What They Don't Want You To Know - Secrets Of The Watch Industry, Luxury Market & Social Media
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video I share some of the biggest secrets and deceptions when it comes to the watch industry and social media, and their detrimental effects on watch enthusiasts. From some recent discoveries about Seiko, to what really constitutes "Swiss-made," to the ever-looming influence of Rolex, market manipulations, and how this all affects the luxury industry, branding, and the concept of value, this is a must-see video for watch collectors, watch media consumers, and anyone who has ever considered buying a luxury watch.
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TGV - This video is absolutely outstanding. Maybe my favorite you've ever made. It's not just applicable to watches, but to every single niche or topic on the internet. The humor you intersperse with a serious topic is well done and keeps it from being all doom and gloom. Keep up the great work, and keep up the good fight.
Thank you so much!!! Rather speechless. This just made my evening.
Onwards and ever upwards my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry I agree TGV.. This to me , is one of your finer videos.. It show cases to me the points that you are in fact a true enthusiast through and through . Well done sir!
Here, here!! I’ll toast to that!
@@theurbangentry Agree with OP, this is insightful, well thought out and researched. Truly excellent and insightful work.
I agree, just add one more voice. What I enjoyed about this very well done video is that it touched on more than just watches. It got to the heart of the matter of marketing and the human condition. Well done, outstanding.
Great message. Luxury watches don’t define us. Being kind to one another is worth more than anything else in this world. Appreciate the time and research you put in to this. Nice work TGV.
OMG, it's Philly's finest!!! Thank you so much Joe, I hope this finds you and your family well.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry thanks bud! Much love. Cheers. 🥂
@@AvgJoeWatchReviews being kind to one another lol. The amount of emails and dm's I received from companies and people saying how you were to deal with would suggest otherwise. I'd drop the "nice" act and just be yourself.
Indeed, the video segments were so bloody pitch-perfect. Many were some of my fav movies and shows. Network! whoa...
The inability to obtain a new Rolex directly from a Rolex distributor is frankly insulting. The elitism of the luxury watch community is the plague of the modern watch era. It’s frustrating how such prestigious pieces are so unattainable even for those willing to pay the price. The commodification of watches are the industry’s greatest danger.
Their loss there’s so many better watches for half or even quarter of the price
What LA said 👍👍. Rolex isn't the only brand out there. Spend your hard earned $$$ on someone who'll treat you right. This reminds me of the story of why Jay Leno doesn't own a Ferrari. He found the Ferrari buying process off putting. He didn't agree with having to buy something you didn't want and have a history with the brand just to get what you wanted. Which sounds exactly like some watch brands buying process. 😬
Good points, well said
@@LAbigsnoopac Totally agree! I sold a Seamaster because I needed the money! I regretted it so much after two weeks. I started looking at Rolex Submariners and Sea Dwellers. Most likely because there’s so much ‘buzz’ out there! I never looked much at Rolex. I liked the ‘yacht master’ a little and that was it. I could’ve bought one but never did! Right before Christmas, I put myself on a list for a Sub and 4 days later, the AD received a Sea Dweller and offered it to me! I thought about it, it sold and he still has me on the list for a Sub. I’ve been trying on Rolex watches and the Seamaster I sold and guess what? I still love the Seamaster and will most likely buy it again! The point is, it matters most what you feel and think and not what others feel and think! Don’t be ‘swayed’ by supply and demand! If you’re honest with yourself, you would be surprised what you really feel! Don’t buy something because it is worth something to others or what it may or may not be worth, monetarily! Buy what is worth something to you! I am finding this out, all over again! Consumerism can cause chaos!
@@edwardpetersii6276 nice! Totally agree. I have an Omega and Rolex and still wear my seikos the most 😁. It’s all about what you like and the joy you get from wearing a timepiece! That’s what the hobby should be about!
What makes this channel unique and impressive to me is the periphery elements you include. It isn't just a watch review channel, it's a window into the richness of your life. Your appreciation of timepieces is a labor of love, but only part of the whole mechanism, and the elements merge seamlessly into the whole production, one episode after the next, consistent, surprising, enjoyable. Which is the way it ought to be.
Mind you it was through you that I found the tachy tele and the Janeiro which are among my favorites. I somehow ended up with five Dan Henrys. But it also helped me refine my collection and realize what I really love and why. I became a watch historian during this journey. I found what brings me joy and what I really don't have to have.
Still waiting for a joint review with reviewbrah, you bring a watch and he brings a sandwich.
What makes this channel unique to me is the lava lamp!
Thank you... Just my take. I've been a watch enthusiast since my mid-teens, and I'm 66 now. I made it an early habit to save up for what I wanted, and I only buy what I consider the best. Long term value, quality and craftsmanship are paramount. While in college, I discovered my grail watch, and it was an ultra=thin Piaget dress watch. I worked and saved for over a year to buy it, and I paid cash. This taught me many lessons... The journey (work and effort) needed to acquire something of extraordinary personal value is very important. Working toward that goal gives a sense of anticipation, something to look forward to in the near future. In short, it's those elements that make something worthwhile. Finally acquiring it is the icing on the cake! And that is worth the wait.
What I found interesting is if you find a timepiece you genuinely love, it actually can become part of you. Just think. What personal artifacts can a man acquire during his lifetime that he can keep, enjoy and appreciate over the entire course of his lifetime. You will find that cars, clothes, houses, relationships, marriages, money, businesses, jobs, and friends can come and go but a fine, truly prized watch always remains!
I really try to ignore the hype and expectations in this hobby. I try to buy watches that I like. I enjoy my $90 Casio GA-2110 as much as my Longines Conquest. Enjoyment can’t be measured by Prestige or Dollars. It’s intangible
Great video. I love your content and enthusiasm. You are one of the guys that got me into this wonderful hobby
That was the most candid, honest and articulate evaluation of what most of us feel about the watch world on your channel. Your content is simply going up and up with regards to quality and honesty. Extremely impressive content right there..👍🏻👊
This video is a big part of why I've always loved Hamilton. A brand like Hamilton, Seiko or Fortis has quality, heritage, classic style, but without the irresponsible costs, pompousness and vapid materialism of many of the digests names in the industry.
hamilton is swiss owned? they have the history but divorcing them from the beast isn't really possible. being of the swatch group gives them access to the new eta movements, which helps keep costs lower, but yeah, it's a long ways away from the Lancaster PA days. as far as vapid goes, hamilton have to be in the ballpark given the hollywood crossover with their watches in many films. seiko is big enough that they are a beast unto themselves and they are more self sufficient than other swiss watch brands. fortis definitely fits the bill. or oris. or squale. respect to any smaller still independent watch company.
@@mitchaelhollingsworth1698 I’m fond of the smaller brands like you mentioned. I’ve never owned an Oris but, I would love to. I enjoy watches from marathon (I’ve had the MSAR), Damasko (DS30), Lorier (Hyperion) and a Serica (5303-1). We truly live in the golden age of watches once again with so many options. I’ve had two Hamilton’s and sold both within a few months of ownership.
I own a Hamilton and a Seiko (as well as a Tudor) - both are superb watches. The Seiko is probably my favourite - it’s a ‘5’ model, and I’ve had it for 17 years - it’s never missed a beat, even though it’s my ‘beater’ watch. The Hamilton I bought for my 40th birthday - so 10 yrs old, and it’s built like a tank. Tremendous quality, for quite a small outlay.
Add Oris here 👍🏾
This is why you should buy a Sinn
Another great video love the editing !
My father had passed away about 20 years ago and I was going through some of his old things that I still had last year and ran across a Timex he'd owned and wore that I remembered him wearing when I was a kid.
I took some time and cleaned and buffed it up, bought a new band and started wearing it and loved it enough that I started to read, watch videos and learn everything I could about watches and all their differences.
Since then I've bought a few of my own watches to enjoy everyday and someday pass on to my kids.
I could of cared less if my Dad's was a Timex or a Rolex it was the memory of him wearing it that was priceless and gave it every ounce of value. to me.
If a Rolex speaks to you and gives you joy then buy it if you can and if happens to be a Timex get it and do the same.
My watch collection is based on the love for watch making. I always appreciate a well thought out Seiko, Orient or Hamilton movement over an over priced rolex. This is why I love this channel! Thank you again TGV!
Anything Swiss is automatically overpriced
“Love for watchmaking” 😂 whatever helps you sleep at night bro
@@h4lcyo What do you mean ????
@@h4lcyo???👽
Thanks for bringing these issues to light, TGV. The 'watch reviewer' to 'authorised dealer' pipeline is, indeed, an unfortunate phenomenon, and a damning indictment of the modern age. Keep on fighting the good fight, and I look forward to more insightful content from you.
Hamilton 'Cooper' Interstellar, Bulova Lunar Pilot, Tissot PR50, G-Shock 7100, Seiko SKX009. I have just 5 watches, none of which are luxury, and I love them all because each of them means something to me.
Your work is beautiful...👌🏼 This is far beyond just a simple channel about⌚️watches...💯✔️ I'm so glad I fell into this rabbit🐇hole...🕳
In the watch game, once I realized that a $300 piece makes me just as happy as a $10k one, I woke up and rethought my whole approach moving forward.
That happened to me as well.
I always thought the Patek advertising campaign was brilliant. I never saw it as a “buy this to be a better father to your children” message, what it said to me was, the quality of our products are so good that they will almost certainly be heirlooms for your children. I love that idea that one day my children will cherish my watches, because they were worn and loved by me.
I too loved the softness, subtlety, smoothness, romance and generational connection inspired by Patek’s advertising and I still do. I love this heirloom idea.
My thoughts exactly. It's no different than the idea of being the custodian of a classic car for future generations. I think there may have been some projection at play if these ads made someone feel guilty or less than. Says more to me about them than it does Patek.
Obviously the advertising worked.
LOL Marketing worked perfectly on you. That good you even didn't noticed.
Patek "you dont own a patek you just take care for the next gen" Casio "here are all the cutting edge tech and revolutionary specs we come up with... each year" Says it all.
It really feels like in the last ten years or so, the entire industry has really been affected by the whole image obsessed social media world. Hype pieces, marketing that's focused on image and showing off, and just general superficial stuff. I'll never forget a trip I took to LA in the fall of 2013. I literally walked into a Rolex AD in Beverly Hills and every single model, included the sports watches, were in the cases and available at retail prices. Crazy to think about, honestly. Brands such as Rolex and AP have really embraced the hype too it seems, which is a shame. Us enthusiasts have to look a bit deeper now to see past that stuff.
Brands have done the research. The overwhelming majority of watch enthusiasts are not wealthy - it is a hobby of middle income for the most part. Those brands do not care because their consumers are in a different category. The average AP buyer at a boutique is earning over $500k a year. Not $50k.
_”You're not your job. You're not how much money you have in the bank. You're not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet. You're not your f***ing khakis! You're the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world.”_
Brilliant video, TGV! Having worked in an industry for 38 years that heavily depends on advertising, I have learned that the true goal of advertising is to create a burning desire to purchase a product that the consumer did not know he wanted before seeing the advertisement. The Patek advertising campaign is a stroke of genius.
Indeed, Rolex too are amongst the best marketers ever in my opinion. More recently Apple, Tesla etc have followed suit.
I dunno. I had the exact opposite reaction when I saw the Patik ads in the Economist magazine. Then again, maybe as a teenager, I was not the target audience. Whilst I remember and recall the ads, For the longest time, with no prior knowledge of the brands existence, I thought this was a brand trying to be more self important than it really was. For me at the time, Rolex and Omega were the inter generational watches. Not some watch I’ve never heard of.
My point is that some ads can sometimes impart another meaning to certain segments of the market/audience.
Most watch collections are about acquisition of pieces others want than what you truly desire. Everyone has the usuals. It’s not a collection as expression of yourself. Rather, it’s the impression of your status in the rat race.
I’ve never owned a luxury watch. When I see the price, I always think of where else can that money be used.
When I moved to Marbella, Spain, where a lot of money sits, I reduced my collection to 12 pieces. But being afraid of someone stealing them, I realized - to my surprise -there were only two I was really afraid of losing, so I always had them with me. And my favourite watch turned out to be my Barcelona666 Space Worker LED watch. It's special, and all about fun. Thank you TGV, love your channel! ❤️
Thank you for introducing a new watch brand to me. And not a boring brand. 🙂
I've purchased several Orient watches based on your reviews and love them all... my latest crush in the Red Star Seagull 1963 in 40mm with sapphire and it runs very very well... I also have a few Invicta divers with different straps, et al, but one of my absolute favs is my Casio Duro on the Connery strap... it looks so appropriate, it's accurate, affordable, and zero maintenance... absolutely owe all of this fun to your channel!!! Thank you so much. Best Regards... and tell Hugo I haven't forgotten about the $20 he owes me LOL... a person doesn't need to break bank in order to collect awesome time pieces, and you taught me that as well. Again, Thank You.
What is this Connery strap you speak of?
Looking the business TGV! Another great video 🦖 👏🏻
Very interesting. Though I own no true luxury watches, the nicest ones in my collection by Seiko, Citizen and Mathey-Tissot were all purchased due to seeing honest reviews on TH-cam. I take the good and bad points and make my decision to buy or not buy...big marketing does nothing to impress me. Cheers TGV as always, thank you for being an example of class and honesty.
"You can't be a watch dealer and a watch reviewer at the same time"- BRAVO! Finally someone has said that! That's the exact reason why some guys out there, like Teddy B. are lying about the true reasons why they don't reveal their SOTC! They don't do it, because they know it would be a conflict of interest with his business partners (watchmakers). See how those "watch dealers-reviewers" never really criticise reviewed products? They "present" watches, but don't really tell you about their cons... One of the exceptions (most of the times) is TGV's friend from Long Island Watches, but the other big ones like Teddy, Federico or Nico...Neehhh!
The reality of the watch industry...Thank you so much for making this episode! Anyone who wants to get into this hobby should watch this before they begin. Well done!
You’re definitely right about one thing - TH-cam has changed people. I used to watch a few channels (when they were smaller) that were fun, informative, and truthful - now that they’re larger channels the content is predictable: “I love it”… “it’s great”… because they’re chasing 💰 and endorsement. I don’t watch those channels anymore. 😢 But, not all channels are like that… My channel is about relatively unpopular pocket watches 😂… so not all channels are hype and sponsorship grabs. Running a channel is time consuming and expensive - buying watches, editing videos while having a full time job and a family is a lot of balls to juggle. Why do it - Love for watches. Cliche sounding - YES. But, truth.
As a communication graduate, while I was doing my thesis, when I realized my course ultimately a 4 year course on how to put a spin on things and messages. Thankfully, it made me aware of all the advertising and PR bullcrap of the world. I'm thankful that channels like the Urban Gentry exist that tells the real information about the topics that they're covering.
...you mentioned secrets of the watch industry....what's your view on Paul Thorpe? Retired after his son declared bankrupt for counterfeiting £500-£650k Rolex/Omega...didn't call out the Wizard or Tugger...setting up DWVault with BQ and Luxury Bazaar.....the list goes on and on and on.....views please :)
This video just shows how humble of a person you are TGV despite being successful at what you do :) Good job! My all-time favorite brand is Casio. They always deliver and you always get more than what you've paid for, that makes them a great company in general, and on top of that, they have heritage. Followed by the Seiko and Grand Seiko, especially GS because they honestly make a better product than most other luxury brands but don't rip you off, and again, similar to Casio, you often get more than what you've paid for.
In fact I Love my 80s pre owned golden square 34mm Citizen Quartz with a gold flake dial and integrated bracelet. Although I got it for only 35EUR it gives me the Gordon Gecko vibes all the time 💪😎
Besides, the seconds hand hits every single marker like an Oysterquartz 💪😎
TGV-This may be the most profound video you have made. There is so much more I want to say, but genuinely, thank you for bing a real gentleman and being one of the moral compasses in the hobby. That is all. Thank you for this episode.
I ask a client why he drives a Ferrari if it was so uncomfortable, he struggled to answer. I was left with the impression that he didn't drive the car for himself, he drove it for others. What a sad and uncomfortable moment, because I think he knew it.....All the best.
TGV, you renew my faith in humanity on a regular basis. Thank you!
When I was searching a dive watch for my 40th anniversary, I was taking a look at 20-30 watch dealers and personally, only Seiko and Certina looks great for under 750€ (or $), better quality then over "contestants" !
I don't know why but Certina (take a look at the PH500 !!!) isn't so review by "watch lovers" but have incredible history and quality for under 1000€.
Finally, I've got some luck and can buy a "new" (never wear) Longines Hydroconquest 41 ceramic bezel for under 1000€.
This is what we need more of. I used to question why I bought a Speedy Pro because it felt ridiculous to own. But after a year with it, I just think it’s cool. I love the history associated to the watch-regardless of the marketing.
Me too, bought the 3861 recently and it is cool.
You listen to Ernia TGV??? MAD RESPECT FOR YOU. Seriously I didn't know you listen to good Italian Rap,so what are your favourites Italian Rappers?
Way to speak the truth in the face of our manipulative, mass market world. Advertising doesn't have to reach for the lowest common denominator, but sadly most advertising does.
An island of sanity in a society lockstep in mindless lunacy. Thank you. The desire to project superiority through conspicuous consumption is easily the corporate puppeteer's most potent mind game. We work feverishly to impress bystanders we will never meet and have zero impact on our core happiness. I have worn a Rolex Explorer 2 every day for 26 years so was a victim of that manipulation, and have been lucky it turned out to be a sound investment, tripling in value over the years. That said, I bought a Hamilton 38mm automatic yesterday for $400 on the gray market, and feel like a kid in a candy store. Like the final word "Rosebud" in Citizen Kane, the existential reality is that mostly, "basic and simple" may well be the honest secret to genuine contentment and a life well lived. Your best video yet! Thank you again.
I only saw They Live for the first time last year and absolutely loved it - this intro had me smiling the whole time. Thank you for yet another quality video!
I would recommend everyone watch it. It's not the best made movie but worth watching
I love your channel more than any other watch channel. You’re the best IMO. But, painting the concept of ideal family imagine as a NAZI invention is beyond wrong. What is the true; however, is that prior to the NAZIs the Bolsheviks and thier German brethren were trying their damndest to destroy the concept of family. The Frankfurt school arrived in the US with that same aim. I think we can all agree that they’ve succeeded.
Excellent TGV. Very thought-provoking. If my watches were lost or stolen I would of course be very upset -- but as you say, they don't define me. In any case, as the old adage goes, there is always, always someone worse off and you don't have to look too hard to see it.
Watches to me are Simply jewelry. That’s why I buy very affordable watches that make me happy. SEIKO IS KING !!!
I don't know if the Invictas I own are better than any other watch but they were the watches I could afford. I suspect that there are better quality watches available at greater cost and I'm okay with that.
But, we like them and they pulled is into the hobby. That's all that matters! 😀
I personally own couple of Invictas and one is the pro diver. Love both of them. I also own gshocks and couple of Casios along with Seiko, Citizens, Orient.
TGV,
Did you say "rowt" instead of "root?" How long have you been away from the UK? lol.
Interesting video, as always,
Thanks.
Great video!! I love what you discussed. I'll probably never own a "real" luxury brand as the only luxury watch that interests me is the Rolex explorer and I won't play the game to own one. Instead I'll stick to the Affordable luxury brands, IMO, Bulova and Citizen. I absolutely love my Precisionist busy dial and all. I love the look and utility of my citizen ecodrive Altichron with the altimeter and compass perfect to use with a map while exploring Idaho's woods. While I've never gotten lost while exploring as I have a great sense of direction, but it's a great backup. I finally found a g-shock that looks like the original 5000 I bought in 1987, red line surround and all. Everytime I put it on I'm reminded of the people I served with in the Corps. That's what I like about watches the memories they bring back or utility they have now.
The NSDAP ad was about donating to Winterhilfswerk charity though! 😂 Nothing about status but being charitable.
Superb yet again TGV. Your knowledge is articulated exceptionally well. This video really captures some of my thoughts about watch collecting I always look forward to your videos, they're of such great production and I appreciate how much effort must go into making such videos. Thanks.
I'm wearing the same watch that I wore when I married the love of my life. How can you quantify or market that regardless of if it was a Patek or a Casio? (it was a SARB033 btw 😉)
I love your channel because it's not just a watch review channel. It's a history lesson or a journey through time. Keep up the fantastic work.
You scored Roddy's Glasses ! " They Live Again " great sequel T ✌️
Well said. A much needed vid by the most respected "watch guy" on TH-cam. All my watches are either affordable or affordable vintage. The best advice you give is the treatment of others as we ourselves wish to be treated...because of its divine origin. There's plenty of room in this hobby for all with something for everyone regardless of budget. And, as you correctly state, our hobby should be tempered by the knowledge that things are less important than people. I have always admired your authenticity and sincerity as much as your self evident skill with video and your passion for horology.
I struggle to come up with a comment in response. A profound thank you my friend, I think I will leave it at that.
Onwards and ever upwards.
The very best of regards,
TGV
A great message, but isn't wearing a gold Rolex sort of contradicting what you're trying to get across? And this is nothing against Rolex, they make great watches. But the gold models were brought in for people who wanted to put themselves above the steel Rolex model owners.
The production and content in these videos is truly fantastic. Hard to believe it’s from one guy. Hours and hours of work for our enjoyment. Thank you so much. I especially love the reference to the film They Live. An absolute classic.
Let’s not kid ourselves; watches are wholly unnecessary. They’re ALL luxury watches.
Thanks TGV, excellent points. I personally never understood anyone purchasing a luxury watch merely to impress others, and yet sadly, I believe a significant percentage do.
To be completely honest I'm not a fan of all the stock footage editing, I think your older format was better where it was just you talking to the camera.
Otherwise great video. Really good message.
I am wearing a Lord Matic Seiko from the 1970s. Beautiful watch with day-date function. There are so many wonderful gems available at reasonable prices that we should focus on, if we do hype pieces will deflate and we’ll get back to the days when you could walk into an AD & walk out with a watch at retail price.
I ronicly I lose my everyday watch about a month ago. I cryed and was so very deep depressed. It was not an extremely expensive piece, I think it wasn't even on time. I chose it as my mother's day gift. I wore it with pride and Love. I have been thinking of trying the local pawn shops to see if anyone put there. I will be very extatic to get it back, like another miracle in my life
Thank you TGV! This channel is an oasis. The themes and messages shared here speak to a way of life beyond watch collecting. Appreciating, understanding and respecting the craft, skill and story behind watch making, collecting and giving urge us to be mindful of time and to think about our place in time, to live with care, respect, humility and a quiet confidence.
Not rated to todays topic , but I would like you getting hands on with Seiko SLA051 , watch has such a wonderful story and history which I think only you can present to broader audience. And also you said you are looking for a “Willard” ;) .
Kind regards
Thank you, the Willard is indeed an amazing story, I loved doing the review of back in 2021 and the hostly section was fun to learn about. I can't wait to finally get the right one.
I will look into the SLA051.
Best regards,
TGV
Philosophy, ethics and integrity tgv . What is life without honour ?
Wonderful quote, I might have to use that one.
Thank you so much,
Best regards,
TGV
Is that you, Thrall?
Great vid, although slightly depressing these points even need to be said as I'd hope they would be self evident to the sort of people who are at a point in their life where they have the money to consider expensive watches (or other high end consumer items).
I will say I disagree somewhat on your points about the Patek advertising campaign. Whilst it's obviously snobbish consumerist marketing, it's certainly not alone in that, but the idea of having something to pass on to your kids is atleast quite wholesome and its always nice to see YT vids where someones showing off their collection and their fathers/grandfathers watch takes pride of place.
The bleak truths are, social media is one of the worst things to happen to us as a society, people need to learn to live within their means rather than aspire to be seen to be "worthy" and that if you're a parent, one of the biggest failings you can make is to not teach your children the concept of value and appreciating the basics of life.
I'm going to go appreciate my small collection of basic seikos and orients now, to anyone you read this far, have a pleasant day
Enjoyed the video, great content as usual!
one thing is for sure. rolex dealers still treat their customers like dirt. its like when Lexus came out in '89 and Mercedes dealers were all "ha! we are mercedes, we control the industry, where else are you going to go, you peasant!"
I would show this video to anybody at the start of their watch collecting journey. Excellent work TGV, as always. Currently wearing the watch that got me in to watch collecting, a Vincero Rogue. Snobs hate it, and that makes me love it more.
It is not a Rolex President. The band is a Presidential band. The watch is either a day-date or just date Rolex.
A great commentary on the industry! I think as watch enthusiasts, it's easy to get lost in the weeds where we want a luxury watch for what it's supposed to say about us versus enjoying it regardless of what it "says" about us. Thank you again for another great video!
They Live! Love it. Rowdy Piper
I absolutely love this video. It's about time someone points it out. you don't need to sport a gaudy gold rolex datejust to look cool. you can very well look cool with a kamasu or without.
Very nice and obviously heartfelt video. I own some (lower end) Swiss watches and love them, but I also love my Invictas. Just enjoy the hobby and wear the watches you love.
Love this message, it was a timely reminder as i was being sucked into the marketing machine black hole to buy a luxury watch so that i too can live the life of Bond, James Bond
“You can’t be a watch dealer and a watch reviewer at the same time.”
Subtle shade at Teddy B?
Great content. Wearing my Dan Henry Maverick today, wouldn't trade it for a rolex. Wear what you love, love what you wear.
What a Great Person even though we never met I call you a true friend and an inspiration.
Enjoyed the vid ⌚😎🤙.
As far as I'm concerned, it's the individual consumer that determines what "Luxury" is.
For the majority (51+%) of individuals & households, "Luxury" is most often categorized as something beyond normal budget, non-necessity, nicer than anything else I/we have like it and would be nice to have as long as we're not hurt financially.
I'm a simple watch ⌚ enthusiast with around 60 in my collection. I have a comfort zone on what I'm willing to spend. Most are in my comfort zone of the $200 - $600 range. A few are in the $601 - $1,000 splurge range. The pieces in the $1,001 - $2,400 are what I consider my "Luxury" pieces.
"Luxury" is all about perspective. Someone living at or below the poverty line would consider my $200 - $600 range as "Luxury".
Luxury at all perceived levels must be respected.
Loved the "They Live" intro! And very good insight and message about the images/status driven society we have.
Dude my Alexa added Just for Men to my basket! 😂
I sent you a prototype of my fledgling microbrand many years ago. You never did a video on it and in the end sold it to someone. I was booted out of your Facebook group. We talked about a collaboration, which I designed for you, then never heard from you again. There was the constant hot/cold about you on social media. I simply walked away. Recently one of your videos came up as recommended on my TH-cam feed. I thought "what the heck" and was surprised that I enjoyed it. So I've watched a few more. The quote from Blake came to mind "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom...You never know what is enough until you know what is more than enough"
It seems you have found the true you now. Your internal compass has balanced. Kudos to you fellah, kudos.
Today I'm wearing a Gold Tresod Ocean Master with orange dial on a Orange rubber Bracelet strap with a Gold engraved clasp. It doesn't need to be a luxury brand for me to enjoy all the colors and orange lume on the dial and ceramic bezel. I wear this watch the most and it's my daily beater. I have a large collection of watches including Rolex, Omega, Franck Muller, Louis Vuitton. The Tresod has proven to be just the most fun to wear daily and I enjoy the notice and compliments I receive while at work too😁
Now is when we all show our cheap watches ,even our secret chinese ones,
I don't know if you have made other videos like this social commentary but bravo. You just gained a new level of respect from me. Nice to see a new and more personal side.
I'm merely looking after a SEIKO
What. They. Don t. You know. Secret of. The watch
TGV, this is one of the best videos you've ever produced. I love your depth, your thoughts and you get to the point. We are watch enthusiasts. And we love watches. My father gave me a Casio LCD watch when I was 6 years old. This watch has an extremely high emotional value for me, far more than my Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi. And that's the point. For love of our passion. Stayed true to you.
Your biggest fan from Germany.
Great video and great message as well! I remember when I first got into watches several years ago I saw an amazing watch at my local jewelery store. I saved for 3 months to purchase it. I bought it and loved it, but then got into an online forum. Their hatred for the watch I got had me so ashamed of my purchase that I put it in a box and didn't wear it for years. I finally took it out and started wearing it again a few months ago. I love it so much I wear it more than most of my collection! It's a Citizen Brycen Eco drive with blue dial. The absolute perfect watch for me, and I let snobs on the internet ruin it for me for years.
I had a similar experience. I bought my TAG Heuer 2000 auto in ‘04, & it was on my wrist for 10 years after that, through wedding, kids born, etc…it was my watch. Then I started paying attention to all the negative stuff said about TAG & stopped wearing it. I almost became resentful with TAG. It’s In the past couple years I’ve realized how absurd that was, and I’ve begun wearing & enjoying it again.
Buy, wear, and enjoy what you love. Other people are irrelevant
Hi TGV. Why did you remove the cross?
The They Live spoof intro was the best one yet for me 😂
Have you tried getting into fragrances?
However, my sick consumeristic obsession with chasing sometimes vapid shiny things that tick (or don’t) led me here so calling it a win!
The editing on this channel is immaculate
Well said TGV, we’ll said and greetings from Vermont! 🥃
I wear sometimes my father’s Seiko digital watch circa 1982. Still kicking. The effort put into these was pretty high compared with anything digital watchy that you can buy today.
This video is a great example why you’re the best watch TH-camr. One of the very few (only?) pumping out high quality content and is not selling us something
Thanks TGV for the social commentary. Things that are good (family, beauty, profit, watches, money, etc.) can also be destructive when proper perspective as to where they fit into our live causing unhappiness and despair. Selfish narcissistic people can also recklessly use these good things for their own gain also causing pain and unhappiness. Reminding ourselves, with humility and grace of what is good and why it is good is important- TGV you do well in this, particularly in the wild west frontier of influencers. 👍
You go right to the heart of it: "what defines us". This world is tough for everyone, and we are ALL walking a hero's path. We may not be dodging bullets on a hovercraft by slightly moving our heads like Pierce Brosnan's James Bond, but we are all moving forward from challenges and trauma, then paying forward how we grow to others. In this way, it doesn't matter how much you spend on your watch, because at some point or another we're all a badass in our own movie. Tom Cruise rocked a Casio in Mission Impossible. You can rock whatever YOU want and not go wrong.
Very interesting video and all very true. I've said all along wear what you want. Orient or Oris, Casio or Cartier. Enjoy what you have and appreciate what others have
I collect Invicta ...Aragon ...Seiko...Bulova and even brought an AESOP turbillon ..... im fine and happy ....and have money tied into real investments .
Amazing writing as usual. On you're point about how the tiered watch value associated to price approach doesn't measure up when it comes to watch fans. You nailed it! Amazing point. Some of my most treasured watches are not my mostly costly ones, I would gladly give up an Omega to keep a personal favorite Seiko.