My niece, knowing I like watches, bought me a Ben Sherman watch for my 50th birthday. She was working minimum wage, and it represented a lot of money for her. When she gave it to me she said, "the receipts in the box so if you don't like it you can get something else" Of course nothing could have been further from my mind. I wear it often and proudly because she took the time and trouble to pick it out for me. You can't put a price on that. Oh and ten years later it's still ticking away. I always say to people, it doesn't matter what it is, do your due diligence by making sure you're getting a good deal, and buy what you like, not what others say you should like.

I always regret buying what I call "bridge watches." These are purchases you make that are typically below your normal budget level. Their purpose is to "scratch the itch" before getting the higher budget watch you actually want. But rarely do they stay in the collection and the only thing they do is deplete your budget and delay getting what you really want. I'm better at this than I used to be, but still a work in progress.

Tip number 6: Don't buy watches when you're drunk. I bought a gold casio and I'm waiting for it to arrive so I can laugh at it

Don’t buy a watch you’ve been eyeing online after you’ve been drinking a bit. 😂

I was gifted an automatic Fossil watch that I wore for 7 years. I beat the hell out of it, and when it finally died, I came out on the other end of that experience hungry for a better watch from a more serious brand. Fast forward a year later and I have a serious collection with a couple heavy hitting timepieces, but none of that would have come to pass if it wasn’t for me falling in love with that one fashion watch from Fossil.

Don't buy watches that influencers say "you must own these watches in your collection". You'll waste your hard earned money.

I got a $250 rotary watch for my 18th birthday, a simple silver see-through mechanical watch. I love being able to see the inner workings of the watch and many years later when looking for a daily replacement, I was looking at watches with a budget 20x the price and couldn't find one that I liked the look of more than my rotary. Price isn't everything!

The Canadian who has been in the UK long enough to use the phrase ‘chuffed to bits’ in precisely the correct context 😂 Spot on with the reasons! As always love the video!

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a quartz movement. Some prestige brands use it. Although I'd never buy a fashion watch I'd happily buy a good quality quartz watch.

Great advice, Britt. I'd add buying watches without trying them on first is often a source of regret. Trying them on your wrist before you buy is always an excellent idea. Cheers!

I must be mellowing in my old age, but I am becoming more tolerant of 'fashion watches'. Lets be honest 'I know I can get better value for money but I trust the brand and like the design' isnt limited to MVMT customers! We often just call it 'heritage' to justify the name on the dial. If someone gets a buzz of enthusiasm when they look on their wrist to see Armani on the dial the same way I would if I see VC..... I wont pee in their cornflakes by pointing out where they could have got better value, in a hobby that is mostly ruled by the heart over the head. I do agree that if that person stays in the hobby, their priorities may change and they may regret that purchase, but lots of collectors buy watches that puzzle me. Interesting and thought provoking video. Thanks.

This is a great video. Good, unbiased advice for new and existing collectors. Most content creators try to push some sponsored brand, specifically Grand Seiko. I was waiting for GS bit to pop up but glad it was not mentioned. Looking forward to watching more videos from this channel.

Thanks for posting! Me and my Timex Explorer really enjoy "watching" these videos, lol.

This is very good advice Britt, although I own a Fashion Watch that I really like and wear quite often. The only decent watch in my collection is a time only Omega from the 1950's very small for a men's watch but I love it and wear it on special occasions. Thank you for your insightful videos.

I think you nailed it on the bracelet suggestion. I bought my Tudor Black Bay GMT on the nylon strap and quickly wanted to buy the bracelet. Come to find out that the bracelet was around $1k so I decided to go after market. Definitely recommend buying the watch on the bracelet if it comes with one.

You are 100% right about the "investment" watch. It's a way of kidding yourself that you're being wise buying something that you want as a consumer. Accept that you're just consuming things for fun and act accordingly. The *luckiest* watches perform worse than a low-cost index fund. The average watch performs worse than *cash*. Nothing with those kinds of numbers would be promoted as an investment class under normal circumstances.

Good advice. I always look at buying a watch as "renting it" when I sell it for less I've lost some money but enjoyed owning it.

the bracelet part is spot on XD every watch i bought without a bracelet i always found myself wanting the bracelet after.

Brit, I totally agree. My first automatic I have was given to me as a joke. It is a Breitling knockoff. HOWEVER, I loved it. The blue dial was so cool and I loved watching the movement work. Yes, today I know better and I own 15+ watches we have to start some where.

The part about bracelets hit home for me! Great video as always! Quick question for ya. I am planning on buying a tank for my wife, but was almost certain of going with the leather strap version cause it looked great that way. Would you recommend going bracelet for the tank as well or is this a strap watch? Also any recommendations on size for it? Couldn’t decide between the small and large lol. The extra large would be too big. Appreciate your help!

BRITT U R BRILLIANT. Felt that first 5 secs , then at 1 min then again at 2:32 mins. Right on the Fashion watch, right on Seiko, ORient, Casio, Timex and damn right on the Investment watches. I'm subscribing. 🙂🙂

Love the blue dial Christopher Ward Bel Canto you included. It speaks to me. I declined picking one up because I was certain that it would spend substantially more time on the shelf than on my wrist. And yet... A good follow-up video: 5 watches you will regret NOT buying.

I love this. .. especially point no2!!!!!!! Your channel has shot up to my favourite 3 "watches channel".

I just bought 2 Orients, a black dial and a white one....just because, they are inexpensive, but good movements and pretty.... Orient was my first real watch when I was 12 years old.....don't know what happened to that piece, and I would love to find it again, so, I am going down memory lane so to speak..... I watch what I like.....regardless of who makes it.....cheap or expensive.....I do not own Cartier, Girard P, IWC or Patek....but I got plenty of the others....long live individuality outside of the fashion world!!!!! by the way...as I am writing this, DHL just delivered my Panzera 45Q....really stoked!!! Cheers!!

I think your #5 is one of the most important and one that took me a long time to realise! I like all of those nice dress watches with good leather straps, but I hardly ever wear clothes that suit them. My style is more that sporty / casual / slightly dressier combination that lots of steel sports watches with steel bracelets work well with.

About point 4, I will say it's definitely worth it if the watch is on clearance. I bought a JLC Polaris with 30% off from my AD before Richemont pulled out all of their dealerships, and bought the bracelet with JLC directly, the total value combined is still cheaper than buying retail from JLC directly.

Just discovered your channel and here are my five thoughts: 1. I love your set up. 2. I love how eloquent you are when speaking to the camera. 3. I love your editing skills. 4. I agree with everything you said on this video specially how fashion watches can be the Gateway to getting into horology. 5. I love the way you quickly end the video and encourage for subscriptions which I did subscribe of course. Great job! Can’t wait to see more of your videos.

"Buy what you love and you'll never regret it" is the most sage advice in this hobby and life in general! I own two references from Zodiac and am currently eyeing a Super Squale as a pickup for early next year! Not exactly hype pieces lol but I am saving for an Explorer 36mm which I guess might fall more into the popular/hype watch category -- but it's still no Daytona 😅

Great advice and examples. Fashion watches got me into watches as well and for that I am thankful. However quality and history now rule the game😊.

Note from super casual Seattle, you totally can wear a "dress watch" with a sports wear. It looks fine with a hoodie. It looks great with some jeans. I live in a tech city filled with disposable income and see some very expensive pieces paired with a t-shirt

Britt, great video! I agree about fashion watches. Skagen was my entry in loving watches. I sold it recently as my collection is now affordable quality watches and vintage. God bless you in 2024!

Fantastic video. Quick sidenote, same that goes for watches goes for Fragrances, Shoes, Cars, Yachts and other items. What they all have in common is that things change. So what you wanted 20, 30, 40 years ago is garbage today or has no meaning to you. So very good things to take into consideration when buying a watch. Good job!

The only one of those I'd mildly disagree with is the "always buy on the bracelet" one, the exception for me being what if you really don't like the bracelet, &/or really love the alernative. Now if you're buying with the notion of selling on later, then fine, buy the bracelet to increase it's potential resale value, but if it's a keeper, and you love the Nato / leather / Rubber strap variation, then I say go for it.

I agree completely. It matches with my experiences. Very competent, very wise and - not last but least, very entertaining.

Bro, I went through all the phases of buying low end to high end. Sold everything and now rock a 37mm Seiko 5 and still pull tail.

No regrets, I only buy either very cheap or more expensive watches… and it’s always the cheap ones where people go “oh, that’s a nice watch” 😂 I like my Omega’s - I’ve got more slender wrists, so bulkier brands just look ridiculous on me, and Omega is very much my family watch brand (I’ve got vintage ones going back to 1920s which belonged to my grandparents etc.). I get that some people like Rolex’s, but they generally seem a bit flashy - people always seems to get a gold one - so not the sort of thing you could wear daily (or if you did, shouts I don’t have a selection of nice watches to choose from otherwise I would have picked one more appropriate for this particular engagement).

I agree with first 4, but the 5th one is tougher. In June I got a Seiko Tank, watch completely different than my typical sports watch, nato and bracelet taste. Got it brown lizard and fell in love. Getting out of the comfort zone might be fun, and from time to time we all should try something different. Have a good day Gringa

Great tube. All good points, especially the bracelet one.

I just purchased a MOVADO Museum Classic Automatic with Green Dial and black date window. My brain says overpriced but my heart says wow that’s stunning.

Totally agree about investment watches, if you’re looking to invest buy gold or diamonds……., not watches, buy watches, well, just because……😂

05:46 Yeah totally agree on this one. I bought the Tudor GMT a while back…..on the leather strap. I did it because I thought it looked way better on the leather strap than on the metal bracelet, plus it was cheaper! Yeah that was a dumb move. The bracelet not particularly easy to find on its own, and when I did find one it was more than the price difference between the leather strap and metal bracelet! The leather strap on the other hand I could easily find, and usually for significantly less than the price difference between the strap and bracelet. Crazy. But I sold the watch rather than buying a bracelet for it. Upgraded to a Seadweller 4000 instead (that’s the 40mm version but with the modern clasp and solid links!).

Great advice. Buy what you love because you love it. And yes, trying it on first (if you can) is a huge plus! The watch I have now is theoretically a bit larger than I would normally consider, but it's surprisingly thin and wears a bit smaller than I expected. Win-win!

Adding another tip! Please be careful when purchasing a watch from a Grey Market or Amazon dealer. I fell victim to purchasing a fake Breitling on Amazon's site. Amazon was not any help with obtaining a refund so be wary. Lesson learned and I only work with trusted Authorized Dealers that I respect. Keep up the great educational videos Britt.

For me it has always been getting a cheaper alternative For example... sold an IWC last year and tried to replace the same feel with a CWC and a few Hamiltons.... they just didn't scratch the itch... ended up just re-buying the IWC! Don't waste your money. Just save up for the watch you actually want....

you forgot the substitute watch... the one that's supposed to scratch the itch for the one you REALLY wanted but couldn't get for whatever reason... Thanks for the vids from a fellow Canuck! (Victoria!)

Thank you for the sound advice…. You hit them all I think nothing further to add. Subscribing right away….

great video Britt! Grounded and well spoken as always. Also you could totally put a 16mm strap on that Cartier.

The last point is very underrated. If the watch doesn't match your vibe, you'll never wear it.

Really entertaining video Britt, thanks. For me, an honourable mention should go to "buying a watch which is almost identical to one already in your collection"....obviously quite subjective, as this hobby is all about small details, but how many 'black dial with rotating bezel watches' does someone need?

What a great video. You've echo'ed a lot of things we've thought from time to time. 🔥

Great video, on a roll I’m guessing we won’t get to see a full video on the Aldo :-)

I got a Movado ad during this video…how ironic 😂 Another great video; I can’t say I disagree with anything you said, though if, I may, I’d love to add a bit. For the bracelet thing, even if you don’t like the bracelet, still buy it. I got my Speedmaster on leather because I didn’t like the design of the 1998 bracelet. I ended up with a vintage bracelet down the line (and now I wear it on Seamaster 300 Co-Ax leather, of all things), but only after spending hours researching what vintage bracelets would fit my modern Speedmaster, and hundreds more than I would have just getting the 1998. Always buy bracelet, it’s just the most pragmatic decision, even if costs a little more upfront. Had I bought the watch on the bracelet and I still wanted a vintage bracelet, I could have sold the 1998 to offset the cost of going vintage. Definitely never buy a watch as an investment; either use real security instruments or if you’re really into physical assets, precious metal coins are another thing you can do. I think it boils down to this-never buy a watch you don’t want, for any reason. Not because it’s hot, not to fill a “hole” in your collection, not because it’s an investment, not because it’s similar to a watch you do want, but can’t afford, not because it’s a good value. Nothing makes a good value a bad value faster than selling it at a loss or letting it sit in a drawer for years because you didn’t actually want it.

Always buy the darn bracelet - sourcing the right one to a given model year after rhe fact is so tedious and not fun. And buying a watch as an investment is not watch enthusiasm/collecting - its asset speculation.

The watch I kinda regret buying was the Citizen Atessa Radio-Controlled, since 1. Thailand still far away from signal post 2. I can't understand how to play it LOL

Ahh, we needed to see the insights of Brit on this topic 👍. Great aspects that you talked about here, especially the last one

The biggest thing I got from this is you were a theology student that's awesome!! Just finished 2 years of systematic theology at my local Bible College and am also a massive watch nerd lmao, just got a Christopher Ward C60 Pro Bronze as an engagement present from my fiance and can't get enough of it suits my style so well and will always hold massive sentimental value👌

But the Cartier looks a little strange with a bracelet….

Sure glad you didn't mention any of my watches as mistakes. 😂 The suggestion about the bracelet is a really good one. 👍

Have a Merry Christmas BP and Family. Prosperous and healthy 2024 as well from Australia.

Thumbs up for Orient bambino mention and for beginner advice re: lug width

The advice about the bracelet is spot on. I always will buy the bracelet version. You can find very good straps for great prices if you look around.

Completely understand your Aldo story. Fossil was my gateway drug to what is now a growing collection of "proper" watches.

Brit, you art right about getting a bracelet. I have been collecting for about 30 years; I just realized this last year. I guess I am just a slow learner. Your videos are so well thought out and interesting. Thank you for caring and making videos that prove it.

I have never been too troubled by odd lug widths with regard to straps. As part of my day job I amassed quite a collection of surgical grade scalpels and blades (no, I'm not a surgeon). With a good blade it is very easy to chamfer the lug ends of a strap down by 1mm to convert an even width strap to an odd, ie 20mm down to 19mm, and the result is all but indistinguishable unless you are in to the absurdly close eyeballing of lugs. In fact, the slight overlap of the strap around the lug can look really good.

Great words, good sense and proper advice - absolutely agree.

I have a gang of seikos - the look great at a low price. Therefore wear them all, dress up/down, change bands yourself, knock it scratch it - no problem. Lately ive been getting into the custom watches made to look like - why not for some one like me so boringly reasonable

In the immortal words of Maurice Rodriguez in Boogie Nights: “Wear what ya dig.”

Wise words! For me it much depends on how the watch sits on my wrist. I have a Cartier Americaine...it looks so erudite and beautiful; it imbues me with an authority I do nor deserve. Unfortunately, it's long rectangular configuration fits like a ski slope on my wrist. Whereas my medium size Cartier de Santos together with a leather strap hugs my arm like an old friend.

Great idea for a watch wearer’s video and excellent advice!

Couldn’t agree more with all of these points. Great video, Britt! 🤝🔥

Britt, I disagree with the always regret not buying on the bracelet advice. I have a Seamaster 300M Diver (Black dial, black rubber strap.) I also bought the Seamaster Aqua Terra Summer Blue with the light blue rubber strap. I have not for a second regretted not buying the first on the awful looking Seamaster bracelet, nor have I wished I'd got the Summer Blue with a flat link Aqua Terra bracelet. Both of these watches are for my everyday use & are never worn for a special night out that requires a more dressy look. For that occasion I'll turn to my Santos, Pasha or OPs which all look great with a bracelet.

Glad you mentioned the Aldo watch! My first watch was a Skagen, and my wife bought me another one as a gift. I treasure both, alongside all the grails in the collection. All deep loves start somewhere.

I almost bought a moonswatch watch but I didn’t really like it when I went in store and had a look. I would’ve regretted it because they weren’t my style! Great advice 🎉

I have no interest in watches but I enjoy your passion and enthusiasm. I watch your channel often. Happy to support. Cheers

1. Nothing wrong with quartz.

My arrms are to hairy for a bracelet, so ive never got on with them , any watch ive purchased on a bracelet ive swapoed out straight away.

Love your channel, love your content - and I especially love when you sing the Pope Tier Patrons song at the end of a video (lol) ! 😎 Keep up the good work !

Good advice. I’ve made a few of those mistakes.

Discrete & under the radar is so much the way forward. Love my Watch Collection - Explorer, MR-G, 1016, Smiths Everest, Apple Ultra & Speedie. Apple Watch Ultra is the one that gets the most eyeballs & makes me most nervous wearing - but it's pretty much the cheapest. Feels good. What on earth is the point of a Daytona or Patek that makes you nervous each time you wear it or you have to wait until you get to awful places like Gstaad to wear them?

Once made the mistake of buying a integrated bracelet watch that was a tad too big for my wrist even with every link possible removed. I love the watch since I got caught up in it but I just never wear it. THAT is what I call a Compounded Mistake.

Yor channel is just lovely. i am a big watch lover an quite new to your youtube channel, but I just subscribed and going to visit frequently from now on. ♥

I admire the fortitude of your mind to balance out something you wanted for a while and is already at your grasp and just then, for some reason realized not entirely for you. If I was on that situation i don´t think i could stop myself and go straight for it no more thinking allowed. Great tips thank you.

I'd add to never buy a watch that's almost the one you want. Hold out for the actual model rather than scratching the itch with one that almost fits the bill. You'll never be 100% happy with a horological stepchild.

I agree with the idea of avoiding the illusion of purchasing as an investment. I like the idea of sticking to a budget that allows one to avoid feeling crushed when huge loss is taken down the road when the time comes to nice on. With that in mind, there are very good pre owned options and buying preowned from a good dealer can feel like a more premium experience than buying gray market for example. One other suggestion, set aside the habit of looking for your next watch and simply take some time looking at what you find interesting from the perspective of horology and watchmaking. It’s possible to be interested in something you have no intention or perhaps ability to afford. That can take some pressure off and allow one to feel like something other than a consumer. Raise the bar. I’m in the process of selling four or five watches from the first eight months of collecting. It’s proving to be a hassle. I don’t need those watches just sitting around. They are good, but not of much interest. I’m not going to take a massive hit, but I will take a hit if and when they sell. Fortunately, most were bought ore owned. I feel lucky to have raised the bar when I did and only have a handful to try to sell, it’s a waste of time and money. -Focus on watches that aren’t easily bought on impulse in a chronic fashion.

Don't ever buy a substitute watch. Pulled out as long as it takes and get the one you really want.

Amazing video Britt. This should be mandatory viewing for anyone slowly getting into watches because we basically make all of the mistakes until we finally learn from them 😢.

What about the biggest watch regret is the one you didn't buy? I bought an AP 15400 white dial over the blue because I could get a large discount for the white but in my heart I always wanted the blue. Huge regret since I'm not going to get another chance to buy an AP RO again with the way the watch market is headed.

Quality always sells, buy it if you like it and enjoy the watch. I find Longines really great value and design. They hold their value too.

Fantastic video BP.

I'll never regret buying any of my Oris watches. I love them.

I bought a Nixon timeteller for $35, which I consider a fashion watch. It is much better than my Timex Weekender, which has a louder movement and a cheap brass case. The Nixon's horween leather strap is beautiful vs the cheap leather strap from the Timex and it looks better. So I don't agree with the first point.

Merry Christmas have a great one !I like to watch videos about expensive watches but fortunate enough to love wearing Vostock Amphibias and have a dozen lol .P.s Love new look channel must'admit I drifted away from watch gringa but this fresh look has got me back for sure .

I buy a watch for the anesthetic and it's ability to tell time. This is one of the best posts on watches I've seen on KZfaq. Thank you.

louis vuitton is a "fashion watch" that gives the establishment a run for their money

I think we've all made these mistakes at some point in our watch journey. Although I don't fully agree with point 4. I own the Oris Aquis Relief with the grey sunburst dial and red rubber strap. Later on, I bought the original Oris steel bracelet for the Aquis, which cost me $350, and I still wear it on the rubber because it's just a gorgeous playful watch with that beautiful red rubber strap. Thanks again for an excellent vid Britt.

I agree on the bracelet point, but with the omega seamaster im going with the rubber all day

I was given a Casio AE-1200 about 10 years ago. I liked it very much. Has all the features I need, countdown, stop watch, 5 alarms, multiple time zones and more. Now have several in different colours and don't need anything else. And each less than $25.00 USD.

I regret buying my daughter a Burberry watch when she finished high school, I should have lost my mind 😂😂😂

My first watch was a Gucci and that one has triggered the "watch addiction", hence got me into the watch world. I bought it back in my 20s during my studies, at the time I got one of my first salary. Today, I still wear it, along with my Tudor, Rolex, Breitling, etc... This watch is very special to me. It has a genuine story to tell, and for sure I will give it to my kid one day. So, no regret! But today, I would definitely not buy any of them as I stepped up in knowledge. So I think in my opinion that the mistake of buying a fashion brand watch is relative to how well you know about watches.

Good advice on the investment watch, if your buying a watch thinking you will make money on it but you don't actually like it you have already short-changed yourself..