Hey Adrian just started watching your chanel (I am subscribed of course) thing is, I was binge watching your videos and cut a glimpse of your left thumb nail (I am a doctor) and couldn't help but notice that a year ago (on a video you did on rolex explorers) you didn't have that brown spot, have you had it checked out? Doctors should rule out subungual melanoma. Anyway, will try to leave this message again in case you miss it, you know... just looking out for one another in this crazy times.
Don’t buy to impress is SO TRUE. I once met a gentleman on a train ride, and I noticed he wore a Lange & Söhne. So I asked him and guessed if it was maybe Saxonia. He laughed and said no it was ‘only’ a 1815, however it was in platinum. But he added that it was a gift from his parents in law. I congratulated him with such amazing marriage and in-laws. Then he added what was for me the kicker, he had worn the watch already for more than 10 years and in all this time I was the first person who recognized and commented on his Lange & Söhne watch. Ergo: BUY FOR YOURSELF, NOT FOR THE GUY ON THE FORUM.
Paul J That sounds like a douche bag I once knew. Was he from Texas? And did he tell you his parents in law were from the small town in Germany where the watch is made? 😂
@@Snek03 Sorry, I am sure he was't. I am Dutch and so was this gentleman. But the oposite of this humble man in my anecdote are the a..holes boasting about their watches. They usually don't know sh.t about watches, let alone about the place where they are produced. You spot these types soon enough when they fuss with their watches every five seconds so everybody can see. A retailer of Panerai told me a few years back, when every soccer player or person on tv was wearing these eye catching watches as flavor of the week, that often clients came in his store who dropped €8000,00 cash and asked for a Panerai, ANY Panerai, as long as it was big enough for anybody to see....
Come on, but Lange and JLC are another league, these watches are bought by people who love watches. Same goes for Omega, for me, it is a watch to wear and enjoy, for me, Rolex is a watch to flip, same with Patek. But I do have a weak spot for the Royal Oak, even though it's very flippable, I just can't do it, love it too much.
I rarely comment on videos, but I love this one, Adrian! I recently bought a vintage ultra thin hand wound Cartier Santos. 19 out of 20 people tell me it is way too small, only for women, it looks like a Casio etc. It really made me believe I bought the wrong watch and it got into my head. But the thing is: I absolutely adore this watch and could not find it more timeless, cooler and classier...! It is all about me and my passion, no one else. That’s why we do all this and spend our hard earned money. Thanks for this awesome vid! 🙂
You need to watch some old movies and see the watches they had on back in the 40s and 50s by men with big wrist. The small watch does look really cool. I was quite surprised how well they looked.
For women? Do yourself a favor: Find pics of all the leading men who established the small watch trend that was the norm for a long, long time. Cary Grant. Valentino. Clark Gable. JFK. Muhammed Ali. All Cartier. All small. Good for you.
Nope, you are wrong, beleive it or not but there is one worse than that. If the commentor is an Archie luxury fan he will probably call it a "shitter" hahaha. I don't think it gets worse than that bloke though.
@@Ray-gz4ut is Archie still online with is channel? 😆! My god in the beginning late years I tough he was just joking, but when I start to see more of the same .. 👋
I'll never again buy a watch without trying it on. I mean an expensive watch. You just never know how you'll feel until it's on your wrist. Even so, I'm surprised how over time a watch can grow on you and you feel connected. Other times, the watch for me just ends up in it's box. Interesting how the emotional reaction to your watch can change over time. Like a relationship in some way, even though it's only an inanimate object at the end of the day.
Agree 100%, can’t tell you how many watches I was super excited about that I came so close to buying just off of TH-cam vids and photos only to see it in person and have it on my wrist to realize it just didn’t wear as I thought it would when I got it on my wrist. This is my number one piece of advice and that is to actually put it on. Even if you plan to find a very specific version or the cheapest second hand one, find a dealer or retailer near you to get something close on your wrist.
I agree with what you're saying I just thought it was interesting the use of the phrase "inanimate objects." I know what you mean but in thinking about it most watches have a second hand or if it's got a visible movement you can see cogs and wheels turning and in some cases these inanimate objects have signs of life and can be more interesting than some of the people I know 😃
IDGuy did a video on a something similar to this recently- something like "Why you aren't satisfied with your watch purchase". Definitely an interesting topic.
Some people just need to be recognised for having something known and hard to get, if rolex wasn't on the name of their sports watches and they were obtainable then no-one would care for them
in everything. You are already unique, that's why I like vintage, because every watch is unique, the way they were making them 50+ years ago, they didn't come out exactly the same like they do today.
I always give myself three months before buying a watch. If my desire for the watch is as high as it was three months ago, then it is a safe buy. Does not apply for Rolex SS though. I would snap some of those up without a second thought.
I have been desiring the first nice important watch for 4 years. then I found out about the black bay 58. I waited another year, partly because it was impossible to get my hands on it and partly to see if I really wanted it. Finally last month it got delivered to my address. I can't lie I'm over the moon. perfect watch. new, perfect size, with that vintage look.
Forum favorites are always pushed like mad by the “Experts” but Adrian is dead right but what you like. As for the “Rolex is no longer for enthusiasts” I kinda agree, I have always bought and enjoyed Rolex watches, but in latter years they are just being used by speculators as another way to make a quick buck, and the enthusiast who wants to buy and actually wear one are being priced out by the crazy grey market prices.
I love the oris big crown pointer bronze with bronze dial ,, the green dial 80th is rarer .. but i like the bronze dial more .. so im getting what i like more !!! Solved .. thank you 🌹
This is so true. I recently bought the watch (Pelagos) I wanted rather than what I thought others would be impressed with and I am enjoying so much more
All three of its current versions are in my local AD's window at the moment and every time I walk past my eyes linger on them, particularly the blue one. They're like a modern evolution of the Submariner and I love that they added lume to the bezel.
I thought the mistake was buying all monotone watches from the thumbnail and selling anything that had any colour (GMT, Harrods Tudor, GS). ;) To be serious I’m sick of certain elements of the Internet. People don’t express opinions they express opinions presented as facts. Many are seemingly validating their own opinion all the time. It’s pathetic. If you buy a Rolex Sub “you’re a sheep” for example, there is just as many sheep in the “hater” clan as there are in the “fanboy” clan. In between these polarisers are those that buy what they like for them. I have some nice watches. I work from my PC room at home, I stream to a sizeable audience. I don’t talk about what watches I have, they are for me. I love what watches I have, I give not two shits if nobody else sees them ever. The internet feels full of insecure people validating their own choice or talking down others from a position of not owning such things. It’s dull as shit!
Yes exactly, if someone buys a watch to wear to impress people, i got news for them nobody's ever going to notice it. Buy it because you love it. Im always looking at peoples wrists and i think 1 out of 1000 people i see out and about has a cool watch on. There's not enough watch nerds out there to care to see your ( insert whatever awesome watch) to say anything about it. Ive worn some expensive pieces litterally all over the world nobody's ever said shit about them.
"To be serious I’m sick of certain elements of the Internet. People don’t express opinions they express opinions presented as facts." Sadly this is the 21st Century and the internet as a whole. You're right though, I don't like Rolex, but it doesn't mean they're not a phenomenal watch. I love Omega, Grand Seiko, and just vanilla Seiko and I get grief for that. Buy what you want and not what is dictated by others, fashion might skew your opinion on things, I'm not ignorant to that but don't spend your money on somebody elses opinion of it.
TooOld ForTwoWheels that’s what I don’t get about people that wanna make liking a watch brand like you’re supporting a football team? I find it baffling. No tribalism is needed in this hobby. Any watch lover should have respect for Seiko and all they’ve done. If someone asks me what a good affordable watch is, that’s the first name that I say!
@@TheRunningManZ Like what you like, live and let live eh!? If somebody said to me "I love Quartz pieces, and collect only them" it is what it is and they have a place in horology. We're all on the same side!
I bought my Tudor BB58 recently because I fell in love with how it looks and how it makes me feel. I don't really care what anyone else thinks. The love of a certain watch is so subjective, so all I can say is buy what you like and what connects with you........
Another top notch video! The one thing I'll say and disagree with is your hype of redbar I've brought a seiko to one of their events in LA and got totally crapped on. Meanwhile the trust fund babies were swooning over their Rolexes that they really knew nothing about. Some of the worst pretentiousness ever experienced. Havent gone back since.
I must admit, the vibe at the NY Redbar event I went to was very different from the London Redbar. Come to London, people put pateks down to check out Seikos - not joking.
I agree. I found myself building a huge collection of watches I thought the watch community liked. And then I was holding on to some pieces even though I didn’t connect with them just because I thought it’s what the community would do. It was liberating when I finally realized my situation and let go of those watches.
Love your comment of "it's not the value of the watch that determines your level of enthusiasm" or something like that....spot on when you're a true aficionado!!!
This video pretty much breaks down why I love this channel and The Urban Gentry. You and TGV just simply enjoy watches. You don't diss other peoples choices and you appreciate watches for what they are.
What I don't understand with some watch enthusiasts, is their one sided approach to mechanical vs quartz. I do appreciate mechanical watches, and am wearing one. However quartz gets a hard time and it's a wrong perception. The argument goes: intricate skill in a mechanical watch vs a lump of quartz. That's the wrong perception though. There's a saying, 'if life gives you lemons make lemonade'. The same could effectively be said for quartz. Quartz in itself as a timekeeper is quite simply a beautiful-stunning piece of physics. Disputing that is ignorance. A quailty piece of quartz, put into a quality watch with quality finished parts, is something uniquely special. (However many are made.) I know, I owned a quartz Omega, and it was accurate to six seconds a year. Had an hour change for Daylight Saving Time too. (Plus it was gorgeous.) I would flat out ignore anyone who disagreed with me; end of story. I disagree with what he said in this vid. 3:33 Where he quoted a troll or someone opinionated saying. "Better because it keeps time better." Then he replies, "Well don't buy one of these if that's important." I see no reason why a mechanical watch should not keep good time, before I buy it. It sounds like he says buy watches for the beauty, and coz you love them. Yet folks with big watch collections annoy the piss out of me. Who do those people think they are with that greedy carbon footprint? Buy what you need and nothing more, because there is one planet! (Bar the odd buying mistake of course.) Anything else is either self-indulgence, posing, or pure greed. One planet; enough for everyone, not everyone's greed.
Best and most on point video you’ve done Adrian. The greatest thing about being a grumpy old man is I’ve only ever bought watches I want because I don’t care what other people think... i
I work in the wine business. Talk about an industry that attracts "buy to impress". The other day someone asked me "will this wine improve with age?". I said "I don't know, what's your idea of improvement? Also, what is it lacking right now and are you sure aging will add that?". If you don't know the answers to those questions, don't age it. Impress yourself, in the end that's the only thing you control. Today someone "complimented" my Seamaster saying "nice watch, if I hadn't been able to find a Submariner I would have gotten one". Thing is I could have had a Submariner, but I WANTED a Seamaster. I could tell, that had never occurred to him.
That wine example is great. I was talking to an AD manager the other about a similar experience. Guy walks in asking for a Daytona, managers asks, what is it about the Daytona you like. The guy couldn’t really answer why the Daytona. He just wanted a nice Rolex and didn’t need the chronograph. He left with a gold daydate.
This is my favourite watch video. And not only by Bark & Jack, it is my favourite video regarding watches, period. The idea that we have to please others is very much related to social media and this need for validation stems from that. A lot of people will get lost along the watch journey because they will spend money they don’t have on watches they don’t really want. It’s important to create your own path and buy what you love. Make your own destination, buy pieces that spark joy when you put them on. I once told a friend who was debating selling a watch from his collection but didn’t know which: “don’t sell the watch you wear the least, sell the watch that sparks the least joy.” The same goes for purchasing a watch: buy a watch that makes you feel something when it’s on your wrist.
Thanks so much Alex. I’m really glad you think that. And I love that thought about sell the watch that brings your the least joy. I think I’d heard that a few years ago!
Great topic Adrian. I love my all brushed Breitling Colt 41. I know the “watch community “ pinches their nose with anything Breitling, but it’s such a great size, no bling and when I tried it on the first time it fit like a glove. I love watching and learning about watches even those I’ll never afford, but for me this humble watch is perfect.
I have a Galactic 41 that I love the looks of and you know what? I've caught a few Rolex owners stealing a second look trying to figure out what I was wearing. Ah..... just my lowly Breitling.
That’s why I loved what you said in your New Rolex Release video which is though these watches are new releases, it doesn’t mean you have to buy them now or ever.
I don’t think Rolex was ever an “enthusiast” brand. It started as well made tool watches, has now morphed into marketing monster for speculators. Ironically, the models that haven’t been made for years are now enthusiast darlings, but they didn’t start that way. Also, Aristotle was like Plato. Except he didn’t invent the plate.
Oh the irony of your post, I think you missed the point of this video. Go back and rewatch the part of not judging other people's desired brands or labeling them as whatever you think they are (in your example, speculators). I am not a speculator, and I am 100% a watch enthusiast. I happen to have a nice diverse collection with Japanese, German, and Swiss watches. One of the brands I do enjoy, happens to be Rolex. Are there speculators who buy Rolex? Sure. But just enjoy the journey for what it's worth, everyone's is different. At least that's what I got from this video.
Saad Mubarak no offence meant, but I can’t see where I condoned or condemned anybody for liking a particular brand, I was making an observation about the brand’s perception and marketing. I don’t mind Rolex, I’ve got three old ones myself, but most new pieces do get purchased by non-enthusiasts, thus, that’s where their marketing power is targeted. Keep in mind, %99 of people couldn’t care less about double-red or underlined or 5 digit versus 6 digit. They just buy Rolex because of the perception of high quality.
The Daily Beater You still stereotype here with sweeping statements, perhaps unwillingly, but to compartmentalise a brand with a stereotype as you allude to stating that ‘most’ new Rolex are bought by ‘non-enthusiasts’ is to feed the futile discourse that Adrian’s video seeks to dispel. Let one buy what they enjoy, who is to cynically judge the modus operandi of one’s purchase. Be well.
GeoT seriously, I wasn’t impugning any end purchaser, which I’ve stated about three times now, just making a general observation about marketing from the company’s perspective and how it feeds in to speculation for that particular brand. No offence meant, I hope none taken.
Okay so I initially saw this video a few weeks ago. I just rewatched the video now and for some reason it really hit home to me today. Yesterday I was chatting with a coworker. He comes from a family of money, and I've overheard him a while ago speaking to someone about Rolex. I was too busy at the time to join in on the conversation. Anyway yesterday I brought it up. "Hey I overheard you are looking for a Rolex? I'm a watch enthusiast myself." His reply, "I have Rolex's. A GMT Master 2, a Paul Newman, and Exporer 2. I'm bored with them so looking for a Deep Sea James Cameron." Okay….. So I tell him about my watch collecting journey and the quest I’ve been on saving up for a Tudor Black Bay 58 Gilt, and that I’m excited because I’m getting close. his response? “Don’t get Tudor. Tudor’s are pieces of S@#. Just save up a little more and get a Rollie Sub.” So #1 Submariners are not “a little more” and #2- I don’t want a Rolex Submariner. I want the Tudor Black Bay 58 original gilt. Not the new blue (although stunning as well), Not an Omega, not a “Rollie”. So today i rewatch your video and it hit close to home. It solidified me buying a watch for me, not for anyone else. And you’re right. It’s liberating. Cheers!
Guys like him piss me off. He wears Rolex because of its status symbol. He’s not a watch guy. He might like watches, but it’s not for the same reason you and I like them. 100% stick to what you like and wear it with pride. In a few weeks I’m actually doing a video on why I bought my BB58 and why I’m selling my No Date sub. 👍🏻
This is the reason why I follow you and not other clowns who criticize watch brands and use their "funny faces" for plays. Keep up the good work, mate!
Absolutely Spot on Adrian! I was thinking the same thing earlier today scrolling through my IG feed: I've been saving up for an explorer (but I haven't yet figured out if I prefere the 36mm or the 39mm one) for about a year now (and I'll need at least another year of savings); but a couple of months ago, particularly after having joined the facebook group, I started doubting my choice because I felt like everyone had it and praised it and it was unoriginal to buy one. Then I thought to myself "Who gives a sh*t about it being so popular, I know I love it and I'm goin to bu it!"
In the best way possible, your style, production value and enthusiasm on a subject remind me of Henry Catchpole from Carfection. Perhaps Bark and Jack is the Carfection of watch collecting or vice versa. Also great strap on the BB58 :)
Lol it never fails when I’m intrigued by someone’s watch, and I make the awkward “what watch is that?”question. the response is always movado, Michael Khors, Armani bleh bleh whatever. But I’m courteous and compliment it “that’s a nice watch” etc. Like opening up a Christmas present “thanks Aunt May, I always wanted a foot massager”
Totally agree Adrian. I had the same predicament with the 58, but I threw caution to the wind and picked it up. I love it and don’t care that’s it the “obvious” choice.
I was pleasantly surprised when you included the Brietling Aerospace Evo in your watch collection video. As a titanium quartz watch, lots of people look down their noses at it, but I love mine and it gets more wrist time than anything else in my collect. At just over 9mm thick it just feels so nice on the wrist. Would love to see a video on that model.
Absolutely agree. I wanted a Stowa Marine because the classic style just really resonated. For some reason, maybe some weird insecurity, I felt some internal pressure to buy something "better" that would be similar in price to other watches in my collection so I considered a Glasutte Original that had a similar look. After some reflection I realised I actually liked the case shape, proportions, style etc of the Stowa better and went with what I wanted not what would have been considered by many the better choice. Lesson learned, buy for yourself.
I totally agree with your advice. I've been a watch enthusiast for a while and last year purchased an Omega Dark Side of the Moon because I fell in love with it after seeing it being released at BaselWorld. I bought many watches in between that time trying to quench the need for the DSOTM. All I would say is don't!! Save up until you can buy the one you really want, not a replacement. Since buying that though, I have come across a few brand enthusiasts who only know AP, Rolex & PP, asking me why I didn't spend that money on a Rolex??!! 😖 They have a lot to learn - maybe they should sign up to skillshare!!!
Well... I have done just that and bought a Longines Conquest VHP I’ve had my eyes on for two years. And I enjoy it way more than the 39mm Explorer I previously had. Love the incredible accuracy and the fact that it’s a perpetual calendar but nobody knows this. But let’s be honest : if guys with some interest in watches didn’t buy any expensive piece with the aim to look cool on IG/Redbar/GTGs, brands such as Rolex, Tudor, Omega, IWC, Oris, AP, FP Journe, Breitling, Patek specifically for the Aquanaut / Nautilus and Panerai wouldn’t be manufacturing more than 30% of their 2019 sales Hodinkee, Revolution, Fratello would be much smaller businesses and many watch TH-cam channels and Podcasts would simply not exist, for lack of subscribers. The segment of the watch industry we fans look at is Luxury. It thrives on making potential customers dream a branded piece of kit on their wrist will make them better persons. Is it a bad thing ?
Thanks again Adrian! I have decided, 2 months after it’s launch, to go for the Tudor BB 58 blue. It is exactly the watch I’d been looking for and felt it the second I saw the first pic. I then started hesitating when ‘the hype’ started and I’d wished for a while that it wasn’t such a well liked watch by many (despite the rivets..). As you pointed out, people and their tastes are unique, and I recently realized that that uniqueness is still unique if many share their fondness for the same watch. Tudor just did a great job!
Well said Adrian. Might be obvious for certain people, but definitely an important reminder. Buy a watch for the watch, not for the watch geeks. Buying a supposed "cool" watch among watch community is a trap. Not buying one also. It is always confusing, you never truly know why you want that particular watch. You need time to make sure you are buying the watch because it's quality to your own eyes and that you won't flip it the next week / month / year.
It's not that Rolex isn't for watch enthusiast. It's that the main audience for Rolex has changed to stock traders. The market prices reflect that. I saw it first happen to vintage Rolex's and when that market dried up they moved on to modern models. I also saw the Rolex forum go from mainly talking watches to mainly talking about the market value. It's whatever, I am happy to go full watch circle journey and start enjoying other brands again.
Subject objectivity. Surely the question should be, “why am I buying a watch?” A question that often includes the predicament you refer to personally when eulogizing about JLC; going on to state you couldn’t purchase given the lack of residual value. Subsequently, and respectfully, suggest the following points appear relevant: 1, Have the media and peer pressure eradicated much of our individual objectivity? 2, Do watches, as opposed to horology, supply a vehicle to ‘social acceptance’? 3, “What price am I willing to pay for what I believe in?” Be that financial or emotional. After many years I find the world of horology full of incredible watches and opportunity once we remove self-imposed limits. Nice article Adrian!
Totally agree with the sentiment in the video. To me, the question is more in the vein of “am I being influenced to like this watch? Do I really want this watch, or do I want it because so many people say it’s so great. Generally, I know the answer, but I definitely wonder sometimes.
Good video Adrian! I've been looking for a new watch for months now, and I keep being drawn to watches that don't really speak to me. Don't get me wrong the watches are amazing, but to me they don't have that factor that makes me geek out. I admire them, and I've been close to buying a watch I don't really want, but it's an iconic watch and everyone seems to have it. This video put me back on track. It might be that I've never seen that other watch in the flesh, but at least now I won't get something I don't really want.
I'm not sure that I agree with your assertion that the thread ”Is Rolex still an enthusiast's brand?” was designed to be passive-aggressive or gatekeeping. My interpretation of that question was is ”does Rolex still care about watch enthusiast's?”.
Adrian (aka Aristotle of Horology) - your philosophy is right on the mark! Well said! The watch market would look VERY different if folks followed this advice... As an aside, your Skillshare advert was pure gold!
Adrian, this is a topic I’ve been battling with in my mind for ages. The problem is, I don’t know what I like anymore! I’m so influenced by social media and journalists that I really don’t know what I like and what I just think I like and I think many of us are the same.
Every watch i like, people tend to dislike and slag off on youtube and it does impact the purchasing experience. You end up disliking a watch you initially loved... strange how random people impact you
I left the Tudor Facebook group because too many were way too fanatical over the 58. It was pretty entertaining however how seriously upset some people got whenever I posted a pic of my Black Bay 79230b haha!!
I 1,000 percent agree. Take the time to understand your own taste, and buy what you like. The hobby belongs to each individual. Individuality is a good thing, in my opinion.
I think it can be challenging to clarify what we want because of hype vs. what we truly desire, in part, because it’s so hard to experience these watches in person. I spent 2 years lusting after a BLNR, but when I tried it on my wrist, I was utterly uninspired. The opposite happened with the BB58: I spent no time at all lusting after it, but when I saw it on my wrist, I could not walk away without buying it! As I grow my collection, I’m finding that I’ve likely wasted hours of my life on Instagram and TH-cam, drooling over watches that, if I saw in person, I wouldn’t actually want to buy. But hey, Rolex knows what they’re doing: I can’t take my eyes off this shit. 😂
“The best watch is the watch you’re wearing right now”. Came across somewhere I can’t recall but that stayed with me ever since. Enjoy your pieces guys!
Your thoughts are absolutely on the money! IMO, if it feels good emotionally, financially and physically, it is good. There is definitely a feel good emotion after buying and enjoying something that you really like. Thanks!
The discussion is usually whether Rolex considers itself a watch enthusiasts' brand. You could make a good case that they don't, based on their distribution system.
100% agree. The only person to impress is yourself. Rather, watches should bring you joy. It’s a bonus if other people agree. And if they don’t like it, there no reason why that should affect your joy of it.
The Whisky vault guys said it beautifully regarding spirits. What's a difference between a connoisseur vs. a snob? A snob asks "what's your favorite food? Did you say shrimp? Hmmm... I've had shrimp before, and you're wrong."
Nice video - refreshing to see content like this. On the one hand though the critical comments can be good for learning the potential cons/downsides to a piece. I always loved the IWC mark xviii but didnt know much about watches at the time. After some research I found out about the Selita movement it houses and the date window "issue." This helped me make a more informed buying decision but certainly didnt put me off! The trick is asking yourself if the perceived "cons" are something you can live with.
I had the same sentiments for the 58 at first but I kept coming back to it. For my 6.5 in. wrist and smart casual everyday attire, it beat the Seamaster due to the size and dare I say, dressier aesthetic. Didn't hurt that it was easier on the pocketbook too. Great content as always. Thank you.
I've got so many watches that I've bought at various prices it's sad that there is so much watch snobbery but most of the watch channels I watch on you tube review watches from a few pounds to thousands so even if your budget is very small you can still be part of an amazing group of people 😎
100% agree! One of my favorite watches is a Grand Seiko quartz. I love it but Grand Seiko (until very recently) was almost completely ignored by the mainstream, and quartz isn’t very popular among enthusiasts.
Fully agree with you. However social media are very powerful and influential so many people are influenced by it. To avoid such mistake, ones need to form his/her own opinions and understand own needs.
Well said! That is why I have a Bremont, I don't care what anyone has to say about that, I love my Bremont, I love the story of the company and no-one will change my mind about it
I`m a moderator in an international watchgroup on facebook with 25 000 members and we have those a...holes there too, the most common a...hole comment are when they call a guys watch a shitter. I don`t tolerate it and I hit down hard on them. People are different, people like different stuff like different watches, that`s why we have different manufacturers, god bless them all.
Thanks Adrian, I've been saving towards a Defy21 because I am so impressed by what it can do. But I've been wandering from this previously focused path, because I feel I should be getting a Rolex. As amazing as Rolex is, I love being able to see a movement. I'm back on track now! Also love a tudor s&g chrono - interested in that aesthetically speaking.
The Defy 21 is spectacular and I would encourage you to stay focused on this very special piece. Once you have seen this watch in the flesh, nothing can shake the operation of that magic second hand from memory.
Very timely...I just returned from my AD for a chat and coffee. He was eager to show me the latest Grand Seiko's and all the "wonderful" new dial colors and multi-colored bezels. Not at all my taste! I asked if they still made the Snowflake. My AD was surprised that I didn't have one already. Well, I do now!
Purchased the new Speedmaster Professional, with Heslite crystal and steel caseback. Love it. That is the watch I wanted and I am good with that decision.
This video hits home so much. My own watch collecting behaviour is not represented a lot online and I rather not talk about my hobby in public because most of the time you get instantly reduced to certain brands or "flex culture". Loved the nod to your Dad! That's where I get my purchase confirmation (well not yours, but my own Dad) 😄
Fully agree with this! Buy something because you love it! All of this is opinion. There is no perfect watch. No perfect brand. No perfect movement. No perfect material. But if you love it, go with it!
You’re absolutely brilliant mate. But the integration of the “skill share” add is genius. Keep it going, love the content, love the laid back conversation style. Great channel. Cheers
Thank you Adrian. You’ve put my mind at ease. I was lucky enough to get the explorer in June when the AD re-opened after lockdown. This was my first Rolex. I asked to be put on the list for the GMT Batgirl. I was lucky enough to be offered it last month. Literally 2 month wait!!!! This was my “grail” watch and I started questioning myself if I really needed it, due to the large layout within a short period... but you’ve put my mind at ease. If I want them because I like them and it’s not to impress anybody, it’s my own appreciation and reward for my hard work. Thanks for kinda resetting my thought process regarding the “snobbery” around watches. Keep lucky Buddy. 👍😊
I like Swiss automatic watches and I’ve just bought a Citizen perpetual titanium quartz because I liked the look of it . Very good advice indeed sir....
Adrian totally agree! When I have a shortlist I put the photos of possibles one at a time on my iPhone wallpaper to be sure it hits the spot! Just signed up to skillshare.....
I have some "mainstream" luxury watches (BB58 & Moonwatch) and even more non-mainstream watches (Zodiac, Stowa, Zenith). I was working in a retail environment for a while and had contact with hundreds of people per day and the only watch that ever got a comment was a Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium. I could not care less - I buy the watches I love and that I appreciate. Good advice.
Good advice. Buy for yourself is great advice. Because if you do it right, it is about the journey. I have been interested in watches since I was in high school, and I am in my 50s now, so a lot has changed in the last 35 or 40 years, and trends have come and gone, and sometimes come back. The internet and social media have had an interesting effect on this hobby. It puts a spotlight on certain watches, and perhaps causes other watches to be neglected or ignored. I try learn from blogs and youtube channels, but not to the extent that I ignore a watch that perhaps is not getting a lot of attention for whatever reason. There are rules of good taste that it never hurts to know about in terms of level of formality, materials, watch size, and of course, prestige. I try to keep that in mind when I pick out a watch to wear for the day. But in the end, almost nobody cares except you. I can tell who is a watch guy and who does not have a clue, but I suspect guys like me are maybe 1 in 1,000 or even 1 in 10,000. I say this as someone who notices what people wear, and when I think I spot something nice, I ask the wearer. Maybe once in a couple of years do I come across a fellow watch enthusiast. More often than not, it is just a guy who bought the watch because it is a status symbol, or a person who got the watch as a gift, and knows nothing about it, or even someone who when I mention the watch because I thought was something really nice, turned out to be a knockoff or homage. So if you like to wear a small, gold dress watch with a sweatshirt and some jeans, or if you prefer an oversized sports watch with a suit, or even if you like wearing a Swatch, or a digital watch with a Tuxedo, nobody really cares except you.
Sound advice, Adrian! TH-cam, Facebook, Instagram and indeed the whole plethora of social media platforms provide great platforms for watch manufacturers to "showcase" their products, for watch enthusiasts and collectors to review and give their thoughts/opinions on watches both old and new, and for everyone to gain information about a particular watch that they might be considering buying. What REALLY spoils all of this for me is when someone decides to "impose" their particular likes/dislikes, tastes, and opinions on me. There are some truly great watches out there that I will never own because they are just not my style - but there is no way that I would ever decry these watches simply because they are not for me. Live and let live, and each to his (or her) own!
I made the same mistake before I became enthusiastic, bought a submariner, because it was THE watch. But never felt any personal attachment other than the idea that it would be "funny" to have a sub because it's so contrary to my personality. What I didn't expect was to end up falling in love with watches and watchmaking. Now I've got 2 watches im truly in love with (one of which is a Casio)
There is only one person to impress and that is yourself when it comes to buying a watch. You have to live with it and if it doesn't put a smile on your face everytime you put it on, then you bought it to impress others.
Adrian, Another brilliant video. I don’t want to gush over your presentation, but it is probably the best I have seen in months. I am a watch geek with a limited budget. That means my watches have to please me because they will never impress anyone. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying this...hobby? Addiction? Mania? Well done, mate
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Love the advert.
Love the advert.
Best advert ever
Hey Adrian just started watching your chanel (I am subscribed of course) thing is, I was binge watching your videos and cut a glimpse of your left thumb nail (I am a doctor) and couldn't help but notice that a year ago (on a video you did on rolex explorers) you didn't have that brown spot, have you had it checked out? Doctors should rule out subungual melanoma. Anyway, will try to leave this message again in case you miss it, you know... just looking out for one another in this crazy times.
This was a great video. I love how you intergraded your advert. You won a subscriber today sir!
Don’t buy to impress is SO TRUE. I once met a gentleman on a train ride, and I noticed he wore a Lange & Söhne. So I asked him and guessed if it was maybe Saxonia. He laughed and said no it was ‘only’ a 1815, however it was in platinum. But he added that it was a gift from his parents in law. I congratulated him with such amazing marriage and in-laws. Then he added what was for me the kicker, he had worn the watch already for more than 10 years and in all this time I was the first person who recognized and commented on his Lange & Söhne watch. Ergo: BUY FOR YOURSELF, NOT FOR THE GUY ON THE FORUM.
A couple of things: 1) great name 2) Lange saxonia thin in white gold... my grail watch. Nice story, hopefully i will see one in the wild one day.
Paul J That sounds like a douche bag I once knew. Was he from Texas? And did he tell you his parents in law were from the small town in Germany where the watch is made? 😂
@@Snek03 Sorry, I am sure he was't. I am Dutch and so was this gentleman. But the oposite of this humble man in my anecdote are the a..holes boasting about their watches. They usually don't know sh.t about watches, let alone about the place where they are produced. You spot these types soon enough when they fuss with their watches every five seconds so everybody can see. A retailer of Panerai told me a few years back, when every soccer player or person on tv was wearing these eye catching watches as flavor of the week, that often clients came in his store who dropped €8000,00 cash and asked for a Panerai, ANY Panerai, as long as it was big enough for anybody to see....
“....and then I robbed him” 😂
Come on, but Lange and JLC are another league, these watches are bought by people who love watches. Same goes for Omega, for me, it is a watch to wear and enjoy, for me, Rolex is a watch to flip, same with Patek. But I do have a weak spot for the Royal Oak, even though it's very flippable, I just can't do it, love it too much.
Slow clap 👏🏻 on the creativity behind that advert placement. Nicely done Adrian 👌🏻
I only buy on superclone watch and loansliml.com they are best for replicas
#clever
I rarely comment on videos, but I love this one, Adrian!
I recently bought a vintage ultra thin hand wound Cartier Santos. 19 out of 20 people tell me it is way too small, only for women, it looks like a Casio etc. It really made me believe I bought the wrong watch and it got into my head.
But the thing is: I absolutely adore this watch and could not find it more timeless, cooler and classier...!
It is all about me and my passion, no one else. That’s why we do all this and spend our hard earned money.
Thanks for this awesome vid! 🙂
You need to watch some old movies and see the watches they had on back in the 40s and 50s by men with big wrist. The small watch does look really cool. I was quite surprised how well they looked.
Mustermann Max thats what’s it’s all about! Love that piece! You earned it
The fact you love it is the key to the puzzle and only you hold the key your wrist.
For women? Do yourself a favor: Find pics of all the leading men who established the small watch trend that was the norm for a long, long time. Cary Grant. Valentino. Clark Gable. JFK. Muhammed Ali. All Cartier. All small. Good for you.
@@onetwoxplore no doubt that was the trend now males have to make up their lack of size by the dishes we wear on our wrist.
Worst type of comment on a new watch post?
"Good luck when you try to sell that one"
Polar Bear Amen. I never take reselling as a factor for my purchases.
Polar Bear people are just crap I guess
Amen to that, it`s nobodys buiness if you want to keep it or sell it.
Nope, you are wrong, beleive it or not but there is one worse than that. If the commentor is an Archie luxury fan he will probably call it a "shitter" hahaha. I don't think it gets worse than that bloke though.
@@Ray-gz4ut is Archie still online with is channel? 😆! My god in the beginning late years I tough he was just joking, but when I start to see more of the same .. 👋
I'll never again buy a watch without trying it on. I mean an expensive watch. You just never know how you'll feel until it's on your wrist.
Even so, I'm surprised how over time a watch can grow on you and you feel connected. Other times, the watch for me just ends up in it's box. Interesting how the emotional reaction to your watch can change over time. Like a relationship in some way, even though it's only an inanimate object at the end of the day.
Agree 100%, can’t tell you how many watches I was super excited about that I came so close to buying just off of TH-cam vids and photos only to see it in person and have it on my wrist to realize it just didn’t wear as I thought it would when I got it on my wrist. This is my number one piece of advice and that is to actually put it on. Even if you plan to find a very specific version or the cheapest second hand one, find a dealer or retailer near you to get something close on your wrist.
I agree with what you're saying I just thought it was interesting the use of the phrase "inanimate objects." I know what you mean but in thinking about it most watches have a second hand or if it's got a visible movement you can see cogs and wheels turning and in some cases these inanimate objects have signs of life and can be more interesting than some of the people I know 😃
Definitely buy what you like, but don’t only like what you buy.
Tan Gabriel Very well stated👌
IDGuy did a video on a something similar to this recently- something like "Why you aren't satisfied with your watch purchase". Definitely an interesting topic.
There's that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you're buying something for yourself, that you like and adore.
Best sound advice ever given on any watch channel. All I’ve ever done . I listen ,but buy what I want .
Couldn't agree with you more: Stay true to yourself, even - or especially - in watch collecting!
Some people just need to be recognised for having something known and hard to get, if rolex wasn't on the name of their sports watches and they were obtainable then no-one would care for them
in everything. You are already unique, that's why I like vintage, because every watch is unique, the way they were making them 50+ years ago, they didn't come out exactly the same like they do today.
I always give myself three months before buying a watch. If my desire for the watch is as high as it was three months ago, then it is a safe buy. Does not apply for Rolex SS though. I would snap some of those up without a second thought.
Same here. Sometimes my passion for a watch fades over time.
Currently following the same thinking. I think I want a Fifty fathoms, not not going to get it until the spring.
Have you see Rolex label noir with flying tourbillon? It's an after market job but it's quite amazing.
I have been desiring the first nice important watch for 4 years. then I found out about the black bay 58. I waited another year, partly because it was impossible to get my hands on it and partly to see if I really wanted it. Finally last month it got delivered to my address. I can't lie I'm over the moon. perfect watch. new, perfect size, with that vintage look.
NikkenMagboyGAMING wish I had your strength
Forum favorites are always pushed like mad by the “Experts” but Adrian is dead right but what you like. As for the “Rolex is no longer for enthusiasts” I kinda agree, I have always bought and enjoyed Rolex watches, but in latter years they are just being used by speculators as another way to make a quick buck, and the enthusiast who wants to buy and actually wear one are being priced out by the crazy grey market prices.
A timely reminder on the basics of human relationships , having mutual respect for our differences :)
I love the oris big crown pointer bronze with bronze dial ,, the green dial 80th is rarer .. but i like the bronze dial more .. so im getting what i like more !!! Solved .. thank you 🌹
When you took that phone call I thought it was gonna be Hugo the T-Rex checking in...
Well hello old chap lol
This is so true. I recently bought the watch (Pelagos) I wanted rather than what I thought others would be impressed with and I am enjoying so much more
Paul Nightingale ...congratulations, it’s a bloody great watch
All three of its current versions are in my local AD's window at the moment and every time I walk past my eyes linger on them, particularly the blue one. They're like a modern evolution of the Submariner and I love that they added lume to the bezel.
I thought the mistake was buying all monotone watches from the thumbnail and selling anything that had any colour (GMT, Harrods Tudor, GS). ;)
To be serious I’m sick of certain elements of the Internet. People don’t express opinions they express opinions presented as facts. Many are seemingly validating their own opinion all the time. It’s pathetic. If you buy a Rolex Sub “you’re a sheep” for example, there is just as many sheep in the “hater” clan as there are in the “fanboy” clan. In between these polarisers are those that buy what they like for them.
I have some nice watches. I work from my PC room at home, I stream to a sizeable audience. I don’t talk about what watches I have, they are for me. I love what watches I have, I give not two shits if nobody else sees them ever. The internet feels full of insecure people validating their own choice or talking down others from a position of not owning such things. It’s dull as shit!
Yes exactly, if someone buys a watch to wear to impress people, i got news for them nobody's ever going to notice it. Buy it because you love it. Im always looking at peoples wrists and i think 1 out of 1000 people i see out and about has a cool watch on. There's not enough watch nerds out there to care to see your ( insert whatever awesome watch) to say anything about it. Ive worn some expensive pieces litterally all over the world nobody's ever said shit about them.
"To be serious I’m sick of certain elements of the Internet. People don’t express opinions they express opinions presented as facts."
Sadly this is the 21st Century and the internet as a whole. You're right though, I don't like Rolex, but it doesn't mean they're not a phenomenal watch. I love Omega, Grand Seiko, and just vanilla Seiko and I get grief for that. Buy what you want and not what is dictated by others, fashion might skew your opinion on things, I'm not ignorant to that but don't spend your money on somebody elses opinion of it.
TooOld ForTwoWheels that’s what I don’t get about people that wanna make liking a watch brand like you’re supporting a football team? I find it baffling. No tribalism is needed in this hobby. Any watch lover should have respect for Seiko and all they’ve done. If someone asks me what a good affordable watch is, that’s the first name that I say!
@@TheRunningManZ Like what you like, live and let live eh!? If somebody said to me "I love Quartz pieces, and collect only them" it is what it is and they have a place in horology. We're all on the same side!
"The Internet feels full of insecure people"... I like this observation.
I bought my Tudor BB58 recently because I fell in love with how it looks and how it makes me feel. I don't really care what anyone else thinks. The love of a certain watch is so subjective, so all I can say is buy what you like and what connects with you........
"Life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backwards" SK.
i like this better than the original quote.
This is great! Another great advice is don’t buy a watch on credit or a watch that cost “above your means” (especially if it is to impress others).
Another top notch video! The one thing I'll say and disagree with is your hype of redbar I've brought a seiko to one of their events in LA and got totally crapped on. Meanwhile the trust fund babies were swooning over their Rolexes that they really knew nothing about. Some of the worst pretentiousness ever experienced. Havent gone back since.
Trust fund babies 😂 - never heard that one before - added to my vocab now 😂
I must admit, the vibe at the NY Redbar event I went to was very different from the London Redbar. Come to London, people put pateks down to check out Seikos - not joking.
This is one of the best messages about watch enthusiasts I have ever seen/heard. Keep the great videos coming, you have a fan right here 🙋♂️
I agree. I found myself building a huge collection of watches I thought the watch community liked. And then I was holding on to some pieces even though I didn’t connect with them just because I thought it’s what the community would do. It was liberating when I finally realized my situation and let go of those watches.
Love your comment of "it's not the value of the watch that determines your level of enthusiasm" or something like that....spot on when you're a true aficionado!!!
This video pretty much breaks down why I love this channel and The Urban Gentry. You and TGV just simply enjoy watches. You don't diss other peoples choices and you appreciate watches for what they are.
What I don't understand with some watch enthusiasts, is their one sided approach to mechanical vs quartz.
I do appreciate mechanical watches, and am wearing one. However quartz gets a hard time and it's a wrong perception. The argument goes: intricate skill in a mechanical watch vs a lump of quartz.
That's the wrong perception though. There's a saying, 'if life gives you lemons make lemonade'. The same could effectively be said for quartz. Quartz in itself as a timekeeper is quite simply a beautiful-stunning piece of physics. Disputing that is ignorance. A quailty piece of quartz, put into a quality watch with quality finished parts, is something uniquely special. (However many are made.)
I know, I owned a quartz Omega, and it was accurate to six seconds a year. Had an hour change for Daylight Saving Time too. (Plus it was gorgeous.) I would flat out ignore anyone who disagreed with me; end of story.
I disagree with what he said in this vid. 3:33 Where he quoted a troll or someone opinionated saying. "Better because it keeps time better." Then he replies, "Well don't buy one of these if that's important." I see no reason why a mechanical watch should not keep good time, before I buy it. It sounds like he says buy watches for the beauty, and coz you love them. Yet folks with big watch collections annoy the piss out of me. Who do those people think they are with that greedy carbon footprint? Buy what you need and nothing more, because there is one planet! (Bar the odd buying mistake of course.) Anything else is either self-indulgence, posing, or pure greed. One planet; enough for everyone, not everyone's greed.
Thanks, Adrian! My grail watch (for now) is the Tissot Gentleman Powematic 80 Silicium. It will be my first automatic watch.
Best and most on point video you’ve done Adrian. The greatest thing about being a grumpy old man is I’ve only ever bought watches I want because I don’t care what other people think... i
I work in the wine business. Talk about an industry that attracts "buy to impress". The other day someone asked me "will this wine improve with age?". I said "I don't know, what's your idea of improvement? Also, what is it lacking right now and are you sure aging will add that?". If you don't know the answers to those questions, don't age it. Impress yourself, in the end that's the only thing you control. Today someone "complimented" my Seamaster saying "nice watch, if I hadn't been able to find a Submariner I would have gotten one". Thing is I could have had a Submariner, but I WANTED a Seamaster. I could tell, that had never occurred to him.
That wine example is great. I was talking to an AD manager the other about a similar experience. Guy walks in asking for a Daytona, managers asks, what is it about the Daytona you like. The guy couldn’t really answer why the Daytona. He just wanted a nice Rolex and didn’t need the chronograph. He left with a gold daydate.
This is my favourite watch video. And not only by Bark & Jack, it is my favourite video regarding watches, period. The idea that we have to please others is very much related to social media and this need for validation stems from that. A lot of people will get lost along the watch journey because they will spend money they don’t have on watches they don’t really want. It’s important to create your own path and buy what you love. Make your own destination, buy pieces that spark joy when you put them on. I once told a friend who was debating selling a watch from his collection but didn’t know which: “don’t sell the watch you wear the least, sell the watch that sparks the least joy.” The same goes for purchasing a watch: buy a watch that makes you feel something when it’s on your wrist.
Thanks so much Alex. I’m really glad you think that. And I love that thought about sell the watch that brings your the least joy. I think I’d heard that a few years ago!
Great topic Adrian. I love my all brushed Breitling Colt 41. I know the “watch community “ pinches their nose with anything Breitling, but it’s such a great size, no bling and when I tried it on the first time it fit like a glove. I love watching and learning about watches even those I’ll never afford, but for me this humble watch is perfect.
I have a Galactic 41 that I love the looks of and you know what? I've caught a few Rolex owners stealing a second look trying to figure out what I was wearing. Ah..... just my lowly Breitling.
That’s why I loved what you said in your New Rolex Release video which is though these watches are new releases, it doesn’t mean you have to buy them now or ever.
I don’t think Rolex was ever an “enthusiast” brand. It started as well made tool watches, has now morphed into marketing monster for speculators. Ironically, the models that haven’t been made for years are now enthusiast darlings, but they didn’t start that way. Also, Aristotle was like Plato. Except he didn’t invent the plate.
Oh the irony of your post, I think you missed the point of this video. Go back and rewatch the part of not judging other people's desired brands or labeling them as whatever you think they are (in your example, speculators). I am not a speculator, and I am 100% a watch enthusiast. I happen to have a nice diverse collection with Japanese, German, and Swiss watches. One of the brands I do enjoy, happens to be Rolex. Are there speculators who buy Rolex? Sure. But just enjoy the journey for what it's worth, everyone's is different. At least that's what I got from this video.
Saad Mubarak no offence meant, but I can’t see where I condoned or condemned anybody for liking a particular brand, I was making an observation about the brand’s perception and marketing. I don’t mind Rolex, I’ve got three old ones myself, but most new pieces do get purchased by non-enthusiasts, thus, that’s where their marketing power is targeted. Keep in mind, %99 of people couldn’t care less about double-red or underlined or 5 digit versus 6 digit. They just buy Rolex because of the perception of high quality.
The Daily Beater You still stereotype here with sweeping statements, perhaps unwillingly, but to compartmentalise a brand with a stereotype as you allude to stating that ‘most’ new Rolex are bought by ‘non-enthusiasts’ is to feed the futile discourse that Adrian’s video seeks to dispel. Let one buy what they enjoy, who is to cynically judge the modus operandi of one’s purchase. Be well.
GeoT seriously, I wasn’t impugning any end purchaser, which I’ve stated about three times now, just making a general observation about marketing from the company’s perspective and how it feeds in to speculation for that particular brand. No offence meant, I hope none taken.
Somebody really proves that he didn’t understand ANYTHING from the video
Okay so I initially saw this video a few weeks ago. I just rewatched the video now and for some reason it really hit home to me today. Yesterday I was chatting with a coworker. He comes from a family of money, and I've overheard him a while ago speaking to someone about Rolex. I was too busy at the time to join in on the conversation. Anyway yesterday I brought it up. "Hey I overheard you are looking for a Rolex? I'm a watch enthusiast myself." His reply, "I have Rolex's. A GMT Master 2, a Paul Newman, and Exporer 2. I'm bored with them so looking for a Deep Sea James Cameron."
Okay….. So I tell him about my watch collecting journey and the quest I’ve been on saving up for a Tudor Black Bay 58 Gilt, and that I’m excited because I’m getting close. his response? “Don’t get Tudor. Tudor’s are pieces of S@#. Just save up a little more and get a Rollie Sub.” So #1 Submariners are not “a little more” and #2- I don’t want a Rolex Submariner. I want the Tudor Black Bay 58 original gilt. Not the new blue (although stunning as well), Not an Omega, not a “Rollie”.
So today i rewatch your video and it hit close to home. It solidified me buying a watch for me, not for anyone else. And you’re right. It’s liberating.
Cheers!
Guys like him piss me off. He wears Rolex because of its status symbol. He’s not a watch guy. He might like watches, but it’s not for the same reason you and I like them. 100% stick to what you like and wear it with pride. In a few weeks I’m actually doing a video on why I bought my BB58 and why I’m selling my No Date sub. 👍🏻
“I don’t know who Aristotle is” 😂😂😂
Too funny man, your the best.
🤣
Completely agreebwith you. Never buy a watch to impress someone else, but buy a watch that you really love.
This is the reason why I follow you and not other clowns who criticize watch brands and use their "funny faces" for plays. Keep up the good work, mate!
Absolutely Spot on Adrian! I was thinking the same thing earlier today scrolling through my IG feed: I've been saving up for an explorer (but I haven't yet figured out if I prefere the 36mm or the 39mm one) for about a year now (and I'll need at least another year of savings); but a couple of months ago, particularly after having joined the facebook group, I started doubting my choice because I felt like everyone had it and praised it and it was unoriginal to buy one. Then I thought to myself "Who gives a sh*t about it being so popular, I know I love it and I'm goin to bu it!"
I couldn’t agree with this more. It doesn’t just apply to watches! Well said Adrian.
The black bay on the brown leather strap looks class 👌🏾
In the best way possible, your style, production value and enthusiasm on a subject remind me of Henry Catchpole from Carfection. Perhaps Bark and Jack is the Carfection of watch collecting or vice versa. Also great strap on the BB58 :)
Lol it never fails when I’m intrigued by someone’s watch, and I make the awkward “what watch is that?”question.
the response is always movado, Michael Khors, Armani bleh bleh whatever.
But I’m courteous and compliment it “that’s a nice watch” etc.
Like opening up a Christmas present “thanks Aunt May, I always wanted a foot massager”
Totally agree Adrian. I had the same predicament with the 58, but I threw caution to the wind and picked it up. I love it and don’t care that’s it the “obvious” choice.
I was pleasantly surprised when you included the Brietling Aerospace Evo in your watch collection video. As a titanium quartz watch, lots of people look down their noses at it, but I love mine and it gets more wrist time than anything else in my collect. At just over 9mm thick it just feels so nice on the wrist. Would love to see a video on that model.
I always turn to Aristotle when I’m in a muddle about any retail purchase. Wise words, mate 😉
Adrian - you are such a decent bloke. It’s nice to hear your thoughts and attitude on the world of watches.
Absolutely agree. I wanted a Stowa Marine because the classic style just really resonated. For some reason, maybe some weird insecurity, I felt some internal pressure to buy something "better" that would be similar in price to other watches in my collection so I considered a Glasutte Original that had a similar look. After some reflection I realised I actually liked the case shape, proportions, style etc of the Stowa better and went with what I wanted not what would have been considered by many the better choice. Lesson learned, buy for yourself.
I totally agree with your advice. I've been a watch enthusiast for a while and last year purchased an Omega Dark Side of the Moon because I fell in love with it after seeing it being released at BaselWorld. I bought many watches in between that time trying to quench the need for the DSOTM. All I would say is don't!! Save up until you can buy the one you really want, not a replacement.
Since buying that though, I have come across a few brand enthusiasts who only know AP, Rolex & PP, asking me why I didn't spend that money on a Rolex??!! 😖 They have a lot to learn - maybe they should sign up to skillshare!!!
Well...
I have done just that and bought a Longines Conquest VHP I’ve had my eyes on for two years. And I enjoy it way more than the 39mm Explorer I previously had. Love the incredible accuracy and the fact that it’s a perpetual calendar but nobody knows this.
But let’s be honest :
if guys with some interest in watches didn’t buy any expensive piece with the aim to look cool on IG/Redbar/GTGs, brands such as Rolex, Tudor, Omega, IWC, Oris, AP, FP Journe, Breitling, Patek specifically for the Aquanaut / Nautilus and Panerai wouldn’t be manufacturing more than 30% of their 2019 sales
Hodinkee, Revolution, Fratello would be much smaller businesses and many watch TH-cam channels and Podcasts would simply not exist, for lack of subscribers.
The segment of the watch industry we fans look at is Luxury. It thrives on making potential customers dream a branded piece of kit on their wrist will make them better persons. Is it a bad thing ?
Perfectly put. Buy what you like/love/ want and don’t worry about what anybody else thinks!!!
Thanks again Adrian! I have decided, 2 months after it’s launch, to go for the Tudor BB 58 blue. It is exactly the watch I’d been looking for and felt it the second I saw the first pic. I then started hesitating when ‘the hype’ started and I’d wished for a while that it wasn’t such a well liked watch by many (despite the rivets..). As you pointed out, people and their tastes are unique, and I recently realized that that uniqueness is still unique if many share their fondness for the same watch. Tudor just did a great job!
Well said Adrian. Might be obvious for certain people, but definitely an important reminder. Buy a watch for the watch, not for the watch geeks. Buying a supposed "cool" watch among watch community is a trap. Not buying one also. It is always confusing, you never truly know why you want that particular watch. You need time to make sure you are buying the watch because it's quality to your own eyes and that you won't flip it the next week / month / year.
It's not that Rolex isn't for watch enthusiast. It's that the main audience for Rolex has changed to stock traders. The market prices reflect that. I saw it first happen to vintage Rolex's and when that market dried up they moved on to modern models. I also saw the Rolex forum go from mainly talking watches to mainly talking about the market value. It's whatever, I am happy to go full watch circle journey and start enjoying other brands again.
Correct observation. It's a sad trend but what can you do?
Subject objectivity.
Surely the question should be, “why am I buying a watch?”
A question that often includes the predicament you refer to personally when eulogizing about JLC; going on to state you couldn’t purchase given the lack of residual value.
Subsequently, and respectfully, suggest the following points appear relevant:
1, Have the media and peer pressure eradicated much of our individual objectivity?
2, Do watches, as opposed to horology, supply a vehicle to ‘social acceptance’?
3, “What price am I willing to pay for what I believe in?” Be that financial or emotional.
After many years I find the world of horology full of incredible watches and opportunity once we remove self-imposed limits.
Nice article Adrian!
Totally agree with the sentiment in the video. To me, the question is more in the vein of “am I being influenced to like this watch? Do I really want this watch, or do I want it because so many people say it’s so great. Generally, I know the answer, but I definitely wonder sometimes.
Agreed!! Every watch has it own stories.. drinking coffee, talking watches, sharing stories
Good video Adrian! I've been looking for a new watch for months now, and I keep being drawn to watches that don't really speak to me. Don't get me wrong the watches are amazing, but to me they don't have that factor that makes me geek out. I admire them, and I've been close to buying a watch I don't really want, but it's an iconic watch and everyone seems to have it. This video put me back on track. It might be that I've never seen that other watch in the flesh, but at least now I won't get something I don't really want.
I'm not sure that I agree with your assertion that the thread ”Is Rolex still an enthusiast's brand?” was designed to be passive-aggressive or gatekeeping. My interpretation of that question was is ”does Rolex still care about watch enthusiast's?”.
Adrian (aka Aristotle of Horology) - your philosophy is right on the mark! Well said! The watch market would look VERY different if folks followed this advice... As an aside, your Skillshare advert was pure gold!
Haha. Thanks buddy. 🙌🏻
Adrian, this is a topic I’ve been battling with in my mind for ages. The problem is, I don’t know what I like anymore! I’m so influenced by social media and journalists that I really don’t know what I like and what I just think I like and I think many of us are the same.
Every watch i like, people tend to dislike and slag off on youtube and it does impact the purchasing experience. You end up disliking a watch you initially loved... strange how random people impact you
I left the Tudor Facebook group because too many were way too fanatical over the 58. It was pretty entertaining however how seriously upset some people got whenever I posted a pic of my Black Bay 79230b haha!!
I 1,000 percent agree. Take the time to understand your own taste, and buy what you like. The hobby belongs to each individual. Individuality is a good thing, in my opinion.
I think it can be challenging to clarify what we want because of hype vs. what we truly desire, in part, because it’s so hard to experience these watches in person. I spent 2 years lusting after a BLNR, but when I tried it on my wrist, I was utterly uninspired. The opposite happened with the BB58: I spent no time at all lusting after it, but when I saw it on my wrist, I could not walk away without buying it!
As I grow my collection, I’m finding that I’ve likely wasted hours of my life on Instagram and TH-cam, drooling over watches that, if I saw in person, I wouldn’t actually want to buy. But hey, Rolex knows what they’re doing: I can’t take my eyes off this shit. 😂
“The best watch is the watch you’re wearing right now”. Came across somewhere I can’t recall but that stayed with me ever since. Enjoy your pieces guys!
Totally agree! Don’t let the watch snobs bring you down!
Your thoughts are absolutely on the money! IMO, if it feels good emotionally, financially and physically, it is good. There is definitely a feel good emotion after buying and enjoying something that you really like. Thanks!
The discussion is usually whether Rolex considers itself a watch enthusiasts' brand. You could make a good case that they don't, based on their distribution system.
100% agree. The only person to impress is yourself. Rather, watches should bring you joy. It’s a bonus if other people agree. And if they don’t like it, there no reason why that should affect your joy of it.
The Whisky vault guys said it beautifully regarding spirits. What's a difference between a connoisseur vs. a snob? A snob asks "what's your favorite food? Did you say shrimp? Hmmm... I've had shrimp before, and you're wrong."
Best plug in the history of TH-cam
🤣 thanks Kai.
Nice video - refreshing to see content like this. On the one hand though the critical comments can be good for learning the potential cons/downsides to a piece. I always loved the IWC mark xviii but didnt know much about watches at the time. After some research I found out about the Selita movement it houses and the date window "issue." This helped me make a more informed buying decision but certainly didnt put me off! The trick is asking yourself if the perceived "cons" are something you can live with.
I had the same sentiments for the 58 at first but I kept coming back to it. For my 6.5 in. wrist and smart casual everyday attire, it beat the Seamaster due to the size and dare I say, dressier aesthetic. Didn't hurt that it was easier on the pocketbook too. Great content as always. Thank you.
I've got so many watches that I've bought at various prices it's sad that there is so much watch snobbery but most of the watch channels I watch on you tube review watches from a few pounds to thousands so even if your budget is very small you can still be part of an amazing group of people 😎
Looking down at my Black Bay steel knowing how much it means to me and how no one "made" me buy it puts a huge smile on my face.
100% agree! One of my favorite watches is a Grand Seiko quartz. I love it but Grand Seiko (until very recently) was almost completely ignored by the mainstream, and quartz isn’t very popular among enthusiasts.
Fully agree with you. However social media are very powerful and influential so many people are influenced by it. To avoid such mistake, ones need to form his/her own opinions and understand own needs.
Well said! That is why I have a Bremont, I don't care what anyone has to say about that, I love my Bremont, I love the story of the company and no-one will change my mind about it
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the core topic of this video, shoutout to the seamless transition into the sponsored bit. Masterclass right there.
Fully and certainly agreed with you! Buy what you like and not to impress others
That’s so true. I always believe that buy something you want and that makes you happy
I`m a moderator in an international watchgroup on facebook with 25 000 members and we have those a...holes there too, the most common a...hole comment are when they call a guys watch a shitter. I don`t tolerate it and I hit down hard on them. People are different, people like different stuff like different watches, that`s why we have different manufacturers, god bless them all.
Yeah I can’t stand the term shitter. It shows a lack of knowledge and understanding.
Thanks Adrian, I've been saving towards a Defy21 because I am so impressed by what it can do. But I've been wandering from this previously focused path, because I feel I should be getting a Rolex. As amazing as Rolex is, I love being able to see a movement. I'm back on track now!
Also love a tudor s&g chrono - interested in that aesthetically speaking.
The Defy 21 is spectacular and I would encourage you to stay focused on this very special piece. Once you have seen this watch in the flesh, nothing can shake the operation of that magic second hand from memory.
Great choice Zenith movements are amazing and definitely underrated !
Very timely...I just returned from my AD for a chat and coffee. He was eager to show me the latest Grand Seiko's and all the "wonderful" new dial colors and multi-colored bezels. Not at all my taste! I asked if they still made the Snowflake. My AD was surprised that I didn't have one already.
Well, I do now!
Purchased the new Speedmaster Professional, with Heslite crystal and steel caseback. Love it. That is the watch I wanted and I am good with that decision.
This video hits home so much. My own watch collecting behaviour is not represented a lot online and I rather not talk about my hobby in public because most of the time you get instantly reduced to certain brands or "flex culture". Loved the nod to your Dad! That's where I get my purchase confirmation (well not yours, but my own Dad) 😄
Fully agree with this! Buy something because you love it! All of this is opinion. There is no perfect watch. No perfect brand. No perfect movement. No perfect material. But if you love it, go with it!
You’re absolutely brilliant mate. But the integration of the “skill share” add is genius. Keep it going, love the content, love the laid back conversation style. Great channel. Cheers
Thank you Adrian. You’ve put my mind at ease. I was lucky enough to get the explorer in June when the AD re-opened after lockdown. This was my first Rolex. I asked to be put on the list for the GMT Batgirl. I was lucky enough to be offered it last month. Literally 2 month wait!!!! This was my “grail” watch and I started questioning myself if I really needed it, due to the large layout within a short period... but you’ve put my mind at ease. If I want them because I like them and it’s not to impress anybody, it’s my own appreciation and reward for my hard work. Thanks for kinda resetting my thought process regarding the “snobbery” around watches. Keep lucky Buddy. 👍😊
I like Swiss automatic watches and I’ve just bought a Citizen perpetual titanium quartz because I liked the look of it . Very good advice indeed sir....
Hello Adrian, I agree with your comments. I do really enjoy your discussions!
Adrian totally agree! When I have a shortlist I put the photos of possibles one at a time on my iPhone wallpaper to be sure it hits the spot! Just signed up to skillshare.....
I have some "mainstream" luxury watches (BB58 & Moonwatch) and even more non-mainstream watches (Zodiac, Stowa, Zenith). I was working in a retail environment for a while and had contact with hundreds of people per day and the only watch that ever got a comment was a Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium. I could not care less - I buy the watches I love and that I appreciate. Good advice.
Good advice. Buy for yourself is great advice. Because if you do it right, it is about the journey.
I have been interested in watches since I was in high school, and I am in my 50s now, so a lot has changed in the last 35 or 40 years, and trends have come and gone, and sometimes come back.
The internet and social media have had an interesting effect on this hobby. It puts a spotlight on certain watches, and perhaps causes other watches to be neglected or ignored. I try learn from blogs and youtube channels, but not to the extent that I ignore a watch that perhaps is not getting a lot of attention for whatever reason.
There are rules of good taste that it never hurts to know about in terms of level of formality, materials, watch size, and of course, prestige. I try to keep that in mind when I pick out a watch to wear for the day.
But in the end, almost nobody cares except you. I can tell who is a watch guy and who does not have a clue, but I suspect guys like me are maybe 1 in 1,000 or even 1 in 10,000. I say this as someone who notices what people wear, and when I think I spot something nice, I ask the wearer. Maybe once in a couple of years do I come across a fellow watch enthusiast. More often than not, it is just a guy who bought the watch because it is a status symbol, or a person who got the watch as a gift, and knows nothing about it, or even someone who when I mention the watch because I thought was something really nice, turned out to be a knockoff or homage.
So if you like to wear a small, gold dress watch with a sweatshirt and some jeans, or if you prefer an oversized sports watch with a suit, or even if you like wearing a Swatch, or a digital watch with a Tuxedo, nobody really cares except you.
Sound advice, Adrian! TH-cam, Facebook, Instagram and indeed the whole plethora of social media platforms provide great platforms for watch manufacturers to "showcase" their products, for watch enthusiasts and collectors to review and give their thoughts/opinions on watches both old and new, and for everyone to gain information about a particular watch that they might be considering buying. What REALLY spoils all of this for me is when someone decides to "impose" their particular likes/dislikes, tastes, and opinions on me. There are some truly great watches out there that I will never own because they are just not my style - but there is no way that I would ever decry these watches simply because they are not for me. Live and let live, and each to his (or her) own!
I made the same mistake before I became enthusiastic, bought a submariner, because it was THE watch. But never felt any personal attachment other than the idea that it would be "funny" to have a sub because it's so contrary to my personality. What I didn't expect was to end up falling in love with watches and watchmaking. Now I've got 2 watches im truly in love with (one of which is a Casio)
Bang on, I completely agree, buy what you like simple simple simple. There is nothing more to say,
There is only one person to impress and that is yourself when it comes to buying a watch. You have to live with it and if it doesn't put a smile on your face everytime you put it on, then you bought it to impress others.
Adrian,
Another brilliant video. I don’t want to gush over your presentation, but it is probably the best I have seen in months.
I am a watch geek with a limited budget. That means my watches have to please me because they will never impress anyone. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying this...hobby? Addiction? Mania?
Well done, mate