This video needs a 'Sponsored' label because I'm sold on whatever brand of microphone that is coping with that wind. 😂

I had an interesting chat with my eldest son last week: he has started his legal career currently being a trainee in a commercial London firm. He has ear-marked purchasing a watch when he achieves certain milestones: qualification, associate, partner etc. I thought that was a nice thing to do.

Happy to announce I bought my first watch 3 days ago. Cartier Santos medium white dial. Got tired of waiting for a date-just 36. Very happy with my purchase. And I have waited 2 years before pulling the trigger so not a rash decision

I still love my 22 year old Omega Seamaster. Just had it serviced and put a new bracelet on it. In fact, I enjoy the watch more today than ever before. I’m approaching another milestone in my life (retirement) and I’m looking at treating myself to a new watch for many of the same reasons you’ve given in this video, Ash.

If you want to have a good time, you have to have a good watch ⌚

Thanks for answering my question Ash! I couldn’t agree more, once you’ve decided to get it, embrace it. I was apprehensive the entire time I was in the AD and felt like I was crazy and didn’t deserve such a watch. Few years older now and the next one I get I will make the most of it.

age is just a number - bought my first Swiss / Swiss made watch within the last month - to mark a significant 'first' milestone in my life

‘luxury is subjective don’t be drawn into the world of wanting something better’ Couldn’t agree more. Be happy with what you can afford and enjoy, this is one of my issues with Instagram going from aspirational to seeing people dismiss anything less than they have. I had a list of materialistic ‘aims’ and it’s taken me a while to realise that’s not what’s important in life

Love the watch content please keep going!!

It’s the accessories that count when dressed casually. Nice watch, shoes, glasses if required, gold ring if you wear one and being well groomed (hair cut inc. beard if you have one, a lovely aftershave) and so on. Great video, good advice.

I'm lucky in that my perception of 'luxury' doesn't always equate to 'expensive'. My 'luxury' watch is a 1965 "Sea Horse". It took ages to find a good one with the mother-of-pearl dial, and the first thing I did was send it off for a full service at a top watchmaker. This took several weeks. Then there was the act of buying the perfect strap (I ended up going for a hand-crafted calf-leather strap repurposing a vintage buckle, made specifically for THAT watch). All in all I spent no more £700 but I still consider it rare, unique and (for me) 'luxury'. It has enjoyed a near 60 year life before coming to me, been resurrected and enjoyed. Nobody else notices it or assumes it's just another Seiko 5. None of that bothers me.

One of your best, amongst many high quality videos Ash. I was a bit worried your tent was going to blow into a neighbor's yard and a tree was going to fall near you though. Sound quality through that wind was excellent 👌🏼

Just bought my first rolex at age 49. I chose the exact model of datejust you have, Ash. For me, I'm glad I waited. Collecting watches for several years taught me what I really wanted in a luxury watch and I'm glad I waited until I was financially ready as well.

Ash your outdoor set up is pretty sweet. I can totally imagine sitting around that fire 🔥 chatting to you and other like minded individuals about life.

Rolex aside, try to avoid paying full price at an AD for any Swiss watch-£10k for Breitling is insane!

No one here mentions buying used, that is where the value lies, unless of course one is obsessed by Rolex.

Yes keep 'em coming Ash.

There’s never a right time to buy something luxurious got yourself. If you can afford it (be honest to yourself), if you like the product and if it’s accessible to you, get it. There’s no point in waiting for a significant phase in your life to get one. It’s just a watch. Get it, wear it, enjoy it.

In the 1970s there wasn't a massive price differential between ordinary and luxury watches. I bought a Rolex Air King new in 1971 for £69.50. I've still got it. It was about six weeks pay. The main reason for the purchase was that in the pre-quartz age, it kept better time than regular watches. Remember: "A man with more than one watch isn't completely sure what the time is"

I fell into the Rolex rabbit hole. Bought a grey market two tone jubilee bracelet Datejust. Wore it for about 3 weeks, someone had a Day date with champagne dial and diamond indices. He needed the money. I put the $11k on a card and burned my fingers from friction trying to get the card out of my wallet . Got it serviced and authenticated with a big thumbs up from the shop. Never in my life did I think that I would be able to afford such a fine watch. Hard times are going to flood the market with luxury goods. Keep your eyes open, there’s going to be some serious bargains out there…..

Great video keep up the great work

great perspective, i appreciate the angle of introspection on purpose of the purchase- is it for self or for others. im keeping that in mind.

This took a better turn than I thought! Rolex are what they are and I’m glad you’ve acknowledged that and enjoy the watch you want for you. I have a Garmin on one wrist and various Citizen and Seiko tool watches on the other. For going out it’s a choice of a few vintage JLC. I wouldn’t wear those cycling into work or swimming!

Your 100% correct about thinking about long term. I was torn between omega AT shades and a Tag Skipper. I went with the Omega AT shades in the end and so glad i did. The Tag was fun and popped but in reality its a summer watch that i may or may not like in 5 years time. The AT is timeless

I bought my gold and steel Rolex Datejust 16 years ago, at the age of 42. -I could barely afford this purchase then, and I certainly could not afford it now, seeing how inflated prices have become for luxury watches in general and for Rolex watches especially. As you have stated here very clearly, and very honestly, Ash, the symbolism of a Rolex and what it represents has changed, and not necessarily for the better, in the last 25 years. If I were looking for a smart-looking, reliable wristwatch today, I would likely choose something much more modestly priced, at the bargain basement end of the decent watch market. -I have to say that I really appreciate both your thoughtfulness and your honesty, Ash, in all your video offerings.

There is never a ‘right time’ but those who do make a purchase always have a story behind it, which I always enjoy. Mine was an Oris Aquis, treat to myself. I had been aiming for a Seamaster, but an expanding family changed that. At the time I might have settled with the Aquis, but pretty quickly I loved the watch and now Oris is my favourite watch brand

Brilliant! I bought my first semi-luxury watch, an automatic Tag Heuer Aquaracer, at the age of 21, having worked since I was 17. Now, at 29, I still wear the watch daily and have fond memories of the buying experience. Having matured a little, I'm starting to eye up my next purchase, perhaps to celebrate a special occasion or milestone in my career.

Saving up for a Cartier Santos. 🙂 I love that classic look and the long history.

Great video as always Ash. I bought my 36 Datejust when I was 30. I couldn't really justify it - but I could just about afford it. This was at a time you could actually negotiate the price in the store (ha ha)! It was my only watch for 25 years and went all over the world with me. I'm so glad I got it as when I look at the watch I'm reminded of the journey shared with the watch. Like you I have since moved on the Rolex sports watches but the Datejust remains my favourite - and will be passed on to one of my kids. So my advice is, if you can afford it and want it, buy it young and wear it every day.

Great video Ash. I'm in a different phase with watches. I'm 40 and lucky enough to own a very similar collection to yourself. I have a DJ, GMT and Speedmaster. I'm telling myself I need a dive watch or my collection won't be complete. I know I don't need one but it's a constant battle with myself. Sometimes perspective is needed and we need to just enjoy what we have

All valid points especially when passing it on as a family heirloom

Excellent post Ash and truthful as always. It's all too easy to fall down the rabbit hole of consumerism. Always stick with what an item means to you personally rather than social whims or trends.

Bought my titanium Omega Seamaster in Alaska back in 2001 after over a year of consideration. Still love its elegant yet sporty appearance. Doesn't keep the best time however and servicing costs a fortune here in Sweden, or anywhere else for that matter. Will be passed on to my son in due course. Thanks for another excellent video, Ash.

Very informative video Thank you ❤

Good video. Very thoughtful.

Well said.

I bought my first “luxury” watch at 32. It was truly a mathematical decision for me though. I was rather tough on watches. The typical watch of around 200-250 would last me about 9-10 months. I evaluated if I could save money if I bought a quality timepiece. I decided to take a chance and bought an Omega SEAMASTER. professional for $1500. I wore that watch for 21 years… when I decided to update it. I sold it for almost what I paid for it. Essentially (minus two services) I wore it for free. NOW.. things are a bit different. I have a small collection and I no longer purchase to “save money”. It’s my hobby. Oh well.. I started this hobby with good intentions. It’s mostly for pleasure now. Nice video, Ash.

I just recently added 2 new luxury watches to my collection, a Rolex and a Tudor.

I am about to pull the trigger on a grail piece that I have been on the list for 42 months. Your post has assisted in making the right choice, I am off to the local AD tomorrow morning and hope that the buying experience will be all that I thought it should be.

This video was amazing. I’m about to be 38 now and have been on the waiting list for about a year 😫.

I just bought my first one at 30 years old. Tudor Black Bay 58 Black/Gilt. Or rather, my fiancé bought it for me for our engagement. (She was definitely up on the exchange as she got a big shiny diamond obviously) I really like the idea of getting a luxury watch for significant milestones in your life, provided you are in a financial position where it wont be a significant hit for you. I'm looking to get the same datejust as you for my wedding in a couple of years!

Top Thanks!

I bought my first nice / luxury watch a Tudor Chronograph in 1998. Still wear it to this day. I was 20 years old and did a few side jobs to pay for it. Payed $1500 for it and worth four times that today. I’ve added a few more watches over the years but it’s still my favorite. Most were added later after I was more established in my career and family.

Love this chap's thinking pattern. I have a ferrari watch, far from luxury but as expensive as I'd want to pay for a watch, and resonate with the thoughts.

Love the content, and really appreciate the honesty.. buying a Rolex isn’t easy at all..agree in reality it’s a few months wages for the average person. Would love to know your watch collection before your Rolex datejust and what would you buy now if you had to start again

Just added a GMT Batman to my collection. Yes, now is the time to buy! Indeed!

Ash, your thoughts on a Rolex Yachtmaster 40 with slate dial v Datejust 41 with fluted / jubilee. Both in stainless. Thank you. I considered again another turnograph similar to your 36 Datejust but this purchase will be my one watch. Thank you for your feedback. Konstantine

I bought my first couple luxury watches almost 10 years into my career at a time when I was experiencing significant financial success. Those two acquisitions were important milestones for me as a reward for my work success. Subsequent purchases though were far less frequent, and widely spaced in time. And I never paid more than retail even for Rolex, usually negotiating some form of price concession. It sounds like the gentleman asking the question is a younger man so I will offer the following opinion based on that assumption. If you have to go into debt to purchase a luxury watch, you have no place doing so. If you live somewhere where you need to own a car and cannot buy one without financing it for more than three years, you have no place buying a luxury watch. If you have aspirations of having a family or life partner, and you are not able to save monthly towards the purchase of a home, you have no place buying a luxury watch. If you have to forgo monthly contributions into your retirement investment account in order to buy a luxury watch, you have no place doing so. Sorry for sounding like such a buzz kill, but there are far higher priorities in life.

Police officers are indeed privileged to countenance retirement at 50 or just over. Sadly the private sector doesn't facilitate this for many! I enjoy the channel Ash...BTW I bought all my watches in my late 20s /early 30s. Rolex Datejust given to wife, a Tag Heuer to my father, daughter has my Rolex Cellini, and my son an Omega Seamaster. I have a few others including a recent interest in accurate timepieces.

That is a dream to retired at 50 ! My self will be 65 with maybe more money but if I could I retire at 50 even with less money but the system for rètirement is done that the bulk of the money is made between 60 to 65 but still compare to the USA we are well covered in Europe.

Ash. My advise to people is don’t buy a watch until you can afford it and it fits your lifestyle meaning if you can’t afford to lose it you are not ready to have it and you can use it for purpose. In my 20’s in had a Tag which I happily took everywhere and upgraded from there to IWC etc. Got my first Rolex Explorer II early 40’s after passing on the chance to pick up a Nautilus as I knew it could not keep up with my very physical lifestyle. There is no point in getting a Rolex and not being able to take it on holiday or locking it in a safe rather than jumping in the pool or ocean with it

I plan to get my sons a watch for their 21st birthday, just a Longines/ Tag Heuer type price point, but a reasonable watch to start their working life.

Casio pathfinder with tide graph and moon phase, all you ever need.

I own couple swiss automatic watches (no Rolex, still out of my range) but I just got an Orient Kamatsu blue dial summer watch, father day present from my wife and i love it . Worth every penny . Cheers and a wonderful summer

I never see a watch as an investment. Buy the watch you like and not what you think other people will like. Do research and study the movements and what size suits you best. And one thing a lot of people don't factor in is how much it is going to cost to service the watch. If you work hard and you can afford it buy it. Cheers Ron

Good morning ash from India 🇮🇳.

Hello Ash. Respectfully, I think your mindset might be a bit in the past, though this might still be the mindset of men in countries other than the US or Britain. Namely, the one watch for the man who isn’t actually into watches. If you are a watch nerd, like me, Rolex might just be one of several, or many watches to acquire and enjoy over the years. Maybe a forever watch, or maybe not. I divide my collection into the forever pieces and everything else. The forever pieces are the luxury watches I bought myself, and the ones I inherited from my father and grandparents. And gifts from my wife. The forever watches are mostly Omega and vintage Omega. About 7 or 8 watches. Those will go to my son when the time comes. I have a much larger collection of watches which I would sell or trade if someone made me the right offer. I just sold 6 watches, and acquired 6 watches. I didn’t used to do this but rotating watches in and out has become a thing for me.

Looked in the watch shops here in Manchester about an hour ago in and around St Ann's Square and St Ann's Street: The equivalent of Regent Street and Bond Street in London. There must have been a Rolex UK RRP price increase since I last looked at the watches and prices around 6 weeks ago. An all-18 K yellow Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller with a champagne dial, also available with a black or white dial has increased £700 from £42,100 to £42,800. Cartier are probably better watches and relatively good value for money.

Main tips from me are: to take your time, save up, never buy with debt and get something YOU like, not what's fashionable. E.g. a great do it all watch is something like a small OP (I love the white 34mm), a 36mm Datejust, or for a budget something older can work. I got an Omega Geneve recently for a small price and it's totally lovely. Silver dial, 1973, ref 166.0169. ..I think getting what speaks to you is important, so take your time and try on and see many watches before committing. You can't buy experience So in my opinion, you shouldn't rush. Try on many watches, whether new or old, and slowly hone your skill / outlooks / preferences. Save up and buy something special. I usually had a cheap watch to enjoy, while I was on this journey to finding the one great watch...I suppose I'm still on that journey

A good way to buy a luxury watch is secondary market ,i find cartier pasha gmt for 2200€ and ronde solo for 2800€ ,some bulgari bulgari at 2000€ but hard to find at interesting price in othar brands...so i think secondary arket is ggood for your first luxury watches

Blue SS Sky Dweller - Majorly under priced at the moment! This is the piece to own!

Get your first luxury watch ASAP. Choose well and consider interest free credit. Don't waste money on stop gaps. Its worth going without other things for a bit, you will have the watch forever which is priceless. Enjoy wearing the watch every single day.

When the market crashes

I bought my first luxury watch without realising it was a luxury watch in the way we tend to think of them today. My grandmother died in 1990 leaving me £500. I’d always been interested in watches and this was enough money to buy an Omega Speedmaster Reduced. As it wasn’t the Pro version or a Rolex or other vastly more expensive watches sold in the store, I didn’t equate it with luxury. Looking back, it was a luxury purchase but I was too stupid to know it! I wore it everyday for 30 years and still wear it today on rotation with my other luxury watches. I’d never sell it.

"Sell one of your children" to get a Submariner... if only it was so easy 😅

You admit to owning several Rolex watches which are kept in a safe , i assume they are insured what sort of premium do insurers charge for a low risk area ?

I have brought Rolex, Tudor, Omega... but the only watches I really long-term and have held onto are Seiko Alpinist and Casio Oceanus. In part because Omega was vintage, Tudor BB didnt have a date and the Rolex I never really bonded with despite liking it when tried on in the shop. Turns out I love watches but luxury watches arn't really my thing. I do like the look of vintage Subs, Explorers etc but they are so expensive now that it's out of my price range.

It is very wise to buy a watch that you can later sell without losing money

A bit of a personal question and also off topic. How many years have you been going to Oak Camp and what does your wife and son think of it?

1. If you buy at a younger age, you might have buyer's remorse for spending so much capital at that age. Better to invest it. Unless its less than 1000$. Anything more than that, best to invest it. 2. Another pro to buying something expensive later on is that you can find out what you like. You are assuming that what you get as a young person you wouldn't regret. i.e. you might be a young guy and get an expensive Tag but actually at an older age you would be like "yekkk this thing is ugly"

Are five luxury watches too much?!

No point to rush and only spend max 10% of our asset for Luxury Watch even "Life is Short"

Some good points and agree that if the opportunity exists; don’t wait. Disagree that Rolex shows lack of imagination or flex. Would say that going with trends and peer pressure does. For most ordinary people a Rolex is still a token of achivement. Since rappers and celebrities have moved on to Cartier, will you keep yours? 😉

I tried to buy a Rolex when I had more than enough spare cash at the age of 27. Unfortunately even then the usual Rolex AD nonsense came into play and it never happened. All these years later I still love watches and would not mind an Explorer at the age of 59. My thinking has now changed to "I am almost 60 so what is the point of spending so much when I will probably not even be around in 20 years time". I have a small collection of extremely nice quartz watches which satisfy my watch itch.

Is rolex a sign of taste....i often think about that...the whole connotation of the brand is that is more likely to be tasteless people who own them....but it had to be said, some of their watches are very handsome and of superior quality. I think, one rolex is enough...there is a big wide world out there of better watch brands....of possible...these should be enjoyed...

I was 25 when I bought my first Rolex I’ve always worked hard and been honourable and respectful, if you can afford to treat yourself to no detriment then do it but buy what you love and wear with pride.

3 months pay that never lost any money.

There's no point in buying a luxury watch because of the high risks that come with it . Besides the time is everywhere now , on every device under the sun , save your money instead for a rainy day .

It’s more special when you get it in your 40’s

No matter what your age,Never invest in a depreciating asset.Good advice, but boring,Sometimes we have to go with the impulse buy.with a quality watch depreciation will be minimal

Sorry I would never by a Rolex as its a bad look all round, either you have overpaid or kissed the Ad's backside sorry I'm out

Nothing sucks in the gullible like watches. If l was skint l'd buy a Seiko 5 and be happy, if l could afford £300 then l'd look at a new Orient Bambino or a vintage Atlantic Worldmaster, one of the most beautiful watches ever despite a dreary movement. What l wouldn't do is spend a bundle and look down at my wrist and find a Tag Heuer..... I've had 1000's passing through, l used to buy from eastern Europe before Ebay got in there then sell in the inflated UK market. If you have a little bit of knowledge then flipping watches till you find your grail is a very enjoyable and very inexpensive (or very profitable) hobby. I was lucky with a golden opportunity for a few years but even now, it's possible for you to trade up from a £500 watch to a Rolex without it costing you 1p, lF you have some knowledge. I can't help noticing people's watches and shoes....

i just bought a mickey mouse timex

It doesn’t seem right for young chaps to be wearing expensive watches. They should put in their dues for a while. It’s out of place seeing a Rolex on a 23 year old.

I'm a young guy and my fiancé and I bpught a house last year. We both have good jobs and we're pretty financially stable, but it's one of those things where the house we bought wasn't in quite as good condition as we thought, it needs a little more repair and TLC than we thought, and we have some money in the bank but not as much as we'd like and not enough to just take care of all that stuff and get it over with at once. Also my mother is going in for cancer surgery this week. All I'm asking my AD for right now is a 36mm explorer or datejust, and while I probably wouldn't have any problem from it or be in dire straits from it I'm the kind of person that gets anxiety over not being prepared and being able to respond quickly in the event that something goes wrong. So I don't really know what to do. Should I accept the call if I get it? My dream watch is actually a rolex datejust, but at ~$20k second hand that's about what we're going to need to put a new roof on the house in 10 years or so. $20k isn't that much for a grail luxury watch relatively speaking but I still need to make sure I can make it through about 50 more years of my life comfortably

Men only really have watches lol

Unpopular opinion. After graduation and a few years into your career, get yourself a Rolex. Just do it.

BRAVO! Congratulations for selling one of your Rolex watches, to buy a tent. You are on a path of improvement! The last time I watched you, you were living in the box you used as a desk. If you ever get to the point of selling half of them, you will have a small house with real walls, and a small pension