@@mister-amazing "Enthusiasts" are few and far between in my world. I wish it were otherwise, but cars, football, and guns are about the only thing my friends care about. I know: I need new friends!
I trust lug-to-lug distance above all else. As someone with a smaller wrist, I’ve learned that while those with larger wrists can often wear smaller watches without issue, the reverse isn’t true. For smaller wrists, my advice is simple: find your limit and stick to it. Yes, some larger watches have tapered lugs that wear more comfortably, but those are rare. I’ve made countless mistakes trying to make a watch fit just because I liked how it looked. Now, I focus on getting the dimensions right first, and only then do I search for the desired piece. Since adopting this approach, my collection has evolved dramatically, and I’m happier than ever with watches that are truly wearable. No more experimenting with different straps and bracelets to force a watch to fit-spoiler: it never works. just my 2c Love your content.
True, but not entirely :) Let me elaborate - I've got a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical which has the same l2l as a Tudor BB 58/Pro. Guess what - lug shape is so awkward on the Hammy that lugs always tend to stick out while Tudor feels like I can even pull off 2mm more - it's that well curved. I have a Halios Universa with 48mm l2l and guess what - it hugs the wrist so nicely that it really "wears like a smaller watch". So you really need to try it on first.
Good point except on the downside with my 8.25 inch (210mm) wrists, I sometimes have problems with short strap-length, or buckle in awkward under wrist position - also I NEVER suffer a lug overhang problem, so have no idea what it is like lol.
Over time I think you eventually get a feel for what lug to lugs will work for you. Some mix of case shape, thickness and lug2lug are enough for me to ballpark whether or not it will wear well on me. But in the beginning you only get that feel by actually trying - Totally agree on your point of "trying to make it fit". Cheers 😀
😂 I love the murph in pics but think in reality wouldn't wear much. Some other watches I prefer the look of them to watches I own but I know would never wear due to my style.
The end link one made me laugh. I always keep the boxes so the end links go in their correct boxes. A good down to earth honest video. Have a great weekend.
I've bought more than one second hand watch .... this screw doesn't fit this link, hell this link doesn't fit this watch. You've not ruined one compete set....you've ruined two!
If you really want a watch, take your time. Don't make any spontaneous purchases, because you'll probably regret them later. Don't go into debt for a watch - no matter which watch.
Appalling advice, as all successful people know, borrowing money is cheap, you should do it. Most hugely successful people (who do not have old money) are hugely in debt. The world is in debt, a spot over $300 trillion, that's basically work we've promised to do in the future. That's what debt is, a promise to do [something] in the future. We've already spent $300,000,000,000,000 we've not yet earned, another $25k for a Daytona won't hurt!
As usual, very sound info. As someone who have this newfound hobby, I've found your videos to be extremely useful and they are a breath of fresh air in the UA-cam space.
I bought Omega, Rolex, Tudor, Longines only to later realize I wasn't happy with the sizes, design, and just didn't connect with the watches. The watches weren't astronomically better nor they improved my life in any way. Just because a brand is very hyped online doesn't mean it's the right watch for you. I sold them, and am much happier and care free with the cheaper sub $2,000 and sub $1,000 micro brands.
For me lug width is a big issue. I want 20mm so I can use the straps I like. I’d might be tempted by an Omega but the watches with 20mm lugs are too big. The smaller diameter watches have 19mm lugs. It’s just a no go for me. I see 19mm lugs all over the place including Tudor and Oris
"Buy the watch you want." People speak of a "grail watch." The grail watch, in reality, is the watch you want. The quest is in figuring out which one you really want, which requires that you free your mind of the influence of what others may have led you to believe you want...as well as the influence of what you may have talked yourself into but which your heart doesn't really feel. That's actually very difficult. We can joke about how foolish our watch hobby is but it has the potential to be a pathway to self understanding. This is a terrific and insightful video, typical of Mike's work in that regard, and it poses a challenge. I recommend putting at least as much effort in figuring out which watch will really feel right in the long run as is required to pay for it. I've had about 6 Rolexes and 6 Pateks, all sold, and I'm typing this while wearing a Hamilton Khaki Mechanical. Happy watch pursuit to you all!
You could take one of his totally goofy looking open mouth pictures and put it on there (John is only too happy to make fun of himself. Watch the video where he spoofs his song making process.)
@@laurencefahey3132 absolutely. I buy most watches used, except for those that only lose like 10-20% in value ofer multiple years. If you go for something slightly unusual (for example bronze), the prices for slightly used pieces are ridiculously low, whilst others are so looked after that a used one in pretty mint condition costs nearly as much as new.
Great video. I only became a collector when I got one from my dad (he doesn’t know his family so had no heirlooms so started, Rolex datejust2). I’m now massively enjoying learning about the brands. The one thing I’m struggling with is decision paralysis. Laco aechen, Christopher ward trident luminaire, seamaster 007 edition. So much I’d like to buy but it feels so “final” and it’ll be years until I get another chance to buy.
The advice to wait until you get the watch you desire resonates with me. I got myself a Laco too, but it didn’t do very much for me, so I sold it a year later. But now I guess it will be a long time for me before I decide to part with the money for a Tudor North Flag or Black Bay, or one of the many beautiful Omega watches.
The biggest thing I learned as a middle aged watch enthusiast is that if the hands are not contrasting with the dial, I cannot easily glance at the time without my reading glasses on. I have some very nice watches I would love to have more wrist time with, but they mostly sit on display as nice examples of good industrial design. I wanted to know what the fuss was about Rolex. So I bought some Chinese homages thinking I might like them. For example, I liked the "Kermit", but after wearing it few times I realized that the green does not match most of my clothing colors, nor do I really like that green even after pairing it with a number of straps. I also bought a "Pepsi" on a jubilee bracelet which I thought I would hate, but I really do like how it sparkles with all the colored lights when I am out around the winter holidays. Summer not so much.
I personally only care for the looks and set it and forget it type watches. I prefer accuracy and robustness. mechanical movements aren't for me. Well, that's just the current me.
Excellent from start to finish. Every (particularly novice) collector should save this video and watch it and ingest it at least three times. It will save you money, heartbreak...and time ;)
Great video, as always. Just one thought, my Longines Hydroconquest surprisingly scratches the itch for a Submariner and my Alpina Startimer definitely scratches the itch for an IWC pilot watch. I'd even argue that the Alpina has a more interesting dial. Though this is all very personal. I know I kinda lucked out. :) Cheers.
I have multiple omegas. A Tudor. A Longines conquest. Mostly I wear. GPW military watch or a g shock. Then the Longines. My omegas are only if I’m dressing nice or going out. I love them all
I don't consider myself a watch collector, but love watches. I have 3 good watches that I love and cycle through them. Everyday one watch, next days 2nd watch...etc. My style is that, I don't want the watch to lose its power reserve before wearing it. I can't see myself having a watch that I don't wear at least once a week.
Just sold my 3861 moon watch after 2 years of trying to like it because “all serious collectors should have one”it was such a relief to sell and fortunately I didn’t loose much on it so it wasn’t an expensive mistake. I subsequently replaced it with a seiko 6139 blue pogue which I think is 100% a better watch for me, I just love it. Your advice is spot on, never forget that you are ultimately the end user and it only matters what you think.
I made the same "mistake" too! First watch was the Speedy Pro. I tried very hard to like it. Decked it out with straps (leather, rubber all OEM)! The problem was (1) it was too big (I realized it late) and (2) I just did not like the dial set up. It was crowded! So, I sold it. Took the financial hit and assumed I learned my lesson. But nope! Second mistake I made was to rush into buying a watch. This was the BB58. I tired on at the boutique. Felt ambivalent about it. Left the store, went to the parking lot, got into my car, drove away for a good 5 mins, but then turned back around and went and bought it! Mistake! The watch I really wanted was the BB54. So, I sold it and again lost some money. But this time, lesson learned, which were (1) don't rush! (2) I prefer small dial watches (3) I do not like complications of any kind (including date complications). So, when I went to buy the Explorer 1, the boutique had received a 40mm, which I tried on. With a 6.85" wrist, it did not look bad, but something seemed off. Plus I was mindful of the "classic" size of the watch. Though I was so tempted to just buy the 40mm, I requested the boutique to get me the 36mm to try. Took a couple of weeks. But once I had it on, I knew! And I walked away with it! Again, lesson confirmed - I like small dial watches! One last thing I have learned about myself. I like watches. I appreciate them. But I am likely not a collector. I buy watches to wear them and I want to wear them regularly not in rotation of 1 watch every few weeks or months. This means I won't have a lot of watches. But I will have a small number of watches that I will wear very regularly and repeatedly. Currently, I have 3. Another one is on its way. And, I have a 4th in mind for sometime in the near future. And, @Mike.thiswatchthatwatch your video, like every time, was excellent!!
I don't like dark brown leather straps on black dial dress watches. However, a light brown/tan watch, looks amazing on a black dial! SARB033 being an example.
I always learn a ton from your videos Mike. The one point i will slightly disagree is that a cheaper watch wont scratch the itch of a more expensive watch you adore. My favorite chrono is the Zenith Chronograph Sport, but i wasn’t in a position to spend $10k for it so i decided on a Seiko Speedtimer Panda Solar and its become my daily watch when I’m in the office. Thank you as always for your great content.
@@Moissanyte well, the thing is, sometimes these watches we like are just unattainable or ridiculous to spend on a watch. for example, $10k can buy you a house in our country.
@@JCRule69 for sure but thats not the point. The Zenith is 20x the price. Will i get 20x the pleasure? Probably not but who knows. Hopefully one day I would find out 😂
@@evanc1974 pleasure is not measured in a linear way. I love that seiko solar watch and I will get one soon, but I won’t kid myself, I know I’d get the ghost in a heartbeat if I could and hand off the Seiko to one of my boys. 😏
I like the advise against the automatic winders. I have pretty much everything to do a complete service of my watches, but I didn't even think about getting an automatic winder. I like the experience of getting one out of my box (fits 10 with a glas on top to look inside), wind it, set the time and change the strap matching to what I'll wear it to and wear it for the day or straight up a week. I love getting in touch with the pieces I own. If I buy a watch, that isn't at least COSC certified or runs outside the COSC specs in my day to day life, I'll regulate it. This makes you appreciate what you have way more. I also race and I do all work on my race vehicles by myself. From changing tires, over setting the suspension to doing engine works. It builds trust and teach your brain lessons.
This is honestly one of the most honest and nice videos about watch collecting I have watched.. I spent basically two years watching videos about watches before I got my first serious watch… and I couldn’t have been happier.. Everything here makes sense.. I think the point of what you do for work and what you wear day to day is the most important.. if you are chilled kind of a person that doesn’t wear suits a Cartier Tank is going to look odd with shorts and a t shirt..
Do not beat yourself up for making seeming mistakes in watch purchasing - just consider it as the educational cost for travelling on the Learning Curve to an even better watch collection. To minimise this cost, just sell on the later-unwanted watches, someone else will hopefully love them more.
Thanks for the uploads from Washington State! I'm 40 years old and have been stranded home from work with covid. Glad I have your videos and many other people's to keep me sane. Have a great weekend sir! 🍻
It feels like it was yesterday that I got my first - black and grey pinstripe dial - Swatch and enamored with looking at my watch in summer school classes
I have a 46mm Breitling Navitimer that's 52mm lug to lug. It fits fine and I don't have large wrists (not small either, but average). I tried on all three sizes of it (41, 43 and 46) and 46 is what fit and looked the best. It's just really well designed to look proportional at that size and to be comfortable on the wrist. It "wears small". So I agree that you can't tell anything by just reading specs. You've gotta try these things on or at least find some pictures of people wearing them; hopefully people with a similar build as you have.
Quartz watches are good for anything with a calendar. It lets you put it down and pick it up, and not have to reset the moonphase or whatever. Plus, it buys you a lot more watch per dollar typically. Honestly preferable to some ultra-basic mechanical that is +-30s/day. My hot take is that it is typically irresponsible to buy vintage and not immediately get it serviced. You always need to factor in that cost, whether it is you doing it, or someone else. You can’t trust it will just work. Vintage watches are also not inherently good value, as they are typically less accurate and harder to service.
@@a.k.i.f I agree. There are sizes which are simply too big at a certain point. But most of the time, wearing a watch is usefull. Many smaller watches with straight lugs looked goofy on my hand, whilst way bigger watches fittet my wrist excellent.
Thanks for this. I'm relatively new to watch collecting and so much of what you mentioned resonated with me. You're doing it 100% right, brother; your lighting, your background, your chair. It really feels like we're in conversation with you. Best of luck in your upward UA-cam subscriber trajectory. I myself just added one to you! Cheers!
As someone admittedly new to the watch game, I stumbled upon this video and found it very insightful and comforting - already guilty of a few talking points.
"Find a full length mirror" to see what the watch looks like on you. YES! Brilliant. Thank you. No one else talks about this. They always show the watch close up on the wrist, which tells you nothing, since no one (not even you) looks at your watch that closely. A macro lens camera can focus that close on our wrists but no one else can. A full length mirror can best tell you whether or not a watch is too big or too small on you, or fits with your look.
Absolute honest advice, don't follow the favourites, buy what you want and be happy. Not every watch utuber will agree,, but it doesnt matter, it's your journey and your money. Enjoy the hobby for you, not what everyone thinks. 😊
Brilliant summary about what you learned from your watch journey that mirrors my own! In essence you can't make a "mistake", it comes down to your unique tastes and recognizing that every collector's taste changes as we get more mature-- so enjoy the hobby! What I have found that works for me and reduces impulse buying is to start a personal Wish List. Record the full description of the watch, include a picture, and note the price and date. Go back to the list when you are ready to scratch the itch to buy and see if the watch(es) on your list still get your pulse racing, and recheck the price. If all of the emotional and rational impulses align then I buy the watch to add to my collection from my list at the price I want to pay! Most importantly, ENJOY THE HOBBY OF WATCH COLLECTION!
Get into the habit early of selling watches you've owned and have dropped off your rotation. I say this because i didn't and find it very difficult to sell anything now, even my cheapo Seikos. I'm jealous of those who can keep to 10 watches and run one-in-one-out regimes.
Question for anybody... How do you sell entry level or "affordable" watches? I'm trying on eBay without success as yet. I have room in my display case, but I thought I would clear out she things I never will wear.
I'm passing the beginning part of the journey of watch collecting, and actually have a couple that I want to sell. What is your best advise on how and where to sell them? (I've got tudors and Grand Seiko)
I completely agree, be your own person. I found that the CW C63 I bought as a substitute for an Omega AT scratched my itch for it. For me it came down to the $10K CAD Omega not being likely to bring me more enjoyment than the $900 CAD CW.
Normal watch + great memories = great experience Great watch + normal memories = normal experience We have to live more with our watches NOT just buy more watches
Very sound advice. Finally bought the watch I’ve been eyeing for some time(Tissot Prx 80) after trying to fill the void with other cheaper options. I agree get the watch you want/can afford and be happy. Great vids. Thx.
I was eyeing off the PRX for a while and went to a store a couple of weeks ago to try it on-and while I still love the look and design, it just doesn't look like it suits my wrist. Hope you're enjoying it!
Diving watches aren't for diving anymore, they've been obsolete ever since wrist mounted dive computers became accessible. Diving watches are a type of dress watch now.
Last time I commented you said you’d worry if I agreed with everything you said, well start worrying, because this video was perfection. This exactly what new collectors need to hear.
Don’t take advice from UA-camrs hipsters. Many are promoting watches either because they have a financial interest, or because they are trying to promote themselves to brands, to later have financial interests. Buy the watches you actually like, not the ones you’re told you should like.
Love this short vid. it really boils down to whatever you feel wearing more. I use to love divers when I was younger. now im on my late 30's lost all my divers, ended up with the more utilitarian looks of field watches at 38mm (my wrist is 7inches).
My wife used to complain about my watch buying until I explained to her, that if we divorce she will get half the value, and if I die before her, she will get the whole lot to sell off - but would she prefer that I stopped buying watches, and spend my money lap dancing clubs instead ? Seems to have quietened her down somewhat.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch An American female political adversary of Churchill was so exasperated with him she told him "If you were my husband, I would poison your food" - he quickly replied "My dear, if you were my wife, I would gladly eat it"
I feel the same way about my Pelagos LHD. Not saying it's "better" than Rolex, simply that it encapsulates a practical design and modern materials but still has links to the past and as such it is a very different wearing experience to my Rolex (16570 Explorer II Polar) to the point they cannot be compared. Same with a North Flag. It's not simply a cheap Explorer. It's a very different watch.
Mike, this has been one of your best videos! We all like to learn from someone who's willing to admit that he's made the same mistakes we all have made! We also pick up tips that can be shared with one another! I like the thought of being open to trying something new yet maintaining tips that continue to work for me. Example: buying a Rotary Mecanique LE opened me up to checking out Cartier since the Mecanique is a "copy" of the Santos 100. I found that Cartier is a reputable brand that doesn't flaunt itself because it doesn't have to, and the movements they use are quality without being overly expensive(the more expensive levels notwithstanding). There are ways to enjoy beautiful dress watches and yet create a sense of making them casual! And the chances are good that they won't go out of style!
My favorite point of yours was the first one and I’d argue the people who buy 1-5 luxury watches are happier than people with 10+ affordable watches. Love the videos!
This is only true for people who are into luxury watches. If you are into luxury watches, only buy luxury watches, don't compromise. But there are also many collectors who are into affordable watches. Today with the rise of micro brands and chinese watches they are getting more and more. The funny thing is, that these collector groups do not interact much and there are blogs, videos, online groups, etc. for each of this groups but almost never for both.
@@Alois_from_Vienna_in_Austria Most serious collectors have both luxury and 'affordable' watches in my experience. The 'luxury only' crowd are not overly common I'd say, at least not in the western world, unless they only have 1-2 watches.
Agree with most everything except the notion to just buy the grail and dont buy the cheaper version. When you are starting out you really dont know what you like. This is a hobby and its ok to spend money. Hobbies generally dont make money. Yes it would be better to try everything on at an AD but what if you dont have that brand in your town. Dont forget weve all experienced a disappointing grail. These comments about just buying your grail are monday morning quarter backing. Or looking through rose colored glasses. The journey is as important as the end. I bought a grail Rolex and never wore it. Spent the next five years bying and selling watches to figure out what i like. Now i can say a new watch would have to wow me before it replaces something in my box.
Wanted to start a collection long time ago, but the watches I thought I wanted was way to expensive. I watched similar videos and reveiws and slowly shifted from standard one dress, one beater etc. And found love in a Seiko 5 GMT, then g shock square that enjoy. Im drawn to tool and diver. Got a murph 38 it is a great watch, latest is sbp151 willard that I reall love. All watches I bought in a short time now are keepers for. No substitut for my grail, just cool affordable watches Im sure I will enjoy for many years. So I have lot to thank you tubers and your hard work 😊
This is a whole lot of great advice. I truly can't remember the last time I watched a watch advice video and completely agreed with every point. Just to add to your point about how dial accents can limit what straps work, I've also found that strap colors can significantly influence how well some (usually poorly designed) dials work. For instance, my Vaer A5 might look ok in photos, but in person it has a jarring lume combination of white numbers, yellow dot and baton markers in the minute track, and yellow-green hands. The yellow and green mix badly because they're such similar tones while still distinctly different, and it gives the impression that the hands are mismatched. But I found that if I put the watch on a blue-grey nylon or bright blue silicone, the opposite color tones down the yellows in the dial, and decreases the impact of the color contrast between hands and dial markings. So indeed it's important to avoid a strap that's not complementary, but also some straps will make a watch look better than it does on its own, to the point that they can ameliorate a problem with the watch's design. It's a lot like dressing correctly for your skin tone.
The main principle of watch collecting should be "buy what you like inside the price range you are comfortable with and wear it with pride". And healthy advice would be to put in the background the "asset" nature of luxury watches and to not let yourself be dragged by social media. No one needs more than a couple of watches or even one (depending on your lifestyle and the polivalence of what you have). There is no point in becoming obsessive about adding new pieces to the collection. Buy wisely and try to own watches that speak to you everytime you take them out of its boxes, even after years of owning them. And lastly do not see watch collecting as a race with a finish line. Enjoy the journey for what it is and embrace mistakes. Just be smart enough to not compromise your finances while travelling the route.
There are loads of nuggets in this video, at 11:41 The point around there being nothing wrong with pre-owned is something I have recently adopted, especially for brands that don't go up in price on the pre-owned market. Great advice! 🎉
Great advice. I’ve bought around 16 watches during the past 8 years but these days I wear just two of them 99% of the time - a beautiful green dial Seiko quartz for convenience and looks and a Seiko SnK809 with a folded link bracelet for comfort - I don’t care what people say about rattling bracelets with beastly folded links and hollow end links, in my experience they are more comfortable than more expensive highly engineered bracelets. I think it’s time to sell some of my more expensive watches now!
My #1 advice stems from the excellent points you've made. Developing personal preferences takes time, and as your experience grows and evolves through successes and mistakes, it's perfectly fine to let go of past opinions. Just as watches measure passing time, your tastes will also change and mature over time. No dogma, embrace the journey!
Love your thinking. Great breakdown and advice. Especially being open to try new things. All our journeys are different. It takes time to work out what’s right for you and your budget. Love the channel.
Great video! Super honest and I respect that much more than anything. I have never hit the alert for new videos bell ever with in the past 16 years but I did tonight. Cheers mate 🍻
Nice tips. It gels very well with my experiences so far, though the more I collect watches, the more I enjoy dress and dressy watches, so our paths diverge. Well rounded video. The Rolex thing is even on point. Then again, whenever I mention that Rolex design is at best "meh" for me, you also get the whole "you're jealous" and "you just can't afford one", so you are right.... discussions around Rolex get obnoxious fast. Best make up one's own mind indeed. Although input never hurts.
Great video Once you go mechanical, it’s hard to go back to quartz. Once you lose a quartz watch because the battery exploded in it, then you’ll won’t want them anymore. Also, that feeling when you go to wear the thing after 6 months and it stopped, it just sucks. Pick up your mechanical timepiece , wind it set it and go.
I have a three quartz watches in my collection. five mechanical. For me it's important to have watches at a bunch of different price points to keep me grounded.
Spot-on video. I made many mistakes over the years. The big ones were; 1) buying different styles because that’s what you need as recommended by many UA-camrs. I bought several pilot watches before I realized they are not my style 2) impulse buying. Guilty as charged 3) way too many straps 4) being afraid of selling watches I don’t wear 5) the biggest one; letting my wife know that I bought another watch…
I have had nothing but positive experiences with Rolex headquarter in NYC. I own an Osyterquartz , it requires battery replacement every few years. The services I receive at the NYC headquarter is above and beyond every time. Will always be a fan regardless what others are saying about the brand.
Great advice about collection size. Find some number that you think your collection should be. Then whenever you want a new one you know you have to cull one. It will keep the collection from taking too much space and constantly improve the collection. I do this with a few things.
Great advice. After 2 years of watch collecting the mistake I made was buy too many watches quickly. On the other hand it did teach me what I like and what I actually wear. Now I'm in a transitional period, looking at my watch boxes, deciding what to sell and buy in replacement.
Great video as usual. Minor nitpick (and a common misconception): the watch in the closeup wrist shot doesn't look bigger due to the focal length, but because it's closer to the camera. It's a perspective thing.
Actually no. I took the picture with my camera and had a small ruler taped to the camera as a distance guide. The distances are the same. It’s the focal length that’s the only difference. Note of course that increasing focal length does two things 1. It makes objects appear closer 2. It changes how things on different planes are compressed www.danvojtech.cz/blog/2016/07/amazing-how-focal-length-affect-shape-of-the-face/
Hi Mike. True. The same goes for buying watches online. Once it arrives home, it may look different on your wrist. I found out after a while, to my surprise, that i do like divers and that i hate bracelets. For me, watches have to be between 40 and 43mm, with not too long wingspan. I discovered all this when my seiko sne589 on an uncle straps irezumi sticks to my wrist always from beach, mountain, work, and all aspects of daily life. Have a great weekend
Yeah - I have a hard time buying online. In the EU you can return online purchase but generally I don't enjoy that approach. For me an AD / physical store is worth it 😊
Another great video from one of my favourite watch channels. I fell into the trap of purchasing a Speedmaster because as a collector you are supposed to own at least one…so they say. Even today after owning one for nearly 2 years there are still parts of the watch I don’t care for. I find a dive bezel great for timing but using the Speedy”s chronograph is frustrating. As a 45 year old male with far from perfect eyesight I just can’t accurately read the chronograph dials. However the watch holds memories for me so I won’t sell it.
Totally agree with the advice you are giving❤. Currently have about 40 watches in my collection and am at the point where I do not buy watches but enjoy trading, sometimes adding a few $$$ or getting a few $$$. 😊. I learn that for me to keep watches doesn’t mean I need to wear them, sometimes I simply enjoy looking at and handling them. 😊
This video made me a subscriber. I agree with everything you said, and some things even made me laugh out loud. My personal experience this year has been this: If you like the look of a G-Shock beware that they are EXTREMELY addictive. I've bought 3 this year and I want a 4th, and all while I'm saving up for my very own Moonwatch. Cheers!
All I can afford right now as a student is my Citizen Promaster. It’s a simple Eco-drive (quartz) diver, but I love the thing and wear it everyday.
@@davisssamuel The Citizen Pro master Eco drive is a great budget watch. I own the BN0151 and love it
The first lesson of horology is, "Nobody gives a damn about your watch."
Not true. fellow enthusiasts always appreciate each other
They do, but only when it’s something like a Rolex.
@@mister-amazing "Enthusiasts" are few and far between in my world. I wish it were otherwise, but cars, football, and guns are about the only thing my friends care about. I know: I need new friends!
@@Robert-vw3od Sadly I think you are right! I can recognise PP, Breitling and Omegas, but rarely see anything rarer.
So true….
I trust lug-to-lug distance above all else.
As someone with a smaller wrist, I’ve learned that while those with larger wrists can often wear smaller watches without issue, the reverse isn’t true. For smaller wrists, my advice is simple: find your limit and stick to it. Yes, some larger watches have tapered lugs that wear more comfortably, but those are rare.
I’ve made countless mistakes trying to make a watch fit just because I liked how it looked. Now, I focus on getting the dimensions right first, and only then do I search for the desired piece. Since adopting this approach, my collection has evolved dramatically, and I’m happier than ever with watches that are truly wearable. No more experimenting with different straps and bracelets to force a watch to fit-spoiler: it never works.
just my 2c
Love your content.
Agreed! I have 6.25 inch size wrists and can’t rock larger timepieces.
True, but not entirely :) Let me elaborate - I've got a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical which has the same l2l as a Tudor BB 58/Pro. Guess what - lug shape is so awkward on the Hammy that lugs always tend to stick out while Tudor feels like I can even pull off 2mm more - it's that well curved. I have a Halios Universa with 48mm l2l and guess what - it hugs the wrist so nicely that it really "wears like a smaller watch". So you really need to try it on first.
Good point except on the downside with my 8.25 inch (210mm) wrists, I sometimes have problems with short strap-length, or buckle in awkward under wrist position - also I NEVER suffer a lug overhang problem, so have no idea what it is like lol.
Over time I think you eventually get a feel for what lug to lugs will work for you. Some mix of case shape, thickness and lug2lug are enough for me to ballpark whether or not it will wear well on me. But in the beginning you only get that feel by actually trying - Totally agree on your point of "trying to make it fit".
Cheers 😀
Agree wholeheartedly- especially as someone who likes microbrands, which makes it almost impossible to try on before ordering
I bought the Hamilton Murph 38mm because everyone else loved it. I've worn it once; to a funeral for a dog. True story.
😂 I love the murph in pics but think in reality wouldn't wear much. Some other watches I prefer the look of them to watches I own but I know would never wear due to my style.
@@pierce_13 lol
Hope you get to sell it soon and replace it with something that you, yourself love.
My Condolences. Great Post
Ya it’s boring
The end link one made me laugh. I always keep the boxes so the end links go in their correct boxes. A good down to earth honest video. Have a great weekend.
Ditto! I also keep the papers in the box.
@@dannysimenauer5745 I keep papers, cards, links, and watches queuing in rotation in a vault. The boxes are stored in a relatively thief-safe place.
I've bought more than one second hand watch .... this screw doesn't fit this link, hell this link doesn't fit this watch.
You've not ruined one compete set....you've ruined two!
Papers and endlinks are the bank for me. The boxes are elsewhere unfortunately 😊
I'm the same way. I have all my watch accessories in the box which is inside a bigger storage box.
If you really want a watch, take your time.
Don't make any spontaneous purchases, because you'll probably regret them later.
Don't go into debt for a watch - no matter which watch.
Excellent advice!
@@Martinhauer Can be applied to all material acquisitions lol
Well, no. Watches are a luxury and going into debt for them is different from going into debt for a house or even a car.
"Don't go into debt for a watch".
I don't see the issue provided you know you can repay it.
Appalling advice, as all successful people know, borrowing money is cheap, you should do it.
Most hugely successful people (who do not have old money) are hugely in debt.
The world is in debt, a spot over $300 trillion, that's basically work we've promised to do in the future.
That's what debt is, a promise to do [something] in the future. We've already spent $300,000,000,000,000 we've not yet earned, another $25k for a Daytona won't hurt!
As usual, very sound info. As someone who have this newfound hobby, I've found your videos to be extremely useful and they are a breath of fresh air in the UA-cam space.
Happy to hear it, and thanks for sticking around 😊😊
The best summation of the do's and don'ts of watch collecting I've seen. This is like a breath of fresh air. Well done!
Thanks for the kind words 😀
I bought Omega, Rolex, Tudor, Longines only to later realize I wasn't happy with the sizes, design, and just didn't connect with the watches. The watches weren't astronomically better nor they improved my life in any way. Just because a brand is very hyped online doesn't mean it's the right watch for you. I sold them, and am much happier and care free with the cheaper sub $2,000 and sub $1,000 micro brands.
For me lug width is a big issue. I want 20mm so I can use the straps I like. I’d might be tempted by an Omega but the watches with 20mm lugs are too big. The smaller diameter watches have 19mm lugs. It’s just a no go for me. I see 19mm lugs all over the place including Tudor and Oris
That's right, a nice Christopher Ward is in your future!!!
I have some luxury watches that I enjoy, but I get just as much enjoyment out of my affordable watches. They aren't as well speced but are really fun
Factos
Happy with my Tissot PRX. Its like having an AP. Nobody will ask wether its an AP or Tissot, they will just compliment it.
"Buy the watch you want." People speak of a "grail watch." The grail watch, in reality, is the watch you want. The quest is in figuring out which one you really want, which requires that you free your mind of the influence of what others may have led you to believe you want...as well as the influence of what you may have talked yourself into but which your heart doesn't really feel. That's actually very difficult. We can joke about how foolish our watch hobby is but it has the potential to be a pathway to self understanding. This is a terrific and insightful video, typical of Mike's work in that regard, and it poses a challenge. I recommend putting at least as much effort in figuring out which watch will really feel right in the long run as is required to pay for it. I've had about 6 Rolexes and 6 Pateks, all sold, and I'm typing this while wearing a Hamilton Khaki Mechanical. Happy watch pursuit to you all!
Where does one sell the watches they thought they were going to love but didn't lol thanks
“John Mayer can buy watches in an airport with a hangover. You shouldn’t. “ belongs on a t shirt. Epic line.
I will consider launching a line of tshirts… 😂
You could take one of his totally goofy looking open mouth pictures and put it on there (John is only too happy to make fun of himself. Watch the video where he spoofs his song making process.)
Always good advice , A LANGE & SOHNE losing 50% of it’s value makes it a absolute second hand bargain, that’s my next chapter
@@laurencefahey3132 absolutely. I buy most watches used, except for those that only lose like 10-20% in value ofer multiple years.
If you go for something slightly unusual (for example bronze), the prices for slightly used pieces are ridiculously low, whilst others are so looked after that a used one in pretty mint condition costs nearly as much as new.
Great choice 👌🏾
Yeah - Lange 1 in Platinum has a value drop like you wouldn't believe... still expensive though 😊
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Don't I know it loool lucky I didn't pay retail lol
30 watches in and I finally know I do not need 30 watches... wish I had watched your videos at the beginning of my journey!
But think of all the joy you've experienced along the way 😊😊
Great video. I only became a collector when I got one from my dad (he doesn’t know his family so had no heirlooms so started, Rolex datejust2). I’m now massively enjoying learning about the brands.
The one thing I’m struggling with is decision paralysis. Laco aechen, Christopher ward trident luminaire, seamaster 007 edition. So much I’d like to buy but it feels so “final” and it’ll be years until I get another chance to buy.
The advice to wait until you get the watch you desire resonates with me. I got myself a Laco too, but it didn’t do very much for me, so I sold it a year later. But now I guess it will be a long time for me before I decide to part with the money for a Tudor North Flag or Black Bay, or one of the many beautiful Omega watches.
I have found that the Omega design language is very appealing and very affordable on the gray market.
The biggest thing I learned as a middle aged watch enthusiast is that if the hands are not contrasting with the dial, I cannot easily glance at the time without my reading glasses on. I have some very nice watches I would love to have more wrist time with, but they mostly sit on display as nice examples of good industrial design.
I wanted to know what the fuss was about Rolex. So I bought some Chinese homages thinking I might like them. For example, I liked the "Kermit", but after wearing it few times I realized that the green does not match most of my clothing colors, nor do I really like that green even after pairing it with a number of straps. I also bought a "Pepsi" on a jubilee bracelet which I thought I would hate, but I really do like how it sparkles with all the colored lights when I am out around the winter holidays. Summer not so much.
I personally only care for the looks and set it and forget it type watches. I prefer accuracy and robustness. mechanical movements aren't for me. Well, that's just the current me.
Same I’ve gone from an “only automatic” watch nerd to a mainly quartz one now. Looks are number one priority and comfort and convenience joint second!
My first rule of watch collecting is to quote Public Enemy "don't believe the hype" buy for yourself & yourself only.
Lol. Good point of reference 😊
Excellent from start to finish. Every (particularly novice) collector should save this video and watch it and ingest it at least three times. It will save you money, heartbreak...and time ;)
Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Great video, as always. Just one thought, my Longines Hydroconquest surprisingly scratches the itch for a Submariner and my Alpina Startimer definitely scratches the itch for an IWC pilot watch. I'd even argue that the Alpina has a more interesting dial.
Though this is all very personal. I know I kinda lucked out. :)
Cheers.
I have multiple omegas. A Tudor. A Longines conquest. Mostly I wear. GPW military watch or a g shock. Then the Longines. My omegas are only if I’m dressing nice or going out. I love them all
I don't consider myself a watch collector, but love watches. I have 3 good watches that I love and cycle through them. Everyday one watch, next days 2nd watch...etc. My style is that, I don't want the watch to lose its power reserve before wearing it. I can't see myself having a watch that I don't wear at least once a week.
@@qahtaniM Same here. I have about 10 or so, but I wear the same 3 throughout the week. The others just sit on their pillow looking sad lol
My lesson, “always receive the new watch when the wife is NOT home” they never understand :)
LOL I'm single atm, and reckless! HAHAHA
That's pretty sad.
"who knows your watches are fake?"
"My wife thinks all my watches are £100 fakes!"
Words Of Wisdom!
wrong wife.... my wife wanted to buy me my first Rolex 10 yrs ago...I declined. My mistake.
Just sold my 3861 moon watch after 2 years of trying to like it because “all serious collectors should have one”it was such a relief to sell and fortunately I didn’t loose much on it so it wasn’t an expensive mistake. I subsequently replaced it with a seiko 6139 blue pogue which I think is 100% a better watch for me, I just love it. Your advice is spot on, never forget that you are ultimately the end user and it only matters what you think.
Spot on 🙂
I made the same "mistake" too! First watch was the Speedy Pro. I tried very hard to like it. Decked it out with straps (leather, rubber all OEM)! The problem was (1) it was too big (I realized it late) and (2) I just did not like the dial set up. It was crowded! So, I sold it. Took the financial hit and assumed I learned my lesson. But nope!
Second mistake I made was to rush into buying a watch. This was the BB58. I tired on at the boutique. Felt ambivalent about it. Left the store, went to the parking lot, got into my car, drove away for a good 5 mins, but then turned back around and went and bought it! Mistake! The watch I really wanted was the BB54. So, I sold it and again lost some money. But this time, lesson learned, which were (1) don't rush! (2) I prefer small dial watches (3) I do not like complications of any kind (including date complications).
So, when I went to buy the Explorer 1, the boutique had received a 40mm, which I tried on. With a 6.85" wrist, it did not look bad, but something seemed off. Plus I was mindful of the "classic" size of the watch. Though I was so tempted to just buy the 40mm, I requested the boutique to get me the 36mm to try. Took a couple of weeks. But once I had it on, I knew! And I walked away with it! Again, lesson confirmed - I like small dial watches!
One last thing I have learned about myself. I like watches. I appreciate them. But I am likely not a collector. I buy watches to wear them and I want to wear them regularly not in rotation of 1 watch every few weeks or months. This means I won't have a lot of watches. But I will have a small number of watches that I will wear very regularly and repeatedly. Currently, I have 3. Another one is on its way. And, I have a 4th in mind for sometime in the near future.
And, @Mike.thiswatchthatwatch your video, like every time, was excellent!!
I don't like dark brown leather straps on black dial dress watches. However, a light brown/tan watch, looks amazing on a black dial! SARB033 being an example.
Never mix black and brown.
We like what we like 😊😊
Never a truer word spoken than Mike at TWTW. I’d add be an enthusiast first, a collector second.
Cheers 😊😊😊
Brilliant video mate. And so accurate. Just enjoy what you have and stop worrying about what others think. Remember, envy is the thief of Joy.
Bingo sir 😊😊
I always learn a ton from your videos Mike. The one point i will slightly disagree is that a cheaper watch wont scratch the itch of a more expensive watch you adore. My favorite chrono is the Zenith Chronograph Sport, but i wasn’t in a position to spend $10k for it so i decided on a Seiko Speedtimer Panda Solar and its become my daily watch when I’m in the office. Thank you as always for your great content.
You probably just didn't like the Zenith enough. Liking or disliking something isn't a binary choice, it's a spectrum.
@@Moissanyte well, the thing is, sometimes these watches we like are just unattainable or ridiculous to spend on a watch. for example, $10k can buy you a house in our country.
Deep down in your soul you know if your lottery numbers drop, you wouldn’t wear that Seiko over the Zenith. 😂
@@JCRule69 for sure but thats not the point. The Zenith is 20x the price. Will i get 20x the pleasure? Probably not but who knows. Hopefully one day I would find out 😂
@@evanc1974 pleasure is not measured in a linear way.
I love that seiko solar watch and I will get one soon, but I won’t kid myself, I know I’d get the ghost in a heartbeat if I could and hand off the Seiko to one of my boys.
😏
Best advice - wear it! 😀
Always!
I like the advise against the automatic winders.
I have pretty much everything to do a complete service of my watches, but I didn't even think about getting an automatic winder.
I like the experience of getting one out of my box (fits 10 with a glas on top to look inside), wind it, set the time and change the strap matching to what I'll wear it to and wear it for the day or straight up a week.
I love getting in touch with the pieces I own.
If I buy a watch, that isn't at least COSC certified or runs outside the COSC specs in my day to day life, I'll regulate it.
This makes you appreciate what you have way more.
I also race and I do all work on my race vehicles by myself. From changing tires, over setting the suspension to doing engine works.
It builds trust and teach your brain lessons.
You ARE a style icon!
Finally, somebody acknowledges it 😊😊😊
This is honestly one of the most honest and nice videos about watch collecting I have watched.. I spent basically two years watching videos about watches before I got my first serious watch… and I couldn’t have been happier..
Everything here makes sense.. I think the point of what you do for work and what you wear day to day is the most important.. if you are chilled kind of a person that doesn’t wear suits a Cartier Tank is going to look odd with shorts and a t shirt..
Do not beat yourself up for making seeming mistakes in watch purchasing - just consider it as the educational cost for travelling on the Learning Curve to an even better watch collection.
To minimise this cost, just sell on the later-unwanted watches, someone else will hopefully love them more.
@@palemale2501 Agree, all part of the journey.
You'll never truly understand unless you make the mistake.
True - Learning experience 😊
Thanks for the uploads from Washington State! I'm 40 years old and have been stranded home from work with covid. Glad I have your videos and many other people's to keep me sane. Have a great weekend sir! 🍻
Get well soon 😊
The 1980's isn't that long.... oh wait, yeah, I'm old too! 😂😢
It feels like it was yesterday that I got my first - black and grey pinstripe dial - Swatch and enamored with looking at my watch in summer school classes
I believe the Mathematical Equation for that is....Shit Happens. (Sorry....Math Nerd Here👀).
My condolences 😂
The 1980s isn't that long ago! Age is just a number I'm still as immature as I was back then 🤣 gen X🤜🤛
@@brianbeach9472 - so is the number on the pain and soreness scale after biking 🚴♀️ 20 miles.
I agree 100% of points you've mentioned. And yes, watch "enthusiast" is most accurate word to use. This ain't no world championship. Cheers, mate! 🤝
I like brown leather straps with black/grey dials!
We like what we like 😊
I have found that it's hard to find just the right shade of brown to go with the black dial, but when you find it, the effect is fantastic.
Haha, this is so much more about one as a person, than about the watch. But then again, the watch reflects the personality. Great lessons once again.
I learned that with merely a Zulu Time and Santos I’m now just content listening to Mike and Masso talk about cool watches and the business 🥂
Nice choices tho 👌
Stop now! You are done!😄
Merely? They’re epic and wonderful! Well done
lol. Thanks 😊😊
I have a 46mm Breitling Navitimer that's 52mm lug to lug. It fits fine and I don't have large wrists (not small either, but average). I tried on all three sizes of it (41, 43 and 46) and 46 is what fit and looked the best. It's just really well designed to look proportional at that size and to be comfortable on the wrist. It "wears small". So I agree that you can't tell anything by just reading specs. You've gotta try these things on or at least find some pictures of people wearing them; hopefully people with a similar build as you have.
Quartz watches are good for anything with a calendar. It lets you put it down and pick it up, and not have to reset the moonphase or whatever. Plus, it buys you a lot more watch per dollar typically. Honestly preferable to some ultra-basic mechanical that is +-30s/day.
My hot take is that it is typically irresponsible to buy vintage and not immediately get it serviced. You always need to factor in that cost, whether it is you doing it, or someone else. You can’t trust it will just work.
Vintage watches are also not inherently good value, as they are typically less accurate and harder to service.
Thanks for this. I still feel 'new' to the hobby and these were some great tips!
Thanks for watching 😀
52mm lug to lug … no sir, not my wrist 😂, but I understand your point
@@a.k.i.f I agree. There are sizes which are simply too big at a certain point.
But most of the time, wearing a watch is usefull. Many smaller watches with straight lugs looked goofy on my hand, whilst way bigger watches fittet my wrist excellent.
Same here. 52mm lug to lug would overhang my wrist. 45 would be my max.
Youre terrific UA-cam channel is a great example of a wrist that can pull off a 36mm Rolex explorer and 46mm Breitling Navitimer. Always try first!
Over time I think we all kind of intuitively know what will work, but to start with wearing is clearly the best test 😊
@Joltsu What’s his wrist size? /s
Thanks for this. I'm relatively new to watch collecting and so much of what you mentioned resonated with me. You're doing it 100% right, brother; your lighting, your background, your chair. It really feels like we're in conversation with you. Best of luck in your upward UA-cam subscriber trajectory. I myself just added one to you! Cheers!
Welcome aboard 😀😀😀
Thanks for all your work I appreciate your insight and experience and the time you take to share with us
So nice of you 😊😊
As someone admittedly new to the watch game, I stumbled upon this video and found it very insightful and comforting - already guilty of a few talking points.
Thanks for watching, happy you felt it resonated 😀😀
I personally don't like integrated bracelet watches , they may look good etc but not for me.
I totally agree, but then I saw the north flag by Tudor and it’s one of my favourite now
We like what we like 😊😊
"Find a full length mirror" to see what the watch looks like on you. YES! Brilliant. Thank you. No one else talks about this. They always show the watch close up on the wrist, which tells you nothing, since no one (not even you) looks at your watch that closely. A macro lens camera can focus that close on our wrists but no one else can. A full length mirror can best tell you whether or not a watch is too big or too small on you, or fits with your look.
dont change your watch on a tiled floor and dont dive with it unless you can afford to lose it......
Truer words never spoken
Absolute honest advice, don't follow the favourites, buy what you want and be happy.
Not every watch utuber will agree,, but it doesnt matter, it's your journey and your money. Enjoy the hobby for you, not what everyone thinks.
😊
a saturday 16:00 and a new video! perfect
Brilliant summary about what you learned from your watch journey that mirrors my own! In essence you can't make a "mistake", it comes down to your unique tastes and recognizing that every collector's taste changes as we get more mature-- so enjoy the hobby! What I have found that works for me and reduces impulse buying is to start a personal Wish List. Record the full description of the watch, include a picture, and note the price and date. Go back to the list when you are ready to scratch the itch to buy and see if the watch(es) on your list still get your pulse racing, and recheck the price. If all of the emotional and rational impulses align then I buy the watch to add to my collection from my list at the price I want to pay! Most importantly, ENJOY THE HOBBY OF WATCH COLLECTION!
Hear hear!!! 😊😊
Get into the habit early of selling watches you've owned and have dropped off your rotation. I say this because i didn't and find it very difficult to sell anything now, even my cheapo Seikos. I'm jealous of those who can keep to 10 watches and run one-in-one-out regimes.
how do you recommend selling a watch? Chrono24? EBay? ask for a trade with a watch dealer? TimeZone?
Question for anybody... How do you sell entry level or "affordable" watches? I'm trying on eBay without success as yet. I have room in my display case, but I thought I would clear out she things I never will wear.
I'm passing the beginning part of the journey of watch collecting, and actually have a couple that I want to sell. What is your best advise on how and where to sell them? (I've got tudors and Grand Seiko)
@@Yayo509 I too would like to learn about the best way to sell some of my watches.
Agree 😊
I completely agree, be your own person. I found that the CW C63 I bought as a substitute for an Omega AT scratched my itch for it. For me it came down to the $10K CAD Omega not being likely to bring me more enjoyment than the $900 CAD CW.
Normal watch + great memories = great experience
Great watch + normal memories = normal experience
We have to live more with our watches NOT just buy more watches
Very sound advice. Finally bought the watch I’ve been eyeing for some time(Tissot Prx 80) after trying to fill the void with other cheaper options. I agree get the watch you want/can afford and be happy. Great vids. Thx.
I was eyeing off the PRX for a while and went to a store a couple of weeks ago to try it on-and while I still love the look and design, it just doesn't look like it suits my wrist. Hope you're enjoying it!
@ I am, wore it for the first time during my trip to Chicago. Very much enjoying it.
Great to hear!
Imagine going into the AD in a wetsuit, goggles and breathing tanks to try on a Seamaster 😂
If I was an AD and that happened I'd give that guy whatever diving watch he wanted! 😂
When an AD tells you, "This is a real conversation starter," walk out of the store as quickly as you can.
Seems perfectly reasonable 😀😂😂😂
Diving watches aren't for diving anymore, they've been obsolete ever since wrist mounted dive computers became accessible. Diving watches are a type of dress watch now.
@@nobody2021 Interesting take. Are diving watches compatible with suit and shirt sleeves?
Last time I commented you said you’d worry if I agreed with everything you said, well start worrying, because this video was perfection. This exactly what new collectors need to hear.
Lol - Glad you enjoyed it either way 😊😊
Don’t take advice from UA-camrs hipsters. Many are promoting watches either because they have a financial interest, or because they are trying to promote themselves to brands, to later have financial interests. Buy the watches you actually like, not the ones you’re told you should like.
Not to mention all the paid shills promoting certain overpriced microbrands.
@@mrbrisvegas2Yes they are the worst .
Baltic comes to mind .
A pretty dial don't make a watch .
@@julienfroidevaux1143 A few years ago I was talking to a watchmaker. The only brands he was really impressed by were Seiko and Oris.
Buy what you like - Truer words 😊
Love this short vid. it really boils down to whatever you feel wearing more. I use to love divers when I was younger. now im on my late 30's lost all my divers, ended up with the more utilitarian looks of field watches at 38mm (my wrist is 7inches).
My wife used to complain about my watch buying until I explained to her, that if we divorce she will get half the value, and if I die before her, she will get the whole lot to sell off - but would she prefer that I stopped buying watches, and spend my money lap dancing clubs instead ? Seems to have quietened her down somewhat.
Have someone taste your coffee 😂
😂😂😂
Seems like a lot room in between those options.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch An American female political adversary of Churchill was so exasperated with him she told him "If you were my husband, I would poison your food" - he quickly replied "My dear, if you were my wife, I would gladly eat it"
A friend who recently passed had 100k$ of sports memorabilia. His wife is living well off the EBay proceeds.
For me, your advice is the best of all the videos I see. Thank you very much for the time you provide with your opinions and advice.
Thanks for the feedback 😀
Re Tudor, I don't know if it is great or it is a poor man's Rolex, but I know that the North Flag is incredible and outclasses any Rolex in my eyes.
I feel the same way about my Pelagos LHD. Not saying it's "better" than Rolex, simply that it encapsulates a practical design and modern materials but still has links to the past and as such it is a very different wearing experience to my Rolex (16570 Explorer II Polar) to the point they cannot be compared. Same with a North Flag. It's not simply a cheap Explorer. It's a very different watch.
Mike, this has been one of your best videos! We all like to learn from someone who's willing to admit that he's made the same mistakes we all have made! We also pick up tips that can be shared with one another! I like the thought of being open to trying something new yet maintaining tips that continue to work for me. Example: buying a Rotary Mecanique LE opened me up to checking out Cartier since the Mecanique is a "copy" of the Santos 100. I found that Cartier is a reputable brand that doesn't flaunt itself because it doesn't have to, and the movements they use are quality without being overly expensive(the more expensive levels notwithstanding). There are ways to enjoy beautiful dress watches and yet create a sense of making them casual! And the chances are good that they won't go out of style!
My favorite point of yours was the first one and I’d argue the people who buy 1-5 luxury watches are happier than people with 10+ affordable watches.
Love the videos!
This is only true for people who are into luxury watches. If you are into luxury watches, only buy luxury watches, don't compromise. But there are also many collectors who are into affordable watches. Today with the rise of micro brands and chinese watches they are getting more and more. The funny thing is, that these collector groups do not interact much and there are blogs, videos, online groups, etc. for each of this groups but almost never for both.
I agree, well said.
@@Alois_from_Vienna_in_Austria Most serious collectors have both luxury and 'affordable' watches in my experience. The 'luxury only' crowd are not overly common I'd say, at least not in the western world, unless they only have 1-2 watches.
It all depends on income and desires, I suppose but getting the compromise rarely scratches the itch 😊
I really like how you approach your takes. It's very thoughtful and kind. It feels like I'm getting some advice and wisdom from an uncle.
Thanks for watching 😀
Agree with most everything except the notion to just buy the grail and dont buy the cheaper version. When you are starting out you really dont know what you like. This is a hobby and its ok to spend money. Hobbies generally dont make money. Yes it would be better to try everything on at an AD but what if you dont have that brand in your town. Dont forget weve all experienced a disappointing grail. These comments about just buying your grail are monday morning quarter backing. Or looking through rose colored glasses. The journey is as important as the end. I bought a grail Rolex and never wore it. Spent the next five years bying and selling watches to figure out what i like. Now i can say a new watch would have to wow me before it replaces something in my box.
Wanted to start a collection long time ago, but the watches I thought I wanted was way to expensive. I watched similar videos and reveiws and slowly shifted from standard one dress, one beater etc. And found love in a Seiko 5 GMT, then g shock square that enjoy. Im drawn to tool and diver. Got a murph 38 it is a great watch, latest is sbp151 willard that I reall love. All watches I bought in a short time now are keepers for. No substitut for my grail, just cool affordable watches Im sure I will enjoy for many years. So I have lot to thank you tubers and your hard work 😊
4:30 please if you can, always put images on the side of the watch you're mentioning
noted 😊
This is a whole lot of great advice. I truly can't remember the last time I watched a watch advice video and completely agreed with every point.
Just to add to your point about how dial accents can limit what straps work, I've also found that strap colors can significantly influence how well some (usually poorly designed) dials work. For instance, my Vaer A5 might look ok in photos, but in person it has a jarring lume combination of white numbers, yellow dot and baton markers in the minute track, and yellow-green hands. The yellow and green mix badly because they're such similar tones while still distinctly different, and it gives the impression that the hands are mismatched. But I found that if I put the watch on a blue-grey nylon or bright blue silicone, the opposite color tones down the yellows in the dial, and decreases the impact of the color contrast between hands and dial markings.
So indeed it's important to avoid a strap that's not complementary, but also some straps will make a watch look better than it does on its own, to the point that they can ameliorate a problem with the watch's design. It's a lot like dressing correctly for your skin tone.
Thanks for the feedback for taking the time to share 😀
One in one out policy. Yeah that's not me. More like 10 in and maybe 1 out.
Lol 😂😂
The main principle of watch collecting should be "buy what you like inside the price range you are comfortable with and wear it with pride". And healthy advice would be to put in the background the "asset" nature of luxury watches and to not let yourself be dragged by social media.
No one needs more than a couple of watches or even one (depending on your lifestyle and the polivalence of what you have). There is no point in becoming obsessive about adding new pieces to the collection. Buy wisely and try to own watches that speak to you everytime you take them out of its boxes, even after years of owning them. And lastly do not see watch collecting as a race with a finish line. Enjoy the journey for what it is and embrace mistakes. Just be smart enough to not compromise your finances while travelling the route.
There are loads of nuggets in this video, at 11:41 The point around there being nothing wrong with pre-owned is something I have recently adopted, especially for brands that don't go up in price on the pre-owned market. Great advice! 🎉
Unworn versus pre-owned makes no difference per se. It all comes down to condition of the watch you are buying.
Thanks for sharing 😊😊
1st timer here. You were made for this. Thank you!
Very kind words - Thanks a ton 🙂🙂
Great advice. I’ve bought around 16 watches during the past 8 years but these days I wear just two of them 99% of the time - a beautiful green dial Seiko quartz for convenience and looks and a Seiko SnK809 with a folded link bracelet for comfort - I don’t care what people say about rattling bracelets with beastly folded links and hollow end links, in my experience they are more comfortable than more expensive highly engineered bracelets. I think it’s time to sell some of my more expensive watches now!
My #1 advice stems from the excellent points you've made. Developing personal preferences takes time, and as your experience grows and evolves through successes and mistakes, it's perfectly fine to let go of past opinions. Just as watches measure passing time, your tastes will also change and mature over time. No dogma, embrace the journey!
Love your thinking. Great breakdown and advice. Especially being open to try new things. All our journeys are different. It takes time to work out what’s right for you and your budget. Love the channel.
Thanks for that - much appreciated 😀😀
Great video! Super honest and I respect that much more than anything. I have never hit the alert for new videos bell ever with in the past 16 years but I did tonight. Cheers mate 🍻
Welcome aboard, thanks 🙂🙂🙂
Nice tips. It gels very well with my experiences so far, though the more I collect watches, the more I enjoy dress and dressy watches, so our paths diverge. Well rounded video.
The Rolex thing is even on point. Then again, whenever I mention that Rolex design is at best "meh" for me, you also get the whole "you're jealous" and "you just can't afford one", so you are right.... discussions around Rolex get obnoxious fast. Best make up one's own mind indeed. Although input never hurts.
listening to other people and making up ones on mind aren't mutually exclusive - When it comes to Rolex it's the only way 😀😀
Great video
Once you go mechanical, it’s hard to go back to quartz.
Once you lose a quartz watch because the battery exploded in it, then you’ll won’t want them anymore.
Also, that feeling when you go to wear the thing after 6 months and it stopped, it just sucks.
Pick up your mechanical timepiece , wind it set it and go.
I have a three quartz watches in my collection. five mechanical. For me it's important to have watches at a bunch of different price points to keep me grounded.
Spot-on video. I made many mistakes over the years. The big ones were;
1) buying different styles because that’s what you need as recommended by many UA-camrs. I bought several pilot watches before I realized they are not my style
2) impulse buying. Guilty as charged
3) way too many straps
4) being afraid of selling watches I don’t wear
5) the biggest one; letting my wife know that I bought another watch…
Excellent learnings 😊 (especially the last one) 😂
This is an absolutely epic breakdown. Sometimes i wonder about the WHY with watches. This really hit
I have had nothing but positive experiences with Rolex headquarter in NYC. I own an Osyterquartz , it requires battery replacement every few years. The services I receive at the NYC headquarter is above and beyond every time. Will always be a fan regardless what others are saying about the brand.
Much appreciate the self discovery approach to watch collecting.
Thanks for watching 😊
Knowledge comes but wisdom lingers.. This guy is a legend.. Thanks for the great content!
Legend? That's kind of you - but I'll settle for "nerd that's not entirely annoying to listen to" 😂😂
Pure Wisdom. Your lifetime of experience speaks volumes. Thank you Mike!
Cheers and thanks 😀
Great advice about collection size. Find some number that you think your collection should be. Then whenever you want a new one you know you have to cull one. It will keep the collection from taking too much space and constantly improve the collection. I do this with a few things.
This might be the best watch collecting advice video ever. Thank you, Sir!
Don't know about that but glad it was worth your time 😀😀
This channel is criminally undersubscribed. Great work, Mike.
Spread the word 🙂🙂🙂
Great advice. After 2 years of watch collecting the mistake I made was buy too many watches quickly. On the other hand it did teach me what I like and what I actually wear.
Now I'm in a transitional period, looking at my watch boxes, deciding what to sell and buy in replacement.
Thanks for sharing 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch You're welcome. I find your views on watch collecting candid and refreshing.
Great video as usual. Minor nitpick (and a common misconception): the watch in the closeup wrist shot doesn't look bigger due to the focal length, but because it's closer to the camera. It's a perspective thing.
Actually no. I took the picture with my camera and had a small ruler taped to the camera as a distance guide. The distances are the same. It’s the focal length that’s the only difference.
Note of course that increasing focal length does two things
1. It makes objects appear closer
2. It changes how things on different planes are compressed
www.danvojtech.cz/blog/2016/07/amazing-how-focal-length-affect-shape-of-the-face/
Hi Mike. True.
The same goes for buying watches online. Once it arrives home, it may look different on your wrist.
I found out after a while, to my surprise, that i do like divers and that i hate bracelets. For me, watches have to be between 40 and 43mm, with not too long wingspan.
I discovered all this when my seiko sne589 on an uncle straps irezumi sticks to my wrist always from beach, mountain, work, and all aspects of daily life.
Have a great weekend
Yeah - I have a hard time buying online. In the EU you can return online purchase but generally I don't enjoy that approach. For me an AD / physical store is worth it 😊
Another great video from one of my favourite watch channels. I fell into the trap of purchasing a Speedmaster because as a collector you are supposed to own at least one…so they say. Even today after owning one for nearly 2 years there are still parts of the watch I don’t care for. I find a dive bezel great for timing but using the Speedy”s chronograph is frustrating. As a 45 year old male with far from perfect eyesight I just can’t accurately read the chronograph dials. However the watch holds memories for me so I won’t sell it.
The speedy trap happens to a lot of people 😀
Tip: Compliment someone else's watch. We all want deep inside a stranger to compliment our watches so why not do that ourselves? :)
Great listening to your point of view. It’s always good to hear what fellow watch collectors think based on their experience. Thank you for sharing! ❤
Thanks for watching 😀😀
Totally agree with the advice you are giving❤. Currently have about 40 watches in my collection and am at the point where I do not buy watches but enjoy trading, sometimes adding a few $$$ or getting a few $$$. 😊. I learn that for me to keep watches doesn’t mean I need to wear them, sometimes I simply enjoy looking at and handling them. 😊
You hit the nail on the head re how a watch looks in a photo re wrist size 😉
Small wrist guys have issues they will never overcome.
8:38 "... there's no such thing as the right way to be a collector." I love this.
This video made me a subscriber. I agree with everything you said, and some things even made me laugh out loud.
My personal experience this year has been this: If you like the look of a G-Shock beware that they are EXTREMELY addictive. I've bought 3 this year and I want a 4th, and all while I'm saving up for my very own Moonwatch. Cheers!
Welcome aboard. Thanks for that 😊😊
As always Mike - fantastic advice and sending video to a friend who has started collecting - covers all the bases.