$30 Watch Vs. $300 Watch: What's the Difference? Featuring the Hamilton Khaki & Timex Expedition
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- Опубліковано 24 тра 2014
- Thanks for supporting me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=845171 What are the significant differences found in these watches? Detailed description below ↡
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Click below for the next watch video in my "What's the Difference?" Series: $500 Watch vs. $5000 Watch! Hamilton vs. Rolex
• $500 Watch Vs. $5000 W...
Let's talk the differences between two excellent watches which at face value have a lot in common. The Field watch design is one of the most common in horology and with good reason with it's deep historical roots and useful, readable design. But what kinds of material and technical specifications make up the cost (roughly about 10 times greater for the Hamilton) differences between two otherwise similar watches? In this video I explore the significance of the material and mechanical differences found in these two watches. Some differences are significant and others are not, tune in to hear my perspective!
My Full Review of the Timex Expedition Scout:
• Review: Timex Expediti...
Timex Watch Specifications:
Case: Silvertone brass, round
Caseback: Stainless steel snap-down
Bezel: Silvertone, brass
Dial: Black, with Indiglo
Hands: Silvertone luminescent, white second hand
Markers: White full Arabic numerals
Calendar: Date at 3 o'clock
Strap: Tan nylon
Clasp: Tang buckle
Crystal: Mineral
Crown: Push/pull
Movement: Quartz
Water resistance: 5 ATM/50 meters/165 feet
Case measurements: 40 mm wide x 10 mm thick
Strap measurements: 20 mm wide x 8.0 inches long
Box measurements: 2.5 inches wide x 3.5 inches long x 3.0 inches high
Model: T499629J
My Full Review of the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical:
• Review: Hamilton Khaki...
Hamilton Watch Specifications:
Dimensions (without crown): 40 mm
Dimensions (with crown): 43.3 mm
Dimension (height, lug to lug): 49.7 mm
Lug width / bracelet strap size: 20 mm
Model reference: H695190
Movement (type): Mechanical Hand Wind
Movement (caliber): SWISS ETA 2804
Movement (jewels):
Functions: Centre second and date
Case Material: Bead Blasted Stainless Steel
Case back: Screw-in
Dial: Black military Style with Arabic numerals
Crystal: Domed Sapphire Crystal Glass
Bracelet: Black leather band
Water resistance: 100 m.
Great info, thanks. The biggest difference between a $30 watch and a $300 watch is this, I never lose a $30 watch!
Hahaha!
Timex watch lights up with indiglo can't beat that
Turn the lights on.
Not that simple in the outdoors.
get something with tritium.
truThat
Almost everything is subjective. Who gives a damn that the movement has X number of extra pieces, that it was hand made in Switzerland and that unicorn hair was used for the strap?
Simple answer- it depends whether a watch is a tool or jewelry to you.
BrainSeepsOut Thoughts on my watch reviews on my channel? I would greatly appreciate any feedback :)
BrainSeepsOut it can be both! dont be so shallow.
BrainSeepsOut More than that I think watch enthusiasts also appreciate the internal architecture and mechanics of a finely crafted and therefor more expensive watch.
Exactly. A mechanical watch is technically inferior to quartz or digital (meaning it keeps worse time and needs to be winded often) but being handmade and a high precision piece of tech makes it worthwhile. Just don't let people tell you mechanical is superior. Dress your wage, mechanical watches are luxury items.
BrainSeepsOut lol, luxury item? you are new in the wristwatch world?
do yourself a favorite and google orient watches
After lots of research into field watches it actually came down to an impulse buy when I saw the Timex at Walmart. Great looking watch at a pain free price.
Enjoy!
Buy a watch anywhere but Wally World..
in the seven years that have passed since the purchase, have you found a suitable war for which you can use this watch? The United States is always at war with someone if you have already bought a field watch, then it's probably time for war
I just bought a Timex Expedition, and so far I love it. Light, comfortable and an attractive, easy to read dial. My other watches are G-shocks -- excellent but heavy. Sometimes a lighter watch feels really refreshing.
Who knew Mark Ruffalo knew so much about watches?jk, Congrats!
hahahaha ON POINT!
HAHAHAHAHAHA! GOOD ONE!
I own a Timex Expedition, It's honestly my favorite watch.
Same here, even though I have had a 23-jewel Seiko automatic with sapphire crystal for over two decades.
@@stephenarling1667 The Expedition has such a pretty watch face, I think I may change the strap on mine though.
1 million views! Thank you for watching and welcome visitors!
Quality video
you need more subscribers lol
Thanks everyone for the amazing # of views on this video! If you're new to the channel I'd love to have you click that subscribe button! Have a good one! -Andrew
Thanks man! I'd check out vintage watches if you want thin and small at that size. Universal Geneve is one brand I'd check out!
+555 Gear Which other vintage would you suggest? any idea how much a JLC would set you back?
+555 Gear how did you get the timex
+Jude Meler Jude you can find it on amazon. they have a leather band now. im buying one
Philip Vancuver thanks i am doing that as well.
I was having second thoughts about buying a Hamilton Khaki but this video completely shows that its worth every penny. Thank you so very much for this video!
I don't consider myself much of a gear person any more, but I can't help but look forward to your videos. The level of detail, style of delivery, tone of voice, etc.-- all combine to create a truly enjoyable viewing experience. Your channel is tragically underrated.
+Matthew Tkach thank you! Greatly appreciated.
This is the definition of a complete review. Very well put together. Proper af.
Thanks man!
I feel a watch can be appreciated from many points of view.
Of the watches I've owned my favourite is the Casio F-91W. Why? Because it represents the ultimate bang for buck. I am 32 and have one that I believe I bought in my late teens for about £4. I broke the pins when I wished to change the strap for a textile one (I've since discovered I hate them) and the light button is broken due to taking a heavy impact, but it still works and keeps great time.
It is now sat in a drawer, retired. It does not hold significance in the same way watches from famous movies do or watches that are marvels of precision engineering, but it holds a place in my heart as it has been with me through thick and thin.
I appreciate watches for different reasons. The reason that least interests me is when a watch is used simply as a status symbol.
napalmhardcore Good explanation, glad you enjoy that Casio!
555 Gear I've checked out quite a few videos of yours today. Nice channel you've got going :)
Thanks!
napalmhardcore I have a $300 Wenger Swiss made watch and a $200 Danish made Skagen watch. Both of these watches keep good time and are beautiful looking. My Casio F-91W is my everyday watch and it keeps time just as well. Hmmm, what is the sole purpose of a timepiece?
I’ll always own a Casio back to the future calculator watch
Great review, really love how you presented everything as unbiased as possible.
Thanks for watching!
Was not looking at these watches in particular when I stumbled upon your video, but a very well done and thorough review which I felt hit all the points I consider in my choice of time piece. nice work!
I loved this video so much. So well explained. Clean, clear and professional. I appreciate all the time you took to produce this video
Thanks for watching!
Enjoyed your discussion very much. I hadn't really thought about the provenance, but you are quite right! However, the difference in price is substantial, and the Timex *does* keep on ticking. The tipping point for mr, though, is the Indieglo. I turn 60 next month and I have lost ALL of my night vision (due to Retinitis Pigmentosa). Even the watches with tritium tubes aren't bright enough, surprisingly. So I need to keep my Timex for as long as it keeps ticking!
Thanks for all the care and thought you put into your videos!
Thanks for your comment and for watching!
leonard bullhock mind blown
leonard bullhock I agree. I own watches from $6 to $6000 and i enjoy every one of them
A buddy of mine put it to me like this. A woman will buy all kinds of jewellery for herself which could cost up to thousands of dollars. A man will wear a watch everyday, this is the most luxurious item a man can wear day to day and always have it look good. You can buy a 10$ china watch or 10,000$ watch. As long as you love it
Well said my friend
I wear my seiko 5 everyday, AND I LOVE. The watch isn’t expensive, nor is it the best quality but I just love wearing it.
Watching literally sparked my interest in diving into the heritage of the Lucian Piccard Seashark that was my grandfather wore for years and i admired. Upon his passing, my Dad gave me the watch.....so thank you for your overall excellence in all aspects of your videos.
+Kevin Fuller that's awesome, I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and please enjoy that watch!
1k GAW video sent me here!! Love the reviews man! BTW the personal value aspect is how I've looked at all my purchases! Keep up the great work buddy!
Good review, and spot-on when (as stated) it's directed to 'Collectors'. MOST of the differences explained in the video are esoteric and thus personal and subjective opinion.
That said, the PRIMARY function of a wristwatch is to tell time (additional complications notwithstanding), even if it also fulfills some aesthetic desire. Ultimately, whether a particular watch is 'cool' has more to do with the person wearing it, than with the timepiece itself.
The great thing today is, with millions of watch from which to choose, every person has the ability to own an accurate timepiece at a price point that easily fits their personal budget. Now, that IS 'cool'!
I have an Omega Speedmaster from 1968, purchased one year before Buzz and Neil wore theirs on Apollo 11. I wore it proudly during the American Russian Space race. Then in 1982 I bought a $30 Swatch watch which was waterproof. I put the Speedmaster away and wore the Swatch in every ocean in the Atlantic from N.J. to the Bahamas and Mexico for over 30 years or more before it gave up the ghost. The cheap Swatch kept better time than the Speedmaster. After it died, I began to wear the Speadmaster everyday. Then I found out Omega was bought out by the Swatch Group. Go figure.
If you get the speedmaster serviced and regulated it should be accurate to about 3 or 4 seconds a day, maybe better. Tell them you would rather it run fast than slow. So you can stop the watch until it is 1 minute behind the real time. Then you only need to do that once every 5 or 6 weeks and the watch will never be more than about 1 minute out of the real time if you see what im saying.
Bro, I don't spend a ton of time watching opinion and review vids (if you'll pardon the pun) but I can't recall ever seeing such thoughtful, in depth, well articulated, 100% bs free reviews before. Super impressive!! Thanks and keep up the great work.
Awesome, I'm glad you found it. Welcome to my channel. -Andrew
I really enjoy your channel and the depth you go into with each video. I only recently got into watches after I purchased a nice Danish TW Steel (Japanese automatic movement). Not long after my dad told me he inherited a nice Oris and he gave it to me. That set off this obsession in a new direction. Thanks for the videos.
+jizzterrace Sounds great! Glad to have you here.
Very thorough review, and goes to show that many times you get what you pay for.
Thanks for watching: buy cheap, buy twice.
Hey 555 love your channel, Geology major here, it is pronounced Moe, MOHs hardness scale! Great video btw!
+ReadySetMoses thanks for the heads up!
1 GAW sent me here.
dude, I enjoy the clean crisp way of your reviews. look forward to others.
very nice video; well thought out, and to the point. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
I groaned at the 17 minute runtime then watched the whole thing without batting an eye. Excellent information.
Thank you for watching the whole thing!
Lots of information, pleasantly presented. Just subscribed.
Thank you for the compliment and subscription! Welcome!
Great review. Very articulate, unbiased, and informative. I like it and learned a lot
Glad you liked it!
Great review, to the point in terms of finish, wearability and functions, non-biased opinions are hard to find and this one really went straight to the point, keep up the great work, greetings from Honduras
Thank you from Iowa!
ANOTHER Great video! Just featured a Hammy Auto in my latest EDC video myself... keep it coming 555! Quality!
Thanks for your time! I enjoyed watching your loadout vid too, like the Khaki King and the issued Hunter! Nice choices, cheers!
you should totally compare the seiko 5 automatic to a more expensive watch
Right? I am wearing one right now and would actually like to see that. Would be neat to hear more about what I wear everyday.
More than two decades daily use has shown me this: my Seiko 5 Superior varies +/- 20 seconds per day. Timex quartz, under +/- 2 seconds per day. The Timex delivers 10x the accuracy at 1/10 the price. A Breitling quartz might be yet more accurate, but I do not have a spare $5K lying around to find out.
@@stephenarling1667 It's not a really good quartz tho, that's a lot of seconds per month. I just got myself a Timex anyway, as a collector I ahd to own one, so I'll see it myself. Seiko 5 are awesome mechanical movements, you really can't compare them to a quartz, it would be like comparing apples to oranges.
Really nice job. Thank you for the thoughtful and thorough analysis and commentary.
My first watch (I was ten years old) was a Hamilton and I have been looking for a modestly priced "field" watch, considering the Timex specifically for the Indiglo feature. Had not even thought of Hamilton, but now I will be weighing the points here (and my nostalgic tie) more than I ever anticipated.
Now if I can just get the band on my new daily-wear Seiko adjusted....
Its nice to hear someone speaking with thought, especially on you tube. Thx
Thank you for watching!
Excellent review that does explain the most important reasons for owning the Hamilton. From a utility standpoint, however, as a true field watch -- there is no contest, as any backpacker will soon find out. In the dark of night, the Timex tells time while the Hamilton is only readable with external illumination (the Ham's lume doesn't last very long). Additionally, in my experience, automatic watches do not run more than 35 hours or so (and that's if you're lucky). At least Hamilton does offer a manual wind-able movement on many of its "automatics".
+AccurateShooter I own both of these watches and the Hamilton lume isn't that great as you say but I'll point out a difference you are not talking about such as the Timex is on a battery and who knows when it will stop. Also the automatics you are saying don't run must be broken. An automatic is charged by your movement and minimal movement will keep it charged so anyone backpacking would be doing 100x what it needs to stay fully charged. I own several automatics but none of them have trouble staying charged when on my wrist, even at my desk.
It sounds like from your comment on automatic watches that you don’t understand how they work “stop working after 36 hours”... the whole point is that they -never- stop working if you are wearing them, they are powered by movement and not by a battery or the sun etc. As long as you are wearing it it will be running...
@@jackalo626 A battery is an easy, inexpensive thing to change. Think of it a simple once every 2 years maintenance, or put a fresh one in before a long trip.
i prefer automatic watches just because i like having such a complex piece of engineering on my wrist. quartz watches are basically digital
Exactly!
+Rusty Nugget holy fuck finally someone said it perfectly
+Rusty Nugget I find this quite a funny way to look at it. Isn't the digital watch a MUCH more complex and sophisticated piece of kit using much more modern technology? Granted they can be turned out cheaply now, but when it comes to complexity there's surely no question that digital is a more advanced bit of kit?
+Rusty Nugget (oh and to be clear I 100% agree automatic is much nicer, just not for that particular reason)
+HTCMichael I sort of feel like with quartz, while it may take modern technology to make, it feels like the result is basic. Primitive, even. Like all the sophistication is in the process of making it, not the final product.
But with the mechanical timepiece, even if you have the means and materials to create one, you need a skilled craftsman behind it for it to keep anything resembling accurate time.
Basically, it's a situation of sophisticated creation process and basic end result vs relatively basic creation process but extremely sophisticated end result.
Thanks for the reviews, you do a phenomenal job explaining things.
Thank you for your kind words and your time!
Very nice video. I just received a Timex Expedition (military) watch the other day & am really enjoying it but I can appreciate the quality of that Hamilton shown here.
Excellent review with high quality information and video. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
I must agree
Excellent and detailed review. I really enjoyed watching. I currently own a Citizen Eco-drive Skyhawk titanium watch, I had it for about 4 years now. No need to change batteries nor to adjust it, as it is radio controlled. It's all about convenience for me, but I still appreciate a fine mechanical movement ! thanks for your video.
Thanks for watching. Enjoy your Citizen!
That watch is Not going to work if hit by an EMP either natural or man made.
This is a very fair and balanced SET of perspectives: personal value, provenance, objective comparisons, artistic values, what matters? Nicely done! The selection of the 2 watches is superb. I am currently comparing Tissot T-Sport Chronograph and Timex Expedition Chronograph and have gone through all these thoughts, I just had not defined them so discretely. Good job.
Very glad you found the video and that you enjoyed it. Would be happy to have you as a subscriber! Cheers, Andrew
That Timex is NOT Thirty Dollars!
Fantastic video! Title is attention grabbing, explanations are thorough and clear and concise, and the visuals were on point. There was one point where the camera was revealed through a reflection. 9/10 *amazing*
In future videos, I would more clearly state who 'wins' and just list off the reasons as to why. That way the viewer who may have forgotten points made earlier on the video is reminded of them. I would also try to avoid the reflections from revealing the camera.
I am into watches but I am not a fan of calling everything crap which is below my standards.
Examples:
100€ Orient - perfect low budget workhorse, still mechanical with reliable japanese movements
500€ regular mass produced ETA, great workhorse watches, nice overall quality improvement
1500€ somewhat more unique and slightly more interesting movements
5000-10000€ great classics with really good and unique in-house movements
50000€+ Truly unique watches with the most complex complications.
I don't think any of the above stated categories should be trash talked. They all serve a purpose. Keep your standards to yourself. It is not a competition.
I actually completely agree and wish that people had a broader perspective that appreciates what's good at any price-point. I think this video reflects that opinion, otherwise I wouldn't have done the comparison.
IMO those 100-300 dollar orients>most watches in the 1000 price range (cough movado cough)
with orient you get IN HOUSE japanese movements that are DURABLE on par with those eta movements used in the 1000 dollar "brand" price range of watches.
zhi wei mai They give you a lot of bang for the buck but personally I think that it is a pity that the cheap line cannot be hand wound. (and they are non-hacking) Some Orient Star models can be but they are at a different price level. Also 1000$ watches usually have better bracelets, bezels and better finishing and they almost always come with sapphire.
So I think your statement is bit of an overstatement but still Orient offers amazing value.
it may be true that "some" of your 1000 dollar watches do far exceed the cheap orients that are commonly available, but the truth is there are ALOT of 1000 dollar watches that just aren't worth it....movados ENTIRE lineup is crap (i mention this brand because it is HEAVILY marketed to the common public)
David Topchiev Well this is not really a video guide for changing batteries and you could have just ignored the comments but you decided to talk down people because they appriciate mechanical watches when it is clear that you are not really familiar with this topic.
The other thing:
"But u can't convince someone forcefully to be as passionate as u are about a fucking Watch."
Nobody forced anybody to do anything. You don't understand us, no problem. We won't force you to buy and love a watch with a tourbillion complication.
You buy your own watch of preference and that's it.
I am going to delete the nasty comments. Absolutely no need for them.
Really interesting. I was just watching watch videos today out of interest, but I don't think I'm ready to plop down that kind of money.
I do agree with the points you brought up though; even though watches are "obsolete" some of us like things that took human care and artistry to make, and again that have some kind of history.
Thanks for your excellent comment!
expertly delivered, eloquent and engaging speaking style. I feel I was well informed on all levels. WELL DONE.. watching more.
Glad you enjoyed it Mike, thanks for your comment and welcome to my channel. Cheers, Andrew
Nice video man! keep up the work!
The jumping second hand on the Timex makes me anxious!
I can understand that!
Don’t be a wuss.
Get therapy
@@Kenichimightiest xanax
I bouncing jerky quartz second had is annoying to look at if it is beating itself to death which it is.
Or German or Japanese? Really? I own a Seiko Sumo with a 6r15 movement. This movement is on par with or better than a Swiss movement. High quality, great watch. The Japanese movements, while not having the status of Swiss movements, definitely can hold their own in the world of mechanical movements.
I have very favorably reviewed Seikos and Stowas here in the past and agree with your comments.
I concur, they aren't given enough credit.
Michael Clonts, you misheard him in the video. At 8:55 He said that you weren't going to find the problems with the Timex movement on a watch which is Swiss (or German or Japanese) as they have better quality control.
Magnificently informative video. Thank you!
Subbed, dude this vid rocked! I'm looking into the hamilton here as my first watch, thanks for the info. Looking forward to watching and learning more in the future.
Thanks for watching and for the sub! A hammy would be an outstanding first watch!
Nicely spoken, well done and thank you.
Thanks for your time!
555 Gear What do you think about Candino watches?
I got a C4462 as a present about a year ago, its pretty light on the hand and stays accurate (duh, quartz).
So far I'm satisfied with it, although I've been thinking of getting a mechanical watch in a couple years.
Ouch, golden rule, don't change the date between 9pm and 3am on analog watches Mr. Watch Expert guy.
+wnmetal666
why is that?
Why though?
^^ Because the date change gear usually starts to engage around this time to switch, so changing it then could damage the gears (not always, but it's always better safe than sorry)!
I was gonna say he probably broke the gear becuase you could see when he was trying to change it that the number was already aiming down a bit.
Thank you for introducing me to Hamilton watches.i wish that you keep making great videos.i like how pleasantly you speak.keep up the good work and i hope that you get more subscribers.
I want you to regularly make videos on watches.
A really love what you did with this presentation comparing a decent budget with it's higher end facsimile. The designs are very similar albeit one heavenly influencing the other. What I like the most about this video is you're showing how even the quartz Timex, in it's own way, can show it's resourcefulness in design when compared to the higher end Hamilton. Obviously at a $30 price point there are going to be some areas that are not as well made as the Hamilton. However, for $30 the Timex watch is a great field watch that keeps accurate time and has that vintage military design that's truly classical. I'm wearing the Timex scout now as I post this comment with aspirations of one day owning a Hamilton khaki field. This video was very influential when I decided to purchase the Timex.
One tells time, the other is also a prized posesion.
True for me!
I use my watch as my smart phone.
+Bungle2010 No, it's a smart watch.
***** Except my brother and dad had one. (my mom used to, but she stopped using it).
I tried for a month to use a smart watch. Then I found that it was taking away time from my real watches. Just not for me. And I ended up selling it for more than I bought it for. So win win
Great review. I've watched this video at least 3 or 4 times. I have purchased the Timex Expedition and I'm about to order the Hamilton. I am torn between the manual wind and automatic. Think I have settled on the manual wind to have the interaction, but like the clear case back of the Automatic. Thanks for the hard work you have put into this and so many other videos you have done.
Very good, well researched. Thank you very much!
I just bought my first Citizen watch and this video has shown me a broader understanding of why and what a good watch is. Now those $250 dollars feel much better invested. Thank you
alxfiend Thank you for your time!
alxfiend If you have a phone you don't need a watch.
Soupy lol
Soupy You so do...and if you don't know why, I feel sorry for you
Arcord10
for what reason. to look nice? if so, *_that's not what a fucking watch is for_*, it's to tell the time.
A continuous sweeping hand is very important to me. I find it interesting and beautiful. If they made a $30 watch that had a smooth moving second hand I'd buy them
My cheapest Automatic watch with a sweeping hand cost me 8 Euro from ebay , and it keeps decent time , the finish is crap , but keeps decent time , so technically you can have that.
Joseph Cachia - do a video showing this $8 continuous movement. I don't believe you.
Don't really have the time , but this is a link . . I got mine when it was still about 9 Euros . They are still cheap. These crap chinese watches tend to increase in price when they start selling . I use it when Im doing manual work and don't want to ruin a good watch. I could also but something cheaper in quartz prob. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Black-Blue-SOKI-Date-Analog-Automatic-Mens-Mechanical-Wrist-Band-Watch-S85-/371796665462?hash=item5690cee476:g:t2EAAOxyHIlTXmpe
Very cogent perspective on material ownership and what it means in our lives. Great review.
Thanks for your time!!
Good vid! Nice and clean vid quality and very informative narration. You've got one more sub.
Glad you liked it! Thanks a ton for the sub! I really appreciate it. Cheers, Andrew @ 555 Gear
I owned a Rolex Prince Submariner. Once. It was about $3000 in 1980's money. It looked wonderful and I wore it every day. The problem was it didn't keep accurate time for any reason. Rolex was adamant about making me happy. Incredible customer support. Alas it wasn't the watch. It was me. Apparently it only failed on MY wrist. Has to do with body chemistry. I don't understand it. Short story is my Timex Expeditions, I own 4 of them, (~$30ea) keep perfect time, ALWAYS. By all means if you can afford a Rolex and don't have to be punctual, you won't be disappointed. I'm not a jewelry guy, I'm a gotta be on time and keep my commitments guy. Timex has never failed me on that account in my 50 year working life.
+Nasty2015 Rolex is'n accurate guy do you hear what you are hearing , don't compare a piece a history and luxury with a cheap quartz and secondly GUYS STOP COMPARING CHEAP QUARTZ WITH AUTOMATIC THEY ARE QUITE DIFFERENT , A 30$ QUARTZ IT'S MORE ACCURATE THAN A PP
Are you Magneto?
Brilliant video, your material is always top notch. I'm visually and intellectually fulfilled, even as I sit here with my pile of nerdy G-Shocks. Cheers sir!
No lie, I was wearing a G when I shot this! Thanks for your kind words, from one nerd to another, they are appreciated.
It's been said, and I agree, that you're the North American Schmalhaus. :-D I think what you would really use is a camera slider. Your motion shots over narration are very good, but sometimes it's a bit noticeable that it's a still photo in motion. I can see some of the shots being replaced with a nice tracking shot or something on a small table dolly. A tiny change, but it could make a huge visual jump. Just thinking out loud, sorry for the ramble. Cheers!
sticktodrum
Ha, I think any comparison to Stefan is crazy talk (that guy brings his a-game), but it was great to get a shoutout! It's funny, I actually have some homemade silders which I've used in previous vids and I wasn't too thrilled with the result; nor am I too happy panning photos either. I definitely could benefit from some nicer accessories. Thanks for the suggestion!
555 Gear The one I use is a fairly cheap roller slider. It's not the fancy bearing type, but it's smooth enough, and gets the job done after a whole lot of practice. I'll have to dig up the place where I bought it. It was an import item, Chinese seller on eBay. Probably $100-140 or something. I don't know if you watch them, but Film Riot did a couple episodes on DIY sliders a while ago. They were pretty good. What you could look into are those table dollies. I've found some that CheesyCam reviewed, small roller dollies made from skate bearings and wheels that have good slide and track shots on a table top.
Anyway, cheers man!
Nice! I will look into it. Cheers!
Great video, extremely balanced and unbiased presentation .... I find the indiglo electroluminescent display too compelling an innovation and so I wear a $110 Timex TX knockoff, after getting bored with Ironman 100-lap 5-alarm chronographs which I wore for the past 10 years.
I have a Timex Expedition from 2003 and a Hamilton Khaki King recently purchased. Granted, each watch has its own character. The Timex is a great everyday watch, keeps excellent time, and has its own look. The Hamilton has its own look and is also a great everyday watch, keeps great time and makes me feel good wearing it. But, each watch is what it is with no pretenses and I enjoy wearing them both for that reason.
Which one would you recommend
In a dark room at night I know which I'd prefer (and it's not the $300 one).
I agree!
Why are you comparing a handwind movement with quartz? you should have used the Hamilton H68411533 or the Seiko 5 instead of the Timex, this would have been much more interesting.
Why would an automatic movement be more interesting than a handwinding? They're basically the same movement save for the self-winding aspect. I guess I don't understand your reasoning.
The H68411533 is a quartz not auto movement. Comparing a quartz to a handwind is comparing an apple to a coconut, total waste of time.
eric strada
Ok, I had the wrong model # in mind. But comparing quartz vs. mechanical is still interesting, I gotta disagree with you there.
Then I'm confused, is your purpose to discuss the technical differences between movements or the quality difference between a $30 watch and a like $300 watch as the title suggests? to combine both purposes makes no sense.
eric strada
Look, most $30 watches are quartz, and many $300 watches have mechanical movements, which is considered by many to be an upgrade. This is a perceived difference in quality in quartz vs mechanical, as I discuss. Not super hard to understand IMO. Different in kind, different in quality? That's what I'm trying to discuss.
That's one of the most balanced perspectives I've EVER heard on watches regarding price & quality in this range. Thank you! Any chance you could do a review on an Invicta? I'd love to hear your thoughts on one of their pieces.
Thanks for your time and for your suggestion!
very helpful and detailed review and comparison. I would have appreciated a sentence or two on the sound quality and noise profile of each of the watches. Also an opinion of the durability of the watch bands - how long will they last with average daily wear. Many thanks.
Can you do a $30 watch vs a watch that someone would pay $30 to take off their hands? Thanks!
Ha ha great idea
+UhuruSasa85 like an Invicta?
I've got a question if that's ok. I'm currently wearing a $60 Seiko5 and, with the exception of the case size, there seems to be little in the way of difference between that and the $300 Hamilton. Are the differences the type of thing a noob like me wouldn't notice; ie materials used for construction etc? My Seiko did come with a shitty strap, so replacing it brought the price up to $90ish, but that is still a difference of two hundred notes.
Cheers.
Good question! They do share a lot in common for sure. Arguably the ETA movements in Hamiltons are better movements than Seiko 5 movements, as they are hackable, more accurate, and finished better. Also Hamiltons have sapphire crystals. Also of course the Swiss Made label has cache for better or worse, as I've discussed in other vids. But I really like Seiko 5's and they are probably a better value.
555 Gear The new Seiko 5 4R36 movements are hackable.I'm wearking a Seiko 5 to test out life with an automatic watch. So far, initially, for $70, I'm IMPRESSED.
I'd like to see that stacked up against the Hamilton.
Great suggestion!
To me automatic watches is a creation with a complexity that almost gives the watch life. Watching it move with each tick allows you to feel the breath of life and beauty the watch maker put into that watch. Quartz. Well quartz just tells the time, but sometimes it is enough
that was most likely the best and most honest review ever. subscribed.
+Cristian Becerra i'm glad you enjoyed it. Very happy to have you as a subscriber!
For $30 dollar we cannot expect much more than a very basic watch. Timex does well for the price. Too bad they did not up the price to, say, $60 and then be able to have a real steel case and some other refinements
I agree!
I better not find ANY problems if I pay $300 for it. watches are cool though, sometimes seem a little pricey though.
It's all relative. That's a pretty good value for what you get with the Hamilton. People spend more on pocket knives and fountain pens.
jclaunch00 oh I know very well. but you can find an automatic under $300 as well that doesn't have problems. *cough* Seiko *cough*
Every hobby have its price
Awesome review - learned a ton - thank you!
1k GAW sent me here! But I also checked it out previously. Well thought out and we appreciate the more in depth watch discussion
Thank you!
Considering the fact that some 25 years ago rolex , over night, increased the price of their watches some 300 percent simply because , in their words, not mine, too many people were purchasing rolex watches ! Yep. Too many '' regular people '' were wearing what only the rich were supposed to afford. I owned several over the years prior to the increase , and not a single one kept better time than my 21 jewel Seiko !! Now the same watch I paid less than two grand for cost almost eight !! Its only worth about a grand in my opinion. My point is , unless you just have money too burn, in which case please send me some, a good work horse watch like Seiko or citizen is always going to be a win win. I have owned enough higher end watches to be able to say you seldom get what you pay for when it comes to jewelry.
I also own higher end watches like Tag Heuer but my daily beater is a $200 Citizen Eco-drive. IMO Citizen and Seiko are definitely the 2 best watch companies in the sub-$500 price range. I've also found my Citizen keeps better time than my $2k TAG, and I like being able pick it up and wear it without having to worry if the time is wrong because it wasn't wound in the last 2 days.
If you want accuracy, a Casio or citizen that sets itself to the atomic clock every night will trounce ANY quartz or mechanical watch. An automatic Rolex isn't even in the same league.
Hamilton also makes good watches. Like the Hamilton Khaki field collection is very nice.
I think the video is good for reviewing the aesthetics, but the main reason why you spend money (and a lot further north of $300) is for the movement, the same part of your video you didn't want to spend much time on. But that's what makes a watch. The engineering on the Hamilton automatic is light-years beyond a Timex. And if you want a reliable, tried and true watch with great style and a great movement, you buy a Hamilton; incidentally, $300 for a Hamilton is pretty cheap considering their normal $1,000 dollar price tag. But if you want an affordable, high quality movement, you spend $5,000-10,000 on a good Omega or Rolex. The Seamaster by Omega is a great everyday wear, and it's what I usually have on. If you want ultra-luxury, well, we can get into the $50,000+ range for some incredible German and Italian pieces.
I agree that is a very important factor and I didn't cover the technical side of movements here just because I did already in previous vids. Love the Seamaster, enjoy!
Sunburn2007 "But if you want an affordable, high quality movement, you spend $5,000-10,000 on a good Omega or Rolex."
That's not really affordable luxury, in my opinion. I'd say that a price point closer to $1000-$3000 is nearer to what you describe. I'd also argue that the manufacturing quality is an extremely important factor in deciding to spend that kind of money. If it feels cheap, but I paid a lot of money for it, am I getting my value out of the purchase? A quality movement is an important factor in deciding to spend a lot of money on a watch, but I can't feel a movement on my wrist, so that tactile element is a deciding factor for me in deciding on a purchase...
At that point you really don't care about the functionality of the watch though. The basic function is to accurately measure time. Saying you need 5-10k for a good movement to do so is frankly insane. You can get a Casio that sets itself to the atomic clock every night, and is powered by the sun. You never have to do anything to it, and in 15-20 years it will be within a 10th of a second accuracy. The only reason to pay a ton for a mechanical movement is status, or just to admire the design/craftsmanship, but it has nothing to do with functionality or accuracy.
Great review! Well done!
great and thorough review. how long did you wear both of them before you did your review?
If it tell's time, I good with that!
I feel like we could get the same amount of information in about 5 minutes.
Thank you for the video, good info. I have an old Hamilton labeled Orvis (a high end outdoor and fishing company). The movement is cleaner than the one you show here.
Actually the 7s26 Seiko is a much more polished movement and quite robust although it doesn't have a wind feature but for 50 to 60 bucks (Seiko 5) I think it's a better overall value and nicer mechanical watch.
Rob
I thought this was a great review and comparison. Thank you. If nothing else, it was thought provoking, which is appreciated.
$30 is a pretty bad example for a low-end watch. If you spend $50-$100 the quality to price ratio is off the charts.
As much as I love watches I don't think I'd ever buy a really expensive watch. I prefer middle of the road brands like Seiko. They're well built especially for the long run, reasonably priced, timeless in design and are reliably good. I recently purchased an Invicta and it's great. Looks like a Rolex submariner and of course doesn't feel like one but it's still solid and weighted in it's feel.
I love my Seikos, a rare intersection of excellent quality and real affordability!
555 Gear Yeah I'm a big fan of Seiko watches. Even if it's a bit out of budget for some they can relax knowing it will work well 10 years from now.
Same here I own several invictas and I own a breitling and people always comment on my invicta watches....I wear a g shock most of the time that thing is unbreakable
You are right about the quality, but not all Seiko watches are reasonably priced by the way. Yesterday I saw a watch that was € 2500,- That's ridiculous... Okay it can some special things, but for that price?
Djonkie Bonk I think you are right! I feel good with my middle price watches! But, I have to say I would have an Omega if I had the moneynow!!
Great video! Extremely informative and helpful with understanding information about watches! You’ve got a fan! Have you looked into Vaer watches? I’ve been reading up on them recently and kinda like what I see. Opinion?
Excellent presentation, keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Does the Timex actually cost $30 in the US?
Its more like £40-60 ($60-90) in the UK
+Rory Mag We get ripped off in the UK, is it only now you noticed lol
Only just started taking interest in watches, but yes I've now realised how utterly ripped off we get.
+Rory Mag Probably has to do with your country's import duties.
+Rory Mag Yeah dude, Americans are lucky man. They get everything cheap. and timex is an american company dude.
In europe they are more like 30-90€
Lycosa Do keep in mind that it's a tradeoff, we get cheaper foreign goods but that also means more of our manufacturing jobs go overseas AND it reduces our influence and potentially stability. Imagine if a war started and suddenly nothing was coming from china anymore. We literally couldn't do it, the consequences would be catastrophic, who knows how much of our medication and medical supplies come from overseas manufacturing, and vital everyday living products. Since everyone know this, it means people don't fear the USA like they used to, because we have no real bite, we can only really use our influence against countries that aren't a big part of our stability. Compare that to russia for instance, which has a wealth of natural resources, doesn't need to import oil, natural gas, or coal, and as far as I'm aware, doesn't at all. This allows them to be more bold in their foreign policy, because it's harder to hurt them economically.
Countries with higher import duties typically retain more local business. So it sucks if you specifically want a product made in another country, but it may make more economic sense to do it that way for the country you live in.
Hamilton quality shows, too bad it couldn't be backlit.
That would be pretty cool for a mechanical watch!
Thanks for the video. Very informative.
1k Gaw sent me here. Really enjoying your videos
Thanks!
6:00
LOL
My timex's mega loud ticking distracted me from sleeping at night so I always had to take it off. When I had to change time zones, more than once the subtle movement of the crown ensured it didn't click back in fully so the watch stopped. The indiglo ran down the battery quite quickly, and when I had to change the battery the case back although easy to take off was near impossible to put back on. I eventually broke the glass trying to get it back on. But I was glad. Worst watch I've ever owned. I now like low priced steel and plastic Casio divers style watches and higher priced Seiko 5's.
Thanks for your comments! Seiko 5 is a good upgrade
You're welcome and thank you.
very informative, thank you!!
I am wayyy late to the comment party on this one. Current cost of these is around $45 and $450. That said, I actually own and love both for different reasons. The Timex is my get home from work on Friday, put it on and don't take off until Monday morning watch. It's been worn hunting, fishing, camping, and everything in between. It's got some wear on her but still ticking away and just an awesome watch for the money. As for the Hamilton...its amazing. You hold the two and can just tell where the extra money went. I have all the confidence in the world that the Hamilton could withstand the abuse I put the timex through, I just don't have the heart to do it to it though, it's just too nice of a watch. The Hamilton serves as my work/office watch and even though it's a field watch it looks great with a suit or casual to somewhat formal settings.