9 Painful Mistakes You'll Make Collecting Watches
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 มิ.ย. 2024
- Let's talk about some Tough lessons I've learned in this hobby over the last decade and a half.
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'Appreciate a watch for what it is, not for what it's lacking!' - This mindset is everything in this hobby
Took me too long to learn!
So important because one watch can not have everything, sounds obvious but yet I miss it a lot
What, What, What? You mean I shouldn't make the classic: "if only it..." comment on a watch I have no intention and/or the wherewithal to buy? You just eliminated 99.9% percent of watch youtube comments.
@@davidr2802 🤣🤣🤣
This comment how I feel about my made-In-Japan g-shock.
I eventually ended up in the "no watch is right for me, so I'm not going to buy any more watches" ... I've been in this stage for two days now
Make it to one week and report back 🤣
@@WatchCrunchOfficial It's on!
I get to that point and then start doing hours and hours of research on how to paint/relume dials, looking at the CNC process to make a single piece of metal that would complete the aesthetic, or trying to figure out how to replace the mainspring in a movement because I want to the winding mechanism to feel sturdier… then I remember I have to formal education or expertise in watchmaking and close the dozens of tabs I have open on my computer lol
@BlakeValenta for what it's worth, Rolex pays students $1800 a month to go to their school in Dallas and learn to be a watchmaker. Tuition free 18 month program with no obligation to work for Rolex when you finish. They also pay for a trip to Geneva for your final exam.
@@ArugulaJones woah that is awesome. I’ve never actually looked into it but that would be really cool to do
Watch mistake no.1: follow hypes instead of your own taste
Unfortunately hype often forms our taste so difficult to separate.
@michaelriera6277 only few are given the strength to form their own taste
true, but most of the time hyped watches are the watches that we all tend to like, probably hype just speed up the process of you starting to liking that watch 😅
Bingo
Joined watch crunch. Has been a great place so far . Good people
Great to hear 🍻
I concur
That Universal Genève is stunning
Hell yeah! I'm really looking forward to seeing what Breitling are going to do with UG! A solid yellow gold modern polerouter might become my grail/exit piece!
"You'll smile every time you see them wear it" can't agree more man, it's so true
I went through various stages of loving only high end, Chinese homage, mid tier, and microbrand. Now my collection has a bit of all of those. I enjoy my cheaper San Martin and microbrands as much as my JLC and other high end pieces. But always buy within your budget. You're not really missing out on much if anything staying low and mid.
It’s funny you say that. It’s the same for me. I focused on high end for years. Only Omega, Grand Seiko, Rolex Cartier etc… I’ve sold most of my collection and thoroughly enjoy some of the micro brands I own. I believe it’s a necessary journey to understand what you want and what matters. My unimatic is one of my most worn watches now
@@floridaman727 Nice! For me it was Omega (x2), Tudor (x2), Breitling (x2), a high-end TAG Heuer heritage and a JLC - as my first 8 watches. My current three San Martins are true homage watches and not 1:1 clones like many on AliExpress, which is an important distinction for me. They all improve on things that I actually like better in the San Martin vs the homaged piece. It seems that San Martin really listen to what customers actually want in their watch. As for the micros - I love their passion and perseverance, and I like to root for the underdog, and also have something a bit more unique than the average Joe. There's also some gems here and there in the mid-tier.
I kind of agree with your sentiments but disagree with homages. I don’t buy too many watches but buy them to commemorate certain events in life and so far only have 5 watches and will never sell any watches. Just keep and try to get fixed. My issue with microbrands and aliexpress watches is after sales support like getting it fixed legitimately and assured. I will have to find watchmaker that service their movements and can get parts. Not an issue with my Rolex, Tudor, Citizen, and Wenger. I have yet to delve into higher horology watches because of sticking to budget around my income level. I don’t want to use a watch that I can’t reliably find someone to maintain as a marker of my life. I actually have 6 if i count a San Martin that turned to be lemon that I can’t find someone who fix it.
@@jakealexander6046 I hear you on support. I have had some dud San Martins. One had a very poorly regulated movement. Another had arm hairs of a factory worker under the caseback(!!) - big thick hairy arm hairs definitely not mine - but an easy fix. One had a misprinted dial (where 6 o'clock was not in alignment with the pinion and 12) and one had a misaligned rotating bezel, so it's not all good. But they are getting better. I do watch mods so was able to regulate the movement, and also fix the rotating bezel. The misprinted dial is just something I copped. Overall what you get for the money is exceptional. With SII(Seiko) NH35 movement - I can easily swap that myself as I have the tools and know-how to do movement swaps and regulate movements, but I totally get that's not everyone's cup of tea. Homages are a personal preference. A lot of "homages" are actually "clomages" and I am not a fan of those. I like the homages that say "that's a good design, but we can do things a little differently, and a little better". I like that.
@@jakealexander6046 most San martin watches use the NH35 movement or something similar. You can always buy the movement separately and replace/swap the old "lemon" movement and any watchmaker can do that with ease.
Collecting watches is not a monetary investment. Collecting watches however is an investment in your happiness ❤
Well said!
@@WatchCrunchOfficial and budget is irrelevant, also if you know how to fix them it's an amazing brain exercise! Take an old piece and make it look like it's nearly worn and make it tick again! Priceless!
My girlfriend rolled her eyes at me when I told her this 😢😂
One more tip: If you really want a watch and it's a stretch for you financially, wait 6 months and see if you still really want that watch. Most often, the urge fades.
Waiting for my love of Daytonas and APs to fade for years
Oh, how true this is!
My most loved watch is not the most expensive one, it tends to be the one with the best looking dial that you don't get tired of
Totally 💯
Which watch is it?
@@WatchCrunchOfficial It's still the Seiko Alpinist that I started with and I still wear it everyday. I like looking at it under different lighting conditions. I have also swapped out the original dull strap for a reddish brown leather strap and that seem to just bring it to life. Another watch (not yet in my possession) which has won my heart with its dial is the Grand Seiko Snowscape (SLGH013). It looks better in real life than in photos.
@@2hu0Seiko always have the best dials. Regardless of price
@@2hu0 Solid choice. I like the green+gilt alpinist.
That opening bottle with the watch gave me a heart attack😅
😵
Can open a bottle of Pepsi 😅
He's a good sport 😎
feels great indeed to see a gifted watch being regularly worn. One of the truest satisfaction I've experienced in this hobby
It’s definitely a journey. I enjoy wearing my more affordable/cheaper watches over the expensive ones. From a Casio, Tudor and Omega owner
That's right! 👍
2:02 Scandinavian (not Swedish) Airline System 😉. Explains "Copenhagen" on the map.
I just shared this video with my watch friends aficionados. Every you said here is so right on point! Makes me feel so good about my watch journey! Thanks 🙏🏻
Well said. I have bought several grails over the years, but the journey continues. Have fun with it.
Good video, I think your videography has gotten a lot cleaner and better. I really liked the “appreciate your watch for what it is, not what it’s lacking”
Once you buy your grail watch, another grail watch will quickly take its place. It's a vicious cycle 😂
Max, my birthday is coming up in August FYI
Great video my guy. Those are 9 gems you just dropped on us. Bravo. 👏
Appreciate that ☺️
Some really great advice here. Definitely wear what you like and connect with watches in your own way. Thanks for the video!
I think this was one of your best videos. Thanks for this!
Great advice! 💯 enjoy the journey!
Great video, love #6 and #7, Watches make great gifts; (I refreshed my collection end of last year giving away about 10 watches to guys I saw didn't wear watches, and blessed others, and the joy is in seeing others enjoying them, and #7 changing straps is changing my watch journeys. I started slowly, but now it's like getting new watches all over again!
Thanks for your feedback. Yes new watch collector and learning to fix watches. At times I feel I’m buying too many watches or get that FOMO on limited edition. After watching allot of TH-cam videos, I feel I’m getting more focused on what I want.
Couldn't agree more! I've been collecting for years. I've noticed my collection began to reflect my age.
I love your perspective. Thanks
Best vid I've seen on watches. All the advice is perfect.
Really great video - down to earth and informative! Keep it up!
Great vid Max! All really good info!
Some great advice Max, thanks!
I am a watch enthusiast living in Japan, and this video struck a chord with me, and I felt it was a bit of an eye-opener. There is no such thing as a perfect watch." A watch is a tool, not a piece of jewelry." These two words have stuck with me and will stay with me forever. Thank you for teaching me something important.
Thanks for those tips, really appreciated
Fantastic advice! Thank you.
Excellent advice. I can't make any other suggestions. Thanks!
Great video again Doc!
Great vid & #5 is just perfection
Last year I bought the Tudor Blackbay P01. It is not the perfect watch, but I love it. It is different. A bit industrial, but still luxury. Not my most expensive purchase, but the one I enjoy the most.
It’s definitely unique. Enjoy it!
Nice video. Well articulated points.
Another excellent video. Thanks. BTW - What’s on your wrist in this clip?
4:06 did that when I was working in a multi-discipline integrated project office. He was wearing the Steinhart sub, a clear indicator that he is a WIS.
i love you so much! I recently just found your amzwatch and i’m in love!! Your videos are so fun and you energy is just MWAH! keep living your life
Newer collector here!
Thanks for your videos!
Since the budget is tight I’m trying to open my horizons on brands and some interesting facts.
I started my watch journey recently. Thanks for the advice.
Welcome! Hang on for dear life 😅
@@WatchCrunchOfficial Right?! I've set a cap at $500.
2:05 *Scandinavian Airlines System, but thanks anyway! 😉
all great points, i especially agree with number 1.
my favourite and most worn watch is my Seiko SRPG35, despite having watches worth multiple times its value. and it kind of ties into what you said in point number 5, appreciate a watch for what it is, not what it lacks.
Well said, great video 👍
Wise words. Hopefully, above all-have fun. It’s a great hobby.😊
Thanks for the video and great advice. I'm currently in the middle stage(again). Lucky for me, this time I know that there is no grail watch to have and I can admit that I have a problem (lol). With that being said I'm enjoying the journey a whole lot more.
Excellent video!
Wear your watch(es) is great advice. Crazy to get these amazing little machines and not enjoy them.
The zero pass has become my go to nato for all my Hamiltons. Thanks for the design.
I already have a moon watch but now I want that soccer chronograph. Didn't know it existed!
Good One! Thank You!
Glad you liked it!
Calling it a "grail watch" is a misnomer. As soon as you get it, you are already looking for the next one.
Sorry but not sorry to point this one out - at 4:39 it says '5.THE PERFECT WATCH DOEN'T EXIST!' Just like our watches, a little imperfection is OK and takes nothing away from this amazing video. I truly appreciate the video for what it is and the message it is trying to convey. Great work, Max!
Awesome video and love how you explained about grail watches. They don’t exist and the fun is more in the chase.
Once you obtain it, honeymoon period does pass and like you said, the game ‘resets’ all over again 😂😅
Really enjoyed this episode
I like to think less is more. I don't understand people that have like 20+ watches that all cost between $100-$1000. You could have 3 really nice watches and a G-Shock.
Awesome video!
As I love cars I bought a Carrera Heuer 01 (43mm, non-skeleton dial) back in 2017. I've been wearing it ever since on a daily basis in rotation with my SMPc (41mm, black lacquer dial). I pair my SMPc with a suit jacket to the office. It's an awesome GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch. Fortunately I haven't lost money on either of them, but I've never viewed a timepiece as an investment.
Watch Crunch is great! True watch fans and always great content
great advice, wish I knew all of this before I insanely spent tens and tens of thousands of dollars from 2018 !! currently doing a shake down and have 3 x 10 k watches (GS's) and 10 vintage seikos which I adore probably even more than my expensive ones. Had expensive Omegas and 3 new Rolexes, TAG'S etc pass through my hands. Don't miss them, just can't wait to finally consolidate my collection and if the itch surfaces, carefully evaluate the itch and perhaps !! make a buy. thanks for your channel.
Well articulated
Fabulous list, Max. If I could add one more here, it would be, "understand *why* you like what you like." Yes, it might sound a little too much like how-the-sausage-is-made, but: thecmore you can get a handle on just what flips your proverbial switch with a given model, the better-informed your future purchases might be. Today, I had a bit of online banter with someone about a watch we both have: Seiko's 5 Sports GMT, the SSK003 specifically. I've owned this watch closing in on a year and a half, and I'm still just as jazzed by the thing as I was the day it arrived. For me, this is crazy-rare: it's not that I don’t like the watches currently in my collection, but the giddiness-factor usually settles down within one to three months. That hasn't been the case with this watch, and I think I (mostly) know why...but there's still an "X-factor" here that eludes me a bit, what I called a secret-sauce that I don't think Seiko has even in some of their pricier offerings. But Ibthink I have most of it sussed, and I keep this in mind whenever I'm paying unusually clise attention to a new release.
4:40 “The perfect watch doen’t exist!”
Pobody’s nerfect 😅
Those Anachronist straps are cool. I sure wish they came a little bit longer for those of us with wrists over 7.8" !
I love the Omega Railmaster 1957. I suppose I could afford it, but honestly I’d rather spend my money on other things like my family. I purchased the San Martin homage to this watch (SN0113-G). The level of finishing is fantastic and it looks amazing on a high quality (Barton) black horween leather strap. One of my most worn watches. I do take the idea of “to each his own” seriously…but I still don’t understand why some people put so much value on the movement, especially if it’s hiding behind a closed case back.. The NH35 in this watch is inexpensive, easy to replace and ticks away reliably.
Very useful advice. I hope I can follow it ;-)
All top advice. I pick (& only have 5 - none more than $2500 list) one based on my mood & what Im doing and/or wearing. Six watch investors didnt like the investment advice. If you wanna buy a watch and hold onto it for 20 years hoping it's worth the time & cost it's best to it keep brand new.
I have a Pasha I bought myself in 98 & a Speedmaster I acquired 8 years ago and I absolutely love them but I find myself wearing my GShock Square more. I just love the design and everything about it. 🤷🏽♂️
Great content 🙌🏻 mostly “wear you watch“ with the bottle opening 😅. Get going 🚀
That orange nato on the last NODUS watch looks absolutely sick. What brand/make is that?
Perfect comments, I also love my less expensive one as those who I have to invest much more....all of them have their characteristics and a special reason to love them....those who I figure it out that I don't love, I just sell them!!
Good vid. Like your content a lot
It takes experience (through errors) to be able appreciate a simple watch for what it is. Not the brand on it. And without it needing to be perfect in any way.
My preferred watch is a cheap $120 manual winding Chinese one, bauhaus design, that accommodate a lot of straps some double its price, and the second one is a G-Shock DW-9052.
I still have Cartier watches (my Tank is my third preferred watch!), Breitling ones, Grand Seiko, etc. and the Universal Genève '56 of my grand father.
My biggest watch mistake was, very early on in my watch collecting journey, thinking that Invicta was a good brand. When I look back at several Invicta watches that I purchased, I cringe at how tacky, oversized and overpriced they were. Thankfully, I encountered channels like Teddy Baldsarre's, Watchfinder & Co, the Time Teller, Frederico Talks Watches, Jenni Elle, etc. to elevate my taste and purchasing habits.
Same, I thought I made great deal looking at their “retail” price 😂😂😂
@@Aoelx I am glad to see that I am not the only one who made such a blunder. I spent hundreds of dollars, buying Invicta's cartoonish and gaudy watches at their retail stores - all of which have closed in the various malls in my area. In a way, despite regretting my foray into Invicta watches, I have to give the company credit. Invicta got me into the watch collecting hobby.
Max, loved the video. Also love that you admitted the sub took a loss. Far too many of us in the hobby won’t admit the L’s. I lost like 1K on my 114060 and am I happy about it? No. Still love the watch
Hey, you haven't lost if you haven't sold right? 😉
@@WatchCrunchOfficial I also bought an Explorer whilst not at the peak, far too overpriced vs what it is now (it's still going down) but I don't really care as it turns out it'll be the last thing i'll sell before getting homeless ! Appreciate that you mention the loss, when you hear some they only make profit and it's not even on purpose. Meh...
Where did you get your shirt? It looks awesome on you.
You are soooo right. Just wear, what makes you happy. It is what watch collecting is all about.
I love my WW Seiko. But to your point, I wish the date wheels matched both colors on the dial.
That flieger…wow!❤
Outstanding video , and advice. I have gotten over most of the mistake, made them before😂. My biggest problems are. .......too many watches, and where to wear them. I work in agriculture, farm. Have no problem wearing sla divers, ti planet ocean, oemga railmaster to work. Tool watches. My gs sbga111 with the flawless case, other special ones, cant use them other than after work.
Grail , or new watches, always on the hunt, but reality has actually set in. I get as much enjoyment from my 20 yr old orange dial seiko samurai, or a monster, as my black birch. It is not the cost, it is the enjoyment, and memory of each watch.
Watches aren't investments ever! Buying over RRP for a second hand watch is so lame
Never have been interested in being in a club! Ie Rolex, royal oak,etc.
But a watch for yourself and not what someone will think
Good advice!
@Andrew-yy2ye Ya, a watch has never paid me a quarterly dividend yet..🤣
@@davidr2802 sorry if you have been upset by my comment but I would never buy a second hand watch for over retail and have never been a Rolex guy full stop , firstly if you buy from the grey market you're not thinking at all and the only people who wear Rolex these days have either kissed arse to get it or overpaid either way it's a terrible look. And I'm simply not that guy and the fact you comment on GS who make better watches than Rolex tells me you are that Guy, so you carry on buying watch for the letters that are printed on the dial and I'll buy watch for their quality and pieces that actually appreciate your custom,and you can be treated like a fool good day to you sir.
„The fun is in the middle.“ is pure wisdom (imho)
Really love that Zinn
When it comes to fine imitation watches, amzwatch delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.
Absolutely word M!! I would add for anyone new to collecting not to fall for the hype, esp from alot of dealers. Some dealers r just like used car dealers, they hide details. Imagine a watch collector dealer for collectors, once you know they don't exist you know what to look for when buying, so your words on impatience and waiting for the right one hold so true. I would add unless you have endless funds for this addiction ( smiley), get a beater to hold you over and save like crazy for that one you want. I've got watches that I liked, but could have saved those $$'s for one I would love.
On the finding a perfect watch, this is why I like Dornbluth and Formex, and Helm and Vostok. There's a lot of customization options.
If I'm spending 5k on a watch I would want it to be matching my specifications. I'm not asking for perfection of every single detail, but if these watchmakers are charging so much I should be able to get the version I want.
Very good advice
I would add that one’s taste changes over time. Don’t eliminate a watch permanently. Sometimes I find myself coming back to a watch over and over again.
Also try before you buy when possible. Perhaps best to avoid buying watches you’ve never seen let alone wear on your wrist.
SAS = Scandinavian Airlines System
Also, the picture you showed is from Copenhagen (Denmark). 😅
Do not fall for a 'limited edition' cash grab. Buy only if you like the watch.
Good call 🤙
Lots of "limited editions" are trying to make a virtue out of necessity. It is not hard to find limited editions with 5% of total production for sale on line.
#3 is golden!
Nice shirt.
Amei todas as bolsas lindas e de muito bom gosto.Parabens #mamacoo 😘😘
‘Before you break up, see her in a sun dress first’.
Words to live by
each watch has it's own personality. there is never an alternative watch to another. unless it's fake replica
I've been keeping it real crunchy too bro to no avail
Good stuff, Max. Screw the hype and trends - wear what you like. ❤
Is it possible to have 2 grail watches? Hahaha I've always thought the sub 14060m (still my favorite watch over my 5711 or my 15400) was my holy grail because of how easy it fits every outfit I have, but the last 5yrs I've really caught onto a neo-vintage yellow gold day date 36mm and now the urge to get one on the secondary market is strong. The wife has forbidden me to get another watch unless i sold one to make space in the watch box for any new watches (i haven't bought a watch since 2018)...