Fairly certain the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT shown at 2:52 isn’t quartz as labelled. It’s got an automatic movement. Certainly, the non GMT Aquascaphe has an automatic Miyota 9039.
Own the Timex Q GMT and like you describe of watches in this price range, it feels light and lower quality in hand and the GMT hand is difficult to set correctly, but I love the look, credentials and it’s lightness = comfort. “Good watch” 👍🏻
I love this channel, it makes me remember the basic principles I was taught when I did my economics degree forty five years ago; principles such as "diminishing maginal utility", "market positioning" and "conspicuous consumption". Curves keep appearing in my head. I have a few Christopher Ward watches (six and counting) and at this point in my life I can't justify spending more money on a watch just to buy brand recognition. My CW watches haven't had any problems with either build quslity or accuracy and a couple of them are now over ten years old. I've also been wearing the same Pulsar (Seiko) kinetic watch for sailing and motorcycling for the last twenty five years and that watch still looks the same and still has the same space age accuracy.
I really like, that everytime you mention a watch, you also show a picture of it. THAT is the only way to do it on video; too many TH-camrs think that video = podcast.
Thanks - It started out as a way of adding visual interest, but it turns out not everybody knows every watch so adding the watches mentioned for context has been useful for many 😊
I also enjoyed this aspect of the video, however keep in mind that occasionally the watches being mentioned audibly are not the ones shown visually. This can be a little confusing.
Same here. Afternoon cappuccino from my Gaggia, and the video. Wondering about selling my Tudor - oof, their secondary values tumble - great for buyers of pre-loved.
I’m convinced that the most overhyped spec is water resistance. How many buyers dive at depth? Power reserve is another spec that I don’t hold much value in. If it’s a daily watch, who cares? If it runs out of power, wind and shake it. I also wonder about in-house movements from brands like Nomos that don’t have USA servicing. Just my 2 cents.
The thing is, a water resistance rating doesn't correspond to actual use in, say, diving. So the depth rating is in general way overstated. 300 meters may be more like 100 meters in real use. Fortunately, 100 meters is almost 3x the recreational depth limit.
It is same in the sports car world. I have an old Corvette ZR1 that is capable of speeds of over 200mph. I'll never go that fast, but it sure is a cool feeling driving a car that can. It is satisfying owning a thing that was designed to do something extreme, even if you never test those limits. None of that may appeal to a person, and for those people they make Toyota Corollas.
@@overbuiltlimited you dont have be going 200mph to enjoy a corvette, you can still feel the car's power and handling when driving normal, ive enjoyed plenty of fast cars without breaking traffic laws. you can't feel a watch's 300m rating when washing your hands.
Your insight stems from common sense but overlooked by the lust of the chase by the masses. Thanks for bringing me back down to earth. I'm a person who can afford watches 10k and less, but prefer the quality of $1500 resulting from the competition. Name allure is something that turns me off and I am a person who appreciates engineering and quality. I enjoy Sinn, CW, Longines & Seiko watches.
Those Seiko movements though. How do they jibe with the engineering mind? I am eyeing the spb143 with the 6r35. I would just like the accuracy to be good enough to not have to think about it. I am trying to digest what another TH-camr (Andrew Morgan) recently said - if you’re worried about seconds per day, you’re doing it wrong.
@@yleexotforget about accuracy. Nobody is wearing a mechanical watch to accurately know the time. It’s just a piece of jewelry with engineering involved
@@yleexot Couldn’t agree with you more! As a long time Seiko fan it infuriates me that even the 4R movements can be regulated to +/- 6 or 7 secs per day, and even better on the 6R movements, yet Seiko doesn’t do this simple procedure before overcharging you for the watches that have these movements?!! But it gets better, I have a SLA051 Willard (£2500 when new so not insubstantial money) re-interpretation with undecorated GRAND SEIKO movement 8L35 got it, was running -12 secs per day, gave it 8 weeks to bed in, same! Had to pay good money at a Grand Seiko boutique to regulate it and restore its water resistance back to new, now running +0.5 to 1 sec per day, consistently, superb, and despite all this, love the watch, Apocalypse Now was THE movie when I was a teenager and had to have a Willard! Why Seiko, why the eff do you do this shit? Regulate your bloody watches! Even startup micro brands do so FFS! I will add I am a Mechanical Engineer so precision and making sure things run as they SHOULD do is part of my DNA. So can’t agree with Andrew Morgan, despite liking his channel.
Your video summed it up very well. It's like most every product, there's a point when you stop looking at "specs" and pay more attention to the name and when that convergence happens, you'll pay more because you perceive it elevates YOU. The best advice is to buy what YOU like. My "best" watch is my Seiko SPB143 because of the heritage, name and because it just looks cool. Not the most expensive watch, but my favorite.
Youre paying for brand equity when you buy a Rolex or an Omega. It's another way of saying you're feeding your ego, and they know it needs feeding so charge you 10x what it costs to make because boosting ones image with material things is a bottomless pit of cash that a good portion of society are willing to pay. You could say brands are about quality, but when they get excessive they are simply about addressing insecurity in the buyer. That's a Rolex
My Seiko SKX013 and 009 cost me around $200-300. . Had had it for over 10 years and still running strong. They have 200m water resistance, ISO, rotating bezel day date and automatic. They don’t make watches like these any more
Seiko Turtles are pretty good replacements of SKX watches. Sure, they cost more but that can be attributed to inflation. And if you don't need 200m but 100m is good enough then the 5KX aka SRPD series are great and cost $200-300.
I disagree. Have 2 skxes. Around 5 years old now. For last two years they've been running plus few minutes per day. Sounds OK for the price but it's frustrating especially that THE CROWN on one got very hard to unscrew and had to be serviced. They're objectively bad watches but cool from historical perspective. Also bezel on one stopped rotating. Its all OK if service for them was widely accessible but with rising cost of labour you better learn it yourself or loose a lot of money(in respect to price paid)
@@przemyslawskoczylas5183 Most likely your SKXs have gotten magnetized, especially if you work around cars, audio equipment or other electronics. I brought a watch to the traditional jeweler's and their watchmaker demagnetized it for free and handed it back in five minutes. Later I brought my own demagnetizer for $20 from Esslinger, a watch tools specialist. They're also on Amazon etc.
I just picked up the longines Zulu 39 for around $4000 CAD and wow am I Impressed, the overall finishing attention to detail, Movement and the way the crown operates is just buttery smooth fantastic all around!
I’m really enjoying this channel… just fell onto it tonight! My best watch is a super inexpensive Seiko watch my father purchased in the early 80’s. When I turned 16 he told me I need to be punctual for work (my first full time job), and he took it off and gave it to me. He passed away last year, and I’m scared to wear it out and about as it means so much to me.
Greetings from Greece! Yet another classy and well-rounded video. Thank you for your take on price categories and value evaluation and how brand names impact this. This video could very much be a useful reference ... negating the need for a formal marketing course (for this specific industry). Bravo!
Wow. I've just found your channel, and it's like a breath of fresh air in the watch world. Other channels have knowledge, sure. But you offer WISDOM. It's amazing. You cut through the noise and actually reveal what's going on below. Incredible. Love it. May you go from strength to strength!
You’re one of the best channels about quality watches out there .. Giving great insight to the facts with common sense applied to it.. Kinda like… Seiko’s Lumabrite with several layers applied Verses Hamilton & Tissot lume.. I appreciate your knowledge Greg
At this stage, in terms of an 'informative' and 'thought-provoking' watch TH-cam channel, I don't think there is any doubt that this is the 'best' one. (Oops, that word again). It really is a revelation.
I love the way you point out what the brands are thinking with their designs and specs at different price points. Now that you point out the key design elements I know what to look for during my watch collecting journey. Thank you for the education.
Great videos Mike. I like all of my watches for different reasons, but I have a cheap Timex (35mm+dark blue face+white numerals and lettering) that always brings a smile to my face when I wear it with sweaters. I put a dark brown leather strap on it, and I can't believe how fluid it looks with the right outfit. Simplicity at its finest.
My Invicta Grand Diver #3048 was purchased 12 years ago for $125CAD and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That NH35A movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
Another lovely job, Mike. So happens i showed my 12 watch rotation box to a non-watchnerd friend this week and sure enough, his Qs included "What's your favourite?" and "Which is the best watch here?". All i could do was mumble and start explaining comparatives between several much-loved pieces. Anyway, this Saturday morning i think it's my vintage Seiko Bullhead. Ask me again next weekend 😀
Outstanding video!!! This was exactly the kind of video I've been looking for. It's been super difficult to look through the seemingly endless options and determine the best value for money watches (im not a fan of paying premiums for brand names). Recently bought a CW and my experience definitely seems to align with what you're saying, £1000-£1500 is a sweet spot for value and quality.
Love your channel and reviews. I own a collection of the usual suspects - rolex, omega, tag. However I am hooked on a Casio Oceanus S-100. A sub 500 USD watch, in titanium. Has a radio signal, solar quartz movement. It just works. No servicing or worry that it might get damaged. You should take a look, they are a refreshing perspective on watch making.
I agree here about the Oceanus line. The no-nonsense beauty of the T200, for instance, has sold me on reliable, solar, radio controlled outfit. As seen with our author’s response, many folks either avoid mention of the Casio line or are simply unaware of it as a true competitor.
Where have you been all my (very short, btw) watch enthusiasts' life? By far yours is the best channel that speaks to me while I try and understand the world of watches. Well done, sir.
Excellent , my friend . My best ( too me ) is my Grand Seiko SBGN003 with Quartz 9F86 GMT movement . It was $4500aud 5 years ago and when I changed the battery after 3.5 years it had gained 3 seconds ,,, impressive hand made by one watchmaker quartz movement ! . How do I know it's 3 seconds gain after 3.5 years you ask ? . I also own a 8X42 Seiko Astron that I sync with the GPS satellites and use this watch as my base about every 3-6 months , if you don't know a GPS/Atomic clock sync'd watch is ,, + or - one second in 100,000 years ! . So yes my Grand Seiko is my favorite , the build is amazing as well .
I enjoy your videos Mike. My favorite watch that I keep wanting to wear everyday is also my least expensive in my collection. It's a Seiko SKX007. It doesn't have manual winding or hacking, it gains 5-8 seconds per day but I just don't care. I love the simplicity and the reliability of this dated design. With an upgraded bracelet, ceramic bezel insert, it is very comfortable to wear and enjoy.
It’s official. You are now my favorite TH-cam channel. You asked about our best watch. That’s a tough question that I had not asked myself before. There are, in my opinion, 2 ways to define best watch. One is what you proposed in your video. In this case it would be my Speedy. The other is the story of the watch. In this case I t is the watch awarded to my grandfather for him being in the frontlines in the WWII campaign to liberate Italy from the Nazis. Also a chronograph, nowhere near as refined as a speedy, but it is the best watch in the world for me. 😊
My best watch ...is the watch I'm currently wearing - "Love the one you're with." Enjoyed this episode -good job! Today it's a first Generation Seiko Orange Monster on a new orange rubber strap. It makes me smile... It doesn't hand wind, or have hacking seconds which is pretty quirky.
You are Fanstastic !! My best ia a Sinn U50 mother of Perl in Black U-boat bracelet, a Longines herirage classic in Blue leder and a Metal G-Shock 5600 . More than enough fron gut watches.... u are so right.... its all matters of perspective.... keep up the gut work and your open opinions! Thanks for the opinions and video's! Stefan Germany
What a fantastically clear, concise and comprehensive breakdown of market segmentation strategies. This discussion goes way beyond various price points of time pieces. Love it. Subscribed and looking forward to seeing more.
I liked this video 😀 I also got say my favourite watch atm is my cheapest $100 white Casio watch. I use it at work (kindergarten where I often get sand on it) and I have 13! different NATO straps for it, so I change it daily. What I like about it over my much more expensive mechanical watches is that I don't care if it get broken as it so cheap that I can afford to buy a new one if needed. So far though I haven't seen a single scratch on it :) I do prefer having my more expensive mechanical watches around my wrist, but I hate always feeling like I have to be extra careful with it because I know the fixing price is more than the whole Casio watch.
I have never enjoyed content as much as yours. Your insight is exceptional not only from your knowledge of watches but the bigger picture of the industry as a whole. Well done.
My friend, I really enjoyed your video. I am a big fan of Omega and Gruen etc.. but recently I was prompted to by a very cheap Seiko quarts Chronograph on special, appreciating the build quality and finishing. The patina is fantastic. All stainless steel, polished.. leather strap, I just couldn't turn it down for the price. If I had the spare cash, because I'm not one to blow my capital, I wouldn't buy a rolex. But an omega I would. The seiko is my cheap substitute until that day arrives. I appreciate everything you compiled into this video, it's not all about status, its about what best suits you.
I've never seen a video that tackles this question in this manner. What you're basically doing is giving us what we need and not what we want....in a good way! Since seeing this video, I know what to look for when comparing watches, I know what to ask. It narrowed down the process for me to a more focused one.
You have a good pulse on what different consumers look for in a watch. I especially appreciated the discussion at the 4K level where a large part of the price tag is brand recognition. In a way it’s a bit like wine at $20, $50 and $200. Beyond a certain price it’s no longer about quality or winemaking but the prestige linked to a particular label or producer. Appreciate your thoughtful discourse as always, cheers!
This is a great channel, the topics are relevant and not repetitive with other watch channels, I like his insight into buyers’ habits, brand positioning, and seeing value in a wide variety of manufacturers. Keep it up
Yet again, a fantastic and refreshing take on a subject that has been beaten to death by other youtubers. My "best" watch is probably my 1950s JLC 37.5mm 'jumbo' Cal. 479. No other watch gets as much wrist time, and no other watch sounds as good, JLC is JLC for a reason.
Very entertaining and informative channel. One big plus is that the man speaks proper English in a pleasant pace. How delightful. My 'best' watch? Probably the watch that makes me smile, doesn't break the bank and doesn't keep me worried all the time about scratching or damaging it. So two come to mind: my G-Shock GW-M5610-1 and my Seiko Pilot Flightmaster SNA411P1. Are they objectively better than my Omega or Longines? Probably not, but they make me comfortably happy.
Thank you for sharing. Those are really excellent points. When it comes down to it, purchasing a watch, wearing a watch, and talking about one's watch is all part of the experience of owning one. Whether we pay $100 or $10,000, it's all about the meaning (and function) a watch brings to our lives.
Very well described! I agree with your price categories, and I appreciate the clearheader assessment of maker intent in each. Very difficult to find others discussing this frankly, thank you.
honestly im so glad i found this channel. Been watching watch youtubers for years and i can say that this channel has by far the best and most enjoyable content amongst all i've seen. I cant help but binge-watch.
I really like your explanation of watches . This is so informative for anyone starting out watch collecting or just looking for a watch with a certain budget
1. Very insightful. 2. Like many people, I have stumbled through things over the years on my learning curve. Yes, I learned that quartz movements were more accurate and if service were required, much less expensive. When my girlfriend paid for a factory overhaul of her Rolex, I was blown away. 3. Eventually, I concluded the most visible part of the complete watch was the strap. I discussed this with a watch repairman. He said that the problem was that a leather band wore out too quickly. So during the week, he would wear a watch with a metal strap and a watch with a leather strap on a date or going to an event. Seemed like a very good idea. In December, I bought a new Bulova watch. By March, the leather strap was cracking. Ok. Switched to a Wenger military with a Speidel twistaflex band as the daily beater. Have 1/2 dozen watches with new leather straps available if I have to wear a suit or go out somewhere.
I loved the video. Interesting. Surprise ending with the swatch... i bought around last christmas a seiko solar diver sne589. I put a rubber strap on it. I fell in love with this watch and seem to be unable to take it off.
13:02 will a quartz movement in a 200 m water resistant case last us long as a mechanical movement in the same case? Considering that no one is servicing a $1500 watch, wouldn’t the robustness of quartz be an asset in this price range?
Yes - As long as the case is specced to handled it. You would have to have it serviced to change the battery (theoretically you could do it yourself but I would worry about maintaining the seal). At the end of the day quartz just isn't "cool" 😊
I thoroughly enjoy this watch channel. The topics, related facts, and comparisons discussed in the content of this channel, are excellent. This information is extremely helpful to me in my watch collecting journey. 👍
I just found your website Mike. I love the way you think and the way you explain things - very educational and could apply your approach to just about anything (classic menswear, cars, antiques, etc.). You’re very good at what you do!
Great discussion. Very insightful. Glad to see Longines and Tudor being discussed as competitors. The former has a much longer history, more diverse range of designs, while the other has the a Rolex connection and pretty safely designed offerings. Longines at its lower end has lower quality and finishing than Tudor. But comparing their more comparably-specced models, they actually compete very favourably.
I acquired a Seiko SRP automatic for $169 and of course, it's lovely. I do wish for more (screw down crown/bracelet) but it's a beautiful sport model and looks lovely. $500 can buy you a lot if you look carefully. I do love your videos and thank you for making these.
Excellent video. Subscribed. I'm in the 1500USD category. Some very nice everyday watches at this price point. My Sinn 556A-RS is probably my favourite so far.
I own a digital Timex Expedition with a rotating bezel, which was the first watch I ever owned. I received it somewhere in the mid 90's when I was about 10 years old, and besides replacing the strap and battery, it still runs. Nothing on it is broken and even the Indiglo (yes, Indiglo) still works. I throw it on my wrist a few times a year just for nostalgia.
I think I saw a video once on the Timex Expedition field watch and its similarity to the Hamilton Khaki. Of course the latter is more refined, automatic etc. But the increased refinement isn't that big a difference for me. So I stay with my Timex, so reliable and durable. I do have a mid-range Swiss but that's my luxury item that I hope lasts forever.😂
Very well presented discussion and arguments. The only feature I'll look for in a watch at 500 dollars, is if it has a sapphire crystal. Movement, water resistant etc, is not important to me because 1 I don't wear my watches in the water and 2 the movement is fairly basic. Now at 1k-1500, I look for a design I like. And if I like a design that much, I'll look at other dial variations of the same model and potentially buy the same watch but with a different dial design or color. I have 3 Seiko Samurais and 3 Oris Chronoris models, one being a variation of the chronograph model.
Great video! May or May not have a 'best' watch, but this is one of the best watch video and channel! I think objectively you can say that a watch is better than another, of course keeping in mind the ratio of what you are getting versus the price. For example longines spirit Zulu time 39mm is one of the best watches on the market as far as I am informed. Now 'favorite' watch - this is a different matter and there it is strictly subjective. I think being able to be aware of these two approaches is freeing and also keeps things both playful and serious for our hobby 🙂
I really enjoy your channel and analysis and am glad I came across it. I find your insights very well-thought out and fair. I’m not the most knowledgeable watch enthusiast out there but I certainly know the things I like. Watches are fantastic because there really is something for everyone.
This is now my favourite watch channel on TH-cam 💯, such great content and done superbly, well done sir 👏👏👏 and my favourite watch atm a Speedy 3861 Hesalite it hasn’t left my wrist for weeks 😄
A really good overview of the watch market, showing what to expect at different price points. No over the top praise or criticism of brands, just clear advice & explanation of the reality how the market works. So many watch fans get hooked up on the specs, they become a bit blinkered when comparing models.
I wear for my daily beater a Datejust 36, year of 2003 with the 3135 movement that I bought used maybe five years back. I have close to an eight inch wrist but I prefer the smaller diameter as I work often in cramped quarters, instrumentation technician. The smaller the diameter the fewer dings collected. Cracking good video mate!
Great to see a Traska pop up on your B roll. The coating on them is outstanding and for the money, excellent. All the second hand ones I have seen and had hands on, are in fantastic condition.
Stumbled on your site, but it’s becoming one of my favourites. Big fan of TGV and the Urban Gentry, but your videos are also very enjoyable and informative, so thank you. Steve
Love that you highlighted Christopher Ward @8:00 for the $1,500 range. I've enjoyed my 2019 Christopher Ward C65 Trident GMT (Pepsi) Retro Diver 41mm watch for the past 4 years. I thought about getting YEMA Superman GMT, but still holding out for another Pepsi-bezel GMT that hits the mark in the $1,500-4,000 range. I had resisted getting the Tudor Black Bay GMT Peps, just because of price inflation by dealers. (similar to auto dealer adjustments)
That Swatch Mickey Mouse at the end was just true provocation😂 Another great video, I’d also emphasise that the individual perceived quality of a brand has a lot to do with brand allegiance or brand social status (very clear when it comes to Rolex mass appeal).
My best watch is my 1982 Seiko speedtimer. I bought it when I was 19 years old and still have it. A couple of years ago I had it serviced and the gasket replaced. It runs like a new watch and I wear it every week.
Great analysis it can really be applied in those price contexts. The sweet spot appears to be that $1500 range if one is looking for function minus the bells and whistles. I recently purchased a Marathon GSAR which totally meets every criteria you mentioned in that $1500 range: - solid workhorse parts, no nonsense construction unpretentious in its claims to be anything other than a tough useful tool. Therein lies its magic no glamour no tricks doesn’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight.
That’s my take away as well. I’m currently thinking about getting a couple of Sinn watches at that price point. One for me and one for my wife as a 10 year anniversary gift. It seems like the $1500 number is a good place to be for something you’d like to pass on to your kids
Great video! You explained everything that I Needed to know. I am trying to get onto getting my watch collection (as a hobby enthusiast) and my holy grail is buying a grand seiko spring drive or a mechanical hamilton (a chronograph like the intramatic or the murph). I currently own the citizen tsukyiomi green dial, a vintage seiko, a vagary and a swatch gifted many years ago. I am a guy that does not use many feature like the GMT and I don't travel in different time zones. Let's say that I am pretty "basic" to be honest and one thing that I can say, there are tons of microbrands like venezianico, addiesive or phoibos that buys movement from the most popular manifacturers. Have you ever heard of lamberti orologiai? He is an independent watchmacher that modifies popular movement and make these as an in house movement like the sellita sw 200, seagull 1963, and the seiko nh35. In my opinion the money are well spent for what it is capable of. If you ever plan to make a review I am very curious to hear your thoughts 😄
A crash course in watch price points. As a fairly new enthusiast, I learned quite a lot from this 'pro bono' video for watch lovers. Mike, you are an excellent teacher.
This channel rocks…maybe I’m basic, but I just picked up a secondhand Speedmaster for less than $4K…to me, this might be the best $4000 watch on the market today.
I have a 2 watch collection. I have a seiko spb143 and a seiko sje093 both mentioned here haha. The 143 is such an attractive watch to (and good value) while the sje is beautifully finished and just spotless. Both watches are running within +/- 2 sec. Before buying the sje I considered many other watches (BB54, P39, IWC spitfire, GS sbgw231) but I wanted something a little more unique and not so mass produced as this was my first “luxury” watch. As a seiko fan the sje was for me and was an “upgrade” to my spb but nothing can replace my 143.
I have the 143 and keep looking at the 093 😂 suprised you still love the 143 even though owning the upgrade. I think need to just stick to the 143.... do you wear 143 on the bracelet?
@@daveLin104 haha they’re just two different watches that share the same dna. i think the 143 is honestly a better fit for my wrist and i might be the only person with both that prefers the 143. I like the white indices and thicker bezel. what i wish i had was the finishing and thinner movement of the 093 but in the 143 design. I wear the 143 mostly on MN strap and sometimes on natos. i might sell the 093 for P39 but we’ll see. It is a very special watch but a little small for my liking.
Love this channel!! My favorite value was ches in my collection are watches that I purchased years ago - Seiko SARB 033, 035 and 037. I have more expensive watches in my collection and these actually get the most wear. Thanks for all of your great videos!
Entertaining and educating. Thanks! I enjoy your balanced strategic thoughts. And I am really curious how San Martin (as an example of a Chinese high quality manufacturer) will develop in terms of marketing and distribution over the next years. What are your views on the business development of high quality Chinese brands?
Great video. I just bought the Breitling Pistachio B09 Chrono for 5K on eBay. Please tell me I didn’t lose my tail on this one… just love the watch. A little nervous since it’s my first manual wind. Would love to hear your thoughts on this model by Breitling.
Great video. I love watches and the outdoors. I am a shooter/hunter and often get questions on optics. Which is similar to what is being shown here. I'll always tell people to stay away from cheap scopes or binoculars (Fashion watch equivalent) they offer no value in fact I'd actually say they are waste of money. Stepping up a few hundred dollars is going to provide a huge upgrade in optical clarity and quality much like stepping up to a $1500 watch. My Oris Aquis is light years a head of a fashion watch. The Oris may not be "as nice" as my Tudor or Breitling Super Ocean but the gap is going to be much smaller. In optics a nice set of Nikon binoculars will be WAY nicer than a cheap pair of NC Star. Stepping up to a Leupold Golden Ring compared to Zeiss, Leica or Swarovski is quality gap is even less. However, what I have found is premium companies (watches or optics) also tend to offer outstanding customer service ......somethings are "over priced" but sometimes things cost more for a reason.
Great video. Really appreciate your content. I love my glycine gl0057. I understand the "controversy", but it's just a good watch for me. And since you mentioned quartz and fashion brands... I really like my lunar pilot. For me it's a solid watch with interesting history.
I fell in love with my Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Men's Automatic Watch FC-303RMB5B6. it is simple and with "less is more" type of design. i paid 1,700 bucks for that watch but I love it. its my first Automatic Watch that don't mind wearing it anywhere.
I've worn My TW Steel TW74 for 15 years. It's never let me down and looks great. I understand what makes a great watch and just started to venture into this space buying the Omega Speedmaster 'moonwatch' but it just goes to show you that watches are emotional objects that even under $500 can last a long time.
This is good guidance to start from, providing reference points that allow to make sense of market, brands and price brackets. Wish I had tit a year ago when I entered the hobby. Each of us adds his own biases and preferences on top of that ground. I'm lucky that I don't give that much value to brands, this will probably allow me to collect more and spend less. I resonate with other things, like movements that represent(ed) a technical advance, history and my quirky taste 😅
Any thoughts on the Hamilton Khaki field? I have a small collection made up of Omega, Tudor, Tag, Seiko, Swatch and finally apple! I think I’d like a Hamilton next. I like the simplicity of it, often wear my watches on a nato strap and I love history and a good story! Epic videos, I’m pleased I found your channel and look forward to future content. 👍🏻
Another excellent video, thanks - I always look forward to these now, the effort and consideration u put into them is much appreciated. I have a Swatch also (for nostalgia reasons!), is far too small (34”?). My ‘best’ watch is a CW diver; looks great and is accurate to 1 sec but that doesn’t stop me looking to the more expensive brands, even though logically it makes no sense. This ‘hobby’ is brutal and completely irrational! 😂
The best watch is the one which connect you to people you love. I have two of my grandfathers watches, may he rest in peace. A small Fortis toolwatch and a Eterna. Great video and explanation!
This channel is gold. Fascinating to hear depth and perspective from someone that doesn’t have to restrain from offending a brand they have a financial interest in. Move over Teddy Baldassarre and Hodinkee, there is a new up and coming channel for watch lovers.
So informative and helpful. Thank you. My best watches are my JLC Reverso or my Kurono Tokyo Hisui. But crazy how much fun and pleasure I get from my quartz PRX I got for $270. And I also have a swatch I love.
I think the 1.5k range is the most interesting. I.e., Zelos, Eagle T2. Titanium, LJP motor, tons of lume, 100m w/r, compromised slightly on the strap, but how many watches in one is it? Diver, beater, holiday/travel, gym, night (yes, I have a night watch, and that's a specific function), general day-to-day. That's a lot of functionality in 1. I could get rid of 5 watches! Take a look. I'm not connected to them , nor do I own one...yet!
Honestly, your insights and perspective are incredibly useful and interesting for someone new to the hobby. Wonderful content, completely underrated creator. subbed!
Best watch channel! Well obviously very subjective but I prefer this format over the louder voices in this space that are more animated. Just a good honest discussion
Fairly certain the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT shown at 2:52 isn’t quartz as labelled. It’s got an automatic movement. Certainly, the non GMT Aquascaphe has an automatic Miyota 9039.
Editing mistake. Should have been a timex in that spot. (Which has a similar bezel which is likely why I mixed them up)
Well spotted. 😀👍
Similar looking watches! :)
Own the Timex Q GMT and like you describe of watches in this price range, it feels light and lower quality in hand and the GMT hand is difficult to set correctly, but I love the look, credentials and it’s lightness = comfort. “Good watch” 👍🏻
I love this channel, it makes me remember the basic principles I was taught when I did my economics degree forty five years ago; principles such as "diminishing maginal utility", "market positioning" and "conspicuous consumption". Curves keep appearing in my head.
I have a few Christopher Ward watches (six and counting) and at this point in my life I can't justify spending more money on a watch just to buy brand recognition. My CW watches haven't had any problems with either build quslity or accuracy and a couple of them are now over ten years old. I've also been wearing the same Pulsar (Seiko) kinetic watch for sailing and motorcycling for the last twenty five years and that watch still looks the same and still has the same space age accuracy.
Excellent reviews and so simple put , it was a pleasure listening to your opinions, thank you .
I really like, that everytime you mention a watch, you also show a picture of it. THAT is the only way to do it on video; too many TH-camrs think that video = podcast.
Thanks - It started out as a way of adding visual interest, but it turns out not everybody knows every watch so adding the watches mentioned for context has been useful for many 😊
Yeah, I'm new to this scene, so I appreciate the visuals.
I also enjoyed this aspect of the video, however keep in mind that occasionally the watches being mentioned audibly are not the ones shown visually. This can be a little confusing.
Unfortunately sometimes the watch shown is not the one talked about )))
Coffee and a new video from Mike…just part of my Saturday morning routine.
☺️
Same here. Afternoon cappuccino from my Gaggia, and the video. Wondering about selling my Tudor - oof, their secondary values tumble - great for buyers of pre-loved.
@@mindfulawareness1They sure do tumble. I’ll hang on to my Black Bay Heritage a while longer LOL
@@eyeheartsushi2212Same here! 😂 I thought it would be time to let go of my heritage 41. But let’s enjoy it a lil longer 🙈
lol.... sounds wonderful (at least the coffee does) 😂😂
This channel is quickly becoming my favorite channel when it comes to watches. Super insightful. Subscribed 👍
Now the bot comments are taking over. This has been posted every last of his 7-8 videos
Same
@@patrik3450 your comment had me questioning if i was an actual bot for a second there 😂😂
@@troytona no problem 😅😂 but there are a lot of them everywhere on TH-cam these days.
he really is unique in terms of his analyses. like the underlying theme of the video, he seems to differentiate his approach vs. other watch reviewers
Love the no nonsense of the channel
No hype
Just a well considered and thought out discussion on watches
Love the Channel
Glad to hear it 😃
I’m convinced that the most overhyped spec is water resistance. How many buyers dive at depth? Power reserve is another spec that I don’t hold much value in. If it’s a daily watch, who cares? If it runs out of power, wind and shake it.
I also wonder about in-house movements from brands like Nomos that don’t have USA servicing. Just my 2 cents.
Agreed on the water resistance. I just want enough to not worry about it getting wet when I wash my hands or to possibly swim in.
and who needs a screw down crown? Not me, I hate these things, just somthing to worry about or break :(
The thing is, a water resistance rating doesn't correspond to actual use in, say, diving. So the depth rating is in general way overstated. 300 meters may be more like 100 meters in real use. Fortunately, 100 meters is almost 3x the recreational depth limit.
It is same in the sports car world. I have an old Corvette ZR1 that is capable of speeds of over 200mph. I'll never go that fast, but it sure is a cool feeling driving a car that can. It is satisfying owning a thing that was designed to do something extreme, even if you never test those limits. None of that may appeal to a person, and for those people they make Toyota Corollas.
@@overbuiltlimited you dont have be going 200mph to enjoy a corvette, you can still feel the car's power and handling when driving normal, ive enjoyed plenty of fast cars without breaking traffic laws. you can't feel a watch's 300m rating when washing your hands.
Your insight stems from common sense but overlooked by the lust of the chase by the masses. Thanks for bringing me back down to earth. I'm a person who can afford watches 10k and less, but prefer the quality of $1500 resulting from the competition. Name allure is something that turns me off and I am a person who appreciates engineering and quality. I enjoy Sinn, CW, Longines & Seiko watches.
Well said. As a mechanical Engineer I feel exactly the same.
Those Seiko movements though. How do they jibe with the engineering mind?
I am eyeing the spb143 with the 6r35. I would just like the accuracy to be good enough to not have to think about it. I am trying to digest what another TH-camr (Andrew Morgan) recently said - if you’re worried about seconds per day, you’re doing it wrong.
@@yleexot touche. I've been lucky with mine In fact that is the only Seiko I own hahaha
@@yleexotforget about accuracy. Nobody is wearing a mechanical watch to accurately know the time. It’s just a piece of jewelry with engineering involved
@@yleexot Couldn’t agree with you more! As a long time Seiko fan it infuriates me that even the 4R movements can be regulated to +/- 6 or 7 secs per day, and even better on the 6R movements, yet Seiko doesn’t do this simple procedure before overcharging you for the watches that have these movements?!! But it gets better, I have a SLA051 Willard (£2500 when new so not insubstantial money) re-interpretation with undecorated GRAND SEIKO movement 8L35 got it, was running -12 secs per day, gave it 8 weeks to bed in, same! Had to pay good money at a Grand Seiko boutique to regulate it and restore its water resistance back to new, now running +0.5 to 1 sec per day, consistently, superb, and despite all this, love the watch, Apocalypse Now was THE movie when I was a teenager and had to have a Willard! Why Seiko, why the eff do you do this shit? Regulate your bloody watches! Even startup micro brands do so FFS! I will add I am a Mechanical Engineer so precision and making sure things run as they SHOULD do is part of my DNA. So can’t agree with Andrew Morgan, despite liking his channel.
Your video summed it up very well. It's like most every product, there's a point when you stop looking at "specs" and pay more attention to the name and when that convergence happens, you'll pay more because you perceive it elevates YOU. The best advice is to buy what YOU like.
My "best" watch is my Seiko SPB143 because of the heritage, name and because it just looks cool. Not the most expensive watch, but my favorite.
SPB143 - also a favorite of mine. So far, likely my most worn watch of the year 😊
Youre paying for brand equity when you buy a Rolex or an Omega. It's another way of saying you're feeding your ego, and they know it needs feeding so charge you 10x what it costs to make because boosting ones image with material things is a bottomless pit of cash that a good portion of society are willing to pay. You could say brands are about quality, but when they get excessive they are simply about addressing insecurity in the buyer. That's a Rolex
My Seiko SKX013 and 009 cost me around $200-300. . Had had it for over 10 years and still running strong. They have 200m water resistance, ISO, rotating bezel day date and automatic. They don’t make watches like these any more
Definitely can last forever with periodic service.
Seiko Turtles are pretty good replacements of SKX watches. Sure, they cost more but that can be attributed to inflation.
And if you don't need 200m but 100m is good enough then the 5KX aka SRPD series are great and cost $200-300.
I disagree. Have 2 skxes. Around 5 years old now. For last two years they've been running plus few minutes per day. Sounds OK for the price but it's frustrating especially that THE CROWN on one got very hard to unscrew and had to be serviced. They're objectively bad watches but cool from historical perspective. Also bezel on one stopped rotating. Its all OK if service for them was widely accessible but with rising cost of labour you better learn it yourself or loose a lot of money(in respect to price paid)
@@przemyslawskoczylas5183 Most likely your SKXs have gotten magnetized, especially if you work around cars, audio equipment or other electronics.
I brought a watch to the traditional jeweler's and their watchmaker demagnetized it for free and handed it back in five minutes.
Later I brought my own demagnetizer for $20 from Esslinger, a watch tools specialist. They're also on Amazon etc.
Sure they do. San Martin, Cronos, Seestern/Sugess, Thorn...high quality components (NH34/35/36/38; PT5000, ST2130, etc.), sapphire w/AR, 316L, BGW9 lume, 120 click ceramic bezels, etc.
So tired of short videos, it takes time to develop your thoughts and arguments. So appreciated, TKS!
I just picked up the longines Zulu 39 for around $4000 CAD and wow am I Impressed, the overall finishing attention to detail,
Movement and the way the crown operates is just buttery smooth fantastic all around!
I’m really enjoying this channel… just fell onto it tonight! My best watch is a super inexpensive Seiko watch my father purchased in the early 80’s. When I turned 16 he told me I need to be punctual for work (my first full time job), and he took it off and gave it to me. He passed away last year, and I’m scared to wear it out and about as it means so much to me.
Welcome here 😊
Greetings from Greece! Yet another classy and well-rounded video. Thank you for your take on price categories and value evaluation and how brand names impact this. This video could very much be a useful reference ... negating the need for a formal marketing course (for this specific industry). Bravo!
Thanks a ton 😊
Wow. I've just found your channel, and it's like a breath of fresh air in the watch world.
Other channels have knowledge, sure. But you offer WISDOM. It's amazing. You cut through the noise and actually reveal what's going on below. Incredible. Love it. May you go from strength to strength!
Thanks and welcome 😃😃
You’re one of the best channels about quality watches out there ..
Giving great insight to the facts with common sense applied to it..
Kinda like…
Seiko’s Lumabrite with several layers applied
Verses Hamilton & Tissot lume..
I appreciate your knowledge
Greg
Thanks for contributing . Cheers 😊😊
At this stage, in terms of an 'informative' and 'thought-provoking' watch TH-cam channel, I don't think there is any doubt that this is the 'best' one. (Oops, that word again). It really is a revelation.
You are too kind. Don't know if I'm that good, but am happy that there are some that appreciate my approach 😃
I love the way you point out what the brands are thinking with their designs and specs at different price points. Now that you point out the key design elements I know what to look for during my watch collecting journey. Thank you for the education.
Glad you found it helpful. Always remember to do your own research as well. 😊😊
Great videos Mike. I like all of my watches for different reasons, but I have a cheap Timex (35mm+dark blue face+white numerals and lettering) that always brings a smile to my face when I wear it with sweaters. I put a dark brown leather strap on it, and I can't believe how fluid it looks with the right outfit. Simplicity at its finest.
Good choice! .😊
A 1966 Bellaire Mechanical watch, still have it and it saved my life while I was in Vietnam, it is my most 'valuable' watch.
My Invicta Grand Diver #3048 was purchased 12 years ago for $125CAD and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That NH35A movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
Another lovely job, Mike. So happens i showed my 12 watch rotation box to a non-watchnerd friend this week and sure enough, his Qs included "What's your favourite?" and "Which is the best watch here?". All i could do was mumble and start explaining comparatives between several much-loved pieces.
Anyway, this Saturday morning i think it's my vintage Seiko Bullhead. Ask me again next weekend 😀
Who's the favorite of your children? Probably easier to answer for me than my favorite watch... 😂😂
Outstanding video!!! This was exactly the kind of video I've been looking for. It's been super difficult to look through the seemingly endless options and determine the best value for money watches (im not a fan of paying premiums for brand names). Recently bought a CW and my experience definitely seems to align with what you're saying, £1000-£1500 is a sweet spot for value and quality.
Glad you found it helpful 😊
Love your channel and reviews. I own a collection of the usual suspects - rolex, omega, tag. However I am hooked on a Casio Oceanus S-100. A sub 500 USD watch, in titanium. Has a radio signal, solar quartz movement. It just works. No servicing or worry that it might get damaged. You should take a look, they are a refreshing perspective on watch making.
Glad to have you as a supporter 😃
I agree here about the Oceanus line. The no-nonsense beauty of the T200, for instance, has sold me on reliable, solar, radio controlled outfit. As seen with our author’s response, many folks either avoid mention of the Casio line or are simply unaware of it as a true competitor.
Where have you been all my (very short, btw) watch enthusiasts' life? By far yours is the best channel that speaks to me while I try and understand the world of watches. Well done, sir.
Very kind of you. Just happy you found me 😃
Awesome video.
Here's my little collection:
- Omega Aqua Terra 38 white dial
- Seiko SJE093 (62MAS)
- MONTA Oceanking v3
How are you liking the ocean king compared to your other 2 watches?
Thanks... and...
Awesome collection. Good choices 😃😃
I really enjoyed this video. Haven't seen someone so eloquent and precise about this. Thank you Sir.
Thank you 😃
Excellent , my friend .
My best ( too me ) is my Grand Seiko SBGN003 with Quartz 9F86 GMT movement .
It was $4500aud 5 years ago and when I changed the battery after 3.5 years it had gained 3 seconds ,,, impressive hand made by one watchmaker quartz movement ! .
How do I know it's 3 seconds gain after 3.5 years you ask ? .
I also own a 8X42 Seiko Astron that I sync with the GPS satellites and use this watch as my base about every 3-6 months , if you don't know a GPS/Atomic clock sync'd watch is ,, + or - one second in 100,000 years ! .
So yes my Grand Seiko is my favorite , the build is amazing as well .
I enjoy your videos Mike. My favorite watch that I keep wanting to wear everyday is also my least expensive in my collection. It's a Seiko SKX007. It doesn't have manual winding or hacking, it gains 5-8 seconds per day but I just don't care. I love the simplicity and the reliability of this dated design. With an upgraded bracelet, ceramic bezel insert, it is very comfortable to wear and enjoy.
It’s official. You are now my favorite TH-cam channel.
You asked about our best watch. That’s a tough question that I had not asked myself before.
There are, in my opinion, 2 ways to define best watch. One is what you proposed in your video. In this case it would be my Speedy.
The other is the story of the watch. In this case I t is the watch awarded to my grandfather for him being in the frontlines in the WWII campaign to liberate Italy from the Nazis. Also a chronograph, nowhere near as refined as a speedy, but it is the best watch in the world for me. 😊
Happy to hear it - welcome aboard 😃
My best watch ...is the watch I'm currently wearing - "Love the one you're with." Enjoyed this episode -good job! Today it's a first Generation Seiko Orange Monster on a new orange rubber strap. It makes me smile... It doesn't hand wind, or have hacking seconds which is pretty quirky.
Cool watch sir ! 😃
You are Fanstastic !! My best ia a Sinn U50 mother of Perl in Black U-boat bracelet, a Longines herirage classic in Blue leder and a Metal G-Shock 5600 . More than enough fron gut watches.... u are so right.... its all matters of perspective.... keep up the gut work and your open opinions! Thanks for the opinions and video's! Stefan Germany
What a fantastically clear, concise and comprehensive breakdown of market segmentation strategies. This discussion goes way beyond various price points of time pieces. Love it. Subscribed and looking forward to seeing more.
Welcome aboard, thanks 😊
I liked this video 😀 I also got say my favourite watch atm is my cheapest $100 white Casio watch. I use it at work (kindergarten where I often get sand on it) and I have 13! different NATO straps for it, so I change it daily. What I like about it over my much more expensive mechanical watches is that I don't care if it get broken as it so cheap that I can afford to buy a new one if needed. So far though I haven't seen a single scratch on it :) I do prefer having my more expensive mechanical watches around my wrist, but I hate always feeling like I have to be extra careful with it because I know the fixing price is more than the whole Casio watch.
I have never enjoyed content as much as yours. Your insight is exceptional not only from your knowledge of watches but the bigger picture of the industry as a whole. Well done.
Cool, thanks 😊😊😊😊😊
This is the best and most precise chanel for watches. The argumentation is so precise and clear, I love it!
Thanks 😀
My friend, I really enjoyed your video. I am a big fan of Omega and Gruen etc.. but recently I was prompted to by a very cheap Seiko quarts Chronograph on special, appreciating the build quality and finishing. The patina is fantastic. All stainless steel, polished.. leather strap, I just couldn't turn it down for the price. If I had the spare cash, because I'm not one to blow my capital, I wouldn't buy a rolex. But an omega I would. The seiko is my cheap substitute until that day arrives.
I appreciate everything you compiled into this video, it's not all about status, its about what best suits you.
I've never seen a video that tackles this question in this manner. What you're basically doing is giving us what we need and not what we want....in a good way! Since seeing this video, I know what to look for when comparing watches, I know what to ask. It narrowed down the process for me to a more focused one.
Just trying to put a different spin on what else is out there. Glad to hear it resonated 😊
You have a good pulse on what different consumers look for in a watch. I especially appreciated the discussion at the 4K level where a large part of the price tag is brand recognition. In a way it’s a bit like wine at $20, $50 and $200. Beyond a certain price it’s no longer about quality or winemaking but the prestige linked to a particular label or producer. Appreciate your thoughtful discourse as always, cheers!
This is a great channel, the topics are relevant and not repetitive with other watch channels, I like his insight into buyers’ habits, brand positioning, and seeing value in a wide variety of manufacturers. Keep it up
Will try my best 😀
Yet again, a fantastic and refreshing take on a subject that has been beaten to death by other youtubers. My "best" watch is probably my 1950s JLC 37.5mm 'jumbo' Cal. 479. No other watch gets as much wrist time, and no other watch sounds as good, JLC is JLC for a reason.
Very entertaining and informative channel. One big plus is that the man speaks proper English in a pleasant pace. How delightful.
My 'best' watch? Probably the watch that makes me smile, doesn't break the bank and doesn't keep me worried all the time about scratching or damaging it. So two come to mind: my G-Shock GW-M5610-1 and my Seiko Pilot Flightmaster SNA411P1. Are they objectively better than my Omega or Longines? Probably not, but they make me comfortably happy.
M5610 - Good choice 😀😀
Thank you for sharing. Those are really excellent points. When it comes down to it, purchasing a watch, wearing a watch, and talking about one's watch is all part of the experience of owning one. Whether we pay $100 or $10,000, it's all about the meaning (and function) a watch brings to our lives.
Thanks for stopping by - It's appreciated 😃
Very well described! I agree with your price categories, and I appreciate the clearheader assessment of maker intent in each. Very difficult to find others discussing this frankly, thank you.
honestly im so glad i found this channel. Been watching watch youtubers for years and i can say that this channel has by far the best and most enjoyable content amongst all i've seen. I cant help but binge-watch.
Wow, thanks. Glad you're on board 😀
Love your channel. The sheer amount of rapid-fire, insightful content is just amazing!
kind of you, thanks 😃😃😃👍
I like your perspectives and analytic style that applies to a number of other markets. I worke in the high-end audio segment and it’s very much alike.
Don't get me started on speaker cables, open back headphones and tube amps....... 😂
I really like your explanation of watches . This is so informative for anyone starting out watch collecting or just looking for a watch with a certain budget
1. Very insightful.
2. Like many people, I have stumbled through things over the years on my learning curve. Yes, I learned that quartz movements were more accurate and if service were required, much less expensive. When my girlfriend paid for a factory overhaul of her Rolex, I was blown away.
3. Eventually, I concluded the most visible part of the complete watch was the strap. I discussed this with a watch repairman. He said that the problem was that a leather band wore out too quickly. So during the week, he would wear a watch with a metal strap and a watch with a leather strap on a date or going to an event. Seemed like a very good idea.
In December, I bought a new Bulova watch. By March, the leather strap was cracking. Ok. Switched to a Wenger military with a Speidel twistaflex band as the daily beater. Have 1/2 dozen watches with new leather straps available if I have to wear a suit or go out somewhere.
Second video of yours I’ve seen today. I’m a fan. Appreciate your format. Will keep watching!
Happy to hear it - welcome aboard 😊😊
I loved the video. Interesting. Surprise ending with the swatch... i bought around last christmas a seiko solar diver sne589. I put a rubber strap on it. I fell in love with this watch and seem to be unable to take it off.
Thanks for sharing! 😊
13:02 will a quartz movement in a 200 m water resistant case last us long as a mechanical movement in the same case? Considering that no one is servicing a $1500 watch, wouldn’t the robustness of quartz be an asset in this price range?
Yes - As long as the case is specced to handled it. You would have to have it serviced to change the battery (theoretically you could do it yourself but I would worry about maintaining the seal). At the end of the day quartz just isn't "cool" 😊
I thoroughly enjoy this watch channel. The topics, related facts, and comparisons discussed in the content of this channel, are excellent. This information is extremely helpful to me in my watch collecting journey. 👍
Much appreciated! 😊
I just found your website Mike. I love the way you think and the way you explain things - very educational and could apply your approach to just about anything (classic menswear, cars, antiques, etc.). You’re very good at what you do!
Thanks for that - Glad you felt the video was worth your time 🙂
Great discussion. Very insightful. Glad to see Longines and Tudor being discussed as competitors. The former has a much longer history, more diverse range of designs, while the other has the a Rolex connection and pretty safely designed offerings. Longines at its lower end has lower quality and finishing than Tudor. But comparing their more comparably-specced models, they actually compete very favourably.
Thanks 😃
I acquired a Seiko SRP automatic for $169 and of course, it's lovely. I do wish for more (screw down crown/bracelet) but it's a beautiful sport model and looks lovely. $500 can buy you a lot if you look carefully.
I do love your videos and thank you for making these.
Excellent video. Subscribed. I'm in the 1500USD category. Some very nice everyday watches at this price point. My Sinn 556A-RS is probably my favourite so far.
I own a digital Timex Expedition with a rotating bezel, which was the first watch I ever owned. I received it somewhere in the mid 90's when I was about 10 years old, and besides replacing the strap and battery, it still runs. Nothing on it is broken and even the Indiglo (yes, Indiglo) still works. I throw it on my wrist a few times a year just for nostalgia.
I think I saw a video once on the Timex Expedition field watch and its similarity to the Hamilton Khaki. Of course the latter is more refined, automatic etc. But the increased refinement isn't that big a difference for me. So I stay with my Timex, so reliable and durable. I do have a mid-range Swiss but that's my luxury item that I hope lasts forever.😂
Very well presented discussion and arguments. The only feature I'll look for in a watch at 500 dollars, is if it has a sapphire crystal. Movement, water resistant etc, is not important to me because 1 I don't wear my watches in the water and 2 the movement is fairly basic. Now at 1k-1500, I look for a design I like. And if I like a design that much, I'll look at other dial variations of the same model and potentially buy the same watch but with a different dial design or color. I have 3 Seiko Samurais and 3 Oris Chronoris models, one being a variation of the chronograph model.
Great video! May or May not have a 'best' watch, but this is one of the best watch video and channel!
I think objectively you can say that a watch is better than another, of course keeping in mind the ratio of what you are getting versus the price. For example longines spirit Zulu time 39mm is one of the best watches on the market as far as I am informed. Now 'favorite' watch - this is a different matter and there it is strictly subjective. I think being able to be aware of these two approaches is freeing and also keeps things both playful and serious for our hobby 🙂
This has quickly become my favourite place on the internet for all things watches. Great work!
Wow, thanks! 😊
I really enjoy your channel and analysis and am glad I came across it. I find your insights very well-thought out and fair. I’m not the most knowledgeable watch enthusiast out there but I certainly know the things I like. Watches are fantastic because there really is something for everyone.
Happy to hear that my video was worth your time 😀
This is now my favourite watch channel on TH-cam 💯, such great content and done superbly, well done sir 👏👏👏 and my favourite watch atm a Speedy 3861 Hesalite it hasn’t left my wrist for weeks 😄
Speedy for the win 👍👍
A really good overview of the watch market, showing what to expect at different price points. No over the top praise or criticism of brands, just clear advice & explanation of the reality how the market works. So many watch fans get hooked up on the specs, they become a bit blinkered when comparing models.
Glad you found it worth a watch 😊
I wear for my daily beater a Datejust 36, year of 2003 with the 3135 movement that I bought used maybe five years back. I have close to an eight inch wrist but I prefer the smaller diameter as I work often in cramped quarters, instrumentation technician. The smaller the diameter the fewer dings collected. Cracking good video mate!
Great to see a Traska pop up on your B roll. The coating on them is outstanding and for the money, excellent. All the second hand ones I have seen and had hands on, are in fantastic condition.
Yeah - I threw it in as an easter egg, because I feel they have some relevant offers 😃
Stumbled on your site, but it’s becoming one of my favourites. Big fan of TGV and the Urban Gentry, but your videos are also very enjoyable and informative, so thank you. Steve
Love that you highlighted Christopher Ward @8:00 for the $1,500 range.
I've enjoyed my 2019 Christopher Ward C65 Trident GMT (Pepsi) Retro Diver 41mm watch for the past 4 years.
I thought about getting YEMA Superman GMT, but still holding out for another Pepsi-bezel GMT that hits the mark in the $1,500-4,000 range.
I had resisted getting the Tudor Black Bay GMT Peps, just because of price inflation by dealers. (similar to auto dealer adjustments)
That Swatch Mickey Mouse at the end was just true provocation😂
Another great video, I’d also emphasise that the individual perceived quality of a brand has a lot to do with brand allegiance or brand social status (very clear when it comes to Rolex mass appeal).
Google Damien Hirst Mickey Mouse Swatch... I have a full set of both watches. It's hotter than the moonswatch 😉
My best watch is my 1982 Seiko speedtimer. I bought it when I was 19 years old and still have it. A couple of years ago I had it serviced and the gasket replaced. It runs like a new watch and I wear it every week.
Always wait for your new videos. So much to learn from you. Always feel you have guided me from being ripped.regards from India
Great to hear! Cheers 😊
I love how you explain this so clearly!
Glad it was helpful! 😃
I appreciate your unique approach and logical perspective on watches and the watch industry. Thank you.
Very welcome - thanks for watching 😃😃
Great analysis it can really be applied in those price contexts. The sweet spot appears to be that $1500 range if one is looking for function minus the bells and whistles. I recently purchased a Marathon GSAR which totally meets every criteria you mentioned in that $1500 range: - solid workhorse parts, no nonsense construction unpretentious in its claims to be anything other than a tough useful tool. Therein lies its magic no glamour no tricks doesn’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight.
That’s my take away as well. I’m currently thinking about getting a couple of Sinn watches at that price point. One for me and one for my wife as a 10 year anniversary gift. It seems like the $1500 number is a good place to be for something you’d like to pass on to your kids
Great video! You explained everything that I Needed to know. I am trying to get onto getting my watch collection (as a hobby enthusiast) and my holy grail is buying a grand seiko spring drive or a mechanical hamilton (a chronograph like the intramatic or the murph). I currently own the citizen tsukyiomi green dial, a vintage seiko, a vagary and a swatch gifted many years ago. I am a guy that does not use many feature like the GMT and I don't travel in different time zones. Let's say that I am pretty "basic" to be honest and one thing that I can say, there are tons of microbrands like venezianico, addiesive or phoibos that buys movement from the most popular manifacturers. Have you ever heard of lamberti orologiai? He is an independent watchmacher that modifies popular movement and make these as an in house movement like the sellita sw 200, seagull 1963, and the seiko nh35. In my opinion the money are well spent for what it is capable of. If you ever plan to make a review I am very curious to hear your thoughts 😄
I love your down to earth approach - this video can really help navigating the wonderful world of watches.
glad you found it worth your time 😃
Such a thoughtful analysis of the proponents and components of watches at various price points. Well done. Subscribed.
Thanks - Welcome aboard 😀
A crash course in watch price points. As a fairly new enthusiast, I learned quite a lot from this 'pro bono' video for watch lovers. Mike, you are an excellent teacher.
This channel rocks…maybe I’m basic, but I just picked up a secondhand Speedmaster for less than $4K…to me, this might be the best $4000 watch on the market today.
Speedmaster is always a good choice 😃😃
I have a 2 watch collection. I have a seiko spb143 and a seiko sje093 both mentioned here haha. The 143 is such an attractive watch to (and good value) while the sje is beautifully finished and just spotless. Both watches are running within +/- 2 sec. Before buying the sje I considered many other watches (BB54, P39, IWC spitfire, GS sbgw231) but I wanted something a little more unique and not so mass produced as this was my first “luxury” watch. As a seiko fan the sje was for me and was an “upgrade” to my spb but nothing can replace my 143.
I have the 143 and keep looking at the 093 😂 suprised you still love the 143 even though owning the upgrade. I think need to just stick to the 143.... do you wear 143 on the bracelet?
@@daveLin104 haha they’re just two different watches that share the same dna. i think the 143 is honestly a better fit for my wrist and i might be the only person with both that prefers the 143. I like the white indices and thicker bezel. what i wish i had was the finishing and thinner movement of the 093 but in the 143 design. I wear the 143 mostly on MN strap and sometimes on natos. i might sell the 093 for P39 but we’ll see. It is a very special watch but a little small for my liking.
Love this channel!! My favorite value was ches in my collection are watches that I purchased years ago - Seiko SARB 033, 035 and 037. I have more expensive watches in my collection and these actually get the most wear. Thanks for all of your great videos!
You're welcome and thanks a ton for watching 😀
Entertaining and educating. Thanks!
I enjoy your balanced strategic thoughts.
And I am really curious how San Martin (as an example of a Chinese high quality manufacturer) will develop in terms of marketing and distribution over the next years.
What are your views on the business development of high quality Chinese brands?
Great video. I just bought the Breitling Pistachio B09 Chrono for 5K on eBay. Please tell me I didn’t lose my tail on this one… just love the watch. A little nervous since it’s my first manual wind. Would love to hear your thoughts on this model by Breitling.
Nice 👍
Great watch actually!
This is one of the most informative videos on watches ive ever watched. You are a saint. Thank you
Great video. I love watches and the outdoors. I am a shooter/hunter and often get questions on optics. Which is similar to what is being shown here. I'll always tell people to stay away from cheap scopes or binoculars (Fashion watch equivalent) they offer no value in fact I'd actually say they are waste of money. Stepping up a few hundred dollars is going to provide a huge upgrade in optical clarity and quality much like stepping up to a $1500 watch. My Oris Aquis is light years a head of a fashion watch. The Oris may not be "as nice" as my Tudor or Breitling Super Ocean but the gap is going to be much smaller.
In optics a nice set of Nikon binoculars will be WAY nicer than a cheap pair of NC Star. Stepping up to a Leupold Golden Ring compared to Zeiss, Leica or Swarovski is quality gap is even less. However, what I have found is premium companies (watches or optics) also tend to offer outstanding customer service ......somethings are "over priced" but sometimes things cost more for a reason.
Always a delight to hear your unique perspective on these price points. Bravo.
Great video. Really appreciate your content. I love my glycine gl0057. I understand the "controversy", but it's just a good watch for me. And since you mentioned quartz and fashion brands... I really like my lunar pilot. For me it's a solid watch with interesting history.
I fell in love with my Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Men's Automatic Watch FC-303RMB5B6. it is simple and with "less is more" type of design. i paid 1,700 bucks for that watch but I love it. its my first Automatic Watch that don't mind wearing it anywhere.
Always enjoy these super informative videos; the conversational format works a treat. Cheers!
cheers 😃
I've worn My TW Steel TW74 for 15 years. It's never let me down and looks great. I understand what makes a great watch and just started to venture into this space buying the Omega Speedmaster 'moonwatch' but it just goes to show you that watches are emotional objects that even under $500 can last a long time.
This is good guidance to start from, providing reference points that allow to make sense of market, brands and price brackets. Wish I had tit a year ago when I entered the hobby.
Each of us adds his own biases and preferences on top of that ground.
I'm lucky that I don't give that much value to brands, this will probably allow me to collect more and spend less. I resonate with other things, like movements that represent(ed) a technical advance, history and my quirky taste 😅
Any thoughts on the Hamilton Khaki field? I have a small collection made up of Omega, Tudor, Tag, Seiko, Swatch and finally apple! I think I’d like a Hamilton next. I like the simplicity of it, often wear my watches on a nato strap and I love history and a good story!
Epic videos, I’m pleased I found your channel and look forward to future content.
👍🏻
Another excellent video, thanks - I always look forward to these now, the effort and consideration u put into them is much appreciated. I have a Swatch also (for nostalgia reasons!), is far too small (34”?). My ‘best’ watch is a CW diver; looks great and is accurate to 1 sec but that doesn’t stop me looking to the more expensive brands, even though logically it makes no sense. This ‘hobby’ is brutal and completely irrational! 😂
Brutal is a very appropriate way of describing it. Especially for the bank account potentially 😊😊
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch 💰😁
The best watch is the one which connect you to people you love. I have two of my grandfathers watches, may he rest in peace. A small Fortis toolwatch and a Eterna. Great video and explanation!
This channel is gold. Fascinating to hear depth and perspective from someone that doesn’t have to restrain from offending a brand they have a financial interest in. Move over Teddy Baldassarre and Hodinkee, there is a new up and coming channel for watch lovers.
Thanks for the praise. Glad you found me 😃
So informative and helpful. Thank you. My best watches are my JLC Reverso or my Kurono Tokyo Hisui. But crazy how much fun and pleasure I get from my quartz PRX I got for $270. And I also have a swatch I love.
You are welcome 😊
Just found this channel and glad I did 👍 very clear cut and very informative.
Welcome 😊
Without question the one of the best watch channels on TH-cam...and I watch most of them.
Very kind - Thank you 😃
I think the 1.5k range is the most interesting. I.e., Zelos, Eagle T2. Titanium, LJP motor, tons of lume, 100m w/r, compromised slightly on the strap, but how many watches in one is it? Diver, beater, holiday/travel, gym, night (yes, I have a night watch, and that's a specific function), general day-to-day. That's a lot of functionality in 1. I could get rid of 5 watches! Take a look. I'm not connected to them , nor do I own one...yet!
Honestly, your insights and perspective are incredibly useful and interesting for someone new to the hobby. Wonderful content, completely underrated creator. subbed!
Awesome! Thank you! 😊
Best watch channel! Well obviously very subjective but I prefer this format over the louder voices in this space that are more animated. Just a good honest discussion
Lol... 😂 Not subjective at all. If you say it, it's the truth 😂😂😂