Affordable Luxury: A Look At Armand Nicolet Watches
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- Опубліковано 21 гру 2017
- Armand Nicolet are heavily discounted watches on the internet, but do the low prices accurately reflect the quality of these watches or are we getting a tremendous deal on a true luxury timepiece?
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I've purchased 4 Armand Nicolet watches from Ashford. They're absolutely beautiful, and, in my opinion, very underrated.
That's great, Benjamin! I'm glad AN has worked out for you! I still feel their retail prices are too high for, essentially, an internet watch.✌️😁
whatsonthewrist I don't consider them an 'internet watch' at all. They're little known here in the states, but they're one of the oldest names in the game, have significant horological history, and carry on a fine watch making tradition today.
Yes, they are better known in European and Asian countries than in North America. They were known and started out as producers of movements before segueing to watch designs. Thanks for sharing your positive story, that's always nice to hear, Benjamin! 👍
@@whatsonthewrist used to do movement for Vacheron
@@whatsonthewrist joma shop has them at 85% off
I really enjoyed this! Thanks for speaking so openly about your experience. Was looking in to Armand Nicolet just this morning, which led me to this video. Great content! Keep it up!
Thanks, Kevin. Let me know which AN you choose once you do.
Merry Xmas from New Yawk!
Rich your a good guy. Glad your channel is still going strong!
Now, why did I think NY fits you?! Thanks, David! Happy holidays! 🎄
I bought my AN M02 Day/Date sight unseen and couldn't be any happier! The looks, quality and texture of the dial are all exceptional. It's incredibly heavy which, to me, screams durable quality. I wanted the blue dial but could only find the cream dial for the price I wanted. No worries on that, I still love it and it's very unique.
Glad to hear about your positive experience. Congrats and enjoy. Maybe you’ll come across that blue dial one day.
@@whatsonthewrist I'll probably get the JS9 diver next with the blue dial and blue bezel. But I really want to save up for a Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronometer with the blue dial.
@@jbb3675I like the UN. Let me know once you acquire either one.
Thanks for the update. I too had seen on Ashford but don't know much about it....there it goes & it's off my list
Hi, steven. I feel there are better alternatives. Thanks. 👌😜
*Merry Christmas!*
Meeting Michael Jordan as a kid would be a dream come true. Thanks for sharing that story.
(Rich, I'm honored to be mentioned in the vid. I certainly hope you and Sam have a wonderful holiday!)
MJ, the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All-Time). You're welcome, thanks for being such a loyal viewer. Happy holidays to you. 🎄
Thanks Rich. Great story about Jordan. Merry Christmas.
Hi, Mike. Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄
I have had the contrary experience to yours, also buying an Armand Nicolet without ever getting my hand on it or hearing of the brand before. I have been satisfied with my purchase, especially its accurate time-keeping power. Good and straightforward review, though 👍👍👍👍
I'm happy for your positive experience as I never hope for anyone to suffer a negative one. 'Grats on your AN's! Thanks for your kind words, Thi! ✌️
I have an older Armand Nicolet chronograph and I love it.
That’s wonderful to hear, Daniel. Continue and enjoy. 👌
*Merry Christmas*
Great vid man. Iv been traveling so I couldn’t keep up with the videos. I haven’t heard of this brand though. They look nice tho.
Merry Christmas, Sam! I like traveling the holiday season, super busy but it can be fun as long as there aren't flight delays. 🎄
Wuhhhoooo...i love honest review. The sec paul pluta? :D cool! Support ur channel!
Thanks, wafiy! I think it's been a while. Good to hear from ya. Thanks for the support. 🙏😜
Thanks for doing this video. AN is such an underrated brand.
Hi, JMS! I agree. I like their watches a lot and was won over with their J9 Chronograph. Thank you. 🙏 👌
thanks for the vid. I bought one Arbutus watch on an airline magazine once and never again.
Ooh, you went one step ahead of me at buying from an airline magazine. ✈️ Ha! Thanks for enjoying the show, Blaise! 😁👍☕️
Yes that’s why I completely understand what you mean when you say it looks great in picture but not as good in the real. Especially in the airplane you don’t have the best lighting...
Even in the shop it’s hard to judge and a watch can look less good once you take it home. So yes, people should really take their time and look perhaps multiple times at a watch... except when it’s grand seiko of course, where you are not disappointed!
All true! 👍😁
Haha I have to give you props for buying off an airplane magazine. I never seen anyone due it. Props man.
Great video, found myself laughing out loud !!! ;-)
Hi, Nick! Thanks, man.😜🤛
I love this L14 model 👌🏼
It’s definitely handsome, Ant Rich. Congrats if you own one. 🤙
Thank You man
Hi, Faisal! At the time of this video, this was my opinion. However, AN's new models have won me over. I think they make much better time pieces today. 👌😁
I was thinking about buying one of these watches..This video might have changed my mind.
They are much improved. I did a follow up video.
Could you please do a review of the moon phase of ladies Armand Nicolet watches. Thank you
That would have been a nice Valentine’s Day video, Derby Winner.
Have bought 2 watches that I had never seen in stores or at watch events. Latest was an Orient Mako II USA. It turned out to be a great little beater for tooling around Saigon on my scooter. The other was a Chronoswiss Regulator. I would have to say it was only ok. I didn't keep it long. I think I didn't like ti because I had been looking at similarly styled Breguet watches. Merry Christmas to you and all your loyal viewers. Great and original show as always. (Armand Nicolet sucks ... had a 2nd hand one that I bought in a group of watches that had a Union Glashutte that I wanted, sold of the AN to a dealer for chump change.)
Hello, James! I got a chuckle with the image of seeing you tool around in a scooter, I know that's a popular travel method there. Ahh, Chronoswiss, now there's a throwback brand. They used to be quite good. I wasn't aware of a mixed group of watches being sold. It reminds me of cigar sample packs. That could make a good show, what company sells groups of watches? Happy holidays to you! 🎄
I bought the group of watches at a jewelry show in Dallas in early 2000's. The seller was packing to go home and make me a deal on about 8 or 9 watches. There were 2 good watches and the rest just "ordinary". There was a Revue Thommen, Armand Nicolet, and a few other so-so brands. Scooters are a way of life here in Saigon, parking for cars in near impossible and some streets aren't wide enough for cars. Even us senior citizens ride scooters ... I cut quite a dashing figure when driving my Honda.
You're always good for wonderful stories and your sense of humor! If there was store that sold watches in bundles, then that could have been an interesting show. I saw your other comment but I believe that was directed toward viewer James Santana, so I will let him respond to you. Thanks, James! 👍☕️
Own 3 Armand Nicolet watches .. looking lovely in my collection cases
Hi, tazblazing! My perception of AN has changed 180 since this video. I feel they really stepped up their game. I made a few new AN videos since this one, starting with one titled, "How AN Won Me Over." This watch turned things around to me. If you have time, I hope I see you there. Thanks. 👌😁
Yes I enjoy all my AN due I have many other brands As a collector AN is good as Ball Watch , Omega due AN made well , quality and it pop when I rock it... especially my MO2 older one though lol 2019 MO2 am just not feeling it .. but anyway am very picky when it add new watches in my collection...
@@tazblazing Sure. I understand. 👌😃
tazblazing are their prices exaggerated? jomashop has one ...down from 31k usd to 5k usd. İs it realistic? Or are they fooling us? How can a watch go down from 31 k to 5k?
Great vid
Thanks, Google Explorers! I appreciate that. Happy Holidays! ✌️
Customer service of some these companies, you have dealt with, may be a good topic for you, in the future, Rich! I had some very good service with Bell & Ross and Omega in the Past!
That's a great idea, iDid. Customer Service cannot be ignored, it makes all the difference in many cases. Thanks for the idea. 💡 👌
Haha had me laughing at the end 😜
I'm sorry to hear you got disappointed, it is always painful in a way for us watch people. On the Seiko looking better in person, I think it's like that with every Seiko, not just GS, but it's mostly down to how awful the stock photos of regular Seiko's are 😂
Happy holidays Rich and I hope you get many watches next year 👍
Hi, Marin! I totally forgot to put an annotation for your channel on the screen, so I just added a link to your channel in the description. I was literally about to email you this but then I just saw your comment. Happy holidays to you as well, sir! 🎄
whatsonthewrist no problem, even mentioning me makes me feel proud 😊
Thanks man:D
Hi, Sleepy dog! Sure, thank you. 👌😁
Seeing that your video is just recent and Armand hasn't had time to improve since then, I've been hesitant on purchasing the black alligator black dial tm7 on Ashford. It is 700 after discount but hard to pull the trigger after seeing your video.
Is the finishing and strap really that mediocre? They do a good job with the stock pictures though.
Hi, Brian. Their stock photos are excellent and that helped me buy it, also, from Ashford. Ashford is actually a great on-line store and they go to great lengths to satisfy their customers. I bought 2 watches from them and I would again. If you're seeing an AN on Ashford it is probably their older models because compare that with AN's website and you will notice an entirely new line-up of watches.
On my AN, the strap was super cheap. The finishing was not as bad but not spectacular as it was on the duller side of the polishing. But the movement is the main reason I sent it back. It was not accurate and its power reserve was inconsistent. 👌😜
whatsonthewrist got it. Thank you sir.
I never heard of Armond Nicolet till this video and had to check them out. They seem pretty cool. I can see how you were drawn to them. Were they that bad or were you going by quality to retail?
Rich Dubbya, yes they're quite impressive in the photos. I wonder if they're new lineups actually match the physical quality. AN revamped their watches this year. 😁
The one I received was simply bad. It should have been $1000 retail with us paying $500 tops for it. I understand the work that goes into manually restoring original old stock movements but AN didn't get it right.
Wow, I'm kinda lost after , what ever that was. Three times you make a comment about how you were all over the place with what you were saying. You were not. You were succinct and to the point. I enjoyed the way you put this piece together. You kinda made me wonder about how hard you are on yourself. Loosen up a bit, have fun with it and now I'm scared to buy a watch that I have been wanting from Ashford for some time now. It's a Armond Nickolet mo2 or 5 I'm not sure now, I'll have to look that back up. Oy vey, the watch was 3200$ it's on sale for 680$ now. I love the way it looks and I guess it can't be that bad. I have bought other watchs sight unseen and have always been happy. I am not even close to the range you are in regards to purchase power. Now I'm questioning everything, oh crap! Deep breath, whew. Ok back to myself, I just can't be so self critical, I'm ok and I'm sure the watch will be everything I hope it to be, so thanks I enjoyed your segment and I'm going to subscribe. Have a great day.
Hi, Robert. I'm not sure which AN the M02 is, is it the one with the day feature across 10:00/11:00? If so, it has a nice looking dial. It could have been that my purchase was unfortunate and more of an anomaly. I have no problem with Ashford as other purchases worked out. Thanks for the succinct comment. We always have fun around here and you'll notice that in our comments section and shows themselves. I just uploaded the newest episode today, "Can Ginault and Monta OceanKing Challenge Tudor?" That's a really fun episode. Don't blink at the beginning or you might miss something. Hope to see ya there. Thanks and welcome! 🙏 😜
I can't find this watch online.. Help
Hi, Brandy. I don’t believe this model is available any longer. If you’re really interested I can see what if anything AN can do.
Ha ha thanks for shout out out at the start of the video.
Thanks for being a great viewer! 👍🙏😜
whatsonthewrist your efforts in making the videos are appreciated. ⌚️⏱👍
Sad to hear this. I've never heard of AN, but I have to say it looks like something you could order out of the in flight magazine. Happy Holidays to you. Your videos are very entertaining.
Haha, flight magazine. ✈️ Did you notice your name at the very end during my Q&A? I credit you and a few others, like I did at the beginning...my loyal viewers. I would love to have included everyone but I could only randomly pick my viewers.
whatsonthewrist Thank you very much......you're too kind. You do a fantastic job of editing your videos. Every video is like Roger Rabbit. It's very entertaining.
🙏 🐇
good video
Thank you, Torgeir! 😁✌️
I have bought watches without seeing them in person. I’ve been buying g shocks for work and such and I’ve actually been more impressed when I saw them, the depth and blue steel is really nice. I suppose the thing I do get a bit perturbed about it how big they are, and it’s hard to estimate that until it’s on the wrist. The new gulfmaster I got is just massive, without a ruler I would estimate it sits about 3/4 of an inch off the wrist. I think even though it didn’t work out you made a good choice trying out that watch, from what the specs were listed at that was a steal. Especially with the huge price discount. It’s unfortunate it didn’t work out, hopefully that brand will improve as time goes on
Just measured, it sits just over 1/2 an inch over my wrist
Also Happy Holidays whatsonthewrist!
Well G Shocks are a safe bet in terms of quality. You're right about the uncertainty of its size until you put it on. Sounds like they're working out for you. 👍😁
It's possible their all-new lineups this year match the quality with their pictures.
Thickness is ok if the lugs don't extend past your wrist bone.
I had more or less the same experience when I bought the Portsea from Melbourne Watch Company, a microbrand.
As always I performed an elaborate research on a watch before I purchase it. I read reviews, watched video reviews from ablogtowatch and worn & wound, read experiences from other owners, looked extensively at (real) pictures. In other words basically everything you can do besides examining the watch in person.
Yet when I received the watch I was pretty disappointed with the watch. Not regarding the quality, because it's well-made. Sure, there are some minor disadvantages such as the small crown or the noisy rotor in the movement, but the biggest disappointment were the dimensions. The case looked so big and the lugs were really out of proportion. Now I wear the watch regularly, but I have become more hesitant about buying watches online. When I buy a +1000 euro watch now I'm always sure to inspect it in person before buying it.
Hello, Optidorf! The Portsea's a very nice looking (at least in pics) and Melbourne Watch Co is a credible store but it looks like it worked out for you. The Portsea are stunning in pics. Happy Holidays! ✌️😁
Sorry you were disappointed. I love my Armand Nicolet, I and everyone that has seen it loves it.
Hi, David. I'm glad to hear about your positive experience. 👌😁
I have one Nicolet watch but in back write made in China is real or replica ?
Hi, GREEK SHINIGAMI! I have really become a fan of AN. But yours should not say made in China. They are Swiss made watches. Thanks for sharing that.👌😁
whatsonthewrist so is replica thank you
@@whatsonthewrist Rich did you change your mind about Armand Nicolet? I am on the fence about getting a limited edition manual wind AN Tremalan... please advise...i can get it for $1300 off of ashford.com new and they sell it for $2400 used
Hey WhatsOnTheWrist
do you still reccomend Armand Nicolet in 2021 ?
there watches look expensive how is the quality and craftsmanship in your experience? It will be a blind buy in the future. Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi, Richard. I like the direction and quality of AN’s. I think they are really improved. My last two experiences have proven that to me. They take quality seriously and you can see that in their details. I believe you can find some of their watches for great values online from third party online shops. I prefer going directly to the manufacturer, but if price is a priority to you...it’s at least an option to give their watches a chance.
They make good watches. I have the JH9 and the M02-4. The dials are beautiful and the case finishing is nice. It is priced in the same range as Oris and in fact you can buy it at a lower price. I also have an Oris Aquis and an Oris BC3 Advanced and can say that the AN is better finished albeit a lesser known brand. I only compared it to Oris since that is the price range they are offering. But I'd say it's quality better than Longines Conquest and lower than an Omega SMPc (I compared only with the watches I own). I honestly enjoy the dial design of the AN better and the fact that it is under the radar in terms of branding but beautiful enough to catch the eye of anyone who are into watches makes me enjoy wearing it more than my other watches.
So yes, if you find one you like aesthetically, don't hesitate to buy it.
I have 6 and waiting for the delivery of my 7th, so underrated and will only go up in value
Hi, Dan! Ironically, I made a video not long ago on "How Armand Nicolet Won Me Over." If you have time, I hope to see you there.👌😁
@@whatsonthewrist i'm a collector and have many swiss watches, AN are among my favorites, starting with the case back beautifully designed on to the band which I think is very well made and looks great matched up with the clasp which I am blown away with, the detail and technical design of which I have never seen and having the logo built in is well thought out, thanks for the review.
@Dan. I'm an AN fan too! 🤛😁
Hi Rich - Did I miss something, so did you get a refund. Hey, you would have been better off donating to charity. Best Regards, JP
Hi, JP! Yes, I received a full refund. I was looking forward to many years with that watch but oh well. AN is not known in North America, but I think they have a presence in European and Asian countries. ☕️Happy holidays to you! 🎄
Nice video Rich.
Sorry about that watch, always a bit meh...
The video you do is great but leaves me with a black eye.
Do Orietental people say goodbye by kicking you in the teeth?
My understanding is that peeps from Indonesia and thereabouts are actually very nice.
Haha, Mike. No Asian people don't kick me in the teeth to say goodbye! It's probably energy released after filming each episode. Might I suggest placing a cold and raw steak on your eye to alleviate its blackness? It works better than simply an ice pack. ✌️😁 What were your thoughts on the vintage Submariner from my last show?
I have an l09 if anyone would like to buy it, very beautiful
I must say that personally I care very little for so-called limited editions, because part of the strategy behind this is higher prices and nudging the customer to buy this item fast before it`s gone.... To me the price is too high to begin with, especially for a brand that has no trust bonus. I only know some of the "regular" Armand Nicolet models and those are very good watches, better than some the Swatch group sells . Their list prices are very ambitious, yes. But you will not easily find a better swiss watch for the prices asked in the net. For under 500 euro you get an automatic with a good eta movement, sapphire, real neat polish/brush work on the case , 10atm and a screw-down crown. As an aside - it sounds funny when people using the internet for their business, i.e. making reviews, sound so appalled calling a watch an "internet watch".
I also like AN Watches as you do. They are not sold in boutiques or department stores, hence labeled as an internet watch and there’s nothing wrong with that. Thank you, Holger.
@@whatsonthewrist No critique intended, just my 5 cents worth....Btw, with few exceptions I bought my watches in the net. Oh, and ebay lists quite a few Armand Nicolets as offers from the US. Greetings.
I like some of eBays watch stores too. Your observations make sense, Holger. 👊
@@whatsonthewrist You have to get to know with whom you`re dealing, I guess. Of course sometimes it goes wrong, but as I`m also interested in vintage watches, there`s little else but online...
So true. I was burned on my Sea-Gull tourbillon. I just made that video if you’re interested.
Why aren’t you showing us your watch and exactly what the defects are?
Hi, David. I sent the watch back last year. I thought it would be a nice show idea. 😁✌️
The Nicolet brand uses a clever marketing ploy. They, spend a lot of money on the design and then put a huge price tag on them. You'll see prices as high as $10,000 for one. Are they worth it? Absolutely not. The high price is there to fool you into thinking it's a prestigious brand and with a fancy French-sounding name, it's very easy to be fooled! Don't be.
The movements are usually Chinese and churned out for just a handful of dollars.
But here's the thing, Nicolet uses another very clever trick. Those of us living in the U.K. might remember that years ago, there was a market in London called Petticoat Lane. Stall holders would offer punters very pretty-looking dinner sets with loads and loads of china (cups, saucers and an array of plates) for sale. The price, ONLY a hundred quid for the lot. Then the store holder would say, "But I'm not gonna let you pay a hundred today, I'm not even gonna take half that, no madam, put your 25 quid away, cos I'm gonna do you a real favour. Today, cos you've got a lovely face, I'm not even gonna take 20 quid. As it's my birthday, you lovely people can buy the whole lot for only 10 quid!"
Do you see the psychology here? The guy has come down from £100 to only ten. So you would be forgiven for thinking it must be a fantastic bargain. The result was that the punters couldn't wait to hand over their tenners! They were seduced by the absolute bargain price due to the massive reduction.
Nicolet uses the same "market stall" principle. They will offer their beautiful-looking watches for huge sums, but then discount them to a fraction of the asking price. Suddenly, their $10,000 watches becomes a special offer at only $1,000. WOW. That must be a bargain ... right? NO, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
Ever heard the saying - There's no such thing as a free lunch? Or how about - All that glitters is not gold?
That incredible bargain watch you bought for the amazingly reduced price of $1000, is probably only worth $100 in real terms. It will have a pretty cheap movement (which will work fine for a year or two). However, if you ask a good watchmaker what he honestly thinks of your "bargain" don't blame me if he chokes on his beer when he opens your watch!
Sure, Nicolet watches they look fantastic and if you want to wear a great-looking watch, go ahead and buy one. Will they be a good investment? Absolutely not. Just take a look on eBay and you'll see hundreds of Nicolet watches all gathering dust because they just don't sell ... unless of course, the seller offers a free dinner set with 'em.
Happy Holidays Rich! Why do you feel compelled to say anything nice about Armand Nicolet? Good customer service is poor consolation for "pure disappointment" -- it's like the tail wagging the dog. I'd much rather be happy with the item and suffer through mediocre customer service.
As for buying watches online, I've never done it. Call me old school but i have to see it. Earlier this year, I bought a Tudor Prince Date+Day from Yodobashi in Tokyo. I could have ordered it online but I actually bought a ticket and visited the store in Tokyo to inspect and try on the watch. My wife and I had a great little holiday and I was totally happy with the watch.
Happy holidays to you, Neil! It's always nice to find something positive out of a bad situation. I enjoyed your story about visiting Tokyo to buy the Tudor. Was that trip specifically for the watch or was it planned around your vacation? 😁👍
It was a watch shopping and sushi trip : )
Gotta love that! 🍣 ⌚️
Rich you know your watch, Armand Nicolet cant deceived you with cheap polish, blue color and alligator strap. The bad part was the movement was not reliable.
My experience was unfortunate. 👎
I would advise to stay clear of Armand Nicolet. They are heavily discounted for good reasons. They are very over priced on the retail price for what you are getting. Their "inhouse" movement look so close to a Unitas movement that I am doubtful about it. I made these comments based on my physical examination of the watches in my local retailer and I told them frankly this brand wont go far. True enough after 1.5 years, they stop carry the brand. Look elsewhere, there are better choices out there.
Hello, P TH! You echoed my entire show! Agreed their retail prices are severely overpriced. I put their heavily discounted prices as the retail prices they deserve to be. ✌️😜
"affordable luxury" a slogan all the fashion brands use
True, senfnas! I'm not sure if I really believe that but it sounds good, right?! 👌😁
whatsonthewrist If it's affordable it is not luxury; as Archie says 'It's gotta hurt!'.
I agree with that sentiment to a point, Harry! Does it have to hurt? Well, kinda/sorta but not to the point where it causes anyone financial hardship, especially if it effects his family. But I don't buy into affordable luxury as an effective ad campaign. To me, this is akin to a movie's trailer marketing the film as "The best movie since..." movie 🎥 🍿
Nicely articulated, Ronin! 😁👍
Anything watch in the thousands is not a cheap watch but yes watches do have levels as we all know. Armand Nicolet is definitely not a fashion watch by far and far away. It is a small company and not many people know about them and not in high demand because of that same reason so yes you will find some with 70% off etc etc.. Just to get sold. Quality is very very high on these watches and cookie cutter designs are just that same ole same don't get too crazy with designs but Armand is good with that aspect also. We all know the same old same names sometimes we have to step out of our comfort names and try others and trust me Armand has some huge prices that are worth it and if you look good for them RARELY lose value pretty much stays the same for yearsssss until few models need selling and moving and that's when you see very low prices like used to be 4000 and now 1000 etc... Peace!!!