5 Unpopular Opinions Watch Geeks Need to Hear
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- These are things watch collectors NEED TO HEAR MORE. Or at least I do. These are my PERSONAL UNPOPULAR OPINIONS - I'm not using you guys as a scapegoat this time ;) hehe.
So one: Watch UA-camrs and the Watch Community doesn't have all that much power. I get it all the time when people think the Watch Space is trying to collectively hype a watch and it's like... We don't have that much power. Or when watch geeks say "Why doesn't Omega listen to us when we say we want this" or "Why don't companies listen to us when we say we hate that" and the truth is... We just don't have that big of a sway.
Two: Secondary prices matter- but it shouldn’t be a driving force in your purchase. This is one I am still working through.
Three: Watch “press” isn’t unbiased press from my experience - particularly publications ..... This is the one I am worried about lol. I am finally just getting "into" the space and getting invites to things. So I don't want to ruin that by revealing too much. But... There's some unethical stuff happening. (IMO)
Four: Watch companies and conglomerates exist to make money
And Five: None of this matters all that much... Calm down, it's only watches lol. (I am saying this to MYSELF!)
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME:
Sponsorships: kyle@smallscreenmarketing.com
Insta : watch.gringa
Email: watch.gringa@gmail.com
Patreon: / watch_gringa
TIME STAMPS:
0:00-0:26 - Intro
0:27-2:11 - We Don't Have That Much Power
2:12-4:28 - Secondary Prices Matter
4:29-8:53 - Watch Press VS. Influencers
8:54-10:06 - Watch Companies Exist to Make Money
10:07-11:25 - Calm Down, It's Only Watches
11:26-11:45 - Outro
11:46-12:17 - Patrons are the BEST! - Навчання та стиль
I’ve always kind of suspected that the fixation on resale value is at least partly about having an answer when the spouse says “you spent HOW MUCH??”
Turbo Romantic!!!!! Love that ! The Press/influencer topic is veeeeeeery interesting particularly when the so called ‘press’ have skin in the game ;) you are a very kind, bubbly and smiley , cup half filled human! Can’t imagine you giving a channel a good trollin!!!!!!;)
Totally agree Maddie!
It really sheds a lot of light on moments like when you see a website run "breaking news" followed by what's clearly a reworded press release, or when a new watch gets debuted and several different sites run suspiciously similar articles on it.
*Offering an opinion in exchange for a fee is not journalism, it's ADVERTISING.*
This is exactly what every UA-camr in the watch space does. Freebies are payment.
Journalists are paid, does that mean they aren't journalists. Also the paper they work for gets advertising revenue, does that also mean they aren't journalists. Us grown up's can watch something and make our own minds up and not blindly follow what's said in UA-cam, you should try it.
It's social media marketing, actually.
@@garyboyle695 *Your logic defies itself.*
@@drdesign6886 *Yes, advertising.*
Britt, unpopular opinions are suppose to be unpopular. I can’t fault a single one!
Spot on as always 💪🏻
I really enjoy your light hearted videos. Its doesn’t matter if you’re influencer or watch press. Continue your creativity.
4:30 I know a guy who bought a Rado for 2-3 k€ maybe 20-30 years ago, never wore it, just put it straight into a safe and expected it to become very valuable over time.
Because to him it was an expensive watch and someone told him that expensive rare watches would go up in value when they are old...
What did you buy back then (I bought a Seadweller) and wear these days?
Let me guess……. Something cheap and shitty 😂😂😂
Did you and your Rado pal get a civil partnership/marriage when us ‘GUYS’ allowed it? 😉
@@alfieakaronaldog Are you drunk or or an idiot by nature? smh
What's it worth today, a hundred dollars! 😁😁
@@sinjinadams2862 Probably. Or maybe even 200-300 but that's still a fraction of what he expected, and far from a viable investment.
Unpopular opinion no. 4: “desk divers” shouldn’t complain about dive watch features intended for professional divers.
I dive all the time, been diving all over the world..in fact, it’s what got me interested in watches. Almost all of my dives are around 40-60 feet. That’s where all of the cool stuff is. Think I’ve done one dive over 150 feet to see a downed WW2 plane. Most non divers have the specs to accommodate non pro divers.
I hate those "faker" desk divers...I make full use of my divers' capabilities including regularly washing the dishes while wearing my SMP's & BB GMT!
@@daganbrentley8697I love when people complain about only 100m of water resistance. That’s more than you’ll ever need in the deep end of the country club pool. And if you’re diving, you’re trusting your life with a dive computer before a rotating bezel
The desk divers are not unlike the pickup drivers/4-wheelers that never haul anything or go off-road.
Can somebody tell me what a Field Watches Tool Functionality is Please.
So you go to a Field……
Amazing video, and honestly changed my thoughts slightly on the after market sales. I love the romanticism of buying what you love, and have harped on about it, but you're absolutely right about it still being a consideration. Also... that difference between press and influencer is interesting... I guess having built and earnt your own audience has a lot of perks! It's certainly my goal to everything as ethically as possible.
This might be my favorite video of yours, especially with points 3 and 5. it takes courage to use such a platform to share a message of “doing the right thing.” 🍻
“If you made it this far, come onnnn.” You got me, Subscribed.
Congratulations on the growth of your channel! Cheers to continued success!
There's a reason watch channels are blowing up, you give us rhe real reviews and opinions..your channel, JOMW, Mad watch collector among onthers are my primary source of watch news. Keep up the good work 🤟
Great video Britt! And in regards to the watch press, who have some fingers in the pie and don’t disclose it publicly, if their opinion is that the people like you who come to watch events as guests, not as a part of the company roster - and give GENUINELY honest (unpaid) thoughts against the rabble-rousing many of the press people push to the public to artificially manipulate the narrative of hype around things - then it’s no wonder really they think what they do about the people giving honest takes, such as yourself.
Keep up the great work and putting the effort in, you are very fast becoming my favourite watch personality on UA-cam (probably helps we’re both from Southen Ontario and are close to the same age haha)
I love this post. I follow a few other YT watch channels. What sets your channel apart is your nonchalant sense of humour...and not just a pretty face. : )
Auntie Britt!! Love this video. #1 really hits home. I would go farther and state that the reason we do not have power with the watch companies because we are not their customers. They do not sell to us. They sell to their ADs. They listen to the ADs. Granted we do influence the ADs to a very small degree as to what we are buying, but it is insignificant in the end. The ADs sell more watches to people outside the #watchfam, than us watch nerds. The AD is selling to someone who does not really know the difference between watches except for a more recognizable brand. Long Live the Cult(s), and 4:30 date windows.
lmao ... Auntie Britt !!! great comment
True. Though Rolex's acquisition of Bucherer suggests a desire to exert more control over the retail channel. Possibly because of the potential long-term damage to the brand by shady AD practices. See also their certified preowned programme.
Must disagree. A manufacturer understands that the distribution channel is NOT the customer. Without RTA (retail takeaway) they really haven't made a sale.
I can't entirely agree with that. Imagine the following scenario, the watch company listens to the opinion of every watch nerd. Do you think even a clock could be created?
Regarding influencer vs press: interesting anecdote on your experience! However, I’d like to point out that several influencers don’t always disclose paid promotion, ESPECIALLY on watch podcasts.
Just because there is a public rule in place doesn’t mean everyone follows it.
It really frustrates me that influencers are literally breaking the law so readily. At least with JOMW for example, he's up front about the fact ALL his reviews are paid.
That was a great rant. Everything was on point, especially the part where “these are only watches.” I really enjoy your videos.
Britt I don’t usually comment on videos but wanted to sincerely applaud you for points 3 and 4. Although I know these things, it is always helpful to have that reminder and it takes real honesty and courage to say them as bluntly and truthfully as you have in this video.
Thanks and it has been a pleasure watching the channel grow, so well deserved!!
Charming philosophical perspective of interesting aspects of the addiction and exploitation we are part of 👏 Well done girl.
I really don’t like g-shocks! I’m happy for others but I can’t understand the attraction to them
I understand why people like them, and i also like them, i just dont want a black rubber watch
YOU DO YOU! I feel exactly the same with so many watches - I don't really like them, but I don't want to take the joy away from those who do!
@@nikolap755 That's why I also collect metal square G-Shocks - they are awesome
Unpopular opinion no. 3: you *can* wear a digital watch with a tuxedo and look good. The size of the watch and how it fits under a sleeve matters far more than the look of the case / dial / hands.
I tried to express myself in a way that both expresses my unpopular opinion and not offend others with the wrong opinion (;0
Yes the definition of watch press and influencer surprised me. So effectively it's a back scratching exercise with lots of perks. " Brittgate"
Thanks for being authentic about your thoughts and opinions on this topic. Keep doing what is right when educating us about various watches.
Enjoyed hearing your thoughts in this video Britt, and your pleasant but brutal delivery. More of this please! Seen too many paid watch reviews, and frankly it's all getting really boring! They'll never make me like Christopher Ward or Hamilton, or buy a generic micro-brand, whatever they say!
Great video. Speaking your truth. Thanks.
Also loved your definition of what watches are - history, fashion, engineering etc ❤
No worries Gringa, influencer or not you're doing ALRIGHT 👍
Just a small suggestion, as much as you love heritage, I think you'd do great by voicing your opinions about some truly exciting, highly underrated microbrands.
I'm a "heritage" guy too but when you start exploring the world of microbrands and/or independents it unleashes more passion somehow because you're faced with more creativity.
Without taking anything from Haute Horology of course ( but more like Breguet, Blancpain, Vacheron, JLC etc)
A few months ago I attended a watch event. And having a (small) UA-cam channel, I got the privilege of being invited as "press". I felt so powerful 😂🤦🏻♂️
Great video Brit!
so much personality comes though in your videos! I like the saying about the intersection of art, history, fashion, and engineering
I agree with all your opinions Britt. The influencer certainly seems to be less influenced by big corporations than the press.
I’ve watched you for years, but I think this is the most relevant video you have done to date. If you ever come to the American middle west, I’ll happily give you access to my vintage Rolex/PP collection to do with as you wish.
One of your best videos and an authentic voice. love it! Thanks so much
thank you for doing the gods work and telling it as it is especially in regards of the press vs influencer topic
with that said, i get it where the influencer might be more honest about their reviews but also not really for a lot of them because even though they arent getting paid, they do still get the invites to the events and experiences and access to some watches for review and a bad/negative review can always affect that and most do not want to be black listed by brands
of course there are exceptions
Even without paid promotions, some influencers aren't really free to say whatever they want. I've heard a number of them say they would like to cover more micro brands or lesser known models, but they can't because those videos don't get views. But if they talk about Rolex they get millions of views.
I’ve heard some they didn’t want say too much to stay in good graces with the brand they were talking about. Being afraid of getting blacklisted by a brand should not give them pause to point out a negative feature
Here's one that's going to trigger a lot of people; most of the hate Rolex has gotten over the past few years is just because people can't get them at retail, not because they actually dislike the models.
It's the classic story of the fox and grapes.
A group of fox stumble across a vine of grapes, but none of them are tall enough to reach them. Instead of admitting defeat, they hold their heads high and try to fool themselves into believing that they never wanted the grapes in the first place because they probably soured. It's easy to despise what you don't have.
THIS is good stuff you make, please don´t change!
hey, this is maybe one of the best watch talk ever listened to. I never comment, also (in general) but just felt i had to now. Bravo Britt!
I buy what I love. I’ve caught myself on a couple of occasions thinking, “OOO! If I get that it probably won’t lose its value!” Then after some reflection and a cooling off period I recant and admit to myself I don’t really want it. Then I go buy another Seiko.
This was one of the realest videos ive every watched on youtube. Epic job!
My wife was reading a book and pointed out this passage to me and I got a good kick out of it haha. “I checked my Patek Philippe watch. Limited edition, hermetically sealed and waterproof, the stainless-steel timepiece had set me back a cool twenty grand. I'd bought it after I sold my financial modeling software for eight figures, one month after my fourtenth birthday.”
Somehow this is giving me Artemis Fowl vibes
@@jamesd5689 That’s funny haha. I read those books growing up. This specific passage came from a book called Twisted Love. My wife gives it zero stars lol.
Mechanical watches are obsolete things which some of us enjoy for some rather obscure reasons. I would not consider these as investments other than investment in pleasure… I always buy with the thought that resale value will be 50% which I believe is a better and more honest approach.
#1 is very true, the „availability bias“ is so easy to fall into, thinking that the few comments we read or videos we watch represent a majority, when they are just a drop in the ocean.
A thought and a question: 1) one reason "value retention" matters is WHERE a person might choose to buy. If it's a Rolex: try to buy new, as you'll be paying up on the second hand market (most times). If it's a Breguet though, buy USED because you'll save boatloads!
2) When you say that a "Watch Journalist" had to say certain things vs an "Influencer," did that mean that the journalist had to be positive in their review, or just that they had to mention maybe new features the brand wanted to highlight or are otherwise proud of. For example, "please make sure to highlight the ceramic bezel, as it's the first time we've ever done that" versus "say this ceramic bezel is the best you've ever seen!" Very different circumstances, I think, but I honestly don't know and am curious.
I would disagree.....value retention is what you're willing to pay for that watch.....if you think it has value,buy it on the secondary market. You will get a lower price and retain some value for the watch!
Britt, you are one of my top 5 Fav's :> Really, it's been such a pleasure watching your growth in social media.
Wise words there Britt. Also you're right 'Its only watches' and certain commentators knocking your content (i.e OOM for example) just need to get a grip. Lets enjoy the hobby without sl*ggy each other off. Truly enjoy your irreverent, charming and most importantly informative videos. Rock on Britt
Interesting video. Well thought through opinions are just as interesting as the watches themselves.
Killed it Britt. All the points you made are relevant. I personally fall into the Value guy who loves watches - no expert by any standard. No matter how much I love a watch, I will not buy unless it represents good value from a price/spec perspective. I will purchase luxury brands during economic turmoil and lesser brands any time, usually used where 1/2 their value is gone and enjoy them. I'm not the guy who will buy because I have to have it. I will buy because I would like it at a specific price. Similar to a value investor, although I don't consider watches investments.
I’m here as a fellow Canadian 🇨🇦 (Toronto specifically) I enjoy your content. Thank you
"Britt Pearce - Very Cool Person"... hahaha, you go girl 🤩
And you could call it 5 unpopular opinions... they are all true 🙂
As for secondary prices, yes of course it's nice if a watch keeps a certain value but I buy watches because I like them and to keep them.
And indeed, it's only watches, a lot more stuff is way more important than a watch.
Nice video Britt !!
Most of the specialist press in many areas are paid one way or another. Lets face it since the internet came along & destroyed these specialist magazines readships.
Very creative and refreshing, Britt! Love # 5 the most because as watch enthusiasts we need to remember the they are indeed just watches. When 100 entities try to guess the next Rolex releases, I used to think that was fun and cool. Now I’m at the point where I despised Rolex so much I just sold 2 Daytonas to an AD. I’ll keep my SS Submariner Date and I’m done….
One thing I have learned, if there's something you don't like about a particular brand or model just wait, because there's a good chance a future update or release will address that. Also, your tastes can unexpectedly change in directions you never anticipated, so it's better just to appreciate the positives you do see, even when there are flaws, and hold your fire for the things that really appeal to you
The watch press/influencer thing is kinda funny, but I'm in agreement with you, it does seem unethical if press is not being transparent about receiving money for any kind of media
As for the first topic, I think it's mostly accurate, but there are occasions, like what we saw with the Hamilton Murph 38mm - that seemed to be catering to the community, but of course they did it because it gets the brand more money 😅
Britt! No matter what happens or how much money gets thrown at you, don't ever change. Keep being you...the disgusting Watch Gremlin we all love. 😉
The idea that you can make money or retain value with 'Watches and luxury goods' is a new phenomenon built on hype that wont last.
Even with Rolex it was the same story up until just over 10/ 15 years ago when China stated buying up the stock (that's ending) and internet collecting (flexing) became a thing.
The Daytona was always a rigged and stacked scarcity market, used for publicity and people who bought them over msrp were viewed in general as chumps.
All models (except the Daytona) were still pretty much a minimum 40% bath after purchasing even if you didn't wear it and left the nice green sticker on.
They only retained their value if held out over 30 years or so and even that was fuelled on presumption by prices on low volume models from the mid 20th century.
The reality is they are like luxury cars (made for the rich) You buy a Mercedes S-Class or a Jag XJ knowing they will be worth a fraction of the price after a few years and will be picked up by wannabe aspirational poors when they get sold on and on down the ladder and those shmucks deal with all the problems an old complex machine presents.
They have enough money to not care.
Spending over 10 grand on a watch should be for when you have at least a million of real disposable income to spare (1% max)
You look, and should feel kind of stupid sat in economy, living in an average mortgaged house or driving a modest car whilst flexing a ridiculously overpriced piece of Swiss jewellery.
I really enjoy your videos, but 1) watch publications also have to indicate if an article is sponsored, 2) many 'Influencers' for sure are getting paid or getting favors to push certain content - and they can choose not to check that box. The press is definitely not perfect - I've given up on Hodinkee and watch the likes of you, Andrew, Teddy etc. instead - but press by definition are more regulated than influencers.
Glad you’re an influencer and not press. Freedom of speech/opinions & personal views are such a privilege. Great video & hope you just keep up the great content. Very entertaining.
G'Day Britt: A comment from a fellow Canuck expat, except I'm Down Under.
I watched your comparo the other day on a Tudor Black Bay 58 vs an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M (current version) and thought "how bizarre". I've got a rather more appropriate one (I think) that I'd like to suggest: a Tudor Black Bay Heritage vs an Omega Railmaster (current/ just discontinued model). Given that I all all three in my collection, it struck me just how much closer a Black Bay Heritage is to a Railmaster than it is to the Diver 300M. There's only 50m difference in waterproofness (200m for the BBH vs 150m for the Railmaster) and the Railmaster doesn't have the graduated unidirectional bezel, so it's not strictly a tool watch, EXCEPT that the Railmaster DOES have 15,000 Gauss of protection in lieu. This match-up would also be much closer in price. They also both have in-house movements with the Omega being METAS certified (I acknowledge that the BB58 with a red bezel is also). What do you think? Worth a look?
Probably a popular opinion... your hair looks amazing Britt!
Great video, Britt. Thanks for dropping truth bombs about how things really work!
A lot of guys who are into watches are also into cars. And this sort of stuff happens in the car world too. Lots of similarities. For instance, auto journalists invited to Ferrari debuts almost always have to write glowing reviews of the latest models, can’t compare them to other supercar competition, etc. or else you’ll get banned from future invitations. Influencers like you can’t be “bought” that easily and can therefore be more objective in your reviews
Interesting venting and self check- this makes you look authentic. I believe this was the word of 2023?… great video and insight.
I’ve heard Adrian Barker take a similar stance on the importance of being able to say what you want and when you want. I appreciate that stance very much!
I know you talked about people caring if a watch retains its value. And so I wanna ask you about the Kermit watch by oris at 10:20 do you think this watch will retain its value? I love green and Kermit. 😅 but the watch isn’t cheap, at least for what I can afford. Would love to hear you thoughts.
A friend of mines from Paris who is a big watch collector, forums moderator, etc… had some direct input and influence which lead Jaeger-LeCoultre to re-issue the following cult watches:
Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968
Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1965
Reverso Tribute 1931
Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea US
Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea Europe
Tribute to Geophysic 1958
These are, to my view point, amongst the most beautiful contemporary watches ever produced… with the added benefit that virtually no one knows what they are.
I bought the Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968 at its release in 2008. According to the press all of these from the limited release had been called for but my friend pointed me in the right direction and after two visits at one of the shops in Place Vendôme, I had mine within a week. Now, I paid the watch in full during my first visit as a token of seriousness… 😉 This is all to say that some watch manufacturers can be receptive to their collectors’ desires.
Well said. Great video. Keep it up.
I disagree that watch companies exist to make money.
Omega has a 10 year wait list for the silver snoopy.
They stopped taking reservations. They have a product people want and they refuse to sell it.
They could stop making every other watch and only make the silver snoopy for the next 5 years and make tons of money but they don't.
They exist to create hype, desire, and scarcity.
In terms of the point you make in relation to power, I would absolutely have agreed with you 100% until a couple of days ago. I think that the power you have is huge in relation to microbrands. in a recent visit to AnOrdain to choose my watch, I was told by their own people that their business exploded off the back of a Teddy Baldassarre UA-cam review. Rolex/Omega/Cartier etc, yes your power is extremely limited to negligible :)
Wow, that was a nice and informative episode.
What I've found is that the watch-geek press / influencer community is MUCH more likely to give negative reviews of watches than other spaces that I'm interested in. I almost never read a negative review of a guitar in a guitar magazine, or of a road bike in a cycling magazine, etc. Even magazines like Car & Driver that used to relish giving savagely negative reviews of bad cars almost never give outright bad reviews anymore, they just do "comparison tests" where someone has to come in last.
Just from my short stint on UA-cam and working on watches, I've been lucky enough to meet a few very talented independent watchmakers. I'll just say the watch industry is nothing like I had imagined it to be. The romantic vision I had in my head is not at all true. I'll stick to vintage and work my way up to becoming an independent watchmaker. Well, maybe one day. Good video, thank you.
Watches are just functional art to me. When I stop enjoying one it’s time for it to move to the next person to enjoy. As long as I can get at least 50% out of it I’m happy. That way I can keep enjoying the rest of my collection (servicing and collecting others)❤
“Watch muggle” - love it, definitely stealing it. Mine now.❤
Britt, you should do an episode on the Cartier Ballon Bleu. It has one of the best looking dials of any watch on the market. And it’s super versatile. Definitely deserves more love.
Unpopular opinion: the BB is terrible
Honesty is a virtue! Keep it up!
Thanks for doing this for the love of watches. Bless your heart 🫶
Hi Britt. That was a fun talk. I do not like the term, "Watch Influencer" applied to me, -too much responsibility. While "Watch Press"-as pretentious as I am, I wouldn't call myself "Press" - no background in journalism nor communications. What's wrong with "Watch Guy" or "Watch Gal?" Just people who enjoy watches and talking about watches with other watch guys and gals? Kindest regards, Bill Sanders
Thanks for the episode, Brit.
Unpopular Opinion : people need to buy more solar watches not plain simple quartz
If every one bought a solar watch, then they wouldn’t be an underrated gem 🤷♂️
Be serious
@@quarters-eye8922 for someone who has 8 autos and 6 solar : yes
Great idea if more quartz were solar. My brew metric isn't offered in solar, though
I wish more solar watches would be released!
Unpopular opinion: more of your luxury watch's price goes on supporting the marketing budget than on actually making the watch.
Those brand ambassadors and sports sponsorships aren't going to pay for themselves.
Some people overly focused on value retention may not really have the means to afford their watch… hence the obsession…
‘But sometimes the internet makes us into assholes’ 😂 11:12
Great video. “only watches”… perhaps. But how else are we supposed to form arbitrary conclusions about others we meet!
Excellent advice. And your common sense analysis could never be unpopular with your common sense audience.
My thing: UA-camrs, who then "make" their own watch, and then expect to break their own standards. And the support of other UA-camrs for their "friend", in support of his hypocrisy.
Really enjoyed this video, and I can't fault any of the expressed opinions.
I assume the watch press is bought and paid for. Same with the automotive press. Manufacturers fly those guys to exotic locations for new vehicle launches, and they issue glowing reviews. Not a coincidence. If they write or say anything that’s not positive, they don’t get invited to subsequent events. Same with watches.
Same with the latest smart phones. And camera's. Its everywhere. Buyer beware.
unpopular opinion: people should not care if it has sapphire crystal or not (affordable watches). if it scratches, then its your marks. your story with the watch.
also you should not care its if it has hacking second or not (affordable watches). if its gonna fast 15 second tomorrow so what the point syncing with atomic clock?
As a corporate communications consultant, part of my job is to manange media and social media relations for my clients. I cannot speak for the watch industry because I work in other (less specialized) fields, but I thought I might offer some insight in the dynamics between businesses and the media.
In the industry I follow mainly, the norm is to achieve earned, organic coverage from the traditional media (dailies, business and industry-vertical), although a degree of investment does help in getting more consideration from the editorial team.
On the other hand, social media (youtube, instagram) coverage normally comes from paid activities, in which case the script is approved by the company beforehand. There are some notable exceptions where even social media coverage is achieved organically, but they are quite rare.
All this to say that in other industries the dynamics are reversed.
A key point I wish to raise is that *all* paid content (at least in my country), whether it is in traditional or social media, must be (and is) declared explicitly upfront.
A different case is if a company invites a journalist or content creator to a trade event and pays their expenses. Then they will expect coverage, but will leave the journalist/content creator free to write/speak their honest personal opinion.
"Art, history, fashion, and engineering." Well said.
Hit the nail on the head with point three. Non bias is needed when presenting products to the public, and tbh I think the majority of us can sense when the 'watch press' try to shove something down our throats.
#1 is so true. Watch people in forums grossly overestimate their importance. They can't understand why X brand persists in making those awful quartz models in 43mm, well... it's because they sell way more of those than the 39mm hand wound automatic you think the brand should concentrate on.
That the press is there to speak freely is a lie told by the press to help sell their publications. The job of the press is to allow their publication to sell space to advertisers.
Enjoyed that, interesting stuff.
Great takes, agree with you.
Brilliantly put, Britt!
Speaking as someone who writes a watch blog and who doesn't receive any 'payment' for doing it.... people say to me you should do this or that to monetize it, but there's really no way to do that and maintain your integrity. I mean, I realized this many years ago when I was reading a copy of QP magazine and they were criticising a watch and I thought 'Wow, that's so unusual to see a bad write up for anything in this magazine', and I never saw another negative review of anything until the mag went bust. Similarly, do you ever see a bad review on Hodinkee? They love everything. The only ones that seem able to be honest is A Blog To Watch and that seems to be solely because Ariel Adams was established before he got bought off, and of course crucially he doesn't have a store so he has no skin in the game.
nice video, with thought-provoking claims, such as: "the massive geeks just represent such a tiny sliver of people for whom the watch companies are trying to cater to and make time pieces for. To say we represent 1% would be a gross overestimation. So of course our watch opinions and tastes aren't the only things that are being weighed up". Any data out there to support this?
My unpopular opinion: We all need to stick to liking watches. As in any hobby, any watch enthusiast who hangs around long enough will eventually fall into the trap of fancying themselves as something more, eg an investor, an expert, a market analyst. Not only is it wrong (because we're mostly not even good watch collectors, let alone any of those other things), it tends to suck the joy out of the hobby.
Fascinating!
I appreciate the honestly of this video.
IT’S ONLY WATCHES! 💯 We are so privileged to be able to own these “things” when there is so much need in the world.
I think the worse thing is, people buying watches based on UA-camrs a lot and call it they have a great collection because they are on ...trend with the 'community'. Go out speak to people, meet more people, visit brands, boutiques, if you like it just buy whatever you like! (that you can afford ofcourse)