I bought my first watch last year. It's a Seiko Presage with a green dial. I lived most of my life so far as a stateless refugee and bought the watch to celebrate becoming an Irish citizen (Hence the green dial). It's by no means a symbol of status or a 'grail' watch but it means so much to me and reminds me of the hard road that lays behind. I'm sure I'll buy more watches in the future, some more expensive than my Seiko, but this watch will always have a special place in my heart. Cheers from Palestine, Andrew! 🇵🇸
Congratulations, brother. I understand how you feel. And by the way the Seiko Presage (Cocktail Time) green dial on a leather strap has been in my sight for a while.
this is the thing I love about the watch community, I'm never looking for the biggest, the best or the most expensive thing that will change my life. Watches are there as a luxury and whether that's from a $30 watch or something that costs $10K, nobody needs a watch but it's always a pleasure to get one and see what's available
The watch that made me happy was a $100 Mickey Mouse watch from Disney. I worked for the company for 4 years and really enjoyed my time with them. So the watch reminded me of the good times
I own Rolex, Tudor, Omega among many others and I can validate that every one in a while, normally on a Friday night just before a cider sesh commences, whacking on the blue dial Baltic Aquascaphe can be really rewarding :)
I'm not certain purchasing anything will make someone truly happy. Happiness comes from greater things than trinkets. What I do think can make someone happy is being in a position where they have the ability to spend an arbitrary amount on something that they don't actually need. It indicates a state of comfort in life where they don't have to scrape to get by. That level of comfort can make someone happy, I think.
This is probably my favourite video you've released so far, despite the fact that not a single watch was shown in this video. You alluded to the desire of material goods over spiritual ones - that's something I find quite touching and poignant. I am a Muslim and practice Islam. Islam teaches us that this dunya (ie this world) is merely a test and one shouldn't strive to attain worldly desires, rather do good and be kind in this world, and attain happiness in the hereafter. With that being said, I still wear my 39mm Explorer 1 when I go to the Mosque 😉😂
This was the Sunday breakfast discussion I didn't know I needed. By the end of it I managed to justify my drunken late night purchase as a key part of my collecting journey and take comfort that it will be attached to the memories of many crisp refreshing beers. I can feel fulfilled today. Cheers Andrew. 😇
Andrew Morgan _gets it._ Perfectly. It's why I make watches specific to the person, each a unique item made entirely for them and it's not ridiculously overpriced. I don't turn much of profit at all, I do it because I love it. The watch _is_ the journey when I consult with someone and show them the progress during making it.
I recently fell in love with a particular Sekonda watch that I so wanted to buy while holidaying in London later this year. I was devastated to learn that it sold out. I didn’t care that it only costs 45 quid. It ticked all the right boxes for me. I would have been a happy man wearing a watch that had the story of buying it while on holiday in London. I believe if I feel good wearing a watch and it brings back great memories I won’t give 2 hoops how much it cost me or what brand it is! Keep up the good work👍
This was so well done, great work, Andrew. It really reflects how I have been feeling about this hobby lately. I've been saving for a big purchase, but I found myself walking that decision back as I realized I am more than happy with my small collection of cheap watches.
This really resonated with me. I’m still fairly new to watches but I am fortunate enough to own timepieces from both ends of the spectrum. What I’ve found is that my affordable pieces give me as much joy as the more expensive ones, probably even more so.
Some perspective required. On my brother-in-law's 30th birthday the family chipped in toward a £300 watch (which shock horror to those in this watch community, he found generously expensive). A decade or so on still wears it every day. Absolutely loves it.
My every day watch is a Casio CA-53W, not even the version with a backlight, and it fills me with absolute joy when wearing it. I smile every time I look at my watch, it's simple, fun and cheap. Would I feel happier wearing the Seamaster I have my eyes on right now, maybe, a different sort of happy. Not a joyous happy, a "wow that's nice" happy, a "I can't believe this is on my wrist" happy, counterbalanced with a fear of being mugged.
Ultimately, my "Cheap" watches make me happier because I am way less stressed out when I wear them. And I also feel like a genius when I buy an homage watch that looks almost identical to the real thing at a fraction of the price.
Excellent commentary! More, please! The watches that make me happiest are the ones given to me by people I love (all quite cheap), and maybe one that I gave myself. The rest of my collection just feels like meaningless "stuff" I bought, thinking each one would somehow make me happier where the previous one had failed. I'm into selling watches now, which I find makes me happier than buying them ever did.
Really intelligent analysis. Thank you for creating it. And to stay on topic, yes. My 1970s Omega Geneve I picked up comparatively cheaply on ebay and my comparatively cheap Vaer and other microbrands bring me happiness as you describe. I take some satisfaction in not overpaying (not using needed resources frivolously to continue your analysis), but I suppose that can lead to its own form of smugness, different from the “look at how expensive my watch is” but possibly smugness all the same.
The cheaper the better since I worry less about damaging during everyday wear and tear. Don't get me wrong, I love me the engineering marvels from the likes of Seiko, Omega, Longines, and especially the (unattainable expensive but fun to fantasise) A Language & Sohne or Glasshutte Original, but they are more collector items than daily wear for a middle class watch enthusiast.
Thanks for another very thought provoking video. About 5 years ago, I bought a pre-owned Rolex Explorer 36mm and at almost exactly the same time, I also picked up a pre-owned Casio GShock 5610. The Rolex was sold on within six months - lovely to look at, nice to discuss with other Watch enthusiasts, but just not suitable for my lifestyle and too “valuable” to risk knocking about. I still own the GShock and wear it several times a week. Each time I check the time it makes me smile because it has cost me less than 1p a day to own, it is spot in accurate and has every function I ever need. Go figure… Keep up the good work and keep well.
I change my watch a couple of times a day and every time I put a watch on from my collection it makes me feel happy. I have delivered 14 babies, saved numerous lives, dived most of the oceans of the world and climbed the highest mountains. I have known great love and loss, yet my Superocean, my Seamaster, or my humble Citizen dive watch makes me happy. I still don't understand why this triggers the release of happy chemicals in my brain, but Andrew has helped me contextualise it a little, and feel a little less shallow and vane. Thank you.
Looks like the vote is a huge YES to more socio-cultural-philosophical content like this, Andrew! A million thanks for this one, and looking forward to more
One of your best! My Seiko 5 Snoopy makes me happy. Happy because I also got 1 for my teenage son. We enjoy wearing them as a token of our bond as father and son. My current watch collection totals over $40k on Chrono24, but this $450 Seiko is my favorite for reasons mentioned.
One of the most important and truest videos tied to watches ever published. Well done, as always, and thank you for keeping it real, honest and grounded 👏
All spot on! A cheap watch, or an expensive watch, can and cannot make you happy. It’s like you said, it’s all about the context, the reasons, the journey, etc. it’s not about the specific outcome. “Life’s a journey, not a destination”.
I love my Steinhart Ocean One Titanium 500. A relatively inexpensive watch, but it was a joy to buy and wear for seven years. Today it's in storage, because I have a new shiny toy, but I think about it now and then,and the thought of it puts a smile on my face
The watch I wear today cost 1% of the one I would choose if money was not an objective. The carefree enjoyment of this companion on my wrist ,,, priceless.
I suppose I would say that the answer to the question of if a cheap watch can make one happy is yes. Keeping on with the trope or language of journey, I'd also say that the answer to a question is almost always less interesting or meaningful than how you got there. This is one reason why I like to ask myself questions that do not really have answers. Great discussion, Andrew - and yes, please, more content like this.
I was preparing to listen to this in the background but the topic was so enthralling that I stopped what I was doing to give it my full attention. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The two watches that make me the happiest are (1) the one I spent the longest time researching and agonising over before buying, and (2) the one my child says is their favourite. Neither are the most expensive nor the most "desirable" in my collection by far.
Cheap watches are great. Some of my favourites are way cheaper than others in my collection. Sinn and Marathon are two such examples. Consumerism. The all consuming rat race that defines our lives. Good to have insight and focus on what’s really important. Before you know it your life is over and most of us haven’t necessarily achieved a huge lot that’s ultimately meaningful to us. For me it’s memories. Whatever experiences fills our lives with ‘Happiness’ Happiness for me has two fundamental aspects. Pleasure and purpose. And to be happy I need both. Purpose:A good meaningful job that betters the world +/- the people in it, a good husband, a good father Pleasure: fantasy books, video games, food & booze, holidays and watches. And of course good watch channels 😊 Thank you Andrew, enjoyed this one almost as much as your exploration of time
Well, *this* was a hell of a deep-dive, and I loved it. I'd say, as you more-than-hinted, the value of a watch (or much anything else) is at least in part informed by external factors: was it a gift from someone? A purchase to mark an important occasion? Or simply something that for whatever reason excited you on first sight? (I've experienced all three.) Absolutely hooevyoubjeep up with this series, even though you're keeping multiple series up and running, all of which I enjoy.
A wise and very dear friend once told me, "Owning a convertible doesn't make your life better, but it does make your life SEEM better". Substitute "cheap watch" where appropriate.
Just bought a sporty $34 Armitron watch on sale - $25. It looks great, perfect size, love the light weight, and it tells time. Enjoying it. Only thing missing is countdown timer, but I can make do with the alarm feature. Shopping for an inexpensive stainless steel watch for dress up. I couldn't care less what people think of the monetary value of my watch.
I was watching a watch channel. Now I'm chewing at what I just watched. I like it.😊 We all have or ticks. This that and something new. Great video about watches
glad you started this channel... i can see how the content for this video would not fit well with the watchfinder channel... but it is absolutely great content and worthy to be shared... thank you 🙏 😊
Price can make a difference! A piece that someone strives for for years or to mark an achievement can be very meaningful. That said, I smile every time I wear my $40 G-Shock from Walmart too😄
You are a very wise man. I love your videos. All that you said is so very true. It’s not the object that makes a man or woman happy it’s the journey and the people and the awesome memories you make along the way if the purchase and long term ownership. So keeping a watch that you love a lot and making great memories w it then can and will continue to make you happy.
The word 'con' is a old naval tern meaning to navigate or steer and it shows up a lot, contract, consider, convert, constructe, control, constable. There is actually a lot of Naval/Admiralty words in common parlance, Banks, Sale, Currency (money), Bail (release after arrest) Case (what goods are shipped in), Dock (you stand in the Dock to answer the Case. There's loads, lots cross meaning between money and crime, Guilts is another one. I remember when babies where delivered, but now mum gives birth, through the berth canal, and if you bother to check your birth certificate, the bit where your Mothers name is it say 'Informant'. Crazy. It's almost as if we live under the law of sea not the law of the land.
I love a good philosophical episode! I will say that I don't think I have less of the "endorphin rush" when buying a cheaper watch than when I get something more expensive...but yes, so much is about the hunt. I always think of the Grace Jones song: "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game" I think it sums up a lot of our hobby.
Oh just buy the fing watch already. Thank you for another masterpiece. I try to buy things that help me or others enjoy life more. My diver watch helps me time waffles (5 minutes) and hikes, new hiking boots help me go for a hike, preferably with good company. Coffee...we'll that's the elixir of life...
I am now happy purchasing watches for the lowest price possible. This has meant moving in the direction of micro brands and others - those providing the most value. I am amazed by how inexpensive a collection of my watches feature, quality materials, movements, finishing and design aesthetic - sometimes for a mere $150. To answer the question of whether a cheap watch can provide happiness: yes, unequivocally.
A lot to think about from this video and I will get back to it over time. I don’t care about price, you can say I am fortunate for having 1 of each mayor Swiss brands. My goal is comfort and nothing beats my Ebel E-Type automatic white dial black rubber strap. Every time I use a different piece I feel the excess of weight, size and flashiness that makes me return to my Ebel.
Dear Andrew You are great therapist. I fully agree to your statements and feel it every time I have new watch to my collection, whether cheep or expensive. The best feeling is the way to reach the summit , it is not the summit itself . With love and appreciation Nizar
In some ways, learning about watches, movements, and how the watch industry operates (including the “made in…” criteria) has helped me to understand and appreciate what’s available to me at price points I can afford. I appreciate the aesthetic and functions of many expensive watches (Rolex Explorer, Omega co-axial escapement) while likely never being able to afford them. I also appreciate the quality, reliability, and relative inexpensive price of repair of movements in the 2824 mode. Thanks for this one. Appreciate the thoughts and focus on consumerism and philosophical view on “happiness”.
Depends on what you call a cheap watch. As Einstein said “Everything is relative”. If a person has limited means but prefers to purchase something within a tight budget and which also provides an emotional attachment, then that is absolutely fine. It is the status junkies which flip me out. They don’t enjoy their purchases for what the watches can do or represent. They just buy at a certain price level, just to obtain admiring looks and comments. Narcissists, the lot of them!
I recommend this little book for further studies: "The Situation Is Hopeless, But Not Serious: The Pursuit of Unhappiness" by Paul Watzlawick. And now I'll go back to my harp and work on that new tune, that keeps making me happier than all my watches can, while it is unfolding.
By pure happenstance I’m wearing an Orient Bambino while watching this. I haven’t worn it in a long time and I’ve been thinking all day about how good it feels to have this cheap yet fully functional, rather good watch. I’ve chosen to keep the original strap to really get the feeling of how cheap this quite good and nice looking watch is.
Great video Andrew! I would say that perhaps one can never speak of true happiness when it comes to acquiring an object, be it a watch or something else, but only of satisfaction. As for the price, it is irrelevant because in the end, it is only the meaning we give to things that is the true indicator and measure of that satisfaction. And if you like that dial, that strap, those functions, and the watch in question ends up being "cheap", who cares, as long as it makes you smile?
My wife makes me happy, the watches I buy with her that I look at daily and are reminded of her love through, make me happy too. Sometimes it’s about the sentimental value.
I have a few watches... Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, Cartier... But some of my most loved watches are my G-Shocks. Mainly because they're worn in carefree crazy adventures with my family. Great memories and fun times. My expensive stuff usually is for quiet times... 😂😂
Can't talk about this film but it's a classic quote:- "“Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need, and the things you own, end up owning you. We're the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our great war is a spiritual war. Our great depression is our lives. We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaries, and movie gods, and rock stars, but we won't. We're slowly learning that fact.” ― F*gh* c**b"
For certain of us (OK, boomers) it doesn't represent an "unnecessary decoration" but something entirely different. It is a tie to a culture in which we learned to tell time in grade school and, before the advent of digitals and cell phones, wore watches as a necessity. I look back through old photos going all the way back to high school, and I was almost never without a watch. Casios, Timex, Benrus, Seikos, etc. I wear a self-winding mechanical because it is a link to my childhood and the times of my father and grandfather. Is that happiness? Seems that I have never quite known what happiness is. So, I don't think in those terms. My cheap watches provided a service and gave me a measure of comfort and I loved them for that.
i must have attained peak contentment because i have not bought a watch for 2 months now! and that's despite your attempts at tempting me towards getting a moonswatch too! 🤣
- 5:00 Seems like Seiko has adopted the General Motors mind set. “Keep the consumer dissatisfied “ . You love the design but dislike the hardlex crystal or it’s too thick, too wide, no signed crown for +$1k watch etc.
Amazing video! Really great and something more people need to hear! For me, when it comes to watches and money.. like you said, I need something more than just the watch to justify (say anything over $1k). For example, I want to get the new Tudor BB54.. but, I really have no other reason to get this beyond "just wanting it". My other watches, my Seamaster = Wedding gift. My BB58 = Mom dying of cancer and was her last gift to me to remember her etc. My Sinn 556i was the start of my watch dedicated IG account. etc. Everything kinda has a story behind it. On the other hand I have a Marathon Gsar and I love it, but I bought it with no real reason and funny thing is, that it would be the first one to be sold if needed. So, I agree there is much more at play here than just the watch (or the amount spent). The other thing I wanted to say, is that in general the more I spend the less I am happy (in general). This comes from lessons learned during the pandemic. So, I now know I NEED to have cash on hand, and to have some type of investments, dont carry debt etc. So, when you live like that you really have a much, MUCH harder time trading that security for something not needed and when / if you do, you end up re-thinking it over and over again to the point of regret and fear for the future.. and that sucks and takes away being happy. So, I set up some "rules" for me and I think I am okay with anything in the $1K range without much thought. $1500 - $2k is a real study.. and anything more I really need to have more reasons and a solid plan,, and ideally a way to replace the money right away (selling off something else).
The watch that has made me the most happy per dollar is easily my Vostok Amphibia - Steve Zissou. I loved the film, have wonderful memories associated with it, love to dive, and love wearing the same watch Bill Murray wore. I wear the Vostok far more often than my Submariner or my Daytona.
I am avid cheap watch collector,espescially casio an seiko.I truly love my casio worldtimer,my tiffany dial,my seiko diver and more.I would buy expensive watches because i love the art behind it,and not to show of.But can't afford them.
It's always a pleasure to watch your videos even if there are almost no mention of watches, LOL. Yes a cheap item I.E. a watch or other item does give me pleasure and happiness. As you mentioned it's the journey that makes it special. If its an impulse buy than the pleasure is transient but if I desired or search for a long time then the pleasure last.
It can until you start comparing 😅 if you want to be happy, compare to even cheaper watches not the more expensive ones. This apply to anything in life in general.
I have high end and inexpensive watches. I buy both as a utility. A inexpensive watch can be very satisfying and a great utility. I have found for example a Tuedix Design dive watch to be worth every dollar. It looks and feels like a Submariner at about $100. Fantastic knock a bout watch.
I feel like I need a phd in psychology in order to understand every bit of detail in this video. This is a good explanation of how our system looks at consumer behavior. With social media, FOMO economics now rules. But it doesn’t have to as long as you have personal self respect and self awareness. FOMO(fear of missing out)
Bravo, Andrew! Like The School of Life, but for watches. I'm not sure how to answer the question at the end of the video. Perhaps you should pose it to Swatch's CEO?
I got my first watch because i needed to, i got into a consumerist phase a afterwards but now i put limits to myself, i wait some months and if i still want the watch i save and got it. Also great advice, don't buy stuff while hungry or horny.
Andrew, only you can produce a great watch video with a running time of more than ten minutes without showing a single watch. Cheers. 😊
There's a watch at 7:57. (Technicalities aside, I agree).
Spot on. Still can't get used to seeing his face though.
I bought my first watch last year. It's a Seiko Presage with a green dial. I lived most of my life so far as a stateless refugee and bought the watch to celebrate becoming an Irish citizen (Hence the green dial).
It's by no means a symbol of status or a 'grail' watch but it means so much to me and reminds me of the hard road that lays behind.
I'm sure I'll buy more watches in the future, some more expensive than my Seiko, but this watch will always have a special place in my heart.
Cheers from Palestine, Andrew! 🇵🇸
Congratulations on joining a great European nation Majed. You are truly blessed. 👍
Congratulations, brother. I understand how you feel. And by the way the Seiko Presage (Cocktail Time) green dial on a leather strap has been in my sight for a while.
Enjoy that watch, and I hope one day you can buy a green dial Rolex! If it makes you happy, of course ;)
this is the thing I love about the watch community, I'm never looking for the biggest, the best or the most expensive thing that will change my life. Watches are there as a luxury and whether that's from a $30 watch or something that costs $10K, nobody needs a watch but it's always a pleasure to get one and see what's available
I love this comment, bang on
The watch that made me happy was a $100 Mickey Mouse watch from Disney. I worked for the company for 4 years and really enjoyed my time with them. So the watch reminded me of the good times
I own Rolex, Tudor, Omega among many others and I can validate that every one in a while, normally on a Friday night just before a cider sesh commences, whacking on the blue dial Baltic Aquascaphe can be really rewarding :)
I'm not certain purchasing anything will make someone truly happy. Happiness comes from greater things than trinkets.
What I do think can make someone happy is being in a position where they have the ability to spend an arbitrary amount on something that they don't actually need. It indicates a state of comfort in life where they don't have to scrape to get by. That level of comfort can make someone happy, I think.
This is probably my favourite video you've released so far, despite the fact that not a single watch was shown in this video. You alluded to the desire of material goods over spiritual ones - that's something I find quite touching and poignant.
I am a Muslim and practice Islam. Islam teaches us that this dunya (ie this world) is merely a test and one shouldn't strive to attain worldly desires, rather do good and be kind in this world, and attain happiness in the hereafter.
With that being said, I still wear my 39mm Explorer 1 when I go to the Mosque 😉😂
Love it!
Haram
Eid mubarak inshallah
OK that was funny that was hilarious. Well all I could say to your comment is there’s no sequel to life.
This was the Sunday breakfast discussion I didn't know I needed. By the end of it I managed to justify my drunken late night purchase as a key part of my collecting journey and take comfort that it will be attached to the memories of many crisp refreshing beers. I can feel fulfilled today. Cheers Andrew. 😇
Andrew Morgan _gets it._ Perfectly. It's why I make watches specific to the person, each a unique item made entirely for them and it's not ridiculously overpriced. I don't turn much of profit at all, I do it because I love it. The watch _is_ the journey when I consult with someone and show them the progress during making it.
I recently fell in love with a particular Sekonda watch that I so wanted to buy while holidaying in London later this year. I was devastated to learn that it sold out. I didn’t care that it only costs 45 quid. It ticked all the right boxes for me. I would have been a happy man wearing a watch that had the story of buying it while on holiday in London. I believe if I feel good wearing a watch and it brings back great memories I won’t give 2 hoops how much it cost me or what brand it is! Keep up the good work👍
This was so well done, great work, Andrew. It really reflects how I have been feeling about this hobby lately. I've been saving for a big purchase, but I found myself walking that decision back as I realized I am more than happy with my small collection of cheap watches.
I have 12 watches, all worth under $500 and majority worth under $250. I love them all, they all make me happy.
I have over 10 pieces aswell. My most worn and favorite piece cost me 200 usd !!
Same here. Size of case determined the size of collection, rite?
This really resonated with me. I’m still fairly new to watches but I am fortunate enough to own timepieces from both ends of the spectrum. What I’ve found is that my affordable pieces give me as much joy as the more expensive ones, probably even more so.
Which watches on the high end are in your collection?
Some perspective required. On my brother-in-law's 30th birthday the family chipped in toward a £300 watch (which shock horror to those in this watch community, he found generously expensive). A decade or so on still wears it every day. Absolutely loves it.
My every day watch is a Casio CA-53W, not even the version with a backlight, and it fills me with absolute joy when wearing it. I smile every time I look at my watch, it's simple, fun and cheap. Would I feel happier wearing the Seamaster I have my eyes on right now, maybe, a different sort of happy. Not a joyous happy, a "wow that's nice" happy, a "I can't believe this is on my wrist" happy, counterbalanced with a fear of being mugged.
My second-hand Casio Baby-G brings me this kind of happiness too.
The most money I've ever spent on a watch is $350 which I guess most would consider "cheap" I prefer the term "affordable".
Ultimately, my "Cheap" watches make me happier because I am way less stressed out when I wear them. And I also feel like a genius when I buy an homage watch that looks almost identical to the real thing at a fraction of the price.
Excellent commentary! More, please!
The watches that make me happiest are the ones given to me by people I love (all quite cheap), and maybe one that I gave myself. The rest of my collection just feels like meaningless "stuff" I bought, thinking each one would somehow make me happier where the previous one had failed.
I'm into selling watches now, which I find makes me happier than buying them ever did.
Really intelligent analysis. Thank you for creating it. And to stay on topic, yes. My 1970s Omega Geneve I picked up comparatively cheaply on ebay and my comparatively cheap Vaer and other microbrands bring me happiness as you describe. I take some satisfaction in not overpaying (not using needed resources frivolously to continue your analysis), but I suppose that can lead to its own form of smugness, different from the “look at how expensive my watch is” but possibly smugness all the same.
The cheaper the better since I worry less about damaging during everyday wear and tear. Don't get me wrong, I love me the engineering marvels from the likes of Seiko, Omega, Longines, and especially the (unattainable expensive but fun to fantasise) A Language & Sohne or Glasshutte Original, but they are more collector items than daily wear for a middle class watch enthusiast.
Thanks for another very thought provoking video. About 5 years ago, I bought a pre-owned Rolex Explorer 36mm and at almost exactly the same time, I also picked up a pre-owned Casio GShock 5610. The Rolex was sold on within six months - lovely to look at, nice to discuss with other Watch enthusiasts, but just not suitable for my lifestyle and too “valuable” to risk knocking about.
I still own the GShock and wear it several times a week. Each time I check the time it makes me smile because it has cost me less than 1p a day to own, it is spot in accurate and has every function I ever need.
Go figure…
Keep up the good work and keep well.
I change my watch a couple of times a day and every time I put a watch on from my collection it makes me feel happy. I have delivered 14 babies, saved numerous lives, dived most of the oceans of the world and climbed the highest mountains. I have known great love and loss, yet my Superocean, my Seamaster, or my humble Citizen dive watch makes me happy. I still don't understand why this triggers the release of happy chemicals in my brain, but Andrew has helped me contextualise it a little, and feel a little less shallow and vane. Thank you.
Looks like the vote is a huge YES to more socio-cultural-philosophical content like this, Andrew! A million thanks for this one, and looking forward to more
One of your best! My Seiko 5 Snoopy makes me happy. Happy because I also got 1 for my teenage son. We enjoy wearing them as a token of our bond as father and son. My current watch collection totals over $40k on Chrono24, but this $450 Seiko is my favorite for reasons mentioned.
One of the most important and truest videos tied to watches ever published. Well done, as always, and thank you for keeping it real, honest and grounded 👏
All spot on! A cheap watch, or an expensive watch, can and cannot make you happy. It’s like you said, it’s all about the context, the reasons, the journey, etc. it’s not about the specific outcome. “Life’s a journey, not a destination”.
I love my Steinhart Ocean One Titanium 500. A relatively inexpensive watch, but it was a joy to buy and wear for seven years. Today it's in storage, because I have a new shiny toy, but I think about it now and then,and the thought of it puts a smile on my face
The watch I wear today cost 1% of the one I would choose if money was not an objective. The carefree enjoyment of this companion on my wrist ,,, priceless.
I suppose I would say that the answer to the question of if a cheap watch can make one happy is yes. Keeping on with the trope or language of journey, I'd also say that the answer to a question is almost always less interesting or meaningful than how you got there. This is one reason why I like to ask myself questions that do not really have answers.
Great discussion, Andrew - and yes, please, more content like this.
My Casio F-28W makes me happy BECAUSE it’s the cheapest of the cheap. Great seeing you in NYC Andrew!
I was preparing to listen to this in the background but the topic was so enthralling that I stopped what I was doing to give it my full attention. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Yes! More videos like this please. I must say this one really made my morning, thank you
The two watches that make me the happiest are (1) the one I spent the longest time researching and agonising over before buying, and (2) the one my child says is their favourite. Neither are the most expensive nor the most "desirable" in my collection by far.
Cheap watches are great. Some of my favourites are way cheaper than others in my collection. Sinn and Marathon are two such examples.
Consumerism. The all consuming rat race that defines our lives. Good to have insight and focus on what’s really important. Before you know it your life is over and most of us haven’t necessarily achieved a huge lot that’s ultimately meaningful to us. For me it’s memories. Whatever experiences fills our lives with ‘Happiness’
Happiness for me has two fundamental aspects. Pleasure and purpose. And to be happy I need both.
Purpose:A good meaningful job that betters the world +/- the people in it, a good husband, a good father
Pleasure: fantasy books, video games, food & booze, holidays and watches.
And of course good watch channels 😊
Thank you Andrew, enjoyed this one almost as much as your exploration of time
Well, *this* was a hell of a deep-dive, and I loved it. I'd say, as you more-than-hinted, the value of a watch (or much anything else) is at least in part informed by external factors: was it a gift from someone? A purchase to mark an important occasion? Or simply something that for whatever reason excited you on first sight? (I've experienced all three.)
Absolutely hooevyoubjeep up with this series, even though you're keeping multiple series up and running, all of which I enjoy.
The writing and editing on this video is so good. Very well done!
A wise and very dear friend once told me, "Owning a convertible doesn't make your life better, but it does make your life SEEM better". Substitute "cheap watch" where appropriate.
I absolutely love your writing and presentation. I'm also a Brit and I wish I could speak as eloquently as you.
Just bought a sporty $34 Armitron watch on sale - $25. It looks great, perfect size, love the light weight, and it tells time. Enjoying it. Only thing missing is countdown timer, but I can make do with the alarm feature. Shopping for an inexpensive stainless steel watch for dress up. I couldn't care less what people think of the monetary value of my watch.
I was watching a watch channel.
Now I'm chewing at what I just watched.
I like it.😊
We all have or ticks. This that and something new.
Great video about watches
Great commentary on consumerism, materialism, and happiness. You’re a philosopher and I appreciate you
glad you started this channel... i can see how the content for this video would not fit well with the watchfinder channel... but it is absolutely great content and worthy to be shared... thank you 🙏 😊
Price can make a difference! A piece that someone strives for for years or to mark an achievement can be very meaningful. That said, I smile every time I wear my $40 G-Shock from Walmart too😄
You are a very wise man. I love your videos. All that you said is so very true. It’s not the object that makes a man or woman happy it’s the journey and the people and the awesome memories you make along the way if the purchase and long term ownership. So keeping a watch that you love a lot and making great memories w it then can and will continue to make you happy.
I don’t like the word “ cheap” I prefer “ inexpensive “ ….
a $200 Seiko SKX033 gave me the same or more enjoyment than the Rolex Submariner. And now I don’t know why paying way too expensive than the other
The word 'con' is a old naval tern meaning to navigate or steer and it shows up a lot, contract, consider, convert, constructe, control, constable.
There is actually a lot of Naval/Admiralty words in common parlance, Banks, Sale, Currency (money), Bail (release after arrest) Case (what goods are shipped in), Dock (you stand in the Dock to answer the Case.
There's loads, lots cross meaning between money and crime, Guilts is another one.
I remember when babies where delivered, but now mum gives birth, through the berth canal, and if you bother to check your birth certificate, the bit where your Mothers name is it say 'Informant'. Crazy.
It's almost as if we live under the law of sea not the law of the land.
Quite possibly the best video you've ever done. Bravo!
One of your best! Thoughtful and introspective study of us.
I really like this video and would love to see more like it. But then I do have a degree in history. Great video!
Thoroughly well put. Engaging and hilarious whilst delivering some "Real Talk"!
I love a good philosophical episode! I will say that I don't think I have less of the "endorphin rush" when buying a cheaper watch than when I get something more expensive...but yes, so much is about the hunt. I always think of the Grace Jones song: "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game" I think it sums up a lot of our hobby.
Oh just buy the fing watch already. Thank you for another masterpiece. I try to buy things that help me or others enjoy life more. My diver watch helps me time waffles (5 minutes) and hikes, new hiking boots help me go for a hike, preferably with good company. Coffee...we'll that's the elixir of life...
I am now happy purchasing watches for the lowest price possible. This has meant moving in the direction of micro brands and others - those providing the most value. I am amazed by how inexpensive a collection of my watches feature, quality materials, movements, finishing and design aesthetic - sometimes for a mere $150. To answer the question of whether a cheap watch can provide happiness: yes, unequivocally.
A lot to think about from this video and I will get back to it over time. I don’t care about price, you can say I am fortunate for having 1 of each mayor Swiss brands. My goal is comfort and nothing beats my Ebel E-Type automatic white dial black rubber strap. Every time I use a different piece I feel the excess of weight, size and flashiness that makes me return to my Ebel.
All you need is LOVE ❤️
Dear Andrew
You are great therapist. I fully agree to your statements and feel it every time I have new watch to my collection, whether cheep or expensive. The best feeling is the way to reach the summit , it is not the summit itself .
With love and appreciation
Nizar
Hamilton and Tissot, the brands on the clip, are expensive for working class people. They are not cheap.
Do I love my Casi-Oak? Yes. Does it make my happy? Very. Do I wear it to work as proudly as my Rolex? Absolutely yes. It's not about the price
Ok, finally someone making meaningful watch related content.
You're a genius of storytelling, my guy!
In some ways, learning about watches, movements, and how the watch industry operates (including the “made in…” criteria) has helped me to understand and appreciate what’s available to me at price points I can afford. I appreciate the aesthetic and functions of many expensive watches (Rolex Explorer, Omega co-axial escapement) while likely never being able to afford them. I also appreciate the quality, reliability, and relative inexpensive price of repair of movements in the 2824 mode.
Thanks for this one. Appreciate the thoughts and focus on consumerism and philosophical view on “happiness”.
Great content Andrew, keep ‘em coming. Thanks
Depends on what you call a cheap watch. As Einstein said “Everything is relative”. If a person has limited means but prefers to purchase something within a tight budget and which also provides an emotional attachment, then that is absolutely fine. It is the status junkies which flip me out. They don’t enjoy their purchases for what the watches can do or represent. They just buy at a certain price level, just to obtain admiring looks and comments. Narcissists, the lot of them!
I recommend this little book for further studies: "The Situation Is Hopeless, But Not Serious: The Pursuit of Unhappiness" by Paul Watzlawick. And now I'll go back to my harp and work on that new tune, that keeps making me happier than all my watches can, while it is unfolding.
By pure happenstance I’m wearing an Orient Bambino while watching this. I haven’t worn it in a long time and I’ve been thinking all day about how good it feels to have this cheap yet fully functional, rather good watch. I’ve chosen to keep the original strap to really get the feeling of how cheap this quite good and nice looking watch is.
Great video Andrew! I would say that perhaps one can never speak of true happiness when it comes to acquiring an object, be it a watch or something else, but only of satisfaction. As for the price, it is irrelevant because in the end, it is only the meaning we give to things that is the true indicator and measure of that satisfaction. And if you like that dial, that strap, those functions, and the watch in question ends up being "cheap", who cares, as long as it makes you smile?
My wife makes me happy, the watches I buy with her that I look at daily and are reminded of her love through, make me happy too. Sometimes it’s about the sentimental value.
I have a few watches... Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, Cartier...
But some of my most loved watches are my G-Shocks. Mainly because they're worn in carefree crazy adventures with my family. Great memories and fun times.
My expensive stuff usually is for quiet times... 😂😂
What a highly thought and prepared video. Will send it to people who are not even into watches. Tx.
Can't talk about this film but it's a classic quote:-
"“Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need, and the things you own, end up owning you. We're the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our great war is a spiritual war. Our great depression is our lives. We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaries, and movie gods, and rock stars, but we won't. We're slowly learning that fact.”
― F*gh* c**b"
Was not expecting a video with a Hamilton thumbnail to make me reflect this much. Great stuff.
I don't always listen to philosophical lectures about consumerism while I'm dropping a deuce but when I do I prefer Andrew Morgan.
For certain of us (OK, boomers) it doesn't represent an "unnecessary decoration" but something entirely different. It is a tie to a culture in which we learned to tell time in grade school and, before the advent of digitals and cell phones, wore watches as a necessity. I look back through old photos going all the way back to high school, and I was almost never without a watch. Casios, Timex, Benrus, Seikos, etc. I wear a self-winding mechanical because it is a link to my childhood and the times of my father and grandfather. Is that happiness? Seems that I have never quite known what happiness is. So, I don't think in those terms. My cheap watches provided a service and gave me a measure of comfort and I loved them for that.
You have done it yet again, lm sure you could write fascinating books on any topic, not just science fiction. 👍 Love your work!
Great analysis and insight - spot on. No debate - I already agreed with the points expresed.
Andrew, yes, do more like this! I really enjoy these kinds of video. Keep on keeping on.🤓🤙
Cheap is relative. As you earn more ‘cheap’ moves and moves. Aspirations change etc.
i must have attained peak contentment because i have not bought a watch for 2 months now! and that's despite your attempts at tempting me towards getting a moonswatch too! 🤣
Another masterpiece.
- 5:00 Seems like Seiko has adopted the General Motors mind set. “Keep the consumer dissatisfied “ . You love the design but dislike the hardlex crystal or it’s too thick, too wide, no signed crown for +$1k watch etc.
Nothing makes me happy, not even my submariner. But my A158WA-1 comes close
Yeah, now that you mention it.. my casio w-59 makes me happiest.. but that doesnt stop me trying to buy more mechanical watches 😅
Amazing video! Really great and something more people need to hear! For me, when it comes to watches and money.. like you said, I need something more than just the watch to justify (say anything over $1k). For example, I want to get the new Tudor BB54.. but, I really have no other reason to get this beyond "just wanting it". My other watches, my Seamaster = Wedding gift. My BB58 = Mom dying of cancer and was her last gift to me to remember her etc. My Sinn 556i was the start of my watch dedicated IG account. etc. Everything kinda has a story behind it. On the other hand I have a Marathon Gsar and I love it, but I bought it with no real reason and funny thing is, that it would be the first one to be sold if needed. So, I agree there is much more at play here than just the watch (or the amount spent). The other thing I wanted to say, is that in general the more I spend the less I am happy (in general). This comes from lessons learned during the pandemic. So, I now know I NEED to have cash on hand, and to have some type of investments, dont carry debt etc. So, when you live like that you really have a much, MUCH harder time trading that security for something not needed and when / if you do, you end up re-thinking it over and over again to the point of regret and fear for the future.. and that sucks and takes away being happy. So, I set up some "rules" for me and I think I am okay with anything in the $1K range without much thought. $1500 - $2k is a real study.. and anything more I really need to have more reasons and a solid plan,, and ideally a way to replace the money right away (selling off something else).
The watch that has made me the most happy per dollar is easily my Vostok Amphibia - Steve Zissou. I loved the film, have wonderful memories associated with it, love to dive, and love wearing the same watch Bill Murray wore. I wear the Vostok far more often than my Submariner or my Daytona.
Very philosophical analysis, well done!
Excellent vid Andrew. We'll done and thank you. More of the same from time to time, please. We'll researched and good delivery.
Regards,
Chris
I am avid cheap watch collector,espescially casio an seiko.I truly love my casio worldtimer,my tiffany dial,my seiko diver and more.I would buy expensive watches because i love the art behind it,and not to show of.But can't afford them.
It's always a pleasure to watch your videos even if there are almost no mention of watches, LOL. Yes a cheap item I.E. a watch or other item does give me pleasure and happiness. As you mentioned it's the journey that makes it special. If its an impulse buy than the pleasure is transient but if I desired or search for a long time then the pleasure last.
It can until you start comparing 😅 if you want to be happy, compare to even cheaper watches not the more expensive ones. This apply to anything in life in general.
Another incredible video brother 👏
Collecting affordable bargains with good specs is great fun .
I have high end and inexpensive watches. I buy both as a utility. A inexpensive watch can be very satisfying and a great utility. I have found for example a Tuedix Design dive watch to be worth every dollar. It looks and feels like a Submariner at about $100. Fantastic knock a bout watch.
I feel like I need a phd in psychology in order to understand every bit of detail in this video. This is a good explanation of how our system looks at consumer behavior. With social media, FOMO economics now rules. But it doesn’t have to as long as you have personal self respect and self awareness. FOMO(fear of missing out)
Wow, I wasn't expecting such a rich tapestry, interwoven with the various strands of Greek philosophy, when I clicked on this video.
Bravo, Andrew! Like The School of Life, but for watches. I'm not sure how to answer the question at the end of the video. Perhaps you should pose it to Swatch's CEO?
Fantastic video Andrew 🎉❤
I got my first watch because i needed to, i got into a consumerist phase a afterwards but now i put limits to myself, i wait some months and if i still want the watch i save and got it.
Also great advice, don't buy stuff while hungry or horny.
I am just as happy with my Swatch Mission to Pluto as I am wearing my Sub Date. I love looking at and wearing both.
Some days I catch the train to work to avoid the traffic.
But some days I enjoy crawling to work in my Porsche.
What an incredibly insightful video. Excellent.