Agreed, unless it's a unique timepiece and you keep it safe as a work of art. Anything that can be purchased freely is just "an instrument" made for being used and menat to be.
You’re right. However this all depends on one’s financial situation. For some, a Submariner is something that they would only wear for special occasions. For others it’s a daily beater. Some people would never swim with a Royal Oak or Nautilus. To others they’re rather “cheap” watches.
AGREE! Bought a Timex Indiglo Expedition with a full-coverage metal back. Need to change the battery, and somehow managed to pry the metal back off. Changed the battery with no problem, but could NOT replace the backing because it takes a special Press gizmo to push the backing back into place. BAD design, and even though I have had good luck with the accuracy of Timex products, I will be very careful when purchasing another Timex watch-----taking special care not to purchase one unless it is kept in place with screws that can be removed with the small screwdrivers used to adjust eyeglasses. Costco carries them.
I remember when my Brietling Callisto main spring broke I took it to the local watch maker they wanted $675 to repair it!! this was in 2005! then I found this Chinese guy who could barely speak English and he did the work including the parts for $90!! needles to say became friends with him since have taken him even a Patek Philippe pocket watch! he fixed it no problem that guy is amazing he services the watches while you wait and see him work! its truly an art form!
@@CGR9Noveno entirely possibly if he didnt see him work on the first one. entirely possible.. especially considering the price he paid to get it fixed, 90 bucks is like fast food workers daily wage lol. not sure how he thought that was a good idea to do.
Thank you sir. In 1997 I was in the market to spend a decent chunk of change on s watch for my dad and one for me to scuba dive in. I sold a car and had $3,000 to spend. We shopped for a few watches that were Grey market, a 1960s Omega, and a few that were frankly too high end for fellas like us. My dad saw a Wenger Swiss Army for a little over $100 I think and I found an entry level Citizen (non eco drive,) for $225. My dad still wears that watch and he worked as a machinist. I made 500 or so dives with the Citizen and still wear it as well. Great video and you are doing a tremendous service for folks. I just got lucky and made the right choice but I would have loved to see your video back then. Cheers from Mississippi.
Thank you for the caliber of your presentation! I'm a layman in terms of watches but your video gave me very clear advice that was easy to understand and offers the benefit of your experience in this realm. Excellent pointers!
Just dipping my wrist into the world of watch collecting and I have to say your content has been very helpful indeed! Great presentation; friendly casual exposition. Nicely done. New subscriber!
Just found your channel. Boy did you hit home on many topics and I fall into one of them. Rolex Submariner.. It cost 800 dollars for a tune up and the shop recommended a tune up every couple of years. Plus only wear it on special occasions. My brother had one also and he wore it everyday as a cop. Said you pay all that money and you never wear it. Very true.
@@tittyblast1978 Hahaha love your name!!! 😂 🤣 😂 Christopher Walken top boy 👌Wonder if he's into time-pieces too and what he'd go for 🤔 Yes I know, too much time on my hands... Perhaps should take one or two off phnar phnar!!!
A friend of mine bought a Tommy Hilfiger watch and i was going for an Emporio Armani. I'm getting an Orient Bambino in the same price instead. You are doing God's work with these kind of videos, sir. Thank you.
Have fun with your Bambino! It's truly a beautiful piece; i wear mine on occasions and it always draws interested looks. It's really a conversation starter :)
In 1986 I bought a Seiko Moon Phase Watch, and I still wear it every day and adore it. I would cry tears of blood if I ever lost it. It looks perfect on my arm, it's fairly small and quite flat. I barely feel it while I'm wearing it.I've tried other watches but nothing has beaten old faithful. Truly the best item I've ever bought. I think I paid about $250au for it.
I got a gold Seiko quartz, and a old Seiko world timer and they've both been in my family for over 20+ years with no issues after upkeep, truly a fantastic brand
You sound like a real sad sack over a watch. How many watches did I own as a kid and teen in the 1980's, about three. One was a calculator watch, a Seiko of some sort and a Citizen analog/digital. They're been and gone. I own two watches I bought years ago and can't be bothered wearing them because no one wears watches, we all get the time from our phones.
Great video! You said everything important things about when buying a watch! I'm not a collector, I just have about 3-4, but when buying a watch I really do a lot of research what fits most to me what to avoid. Really great video! You get my like
Amazing video. No.4 reminds me a hilarious saying: “You never actually own a daniel wellington. You merely look after it for the trash bin.” Rude but kind of true.
I know a person who intentionally bought a counterfeit DW because „the genuine is so expensive but they are so beautiful I have to own one, especially I like their fancy straps”. If only they knew DW straps are ordinary NATO straps and can be mounted on almost any watch. I couldn’t stop laughing. I thought it was a joke but the person was dead serious 😂🤣
If it was repairable, would it even be worth it? A smart watch is like a phone eventually the hardware can not support the new software with up to date security features and now you are getting into vulnerabilities like malware infection and possibly getting hit with things like identity theft.
Better buy a g-shock with heart rate monitor. The price is just a little bit expensive than an apple watch. But hey, a g-shock guarantees worth of money. At least can last many years without worrying the battery
People who buy Apple watch will buy a new one in 4 years to get a useless new feature. Apple watches are for gadget lovers, not watch lovers. They didn't buy their Apple watch for keeping time or for style/fashion. Bigger question is, I wonder how many "I don't need a watch, I have a phone" people ended up getting an Apple watch lol.
I have modded a few watches, and so long as you find a clean space and have the right tools, it is fine. The hand pusher-on tool thingy is the most important (hands are fragile). The best part is that you can regulate the watch and have a Seiko NH35 run to COSC standards. Just buy the tools, get two of everything (three winding stems), and learn while doing. The best part is that you can make extra watches with your spare parts, not to mention swap out Seiko movements to avoid paying for a service.
Here is the "Austin Powers IV: Watch Maker, the Ultimate Time Master" version: (enjoy) Watch Maker: "I've been expecting you, Powers! ...but first check out my latest Patek Philippe Uber Ultra Grand Complications!! It comes complete a standard tachymeter, tourbillon, and a special repeater that chimes on leap year; a perpetual calendar, day, date, and month; a moon phase, of course, and also the retrogrades of Mercury and Mars, it has TWO GMT hands, one for each meridian-- both Prime and International Date Line--and a 24 hour and double 12 hour fully rotating bezel, and looks quite exceptional...exquisite...I get emotional just thinking about it. There's even a special setting for when I'm in those awful time 30 & 45 minute time zones---WHY DO THEY DO THAT?? ...wait, where was I?"
I paid about 400 box forn an oris artelier and I am really curious how is it possible, what was the trap. But I bought it with a warranty from a a watch store
I bought a frankenwatch Seiko from India. It was cheap enough that if it's just awful, I won't mind tossing it. I like the look of it and buying a "non-frankenwatch" of the same watch would cost like $300 while the dial is all scratched and deteriorating. Update: Watch arrived. Looks great. Works fine. Happy with my purchase.
I bought a £13 Ricoh watch (including postage) from an Indian seller last week. Honestly, if it runs fine I'll be happy with it, I don't mind if it's not all original, I just like the look of it and I'm not going to find one like it in a hurry (or even at all). If it doesn't work, it's no big loss! Shame it's going to take almost six weeks to arrive 🙄
Thank you SO much! Especially for the advice on fashion watches. They did really get me into watches, yes. But now I see the way I should move further and what to avoid.
I sincerly love your videos. I have just started as “collector” and your wisdom and sincere opinion has help a lot. Watching from México while drinking a pint!
Disagree about the grey market point. Every time I've purchased or came close to purchasing a mid to high end watch from an Authorised Dealer, every single time they've tried to sell me their display model with scratches and scuffs and what have you. I once requested a newly boxed one to be shipped in and they simply received another display model from another store. It's just the nature of their business that they can only keep so much stock on hand for security/finance reasons. I've purchased a number of grey market watches and all but one of them have been flawless. One had a misaligned bezel, and it went straight back to the manufacturer who fixed it free of charge under warranty.
I should’ve found your channel earlier. I just realized that I recently bought an automatic chronograph watch in what you refer to as gray market. It came with a two year international warranty, but after I had it registered with the manufacturer, I found out that the warranty is only valid if it was bought from an authorized dealer. Now, the packaging and information of origin comes from an authorized dealer name, but the online company I made the purchase from doesn’t show in the list of authorized dealers. The only way for me to communicate with the seller is by email and she couldn’t give me a satisfactory answer when it came to the warranty cover. I’m happy with the watch, the price I paid for it and the fact that all the codes and numbers checked ok with the maker when I had it registered, but I sure hope it doesn’t give me any issues for the next two years at least.
I just wanted to say I appreciate everything you do for this channel the amount of effort that goes into the videos and the intro best regards to you and the viewers of the urban Gentry
I don't see a problem with a reputable grey market dealer like Jomashop. I always hear, "what about the warranty?". So what about the warranty? If I am saving $3k, who cares if it needs $700 in repair work, I am still winning.
I’ve personally had a bad experience with them but I wouldnt get into that as I eventually got my money back but I’ve read about people making use of their warranty and getting it back damaged and saying the watch was delivered to the dealer for repairs already damaged and having to live with bent hands or scuffs on the dial etc.
Another thing that I don’t like is that they sell old models that don’t have the latest specs and cannot truly confirm anything until you get it and the dilemma is some specs you won’t be able to know unless you open the watch or hold onto it long enough to verify but considering their return policy you won’t be able to return for refund by the time you figure out what version of the model you got.
Enjoyed your video. I had a most unpleasant experience with a Rolex knock-off. My husband bought it for me as a joke when he was on a business trip to Hong Kong. He presented it to me when he got home and I decided to wear it that day. By early evening, the watch had stopped working. One of the little studs glued on as hour markers came loose and got tangled in the hands. The bad news is I inadvertently left my husband waiting for me for more than an hour at the concert we were to attend that night. The good news? This time being late wasn't my fault! The useful alibi aside, the fake Rolex wasn't even worth the @ $20 my husband paid for it.
Gordon from Calgary. First time watching well done. My self have an Caravelle electrotime set-o-mate, 1980. I was in a bike mishap in 1987 watch was o I don't know ruined I thought but held on to it. Then about 5 or 4 years ago I decided to take in to some one very good in repairs. He told me it was worth repairing and so I did. It works great now. I remember for years what I was going to do with it. It is really nice to have it working. It was Christmas gift from my parents. Thanks for listening, Gordon.
I'm sure it varies from product to product, but I've got an iPod that's about ten years old at this point. It's scratched up with a dented backplate (probably from the time it rattled down a small cliff and got lodged in the roots of a tree) and the battery isn't great, but it still works as new. Doesn't see much use anymore, but when it does, it's fine.
They will if you take care of them mines last forever and don’t even get a scratch on them 😂I just use a case and screen protector that I haven’t changed since I bought it doesn’t even have a crack on it and has been dropped multiple times
Very good advice for a novice and also a reminder to those of us who have been collecting watches for years. Many years ago, I lost money on a very good fake but, fake never the less, Royal Navy Omega Seamaster 300 and also a Synchron Doxa Sub that was genuine but not really restorable due to the parts now made of unobtanium. The Doxa runs and is a good beater. The Omega doesn't run but is kept as a good reminder. We live and learn.
Grey market is perfectly fine up to a certain price point. I absolutely would not buy a rolex or omega speedmaster from one, due to restocking fees and other reasons you listed. But there's nothing wrong with getting cheaper watches like a Khaki Mechanical or Seiko skx007 for well below retail.
I *strongly* agree with number 2. Those who genuinely value watches like myself don't like the idea of smart watches. They're not reliable at all. They need charge and are more high maintenance than average watches due to being a very sensitive little machine. If there's no charge and internet you'll be just wearing a screen LOL I always buy things thinking of the most scariest survival scenarios in my head. Call me old fashioned, but I still love traditional watches. I want my watch to only show me the correct time, not stalk me. Smart watches are made to keep an eye on you. It's designed to control your mind. Overtime people are gonna become more and more stupid using these gadgets! Plus the radiations from smartphones are harmful enough, you don't need more cancer causing gadgets that's harmful for your health. Though I am of this generation I don't like smart watches. Apple can't even run their phones properly for 5 years straight, I can't imagine their watches 5 years down the line! Apple slows down all their devices when new ones come out to push customers into buying their new products. Apple heavily manipulates their customers. I know this because I've used Apple since iPods first came out LOL not worth it. I'd put smart watches in the "fast fashion" category.
And they just don't look as...classy as a real watch either, imo. ⌚ I've not bought a smart watch all this time just because of looks. Plus, like you said, my phone is enough of an invasion of privacy as it is. I don't need another miniature one strapped to my wrist all day and night. Lol
I bought a couple of Smartwatches- the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the Casio GShock Protrek WSDF20. But the fact that at times I’d forget to charge those Watches made me appreciate my Gravitymaster Tough Solar Casio GShock.
So when I was a "kid" I bought what was then "the" pilot's watch. It was lost in a move. Ten years later I found my 500$ watch in a box I nearly tossed. I had lost the bezel years earlier. A new thing, the internet had come along, so I looked up a bezel for the watch I had bought, and worn, so long ago, my Rolex GMT 6542. The result nearly killed me. Are there really idiots that would pay that much? I wish I could say I replaced the bezel with an original...I would have to sell a house. I did have it serviced (not cheap). As to owning a watch you can't wear (my watch is probably worth a quarter of what my house is worth). Zooming down the highway on my Ironhead I sometimes think of the odds that, after an accident, would my watch still be with me but I still wear it, every day. I love that watch. What I hate are collectors vacuuming up relics to put in their own museums, never to be enjoyed; driving the cost of ownership past the point of sanity. Now if someone would just send me a Bakelite bezel...
MVMT got me into watches and eventually looked into it when I wanted to get some more. Learned alot about the watch market and easily learned that these fashion watches are overpriced for questionable quality. Got a Timex Weekender and love it. Tried an inexpensive watch brand that charges proper prices and like it for what it is. Finally got an Orient Defender and I'm never going back. I'll honestly slowly grow a collection because watches are just so interesting.
NOTHING wrong with a Timex. They make some fantastic watches. Id rather a bog standard low end €20 Timex than a MVMT, Daniel Wellington, philippe loreti etc.
I have been thinking about buying a Citizen Eco-Drive for a while now. I like the no-battery & no watch winder aspect of these Eco-Drive watches. Seems almost too good to be true. I’d appreciate any other insights you have and which models you’d recommend?
@@Kenerdmann Considering this comment is almost a year old now, I figured I'd chime in to your reply. I just bought my first watch, a Citizen Nighthawk Eco-Drive. Obviously I'm inexperienced but I'm super happy with it, at 42mm I was worried it would be too big, but it looks and wears great. The steel band on it is also pretty decent quality, which from what I've researched, usually isn't the case with under $200 watches. Good luck!
My youngest boy is a Navy pilot. I got him a Citizen Skyhawk AT (I think it was a ProMaster but can't remember) several years ago when his Citizen Blue Angels AT got fried by SPIE radar. Every time I've seen a picture of him anywhere around the world; at Fleet locations ashore, in Europe or aboard a carrier, he's had that watch on his wrist. He loves it. He knows how to and uses the whiz-wheel and all the features of the watch. I asked him a couple years after I gave him the watch how he liked it. His reply was "You done good, Dad. You done real good." He's moved up in rank since then and is now second in command of a stateside Naval Base and still wears that watch. Some of that is no doubt because "Dad" gave it to him but it's been a real good watch. I just bought a new Citizen Eco Drive Bryson BL5551-06L and I love it. I've had Eco Drives before that got destroyed through no fault of their own (one had a window slam shut on it because I stupidly put it in the wrong place to charge. Won't make that mistake again.) and I've been a fan of Eco Drives for quite a while. I have other watches l like to wear too, but the Bryson is still new enough to be novel and a real treat. Every time I look at the time I think about how much I love this watch. When the novelty wears off (if ever) and I wear something else now and then it will go on a light charger I got on Amazon so it will always be charged up and ready to rock.
I don't know if this is incorrect or not but is it true that an Eco-Drives cannot be serviced even by Citizen themselves. Like, if the hour hand starts acting up you just have to throw it away or live with it. I'm new to watches and saw this on some forum.
smartwatches got me into watches. I bought an apple watch and loved it..... less and less over time when I discovered the magic of mechanical timepieces. sold it after 9 months and started my mechanical watch collection and saving up for a speedmaster professional :)
Congrats on educting yourself. Good luck on your goal. Then look into Vintage receivers such as Marantz 2600/2500, Pioneer 1280/50 or Sansui 9090 etc. Go for QUALITY first. Always. It'll save you big $$ in the long run.
My favorite watch is Casio G-shock ! Man... It keeps perfect Time and so Reliable , you dont need to worry anything else ! Great videos! Great Job !:))
Great video as always TGV. I saw your videos when my Armani Exchange watch was still under the 30 days return period from Macy's. I returned that watch the same day and bought the SKX with money left to spare.
The Urban Gentry I have in mind buying a Chinese Seagull, but I have to buy it online and I never bought before a watch that I haven’t got in my hands before. I already have a khaki field classic model, is the seagull in the same level of quality?. Thank you.
Puthearith Chea, good idea. When I shop for a watch at Macy's I just pass by the fashion watches that are seen in large quantities in flashy, attractive display cases and look for a Seiko automatic...I got one Seiko at a Macy's with 25% off.
Casio for life! My Gshocks may not be the nicest looking of watches but they are are very capable and damn near indestructible. My G shock steel is my daily driver and looks good. I'd like a MR.G in the future love the look.
I love G-Shock. I bought the Wave-Ceptor solar powered ones, and they are still beating away on the same power cells they came with. One is thirteen years old.
I wear vintage Omega watches. Five manuals and one automatic. All six are excellent time keepers. But one was a problem. It was a Bombay special. it worked for a while and quit. I have a good watch repairman. He took the watch apart and the movement was clued together. It is a 1943 black face war watch. Very nice looking. This watch is a omega 26.5t3. They quite making this 15 jewel watch in the early 1950's. My repairman said the parts were made out of unattainium. He said but in drawer and forget it. I did that, but every once in a while I would look at, In my eyes it is a beautiful watch. So if the watch parts were not attainable, I decided to buy another 26.5T3 for parts. It took three tries. I got the right last December. its was made very close to mine. The part came out of Australia. They look beat up. Put the movement was in great shape. My repairman just wanted to swap the movement., but I decided I wanted to keep its original numbers. So Dr Frankenstein did the work. And said it was a live. I went though quite a lot to fix this watch, but damn. I wanted that watch fixed and fixed it is. It keeps excellent time, I believe very close to current watches. I wear this watch a lot.
Honeslty I had my Seiko for 2 years now and it still works like I bought it yesterday... and got gifted a solar seiko as well and it still works great with me.
I unfortunately was caught. Not that it's bad, but I bought exactly what was shown, a Daniel wellington for my wife. She loves it, but going forward I'll be researching as I've just started with watches
Can't agree with you on gray market watches. I bought omega that would cost me over $10k to buy from AD, bought it on gray market from reputable seller for $4500🤷♂️ ,4 years later I had to service the watch for $1000 from omega with 2 years omega warranty. So buying on gray market saved me $4500 🤷♂️ how is that not great deal??? Yes buying on GM means no factory warranty but who cares if you saving that much money you can have to factory service it and still save money definitely worth the risk as long as the price is right.
I entirely agree; I have bought GM watches (sometimes with the dealers stamp) and had no trouble. The only time I have had an issue with a new watch was with my Rolex Daytona which I bought from an AD in Singapore and had to have repaired when I got back to the US. I have made some incredible savings buying GM watches. In two cases I saved in excess of $10 000 which is better in my pocket than that of an AD 😁.
@@DigiteAquiONomeDoCanal Doesn't that only apply to Eco-Drive watches and not all Citizens are Eco-Drive. Cheaper ones are just quartz. I am looking into buying a watch right now. I have looked at online shops from big to small, mom and pop shops, mall and department stores and pretty much any authorized dealer I can find. The Seiko 5s have been a lot cheaper than the Eco-drives and in most cases even the regular Citizen quartz.
That was actually a proper and very smart list with substantiated advice on what to avoid and why, instead of the regular click-bait top 10 rubbish waste of space. Regular viewers of course knew that already but this video came up in my search for something completely opposite, so I had a false start. Happy to have watched it all the way to the end. Great video! Totally agree with the blinged out smart watches, they seem the epitome of pure consumerism. And being able to afford servicing costs of high end watches is a really important one as well. Most of the other bullets are mainly at the discretion of the buyer, I think, as long as you know what you get yourself into. Except for the first one on your list, that number ten is absolutely the number one for me, for all the reasons you mentioned. And that was also the most impressive part of the video, which was great throughout, but taking into consideration the entire "value" chain and cradle to cradle responsibility of which we as consumers are also part, was very impressive. Well done mate! From personal experience a grey market time piece can be OK, but you need to be smart about it; You have to monitor that market first, and never for high end watches, unless you have money to burn. Mid range watches though, I have bought a few, and they are all actually fine. But the warning is warranted. If you haven't spent the time and effort in getting acquainted with that market, and if you are not able to stay objective and not being blinded by the price, which is possibly obscuring bad actors, and yet you dive in head first, you become part of the problem. I have made sure first what the averages are price wise, and what they had to offer, either or not accepting returns etc. to then determine what actually a good deal consists of, and then take the plunge. Of course I have had my share of duds, but they always are within a range I can afford to lose. And a few of these are welcome additions to my list of Franken-watches of my own making, solely for my own entertainment combining a great case with a properly working movement out of a hideous case for instance. Like you, I tried myself and indeed, a harrowing experience as far as watches are concerned. I outsourced that too! Subscribed for the great and honest content!
Buying second hand Rolex watches with non-factory diamond diais ....you can't send them to Rolex for servicing unless you return it back to factory spec.
Hi imaad42...yes they will and they're cheaper too..just make sure they're reputable...if you're in London I can help point you in the right direction - if you do not want to service with Rolex that is. I've owned several Rolex watches and have bought 2 for my wife.....one is a 1978 DateJust...after having it serviced...it came back brand new - but this one I purchased - turned out to be a non-factory Rolex placed diamonds. I could not tell though - even with a 30x mag...but Rolex knew because the serial number of the watch did not leave the factory with diamonds. I still think it is a Rolex factory dial with diamonds though - but not 100% sure. Maybe someone here can help explain.
...one other point....if you send a Rolex to Rolex Servicing...and say the dial isn't factory...they class it as non-factory....they will not return it unless you return it back to factory...which means you either have to buy a exact dial from Rolex..or you provide them with a factory spec dial....be warned!
I hear you... But I absolutely love my Vincero watch. White face, rose gold hands and hour markers, brown strap, kairos series. It was also my wedding present from my wife so it has a special meaning behind it for me, but I do get a lot of compliments on it as well. I do intend on picking up some mechanical movement watches down the line but for now I am incredibly content with my vincero.
@@toastbrotL1 Im new to watches and I have to agree. Ive seen a number of snobs online. A lot of the reasons Ive been told to avoid certain brands are actually irrelevant to me (and practically everyone I know). I get that watch enthusiasts prefer a watch with heritage and certain materials. But the ones Im interested in are leagues better, from an aesthetic standpoint, than the ones recommended to me (imo) and have been shown to be of good quality on unbiased reviews Ive read. So I would honestly just go for a good looking fashion-watch. As long as I'm not trying to impress anyone, it just makes more sense.
I’m just getting into watch collecting so this video is extremely helpful! I am definitely going to go back and watch more of your videos!! I only have 5 or 6 right now including a Rolex from the 50’s my grandfather left me when he passed away. It’s in fantastic shape for such a old piece but I don’t wear it very often. But anyways thank you very much for taking the time to educate us!!
I agree with all your points, but you must treat every situation individually... I build watches from pocket watch movements myself...I service the movements myself, I create the dials myself and sell them myself... A big difference though is that I never pretend that the watches I build are something created by the original manufacturer. In fact, I have my own logo on the dials and don't pretend that these are original in any way. I've created and sold over 300 watches in the past 4 years and have only had one unsatisfied customer...I made him satisfied by standing behind my product and refunded the entire amount of the watch... Kind regards, Don
The WROCKET brand from Hawaii seems like a decent conversion, done by a trained watchmaker and limited to only 'Hunter' style pocket watches. Don't own one or can afford one but I've read nice reviews.
I love this video. I worked in the jewellery trade for many years. I was proud to work for a moral and honest employer in Sheffield and I was a member of the British Horological Institute. That was about 20 years ago. I thought common sense, good morals and honesty was disappearing then I saw this video. It was very refreshing to see a young person promoting such integrity. I have a particular dislike for the 'grey market's having seen videos on UA-cam of such operators, there is absolutely no care when they deal with lovingly made hand crafted pieces selling them in plastic bags after almost throwing them onto a counter surface. Thank you for restoring my faith in morals and honesty within the watch industry. I love the fact you wear a Casio watch too, the industry is not all about Rolex etc.
Great video. Unfortunately, I've learned several of these lessons (gray market and unservicable timepieces). I will not repeat the mistakes again and have one additional insight for the smartwatch discussion. Even if you can purchase extra watches (sans precious metals) or additional internal components to use for potential repair work, the batteries have a service life of 2-3 years (thanks Apple for admitting this). A new battery purchased at the end of a production run will also last only 2-3 years. By that time, the battery will be replaced by a new design, making it incompatible with your smartwatch (whether precious metal or not). One ends up with an expensive and value-less paperweight in half a decade.
Excellent comment John. Thank you, especially for having the integrity to share this. So often people do not what to admit their mistakes. You sir, are true Gentry! Onwards and upwards. Best regards, TGV
I have bought several watches on the grey market. However they were only $200 or less. I think buying a luxury watch on the grey market is too dangerous. Sorry you had bad experiences.
John Clark I used to love my Pebble Steel for a great knock about smart watch. Hammer proof and had some really wonderful apps, worked beautifully as a smartphone companion. That is until Pebble went out of business. It's still usable but the app hasn't been updated in years and sends a lot of your personal information to a 3rd party. Shame about the Apple batteries and Companies making watches knowing they will last 2-3 years tops.
After wanting a good watch for so long but worried about my budget you have inspired me to start a cheap collection. Casio edifice and gshock in the case so far and now looking at a bulova cheers
Watch, timepiece whatever. All I want is something to accurately tell time for a couple of years. Year 10 on Citizens, Just replaced the battery for the third time and ten AM is the same as the ROLEX . No $300 tuneup when it stops I’ll replace it.
Like the info. I have ALWAYS had passion for watches and clocks. Taking them apart,etc. Now i thrift store shop for cheap or discarded pieces. Some treasures,some not;for ones NOT I will dissect them to fulfill my urges. So…does that qualify me as Dr. Watchenstein??Collecting anything Swiss or German as I can afford it. It’s a pleasure to just spend TIME fiddling with them. I subscribed and I’m picky as “F” about doing that but got a good vibe. Your character is easy to listen to when I’m learning
Uh, the reputable used market internet dealers charge near new retail prices on pieces that are still in production. A new Rolex Explorer 1 from AD with a 10% discount (which can be had), goes for $5900, whereas the reputable used market internet dealers with their glorified laughable DBA's, sell them used in the range from $5 to 5.5k, depending on box/papers. I don't know how they stay in business and I have told them so. Same scenario as to new Seamasters still in production. As to pieces no longer in production, there are no deals to be found with them. Oh, yea, supposedly their highly skilled watch makers go through the pieces with a fine tooth comb, which I'm not buying at all. If one is looking for a 10 year old Sub for instance, might as well go to a brick and mortar in the Big Cities who deal in pre-owned luxury. The big Internet Warehouse in New York is OK in my book, say on a highly discounted entry level Swiss piece. Might even roll the dice with them on a new Speedo MOTM, one does have some protection using a credit card if the piece is a dog. Pls excuse the long post which is not my style.
I do find it a bit odd how they stay in business. I don't like wearing my nice watches to work, so I wanted a daily driver for the office/Factory. Decided to go with a Hamilton Khaki field 42... Now I can buy the watch new, at a authorized dealer for $780 Canadian (Tax incl) or... I can buy it off a grey market for $650... + any tax/duty & shipping + no factory warranty....and used Sites want about $600 for the dame watch... + shipping, tax and duties.
I take exception with your No. 1. Vortic Watches from Fort Collins, CO, appears to be a quality company that specializes in converting pocket watches into wristwatches and they stand behind their work.
Another type of watch to avoid: a watch so expensive you are afraid of using it
Agreed, unless it's a unique timepiece and you keep it safe as a work of art. Anything that can be purchased freely is just "an instrument" made for being used and menat to be.
pretty safe strapped on my wrist. i had to get over scratches, now i just call it "character". although i'll insist on a quality glass.
I wear an AP offshore nearly everyday.
This is so true. Just like an expensive car that your afraid to take out of the garage.
You’re right. However this all depends on one’s financial situation. For some, a Submariner is something that they would only wear for special occasions. For others it’s a daily beater. Some people would never swim with a Royal Oak or Nautilus. To others they’re rather “cheap” watches.
A man wearing two watches has a lot of time on his hands
😂😂😂
Ba dum tsss
Nice
Im stealing this. And you can't stop me
I have a Sundial watch with nightlights.
“Beautiful view of Manhattan” *shows something that looks like a Soviet-era town*
haha ! well said...
😂 thats Manhattan for you
it doesnt look manattan , looks suisse.or a nearby country..
Rohan Bansal do you know manhattan price per square foot ? It’s a nice view for manhattan 😂
Have you ever been to Detroit?
It's you, Rohan, living in a world of shit.
We lived in the future.
An old man told me once that “Only two types of people open a watch. A watchmaker and a fool.”
Lol, sounds like your dad opened a watch once.
Fuck around : find out
AGREE! Bought a Timex Indiglo Expedition with a full-coverage metal back. Need to change the battery, and somehow managed to pry the metal back off. Changed the battery with no problem, but could NOT replace the backing because it takes a special Press gizmo to push the backing back into place. BAD design, and even though I have had good luck with the accuracy of Timex products, I will be very careful when purchasing another Timex watch-----taking special care not to purchase one unless it is kept in place with screws that can be removed with the small screwdrivers used to adjust eyeglasses. Costco carries them.
You look like a Bond villain in this video
Lol true
More like a sidekick
007nikster2 hahah sad
Casio Casino Royale .
That SAS sweater tho
Me: "What's your age?"
Him: "I don't know, between 19 and 72"
He’s 37
Hahahahahahaha 😂😂😂
Best comment ever
He is an immortal (😢🤣😄).
I said this the other day! He should be the mascot of r/13or30
I remember when my Brietling Callisto main spring broke I took it to the local watch maker they wanted $675 to repair it!! this was in 2005! then I found this Chinese guy who could barely speak English and he did the work including the parts for $90!! needles to say became friends with him since have taken him even a Patek Philippe pocket watch! he fixed it no problem that guy is amazing he services the watches while you wait and see him work! its truly an art form!
that Chinese guy probably swapped out your real watch for a counterfeit right under your nose bruh!
@@CGR9Noveno entirely possibly if he didnt see him work on the first one. entirely possible.. especially considering the price he paid to get it fixed, 90 bucks is like fast food workers daily wage lol. not sure how he thought that was a good idea to do.
was he fixed it using authentic after market parts or he used parts that are from similar calibre / module like an ETA movement ?
R/boneappletea (its needless to say)
Just curious, was it in Boston? I think i go to the same guy
Thank you sir. In 1997 I was in the market to spend a decent chunk of change on s watch for my dad and one for me to scuba dive in. I sold a car and had $3,000 to spend. We shopped for a few watches that were Grey market, a 1960s Omega, and a few that were frankly too high end for fellas like us. My dad saw a Wenger Swiss Army for a little over $100 I think and I found an entry level Citizen (non eco drive,) for $225. My dad still wears that watch and he worked as a machinist. I made 500 or so dives with the Citizen and still wear it as well. Great video and you are doing a tremendous service for folks. I just got lucky and made the right choice but I would have loved to see your video back then. Cheers from Mississippi.
Thank you for the caliber of your presentation! I'm a layman in terms of watches but your video gave me very clear advice that was easy to understand and offers the benefit of your experience in this realm. Excellent pointers!
fake replica watches and gilt jewellrey in the safe for when you get a home invasion, real stuff behind the cat food in the pantry
Gosh 🤫 now I just need to find another place to stash it lol
Thats where the patek lies for sure!
Safe inside a safe always works
I bought a watch for 10 euros 2 years ago . It's skeleton mechanical watch and still works fine. Perfect on time. It's a fake but i love it.
Why the hell would you own a cat?
Just dipping my wrist into the world of watch collecting and I have to say your content has been very helpful indeed! Great presentation; friendly casual exposition. Nicely done. New subscriber!
Just found your channel. Boy did you hit home on many topics and I fall into one of them. Rolex Submariner.. It cost 800 dollars for a tune up and the shop recommended a tune up every couple of years. Plus only wear it on special occasions. My brother had one also and he wore it everyday as a cop. Said you pay all that money and you never wear it. Very true.
So does this Guy look like a young Willem Dafoe or what?
Yes. He kind of does.
Christen walken too
This fella is much better looking .
@@tittyblast1978 Hahaha love your name!!! 😂 🤣 😂
Christopher Walken top boy 👌Wonder if he's into time-pieces too and what he'd go for 🤔
Yes I know, too much time on my hands... Perhaps should take one or two off phnar phnar!!!
Willem Dafoe looks like an old him.
A friend of mine bought a Tommy Hilfiger watch and i was going for an Emporio Armani.
I'm getting an Orient Bambino in the same price instead.
You are doing God's work with these kind of videos, sir.
Thank you.
I was giving a Tommy Hilfiger.. doesn't keep time, its 2 +- hours off every 6 days
Have fun with your Bambino! It's truly a beautiful piece; i wear mine on occasions and it always draws interested looks. It's really a conversation starter :)
1 year ago i bought a T. Hilfiger watch for my 18 years old birthday and its work perfecty for the moment
Magnificent Bastard got one for 100
Don't get watches from companies that make jeans and colognes.
In 1986 I bought a Seiko Moon Phase Watch, and I still wear it every day and adore it. I would cry tears of blood if I ever lost it.
It looks perfect on my arm, it's fairly small and quite flat. I barely feel it while I'm wearing it.I've tried other watches but nothing has beaten old faithful.
Truly the best item I've ever bought.
I think I paid about $250au for it.
Got a picture
I got a gold Seiko quartz, and a old Seiko world timer and they've both been in my family for over 20+ years with no issues after upkeep, truly a fantastic brand
You sound like a real sad sack over a watch. How many watches did I own as a kid and teen in the 1980's, about three. One was a calculator watch, a Seiko of some sort and a Citizen analog/digital. They're been and gone. I own two watches I bought years ago and can't be bothered wearing them because no one wears watches, we all get the time from our phones.
If it looks simple it means the person performing the “simple” service is a master of the craft.
Buy whatever watch you can afford and like the looks of. That's my rule of thumb.
And even if it's broken at least the time is correct twice a day hahaha
@@wb3213 Yes ha ha old joke, see you on TicTok😋
@@wb3213 😂😂
@@larsstougaard7097 gay
This channel is more about investment level watches
More importantly avoid wearing a watch on each arm.
Well, I'd wear them on the wrist!!! :)
So two on one, then?
But what if one of them are one of those watch calculators from the 80s?
wear one on each arm and on each ankle
Gentlemen , groin carry is a thing in 24
In the end, I had to give up collecting watches, I just didnt have the time lol
Ron Wylie BADUM TSSS
Not bad, not bad
Jesus christ
Laughing at your own joke is a terrible idea.
Great video! You said everything important things about when buying a watch! I'm not a collector, I just have about 3-4, but when buying a watch I really do a lot of research what fits most to me what to avoid. Really great video! You get my like
You sir need your own TV Show. One of the best, honest and enjoyable videos I’ve seen regarding watches. Keep em coming.
He could be Dick Cavett grandson
Amazing video.
No.4 reminds me a hilarious saying: “You never actually own a daniel wellington. You merely look after it for the trash bin.”
Rude but kind of true.
😳
I know a person who intentionally bought a counterfeit DW because „the genuine is so expensive but they are so beautiful I have to own one, especially I like their fancy straps”. If only they knew DW straps are ordinary NATO straps and can be mounted on almost any watch. I couldn’t stop laughing. I thought it was a joke but the person was dead serious 😂🤣
Almost got a daniel wellington as my first watch
Thankfully i dodged a bullet and ended up with seiko presage
Will the apple watch be repairable in even 4 years? No. A waste of resources
If it was repairable, would it even be worth it? A smart watch is like a phone eventually the hardware can not support the new software with up to date security features and now you are getting into vulnerabilities like malware infection and possibly getting hit with things like identity theft.
Probably repairable. Solid state devices do not wear out.
JimzAuto false. There are things such as soft errors and hard errors. Further the transistors denature over time. There is also electromigration.
Better buy a g-shock with heart rate monitor. The price is just a little bit expensive than an apple watch. But hey, a g-shock guarantees worth of money. At least can last many years without worrying the battery
People who buy Apple watch will buy a new one in 4 years to get a useless new feature. Apple watches are for gadget lovers, not watch lovers. They didn't buy their Apple watch for keeping time or for style/fashion. Bigger question is, I wonder how many "I don't need a watch, I have a phone" people ended up getting an Apple watch lol.
I have modded a few watches, and so long as you find a clean space and have the right tools, it is fine. The hand pusher-on tool thingy is the most important (hands are fragile). The best part is that you can regulate the watch and have a Seiko NH35 run to COSC standards.
Just buy the tools, get two of everything (three winding stems), and learn while doing. The best part is that you can make extra watches with your spare parts, not to mention swap out Seiko movements to avoid paying for a service.
Well said, isn't this how Horology starts potentially?. Must be some cases out there.. Major watches for example?..
" I've been expecting you, agent 007 "
Here is the "Austin Powers IV: Watch Maker, the Ultimate Time Master" version: (enjoy)
Watch Maker: "I've been expecting you, Powers! ...but first check out my latest Patek Philippe Uber Ultra Grand Complications!! It comes complete a standard tachymeter, tourbillon, and a special repeater that chimes on leap year; a perpetual calendar, day, date, and month; a moon phase, of course, and also the retrogrades of Mercury and Mars, it has TWO GMT hands, one for each meridian-- both Prime and International Date Line--and a 24 hour and double 12 hour fully rotating bezel, and looks quite exceptional...exquisite...I get emotional just thinking about it. There's even a special setting for when I'm in those awful time 30 & 45 minute time zones---WHY DO THEY DO THAT??
...wait, where was I?"
Where is blofeld ??🧐
@@keldonmcfarland2969 shut up
@@matthewj4066
Don't be an asshole
11) Mechanical watches for your wife. (Unless your hobby is setting the time and date on watches)
Grinder oh I can so relate to this.
It should also handle water and dirt. She loves to water test watches and she have green fingers.
LOL
I purchased a watch winder for her automatic. Boom!
Or work and it wind itself up
"The Indian Frankenwatch market"
*Me sweating after paying $50 a week ago for a Seiko that's coming from India*
I paid about 400 box forn an oris artelier and I am really curious how is it possible, what was the trap. But I bought it with a warranty from a a watch store
I would love to own a perfect Frankenwatch, that would be a unique watch, but who to trust ?? 🤔🐿
I bought a frankenwatch Seiko from India. It was cheap enough that if it's just awful, I won't mind tossing it. I like the look of it and buying a "non-frankenwatch" of the same watch would cost like $300 while the dial is all scratched and deteriorating.
Update: Watch arrived. Looks great. Works fine. Happy with my purchase.
I bought a £13 Ricoh watch (including postage) from an Indian seller last week. Honestly, if it runs fine I'll be happy with it, I don't mind if it's not all original, I just like the look of it and I'm not going to find one like it in a hurry (or even at all). If it doesn't work, it's no big loss! Shame it's going to take almost six weeks to arrive 🙄
@@EnCrypticon23x from where did you buy
Thank you SO much! Especially for the advice on fashion watches. They did really get me into watches, yes. But now I see the way I should move further and what to avoid.
I sincerly love your videos. I have just started as “collector” and your wisdom and sincere opinion has help a lot. Watching from México while drinking a pint!
I didn't know Willem Dafoe was that much into watches! ;)
Lol
And I didn't know Christopher Walken was that into watches 50 years ago.
Disagree about the grey market point. Every time I've purchased or came close to purchasing a mid to high end watch from an Authorised Dealer, every single time they've tried to sell me their display model with scratches and scuffs and what have you. I once requested a newly boxed one to be shipped in and they simply received another display model from another store. It's just the nature of their business that they can only keep so much stock on hand for security/finance reasons.
I've purchased a number of grey market watches and all but one of them have been flawless. One had a misaligned bezel, and it went straight back to the manufacturer who fixed it free of charge under warranty.
You are VERY lucky sir.
Thank you, enjoy your watches.
Best regards,
TGV
I should’ve found your channel earlier. I just realized that I recently bought an automatic chronograph watch in what you refer to as gray market. It came with a two year international warranty, but after I had it registered with the manufacturer, I found out that the warranty is only valid if it was bought from an authorized dealer. Now, the packaging and information of origin comes from an authorized dealer name, but the online company I made the purchase from doesn’t show in the list of authorized dealers.
The only way for me to communicate with the seller is by email and she couldn’t give me a satisfactory answer when it came to the warranty cover. I’m happy with the watch, the price I paid for it and the fact that all the codes and numbers checked ok with the maker when I had it registered, but I sure hope it doesn’t give me any issues for the next two years at least.
My Indian Oris worked fine for 10 Days 🎬
Gary Sharples
It must’ve been a good one.
That's exactly how many days I got out of my Indian Citizen Automatic. Never again!
Gary Sharples it's works only 10monts that bad watch
😂
what did you expect with a Franken?
Guns … fountain pens … watches … and now I'm headed for the next Mecum classic car auction … God help me!
horselips haha sounds expensive lol!!! I love watching there auction on tv. I’ve seen some beautiful rides go across!!
Dang I'm already in watches and fountain pens dont throw me down further lol
No knives? You are missing out. And vintage Barbie dolls. LOL
I call this the ‘UA-cam effect’
Guns and watches I understand but fountain pens? Get the fuck out!
Before watching this: Too late
After watching this: Need another watch.
This was the first video I watched of yours, very informative and intriguing, I look forward to more.
I am 16 and I just bought my first real watch, it's the citizen eco drive black watch, I am in love and it's only my first watch
Nice dude. My first watch was an eco drive also. I'm 17 now and have a job so I can indulge into my hobby alot more now lol😊
Eco Drives are terrific watches. When you want to jump into mechanicals look at Seiko for a extremely nice watch at a very low price.
Conrats! May you enjoy it for a long time ! :)
Good choice
Let's hope the first of many
I just wanted to say I appreciate everything you do for this channel the amount of effort that goes into the videos and the intro best regards to you and the viewers of the urban Gentry
Thank you so much my friend, knowing always inspires me
Best regards,
TGV
I don't see a problem with a reputable grey market dealer like Jomashop. I always hear, "what about the warranty?". So what about the warranty? If I am saving $3k, who cares if it needs $700 in repair work, I am still winning.
Exactly. I'm not gonna pay 2~3k more just to be told how "beautiful this watch looks on me".
Is jomis shop the place hes referring to in New York?
@budaflash Joma is based in NewYork and grey market so i'd assume so.
I’ve personally had a bad experience with them but I wouldnt get into that as I eventually got my money back but I’ve read about people making use of their warranty and getting it back damaged and saying the watch was delivered to the dealer for repairs already damaged and having to live with bent hands or scuffs on the dial etc.
Another thing that I don’t like is that they sell old models that don’t have the latest specs and cannot truly confirm anything until you get it and the dilemma is some specs you won’t be able to know unless you open the watch or hold onto it long enough to verify but considering their return policy you won’t be able to return for refund by the time you figure out what version of the model you got.
Enjoyed your video. I had a most unpleasant experience with a Rolex knock-off. My husband bought it for me as a joke when he was on a business trip to Hong Kong. He presented it to me when he got home and I decided to wear it that day. By early evening, the watch had stopped working. One of the little studs glued on as hour markers came loose and got tangled in the hands. The bad news is I inadvertently left my husband waiting for me for more than an hour at the concert we were to attend that night. The good news? This time being late wasn't my fault! The useful alibi aside, the fake Rolex wasn't even worth the @ $20 my husband paid for it.
"I would never belittle somebody for their watch, it's just ungentlemanly" basta, mi hai conquistato. Subscribe immediato! 🙂
I compliment the watch just the fact that they have one on
Quest’uomo è un signore :)
Unless they’re wearing a smart/Apple Watch
All of your videos are way better then watching TV. A class act.
My personal number one: wearing two watches at the same time.
Gordon from Calgary. First time watching well done. My self have an Caravelle electrotime set-o-mate, 1980. I was in a bike mishap in 1987 watch was o I don't know ruined I thought but held on to it. Then about 5 or 4 years ago I decided to take in to some one very good in repairs. He told me it was worth repairing and so I did. It works great now. I remember for years what I was going to do with it. It is really nice to have it working. It was Christmas gift from my parents. Thanks for listening, Gordon.
Apple watches and products are not meant to last for more than a couple years.
Aymanali Jumma And yet they do last longer than that.
I'm sure it varies from product to product, but I've got an iPod that's about ten years old at this point. It's scratched up with a dented backplate (probably from the time it rattled down a small cliff and got lodged in the roots of a tree) and the battery isn't great, but it still works as new. Doesn't see much use anymore, but when it does, it's fine.
Lifragen Change the battery, I assume you only get like 3 hours of battery.
@@wooferjr169 Something like that. I don't really use it on the go anymore, so I'm not sure a battery change would be worth it.
They will if you take care of them mines last forever and don’t even get a scratch on them 😂I just use a case and screen protector that I haven’t changed since I bought it doesn’t even have a crack on it and has been dropped multiple times
Very good advice for a novice and also a reminder to those of us who have been collecting watches for years. Many years ago, I lost money on a very good fake but, fake never the less, Royal Navy Omega Seamaster 300 and also a Synchron Doxa Sub that was genuine but not really restorable due to the parts now made of unobtanium. The Doxa runs and is a good beater. The Omega doesn't run but is kept as a good reminder. We live and learn.
Thankyou a million times for the recommendation to avoid fashion watches! I bought my first watch, a Max Bill, last month and I couldn't be happier.
How much did it cost you?
I have several 25+ year old fashion watches. They’re all quartz and still work perfectly and look fine. They’re what got me into watches.
"In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed watch enthusiast with a high end Swiss watch is King."
Grey market is perfectly fine up to a certain price point. I absolutely would not buy a rolex or omega speedmaster from one, due to restocking fees and other reasons you listed. But there's nothing wrong with getting cheaper watches like a Khaki Mechanical or Seiko skx007 for well below retail.
fax
Seiko is actually a quality watch in my opinion
I love the passion and stayed for the information
I *strongly* agree with number 2. Those who genuinely value watches like myself don't like the idea of smart watches. They're not reliable at all. They need charge and are more high maintenance than average watches due to being a very sensitive little machine. If there's no charge and internet you'll be just wearing a screen LOL I always buy things thinking of the most scariest survival scenarios in my head. Call me old fashioned, but I still love traditional watches. I want my watch to only show me the correct time, not stalk me. Smart watches are made to keep an eye on you. It's designed to control your mind. Overtime people are gonna become more and more stupid using these gadgets! Plus the radiations from smartphones are harmful enough, you don't need more cancer causing gadgets that's harmful for your health. Though I am of this generation I don't like smart watches. Apple can't even run their phones properly for 5 years straight, I can't imagine their watches 5 years down the line! Apple slows down all their devices when new ones come out to push customers into buying their new products. Apple heavily manipulates their customers. I know this because I've used Apple since iPods first came out LOL not worth it. I'd put smart watches in the "fast fashion" category.
And they just don't look as...classy as a real watch either, imo. ⌚ I've not bought a smart watch all this time just because of looks. Plus, like you said, my phone is enough of an invasion of privacy as it is. I don't need another miniature one strapped to my wrist all day and night. Lol
I bought a couple of Smartwatches- the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the Casio GShock Protrek WSDF20. But the fact that at times I’d forget to charge those Watches made me appreciate my Gravitymaster Tough Solar Casio GShock.
So when I was a "kid" I bought what was then "the" pilot's watch. It was lost in a move. Ten years later I found my 500$ watch in a box I nearly tossed. I had lost the bezel years earlier. A new thing, the internet had come along, so I looked up a bezel for the watch I had bought, and worn, so long ago, my Rolex GMT 6542. The result nearly killed me. Are there really idiots that would pay that much?
I wish I could say I replaced the bezel with an original...I would have to sell a house. I did have it serviced (not cheap).
As to owning a watch you can't wear (my watch is probably worth a quarter of what my house is worth). Zooming down the highway on my Ironhead I sometimes think of the odds that, after an accident, would my watch still be with me but I still wear it, every day. I love that watch.
What I hate are collectors vacuuming up relics to put in their own museums, never to be enjoyed; driving the cost of ownership past the point of sanity. Now if someone would just send me a Bakelite bezel...
Seems pretty cheap for a house to be honest ...
david ervin could you name-drop some more products next time.
Aren't Rolex bezels unmarked? As long as it looks original it should be fine unless that is something that really, really bugs you.
MVMT got me into watches and eventually looked into it when I wanted to get some more. Learned alot about the watch market and easily learned that these fashion watches are overpriced for questionable quality. Got a Timex Weekender and love it. Tried an inexpensive watch brand that charges proper prices and like it for what it is. Finally got an Orient Defender and I'm never going back. I'll honestly slowly grow a collection because watches are just so interesting.
NOTHING wrong with a Timex. They make some fantastic watches. Id rather a bog standard low end €20 Timex than a MVMT, Daniel Wellington, philippe loreti etc.
Was MVMT worth it?
I love Timex and Casio.
I work in a very demanding, all weather dirty job and my Timex has been with me the whole way. I own several and love them all. Extremely reliable
Save yourself the grief, and buy yourself a reliable Japanese made watch, especially a Citizen Eco-Drive.
Good video.
True, I got a navihawk AT, and its a great watch ;)
I have been thinking about buying a Citizen Eco-Drive for a while now. I like the no-battery & no watch winder aspect of these Eco-Drive watches. Seems almost too good to be true. I’d appreciate any other insights you have and which models you’d recommend?
@@Kenerdmann Considering this comment is almost a year old now, I figured I'd chime in to your reply. I just bought my first watch, a Citizen Nighthawk Eco-Drive. Obviously I'm inexperienced but I'm super happy with it, at 42mm I was worried it would be too big, but it looks and wears great. The steel band on it is also pretty decent quality, which from what I've researched, usually isn't the case with under $200 watches. Good luck!
My youngest boy is a Navy pilot. I got him a Citizen Skyhawk AT (I think it was a ProMaster but can't remember) several years ago when his Citizen Blue Angels AT got fried by SPIE radar. Every time I've seen a picture of him anywhere around the world; at Fleet locations ashore, in Europe or aboard a carrier, he's had that watch on his wrist. He loves it. He knows how to and uses the whiz-wheel and all the features of the watch. I asked him a couple years after I gave him the watch how he liked it. His reply was "You done good, Dad. You done real good." He's moved up in rank since then and is now second in command of a stateside Naval Base and still wears that watch. Some of that is no doubt because "Dad" gave it to him but it's been a real good watch.
I just bought a new Citizen Eco Drive Bryson BL5551-06L and I love it. I've had Eco Drives before that got destroyed through no fault of their own (one had a window slam shut on it because I stupidly put it in the wrong place to charge. Won't make that mistake again.) and I've been a fan of Eco Drives for quite a while. I have other watches l like to wear too, but the Bryson is still new enough to be novel and a real treat. Every time I look at the time I think about how much I love this watch. When the novelty wears off (if ever) and I wear something else now and then it will go on a light charger I got on Amazon so it will always be charged up and ready to rock.
I don't know if this is incorrect or not but is it true that an Eco-Drives cannot be serviced even by Citizen themselves. Like, if the hour hand starts acting up you just have to throw it away or live with it. I'm new to watches and saw this on some forum.
Enjoyed this a lot. Really good advice, as it is all too easy to get caught out when buying. You have absolutely nailed it.
I've done the "Grey Market" thing. The watch I liked was "OUT OF STOCK" Everywhere online and Brick & Mortar. So, "Buy It Now" worked out.
smartwatches got me into watches. I bought an apple watch and loved it.....
less and less over time when I discovered the magic of mechanical timepieces. sold it after 9 months and started my mechanical watch collection and saving up for a speedmaster professional :)
That was a very good decision.
This is exactly what i experienced too. I bought a Samsung SmartWatch and now discorverd the real Art of mechanical watches...
I don't like smart watches but they really did start getting a generation who never wore watches to start wearing them.
Congrats on educting yourself. Good luck on your goal.
Then look into Vintage receivers such as Marantz 2600/2500, Pioneer 1280/50 or Sansui 9090 etc.
Go for QUALITY first. Always. It'll save you big $$ in the long run.
same
Well I will WATCH out for these 😜
I have no friends
Me too
@@BigAirr. same
@someone from the netherlands get some friends then dude
😂 that made my day
someone from the Netherlands ,I’m not surprised!
How could you not appreciate that RQLEX Qyster Rerpetual. It just *screams* class
My favorite watch is Casio G-shock ! Man... It keeps perfect Time and so Reliable , you dont need to worry anything else ! Great videos! Great Job !:))
Gshock is great, theres a lot of special editions
And everyone loves them!
Great video as always TGV. I saw your videos when my Armani Exchange watch was still under the 30 days return period from Macy's. I returned that watch the same day and bought the SKX with money left to spare.
Nice one my friend, nicely done indeed!!!!
Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Good choice
The Urban Gentry I have in mind buying a Chinese Seagull, but I have to buy it online and I never bought before a watch that I haven’t got in my hands before. I already have a khaki field classic model, is the seagull in the same level of quality?. Thank you.
Puthearith Chea, good idea. When I shop for a watch at Macy's I just pass by the fashion watches that are seen in large quantities in flashy, attractive display cases and look for a Seiko automatic...I got one Seiko at a Macy's with 25% off.
Casio for life! My Gshocks may not be the nicest looking of watches but they are are very capable and damn near indestructible. My G shock steel is my daily driver and looks good. I'd like a MR.G in the future love the look.
I love G-Shock. I bought the Wave-Ceptor solar powered ones, and they are still beating away on the same power cells they came with. One is thirteen years old.
Whipped99 some of them are even better looking than rolex!
like steelseries
or rangeman
I doubt it. How are G-Shocks germ traps, when we wear them in the shower/bath, almost every day? Or just clean them now and again.
G shock are amazing
@Star Trek Theory
I have disassembled many.
Please forgive my ignorance, but your point is lost on me.
I find your perspective refreshing and honest and educated and it's so nice to see.
icely done. New subscriber!
I wear vintage Omega watches. Five manuals and one automatic. All six are excellent time keepers. But one was a problem. It was a Bombay special.
it worked for a while and quit. I have a good watch repairman. He took the watch apart and the movement was clued together. It is a 1943 black face
war watch. Very nice looking. This watch is a omega 26.5t3. They quite making this 15 jewel watch in the early 1950's. My repairman said the parts
were made out of unattainium. He said but in drawer and forget it. I did that, but every once in a while I would look at, In my eyes it is a beautiful watch.
So if the watch parts were not attainable, I decided to buy another 26.5T3 for parts. It took three tries. I got the right last December. its was made very close
to mine. The part came out of Australia. They look beat up. Put the movement was in great shape. My repairman just wanted to swap the movement.,
but I decided I wanted to keep its original numbers. So Dr Frankenstein did the work. And said it was a live. I went though quite a lot to fix this watch,
but damn. I wanted that watch fixed and fixed it is. It keeps excellent time, I believe very close to current watches. I wear this watch a lot.
Honeslty I had my Seiko for 2 years now and it still works like I bought it yesterday... and got gifted a solar seiko as well and it still works great with me.
Of course it does 2 years is nothing.Mine is quartz and needs a battery replacement now after 10 years
Never had a bad Seiko in my entire life.
You saved me from fashion watches few months ago..Thanks
A pleasure!
Thank you for posting that.
Best regards,
TGV
I unfortunately was caught. Not that it's bad, but I bought exactly what was shown, a Daniel wellington for my wife. She loves it, but going forward I'll be researching as I've just started with watches
Same I came to the conclusion they aren’t well made and the movement of them sucks for the price.
Saved me from those huge blingy Invictas
2soccerfreak2 I'm sorry for you're loss
The best top 10 list for people shopping for watches. Thankyou
Can't agree with you on gray market watches.
I bought omega that would cost me over $10k to buy from AD, bought it on gray market from reputable seller for $4500🤷♂️ ,4 years later I had to service the watch for $1000 from omega with 2 years omega warranty. So buying on gray market saved me $4500 🤷♂️ how is that not great deal???
Yes buying on GM means no factory warranty but who cares if you saving that much money you can have to factory service it and still save money definitely worth the risk as long as the price is right.
SENGVIN , hows the weather in Mumbai?
Can i get the seller contact??
I entirely agree; I have bought GM watches (sometimes with the dealers stamp) and had no trouble. The only time I have had an issue with a new watch was with my Rolex Daytona which I bought from an AD in Singapore and had to have repaired when I got back to the US. I have made some incredible savings buying GM watches. In two cases I saved in excess of $10 000 which is better in my pocket than that of an AD 😁.
Love your channel, I'm hooked TGV!
Basically, buy a Seiko and be happy!
Hear hear!
Well said,
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
nah citizen is cheaper and accurate and you won't need to open the screwback case for at least 10yrs.
@@DigiteAquiONomeDoCanal Doesn't that only apply to Eco-Drive watches and not all Citizens are Eco-Drive. Cheaper ones are just quartz. I am looking into buying a watch right now. I have looked at online shops from big to small, mom and pop shops, mall and department stores and pretty much any authorized dealer I can find. The Seiko 5s have been a lot cheaper than the Eco-drives and in most cases even the regular Citizen quartz.
I’ve been wearing Seiko for 2 years now, haven’t had to wind it since, and perfectly accurate.
12012channel my seiko 5 just “feels” cheaper than my citizens
That was actually a proper and very smart list with substantiated advice on what to avoid and why, instead of the regular click-bait top 10 rubbish waste of space. Regular viewers of course knew that already but this video came up in my search for something completely opposite, so I had a false start. Happy to have watched it all the way to the end. Great video!
Totally agree with the blinged out smart watches, they seem the epitome of pure consumerism. And being able to afford servicing costs of high end watches is a really important one as well.
Most of the other bullets are mainly at the discretion of the buyer, I think, as long as you know what you get yourself into. Except for the first one on your list, that number ten is absolutely the number one for me, for all the reasons you mentioned. And that was also the most impressive part of the video, which was great throughout, but taking into consideration the entire "value" chain and cradle to cradle responsibility of which we as consumers are also part, was very impressive. Well done mate!
From personal experience a grey market time piece can be OK, but you need to be smart about it; You have to monitor that market first, and never for high end watches, unless you have money to burn. Mid range watches though, I have bought a few, and they are all actually fine. But the warning is warranted. If you haven't spent the time and effort in getting acquainted with that market, and if you are not able to stay objective and not being blinded by the price, which is possibly obscuring bad actors, and yet you dive in head first, you become part of the problem. I have made sure first what the averages are price wise, and what they had to offer, either or not accepting returns etc. to then determine what actually a good deal consists of, and then take the plunge. Of course I have had my share of duds, but they always are within a range I can afford to lose. And a few of these are welcome additions to my list of Franken-watches of my own making, solely for my own entertainment combining a great case with a properly working movement out of a hideous case for instance. Like you, I tried myself and indeed, a harrowing experience as far as watches are concerned. I outsourced that too!
Subscribed for the great and honest content!
Buying second hand Rolex watches with non-factory diamond diais ....you can't send them to Rolex for servicing unless you return it back to factory spec.
Excellent contribution to the discussion, thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Rolex Kings will other 3rd party dealers still service them? Was thinking about getting one but not sure.
Hi imaad42...yes they will and they're cheaper too..just make sure they're reputable...if you're in London I can help point you in the right direction - if you do not want to service with Rolex that is. I've owned several Rolex watches and have bought 2 for my wife.....one is a 1978 DateJust...after having it serviced...it came back brand new - but this one I purchased - turned out to be a non-factory Rolex placed diamonds. I could not tell though - even with a 30x mag...but Rolex knew because the serial number of the watch did not leave the factory with diamonds. I still think it is a Rolex factory dial with diamonds though - but not 100% sure. Maybe someone here can help explain.
...one other point....if you send a Rolex to Rolex Servicing...and say the dial isn't factory...they class it as non-factory....they will not return it unless you return it back to factory...which means you either have to buy a exact dial from Rolex..or you provide them with a factory spec dial....be warned!
I hear you... But I absolutely love my Vincero watch. White face, rose gold hands and hour markers, brown strap, kairos series. It was also my wedding present from my wife so it has a special meaning behind it for me, but I do get a lot of compliments on it as well. I do intend on picking up some mechanical movement watches down the line but for now I am incredibly content with my vincero.
And that's totally fine! The watch community is very snobby
@@toastbrotL1 Im new to watches and I have to agree. Ive seen a number of snobs online. A lot of the reasons Ive been told to avoid certain brands are actually irrelevant to me (and practically everyone I know). I get that watch enthusiasts prefer a watch with heritage and certain materials. But the ones Im interested in are leagues better, from an aesthetic standpoint, than the ones recommended to me (imo) and have been shown to be of good quality on unbiased reviews Ive read. So I would honestly just go for a good looking fashion-watch. As long as I'm not trying to impress anyone, it just makes more sense.
I’m just getting into watch collecting so this video is extremely helpful! I am definitely going to go back and watch more of your videos!! I only have 5 or 6 right now including a Rolex from the 50’s my grandfather left me when he passed away. It’s in fantastic shape for such a old piece but I don’t wear it very often. But anyways thank you very much for taking the time to educate us!!
Just got into watches and so happy I found your content.
Dont buy a watch you cannot afford!
To late 😎
@@andrewbarclay235 *too late
I'd say: don't buy a watch that it will lead you to bankruptcy 😁
Sold my house to buy a gorillaz x gshock of ebay... damn scalpers
Thank you I'm trying to justify spending on a watch
Just getting into the hobby, I'm more of a enthusiasts than a collector. But thanks so much for all these tips!
I agree with all your points, but you must treat every situation individually... I build watches from pocket watch movements myself...I service the movements myself, I create the dials myself and sell them myself... A big difference though is that I never pretend that the watches I build are something created by the original manufacturer. In fact, I have my own logo on the dials and don't pretend that these are original in any way. I've created and sold over 300 watches in the past 4 years and have only had one unsatisfied customer...I made him satisfied by standing behind my product and refunded the entire amount of the watch...
Kind regards, Don
Winston Baby that is something very humbling. Not a lot of times you see someone stand by what they create.
How can we see some of your work?
I don't think its appropriate to list my website but you can do a Google search for DJW Custom Timepieces !!!
Winston Baby your work is beautiful
Good advice however is it just indian franken watches or all franken watches we need to avoid?
First time I've heard someone talk about the pocket watch trap. Great work!
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
The WROCKET brand from Hawaii seems like a decent conversion, done by a trained watchmaker and limited to only 'Hunter' style pocket watches. Don't own one or can afford one but I've read nice reviews.
Great video TGV best youtuber going, about to buy an skx saved up the money , buzzing for when I can buy it!
Thank you Bill, I am honoured.
I know exactly that buzz my friend, saviour and enjoy it my friend!
Best regards,
TGV
Willem Dafoe talking about watches 🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣
Ehhh not really hair and jaw maybe about it
Really? He looks nothing like Willem Dafoe, to me he looks like a chav from some troubled council estate in England who made good.
I swear he tried to sell me a used car the other day
@@dancharles6009 😂
I love this video. I worked in the jewellery trade for many years. I was proud to work for a moral and honest employer in Sheffield and I was a member of the British Horological Institute. That was about 20 years ago. I thought common sense, good morals and honesty was disappearing then I saw this video. It was very refreshing to see a young person promoting such integrity. I have a particular dislike for the 'grey market's having seen videos on UA-cam of such operators, there is absolutely no care when they deal with lovingly made hand crafted pieces selling them in plastic bags after almost throwing them onto a counter surface. Thank you for restoring my faith in morals and honesty within the watch industry. I love the fact you wear a Casio watch too, the industry is not all about Rolex etc.
Interesting & informative - Plus great to see a classic G Shock.
Great video. Unfortunately, I've learned several of these lessons (gray market and unservicable timepieces). I will not repeat the mistakes again and have one additional insight for the smartwatch discussion. Even if you can purchase extra watches (sans precious metals) or additional internal components to use for potential repair work, the batteries have a service life of 2-3 years (thanks Apple for admitting this). A new battery purchased at the end of a production run will also last only 2-3 years. By that time, the battery will be replaced by a new design, making it incompatible with your smartwatch (whether precious metal or not). One ends up with an expensive and value-less paperweight in half a decade.
Excellent comment John. Thank you, especially for having the integrity to share this.
So often people do not what to admit their mistakes. You sir, are true Gentry!
Onwards and upwards.
Best regards,
TGV
I have bought several watches on the grey market. However they were only $200 or less. I think buying a luxury watch on the grey market is too dangerous. Sorry you had bad experiences.
John Clark I
John Clark I used to love my Pebble Steel for a great knock about smart watch. Hammer proof and had some really wonderful apps, worked beautifully as a smartphone companion. That is until Pebble went out of business. It's still usable but the app hasn't been updated in years and sends a lot of your personal information to a 3rd party. Shame about the Apple batteries and Companies making watches knowing they will last 2-3 years tops.
John Clark
After wanting a good watch for so long but worried about my budget you have inspired me to start a cheap collection. Casio edifice and gshock in the case so far and now looking at a bulova cheers
Just want to mention your english is very clear, you speak very clearly, I understood every word you said.
Suddenly i remembered George McFly...
jajaj
Just found this video and your channel. Thinking about getting more into watches myself and expanding into a collection. Cheers!
So glad to hear, welcome aboard!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
@@M240-q5j I collect both! Guns are WAY more fun! Luckily, I get to wear my watches and my guns everywhere I go (though, not all at once!).
Watch, timepiece whatever. All I want is something to accurately tell time for a couple of years. Year 10 on Citizens, Just replaced the battery for the third time and ten AM is the same as the ROLEX . No $300 tuneup when it stops I’ll replace it.
Thanks for the tips. I am
New to the hobby. Just bought a Citizen eco drive and a nato bond strap I love it.
Like the info. I have ALWAYS had passion for watches and clocks. Taking them apart,etc. Now i thrift store shop for cheap or discarded pieces. Some treasures,some not;for ones NOT I will dissect them to fulfill my urges. So…does that qualify me as Dr. Watchenstein??Collecting anything Swiss or German as I can afford it. It’s a pleasure to just spend TIME fiddling with them. I subscribed and I’m picky as “F” about doing that but got a good vibe. Your character is easy to listen to when I’m learning
I wear a Timex at work because I’m a Registered Nurse! If someone hocks a loogie on my watch .... I can throw it away! 😁👍🏼
hope you are keeping safe James.
Same here brother! Cheap little Casio for me.
😫
Get a waterproof one! You are wasting earth's resources!
@@twbrkfd1733 germs u moron
Uh, the reputable used market internet dealers charge near new retail prices on pieces that are still in production. A new Rolex Explorer 1 from AD with a 10% discount (which can be had), goes for $5900, whereas the reputable used market internet dealers with their glorified laughable DBA's, sell them used in the range from $5 to 5.5k, depending on box/papers. I don't know how they stay in business and I have told them so. Same scenario as to new Seamasters still in production. As to pieces no longer in production, there are no deals to be found with them. Oh, yea, supposedly their highly skilled watch makers go through the pieces with a fine tooth comb, which I'm not buying at all. If one is looking for a 10 year old Sub for instance, might as well go to a brick and mortar in the Big Cities who deal in pre-owned luxury. The big Internet Warehouse in New York is OK in my book, say on a highly discounted entry level Swiss piece. Might even roll the dice with them on a new Speedo MOTM, one does have some protection using a credit card if the piece is a dog. Pls excuse the long post which is not my style.
JP Davis Is he referring to Long Island Watches? Wasn't TGV the one promoting the company not that long ago?
I do find it a bit odd how they stay in business. I don't like wearing my nice watches to work, so I wanted a daily driver for the office/Factory. Decided to go with a Hamilton Khaki field 42... Now I can buy the watch new, at a authorized dealer for $780 Canadian (Tax incl) or... I can buy it off a grey market for $650... + any tax/duty & shipping + no factory warranty....and used Sites want about $600 for the dame watch... + shipping, tax and duties.
Very true
dude, you are awesome. I was going to buy in the grey market from that "Ny" place we all know. Thanks again.
Is it Joma?
Your channel is so relaxing even tho I’m not that into watches subbed
Either fakes rip original companies, or originals rip customers.
But used real watches don't do either. Most watches depreciate by allot.
Explain pls, how are the originals ripping customers 🤦♂️🤔?
@@SENGVIN 🤦
Until a smart watch can be as tough as a casio g shock, I'm not buying one!
Well said, I like your thinking my friend.
Thank you Alex.
Best regards,
TGV
Isnt g shock technically a smart watch
The Urban Gentry , thank you Sir.
Nikay Mackenzie , I guess it could count at one, mines the Internet connectability, and telephone usage.
Look up the Casio WSD-F20, it might meet your requirements.
I take exception with your No. 1. Vortic Watches from Fort Collins, CO, appears to be a quality company that specializes in converting pocket watches into wristwatches and they stand behind their work.
Doug Weedman Username checks out
@@cameron6537 Dead XD