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I’m a career firefighter. I’ve worn my Hamilton Kaki automatic every shift for the last three years and anytime I need a “beater” work watch, it’s never done me wrong. With all the beating it’s taken it still holds time like it did when new. I wear it in the shower, the pool the ocean and in fires… it’s still running strong! 8:42
Cartier: art deco, elegant, precious, reserved, and slim. After collecting for a few years and owning and selling AP, Rolex, Longines, VC etc ive settled on Cartier being one of “my brands”. I also love Seiko and love seeing my Tank Louis and Seiko turtle side my side as two extremes.
I’ve recently developed a taste for the Cartier tanks. I think I’m at the point of going vintage versus partaking in the hype about unobtainable “Apple” Rolexes. The day I kiss an AD’s butt to get a watch is the day I eat my shoe.
Omega. Because they seem always have ideas that are cool technologically but have none obvious practice value, such as co-axial and spirate. It feels like Omega is being led by a bunch of engineers, and they'd jump onto cool technologies without thinking to much. Also Speedmasters went to the moon!! I'm an engineer myself, so I really resonate with Omega.
I couldn’t agree more. No matter what watch I get, I always find myself going back to my black smp300. I think omega perfectly blends functionality, form and technical specifications. Love it or hate it the he valve and bracelet have grown on me more and more and it’s hands down the most versatile watch for my lifestyle. Omega all the way.
Here’s my issue with Omega. (Necessary disclosure, I, like a lot of people, own a Speedy). Omega is referred to as being different, or “better,” because it doesn’t have the Rolex hype. My issue is….Omega is trying. It’s not an accident that the 321 reissue is limited. Or that the Snoopy’s are “limited production.” Omega is trying to do exactly what Rolex does, they just don’t have the cache. But when Omega is presented as “better than,” it’s just wrong, IMO, because it’s not by choice. Quite the opposite, actually.
as an engineer i do resign with omega as well, nd also because they have a rich history and is well known luxurious brand withouth beign too well known and too showy. However, their are not as reliable as i hoped they will be. Its the third time in 6years that my erd gen planet ocean chronograph which i bought new, has an issue again out of the blue, this time with each power reserve and makes me not trust my toolwatch as much as i would like. My fathers older omega smp seems to have an issue as well. Still love omega though. I cant say i have one favorite brand though.
@@brads1545 Omega doesn't need the same hype as Rolex, they own the rest of the Swiss watch industry. (hyperbole) Or at least hold it hostage. And yes, they are trying.
Eh no, last few years they are lead by accountants who just up the price to try compete with Rolex. They lost their place as the smart / enthusiast brand and will still never have the Rolex name . They played a bad move IMHO
Cartier for me, the old world luxury, the history, how svelte and classy their designs (usually) are. I could happily be a one brand guy for Cartier. But I do have others that I like nearly as much. (also I rate the Digital PRX, I think it's a hilarious watch, just so amusing)
Love Hamilton and Seiko as well. A lot of variety in their collections. But I think at the moment my favorite is Longines. A lot of beautiful designs, they normally have different sizes for the same model, real good price points, great build quality and amazing history.
Baltic watches have really grown on me as my favorite brand. Their variety makes owning 4-5 different watches in their collection easy to accomplish. The quality for the price is more than sufficient for my lifestyle. I love their beads of rice bracelet and the fact they utilize tropics rubber straps for their sports watches. I favor unique pieces and feel confident I am the only one wearing a Baltic watch when I'm out and about, and that makes me feel special... for no reason. Thanks for sharing Michael!
Also, dude, you're insanely good in this format! I have four Hamiltons (and had many more in the past) - zero issues except hand alignment on a couple. One of my fave brands as well. Dug the philosophy lesson as well.
If you like one product by a brand,you automatically like the whole brand by law?? How so? I like the Seamaster,but i'd never wear a Speedy. Although there's a ton of 'em. And the brand itself is ok.
Micheal how do you feel about the Hamilton a few months later?.. and how come you went for that one not an original W10? I’ve just picked up a W10 and think it’s great!
I fell in love with that pilot pioneer early. Since then I’ve had everything from micro brands to a reverse, but still never pulled the trigger on the Hamilton. Are you saying I should? And if so can I tell my wife that?
I would imagine the main reason for people complaining about Hamilton's reliability is due to the fact that they use the 2824 movement in so many of their watches: it has a known design flaw in the manual wind mechanism. It's not a question of if it's going to break but when (depending on how often you use said manual wind mechanism, which is why you'll find advice online telling you to use it as little as possible). I have a Hamilton Field Khaki Day-Date and yes, the manual wind mechanism broke about 5 or 6 years after I bought the watch (new from an AD). I had it repaired and it's fine now.
Great, fun video Michael. Always a pleasure to listen to you. I seem to maintain a 3 watch collection. A Rolex and 2 others. Currently it is a Rolex, Grand Seiko and Omega. I do find that whatever that collection is, I navigate to my Rolex most. I find them superior in fit and styling, durability, brand appeal, and also important, resale value. After I bought a Rolex, I wish I had just started with Rolex and I only dream of buying another one, no matter how much I want there to be something else.
Grand Seiko 9F quartz for me. I want to like mechanical or spring drive more, but the HAQ keeps perfect time whether I wear it or not and the dials are beautiful as well. They're Toyotas.
My Hamilton Cooper recently had the dial come loose. I have owned it three years and to be fair: it has been exposed to -50C more than a few times. That said I wear Seiko in the winter in Alaska with no problems.
I'm not really into modern Rolex but my 14060m Submariner and Explorer 1. 114270 are two of my favorite watches of all time and will never sell either. My favorite brands are Rolex, Heuer and Seiko. Been rocking my Heuer Coral 980 026 Monnin " thick case " lately and absolutely love that piece. It was also Pierce Brosnan daily back in the 80s and 90s
I bought my third Hamilton this morning & it's the Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer on your wrist. The only other brand I have multiples of (apart from Seiko) is Smiths. No problems so far.
Omega Ball Zenith IWC Glashutte Original Jaeger Le Coultre Tudor Oris Grand Seiko Breitling Longines All are alternatives to Rolex and all have some amazing pieces.
My go to brand is Tudor and Halios. It started in 2015 with my Pelagos Blue. Still have it and what a great watch! Moved to a couple Black Bay Divers but left them behind eventually. Current Tudors- S&G Chronograph, S&G GMT, my Pelagos, and new Tudor 39mm Ranger. Great timekeepers and if you feel like selling them there are a lot of buyers for your used watch. Halios is like a mini-Rolex brand (yes I said that). I've bought and then sold a few (over retail) but still keep a couple Seaforth's in my collection. The Halios's remind me of Rolex in a weird way (especially the bezel less Seaforth that feels very much like a Rolex OP) Both are great brands and are in my favorite.
Great video, Michael! You just expressed my entire relationship with cars and watches. Right now Oris is my obsession..."Go your own way" says it all.....
I really like Junghans for the design. Especially Max Bill and the Meister collection. They are just pretty, clean design with a great retro touch. I also like vintage watches, so maybe that's why 😊
Car analogies: Grand Seiko = Lexus (both Japanese and value) Omega = BMW (engineered well but neither quite as prestigious as the next tier) Rolex = Mercedes (both very aspirational) Patek = Porsche (old money. Heritage. Timeless classics) AP = Lambo (high engineered and ostentatious) RM = Ferrari (highly engineered and exclusive)
@@Arc1517 omega has been around 50 years longer than Rolex. This is why I feel that omega is more like Mercedes and rolex is more like BMW. And btw there are a TON of important BMWS
Interesting topic, I agree wholeheartedly on the attraction for something being engineered for the specific user needs but nothing more. Currently in my journey Breitling and Mido are my best friends, a couple of years ago it was Rolex and Seiko. Great video. 🍻
I’m in the camp of many others with no favorite brand because at this point I’m still experiencing all of the watch brands out there as a recent enthusiast 👍
Hugely enjoyable video and love how you’ve told your story with cars and how this embodies your taste. I’ve been tempted with a Hamilton for a while, probably for the wrong reasons. Either a Murph (as Interstellar is my favourite film) or a Jazzmaster as like the design (maybe an open heart). I have watches from a number of brands, but if I’m honest I guess I do like Rolex the most for there overall product design (dial, bracelet, reliability) and how they make you feel. Amongst others, I do enjoy Seiko, for something under the radar and amazing value/reliability (own a Pogue) that I can wear without worry. And Patek for their artistry. So I guess I think in terms of a predominant brand, but others that capture different sides to you and for different times.
I’d agree seiko is a great parallel to Toyota. I drive a 2016 Tacoma. Bought it new and have 165,000 miles on it. I plan to drive it for as long as I can. I wear an alpanist most days and an Omega AT.
I like how an advertisement for T Rowe Price popped up in the middle of the advertisement for the watch straps. It was an “advertisement within an advertisement,” like the movie “Inception.” Who can tell my gummy kicked in?
Iam exactly at the same place. I've been waiting for an Omega Speedmaster in 38mm. Not knowing if its ever gonna come, I am eye'ing an El Primero Original.
I honestly got to a point of loving Hamilton I'm buying the scuba navy. Does it make any sense? Probably not. But I keep planning this hole h only collection and just love it
Watches with automatic movements that don't have manual wind frustrate me the most. I'd rather the watch be straight up manual wind. Any of you agree with me on this?
My Khaki Field got water in it while I was in a kiddie pool with my son. I had the movement fixed locally but they had to replace the crown with a smaller, less desirable one. I sent it to the Swatch group asking them to just replace the crown and they wanted to charge me $400 for a complete rebuild, and refused to just replace the crown. So now it sits in a drawer somewhere. A fucking kiddie pool.
My two favorite brands are Seiko and Christopher Ward. I love Christopher Ward because of the value and quality and Seiko is where I started with watches and they hold a soft spot with me.
It's hard to pick one brand as a favorite when. My collection is all one watch from per brand, and each watch is a different size, dial, complication etc. It's easy to go with rolex based on how perfect the DJ36 is, with fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and the blue fluted-motif dial. But also having a blue Omega SMP 300M, IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41 in green, Grand Seiko SBGW287 Boshū, and a Tudor Black Bay Pro...they are all awesome pieces that speak to me in a different way with their design, style, use, wearability, and history. I guess I am in a similar boat with multiple best friends but not a single favorite.
I have a 7 year old Hamilton Khaki king Auto. It lost like 3 minutes every other day after about the 4 month of owning it. I brought it back to the shop that i bought it from. They messed with it, but it was never near as accurate, as the first 4 months of ownership. i rarely wear it now. but i like the history of Hamilton.
I got a 2007 Toyota 4Runner, Hamilton Khaki Field, and a Neo Vintage Rolex Pepsi. It's the perfect stack for me. I'm driving that 4runner into the ground
Hey Michael, you forgot to mention how "Rolex lost you as a customer" or it's just because rent is due soon? Is this what happens when Christian leaves for holiday and has you working overtime?
I still have the 2001 Camray I bought used in 2003. It was the first car I bought. It has 370k miles on it. I have since purchased other vehicles (a 4runner and another Camray) but that Camray just wont die. I use it to run errands mostly, and take the dogs to the pupper park. All I do is change the oil, routine maintenance etc. At this point I'm just seeing how far it will go. I really want to hit 500k for some reason....
In watch to cars term, Seiko is definitely the analogy to Toyota, and Grand Seiko is Lexus. And also, the baby Alpinist is a perfect watch for you because of the stuff you do on your other channel, particularly hiking.
It’s an interesting topic. Similar to Michael I can’t single out the brand. I won’t ever have a one brand collection. Unless I’ll be down to one watch, which I doubt 😊 Currently I own 4 watches. All from different brands and pricepoints: Casio, Seiko, Marathon and Omega. I love each of my watches for what it is not just for the brand that made it. Although brand does matter as well.
What you said on the speedmaster is exactly where I am at with it. I had a regular professional for 6 years and recently sold it due it just being to big. Bought an explorer instead but will get a speedmaster if they make a reduced size professional.
Seiko and Casio dominates my collection and wrist time :-) on the luxury side I have a couple of Swiss watches but they’re in the watch box for most of the year. I’ll have to say Seiko/Casio are my favorite watch brands (specifically the SKX007, the Willard, and DW5600). On the microbrand , I’m looking at growing my RZE pieces. Superb craftsmanship and customer service.
I definitely understand having the best of something not be the prettiest, most expensive, or truly highest spec. Sometimes someone makes a product that just feels like it's exactly what it needs. My core daily watches are a marathon gsar and a khaki Field automatic in 38mm. I've been sitting on these two for a while, and they still fit me very well. I'm constantly looking at watch content, and nothing else out there feels as perfect for me as those two. I'm sure I'll find more that fit for me at some point, or cave and buy something I just find really fun or interesting to wear occasionally. It's not that the best watches in the world aren't for some people, but I think too many people assume that they value the same things in watches that absurdly rich, high end collectors do.
If you bought a vintage watch and then later down the line you met the last person it belonged to and he said it was his dad's watch and he didn't want to sell it but his kids took it off of him because they wanted to get the money for it and he really wants it back, would you give it to him?
my 3 top brands are G-Shock, Omega and IWC... I like Richard Mille also but they are out of range really... ah and also Byrne and Moser.. and MB&F.... ok, ok, so I like a lot.. 😁
I have a 38mm khaki field automatic and I love it. I don't really swim or go to the beach with it because that's what g-shocks are for, but I ride bike and motorcycle and I'm exposed to the elements often. No issues with reliability, it just works.
I didn't rate Hamilton as a brand until I realised I owned 3 of them - all completely different but each great in it's own way. They are the PSR OLED, Bronze Field Watch and of course a Ventura.
Speedmaster reduced? 39mm? That too big for you? I can’t wear anything smaller than 40mm as I have 7.6” wrist and speedmaster 42mm is kind of small on my wrist compared to 42mm dive watches
Very cool video. I get it. My Christopher Ward green fume C63 gets more wrist time than my Tudors, Rolexes,, TAGs, etc…. I don’t have a Hamilton though :(
I had the green dial intramatic chronograph on eBay. I loved it.. then the screw down crown cross threaded and had to get it fixed. 250 dollars later... I got it fix and could no longer feel safe about it. Flipped it and traded it for a Nomos Nacht.
Seiko is totally Toyota. From durable everyday commuters to luxury and legendary racing palmares at the highest level and literally everything in between
I do like Rolex but I own more pieces from Omega. My top three would have to be Breguet, AP & Omega in that order. Rolex does have it over Omega in case size. Rolex pricing and the way they do waitlists has really soured my experience with them. I recently paid $1k over on a Date-just from a reseller I know just to avoid the AD here. I own a Calatrava but that is my only PP and it’s not as nice as my Breguet’s. I like Nomos and GO as well as Breitling
i cant say i have one favorite brand, but i resign with brands that make a quality product, innovate, and have a rich history, they are well known and luxurious, without beign too well known and austentatious. I do like one or two rolexes and one or two pateks though. I m more of a sports watch guy because i see watches as a charming tool, that i can rely on, but i do find some comlicated dress pieces intresting as well. Ι also prefer more classically styled watches with the excepton of debethune. So omega jlc hmc and rolex (because it is after al a timeless quality reliable watch) are probably some of favorites. iwc zenith gs nomos gethuge respect. I also love lange debethune and vc as well, more like i aspire to own, would love to own but wouldnt wear as much as the other 4.
I have a Hamilton - an art-deco one, 100 years old … working just fine. And others, mechanical and automatics - 20 years old, 10 years old, 2 years old - no problems with them. So Hamilton is reliable in my book 😉
Omega - quality without the pretentious mark up, Panerai - for those who don’t run with the pack , awesome military history and Seiko - ultimate bang for Buck - for me. Hamilton and some indies for good measure.
Well until they call. They called me and after the obnoxious wait and time spend on searching for a rolex explorer 2; it gave me enough time to realize 42mm is too much and a jewelry watch is not something I want to wear to get mugged. So I decline. Yes, Rolex is falling back on too old designs which are repetitive and unexciting and over priced. They also don't provide luxury service. I can afford it but they played the hard to get. Done! and I am happier for it. It is just a watch and does not make a difference in my life other than I moved on and free of the bullshit.
Also - I swim in the ocean with my Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38mm. It’s fine. Most of the the anecdotal WR issues I’ve seen online (with Hamilton push pull crowns) are from years ago. Could have been addressed in recent years.
This resonates. Hamilton is also my fav brand now, and it only became so after going through many other much more expensive brands. Reasons: 1. You’ll always find faults no matter how big the brand or expensive the watch is, and the more expensive the less you wear it 2. History 3. Easy to wear and service 4. Abundance of choices in their catalog With that said, I if I ever owned a rolex, I will definitely keep it and wear it everyday. Worn one to try and it wore really well and you cannot deny the feeling it gives you.
Originally joined this channel for Christian’s watch market hot takes. Realizing I’m still here because of Michael’s hilarious fever dream run on solo videos.
Man, I would really like the Sinn T50 gold-bronze bezel, but my grail is the VC 222. I would love to see a screw-down crown on the bronze Hamilton khaki field mechanical. But i will never stop throwing money at Seiko and Casio.
I have been buying Hamilton for 20 years. At the time, they were 1/3 of the cost of a Rolex. Now, they are 1/10 the cost or less, same quality if not better.
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I’m a career firefighter. I’ve worn my Hamilton Kaki automatic every shift for the last three years and anytime I need a “beater” work watch, it’s never done me wrong. With all the beating it’s taken it still holds time like it did when new. I wear it in the shower, the pool the ocean and in fires… it’s still running strong! 8:42
Yeah yeah, we all say that until they call.
LOL
Any business can and will be disrupted. Also Rolex. Market rules!
That’s only if you get on the list at all
Of course, you can double your money with a GMT lol. Not because I actually like their watches
Some how I think Rolex will manage to survive with a few less You Tube douche bags
michael gets a little spicy and more energetic without that christian guy holding him back
Cartier: art deco, elegant, precious, reserved, and slim. After collecting for a few years and owning and selling AP, Rolex, Longines, VC etc ive settled on Cartier being one of “my brands”. I also love Seiko and love seeing my Tank Louis and Seiko turtle side my side as two extremes.
Cartier makes great looking watches. A statement piece for sure.
I’ve recently developed a taste for the Cartier tanks. I think I’m at the point of going vintage versus partaking in the hype about unobtainable “Apple” Rolexes. The day I kiss an AD’s butt to get a watch is the day I eat my shoe.
Solo Michael is actually really funny
Omega. Because they seem always have ideas that are cool technologically but have none obvious practice value, such as co-axial and spirate. It feels like Omega is being led by a bunch of engineers, and they'd jump onto cool technologies without thinking to much. Also Speedmasters went to the moon!! I'm an engineer myself, so I really resonate with Omega.
I couldn’t agree more. No matter what watch I get, I always find myself going back to my black smp300. I think omega perfectly blends functionality, form and technical specifications. Love it or hate it the he valve and bracelet have grown on me more and more and it’s hands down the most versatile watch for my lifestyle. Omega all the way.
Here’s my issue with Omega. (Necessary disclosure, I, like a lot of people, own a Speedy). Omega is referred to as being different, or “better,” because it doesn’t have the Rolex hype. My issue is….Omega is trying. It’s not an accident that the 321 reissue is limited. Or that the Snoopy’s are “limited production.” Omega is trying to do exactly what Rolex does, they just don’t have the cache. But when Omega is presented as “better than,” it’s just wrong, IMO, because it’s not by choice. Quite the opposite, actually.
as an engineer i do resign with omega as well, nd also because they have a rich history and is well known luxurious brand withouth beign too well known and too showy. However, their are not as reliable as i hoped they will be. Its the third time in 6years that my erd gen planet ocean chronograph which i bought new, has an issue again out of the blue, this time with each power reserve and makes me not trust my toolwatch as much as i would like. My fathers older omega smp seems to have an issue as well. Still love omega though. I cant say i have one favorite brand though.
@@brads1545 Omega doesn't need the same hype as Rolex, they own the rest of the Swiss watch industry. (hyperbole) Or at least hold it hostage. And yes, they are trying.
Eh no, last few years they are lead by accountants who just up the price to try compete with Rolex. They lost their place as the smart / enthusiast brand and will still never have the Rolex name . They played a bad move IMHO
My favorite brand today is Longines. Just got the Ultra-Chron. With its sapphire bezel and high-beat movement it's a winner.
I really like that watch, but I can’t come up for an excuse to buy one. I have 4 watches I rotate. I don’t need a fifth.
I really like it as well, but it needs to be a tad smaller. 40mm would be perfect.
@@brucesuitt993It actually wears alot smaller due to the cushion case. I tried it on and wears more like a 40 or 41mm.
UltraChron is an awesome piece. I love the sweep of the second hand.
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 You are 100% right. It def wears smaller.
can christian please extend his vacation for… forever??
Your videos are so much better (and so much less annoying) without the narcist 🤷🏻♂️
You’re genuine and consistent in your choices! A great quality to have! 💪🏻🙌🏻
Cartier for me, the old world luxury, the history, how svelte and classy their designs (usually) are. I could happily be a one brand guy for Cartier. But I do have others that I like nearly as much.
(also I rate the Digital PRX, I think it's a hilarious watch, just so amusing)
Awesome video! You rocked it by yourself! Well done! Very clean. You speak very well on mic by yourself.
Love Hamilton and Seiko as well. A lot of variety in their collections. But I think at the moment my favorite is Longines. A lot of beautiful designs, they normally have different sizes for the same model, real good price points, great build quality and amazing history.
Baltic watches have really grown on me as my favorite brand. Their variety makes owning 4-5 different watches in their collection easy to accomplish. The quality for the price is more than sufficient for my lifestyle. I love their beads of rice bracelet and the fact they utilize tropics rubber straps for their sports watches. I favor unique pieces and feel confident I am the only one wearing a Baltic watch when I'm out and about, and that makes me feel special... for no reason. Thanks for sharing Michael!
I enjoy cartier for their design language and philosophy. Elegance is their bottom line, even in quartz movements.
Also, dude, you're insanely good in this format! I have four Hamiltons (and had many more in the past) - zero issues except hand alignment on a couple. One of my fave brands as well. Dug the philosophy lesson as well.
If you like one product by a brand,you automatically like the whole brand by law??
How so?
I like the Seamaster,but i'd never wear a Speedy. Although there's a ton of 'em. And the brand itself is ok.
Micheal how do you feel about the Hamilton a few months later?.. and how come you went for that one not an original W10? I’ve just picked up a W10 and think it’s great!
I fell in love with that pilot pioneer early. Since then I’ve had everything from micro brands to a reverse, but still never pulled the trigger on the Hamilton. Are you saying I should? And if so can I tell my wife that?
I would imagine the main reason for people complaining about Hamilton's reliability is due to the fact that they use the 2824 movement in so many of their watches: it has a known design flaw in the manual wind mechanism. It's not a question of if it's going to break but when (depending on how often you use said manual wind mechanism, which is why you'll find advice online telling you to use it as little as possible). I have a Hamilton Field Khaki Day-Date and yes, the manual wind mechanism broke about 5 or 6 years after I bought the watch (new from an AD). I had it repaired and it's fine now.
Great, fun video Michael. Always a pleasure to listen to you. I seem to maintain a 3 watch collection. A Rolex and 2 others. Currently it is a Rolex, Grand Seiko and Omega. I do find that whatever that collection is, I navigate to my Rolex most. I find them superior in fit and styling, durability, brand appeal, and also important, resale value. After I bought a Rolex, I wish I had just started with Rolex and I only dream of buying another one, no matter how much I want there to be something else.
Grand Seiko 9F quartz for me. I want to like mechanical or spring drive more, but the HAQ keeps perfect time whether I wear it or not and the dials are beautiful as well. They're Toyotas.
My Hamilton Cooper recently had the dial come loose. I have owned it three years and to be fair: it has been exposed to -50C more than a few times. That said I wear Seiko in the winter in Alaska with no problems.
I'm not really into modern Rolex but my 14060m Submariner and Explorer 1. 114270 are two of my favorite watches of all time and will never sell either. My favorite brands are Rolex, Heuer and Seiko. Been rocking my Heuer Coral 980 026 Monnin " thick case " lately and absolutely love that piece. It was also Pierce Brosnan daily back in the 80s and 90s
I bought my third Hamilton this morning & it's the Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer on your wrist. The only other brand I have multiples of (apart from Seiko) is Smiths. No problems so far.
You’re gonna make me buy that Hamilton
Omega
Ball
Zenith
IWC
Glashutte Original
Jaeger Le Coultre
Tudor
Oris
Grand Seiko
Breitling
Longines
All are alternatives to Rolex and all have some amazing pieces.
My go to brand is Tudor and Halios. It started in 2015 with my Pelagos Blue. Still have it and what a great watch! Moved to a couple Black Bay Divers but left them behind eventually. Current Tudors- S&G Chronograph, S&G GMT, my Pelagos, and new Tudor 39mm Ranger. Great timekeepers and if you feel like selling them there are a lot of buyers for your used watch. Halios is like a mini-Rolex brand (yes I said that). I've bought and then sold a few (over retail) but still keep a couple Seaforth's in my collection. The Halios's remind me of Rolex in a weird way (especially the bezel less Seaforth that feels very much like a Rolex OP) Both are great brands and are in my favorite.
Great video, Michael! You just expressed my entire relationship with cars and watches. Right now Oris is my obsession..."Go your own way" says it all.....
I really like Junghans for the design. Especially Max Bill and the Meister collection. They are just pretty, clean design with a great retro touch.
I also like vintage watches, so maybe that's why 😊
Car analogies:
Grand Seiko = Lexus (both Japanese and value)
Omega = BMW (engineered well but neither quite as prestigious as the next tier)
Rolex = Mercedes (both very aspirational)
Patek = Porsche (old money. Heritage. Timeless classics)
AP = Lambo (high engineered and ostentatious)
RM = Ferrari (highly engineered and exclusive)
I would flip omega to merc and rolex to BMW simply because Mercedes is usually pioneering new tech. Omega is constantly pioneering new stuff.
@@Zi.Zenior lack of legacy though. Mercedes and Rolex share more legacy. There are no important vintage beemers
@@Arc1517 omega has been around 50 years longer than Rolex. This is why I feel that omega is more like Mercedes and rolex is more like BMW. And btw there are a TON of important BMWS
@@Zi.Zenior sorry but it’s not about who’s been around the longest but more so cultural relevance
I love the repeating "omega moon watch went to the moon reminder"-meme 😂
Sounds like the speedmaster you want is a 321 Ed white. Smaller and sits really well on the wrist despite its thickness
I just bought my third Hamilton this week, khaki field bronze. I love the brand, has been very reliable for 8 years now.
Interesting topic, I agree wholeheartedly on the attraction for something being engineered for the specific user needs but nothing more. Currently in my journey Breitling and Mido are my best friends, a couple of years ago it was Rolex and Seiko. Great video. 🍻
Guy who never would have got an allocation anyway: "Uh... Yeah, they lost me too...."
I’m in the camp of many others with no favorite brand because at this point I’m still experiencing all of the watch brands out there as a recent enthusiast 👍
Hugely enjoyable video and love how you’ve told your story with cars and how this embodies your taste.
I’ve been tempted with a Hamilton for a while, probably for the wrong reasons. Either a Murph (as Interstellar is my favourite film) or a Jazzmaster as like the design (maybe an open heart).
I have watches from a number of brands, but if I’m honest I guess I do like Rolex the most for there overall product design (dial, bracelet, reliability) and how they make you feel. Amongst others, I do enjoy Seiko, for something under the radar and amazing value/reliability (own a Pogue) that I can wear without worry. And Patek for their artistry.
So I guess I think in terms of a predominant brand, but others that capture different sides to you and for different times.
Currently wearing my Khaki Field 42mm. All the watch I need (until I put a different one on!). Hamilton are pure bang for your buck.
I’d agree seiko is a great parallel to Toyota. I drive a 2016 Tacoma. Bought it new and have 165,000 miles on it. I plan to drive it for as long as I can. I wear an alpanist most days and an Omega AT.
Best T&H vid yet, love ya man 😘
I like how an advertisement for T Rowe Price popped up in the middle of the advertisement for the watch straps. It was an “advertisement within an advertisement,” like the movie “Inception.” Who can tell my gummy kicked in?
Michael could be a comedian, his delivery about the moon watch was impeccable
I keep coming back to two; Farer and Christopher Ward. Both offer striking designs and value for money.
Can you do a guide on best value full gold with gold bracelet watches
Iam exactly at the same place. I've been waiting for an Omega Speedmaster in 38mm. Not knowing if its ever gonna come, I am eye'ing an El Primero Original.
I honestly got to a point of loving Hamilton I'm buying the scuba navy. Does it make any sense? Probably not. But I keep planning this hole h only collection and just love it
Watches with automatic movements that don't have manual wind frustrate me the most. I'd rather the watch be straight up manual wind. Any of you agree with me on this?
I always seem to gravitate to IWC. I’m wearing a Big Pilot now. I just love the font and the hands.
My Khaki Field got water in it while I was in a kiddie pool with my son. I had the movement fixed locally but they had to replace the crown with a smaller, less desirable one. I sent it to the Swatch group asking them to just replace the crown and they wanted to charge me $400 for a complete rebuild, and refused to just replace the crown. So now it sits in a drawer somewhere. A fucking kiddie pool.
My two favorite brands are Seiko and Christopher Ward. I love Christopher Ward because of the value and quality and Seiko is where I started with watches and they hold a soft spot with me.
I love longines I own several, tried the grand master annual calendar chronograph; I’m in awe, and can’t wait to get one someday…
Good job this month, Michael!!! Who needs Christian, anyway?? LoL!
It's hard to pick one brand as a favorite when. My collection is all one watch from per brand, and each watch is a different size, dial, complication etc. It's easy to go with rolex based on how perfect the DJ36 is, with fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and the blue fluted-motif dial. But also having a blue Omega SMP 300M, IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41 in green, Grand Seiko SBGW287 Boshū, and a Tudor Black Bay Pro...they are all awesome pieces that speak to me in a different way with their design, style, use, wearability, and history. I guess I am in a similar boat with multiple best friends but not a single favorite.
If you are going to add a Seiko, go for the new Alpinist GMT SPB379. Hiking/Swimming? It has compass, 20 ATM, GMT function, and it is gorgeous.
I have a 7 year old Hamilton Khaki king Auto. It lost like 3 minutes every other day after about the 4 month of owning it. I brought it back to the shop that i bought it from. They messed with it, but it was never near as accurate, as the first 4 months of ownership. i rarely wear it now. but i like the history of Hamilton.
I got a 2007 Toyota 4Runner, Hamilton Khaki Field, and a Neo Vintage Rolex Pepsi. It's the perfect stack for me. I'm driving that 4runner into the ground
Hey Michael, you forgot to mention how "Rolex lost you as a customer" or it's just because rent is due soon? Is this what happens when Christian leaves for holiday and has you working overtime?
u have a rolex collection don't you Jethro
I still have the 2001 Camray I bought used in 2003. It was the first car I bought. It has 370k miles on it. I have since purchased other vehicles (a 4runner and another Camray) but that Camray just wont die. I use it to run errands mostly, and take the dogs to the pupper park. All I do is change the oil, routine maintenance etc. At this point I'm just seeing how far it will go. I really want to hit 500k for some reason....
Breitling for me.. stunning pieces with a great story/legacy
In watch to cars term, Seiko is definitely the analogy to Toyota, and Grand Seiko is Lexus. And also, the baby Alpinist is a perfect watch for you because of the stuff you do on your other channel, particularly hiking.
It’s an interesting topic. Similar to Michael I can’t single out the brand.
I won’t ever have a one brand collection. Unless I’ll be down to one watch, which I doubt 😊
Currently I own 4 watches. All from different brands and pricepoints: Casio, Seiko, Marathon and Omega.
I love each of my watches for what it is not just for the brand that made it.
Although brand does matter as well.
What you said on the speedmaster is exactly where I am at with it. I had a regular professional for 6 years and recently sold it due it just being to big. Bought an explorer instead but will get a speedmaster if they make a reduced size professional.
Seiko and Casio dominates my collection and wrist time :-) on the luxury side I have a couple of Swiss watches but they’re in the watch box for most of the year.
I’ll have to say Seiko/Casio are my favorite watch brands (specifically the SKX007, the Willard, and DW5600).
On the microbrand , I’m looking at growing my RZE pieces. Superb craftsmanship and customer service.
I definitely understand having the best of something not be the prettiest, most expensive, or truly highest spec. Sometimes someone makes a product that just feels like it's exactly what it needs. My core daily watches are a marathon gsar and a khaki Field automatic in 38mm. I've been sitting on these two for a while, and they still fit me very well.
I'm constantly looking at watch content, and nothing else out there feels as perfect for me as those two. I'm sure I'll find more that fit for me at some point, or cave and buy something I just find really fun or interesting to wear occasionally. It's not that the best watches in the world aren't for some people, but I think too many people assume that they value the same things in watches that absurdly rich, high end collectors do.
I have a seiko king turtle black dial, what a workhorse of a watch. My daily watch. Yes I will be getting a Rolex no date next year.
If you bought a vintage watch and then later down the line you met the last person it belonged to and he said it was his dad's watch and he didn't want to sell it but his kids took it off of him because they wanted to get the money for it and he really wants it back, would you give it to him?
So you're talking to the one of the kids who took his watch and sold it against his wishes? Don't know if you can trust this person tbh.
@@peanutarbuckle2879 No, you're talking to the dad who it actually belonged to that didn't want to sell or didn't know they sold it until later.
my 3 top brands are G-Shock, Omega and IWC... I like Richard Mille also but they are out of range really... ah and also Byrne and Moser.. and MB&F.... ok, ok, so I like a lot.. 😁
My uncle's (God rest his soul) white 96 Camry har 221k miles before it crapped out. Never had a transmission change.
I am a original owner of a 1997 Honda Del Sol Si with 219,000 miles. It has a manual transmission. It is my only car and I maintain it
I have a 38mm khaki field automatic and I love it. I don't really swim or go to the beach with it because that's what g-shocks are for, but I ride bike and motorcycle and I'm exposed to the elements often. No issues with reliability, it just works.
I didn't rate Hamilton as a brand until I realised I owned 3 of them - all completely different but each great in it's own way. They are the PSR OLED, Bronze Field Watch and of course a Ventura.
Speedmaster reduced? 39mm? That too big for you? I can’t wear anything smaller than 40mm as I have 7.6” wrist and speedmaster 42mm is kind of small on my wrist compared to 42mm dive watches
"Here are the 5 brands people love" poor Omega 😂
Very cool video. I get it. My Christopher Ward green fume C63 gets more wrist time than my Tudors, Rolexes,, TAGs, etc…. I don’t have a Hamilton though :(
First omega in space too big for you? There’s also a 38 (automatic but small).
I had the green dial intramatic chronograph on eBay. I loved it.. then the screw down crown cross threaded and had to get it fixed. 250 dollars later... I got it fix and could no longer feel safe about it. Flipped it and traded it for a Nomos Nacht.
It’s good people are focus on the hyped brands so we can get a decent price on the others. My favorite is Zenith Chronograph Sports.
Seiko is totally Toyota. From durable everyday commuters to luxury and legendary racing palmares at the highest level and literally everything in between
Breitling - but the Gen1 Emergency from the early 2000s. The last watch made with and for a purpose
Oris for me. The Big Crown Pointer in all its iterations is just a charming, lovely watch.
I have a speedmaster reduced... it fits great.
I'm currently into Bulova --- the Devil Diver and the Lunar Pilot are so nice to wear and look at.
Vintage Bulova's great too
I do like Rolex but I own more pieces from Omega. My top three would have to be Breguet, AP & Omega in that order. Rolex does have it over Omega in case size. Rolex pricing and the way they do waitlists has really soured my experience with them. I recently paid $1k over on a Date-just from a reseller I know just to avoid the AD here. I own a Calatrava but that is my only PP and it’s not as nice as my Breguet’s. I like Nomos and GO as well as Breitling
there were never wait list. AD was selling direct to gray market. or you had to buy enough other shit to cover that extra profit
i cant say i have one favorite brand, but i resign with brands that make a quality product, innovate, and have a rich history, they are well known and luxurious, without beign too well known and austentatious. I do like one or two rolexes and one or two pateks though. I m more of a sports watch guy because i see watches as a charming tool, that i can rely on, but i do find some comlicated dress pieces intresting as well. Ι also prefer more classically styled watches with the excepton of debethune. So omega jlc hmc and rolex (because it is after al a timeless quality reliable watch) are probably some of favorites. iwc zenith gs nomos gethuge respect. I also love lange debethune and vc as well, more like i aspire to own, would love to own but wouldnt wear as much as the other 4.
The PRX digital is so bad that for any other channel it would be a litmus test for my subscription. But you guys have previously earned my trust.
I have a Hamilton - an art-deco one, 100 years old … working just fine.
And others, mechanical and automatics - 20 years old, 10 years old, 2 years old - no problems with them. So Hamilton is reliable in my book 😉
You’ll be back to Rolex. I remember when Nomos was your favorite brand too. Hamilton is just a side piece.
Omega - quality without the pretentious mark up, Panerai - for those who don’t run with the pack , awesome military history and Seiko - ultimate bang for Buck - for me. Hamilton and some indies for good measure.
❤ Oris, Hamilton, Nomos, Zenith and Tudor are my favourite brands ❤
Hamilton is a great brand too! I have several pieces. CW too. Unparalleled quality for price imho
Well until they call. They called me and after the obnoxious wait and time spend on searching for a rolex explorer 2; it gave me enough time to realize 42mm is too much and a jewelry watch is not something I want to wear to get mugged. So I decline. Yes, Rolex is falling back on too old designs which are repetitive and unexciting and over priced. They also don't provide luxury service. I can afford it but they played the hard to get. Done! and I am happier for it. It is just a watch and does not make a difference in my life other than I moved on and free of the bullshit.
Watching this video after getting out of my new 4Runner wearing my Hamilton. Feeling one with Mr. Kristy.
Also - I swim in the ocean with my Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38mm. It’s fine. Most of the the anecdotal WR issues I’ve seen online (with Hamilton push pull crowns) are from years ago. Could have been addressed in recent years.
This resonates. Hamilton is also my fav brand now, and it only became so after going through many other much more expensive brands. Reasons:
1. You’ll always find faults no matter how big the brand or expensive the watch is, and the more expensive the less you wear it
2. History
3. Easy to wear and service
4. Abundance of choices in their catalog
With that said, I if I ever owned a rolex, I will definitely keep it and wear it everyday. Worn one to try and it wore really well and you cannot deny the feeling it gives you.
Lol. I own a Rolex and a Cartier. But I have a Hamilton on right now.
Originally joined this channel for Christian’s watch market hot takes.
Realizing I’m still here because of Michael’s hilarious fever dream run on solo videos.
Try a FOIS. It’s smaller and sits on the wrist better
Man, I would really like the Sinn T50 gold-bronze bezel, but my grail is the VC 222. I would love to see a screw-down crown on the bronze Hamilton khaki field mechanical. But i will never stop throwing money at Seiko and Casio.
What about the speedy reduced? Am I missing something here?
I can't imagine showering with my watch. I'm already taking everything off, why not my watch as well! I'm gonna try it now, though...
I have been buying Hamilton for 20 years. At the time, they were 1/3 of the cost of a Rolex. Now, they are 1/10 the cost or less, same quality if not better.