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I think Michael deserves a bonus! Christian just buy it for Michael! He really does make this channel what it is he deserves it!

I’ve actually been thinking of the same thing. Sometimes I envy those guys that can just by one Sub and wear it for the rest of their lives. Versus the endless list of watches that I buy, sell, trade, lose money, give away, etc, and all the time I spend binging watch videos, reading blogs, books, etc… it’s as if my job depended on it. But it doesn’t. Man, I need a new hobby. Lol 😂

this was one of the best conversation I've ever heard about watches. I get so caught up in the collecting and thinking about it, dont talk enough what they actually say about you and who you are when you wear something and way that means so much. thanks for putting this together.

I had a Daytona and gave it to my son. I waited 2 years and finally got the call from my AD. Once in my possession, The Daytona just didn’t do anything for me. The chase was more exciting than the destination. If you get the Daytona, you’ll soon want other watches. The Daytona is nice, but it’s not the end all of watches.

Michael, you have a perfect two watch collection between the Explorer and Shadow. I mean, put those two next to each other and take a good look. There's no way to improve it. Your Hamilton makes a great companion piece to those two at the lower and, and the Omiwatari is pure art... your art piece. I wouldn't change a thing.

If you’re always thinking about the Daytona and you think you always will, then I say go for it. I’ve been thinking about consolidating my collection down to a couple of watches - there’s something appealing about it to me after years of collecting and figuring out what I like. Too many of my watches go unworn for a long time.

I'd say go for it i simplified my collection. And currently only have two pieces and now am waiitng for my third. I feel much happier with only 2 watches. They all get worn, all get enjoyed, and it makes me super happy to have only 2atm. Lots of memories, and lots of enjoyment from ether one of those peices.

Love watching (!) you guys and this was a terrific episode. Good advice regarding making reasonable purchases and the rationale about experiential value. Thanks!

I think having a small collection of 5 watches or under is the sweet spot. You don't want to take your Daytona everywhere you go - and as romantic as it is to have one watch, there is a reason we in the hobby end up with many - its because we love the story of the watch, the design, the history, the beauty. If you sell everything for the Daytona a year will go by and you'll end up with another watch.

Love the last minutes talking about owning your first expensive watch early and forever, because I *just* got an Explorer 124270 exactly because of that. I am late 20s now but I imagine myself 80y/o with my grandkids and wearing this exact Explorer day in day out and then ultimately leaving it for them after my inevitable demise.

I’ve actually only worn my 114270 for the past 4 years. I thinks it’s doable especially if you live in the world like you guys where you can experience other watches and get your fix.

I wish I had a friend that weighs out such watch thoughts with me and nerds out over all the details and nuances. Thought the same when Michael picked the 3 watches for Christian as a 3 watch collection, what a friendship

Great video, been feeling this for quite some time, its good to see you guys talk about it. Keep on rocking in the free world.

Thinking about doing the same. So that’s selling my 2022 Pepsi, and my 2023 unworn Snoopy 50th, both bought new at retail, and then buying a Zenith Daytona. I’m 57, so I have to hurry with making memories wearing my grail watch😂

There are one watch guys out there, I’m one of them. I watch your videos all the time, and keep up with the watch world, but I’ve only had and worn one watch since just before COVID hit, when I got my first luxury watches. I haven’t looked back, and it’s been great ever since.

People tend to overlook/underestimate the 116520. Especially the Chromalight, late production model manufactured for 2 years only. It has all the modern features (blue lume, bracelet, long clasp etc) and was the last TRUE Daytona ever made (ie with a SS bezel) while at the same time still representing the FIRST Daytona with an in house mouvement.

IMO, if it makes him happy, yes. I think its a terrible idea.

First of all, you could make the argument that the finishing on the GS alone is superior to the Daytona. Then, consider the versatility you get from pairing an explorer with a zenith revival shadow. Plus, wearing a Daytona is kind of dangerous especially as a one watch.

Why go for a Daytona when you have a Zenith Chronomaster Revival???? My opinion only. Cheers 🥂

Sometimes ago I was looking at some spectacular photos of the Omega Speedmaster with straps. I wondered what the Daytona was like without the bracelet. It looks like the Breitling Callisto...

Not sure why but this was one of my favorite videos I’ve seen in a while! Thank you for making it😁🤘

This is a great episode as it shows the mind of a watch collector and his struggle to make the right decision . Personally I would sit on your current collection, but, that's the beauty of the hobby.

I bought a Black Bay 58 925, and I had my doubts after the purchase. About 18 months later, and I rarely wear anything else. Incredibly versatile in gray and goes with everything. I wouldn’t part with it. I couldn’t sell it to move up…and I love it more all the time.

Did you say the ceramic daytona is too thick???? How?

I have sold everything in my collection and went for one watch - a vintage, white gold Breitling Emergency Gen1. An awesome example, I wear it every single day and love it.

The pieces you have now have been a part of you and your story and are a bit unique. Don’t compromise on what makes you you to sell it for a Daytona just for status. It’s not a better chrono than what you have

Honestly, I think Michael is not a one watch guy and especially not a 20k watch guy as a daily. I would suggest keep the explorer and zenith piece. Sell everything else and save up for it. Watch prices are coming down… i think have one piece from each brand you love and then heavily investing in the one brand you really like is the way to go.

I am kind of into a similar situation: thinking about selling a few watches and not buying several other ones in order to spend all the money in buying a used Patek 5270R... I would have my GMT master 2, a Reverso and that Patek as my core collection

Check out the speedmaster racing if you want a smaller chrono. Got one recently and I really dig the 40mm size and the reverse panda dial.

I had a 16750 for a while, which I loved wearing. But every now and then I just looked at it and kept thinking about the things I could do with the money. In the end, I sold it. I still have a lot of my other watches, including some in Michael’s list. I just couldn’t fathom having that much sitting on my wrist.

Keep the Explorer, trade the remainder towards the Daytona 116520 white dial. It’s less than the Zenith Daytona by the value of your Explorer. Besides the 4130 movement is hands down the best chronograph movement ever manufactured. 🍻

My one watch is the Sinn T50 bronze gold bezel.

I wear my 2006 white dial 116520 Daytona daily. My new no-date sub and new two tone rose gold chocolate dial Datejust sit on the winder and I have no interest in wearing them. The pre-ceramic Daytona is a great daily option for me because it doesn't bring the same level of attention as the newer references. I've never found a more comfortable watch and in my opinion it is perfect. I also followed the best version of the reference I wanted when searching for the Daytona. It was a NOS 06 full set. Best one I could find in the country at the time.

Ceramic bezel Daytona is too thick? It is actually 12.5mm thick which is the pretty much the same as the previous iterations

I don't think I would sell an Explorer and Shadow into a Daytona, I love the Shadow, it's most likely my next watch, I would sell the Explorer if you plan on buying the modern one, for a solid bracelet. I just think the Shadow is a nicer looking watch, I like the Daytona that said buy I don't think I could get over that Daytona stigma personally.

Wow, interesting chat! I’ve also been thinking about similar things lately. Not so much about consolidation, but definitely about how much more I enjoy wearing one watch for longer than musing every morning about which one of the dozen I feel most like wearing today. In other words I’ve become quite convinced that the constant switching of watches and straps is exhausting and defeats the purpose. About the Daytona: I couldn’t agree more with the point about how chronographs, especially automatics are impossibly thick - I just sold my gorgeous 3861 sapphire sandwich because I just couldn’t get used to how thick and bulky it is (and I’m 6’5 with a 7’ wrist). But lord, the Daytona is so incredibly trite! But why would you need a Daytona when you can get the gorgeous, slim, cool Zeniths with the El Primero like the 16.2150.400/21.C706 or the 03.3200.3600/21.C903? Either one would fit literally all the criteria you mentioned, they cost a fraction of the Daytona, and you could still sell the rest (- Explorer?) and invest the money in your channel!

Great chat guys!

I plan to end up with one watch. It will be a Patek perpetual chronograph and it will be amongst my few remaining possessions at the end of my days.

I consolidated my collection a lot and it feels great. Sold a YM and a very nice dress watch, bought the Pepsi, paid the premium and do not care one bit. I want what I want, and less is more.

What is the video, toward the end of this video, they said to watch? I couldn’t find the link to it….

I’m literally the mirror image of your situation, having just consolidated for a Batman.. (and having a spare Hamilton floating around) .. do not regret it at all, honestly get a Daytona if that’s what you really want.. it’s not some obscure quirky piece you’ve taken a. Shining to - it’s iconic and special.. not for me personally as I’m not into chronos, but there’s no question that it’s one model a watch guy of your calibre should experience.. and ultimately all these things can be found again. God speed

Where's the link to the video you guys mentioned?? Something about a navitimer?

Great video and discussion. Loved this. “I’ll find a child to talk to…they’re everywhere” 😂 Enjoy the Daytona. You regret what you don’t do the most and always wonder.

I've curently got a watch I'm trying to decide if I should sell it or not. Longines Grande Vitesse with the silver dial, black subdials and date. I don't find myself wearing it much, and I bought it at a great price, I could sell for a decent profit right now. But I do like it, and it was my first Swiss mechanical watch, so it feels like the cornerstone of the collection. I'm very conflicted.

Sad to see your collection go, but enjoy your Rolex! 🕰️👏

Its a great time to buy a Rolex.... maybe it may drop another 3-5% in the next quarter or maybe prices may have stabilized, but if the right piece comes along now at the right price, I say no better time to get the Daytona... its been singing to you for weeks. And personally, Id hit the Zenith... since you have (had by then) a zenith chrono and a piece of that will still be with you on the next chapter of your watch journey.

Great discussion. I sold my watches and have had an Explorer 124270 for the last 2 years since I was in my early 30s as my only watch.

Love the video ❤🎉

Fin fact - Tiege Henley is part owned by Aaron Marino (aka Alpha M), the guy who compared MVMT watches to Rolexes, remember him? Lol! Only for a vintage Daytona. None of the modern ones, not even a Zenith Daytona. I live in Hong Kong and I see Daytonas almost every single day. Just yawn.

What's the name of the video about the Navitimer that you said you were going to link to ut didn't?

The idea of a watch collector having just one watch is a bit of a unicorn. I think the least a WIS can do is 3 to 5 watches. Every day watch, beater/travel watch, heirloom watch, complication, and wild card. That is small enough to creat memories, large enough to allow for some change over time. Inevitably, going with a $25;000 Daytona as your only watch is a bit of a fools errand, as quite obviously, there are times you don’t want to strap a $25,000 chronograph to your wrist. Like if you took your kids to a water park. Or we’re out at a cookout and found yourself playing volleyball. Or camping. Or traveling to a place where wearing a Daytona would make you a target. In those cases, maybe a Hamilton, or even a g shock is the smart way to go.

Christian where did you get the sweater? I’ve been looking for a quality sweater with no visible or little logo branding.

Thanks

Absolutely not

Loved this episode! "I'm more of a pottery Daytona guy" really got me cracking up

I genuinely enjoy watching you two talk through these issues. My unsolicited vote, Michael buy the Daytona and enjoy it for however long it’s in your care.

I have this dilemma, i have an explorer 2, love it, want a daytona pre ceramic white dial… but that leaves me with 2 steal bezel while dial watches! Oh the problems in my life

Hopefully you have tried it on. I tried on an all steel daytona, and didn't get the feels. Sometimes the watch you think you want isn't the watch you want.

I’m hoping that particular Piaget never says a word. Regarding the Daytona, I own two Zenith powered models and a first year Daytona with the 4130. They are nice pieces, but do not warrant the price because they don’t feel particularly special on the wrist. If you want a top tier chronograph at a terrific price search for a Blancpain chronograph with the F. Piguet 1185 utilizing a column wheel. Find a steel Flyback with the X71 bracelet and you will own a phenomenal piece at a bargain basement price.

what brands are that hoodie and sweater?

How about the middle option? Have a small number of the best watches you love and can afford. If there is any turnover, it's very little and very slow.

depends on what you can afford to do. i'm basically a one watch guy. kind of. i wear my Rolex Sub that i bought in '95 daily. it's my "only" watch. however, because it cost so much (a month's pay back then), and is even relatively more expensive to replace or fix today, I wear a Casio Pathfinder when I'm doing anything that i think will damage my Sub. If there was no cost issue, then i'd only wear my Sub. And also buy a Polar Explorer II (226570).

what was the video they mentioned! dont see a link. also, why was the carbon zenith sold! curious

I can speak from experience here. My complete Rolex/Tudor collection is currently up for sale on Kibble Watches in Clerkenwell, London. (Great dealer James Kibble). Bad time to sell…but I’m not in a rush. In compensation, I bought a grail watch…a 1972 GMT 1675….birth year watch from James which I love and fills the hole. And I’m very happy I did. Just one watch to worry about instead of 14.

Ps buy what you like and wear it in good health! Make memories with it and pass it down!!! You know it’s right for you! Especially with your level of watch loving 🥰

i own a 2021 submariner i sold my explore 2 and speedmaster never looked back i am now just one watch owner.

If you always are thinking of Daytona and you know is something you really want. It’s a bad ass watch no matter what happens. I like the black ceramic Daytona myself.

I know you guys have mentioned the want for a smaller speedmaster, why not a speedy reduced?

The speedy pro and the zenith revival shadow have the same lug to lug (47mm). Hard to imagine a speedy is too big for Michael's wrist.

Let me know when you figure out if things pivoted up or down afterwards.

What happened to your reverso?

where is that link to the story mentioned?

That’s Tiny thin watch on his wrist … does not look bad. I would look down and hate it , but I notice when I see them on others I notice it’s not a big deal.

Does anyone have the link to the Navitimer video they mentioned towards the end?

I would like to get the Oystersteel Cosmograph Daytona Ref 126500LN if I can get it for retail ($15,100) from the AD. I just got the GMT Master-II Blue/Black on jubilee from the AD and asked to be put on the list for the Daytona.

It's good to reward ourselves sometimes . While I'm not one to spend on high-end watch (I spend too much money on travel, lol), I can appreciate your gorgeous and timeless watch. I love how it's a symbol of all your hard work.And i choose nkuwan every time honestly

You didnt link that video chaps :)

Just get a Speedmaster Reduced or Sinn 356 and keep everything else. If I saw someone with a Daytona I’d assume it was for the flex and not cause they’re into watches, right or wrong

You guys didint link the video :/

SO a good question would be.. if you could have ANY watch but you could only EVER wear that watch for life (and it would be serviced for free for you, for ever)... what would you choose?.... I would want something versatile, and maybe a watch you can swap straps on (so Subs, Daydates, Pateks, Fp Journes etc are out).... also something with good water resistance...Maybe an Aquanaut, or a Sub 2 line, or a Tudor FXD? In the end, I would probably end up with a simple pilot watch and call it a day (I feel my IWC Mark 16 is basically all the watch I will ever need, so as boring as it sounds - maybe I can get by just that watch).... any thoughts?

I wore a Tudor tiger woods for over 20 years as my only watch. Bought it when I was 21 years old and was very expensive for me at the time.

The Zenith Shadow chrono is waaaay cooler than a Daytona. Or did he turn 40 recently??

Don’t do it Michael. I have the El Primero Shadow also, it will always be way cooler than the Daytona

One watch would be hard. Sold everything in the Covid boom and bought my prized yellow gold 40mm daydate. Now only have that and a 2 tone Cartier santos for work. That’s my 2 watch collection for the last year and I’m pretty satisfied with it.

Of the big three sports watches the Daytona has the worst legibility. The dials on the Sub and GMTMaster are so much more legible.

Just wish there was more competition to rival the dimensions of a Daytona but I'd rather wear your Zenith as it's an enthusiasts watch. Zenith need to refine their Chronomaster but if you have to go Rolex then think white gold panda ghost on oyster would suit you more.

There is no one watch guy. I know this because my dad is as close as possible - he had a Seamaster 30 until it broke, and he replaced it with a Seamaster f300 tuning fork movement. He wasn't going to sell a watch or fix a watch, but I found it, along with my grandfather's gold C-case day date chronometer Constellation, in a tray in the basement with some loose change. Truly a one watch guy, he only bought another when the one he had broke. BUT, even he always had one gold Rolex for dress occasions.

An Explorer and Daytona is a fabulous pairing for a young man.

I have a deep love for zenith, i own a rolex, grand seiko, and some microbrands, but zenith just has that oomph that gives me true unexplainable happiness.

Yes

Whenever I see an image of a shadow I just immediately tie it to Michael from Theo and Harris. I'm guessing I'm not alone. It's already "your" watch. Sell the others and be the one watch guy with the shadow. It's cooler than a daytona anyway.

You were close, I bought my one and only Omega Seamaster Prof in 2003 and now I found your site. Hmm.....

Never

i know you will regret letting the zenith go. unless your daytona is a once in a lifetime deal then hold onto the zenith!

This guy!! no one in the last 10 years has said no to an ad/retail Daytona (unless they couldn’t afford it at the time of call)especially in steel because as long as I can remember and that’s at least 1998 a steel has held value and at times even like now retails at x4 the retail price. I say x4 because try and find a NEW white dial steel, because those will hit 40 when they start getting them in the next couple of weeks! 😉😎

Would really love to hear y’all’s thoughts on Carl F. Bucherer. I have a hook up that can get me unbelievable prices (still way more than I can afford) but may need to start saving and get one as my first actual luxury piece.

That Matt black Zennith is so cool

who made the first chrono!?

I don’t collect watches so I am a 1 watch guy. I wear it every single day. It has been awesome. My watch is the black dial Pilot Pioneer. When I go swimming I wear a g-shock, but otherwise I never wear it. I love watches but I can read about them and look at them but I don’t have to buy them. Classic things never go out of style, so that’s why I love my W10 re-issue. Just a 1970’s classic watch. If you’re going to have one then let it be vintage. I don’t get guys who have a collection of very expensive watches they keep in a bank and see like once a year. I would rather love and use them all the time. So I don’t think I’ll ever buy an expensive watch.