I have a couple of high end watches BUT don't really wear them much these days . Firstly with luxury watch theft on the rise coupled with personal safety in the event of being mugged for a luxury watch & secondly inexpensive watches have come along way in recent years . Also alot of Seiko's have their case & bracelet made in china even mid range ones ! So why pay the premium . I have bought quite a few watches from Ali Express over the last few years , I always go for watches with the seiko movement - quartz or automatic these are bullet proof & run for decades without a service . I've had way more comments on these inexpensive watches than on my Rolex or Omega ..... go figure & as pointed out if scratched , lost or stolen no big deal . Have fun Cheers
Actually, this is a harder question than some might think. I'm at a point in my watch journey where I must now start to plan for the future as there are 1 or 2 €1000-2000 I'd like to purchase and if I didn't plan ahead then I end up purchasing 8-10x 150-300€ watches and then struggle to decide which to wear each day and how to hide them from the other half. We all enjoy the 'chase' of a new watch as collectors but unchecked we can spend way too many hours searching for and researching new watches to the point it has detrimental effects on our life. Don't get me wrong there is amazing value / enjoyment to be had at the lower end of the watch market, particularly as I love to wear my watches in any situation so they tend to get scratched. It's also a reason why I struggle with terms like, grail watch, as I would probably cry the first scratch I'd get, though if someone dropped a Breitling Navitimer 43mm into my Christmas stocking I wouldn't complain 🙂Really enjoyed your video, keep up the good work.
With 20+ Casios (Digital, Analog, Analog-Digital, G-Shocks) that I own, I can’t agree more ! I’m happy with the quality, excitement, fun-factor, variety and VFM these Casios offer.
They are. I just spent €200 on a homage of the legendary Seiko 6159-7000 (or the modern SLA025) from San Martin and even though I’m not fully convinced about the weight and size, I’m at least content about spending €4000 less than I would have on a very similar Seiko. Good stuff!
In fact, it is very simple. If you are spending a level of money that you cannot afford to enjoy, then that price level is not right for you. Since most people are on average in income, their expenses should also be on average. Spending on luxury items when you can't afford it is not a source of enjoyment but of concern. So clearly the average price levels are suitable for most people. Good watches are luxury items, recognize that with honesty
Great presentation ! I buy what I like and I do have quite a few “ cheaper “ timepieces . It allows me to wear a different watch that matches up with my style of the day . Why buy a watch and not wear it ? Remember you may know something about the watch on your wrist but everyone else has no real clue , wear what makes ya happy !
Just subbed as you pose an interesting question. I believe the answer is with the individual. If you have the disposable income, you'll buy the elite swiss brands. But (like me) if you can't afford ur Rolex etc you,ll make do. I believe many "ali specias" have amazingly quality. But they don't have horological history. Also many capitalise on "other" designs. Its complex l.... BUT... if pushed... i'd respect any and all wearing a "proper" watch rather than a "smart watch". Omega wearers brilliant. PAGANINI design wearers great.... we all love and appreciate proper watches
YES! Unless you are extremely wealthy and money has absolutely no meaning, average everyday people should not get sucked into the watch world. They just end up spending too much money, money that could be spent on much better things versus buying too many watches they absolutely don't need. Even buying budget AliExpress watches can get out of hand but even if you bought 40-50 AliExpress watches, it would still be less than buying one average luxury watch so at least you're not taking a huge financial hit.
Luxury watches are fine for the super wealthy who think nothing of spending £750 on servicing, but even they have to invest in safes and worry about scratches. I like cheap watches because choosing and buying them is fun not stressful, I can wear them anywhere and I'm happy to mod and repair them myself. Your editing could be slicker, but your click bait title worked, I've subscribed to help you to 1000 😉
Nice video! Totally agree. I have an Omega Seamaster and many AliExpress, Microbrand watches. You will see me wearing the most affordable ones most of the time. I would care less about what people are wearing as long as it isn't an Apple watch (lol!), their choice and their budget. The Chinese watches are too good for what they cost making you doubt on why the expensive ones are so "expensive". Did you ever try experimenting with a San Martin?
Completely agree with all of that. It's madness and the established brands really need to look over their shoulder. San Martin is on the list as are the Sugess chronos....but no rush. Wait for sales
In watch collecting the costs are exponential and the quality gains are logarithmic. It is difficult to say where is the sweet spot between cost and quality.
I think a lot of the Ali brands are available on Amazon albeit at a 50% markup from the Ali price. Im finding im hardly losing anything selling on ebay BIN with a well kept Ali watch. People check Amazon to find a price for a lot of things so you dont lose out if you buy from China. The Tissot i had for three years sold for 45% of its purchase price
I agree for the majority , the budget end will be the better option. Going through a similar process myself at present. I would like a watch that is well made & I appreciate the history of certain brands but I don’t have a favourite & don’t want to end up with buyers remorse by rushing into buying anything. Don’t want a safe Queen that won’t get worn & don’t want the anxiety of damaging something expensive to me.
yes😊😊😊😊 and I own two VCs Don’t knock japan or even some chinese movements….. they run well. Swiss just happens to be the old school quality movements I wear a different nearly everyday and own $50 to high luxury watches and enjoy them all…. no one cares what is on your wrist enjoy it
If variety is the spice of life or you happen to be addicted, then the answer must surely be yes. I have a large number of watches ranging from extremely cheap to quite expensive, and most of which, hardly see the light of day. God knows. I've sold just as many, and keep purchasing more. There always seems to be "another watch". But what do I wear on a daily basis? An Orient Sun & Moon, simply because it is so much fun.
I agree with most of your points. I sure do enjoy my “cheap” watches. The verity and availability is just much more .. fun. I slightly disagree on the quality point. My Ix&Dao Engineer bags the defer🤷🏼♂️. And it’s not the only one. For most cases, cheap means lesser quality, yet still it depends off course.
Bravo! I have been thinking like this for quite sometime. I just want access to higher end specs and lots of variety - I don't care or even know much about the heritage of higher end watches. For me Aliexpress and Amazon (casio, citizen ecodrives, etc.) are still the best options for me.
I can see your argument for cheaper watches. I’ve been looking at Orient myself. Just happens I’m been looking at secondhand Grand Seiko to see if there are bargains to be bought there.
Watches are accessories. We don't need them to tell the time anymore we have other tools for this that are more useful in day to day life i.e. phones. Watches are also art. Jewelry, technological wonders...whatever you want to call it. At the low to mid budget level ... people wear watches as cool accessories to their daily outfits. Think of that collection as a variety of bracelets. At the "Low end luxury" level like Tudor, Grand Seiko, Longine etc They're wearing it for a balance of both a fashion accessory as well as a piece of art that they're not afraid will get damaged. Beyond this point, you start to get diminishing returns on what you're spending in term of fashion, what is considered art and what MOST people care about. At the top end... you are walking around with a work of art on your wrist, you are making a statement. When you're up there in that world, you're constantly being sized up against the next person. Only a select few actually know / care about the value of those watches so unless you're in that sphere, there's no point owning those watches in my opinion. If you're driving to your logistics supervisor job in a kia wearing a Richard Mille...The only thing people in your sphere will think is...this guy's an idiot. Think it's fair to say MOST people don't want to be that conspicuous. So by that token, of course, collecting more affordable watches is more relaxed, more fun and scratches that itch without you feeling like you're ruining your / your family's lives.
I own one pagani and I am so full of regret I bought that copy cat cheap knock of shit. It cheapens everything and I wish I knew how to get right of the curse That said after 10 years of joy and regular wear my orient mako XL chipped it's mineral crystal and I was instantly online to luck for replacement parts ..
I have a couple of high end watches BUT don't really wear them much these days . Firstly with luxury watch theft on the rise coupled with personal safety in the event of being mugged for a luxury watch & secondly inexpensive watches have come along way in recent years . Also alot of Seiko's have their case & bracelet made in china even mid range ones ! So why pay the premium . I have bought quite a few watches from Ali Express over the last few years , I always go for watches with the seiko movement - quartz or automatic these are bullet proof & run for decades without a service . I've had way more comments on these inexpensive watches than on my Rolex or Omega ..... go figure & as pointed out if scratched , lost or stolen no big deal . Have fun Cheers
Bang on in every way!
100% agree! Casio, Vostock, Seagull, Seiko, HMT, Citizen, Orient, all have originality, value and reliability. You gotta keep it fun!
Amazing the variety of comments. Literally from one extreme to the other! Thanks
Actually, this is a harder question than some might think. I'm at a point in my watch journey where I must now start to plan for the future as there are 1 or 2 €1000-2000 I'd like to purchase and if I didn't plan ahead then I end up purchasing 8-10x 150-300€ watches and then struggle to decide which to wear each day and how to hide them from the other half. We all enjoy the 'chase' of a new watch as collectors but unchecked we can spend way too many hours searching for and researching new watches to the point it has detrimental effects on our life. Don't get me wrong there is amazing value / enjoyment to be had at the lower end of the watch market, particularly as I love to wear my watches in any situation so they tend to get scratched. It's also a reason why I struggle with terms like, grail watch, as I would probably cry the first scratch I'd get, though if someone dropped a Breitling Navitimer 43mm into my Christmas stocking I wouldn't complain 🙂Really enjoyed your video, keep up the good work.
Great! Absolutely agree. I'll be saving for grails here on after, but I can't resist a good value timeless stunner
With 20+ Casios (Digital, Analog, Analog-Digital, G-Shocks) that I own, I can’t agree more !
I’m happy with the quality, excitement, fun-factor, variety and VFM these Casios offer.
They are. I just spent €200 on a homage of the legendary Seiko 6159-7000 (or the modern SLA025) from San Martin and even though I’m not fully convinced about the weight and size, I’m at least content about spending €4000 less than I would have on a very similar Seiko. Good stuff!
I'll check that out
I agree, you also have the ability to indulge in all your style preferences, 👍
Once you've decided on style preference do you move up the ladder?....
In fact, it is very simple. If you are spending a level of money that you cannot afford to enjoy, then that price level is not right for you. Since most people are on average in income, their expenses should also be on average. Spending on luxury items when you can't afford it is not a source of enjoyment but of concern. So clearly the average price levels are suitable for most people. Good watches are luxury items, recognize that with honesty
Great presentation ! I buy what I like and I do have quite a few “ cheaper “ timepieces . It allows me to wear a different watch that matches up with my style of the day . Why buy a watch and not wear it ? Remember you may know something about the watch on your wrist but everyone else has no real clue , wear what makes ya happy !
Totally
There are numerous chinese made watches with real flying tourbillon i could never afford a swiss watch with a real flying tourbillon
Just subbed as you pose an interesting question.
I believe the answer is with the individual. If you have the disposable income, you'll buy the elite swiss brands. But (like me) if you can't afford ur Rolex etc you,ll make do.
I believe many "ali specias" have amazingly quality.
But they don't have horological history. Also many capitalise on "other" designs. Its complex l....
BUT... if pushed... i'd respect any and all wearing a "proper" watch rather than a "smart watch".
Omega wearers brilliant. PAGANINI design wearers great.... we all love and appreciate proper watches
Absolutely
YES! Unless you are extremely wealthy and money has absolutely no meaning, average everyday people should not get sucked into the watch world. They just end up spending too much money, money that could be spent on much better things versus buying too many watches they absolutely don't need. Even buying budget AliExpress watches can get out of hand but even if you bought 40-50 AliExpress watches, it would still be less than buying one average luxury watch so at least you're not taking a huge financial hit.
Thanks
Luxury watches are fine for the super wealthy who think nothing of spending £750 on servicing, but even they have to invest in safes and worry about scratches. I like cheap watches because choosing and buying them is fun not stressful, I can wear them anywhere and I'm happy to mod and repair them myself. Your editing could be slicker, but your click bait title worked, I've subscribed to help you to 1000 😉
Hehe thanks a million!
Editing is a slowly improving art.
Maybe similar collecting ideas
Nice video! Totally agree. I have an Omega Seamaster and many AliExpress, Microbrand watches. You will see me wearing the most affordable ones most of the time. I would care less about what people are wearing as long as it isn't an Apple watch (lol!), their choice and their budget. The Chinese watches are too good for what they cost making you doubt on why the expensive ones are so "expensive". Did you ever try experimenting with a San Martin?
Completely agree with all of that. It's madness and the established brands really need to look over their shoulder.
San Martin is on the list as are the Sugess chronos....but no rush. Wait for sales
In watch collecting the costs are exponential and the quality gains are logarithmic. It is difficult to say where is the sweet spot between cost and quality.
Yes. Diminishing returns at play
Simple answer, yes. Casio for the win.
Good points. Most of these cheap watches can be sold for 60-75% of what you paid for if in good condition
Yes I have found that
I think a lot of the Ali brands are available on Amazon albeit at a 50% markup from the Ali price. Im finding im hardly losing anything selling on ebay BIN with a well kept Ali watch. People check Amazon to find a price for a lot of things so you dont lose out if you buy from China. The Tissot i had for three years sold for 45% of its purchase price
I agree for the majority , the budget end will be the better option. Going through a similar process myself at present. I would like a watch that is well made & I appreciate the history of certain brands but I don’t have a favourite & don’t want to end up with buyers remorse by rushing into buying anything. Don’t want a safe Queen that won’t get worn & don’t want the anxiety of damaging something expensive to me.
Difficult isn't it.......pre owned? Nivada, Vulcain?
yes😊😊😊😊 and I own two VCs
Don’t knock japan or even some chinese movements….. they run well.
Swiss just happens to be the old school quality movements
I wear a different nearly everyday and own $50 to high luxury watches and enjoy them all…. no one cares what is on your wrist enjoy it
Absolutely. Thanks!! X
That FORTIS is fantastic !
A rare find!
If variety is the spice of life or you happen to be addicted, then the answer must surely be yes. I have a large number of watches ranging from extremely cheap to quite expensive, and most of which, hardly see the light of day. God knows. I've sold just as many, and keep purchasing more. There always seems to be "another watch". But what do I wear on a daily basis? An Orient Sun & Moon, simply because it is so much fun.
Well there you go.....same
I agree with most of your points. I sure do enjoy my “cheap” watches. The verity and availability is just much more .. fun.
I slightly disagree on the quality point. My Ix&Dao Engineer bags the defer🤷🏼♂️. And it’s not the only one. For most cases, cheap means lesser quality, yet still it depends off course.
Yes, it's a balance. There is an edge up in quality with higher pieces, but it's diminishing
Bravo! I have been thinking like this for quite sometime. I just want access to higher end specs and lots of variety - I don't care or even know much about the heritage of higher end watches. For me Aliexpress and Amazon (casio, citizen ecodrives, etc.) are still the best options for me.
Almost forgot! Great Content! Keep up the great work!
Thanks!!!
I can see your argument for cheaper watches. I’ve been looking at Orient myself. Just happens I’m been looking at secondhand Grand Seiko to see if there are bargains to be bought there.
I'd agree with both of those. Grand seiko do depreciate hard so pre owned is the way to go
Amphibia is fire 🔥
Love it
Watches are accessories. We don't need them to tell the time anymore we have other tools for this that are more useful in day to day life i.e. phones.
Watches are also art. Jewelry, technological wonders...whatever you want to call it.
At the low to mid budget level ... people wear watches as cool accessories to their daily outfits. Think of that collection as a variety of bracelets.
At the "Low end luxury" level like Tudor, Grand Seiko, Longine etc They're wearing it for a balance of both a fashion accessory as well as a piece of art that they're not afraid will get damaged.
Beyond this point, you start to get diminishing returns on what you're spending in term of fashion, what is considered art and what MOST people care about.
At the top end... you are walking around with a work of art on your wrist, you are making a statement. When you're up there in that world, you're constantly being sized up against the next person. Only a select few actually know / care about the value of those watches so unless you're in that sphere, there's no point owning those watches in my opinion.
If you're driving to your logistics supervisor job in a kia wearing a Richard Mille...The only thing people in your sphere will think is...this guy's an idiot.
Think it's fair to say MOST people don't want to be that conspicuous. So by that token, of course, collecting more affordable watches is more relaxed, more fun and scratches that itch without you feeling like you're ruining your / your family's lives.
Excellent comment! Thanks!
Are you from Wiggan?
Highly unlikely with that accent. North East as an educated guess. Don’t want to be more specific unless I pick the wrong city! lol.
North East
The only nice watch I saw in this video was the grand seiko.
It is a gem......but I hardly wear it
Betteridge's law of headlines... I say this with that red bezel specifically in mind. It just won't scratch the Black Bay itch.
Yes....there's always an itch......3% of the price tho....
I own one pagani and I am so full of regret I bought that copy cat cheap knock of shit. It cheapens everything and I wish I knew how to get right of the curse
That said after 10 years of joy and regular wear my orient mako XL chipped it's mineral crystal and I was instantly online to luck for replacement parts ..