I believe you mistook your Louises there TGV. Louis XIV died of natural causes, unlike Louis XVI...

I think one of the biggest issues with new watches nowadays is there isn't actually any "real" use cases for them, in terms of actually being tools, which stifles actual innovation. Dive watches, pilot watches, chronographs, etc, those were all specifically made for divers, pilots, racecar drivers, and other professionals to ACTUALLY use a long time ago, so naturally all the companies were competing with one another to see who could one up each other and make the BEST versions of these watches, or straight up invent new styles of watches in the first place! Oh, we need to time cars racing by, let's invent the chronograph! Oh, I need to track how long I've been underwater, let's invent the dive watch! Oh, I need to go to space, better create the Moonwatch! Nowadays, everything uses computers, so watches are "outdated" and as a result, are sold as luxury "historical" pieces that are interesting BECAUSE they're out of date. Because of this, watch companies have almost no interest in actually innovating or creating anything too new, because the fact the mechanical watch is already this outdated technology, makes them something people want to buy. It's a paradox, it used to be a technology that would constantly be developed because it was something people actually relied on to help them with their jobs, but now it's an outdated technology that's just kept around because it's outdated. Just look at every new watch release lately, even with new movements and stuff, it's just reliability, power storage, or accuracy upgrades, or the addition of hacking and handwinding. Outside of Spring Drive and Accutron, there's no real improvements with watches. There's no "new" types of watches either being invented, we're decades in and we're still wearing dive watches, chronographs, pilots watches, and dress watches. I can't think of any new categories being invented in the space.

I think the Rolex trend has done a lot to put me off of collecting watches, especially expensive ones. The illusion of shortages causing the used market prices to spike insanely. I thought about buying a Rolex a couple years ago and now the watch I was considering went up 3k on the used market... it is ridiculous.

Easily one of my favorite episodes of the show. I remember I saved for a year for an Omega Speedmaster because some of my favorite Formula 1 drivers wore them. Now they all wear Ricard Mile watches and... Yeah, I'll stick with the old Omega! 😅

Absolutely agree on the "New Watch Fatigue" point. I'm also a MASSIVE car enthusiast and I think the parallels between watches and cars are razor thin. I'm BEYOND exhausted with the uninspired designs and engineering behind cars. Every new release from the high end companies is met with an eyeroll. In the higher end, they're all so fast they're indistinguishable from the others in their class. And in the looks department? From the outside they're all blending together, and the interiors are all so focused on minimalism and tech that they're sacrificing user involvement. Driver engagement has completely fallen the wayside! You used to be able to DRIVE your supercars. Now they're so fast you basically push a button and it has to drive itself, or you're going to swiftly be outpaced by your car.

Good evening TGV, one of the problems I often see in modern watch designs is that the watches often are either to gaudi or that they want to please a large crowd. Older pieces are built for a purpose (diver, pilot watch), something I find quite appealing. Have a great evening! Best regards!

I really enjoyed this discussion. Always happy to see the Nerd Crew getting the recognition they deserve. VERY COOL! The part that I found most interesting was the vulgarity part. I can tell ya that I've been thinking a lot about this recently. As the economy continues in it's current trajectory, a lot more people are struggling financially and with that knowledge I've found a bit of guilt with wearing a watche that is $500 or $2000. I can't even imagine wearing one that was $100,000 or $500,000. As always thanks for the thought provoking video.

I appreciate how candid and honest you were in this video, TGV. You didn't pull punches but at the same time you explained your thoughts in a tactful and classy manner. I too found myself becoming more drawn to vintage watches. Recently I got my hands on a Tudor Prince Oysterdate and I'm absolutely in love. There's a certain charm about vintage timepieces!

As of recently I have taken a break from staring at watches all the time. I have stopped looking on Ebay and Chrono24 late at night (weve all been there) and instead I have spent more time in the real world. cutting down your "watch time" to a minimum is a necessity to living a happier life, and it is also makes you less fatigued and grumpy. I recommend everyone who is into watches does the same, especially if you truly feel this way about the modern world and It's watches. Best regards, Jamie.

My advice to people who want to get into watches: JUST GET A SEIKO DIVER AND END IT ALL BEFORE IT OVERTAKES YOUR EVERYTHING. SKX, TURTLE, MONSTER.. YOU PICK IT.

This really piques my interest! What a interesting topic, TGV! I’ll be watching with the family this evening. Thanks much, my friend!

Amazing video TGV. You are that nostalgic guilty pleasure that I indulge in when it comes to watch content and I've indulged more hours than I'm happy to admit. You were pretty much one of the first, if not the first, watch channel that I started watching when I got into the hobby. You've recommended so many amazing pieces to me over the years. Thank you my friend. I've always loved watching you primarily because of your personality. So much class, so much respect for the hobby, and you're very open minded. I've always loved your personal stories, the historical context you provide when you review a piece, and I love your honest non sponsored opinions. I also love when you inject some of your personality into the video and recommend some random but useful gadget or product that you use in your everyday life (non sponsorship stuff of course) or give us some musicians or artists to check out! You are that watch nostalgic connection for me my friend. Maybe I'll run into you some day, until then take care and I'll see you on the next vid!

I'm watching your channel for years, this is one of your best videos. I totally agree with you-this is why I gave my vintage seamaster to a watchmaker for a light restoration. You are not an influencer- you inspire us, you're not trying to be trendy like others you have your opinion and you support it effectively. Keep on-dare to say-my friend.

Very interesting premise. I think that a lot of brands have a vintage inspired collection for this reason. Think about the CK859 from Omega this year. A rare beauty to be honest.

This is just a beautiful video, TGV. I wish I could properly thank you for the pure joy and relaxation I get from watching your exquisitely crafted videos. Happy Spring!

I have to say that I enjoy all of your videos but this one I get. You did a fantastic job weaving the discussion between watches, modern and vintage, and the march of time that we must all follow. Well done :) I think the takeaway might be, enjoy your time :)

I think a lot of watches try to have this “mass appeal” and end up appealing to nobody instead of making a watch for a type of wearer. I love micro brands for this reason…to get into the market they need to segment the market in ways that major brands who bank on their pop culture cache don’t.

TGV I think there is one major point that you are missing. Great video btw I loved all of your points. The main issue with watches today that you started to say was that they are status symbols. This is because we have a pocket watch in our pocket at all times. We do not need the watch to know the time anymore so most companies have noticed this (Rolex) and make the watches more eye-catching because they are used as jewelry pieces and not for a purpose. For example, if you actually professionally dive you are probably going to use a dive computer. Since watches are more jewelry purchases they have become more of a commodity to invest in. This has now spiraled out of control into what we have today. Since we made the wristwatch and non-computer clocks so replaceable it has led to what they make today.

Working late here in Blighty TGV. Another top video to get me through it! All the best 🦖

How did I miss a notification from my favourite channel. Great video, keep up the good work, thanks.

What also struck me the most about vintage pieces is, that that are not pretentious at all, they are true to their character. They are not trying to be something they are not. The patina, the signs of wear, the old movement, tell such a story. Modern versions of the same timepieces rarely achieve the charme.

I bought this year 3 Seiko watches : a Seiko diver solar chronograph, the Antarctica Monster, and a Seiko 5 with a 7S26 movement - I love them all to death ... the first two are divers and they make me to dream of adventures and trips, but the Seiko 5 has that retro dial like '80 - '90, it reminds me of all the dreams of my youth, I bought it especially for that beautiful dial ...

Love the backdrop for your videos. Whoa bro, DVD much?

500k around the corner TGV,i remember this page with 50k,long and amazing journey,congratulations brother,1 million soon!

It's clear that watch manufacturers have played into the hype more and more in the post millennial era, especially the big names. A couple of them have even made the hype culture an integral part of their business model. I'm still a modern watch kind of a guy, but it has become more and more difficult to find pieces that appeal to me, as they all have either moved out of reach financially or are just scarce as hell. Also, I just noticed you're about to hit half a million subs, TGV. An early congrats is in order 🥂

A great commentary on the current state of the industry. Rather than tool watches, the focus is on status and luxury.

Hit the nail on the head TGV, really fabulous video. I have my little eclectic collection spanning from my grandfathers Omega Geneve, right through to a couple of Casio GA2100’s. My day to day watch is an IWC Automatic Top Gun, simple yet classic with a modern twist. Though when I want to feel lucky I don my black dial Omega Seamaster Quartz. Your channel over the years has helped me value and devote wrist time to each watch in my collection.

Its crazy to see how your videos evolve with greatness its inspirational really they get better ever time always so well thought out and informative keep up the great work

All true! Most "new" watches are just a simple color change or an internal upgrade that you won't even notice but will cost you more. Grand Seiko has been killing it though. They just released a new GMT that is gorgeous. Hope all is well. Cheers!

Me:* Looks at my modern-ish midsize Seamaster * "He didn't mean you, you've done nothing wrong."

Your visceral reaction 18:20 to Richard M**** is gold!

The intro is so good it sometimes gives me goosebumps when watching a newly uploaded video. Speaking of helping the new generations learn and appreciate watches, what books do you recommend on learning about watches and horology? Thanks for the content and education.

With all due and respect, I believe that as you get older you are more prone to prefer vintage watches and reminice of the past. I love modern watches for their technological supperiority and to think of what can be in the future, instead of the past. That is my take :) Great video as always.

Size too! The early 2000s everything got huge. I love a lot of the designs but my personal taste makes me wish they were scaled down. But I think it is coming full circle and more brands are putting out smaller watches in the 36 to 40 mm range. I really have my eye on that new Glycine Combat Sub 39mm.

TGV, this video was thought provoking and fun to watch. Your comments on watch fatigue in particular made sense. I’m about to travel to Eu from Australia for 6 months and included in this will be a trip to Bienne, Switzerland. I’m hoping that a deep dive into the history of watch creating will cure me of my particular fatigue… 🤞🏼

TGV, I must tell you that it was brilliant for you to find the Socrates quote. I very much enjoyed your video.

i love vintage designs and sizes, but the efficacy of standardized modern movements is impressive (eta 2824, miyota 9015, seiko 6r35) as is guaranteed water resistance new from the factory instead of water resistance based off of seals and gaskets from 1968. And new photoluminescent markers are nice because original tritium or radium has long since decayed. so a new vintage inspired watch is a wonderful compromise for me. Especially if it falls in line with vintage sizing, i much prefer a 34-38mm watch to a contemporary 44mm beast, even if it is a new watch marketed as a women's watch.

So true TGV. My collection is rapidly moving to vintage. Love my Seiko king and Lord models more than I ever imagined I would. I’ve got a swatch I got on my birthday 40 years ago which I adore. Modern watches feel clinical in comparison.

Great video TGV. I always enjoy your videos! I thing you and I are quite kindred spirits. Very much old souls who prefer the old ways of doing things.

Dude I love your videos. Been a fan of your work (and Hugo's of course) since you started out. Keep it up :)

I was born in 2002. It gets difficult to find a cool birth-year watch, other than Rolex..

As a borderline gen x/millenial I still find it odd to think everything used to be better. Like, comparing all modern movies to the few classics that have survived for generations is pointless. How many shit movies do you think came out in 1954, the same year as Seven Samurai? As far as watches go, I will likely never buy another vintage watch because I want something I don't have to worry about living with. That means showering, swimming, playing outside. They look incredible. The history is wonderful. The size much better suits me. But they're not compatible with my lifestyle.

I could totally see you wearing a Richard Melaay! 😂 Awesome quote from Marcus! I need to get that book you mention of his in almost every video. Thanks for video ! Exceptional as always!

"The Endless Slew of Green...." I lost it🤣

As I watch all of my “grail” watches slowly disappear over the horizon of overpriced, I battle back by just building my own watches. Its been an amazing journey. I have many watches, but there’s nothing quite like the ones I build for myself and friends.

TGV, I've ordered a Seiko Dolce SACM 150 and its 34mm! My watch collection started with larger 42 mm watches, now I'm buying much smaller watches. Would love a video on the Dolce. It has a crazy super accurate quartz movement +/- 10 s a year

Great discussion bro enjoyed it!

Excited to watch this! Especially since you have my Seamaster in the thumbnail!

well, I actually love Grand Seiko and their creations of the 4 seasons, and even if they they do have vintage watches I still feel attracted to their modern and newer releases. (BUT in saying that I do feel as if the watch community is being gatekept (is that a word?) by the absurd prices and that modern watches have lost their meaning or purpose and is now just to make money for their businesses)

As a watch enthusiast myself, I couldn’t agree more my friend. There was a time when having a winding watch was almost as exciting as having a car. Now it’s all about who has the more expensive toy, and how many people are jealous of you. Stay real and don’t give up. There are a few of us still around 😉

Thanks TGV for telling it like it is. So refreshing to hear someone who doesn’t pander to the modern trends.

Thank you. It's always worth it listening to your point of view over things.

It must be difficult to design a watch in an era where they have been replaced by smartphones and the like. The Apple Watch can be seen as an innovative and iconic piece of design, but it does seem that the market’s favourite pieces are often 50 years old.

The problem with modern watches is there doesn’t seem to be an original design. The best stuff recently has been the homage watches to designs from the 60s and 70s. Both of those decades has such fantastic original designs. I’ve become a fan of Farer which as a young brand uses great pops of color and interesting design language. Also, it seems like a ton of brands are just trying to copy the big dogs in some way. I cannot be the only one tired of Rolex homages and speaking of which, everyone seems to like the Tudor black bay which to me is just a high end Rolex knock off. Tudor I feel did design best when they had original designs like the fastrider or the north flag but those all don’t sell as well. Omega had two original designs in the 90s with the constellation and seamaster 300 and have been riding that and the Moonwatch. I can rant for a while…couldn’t agree with you more TGV.

Wow.What a thoughtful video, possibly my favorite one ever.You can see the time and effort put into it.I love watching the clips thru the vintage TV border.As an aside I would state that all watches "just look better"in smaller mid century sizes . However there are still plenty of good modern watches out there that approximate the vintage classic look of the 20th century.As an example the Longines Conquest Heritage 35mm and the Seiko Sarb 033

Thanks for that TGV it is a very good thing to be reminded that what one does is important, how one does it is also important but why one does something is often more important than both, you shunted into motion a great thought train, thanks again.

Generally, I agree. There's a crudeness and vulgarity in many "high end" watches that would make Invicta recoil. I think this is a reflection of the changes in society that place a premium on the self and attracting attention to the self. By the way, I believe it was Louis xvi that got his head lopped off, not Louis xiv. 😁

I've been a fan of the channel for quite some time, but I have to say that I'm confused by this video. Haven't the majority of Urban Gentry videos basically praised post-2000 watches? I feel like that's been the backbone of the channel, at least in terms of raw quantity. People have the right to change their opinions, of course, but if this video is sincere, I'm not sure where it leaves the channel.

This video is a masterpiece. Well said, and an insightful commentary on many subjects of which I wasn't fully in-tune with until now!

Dear TGV, this video was greatly needed in my opinion. Your points are fantastic and you give exactly the right arguments to defend them. You really are one of the few people left with complete integrity. Please never change!

The biggest letdown for me as an affordable watch collector is that my favorite brand (Seiko) has moved up market. Gone were the days you could buy a brand new seiko 5 for less than 100 usd. If the new seiko 5s didnt double in price i would collect them all in a heartbeat.

I have two main issues with vintage watches, both quite significant to me…1) build quality, and hence reliability, is often crap, particularly on jangly bracelets which were often stamped rather than milled, and 2) they are so dainty they look effeminate…unless you have wrists like a nine year old girl….which would just be sad

Oh and congratulations on 500k btw 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Spot on video! I too have migrated to vintage pieces. I'm at about 3/4 vintage - the rest are pieces like the Max Bill, Hamilton Boulton etc. Also excellent commentary, sir.

First

Loved the video my friend!

I have been following your excellent channel for ages. Today I decided to subscribe when you mentionned that you listen to Alessandro Barbero daily: so do I - he is the "urban gentry" of historians.

Another great video TGV! You are one of the very few channels/people that really have an in-depth understanding and appreciation of horology and its history. I have personally been on a journey backtracking over the past 10 years going from a Deepsea to a Seamaster and now to a Hamilton Khaki and now find that the Hamilton is all I need in a watch especially as it doesn’t attract unwanted attention and the often negative perceptions that often come when you wear an expensive watch. As the greatest music artists often say ‘less is often more’. Keep up the fantastic work and thank you for keeping it real! 👍

Wonderful presentation truly first class. You are not alone in your way of thinking, I too have placed a lot of emphasis on vintage watches and they alone are the ones that inspire my imagination most of all. This has had further influence on many other things that I enjoy.

Found your channel a little bit ago and your approach to talking about watches, through the lenses of history and design, is absolutely fascinating and unendingly enjoyable! As to watches in the current era all I can say is as I approach my 40th birthday I’ve been trying to get off line more and live more slowly and with greater intention. As such a humble Seiko 5 SRPE has become a very good friend, pretty to look at, runs great and has a specific function that denies distraction into a hundred other things clamoring for energy I just don’t want to give. If analog watches carry on into the future, outside of luxury flexing, it’s with people who just want to live more in control of their own minds.

This video is perfect. You said everything that bugs me about the current watch market in coherent manner which I've not been able to express myself. Thank you.

The Gentry doesn't gather to see the latest, but the greatest.

Dear TGV, around the 6:30 mark you show a Casio catalog. I have looked all over but apparently not in the right places. I am a huge Casio fan and would love to know where one could get such a book/catalog. Your videos and Casio's got me into watches. Many thanks, keep up the quality work ole chap.

Good discussion TGV! Loved the film ‘Mandy’btw. Modern, different, far out!

This is so much more than just a video about watches. It is a thought provoking, meaningful insight into what we have become, examining and questioning the way we have changed as a society - subjective and somewhat somber, yes. But you, sir, have just given me some answers to questions that have been bothering me for quite some time now, but which I’m just not courageous enough to face. Thank you. More of that. Please.

Great video and you’ve nailed the issues. I just realised the last 4 watches I’ve bought are 15+ years old.

TGV, I have to say it is so great and refreshing to see some slightly more opinionated commentary from you. Your outlook is so well balanced and you articulate it so well. Loved this one, keep it up! Cheers

The strap combination on the Hanhart is top notch! Greetings, Seb.

Great video TVG, and always a pleasure to see Stephen Toast delivering lines as only he can!

TGV congrats on such an interesting matter, no wonder my grail watch is the Omega Seamaster 1948, with that original nostalgia, original look, with modern technology, congrats for all of your success, abrazo desde Mexico !!!

I like how you tie the b-roll to what you're saying so well.

I'm with ya brutha... Spot on about social media 👍🏻🙏

Spot on discussion and reasons. Totally agree! Thank you TGV

Your analysis here perfectly summed up my feeling towards watches in general over the past few years. With the exception of Tudor's more recent releases I have been more excited about brands like Timex and Bulova going back into their archives than anything the big brands are doing. Even Seiko (my favorite as well) has me scratching my head wondering what they are doing. I think industry as a whole just trying to push the next big thing and honestly it is exhausting and has turned me off a bit. I get the reason why, but wish they would take the less is more approach.

Great social commentary

The They Live gag killed me! May the Urban Gentry continue to be like Roddy’s glasses to the watch wearing world.

I own a few new watches from leading brands, but when I saw the Predator film behind your Seiko Arnie, well enough said. 👍

Forgot how much I loved this channel . It’s been a while (just because I’m trying not to buy STUFF anymore - ie. watches) TGV , I agree on so many levels , especially when it comes to film ! It’s insane what happened to that industry .

Powerful Socrates quote and love the David background - must admit i shall be screengrabbing this as a wallpaper 😅

Great video, this begs for a follow up to expand on the role of social media and flex culture on the watch world....

I enjoyed this video. And it's true, I am mostly attracted to older styles and am currently not looking to purchase another watch.

Impressed with your viewpoints. I'll be watching more of your videos. Thanks.

Again TGV you are right on track. My 1969 Rolex Oyster Date to me is along with my Seamaster 120 the perfect watches. They are both timeless !

What a fantastic video, and we agree on every point exquisitely made.

T, as always some thought provoking stuff. Hope all is well. Best as always. Matthew

I think Longines struck a nice balance with their Heritage pieces, being a bit modern and also vintage inspired. But they're still vintage inspired off course. Not totally new designs. I have the titanium Avigation Bigeye and I just love it. It is the watch I got for my 40th birthday and my first more expensive one. Love this video!

Hi, I subscribed to your channel a looooooooooong time ago, when you had many many less subscribers, and somehow your channel got lost among other channels, anyways, it popped up this morning. A huge congratulations on how well the channel has grown, but I think more importantly, it has maintained great great content, ok so the videos are more polished, the audio is awesome, but you remain the same, fabulous content and oh so well presented. Thank you!

Great show. This one made me reflect on my collection quite a bit. I mainly wondered why I have more than one dive watch, chrono, field watch, or GShock. The surprising answer is that it seems to be more about form than function (i.e. I like the different looks rather than anything about materials or functions or movements). I mean, really, many of my watches have an NH35, 7s26, or 3226 -- the same insides with different outsides. Sure there are innovations, like Damasko switching up the hands for their chrono counter, or The Rangeman with its instant start stopwatch and barometer etc., or moon phase or GMT functions. Materials (sapphire, bronze) and specs (water resistance) can play a role too, of course, but for the most part, I'm loath to say, it's all about how they look (i.e. fashion!) with a sprinkling of extra functions thrown in. Good fun as always, TGV, thanks for the show!

I love the pace of your videos.

Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate hearing your thoughts. I am a product designer and often I get sense that there is a desinger in you as well.