10 Biggest Watch Scams To Avoid In 2023 - Don't Buy A Watch Until You've Seen This!
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- Today I'm joined by Marc Frankel of Long Island Watch for a new #watchtalk episode all about the biggest watch scams out there and what you can do to avoid them in 2023 and beyond. In this video we discuss the ten worst watch scams out there, including everything from dodgy dealers, hidden dangers of the gray market, redialed Seiko Pogues, rip off fashion watch brands, and deceptive marketing, to price gouging for over hyped watches like the MoonSwatch Omega collaboration, social media scams, a personal experience with two franken Rolex Datejusts, and much more. Join us for another essential watch talk episode that could help you to protect yourself out in the watch world, and add a comment below to let us know of any watch scams you've encountered recently or in the past. And make sure to share this video with your fellow watch enthusiasts and anyone you know who is looking to buy or sell a watch.
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How can I get on the Hulex waiting list??!
🤣🤣🤣🙌🙌🙌
Good one, thank you Richard,
Best regards,
TGV
I was watching the advert and thinking exactly the same thing. Although I'm sure the waiting list isn't as ridiculous as another similar brand I've forgotten the name of ;-)
Obligatory comment - finishing nowhere near a Grand Seiko
Does each watch come with totally unique chew marks?
If waiting list for Hulex too long for you, and you don't have moral issues, you can always buy homage. I've seen similar T-lex watches ;-)
Fashion watches did what major watch brands failed to do: getting people into wearing watches in the age when the majority wouldn’t even care about that.
Because they're cheap as hell with name recognition. Crap Armani watches everywhere. Are those people going to drop £5k+ to get themselves a decent watch? No.
I love your Ricoh you’re wearing in this video. Any idea where to get one? Love the videos
I understand that, they are the only reason my younger brother wears a watch, two Michael Kors. But I sent him a Citizen to help start him on the right path 😂
@@scottc77 I started with a DW. I didn’t know better at that time, but there is no shame in that.
It's okay until that person get one that cost over 500$
Then it's just a rip off.
Man. I really needed a watch chat today.
You need to call out that dealer and let us all know so we dont get scammed!
Who was it?! We need to know!!
A friend of mine in Austria got scammed in a real similar way by an american dealer, the watch in this case was a vintage day date. If you can just name the state the seller is operating from, it would be nice.
Greetings
Hugo’s utter class intro, classic piece!! 😂
Fake new-old-stock watches have become a MASSIVE problem on the auction scene... happens especially alot with vintage Seiko.
I would absolutely LOVE to hear you and Marc talk about the truth behind resurrected watch brands and purchased history. TGV because you are entrenched and well educated in watch history - and Marc because he knows the industry as an AD and watch designer. When a brand goes bankrupt and ends up completely defunct, but is later purchased and revived by a different company, what happens to the quality of the watches?
For example, Zodiac. It seems that Fossil only purchased the rights to the Zodiac name and their designs. Nobody would pay $1,000+ for a Fossil watch, but they will if it looks like a Zodiac. What really happens when a watch brand is purchased? Are they really the same quality? Or are they just buying a better history to assist in deceptive marketing?
THAT would be an awesome video!!!
Yes, Zombie brands like Aquastar, Nivada Grenchen, etc.
I bought a Zodiac. The buying experience was a dumpster fire from beginning to end. No exaggeration. The coupon code, billing my credit card, the customer service trying to get everything fixed, the shipping. EVERYTHING. Wouldn't recommend!!
See invicta, a Swiss watch company, bought out by an American business when it went bust, but now produces poor quality Rolex homages.
@@kbarnbrook4993 True, but we all know Invicta is crap, whereas RUclips reviewers sing the praises of Nivada, Aquastar and other zombie brands.
I am lying here with covid for the 15th day now and feeling pretty weak, but you two gentlemen made me feel a little better. Thank you ❤
So sorry to hear that, get better soon Simon, I'm glad we could help at least get your mind off it for a while.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Been there. Feel better, my man!
Apple juice bro, Apple juice. I remember coming out of the worst of it in the hospital, and I was not okay until the apple arrived. It was like the nectar of the Gods. I swear Thor was there, and Vishnu-with a Seiko on every arm
Hope you're feeling better, Simon!
Don't be afraid to name names. It's not slander/libel if it's true.
It can be.
don't name names - just provide a link in the chat to a youtube channel worth 'watching'
I'm a newbie to this hobby and can't speak enough to how valuable discussions like these are. Thank you both. Also, looking forward to the UG/IW/Hulex collaboration; ready with my CC..
That's exactly what's I thought. Its very approachable for a person new to this hobbie.
I'm beginning really looking forward to your watch chats, dear TGV and Marc! Glad you just released this new one.
Hey TGV - no one on RUclips is talking about this but I think one of the biggest scams in the watch world right now is the Rolex 32xx movements. People are having unacceptable issues with amplitude drop-off, stiff crown and horrendous timekeeping. Experienced Rolex techs and independent watchmakers are citing the movement as compromised because Rolex have made bad decisions in multiple places in the movement for the sole reason of bumping up the power reserve to 70 hours.
Gentleman, I love both of your approaches to the love of watches. Your both in my opinion the best at separating the good from the bad. Thanks for the numerous videos that help us the consumer make better decisions and ultimately learn how to make good purchases.
Congrats on the TGV Squale release! Such a beautiful and classy piece.
Thank you sir,
Very much appreciated, O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
My two favorite horological enthusiasts at it again! Love the collab videos as always! Cheers, gentlemen!
I disagree a little that fashion watches are bad. Some are OK. I have an Armani tank watch I bought in 2007 that looks remarkably like a vintage Rolex tank calibre 360. Still looks great and I will never part with it. Two years ago I bought.a Paul Smith pretty cheap as the store had lost the case. It’s a lovely Panda style with domed crystal and each of the silver baton markers has a different colour inlay. Quite unique and wonderful aesthetics. It had an issue a year ago and was fully repaired under warranty.
TGV, thanks for putting this out there. The annoying “competition won” scam seems to be old hat now, but they were remarkably annoying and disappointing. Nearly got me once about a year ago.
Thanks to you and Marc for providing us all with the heads up. Excellent to see you both!
Onward and upward, my friend!
I've recently found this channel and I find it soothing for the soul. I enjoy hearing the discussions between you both and I've been watching over the past week or two now.
I like everything that I've seen here so far. I've always been a watch guy at heart but yet I've never owned more than three at however I love looking at them and enjoy seeing collections no matter how cheap or expensive. The very 1st watch I owned I begged my mother to buy it for me and she did so. She didn't always buy everything I begged her to buy for me so I wasn't that spoiled. Now the watch was a Timex Indiglow with a rotating bezel and a brown leather strap it was so cool and I felt cool while wearing it.
If you made it this far thank you for. your time reading my comment and tolerating my lack of punctuation and improper words used.
Love when you have Mark on. It’s great seeing the different perspectives. Both of you love watches but because you’re a consumer and he’s a seller sometimes one of either your negatives or positives can be countered by the other. It’s a very unique dichotomy that works well in this setting. Also Hugo my man not classy on the over charged quartz watch but do love the Hullex name. Lol Great to see that someone else loves the series Dinosaurs!!!
Good to see TGV and Marc together again 👏
That chat was very entertaining and informative! Thanks Guys!
Hi TGV. Happy March coming tomorrow! I really enjoyed the smart watch verses fashion watch discussion about 35:20... in the video. Like... "the fashion watches are worse." "I feel like smart watches have "Utility"." "Fitness goals... or appointments." Soooo not in agreement with what Marc said about all that stuff. But... What I did like about the video... was the Intro! I have said it a 100 million time, your intro's are so good. Hugo, channel 865, some nice ocean shoreline scene with some hotness in there... and a motorcycle on top of that. Nice work! Nice video! 😉
G'day TGV, I'd just like to commend you on your editing of this video. Halfway through I suddenly noticed the seamless transition between the closeup shots of yourself and Marc and then the wider front view. Having three cameras is certainly effective and I can imagine a lot of time and effort is needed in the editing phase to ensure a smooth visual flow of the conversation. To my mind, you have the balance just right between the cameras. Well done. 👍
Another fine discussion of the world of watches, even the dark underside of the business. Always fun to hear what you and Mark have to discuss. Keep up the good work.
On a vintage watch, I think a few aftermarket parts are fine. It's a good sign if watches were serviced over time, and at some point the parts become unavailable. Absolutely disclosure is crucial and tells you a lot about the dealer. I don't want to be zooming in on photos to figure out whether a crown is signed. That said, some online listings are just cursory. If you reach out with specific questions, a good dealer will answer thoroughly. If they don't, just walk away.
Love the topic today! Will there be a collab between Marc & Hugo to bring the “Hulex” to fruition?
Great timing, I just ordered the latest TGV Squale! Great talk as always!
Thank you my friend! Congrats and enjoy, that means a lot to me. O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
Just when I think it'd be nice to get a video with TGV and Marc, you deliver. Well done 👏
I can totally see Marc's point about smartwatches versus fashion. There's something really disingenuous about fashion brands selling mass produced cheap quartz watches for hundreds just because they put their name on them. 🤔
Thank you as always Alex 🙌🙌🙌
Best regards,
TGV
Great discussion, however I'm really curious about who the bad guys are and I prefer to not find out the hard way. Is there anyway to learn who they are?
I loved the interview and interaction between you guys, I was hearing gypsy jazz in the background at one point and I was tapping my foot.
Sitting down to watch this whilst opening my new Dan Henry 1963. A nice evening indeed 😊
I’m thinking you’re referring to The Time Teller…
Came here to say the same thing.
I never get tired of these discussions. They are a real tonic. Great advice all round too but I suppose it's a rite of passage to fall into at least one of these traps. I was ripped off with my first vintage watch (from a 'proper' dealer) but the long game is that I never went back and wouldn't recommend him.
Hugo up to his old tricks, top video TGV! Love it! 🦖
I’m absolutley chuffed to bits. OK. CIAO.
Stauer is alive and well. I subscribe to Popular Mechanics and Stauer buys full page ads every month. This month it is for the Jet-Setter Chronograph, which Stauer says can go up against the best chronographs in the market, and deliver more accuracy and style than the luxury brands (their exact ad copy). It features a precision crystal movement, and stainless steel bracelet with “deployment” buckle. The first 1900 responders to the ad get all this for 90% off the regular $299 price, just $29. Who knew that such a high quality German watchmaker was actually headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota?
I’ve said it before…you guys need to do a three-way with the person Marc mentioned at 30:54. (Wasn’t too hard to suss out!). That would be amazing! Thanks as always for the great interaction!
JOMW?
One thing I love about being at watch guy is when one these fashion brands make an agreement with RUclipsrs I watch. I remember one of them making a deal with an automotive RUclipsr I watch and I said something to the effect of "Come on, I've seen you wearing a Rolex. You know this watch is a piece of junk made for pennies on the dollar." It doesn't happen every much anymore but it was fun while it lasted.
Mountbatten villa 😅🤣🤦♂️ he such a villain that Hugo
TGV looking like the most dapper Bond villian ever with that outfit! All you need now is the facial scar and a white Persian cat sir. 😂 Seriously though, amazing episode as always, love it when Mark stops by for these chats. Can't wait for you next one! 🍻
In every episode
TGV: Let's get WR checks out of the way
Mark: here you go
TGV: Oh my God!!!
I bought an Apple Watch, which led me to a review of it on Hodinkee, next you thing you know I was buying my first Tissot (a Visodate). Smart watches as Marc said are incredibly useful to triage your notifications and keep you from pulling out your phone and getting lost in it. Funny thing, reading Car & Driver today and saw a Stauer ad!
Hugo is just raking it in. Brands must all be after him!!
Always learn from you and Mark. Thank you
This one was a gem, for many reasons. The classic Hugo and Hulex intro, with brilliant high speed disclaimer roll. Marc and perhaps a record number of “bleeps and grins” and use of the word “poopie”. And, TGV, what seems to have been perhaps more than one (or three?) pre shoot dirty martinis? You seemed extraordinarily “relaxed” throughout, in a good way-it’s not often your fluent commentary devolves into head shaking giggles coupled with a “I’m about to lose it, so better appeal to audience (we of the peanut gallery) for views” default. Good to see the humanity-onwards!
Marc knows all about Aliexpress cuz it's where he gets his parts!
This does bring up a good point. Is there anything wrong with that? I bought a really nice well known micro brand watch.
I am not kidding myself into believing that all of the parts are not from China. Of course they are. I am fine with that.
Thankyou for the birthday video you guys! I hope yours went well. I just got from the UPS driver my all steel matte black g shock and couldn’t be happier with it
Congrats! Such a cool choice, classic happy birthday!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The watch chat that *never* fails. Thanks once again, guys. (And, uh, you too, Hugo.)
Now I laugh at them but fashion watches are what got me into this hobby. They’re part of my story.
Another fabulous and extremely informative video. New to this channel and absolutely loving it. Thank you!
It's Friday! FRRRIIIIDDDAAAYYY! Marc and TGV watch channel FRRRIIIIDDDAAAYYY!
Love this show. Thanks guys.
The finest presentation, very interesting content with a touch of humour, a bit of elegance+ sprezzatura. Thanks!
Great video!!!! I definitely appreciate the honesty in discussing these various topics related to the horology.
Such a brilliant review, thank you. Find your style refreshing. And helped me decide on the watch! :)
Thanks for the great video! Here are my thoughts about smart watches…
Most of the athletes, professional and amateur, are wearing sport smartwatches like Garmin Fenix or Suunto Peak, or Polar. Also, as a person involved in military, I can say that watches like Garmin Tactix or Instinct are widely used. I have in my collection mechanical Glycine Combat, but I can’t imagine my military and sport activities without my Garmin as well.
Thanks for the great video! Here are my thoughts about smart watches…
Most of the athletes, professional and amateur, are wearing sport smartwatches like Garmin Fenix or Suunto Peak, or Polar. Also, as a person involved in military, I can say that watches like Garmin Tactix or Instinct are widely used. I have in my collection mechanical Glycine Combat, but I can’t imagine my military and sport activities without my Garmin as well.
God I love these podcasts its actually comforting in a way watching you two talk
that intro had me in stitches
haha, Marc is talking about "Just One More Watch" with Jody. Buying from Aliexpres and reviewing them and poking fun at their chosen brands and misspellings. "Tandoori". LOL.
I don’t even care about watch scams. I am a huge fan of watches, however, and I just want to hear these two talk! These two. Are. A. Vibe. 😎
I bet the whole community would love for you to release the outtakes of you whispering “HULEX” into the mic. That cannot have been easy to get through. 😂
I’m totally with you TGV, I love a back story with my watches. Brilliant video, I learnt so much from your conversation. Thanks guys 👏
I walled into the local Hulex AD and asked about availability and they turned their noses up at me! How rude!
What's up guy! I love the videos you make - great content!
About the aliexpress watches, some of those are getting quite good!
I had a Seestern for a few months (basically a Doxa Sub 300 with a NH35 movement).
I think they go around 200$, the quality and the way mine was put together... Scary good... Honestly Seiko now sells 200$ watches with the same movement and less "features" (no sapphire, no AR, no proper bracelet) and I am kinda curious, what will happen when the "proper manufacturers" from China start developing own designs and proper marketing.. It will be interesting!
There is a channel on here that covers great alieexpress watches
@@partofthegame2691 There are a lot of channels that do that, what is your point? 😁
Awesome video; it’s always a treat when you both get together and have these discussions. There’s always something to glean from your personal tastes, experiences and knot. Thank you!
BTW: greetings from Texas!
When talking about fashion watches, nobody ever mentions Fossil who make a pretty solid basic watch.
Martini talking 🍸🍸
Get the drinks out! Get the vodka 😁
UK’s eBay is full of fake Vintage Seiko’s especially Panda, Iranian Army, Pogue & other 70’ models, of course Oris, Fotrtis, Edox etc etc… most of the sellers have 100% positive feedbacks.
I enjoyed the video.Your conversation was very informative and interesting.Thank you.
This was definitely a great chat. I can appreciate your love for watches.
Thank you sir! Keep up the good work on your channel. O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
The Hulex ad is incredible. Those dulcet tones from Hugo could sell me a punch in the mouth without much convincing, frankly.
in the saturation diving world, a Rolex is fairly common to see worn because of its practical use and the jobs extremely high pay for blue-collar work.
Still have my Orient bambino that I bought from Marc 4-5 yrs ago!
You mean we won't really win a Hulex™ watch?? I was looking forward to a cheap quartz watch that turned my wrist green. Seriously, great content guys! I really enjoyed this episode.
Spielberg and his Jurassic Park empire, don't look now. Looks like there's a new Rex atop the Hollywood throne. Well done!
OK, now i want a Hulex ... Or a Hu-rex
You guys must have has quite a "lunch" before you shot this. Thanks for the smiles; I can see you two got on well.
Great job fellas!!!
You'd think by now RUclips with how many billions of dollars can stop these bots from happening, but here we are dealing with scammers on almost every major social media app...
My ex fiancee was stung when buying a Daytona. Checked the glass etching, hands, rear casework, colour combination, writing, box and papers and still got stung. Ebay purchase as a present for me. Took the watch to a Rolex dealer to check authenticity and it took them 20 minutes of looking st every detail including the jewelled movement. They declared it as the very best copy they’d ever seen and handed it back instead of destroying it. The two giveaways were the gold plated bracelet using pins and the serial nr being that for a sub mariner. In all other respects it was indistinguishable. It was checked for accuracy and came back at within 2 seconds per day so I’m intrigued as to what movement is within it . Still have it 16 yrs later but never wear it. It lives in a drawer.
There's something to be said about discussing beautiful watches and dressing the part. I appreciate how sheik and elegant you always present yourself.
Your edits are always top notch! This time the black and white is really aestheticall pleasing
How many people understood - when Marc said “save a couple of shekels”…? You are the mensch👌🏻!
Lots of people did. Even if they’re not Jewish.
Again such a great video! Thx
Great video and I've unexpectedly learned how to change the date on my Ricoh day/date. Thanks very much for that.
Mark is a very smart guy.
I used to work with a guy who sold "Rolecks" and "Bolivia " watches. I used to tell him it's supposed to be Bulova not Bolivia. He would say but at least the Rolecks is genuine.
I just happen to be wearing my Islander Republic GMT #ISL-139. The price was dropped to $695 after this video was made. The #ISL-139 is sold out, but the #ISL-138 and #ISL140 are still in stock. My #ISL-139, with its SW330-2, is my most accurate automatic.
Long time enjoyer of this excellent channel. I must say (in Rexs voice) that the openings (the soundtrack, the video collage) of this show are one of the best in all of the RUclips! And apparently there are watches to talk about in great company, too! Jolly good!
love the production quality of the content! it’s brilliant! 😍🦖⌚️
The one part that you forgot to add into your commercial is telling customers to consult with there doctor if any side effects occur, entertaining none the less.
Hey TGV did u see last nite Tim Write show live did a parody of you , it was quite respectful and he sais he would like a real interview with you. Also gave you credit for inventing’Wrist watch Check’ cheers from Nottingham
It was about 50minutes in cheers
Hey Guys, thank you for this very interesting video.
The research thing is the main point, and really any substantive purchase should always have research on it. RUclips is just an incredible resource when buying things, whether it's a watch or a computer or a car.
This was great TGV 👏... As always.. do you have any details/dates for when you and your team will be in the uk yet? Or did I miss the info?
Good evening TGV! Great to have Marc and you back on the show! Always a great treat! Locking forward to the next 40 or so minutes. Have a great evening! Best regards!
Good evening Heiko, always happy to hear from you, thank you, chin chin and enjoy! 😎🥂
Best regards,
TGV
Great video and advice TGV, is Mark stocking the Hulex? If so put me down for one.
Gentlemen, love both your content, would certainly buy from you TGV. I've already purchased from Marc, and will do again. Excellent customer service. Hoping to get a Rangemaster II this year ;-)
I almost believed that one of the 'scammers' that you were talking about at the beginning, but thinking that it was an 'attractive female' rather than being interested in the supposed 'prize', I attempted to start a chat....Epic fail PMSL. Great that you've taken the time to warn people! I'm usually incredibly cynical so wouldn't send money to anyone, but I can see some people falling for it easily!
Great collaboration as always. 👍
Its not slander if it actually happened.
Great video, thanks for sharing your opinions. Fashion watches use cheap movements and cheap materials? Ironic really, the same fashion houses probably get a tad irritated when they’re clothes are copied using cheap materials and labour.
PS is there a prize for guessing the bleeped out brands?