Bro I got one I'm a blue collar worker it gets oil dirt grease I been having the wallet from gentlemans gazette. It's worth the 320 dollars when I bought it . Facts
Which model? I own an Skx 009 made in 2018. It was 3 months out of the factory when I got it. I got it serviced, because some water got inside and it stopped working. 4 months after, I now have to service it again, because it stopped working. I’m a bit mad but I think I’ll keep it for life.
At 15 it may feel a little daunting to consider the monetary investment required to achieve your goal. let me offer you 2 cents of free advice. if you are not already working on it, and I suspect you are, consider what James mentioned earlier about this being your starting point and work on that integrity, discipline, courage, and your sense of justice. remember , life isn't fair, but justice tempered with wisdom will make a heck of a man out of you. you are on the right track by the way
Still wear the leather shoes I was married in 26 years ago. I don't recall the brand right now but they have held up well and still look great for a night out or a day in the office. When my daughter was young she called them my "clippy clop" shoes because of the sound. At 23 years old she still loves to see me wearing them.
be happy and enjoy :) i lost the first leather shoes i bought by myself during a party in normandy " lost in the mud " at night 🤣 i accidentaly damaged another pair at " aqua alta" in Venice ( salted water 😱) how many leather shoes ?? wait ... 2 blacks dressed or formal shoes boots i replaced ( after Venice 2007 ^^^) 2 browns ( one suede) loafers 2 docksides by sebago and espadrilles i can't count 🤣 so, for ... the middle of the eighties i "lost" two pairs of leather shoes 😛 it is luxury , not because of the price, it is luxury because i don't have to run shops every two years to change 😁
I inherited a Citizen watch from my father when he passed away 10 years ago. It's a nice looking watch. It is not the most expensive watch in the world, but it is a great looking gold and silver watch. I will always treasure it.
Wow. Gent Z finally hit 100K subscribers and I'm not surprised. As a older teenager about to enter adulthood, Gent Z has really helped me see some errors in my life, as well as show me ways to improve. Thank you, James, and keep up the good work. Can't wait for that 1.0 M subscribers
I’m 😊73 with a 1937 gold Rolex bought 45 years ago. A 1920 Martin guitar, Dak alligator shoes that have been resoled 3 times. A made to measure suit I wore for my wedding and still wear it on occasion. I have little money and live on a government pension in Canada. In my youth I made some remarkable investments that serve me now. Thanks for your videos. Cheers.
Admirable! I salute you sir! I have never invested in a high quality watch, but I have a 1978 Gibson guitar and a 1984 Rickenbacker bass guitar. A 2002 BMW M3. I have no desire to ever part with these things. No desire, or need, to replace them with something newer. This video really resonated with me, and your story does, too. Cheers!
I am a 75 year old, widower gentleman that is obsessed with your channel. I thrive with a minimalist but elegant wardrobe and enjoy walking around the city after a hot shower and a final spray of Chanel Bleu EDF...Thank you for all you do. I do believe that in life it's quality over quantity. Always, Best Quality as my late and beloved mother inculcated in me. Wishing you continued and solid success!
I’m 64 and that cologne gets me compliments EVERY single time ! I never ever had nice things . Born poor , and neglected myself in a 33 year bad marriage . Single at 51 and I spend on myself now and again and it feels great !
A good knife like a Case, Buck 110, or a victorinox. A fine handgun that not only does the job but is finely made and fitted, beautiful to look upon and fills your hand like it grew from it.
I’m old (65) but still enjoy your content. If I were young I’d invest in a Rolex Submariner as my 1 watch collection. It will last a lifetime and never go out of style. You can also wear it from jeans to a tuxedo. Also, you really need 2 pairs of high quality shoes because you need to give your shoes a break every once in a while. Finally, your shoes and belt should match. Just my thoughts.
You’re right. The Rolex Submariner was made iconic by Sean Connery in Dr No. His character was the first to break the rule of a dress watch with a tuxedo. Because, well, he was a gentleman assassin after all.
Don’t wear a Sub with a Tuxedo. Subs in the 60s were significantly smaller and thinner. Furthermore, Connery was 6’2”, so the proportions won’t match the average man. Wearing no wrist watch is the most elegant option here (or a pocket watch). But if you must, opt for something small and thin. If you still want to wear a sub with a tuxedo, go for it. But knowing you’re breaking the rules, like 007!
Good call on the Submariner. Arguably the best watch of all time. To your point, it's an incredibly versatile watch. Explorer is cheaper, and would be a great investment as well. You'd be good for life.
I would say sheets and bedding. I slowly upgraded my bed clothes a few years ago a bit at a time. Some of the best money I've ever spent. A good duvet, quality sheets, blankets, pillows and mattress make my bed feel like a luxury hotel bed.
I bought my 2009 Gibson SG used in summer 2011 and I’ve played the hell out of it everywhere from small clubs to the hard rock to my front porch. That thing is as much a piece of me as my left arm is. I’ll never let it go.
High quality furniture will last for decades. When we updated our living room furniture, our son got our old sofa and chairs for his new home since the pieces were in great condition.
Bought a victorinox penknife when 15 in Switzerland. It has been a lifelong companion, and is as useful now as ever. Quality product that will last a lifetime! 40+ years on and the penknife is as good as the day it was bought.
Your video channel is a good one. I especially like the idea of buying one good quality item and making it last. I have a Victorinox penknife like another commenter which I bought in Switzerland as a young man, I still ave it and use it regularly. Likewise with a pair of expensive Oxford leather shoes I bought a quarter of a century ago which has been resoled several times, despite wearing for work on numerous occasions and still occasionally worn in retirement.
Congrats on the 100K mark, James. I'm a 17 year old from India and I am really impressed with your way of living life. People really have forgotten the old and classy way of living their lives and I'm just mesmerized by how you're introducing them once again, to live the classy life again. I really appreciate your content and can't wait for you to reach 1 Million. Congrats 🎉🎉
I have a leather belt I bought around the year 2000 from Abercrombie (I know, but I was 20 and they were still cool back then) for maybe $60-70, it was very expensive for me but I loved it. It has aged well, I still wear it maybe 20% of the time with jeans and I imagine I'll have it for life.
I travel pretty extensively for work. When I went to college, my parents bought me a leather toiletry bag. I still have it and use it every week.. FYI, they bought it for me in 1975.
My Rolex Explorer II has been on my wrist for 25 years. And there is a 22 year old Land Cruiser in the garage, and will be there for years to come. I completely agree with the advice on this video. And I strongly advise a good vintage cast iron pan. I like a chromed Griswold. Chrome made it look unique and they are uncommon.
I‘m 35 and bought a Porsche 997.2 base and love it! It feels like my first and last car. I don’t want to sell it and planed to keep it. Like your channel and your mindset a lot
...and thats a Porsche that you should drive it as much as possible and enjoy it . Its going to put smiles / for miles driven . The more you drive , the more you want to keep it :) , and thats by my own experience
Definitely should include tools for this list. Simple, tough, and high quality tools can be passed down almost indefinitely. The mattock I use to dig out roots and such is over 100 years old and still works great
Respect for having this attitude at your age. I am 48 and my midlife crisis seemed to be buying the grail item of each product from car to camera to watch, lighter, shoes, torch, wallet. I've possibly forgotten a few hehe. Half the fun is the searching. Next is a Montblanc fountain pen. :)
i bought many wristwatches ... 20 years ago. from the 30's to the 70's it coasted quite nothing at this time today's prices ??? i quite don't care, they all run fine , my son will have 🤗
A few of my lifetime buys..... Triumph Bonneville motorcycle - even when I can't ride anymore, I'll roll it out and polish it. A good Italian motorcycle jacket. A 1965 (my year of birth) vintage Omega Sea-master.
The first truly lifetime purchase I made was my Omega Seamaster 300M Automatic watch. I love it as much today as when I first bought it almost 17 years ago. Other “lifetime” items I’ve purchased include coats and jackets, shoes, and my home stereo system which consists of a McIntosh integrated amplifier and turntable, and Bowers & Wilkins speakers.
^^^ i started omega with an old 30t2 🙂 flightmaster ... shom .. ( that i still use to dive ) and other that are from the 50's or 70's you'll be quite for a while 😁 but, may i say, add some formal wristwatch besides 🙂 i chosed Macintosch but for raincoats only 😆 but for sure my BW801D speakers will survive me 😄
I was surprised but really pleased that you included cookware. I have just upgraded all of my pans to the M'cook range from a French brand called Mauviel. Not cheap but total quality. I have also upgraded my chef's knives to a german brand called Wusthof. I also feel that there are certain dishes a gentleman should be able to prepare from scratch in the kitchen.
Good day, James. In ‘76 I was seventeen, and I purchased a McIntosh amp and pre-amp, much to my parent’s disbelief. I had both refurbished a few years ago, and I love them. Expensive (especially now)? Yes. But I was able to get a new glass faceplate from McIntosh, which they made for me. They’ve lasted my lifetime (so far), and I plan on asking my daughters if they’d be interested in them. If not, I can now get more than what I paid for them in ‘76. Thank you for inspiring me to do, and be, better! Steve in Ottawa, Ont.
I have a mid 70s Ball Train Master automatic watch. I have it serviced every few years and it keeps great time. Recently a watch collector noticed me wearing it and told me he would pay whatever my asking price no questions asked. Tempting, but after well over 40 years together, I think I'll stick with my old friend.
18 years old here. One thing that I suggest is to buy a journal, it might be boring writing down a few notes but it is worth the shot. With a journal you can write down a lot of things such as your family's history (which is what I am doing) or something simple like talking about your day. It is an easy practice to achieve discipline and consistency
Completely agree with everything in this video James! I’ve got a 1987 Porsche 944S I got as my first car and after nearly 40 years it’s still like new! Classic cars especially 80s Porsches are another level of quality often found for well below $20,000. Pens are another wonderful choice to buy for life, I happen to have a couple 1960s Montblanc 22’s and they write better than a new 149! Especially for a third of the price haha. And finally cool wear perhaps the most valuable point on this list, my dad has 100% copper pots that he bought in the early 90s and we still use them every day! May I suggest one item to add, Barbour jackets especially in their classic cuts can easily last decades. This is further proven as Barbour will repair and rewax any of their jackets for a fee no matter the age. I personally just picked one up from the 90s and after a rewax it’s like new!
I wear Allen Edmonds shoes and boots, a gold and steel Datejust Rolex, carry a Montblanc fountain pen and a Louis Vuitton wallet, play a C F Martin guitar, and cook with French copper pots and pans. When you mentioned cars, I thought for a minute you were going to promote stylish but unreliable money pits like Jaguar, but was pleased to see you focus on brands that offer real value for money. -Unless you have money to burn, luxury cars are a poor investment.
I wear trail running shoes, no watch, have a 4 colour Bic pen, an Rfid card wallet, and a pretty basic cheap guitar. As a car, my daily is a 80s Land Curiser.
i was lazy about two cars some years ago, tvr grantura 59 ( 60000 euros) and AM v8 you could have for clearly less than 100000 euros maybe 10 yeras ago ?? at the end, there were " place" to "drive for free" for some years 😀
@@antoinev9733 Thank you! Former canadian csor and sar tech. At that time, I did have a G-shock watch and boots but nothing much changed except that. I really like the 4 colours Bic Pen. Very ingenious and Nice design. Mine as colourful lobsters on it and I just change the top cartridge. Great little self defense tool as well and can hide a small piece of paper.
My Jeep Wrangler rubicon is 11 years old, and just came off the trails from rock crawling, my watch is a sunnto core black. Lasted 8 years in correctional facilities through countless uses of force. My lowa boots have lasted over a decade and I wear them almost every day
I am not the most sophisticated or stylish man out there but I really appreciate high quality products. I like the idea of owning a high quality item that can be passed down to your son or grandson etc. Also, in our throw away society there is a lot to be said for buying quality and having g something that will serve you for years or decades or longer. Quality never goes out of style and sometimes a height quality item can become worth money over time. You don’t have to break the bank on everything g you own but spending more money up front on certain items is wise as well as fashionable.
As I mentioned before, I am a classically trained pianist. I fully agree that even if a piano like a Steinway or a Bechstein can cost a fortune, but they will surely last at least 100 years. The point of your video reminded me of the piano that the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz used to play on. It's a Steinway CD 104 from the 1940s, which he modified a bit to fit his needs, and took it with him to every stage of the world where he went to. Years after his death, the piano is in pristine condition and can be played by anyone who has the chance at the Steinway HQ in New York. People who tried that instrument tell that indeed it is special, just like the original owner.
I bought an Omega watch in 1996, a Seamaster 300m and still is my favorite one. It is the first Bond series and today is a valuable classic watch in the market.
I can 100% agree with the person owning the Mercedes. The one shown is an e class w124. My grandfather owned one and passed it onto my father. The build quality and Materials are definitely one step above newer Mercedes Benz vehicles and It just has a very special feel to it while driving because the suspension aged Incredibly. Add to that the sentimental value of driving your grandfathers car.
I am planning on buying an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch when I become a millionaire, as a personal achievement, by far my favourite watch. It has so much history behind it, and easy conversation starter as well.
Allen Edmund shoes, Redwing boots, Rolex Subbie as my primary and a Seiko Diver as my back up daily. A 40 year old Seiko diver as a beater. Stetson 10x Open Road straw summer, and a Stetson 6x Open Road Silver Belly for fall and winter. You cannot go wrong with any of these.
My custom mechanical keyboard has been great for the past few years. I simply love the feeling of typing on it, which makes working on my computer so much more enjoyable. If a switch breaks, than I can just replace it instead of buying an entire new keyboard.
I've never used a mechanical keyboard, but I just don't understand the appeal of one. I'm perfectly content with my regular keyboards. Then again, I also drive a Corolla and don't understand the appeal of sports cars (I do, however, understand the appeal of luxury cars).
@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYoufollowing your comparison to cars, a custom mechanical is more like a luxury car, while a gaming keyboard would be a sportscar. Besides that, part of the appeal is not the end product, but building it yourself. Opening up every single switch and carefully applying lube to the sliders, etc. As a result the incredibly smooth and tactile feeling you get when pressing on a key makes it totally worth it. The same as feeling a high quality leather door panel in a Mercedes would be better than a cheap plastic one.
Man, I really want to get into custom mechanical keyboard. But I am a competitive FPS player and my Corsair K70 RGB TKL has one of the, if not the best latency in the whole keyboard space. I would love to build my own, make it sound the way I want it, lube jt, dampen it, customize it. But there is that fear of performing worse because the custom boards tend to not perform as well as gaming keyboard when it comes to latency. What do you think? What should I do?
@@WaylandGaming in terms of latency, it is true that custom keyboards are usually worse than dedicated gaming keyboards. In my case (NK 65 with yellow switches) I can notice it in certain games. However I have never tried a keyboard that is designed for input lag like a wooting or any keyboard with optical switches.
I still have several pairs of J.M Weston shoes that I bought over 30 years ago when I lived in Paris. These models never go out of fashion. They are very expensive shoes but of fantastic quality.
^^^ a pair from 1994 here formal, so just had to resole once, still perfect condition 😉 the price is forgotten for a long time, remains confort and elegancy 🙂
Great advice here! I might be old, but I was lucky enough to have enough to have gradually obtained most of the items of your list: 1. I have one (yes only one - because that's all I need) Swiss watch that is 23 years old and still makes me happy when I see it on my wrist. I will gift it to my son one day. 2. I have two pairs of Church shoes that I bought 20 years ago when I worked in a job that required perfectly shined shoes - I already share these with my son when he needs the same 3. When EBay was a scary but new thing 18 years ago, I took the risk and bid on a 1970s Montblanc Fountain Pen. I used that pen every day before the days of the IPencil and it's still perfect. If my son doesn't mind getting ink on his wrist once in a while, I'll gift it to him one day. 4. I still have the Clarinet that my parents got for me 41 years ago, and it works perfectly. It's the quality of the workman, not the tool, that determines the quality of the table. 5. Some people at our wedding 24 years ago gave us money in lieu of a wedding gift, and we put the funds towards quality cast iron cookware. Every one of those items is still pristine and used every day. 6. Not on your list, and up for debate: From the Wedding gift money we also bought two quality leather two-seater couches - they are as comfortable as ever and they've moved around the world with us across three continents for 24 years without needing anything more than an annual cleanup with Leather Conditioner.
I completely agree about the practice of spending more money on items which will last much longer (even lifelong) than cheap alternatives! A couple of my own examples: I have two 10+ year old pairs of Allen Edmund dress shoes (brown & black), both in need of a re-sole come to think of it. I also have a 22 year old Seamaster 300M watch, which is with Omega being serviced right now; my father wore it for 15 years and gifted it to me to mark an important occasion, and I plan to pass on that story and the watch to my son one day. Many other examples too! With proper care, so many of our day to day items can age gracefully and last a very long time! Keep up the great work with these videos! I found your channel yesterday and I’m enjoying it!
At age 72 I still have and use the gifts given to me in the 1960's. To wit, gold cufflinks and a thin elegant gold Omega watch. I feel prideful whenever I use them. I also have the 1985 gold/steel Rolex datejust I bought in 1 to celebrate finally earning a decent income in my profession after a long education.
My 1989 Grand Wagoneer. I do all the maintanence in my garage. I use it as a daily driver and the family second SUV. It has served me well as it is easy to work on, has a classic look, and has enough modern amenities that it isn't a chore to drive. I plan on passing it down to my son down the road.
One suggestion to add: A quality double edge razor. My daily shave is still accomplished with a 1964 Gillette. No endless plastics in the landfill, a luxurious shave, less expensive overall, and a calm zen way to start each day.
There are some amazing artisans making modern double and single edge razors in titanium, stainless steel, copper, bronze, and brass. A few of my favorite are Wolfman Razors, Blackland Razors, Tatara Razors. Been a collector for a few decades. Cheers.
A pair of Drew's custom cowboy boots, handmade in Eugene Oregon. They ended their custom boot program a few years ago, but I was able to select everything from design, colors, stitch pattern, to hide and sole. These boots will last a lifetime, and I will keep them for a lifetime. I have other boots that I work in, so these boots are mainly for going out and church. They are legit, made for working cowboys to live in. If they start the program again, I will get one more pair. Little known fact, most cowboys on large ranches will buy one pair of high end, handmade cowboy boots to work in. You always have a cheap pair of Ariat or Justin boots laying around for when they are getting repaired or re-soled. Boots and a good hat are the only splurges I have consistently seen on larger cattle ranches. Cowboy's can be gentlemen too!
Great commentary on the Greeny guitar. An amazing instrument with a rich history and used by some of the greatest blues-rock players to ever pick up a guitar.
Great advice. I've had a pair of Frye leather boots for almost a decade. They've been with me through college, my wedding, and all sorts of work. I got them resoled this year, and then they came with me traveling abroad this summer through the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains. Always my top footwear choice. Cheers
May I compliment you on your clean shave as it gives you a classic gentlemanly appearance and doesn’t lend itself to the current stubble trend which is likely to be like other trends of the past that don’t stand the test of time. Well done Chap!
@@Gent.Z Speaking of shaves, a good double edge safety razor can and will last you a lifetime too. It’s also cheaper than using disposable and cartridge razors in the long run. You can get a pack of 100 blades for very cheap. Many people in the community uses 100+ year old safety razors too. The DE safety razor is really a gentleman’s lifetime purchase.
Cookware is a good one. I’ve just recently started collecting All Clad stainless cooking pots. Got tired of buying new cheap non stick stuff every couple years. A quality blender is another kitchen item that makes a difference. Had several cheap ones but finally got a Vitamix.
Wearing my late grandfather's swiss watch that he got in the 70s as I write! I own two Mercedes, a 1991 190E that I have owned for 8 years and a 1996 C Class wagon, both still running and looking good. Also own a 1909 Gaveau Parlor Grand Piano.
In 1977 I was a 17 year old junior in High School . I bought a Schott Brothers black leather jacket made in NYC USA . It cost me $77.00 and I came home and Mom ripped me a new asshole ! ( we were poor ) I bought it with my own hard earned money ; but she grew up in the Great Depression and wanted me to learn to be a responsible spender . I’ve had it rebuilt 3 times . I still wear it and I’m 64 years old . 1- BMW , 2- Hondas , and 13 Harley Davidsons later and still getting compliments on it . I bumped into a Schott Bros . sales rep at a motorcycle show a few years ago . They are still in business and that exact jacket is still manufactured in NYC ! It retails for $975.00 in like 2010 .
I recall it was 1940s WWII Harley Davidson him and his buddy bought one each. (they were somewhat cheap then) I'm talking waaaay back in the day. The jacket didn't date back that far, It was a Langlitz Leather custom made in Portland Oregon. Look them up!
I have the same leather bomber jacket that I’ve had since I’ve was 10 years old, I’m 30 now condition it regularly and give it some love, still looks and functions perfectly fine. Had no idea it would still be kicking on after all these years.
There are two sayings that are so relevant to this video. They are my mantra when I need to purchase something: 1. "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." 2. "When you buy a quality product at a high price, you wince only once."
A Mercedes-Benz from the 1990s (W124/126 series) or earlier are cars which will feel good even after many miles and age quite well. Older Peugeots (505 and before) are also good to buy for life. The engines can be re-sleeved indefinitely, basically amounting to an almost complete in-situ overhaul. As a bonus, if you're in the United States, they are still rather cheap because they were never too popular. I love driving my 1985 Peugeot 505s. I have owned the vehicles of which I write.
I'm glad you included cookware on your list. The AllClad pans I purchased 17 years ago still look like new. Good cookware will help you to feel like a competent chef. Acquire your pans one by one as you need them. A Japanese nakiri knife is also a great investment and cuts veggies much better than western-style knives. Take care and don't use your knife like a spatula!
A watch and guitar are both things I've been considering getting. I'm currently looking at getting a more rugged, tactical, and water-proof G-Shock watch. Not as elegant, but very durable. Guitar wise, I'm looking into getting either a Jackson King V, or a Jackson Warrior. Also, for good cars, I suggest the Toyota Camry. That thing can't die, even if you try to kill it.
You can't go wrong with a G-Shock, I've had two for years and they're practically bombproof. Guitar's are incredibly personal, so I can't give you a recommendation.
As I am reading the comments I realize that I really don’t own most of my things for more than a year. The one thing that I am really happy to own is a proper suit that was tailored to my size.
I'm glad you included cars here, and specifically called out Toyota trucks! Toyota's of the past are absolutely legendary. I own a somewhat old school 2008 fourth generation Toyota 4Runner with the optional V8, and after serving me so well through 130k miles, I think it's really just getting started. Additionally, I have a 2007 Aston Martin Vantage with a manual transmission as my "fun" car. Aston's of today are beautiful and incredible cars, but the joy of rowing one's own gears is no longer available on the newer ones, and everything has become bigger and heavier with all the various features that all auto makers feel the need to load up their cars with. The simple beauty and joy that my old Vantage offers is just no longer available.
I would recommend buying the best quality tools that you can afford. Cheaper ones often look the part but are made of inferior steel or aren’t handled properly and they will let you down.
The watch one is absolute spot on. Parents wanted to gift me something for completing my bachelor degree, so i looked up the internet for about three months to find THE watch. I knew i want it to be automatic and have textured dial, so after three months of research i got the Citizen Zenshin Automatic with small minutes in white dial, that looks like cracked ice. I can't put them away now and when at home, they sit in a winder box on my desk so i can watch them spin. Another thing with sustainability for me are artistic tools. I recently bought Mungyo watercolors, which are made in Japan. The price was realy hgh for my liking when i was the store, but first painting and i knew the price was worth it. Great video!
My two teenage daughters recently asked me, which of my items is the one I'd miss if I didn't have it anymore. That was an easy one: my tenor saxophone. I got it when I was 16 and re-started playing it a couple of months ago (and added a soprano some years ago). But neither one of my daughters plays the sax, so maybe some future son-in-law or grandchild might inherit it. My journey of "buy it for life" actually started a few years ago. I still wear some of my first goodyear-welted shoes I bought about 12 years ago (fairly cheap ones from Gordon&Bros.) and had their soles changed a few times already. More higher quality leather shoes have since found their way in my home - by the way, I am about to get my first Loafers next week. And fountain pens: yes, I do have a few (four) and love them all, though fortunately I do not tend to collect stuff. My favourite is a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze and I also frequently use the Pilot Capless (or Vanishing Point as it is called in the US). My EDC (every day carry) pen is a Kaweco Supra Brass. My ink lasts me a lifetime. Ah, the fourth is the one which was my first one from high quality pens: a Pelikan M800 with green stripes, the classic one (nib in B). James, if you want it, let me know. I'll give you a great price and it is much more gentleman-like than the Montblanc Show-off Meisterstück. As you might have realized already: the more you write with fountain pens, the more you despise ballpens.... Watches: I've already had a classic Aristo automatic watch for about 16 yrs., but bought my absolute dream watch, a NOMOS Tangomat Datum, in an excellent condition and second hand two weeks ago for a great price. So, buy it for life is something I can relate to completely. And finally cars: I've always used them until they were a complete financial breakdown and needed too much maintenance. But being a family dad they tend to be more on the practical side of things than fancy ones (and personally I am not interested in cars). My last Renault Kangoo lasted 13 years and ran 315.000 km (195.000 miles) on LPG. My current one (of course bought used and already equipped with an LPG system) is expected to perform equally well... Congrats on the 100 k!
My Allen Edmonds saude shoes have lasted really well. I have had them for 7 years, had them recrafted once. I still get compliments on them. I keep them clean and touch them up periodically. The original leather stain has worn off of them in a couple spots, but they are still going strong.After cleaning and drying them you do have to use a water protector spray on them (like 3M)
I have a Tissot Touch Expert with a barometer, an altimeter, a chronograph, a compass, an alarm and a thermometer. It is mine since 2010 and I am planning to keep it for the next generations. If I had more money I would buy other watches, but for now this one is giving me a lot of pleasure.
(3) is a great suggestion. I always loved playing the piano at my grandparents’ house more than the one at my parents’. After some conflict, I inherited it and hope my son or daughter will one day enjoy it as much as i did.
A few years ago I bought my Tudor Black Bay 58 and I wear everyday out and at work, totally worth it, I appreciate anything of craftsmanship, pens, watches, cookware, sunglasses etc
I was lucky enough when I was 16 that my father had sufficient faith in my interest in the guitar to buy me a very nice Alvarez acoustic guitar. I now have several guitars of various sorts, but after 40 years I still play that acoustic guitar every day.
In the vein of leather goods, motorcycle jackets. I paid a premium for mine 20 yrs ago but it's held up great after about 200k miles and has just the right patina
I watched Casino Royale in this week. Unbelievable film, everything about it is excellent, badass theme You Know my Name, all that. So lot of different feelings. Greatest Bond film.
I'm 36 (millennial) and totally agree with this sentiment. I'm glad you're out there representing good values as a Gen Z. Proud to say I have everything on the list. Hoping to one day upgrade my Cross fountain pen to a Mont Blanc and my Movado to a Cartier Tank. I'm also glad you added cars to the list. If you own one, keep it clean and maintained. If you pull up to a red light next to a filthy Porsche in your freshly detailed Acura, your car will always stand out... especially if the tires are dressed. I still have the 1980 Corvette I purchased 10 years ago and it still turns heads. I would add custom tailored suit for black tie events and a good quality signet ring to this list.
Agree with all of these, well done. The car and the shoes in particular are of paramount importance for a secure financial life. All I would add is health; the earlier you get healthy, the easier it is to maintain.
i bought my watch in the 5th grade and it still lasts, it'a an sport watch water resistant witch has timer, training program, time and alarm and it's one of the best things I own. Another thing is my feather dip pen, it's not like new anymore, the cat ate a bit of the head, but it has a classic look and I love writing with it
I regularly wear my Great Grandfather's 1936 Omega Button watch. Also have my Grandfather's NSWGR issue Omega Pocket watch from circa 1941 which gets a run out when wearing my dinner suit. Sometimes wear a pair of Bally Oxfords with a grey suit, they cost me a bomb but they are stylish shoes.
I agree with all!! Theese are the Items I bought for live and I don't regret: 1. My genuine leather shoes, jackets, wallet and suitcase; 2. My Seiko Pressage watch 3. My Montblanc and Sheaffer (U.S made) pens 4. My 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis and a 1999 Chevrolet Omega (here in Brazil is a Pontiac model with a V6 Buick engine) 5. My Yamaha Piano 6. My solid wood furniture 7. My Stanley tools and water bottle. Greating from Brazil! My best regards.
Something to also consider when buying a guitar is that acoustics in particular will sound better as they age, if they’re made from wood rather than plywood. I have a US Tele, a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Custom Shop Strat, and an Avalon acoustic, plus a couple of ‘beater’ guitars I use for gigs where the risk of damage to my main guitars is too great
Stihl is not what it was today 😡they lost in quality. but in our country house we had frigidaire running fine for more than 60 years 🙂 we thought we had to change it some 20 yeras ago but it was just the plastic band of the door to change ( 15 euros )😂 today, he is really out of order but we keep it as a " garde-manger" 🙃
In the opposite direction, I bought a cheap hammer from Harbor Freight. It hammered good enough, but when I used the claws to pull out a bent nail, the whole head bent over against the shaft, leaving the nail in the wood.
You'd be surprised how much Harbor Freight stuff shows up in mechanic's toolboxes. Our contracting company uses a ton of Harbor Freight cordless stuff. It works well enough and doesn't get stolen.
Solid list! Your videos remind me to work hard, expect a lot of myself, and perhaps most importantly, slow down and remember life should have its small luxuries. Sidenote but McAndrew's car is freaking beautiful and I don't even care about cars!
I still have a pair of Swiss Bally loafers that I bought over thirty years ago and they are great. Over sixty years, I have only worn three wrist watches. Two automatic Seiko's and one Omega Seamaster. I am still wearing one of them today. The problem with guitars is that I can't stop buying them. I give them away to friends and family but I still have nine guitars today.
Bally is doing quite fine quality clothes that last, i can agree :) today i almost set me free from collecting wristwatches ! but 3 😏 JL Polaris of the 60's blancpain from the 50's and an " unknown" omega i won't talk about because it is as elegant as rare 😇 to be precise, i have enough watches, my half, my son and my daughter have watches enough too 😳🙄🤣 fortunatelly i don't play guitar 😁
I recently purchased my 3rd Hamilton watch and it's now my forever watch. I lost my first in the water and then a couple years ago I bought my second online and I made a regrettable decision to save money and not really get the one I wanted. So, a few months ago the model I really wanted became available brand new at much lower cost so I got it and gave the other Hamilton watch to my 15-year-old nephew for Xmas so he can enjoy it.... I just received a handwritten thank you card from him.
Check out Fort Belvedere here for top-quality leather goods - shop.gentlemansgazette.com/?
Glad to see you like our products James! Btw, we launched our new shop today and are offering an additional 10% site wide until the end of August 2024
@@gentlemansgazette they really got the Obama meme with him giving himself a medal
How about making a Gentleman's EDC video?
Bro I got one I'm a blue collar worker it gets oil dirt grease I been having the wallet from gentlemans gazette. It's worth the 320 dollars when I bought it . Facts
I have a Seiko Automatic watch that I purchased in Andorra in 1972 when I was 11 years-old. I have it on my wrist as I type this comment.
And THAT is cool!
so cool
Which model? I own an Skx 009 made in 2018. It was 3 months out of the factory when I got it. I got it serviced, because some water got inside and it stopped working. 4 months after, I now have to service it again, because it stopped working. I’m a bit mad but I think I’ll keep it for life.
Nothing wrong w/a Seiko.
I just received my dad's 1972 Seiko automatic. What model is yours?
I’m only 15 but I really enjoy your videos. But when I’m grown I hope I can be a gentleman like you
@@Pearce09 Thank you, it’s an honor to make content you enjoy so much
James
watching videos like this will take you halfway there young man!
At 15 it may feel a little daunting to consider the monetary investment required to achieve your goal. let me offer you 2 cents of free advice. if you are not already working on it, and I suspect you are, consider what James mentioned earlier about this being your starting point and work on that integrity, discipline, courage, and your sense of justice. remember , life isn't fair, but justice tempered with wisdom will make a heck of a man out of you. you are on the right track by the way
@@1streylight thanks for taking your time to give advice and reply!
@@clivejohnson9515 thanks for replying
Driving a well maintained older vehicle is pure class. I’m driving an 07 Toyota FJ Cruiser and will never get rid of it. It’s a magnificent beast.
The FJ Cruiser is sick
An 07 from 2007 is also a 007. ;)
lol, maybe less likely to 'track' everything you do, like some newer vehicles reportedly do.....
Still wear the leather shoes I was married in 26 years ago. I don't recall the brand right now but they have held up well and still look great for a night out or a day in the office. When my daughter was young she called them my "clippy clop" shoes because of the sound. At 23 years old she still loves to see me wearing them.
@@ghosttownreview1531 That’s a beautiful story, thank you for sharing
James
be happy and enjoy :)
i lost the first leather shoes i bought by myself during a party in normandy " lost in the mud " at night 🤣
i accidentaly damaged another pair at " aqua alta" in Venice ( salted water 😱)
how many leather shoes ?? wait ...
2 blacks dressed or formal shoes
boots i replaced ( after Venice 2007 ^^^)
2 browns ( one suede)
loafers
2 docksides by sebago
and
espadrilles i can't count 🤣
so, for ... the middle of the eighties i "lost" two pairs of leather shoes 😛
it is luxury , not because of the price,
it is luxury because i don't have to run shops every two years to change 😁
I inherited a Citizen watch from my father when he passed away 10 years ago. It's a nice looking watch. It is not the most expensive watch in the world, but it is a great looking gold and silver watch. I will always treasure it.
Citizen is a great brand, great quality for the price
Wow. Gent Z finally hit 100K subscribers and I'm not surprised.
As a older teenager about to enter adulthood, Gent Z has really helped me see some errors in my life, as well as show me ways to improve.
Thank you, James, and keep up the good work.
Can't wait for that 1.0 M subscribers
@@Will-fc2iu Thank you! Today is a big day. Here’s to 1 million 🥂
@@Gent.Z To 1 million🥂
I’m 😊73 with a 1937 gold Rolex bought 45 years ago. A 1920 Martin guitar, Dak alligator shoes that have been resoled 3 times. A made to measure suit I wore for my wedding and still wear it on occasion. I have little money and live on a government pension in Canada. In my youth I made some remarkable investments that serve me now. Thanks for your videos. Cheers.
Admirable! I salute you sir! I have never invested in a high quality watch, but I have a 1978 Gibson guitar and a 1984 Rickenbacker bass guitar. A 2002 BMW M3. I have no desire to ever part with these things. No desire, or need, to replace them with something newer. This video really resonated with me, and your story does, too.
Cheers!
@ and cheers to you also
I am a 75 year old, widower gentleman that is obsessed with your channel. I thrive with a minimalist but elegant wardrobe and enjoy walking around the city after a hot shower and a final spray of Chanel Bleu EDF...Thank you for all you do. I do believe that in life it's quality over quantity. Always, Best Quality as my late and beloved mother inculcated in me. Wishing you continued and solid success!
I’m 64 and that cologne gets me compliments EVERY single time ! I never ever had nice things . Born poor , and neglected myself in a 33 year bad marriage . Single at 51 and I spend on myself now and again and it feels great !
Chanel Bleu EDF. I’ll have to look into that, thanks!
A good knife like a Case, Buck 110, or a victorinox. A fine handgun that not only does the job but is finely made and fitted, beautiful to look upon and fills your hand like it grew from it.
Completely agree. I went with the H&K USP. 25+ years and still runs like new.
I’m old (65) but still enjoy your content. If I were young I’d invest in a Rolex Submariner as my 1 watch collection. It will last a lifetime and never go out of style. You can also wear it from jeans to a tuxedo. Also, you really need 2 pairs of high quality shoes because you need to give your shoes a break every once in a while. Finally, your shoes and belt should match. Just my thoughts.
You’re right.
The Rolex Submariner was made iconic by Sean Connery in Dr No. His character was the first to break the rule of a dress watch with a tuxedo. Because, well, he was a gentleman assassin after all.
Don’t wear a Sub with a Tuxedo. Subs in the 60s were significantly smaller and thinner. Furthermore, Connery was 6’2”, so the proportions won’t match the average man. Wearing no wrist watch is the most elegant option here (or a pocket watch). But if you must, opt for something small and thin. If you still want to wear a sub with a tuxedo, go for it. But knowing you’re breaking the rules, like 007!
Most young men do not have $15,000 or more for a Submariner
Good call on the Submariner. Arguably the best watch of all time. To your point, it's an incredibly versatile watch. Explorer is cheaper, and would be a great investment as well. You'd be good for life.
Also most Rolex dealers will make you spend a certain amount of money (usually in the thousands) before they let you buy a Rolex.
I would say sheets and bedding. I slowly upgraded my bed clothes a few years ago a bit at a time. Some of the best money I've ever spent. A good duvet, quality sheets, blankets, pillows and mattress make my bed feel like a luxury hotel bed.
I might add, it makes it much more inviting for a date to spend the night with you!
Benchmade 940 folding knife...super high quality, lifetime warranty, and so satisfying to use
I bought my 2009 Gibson SG used in summer 2011 and I’ve played the hell out of it everywhere from small clubs to the hard rock to my front porch. That thing is as much a piece of me as my left arm is. I’ll never let it go.
High quality furniture will last for decades. When we updated our living room furniture, our son got our old sofa and chairs for his new home since the pieces were in great condition.
A neutered male cat will ruin everything!
I’m 35 and still play the 1985 Fender Stratocaster my Dad restored for me in 2002 when I was 13.
Bought a victorinox penknife when 15 in Switzerland. It has been a lifelong companion, and is as useful now as ever. Quality product that will last a lifetime! 40+ years on and the penknife is as good as the day it was bought.
So did I, but I was slightly older than you.
Your video channel is a good one. I especially like the idea of buying one good quality item and making it last. I have a Victorinox penknife like another commenter which I bought in Switzerland as a young man, I still ave it and use it regularly. Likewise with a pair of expensive Oxford leather shoes I bought a quarter of a century ago which has been resoled several times, despite wearing for work on numerous occasions and still occasionally worn in retirement.
I have carried a SAK "Tinker" most of my adult life. I am 66 now.
I love that your suit isn't too tight, it looks very good.
Congrats on the 100K mark, James.
I'm a 17 year old from India and I am really impressed with your way of living life.
People really have forgotten the old and classy way of living their lives and I'm just mesmerized by how you're introducing them once again, to live the classy life again.
I really appreciate your content and can't wait for you to reach 1 Million.
Congrats 🎉🎉
Cookware/knives, yes def underrated pickups.
I have a leather belt I bought around the year 2000 from Abercrombie (I know, but I was 20 and they were still cool back then) for maybe $60-70, it was very expensive for me but I loved it. It has aged well, I still wear it maybe 20% of the time with jeans and I imagine I'll have it for life.
I travel pretty extensively for work. When I went to college, my parents bought me a leather toiletry bag. I still have it and use it every week.. FYI, they bought it for me in 1975.
My Rolex Explorer II has been on my wrist for 25 years. And there is a 22 year old Land Cruiser in the garage, and will be there for years to come. I completely agree with the advice on this video. And I strongly advise a good vintage cast iron pan. I like a chromed Griswold. Chrome made it look unique and they are uncommon.
Good choices!!
A man of taste right here
I‘m 35 and bought a Porsche 997.2 base and love it! It feels like my first and last car. I don’t want to sell it and planed to keep it. Like your channel and your mindset a lot
...and thats a Porsche that you should drive it as much as possible and enjoy it . Its going to put smiles / for miles driven . The more you drive , the more you want to keep it :) , and thats by my own experience
Many, many congratulations on hitting 100k subscribers! A big milestone and the first of many to come🎉
Thank you, Ash. I look forward to celebrating with you in London shortly
Definitely should include tools for this list. Simple, tough, and high quality tools can be passed down almost indefinitely. The mattock I use to dig out roots and such is over 100 years old and still works great
Respect for having this attitude at your age. I am 48 and my midlife crisis seemed to be buying the grail item of each product from car to camera to watch, lighter, shoes, torch, wallet. I've possibly forgotten a few hehe. Half the fun is the searching. Next is a Montblanc fountain pen. :)
I still have and wear the submariner I bought in 1972 for $285. It’s worth considerably more than that now.
i bought many wristwatches ... 20 years ago.
from the 30's to the 70's
it coasted quite nothing at this time
today's prices ???
i quite don't care,
they all run fine , my son will have 🤗
A good chess set never fails
A few of my lifetime buys..... Triumph Bonneville motorcycle - even when I can't ride anymore, I'll roll it out and polish it. A good Italian motorcycle jacket. A 1965 (my year of birth) vintage Omega Sea-master.
I inherited my grandfather's motorcycle jacket. A quality jacket will last for generations!
The first truly lifetime purchase I made was my Omega Seamaster 300M Automatic watch. I love it as much today as when I first bought it almost 17 years ago.
Other “lifetime” items I’ve purchased include coats and jackets, shoes, and my home stereo system which consists of a McIntosh integrated amplifier and turntable, and Bowers & Wilkins speakers.
^^^ i started omega with an old 30t2 🙂
flightmaster ... shom .. ( that i still use to dive ) and other that are from the 50's or 70's
you'll be quite for a while 😁
but, may i say, add some formal wristwatch besides 🙂
i chosed Macintosch but for raincoats only 😆 but for sure my BW801D speakers will survive me 😄
Pick a good woman. If you are lucky she will last you for life. ❤
"To have a good wife is charming, if there is any place one can be found."
-Plautus, Miles Glorius, 686
Given the way the legal system in most western countries is heavily biased in favour of the woman in the case of divorce, this is crucial.
Yes, you better get this one really right.
Or more likely longer
That sounds sweet. Your odds of finding that are about as good as hitting the lottery.
I was surprised but really pleased that you included cookware. I have just upgraded all of my pans to the M'cook range from a French brand called Mauviel. Not cheap but total quality. I have also upgraded my chef's knives to a german brand called Wusthof. I also feel that there are certain dishes a gentleman should be able to prepare from scratch in the kitchen.
Good day, James. In ‘76 I was seventeen, and I purchased a McIntosh amp and pre-amp, much to my parent’s disbelief. I had both refurbished a few years ago, and I love them. Expensive (especially now)? Yes. But I was able to get a new glass faceplate from McIntosh, which they made for me. They’ve lasted my lifetime (so far), and I plan on asking my daughters if they’d be interested in them. If not, I can now get more than what I paid for them in ‘76. Thank you for inspiring me to do, and be, better! Steve in Ottawa, Ont.
I have a mid 70s Ball Train Master automatic watch. I have it serviced every few years and it keeps great time. Recently a watch collector noticed me wearing it and told me he would pay whatever my asking price no questions asked. Tempting, but after well over 40 years together, I think I'll stick with my old friend.
Honestly, I admire your loyalty but have you had it serviced? The servicing quote might make you rethink.
A good call. You can’t part with a watch that has that much shared history. Also… Ball is a highly underrated brand. Very cool piece.
18 years old here. One thing that I suggest is to buy a journal, it might be boring writing down a few notes but it is worth the shot. With a journal you can write down a lot of things such as your family's history (which is what I am doing) or something simple like talking about your day. It is an easy practice to achieve discipline and consistency
Completely agree with everything in this video James! I’ve got a 1987 Porsche 944S I got as my first car and after nearly 40 years it’s still like new! Classic cars especially 80s Porsches are another level of quality often found for well below $20,000.
Pens are another wonderful choice to buy for life, I happen to have a couple 1960s Montblanc 22’s and they write better than a new 149! Especially for a third of the price haha.
And finally cool wear perhaps the most valuable point on this list, my dad has 100% copper pots that he bought in the early 90s and we still use them every day!
May I suggest one item to add, Barbour jackets especially in their classic cuts can easily last decades. This is further proven as Barbour will repair and rewax any of their jackets for a fee no matter the age. I personally just picked one up from the 90s and after a rewax it’s like new!
I wear Allen Edmonds shoes and boots, a gold and steel Datejust Rolex, carry a Montblanc fountain pen and a Louis Vuitton wallet, play a C F Martin guitar, and cook with French copper pots and pans.
When you mentioned cars, I thought for a minute you were going to promote stylish but unreliable money pits like Jaguar, but was pleased to see you focus on brands that offer real value for money. -Unless you have money to burn, luxury cars are a poor investment.
Hello, are you Niles Crane?
I wear trail running shoes, no watch, have a 4 colour Bic pen, an Rfid card wallet, and a pretty basic cheap guitar.
As a car, my daily is a 80s Land Curiser.
i was lazy about two cars some years ago,
tvr grantura 59 ( 60000 euros)
and AM v8 you could have for clearly less than 100000 euros maybe 10 yeras ago ??
at the end, there were " place" to "drive for free" for some years 😀
@@RocketScienceIsSimple you're a gentleman 😁
@@antoinev9733
Thank you!
Former canadian csor and sar tech.
At that time, I did have a G-shock watch and boots but nothing much changed except that.
I really like the 4 colours Bic Pen. Very ingenious and Nice design. Mine as colourful lobsters on it and I just change the top cartridge. Great little self defense tool as well and can hide a small piece of paper.
A quality over under shotgun with fine wood and fit like a glove is a must. My Miroku Charles Daly is a work of art.
My Jeep Wrangler rubicon is 11 years old, and just came off the trails from rock crawling, my watch is a sunnto core black. Lasted 8 years in correctional facilities through countless uses of force. My lowa boots have lasted over a decade and I wear them almost every day
I am not the most sophisticated or stylish man out there but I really appreciate high quality products. I like the idea of owning a high quality item that can be passed down to your son or grandson etc. Also, in our throw away society there is a lot to be said for buying quality and having g something that will serve you for years or decades or longer. Quality never goes out of style and sometimes a height quality item can become worth money over time. You don’t have to break the bank on everything g you own but spending more money up front on certain items is wise as well as fashionable.
I am very happy with the fact that you show an Epiphone instead of a Gibson. Fantastic quality at a better price.
As I mentioned before, I am a classically trained pianist. I fully agree that even if a piano like a Steinway or a Bechstein can cost a fortune, but they will surely last at least 100 years. The point of your video reminded me of the piano that the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz used to play on. It's a Steinway CD 104 from the 1940s, which he modified a bit to fit his needs, and took it with him to every stage of the world where he went to. Years after his death, the piano is in pristine condition and can be played by anyone who has the chance at the Steinway HQ in New York. People who tried that instrument tell that indeed it is special, just like the original owner.
.. the classic style
will never go away
I bought an Omega watch in 1996, a Seamaster 300m and still is my favorite one. It is the first Bond series and today is a valuable classic watch in the market.
I can 100% agree with the person owning the Mercedes. The one shown is an e class w124. My grandfather owned one and passed it onto my father. The build quality and Materials are definitely one step above newer Mercedes Benz vehicles and It just has a very special feel to it while driving because the suspension aged Incredibly. Add to that the sentimental value of driving your grandfathers car.
Nothing much better than a w123 or w124 Mercedes. Forever cars that exude elegance and good taste.
I am planning on buying an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch when I become a millionaire, as a personal achievement, by far my favourite watch. It has so much history behind it, and easy conversation starter as well.
I have 38 watches, including several high end ones. The Speedy is my favourite watch and always will be. Good luck getting one, it is worth it.
Allen Edmund shoes, Redwing boots, Rolex Subbie as my primary and a Seiko Diver as my back up daily. A 40 year old Seiko diver as a beater. Stetson 10x Open Road straw summer, and a Stetson 6x Open Road Silver Belly for fall and winter. You cannot go wrong with any of these.
My custom mechanical keyboard has been great for the past few years. I simply love the feeling of typing on it, which makes working on my computer so much more enjoyable. If a switch breaks, than I can just replace it instead of buying an entire new keyboard.
@@mauro6669 that’s very interesting, I didn’t even know that custom keyboards exist
James
I've never used a mechanical keyboard, but I just don't understand the appeal of one. I'm perfectly content with my regular keyboards. Then again, I also drive a Corolla and don't understand the appeal of sports cars (I do, however, understand the appeal of luxury cars).
@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYoufollowing your comparison to cars, a custom mechanical is more like a luxury car, while a gaming keyboard would be a sportscar. Besides that, part of the appeal is not the end product, but building it yourself. Opening up every single switch and carefully applying lube to the sliders, etc. As a result the incredibly smooth and tactile feeling you get when pressing on a key makes it totally worth it. The same as feeling a high quality leather door panel in a Mercedes would be better than a cheap plastic one.
Man, I really want to get into custom mechanical keyboard. But I am a competitive FPS player and my Corsair K70 RGB TKL has one of the, if not the best latency in the whole keyboard space.
I would love to build my own, make it sound the way I want it, lube jt, dampen it, customize it. But there is that fear of performing worse because the custom boards tend to not perform as well as gaming keyboard when it comes to latency. What do you think? What should I do?
@@WaylandGaming in terms of latency, it is true that custom keyboards are usually worse than dedicated gaming keyboards. In my case (NK 65 with yellow switches) I can notice it in certain games. However I have never tried a keyboard that is designed for input lag like a wooting or any keyboard with optical switches.
I still have several pairs of J.M Weston shoes that I bought over 30 years ago when I lived in Paris. These models never go out of fashion. They are very expensive shoes but of fantastic quality.
^^^
a pair from 1994 here
formal, so just had to resole once,
still perfect condition 😉
the price is forgotten for a long time, remains confort and elegancy 🙂
Great advice here! I might be old, but I was lucky enough to have enough to have gradually obtained most of the items of your list:
1. I have one (yes only one - because that's all I need) Swiss watch that is 23 years old and still makes me happy when I see it on my wrist. I will gift it to my son one day.
2. I have two pairs of Church shoes that I bought 20 years ago when I worked in a job that required perfectly shined shoes - I already share these with my son when he needs the same
3. When EBay was a scary but new thing 18 years ago, I took the risk and bid on a 1970s Montblanc Fountain Pen. I used that pen every day before the days of the IPencil and it's still perfect. If my son doesn't mind getting ink on his wrist once in a while, I'll gift it to him one day.
4. I still have the Clarinet that my parents got for me 41 years ago, and it works perfectly. It's the quality of the workman, not the tool, that determines the quality of the table.
5. Some people at our wedding 24 years ago gave us money in lieu of a wedding gift, and we put the funds towards quality cast iron cookware. Every one of those items is still pristine and used every day.
6. Not on your list, and up for debate: From the Wedding gift money we also bought two quality leather two-seater couches - they are as comfortable as ever and they've moved around the world with us across three continents for 24 years without needing anything more than an annual cleanup with Leather Conditioner.
I completely agree about the practice of spending more money on items which will last much longer (even lifelong) than cheap alternatives!
A couple of my own examples: I have two 10+ year old pairs of Allen Edmund dress shoes (brown & black), both in need of a re-sole come to think of it. I also have a 22 year old Seamaster 300M watch, which is with Omega being serviced right now; my father wore it for 15 years and gifted it to me to mark an important occasion, and I plan to pass on that story and the watch to my son one day. Many other examples too! With proper care, so many of our day to day items can age gracefully and last a very long time!
Keep up the great work with these videos! I found your channel yesterday and I’m enjoying it!
Thanks!
@@JamesEinloth thank you very much, sir!
At age 72 I still have and use the gifts given to me in the 1960's. To wit, gold cufflinks and a thin elegant gold Omega watch. I feel prideful whenever I use them. I also have the 1985 gold/steel Rolex datejust I bought in 1 to celebrate finally earning a decent income in my profession after a long education.
@@stephengordon198 absolutely beautiful. Good to see you here, Stephen
James
I have my grandfathers Peugeot pepper mill. And it’s amazing.
My 1989 Grand Wagoneer. I do all the maintanence in my garage. I use it as a daily driver and the family second SUV. It has served me well as it is easy to work on, has a classic look, and has enough modern amenities that it isn't a chore to drive. I plan on passing it down to my son down the road.
One suggestion to add: A quality double edge razor. My daily shave is still accomplished with a 1964 Gillette. No endless plastics in the landfill, a luxurious shave, less expensive overall, and a calm zen way to start each day.
There are some amazing artisans making modern double and single edge razors in titanium, stainless steel, copper, bronze, and brass. A few of my favorite are Wolfman Razors, Blackland Razors, Tatara Razors. Been a collector for a few decades. Cheers.
A pair of Drew's custom cowboy boots, handmade in Eugene Oregon. They ended their custom boot program a few years ago, but I was able to select everything from design, colors, stitch pattern, to hide and sole. These boots will last a lifetime, and I will keep them for a lifetime. I have other boots that I work in, so these boots are mainly for going out and church. They are legit, made for working cowboys to live in. If they start the program again, I will get one more pair. Little known fact, most cowboys on large ranches will buy one pair of high end, handmade cowboy boots to work in. You always have a cheap pair of Ariat or Justin boots laying around for when they are getting repaired or re-soled. Boots and a good hat are the only splurges I have consistently seen on larger cattle ranches. Cowboy's can be gentlemen too!
Great commentary on the Greeny guitar. An amazing instrument with a rich history and used by some of the greatest blues-rock players to ever pick up a guitar.
Great advice. I've had a pair of Frye leather boots for almost a decade. They've been with me through college, my wedding, and all sorts of work. I got them resoled this year, and then they came with me traveling abroad this summer through the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains. Always my top footwear choice. Cheers
I drive a 1986 Pontiac Trans Am.
May I compliment you on your clean shave as it gives you a classic gentlemanly appearance and doesn’t lend itself to the current stubble trend which is likely to be like other trends of the past that don’t stand the test of time. Well done Chap!
Thank you. Now I've done it, I wish I had done it sooner!
@@Gent.Z Speaking of shaves, a good double edge safety razor can and will last you a lifetime too. It’s also cheaper than using disposable and cartridge razors in the long run. You can get a pack of 100 blades for very cheap.
Many people in the community uses 100+ year old safety razors too. The DE safety razor is really a gentleman’s lifetime purchase.
Cookware is a good one. I’ve just recently started collecting All Clad stainless cooking pots. Got tired of buying new cheap non stick stuff every couple years. A quality blender is another kitchen item that makes a difference. Had several cheap ones but finally got a Vitamix.
Wearing my late grandfather's swiss watch that he got in the 70s as I write!
I own two Mercedes, a 1991 190E that I have owned for 8 years and a 1996 C Class wagon, both still running and looking good.
Also own a 1909 Gaveau Parlor Grand Piano.
In 1977 I was a 17 year old junior in High School . I bought a Schott Brothers black leather jacket made in NYC USA . It cost me $77.00 and I came home and Mom ripped me a new asshole ! ( we were poor ) I bought it with my own hard earned money ; but she grew up in the Great Depression and wanted me to learn to be a responsible spender . I’ve had it rebuilt 3 times . I still wear it and I’m 64 years old . 1- BMW , 2- Hondas , and 13 Harley Davidsons later and still getting compliments on it . I bumped into a Schott Bros . sales rep at a motorcycle show a few years ago . They are still in business and that exact jacket is still manufactured in NYC ! It retails for $975.00 in like 2010 .
I inherited my grandfather's motorcycle jacket. A quality jacket will last for generations!
@@oceanaxim
What an awesome gift !
What kind and year of motorcycle did he ride , young man ?
I recall it was 1940s WWII Harley Davidson him and his buddy bought one each. (they were somewhat cheap then) I'm talking waaaay back in the day. The jacket didn't date back that far, It was a Langlitz Leather custom made in Portland Oregon. Look them up!
@@oceanaxim
WOW !!!! What a cool story ! Those vintage ones are in the THOUSANDS !
I’m afraid to price a new one !
I have the same leather bomber jacket that I’ve had since I’ve was 10 years old, I’m 30 now condition it regularly and give it some love, still looks and functions perfectly fine. Had no idea it would still be kicking on after all these years.
10 years ago or old?
I inherited my grandfather's motorcycle jacket. A quality leather jacket will last for generations!
A nice F150 pick up truck. Mine is 14 years old and looks brand new.
There are two sayings that are so relevant to this video. They are my mantra when I need to purchase something:
1. "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."
2. "When you buy a quality product at a high price, you wince only once."
A Mercedes-Benz from the 1990s (W124/126 series) or earlier are cars which will feel good even after many miles and age quite well. Older Peugeots (505 and before) are also good to buy for life. The engines can be re-sleeved indefinitely, basically amounting to an almost complete in-situ overhaul. As a bonus, if you're in the United States, they are still rather cheap because they were never too popular. I love driving my 1985 Peugeot 505s. I have owned the vehicles of which I write.
Congrats on 100k subscribers! You absolutely deserve even more. I love this channel so much. Sending love from Egypt :)
I'm glad you included cookware on your list. The AllClad pans I purchased 17 years ago still look like new. Good cookware will help you to feel like a competent chef. Acquire your pans one by one as you need them. A Japanese nakiri knife is also a great investment and cuts veggies much better than western-style knives. Take care and don't use your knife like a spatula!
A watch and guitar are both things I've been considering getting. I'm currently looking at getting a more rugged, tactical, and water-proof G-Shock watch. Not as elegant, but very durable. Guitar wise, I'm looking into getting either a Jackson King V, or a Jackson Warrior. Also, for good cars, I suggest the Toyota Camry. That thing can't die, even if you try to kill it.
You can't go wrong with a G-Shock, I've had two for years and they're practically bombproof. Guitar's are incredibly personal, so I can't give you a recommendation.
@@Will-fc2iu my only suggestion on a guitar is buy American made if possible.
As I am reading the comments I realize that I really don’t own most of my things for more than a year. The one thing that I am really happy to own is a proper suit that was tailored to my size.
I'm glad you included cars here, and specifically called out Toyota trucks! Toyota's of the past are absolutely legendary. I own a somewhat old school 2008 fourth generation Toyota 4Runner with the optional V8, and after serving me so well through 130k miles, I think it's really just getting started. Additionally, I have a 2007 Aston Martin Vantage with a manual transmission as my "fun" car. Aston's of today are beautiful and incredible cars, but the joy of rowing one's own gears is no longer available on the newer ones, and everything has become bigger and heavier with all the various features that all auto makers feel the need to load up their cars with. The simple beauty and joy that my old Vantage offers is just no longer available.
@@scottg2946 my '98 4Runner has 233,000 miles on it and doesn't burn oil so all the best with yours👍
Great video! I agree on the wristwatch. I remember giving my Husband, a beautiful watch as a wedding present, and he still wears it to this day.
I would recommend buying the best quality tools that you can afford. Cheaper ones often look the part but are made of inferior steel or aren’t handled properly and they will let you down.
The watch one is absolute spot on. Parents wanted to gift me something for completing my bachelor degree, so i looked up the internet for about three months to find THE watch. I knew i want it to be automatic and have textured dial, so after three months of research i got the Citizen Zenshin Automatic with small minutes in white dial, that looks like cracked ice. I can't put them away now and when at home, they sit in a winder box on my desk so i can watch them spin.
Another thing with sustainability for me are artistic tools. I recently bought Mungyo watercolors, which are made in Japan. The price was realy hgh for my liking when i was the store, but first painting and i knew the price was worth it.
Great video!
Gibson 👑 The sound can't be duplicated!!
My two teenage daughters recently asked me, which of my items is the one I'd miss if I didn't have it anymore. That was an easy one: my tenor saxophone. I got it when I was 16 and re-started playing it a couple of months ago (and added a soprano some years ago). But neither one of my daughters plays the sax, so maybe some future son-in-law or grandchild might inherit it.
My journey of "buy it for life" actually started a few years ago. I still wear some of my first goodyear-welted shoes I bought about 12 years ago (fairly cheap ones from Gordon&Bros.) and had their soles changed a few times already. More higher quality leather shoes have since found their way in my home - by the way, I am about to get my first Loafers next week.
And fountain pens: yes, I do have a few (four) and love them all, though fortunately I do not tend to collect stuff. My favourite is a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze and I also frequently use the Pilot Capless (or Vanishing Point as it is called in the US). My EDC (every day carry) pen is a Kaweco Supra Brass. My ink lasts me a lifetime. Ah, the fourth is the one which was my first one from high quality pens: a Pelikan M800 with green stripes, the classic one (nib in B). James, if you want it, let me know. I'll give you a great price and it is much more gentleman-like than the Montblanc Show-off Meisterstück. As you might have realized already: the more you write with fountain pens, the more you despise ballpens....
Watches: I've already had a classic Aristo automatic watch for about 16 yrs., but bought my absolute dream watch, a NOMOS Tangomat Datum, in an excellent condition and second hand two weeks ago for a great price.
So, buy it for life is something I can relate to completely.
And finally cars: I've always used them until they were a complete financial breakdown and needed too much maintenance. But being a family dad they tend to be more on the practical side of things than fancy ones (and personally I am not interested in cars). My last Renault Kangoo lasted 13 years and ran 315.000 km (195.000 miles) on LPG. My current one (of course bought used and already equipped with an LPG system) is expected to perform equally well...
Congrats on the 100 k!
My Allen Edmonds saude shoes have lasted really well. I have had them for 7 years, had them recrafted once. I still get compliments on them. I keep them clean and touch them up periodically. The original leather stain has worn off of them in a couple spots, but they are still going strong.After cleaning and drying them you do have to use a water protector spray on them (like 3M)
I have a Tissot Touch Expert with a barometer, an altimeter, a chronograph, a compass, an alarm and a thermometer. It is mine since 2010 and I am planning to keep it for the next generations. If I had more money I would buy other watches, but for now this one is giving me a lot of pleasure.
(3) is a great suggestion. I always loved playing the piano at my grandparents’ house more than the one at my parents’. After some conflict, I inherited it and hope my son or daughter will one day enjoy it as much as i did.
A few years ago I bought my Tudor Black Bay 58 and I wear everyday out and at work, totally worth it, I appreciate anything of craftsmanship, pens, watches, cookware, sunglasses etc
I was lucky enough when I was 16 that my father had sufficient faith in my interest in the guitar to buy me a very nice Alvarez acoustic guitar. I now have several guitars of various sorts, but after 40 years I still play that acoustic guitar every day.
In the vein of leather goods, motorcycle jackets. I paid a premium for mine 20 yrs ago but it's held up great after about 200k miles and has just the right patina
I inherited my grandfather's motorcycle jacket. A quality jacket will last for generations!
Good tools and a folding knife/outdoor knife for sure.
I watched Casino Royale in this week. Unbelievable film, everything about it is excellent, badass theme You Know my Name, all that. So lot of different feelings. Greatest Bond film.
I'm 36 (millennial) and totally agree with this sentiment. I'm glad you're out there representing good values as a Gen Z. Proud to say I have everything on the list. Hoping to one day upgrade my Cross fountain pen to a Mont Blanc and my Movado to a Cartier Tank. I'm also glad you added cars to the list. If you own one, keep it clean and maintained. If you pull up to a red light next to a filthy Porsche in your freshly detailed Acura, your car will always stand out... especially if the tires are dressed. I still have the 1980 Corvette I purchased 10 years ago and it still turns heads. I would add custom tailored suit for black tie events and a good quality signet ring to this list.
Agree with all of these, well done. The car and the shoes in particular are of paramount importance for a secure financial life. All I would add is health; the earlier you get healthy, the easier it is to maintain.
i bought my watch in the 5th grade and it still lasts, it'a an sport watch water resistant witch has timer, training program, time and alarm and it's one of the best things I own. Another thing is my feather dip pen, it's not like new anymore, the cat ate a bit of the head, but it has a classic look and I love writing with it
I regularly wear my Great Grandfather's 1936 Omega Button watch. Also have my Grandfather's NSWGR issue Omega Pocket watch from circa 1941 which gets a run out when wearing my dinner suit. Sometimes wear a pair of Bally Oxfords with a grey suit, they cost me a bomb but they are stylish shoes.
I agree with all!!
Theese are the Items I bought for live and I don't regret:
1. My genuine leather shoes, jackets, wallet and suitcase;
2. My Seiko Pressage watch
3. My Montblanc and Sheaffer (U.S made) pens
4. My 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis and a 1999 Chevrolet Omega (here in Brazil is a Pontiac model with a V6 Buick engine)
5. My Yamaha Piano
6. My solid wood furniture
7. My Stanley tools and water bottle.
Greating from Brazil! My best regards.
6:08 i actually played a Gibson Greeny singature model guitar at my local guitar center it just feels like its a relic and plays amazing.
Something to also consider when buying a guitar is that acoustics in particular will sound better as they age, if they’re made from wood rather than plywood. I have a US Tele, a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Custom Shop Strat, and an Avalon acoustic, plus a couple of ‘beater’ guitars I use for gigs where the risk of damage to my main guitars is too great
Stihl pro chainsaw. Purchased by my grandfather for my father over 30 years ago. Still works like a charm.
Stihl is not what it was today 😡they lost in quality.
but in our country house we had frigidaire running fine for more than 60 years 🙂
we thought we had to change it some 20 yeras ago but it was just the plastic band of the door to change ( 15 euros )😂
today, he is really out of order but we keep it as a " garde-manger" 🙃
In the opposite direction, I bought a cheap hammer from Harbor Freight. It hammered good enough, but when I used the claws to pull out a bent nail, the whole head bent over against the shaft, leaving the nail in the wood.
Good tools will also last you a long time. Snap-On tools aren't cheap but mechanics and tool aficionados swear by them.
You'd be surprised how much Harbor Freight stuff shows up in mechanic's toolboxes. Our contracting company uses a ton of Harbor Freight cordless stuff. It works well enough and doesn't get stolen.
Estwing for hammers……
Solid list! Your videos remind me to work hard, expect a lot of myself, and perhaps most importantly, slow down and remember life should have its small luxuries. Sidenote but McAndrew's car is freaking beautiful and I don't even care about cars!
I still have a pair of Swiss Bally loafers that I bought over thirty years ago and they are great. Over sixty years, I have only worn three wrist watches. Two automatic Seiko's and one Omega Seamaster. I am still wearing one of them today. The problem with guitars is that I can't stop buying them. I give them away to friends and family but I still have nine guitars today.
Bally is doing quite fine quality clothes that last, i can agree :)
today i almost set me free from collecting wristwatches !
but 3 😏
JL Polaris of the 60's
blancpain from the 50's
and an " unknown" omega i won't talk about because it is as elegant as rare 😇
to be precise, i have enough watches, my half, my son and my daughter have watches enough too 😳🙄🤣
fortunatelly i don't play guitar 😁
Old cars are difficult when it comes time to pass the CA smog check. A good education has lasted me a life time
I recently purchased my 3rd Hamilton watch and it's now my forever watch. I lost my first in the water and then a couple years ago I bought my second online and I made a regrettable decision to save money and not really get the one I wanted. So, a few months ago the model I really wanted became available brand new at much lower cost so I got it and gave the other Hamilton watch to my 15-year-old nephew for Xmas so he can enjoy it.... I just received a handwritten thank you card from him.