Your story is very relatable. I only wore my Speedmaster very occasionally. Most of the time it was in its box because it had to stay beautiful. Until I realized that I had paid a lot for it but barely wore it. Now it's my everyday watch. Only one thing hasn't changed, I'm still allergic to door frames. I pass them with my hand behind my back.
Rolex: It's more than just a watch, it's a statement of character. Don't keep it in pristine condition, wear it with pride and let its journey be a reflection of your own. Life is meant to be lived, and so is your Rolex. Embrace the adventures, the challenges, and the memories that come along the way. Let the scratches tell stories, the patina narrate experiences, and the dents signify resilience. A Rolex isn't just a possession; it's a companion on your extraordinary voyage. So, wear it boldly, live passionately, and let your Rolex become a testament to a life well-lived.
I went to Las Vegas for a week with my family, and we went hiking in Red Rock Canyon, and the only watch I took on the trip with me was my VC Overseas. And you bet your ass I wore that thing hiking in Red Rock Canyon haha. Went on my Honeymoon to Hawaii and again, only brought my Overseas, and I wore it to go "swimming" in the ocean with manta rays. No regrets and I feel like the watch is even more special now having made those memories with it. Wear your watches people!
In The Netherlands i will not wear my Rolex's with short sleeves. At one point you will get robbed and maybe even killed. Celebrities also stopped wearing Rolex om tv
Yea, ya know...some how I'm 38 years old and I live in NYC and I've worn anything I wanted wherever I felt like goin. I wear my gold watch in East New York...somehow my head is still JUST FINE. And I still have every watch I own! Crazy! Right?
Yeah Zak this is what people don’t quite understand.. watch thieves often don’t discriminate and it’s folly to think they are watch experts and are only interested in targeting people who are wearing 20 k watches . If you are in the wrong place at wrong time if it’s shiny they will probably rob you ..
@@Tonysoprano497 While i understand your stance, most thieves are going to look for specific "characteristics" of a watch...does it LOOK like it might be a AP or a Patek? A Day Date? A Sub? Sure, there is always the threat of the junkie just robbing people so they can pawn everything over for a few hits of meth
I'm for wearing a watch fully, and making memories with it, otherwise what's the point of buying it. The issue with a solid yellow gold Rolex is that there's very few major cities in the world today, where you can confidently walk around with $30,000 in bank notes strapped prominently on your wrist for all to see. London certainly isn't one of those cities. Your best bet is hoping the criminals think you can't afford a real gold watch and it's probably fake. Otherwise, it's not worth your life.
@@jaer.6540 sorry but after 25 years in law enforcement I can categorically state that the majority of watch thefts are opportunistic and not as the internet hysteria would suggest high profile gangs . By far the most common method of watch robbery in large cities are teenagers on mopeds looking for fast cash . The reality is that most have no knowledge of watches and are merely looking for shiny things to steal . There is a common misconception within the watch community that the whole world is familiar with all high end watch brands where the reality is very few have even heard of AP or Patek etc let alone recognize them from distance on wrist . For every very high end watch stolen I would guess there is at least 10 to 20 less expensive pieces Which would be consistent with Zach’s experience ..
@@Tonysoprano497 Im not sure which cities youre in, but no teenagers are riding around on mopeds in US cities, at least not ones that are looking to jack someone for their belongings. But, point taken.
3:31 I think he may be talking about Theft more than scratching and damaging the watch. A solid gold rolex will attract thiefs and depending on where you live will get you mugged.
I think if you’re qualified to wear a solid gold watch and worry about theft, then maybe you’re not up to the level yet. A person wearing a solid gold watch would never go to places that’s questionable or would at least have some bodyguards.
Last year I got an Omega AT as my one and only luxury watch. I'd never spent that much on anything that frivolous in my life. I have several more affordable watches and I figured I would keep wearing those and just wear the AT for special occasions. Instead, I've fallen so in love with the Omega that I wear it everywhere... work, weekends, weddings, swimming... everywhere. The polished bracelet links look like they've been in the garbage disposal, but I don't care. It's my watch and it'll go everywhere with me... and it still keeps amazingly good time. I still wear my other watches sometimes, but the Omega is my default.
That AT is supposed to be GADA... but yea, the polished links I feel ya on it. I have 2 tags... but now I keep the Carrera for dressy occasions and the diver for daily .... of course.... that's only when I am not wearing my apple watch 22 hours a day lol
Same here, Seamaster is my daily beater. I put my black SMP on a black Nato strap, and just wears the shit out of it. I have other watches too in the same price range, but the Seamaster is my favorite.
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a watchaholic was to buy a watch that suits the life I wish I was living ,instead of the life I am living, that being said however there’s nothing wrong with having a watch you only wear for special occasions, just don’t take it rock climbing! A time and place for everything.have a beater for those times and something in the middle for every day. Eg. I’ve got an Omega titanium sedna gold that is my fav. But I’ve also got a Longines two tone hydroconquest , as an everyday watch ,as well as a Certina titanium DS ….. all three have similar specs and capabilities , but very different price points !!! the one I choose for the day depends greatly on what I’m likely to be doing !!!
if you do dangerous rough activity, that's where a Casio G-shock would come to play- when you go to a dress up events, a nice high end watch will compliment your impressive wardrobe and make your evening special- then a good $100 watch as your every day wear ! when I walk into a dangerous part of town, a nice Wal-Mart $9.98 would get the wrist time and a fake wallet full of one dollar bills. Wear the appropriate watch to the correct event! even if you plan on getting robbed 😟
I can definitely relate. I’m a couple days away from turning 30. I got into the hobby of sipping fine spirits and smoking fine cigars. I found myself collecting more than indulging. I’m finally at the “life is short” mentality. I’ve been drinking my good drank and burning my fine leaf and couldn’t be happier! I’m currently in the market for my first luxury timepiece. When I finally get it I plan on wearing it baby! Great video, cheers!
Let me tell you something...I said this before, and I'll say it again. I am a helicopter mechanic and I wear all my watches to work with the exception of the ones that are on a leather strap because I don't want them soaked in hydraulic fluid, jet fuel and oil. I didn't buy any of my watches to let them sit in a box and rarely wear it. In line with your Porsche scenario, I know a guy who has over 200,000 miles on his Ferrari. He drives it everywhere every day. He says he didn't work that hard to be able to afford a Ferrari and let it sit and just look at it. Wear your watches people, you will love them more because of it.
Got my first Rolex two years ago. Added three more to my collection since then. I was scared of damaging my Daytona initially, but after a few scratches eventually gave up on keeping it pristine. Now I will wear it anywhere within reason. Same thing with my Sub or Datejust.
Here in California, I am not worried about scratching the watch so much as I am being mugged and having the watch stolen. Beverly Hills is now one of the most dangerous places in the state to wear an expensive watch.
I think im with Carlos on this one, but for a different reason. The crown jewel of my collection is platinum JLC MUT, and I only wear it for occasions when I need that little classy piece to elevate my attire. Wearing it all the time would normalize the wearingexperience and that would make me not thirst for it. Kinda silly, but each to their own. Enjoy your daydate how you want to enjoy it :)
Agree with this, I think it is okay to have a special occasion watch that is kept for that purpose. For me it’s a JLC Master Ultra Thin for weddings, tux events etc. otherwise agree with the overall sentiment( watches are meant to be worn!)
Very good point there Sir. I am a watch lover for over 50 years now and I know exactly what you (and Carlos) are talking about. I have been through all the stages you mentioned in this lovely video. And I think you are completely right! There is one note I also want to make: I am from The Netherlands- Amsterdam- and I would not advise any person to wear his Day Date in public places like bars, restaurants, terrace, etc. etc. as this risk of being robbed violantly is just to big. It's a real problem here and happens every week. Personally I do wear my sports Rolex in public places but I am very careful where I wear it though. With a Day Date I would be even more careful... but still wear it on some occasions. Thank you for this lovely video!🙏🙂
Honestly the theft of luxury watches is serious enough that relatively safe countries you can't wear one.This and the YT and IG flexers spoiled this hobby for me ,a few weeks ago two young guys kept looking at my ceramic Sub,did 'nt feel threatened but it annoyed me that it would attract such attention.Buying my Rolexes and Seamaster was a great accomplishment it the only person I tried to impress was myself.But now sold the Omega and two Rolexes,still have four to go.I'm really enjoying wearing vintage Seiko and Smiths dress watches.After collecting fot over 30 years tastes changed and the world changed🥴
Hey Bruce, my first luxury watch was automatic Omega James Bond, 20 yrs ago. I wore the heck out of that watch, totally annihilated it. When it stopped working, I put it in a draw for 15 yrs. I had Omega repair it completely. I gave it to my youngest son who’s 30 yrs old, I told him wear this watch, and if you destroy it, at least I know you enjoyed wearing it, do not put it in storage for whatever reason. If you buy it, use it! Or don’t buy it at all….
Right there with you Bruce. I am fortunate enough to have many, many luxury watches in my collection so I can wear the right watch for the occasion if I see fit. That said, I am certainly not afraid to wear my Cartier Santos on a hike or some other precarious outdoor activity. By the same token, I am also not afraid to wear a very sporty and inexpensive Citizen Eco Drive to a very formal event. I just wear what I want, when I want. The occasion really has absolutely nothing to do with it. Enjoy all of your watches, luxury or not. That is what they are made for and why you work so hard to have the money to buy them.
I'm the exact opposite. Back in 2000 I was going on a 2 week rafting trip down the Grand canyon. They didn't have G Shocks back then. I wanted a rugged waterproof watch with good lume. I was in a mall and walked into a jewelry store that happened to be a Rolex AD. It wasn't like today, back then you could walk into a store, buy a Rolex Sub-Date and walk out with it on your wrist and the box in your bag. I wore that watch on the rafting trip. I wore it daily for years. I beat the $h1T out of that watch and it kept on going. I've worn that watch on at least a dozen rafting trips and that many snorkeling trips. I've bashed it against counters and rock outcroppings. I almost wish it hasn't become so valuable these days. Now I don't want to wear it if I may be in a sketchy neighborhood. Recently I went on my 1st rafting trip without it, I wore the Casio. I missed my trusty Sub that had been with me on all previous rafting trips. I will switch back to my Sub in the future.
My first luxury watch was a Rolex Air king that I purchased new, the price was £919 and I wore it whenever I could. ( but not for work, being a welder ). I recently handed it down to my son who I hope does the same and wears it whenever he can, and then eventually he can hand it down to my grandson.
Great take on the subject, Bruce! My TAG 500M Aquaracer GMT is on my wrist nearly every day. I swim with it, I wear it to the grocery store. I have my sights set on one of a couple different Rolexes when my career hits its next checkpoint in the next 12-24 months, and I'll wear that all the time, too. My dad has a friend with a Yacht Master, and since I met him about 15 years ago, that's been on his wrist every time I've seen him. Wear the watches - that's how you get your money's worth.
Very good video Bruce! I was "there", i got where are you and got back "there". Let me explain : bought a 3861 Speedy for my 40th birthday. I wore the heck out of it. Was on my wrist the whole time my son was born. I slept with the damn thing! One day, I wore my Oris diver 65 in the water .. bam water damage. Got it "fixed" : dial marked, dust everywhere, smudge under crystal. A nightmare. I eventually got tired and sold it. Lesson learned, I don't wana risk my Omega so I bought a Seiko Turtle and an Arnie, just to be sure (heck, I'm even looking into a Marine Master Tuna, just to be extra sure!). Needless to say, my bad luck with my Oris kinda shook my confidence but I know deep down that you're right. Life is life, with the ups and down and having your companion on your wrist gives you something more to see then the time at the end of the day :)
I also bought a Seamaster Driver 300 Quartz back in 96, and it has been my daily wear watch ever since. Occasionally swapped out for something dressy, but it's covered in marks and scratches, and every time I take it in for service, I have to tell them DON'T refinish. I now also own an AquaTerra and a Planet Ocean GMT, both of which picked up fine marks and scratches after only a day of wearing in the house. Here in Newcastle in the UK, happily wear them daily as they are relatively discreet. A gold Rolex, that's designed to look expensive (even though the guts are pretty basic), would be on someone else's wrist very quickly
I wore DAY-DATE watches for 40 years. First an 1803 and then an 18238. Life is too short to not wear your watch. If it worries someone to wear their watch maybe it’s too much watch.
Hell yeah brother. I have a 36mm DJ I wear everywhere, and a 36mm Explorer I exclusively wear when I’m out camping or hiking. Buying a watch to keep in the safe is peak boomer mentality.
two important notes: 1) gold is soft and scratches super easy, 2) gold watch with bracelet have tendency to be heavy. So, for daily wear, steel dominates .
I picked up the 216570 for day to day wear. It’s built like a tank, and I love it. My others with polished center links come out for dinner, or social gatherings.
Currently own a skydweller white dial and im wearing it to school and everywhere, never really thought about scratches or anything as i bought it for me to wear and well also tear.
I've got a 20 year old all gold automatic Seiko 100m water resistance. Never had maintenance work on it, works just fine and gold coating still looks good. Cost purchased only $125 and I wear it wherever I go.
I'd still not wear a rolex out and about doing daily tasks, not because of scratches but because it casually says "please rob me at gun point, I'm loaded with goodies" and a robber is going to rob first and ask if it's fake later.
@@tongotongo3143 People who don't think logcally or live in a soros DA area like the any of the coastal cities. You'd be stupid to wear an expensive watch in new york, LA ,portland, etc. The police are not going to help you in that situation. If anything you're the bad person taking bread out of a hungry person's mouth by keeping that watch.
I've had a two-tone GMT Master II for 9 years and wear it frequently. Fortunately, I have never had a negative situation with it, but once in a while receive a compliment. I do not travel out of the country with it, so that is a boundary for me, and I took it off in the NYC subway. I love the DD and congrats on obtaining this grail piece.
I have this exact watch but it has a factory diamond dial and factory diamond bezel. I used to never wear it outside the house thinking it was too much. But recently I’ve just been wearing it everywhere. Grocery store, mall, and I think most people assume it’s a fake.
Great video Bruce! I work out side on a farm. Dust, dirt, wet. I have boxes of divers, and micros i wear. I wear my SLA049,..043...055 at work. Pretty tough watches. Dont feel comfortable wearing my sbga413, or sbga429. Afraid of scratching them. I dont really have a place to use real nice watches. I was actually thinking of trading in the shunbun for an omega seamaster 300 chronometer. I would probably wear the omega diver on the farm.
I recently moved from Germany to Mexico and I left all but one (Lorier Neptune) at home because I am afraid my nicer watches might get stolen or worse, I get harmed for wearing them. Now I do live in a very safe city here and I never felt uncomfortable but I am just not sure if I should bring better watches next time I am home. On the other hand, I will be here for 3-5 years and not having my watches around makes me really sad and kinda incomplete. What do you think?
I think part of the equation is generational. A Rolex in today's world is an object of aspiration and desire. When I was growing up and getting into watches a Rolex was purchased because it was rugged and durable and you could swing golf clubs all day while wearing one. Just because it was solid gold didn't mean it was so precious it couldn't be used. Of course, when I was a kid, gold was $45/ ounce. Times change. Wear it and enjoy it, or don't wear it and look at it and enjoy it. As long as it's a good experience when you have a chance to appreciate it. Even if it was just bought as an investment. Who doesn't like making money?? Even so, I believe Rolex watches are way overpriced for what they actually offer in their "off the shelf" catalogue... But people want what they want- and Rolex knows how to target their marketing with laser precision.
I like seeing you pour water from the faucet right on the Speedmaster pushers, as my new 3k Seiko mechanical chronograph said not to do that in the manual! 😮 That’s ridiculous, right? (100m water resistance but no screw down crown or pushers.)
I'm sort of going through the same thing. I'm in a two watch rotation with my Air King and the Moser I consolidated my collection to get. The Moser is white gold and dressy, but I wear it every other day no matter what I'm doing. Most people would think that's crazy, but I didn't spend a good chunk of money on it for it to sit there and look pretty in the box. The Polished white gold case has a bunch of micro scratches already and I'm proud of that. It's my watch now and I'm going to continue to wear it how I want to.
I've loved watches since I was a kid. Got my first watch when I was 6 and my collection got bigger and better until about 10 years ago . Wearing a nice watch could literally be your life gone , so now I just enjoy seeing a once loved passion and hobby on the screen.
I am a car and a watch guy and my philosophy has always been that if I can't comfortably use the car or watch as intended, then I can't afford it. Early out of college, that meant cheap vintage BMWs and seiko 5s - I could work on the BMWs myself and not be afraid of ringing them out on a good drive like they were intended. Now that I'm much more successful in my career, that means a used 911 and watches up to about ~$10k. All of these items are special to me and I would be really upset if they got destroyed, but I can afford to insure them properly and losing them wouldn't materially affect my overall financial wellbeing. My first luxury watch was an Omega AT that I've had for almost a decade. That thing has been everywhere with me - motorcycle trips around the US, hiking, backpacking, roadtrip around Iceland, trekking around Europe, working on cars, working in the yard, painting, moving, sleeping, etc. etc. My heart still skips a beat when I bash a watch into a counter/doorframe/train turnstile, but mostly because I would be bummed to be away from the watch if I broke it and had to send it for repair. The first bash is still the worst, but I look at every blemish and I am reminded of all the great moments I have had in my life. In all of the most important moments of my life for the past ~15 years I have had a watch on my wrist. When I get my AT serviced, I will explicitly have them NOT polish it because I don't want to lose all those stories. My watches see everything I do, and my 911 sees the redline (once properly warmed up, of course). Part of the beauty of these objects is what they are capable of. It's such a shame to not experience the brilliance because you're saving it for someone else.
Thanks for doing this video 😎Yes, I wear my luxury watches as often as I can! To me, it no point in spending that kind of money on a high quality luxury brand if you're just going to let it sit in the box... And for maintenance reasons you have to wear it often. You can't let it constantly stop working. It will mess with the mechanism ... High quality as it is part of the instructions are to wear the watch. You only have a certain amount of days for it to just sit ...Watches are my thing. I love the technology of it. I love the way it feels on my wrist. I have a small wrist but I love the medium size men's Rolex band that feel of it, the power of the steel and how it rests on my wrist. You know you're wearing it. We should enjoy life and the things that we work for. We should not be afraid to wear our money.. When we leave this place we cannot take any of this mess with us, so we might as well enjoy it while we can... WARNING: ONCE YOU BUY ONE TRUST ME YOU WILL GO BACK AND BUY ANOTHER ONE! JUST A WARNING 🤣
Two things that seem to haunt me with wearing a Rolex (especially the new models) is the stigma of flaunting wealth and attracting crime. It's hard to go about your day and not see homeless people in the streets or watching or hearing about watch theft crime. I live in the Bay area California where Silicone valley wealth is reflected in the housing market but everyone is wearing either an apple watch or another smart watch. Wearing a Rolex makes you stand out and perceived as privileged. I hate these thoughts but it is my reality.
I live in the east coast. And, yes, we've heard about the huge increase in robberies in San Francisco in recent years, especially with all the homeless problems. It's really a shame for such an interesting (tourist) city. I've been there a number of times, although not in recent years. I don't think I would ever wear an expensive watch in SFO, especially in some neighborhoods!
Wow thanks for sharing that shot of you washing off your speedy in the sink. I just got my first speedy and I've been super careful with it around water. Because it's a chronograph (I don't have much experience with chronographs), I've been wondering about what it would take for it to get damaged by water. It's really reassuring to see that it will take a rinse under the tap and be fine.
@Steven c I clean mine under the tap with a little dab of liquid soap all the time and I have never had any problems. I keep the water pressure low and don't direct the water stream directly into the crown.
Just make sure you don't activate the pushers or pull the crown out while its getting wet, or while it has residual water on the case. if you keep these things in mind, you should be safe with your new speedy (assumings its brand new and not used. If used - make sure to have its water tolerance tested)
I love the description of how you are / were careful. It’s actually pretty easy to not overly baby a watch and still avoid scratches or dents. Living it with my submariner acquired recently from the AD
I have had my white dial SMP300 for a little over a year now and I babied it so much up until a few months ago. After I got my first few dings in it from daily wear I realized it was a stainless steel tool watch and eventually I can have it polished if I really want. I imagine when I get my first precious metal I will feel the same way and go through the same process.
Another great video Bruce! You said it best when you did the Panerai 1312, Wear the watch, don't let the watch wear you! I babied watches for a long time. I had decided when I got my Sub, it is a watch that will never get sold, only worn and enjoyed. I didn't blink at the first scratch. By the time that watch reaches my son many years from now, it will be well used. That perspective continues with the watches I know I will be wearing for years. If I have a feeling a watch may get sold at some point, I take a little more care with those.
I finally got the Rolex sub no date I've always wanted. took nearly a lifetime to justify getting. now I too am afraid to wear it except around the house. but ill get there. as I should.
New to your channel. I just inherited my first Rolex 16013 watch that's over 37 years old now from my father after he passed... No clue what it's worth. My father did wear this watch everywhere proudly. My stepmother made sure he saved the original receipt from 1986 where he purchased it.
Actually I've always felt the opposite. I wear my Rolex all the time, anytime, any occasion because I know it's built tough at least it should be. I even wear it to sleep sometimes and wake up and head in the shower with it, so it's always sparkly clean. If I'm at the beach, I'll just take a dip with it on, hiking? No problem. But if it was made out of those precious metals, well I'd think twice for sure but I would wear it casually. But those stainless steel watches, just wear it for its moneys worth! Enjoy people :)
Explained exactly what I experienced with my quartz grand seiko. Now I use it like a daily even if I don’t have any nicer watches but I am enjoying it for what it is and I am looking forward to buying more watches
It’s just the most beautiful gold watch. I have a very similar taste. I have the same watch with the stick dial. I wear it every day, like other comments already said, most people think it’s a fake, or do not even notice it.
Bought an Omega SMP300 in Jan 22 as my first luxury piece and have worn it every day since. Everywhere from the beach to the machine shop I work at. It’s got a few dings and scrapes but that’s just character in my eyes. Absolutely no intent to ever sell this one, so I’m not bothered at all
How you manage bracelet in hot weather? Do you ignore the sweat under it or there is a trick for it? I love them but I need to change them in summer for a nato, rubber or leather strap
I can relate to that to a certain degree, although having made a different experience myself. My first luxury watch was the Omega SMP 300 in 2008 and since the moment I picked it up I always wanted to have it on my wrist. The SMP is of course the perfect watch for that: robust, water resistant, beautiful and to a certain extent dressy but not too flashy, with only few people recognizing what kind of watch that is. I wear it at work and in my spare time, I wore it when I explored the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai and Hong Kong, I wore it when I was climbing in the yellow mountains, when I went to the Red Sea for scuba diving (its natural habitat) and of course with a tuxedo (also kind of its natural habitat...😉). There are only few occasions when I do not wear it: when I sleep, when I do some craft work, when I enter our production facility (for safety reasons) and of course when I wear another watch. Scratches are part of wearing a watch and unavoidable. I didn't really baby my watches but they are still in good condition, even the older ones. And when they come back from service they look as good as brand new.
wearing a 40k watch in america, day in, day out, doing everyday thing, and not getting robbed, now that's not normal. You can probably get away with it in more civilized places like Singapore, Dubai, Kyoto, Seoul, Monaco ,... but NYC? You are probably going to regret it.
Big cities in blue states are sketchy. But I’d daily a Rolex in almost every major city in red states, with the caveat that I’m not specifically going into the high crime areas. West side of Houston I’d rock a submariner all day everyday.
Like this channel more and more. Its going to be a blast watching your brand new collection take form. The DJ addition is a boss move in my opinion. Wear it wherever whenever in my opinion. Last but not least guys: Take care of your beloved watches but DONT baby them to the point where you almost no longer enjoy the experience. You are missing out. Watches are meant to be worn like cars are meant to be driven. A scratch here and there builds character and reminds you of past events. Lastly I have to say that way too many have bought into this thing where polishing a watch ruins the value. Thats only true for some rare pieces and not your brand new Omega Planet Ocean. Enjoy guys and wear your watches!
if you hang out in upper class social circles and rub elbows with the elite, then you wear your high end fancy watch so that folks know that you are part of their elite group, but if you are a regular person and work, live, socialize with regular people, the only person you are impressing is your credit card company and yourself. I wear watches that make me happy and don't put a major dent into my financial empire.
I'm currently wearing a Grand Seiko GMT with plenty of scratches on its "zaratsu" polished bezel. What's the point of a watch that sits in a safe or watch box all the time? The one thing I'm careful about is wearing an expensive watch (or something that looks like one) in areas I'm not familiar with. Having a watch stolen or getting robbed is not fun, getting seriously hurt in a mugging is a whole lot worse.
I own a Tudor Black Bay Heritage. I used to baby the watch a lot. Three weeks ago I knocked it on a metal frame... dented the bezel, scratched the bezel insert and even managed to scratch the saphire crystal. Since then I wear it every day without even thinking about it. It's a tough watch and can handle the use and if I send it in for service in 5 or 10 years Tudor will change the bezel and polish out the scratches... no matter if it's 1 or 100 🤷
Great video! I've absolutely been there. But time and experience has proven to me, we regret things we've done (i.e. wearing and scratching a watch) far less than things we HAVEN'T done (i.e. letting our best watches and other beautiful things sit unused in safe storage). Life is too short. You and your experiences are far more important than a hunk of metal, no matter how precious and special it is. I will say, the first scratch is the worst - but after that it gets easier, and you then can begin to fully enjoy your things. When we wear any watch it's on our one and only wrist. Your wrist is more important than any watch. But you don't leave your wrist at home in safe storage. If you get a scratch etc. on your wrist you clean it up, let it heal and yes, maybe earn a scar with that experience. But that's part of who you are. We all carry visible scars of the life we've lived. Why shouldn't your watch do the same? Consider also, when watching videos about watches (or other collectable items): which is more interesting? A never worn museum piece? Or a well used piece with scars and patina that show a life lived? While it's always cool to find a real pristine historic item, I always find the well-loved item to have more soul. Look up the term wabi sabi, which explains this far better than I can. I'm glad that last bit about good judgment is mentioned. It's not just burglary at your home; sadly, people do get robbed of their watches. It's not just 'bad' areas, either; there are plenty of YT videos showing how theft rings work (e.g., teams that spot people with nice stuff in touristy or other crowded areas, and follow them to a parking lot or other vulnerable location, etc.). Not to sound alarmist; by all means wear and enjoy your stuff... but be smart, use common sense and watch your backs. I always remember something my dad drilled into us: "Don't flash money." It sounds corny but it's true.
Excellent vid! Exactly on the nail. Thank you and subscribed. 👍👍👍 There's no better place for a swatch IMO than on the wrist : worn, enjoyed fully, and just treasured through ownership. Scratches are part and parcel of use. Embrace the entire experience but I try anyway to keep my watches well and in good condition. I like the balance that Bruce brings to his perspectives on safety and common sense when wearing a luxury piece.
I totally agree that luxury watches should be worn, however when wearing them in public, especially all gold pieces, where I live you’re setting yourself up to be robbed or worse. Unfortunately, that is the world we seem to be living in now. My friend was robbed of his watch in a “nice” area in San Diego while he was walking with his wife. They literally grabbed him from behind in a chokehold, while the other guy ripped it off of his wrist. When I saw your title, I thought that’s what you were talking about as far as being afraid to wear your luxury watch. Just something to think about nowadays.
Wore my two tone Rolex Submariner black dial every single day for over two decades. It has been on every deep wreck dive in the Florida Keys, tons of knock down drag out rolling on the ground fights for my life (retired deputy sheriff), digging holes in the yard, shooting full auto weapons on the firearms range and heavy caliber (.454 casull and .50 cal desert eagles) pistols a couple of days every month. I wear it for yard work, going to the beach, everything. I only had it serviced finally about 4 years ago because I got tired of looking at the lume dot on the bezel that I had knocked off banging it up against a concrete pillar under my house (about a once every couple of months event) and the aluminum bezel was also scratched pretty good from it. I think they replaced it with a ceramic one but not sure how to tell. Where the dang thing!
My best is a Rolex Submarniner which I've had for over 20 years. I wear it almost every day unless I'm wearing something else I choose for the day. While I've never been diving it's been in a swimming pool now and then (after which I wash it - just in case chlorine has any negative effect on the seals). That being said - there are times I'll take it off to avoid damaging it or losing it. For instance - working on a car.. or doing something that could damage the movement.. or painting, etc. In which case I'll throw on a g-shock, etc. I have it insured just in case anything bad happens to it but thankfully I've been lucky all these years.
As a watch collector and a Porsche owner I agree with this. Don't own a Rolex yet, but own some nice pieces, and not afraid to wear them. Even my Porsche, I drive daily. It has some dings(just got a door ding today), but it's a daily driver, and my watches are worn daily, and both have the marks to prove that.
Good video. I was in a serious accident a few years back, hit by a DUI and nearly died in my 40s. When I came home 5 months later, I had a different perspective on keeping things for the next guy. I wear my Submariner carefully, but I wear it. We idolize guys like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, but if you look at their watches they were worn hard and used daily. These watches were part of their lives, not a focal point. That’s living well. Not being a slave to your watch or car. Enjoy it here and now, because you don’t know when your last day will be.
I can relate..that flashy yellow gold day date…it’s not practical. In my opinion you should go for the white gold models..less flashy and people will think it’s steel
I’m that way Bruce, I’ve always been scared to scratch my new watch. After seeing this video, I agree with you, I will definitely try my very best to enjoy my watch and not worry so much about scratching it. Thanks Bruce 👍
Depends where you live . If you live in a safe area you will probably be safe . If not you are exposing yourself to danger . Each person has to make that call
Your story is very relatable. I only wore my Speedmaster very occasionally. Most of the time it was in its box because it had to stay beautiful. Until I realized that I had paid a lot for it but barely wore it. Now it's my everyday watch. Only one thing hasn't changed, I'm still allergic to door frames. I pass them with my hand behind my back.
Lol. Sounds like me and my Grand Seiko's. Doorframe's are the stuff of nightmares. Lol
anytime i walk near a concrete or brick wall I do the same. Cheers
They talk about wrist presence, maybe they should talk about wrist awareness as well 😅
Had to sell my GS: spent all my time guarding the zaratsu....exhausting
My friend owns a orginal first batch of 62mas with small crown,he never wore it while he wears his Rolex every time.
Rolex: It's more than just a watch, it's a statement of character. Don't keep it in pristine condition, wear it with pride and let its journey be a reflection of your own. Life is meant to be lived, and so is your Rolex. Embrace the adventures, the challenges, and the memories that come along the way. Let the scratches tell stories, the patina narrate experiences, and the dents signify resilience. A Rolex isn't just a possession; it's a companion on your extraordinary voyage. So, wear it boldly, live passionately, and let your Rolex become a testament to a life well-lived.
This!
Damn that was good
I went to Las Vegas for a week with my family, and we went hiking in Red Rock Canyon, and the only watch I took on the trip with me was my VC Overseas. And you bet your ass I wore that thing hiking in Red Rock Canyon haha. Went on my Honeymoon to Hawaii and again, only brought my Overseas, and I wore it to go "swimming" in the ocean with manta rays. No regrets and I feel like the watch is even more special now having made those memories with it. Wear your watches people!
Do not be afraid, most people will think its a fake
In Holland a 24yo guy got killed for his fake Rolex..... but I still wear mine because I look like a bastard 😂
In The Netherlands i will not wear my Rolex's with short sleeves. At one point you will get robbed and maybe even killed. Celebrities also stopped wearing Rolex om tv
Yea, ya know...some how I'm 38 years old and I live in NYC and I've worn anything I wanted wherever I felt like goin. I wear my gold watch in East New York...somehow my head is still JUST FINE. And I still have every watch I own! Crazy! Right?
@@ytfeelslikenorthkorea right....cause no one wears million dollar watches and 5 carat Diamonds in USA....right...
Couple years ago here in the netherlands a guy got shot and killed because he didn't want to give his rolex. Wich was a fake even.
I think Carlos was talking about the risk of getting robbed. I was robbed at gunpoint and was wearing a $500 watch. It’s dangerous out there
Yeah Zak this is what people don’t quite understand.. watch thieves often don’t discriminate and it’s folly to think they are watch experts and are only interested in targeting people who are wearing 20 k watches . If you are in the wrong place at wrong time if it’s shiny they will probably rob you ..
@@Tonysoprano497 While i understand your stance, most thieves are going to look for specific "characteristics" of a watch...does it LOOK like it might be a AP or a Patek? A Day Date? A Sub?
Sure, there is always the threat of the junkie just robbing people so they can pawn everything over for a few hits of meth
I'm for wearing a watch fully, and making memories with it, otherwise what's the point of buying it. The issue with a solid yellow gold Rolex is that there's very few major cities in the world today, where you can confidently walk around with $30,000 in bank notes strapped prominently on your wrist for all to see. London certainly isn't one of those cities. Your best bet is hoping the criminals think you can't afford a real gold watch and it's probably fake. Otherwise, it's not worth your life.
@@jaer.6540 sorry but after 25 years in law enforcement I can categorically state that the majority of watch thefts are opportunistic and not as the internet hysteria would suggest high profile gangs . By far the most common method of watch robbery in large cities are teenagers on mopeds looking for fast cash . The reality is that most have no knowledge of watches and are merely looking for shiny things to steal . There is a common misconception within the watch community that the whole world is familiar with all high end watch brands where the reality is very few have even heard of AP or Patek etc let alone recognize them from distance on wrist . For every very high end watch stolen I would guess there is at least 10 to 20 less expensive pieces Which would be consistent with Zach’s experience ..
@@Tonysoprano497 Im not sure which cities youre in, but no teenagers are riding around on mopeds in US cities, at least not ones that are looking to jack someone for their belongings. But, point taken.
3:31 I think he may be talking about Theft more than scratching and damaging the watch. A solid gold rolex will attract thiefs and depending on where you live will get you mugged.
I think if you’re qualified to wear a solid gold watch and worry about theft, then maybe you’re not up to the level yet. A person wearing a solid gold watch would never go to places that’s questionable or would at least have some bodyguards.
Last year I got an Omega AT as my one and only luxury watch. I'd never spent that much on anything that frivolous in my life. I have several more affordable watches and I figured I would keep wearing those and just wear the AT for special occasions. Instead, I've fallen so in love with the Omega that I wear it everywhere... work, weekends, weddings, swimming... everywhere. The polished bracelet links look like they've been in the garbage disposal, but I don't care. It's my watch and it'll go everywhere with me... and it still keeps amazingly good time. I still wear my other watches sometimes, but the Omega is my default.
Omega hits harder than rolex, imo.
That AT is supposed to be GADA... but yea, the polished links I feel ya on it.
I have 2 tags... but now I keep the Carrera for dressy occasions and the diver for daily .... of course.... that's only when I am not wearing my apple watch 22 hours a day lol
This is my story with my AT :)
You win. This is the dream for true watch ppl, but most cannot do one-and-done no matter how much they try. Props brother, we are envious.
I agree! I wear my Seamaster everywhere I go. It fits in well and I enjoy doing even little tasks with it on. Makes the purchase of it worth it!
Seamaster is a beater watch, i have one for that
Same here, Seamaster is my daily beater. I put my black SMP on a black Nato strap, and just wears the shit out of it. I have other watches too in the same price range, but the Seamaster is my favorite.
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a watchaholic was to buy a watch that suits the life I wish I was living ,instead of the life I am living, that being said however there’s nothing wrong with having a watch you only wear for special occasions, just don’t take it rock climbing! A time and place for everything.have a beater for those times and something in the middle for every day. Eg. I’ve got an Omega titanium sedna gold that is my fav. But I’ve also got a Longines two tone hydroconquest , as an everyday watch ,as well as a Certina titanium DS ….. all three have similar specs and capabilities , but very different price points !!! the one I choose for the day depends greatly on what I’m likely to be doing !!!
if you do dangerous rough activity, that's where a Casio G-shock would come to play- when you go to a dress up events, a nice high end watch will compliment your impressive wardrobe and make your evening special- then a good $100 watch as your every day wear ! when I walk into a dangerous part of town, a nice Wal-Mart $9.98 would get the wrist time and a fake wallet full of one dollar bills. Wear the appropriate watch to the correct event! even if you plan on getting robbed 😟
How do you like the Certina?
Certina is top notch
I can definitely relate. I’m a couple days away from turning 30. I got into the hobby of sipping fine spirits and smoking fine cigars. I found myself collecting more than indulging. I’m finally at the “life is short” mentality. I’ve been drinking my good drank and burning my fine leaf and couldn’t be happier! I’m currently in the market for my first luxury timepiece. When I finally get it I plan on wearing it baby! Great video, cheers!
I’d wear a gold watch the same way as any other watch in my imaginary collection, both formal and casual.
Don't do it, Man. That's how I scratched my imaginary Patek 5296R. Now when I imagine looking at it on my wrist, that's all I see.
Wear the 18’s to the gym
My imaginary girlfriend keeps stealing my imaginary watches. I let her get away with it all the time because she’s just so perfect in every other way.
Let me tell you something...I said this before, and I'll say it again. I am a helicopter mechanic and I wear all my watches to work with the exception of the ones that are on a leather strap because I don't want them soaked in hydraulic fluid, jet fuel and oil. I didn't buy any of my watches to let them sit in a box and rarely wear it. In line with your Porsche scenario, I know a guy who has over 200,000 miles on his Ferrari. He drives it everywhere every day. He says he didn't work that hard to be able to afford a Ferrari and let it sit and just look at it. Wear your watches people, you will love them more because of it.
In my experience, the nicer the watch, the better it looks in casual attire and occasions. I agree, Bruce, watches are meant to be worn. 😎👍🏼
Got my first Rolex two years ago. Added three more to my collection since then. I was scared of damaging my Daytona initially, but after a few scratches eventually gave up on keeping it pristine. Now I will wear it anywhere within reason. Same thing with my Sub or Datejust.
I think the scratches give them character, just like scratches on a gold ring
Love the Daytona, looks good on everyone else. My wrist is just too small. Day-date or Datejust for me someday
Here in California, I am not worried about scratching the watch so much as I am being mugged and having the watch stolen. Beverly Hills is now one of the most dangerous places in the state to wear an expensive watch.
I think im with Carlos on this one, but for a different reason. The crown jewel of my collection is platinum JLC MUT, and I only wear it for occasions when I need that little classy piece to elevate my attire. Wearing it all the time would normalize the wearingexperience and that would make me not thirst for it. Kinda silly, but each to their own. Enjoy your daydate how you want to enjoy it :)
Agree with this, I think it is okay to have a special occasion watch that is kept for that purpose. For me it’s a JLC Master Ultra Thin for weddings, tux events etc. otherwise agree with the overall sentiment( watches are meant to be worn!)
Great, sound advice. Enjoy the heck out of all your beautiful pieces.
Very good point there Sir. I am a watch lover for over 50 years now and I know exactly what you (and Carlos) are talking about. I have been through all the stages you mentioned in this lovely video. And I think you are completely right! There is one note I also want to make: I am from The Netherlands- Amsterdam- and I would not advise any person to wear his Day Date in public places like bars, restaurants, terrace, etc. etc. as this risk of being robbed violantly is just to big. It's a real problem here and happens every week. Personally I do wear my sports Rolex in public places but I am very careful where I wear it though. With a Day Date I would be even more careful... but still wear it on some occasions. Thank you for this lovely video!🙏🙂
Honestly the theft of luxury watches is serious enough that relatively safe countries you can't wear one.This and the YT and IG flexers spoiled this hobby for me ,a few weeks ago two young guys kept looking at my ceramic Sub,did 'nt feel threatened but it annoyed me that it would attract such attention.Buying my Rolexes and Seamaster was a great accomplishment it the only person I tried to impress was myself.But now sold the Omega and two Rolexes,still have four to go.I'm really enjoying wearing vintage Seiko and Smiths dress watches.After collecting fot over 30 years tastes changed and the world changed🥴
if you wear a gold watch in Europe, you need to hide it under long sleeves. you definitely can't wear it with short sleeves or you'll get robbed.
Hey Bruce, my first luxury watch was automatic Omega James Bond, 20 yrs ago. I wore the heck out of that watch, totally annihilated it. When it stopped working, I put it in a draw for 15 yrs. I had Omega repair it completely. I gave it to my youngest son who’s 30 yrs old, I told him wear this watch, and if you destroy it, at least I know you enjoyed wearing it, do not put it in storage for whatever reason. If you buy it, use it! Or don’t buy it at all….
😎
I wear mine all day every day, I only take it off to shower and when I go to bed.
Bruce is one of the chillest people on Earth. Love this dude.
Right there with you Bruce. I am fortunate enough to have many, many luxury watches in my collection so I can wear the right watch for the occasion if I see fit. That said, I am certainly not afraid to wear my Cartier Santos on a hike or some other precarious outdoor activity. By the same token, I am also not afraid to wear a very sporty and inexpensive Citizen Eco Drive to a very formal event. I just wear what I want, when I want. The occasion really has absolutely nothing to do with it. Enjoy all of your watches, luxury or not. That is what they are made for and why you work so hard to have the money to buy them.
I'm the exact opposite. Back in 2000 I was going on a 2 week rafting trip down the Grand canyon. They didn't have G Shocks back then. I wanted a rugged waterproof watch with good lume. I was in a mall and walked into a jewelry store that happened to be a Rolex AD. It wasn't like today, back then you could walk into a store, buy a Rolex Sub-Date and walk out with it on your wrist and the box in your bag.
I wore that watch on the rafting trip. I wore it daily for years. I beat the $h1T out of that watch and it kept on going. I've worn that watch on at least a dozen rafting trips and that many snorkeling trips. I've bashed it against counters and rock outcroppings. I almost wish it hasn't become so valuable these days. Now I don't want to wear it if I may be in a sketchy neighborhood. Recently I went on my 1st rafting trip without it, I wore the Casio. I missed my trusty Sub that had been with me on all previous rafting trips. I will switch back to my Sub in the future.
My first luxury watch was a Rolex Air king that I purchased new, the price was £919 and I wore it whenever I could. ( but not for work, being a welder ). I recently handed it down to my son who I hope does the same and wears it whenever he can, and then eventually he can hand it down to my grandson.
Great take on the subject, Bruce! My TAG 500M Aquaracer GMT is on my wrist nearly every day. I swim with it, I wear it to the grocery store. I have my sights set on one of a couple different Rolexes when my career hits its next checkpoint in the next 12-24 months, and I'll wear that all the time, too. My dad has a friend with a Yacht Master, and since I met him about 15 years ago, that's been on his wrist every time I've seen him. Wear the watches - that's how you get your money's worth.
Very good video Bruce! I was "there", i got where are you and got back "there".
Let me explain : bought a 3861 Speedy for my 40th birthday. I wore the heck out of it. Was on my wrist the whole time my son was born. I slept with the damn thing!
One day, I wore my Oris diver 65 in the water .. bam water damage. Got it "fixed" : dial marked, dust everywhere, smudge under crystal. A nightmare. I eventually got tired and sold it. Lesson learned, I don't wana risk my Omega so I bought a Seiko Turtle and an Arnie, just to be sure (heck, I'm even looking into a Marine Master Tuna, just to be extra sure!). Needless to say, my bad luck with my Oris kinda shook my confidence but I know deep down that you're right. Life is life, with the ups and down and having your companion on your wrist gives you something more to see then the time at the end of the day :)
I also bought a Seamaster Driver 300 Quartz back in 96, and it has been my daily wear watch ever since. Occasionally swapped out for something dressy, but it's covered in marks and scratches, and every time I take it in for service, I have to tell them DON'T refinish. I now also own an AquaTerra and a Planet Ocean GMT, both of which picked up fine marks and scratches after only a day of wearing in the house. Here in Newcastle in the UK, happily wear them daily as they are relatively discreet. A gold Rolex, that's designed to look expensive (even though the guts are pretty basic), would be on someone else's wrist very quickly
Bruce walking around like Tony Soprano 😎
I wore DAY-DATE watches for 40 years. First an 1803 and then an 18238. Life is too short to not wear your watch. If it worries someone to wear their watch maybe it’s too much watch.
The PRX triggered me to sell all my watches, and I did. If they made PRX GMT and a Diver, my collection would be PRX only haha.
His point was on the safety and not being soles rather than scratching
GREAT VIDEO BRUCE! I ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR TAKE ON THIS CRAZY HOBBY THAT WE ALL LOVE!!!! BEST, S
Hell yeah brother. I have a 36mm DJ I wear everywhere, and a 36mm Explorer I exclusively wear when I’m out camping or hiking. Buying a watch to keep in the safe is peak boomer mentality.
two important notes: 1) gold is soft and scratches super easy, 2) gold watch with bracelet have tendency to be heavy. So, for daily wear, steel dominates .
I wear my grand seiko snowflake on a rubber strap, as a daily wear. Super tough, and very comfortable to wear all day.
I needed to hear this. Congests on your DD. Its truly stunning. The next level for sure.
I picked up the 216570 for day to day wear. It’s built like a tank, and I love it. My others with polished center links come out for dinner, or social gatherings.
I wear a two tone day just everyday every where it’s a really good daily watch in every situation. I got over the fear. Good video
Currently own a skydweller white dial and im wearing it to school and everywhere, never really thought about scratches or anything as i bought it for me to wear and well also tear.
I've got a 20 year old all gold automatic Seiko 100m water resistance. Never had maintenance work on it, works just fine and gold coating still looks good. Cost purchased only $125 and I wear it wherever I go.
I'd still not wear a rolex out and about doing daily tasks, not because of scratches but because it casually says "please rob me at gun point, I'm loaded with goodies" and a robber is going to rob first and ask if it's fake later.
I think you are over exaggerating, robbery is illegal and who would be that crazy to do that? Cameras are everywhere.
@@tongotongo3143 People who don't think logcally or live in a soros DA area like the any of the coastal cities. You'd be stupid to wear an expensive watch in new york, LA ,portland, etc. The police are not going to help you in that situation. If anything you're the bad person taking bread out of a hungry person's mouth by keeping that watch.
Depends where you live and where you from... if you CCW aint nobody try shit bc them glock shell burn
@@tongotongo3143 just because robbery is illegal doesn’t mean people won’t do it lmao
I've had a two-tone GMT Master II for 9 years and wear it frequently. Fortunately, I have never had a negative situation with it, but once in a while receive a compliment. I do not travel out of the country with it, so that is a boundary for me, and I took it off in the NYC subway. I love the DD and congrats on obtaining this grail piece.
I have this exact watch but it has a factory diamond dial and factory diamond bezel. I used to never wear it outside the house thinking it was too much. But recently I’ve just been wearing it everywhere. Grocery store, mall, and I think most people assume it’s a fake.
Great video Bruce! I work out side on a farm. Dust, dirt, wet. I have boxes of divers, and micros i wear. I wear my SLA049,..043...055 at work. Pretty tough watches. Dont feel comfortable wearing my sbga413, or sbga429. Afraid of scratching them. I dont really have a place to use real nice watches.
I was actually thinking of trading in the shunbun for an omega seamaster 300 chronometer. I would probably wear the omega diver on the farm.
I go hiking every sunday. And take my daytona with me. Timing the different sections of the trail with it, makes it special.
Great video, Bruce. Loving the B-roll! Wow. I'm a Rolex fan boy but that SMP starting at 6:54 was my favorite. Perfect fit on your wrist.
I recently moved from Germany to Mexico and I left all but one (Lorier Neptune) at home because I am afraid my nicer watches might get stolen or worse, I get harmed for wearing them. Now I do live in a very safe city here and I never felt uncomfortable but I am just not sure if I should bring better watches next time I am home. On the other hand, I will be here for 3-5 years and not having my watches around makes me really sad and kinda incomplete. What do you think?
I think part of the equation is generational. A Rolex in today's world is an object of aspiration and desire. When I was growing up and getting into watches a Rolex was purchased because it was rugged and durable and you could swing golf clubs all day while wearing one. Just because it was solid gold didn't mean it was so precious it couldn't be used. Of course, when I was a kid, gold was $45/ ounce. Times change.
Wear it and enjoy it, or don't wear it and look at it and enjoy it. As long as it's a good experience when you have a chance to appreciate it. Even if it was just bought as an investment. Who doesn't like making money??
Even so, I believe Rolex watches are way overpriced for what they actually offer in their "off the shelf" catalogue... But people want what they want- and Rolex knows how to target their marketing with laser precision.
You have the Lego Great Wave in the background! Just bought mine too!!!, we love watches and legos Bruce you're my buddy from a distance haha
This was a cool sensible take on wearing an expensive watch !!
I enjoyed your viewpoint on why you like wearing Rolex watches !!
I like seeing you pour water from the faucet right on the Speedmaster pushers, as my new 3k Seiko mechanical chronograph said not to do that in the manual! 😮 That’s ridiculous, right? (100m water resistance but no screw down crown or pushers.)
I'm sort of going through the same thing. I'm in a two watch rotation with my Air King and the Moser I consolidated my collection to get. The Moser is white gold and dressy, but I wear it every other day no matter what I'm doing. Most people would think that's crazy, but I didn't spend a good chunk of money on it for it to sit there and look pretty in the box. The Polished white gold case has a bunch of micro scratches already and I'm proud of that. It's my watch now and I'm going to continue to wear it how I want to.
I've loved watches since I was a kid. Got my first watch when I was 6 and my collection got bigger and better until about 10 years ago . Wearing a nice watch could literally be your life gone , so now I just enjoy seeing a once loved passion and hobby on the screen.
Bell end
I wear my Omega vintage constellation 18k gold to weddings, cocktail parties, and sometimes to office when I'm feeling particularly dressy.
I am a car and a watch guy and my philosophy has always been that if I can't comfortably use the car or watch as intended, then I can't afford it. Early out of college, that meant cheap vintage BMWs and seiko 5s - I could work on the BMWs myself and not be afraid of ringing them out on a good drive like they were intended. Now that I'm much more successful in my career, that means a used 911 and watches up to about ~$10k. All of these items are special to me and I would be really upset if they got destroyed, but I can afford to insure them properly and losing them wouldn't materially affect my overall financial wellbeing. My first luxury watch was an Omega AT that I've had for almost a decade. That thing has been everywhere with me - motorcycle trips around the US, hiking, backpacking, roadtrip around Iceland, trekking around Europe, working on cars, working in the yard, painting, moving, sleeping, etc. etc. My heart still skips a beat when I bash a watch into a counter/doorframe/train turnstile, but mostly because I would be bummed to be away from the watch if I broke it and had to send it for repair. The first bash is still the worst, but I look at every blemish and I am reminded of all the great moments I have had in my life. In all of the most important moments of my life for the past ~15 years I have had a watch on my wrist. When I get my AT serviced, I will explicitly have them NOT polish it because I don't want to lose all those stories.
My watches see everything I do, and my 911 sees the redline (once properly warmed up, of course). Part of the beauty of these objects is what they are capable of. It's such a shame to not experience the brilliance because you're saving it for someone else.
Thanks for doing this video 😎Yes, I wear my luxury watches as often as I can! To me, it no point in spending that kind of money on a high quality luxury brand if you're just going to let it sit in the box... And for maintenance reasons you have to wear it often. You can't let it constantly stop working. It will mess with the mechanism ... High quality as it is part of the instructions are to wear the watch. You only have a certain amount of days for it to just sit ...Watches are my thing. I love the technology of it. I love the way it feels on my wrist. I have a small wrist but I love the medium size men's Rolex band that feel of it, the power of the steel and how it rests on my wrist. You know you're wearing it. We should enjoy life and the things that we work for. We should not be afraid to wear our money.. When we leave this place we cannot take any of this mess with us, so we might as well enjoy it while we can... WARNING:
ONCE YOU BUY ONE TRUST ME YOU WILL GO BACK AND BUY ANOTHER ONE! JUST A WARNING 🤣
Two things that seem to haunt me with wearing a Rolex (especially the new models) is the stigma of flaunting wealth and attracting crime. It's hard to go about your day and not see homeless people in the streets or watching or hearing about watch theft crime. I live in the Bay area California where Silicone valley wealth is reflected in the housing market but everyone is wearing either an apple watch or another smart watch. Wearing a Rolex makes you stand out and perceived as privileged. I hate these thoughts but it is my reality.
I also live in the SF Bay Area, and agree with you
@@RobertRobert-zh2ez do you think this reality will ever change where we live? If yes, when?
@@dstjoe I don't see how it can change/improve for the better
I live in the east coast. And, yes, we've heard about the huge increase in robberies in San Francisco in recent years, especially with all the homeless problems. It's really a shame for such an interesting (tourist) city. I've been there a number of times, although not in recent years. I don't think I would ever wear an expensive watch in SFO, especially in some neighborhoods!
@@scott7841 Unfortunately, it is not limited to San Francisco, but is like that all around the Bay Area
that's why I specced my datejust with a smooth bezel and oyster band. Not to flashes where I can ware it more
Seeing the Speedy being washed under a tap made me nervous.
In the ownership dynamic, there is exactly 1 tool. It is either the object, or the owner.
Wow thanks for sharing that shot of you washing off your speedy in the sink. I just got my first speedy and I've been super careful with it around water. Because it's a chronograph (I don't have much experience with chronographs), I've been wondering about what it would take for it to get damaged by water. It's really reassuring to see that it will take a rinse under the tap and be fine.
@Steven c I clean mine under the tap with a little dab of liquid soap all the time and I have never had any problems. I keep the water pressure low and don't direct the water stream directly into the crown.
Just make sure you don't activate the pushers or pull the crown out while its getting wet, or while it has residual water on the case. if you keep these things in mind, you should be safe with your new speedy (assumings its brand new and not used. If used - make sure to have its water tolerance tested)
@@sinjinadams2862 good to know. Im glad to hear that I can be confident with it around moisture.
@@track-n-trace yeah it's a new speedy 57 red dial. Thanks for the advice.
I love the description of how you are / were careful. It’s actually pretty easy to not overly baby a watch and still avoid scratches or dents. Living it with my submariner acquired recently from the AD
I have had my white dial SMP300 for a little over a year now and I babied it so much up until a few months ago. After I got my first few dings in it from daily wear I realized it was a stainless steel tool watch and eventually I can have it polished if I really want. I imagine when I get my first precious metal I will feel the same way and go through the same process.
Very insightful video! Thank you and congratulations, Bruce!
I wear my 216570 Exp II Polar all the time... but I am also very aware of my surroundings given today's climate of watch theft in the streets.
Another great video Bruce! You said it best when you did the Panerai 1312, Wear the watch, don't let the watch wear you! I babied watches for a long time. I had decided when I got my Sub, it is a watch that will never get sold, only worn and enjoyed. I didn't blink at the first scratch. By the time that watch reaches my son many years from now, it will be well used. That perspective continues with the watches I know I will be wearing for years. If I have a feeling a watch may get sold at some point, I take a little more care with those.
I finally got the Rolex sub no date I've always wanted. took nearly a lifetime to justify getting. now I too am afraid to wear it except around the house. but ill get there. as I should.
New to your channel. I just inherited my first Rolex 16013 watch that's over 37 years old now from my father after he passed... No clue what it's worth. My father did wear this watch everywhere proudly. My stepmother made sure he saved the original receipt from 1986 where he purchased it.
Actually I've always felt the opposite. I wear my Rolex all the time, anytime, any occasion because I know it's built tough at least it should be. I even wear it to sleep sometimes and wake up and head in the shower with it, so it's always sparkly clean. If I'm at the beach, I'll just take a dip with it on, hiking? No problem. But if it was made out of those precious metals, well I'd think twice for sure but I would wear it casually. But those stainless steel watches, just wear it for its moneys worth! Enjoy people :)
Explained exactly what I experienced with my quartz grand seiko. Now I use it like a daily even if I don’t have any nicer watches but I am enjoying it for what it is and I am looking forward to buying more watches
It’s just the most beautiful gold watch. I have a very similar taste. I have the same watch with the stick dial. I wear it every day, like other comments already said, most people think it’s a fake, or do not even notice it.
That day date is beautiful. One of my favorite watches
Bought an Omega SMP300 in Jan 22 as my first luxury piece and have worn it every day since. Everywhere from the beach to the machine shop I work at. It’s got a few dings and scrapes but that’s just character in my eyes. Absolutely no intent to ever sell this one, so I’m not bothered at all
How you manage bracelet in hot weather? Do you ignore the sweat under it or there is a trick for it? I love them but I need to change them in summer for a nato, rubber or leather strap
I can relate to that to a certain degree, although having made a different experience myself. My first luxury watch was the Omega SMP 300 in 2008 and since the moment I picked it up I always wanted to have it on my wrist. The SMP is of course the perfect watch for that: robust, water resistant, beautiful and to a certain extent dressy but not too flashy, with only few people recognizing what kind of watch that is. I wear it at work and in my spare time, I wore it when I explored the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai and Hong Kong, I wore it when I was climbing in the yellow mountains, when I went to the Red Sea for scuba diving (its natural habitat) and of course with a tuxedo (also kind of its natural habitat...😉). There are only few occasions when I do not wear it: when I sleep, when I do some craft work, when I enter our production facility (for safety reasons) and of course when I wear another watch.
Scratches are part of wearing a watch and unavoidable. I didn't really baby my watches but they are still in good condition, even the older ones. And when they come back from service they look as good as brand new.
Wearing a 40k watch is not normal
wearing a 40k watch in america, day in, day out, doing everyday thing, and not getting robbed, now that's not normal.
You can probably get away with it in more civilized places like Singapore, Dubai, Kyoto, Seoul, Monaco ,... but NYC? You are probably going to regret it.
Big cities in blue states are sketchy. But I’d daily a Rolex in almost every major city in red states, with the caveat that I’m not specifically going into the high crime areas. West side of Houston I’d rock a submariner all day everyday.
What a gorgeous piece!
Bruce let's see that Planet Ocean 👀 is it an orange Creamsicle w white dial on your wrist? 2 watches, 1 on each wrist, well done brother 😎
Like this channel more and more. Its going to be a blast watching your brand new collection take form. The DJ addition is a boss move in my opinion. Wear it wherever whenever in my opinion. Last but not least guys: Take care of your beloved watches but DONT baby them to the point where you almost no longer enjoy the experience. You are missing out. Watches are meant to be worn like cars are meant to be driven. A scratch here and there builds character and reminds you of past events. Lastly I have to say that way too many have bought into this thing where polishing a watch ruins the value. Thats only true for some rare pieces and not your brand new Omega Planet Ocean. Enjoy guys and wear your watches!
if you hang out in upper class social circles and rub elbows with the elite, then you wear your high end fancy watch so that folks know that you are part of their elite group, but if you are a regular person and work, live, socialize with regular people, the only person you are impressing is your credit card company and yourself. I wear watches that make me happy and don't put a major dent into my financial empire.
@Spanky Harland Well said!
@@sinjinadams2862 ps- I hang out with regular folks who have no clue about high end watches...so it works out for me 😀
Or you can buy any nice watch you want without using credit..
@@BFit25 true, I usually save up for big ticket items and pay it all in cash because I hate paying interest.
I'm currently wearing a Grand Seiko GMT with plenty of scratches on its "zaratsu" polished bezel. What's the point of a watch that sits in a safe or watch box all the time?
The one thing I'm careful about is wearing an expensive watch (or something that looks like one) in areas I'm not familiar with. Having a watch stolen or getting robbed is not fun, getting seriously hurt in a mugging is a whole lot worse.
I own a Tudor Black Bay Heritage. I used to baby the watch a lot. Three weeks ago I knocked it on a metal frame... dented the bezel, scratched the bezel insert and even managed to scratch the saphire crystal.
Since then I wear it every day without even thinking about it. It's a tough watch and can handle the use and if I send it in for service in 5 or 10 years Tudor will change the bezel and polish out the scratches... no matter if it's 1 or 100 🤷
One of your best videos, Bruce. Well said 👍👍
Great video! I've absolutely been there. But time and experience has proven to me, we regret things we've done (i.e. wearing and scratching a watch) far less than things we HAVEN'T done (i.e. letting our best watches and other beautiful things sit unused in safe storage). Life is too short. You and your experiences are far more important than a hunk of metal, no matter how precious and special it is. I will say, the first scratch is the worst - but after that it gets easier, and you then can begin to fully enjoy your things.
When we wear any watch it's on our one and only wrist. Your wrist is more important than any watch. But you don't leave your wrist at home in safe storage. If you get a scratch etc. on your wrist you clean it up, let it heal and yes, maybe earn a scar with that experience. But that's part of who you are. We all carry visible scars of the life we've lived. Why shouldn't your watch do the same?
Consider also, when watching videos about watches (or other collectable items): which is more interesting? A never worn museum piece? Or a well used piece with scars and patina that show a life lived? While it's always cool to find a real pristine historic item, I always find the well-loved item to have more soul. Look up the term wabi sabi, which explains this far better than I can.
I'm glad that last bit about good judgment is mentioned. It's not just burglary at your home; sadly, people do get robbed of their watches. It's not just 'bad' areas, either; there are plenty of YT videos showing how theft rings work (e.g., teams that spot people with nice stuff in touristy or other crowded areas, and follow them to a parking lot or other vulnerable location, etc.). Not to sound alarmist; by all means wear and enjoy your stuff... but be smart, use common sense and watch your backs. I always remember something my dad drilled into us: "Don't flash money." It sounds corny but it's true.
Excellent vid! Exactly on the nail. Thank you and subscribed. 👍👍👍
There's no better place for a swatch IMO than on the wrist : worn, enjoyed fully, and just treasured through ownership.
Scratches are part and parcel of use. Embrace the entire experience but I try anyway to keep my watches well and in good
condition.
I like the balance that Bruce brings to his perspectives on safety and common sense when wearing a luxury piece.
I totally agree that luxury watches should be worn, however when wearing them in public, especially all gold pieces, where I live you’re setting yourself up to be robbed or worse. Unfortunately, that is the world we seem to be living in now. My friend was robbed of his watch in a “nice” area in San Diego while he was walking with his wife. They literally grabbed him from behind in a chokehold, while the other guy ripped it off of his wrist. When I saw your title, I thought that’s what you were talking about as far as being afraid to wear your luxury watch. Just something to think about nowadays.
Wore my two tone Rolex Submariner black dial every single day for over two decades. It has been on every deep wreck dive in the Florida Keys, tons of knock down drag out rolling on the ground fights for my life (retired deputy sheriff), digging holes in the yard, shooting full auto weapons on the firearms range and heavy caliber (.454 casull and .50 cal desert eagles) pistols a couple of days every month. I wear it for yard work, going to the beach, everything. I only had it serviced finally about 4 years ago because I got tired of looking at the lume dot on the bezel that I had knocked off banging it up against a concrete pillar under my house (about a once every couple of months event) and the aluminum bezel was also scratched pretty good from it. I think they replaced it with a ceramic one but not sure how to tell.
Where the dang thing!
My best is a Rolex Submarniner which I've had for over 20 years. I wear it almost every day unless I'm wearing something else I choose for the day. While I've never been diving it's been in a swimming pool now and then (after which I wash it - just in case chlorine has any negative effect on the seals). That being said - there are times I'll take it off to avoid damaging it or losing it. For instance - working on a car.. or doing something that could damage the movement.. or painting, etc. In which case I'll throw on a g-shock, etc. I have it insured just in case anything bad happens to it but thankfully I've been lucky all these years.
Life is short. Buy it. Wear and use your nice things. It'll be all over you realize it.
Like your lifestyle Bruce. Hiking, outdoors. I have to admit that I wear my Glycine GMT when I'm out, and Omega GMT when I stay indoors.😅
As a watch collector and a Porsche owner I agree with this. Don't own a Rolex yet, but own some nice pieces, and not afraid to wear them. Even my Porsche, I drive daily. It has some dings(just got a door ding today), but it's a daily driver, and my watches are worn daily, and both have the marks to prove that.
Wear it! Enjoy it! That s what it s made for! Greatings from the Netherlands!
Good video. I was in a serious accident a few years back, hit by a DUI and nearly died in my 40s. When I came home 5 months later, I had a different perspective on keeping things for the next guy. I wear my Submariner carefully, but I wear it. We idolize guys like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, but if you look at their watches they were worn hard and used daily. These watches were part of their lives, not a focal point. That’s living well. Not being a slave to your watch or car. Enjoy it here and now, because you don’t know when your last day will be.
I got a fully ceramic omega seamaster so it doesn’t scratch.
3 months in I got a massive scratch on the crystal on a counter 😅
I can relate..that flashy yellow gold day date…it’s not practical. In my opinion you should go for the white gold models..less flashy and people will think it’s steel
What is the watch at at the 2 minute mark?
Is it a good idea to wash the Omega speed master under a tap?😮
I’m that way Bruce, I’ve always been scared to scratch my new watch. After seeing this video, I agree with you, I will definitely try my very best to enjoy my watch and not worry so much about scratching it. Thanks Bruce 👍
Depends where you live . If you live in a safe area you will probably be safe . If not you are exposing yourself to danger . Each person has to make that call
Can you rinse a Speedy under running water and not risk getting water in it?