’ve looked at the zero time in the past, but could never justify the review. Atowak reached out to me sometime
Ago, but never followed through. That being said the Cobra looks awesome
@All Things Random !! The Cobra is a good Homage to Urwerk UR 202. I mean, those are out of reach brands that an average guy like me can't afford over my lifetime. Hope Atowak will reconnect with you someday so you can review it. It might be a Chinese brand, but it doesn't look and feel like cheap watch..... Thanks for the reply, and I will keep watching your channel...
90% of them are bad - QC is an issue!
@@jonskitch8082 wishful thinking.
When it comes to watches I care most about quality. Highest quality is never a good value, but it is worth it to me.
You are making a couple of statements that I think are flawed. First, Seagull makes some very expensive beautiful watches that rival Swiss quality. Second, saying the Movado has no design aspect is completely off. The whole idea of the watch was an innovative design. I wouldn't pay what that want for it but recognize the design for what it is. Other than that I agree wholeheartedly
Ok, maybe the sour taste of movado has my mind skewed. I get the museum dial aspect and design, but I look back and I could strangle myself. I could’ve bought anything else so much more impressive
Totally agreed !👍
A real tourbillon for$400 versus$20,000. Insane Swiss price.
Sometimes Swiss watches are a scam
Yes this is true you get the same feel from a chinese homage richard mille watch for £100 as you do with an original richard mille for £300k for example. Yes the quality is quite a bit less but those are pedantic things like movement decoration etc that the wearer doesn't interact with on a daily basis anyway. Also theres no point buying swiss watches like maurice lacroix, raymond weil just because its swiss but still cost £1000 and there just quartz when you could get a better looking chinese watch that is automatic for £50. Most people have never heard of the lower swiss brands priced £500-1000 so you'll get no kudos just smaller pockets.
Other than Hamilton and Tissot, which I feel are well known, but MOST Swiss brands under a grand or even around 1500 is unknown. That I agree with. Why pay for an unknown Swiss brand, when a Pagani design has the same name recognition for $140 with an automatic movement
@@allthingsrandom8137 Yeh also Tag heuer make the f1 range starting at £1100 which is well known but unfortunately its quartz. I bought a Raymond weil Toccata square face a few months ago used for £120 purely because i loved the look of it quick google of its price shows it retailing at £895 in goldsmiths jewllers and i'm thinking to myself they are just waiting for suckers to purchase that Raymond weil at £895 knowing the resale value would only be £200 tops. I got the raymond weil cheaper because the pawn shop goes by what they sell for on ebay. Imagine somebody buying a Raymond weil freelancer for £4k and then not being able to sell it for even £800, it's sad really.
My Richard Mille homage only costs $17. Oh wait that's my "expensive" one. My cheap one only costs $4 😂😂😂.
@@watchguy5675 well this is it you see i refuse to be governed on what society deems to be expensive just because its made by a particular bs luxury brand like richard mille its just a metal watch regardless of its brand name. i got a cheap audemaurs for $30 myself..
Please take a lock at HAOFA brand - Excellent watch with amazing price
I have one in route in about a month
Seriously, a age old technology still charged exorbitant prices. Of not all Chinese watches are good.but there are few which are quiet good quality compared to Swiss that costs far less. The Swiss bubble is going to burst with a big sound
If you have to choose between omega-swatch moonswatch and a San Martin at the same price, which watch you would choose to buy? And why? So even famous watch brands sell garbage models like moonswatch.
San Martin in a heart beat. Saint Martin has overall better quality, the construction is amazing, their finishing is very high-quality for the price. And they’re durable.
The moon swatch is a literal toy. For children. Not to say I wouldn’t own one, but I sure wouldn’t pay premium for it
Price lol. I can’t afford an expensive watch so for sure price is my motivating factor lol. I’ve been looking for a nice Tag Monaco lookalike and there’s some real nice examples out there.
So I’m about to release the Marchand Watch Company Drivers Chronograph. I reference the Monaco a few times. Dropping in about 8 hourss
@@allthingsrandom8137 I’m there.
Great video ! I subscribed, thank you
Thank you! Welcome!
@@allthingsrandom8137 Thank You 👍
Ok l get your opinion but the thing is that a lot of people don't get: swiss guys are WATCH makers the others are maybe toymakers or even that .....or tailors makers and in between their business they go like: dude let's do some...........watches!!!!!!
I don’t disagree with you
I believe you missed the afterservice part and the cost of development. Swiss luxury brands with "premium" prices usually come with certain years of warranty and premium customer service; it is doubtful that Chinese brands will provide the same level of customer experience......
But if you are talking about old Swiss watches on the second-hand market, then yes, they are expensive and over-priced (yet, it still depends on how you value a historical piece)
I own over 100 automatic watches, mostly Swiss, but some from China, Japan and Russia and sure a lot of Swiss watches are overpriced and some non-Swiss watches are pretty good too. Only problem their movements are mostly inaccurate (over 30s+/-) a day.
My advice and best deal for your bucks is to buy Tissot, Certina, Mido, Glycine, Steinhart with an ETA or Sellita movement.
For example the powermatic 80 from ETAb is absolutely great, dependable and very accurate with an unbeatable autonomy.
For less than 1000$ you can easily buy a watch who will last for many decades...
Only Swiss watches can do that!
Great points! Definitely like all those brands mentioned and would always recommend
I have had my Pagani Rolex GMT Master Pepsi homage for 4 weeks, and it has lost 85 seconds in that time. Do the maths...
Using an analogy in the auto industry, Kia Stinger is a great sport sedan and gives you more value for the buck but people won’t buy it cause its a Kia!
Please ser you are correct. Please can't you help me were in China. I can make my micro brand watch.
Seagull has some very high end watches on aliexpress. Some well over $100k. Never seen anything else about them so I don't know if they even exist.
If China produces smartphones of highest quality, expect high quality wrist watch for a fraction of the costs.
_When it comes to Japanese products, they defeat the Germans in terms of quality and the Germans make great quality watches. The Japanese are very traditional when it comes to their products having the highest quality possible, in Japan, craftsmanship is ancestral_
_The Chinese are known for quantity over quality if they can purchase or make products as cheap as possible they will do it definitely but would charge big bucks, their products look like find quality, but the material is not_
_Nevertheless, they are European _German and Japanese companies in China and that threw me off for a while. Whatever company is making the watch you need to find the true origin._
_I have had three watches, expensive ones from China with the company’s work originated in China that stop working or did not work upon arrival of purchase, after those three experiences, I will never purchase a watch from a company originating out of China_
You make some pretty valid points
For me a watches value it has nothing to do with a brands name. It comes down to a form to function equation. With this in mind I have a really hard time spending my money on anything other than Chinese made watches. I’ll never spend more than 400.00 on watch.
I have problems with my hearing and every time he says Quartz I hear warts 😑
🤔🤔
@@allthingsrandom8137 😑😑
Good luck selling a Pagani Design for 60% of what you paid. You'll get 50% at best. It still doesn't sound like much, but if you're buying multiple PD watches, that 50% adds up real fast.
I sold 4 of them, and still have a 5th one that nobody wanted at any price. So it cost me $200 to wear those 4 watches for a few months. I'd rather have put that money towards one good watch.
So most, I’d say 90% of all Swiss watches loose the same percentage of value.
So spend 1000, and get 500. So now you’re out more.
And there are several Swiss watches that really suck.. hopefully your one watch is not one of those
Isn´t it the case that Swiss watches have used Chinese internals since the Eighties ?
If I spent thousands on a Rolex, people would assume it was a fake.
My 60´s Vertex is a quiet unassuming real Swiss watch, I prefer it to any status symbol.
Cheap items will always be cheap items. If you have money to burn why buy a cheap watch. Doesn’t make sense. A person who have less money to spend will buy less expensive watches and once that person progresses, that person will buy an expensive watch no matter what. If the person who has money buys cheap products that tells the person’s taste is cheap. Sorry that’s how the world works these days. No money, buy the cheapest. Have money buy the best of the best.
When you use and enjoy today a watch purchased originally in 1965 (Rolex Submariner) which keep time by a second, you will understand the differences… sorry, it is not the same thing.
I guess the problem with chinese watches is that nobody really knows, right? They are mostly obscure, their warranty guidelines look weak; i mean, it is difficult to trust. Their looks are also weird, like bad copies of elaborated swiss watches. I saw one that copied the Jacob & Co style, and I wondered: why would you imitate a watch that is already ugly enough? I don't have a big budget, so I would prefer buying an honest, reliable japanese or swiss watch; a Citizen, a Seiko, a Tissot; they are all good, solid watches that look great.
You are not totally wrong and I mostly agree with you. Especially the entry level swiss
seiko is not chinese 😂
IT’s Japanese… correct
Made either in Thailand, Vietnam and parts often Chinese, but some of them are made in Japan, and the movements made in Japan, yes.
I like this video. Very true. However you comparing Swiss with Chinese you compared a hamilton with a seiko, but seiko is Japanese.
You are correct….. sometimes I just start talking 🤦🏻♂️
Most Seikos are made in China.
@@toolongforyoutoread6 true.
Hey there mate just asking is there a review coming up on forge and foster as my purchase decision will be depending on your review, if you could get back to me👍
I am ordering one this weekend. Anyone specific that you are looking at. This is one I will resell, so give me some ideas
@@allthingsrandom8137 I’m stuck between the centurion on the spectre avantian x, both of them look decent but the centurion had a bit of a sporty look to it while the spectre I feel is very versatile, I would love your views on this
Sherwin Fernandes I was highly considering the centurion because of the shape and size. 41 mm seems like a good sweet spot
@@allthingsrandom8137 yeah true might actually go with that also there’s the maven x as well which is 42mm and is really similar to the spectre but it’s just that unique hublot kinds sporty look, the centurion has to it
My issue with Chinese is that in my experience at least the mechanical watches come out of the production facility not lubricated and not prepared for daily use. An expensive service is to be paid first. Then there is the absence of waterproof sealing. Not sure why. Apart from that, some machines out of China are beautiful and work well. And Swiss Made is completely overpriced for sure.
I feel like high end mechanical Swiss watches are expensive to just be expensive. Yes I understand the narrative that these are hand-made and limited numbers... but "rich" people want something that not every Tom, Dick and Jerry has.
I agree, especially lately. Though Tissot, Hamilton, and similar are still affordable, it good luck getting anything else. Even tudor and omega have increased 1000’s
Bec Chinese watches blow !
But do they….?
I have seen now the video. I think you didn’t watched the Watchfinder channel. But the cheapest Swiss made Tourbillon is around 7000,-. It’s almost fully produced in-house and I think you cant compare that Chinese stuff with it.
An outstanding video! I agree with every single word that you said. I sold a Rolex datejust, Omega speedmaster and a seamaster and have since replaced with Pagani Design, San Martin, Phylida and Seagull. I have got far more satisfaction from these gems than from Swiss. My two Grand Seikos are keepers though.
I still think hamilton automatic khaki is amazing i wear one i also just ordered me a orient dive watch hope it does well
Good call
Isn't the emperor's new clothes a lesson in the force is for good? Making money is a good thing. They're just making money. No wrong doing is found. Nevermind lack of honesty.
Great video.
Man a Hamilton I wish i never bought it 1.4k could have some flying turbuloiñ
Very nice video bro
If you are honest you would say that you preferred Swiss luxury watches over the Chinese counter parts. The factor for me is the price to buy. I believe that an Omega speedmaster is worth its retail price but I am not comfortable using 4 or 5 thousand dollars to make the purchase. So, I buy a less expensive Chinese substitute. The Chinese substitute works for me because I can afford it. Never would I say that my substitute watch is better than the Swiss version. That would not be sincere.
I agree. The video was more in jest, showing there are solutions to the far out priced Swiss counterpart
You always get something extra with a Chinese manufactured movement i.e. Finger prints, dust etc. Plus with the Venus designed movements on Sea-Gull watches a tremendous movement which it is financially wise to buy a new watch if anything goes wrong. Going to a watch repairer in the west will cost you an arm and a leg to completely service it. That is not to say Swiss watches are good value as they are all well overpriced.
There's is a place for fashion watches.
Swiss ice by the bay nice diamond watch under 1000$
One can buy a car full of sapphire glasses for 25000 usd. And the Swiss companies chare the 50mm sapphire for thousands of dollars. One can get a mini truck full of 904l steel for 30000 usd and rilex charges for 120 gms of 904l steel a price of 30000 usd. Just a little more polished. Totally unjustifiable.
Agreed
Chinese builds have come a long way. I started in the hobby a few decades ago, and Chinese was pretty junky.
But, years of copycat and development has honed their edge. Even design is becoming more and more original.
The recent Sugess "Daytona" is an amazing automatic for around $400, sapphire, ceramic, beautiful bracelet.
A lot of good watches from China now, and yup, if buying just to brag, or attempting to impress, Rolex is your best bet, but I won't crawl on my belly just to have the "honor" of parting with $20k, lol, especially when, in many circles, it's now a very common, boring purchase.
I have hundreds of watches, from a $45 Pagani, to a $3600 Breitling. To me, the best of the watch world can be had for one to two thousand dollars. Spending more is seldom justified, to me.
I do have many tourbillons, and Aragon in particular makes them with great specs. Their center tourby with Timascus dial and white topaz bezel knocked my socks off, for a thousand bucks. Nicer than most luxury brands.
I have a tourby from Zorbello, forged carbon, auto movement, a beautiful piece, for two thousand.
Plus, no worries about theft or replacement costs, which is another bonus of spending less.
Money saved means adding another watch, haha.
Great thoughts you've offered here!
I'm using headphones and when you touch your hands together it's audible and annoying.
Fuck me guns on a watch video? I'm out, no like, no subscribe.
Don’t worry, newer videos are not annoying
I would be embarrassed to wear a Chinese watch 😂 if I don’t have money I rather buy a seiko
🤷🏻♂️
common social prejudice. now let's admit that Chinese products are not inferior. If they really are, American will never have to concern with Chinese growing economy!
The only swiss watch i want someday is from omega. When i can afford it. I owned 5 or 6 orient watches. An from their orient star line too. Their watches are the same quality an just as good as swiss made watches. Their bracelets arent, an orients design is not always good but the quality an the movements orient makes rival the swiss.. i love orient. BUT.... I do not like every watch they make. Their designs sometimes are just not good. But when orient does it right... They do it RIGHT an its perfect. I own one watch as of now. The orient sun an moon version 5.. blue dial. Watch is well made, an beyond beautiful. The bracelet was horrible!!!!. But its whatever. I want only two other watches someday... The orient star moonphrase... An a omega watch. Oreint should be charging more for their watches but they dont... They are getting more known an popular as of now, specific orient watches give you the same quality as oris, longines, etc.. excluding the bracelet.. but for less......
i wouldn't pay $30 for that swiss movado.!
😬
You need to ask yourself if you pay for a Rolex,Omega or Tag Heuer which are a thousand times more expensive than a Zelos.
Are the Rolex a thousand times more accurate?
Is the Omega a thousand times better built?
Is the steel of the Tag Heuer steel a thousand times better?
Never believe the hype.
Agreed
When you buy a Made In China watch for $50 or $1000, you always know you get what you pay for.
Is it Chinese watches or Japan!!
How is Seiko the same quality as Hamilton? Materials used on Hamilton are better, build quality is better and ETA movements are much better than Seiko when it comes to accuracy.