Happy New Year. I'm not surprised by the first place in the ranking. Many beautiful watches were released by Seiko last year. For me, the JMT of the year is the black alpinist. For the last 14 months I bought one Swiss and seven Seikos, which is indicative. In general, up to 2000 dollars, Seiko is without competition. This is my personal unprofessional opinion.🌊😎 Health and success in the new year. Continue to please us with good reviews 🔥
A great year for Citizen, I bought my wife the 36mm diver for Christmas 2023 and she has worn it all year, her Longines hardly got a look in. And the Chono-chicken is fantastic, I'd really like one of those! Looking forward to your videos this year 👍
Excellent choices everyone! Thanks for putting this together. This gives a great idea of who your viewers are. I think every watch reviewer should do this.
Doesn't seem like it. For the last few years I've been covering mostly micros, and most of those aren't bringing in new viewers according to the metrics.. In fact this year I think I only did 4 AlliX watches out of the 60+ videos. They all outperformed most of the micro videos I did this year with 2 of those in the top 10. It seems like the interest in microbrands is at a low these days. Now that doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking at Micros, or become an Aliexpress home shopping network like so many others. But it means if I was smart, I'd offer more balance.
Was i? Don't know... I might be getting old in this or my taste changed. One thing is for sure, less vids in 2025, less watches, but more spot on choices for a smaller, more thought out collection. Cheers Shane, be well mate. PS We need more leftfields in this hobby now, not hyped ones anymore😏
I really love your content 😍 because i love watches sooo much your content is like ASMR for me 😅 but don't you think your thumbnails need some improvement if you improve them you can grab more attention from people like me who loves watches If you want I can give you a FREE thumbnail trial and if you like it I can make more for you Looking forward to your response 😊
@@RelativeTime San Martin was my favourite watch from last year 😄 And if we talk about thumbnails, they are a bit messy and not much attractive as you know thumbnail is the first most important thing on TH-cam so it should be attractive So if you want I can make eye-catching Thumbnail for you 😊
Not just you, but far too many content creators publish the same info and Aliexpress junk. These days I seldom watch most of you. You guys even buy the same watches. I am also sick of hearing that Artem makes the best straps. At those prices I should hope so. Sorry, but these days I get my info elsewhere.
Did you happen to see my video on why there's so many overly positive videos reviews out there? Basically, I go into reasons why this is, or people think it is. But one of the main things I point out is don't necessarily think all reviewers are the same and are doing the exact same thing. For instance, out of the 60 some videos I put out last year only four were on AliExpress. I wouldn't say that's too many. And I've never done an Artem strap video. The other thing is that the algorithm is also to blame for a lot of the perception. The algorithm pushes what it thinks people want to view. Now sometimes us reviewers may take what we see as a trend and try to jump on it. But ultimately what the algorithm decides is based on what people are actually watching more often. So one of the things I found is that the more unusual watches, and a lot of microbrands that people don't necessarily know about. Don't do well. People generally don't seem to be interested, but that also tells the algorithms the video isn't worth sharing with anyone. And ultimately, it just gets buried. But regardless, find the information source you enjoy and find the most information out of. Basically, find what's best for you. If that's elsewhere, more power to you.
@@RelativeTime, I never said you made videos on Artem. I was talking about the TH-cam watch community. You want specifics. Peter Kotsa from Australia. He never saw a watch he didn't like or a free strap he didn't recommend. There are many guys like him and they are ruining the credibility of the serious reviewer. I also have a friend who has a TH-cam channel, not on watches. Your explanation on how the algorithm works isn't exactly correct. Anyway I am just saying why I am not comfortable with most of the watch reviews on TH-cam. You and I simply have different tastes. That's all.
@RelativeTime , I especially like Whitby and and Wayforth. Halios is quasi Canadian. These would be a good place to start. Of course you know Marathon, a very popular independent.
If you are attracted to the Wise, you might examine the Venezianico Gold (venice gold application to the dial, essentially a fancy gold plating process). Reminds me of that one.
I dunno. There new hot watch which is mostly original seems to be popping up everywhere. Although here is a question. Now that Mark is carrying and selling them on his site, does that legitimize the brand? I'm curious what people think.
It’s sweet how some people speak for all ‘watch collectors’ even if their mind-reading abilities leave rather alot to be desired! 🤔 I think Mark’s endorsement-through-stocking of SM watches is actually a reflection of the legitimacy they’ve already achieved. The overall quality is astonishing and I can see SM continuing to gain mainstream distribution. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of SM because of their use of NH35 movements in no-date watches resulting in ghost date crown positions, so I hope similar quality brands like Baltany, Cronos, and Proxima follow SM outwith Aliexpress into AD retail with an increasing number of original designs. That will be good for the hobby as a whole.
@@xtr1092 😆 Wow that's some intense research dude . I do not own a SM but one can not deny the standard of finish & build quality they achieve at a price which puts to shame a number of big brands swiss or japanese costing 3x more .The question here is what your defenition of a watch collector is ?
@@tedblack2415 i agree with that, i just think they are a brand that is used to get into watches before seeing if you want to move on or not but priced well they are
One quick note, I accidentally call #9 on this list #8. That and at one point I say 2023 instead of 2024. Cheers!
A thoroughly deserved top spot for the Seiko GMT. It's nigh-on perfect at its price point.
I like this review topic and it makes a nice pair with your own favorites video. Very interesting to see which reviews are popular.
Happy New Year.
I'm not surprised by the first place in the ranking. Many beautiful watches were released by Seiko last year. For me, the JMT of the year is the black alpinist. For the last 14 months I bought one Swiss and seven Seikos, which is indicative. In general, up to 2000 dollars, Seiko is without competition. This is
my personal unprofessional opinion.🌊😎
Health and success in the new year. Continue to please us with good reviews 🔥
A great year for Citizen, I bought my wife the 36mm diver for Christmas 2023 and she has worn it all year, her Longines hardly got a look in. And the Chono-chicken is fantastic, I'd really like one of those! Looking forward to your videos this year 👍
Excellent choices everyone! Thanks for putting this together. This gives a great idea of who your viewers are. I think every watch reviewer should do this.
Great idea for a video. Appreciated!
Your review of that SM helped me decide to get it and I’m glad I did. Thanks!
Idk how many time I repeated on ur review of chronochicken😅 so pleased
Glad you liked it! 😂
Happy New Year Shane.
Have you checked out the Mometum Seaquartz?
I just picked one up, I like it very much. Plus, it has the whole Magnum PI vibe.
I realize AliExpress watches might garner more views but you should cover more microbrands too. It might pay off in the long run.
Doesn't seem like it. For the last few years I've been covering mostly micros, and most of those aren't bringing in new viewers according to the metrics.. In fact this year I think I only did 4 AlliX watches out of the 60+ videos. They all outperformed most of the micro videos I did this year with 2 of those in the top 10.
It seems like the interest in microbrands is at a low these days.
Now that doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking at Micros, or become an Aliexpress home shopping network like so many others. But it means if I was smart, I'd offer more balance.
can u link the fabric strap u have on the wise
Yeah, everyone asked about that one. It's a Harris Tweed strap from vario.
vario.sg/collections/harris-tweed-strap
Interesting. Happy 2025!
Interesting, Shane! I really like the Monta.
i quite like that #1 Seiko… 👍😊
Hi, does anyone recommend anything thats similar to a seiko turtle on the budgetish side?
Well, there's always the turtle clones? I'm sure, Mark has one in his islander collection and I know the steel dive 1960 is supposed to be good.
Nice idea
Koolest watch reviews on the internets… 👍😎
👍 thanks!
Do you still have the longines vhp??
Yeah, still have it. Actually had to change the battery on it not too long ago.
@RelativeTime nice, I still have mine.
Love the thing.rhanks for replying.
What a great idea for a video.
Thanks!
Was i?
Don't know... I might be getting old in this or my taste changed. One thing is for sure, less vids in 2025, less watches, but more spot on choices for a smaller, more thought out collection.
Cheers Shane, be well mate.
PS We need more leftfields in this hobby now, not hyped ones anymore😏
Thanks as always my friend!
I really love your content 😍 because i love watches sooo much your content is like ASMR for me 😅 but don't you think your thumbnails need some improvement if you improve them you can grab more attention from people like me who loves watches
If you want I can give you a FREE thumbnail trial and if you like it I can make more for you
Looking forward to your response 😊
What was your favorite watch from last year? What do you think could be improved?
@@RelativeTime San Martin was my favourite watch from last year 😄
And if we talk about thumbnails, they are a bit messy and not much attractive as you know thumbnail is the first most important thing on TH-cam so it should be attractive
So if you want I can make eye-catching Thumbnail for you 😊
Not just you, but far too many content creators publish the same info and Aliexpress junk. These days I seldom watch most of you. You guys even buy the same watches. I am also sick of hearing that Artem makes the best straps. At those prices I should hope so. Sorry, but these days I get my info elsewhere.
Did you happen to see my video on why there's so many overly positive videos reviews out there?
Basically, I go into reasons why this is, or people think it is. But one of the main things I point out is don't necessarily think all reviewers are the same and are doing the exact same thing.
For instance, out of the 60 some videos I put out last year only four were on AliExpress. I wouldn't say that's too many. And I've never done an Artem strap video.
The other thing is that the algorithm is also to blame for a lot of the perception. The algorithm pushes what it thinks people want to view. Now sometimes us reviewers may take what we see as a trend and try to jump on it. But ultimately what the algorithm decides is based on what people are actually watching more often.
So one of the things I found is that the more unusual watches, and a lot of microbrands that people don't necessarily know about. Don't do well. People generally don't seem to be interested, but that also tells the algorithms the video isn't worth sharing with anyone. And ultimately, it just gets buried.
But regardless, find the information source you enjoy and find the most information out of. Basically, find what's best for you. If that's elsewhere, more power to you.
@@RelativeTime, I never said you made videos on Artem. I was talking about the TH-cam watch community. You want specifics. Peter Kotsa from Australia. He never saw a watch he didn't like or a free strap he didn't recommend. There are many guys like him and they are ruining the credibility of the serious reviewer. I also have a friend who has a TH-cam channel, not on watches. Your explanation on how the algorithm works isn't exactly correct. Anyway I am just saying why I am not comfortable with most of the watch reviews on TH-cam. You and I simply have different tastes. That's all.
Re originaity v wuality of specs ..lets call it.
When 1s budget is bigger its easier to focus on originality..
We have some very good independent brands as well as microbrands being made in Canada. Frankly, I'll pass on the Ali Express junk.
Which microbrands are being made in Canada? Be interesting to check them out.
@RelativeTime , I especially like Whitby and and Wayforth. Halios is quasi Canadian. These would be a good place to start. Of course you know Marathon, a very popular independent.
If you are attracted to the Wise, you might examine the Venezianico Gold (venice gold application to the dial, essentially a fancy gold plating process). Reminds me of that one.
actual watch collectors will not own a san martin. they will look at them but not own one
I dunno. There new hot watch which is mostly original seems to be popping up everywhere. Although here is a question. Now that Mark is carrying and selling them on his site, does that legitimize the brand? I'm curious what people think.
It’s sweet how some people speak for all ‘watch collectors’ even if their mind-reading abilities leave rather alot to be desired! 🤔 I think Mark’s endorsement-through-stocking of SM watches is actually a reflection of the legitimacy they’ve already achieved. The overall quality is astonishing and I can see SM continuing to gain mainstream distribution. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of SM because of their use of NH35 movements in no-date watches resulting in ghost date crown positions, so I hope similar quality brands like Baltany, Cronos, and Proxima follow SM outwith Aliexpress into AD retail with an increasing number of original designs. That will be good for the hobby as a whole.
@@borassictime918 thats just from 4 people ive spoken to 4 out of 4
@@xtr1092 😆 Wow that's some intense research dude . I do not own a SM but one can not deny the standard of finish & build quality they achieve at a price which puts to shame a number of big brands swiss or japanese costing 3x more .The question here is what your defenition of a watch collector is ?
@@tedblack2415 i agree with that, i just think they are a brand that is used to get into watches before seeing if you want to move on or not but priced well they are