How much you spend is entirely dependent where you are in life. When I graduated as a new architect, Seiko was the best option for a good mechanical watch.
Orient Star are always worth a look for well executed watches at an excellent price/value ratio. The Seiko Prospex Alpinist is also a great watch at around $750.
I think you’re spot on Oleg! I’ve made many bad watch purchases in the past but once I found my preferences and style that works for me I’ve done well.
Depends on what you look for in terms of best bang for your buck. Me personally gravitate towards brands that go that extra mile to give you a solid built watch for a decent price. Right now im a massive fan of how Sinn, Damasko and Ball runs business. They don't settle on their brand name doing the marketing. They always improve to win customers and right now they are the most qualified military-grade automatic watches on the market.
I just bought a Tissot Seastar pro 2000.... This watch is absolutely stunning and punches way above its price of around £1000.... It actually feels more premium on my wrist than my 2017 Rolex submariner... It is alot of watch for the money and I would definitely rate it as a luxury swiss watch.
Good video Oleg with good examples balanced by telling people to buy what they like. Plenty of very good watches exist way below $1000 but I think for a video targeted at newbies your idea is appropriate. Although if for a first such maybe $500 would be appropriate.
You appreciate the quality improvements much more when you work your way up. Someone who buys a Mercedes as their first car won't appreciate it as much as someone who buys a Mercedes as their third or fourth car in their lives.
Hi Oleg. Certain things don’t change much. My father, a one watch guy, always said that a nice watch cost a month salary. He had a nice Omega which I inherited. Bought in the late 1950’s. And my monthly income today would match the price of a new Omega too. Not the most expensive model but something such as a nice Aqua Terra or something... Off cause you can go cheaper or more expensive relative to your income but I think it’s a good rule of thumb. Think you’re absolutely right about the demising returns theory. A watch off cause isn’t double as good because it’s twice the price - and it’s isn’t only half as good because it’s half the price either...
Here is a difference - the title said how much for a 'good watch' ... now debating how much before a watch is considered 'luxury' is a whole other conversation. I do not think that they are the same. And while this is a interesting conversation the ultimate determinate is how much money you have and are willing to spend. The definition of Luxury varies by income.
Depends on which market you choose. Recently picked up a 1980s Sieko 5 Railway Time classic watch at a Pawn Shop for $15. A few years ago went to an Estate contents auction sale. Upscale neighbourhood, multi million dollar homes. A box of watches not working condition, Brietling, Omega and Chopard. Got the box for $1200. Disassembled and cleaned the watches, buff out scratches, Chopard got a new crystal and main spring. Chopard Classic automatic for $300.
Only YOU can determine what is a good watch and what you should spend on a “good” watch. Anyone who tells you there is a formula for how much one should spend has as much credibility as the people who tell you to spend 2 months salary on an engagement ring.
Squale 1545 series and Glycine Combat Sub series are two good considerations too. Steinhart Ocean 1 series as well but loses out on the heritage status.
The Damasko DS30 I recently purchased is a good example of this category. German engineered and manufactured case with a well regarded Swiss automatic movement. I think it cost me close to $1500 CAD. Plus it came on a very nice German made leather strap. Great watch!
As someone who quickly figured out Id probably end up with 3-5 watches total, I decided to stick under 500 euros per watches. With a lot of researth (thats a lot of the fun, lets be honest). What I found, all bought new from AD besides 2. laco fliegere 1 of 250 limited oliv edition with a fun spinny miyota, 300 euros, Im a WWII aviation buff since childhood and oliv is my color so it was like made for me. prospex solardiver 38mm that ticks in at 1s/month 450 euros, daily driver as the most comfortable watch I own (together with the tissot) a seiko 5 field type watch with the 4r36 movement, not that good of a movement, but got it for 180 euros (not AD) Tissot 33mm limited edition with the powermatic 80 movement, ticking around 1s/day 180 USD (Not AD) G shock square old simple version 45 ish USD (not AD) Around 1000 Euros I would look at seiko divers, but I won't as I wouldn't pay more than 550-600 euros at the most for something with the 6r movement, as it is not worth it to me, as I value accuracy and Im too ocd to live with a that inaccurate of a watch.
Spend $50.00 for a quartz Invicta two 37mm Pro Diver watch. It has a Seiko movement water resistant 200 feet. Very accurate with a two to three-year battery.
This is all very subjective. I disagree about your $1000 mark, especially when going pre-owned all bets are off. You can definitely find ‘good quality’ watches for way less than $1000.
Agree Orient i.e. Kamasu, many Seikos (i.e. Cocktail time), Tissot, Bulova and Hamilton some Longine, Yema, Tag Heuer etc. Plus many many quality micro-brands (Helm Zelos, Boldr etc.) all under $1000 often well under. All well respected - some of which you pointed out. All 'good quality' watches and brands. Above $500-$600 you start to get into what most people (especially non-watch people) would consider low end luxury. $1,000-$5,000 probably mid tier luxury and above $5k most people would consider high end luxury. And I know these number and category can be endlessly debated.
Totally agree with you! €1.000/€1.500 is a great budget to get a quality watch. I would even say that above €2.000/€2.500 the increase of quality isn't that noticeable, appart of some exceptions, of course.
I came to the same conclusion when I was getting into watches. At about $1-2K CAD you get build quality, specs, finishing, and a bit of brand recognition, when you spend below $1K you're making a compromise on one or two of the the aforementioned categories. I think the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander is a great first watch, or first "nice" watch.
I'm in this collecting things hobby since a couple decade now, I've come to the realisation that the 1000$ usd to 4000$ is the sweet spot, after that it's just art like a De Bethune or innovations like a ressence, for a good lifetime watch 2k will get you a lot. As requested by our wonderful host right now personally the best budget watch under 1k would be the PRX but it's too obvious I bought a Timex Galli S1 and it's immensely impressive for the price, green dial is a bit of a tough match in real life, unless you're active duty, anyway it's a great watch for less than 500$...
Jeez this is a tough one to tackle Oleg. My advice would be find what you like and most importantly go and try it on and see how it feels compared to other front runners on your list. Go to a big store with lots of brands, you might not find them all under one roof but try to see them all. Looking online can be useful but nothing compares to having it on wrist believe me, a front runner may fall by the wayside to something further down the list. When your choice is made then see how much they are pre-owned (only if your happy about it not been new) don’t take a chance on eBay but find a reputable dealer or perhaps Chrono 24. You will pay more but you have comeback should anything happen, or you just don’t get along with it. Who knows you could save a lot of money and even get a watch that retails for nearly double what you could afford! Happy hunting.
nailed it. Sarx055 gs baby snowflake any day dollar for value (dial detail, finish, and titanium)!~ My co-worker thought the retail value of the seiko was close to his tag heuer carrera !
This has been one of the better videos that I have seen on this topic. Thanks a lot. By the way, the limit of US$1K, that you mentioned, has been my limit for my purchases for almost all the watches in my collection. Cheers!
I always thought SWC and Steinhart offer awesome value for the money. Microbrands probably have the best bang for the buck, in general. You'll find many, many offerings < $1000 with outstanding combinations of functionality and visual appeal.
$1500 before VAT .... because couldn't decide if $1K or $2K is entry higher end watch threshold. But, there are solid mechanical watches for less than $1K, Seiko and Orient. Micro brands are interesting, but some are definitely not inexpensive.
Good examples that help make your case, since the further from 1k these are, the more they have well known shortcomings with, e.g., the bracelet. At what price can you get a watch that won’t have any compromises (other than perhaps prestige)? Probably closer to 1.5 (Monta, CW, Farer).
The biggest metric is get what you can afford. At a certain point there is a diminishing cost vs. quality. Found the major difference between mid tier and luxury is on bracelets. Not so much on straps, and you can replace those with something better and as good as a luxury watch for far less money. Not that they are bad, but just not as good,
Great video. I just got a Seiko King Samurai Manta. Sapphire crystal, Ceramic Bezel, Automatic, 200M WR for $450. Is my Omega Seamaster 300M 12 times better? 🤔🙄. Is the Submariner 2 times better than the Seamaster 300M? 🤔🙄.
Price is so subjective no matter what you buy. You could pick up a watch for just over a hundred dollars which may be more robust than one costing a million. All depends on what you want. A Maybach is a fantastic car, but there are more Civics on the road and they hold up well in spite of their paltry sum compared to higher end vehicles.
I think $200 to $500 for Chinese homage watches that as you said "pack the specs." If you're looking for mid range Seiko in that price range the SARX line is killer. You can get SBDC051 and 061 for around $500 to $600. Oh and Hamilton as well. For around $1000 I think Oris is the best option for a first luxury buy. I wouldn't do an homage at that price like Genault. Also want to throw in Monta for around $1000 especially on the secondary market. I really think that brand is going places. But that's just like my opinion, man.
If you dont care about quartz vs automatic then just buy any casio or maybe 2 and be done with it. 1000 bucks is a lot for many and honestly not required if you are going the quartz route anyways.
Heck a Timex is a good watch. A $10,000 Rolex is not $5,000 better than a $5000 Omega, arguably a $5000 Grand Seiko is better than a $10,000 Rolex. If you don't care about the Brand go with a $1000 Micro Brand. More bang for the buck for sure.
Практически в любой ценовой категории можно найти достойные часы! В этом-то и прелесть нашего увлечения, что независимо от финансового состояния ты всегда найдешь что-то для себя подходящее!)
I only thought about this a couple of months ago ( oh, the money I spent...100s..). My thoughts- e.g. a dive watch is only waterproof for 30 yars (true?), so factor in 2/3 servicing costs during that lifetime , which shouldn't cost more than the watc itself. I've only watched 5 mins of your video so if is said I'll delete this comment with immediate effect.
@5:55 .... no no, they do not have all sapphire crystal... the MaxBill does not have sapphire crystal. Its hard plexiglass .... Very sensitive to scratches
A good watch? My favourite watch, my GShock cost me under £100, I love my 2020 Alpinist which is great and my Oris Aquis was close to £2k….I love them all. Sure, that is some shit out there but a good watch can be found at just about any price range.
How much you spend is entirely dependent where you are in life. When I graduated as a new architect, Seiko was the best option for a good mechanical watch.
This. When I was a student I bought an ORIS diver (which I still own).
As a business owner approaching 50, I mostly wear a G-shock.
Orient Star are always worth a look for well executed watches at an excellent price/value ratio. The Seiko Prospex Alpinist is also a great watch at around $750.
Excellent job. The micro brands are really coming on strong, that’s we’re my money is going in 2023.
I think you’re spot on Oleg! I’ve made many bad watch purchases in the past but once I found my preferences and style that works for me I’ve done well.
I agree you can get a good watch at $1000 I believe that's the starting point.
Great to see a Mr. Bond making an appearance. Casio Oceanus is a great watch with great finishes as an everyday wearer
Great suggestion!
Certina ds action diver is great quality for the price..
Depends on what you look for in terms of best bang for your buck. Me personally gravitate towards brands that go that extra mile to give you a solid built watch for a decent price.
Right now im a massive fan of how Sinn, Damasko and Ball runs business. They don't settle on their brand name doing the marketing. They always improve to win customers and right now they are the most qualified military-grade automatic watches on the market.
I just bought a Tissot Seastar pro 2000.... This watch is absolutely stunning and punches way above its price of around £1000.... It actually feels more premium on my wrist than my 2017 Rolex submariner... It is alot of watch for the money and I would definitely rate it as a luxury swiss watch.
$1000 is certainly true for a simple 3-hander. If you want a mechanical chronograph it is at least double that.
Good video Oleg with good examples balanced by telling people to buy what they like. Plenty of very good watches exist way below $1000 but I think for a video targeted at newbies your idea is appropriate. Although if for a first such maybe $500 would be appropriate.
Good points. I think $500 could have also been an appropriate amount.
You appreciate the quality improvements much more when you work your way up. Someone who buys a Mercedes as their first car won't appreciate it as much as someone who buys a Mercedes as their third or fourth car in their lives.
Lots of truth in your statement
Get a Casio or perhaps a Tissot and work your way up! I found the $3-4k mark was the perfect level for me to enjoy a watch or two for a lifetime!
I believe 1 months salary is a good amount to spend on a watch. As a watch nerd my max amount is 2 months salary.
Great equation
Gross or net? The former one IMO. 😊
That’s a great equation haha
Hi Oleg.
Certain things don’t change much. My father, a one watch guy, always said that a nice watch cost a month salary. He had a nice Omega which I inherited. Bought in the late 1950’s. And my monthly income today would match the price of a new Omega too. Not the most expensive model but something such as a nice Aqua Terra or something...
Off cause you can go cheaper or more expensive relative to your income but I think it’s a good rule of thumb.
Think you’re absolutely right about the demising returns theory. A watch off cause isn’t double as good because it’s twice the price - and it’s isn’t only half as good because it’s half the price either...
One months salary equation is a good one. Surprisingly is still holds up for most brands. Some like *cough* Rolex just became to expense/hard to get.
It's a good rule of thumb.
Here is a difference - the title said how much for a 'good watch' ... now debating how much before a watch is considered 'luxury' is a whole other conversation. I do not think that they are the same.
And while this is a interesting conversation the ultimate determinate is how much money you have and are willing to spend. The definition of Luxury varies by income.
Depends on which market you choose. Recently picked up a 1980s Sieko 5 Railway Time classic watch at a Pawn Shop for $15. A few years ago went to an Estate contents auction sale. Upscale neighbourhood, multi million dollar homes. A box of watches not working condition, Brietling, Omega and Chopard. Got the box for $1200. Disassembled and cleaned the watches, buff out scratches, Chopard got a new crystal and main spring. Chopard Classic automatic for $300.
Only YOU can determine what is a good watch and what you should spend on a “good” watch.
Anyone who tells you there is a formula for how much one should spend has as much credibility as the people who tell you to spend 2 months salary on an engagement ring.
Squale 1545 series and Glycine Combat Sub series are two good considerations too. Steinhart Ocean 1 series as well but loses out on the heritage status.
somebody likes fake watches. Have you no shame?
Those are shitters.
someone's mother didn't teach him manners and he's a stupid bully
Sinn great value, Hamilton, Oris. Victorinox
Great suggestions!
I love your dog! Your watch insight is almost as good 👍
Good video thanks. 🇬🇧 Ps. Seiko watches are very nice and great quality.
Longines, Mido, Hamilton, Seiko, Tissot, and Frederique Constant offer a ton of value for $1,000.
Great quality watches between $1000 to $2000 with some provenance would be Sinn, Nomos, Oris, Longines, Hamilton, Junghans etc…..
The Damasko DS30 I recently purchased is a good example of this category. German engineered and manufactured case with a well regarded Swiss automatic movement. I think it cost me close to $1500 CAD. Plus it came on a very nice German made leather strap. Great watch!
As someone who quickly figured out Id probably end up with 3-5 watches total, I decided to stick under 500 euros per watches. With a lot of researth (thats a lot of the fun, lets be honest).
What I found, all bought new from AD besides 2.
laco fliegere 1 of 250 limited oliv edition with a fun spinny miyota, 300 euros, Im a WWII aviation buff since childhood and oliv is my color so it was like made for me.
prospex solardiver 38mm that ticks in at 1s/month 450 euros, daily driver as the most comfortable watch I own (together with the tissot)
a seiko 5 field type watch with the 4r36 movement, not that good of a movement, but got it for 180 euros (not AD)
Tissot 33mm limited edition with the powermatic 80 movement, ticking around 1s/day 180 USD (Not AD)
G shock square old simple version 45 ish USD (not AD)
Around 1000 Euros I would look at seiko divers, but I won't as I wouldn't pay more than 550-600 euros at the most for something with the 6r movement, as it is not worth it to me, as I value accuracy and Im too ocd to live with a that inaccurate of a watch.
Great perspective! On a side note, I find it interesting that there are so many watch lovers out there that are also guitar players haha
Spend $50.00 for a quartz Invicta two 37mm Pro Diver watch. It has a Seiko movement water resistant 200 feet. Very accurate with a two to three-year battery.
This is all very subjective. I disagree about your $1000 mark, especially when going pre-owned all bets are off. You can definitely find ‘good quality’ watches for way less than $1000.
Agree Orient i.e. Kamasu, many Seikos (i.e. Cocktail time), Tissot, Bulova and Hamilton some Longine, Yema, Tag Heuer etc. Plus many many quality micro-brands (Helm Zelos, Boldr etc.) all under $1000 often well under. All well respected - some of which you pointed out. All 'good quality' watches and brands.
Above $500-$600 you start to get into what most people (especially non-watch people) would consider low end luxury. $1,000-$5,000 probably mid tier luxury and above $5k most people would consider high end luxury. And I know these number and category can be endlessly debated.
Totally agree with you! €1.000/€1.500 is a great budget to get a quality watch. I would even say that above €2.000/€2.500 the increase of quality isn't that noticeable, appart of some exceptions, of course.
I came to the same conclusion when I was getting into watches. At about $1-2K CAD you get build quality, specs, finishing, and a bit of brand recognition, when you spend below $1K you're making a compromise on one or two of the the aforementioned categories.
I think the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander is a great first watch, or first "nice" watch.
Christopher Ward is just some white guy’s name. Some people find that off putting. For the money, nothing beats a Seiko prospex.
@shinobi2119 it's the name of one of the three founders of the company...
@@Furniture121 yeah, I get it but some of us non whites don’t want to wear a watch with a white’s guy name.
I'm in this collecting things hobby since a couple decade now, I've come to the realisation that the 1000$ usd to 4000$ is the sweet spot, after that it's just art like a De Bethune or innovations like a ressence, for a good lifetime watch 2k will get you a lot.
As requested by our wonderful host right now personally the best budget watch under 1k would be the PRX but it's too obvious I bought a Timex Galli S1 and it's immensely impressive for the price, green dial is a bit of a tough match in real life, unless you're active duty, anyway it's a great watch for less than 500$...
Jeez this is a tough one to tackle Oleg. My advice would be find what you like and most importantly go and try it on and see how it feels compared to other front runners on your list. Go to a big store with lots of brands, you might not find them all under one roof but try to see them all. Looking online can be useful but nothing compares to having it on wrist believe me, a front runner may fall by the wayside to something further down the list. When your choice is made then see how much they are pre-owned (only if your happy about it not been new) don’t take a chance on eBay but find a reputable dealer or perhaps Chrono 24. You will pay more but you have comeback should anything happen, or you just don’t get along with it. Who knows you could save a lot of money and even get a watch that retails for nearly double what you could afford! Happy hunting.
For me its about how much you are comfortable wearing on your wrist, everywhere. Living in Vancouver, $5k is the sweet spot for me
nailed it. Sarx055 gs baby snowflake any day dollar for value (dial detail, finish, and titanium)!~ My co-worker thought the retail value of the seiko was close to his tag heuer carrera !
This has been one of the better videos that I have seen on this topic. Thanks a lot.
By the way, the limit of US$1K, that you mentioned, has been my limit for my purchases for almost all the watches in my collection.
Cheers!
No Tudor, Omega for you then…
@@shinobi2119 Hi!
Just one Omega. The Seamaster!
I think Bond deserves a luxury Biscuit 😎!
I agree
- Bond
Tissot are by far the best value watches for both quality & style imho
Value for money, Christopher Ward Trident pro 300 is my winner till I can afford the Tudor Black Bay
I always thought SWC and Steinhart offer awesome value for the money. Microbrands probably have the best bang for the buck, in general. You'll find many, many offerings < $1000 with outstanding combinations of functionality and visual appeal.
$1500 before VAT .... because couldn't decide if $1K or $2K is entry higher end watch threshold. But, there are solid mechanical watches for less than $1K, Seiko and Orient. Micro brands are interesting, but some are definitely not inexpensive.
I was thinking the same price before you said it.
Great minds:)
Good examples that help make your case, since the further from 1k these are, the more they have well known shortcomings with, e.g., the bracelet. At what price can you get a watch that won’t have any compromises (other than perhaps prestige)? Probably closer to 1.5 (Monta, CW, Farer).
The biggest metric is get what you can afford. At a certain point there is a diminishing cost vs. quality. Found the major difference between mid tier and luxury is on bracelets. Not so much on straps, and you can replace those with something better and as good as a luxury watch for far less money. Not that they are bad, but just not as good,
Great video. I just got a Seiko King Samurai Manta. Sapphire crystal, Ceramic Bezel, Automatic, 200M WR for $450. Is my Omega Seamaster 300M 12 times better? 🤔🙄. Is the Submariner 2 times better than the Seamaster 300M? 🤔🙄.
Price is so subjective no matter what you buy. You could pick up a watch for just over a hundred dollars which may be more robust than one costing a million. All depends on what you want. A Maybach is a fantastic car, but there are more Civics on the road and they hold up well in spite of their paltry sum compared to higher end vehicles.
Diminishing returns for me is $5,000. More than that you’re buying the name imho. Gets into the “investment” territory.
Unfortunate that Mr. Bond does not share his dad's watch obsession.
He only likes Omega Seamaster
Easy- whatever the price is for a Sinn 104. Done. 😁
Yet another affordable/attainable watch video where Citizen gets no love.
I think $200 to $500 for Chinese homage watches that as you said "pack the specs." If you're looking for mid range Seiko in that price range the SARX line is killer. You can get SBDC051 and 061 for around $500 to $600. Oh and Hamilton as well. For around $1000 I think Oris is the best option for a first luxury buy. I wouldn't do an homage at that price like Genault. Also want to throw in Monta for around $1000 especially on the secondary market. I really think that brand is going places. But that's just like my opinion, man.
If you dont care about quartz vs automatic then just buy any casio or maybe 2 and be done with it. 1000 bucks is a lot for many and honestly not required if you are going the quartz route anyways.
Heck a Timex is a good watch. A $10,000 Rolex is not $5,000 better than a $5000 Omega, arguably a $5000 Grand Seiko is better than a $10,000 Rolex. If you don't care about the Brand go with a $1000 Micro Brand. More bang for the buck for sure.
Практически в любой ценовой категории можно найти достойные часы! В этом-то и прелесть нашего увлечения, что независимо от финансового состояния ты всегда найдешь что-то для себя подходящее!)
I only thought about this a couple of months ago ( oh, the money I spent...100s..).
My thoughts- e.g. a dive watch is only waterproof for 30 yars (true?), so factor in 2/3 servicing costs during that lifetime , which shouldn't cost more than the watc itself.
I've only watched 5 mins of your video so if is said I'll delete this comment with immediate effect.
Casio Oceanus.
A. don't buy designer watches B. if you want to buy designer watches, then buy designer watches. lol, what an arc of the story
C. see A.
@5:55 .... no no, they do not have all sapphire crystal... the MaxBill does not have sapphire crystal. Its hard plexiglass .... Very sensitive to scratches
It starts at $1000 to $1500 CAD. That's for a quality mechanical.
The watches really start singing after 3k I wasted a ton of money looking for bargains early on
"Good Watch" needs to be a bit more objectively defined-For me, this means, if I take care of it, I can expect at least fifty years of use.
Watches market today: $10k watches sold at $30k hyped up by grey market dealers
In Western Philosophy, you get what you pay for, so trust me, around 1000$ or above...
25 -5million dollars for a good watch
1 week salary
one YEAR salary is a good price for ONE good watch
One year or one month?
@@michaelriera6277 one year!
Very good watches under $1000 are Christopher Ward watches!
Great suggestion
not less then 28.000 €
LOL
You shouldn't spend more on a watch than what you give annually to charity. And no, giving to the church doesn't count.
I Oleg Hi Mr Bond (:
Hey Darren!
A good watch? My favourite watch, my GShock cost me under £100, I love my 2020 Alpinist which is great and my Oris Aquis was close to £2k….I love them all.
Sure, that is some shit out there but a good watch can be found at just about any price range.