Another type of watch to avoid: a watch so expensive you are afraid of using it

A man wearing two watches has a lot of time on his hands

An old man told me once that “Only two types of people open a watch. A watchmaker and a fool.”

If it looks simple it means the person performing the “simple” service is a master of the craft.

“Beautiful view of Manhattan” *shows something that looks like a Soviet-era town*

Me: "What's your age?" Him: "I don't know, between 19 and 72"

Thank you SO much! Especially for the advice on fashion watches. They did really get me into watches, yes. But now I see the way I should move further and what to avoid.

Thank you sir. In 1997 I was in the market to spend a decent chunk of change on s watch for my dad and one for me to scuba dive in. I sold a car and had $3,000 to spend. We shopped for a few watches that were Grey market, a 1960s Omega, and a few that were frankly too high end for fellas like us. My dad saw a Wenger Swiss Army for a little over $100 I think and I found an entry level Citizen (non eco drive,) for $225. My dad still wears that watch and he worked as a machinist. I made 500 or so dives with the Citizen and still wear it as well. Great video and you are doing a tremendous service for folks. I just got lucky and made the right choice but I would have loved to see your video back then. Cheers from Mississippi.

You look like a Bond villain in this video

So does this Guy look like a young Willem Dafoe or what?

Great video! You said everything important things about when buying a watch! I'm not a collector, I just have about 3-4, but when buying a watch I really do a lot of research what fits most to me what to avoid. Really great video! You get my like

I have modded a few watches, and so long as you find a clean space and have the right tools, it is fine. The hand pusher-on tool thingy is the most important (hands are fragile). The best part is that you can regulate the watch and have a Seiko NH35 run to COSC standards. Just buy the tools, get two of everything (three winding stems), and learn while doing. The best part is that you can make extra watches with your spare parts, not to mention swap out Seiko movements to avoid paying for a service.

I remember when my Brietling Callisto main spring broke I took it to the local watch maker they wanted $675 to repair it!! this was in 2005! then I found this Chinese guy who could barely speak English and he did the work including the parts for $90!! needles to say became friends with him since have taken him even a Patek Philippe pocket watch! he fixed it no problem that guy is amazing he services the watches while you wait and see him work! its truly an art form!

fake replica watches and gilt jewellrey in the safe for when you get a home invasion, real stuff behind the cat food in the pantry

Just found your channel. Boy did you hit home on many topics and I fall into one of them. Rolex Submariner.. It cost 800 dollars for a tune up and the shop recommended a tune up every couple of years. Plus only wear it on special occasions. My brother had one also and he wore it everyday as a cop. Said you pay all that money and you never wear it. Very true.

I should’ve found your channel earlier. I just realized that I recently bought an automatic chronograph watch in what you refer to as gray market. It came with a two year international warranty, but after I had it registered with the manufacturer, I found out that the warranty is only valid if it was bought from an authorized dealer. Now, the packaging and information of origin comes from an authorized dealer name, but the online company I made the purchase from doesn’t show in the list of authorized dealers. The only way for me to communicate with the seller is by email and she couldn’t give me a satisfactory answer when it came to the warranty cover. I’m happy with the watch, the price I paid for it and the fact that all the codes and numbers checked ok with the maker when I had it registered, but I sure hope it doesn’t give me any issues for the next two years at least.

More importantly avoid wearing a watch on each arm.

11) Mechanical watches for your wife. (Unless your hobby is setting the time and date on watches)

This was the first video I watched of yours, very informative and intriguing, I look forward to more.

Love this, thank you! Your passion for it as an art, a craft, a tradition in history and antiquity to be handed down to the next "smart" generation (which I agree, has it's merits for its own reasons but maybe not as an investment per se), I find your perspective refreshing and honest and educated and it's so nice to see. So huge thanks to you. You steered me back onto the true path that I meant to walk. 🙏

"The Indian Frankenwatch market" *Me sweating after paying $50 a week ago for a Seiko that's coming from India*

In the end, I had to give up collecting watches, I just didnt have the time lol

Some great points to consider. It's great that you explain the why of the rule because sometimes it's okay to break the rule if you understand what you're getting into and making an informed choice.

Enjoyed your video. I had a most unpleasant experience with a Rolex knock-off. My husband bought it for me as a joke when he was on a business trip to Hong Kong. He presented it to me when he got home and I decided to wear it that day. By early evening, the watch had stopped working. One of the little studs glued on as hour markers came loose and got tangled in the hands. The bad news is I inadvertently left my husband waiting for me for more than an hour at the concert we were to attend that night. The good news? This time being late wasn't my fault! The useful alibi aside, the fake Rolex wasn't even worth the @ $20 my husband paid for it.

" I've been expecting you, agent 007 "

Thank you for the caliber of your presentation! I'm a layman in terms of watches but your video gave me very clear advice that was easy to understand and offers the benefit of your experience in this realm. Excellent pointers!

That was actually a proper and very smart list with substantiated advice on what to avoid and why, instead of the regular click-bait top 10 rubbish waste of space. Regular viewers of course knew that already but this video came up in my search for something completely opposite, so I had a false start. Happy to have watched it all the way to the end. Great video! Totally agree with the blinged out smart watches, they seem the epitome of pure consumerism. And being able to afford servicing costs of high end watches is a really important one as well. Most of the other bullets are mainly at the discretion of the buyer, I think, as long as you know what you get yourself into. Except for the first one on your list, that number ten is absolutely the number one for me, for all the reasons you mentioned. And that was also the most impressive part of the video, which was great throughout, but taking into consideration the entire "value" chain and cradle to cradle responsibility of which we as consumers are also part, was very impressive. Well done mate! From personal experience a grey market time piece can be OK, but you need to be smart about it; You have to monitor that market first, and never for high end watches, unless you have money to burn. Mid range watches though, I have bought a few, and they are all actually fine. But the warning is warranted. If you haven't spent the time and effort in getting acquainted with that market, and if you are not able to stay objective and not being blinded by the price, which is possibly obscuring bad actors, and yet you dive in head first, you become part of the problem. I have made sure first what the averages are price wise, and what they had to offer, either or not accepting returns etc. to then determine what actually a good deal consists of, and then take the plunge. Of course I have had my share of duds, but they always are within a range I can afford to lose. And a few of these are welcome additions to my list of Franken-watches of my own making, solely for my own entertainment combining a great case with a properly working movement out of a hideous case for instance. Like you, I tried myself and indeed, a harrowing experience as far as watches are concerned. I outsourced that too! Subscribed for the great and honest content!

After wanting a good watch for so long but worried about my budget you have inspired me to start a cheap collection. Casio edifice and gshock in the case so far and now looking at a bulova cheers

I didn't know Willem Dafoe was that much into watches! ;)

Will the apple watch be repairable in even 4 years? No. A waste of resources

How could you not appreciate that RQLEX Qyster Rerpetual. It just *screams* class

Gordon from Calgary. First time watching well done. My self have an Caravelle electrotime set-o-mate, 1980. I was in a bike mishap in 1987 watch was o I don't know ruined I thought but held on to it. Then about 5 or 4 years ago I decided to take in to some one very good in repairs. He told me it was worth repairing and so I did. It works great now. I remember for years what I was going to do with it. It is really nice to have it working. It was Christmas gift from my parents. Thanks for listening, Gordon.

Buy whatever watch you can afford and like the looks of. That's my rule of thumb.

A friend of mine bought a Tommy Hilfiger watch and i was going for an Emporio Armani. I'm getting an Orient Bambino in the same price instead. You are doing God's work with these kind of videos, sir. Thank you.

I have several 25+ year old fashion watches. They’re all quartz and still work perfectly and look fine. They’re what got me into watches.

Enjoyed this a lot. Really good advice, as it is all too easy to get caught out when buying. You have absolutely nailed it.

In 1986 I bought a Seiko Moon Phase Watch, and I still wear it every day and adore it. I would cry tears of blood if I ever lost it. It looks perfect on my arm, it's fairly small and quite flat. I barely feel it while I'm wearing it.I've tried other watches but nothing has beaten old faithful. Truly the best item I've ever bought. I think I paid about $250au for it.

Just dipping my wrist into the world of watch collecting and I have to say your content has been very helpful indeed! Great presentation; friendly casual exposition. Nicely done. New subscriber!

The first watch I ever bought with my own money when I left school in 1976 was a Sinclair Black Watch. I struggled with it and got it repaired a couple of times before throwing it in the bin. It cost me a weeks wages.

Great video, mate. :) Sadly, one thing I've learned about myself is that, irregardless of the sound advice I've gotten for anything, I've had to learn the hard way: I spent thousands on "fasion" watches over the years (but, for those who love those watches purely for the fashion appeal, by all means, "do you"). But, thankfully I've graduated from an admiration for the aesthetic to an appreciation for heritage, movement, origin, purpose--basically, the other things that make horology truly "timeless." Pun intended. Cheers friend! :D

"I would never belittle somebody for their watch, it's just ungentlemanly" basta, mi hai conquistato. Subscribe immediato! 🙂

Amazing video. No.4 reminds me a hilarious saying: “You never actually own a daniel wellington. You merely look after it for the trash bin.” Rude but kind of true.

Great, thank you. I've just started my collection and found your video very useful. Saved for future reference.

I like your style with 2 watches on the 2 wrists! I've done the same:; Left a nice classic watch (Black Bay), right a Sportswatch (Garmin)

My Indian Oris worked fine for 10 Days 🎬

I am 16 and I just bought my first real watch, it's the citizen eco drive black watch, I am in love and it's only my first watch

I *strongly* agree with number 2. Those who genuinely value watches like myself don't like the idea of smart watches. They're not reliable at all. They need charge and are more high maintenance than average watches due to being a very sensitive little machine. If there's no charge and internet you'll be just wearing a screen LOL I always buy things thinking of the most scariest survival scenarios in my head. Call me old fashioned, but I still love traditional watches. I want my watch to only show me the correct time, not stalk me. Smart watches are made to keep an eye on you. It's designed to control your mind. Overtime people are gonna become more and more stupid using these gadgets! Plus the radiations from smartphones are harmful enough, you don't need more cancer causing gadgets that's harmful for your health. Though I am of this generation I don't like smart watches. Apple can't even run their phones properly for 5 years straight, I can't imagine their watches 5 years down the line! Apple slows down all their devices when new ones come out to push customers into buying their new products. Apple heavily manipulates their customers. I know this because I've used Apple since iPods first came out LOL not worth it. I'd put smart watches in the "fast fashion" category.

found a version of the seiko triple date watch which you featured. It is almost perfect. The moon phase does not work, but I knew that going in but, I was so struck by yours I had to look for one. I love it!! The size is ideal for my thin wrists. Thanks for presenting watches. I have been collecting for years. Mostly old American brands. Bulova, Timex, etc. Have my Casio pieces. 1951 rolex... I like timepieces of any make.

I sincerly love your videos. I have just started as “collector” and your wisdom and sincere opinion has help a lot. Watching from México while drinking a pint!

Dont buy a watch you cannot afford!

I find your perspective refreshing and honest and educated and it's so nice to see. icely done. New subscriber!

Bought my ecoZilla and the adapters for different straps..I love the 5.5mm thick 24mm steel on this beast...looks awesome

Thankyou a million times for the recommendation to avoid fashion watches! I bought my first watch, a Max Bill, last month and I couldn't be happier.

You sir need your own TV Show. One of the best, honest and enjoyable videos I’ve seen regarding watches. Keep em coming.

I like the sweater,reminds me of zod in superman 2. I watched the whole video and you got my attention when you said if you can and are willing to service the watch. The same thing goes for exotic vehicles..thank you! You talked me out of getting a used porsche 911👍 But I will get a nice watch!

My favourite watch is a bit of a frankenwatch I think, but all genuine parts. It’s a quartz (don’t hate me) Omega Constellation with a white face but the diamond bezel from a champagne version, in my opinion looks absolutely stunning!

Guns … fountain pens … watches … and now I'm headed for the next Mecum classic car auction … God help me!

My personal number one: wearing two watches at the same time.

Just want to say thank you for your Knowledge on the subject I am going to buy my first "collectible" or "hand me down watch" real soon and you were very helpful.

Hey, Hi Mate! Great advice and salute to you Sir for having such a high standard and code of moral ethics! Enjoy your channel very much and our shared hobby of watch collecting!!... Be safe and well...Kind Regards, Graeme...Sydney, Australia....Cheers!

Very good advice for a novice and also a reminder to those of us who have been collecting watches for years. Many years ago, I lost money on a very good fake but, fake never the less, Royal Navy Omega Seamaster 300 and also a Synchron Doxa Sub that was genuine but not really restorable due to the parts now made of unobtanium. The Doxa runs and is a good beater. The Omega doesn't run but is kept as a good reminder. We live and learn.

Willem Dafoe talking about watches 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Very informative video man, keep up the great work, Subscribed ! 👍🏼

Really good advice there; thank you. I’ve fallen prey to the Indian ‘Franken-watch’ thing once or twice; but mainly as gifts for people that like something quirky on the wrist but not really watch fans. You’re correct - a 1970’s Orient (or usually one of the other Seiko sub brands) with a bright green dial and not quite right bracelet or iffy fitting crystal. But okay for £30 Inc’ shipping I suppose. I’m also a sucker for the vintage 60’s/ 70’s Seiko chronographs that probably stopped working in the 80’s - I optimistically think I’ll somehow give it a jiggle and it’ll work. Occasionally I am nicely surprised though - but mostly they’re only right twice a day. But, never spend more than a few quid. Fully agree re’ the ‘fashion watch’ trend - why have a clothing brand on a watch? Nasty! Liked your advice about pocket watch conversions, or ‘marriage watches’ as I sometimes see them called. Was contemplating one (as like big watches… despite lots of the aforementioned fashion watches giving jumbos a cheap rep’ now).* But, also noted always seem to come from Russia and often appear to have cheap looking paper printed dials. Think I’ll take your advice about looking for an early crossover instead. My own pet hates at the moment on eBay are: 1) People selling base model 60’s Ingersoll pocket watches with a badly printed Dan Dare face stuck over the original plain one, but trying to pass them off as genuine. 2) People selling fake Parnis’ but being deliberately vague, usually slipping in the word ‘homage’ or ‘tribute’ to cover their backs and make it sound somehow good. 3) The deluge of reissued 60’s Sicuras, but hiding the fact that they are not the same as the original but have modern Chinese movements. Basically - I hate sneaky sellers - withholding key info is basically passive lying. * As you can possibly tell, I’m an amateur and a budget collector - a different kind of fun seeing what treasures I can find for under £100. So… my big size watch fandom? Finally found an affordable 59mm Agat Zlayoust Russian Diver. Admittedly it’s one of the 1990’s reissues and probably just a glorified Vostok, but I knew that already - I can’t afford £900 for a Cold War original, or a brand new reissue (more faithful to the original design), but £140 with free shipping and a spare strap thrown in (actually a genuine branded Panerai), it’s a bit of silly (and heavy) fun on the wrist for the cost of a curry night.

I’m just getting into watch collecting so this video is extremely helpful! I am definitely going to go back and watch more of your videos!! I only have 5 or 6 right now including a Rolex from the 50’s my grandfather left me when he passed away. It’s in fantastic shape for such a old piece but I don’t wear it very often. But anyways thank you very much for taking the time to educate us!!

Before watching this: Too late After watching this: Need another watch.

About 10 years ago a bough a ladies Time Force which I wore for many years. I absolutely love the design! A couple of months ago the battery died and I went to replace it, but the watch was broken 💔. I thought it was not worth the while the reparation as it had only cost about 50€. At the same time I was searching for a new one, and looking into watch icons I learned that my adored watch is a knock off of the Patek Philippe Twenty 4. No wonder I found it so beautiful!!

I've got about 10 watches including 2 ~$500 pieces and one of my faves is still a $13 Chinese automatic from Aliexpress 😅

I don't see a problem with a reputable grey market dealer like Jomashop. I always hear, "what about the warranty?". So what about the warranty? If I am saving $3k, who cares if it needs $700 in repair work, I am still winning.

Basically, buy a Seiko and be happy!

Just got into watches and so happy I found your content.

Brutal but 100% accurately, honestly delivered!

I just wanted to say I appreciate everything you do for this channel the amount of effort that goes into the videos and the intro best regards to you and the viewers of the urban Gentry

Just getting into the hobby, I'm more of a enthusiasts than a collector. But thanks so much for all these tips!

I love modding watches, the time it takes to learn to do things is the greatest journey, I’m getting into a eta movement for modding.

I have a few Casio Oceanus watches, Citizen, Bulova, and many others. The crazy thing, I agree w/ pretty much everything he said in this video. However, the smart watch I completely understand the out dated conversation. I do have about 4 smart watches, 3 Samsung smart watches and 1 Suunto smart watch and I really enjoy them. I would say I did not purchase those like I did my other more conventional watches. These are for me about the features, functions, and capabilities factors more so than the appearance (which was also a factor, although not a key factor). I have been eyeballing the new Citizen CZ Smart watch as my Titanium Solar Citizen Sky Hawke is my absolute favorite. Yes, it's no Tag or Rolex, however, it's my personal favorite. Good video all the same.

Well I will WATCH out for these 😜 I have no friends

Just found this video and your channel. Thinking about getting more into watches myself and expanding into a collection. Cheers!

If I want a GMT Master II and don't feel like waiting 7 or 8 years, the Gray Market is pretty much the only option though. And I think there are plenty of great dealers out there.

Like the info. I have ALWAYS had passion for watches and clocks. Taking them apart,etc. Now i thrift store shop for cheap or discarded pieces. Some treasures,some not;for ones NOT I will dissect them to fulfill my urges. So…does that qualify me as Dr. Watchenstein??Collecting anything Swiss or German as I can afford it. It’s a pleasure to just spend TIME fiddling with them. I subscribed and I’m picky as “F” about doing that but got a good vibe. Your character is easy to listen to when I’m learning

Save yourself the grief, and buy yourself a reliable Japanese made watch, especially a Citizen Eco-Drive. Good video.

I love the passion and stayed for the information

Thank you for mentioning the Bombay specials, aka the Indian frankens. I'm from India and it honestly hurts to see great pieces being painted over and sold unscrupulously on fleabay

Just want to mention your english is very clear, you speak very clearly, I understood every word you said.

I've done the "Grey Market" thing. The watch I liked was "OUT OF STOCK" Everywhere online and Brick & Mortar. So, "Buy It Now" worked out.

"In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed watch enthusiast with a high end Swiss watch is King."

I am glad I stumbled onto your video. I am an enthusiast and would love your top 5 recommendations for the $500-$800 market.

1:41 - swiss army knives and Casio watches, two great hobbies.

Thank you for this video, and your others too. All I could think about watching this was how many of these mistakes I've made, and how much money I could have saved from knowing these things when I started. The good thing is you're honest enough to admit you made a couple yourself when you started, so I don't feel so bad about it! What I most like about the video is that there is no shaming or snobbery whatsoever, just trying to keep people as informed as possible. I lost thousands on several of those mistakes you mentioned, particularly with watches that I hadn't considered the cost of servicing. I'm still paying for my mistakes, but I'm aiming to sell 7 or 8 in the new year and put it down to experience. So yeah, awesome advice and I hope some new watch enthusiasts can learn from them! 🙂

Disagree about the grey market point. Every time I've purchased or came close to purchasing a mid to high end watch from an Authorised Dealer, every single time they've tried to sell me their display model with scratches and scuffs and what have you. I once requested a newly boxed one to be shipped in and they simply received another display model from another store. It's just the nature of their business that they can only keep so much stock on hand for security/finance reasons. I've purchased a number of grey market watches and all but one of them have been flawless. One had a misaligned bezel, and it went straight back to the manufacturer who fixed it free of charge under warranty.

New to the channel but amazing info. I’ve loved watches since I was a boy and now that I’m an adult try to keep an eye out for key time pieces. Thank you for the knowledge and I look fwd to more videos.

Out of all my watches, a $20 Armitron gets the most compliments...it's crazy!

Grey market is perfectly fine up to a certain price point. I absolutely would not buy a rolex or omega speedmaster from one, due to restocking fees and other reasons you listed. But there's nothing wrong with getting cheaper watches like a Khaki Mechanical or Seiko skx007 for well below retail.

Honeslty I had my Seiko for 2 years now and it still works like I bought it yesterday... and got gifted a solar seiko as well and it still works great with me.

I'm in the market for a new watch an I'm sooo glad to have found your channel! I have a lot of learning about watches to do. Im trying to buy something that will last...all I've had before are way too expensive fashion watches. (You're right it did get me into watches! Ha) but, for instance, $300 for a rose gold toned Michael Kors watch just for it to look SO bad 6 months later when the gold finish has scratched off and it's lost a handful of gems! Way too expensive to be so cheaply made...

Never knew of frankling watches before. This is so eyes opening!

my god, so glad and surprising to hear Wagner's Tristan und Isolde at the beginning!!! Good taste!!!

Interesting & informative - Plus great to see a classic G Shock.

Thank you very mutch for this, I am definitly going to use this tips at my work.