This. Today I am wearing a garish $30 automatic Chinese watch that is highly finished. I am pretty sure that this won't last a long time, and unless it becomes a cherished piece, I don't see myself paying for a service.
Agreed. Bought my first G Shock yesterday (2nd hand). Not even my favourite G Shock to look at, but I love the functions it has, even though there’s no way I’ll ever use them. It fits with what I want for my collection. There’s no bad reason to buy a watch, unless it’s someone else’s reason.
I remember my paternal grandfather gave me his pride and joy 1960s Omega Seamaster DeVille 6 months before he passed away. According to my dad, that watch is as a symbol of his financial success at an early age. Been wearing his watch for 27 years now and now I am in the market for an Omega of my own. Really don’t care about impressing other people. Only care to get the one to put a smile on my face every time I wear it.
I have my father's Omega Seamaster De Ville with the day and date that he bought in Vietnam in 1968. He bought it because in the jungle there are no calendars.
I'd actually disagree, I've known plenty of people who were impressed with a rolex on the wrist. It's as much a status symbol as a benz or any other luxury good.
@@frozenfenix0 Sadly yes. While talking to a woman on the street she commented that I must be rich because I was wearing a Rolex. I let her know that it was just a homage. Then for some reason my hat came up and I told her it was a Stetson. "See you are doing well." Brand conscious people are strange to me but I see the power which it holds for some people.
One of the issues with getting attention by wearing a Rolex is, depending on where you live and travel at least, you often get the wrong type of attention. Less than upstanding members of society are more likely to recognize that little crown as a status symbol than the girl at the bar you were hoping to impress.
Let's be honest it's to impress the ladies.Problem is 99% of women and people in general don't care about watches.But I do find I get more looks and smiles when I'm decked out in all my jewlerry and one of my nicer dive watches, particularly by older women (cougars). And that's ok I like me some cougars. It's all about the colours you wear, the flashier the dial color, the better.
@@ChrisWolf75women like watches but are more impressed with a cartier than a rolex. Tasteful women dont like bright colored rolexes. They like steel or white gold and understated with classic design.
Clicked the video expecting disappointment based on the click bait title, but I was pleasantly surprised to find your takes to be rather rational and on-point. +1
RUclips doesn't actually reward clickbait anymore. You have to make a thumbnail that represents what the video is about... So I do my best to hit that vibe 😃
Sound advice as usual. All the high end stuff is nice but I find myself wearing my brace of Citizens or C63 Sealander far more than o e of my Omegas these days. Totally agree on the Tags, effectively a Citizen movement in them, just buy a top end Citizen for a fraction of the price.
I recently bought the Hanhart 417es 39mm Manuel wind. When you go for what you really want and not the hype. It just feels good. And stays with you longer. The watch is amazing and can’t stop admiring it.
I've set a crazy rule for myself; "only buy vintage or at least 10y old watches". There are so many interesting watches that are 15, 20 or 25 years old and you never get sucked in by hype 😅
I just acquired an everyday wear. Rolex 6694 manufactured date 1966. It’s my birth year….Polished it back to beauty myself and put a fluted bezel on it. It wears like a 36. What I love is that no one really noticed that I am wearing a Rolex. Thoughts…
@@chrissullivan268 I can see that being a stunner with a weathered vintage leather strap :) The Rolex I want is the Explorer 2 with white face but the earlier, smaller 90/00s version.
I didn't set such a rule, but whenever I fall in love with one of the newer watches (=last 30 years ;) I check what else I could get for the money, and it's usually several vintage watches that I like at least as much.
That’s my rule except I have yet to execute on it. Bought my first watch Omega Speedmaster in 1984 new for $197. Then during war in 2004 squadron did special edition reorder of Omega X-33 for $600. Wasn’t big into quartz but it was a no longer produced NASA flight qualified watch so I said what the heck. The. 3 years ago wife give me present of 2 tone Rolex before COVID. watch becomes more valuable during COVID. All of my “new” buys have rarely gone up in value. Had 20 years ago though about buying vintage King and/or Grand Seiko from 1960s but never did. That would be kind of following the rule.
Great advice. All this makes sense. About half of those watches I already own. Would love a white-dial Moonwatch but I have the new Moonwatch so I'll stick with that.
@@aljoubert8749the olympic one? Or the mitsukoshi? Personally I would prefer the latter over the olympic ones. Then again any of them do not disappoint.
Actually I have both, the Citizen eco drive is more accurate. My Casio tough solar AWG-100 receives a signal from Fort Collins every evening. Both charge from ambient light. That was what is commonly referred to as mistake.
It was not brought up in the video but Citizen is a great watch for the price. Last year my wife bought me a Promaster Prodiver. Even at a formal function a guest noticed my watch then we had a friendly conversation. He told me that was the first watch he had, now has a Tudor Black Bay. I am getting a Citizen Lady Marine watch this year for my wife
Bought the original Tag F1 full metal for £130 10 years ago as it reminded me of my childhood. To think they are pushing the same watch with a brand attached that a lot of people have not heard of for 1.5k is mind blowing. If you really like that retro look from the 90s just buy a vintage one for a 3rd of the price.
4:08 I own UX since late 2008 till this very day. It is absolutely fail proof watch. Went back to the factory for battery change every 8 years. It has low battery indicator that warn you 1 year in advance! My watch went back twice. Not that it needs to during the second interval but I wanted to. During both “services” ie change battery, SINN replace the “oil” too. The bezel is so tough it fail to get even the slightest hairline scratches! It is one heck of a watch I know I will keep forever. I do agree with all the other 9 suggestions.. but your comment do no justice to the mighty “Hydro” series. I can attest as a long term owner UX Hydro series are just way underrated especially from reviewers who never actually owned one.
Regarding the Rolex, I think I would argue contrary to your point; you will get more attention from NON-enthusiasts rather than enthusiasts. I say that because everyone knows the name Rolex, even non-enthusiasts, and those people will associate the name with high status and will be more likely to be "impressed" just because of the name. As an enthusiast, if I were to see someone wearing a Rolex, I may ask about it, ask about their experience, and then move on. I think a non-enthusiast is more likely to be kind of "star-struck" because of the name Rolex.
Rolex is the name even that non watch people know. That is why new money often buys a Rolex instead of (lets say) a Glashutte, Chopard or IWC. Rolex basicly is what Montblanc is for fountain pens. If you want to show off. It's the brand to go to. personally, I would be more impressed by a Patek Philippe or A A.Lange & Sohne.
I'm a similar vein, Rolex is the only expensive watch brand I can see on someone's wrist and not immediately know whether they're an enthusiast or not.
@@Zion-18 yeah, that’s true. If I see someone wearing an Oris or a Christopher Ward, I would feel a lot more confident assuming they are actually a watch enthusiast.
As someone who recently purchased one of the 31 Tangente color combinations that Nomos released, I would echo your advice to be thoughtful about your purchase. The first color way I got looked really good in the online pictures, but in real life (where the 37.7mm dial looks different from the 5 to 6 inch dial in the online images), I was less enthusiastic about the watch. While it was nice, it felt a bit dull (for lack of a better word), and a bit duplicative (in terms of when I would wear it) with a couple of other watches that I own. After mulling things over for the weekend, I returned the watch, and ended up buying a different color combination. In both cases (as with all my watch purchases), I try to think through when (and how often) I'll wear the watch and whether it's an addition that's worth the price (to me). The first Tangente didn't hit the mark, the second one did.
Start of with a Casio F-91W :p (I know this is opposite of the theme of this video) I bought my first F-91 a couple of weeks ago, and it has really stirred up my relationship with watches.
Best thing about this watch is that it's unassuming and practically does everything you would require from a watch. I have never had one, I do have a number of squares though and I usually wear of them alongside my other mechanical watches on both left and right wrists.... yes I m strange guy to some 😅
I have one from about 2005. Dial is scratched. Strap broke long ago and replaced it with a thin NATO. May have replaced the battery once or twice. I wear it for doing the nasty jobs. I look at it sitting on my table and wishing it would break, so that I have an excuse to buy a DW5600. But it just keeps going. Only practical problem is that the exposed buttons get bumped easily and the settings change.
Great videos as always . . . Some recent watch shopping . . . 1) Unwilling to buy a watch from a farm building only open on certain days AND their own customer star rating system (not trustpilot). 2) With another watch tried to buy a leather strap AND a metal bracelet - this was too difficult for the watch company who did not seem to have part numbers for these items . . . only ad hoc arrangements ---- Eventually happy with a different watch brand. It pays to ask a lots of questions . . .
Have been tempted by the Sinn Hydro. Initially I was put off by the fact Sinn felt an air bubble was OK. Apparently that's no longer the case, and the special case back sounds cool, but agree with you that the whole Sinn network is a pain (UK here) and am sticking with my U212 now. Love the brand but they have some oddities to their range too IMO.
I'm Brazilian, i wouldn't buy any of this watchs simple because i will never be able to afford one. But i really enjoy to look at them and many others at the store, imagining that one day im gonna buy one, like a child dreaming about becoming a hero 😂
Stop dreaming & get to work. Things happen in life for a reason,if you work hard & play you're cards right you can have one too. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices like wasting money eating out or whatever but find you're niche in life & don't look back!
I'm really enjoying your channel my friend. I like the fact that your blatantly honest without giving a damn which watchmakers you may upset. Keep up the good work
I own quite a few watches, including several Rolexes and an Underd0g ... and I 100% agree with everything in this vid: The Watermelon is a lot of fun, but it's not an everyday watch. Occasionally a watch nerd wants to see / talk about one of my less-common Rolexes, but nobody else cares. I'd hazard to guess that to 99% of people (probably more) all they see is 'Oh, look, she's wearing an old-timey boomer watch.'
Fun fact: I ordered what I thought was a cheap $25 Monaco homage because I wanted to test it out to see if I'd like the real deal and was sent a very poorly done counterfeit. The Ali Express store I bought it from went dark shortly after it arrived. Lol.
Thank you for a such great teaching. " You should always make up your own mind, If you like something , go for it". Today I won an eBay auction for a Sekonda USSR Poljot style gold plate vintage watch with a blue dial. I fell in love when I saw it, so I got it . May you be well and happy, with metta kindness
I have the Hydro. I agree having to send it back to Germany is an inconvenience. However, it is super cool. I have the Tegimented steel version. I find it much better looking than the U50 (too much red in that one) and underwater it is absolutely clear with no glare or reflection. Amazing. I'll let you know how it works at 5000m. If I can hold my breath that long.
I purchased a $4000 Montblanc that never functioned correctly. I was deceived into letting the warranty period expire with "free" services. I will not make another purchase from them.
Very interesting approach and I like that you call out actual watches instead of watch types you shouldn't buy. However, I disagree with the Sinn U50 Hydro. This, for me is the ultimate tool watch with its maximum resistance, rubustness, legibility and accuracy and Sinn doing a great job servicing them. But, I may be biased since I live in Frankfurt. Cheers!
Fair enough on the hydro - I thinks it's a great watch but I do feel that for new buyers these highly featured specialty watches are not always the best option. If you're way down the rabbit hole of Sinn - then it's a whole other story 😃😃😃
Nice list. I was lucky enough to get a White Dial Speedmaster Pro at retail. I was initially told a six-month wait, but got a call from my Omega rep that one was available about 3 days after I made the request. You never know.
I remember back in the day, in January 1991, I bought a Tag Heuer Formula 1 Black with a red ring inside the dial. I paid around $220.00 USD... Now, this reissue is a joke at $1,500.00 USD.
Adjusted for inflation , $220 at 1990 is equal to $535 at 2024 . There's one thing you must consider : today middle class is also available in developing countries , number of buyable customers who love luxury items is increasing enormously . Plus , Japanese watch industry , an able rival to Swiss luxury watch industry can't compete fair as in peer . Swiss watch industry is nearly a monopoly power providing luxury watches . It's only surprised if Swiss watch industry doesn't exploit on its monopoly position .
This is free market , price based on supply and demand . If number of buyers is excessive over of supplied goods , price is soaring . Vice versa . The most hyped watch brand which price is too much out of real value is Cartier . All watches is charming , but made from normal steel that is easy to get scratches . Furthermore , no sapphire anti-glare glass behind to let see through to inside the running movement , which we can't feel a dynamic sense . Japanese have been doing very well when they let us have watches costing only $30 price tag with all functions , a thing that a Swiss luxury watch can cost nearly $27,000 . But there's a thing Japanese can't give : a pride of wearing a masterpiece of art .
They're nice looking watches but aren't they a quartz movement? That's Swiss movement money you're paying for their name a bit but I wouldn't mind a Tag F1 myself.
Very clever point of view you describe a few first mistakes from a time when I started collecting watches. Worth mentioning that it is really hard to fix it, you lose a lot of money or wait long to sold over’s hooted purchase.
I have other watches that would tide me over the month or so it might take ... but I wouldn't want to see the bill for servicing an oil-filled model out of warranty.
I am another “Sinner”, and I have An 857 UTC that had the crown on the standard right side. I live in the USA. I also have a smallish 6.5 inch wrist and the large crown was annoying when it hit the back of my wrist. At 43mm the watch was too big for me in this configuration so I asked Sinn if they would flip the crown and they did it for a very reasonable price and quickly. It TRANSFORMED the wearability! The result of this experience is that I would not shy-away from buying an oil filled UX or U50 Hydro just because it has to go to Frankfurt. While the U50 Hydro would fit me better I would buy the UX because of its backstory and its superior quartz movement! …just a thought!
I'm amazed Breitling was excluded from your list. I bought a non chronometer Super Ocean 1000 meter in Montreal, Canada back in March 1997 at Birk's Jewelers. Canada's Tiffany's so to speak. I paid $2500 CDN all in. None of the used watch and gold buyers today are interested in it. It was used at home for 30 days to confirm it was running properly during the return window. A Breitling representative from Switzerland in said establishment at the time, told me it was normal for the watch to run 5 to 7 seconds fast, which it did. After which I placed it my safety deposit box and just recently removed it because I needed some cash. It has the box, all paper work, original bill of sale! It needs no service and is as pristine as the day that I bought it. Colossal disappointment. Shocked to say the least.
I have only two Rolexes, both 34mm ones from the 1980s. An Air King with a nice blue dial and an Oyster Precision with a Mickey Mouse face on it. And that's the way it's gonna stay.
You can get close for a lot less. But when side by side comparisons are done Rolex not only has better ingredients it has a much better bracelet. And the value of a Rolex seems to only increase as others fall off a bit. Plus its so impressive to have that iconic crown & brand on you're wrist. As they say a " Chefs Kiss"!
@@richardmorris7063the Rolex bracelet is absolute garbage. In store choosing between a deep sea and a planet ocean and the difference is huge. Omega make a sturdy beautiful bracelet that feels heavy and solid, and Rolex make a hollow feeling chintzy bracelet. Plus the button release is way better than poking a fingernail under the clasp. Only thing they do better is the glide adjustment.
I bought a Chinese watch (Seagull 1963, not a replica) and one of the numerals had not been glued in properly. A watchmaker here quoted me X to put it right and I asked the Chinese manufacturer for that amount. They offered 1/3X which I refused and then said if I'd give them a 5 star rating and no bad press they'd pay X to my PayPal account. They were true to their word. A somewhat compromising deal but it sort of worked out.
I agree with mostly everything, EXCEPT the ROLEX commentary that "nobody cares". My experience with my daily two-tone black-dial Submariner has been the total opposite with 2-3 nice compliments per month from watch people, and normal humans as well :) . Love my Sub.
Could not agree more for U50 Hydro. Biggest gripe for me is Ronda movement in that price range and based on forums, service times are bonkers with Sinn atm.
My first 2 watches were skeletons, one was maurice lacroix aikon 45mm masterpiece skeleton. The other was zenith defy classic skeleton. Both are good watches and I still wear them on regular basis 😊
@@petrokersta5293 My comment was to the OP with his two skeletons. I wouldn't buy one (in 2017 I purchased a Carrera Heuer 01, non-skeleton) but good for him ...
In addition to the oil filled models, a lot of Sinn watches have the dehumidifying technology, which fills the case with an inert gas while being assembled in a vacuum. I have a U2 with this feature as well as the copper sulfate capsules to absorb any moisture. I don’t think there is anyone but Sinn who would be able to really service the watch properly, despite it being a pretty pedestrian Sellita GMT movement.
Lol. I was on vacation last week. I saw: a Black bezel Rolex GMT, with BLUE dial. I saw a 42mm Two tone yachtmaster with QUARTZ movement. And a platinum daytona with subdials perfectly aligned to the 3 and 9 position PLUS the owner arrived in a Suzuki Swift. What are the odds? 😃
@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch gotta be careful with the cars. I was in a watch store buying a watch (Rolex Milgauss), and the fellow I was chatting with was buying himself a Breguet Tourbillon, it was just under $100k he spent. We left the store about the same time, and he was getting into an older (albeit pristine) Ford Crown vic, while I got into an Audi. Later on I found out he flys in on his private jet and that is the free crew car at the local private airport.
When I got the Sinn U50 Hydro I knew that I would need Sinn to change the battery but it will last almost 10 years and the legibility in and out of the water is superior to the U50. Accuracy was also crucial for me.
It is actually very simple: If you like a watch and you want to own it, then buy it. If not, then don’t. The rest is all irrelevant. Don’t blame watchbrands for their marketing, whether you consider it good, bad, successful or not successful, it is not for you to value their effort, other than buying it or not buying it. The more haters hate, the more they are actually telling they want it. But they can’t afford it. And that pisses them off. Nothing else.
I had never been a "watch guy". I don't know what possessed me, but one day, about two years ago, I just said, "I want a watch." Not being an enthusiast, I started looking at looking at watches that were between $75-150 bucks. First, I discovered Vostok, and fell in love with something called the "Amphibia." Secondly, I then discovered modding, and thirdly, decided to build my own Amphibia from genuine Vostok parts. Needless to say, I caught the bug, and the rest is history. Today, I have two Amphibias I've built, a Komandirskie 65 "R2-D2", a Seiko 5 that sucks, a Citizen Eco-Drive 1430, and a Steeldive SD1953. TL;DR: Two years later, I've got a 6 watch collection that I'm proud of, and didn't have to spend a whole hell of a lot of money.
I got a stainless Submariner back in the 80s when I taught scuba diving. At depth, seconds/minutes are important things to keep track of. At the time, it was the best tool for the job. Then computers came along. As for one of those solid gold watches, we'd call them "Yum Yum Yellow" [shark talk]. It is a brick and still runs like a top!
I have two of the (original) TH Formula 1 watches, one with the jubilee type bracelet. They are tiny when compared to more contemporary watches, but the bracelet is very well made. Both have had new mvts fitted.
I'm a fairly new subscriber and I think you hit the nail on the head woth every video I've seen. Just wanted to leave a comment and say your content and views/insights are brilliant 👏
I love Tag but I would never buy an Kith. I had a Formula One as well. They were cool! I dont like skeleton watches generally so I am with you on that. I dont care for Cartier would not wear one if I owned it so I can agree with you there as well. I love those Sinn's but I wont buy one either! I hear you on the Nomos and SU... If you want color get a G-Shock. You are right. Rolex is good but meh. I might pick up the Terra Nova second hand. Seems rather sporty. Have a great weekend Mike!
My biggest problem with Kith is that basically nobody knew who they were. A niche "supreme" that have gained popularity in the US but virtually unknown everywhere else. All youtubers clearly had no clue who they were and had had to google what it was. It's cool and trendy but that's about it 😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch You are right. I still dont know who they are and I am not bothered enough to find out so why would I want them on my watch...
I’ve become addicted to your reviews. You have given me the confidence to move my collection a bit upscale while feeling that I know what I’m doing. Thank you.
I paid one euro for a watch from a charity shop. It keeps great time it's also a stop watch it's unmarked no scratches and I really love the looks. A happy man ⌚👍
I am still on the fence. The "scratch magnet" reputation of the steel bezel is making me pause. Does this impact your decision in any way? I am just trying to gage the pulse of other fellow collectors.
@@dannysimenauer5745I bought the steel with ADLC bezel version and I love it. Initially I wanted to look at it because of the “scratch magnet” reputation the Santos had. When comparing side to side I actually fell in love with the dial, it’s both horizontally brushed in the center and then radially brushed outside the chapter ring, and it has a depth that doesn’t really come through in photos. To me, it made the white dial with printed numerals look a bit plain by comparison. Watch is super versatile, looks great on the bracelet and I bought a couple leather straps. Curved case is insanely comfortable on the wrist even with a butterfly and no micro adjustments.
@@dannysimenauer5745 It does not for me. I still want one. The Santos is just a classic icon with such an interesting history. I don't worry about the scratches, It depends how and when you wear the watch. I'm always very careful with my watches. I have a vintage Omega with an acryllic crystal that I have worn for years. and still no scratches on the crystal (or the case). And even if a scratch would happen. In worst case they can be buffed out.
@@dannysimenauer5745 it's not having any affect on my desire to purchase a Santos, at all. But I'm retired and don't subject my watches to the wear and tear that I used to. I'm leaning towards the blue dial, as I, also, like the blue strap that comes with it.
Good advice on the Speedy! I have the new 3861 white dial, bought it at retail from Omega and only waited about 3 months for delivery. No need to buy from anybody other than Omega!
Sir, you always have the most sound, logical advice in the RUclips watch community!!! You and about 3 other major educators are the only ones that I trust.
Thank you an actual honest view about watches without any ego or agenda for name of watch especially with your remarks about homages and just do you, just found you and have now subscribed
I bought a Tissot Seastar because i absolutely love the look, the swiss 80 hour movement and I love the NBA and always wanted a Tissot. Money well spent. My favorite watch easily
Is speedmaster white worth buying right now If I can get it at retail? I called the omega store at my city, and they said I can go pick it up right now.
Having owned a white dial speedy for more than 2 decades, I would say yes. They do look great and if it suits your personality and makes you happy, go get em. That aside, sometimes I do find it a bit too eye-catching, which isn't what I enjoy immensely.
What I’ve loved about your videos over the last year is the “look behind the curtain“ vibe that I got. I appreciated your insight and candid opinion. I always learned something. This video felt a bit like Clickbait and I didn’t learn anything.
The only people who are impressed about a Rolex, are those who couldn't get one. But usually, watch enthusiasts, if you call yourself one, most likely already have one. They are way too common. Good watches, but nothing that will get much conversations started. Don't buy to impress. Just buy for what you like.
The Bremont terra nova seems a Citizen nj0100 🙂 Great video, I can easily understand your point. I like and own some glycine and mido watches and I'm going to buy a Frederique Constant watch (I don't know why, but I think it may be in your list too...). Now many Chinese watches mount Seiko movements, I think it is better for servicing in case of problems, anyway do not expect warranty from China 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
About homages: I have zero problems with them, and quite frankly don't understand the prevalent hate towards them. Underlying premise being: Omega, Rolex, Patek... these brands aren't my mother, aren't my father. A good design is a good design, what does it matter to me if the design I like and wear comes from its ultimate progenitor or not? If I can get 80% of the watch I like for 20% of the cost, and I don't mind forfeiting that last 20% of quality, then I come out ahead and I feel proud rather than ashamed. Proud of the fact I found a good deal and avoided being a sucker. Now you can surely see that the same train of logic leads to a defence of replicas as well, so here's my position: If the rep ecosystem wasn't so opaque and complicated, requiring research, fora, whatsapp, QC nonsense, etc., I would dive in
"Have your staples in place first", great advise for long term watch collecting. Also, the Rolex advice. As Baldassarre said, "nobody cares about your damned watch". The reality is we're the only people who care about them.
And this is why I don't understand the fixation with dial diameter. If I like a watch with a 48mm dial I'll buy it and I'll wear it. I don't give a 4x what anyone else thinks - I don't wear any of my watches for others, unless it was a gift from the Mrs.
You had pink chinos? Sheesh. There is a depth to your content, as can be seen in this excellent, opinionated, and well-reasoned list. Agree with your view of Bremont ; they're unlikely to ever be on my 'maybe' list - but part of me kind of hopes that one day they could be.
Love your Studio Underd0g (and Nomos) take. Have met the CEO three times, and he is more miserable than Swatch store staff selling Omega and Blancpain colabs!
Enjoyable video as always. A couple of things I would add. One is that $1,500 may be high for a regular quartz watch, but for a high accuracy quartz watch such as a Citizen Chronomaster or Breitling Aerospace, it can be worthy of much higher price than that. Two, regarding Chinese homage watches, I would only dabble in it if the cost is such that you can eat it if it dies. I've been buying some homages lately and have no illusions about after sales service. It's basically gambling, but while they are working, it's fun to have some without spending a lot of money.
I agree with you. I’m shopping more on movements. I have a Direnzo eclipse with a stellita 200 movement. I’d like to try other movements and build a collection on calibers. Not just looks.
Great commentary and warnings. I’d add: the world economies are going to get worse before they get better - so if you’re going to buy a luxury watch on the grey market a) negotiate hard to get a better price; b) wait, because the sellers are going to have to lower prices. Still waiting on your FXD video - why you bought it and what else you considered, what you like/don’t like after a month.
I agree with others here, "Wear what brings a smile to YOUR face". Forget brand or cost, wear what you like. I have an extensive collection of auto watches and have always loved the original Glycine pilot GMTs. My daily wear is a beloved Airman model 17. I got lucky with this one and the accuracy is on par with regulated models. It's certainly not the most valuable I have, but it's "just right" for me in every way. I guess it brings that smile.
Cartier asks crazy money for the Cartier Design. The Santos was such a good design that it still sells like hotcakes two decades after it was released and even inspired the design for the Apple Watch. You're not paying for the movement when you buy a Cartier watch, so it's not correct to compare them to other watchmakers in that regard.
@@MegaThucydides Indeed. Especially the Santos that has such a long history (designed 120 years ago.) And probable the first (if not, than at least one of the first) wristwatches for men that wasn't a modified pocketwatch.
Nobody cares about Rolex sounds a little butthurt to me for some reason. In my experience, Rolex is the only more expensive watch brand that most people know, so if you want to flex, it´s still the go to. It´s true that you see many managers and consultants buy a Rolex, but were talking steel DJ, black Sub or maybe Explorer. You rarely see Daytonas, DayDates or other precious metal models. I don`t really get the Rolex hate by many watch influencers
It’s comparable to liking Nirvana or BMW…it’s just too obvious. It’s the “standard” choice, and they sell a million pieces a year so it’s not rare at all. Lots of reasons to be unimpressed. With waiting lists Rolex = tryhard
Well, I purchased a fully tegimented Sinn U50 Hydro. Love the watch. Sending it to Sinn from the US will certainly be an added pain, but I figured I can live with that every 5-10 years. In my experience many premium brands also have fairly significant turnaround times, based on recent Breitling and Omega watch servicing in the US.
Amazing video! Would love to see you discuss the Seiko Presage line, Citizen 1050 and 1060 line and your favourite everyday dress watches in this price category ($500 to $1500 USD).
Whew! I love the Santos. Dual time? Nope! Isn't the "regular" Santos coming with an in house movement, or does it come with a Sellita or ETA? Everyone needs to bing on your channel, prior to spending any significant money on watches. Great work!
I lived in 3 countries in Asia for 10 years. Asians care in some places and others not so much. Those who care are usually insecure and need western made objects to compensate for their feelings of inadequacy in relation to "western" people no matter how much money they have. That's just stupid.
@@vpsn99 sure. The fact that Asia bothers to mass produce replicas and sell them openly speaks volume. It's also good - only the elites will know if it's a real thing while keeping robbery away
I had a similar Tag watch in the 90’s. It was $495 brand new, I only bought it because everyone at the hospital I worked at had one and I wanted to fit in with everyone else. If you compared mid 90’s money to todays money the price would be $1100 according to the inflation calculator so there’s not too much of a markup.
It's not very well talked about but one thing I would consider when buying a watch is whether I'll be able take it to an AD for servicing later down the road. I'm not considering buying a Grand Seiko only because I will have to mail it New Jersey to get it serviced.
![Eminem - Fuel (feat. JID) [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t5H_CewqpKA/mqdefault.jpg)
Bottom line, Buy what you like and gives you enjoyment. Nothing else matters as much.
This. Today I am wearing a garish $30 automatic Chinese watch that is highly finished. I am pretty sure that this won't last a long time, and unless it becomes a cherished piece, I don't see myself paying for a service.
Agreed. Bought my first G Shock yesterday (2nd hand). Not even my favourite G Shock to look at, but I love the functions it has, even though there’s no way I’ll ever use them. It fits with what I want for my collection. There’s no bad reason to buy a watch, unless it’s someone else’s reason.
Yeah, this. My tombstone sure as hell won’t say anything about the watches I had on my wrist.
@@charlesrusselliii2952 Ahhh someone who understands the concept of value for money!
That's why i collect Grand Seikos
I remember my paternal grandfather gave me his pride and joy 1960s Omega Seamaster DeVille 6 months before he passed away. According to my dad, that watch is as a symbol of his financial success at an early age. Been wearing his watch for 27 years now and now I am in the market for an Omega of my own. Really don’t care about impressing other people. Only care to get the one to put a smile on my face every time I wear it.
My grandfather, on his death bed, sold me this watch.
❤
I have my father's Omega Seamaster De Ville with the day and date that he bought in Vietnam in 1968. He bought it because in the jungle there are no calendars.
Хорошо сказано)
Watch of passion
Don’t buy primarily for value. Buy what you love that is comfortably in your budget.
Spot on 😃
That’s why I buy Breitling!
"Nobody is impressed." Truer words were never said.
Great video as always.
I'd actually disagree, I've known plenty of people who were impressed with a rolex on the wrist. It's as much a status symbol as a benz or any other luxury good.
@@frozenfenix0 Sadly yes. While talking to a woman on the street she commented that I must be rich because I was wearing a Rolex. I let her know that it was just a homage. Then for some reason my hat came up and I told her it was a Stetson. "See you are doing well."
Brand conscious people are strange to me but I see the power which it holds for some people.
The only person who really notice your watches are robbers.
@@betochiwas I think the woman who noticed my homage was a catfisher. She told a basically unverifiable story of financial woe.
Thieves are impressed... they have no problem taking one off you...
One of the issues with getting attention by wearing a Rolex is, depending on where you live and travel at least, you often get the wrong type of attention. Less than upstanding members of society are more likely to recognize that little crown as a status symbol than the girl at the bar you were hoping to impress.
Men wear to impress other men mainly
Girls are more impressed by my mint green (Tiffany blue) quartz PRX than any Rolex
Let's be honest it's to impress the ladies.Problem is 99% of women and people in general don't care about watches.But I do find I get more looks and smiles when I'm decked out in all my jewlerry and one of my nicer dive watches, particularly by older women (cougars). And that's ok I like me some cougars. It's all about the colours you wear, the flashier the dial color, the better.
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is the perfect example, as well as Paris and Berlin...
@@ChrisWolf75women like watches but are more impressed with a cartier than a rolex. Tasteful women dont like bright colored rolexes. They like steel or white gold and understated with classic design.
Well said. No one cares what watch you wear except you. So as the man says, take your time. Buy what you like. Enjoy life.
I have an original TAG F1. It was expensive at the time but 30 years later I still love it.
I have my pops 1955 seamaster and i love love it.. nothing fancy but it reminds me of my dad.
Nice. I have dad's 1971 Omega Seamaster Anakin. Ugly and unwearable Dad had two of them but lost one.
Clicked the video expecting disappointment based on the click bait title, but I was pleasantly surprised to find your takes to be rather rational and on-point. +1
RUclips doesn't actually reward clickbait anymore. You have to make a thumbnail that represents what the video is about... So I do my best to hit that vibe 😃
Sound advice as usual. All the high end stuff is nice but I find myself wearing my brace of Citizens or C63 Sealander far more than o e of my Omegas these days. Totally agree on the Tags, effectively a Citizen movement in them, just buy a top end Citizen for a fraction of the price.
I recently bought the Hanhart 417es 39mm Manuel wind. When you go for what you really want and not the hype. It just feels good. And stays with you longer. The watch is amazing and can’t stop admiring it.
I’ve been back and forward with Hanhart 417es. It’s a great design and a quality piece. Wear tours in good health!
@@petrokersta5293thx its an amazing tool watch. Im using the bund strap but will buy the strap eventually
Great watch and nice people at Hanhart! Cheers from Germany!
White dial version? 😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch just the black dial 1954 I’m a black dial kind of person 😂
"Don't make it your first watch."
This wisdom can be applied across life in general.
I've set a crazy rule for myself; "only buy vintage or at least 10y old watches". There are so many interesting watches that are 15, 20 or 25 years old and you never get sucked in by hype 😅
I just acquired an everyday wear. Rolex 6694 manufactured date 1966. It’s my birth year….Polished it back to beauty myself and put a fluted bezel on it. It wears like a 36. What I love is that no one really noticed that I am wearing a Rolex.
Thoughts…
@@chrissullivan268 I can see that being a stunner with a weathered vintage leather strap :)
The Rolex I want is the Explorer 2 with white face but the earlier, smaller 90/00s version.
I didn't set such a rule, but whenever I fall in love with one of the newer watches (=last 30 years ;) I check what else I could get for the money, and it's usually several vintage watches that I like at least as much.
That’s my rule except I have yet to execute on it. Bought my first watch Omega Speedmaster in 1984 new for $197. Then during war in 2004 squadron did special edition reorder of Omega X-33 for $600. Wasn’t big into quartz but it was a no longer produced NASA flight qualified watch so I said what the heck. The. 3 years ago wife give me present of 2 tone Rolex before COVID. watch becomes more valuable during COVID. All of my “new” buys have rarely gone up in value. Had 20 years ago though about buying vintage King and/or Grand Seiko from 1960s but never did. That would be kind of following the rule.
Great advice. All this makes sense. About half of those watches I already own. Would love a white-dial Moonwatch but I have the new Moonwatch so I'll stick with that.
Scratch the white Speedmaster itch with a Japanese edition Mark 40 in the meantime :)
@@aljoubert8749the olympic one? Or the mitsukoshi?
Personally I would prefer the latter over the olympic ones. Then again any of them do not disappoint.
@@aljoubert8749Speedmasters are iconic. Any watch enthusiast should consider one. A real one. No tricky crap.
I don't buy watches to flip. I buy them and wear them. No watch enthusiast flips.
My Casio Eco Drive Quartz gains 2 seconds a month!!!!! It's a nice looking watch, I swim with it every day and I paid $150 for it.
OK, Casio has Tough Solar, while CITIZEN does have Eco-Drive, so which one is it? 🤨
Actually I have both, the Citizen eco drive is more accurate. My Casio tough solar AWG-100 receives a signal from Fort Collins every evening. Both charge from ambient light. That was what is commonly referred to as mistake.
But the fact you watched this video somehow reveals that you are in the market for something nicer
@@charleshammer2928 Is the ticking loud like a swatch watch?
Dear Mike, nice Tudor Pelagos FXD Black in your wrist! Looks really good on you!
Video coming up about it next week 😉
Don't buy what Mayer and Sheeran already bought!
I seen Layers collection last nite,omg! He's a real enthusiast, he loves his Daytona like myself.
Mayers
It was not brought up in the video but Citizen is a great watch for the price. Last year my wife bought me a Promaster Prodiver. Even at a formal function a guest noticed my watch then we had a friendly conversation. He told me that was the first watch he had, now has a Tudor Black Bay.
I am getting a Citizen Lady Marine watch this year for my wife
Bought the original Tag F1 full metal for £130 10 years ago as it reminded me of my childhood. To think they are pushing the same watch with a brand attached that a lot of people have not heard of for 1.5k is mind blowing. If you really like that retro look from the 90s just buy a vintage one for a 3rd of the price.
4:08 I own UX since late 2008 till this very day. It is absolutely fail proof watch. Went back to the factory for battery change every 8 years. It has low battery indicator that warn you 1 year in advance! My watch went back twice. Not that it needs to during the second interval but I wanted to. During both “services” ie change battery, SINN replace the “oil” too. The bezel is so tough it fail to get even the slightest hairline scratches! It is one heck of a watch I know I will keep forever. I do agree with all the other 9 suggestions.. but your comment do no justice to the mighty “Hydro” series. I can attest as a long term owner UX Hydro series are just way underrated especially from reviewers who never actually owned one.
No doubt - Sinn make fantastic watches 😀😀
Regarding the Rolex, I think I would argue contrary to your point; you will get more attention from NON-enthusiasts rather than enthusiasts. I say that because everyone knows the name Rolex, even non-enthusiasts, and those people will associate the name with high status and will be more likely to be "impressed" just because of the name. As an enthusiast, if I were to see someone wearing a Rolex, I may ask about it, ask about their experience, and then move on. I think a non-enthusiast is more likely to be kind of "star-struck" because of the name Rolex.
Most people would think it's a cheap fake.
Rolex is the name even that non watch people know. That is why new money often buys a Rolex instead of (lets say) a Glashutte, Chopard or IWC. Rolex basicly is what Montblanc is for fountain pens. If you want to show off. It's the brand to go to. personally, I would be more impressed by a Patek Philippe or A A.Lange & Sohne.
I'm a similar vein, Rolex is the only expensive watch brand I can see on someone's wrist and not immediately know whether they're an enthusiast or not.
@@Zion-18 yeah, that’s true. If I see someone wearing an Oris or a Christopher Ward, I would feel a lot more confident assuming they are actually a watch enthusiast.
Rolex will get immediate attention
As someone who recently purchased one of the 31 Tangente color combinations that Nomos released, I would echo your advice to be thoughtful about your purchase. The first color way I got looked really good in the online pictures, but in real life (where the 37.7mm dial looks different from the 5 to 6 inch dial in the online images), I was less enthusiastic about the watch. While it was nice, it felt a bit dull (for lack of a better word), and a bit duplicative (in terms of when I would wear it) with a couple of other watches that I own. After mulling things over for the weekend, I returned the watch, and ended up buying a different color combination. In both cases (as with all my watch purchases), I try to think through when (and how often) I'll wear the watch and whether it's an addition that's worth the price (to me). The first Tangente didn't hit the mark, the second one did.
Start of with a Casio F-91W :p
(I know this is opposite of the theme of this video)
I bought my first F-91 a couple of weeks ago, and it has really stirred up my relationship with watches.
It should last you forever.They just keep on..
@@EmeraldHill-vo1cs I have a feeling it will outlast me
Best thing about this watch is that it's unassuming and practically does everything you would require from a watch.
I have never had one, I do have a number of squares though and I usually wear of them alongside my other mechanical watches on both left and right wrists.... yes I m strange guy to some 😅
I have one from about 2005. Dial is scratched. Strap broke long ago and replaced it with a thin NATO. May have replaced the battery once or twice. I wear it for doing the nasty jobs. I look at it sitting on my table and wishing it would break, so that I have an excuse to buy a DW5600. But it just keeps going. Only practical problem is that the exposed buttons get bumped easily and the settings change.
Great videos as always . . . Some recent watch shopping . . .
1) Unwilling to buy a watch from a farm building only open on certain days AND their own customer star rating system (not trustpilot).
2) With another watch tried to buy a leather strap AND a metal bracelet - this was too difficult for the
watch company who did not seem to have part numbers for these items . . . only ad hoc arrangements
---- Eventually happy with a different watch brand. It pays to ask a lots of questions . . .
Buy what you like.
Have been tempted by the Sinn Hydro. Initially I was put off by the fact Sinn felt an air bubble was OK.
Apparently that's no longer the case, and the special case back sounds cool, but agree with you that the whole Sinn network is a pain (UK here) and am sticking with my U212 now.
Love the brand but they have some oddities to their range too IMO.
I'm Brazilian, i wouldn't buy any of this watchs simple because i will never be able to afford one. But i really enjoy to look at them and many others at the store, imagining that one day im gonna buy one, like a child dreaming about becoming a hero 😂
Never say never, don’t give up so fast. You don’t know what fate has in store for you.
Stop dreaming & get to work. Things happen in life for a reason,if you work hard & play you're cards right you can have one too. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices like wasting money eating out or whatever but find you're niche in life & don't look back!
Work hard and invest in appreciating assets. Don't worry about owning luxury goods. Better to aim to buy a cheap house than an expensive watch.
I'm really enjoying your channel my friend. I like the fact that your blatantly honest without giving a damn which watchmakers you may upset.
Keep up the good work
Thanks . I'll try 😃
I own quite a few watches, including several Rolexes and an Underd0g ... and I 100% agree with everything in this vid: The Watermelon is a lot of fun, but it's not an everyday watch. Occasionally a watch nerd wants to see / talk about one of my less-common Rolexes, but nobody else cares. I'd hazard to guess that to 99% of people (probably more) all they see is 'Oh, look, she's wearing an old-timey boomer watch.'
If I’m doing business and I notice a watch I will comment very favorably about it. It has led to a better consumer experience. People eat it up.
Esp given that any watch not a smartwatch is definitely pre Zoomer.
Thank you for sharing the value of your experience. Each of us, individually, has our own path, but you are a Guide along the watch trail.
Puffy shirt would definitely be a "staple" 😂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Stay Puffy. 8)
You can still get a original tag F1 in very good condition for less than 400 if you look and have a little patience.
Fun fact: I ordered what I thought was a cheap $25 Monaco homage because I wanted to test it out to see if I'd like the real deal and was sent a very poorly done counterfeit. The Ali Express store I bought it from went dark shortly after it arrived. Lol.
I have one and absolutely enjoy wearing it for its aesthetic and the way it feels on the wrist. The white dial with black bezel is classic.
I still have an original tucked away in the collection, had to double take seeing the reissue thumbnails start to appear in my recommended.
Bingo 😃
I recently found a Ladies Formula 1 at a pawn shop for 410€.
It's in pretty good condition (the bracelet has some stretch) and works perfectly. 😊
Thank you for a such great teaching. " You should always make up your own mind, If you like something , go for it". Today I won an eBay auction for a Sekonda USSR Poljot style gold plate vintage watch with a blue dial. I fell in love when I saw it, so I got it . May you be well and happy, with metta kindness
There are some Ali Express brands that give you a refund if there is a problem, no questions asked. The trick is only to find out which.
True - The trick is to find them 😃
I have the Hydro. I agree having to send it back to Germany is an inconvenience. However, it is super cool. I have the Tegimented steel version. I find it much better looking than the U50 (too much red in that one) and underwater it is absolutely clear with no glare or reflection. Amazing. I'll let you know how it works at 5000m. If I can hold my breath that long.
I purchased a $4000 Montblanc that never functioned correctly. I was deceived into letting the warranty period expire with "free" services. I will not make another purchase from them.
That’s why I’d only buy a pen from them.
Very interesting approach and I like that you call out actual watches instead of watch types you shouldn't buy. However, I disagree with the Sinn U50 Hydro. This, for me is the ultimate tool watch with its maximum resistance, rubustness, legibility and accuracy and Sinn doing a great job servicing them. But, I may be biased since I live in Frankfurt. Cheers!
Fair enough on the hydro - I thinks it's a great watch but I do feel that for new buyers these highly featured specialty watches are not always the best option. If you're way down the rabbit hole of Sinn - then it's a whole other story 😃😃😃
So only a short way to Sossenheim!
White dial speedy is stunning and an absolute strap monster.
Shut it Shanice
Which omega is he discussing there are altogether white speedmasters
Nice list. I was lucky enough to get a White Dial Speedmaster Pro at retail. I was initially told a six-month wait, but got a call from my Omega rep that one was available about 3 days after I made the request. You never know.
I remember back in the day, in January 1991, I bought a Tag Heuer Formula 1 Black with a red ring inside the dial. I paid around $220.00 USD...
Now, this reissue is a joke at $1,500.00 USD.
Adjusted for inflation , $220 at 1990 is equal to $535 at 2024 .
There's one thing you must consider : today middle class is also available in developing countries , number of buyable customers who love luxury items is increasing enormously . Plus , Japanese watch industry , an able rival to Swiss luxury watch industry can't compete fair as in peer . Swiss watch industry is nearly a monopoly power providing luxury watches . It's only surprised if Swiss watch industry doesn't exploit on its monopoly position .
This is free market , price based on supply and demand . If number of buyers is excessive over of supplied goods , price is soaring . Vice versa .
The most hyped watch brand which price is too much out of real value is Cartier . All watches is charming , but made from normal steel that is easy to get scratches . Furthermore , no sapphire anti-glare glass behind to let see through to inside the running movement , which we can't feel a dynamic sense .
Japanese have been doing very well when they let us have watches costing only $30 price tag with all functions , a thing that a Swiss luxury watch can cost nearly $27,000 . But there's a thing Japanese can't give : a pride of wearing a masterpiece of art .
They're nice looking watches but aren't they a quartz movement? That's Swiss movement money you're paying for their name a bit but I wouldn't mind a Tag F1 myself.
Very clever point of view you describe a few first mistakes from a time when I started collecting watches. Worth mentioning that it is really hard to fix it, you lose a lot of money or wait long to sold over’s hooted purchase.
I have to say, after sending few watches to Frankfurt, it was fast, very profesional, and pleasant. So idk what the problem with hydro series
I have other watches that would tide me over the month or so it might take ... but I wouldn't want to see the bill for servicing an oil-filled model out of warranty.
I am another “Sinner”, and I have An 857 UTC that had the crown on the standard right side.
I live in the USA.
I also have a smallish 6.5 inch wrist and the large crown was annoying when it hit the back of my wrist. At 43mm the watch was too big for me in this configuration so I asked Sinn if they would flip the crown and they did it for a very reasonable price and quickly. It TRANSFORMED the wearability!
The result of this experience is that I would not shy-away from buying an oil filled UX or U50 Hydro just because it has to go to Frankfurt.
While the U50 Hydro would fit me better I would buy the UX because of its backstory and its superior quartz movement!
…just a thought!
Sinn are great. No doubt about it. 😃
I'm amazed Breitling was excluded from your list. I bought a non chronometer Super Ocean 1000 meter in Montreal, Canada back in March 1997 at Birk's Jewelers. Canada's Tiffany's so to speak. I paid $2500 CDN all in. None of the used watch and gold buyers today are interested in it. It was used at home for 30 days to confirm it was running properly during the return window. A Breitling representative from Switzerland in said establishment at the time, told me it was normal for the watch to run 5 to 7 seconds fast, which it did. After which I placed it my safety deposit box and just recently removed it because I needed some cash. It has the box, all paper work, original bill of sale! It needs no service and is as pristine as the day that I bought it. Colossal disappointment. Shocked to say the least.
Never fancied a Rolex, they are all so old fashioned, very 70s, and there are much better watches for the money
I have only two Rolexes, both 34mm ones from the 1980s.
An Air King with a nice blue dial and an Oyster Precision with a Mickey Mouse face on it.
And that's the way it's gonna stay.
You can get close for a lot less. But when side by side comparisons are done Rolex not only has better ingredients it has a much better bracelet. And the value of a Rolex seems to only increase as others fall off a bit. Plus its so impressive to have that iconic crown & brand on you're wrist. As they say a " Chefs Kiss"!
@@richardmorris7063the Rolex bracelet is absolute garbage. In store choosing between a deep sea and a planet ocean and the difference is huge. Omega make a sturdy beautiful bracelet that feels heavy and solid, and Rolex make a hollow feeling chintzy bracelet. Plus the button release is way better than poking a fingernail under the clasp. Only thing they do better is the glide adjustment.
I bought a Chinese watch (Seagull 1963, not a replica) and one of the numerals had not been glued in properly. A watchmaker here quoted me X to put it right and I asked the Chinese manufacturer for that amount. They offered 1/3X which I refused and then said if I'd give them a 5 star rating and no bad press they'd pay X to my PayPal account. They were true to their word. A somewhat compromising deal but it sort of worked out.
I agree with mostly everything, EXCEPT the ROLEX commentary that "nobody cares". My experience with my daily two-tone black-dial Submariner has been the total opposite with 2-3 nice compliments per month from watch people, and normal humans as well :) . Love my Sub.
I like Rolex but you get most comments because 2 tone. Get an orange dial Seiko or a Timex with bright coloured nato and watch the compliments flow.
@@daveLin104 I do own a red/black Seiko Sportura also. Nobody has ever said "uuuuuhhhh, niiiiice Seiiiikkkoo" 😅
@AutobahnVault they won't notice the brand "seiko" they will just say I like your watch because different and catches the eye...
Could not agree more for U50 Hydro. Biggest gripe for me is Ronda movement in that price range and based on forums, service times are bonkers with Sinn atm.
Buy what makes you happy. Your happiness is what people notice and is your greatest "accessory".
My first 2 watches were skeletons, one was maurice lacroix aikon 45mm masterpiece skeleton. The other was zenith defy classic skeleton. Both are good watches and I still wear them on regular basis 😊
Some of us can pull skeleton watch and other cool stuff. It takes confidence
Good for you 👍
@@zsb707 I didn’t mean myself :) it’s my observation. I’m quite the opposite: boring black dial watches and plain clothes, lol
@@petrokersta5293 My comment was to the OP with his two skeletons. I wouldn't buy one (in 2017 I purchased a Carrera Heuer 01, non-skeleton) but good for him ...
Got it! Definitely, I’m glad for everyone wearing and enjoying their watches!
In addition to the oil filled models, a lot of Sinn watches have the dehumidifying technology, which fills the case with an inert gas while being assembled in a vacuum. I have a U2 with this feature as well as the copper sulfate capsules to absorb any moisture. I don’t think there is anyone but Sinn who would be able to really service the watch properly, despite it being a pretty pedestrian Sellita GMT movement.
First thing i think about when i see a rolex is “ i wonder if its real”
2 seconds later you went on with the rest of your day.
Lol. I was on vacation last week.
I saw: a Black bezel Rolex GMT, with BLUE dial. I saw a 42mm Two tone yachtmaster with QUARTZ movement. And a platinum daytona with subdials perfectly aligned to the 3 and 9 position PLUS the owner arrived in a Suzuki Swift. What are the odds? 😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatchIt's all a game!
@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch gotta be careful with the cars. I was in a watch store buying a watch (Rolex Milgauss), and the fellow I was chatting with was buying himself a Breguet Tourbillon, it was just under $100k he spent. We left the store about the same time, and he was getting into an older (albeit pristine) Ford Crown vic, while I got into an Audi. Later on I found out he flys in on his private jet and that is the free crew car at the local private airport.
@@MurderSTi *flies
When I got the Sinn U50 Hydro I knew that I would need Sinn to change the battery but it will last almost 10 years and the legibility in and out of the water is superior to the U50. Accuracy was also crucial for me.
It is actually very simple: If you like a watch and you want to own it, then buy it. If not, then don’t. The rest is all irrelevant. Don’t blame watchbrands for their marketing, whether you consider it good, bad, successful or not successful, it is not for you to value their effort, other than buying it or not buying it. The more haters hate, the more they are actually telling they want it. But they can’t afford it. And that pisses them off. Nothing else.
I had never been a "watch guy". I don't know what possessed me, but one day, about two years ago, I just said, "I want a watch." Not being an enthusiast, I started looking at looking at watches that were between $75-150 bucks. First, I discovered Vostok, and fell in love with something called the "Amphibia." Secondly, I then discovered modding, and thirdly, decided to build my own Amphibia from genuine Vostok parts. Needless to say, I caught the bug, and the rest is history. Today, I have two Amphibias I've built, a Komandirskie 65 "R2-D2", a Seiko 5 that sucks, a Citizen Eco-Drive 1430, and a Steeldive SD1953. TL;DR: Two years later, I've got a 6 watch collection that I'm proud of, and didn't have to spend a whole hell of a lot of money.
Tag Heuer shouldn't cost more than a MoonSwatch just because it's better made. MoonSwatch is not a good reference as it itself is overpriced.
I got a stainless Submariner back in the 80s when I taught scuba diving. At depth, seconds/minutes are important things to keep track of. At the time, it was the best tool for the job. Then computers came along. As for one of those solid gold watches, we'd call them "Yum Yum Yellow" [shark talk]. It is a brick and still runs like a top!
Rolex make solid and good quality all round watches that keep their value more than all the other brands.
I have two of the (original) TH Formula 1 watches, one with the jubilee type bracelet. They are tiny when compared to more contemporary watches, but the bracelet is very well made. Both have had new mvts fitted.
I'm a fairly new subscriber and I think you hit the nail on the head woth every video I've seen. Just wanted to leave a comment and say your content and views/insights are brilliant 👏
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It is appreciated 😃
I just picked up my White dial - Speedmaster at a boutique this thursday, your thumbnail was a real heart-stopper there for a minute 🙈😅
Happy for you watch friend.
@@kehehaho thank you, that´s very kind to say!
I love Tag but I would never buy an Kith. I had a Formula One as well. They were cool! I dont like skeleton watches generally so I am with you on that. I dont care for Cartier would not wear one if I owned it so I can agree with you there as well. I love those Sinn's but I wont buy one either! I hear you on the Nomos and SU... If you want color get a G-Shock. You are right. Rolex is good but meh. I might pick up the Terra Nova second hand. Seems rather sporty. Have a great weekend Mike!
My biggest problem with Kith is that basically nobody knew who they were. A niche "supreme" that have gained popularity in the US but virtually unknown everywhere else. All youtubers clearly had no clue who they were and had had to google what it was. It's cool and trendy but that's about it 😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch You are right. I still dont know who they are and I am not bothered enough to find out so why would I want them on my watch...
I’ve become addicted to your reviews. You have given me the confidence to move my collection a bit upscale while feeling that I know what I’m doing. Thank you.
Glad to hear that you feel they give you something that adds value and perspective .😀
I've done all the wrong moves possible. I'm basically a gangnam dancing handswinging pirate. Always appreciate ur videos.
Lol. You do you. Always 😃😃😃
Really can't place the accent 😊
I paid one euro for a watch from a charity shop. It keeps great time it's also a stop watch it's unmarked no scratches and I really love the looks. A happy man ⌚👍
I agree about the Cartier Santos Dual time. The regular Santos on the other hand is on top of my list at the moment.
I am still on the fence. The "scratch magnet" reputation of the steel bezel is making me pause. Does this impact your decision in any way? I am just trying to gage the pulse of other fellow collectors.
@@dannysimenauer5745I bought the steel with ADLC bezel version and I love it. Initially I wanted to look at it because of the “scratch magnet” reputation the Santos had. When comparing side to side I actually fell in love with the dial, it’s both horizontally brushed in the center and then radially brushed outside the chapter ring, and it has a depth that doesn’t really come through in photos. To me, it made the white dial with printed numerals look a bit plain by comparison. Watch is super versatile, looks great on the bracelet and I bought a couple leather straps. Curved case is insanely comfortable on the wrist even with a butterfly and no micro adjustments.
@@dannysimenauer5745 It does not for me. I still want one. The Santos is just a classic icon with such an interesting history. I don't worry about the scratches, It depends how and when you wear the watch. I'm always very careful with my watches. I have a vintage Omega with an acryllic crystal that I have worn for years. and still no scratches on the crystal (or the case). And even if a scratch would happen. In worst case they can be buffed out.
@@dannysimenauer5745 it's not having any affect on my desire to purchase a Santos, at all. But I'm retired and don't subject my watches to the wear and tear that I used to.
I'm leaning towards the blue dial, as I, also, like the blue strap that comes with it.
Good advice on the Speedy! I have the new 3861 white dial, bought it at retail from Omega and only waited about 3 months for delivery. No need to buy from anybody other than Omega!
Sir, you always have the most sound, logical advice in the RUclips watch community!!! You and about 3 other major educators are the only ones that I trust.
He does a good job. His real job is very interesting.
Thanks for the praise. It's truly appreciated 😃
Thank you an actual honest view about watches without any ego or agenda for name of watch especially with your remarks about homages and just do you,
just found you and have now subscribed
Welcome on board. Thanks for the feedback. 😀😀
Red lacquer shoes. That’s a mental image that’s hard to get rid of. 😂
As we say, video of it didn’t happen
Off to see the Wizard?
Only when paired with the screaming pink chinos, brah.
IT was a phase.... Thankfully long before the advent of social media and digital record keeping 😂
They were Hugo Boss if I remember correctly. 😃😃
I bought a Tissot Seastar because i absolutely love the look, the swiss 80 hour movement and I love the NBA and always wanted a Tissot. Money well spent. My favorite watch easily
Is speedmaster white worth buying right now If I can get it at retail? I called the omega store at my city, and they said I can go pick it up right now.
If you like it? Yes. Definitely 😃
Having owned a white dial speedy for more than 2 decades, I would say yes. They do look great and if it suits your personality and makes you happy, go get em.
That aside, sometimes I do find it a bit too eye-catching, which isn't what I enjoy immensely.
bought it few weeks later after official released.totals worth the price for my opinion
What I’ve loved about your videos over the last year is the “look behind the curtain“ vibe that I got. I appreciated your insight and candid opinion. I always learned something. This video felt a bit like Clickbait and I didn’t learn anything.
The only people who are impressed about a Rolex, are those who couldn't get one. But usually, watch enthusiasts, if you call yourself one, most likely already have one. They are way too common. Good watches, but nothing that will get much conversations started. Don't buy to impress. Just buy for what you like.
The Bremont terra nova seems a Citizen nj0100 🙂 Great video, I can easily understand your point. I like and own some glycine and mido watches and I'm going to buy a Frederique Constant watch (I don't know why, but I think it may be in your list too...). Now many Chinese watches mount Seiko movements, I think it is better for servicing in case of problems, anyway do not expect warranty from China 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
About homages: I have zero problems with them, and quite frankly don't understand the prevalent hate towards them. Underlying premise being: Omega, Rolex, Patek... these brands aren't my mother, aren't my father. A good design is a good design, what does it matter to me if the design I like and wear comes from its ultimate progenitor or not?
If I can get 80% of the watch I like for 20% of the cost, and I don't mind forfeiting that last 20% of quality, then I come out ahead and I feel proud rather than ashamed. Proud of the fact I found a good deal and avoided being a sucker. Now you can surely see that the same train of logic leads to a defence of replicas as well, so here's my position: If the rep ecosystem wasn't so opaque and complicated, requiring research, fora, whatsapp, QC nonsense, etc., I would dive in
This👆🏻
bought a used longines moonphase and love it and saved a fortune, original box and papers
"Have your staples in place first", great advise for long term watch collecting. Also, the Rolex advice. As Baldassarre said, "nobody cares about your damned watch". The reality is we're the only people who care about them.
And this is why I don't understand the fixation with dial diameter. If I like a watch with a 48mm dial I'll buy it and I'll wear it. I don't give a 4x what anyone else thinks - I don't wear any of my watches for others, unless it was a gift from the Mrs.
The only time I would care about what other people think of my watches is when I am sensing a potential of robbery happening.
You had pink chinos? Sheesh. There is a depth to your content, as can be seen in this excellent, opinionated, and well-reasoned list. Agree with your view of Bremont ; they're unlikely to ever be on my 'maybe' list - but part of me kind of hopes that one day they could be.
Pink chinos. Yessir. Burgundy velour jacket at one point as well 😂
Never hate on Barbara’s Rhaberberkuchen!
lol 😂
Love your Studio Underd0g (and Nomos) take.
Have met the CEO three times, and he is more miserable than Swatch store staff selling Omega and Blancpain colabs!
Enjoyable video as always. A couple of things I would add. One is that $1,500 may be high for a regular quartz watch, but for a high accuracy quartz watch such as a Citizen Chronomaster or Breitling Aerospace, it can be worthy of much higher price than that. Two, regarding Chinese homage watches, I would only dabble in it if the cost is such that you can eat it if it dies. I've been buying some homages lately and have no illusions about after sales service. It's basically gambling, but while they are working, it's fun to have some without spending a lot of money.
I agree with you. I’m shopping more on movements. I have a Direnzo eclipse with a stellita 200 movement. I’d like to try other movements and build a collection on calibers. Not just looks.
That's what I am thinking, if the watch dies, you put in a new movement. Not worth to service a NH35, a Myota 8 or even 9 series movement.
Great commentary and warnings. I’d add: the world economies are going to get worse before they get better - so if you’re going to buy a luxury watch on the grey market a) negotiate hard to get a better price; b) wait, because the sellers are going to have to lower prices.
Still waiting on your FXD video - why you bought it and what else you considered, what you like/don’t like after a month.
I absolutely adore your brutal honesty and clear analysis. Great job Mike! My favourite watch channel.
Thank you, so very much 😃
I agree with others here, "Wear what brings a smile to YOUR face". Forget brand or cost, wear what you like. I have an extensive collection of auto watches and have always loved the original Glycine pilot GMTs. My daily wear is a beloved Airman model 17. I got lucky with this one and the accuracy is on par with regulated models. It's certainly not the most valuable I have, but it's "just right" for me in every way. I guess it brings that smile.
Ahh from Wing zero to 00 raiser, the man has class.
More to come 😉😉😉
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch just finished up a MG red Zeta, top coated and all.
I like your reviews very much! Honest and on point none of the drama found on many other watch channels. 👍
I try. Thanks 😃
Cartier asks crazy money for quartz movement.
Hublot seems like an angel next to Cartier lol
Good design has its own value
Cartier asks crazy money for the Cartier Design. The Santos was such a good design that it still sells like hotcakes two decades after it was released and even inspired the design for the Apple Watch. You're not paying for the movement when you buy a Cartier watch, so it's not correct to compare them to other watchmakers in that regard.
@@MegaThucydides Indeed. Especially the Santos that has such a long history (designed 120 years ago.) And probable the first (if not, than at least one of the first) wristwatches for men that wasn't a modified pocketwatch.
@@Bu-22 Barely any men buy Cartier products, comparatively speaking.
@@Mirza-dg3ur Inspiring the Apple watch is hardly a ringing endorsement. They are ugly.
Hey mate! I purchased every watch on your list and have received them ! I have to say, I absolutely regret every single purchase! Thanks 👍
😂
Tag Heuer. Three bought. Two had to be repaired, one lives in landfill. I’d trust an Ali Express brand more.
Spot on
Bought a seamaster planet ocean in 2018.. it’s never missed a beat. Best watch I’ve ever owned.
How about the Grand Seiko 9f quartz?
I like mine. Gains about one second by the time I have to adjust for +/- DST, every six months.
Cant agree more with what you said sir, especialy the part about omega speedmaster hype and rolex status
Nobody cares about Rolex sounds a little butthurt to me for some reason. In my experience, Rolex is the only more expensive watch brand that most people know, so if you want to flex, it´s still the go to. It´s true that you see many managers and consultants buy a Rolex, but were talking steel DJ, black Sub or maybe Explorer. You rarely see Daytonas, DayDates or other precious metal models. I don`t really get the Rolex hate by many watch influencers
It’s comparable to liking Nirvana or BMW…it’s just too obvious. It’s the “standard” choice, and they sell a million pieces a year so it’s not rare at all. Lots of reasons to be unimpressed. With waiting lists Rolex = tryhard
Well, I purchased a fully tegimented Sinn U50 Hydro. Love the watch. Sending it to Sinn from the US will certainly be an added pain, but I figured I can live with that every 5-10 years. In my experience many premium brands also have fairly significant turnaround times, based on recent Breitling and Omega watch servicing in the US.
I buy watches to wear not to trade so I buy what I like
as you always should 😃
Amazing video! Would love to see you discuss the Seiko Presage line, Citizen 1050 and 1060 line and your favourite everyday dress watches in this price category ($500 to $1500 USD).
What if I’m an actual pirate, with a parrot?
I'm picturing a tiny watch on the parrot.
@@xwngdrvrPolly want a flyback.
I’ll show myself out.
Butt pirates don’t count. There are to many of them.
Then you _really_ don't need parrots on your shirt.
Rado Captain Cook?
Whew! I love the Santos. Dual time? Nope! Isn't the "regular" Santos coming with an in house movement, or does it come with a Sellita or ETA?
Everyone needs to bing on your channel, prior to spending any significant money on watches. Great work!
Come to Asia and wear a Rolex instead. Asians will care 😂
Latin America same thing.
I lived in 3 countries in Asia for 10 years. Asians care in some places and others not so much. Those who care are usually insecure and need western made objects to compensate for their feelings of inadequacy in relation to "western" people no matter how much money they have. That's just stupid.
Most will assume you purchased from Palika Bazaar for 700 rupees.
Asians are mostly new money, except for the Japanese. Perfect candidates for Rolex.
@@vpsn99 sure. The fact that Asia bothers to mass produce replicas and sell them openly speaks volume.
It's also good - only the elites will know if it's a real thing while keeping robbery away
I had a similar Tag watch in the 90’s.
It was $495 brand new,
I only bought it because everyone at the hospital I worked at had one and I wanted to fit in with everyone else.
If you compared mid 90’s money to todays money the price would be $1100 according to the inflation calculator so there’s not too much of a markup.
It's not very well talked about but one thing I would consider when buying a watch is whether I'll be able take it to an AD for servicing later down the road. I'm not considering buying a Grand Seiko only because I will have to mail it New Jersey to get it serviced.