My tip for those of us who need to save money or just want to have a smaller collection: when the itch to buy a new watch inevitably comes along, buy a new strap or two for one of your current watches instead. It can change the way you see your watch and be super effective at curbing the itch.
Totally agree! Just got a few new straps in and I really enjoy the fresh look of my old watches. That'll tide me over till I get a new watch...on Tuesday.
I drive my vintage cars and use my expensive watches I keep nothing for the "special occasion" Everyday we breath is a special occasion nothing is out of touch. Use everything you own and enjoy it. Who are you saving it for anyways?
100% agree. Love driving my ‘65 Mustang to work or to run an errand on a Saturday. Wear all my watches and enjoy them. They get a little scratched and banged up, but we all collect some bumps and scrapes as we move through life, so it’s a great metaphor as far as I’m concerned.
Right on. This one day I accompanied my gf to her salon for an appointment. I sat Patiently and thumbed through some magazines for a while. I took a glance at her stylist who was colouring her hair and noticed he was wearing a sub, black dial - quintessence of dive watch. I wanted to investigate further, so I maneuvered such that I could get a good look at his beauty and maybe talk shop with him - but not bother him while at work. I get closer and notice he was securing the hair pins he was using for my gf's dye on his oyster bracelet!!! I say to him " excuse me, I dont wish to be rude, but are you aware that your watch is about 10 thousand dollars?" Trying to be cute and it was actually pretty declasser. He responds with " yes I know, I bought it with my hard earned $, and it's a watch. It should be worn!!!" I learned something important that day. Dont try to be cute and yes, watches were engineered for wear and pleasure. Wear them.
Good advice the only exception is I wear beater watches for yard work and other heavy duty household chores. But I agree why not wear a nice dress watch for a trip to the dentist or a fast food drive thru.
Exactly. While I own Rolexes and Omegas, I also have Casios and Vostoks. And they all get worn. It’s a great hobby and a lot of fun. And my first Islander is supposed to arrive tomorrow!
The “don’t buy shitters” and “only buy luxury” crowd is strong in Facebook watch groups. If it’s not the right brand name then they won’t show you any respect. Fuck them. They suck the fun out of the hobby.
Exactly. Nobody really cares what you wear since most people don't know much about watches. Don't believe that if you buy an expensive watch, that's not a well-known brand like Rolex, everyone will praise or even acknowledge your watch. As an anecdote, I get more praises wearing a $150 watch than a $500 watch because the cheaper one just looks more stylish than the latter.
Invicta dive watches are fine I own several 40mm versions with Seiko automatic movements get over it already .... I also own Orients, Seiko's, 3Tissots and a Hamilton Khaki.
It’s funny that watch _idiot_ savants hate Invicta but find Breitling, Richard Mille and Konstantin Chaykin acceptable. Dudes, they’re equally as ugly as any Invicta yet they sell for those astronomical prices that Invicta claims their MSRPs to be.
#1-DONT get into the hobby.......😂💸💸💸💸 #2-Dont buy a watch just to “ fill a hole” in your watch box. #3-Try to wear what you buy......this is harder the more watches you have. #4-Dont buy multiples of a specific watch...just to have one of every color they put out. #5-Dont buy a watch just to scratch an itch....let it marinate a week or two...then go back and see if your still interested....many times you find you have lost your desire for the watch. #6-dont waste your money on crap watches(DW,MVMT...etc) you will be sorry later.Spend your money on quality(Orient,Seiko...etc.......up the line to what you feel comfortable spending,Up to Rolex and beyond). #7- dont go into debt to obtain a watch
@@Squisky even money. During his attempt to become a leader of conservatives in Canada interesting information about his money dealings started to be revealed. He quickly dropped out of the race.
Kevin is not normal, in a nice way though. But yeah wear it and forget about scratches, dents and nicks, watches age like us and build character. Of course you want to take care of it but don't freak out about a small hairline scratch.
One of my favorite "do's" is to consciously change your habits of how you wear your watch. What I mean by this... be aware of doorways and other things that can damage your watch. Once you change your habits... you won't have to constantly live in fear of hitting your watch... and you can enjoy it. But, you must change your habits while wearing a watch because it is inevitable otherwise, you will hit something right on the center of the crystal or the side of the case and cause damage.
if a watch comes on a bracelet or a strap, buy the bracelet version. Straps are cheap and easy to be changed out for your watch and you can get what ever style you want. But 9 times out of 10 the bracelet for a watch is one of a kind and it will be hard to get one if you change your mind. This is something I learned the hard way because I bought the strap version of a watch no realizing you can switch out straps easily and then started realizing I like bracelets better.
Marc, I almost forgot, The "Buy what you like" is the best advise you can give almost any collector. I am going to set the wayback Machine to the mid seventies. I was just starting to really get interested in collecting comic books. I was talking to a dealer about adding some titles to my collection and asked his advise. He said, "Just buy what you like, why collect something you don't ". Simply the best advise I ever received about collecting anything.
There are many opinions "don't buy to scratch an itch, wait a month, see if it's true love, etc". And I'd say: do the opposite! By all means, DO buy a watch to scratch an itch, because why not? Enjoy your life! Have you never gone on a date (or two) just because you liked the girl? Sure, you want to marry your Rolex or Omega, you know, the ONE, but DO go on dates and have fun! And remember that you can always sell your watch (there are tons of people out there who cannot afford a brand new Invicta and will love to buy one from you after a year at half price). "Buy what you want and wear what you buy". The best advice, Marc. BTW please do more vids with TGV, I'm truly enjoying listening to you, guys.
If someone likes tinkering, I'd say "Do try to mod a cheap watch". It is incredibly fun and addictive. Also easier to hide from your spouse than another project car.
Educational as always. Though I will say this. I wear mechanical watches not just because I enjoy the whole aesthetic and 'hands on' experience but it also allows me to tell time without looking at a screen. It sometimes can be a slight relief in a day full of screen gazing to just avoid pulling out the phone or be anchored to a computer screen to know the time.
Thats assuming that you actually know anyone who gives a damn about watches.......all my friends are totally disinterested and couldn’t care less about MY watches.......think I am nuts for having so many.Your milage may vary.
@@islandwatch My Brother constantly tells me I have too many, I only buy what I like and I wear em all. Cant afford the big boys but I love my collection so much! (there is an Invicta Pro diver in there)
✌🏻 Just means peace in UK, it's the other way round that's offensive (comes from archers showing their fingers they used to release the bow string at the enemy) Don't get the whole taking a watch off at night, I wear one 24/7. Good advice, Cheers mate 👍🏻
I use lens wipes to clean the crystal and metallic parts of watches. Really good for stainless steel watches and bands. Cleans off the oils and smudges without scratching and leaves them shiny. If it's safe enough to use regularly on eyeglasses, they are safe for watches.
Invicta? Noooo! Lol Ok, full disclosure. My first mechanical watch was an Invicta Pro Diver. I still own it and now has a Bond nylon on it 😁. My watch collecting started with Invicta and Citizen (a long time ago, in a city far far away). I have upped my game since then. And thanks for thoroughly explaining the danger zone.
I just got my first mechanical watch today. An Orient Ray 2. I’m in love with it. Cant wait to slap on one of the NATO straps that I ordered from you. USPS needs to get on that! 😄
Agree with all! I would add that buy what you want (within reason of your budget). Never go under on a watch but don’t settle. I looked at so many watches around the 2k mark when I have always loved Oris. I didn’t buy a 600-1800 substitute. I bought the oris I wanted. So happy. Buy what you want.
Here's a "do:" cycle through wearing your watches - that is, don't wear the same watch every day (at least after the first week or so after you get a new toy). If you find you don't wear a watch for a long time, consider thinning it from the herd and making room for something else. If it is a heirloom, put it away and don't judge it by the cycling.
I never dreamed I could learn so much from a video like this! The bit above stainless steel was fascinating, and the case back - case intersection - nice to know not just the "what", but the why.
All great tips/dos. I like no.5 the most though... in my environment of around - other than me - 10-15 people in the office four wear watches. 2 of them wear the expensive ones with famous brands, one wears a smartwatch and the other one has a cheap one just to tell time. None of them or the others do care what watches are worn. Nobody really cares. I wear my watches, because I really like them... and that is what should matter.
I just ordered my 'first' Islander last night. The ISL 07...Orange face. I say first because I am already eye-balling the white face, blue bezel for next month. I am not a collector by any means. But I do love Divers! I have an SKX 009J, Citizen 0040 and an Orient mini-Neptune that have never been worn to this day! I am now planning on putting my G-Shocks away and start rotating in my Divers Watches. I spent 20 years on active duty and the G-Shocks were just about part of the uniform. I have been retired long enough to realize that I need to let it go and move on...LOL! Thank you Mark!!! And thank you for all the comments below with great tips as well. Aaron in San Antonio.
I agree i just bought a cheap $20 box from amazon to get my watches out of the little felt bags in my safe so I can look at them and decide what to wear for the day and to protect them better
"Buy what you like, and wear what you buy"! Boom! I would add that you should keep your watches where you can look at them even when you're not wearing them. It reminds you which ones you haven't worn in a while, and makes you want to wear them more.
Dropped one of my orient watches on the tile floor in the kitchen case side down. Almost had a heart attack but when I picked up the watch it still worked thank God. Movement is still within spec as well, feel like I lucked out big time. 😅
Hi Marc, very nice 5 suggestions. I have 2 suggestions that I have learned the hard way. 1; ONCE I HAVE A PURCHASE IN MIND I NOW WAIT A FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS TO MAKE CERTAIN IT IS NOT A FLEETING WANT. 2; DON'T BUY A " IT'S GOOD ENOUGH " WATCH BECAUSE I WILL REGRET IT THE DAY AFTER.
If you are doing something with mass storage I would love to see a video on that. One of my biggest issues. Too many watches, too many watch boxes.... there must be a better way without breaking the bank!
@@jstrat121 I already have three 10 slot watch boxes from Amazon. I have one with mechanicals, one with solars and one with quartz. Sometimes I think maybe I have too many watches. Apart from a couple they are all low to mid cost watches (in my terms). I sometimes wonder whether I would be better reducing the collection to a few higher end watches but I may miss the variety although with 24 watches and 1 or 2 more I have my eye on some don't always get a lot of wrist time.
Good one. I like the Hamilton Murph for instance. I would wear it if I had it... but I am not sure if the proportions are "right". If I was totally convinced and bought it I would wear it definitely though.
@@simonwright6882 it would be great welcoming such a watch. I don't need the "Murph"-reference, despite me liking the movie. Last time I was "enchanted" with a movie watch I purchased my very first own watch... my Omega Seamaster Goldeneye, which will turn 20 years this year.
Yes. Also, try to see & wear a watch in the flesh ( there's a reason physical stores still exist). RUclips/ Internet photos don't give an accurate idea on how it's going to look on your wrist.
#5 is so true..... My divers all live on croc or alligator. My ISL-54 lives on bracelet that cost almost as much as the watch, and it's stunning. I love it.
Before a few months ago I would not have taken your tip about not keeping your watch on the night stand too seriously. But about 4 months ago a good friend of mine was doing exactly that with his Rolex double red sea dweller from the 1970s. The watch was in near mint condition until he accidently knocked it onto his hardwood floor while reaching for it first thing in the morning. When he picked it up it wasn't ticking or running anymore. Because it's otherwise so valuable he's afraid to open it, or send it off for an extremely costly repair and maybe losing it or not getting the same one back. Defiantly a good tip for someone that owns a valuable watch.
Number 5 is the most important one. I see people selling watches all the times with ridiculous excuse why they bought it in the first place. I have over 50+ watches and have never sold any since i started collecting. I wear each and everyone of them too. The key is research before you buy. Then when you think you are ready, do more research again before you buy it. I do like buying pre owned watches though. I have save thousands of dollars from other people's mistakes. The watch is in mint condition, but i can lower it to 2/3 or sometimes even half the price because the owner just wants to get rid of it.
I wear my watch to bed. Eyesight bad enough that I can see the time on clock, so I wear a watch with good lum to bed. So no worry about nightstand s for me.
I found that uncomfortable, but I've found that if the watch is on a NATO strap, it gets enough friction that it stays in place next to my pillow and I can just turn in the right direction and see the time at night.
Great stuff. One small additional thought. Do check bands for wear, tear, and function. They do degrade over time and a timely replacement can save a watch's life.
Marc, thanks for all of your help and patience over the years. Your advice over the years has helped and added to my enjoyment of watches. Great video!
Watch placement at night - my Seiko Turtle never has to be adjusted for the time - if it runs a few seconds slow after a day's wear, I leave it face up in the watch box and in the morning it has caught up a few seconds - if it runs a few seconds fast after a day's wear, I leave it on it's side with crown down in the watch box and in the morning it will have slowed down by a few seconds. So regulating this way keeps the watch super accurate - been doing this for months now and it works!
Best one I heard was buy plenty of straps. I have a box full of straps of every kind, and it really scratches the itch until you purchase your next watch. For me, it really feels like a new watch again when you change the strap.
One big do is, Research your watch before you buy it. Look for customer reviews, check and watch you tube reviews, if possible go to a brick and mortar store to try one on, learn the dimensions and make sure that the watch is going to be right for you. Then you can also find the best price from a reputable watch dealer. Research is the best defense from buyers remorse.
Great video and excellent points all! The last one especially, it is true of any hobby or interest that you should buy/do what you like and like what you buy/do. Too many hobbyists are more concerned with trying to impress others or being part of a crowd rather than just enjoying their own passion and interests. If people like watches that others don't then what's the big deal? The reality is most people think spending more than $100 on a watch is mad and fewer and fewer wear a watch. Someone wearing a Blancpain has more in common with someone wearing an Invicta than with an increasing percentage of the population.
I mostly stopped wearing a watch when I started carrying a mobile phone, but I still reflex looked at my empty wrist I needed to know the time. I always had a cheaper digital watch, just rarely wore it. I recently started an interest in watches and now have 3 Seiko and a Long Island Watch on the way.
Pretty much the same, maybe never crown down? I always tell people to buy what they like, wear what they buy, and never buy on credit. Save for your grail, you’ll enjoy it so much more. It’s easy to drop 5k on a speedmaster and spend three years paying for it. You’ll enjoy every moment of that piece of you worked for it, saved for it and saw it come together. Also they’re a great way to remind you of an accomplishment in your life, I like to pick one up when I accomplish a challenge or goal professionally or personally. And don’t be afraid to change up your collection, I know so many that just buy and keep. I buy and if I find it doesn’t get wrist time after the honeymoon period I place them out on a table for my staff, I’ve put out everything from Presage to Skagen to Bulova, there’s nothing like introducing people to the hobby. Always catch your reviews and your educational vids. Good to see you and TGV teaming up. Very cool.
This my favorite video of yours Marc! That last end note was awesome ,it hits hard to a newbie collector like me that gets anxious with every single scratch and makes me wanna enjoy my watches more.
Great video. Just bought a "scratch and dent" Seagull 1963 from you this weekend! Can't wait for it to arrive. I am a newer collector and love the content.
Great choice seagull 1963 👍👍👍green nato strap n sapphire crystal hand wound I was looking into myself but got a seaborne venture orange dial orange nato strap not to keen on bright straps sooo,I got a great seiko diver strap performance perfectly anyhow enjoy your seagull 1963 awesome chronograph dial n impeccable movement
If you work in the medical field use a watch that you like but easy to clean I personally use divers as timers when I work with my patients at the hospital inpatient for physical therapy sessions.
Marc is the only watch dealer in history to tell you you really don't need a watch because your phone can tell you the time ( 13:16 ). That's why he's one of the most honest you-tubers out there and in my opinion, one of the most trusted sellers. I've purchased from LIW in the past and if need be, will in the future.
Point no. 5 is known by all but followed by few. I believe we all buy/have watched that we do not wear, we also care too much what other people think of a watch. Thanks Marc, for the good reminder.
Excellent video Marc which is full of some very useful information. You reinforced the need to use extreme caution as to when NOT to change the day/date on my watches, which is extremely important advice we all need to follow. As my limited collection of watches is now at 5 low to mid priced timepieces, I think my recommended “Do” is to purchase at least 1 to 2 additional watch bands for each watch. It’s a lot cheaper to change the look/appearance of a watch by changing out the strap, than it is to buy another watch. Just a thought, anyway, thanks again Marc for sharing some very important information with your viewers...Ed.
Hiya,.From an engineering point of view Seiko use that plastic gear for a sacrificial gear. It will fail and save the metal gears being destroyed. ( Ref. quicksetdate)
@@ericastone1415 It means if you try and adjust the date wheel at between the engagement and disengagement points the plastic gear could be damaged yet save its transfer gear or gears. A lot of engineering will often have a sacrielage part to prevent destruction of the machine.
I want my watches auto/hand-wind/hacking like my Orient Bambino (love it). I put a NH36 into my Seiko skx009. With hand-wind, keeping up-to-date is easy.
Hi Marc, I had this conversation with my young nephew recently regarding watch maintenance and practical use. He asked me what's the difference between a watch collector and a watch owner and I broke it down like this. In my opinion watch, collectors buy larger quantities of watches for various reasons but rarely wear them, nothing wrong with that. Totally acceptable. As a watch owner, I buy watches to wear them not to collect them. My limit is 7 watches for use 7 days a week on rotation. I currently have 5 watches and I've saved 2 slots for when you start making your 38 or hopefully 40 mm Islander Divers with display case backs (wink, wink). lol, Just saying? lol. Another great vid Marc, Thanks.
Maybe some additional tips. If you change straps often, buy a great strap changing tool. A bad springbar tool can damage your watch or doesn’t grip the springbar properly. Servicing. Get a watch properly service when it is not operating optimally. Find a great watchmaker.
Thanks for the tips and advices! I have recently got into watches and have bought several watches within a short time. The information about the day and date setting is good to know. And I am waiting for a watchbox to keep the watches in. Regarding what you said that you don't even need a watch it's for the main part true. During many years I have used the smartphone for knowing the time. But finally I have thought: why in the world shall I use the phone as a watch when I can have the watch on the wrist? I am enough smartphone addicted and often when I just want to know the time, I have ended up at internet reading mail or some youtube advert. Apart from that: a good looking watch is the nicest ornament a man can carry! And it provides to give a man a professional look. Good channel! I just subscribed.
Great tips! I have VIEWER TIP: there are some friends that you simply shouldn’t recommend to get a new watch. Especially to a great vendor like you. I call them the “never satisfied” friends. That’s my TIP FOR THE DAY! The sort of customer that you don’t wish on anyone.
Nr.1: What's about moving the hands counter-clockwise during the danger zone? Nr.3: Meanwhile with a Casio: "Damn, I accidentally threw my watch out of the windows again. Can you bring me some toothpaste honey?"
I dropped my Seiko PADI Turtle onto a ceramic tile floor after I got up from a recliner (yeah, it was not on my wrist!) $199.00 later, it was back in working order!
My tip for those of us who need to save money or just want to have a smaller collection: when the itch to buy a new watch inevitably comes along, buy a new strap or two for one of your current watches instead. It can change the way you see your watch and be super effective at curbing the itch.
Good one!
Very true!
The problem with that is that I’d end up buying some straps and then also a new watch 😂
Totally agree! Just got a few new straps in and I really enjoy the fresh look of my old watches. That'll tide me over till I get a new watch...on Tuesday.
Man I couldn't agree more. I've tried this myself and found it absolutely works.
“Who the hell cares?! Buy what you want buy and whatever you do, wear it.” I love it.
I drive my vintage cars and use my expensive watches I keep nothing for the "special occasion" Everyday we breath is a special occasion nothing is out of touch. Use everything you own and enjoy it. Who are you saving it for anyways?
Good for you.
100% agree. Love driving my ‘65 Mustang to work or to run an errand on a Saturday. Wear all my watches and enjoy them. They get a little scratched and banged up, but we all collect some bumps and scrapes as we move through life, so it’s a great metaphor as far as I’m concerned.
I wear Datejust and Sub and Speedy on rotation for work. Can`t see the purpose of locking them away
Right on.
This one day I accompanied my gf to her salon for an appointment. I sat Patiently and thumbed through some magazines for a while.
I took a glance at her stylist who was colouring her hair and noticed he was wearing a sub, black dial - quintessence of dive watch.
I wanted to investigate further, so I maneuvered such that I could get a good look at his beauty and maybe talk shop with him - but not bother him while at work. I get closer and notice he was securing the hair pins he was using for my gf's dye on his oyster bracelet!!!
I say to him " excuse me, I dont wish to be rude, but are you aware that your watch is about 10 thousand dollars?" Trying to be cute and it was actually pretty declasser. He responds with " yes I know, I bought it with my hard earned $, and it's a watch. It should be worn!!!"
I learned something important that day. Dont try to be cute and yes, watches were engineered for wear and pleasure. Wear them.
Good advice the only exception is I wear beater watches for yard work and other heavy duty household chores. But I agree why not wear a nice dress watch for a trip to the dentist or a fast food drive thru.
Loved number 5, it’s a hobby that is supposed to be fun. And you can do that with a 5K Rolex or a 50 dollar g shock.
True!
Exactly. While I own Rolexes and Omegas, I also have Casios and Vostoks. And they all get worn. It’s a great hobby and a lot of fun. And my first Islander is supposed to arrive tomorrow!
The “don’t buy shitters” and “only buy luxury” crowd is strong in Facebook watch groups. If it’s not the right brand name then they won’t show you any respect. Fuck them. They suck the fun out of the hobby.
Exactly. Nobody really cares what you wear since most people don't know much about watches. Don't believe that if you buy an expensive watch, that's not a well-known brand like Rolex, everyone will praise or even acknowledge your watch. As an anecdote, I get more praises wearing a $150 watch than a $500 watch because the cheaper one just looks more stylish than the latter.
Unless you have cuck wrists. I really want a g shock but it would look terrible on me
"You're an Invicta fan? Enjoy em" - not sure why that made me laugh
Perhaps you wanted 'moral' support from other Invictaphobics, like bullies do when they gang up?
(No . I don't have a Invicta)
Just buy what you gonna wear 😂 that's what I tell ppl
Invicta dive watches are fine I own several 40mm versions with Seiko automatic movements get over it already .... I also own Orients, Seiko's, 3Tissots and a Hamilton Khaki.
@@robc8468 😢
It’s funny that watch _idiot_ savants hate Invicta but find Breitling, Richard Mille and Konstantin Chaykin acceptable. Dudes, they’re equally as ugly as any Invicta yet they sell for those astronomical prices that Invicta claims their MSRPs to be.
#1-DONT get into the hobby.......😂💸💸💸💸
#2-Dont buy a watch just to “ fill a hole” in your watch box.
#3-Try to wear what you buy......this is harder the more watches you have.
#4-Dont buy multiples of a specific watch...just to have one of every color they put out.
#5-Dont buy a watch just to scratch an itch....let it marinate a week or two...then go back and see if your still interested....many times you find you have lost your desire for the watch.
#6-dont waste your money on crap watches(DW,MVMT...etc) you will be sorry later.Spend your money on quality(Orient,Seiko...etc.......up the line to what you feel comfortable spending,Up to Rolex and beyond).
#7- dont go into debt to obtain a watch
Excellent!
Where were you 5 years earlier into my addiction?
Ugh! I have already violated six of the seven sins
5 happens to me at least a couple of times a week.
I blew it at #5. Didn't let it marinate enough. I didn't pump the brakes...
Kevin O'Leary put it best when he said "if you don't wear your watches at least once a month, they lose their soul..." so ye, WEAR YOUR WATCH!! ^^
Yup!
I wear my Omega dress watch like 3 times a year lol
O'Leary, in the best way is not a man anyone should listen to about sentiment. Money, yes. But nothing else.
@@Squisky even money. During his attempt to become a leader of conservatives in Canada interesting information about his money dealings started to be revealed. He quickly dropped out of the race.
Kevin is not normal, in a nice way though. But yeah wear it and forget about scratches, dents and nicks, watches age like us and build character. Of course you want to take care of it but don't freak out about a small hairline scratch.
One of my favorite "do's" is to consciously change your habits of how you wear your watch. What I mean by this... be aware of doorways and other things that can damage your watch. Once you change your habits... you won't have to constantly live in fear of hitting your watch... and you can enjoy it. But, you must change your habits while wearing a watch because it is inevitable otherwise, you will hit something right on the center of the crystal or the side of the case and cause damage.
if a watch comes on a bracelet or a strap, buy the bracelet version. Straps are cheap and easy to be changed out for your watch and you can get what ever style you want. But 9 times out of 10 the bracelet for a watch is one of a kind and it will be hard to get one if you change your mind. This is something I learned the hard way because I bought the strap version of a watch no realizing you can switch out straps easily and then started realizing I like bracelets better.
Marc, I almost forgot, The "Buy what you like" is the best advise you can give almost any collector. I am going to set the wayback Machine to the mid seventies. I was just starting to really get interested in collecting comic books. I was talking to a dealer about adding some titles to my collection and asked his advise. He said, "Just buy what you like, why collect something you don't ". Simply the best advise I ever received about collecting anything.
There are many opinions "don't buy to scratch an itch, wait a month, see if it's true love, etc". And I'd say: do the opposite! By all means, DO buy a watch to scratch an itch, because why not? Enjoy your life! Have you never gone on a date (or two) just because you liked the girl? Sure, you want to marry your Rolex or Omega, you know, the ONE, but DO go on dates and have fun! And remember that you can always sell your watch (there are tons of people out there who cannot afford a brand new Invicta and will love to buy one from you after a year at half price). "Buy what you want and wear what you buy". The best advice, Marc.
BTW please do more vids with TGV, I'm truly enjoying listening to you, guys.
If someone likes tinkering, I'd say "Do try to mod a cheap watch". It is incredibly fun and addictive. Also easier to hide from your spouse than another project car.
why would you want to hide anything from your spouse?
Educational as always. Though I will say this. I wear mechanical watches not just because I enjoy the whole aesthetic and 'hands on' experience but it also allows me to tell time without looking at a screen. It sometimes can be a slight relief in a day full of screen gazing to just avoid pulling out the phone or be anchored to a computer screen to know the time.
Buy it wear it! Best recommendation ever!🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Agreed!!
main tip - always use Long Island Watch shop ))
:)
😂
Dont get peer pressured into keeping up with the Joneses
The best bumper sticker I've ever seen "Quit trying to keep up with the Joneses. They're broke"
Thats assuming that you actually know anyone who gives a damn about watches.......all my friends are totally disinterested and couldn’t care less about MY watches.......think I am nuts for having so many.Your milage may vary.
True, good point.
@@islandwatch My Brother constantly tells me I have too many, I only buy what I like and I wear em all. Cant afford the big boys but I love my collection so much! (there is an Invicta Pro diver in there)
@@michaelhargis7036 LOL that’s good.
✌🏻 Just means peace in UK, it's the other way round that's offensive (comes from archers showing their fingers they used to release the bow string at the enemy)
Don't get the whole taking a watch off at night, I wear one 24/7.
Good advice, Cheers mate 👍🏻
I use lens wipes to clean the crystal and metallic parts of watches. Really good for stainless steel watches and bands. Cleans off the oils and smudges without scratching and leaves them shiny. If it's safe enough to use regularly on eyeglasses, they are safe for watches.
I feel like Marc is the kind of dad who has endless dad jokes
Invicta? Noooo! Lol
Ok, full disclosure. My first mechanical watch was an Invicta Pro Diver. I still own it and now has a Bond nylon on it 😁. My watch collecting started with Invicta and Citizen (a long time ago, in a city far far away). I have upped my game since then. And thanks for thoroughly explaining the danger zone.
Great, we got an almost Watch & Learn video here. Great tips, and my favourite is: Wear what you like, and don't give a crap what other people think.
Well said!
You friggin Legend Mark. Thankyou. I'm not new to watches, but I still learned 5 new things from you today.
The last bit of advice is the best: "It's going to get scratched. It's not going to look new forever." That gives me a certain peace.
I don't need a phone to tell the time. I've got a watch! All good advice fella!
I just got my first mechanical watch today. An Orient Ray 2. I’m in love with it. Cant wait to slap on one of the NATO straps that I ordered from you. USPS needs to get on that! 😄
Good choice! I have a mako 2 for a 6 month or so on a nato, still in love!
Can't go wrong with a Mako 2 or Ray 2, great choice. I came on a 2nd blue Mako 2 and have hit up Marc for some mod parts... The madness has begun, lol
Agree with all!
I would add that buy what you want (within reason of your budget). Never go under on a watch but don’t settle. I looked at so many watches around the 2k mark when I have always loved Oris. I didn’t buy a 600-1800 substitute. I bought the oris I wanted. So happy. Buy what you want.
Here's a "do:" cycle through wearing your watches - that is, don't wear the same watch every day (at least after the first week or so after you get a new toy). If you find you don't wear a watch for a long time, consider thinning it from the herd and making room for something else. If it is a heirloom, put it away and don't judge it by the cycling.
I never dreamed I could learn so much from a video like this! The bit above stainless steel was fascinating, and the case back - case intersection - nice to know not just the "what", but the why.
All great tips/dos. I like no.5 the most though... in my environment of around - other than me - 10-15 people in the office four wear watches. 2 of them wear the expensive ones with famous brands, one wears a smartwatch and the other one has a cheap one just to tell time. None of them or the others do care what watches are worn. Nobody really cares. I wear my watches, because I really like them... and that is what should matter.
Truth!
“Away from accidents and kids.” Wait, what’s the difference?
Very true!
Spat out my coffee in laughter as I read your comment. Lmao.
None : most kids are ( happy?) accidents.
You vs third party (caused) damage :)
You are
I just ordered my 'first' Islander last night. The ISL 07...Orange face. I say first because I am already eye-balling the white face, blue bezel for next month. I am not a collector by any means. But I do love Divers! I have an SKX 009J, Citizen 0040 and an Orient mini-Neptune that have never been worn to this day! I am now planning on putting my G-Shocks away and start rotating in my Divers Watches. I spent 20 years on active duty and the G-Shocks were just about part of the uniform. I have been retired long enough to realize that I need to let it go and move on...LOL! Thank you Mark!!! And thank you for all the comments below with great tips as well. Aaron in San Antonio.
I use an eyeglass case for my watch on the nightstand.
perfect!
You should really sell a few watch boxes so we can avoid Amazon. Thank you for the reminders!
I agree i just bought a cheap $20 box from amazon to get my watches out of the little felt bags in my safe so I can look at them and decide what to wear for the day and to protect them better
"Buy what you like, and wear what you buy"! Boom! I would add that you should keep your watches where you can look at them even when you're not wearing them. It reminds you which ones you haven't worn in a while, and makes you want to wear them more.
"Wear them" too right! Watches, art and engineering rolled into one.
Dropped one of my orient watches on the tile floor in the kitchen case side down. Almost had a heart attack but when I picked up the watch it still worked thank God. Movement is still within spec as well, feel like I lucked out big time. 😅
A phone that tells time? What a concept, looks like I'm trading in my Nokia flip phone!
LOL
Haha good ol' Nokias!
Hi Marc, very nice 5 suggestions. I have 2 suggestions that I have learned the hard way. 1; ONCE I HAVE A PURCHASE IN MIND I NOW WAIT A FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS TO MAKE CERTAIN IT IS NOT A FLEETING WANT. 2; DON'T BUY A " IT'S GOOD ENOUGH " WATCH BECAUSE I WILL REGRET IT THE DAY AFTER.
Great suggestion!
Great advice. I keep some of my watches in old cigar boxes, why, because wood breathes and plastic won’t. And they smell good too.
If you are doing something with mass storage I would love to see a video on that. One of my biggest issues. Too many watches, too many watch boxes.... there must be a better way without breaking the bank!
Depends on what breaking the bank is :)
Amazon sells some nice 10/12 watch boxes with nice padding......$20-$30 range.....from China of course....but yes,$$$ adds up
And also how you store your straps. Is there an organized way?
Get a Pelican case (or something similar) with “pluckable foam” and make your own mass storage with good protection and portability.
@@jstrat121 I already have three 10 slot watch boxes from Amazon. I have one with mechanicals, one with solars and one with quartz. Sometimes I think maybe I have too many watches. Apart from a couple they are all low to mid cost watches (in my terms). I sometimes wonder whether I would be better reducing the collection to a few higher end watches but I may miss the variety although with 24 watches and 1 or 2 more I have my eye on some don't always get a lot of wrist time.
I started the year off right (well, December) with the Red October Limited Edition! Thanks Marc!
Hope you enjoy it!
Know your size. Before you make a purchase know your maximum lug to llug. Work out your preference to style and diameter. Enjoy the hobby!
Good one. I like the Hamilton Murph for instance. I would wear it if I had it... but I am not sure if the proportions are "right". If I was totally convinced and bought it I would wear it definitely though.
@@collectingtengu4905
The murph is a great looking watch but with a lug to lug of 52mm too big for my 6.5" wrist. Hamilton could release a mini murph!
@@simonwright6882 it would be great welcoming such a watch. I don't need the "Murph"-reference, despite me liking the movie. Last time I was "enchanted" with a movie watch I purchased my very first own watch... my Omega Seamaster Goldeneye, which will turn 20 years this year.
Great tip!
Yes. Also, try to see & wear a watch in the flesh ( there's a reason physical stores still exist). RUclips/ Internet photos don't give an accurate idea on how it's going to look on your wrist.
#5 is so true.....
My divers all live on croc or alligator.
My ISL-54 lives on bracelet that cost almost as much as the watch, and it's stunning.
I love it.
Marc, there are so many wonderful comments here! Your modest little video triggered a rush of good vibes.
This video should be a must-watch for ALL watch collectors. Well done, Marc!
My Seiko 5 sport I ordered from you is coming in tomorrow, cant wait.
Awesome!
Before a few months ago I would not have taken your tip about not keeping your watch on the night stand too seriously. But about 4 months ago a good friend of mine was doing exactly that with his Rolex double red sea dweller from the 1970s. The watch was in near mint condition until he accidently knocked it onto his hardwood floor while reaching for it first thing in the morning. When he picked it up it wasn't ticking or running anymore. Because it's otherwise so valuable he's afraid to open it, or send it off for an extremely costly repair and maybe losing it or not getting the same one back. Defiantly a good tip for someone that owns a valuable watch.
Number 5 is the most important one. I see people selling watches all the times with ridiculous excuse why they bought it in the first place. I have over 50+ watches and have never sold any since i started collecting. I wear each and everyone of them too. The key is research before you buy. Then when you think you are ready, do more research again before you buy it. I do like buying pre owned watches though. I have save thousands of dollars from other people's mistakes. The watch is in mint condition, but i can lower it to 2/3 or sometimes even half the price because the owner just wants to get rid of it.
I forgot how much I enjoy your videos. Wonderful tips!
Great insight; "buy what you want ... wear what you buy" 🙂👍🏼
I wear my watch to bed. Eyesight bad enough that I can see the time on clock, so I wear a watch with good lum to bed. So no worry about nightstand s for me.
Same here. It is so convenient to just look at my wrist, don't have to roll over if alarm clock is on other side either.
I found that uncomfortable, but I've found that if the watch is on a NATO strap, it gets enough friction that it stays in place next to my pillow and I can just turn in the right direction and see the time at night.
Great stuff. One small additional thought. Do check bands for wear, tear, and function. They do degrade over time and a timely replacement can save a watch's life.
Marc, thanks for all of your help and patience over the years. Your advice over the years has helped and added to my enjoyment of watches. Great video!
I agree with everything you said! Very educational, as usual! Thanks for the video Mark!
I have a Loreo for water purposes. If it floods, it floods. And yes, buy what you like and enjoy it!
Number 5 is so spot on. A lot of people on watch groups always ask “What one should I get”?
Watch placement at night - my Seiko Turtle never has to be adjusted for the time - if it runs a few seconds slow after a day's wear, I leave it face up in the watch box and in the morning it has caught up a few seconds - if it runs a few seconds fast after a day's wear, I leave it on it's side with crown down in the watch box and in the morning it will have slowed down by a few seconds. So regulating this way keeps the watch super accurate - been doing this for months now and it works!
The best watch videos anywhere. Thanks
Best one I heard was buy plenty of straps.
I have a box full of straps of every kind, and it really scratches the itch until you purchase your next watch.
For me, it really feels like a new watch again when you change the strap.
One big do is, Research your watch before you buy it. Look for customer reviews, check and watch you tube reviews, if possible go to a brick and mortar store to try one on, learn the dimensions and make sure that the watch is going to be right for you. Then you can also find the best price from a reputable watch dealer. Research is the best defense from buyers remorse.
Great video and excellent points all! The last one especially, it is true of any hobby or interest that you should buy/do what you like and like what you buy/do. Too many hobbyists are more concerned with trying to impress others or being part of a crowd rather than just enjoying their own passion and interests. If people like watches that others don't then what's the big deal? The reality is most people think spending more than $100 on a watch is mad and fewer and fewer wear a watch. Someone wearing a Blancpain has more in common with someone wearing an Invicta than with an increasing percentage of the population.
I mostly stopped wearing a watch when I started carrying a mobile phone, but I still reflex looked at my empty wrist I needed to know the time. I always had a cheaper digital watch, just rarely wore it. I recently started an interest in watches and now have 3 Seiko and a Long Island Watch on the way.
Pretty much the same, maybe never crown down? I always tell people to buy what they like, wear what they buy, and never buy on credit. Save for your grail, you’ll enjoy it so much more. It’s easy to drop 5k on a speedmaster and spend three years paying for it. You’ll enjoy every moment of that piece of you worked for it, saved for it and saw it come together. Also they’re a great way to remind you of an accomplishment in your life, I like to pick one up when I accomplish a challenge or goal professionally or personally. And don’t be afraid to change up your collection, I know so many that just buy and keep. I buy and if I find it doesn’t get wrist time after the honeymoon period I place them out on a table for my staff, I’ve put out everything from Presage to Skagen to Bulova, there’s nothing like introducing people to the hobby. Always catch your reviews and your educational vids. Good to see you and TGV teaming up. Very cool.
I got a new ISL18!
Sweet!
This my favorite video of yours Marc! That last end note was awesome ,it hits hard to a newbie collector like me that gets anxious with every single scratch and makes me wanna enjoy my watches more.
Great video. Just bought a "scratch and dent" Seagull 1963 from you this weekend! Can't wait for it to arrive. I am a newer collector and love the content.
Great choice seagull 1963 👍👍👍green nato strap n sapphire crystal hand wound I was looking into myself but got a seaborne venture orange dial orange nato strap not to keen on bright straps sooo,I got a great seiko diver strap performance perfectly anyhow enjoy your seagull 1963 awesome chronograph dial n impeccable movement
Thanks Marc...just ordered a Seiko “Flighty” from you and can’t wait!
The last tip is so true.
Yes, buy what YOU want! I would add to forget about what others may think. If you like it, it’s a great watch...regardless of looks/price/etc.
If you work in the medical field use a watch that you like but easy to clean I personally use divers as timers when I work with my patients at the hospital inpatient for physical therapy sessions.
Marc is the only watch dealer in history to tell you you really don't need a watch because your phone can tell you the time ( 13:16 ). That's why he's one of the most honest you-tubers out there and in my opinion, one of the most trusted sellers. I've purchased from LIW in the past and if need be, will in the future.
:)
Point no. 5 is known by all but followed by few. I believe we all buy/have watched that we do not wear, we also care too much what other people think of a watch. Thanks Marc, for the good reminder.
Wasn't aware of point 1 & I literally just bought my first watch, a King Turtle, so thanks for that, Mark. 😊
No problem 👍
Awesome. As usual! Love it, particularly the end: buy what you like and wear what you buy.❤️
Thanks, Marc!!!
I also learned from you, to rest your watch on its crown to reduce scratching. 😊👍🙏
Lol......here we go....
Great 👍
Thanks Mark for the confidence because sometime I go overboard and spend more money than I want to for my mistakes.
#6: learn how to adjust and change a strap/ bracelet.
Good one!
@@islandwatch there's a great video on this. oh right it's yours. Helped me a ton last week.
Agreed, one additional thing I would do is wound up the spring every now and then, to keep the mechanism going to get everything inside lubricated.
Excellent video Marc which is full of some very useful information. You reinforced the need to use extreme caution as to when NOT to change the day/date on my watches, which is extremely important advice we all need to follow. As my limited collection of watches is now at 5 low to mid priced timepieces, I think my recommended “Do” is to purchase at least 1 to 2 additional watch bands for each watch. It’s a lot cheaper to change the look/appearance of a watch by changing out the strap, than it is to buy another watch. Just a thought, anyway, thanks again Marc for sharing some very important information with your viewers...Ed.
Yes, this is a great tip. I love it! Low cost new watch!
Really appreciate your attitude and perspective, Marc - and I'm excited about the Islander fields!
Great video Marc, I think another tip would be don't think only about resale value and forget your own taste or style.
Yes, there's a don't there for my next video on the subject.
Thank you Marc, even us really old watch enthusiasts appreciate the information and reminders.
Good advise Marc!! It’s so easy to get carried away with the hype.
Hi Marc,yet again another well done video, whatever watch you have or how many you have,the price doesn’t matter. Just enjoy them and look after them.
Hiya,.From an engineering point of view Seiko use that plastic gear for a sacrificial gear. It will fail and save the metal gears being destroyed. ( Ref. quicksetdate)
Yeah, I get that for sure.
Does that mean the date will not be damaged during quickset for Seiko watches?
@@ericastone1415 It means if you try and adjust the date wheel at between the engagement and disengagement points the plastic gear could be damaged yet save its transfer gear or gears. A lot of engineering will often have a sacrielage part to prevent destruction of the machine.
@@glennpowell3444 I still don't understand 😂. Is that a yes or no to my question?
@@ericastone1415 maybe...
I want my watches auto/hand-wind/hacking like my Orient Bambino (love it). I put a NH36 into my Seiko skx009. With hand-wind, keeping up-to-date is easy.
So far all my watches are light powered(Citizens and Seikos) but a white Orient Bambino is the next watch I plan to get. It looks just awesome!
The most enjoyable video of yours in quite some time! Well done!
Hi Marc, I had this conversation with my young nephew recently regarding watch maintenance and practical use. He asked me what's the difference between a watch collector and a watch owner and I broke it down like this. In my opinion watch, collectors buy larger quantities of watches for various reasons but rarely wear them, nothing wrong with that. Totally acceptable. As a watch owner, I buy watches to wear them not to collect them. My limit is 7 watches for use 7 days a week on rotation. I currently have 5 watches and I've saved 2 slots for when you start making your 38 or hopefully 40 mm Islander Divers with display case backs (wink, wink). lol, Just saying? lol. Another great vid Marc, Thanks.
It's a great way to approach it!
Maybe some additional tips.
If you change straps often, buy a great strap changing tool. A bad springbar tool can damage your watch or doesn’t grip the springbar properly.
Servicing. Get a watch properly
service when it is not operating optimally. Find a great watchmaker.
Agreed!
ANOTHER GREAT video! Thank you so much.
Thank you sir for the great tips! Those Islander watches were very nice 👍
Thanks for the tips and advices!
I have recently got into watches and have bought several watches within a short time. The information about the day and date setting is good to know.
And I am waiting for a watchbox to keep the watches in.
Regarding what you said that you don't even need a watch it's for the main part true. During many years I have used the smartphone for knowing the time. But finally I have thought: why in the world shall I use the phone as a watch when I can have the watch on the wrist? I am enough smartphone addicted and often when I just want to know the time, I have ended up at internet reading mail or some youtube advert.
Apart from that: a good looking watch is the nicest ornament a man can carry! And it provides to give a man a professional look.
Good channel! I just subscribed.
I always enjoy watching your videos Marc even though I already know what you’re probably gonna say :) Thanks for keeping it real.
Great tips! I have VIEWER TIP: there are some friends that you simply shouldn’t recommend to get a new watch. Especially to a great vendor like you. I call them the “never satisfied” friends. That’s my TIP FOR THE DAY! The sort of customer that you don’t wish on anyone.
Nr.1: What's about moving the hands counter-clockwise during the danger zone?
Nr.3: Meanwhile with a Casio: "Damn, I accidentally threw my watch out of the windows again. Can you bring me some toothpaste honey?"
CCW is OK for a bit, I wouldn't make a habit out of it.
Another quality video from probably the most credible watch guy on YT!
You are right, wear the watch.
I dropped my Seiko PADI Turtle onto a ceramic tile floor after I got up from a recliner (yeah, it was not on my wrist!) $199.00 later, it was back in working order!
Marc as regarding the two fingered sign, if the back of your hand is facing you its fine, if your palm is facing you its a no no.
okay!
Good advice, Thank you.