Thank you all for watching and we hope you enjoyed this new video style. If you want your collection featured in this series submit your collection through this quick form: forms.gle/aCtfWGC7CVoVBP6V7
Teddy definitely should do more content like this. I love hearing conversations with people about their collections and not just some multimillionaire's rolex/ap/richard mille crap....real people
I agree. The watch space rn is way too overpopulated with people that have collections where one watch is worth more than most people's entire collections. It's refreshing to see people just like us instead of people that we cannot relate to in any way. It's also nice to see everyday people that actually wear their watches
We are hoping to do more like this. There is a form in the description for those interested in having us fly out to them to feature them on the channel.
@@TeddyBaldassarre Fantastic content, even if the theme sticks to dive watches for a while id be very keen to know from different dive professionals - what watches they use, like and stories behind each one of them!
I use them sailing, swimming hiking in weather, and I use the bezel all the time … just not diving. But there’s nothing wrong with loving a robust, minimalist format
What does this even mean? Do water sports not count? Are they only usable when diving? How far deep in a body of water do I need to be before I’m actually using the watch?
So refreshing to hear from an actual professional about dive watches instead of spec hunters and office divers. Ben is a great storyteller, I could listen for hours. Gladly repeat with other "experts" - explorers, mountaineers, pilots, race drivers, etc. It would be a great series. Cheers!
Love this video, but realistically how many divers happen to use dive watches we all like and fantasize over in 2023? I would like to think more, but I doubt many people go out and spend 300 on a Seiko when they could have at 90 dollar Cassio or anything else. I feel like this is more of a watch guy who is a diver. For example I’m a watch guy and a pilot, but I would never use a GMT for functionality just for fun maybe because I want to.
@@cylentonemaybe I haven’t met enough divers, but the ones I have met that I very immersed in the hobby haven’t used any dive watches I wear on my wrist or anyone else in the horology community wears. Which is unfortunate because I would love to see it more.
For the original version, where this series is inspired by, check out this Hodinkee interview of a Navy Seals Veteran with real deep stories of his pieces, including why he wore his Rolex to combat in the middle east. Both his watch stories and his own life story is deep and fascinating. Search for "Watches of a Navy SEAL: Omega, Rolex, Tudor and More with Rob Huberty | Collector Conversation" .
The basic problem is that most people are using digital or smartwatches for those kinds of professions so their collections are essentially boring (he alludes to this when pointing out that the vast majority of divers in a military capacity use a G Shock/ Ironman). I used to work with a lot of search and rescue volunteers in the mountains of Wyoming/ Montana, USA and digital was all anyone used (this was a few years before smart watches became rugged and long lasting enough to be put in those environments). Now I frequently hang out with thru hikers and Garmins our simple digital watches are the only things they wear.
Dear Teddy, keep this guy in your future videos. He speaks professionally, he really knows his stuff in a very practical way. The way he explains and relates. An awesome collector and a narrator too. I seriously recommend featuring him in the future uploads. I wish Ben the very best of luck in his future endeavors. Hope that includes upcoming videos on watch channels!
This is great content. As ridiculous as it sounds, out of all the videos I’ve watched on diving watches, this is the only one I ever recall that has actually included a diver who has used the watches for their intended function.
Please check the videos about diver watches with Jason Heaton, World Traveller, Adventurer, Photographer, Diver, and Writer. The good one is from Hodinkee, Talking Watches With Jason Heaton.
Love this video, but realistically how many divers happen to use dive watches we all like and fantasize over in 2023? I would like to think more, but I doubt many people go out and spend 300 on a Seiko when they could have at 90 dollar Cassio or anything else. I feel like this is more of a watch guy who is a diver. For example I’m a watch guy and a pilot, but I would never use a GMT for functionality just for fun maybe because I want to.
@@kylersmiler9274The real thing there is simply that dive watches aren’t the best tool for the job anymore. Dive computers do way more and at a lower price. Diving with a dive watch is almost entirely just nostalgia.
I love how teddy just let our man talked with out the need to chip in , on his own channel. No ego just engaging interesting watch talk. Great episode 🐺
Great video! My dad recently passed away in 2021 and he was a Marine aviator and I inherited his military issued pilots watch. It wasn’t working so I took it to my local watch smith and he got it running perfectly. Turns out it was Benrus movement (17 jewels) in beautiful condition just needed a new crown, seals and some minor cleaning and lubricant. It survived with him flying missions into N . Vietnam and I remember him wearing it when I was a kid and I wore it in high school. So the watch has significant sentimental value to me. I just remember telling the watch smith, “ I don’t care what it costs please just get it running.
Teddy, this is gold! You’re the perfect guy to do this kind of content. Real people with real stories and not some parade of glitz. Ben is such a watch nerd, perfect guest for your first episode. Keep it coming!
This is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding ideas that has emerged on the channel. The dialogue was just great, showcasing nice synergy between you two. Ben's narration of his experiences with the watches is fascinating, illustrating that each watch holds a unique history for its owner. One highlight that stood out was Ben's discussion regarding the Seiko 5 GMT. It effectively shatters the fallacy that the Seiko 5 series is merely a toy, not intended for practical use like its older brother, the SKX. I loved the footage of the watch in the wild. I hope for more content like that!
My brother was a saturation diver in the North Sea for 18 years and he wore a Rolex sea dweller for work. He regularly worked at 400 feet deep. He chose the sea dweller because it has a helium escape valve.
He said no one wants to hear about his job, but I actually find it riveting to hear him talk about what he does and how he chooses his tools. This video is fantastic content.
As a former Scuba Diver it's great to hear someone explain that 100 mtr. is deeper than most people are going to go under water , my deepest dive was 220 ft & I was young & in good shape , most dives are around 30 to 50 ft . Great Video 👍
Same here. My deepest was 180 but there were some wrecks I used to dive around Vancouver the deepest being 60ft and the most shallow being 35-40ft. Heck I’ve spent more time below 50 free diving then on the bottle.
I suppose people are looking for +100m water resistance bc for most brands that’s not real 100m. If they state less than 100m the watch can probably survive a rain or swim on a surface at its best. Perhaps that’s what Teddy has told in his videos earlier.
I was an avid semi-pro and recreational diver for 30 years and the deepest I ever went was 160 feet which is about 50m. Nobody needs more than 100m water resistance with a screw down crown.
I originally started to collect watches in the military when I was issued a dive watch . As a frogman , we were actually issued some pretty cool watches over the years, all of which I managed to stash away and keep . I also bought my first 2 Rolex watches when I was in Vietnam in 1968 I purchased a 5513 ($220) at the main PX in DaNang Vietnam, and in 1969 I purchased a Rolex GMT "big E" ($240). I was hooked and have been collecting ever since . Anyway, interesting video . Really enjoyed it.
I love hearing stories of former frogmen and military finding watches overseas at crazy prices compared to now but also utilized their tools during their job. This is awesome!
Brilliant video. I'm a saturation diver and have got a small collection too. Seiko work brilliant as well as the good old G-shock. I mainly use a Divex professional 500m when I dive sat, but have used the Tissot Seastar too. I have taken the Rolex Deep-sea Dweller, Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Explorer 2 into sat as well and they all worked 100%. The biggest issue for saturation diving is decompress as the gasses expand and if the time piece does not have a helium relief valve, you need to open the crown for the gas to escape or it'll pop the glass off. Really nice to see some professional and working class time pieces on this video
Gentlemen, thank you so much for this. First, the style and the filming location are creative, unique, yet professional. Second, I am both a sailor and an open water diver so I very much respect Ben's viewpoints and appreciate his collection and the reasoning behind it. Well done! Personally, I'd enjoy more content like this. Thank you.
Gotta do more episodes like this teddy!! Maybe one day you could do a episode with a old artilleryman, they used chronographs to gauge the distance between them and the enemy. ( via impact explosion flash and sound) This way they could accurately adjust their fire
They aren't. Do your research. They have QC issues all the time. Pretty case designs, but that's about it. Save up a bit more and buy a Longines instead.
The Zodiac of today is a shadow of its former self from back in the mid-twentieth century. That being said, I recently picked up a reissued Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ZO9209 for its interesting history of normally being sold to servicemen at postal exchanges on military bases during the Vietnam War era.
Teddy, this is the first time I’ve ever heard a professional diver talking about the watches he uses or has used in any UA-cam channel. I really like this style format and hope you consider doing more videos like this. Thank you!
Dude is selling him self short, "oh, you don't want to hear about that", yes, I do. As an amateur dive enthusiast, love to hear these stories. Great show!
I’m not a professional diver but I am an active recreational diver, my most used dive watches are Luminox Scott Cassel Deep Diver, Citizen Promaster Diver and GShock Frogman (by far the best of all my dive watches). I’ve never been bold enough to take my high end divers diving though when my GShocks and citizens get the job done.
This is one of the most enjoyable videos I’ve seen in some time. Really love have Ben mixed brand history with personal experience. So interesting to hear that real professionals aren’t wearing the 5 figure watches that everyone thinks. Just solid, no nonsense divers. Ben mentioned a couple times during his personal experience stories that people may not want that much detail, but I found myself wishing he would elaborate and go down the rabbit hole of telling his tales. Great stuff guys.
This is the best type of content - someone who uses their watch as the tools they are meant to be, not just a piece of jewelry. And many of these are something I could conceivably buy.
Congratulations Teddy!! Ben, thank you for sharing your terrific collection. From a retired Air Force combat vet and retired from DHS HQ, thank you for your service. Bob
I'm a long-time police search and recovery diver. Also, a bit of a watch nerd. I've used (and still own) a Turtle, an SKX(009 Pepsi), a Luminox 3001, a Citizen Aqualand JP2000-8E, a couple Casio Maduros, and a couple G-Shock 5610s. I also dove a couple missions with a Seamaster 300, but found myself too concerned about my watch than I should be. They all work just fine at the depths and usually nasty conditions we work in and are all excellent tool watches in harsh environments. But for my needs and my preferences, in low visibility and at depth, if I had to pick just one watch to use from now on, I would grab the Aqualand. It's an absolute beast of a tool watch with amazing lume, and probably 60% of the guys on our team wore them. I also just ordered one of the newer Eco-Drive Citizens (BN0150-28E) and am looking forward to seeing how it performs. Cheers guys, great video.
Love this format, Teddy! Really hoping to see more of these chats it's fantastic to hear how certain watches are used in a practical sense versus a day-to-day fashion sense. Keep up the great work from you and the team!
Wow, I must say that as a dive nerd and a watch nerd (who has actually bought a GSAR from Teddy!) that this video was one of the best I've seen in a good while. It's so nice and refreshing to see a real person with a real collection used for real purposes instead of a celebrity saying "here's by sub, here's my nautilus, and here's my royal oak that everyone else shows you". Teddy you always find such different pieces and different people within the community that showcase great pieces and brands outside of the usual suspects. Thanks a lot for this one to both of you. Cheers from Canada.
This is amazing content. His whole journey from being in the coastguard to where he's at right now, all told through the story of his watches, it's truly fascinating!
Please do more interviews like this! Hearing how different people collect and how it pertains to their jobs/experience is super fascinating. Thanks for making this available.
I love that he was straight up in that some he just likes because they’re cool, he likes the look, the history and/or they are sentimental - and then others are the real deal as diving tools. A v nice range spanning years, sizes, movements, prices, etc.
Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!
That Sandoz blew my mind. As someone from the Philippines I wasn’t aware of that kind of bracelet but I am aware of that artisan work from the country. ‘The Olongapo’ he mentioned is the city where the Subic former US Naval base is. Good shoutout to the local artisans there!
Excellent. My first ship I was assigned to in the navy was a salvage ship in 1980, about half the crew were divers I remember seeing a lot of these watches. I also remember walking by the shop that made the steel bracelets and belt buckles with the insignia's and ships names in Olongapo Philippines they made them by hand and you could hear them hammering and tapping as you walked by.
This new approach to the collector’s journey is wonderfully authentic, I especially enjoyed the part about how he solved the problem of the crown biting his wrist ! (Necessity and invention ) as a lefty in a right handed world , I’ve taken great joy in wearing my watch on my right hand and been free of that problem 🎉🎉🎉
Loved this episode, what a grounded and knowledgeable young man, and there are some seriously unique pieces on that board! Would be awesome to see more of that video style Teddy, thank you for sharing Ben's story with us!
Thanks for doing this episode Teddy! This was pretty dope! The story behind each timepiece was just something that would make you appreciate each brand/model even more. Nothing beats a collector who uses his watches as much as he can plus the stories that comes with it. This was a pure GEM. Hope you’ll continue to produce content like this one! 💯👌🏼😎❤️
I happened to be wearing my Seiko quartz Diver when I hit play on this video. I bought it in1984 while working as a lifeguard at Wild wood lake park (outside of Cleveland, Teddy!). It was my first "real" watch and I think I paid $110, a HUGE amount of money for me at the time. Thanks for the video, guys!
I started being interested in watches as a teenager, after receiving my grandfather’s Aqualand. Unfortunately, it was stolen a few years ago when someone broke into my house looking for jewelry.. but I think this video convinced me I should get a new one.
I really enjoyed this video. As a tradesman I very much loved the breakdown of the watches in use and then a bit of historical nerd time as we all tend to do in our respective fields. I would like to see more content like this sir.
Hey @Teddy I'm really liking this series that you have started. It's feels amazing hearing the story behind a watch that a person has worn in his life. For me actually a watch that you wear will go through different times and when you look at your watch after years it will remind you that special moment.
Quite possibly my favorite Teddy B. episode. Being the same age as this guy and having a military background, his whole collection of watches appeals to me so much and if I'm honest with myself, he's kind of the guy I wished I could have been in another life. Haha.
Great video! Really enjoyed the stories with each watch. I'm a fanatical recreational diver, and always dive with my dive watches, including my seiko turtle pro diver Save the Ocean edition, which is my "working" dive watch when I'm doing coral reef restoration or other voluntary stuff underwater. Great to see the serious pros telling their stories!
I really appreciate this conversation. To address one of your last comments, I never forget the original intention/user of a tool watch. That’s what makes it special and also eliminates all the crapola that is out there in the watch world. If you want to get into an anything-tool watch, talk to the people who use the tool. Then you will find out why that was the selection. For most actual divers… Doxa then Citizen then actual wrist worn dive computers (starting with the Oceanic Atom??). I never knew an actual diver that used a Seiko, Rolex, Omega, etc. I’m sure they exist but they were the exception, not the rule.
I'm glad Citizen gets some love on this channel. Yes, they make mall watches, but they also make enthusiast grade watches, and their business model allows them to have damn good quality control. Plus, they make the most accurate watch in the word.
This was an excellent presentation. There's so many dive watches out there that it's nice to see what an actual diver prefers on his wrist. Nice to see so many relatively inexpensive watches being represented.
Hallo Teddy, I don't dive, but what a treat to see a diver talking about his dive watches that he uses and the meaning of them to him, so nice. Thanks and as always love from Switzerland 🇨🇭
This was amazing. Love hearing about all of these. I would love to know more about Bens history in the Coast Guard and Diving! How many years did he spend in each?
This was exactly what I needed to see, to start desiring a diver again! Lost my way for a bit, thinking why...its for divers...but this makes me want to wear it everyday!
I never knew one's personality void can be potentially filled with a diver watch. It's like blaming poeple for being posers when they wear a band shirt lol. Grow up mate.
oh my gosh! All "suit" divers buy Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster while original divers get a Seiko for $300 We are not ready for the truth in this world
And what exactly prevents divers from using Rolex Sea-Dweller or Submariner, Omega Planet Ocean or Seamaster Diver 300 M watches for diving and what truth are you talking about? The "original" divers actually wore Rolex, Tudor, Zodiac, Blancpain, Omega, and Doxa watches! It is the Rolex who came with an Oyster case and it is Rolex who came with a screw-down crown, and it is Rolex and Doxa who came with the original helium escape valve, not Seiko and not Casio and not Citizen. The First Seiko diver watch came 12 years after the original diver watches and still wasn't any good for diving.
I wore my old Seiko Tuna when I went scuba diving in Grenada last week. I can honestly say it felt good to use my dive watch as a dive watch! Haha. Of the 5 dive watches I own, this is the first time I’ve actually had the chance to use one for its intended purpose
Excellent content! I too, am a professional diver. My diving is recreational dives in warm Caribbean water. I always wear a watch while diving. I the water, I wear either a Seiko or Citizen. After I dive - Bar Diving - I wear my Gold Rolex Submariner to the bar after the dive. Cheers!
One of the nicest videos of this type I've seen so far. A real person, who is a professional that is also a true watch geek. Makes me want to get a Sinn diver even more than before - BTW Ben should also consider adding a Sinn to his extensive collection!
Its nice too see a collection do nice tet not consisting of unaffordable pieces. These brands offer some incredible watches and the historical side is very prominent as well! What a neat collection! Just love it!
Great vid.... Nice to know there are. Others out there who are divers and wear their dive watches in real world situations. I too have doxas, sinn, zodiac, citizen and Seikos that I use as diver timers and hard working watches. Granted I have a small Tudor and Rolex collection of diver watches too, but the working daily beater still has a truly special place in my heart. Thanks for sharing!
I have a Seiko Turtle that I bought in the 90's used and still wear it today. It's not only a tool watch, it is built like a tank. I also have a beat-up quartz Momentum, which is about as dive watch as you can get, but not on the radar of most watch collectors. Boy is it easy to read and doesn't look bad on my relatively small wrist. Love it but it is very heavy! I do have a quartz Zodiac, but it's a newer one, after the brand was bought. It has a pink dial, but it has a screw down crown and 200 meter depth rating A lot of the newer ones just look like a dive watch, with a pushdown crown and 100 meter depth. I have one of those too. I'm not a pro, but I have dived recreationally. If I were to dive today, and I've considered it, I would want a dive computer on my wrist.
Awesome to actually see another coastie talk about his love for watches because our Branch usually gets looked over tremendously and a lot of us are rocking really nice watches
Wonderful video. So great to see someone that really enjoys and geeks out about their collection and knows their stuff. I just thrifted a first gen 1980's Citizen Aqualand for $25! It was sitting in a pile of watches, broken strap and not running. Cleaned up to almost new condition. Successfully replaced all 3 batteries it started running and I threw it on a nato. So stoked.
Right on Teddy! I always thought I had to have a GShock for my line of work. Here recently I can’t shake my love for a diver! Perfect mix of durability and craftsmanship
Teddy this is a very impressive series. To have a guest really go in on the collection is amazing. I bought a Citizen Pro Diver Marine because my Uncle used a Citizen Aqualand when he Professionally dove. Please have ex military and other professionals that truly use their watches and have a story to go with it
Thank you for this video. I knew many of the instructors at the Marine Tech program Ben is referring to in SB. I was also an instructor in that community. I love seeing the love of diving watches by true diver nerds. Hua, Ben to a Coastie from a paratrooper and a fellow diver.
I love this style of video, marrying watches with the people using them professionally. You are really bringing out the je ne sais quoi with your channel!
This was great! I was glad to see the old Zodiac too. I used to own a Zodiac Sea Wolf from the mid-60s. It was all original and still had its stainless steel champion stretchy bracelet. I also had an old 1960s Omega Meister Seamaster that belonged to my father in-law. Those were both on display in my office which was in my basement and somehow they vanished along with some vintage Longines watches. I’m not sure who took them, but they disappeared and I still think about those watches a lot.
Thank you all for watching and we hope you enjoyed this new video style. If you want your collection featured in this series submit your collection through this quick form: forms.gle/aCtfWGC7CVoVBP6V7
This is one of my favorite videos ever featured on your channel. I would love to see more.
@@HonoluluBlue81 I agree. Very entertaining and interesting to see 👍
Agree with the comments above. One of the best videos on this channel. Would love to see more like this.
Love this! You need to make more of these videos!
This is the essence of “Talking Watches” how it should be and not how it become! Thank you
Teddy definitely should do more content like this. I love hearing conversations with people about their collections and not just some multimillionaire's rolex/ap/richard mille crap....real people
I agree. The watch space rn is way too overpopulated with people that have collections where one watch is worth more than most people's entire collections. It's refreshing to see people just like us instead of people that we cannot relate to in any way. It's also nice to see everyday people that actually wear their watches
Interesting people with interesting watched
We are hoping to do more like this. There is a form in the description for those interested in having us fly out to them to feature them on the channel.
@@TeddyBaldassarre Fantastic content, even if the theme sticks to dive watches for a while id be very keen to know from different dive professionals - what watches they use, like and stories behind each one of them!
@@TeddyBaldassarreyeah these could be an amazing way to showcase normal people with cool collections
Finally someone who actually uses their dive watches
He must be a diver if he says so riiiiiight
I use them sailing, swimming hiking in weather, and I use the bezel all the time … just not diving. But there’s nothing wrong with loving a robust, minimalist format
@@exvitermini you're right, he's definitely just been lying about his former profession for years with no reason
What does this even mean? Do water sports not count? Are they only usable when diving? How far deep in a body of water do I need to be before I’m actually using the watch?
@@juanroyroy2075 I say we quit calling them dive watches and instead refer to them as robust egg timers.
So refreshing to hear from an actual professional about dive watches instead of spec hunters and office divers. Ben is a great storyteller, I could listen for hours. Gladly repeat with other "experts" - explorers, mountaineers, pilots, race drivers, etc. It would be a great series. Cheers!
Love this video, but realistically how many divers happen to use dive watches we all like and fantasize over in 2023? I would like to think more, but I doubt many people go out and spend 300 on a Seiko when they could have at 90 dollar Cassio or anything else. I feel like this is more of a watch guy who is a diver. For example I’m a watch guy and a pilot, but I would never use a GMT for functionality just for fun maybe because I want to.
@@kylersmiler9274 My experience is much different - but to each his own.
@@cylentonemaybe I haven’t met enough divers, but the ones I have met that I very immersed in the hobby haven’t used any dive watches I wear on my wrist or anyone else in the horology community wears. Which is unfortunate because I would love to see it more.
For the original version, where this series is inspired by, check out this Hodinkee interview of a Navy Seals Veteran with real deep stories of his pieces, including why he wore his Rolex to combat in the middle east. Both his watch stories and his own life story is deep and fascinating.
Search for
"Watches of a Navy SEAL: Omega, Rolex, Tudor and More with Rob Huberty | Collector Conversation" .
The basic problem is that most people are using digital or smartwatches for those kinds of professions so their collections are essentially boring (he alludes to this when pointing out that the vast majority of divers in a military capacity use a G Shock/ Ironman).
I used to work with a lot of search and rescue volunteers in the mountains of Wyoming/ Montana, USA and digital was all anyone used (this was a few years before smart watches became rugged and long lasting enough to be put in those environments). Now I frequently hang out with thru hikers and Garmins our simple digital watches are the only things they wear.
Dear Teddy, keep this guy in your future videos. He speaks professionally, he really knows his stuff in a very practical way. The way he explains and relates. An awesome collector and a narrator too. I seriously recommend featuring him in the future uploads. I wish Ben the very best of luck in his future endeavors. Hope that includes upcoming videos on watch channels!
That guy is a natural. Very articulate, humble, entusiast, legit!
This is great content. As ridiculous as it sounds, out of all the videos I’ve watched on diving watches, this is the only one I ever recall that has actually included a diver who has used the watches for their intended function.
Please check the videos about diver watches with Jason Heaton, World Traveller, Adventurer, Photographer, Diver, and Writer.
The good one is from Hodinkee, Talking Watches With Jason Heaton.
Love this video, but realistically how many divers happen to use dive watches we all like and fantasize over in 2023? I would like to think more, but I doubt many people go out and spend 300 on a Seiko when they could have at 90 dollar Cassio or anything else. I feel like this is more of a watch guy who is a diver. For example I’m a watch guy and a pilot, but I would never use a GMT for functionality just for fun maybe because I want to.
@@kylersmiler9274The real thing there is simply that dive watches aren’t the best tool for the job anymore. Dive computers do way more and at a lower price. Diving with a dive watch is almost entirely just nostalgia.
@MrCROBosanceros thanks for the heads up
I love how teddy just let our man talked with out the need to chip in , on his own channel. No ego just engaging interesting watch talk. Great episode 🐺
classic Teddy… knowledgeable without ego and just easy to watch
Great video!
My dad recently passed away in 2021 and he was a Marine aviator and I inherited his military issued pilots watch. It wasn’t working so I took it to my local watch smith and he got it running perfectly. Turns out it was Benrus movement (17 jewels) in beautiful condition just needed a new crown, seals and some minor cleaning and lubricant. It survived with him flying missions into N . Vietnam and I remember him wearing it when I was a kid and I wore it in high school. So the watch has significant sentimental value to me. I just remember telling the watch smith, “ I don’t care what it costs please just get it running.
Teddy, this is gold! You’re the perfect guy to do this kind of content. Real people with real stories and not some parade of glitz. Ben is such a watch nerd, perfect guest for your first episode. Keep it coming!
This is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding ideas that has emerged on the channel. The dialogue was just great, showcasing nice synergy between you two. Ben's narration of his experiences with the watches is fascinating, illustrating that each watch holds a unique history for its owner. One highlight that stood out was Ben's discussion regarding the Seiko 5 GMT. It effectively shatters the fallacy that the Seiko 5 series is merely a toy, not intended for practical use like its older brother, the SKX. I loved the footage of the watch in the wild. I hope for more content like that!
That Seiko 7C43 with the patina and the wear and tear looks amazing. Lovely collection. Well done Teddy. Hopefully you make more videos like this.
My brother was a saturation diver in the North Sea for 18 years and he wore a Rolex sea dweller for work. He regularly worked at 400 feet deep. He chose the sea dweller because it has a helium escape valve.
He said no one wants to hear about his job, but I actually find it riveting to hear him talk about what he does and how he chooses his tools.
This video is fantastic content.
As a former Scuba Diver it's great to hear someone explain that 100 mtr. is deeper than most people are going to go under water , my deepest dive was 220 ft & I was young & in good shape , most dives are around 30 to 50 ft . Great Video 👍
Same here. My deepest was 180 but there were some wrecks I used to dive around Vancouver the deepest being 60ft and the most shallow being 35-40ft. Heck I’ve spent more time below 50 free diving then on the bottle.
I suppose people are looking for +100m water resistance bc for most brands that’s not real 100m. If they state less than 100m the watch can probably survive a rain or swim on a surface at its best. Perhaps that’s what Teddy has told in his videos earlier.
I was an avid semi-pro and recreational diver for 30 years and the deepest I ever went was 160 feet which is about 50m. Nobody needs more than 100m water resistance with a screw down crown.
@@DougRobison-s5eAnd if we’re being honest, nobody really needs a dive watch at all. Dive computers are more functional and less expensive.
I originally started to collect watches in the military when I was issued a dive watch . As a frogman , we were actually issued some pretty cool watches over the years, all of which I managed to stash away and keep . I also bought my first 2 Rolex watches when I was in Vietnam in 1968 I purchased a 5513 ($220) at the main PX in DaNang Vietnam, and in 1969 I purchased a Rolex GMT "big E" ($240). I was hooked and have been collecting ever since . Anyway, interesting video . Really enjoyed it.
Did you ever have a relationship with Michael Thornton?
I love hearing stories of former frogmen and military finding watches overseas at crazy prices compared to now but also utilized their tools during their job. This is awesome!
If you are into dive watches for whatever reason, this video is a must see. The very best dive watch video out there, period.
He has a grate sence of humor and he is honest about the depth that's written on the watches.He is a professional.We want more.
Brilliant video. I'm a saturation diver and have got a small collection too. Seiko work brilliant as well as the good old G-shock. I mainly use a Divex professional 500m when I dive sat, but have used the Tissot Seastar too. I have taken the Rolex Deep-sea Dweller, Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Explorer 2 into sat as well and they all worked 100%. The biggest issue for saturation diving is decompress as the gasses expand and if the time piece does not have a helium relief valve, you need to open the crown for the gas to escape or it'll pop the glass off. Really nice to see some professional and working class time pieces on this video
Gentlemen, thank you so much for this. First, the style and the filming location are creative, unique, yet professional. Second, I am both a sailor and an open water diver so I very much respect Ben's viewpoints and appreciate his collection and the reasoning behind it. Well done! Personally, I'd enjoy more content like this. Thank you.
Gotta do more episodes like this teddy!! Maybe one day you could do a episode with a old artilleryman, they used chronographs to gauge the distance between them and the enemy. ( via impact explosion flash and sound) This way they could accurately adjust their fire
That Zodiac is insanely impressive. It's like a powerful professional dive watch disguised as a dress watch. Fantastic.
They aren't. Do your research. They have QC issues all the time. Pretty case designs, but that's about it. Save up a bit more and buy a Longines instead.
I'm not talking about Zodiac as a brand, nor i said i was going to buy one.
The Zodiac of today is a shadow of its former self from back in the mid-twentieth century. That being said, I recently picked up a reissued Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ZO9209 for its interesting history of normally being sold to servicemen at postal exchanges on military bases during the Vietnam War era.
Vintage zodiac watches are awesome. The new ones are basically a new brand
This is a video that had me engaged the entire time. What a fantastic journey into Ben’s collection. Thank you for sharing it with us.
More like this please Ted
Teddy, this is the first time I’ve ever heard a professional diver talking about the watches he uses or has used in any UA-cam channel. I really like this style format and hope you consider doing more videos like this. Thank you!
Dude is selling him self short, "oh, you don't want to hear about that", yes, I do. As an amateur dive enthusiast, love to hear these stories. Great show!
I’m not a professional diver but I am an active recreational diver, my most used dive watches are Luminox Scott Cassel Deep Diver, Citizen Promaster Diver and GShock Frogman (by far the best of all my dive watches). I’ve never been bold enough to take my high end divers diving though when my GShocks and citizens get the job done.
So nice to finally see a citizen on Teddy's channel. Time to get some aviators on the series, to showcase their worn skyhawks and navihawks.
This is one of the most enjoyable videos I’ve seen in some time. Really love have Ben mixed brand history with personal experience. So interesting to hear that real professionals aren’t wearing the 5 figure watches that everyone thinks. Just solid, no nonsense divers. Ben mentioned a couple times during his personal experience stories that people may not want that much detail, but I found myself wishing he would elaborate and go down the rabbit hole of telling his tales. Great stuff guys.
This is the best type of content - someone who uses their watch as the tools they are meant to be, not just a piece of jewelry. And many of these are something I could conceivably buy.
Congratulations Teddy!! Ben, thank you for sharing your terrific collection. From a retired Air Force combat vet and retired from DHS HQ, thank you for your service. Bob
I'm a long-time police search and recovery diver. Also, a bit of a watch nerd. I've used (and still own) a Turtle, an SKX(009 Pepsi), a Luminox 3001, a Citizen Aqualand JP2000-8E, a couple Casio Maduros, and a couple G-Shock 5610s. I also dove a couple missions with a Seamaster 300, but found myself too concerned about my watch than I should be. They all work just fine at the depths and usually nasty conditions we work in and are all excellent tool watches in harsh environments. But for my needs and my preferences, in low visibility and at depth, if I had to pick just one watch to use from now on, I would grab the Aqualand. It's an absolute beast of a tool watch with amazing lume, and probably 60% of the guys on our team wore them. I also just ordered one of the newer Eco-Drive Citizens (BN0150-28E) and am looking forward to seeing how it performs. Cheers guys, great video.
Love this format, Teddy! Really hoping to see more of these chats it's fantastic to hear how certain watches are used in a practical sense versus a day-to-day fashion sense. Keep up the great work from you and the team!
Wow, I must say that as a dive nerd and a watch nerd (who has actually bought a GSAR from Teddy!) that this video was one of the best I've seen in a good while. It's so nice and refreshing to see a real person with a real collection used for real purposes instead of a celebrity saying "here's by sub, here's my nautilus, and here's my royal oak that everyone else shows you". Teddy you always find such different pieces and different people within the community that showcase great pieces and brands outside of the usual suspects. Thanks a lot for this one to both of you. Cheers from Canada.
This is amazing content. His whole journey from being in the coastguard to where he's at right now, all told through the story of his watches, it's truly fascinating!
One of the best UA-cam postings you have made Teddy . With out a story , it's just a watch Thanks 👍
Please do more interviews like this! Hearing how different people collect and how it pertains to their jobs/experience is super fascinating. Thanks for making this available.
I love that he was straight up in that some he just likes because they’re cool, he likes the look, the history and/or they are sentimental - and then others are the real deal as diving tools. A v nice range spanning years, sizes, movements, prices, etc.
Seiko needs to hit you up for that dive footage of the GMT and use it. Stunning watch and the value is incredible and on par with Seiko quality.
Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!
Really enjoyed this video for the manner in which the diver linked his experiences with all the watches. A true historical journey !
That Sandoz blew my mind. As someone from the Philippines I wasn’t aware of that kind of bracelet but I am aware of that artisan work from the country. ‘The Olongapo’ he mentioned is the city where the Subic former US Naval base is. Good shoutout to the local artisans there!
Excellent. My first ship I was assigned to in the navy was a salvage ship in 1980, about half the crew were divers I remember seeing a lot of these watches. I also remember walking by the shop that made the steel bracelets and belt buckles with the insignia's and ships names in Olongapo Philippines they made them by hand and you could hear them hammering and tapping as you walked by.
This new approach to the collector’s journey is wonderfully authentic, I especially enjoyed the part about how he solved the problem of the crown biting his wrist ! (Necessity and invention ) as a lefty in a right handed world , I’ve taken great joy in wearing my watch on my right hand and been free of that problem 🎉🎉🎉
Loved this episode, what a grounded and knowledgeable young man, and there are some seriously unique pieces on that board! Would be awesome to see more of that video style Teddy, thank you for sharing Ben's story with us!
Love this. Much respect Ben, you could have your own channel. USGC is awesome. I wore a Timex Ironman as an Infantryman. Now I wear a Sinn 104.
The Sinn 104 is such a great go anywhere, do anything watch! 👌🏼
This is great we need more content like this showing how people actually use these watches for what they were exactly intended for.
I agree with everyone else. This series of having various people/professionals Show-and-Tell their watch collections is a lot of fun.
Thanks for doing this episode Teddy! This was pretty dope! The story behind each timepiece was just something that would make you appreciate each brand/model even more. Nothing beats a collector who uses his watches as much as he can plus the stories that comes with it. This was a pure GEM. Hope you’ll continue to produce content like this one! 💯👌🏼😎❤️
As someone brought to diving, and watches, when studying Marine Biology, this was a feast to my eyes and ears. Thank you very much... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This was EPIC! Keep these series coming!! Really enjoyed it.
I happened to be wearing my Seiko quartz Diver when I hit play on this video. I bought it in1984 while working as a lifeguard at Wild wood lake park (outside of Cleveland, Teddy!). It was my first "real" watch and I think I paid $110, a HUGE amount of money for me at the time. Thanks for the video, guys!
Great video! Excited to see more of these. Ben is such a cool guy, and has a great collection!
probably the best watch collection video I've seen, the personal connection and stories to the watches is what makes it.
I started being interested in watches as a teenager, after receiving my grandfather’s Aqualand. Unfortunately, it was stolen a few years ago when someone broke into my house looking for jewelry.. but I think this video convinced me I should get a new one.
I really enjoyed this video. As a tradesman I very much loved the breakdown of the watches in use and then a bit of historical nerd time as we all tend to do in our respective fields. I would like to see more content like this sir.
Teddy, this is definitely one of your most inspirational collection videos so far (if not the best - imho)! cheers, guys! thank you both!
Hey @Teddy I'm really liking this series that you have started. It's feels amazing hearing the story behind a watch that a person has worn in his life.
For me actually a watch that you wear will go through different times and when you look at your watch after years it will remind you that special moment.
Incredible collection. Thanks for sharing with us. Who doesn't love a great story? Well done to you Teddy and your team.
Watches are so delicate and intricately designed, so I have intense respect and admiration for AMZWATCH watch makers
Quite possibly my favorite Teddy B. episode. Being the same age as this guy and having a military background, his whole collection of watches appeals to me so much and if I'm honest with myself, he's kind of the guy I wished I could have been in another life. Haha.
This was a video for me !!! ❤❤ I don’t dive but I love how well they hold day to day .. thanks for the amazing video Teddy!!
Great video! Really enjoyed the stories with each watch. I'm a fanatical recreational diver, and always dive with my dive watches, including my seiko turtle pro diver Save the Ocean edition, which is my "working" dive watch when I'm doing coral reef restoration or other voluntary stuff underwater. Great to see the serious pros telling their stories!
I really appreciate this conversation. To address one of your last comments, I never forget the original intention/user of a tool watch. That’s what makes it special and also eliminates all the crapola that is out there in the watch world. If you want to get into an anything-tool watch, talk to the people who use the tool. Then you will find out why that was the selection. For most actual divers… Doxa then Citizen then actual wrist worn dive computers (starting with the Oceanic Atom??). I never knew an actual diver that used a Seiko, Rolex, Omega, etc. I’m sure they exist but they were the exception, not the rule.
Loved hearing the backstories of his life journey thus far and how the watches connect to it. Great stuff.
Such a well done episode. The stories and history behind each piece is what makes dive watch collections so unique. Appreciate this type of content.
I'm glad Citizen gets some love on this channel. Yes, they make mall watches, but they also make enthusiast grade watches, and their business model allows them to have damn good quality control. Plus, they make the most accurate watch in the word.
Ben knows more about watches than being just a diver / user. Great detail and history of each brand.
Bravo! It would be interesting to see even more professional testimonials of people’s collections and their use in the field.
This was an excellent presentation. There's so many dive watches out there that it's nice to see what an actual diver prefers on his wrist. Nice to see so many relatively inexpensive watches being represented.
Awesome video, very refreshing to see collections not showcasing a bunch of hype pieces. Keep ‘em coming Teddy!
I love this!! We need more content like this for sure 😊
Hallo Teddy, I don't dive, but what a treat to see a diver talking about his dive watches that he uses and the meaning of them to him, so nice. Thanks and as always love from Switzerland 🇨🇭
What a cool video! Love the respect to Citizen.
Love this context style. It’s like “Talking Watches.” Please do more videos like this.
This was amazing. Love hearing about all of these. I would love to know more about Bens history in the Coast Guard and Diving! How many years did he spend in each?
This was exactly what I needed to see, to start desiring a diver again! Lost my way for a bit, thinking why...its for divers...but this makes me want to wear it everyday!
Love or hate them, Seiko makes some of the most functional dive watches in the world .
Awesome to see our compass on here 🙏💪
First video with Teddy's wedding ring, Congratulations Teddy!
Looks good on him
Thank you, my friend!
Love MAMACOO watch， Such a great looking watch to match with the precisionist movement.
Wow, someone who actually uses their dive watches for diving and not just for filling a personality void.
I never knew one's personality void can be potentially filled with a diver watch. It's like blaming poeple for being posers when they wear a band shirt lol. Grow up mate.
@@spikeliberty2701 triggered
Now THIS is a Real Diver, eloquently conversing about his watches. Thank you Teddy for bringing him on your team!
oh my gosh! All "suit" divers buy Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster while original divers get a Seiko for $300 We are not ready for the truth in this world
And what exactly prevents divers from using Rolex Sea-Dweller or Submariner, Omega Planet Ocean or Seamaster Diver 300 M watches for diving and what truth are you talking about?
The "original" divers actually wore Rolex, Tudor, Zodiac, Blancpain, Omega, and Doxa watches! It is the Rolex who came with an Oyster case and it is Rolex who came with a screw-down crown, and it is Rolex and Doxa who came with the original helium escape valve, not Seiko and not Casio and not Citizen. The First Seiko diver watch came 12 years after the original diver watches and still wasn't any good for diving.
@@MrCROBosancerosthe price prevents them from using it
I wore my old Seiko Tuna when I went scuba diving in Grenada last week. I can honestly say it felt good to use my dive watch as a dive watch! Haha. Of the 5 dive watches I own, this is the first time I’ve actually had the chance to use one for its intended purpose
Hipsters.
1000% hipsters
These are so my all time favorite watch videos. I love it when you go through people's collections and their personal stories with the watches.
Excellent content! I too, am a professional diver. My diving is recreational dives in warm Caribbean water. I always wear a watch while diving. I the water, I wear either a Seiko or Citizen. After I dive - Bar Diving - I wear my Gold Rolex Submariner to the bar after the dive. Cheers!
One of the nicest videos of this type I've seen so far. A real person, who is a professional that is also a true watch geek. Makes me want to get a Sinn diver even more than before - BTW Ben should also consider adding a Sinn to his extensive collection!
Its nice too see a collection do nice tet not consisting of unaffordable pieces. These brands offer some incredible watches and the historical side is very prominent as well! What a neat collection! Just love it!
Great vid.... Nice to know there are. Others out there who are divers and wear their dive watches in real world situations. I too have doxas, sinn, zodiac, citizen and Seikos that I use as diver timers and hard working watches. Granted I have a small Tudor and Rolex collection of diver watches too, but the working daily beater still has a truly special place in my heart. Thanks for sharing!
I have a Seiko Turtle that I bought in the 90's used and still wear it today. It's not only a tool watch, it is built like a tank. I also have a beat-up quartz Momentum, which is about as dive watch as you can get, but not on the radar of most watch collectors. Boy is it easy to read and doesn't look bad on my relatively small wrist. Love it but it is very heavy! I do have a quartz Zodiac, but it's a newer one, after the brand was bought. It has a pink dial, but it has a screw down crown and 200 meter depth rating A lot of the newer ones just look like a dive watch, with a pushdown crown and 100 meter depth. I have one of those too. I'm not a pro, but I have dived recreationally. If I were to dive today, and I've considered it, I would want a dive computer on my wrist.
Hands down, the coolest watch collection I've seen. Every one is stunning and has a better story than twilight
This is great! Great to get Ben's perspective on all of these watches that we talk about so much.
I have never been disappointed since I became a customer of amzwatch. Their watches are of exceptional quality.
Awesome to actually see another coastie talk about his love for watches because our Branch usually gets looked over tremendously and a lot of us are rocking really nice watches
Wonderful video. So great to see someone that really enjoys and geeks out about their collection and knows their stuff. I just thrifted a first gen 1980's Citizen Aqualand for $25! It was sitting in a pile of watches, broken strap and not running. Cleaned up to almost new condition. Successfully replaced all 3 batteries it started running and I threw it on a nato. So stoked.
Right on Teddy! I always thought I had to have a GShock for my line of work. Here recently I can’t shake my love for a diver! Perfect mix of durability and craftsmanship
Teddy this is a very impressive series. To have a guest really go in on the collection is amazing. I bought a Citizen Pro Diver Marine because my Uncle used a Citizen Aqualand when he Professionally dove.
Please have ex military and other professionals that truly use their watches and have a story to go with it
Thank you for this video. I knew many of the instructors at the Marine Tech program Ben is referring to in SB. I was also an instructor in that community. I love seeing the love of diving watches by true diver nerds. Hua, Ben to a Coastie from a paratrooper and a fellow diver.
I love this style of video, marrying watches with the people using them professionally. You are really bringing out the je ne sais quoi with your channel!
This was great! I was glad to see the old Zodiac too. I used to own a Zodiac Sea Wolf from the mid-60s. It was all original and still had its stainless steel champion stretchy bracelet. I also had an old 1960s Omega Meister Seamaster that belonged to my father in-law. Those were both on display in my office which was in my basement and somehow they vanished along with some vintage Longines watches. I’m not sure who took them, but they disappeared and I still think about those watches a lot.