This is Why I Won't Buy Luxury Watches Anymore
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- čas přidán 15. 05. 2024
- Here are my reasons why I will not buy luxury watch anymore, and why I now believe affordable, high quality watches provide so much more value.
⭐Here is a list of high quality affordable watches with a very high price/enjoyment ratio:
1) Casio Royale
Rubber version : amzn.to/44M4deV
Stainless Steel Version : amzn.to/44I1y6j
2) Casio Duro Marlin
amzn.to/3Ep8I4C
3) Seiko "Tank"
amzn.to/3sIc686
4) Orient Neo 70s
amzn.to/3RshKpl
5) Timex Waterbury Chronograph
Panda: amzn.to/3EqmeVy
Silver with colourful subdials: amzn.to/3P8iZH5
6) Orient Bambino 38mm
LINK: amzn.to/3PaxmL8
REVIEW: • Orient Bambino 38mm : ...
7) Citizen Tsuyosa
LINK: amzn.to/3r17F7J
REVIEW: • Citizen Tsuyosa review...
NOTE: As an Amazon partner I earn from qualifying purchases
0:00 Intro
0:14 Price of luxury watches has been increasing at an alarming rate
1:36 Servicing costs are through the roof
2:51 All the wonderful entry/mid level alternatives you have
4:56 Diminishing returns
5:57 Lower enjoyment/Price ratio
6:47 The danger of getting robbed/mugged - Jak na to + styl
Not long ago, I was telling my wife that I planned on buying a Rolex as a retirement gift for myself someday. Now, I'd honestly feel foolish for doing so. I ended up just buying a solid steel Sub-style case & bracelet, a dial I liked, some snowflake hands, and an automatic movement, and I just built my own watch instead. It doesn't have a Rolex logo or anything (it doesn't have any logos at all), but it could be mistaken for a Rolex or Tudor pretty easily, but if someone noticed that it wasn't one, my backup story is the truth - I built it myself. It takes all the question of cost and status off the table, and it focuses on my passion for watches. It instantly became one of my favorite, most luxurious watches, and I only spent about $120 on it.
I'd love to hear more about how you built that watch. Are there brands offering to do that?
Where did you buy the parts? I always wanted to build my own watch.
I want to do that one day, I'd probably mess it up though😂
Seiko SLA’s will last you forever and are a decent price for what you get. Rolex’s just are not worth your money! Take the money you save and buy some gold or silver…..If you look…you can get some GREAT watches in that 2k range! Enjoy retirement…Im not far behind ya. 😊
I'm more and more coming to the same conclusion. Spending a massive amount of money on a watch you're not comfortable wearing out is not worth the trouble.
This is even more of a concern when traveling. I recently assembled a 3 watch collection specifically for travel, and added a couple of straps to dress them up or down. It covers my use cases (work, dinner, GMT/world timer, beater/exercise) and if one gets damaged or the lot gets stolen it won't spoil the whole trip.
Good video. I think its an excellent reminder not to take this hobby too seriously. As much as I can appreciate the idea of luxury watches, I prefer to wear watches that I don't worry about servicing costs, or having the watches lost or stolen.
its all illusion
I'll have to be financially stable in every sense before purchasing my first luxury watch. The best thing to do with your money is to invest rightly
The best advice that i learned from Armand is don't buy a luxury watch until you have 5 times the price of it in your Bank account, when you purchase one you add to your assets but u add also maintenance and unexpected damages that can happen in future
I understand Armand's advice but that's overkill. If most people did that - they would never own one. The 10-15% rule is enough - especially if you make even more with multiple streams of income. My investment properties pay for my exotics cars and watches. It's many different things you can do to afford easily and responsibly. You don't need a million cash to afford a 100k watch. multiple streams and assets that produce income is key to maintaining such hobbies.
Search On Google.
I think the problem is people buying huge collections of luxury watches and expecting them to be "investments". I have a submariner as my only luxury watch. Wear it every day, and it will last for decades with occasional service. Absolutely love it.
I agree! I almost got caught up in all of that BS. It was taking the joy out of my passion for watches and why I got into collecting.
At this point I'm willing to buy a super clone out of spite. I am not in a position of buying a luxury watch, and probably never will be, and pretending I can afford one is a big no no for me. But God damn, those inflated prices are ridiculous.
It's a simple question of supply and demand. 100 years ago there were few really rich people, now the world is full of them. Everyone lives in far greater prosperity than inflation explains. People want and can afford luxury products. Nevertheless, I completely agree with the content of the video. I used to buy fancy cars, nowadays I have cars whose doors I don't even close, if someone needs them, they can take them...@@ThatGuyUpThere
I've purchased several used Omegas a decade or more ago that now are worth double or even triple what I have paid for them.
@@robin7623But a lot easier to dispose of for cash should the need arise!
Theres no way this hobby will stay as popular as it has in the past 5 years and the price increases just dont stop. I think a lot of brands are diggind their own grave
With the younger gen Zs having no interest in watches other than smart watches, the future of luxury watches are kinda precarious
And none of them want to be the first to lower their prices, or it’ll be a hit to the brand prestige. I sense a lot of them will become “spend history” watches.
My gen z sister can't even read an analog clock, I failed her 😅
I said that 10 years ago. Yet here we are
Watch out China and Japan's return (Grand Seiko, Orient and others), both on the luxury segment too
On my budget, a $100 watch is a luxury. And I am sure I enjoy my (admittedly small) collection of watches just as much... because I picked them, I take care of them, and I like them. :-) Thanks for the video.
You are welcome! If your $100 watch provides you more satisfaction than a $100000 watch to someone who just doesn't care then you've won 👍👍
nothing wrong with that at all, there are many great watches available for 100 or less, the gshock squares are fantastic all round, especially the solar/atomic ones, the accuracy of them is unmatchable by a rolex or omega.
@@eclectic_gamer Well speaking of, I just got a Casio Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D-1ACR :-) Although I also like automatics... as watch nerds, we know it's not always about accuracy or power reserve.
@@mercster looks like a nice watch, practical and stylish.
My Seiko is 17 yrs old and looks and runs like new. Understated, elegant and classic. Worth? Who cares. I love it.
I totally agree with you. I have luxury watches in my collection, but I currently refuse to buy anything over 1500 dollars nowadays. The law of diminishing returns apply to all luxury purchases in my experience.
I am in this camp.
Maximum $1500 for a micro brand or $2500 for named brand is probably the point where diminishing returns get extreme.
Yep, totally, I consider 2000€ to be a cap nowadays, and it would be hard to justify anything above that. I might go out of my mind id they release an El Primero Defy 21 in a smaller size, but even in that case I will have to sell something more expensive to buy it
Depends- I tend to prefer a Christopher Ward over the Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage as I dont see the point in Paying 4-5x more.
But for a used Breguet (full gold) for about 10k I see a bit of value.
@@raupenimmersatt6906 I agree, I have a Trident Pro 300, though to be honest I’ve never got to examine a Seamaster 300 up close. At the same time, I cannot see how the quality could be meaningfully better than CW and their “Lightcatcher” case.
Definitely a well balanced video that touches on the corner stone of horology: are you buying a luxury watch for the personal satisfaction/fulfillment/joy it brings to you? Or are you buying as an investment? I’ve been a watch enthusiast for over 30 years and can GUARANTEE you that if you buy a LUXURY watch for the first reason, you will not go wrong. I recently inherited my to my 18 year old son, the first LUXURY watch I had which had been with me 30 years and was a present from my father: an OMEGA Seamaster 300. I cannot describe how much this moment meant to my family.
That's a wonderdul experience, thank you to share it with us! When my kids were born I took pictures of the with some of my luxury watches. Those are the only ones I will not sell as they are theirs when they are mature enough
I agree 100%. I used to have a number of high end expensive Swiss watches. I thought that was enjoyment. Due to circumstances, I sold them all. By and large taking a beating as usually happens when you have to sell. I’m back in the hobby and realize it’s not how much you spend but how much you hunt. Instead of solely paying attention to the Swiss “luxury” brands, I now explore and have found an appreciation for so many other brands outside of Switzerland. I’ll still find a spot in my new, growing collection for a few modest Swiss pieces. The most expensive piece in my new collection is $1,600. Outside of watch geeks who’d know what the piece is, it’s low key. And I love it. It’s more fun! Thanks for the video!
What's the watch?
What’s the watch?)
I have a Tissot, a Seiko Prospex, a Zelos, an Omega but guess what gives me the most joy wearing and seeing the watch, it’s my humble Orient Kamasu. I don’t know why but it just does!
You can get a really nice bracelet for that Kamasu for less than $100 and have an incredible sub-$400 watch.
A Bronze Hamilton Khaki, Apple iWatch and a Hamilton MIB II. I love em all. The MIB I wear at work. It's shiny stainless and catches the eye. The iWatch for walking since it has cellular capability. The Bronze for driving or going for a burger.
Excellent video, I agree 100%, I have to say in my case I'm a little unusual in that I have never considered resale in any of my purchases. I honestly intend to keep every watch I buy forever. Now realistically I know I can't keep them all and have flipped ones that have gone unworn for long periods of time and fallen out of rotation and even that is done reluctantly.
Keep up the high quality content, Thumbs up given!
I completely agree with you. In our passion, we should be driven by the joy we get, not by the brand we read on the dial.
This was a very thoughtful video, and has instantly made me reconsider my relationship with my watch collection. The example of how much a Submariner has increased in real times is truly shocking. And I’m sure that if we knew the case of producing these watches, we’d be horrified. Thankfully I never bought any of my luxury watches for anything close to retail, as most were bought around eight years ago, and all pre-owned in top condition with papers.
I have a large collection, with around three to four each of Rolex, Omega and Breitling. But I also own some terrific pieces from Seiko, Christopher Ward, and homages from San Martin and Seestern.
I can honestly say that I will never again buy a Rolex, and will now rationalise my collection over the next year, and actually fall in love with watches again hopefully, instead of stressing out in the way you articulated so well.
Rolex just use artificial scarcity to drive up prices to ridiculous heights, it's the same story with diamonds, although for some reason Rolex watches hold their value in the second hand market, unlike diamonds.
I see 3 broad categories. The greedy Swiss, the greedy but not as greedy microbrands, and the not greedy great value Chinese watches. The Swiss are greedy AF now. Sure quality is good but most of the mark up is in the name, and paying fat AD real estate rentals and wages. Then there's the microbrands who just farm off production to China and slap on fat margins. Most of their designs are kinda weird as they have to tread carefully to not upset the Swiss, German and Japanese big boys (but mainly the Swiss). Then there's the Chinese. They make basically all the microbrand watches and a large chunk of Swiss watch components. They don't give a rat's ass about IP infringement in their homages, which I think is great. They pump out great quality pieces with slim margins and with great designs that IMHO improve on the designs of the Swiss since the Chinese (unlike the Swiss) actually listen to customer feedback and rapidly respond. The Swiss tend to just ignore feedback, or implement some fixes in a few Baselworld's time (ok Watches and Wonders now).
I am really rooting for the Chinese to shake things up in a big way, because the Swiss need their comeuppance and be taken down several pegs. They've lacked innovation for years, while their prices rocket up. Swiss built their industry on copying British and French pocketwatches on the late 18th century - the so-called "Dutch forgeries" funded by Dutch merchants, so it's high-time they got their own back! I've bought multiples of Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Tudor and others but I'm confident that I'll never buy another Swiss watch in my lifetime (unless it's maybe a Christopher Ward) as my general attitude now is - f_ck em!
You have summed up the state of the watch industry as it is today, thank you! In truth, about 70% of Swiss brands got what they deserved during the Quartz crisis, the rest positioned themselves as luxury or heritage and have ever since rested on those laurels. It is indeed time for a big revolution.
Great & accurate observation.
@thegorn, I like your sum up especially the last words, great thought!
I totally agree. It is like buying a house: many householders need to calculate extra costs for maintenance. Plus, microbrands are keeping up and offer more designs that are unique and much more fun.
Sure, but can you show off with a microbrand?
@@seabiscuit726142 of course you can, at the end of the day you have to feed your family, not your colleagues from work or friends. Or do you belong to generation TIKTOK?
Monta, Grand Seiko are nice.
Maintenance costs are one thing. Try calculating the actual cost of ownership purely based on a 25 year mortgage without any other considerations. A $400k mortgage, even based upon a somewhat lower rate of 4%, turns into $570k.
I show off my Islander all the time.
Great advice 👍. There is pleasure to be had researching, choosing and wearing watches in all price brackets. The difference is the money at stake, if you can afford to lose the watch and have it serviced without thinking twice, buy it. If it is a real stretch and you know you will need the money invested back some time, then it will be hard to enjoy wearing it for fear of damaging and devaluing it.
Thanks for stating what I had in my mind for a long time! Enjoyment is a relative concept and I find myself enjoying wearing a watch that I can bond with which will become part of my daily life and for the reasons you've stated this cannot easily happen with any of the expensive watches I own.
I totally agree. I enjoy trying and using different styles, brands, sizes, etc. How could I possibly do that with luxury watches? Great video! Keep going!
Thank you so much! Yep, variety and being able to wrear your watches without fear of breaking them is another form of luxury :)
It’s true: you can’t wear luxury Watches in Europe and the USA. But in Asian cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo there’s absolutely no problem wearing them. Reasons? 1. Asians don’t care for your watch, cause they have at least three of them in their closet. 2. A lot of Rolexes are fake, and a robber has a good chance of stealing a fake one. 3. Different morals in most Asians cities: you don’t steal from other people. I am not saying criminality doesn’t exist there, it does, but not on that level.
You just nailed it so perfectly. Only this past month I began selling off my Swiss watches. A small handful. Kept 2 Grand Seikos and have been obsessed with Casio and G Shocks, low end, MTG, modding. Why? Just like you said. It’s FUN again. Buying limited editions is a blast and it’s what 130 dollars? Great video!
Thank you so much! That's wonderful, that's all there is to it, the enjoyment these little watches give us 😁
That's the thing with G-Shock; you can buy SO MANY different colors of the same model watch! Plus, their toughness is legendary. There's no other brand like G-Shock... :)
You are so correct. Then they come out with what I call the “midrange” like Mudmasters etc. Those master of G’s, Frogs…..😂😂😂. Go from “saving money” on the occasional Swiss to now loving and buying for “less.” Truly addicted! Haha
G-shock annoys the hell out of me for spreading their features over so many product lines specifically to keep people buying them by the handful.
Thank you for this video. I always enjoy these conversations and reading the comments.
Totally agree. I used to love Omega. Back in the late 80s they were expensive but not ludicrous. I used to think they were like the Audi of the same time, high quality but understated and affordable. Unfortunately like Audi they have been pushed upmarket and now attract a different clientle and have lost something in the process. I recently bought a Longine Spirit Chronograph. It is chronometer rated with a column wheel movement and vertical clutch. It loses 1.2 secs per day and will cost around 300 pounds to service (compared to 700 for the Omega chronograph even though the movement is less sophisticated) I think Longine have become the 'old's Omega.
Audis attract chavs who lease them.
some of these 'urban' youth probably their best customers -despite never actually buying anything...@@aethelwulfwarlord1475
Companies like Rolex do not release their spare parts to the open market, which means that those who own Rolexes can generally only get them serviced and repaired at official Rolex centers, which means that service centers are limited and Rolex can set the terms which means very high prices since there is no competition. It does not sound like a good deal to me.
Great video and makes a lot of sense. Recently, I have been crazy enough to consider a 40K Lange. Hopefully I have come to my senses. Great to see the Casio Royale!
You mentioned the enjoyment to price ratio. The Seiko SPB143 hits it on the head. It’s so nice, but is gets a ding or scratch and it actually doesn’t make me crazy. I LOVE wearing it. Over the years as it gets more scratches it will look even better!
When I get my first scratch on a watch (and I'm talking Seikos, not Rolexes), I have a moment of shock... but after that I can just get on with enjoying the watch even more, as I'm not worrying about it. As for Rolex etc, I could never relax with €10k on my wrist.
Spot on! I can afford a Rolex any time but I refuse to spend that much just to buy the name. And the amount of joy I get from my mechanical Tissots, Seikos, and a Hamilton is ridiculously high. Kudos to Rolex BTW for their biz model which is working wonderfully for them, but they're not for everybody. And is a $2500 Sinn just as good a watch? Yeah it probably is!
You buy a Sinn, you lose money the moment you leave the store. You leave the store with a Rolex, you don‘t lose anything.
And a Sinn is not as good as a Rolex. Take a closer look. That does not mean that a Rolex is worth the money you pay for it. But the Sinn isn‘t as well, and there is a big difference in quality. In general no watch is worth its price… If that bothers you, luxury watches are not for you.
^^I totally get your viewpoint p4526 but I think we're talking about two different things - I'm talking about people buying watches that make them happy (and that you definitely don't have to spend Rolex-level money to do that), and you're talking about buying watches to sell them to somebody else later, which is definitely a Rolex thing and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, but we're just not talking about the same thing.@@panorama4526
@@panorama4526 I don't buy a watch to sell it on so loosing money is not a issue. What is your justification to know there is a big difference in quality Rolex v Sinn?
@@panorama4526 not true.... according to Chrono24 my Sinn U50 has increased in value by 40%.
I do agree that if you buy the right watch at the right price it can be an excellent investment.
The biggest factor for me in not going above entry Swiss, is that I can service a ETA movement myself. I was a total newb but after about $300 in tools and watching many videos I became competent.
A great video Sir. Very valid points. I think I'm done at a high end collection of 6 pieces. It's more than enough.
I have both luxury and affordable in my collection. There are locales where wearing a luxury piece can be dangerous as you’ve mentioned. I wear my timepieces accordingly. We must remember that affordable mechanical timepieces will eventually need to be serviced as well.
Sometimes it's so affordable, you just buy a new one.
Stepping into my 60s, I'm also recognizing this truth. We were looking at a Rolex Sky-dweller and even the stainless model is almost $25K. I have a couple that were purchased in the mid-80s that were reasonably priced, but even the insurance on these has started to become a big bite. I've been looking at some of the microbrands lately and I think my next purchases will be far more cost effective 👍
casjö svvätch Zeihkö.. ^^ my 5610 dözenD even nheed light... turns on with movement and zäkk 3öff3 pvvR !?!
maybe thats 731 ´äFFiciensea xxx P
I was looking at the sky dweller myself.. but even at the brands recommended price of 15.000 eur or so, it's too much. If you're "selected" as a lucky buyer and get one in less than 3 years.. Let alone the 25.000 that they'll snatch from you in the aftermarket.. forget it..
I wouldn't insure watches, I'd put them in a bank vault. You can rent one from £200 a year here in the UK.
@@johntate5050 That sounds like fun!!
I absolutely 100% agree with everything you have said! I have also come to these same conclusions. If you're in the more money than brains club, sure go ahead and buy all the Rolex/Luxury watches you want. But for the rest of us, it's no longer the intelligent thing to do. Be smart people!
I agree that they have become very expensive.
However, if you buy the right watch at the right price it can be an excellent investment.
I bought a rolex 8 year ago. For me it has gained 7k in those years. I never bought it as an investment i bought it as i liked it and saved for it im a working class individual not a rich guy. But over the years its stayed boxed due to rolexes been a target for theives i dont feel any joy or comfort wearing it anymore, im very much on the line in selling it
I have come to same conclusion they are not worth it. I never bought a luxury watch as investment I don't think that should be why you buy one, buy it because you like it and intend to wear it forever. But I ended up selling all mine losing half their value as ultimately your tastes change and you get used to the novelty wears off. But I can't help liking watches, I may get a luxury quartz something like a grand seiko ot tag solar something nice cheap to maintain. I came to realise accuracy is important to me, can't stand watches that lose time, the rest sub 1k I bought a g shock which is great, it really makes you realise how mad it is to buy luxury watches unless you're wealthy. They are a false god.
@cj.6988 HaHa! It's funny you say accuracy is so important to you. I don't really care about that. As long as my watch is within 45 seconds a day, I'm fine. I don't even set and wind my watches when I wear them.
@joeg9478 I don't buy watches as an investment and I wish others didn't also. That's what's ruined this great hobby.
I'm also done buying luxury watches. Going back to collecting affordables, they provide more bang for your buck. BTW, I own a San Martin and it does NOT have the same quality as my Rolex. Not even close. I enjoy wearing my Rolex more than any other watch I've ever owned, it always feels very special on my wrist. Cheers!
The problem is that the Rolex design has been copied so much, that it is no longer that special. When I see someone wearing a watch that looks like a Rolex, I don't even bother taking a second look. I don't understand why people pay so much for a watch that is so common. Anyone can buy a Rolex if they have a credit card. Nothing special about it. I can buy an Orient diver watch that looks similar for a fraction of the price.
@@nerychristian in 3 to 5 years if the AD thinks you are worthy. As for secondhand, no, even greater inflated prices and its secondhand.
@@a0r0a7 There are plenty of online watch stores that sell Rolex too
Kind of reminds me of Tesla cars. They were cool when they first came out. But now, everyone and their grandmother has one. So now, when I see a Tesla, I hardly notice it anymore.
@@nerychristian understand where you are coming from. Very much like BMW, Audi and Merc in the UK, they are everywhere, now means nothing. I do love Rolex designs they are iconic but Rolex sit on their design past just putting out new versions with new materials and modern manufacturing. Let us not forget Rolex are mass produced watches with cleverly managed distribution and marketing. Not for me, I could buy one if I wanted but there are so many other excellent watches out their.
Great information discussing all the aspects of owning a watch.
Great video. I have not bought anything above a Chris Ward, but I am tempted to a lot 😭. One big reason is that I can now service ETA/Sellita/Miyota/Seiko movements myself after about ~$300 in tools and learning on CZcams. If I break a pivot I don’t fear not being able to cheaply find a replacement.
First time watching you here, and I think this was an excellent video. I’ve been thinking about my higher price watchers, not talking about Rolex and whether I want to continue spending that kind of money. You’ve helped me make this decision.
Thank you so much David! I'm glad 👍👍
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Very wise and balanced perspective. Thank you.
I was fortunate enough to win a JLC watch in a raffle a couple years ago. Sadly it was far too large for my scrawny wrist, but oh my what a work of art. It was a pleasure to hold, the leather of the strap was amazing, and I'm happy I had the chance to experience it :)
Great video. The real pleasure in collecting is in finding interesting items that are somewhat out of the mainstream and that are under-appreciated. That requires research, knowledge and effort. It requires establishing some kind of emotional connection with the items Just hoovering up headline models from the big brands at insane prices is not collecting, it's hoarding. It makes me feel slightly queasy when I see people on the internet showing off their 'collections' worth hundreds of thousands or even millions, consisting entirely of the same utterly predictable brands and models, many of which are just vulgar trinkets for people with more money than taste. People can do what they want with their money, of course, but for me, having a stash of these trophy watches in safety deposit boxes is just a bit sad.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, it really does give me things to think. I don't think it is wrong to aspire for something you want but there's nothing wrong with being realistic with yourself as well.
What you said about luxury watches is right on mark. Great advice, great video.
Those are very valid points. I'm not so afraid of the watch being stolen. I'm more afraid I might just accidentally bump the watch on something and break the crystal. That is why I wouldn't want to spend much more than $500 to $1000 on a watch. Once you start looking at mid tier luxury brands like Logines and Oris then you have to figure in the higher maintenance costs and deprecation values. That Oris Kermit watch looks really nice but I would never spend $4600 on a watch.
I was tired of wearing a new kitchen on my wrist so I sold my rolex and it was the best thing i did...
Thank you, an interesting video, with a lot of good valued points.
TWO THUMBS UP!! (Hey, where's that other thumb??)
Agreed on all points - especially the enjoyment ration component. Definitely agree.
Thank you 🤭😁👍
Absolutely agree with this video. Very thoughtfully presented Olivier. My last higher priced watch was an Omega Speedmaster and I didn't even pay for it. It was a gift. I have quite a collection including Seiko, Orient, Pulsar, Casio, G-Shock, Pagani and love them all, really enjoy wearing them and feel very comfortable showing them off to anyone interested. Luxury watches are only worth it for the brand name. And that's nothing to do with craftsmanship or watch making. Thanks for this video. 👍👍
Thank you very much Brian 👍👍. Keep in enjoying your beautiful collection, and thanks again for sharing with us
You're saying the craftsmanship of a luxury watch isn't worth it and it's just the name? The finish on an Omega/Rolex or even Tudor isn't better than Citizen or Casio?
@@59thfsaviation79 No, I didn't say that.. I have an Omega and of course it's great quality. However you're not getting significantly better quality in general from a $5,000 or $10,000 watch than from a $1,000 watch. The quality to value ratio excluding the brand name isn't good. You are definitely paying well over the odds. A submariner for example doesn't cost any more to build than a good quality dive watch. What people are paying for is marketing, and sponsorship of events like Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Horse Show jumping and yacht races.
Really interesting video and I suppose it brings up the question at what price point does a watch become " luxury " this is probably different for everyone, personally anything above £1000 would be luxury, my most expensive watch is my Casio Oceanus S100 which I love, and I can't imagine spending any more.
Great video.
6:50 is EXACTLY how I feel now about my high-end watches.
Excellent and thought provoking video. I agree with everything you said, you don’t need an expensive watch to love watches and watch collecting.
I got rid of my collection just recently. A good decision. 3 watches - you don’t need more. And Beauty starts at 2 to 300.... it’s enough. You mentioned Seiko: fantastic value
Totally agree, perfect time on your mobile phone and as a piece of jewelry to wear when your used to wearing a watch get some beautiful looking watches at a sensible price. Funny really but the one watch that every body always comments on when I go out is made from bamboo and cost 20 English pounds 😂.
I have a 30 year old Seiko which cost around $200 and a 25 year old Omega Seamaster Professional which cost around $1500 (both bought new). Since owning them, I have now spent more on servicing than the watches themselves actually cost me to buy.
Traded an Omega off just to get a Tudor Submariner rebuilt 25 yrs ago.
I like my $45 Casio now. You look back and laugh at how your ego influences your buying, the world doesn't see you as more special.
So true!
I've recently sold my Rolex Explorer (probably the least flashy and cheapest Rolex out there) and put the cash towards a Grand Seiko.
Aesthetically the GS is a way more beautiful watch and the materials and craftsmanship are off the chart ... but no one knows what it is and that suits me 100%!
@@JammyDodger45 I bought a Seiko chrono in Okinawa 50 yrs ago, I wore it until the case edges wore out and the watch stopped. Fantastic watch. Replaced it with a Tudor Submariner, which I wore for decades.
I was surprised to see Seiko now has a luxury line of very expensive watches, I was tempted too.
@@wyomarine6341 - if you're still tempted I'd highly suggest trying one on. The build quality is amazing and it sits beautifully on the wrist. I went for one from the Heritage range and I've never regretted it.
Although I guess you'll not be getting it at BX/PX prices this time which is no doubt annoying!
Thank you Sir. This is the best and most common since video about watches I have found on CZcams. Well stated.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Michael!!
Thanks Big Daddy I couldn't agree more Always appreciate and enjoy your content Be well my friend and God Bless You and Yours 👍
Excellent video offering extremely sound advice. The world of luxury watches is not worth getting into now if you expect fair value for money, which I do. You are right, it is the price versus enjoyment ratio that matters. I cannot really enjoy a watch priced in the £1000s that costs a small fortune to maintain (even though I can easily afford it) which is little different to one costing £100s which I can just retire if expensive repairs are required. With the big luxury brands you are paying mainly for the name, their marketing and big profit margins. The differences in specification and quality are relatively minimal and can in no way justify the ~500% price hike over mid- to lower-tier luxury brands. As I mentioned before, Seiko, Tissot, Certina, Citizen and Junghans are the brands I recommend for a favourable price versus enjoyment ratio. Hamilton also although I do not own one . . . yet. Longines, Rado, Oris etc. too are OK by Swiss standards but not nearly as solid re. value for money as they were back in the 2000s. Keep up the good work!
There was this manufacturer from China that came up with a tourbillon timepiece for 500 dollars. It may not have the prestige of most luxury timepieces but if it came down to it, I'll get it knowing it works good.
I don't care about resale value I buy a watch for my own enjoyment.
@@arielcandoleta5347 I'd be tempted to buy it too. Resale value is overhyped anyway. Most luxury watches are mass-produced items and not at all rare. You are far more likely lose money, maybe a lot of money, than make it and the cost of maintaining the watch has to be factored in. Then there is the hassle and risk of selling the watch and being ripped off. Dealers want to buy cheap and then sell on at an inflated price to someone who doesn't understand what they are buying, making a big profit in the process.
I'm going through the same process. I collect a wide range of watches and I had planned to get an Omega, but their prices are inflating to such a point where I'm questioning this. Most of my enjoyment is from the hunt and not the label. I love the fact that I have had people asking me 'is that a Breitling or a Tudor' and I'm wearing a Vostok that I've modified myself or, a Benyar with a different strap.
The hunt is indeed a great part of the enjoyment 😁
Great video and perspective
Wow 😀. A really very good video on this subject. Thank you for your good arguments. I agree with you 100%.
Very interesting. I also built my own watch. Designed the dial and logo and am really pleased with it. It is unique. However, there was quite a bit of trial and error, as part of the learning curve. Cost me around £160. 😊
Hey James I really love the idea of building my own watch. Would you be able to guide me on this?
Nice!
Hi, no problem. You would need to buy the following: A basic watch tool kit, watch case, a movement and some watch hands. All these can be bought on line at reasonable prices. You can also go on CZcams for instructions on how to build a watch. You can also buy the full watch making kit with all the required components (movement, case, dial, hands etc.), which is a easier. However, I wanted to customise my dial, rather than a generic one. This I found to be most challenging. I designed the dial and then had a graphics labelling company print it for me, which I then mounted on the watch dial. A lot of trial an error here as sizing, spacing and dimensions have to be exact, otherwise you will have lining up issues with the hands. It will certainly be a lot easier, if you use a generic supplied dial and maybe this is the way to go. Be prepared to make a few mistakes as part of the learning process..Hope this helps.All the best. @@maxmaara
@@jamesgreig8796thank you so much for taking the time to explain this in detail. I also saw some tutorials on CZcams and your explanation really helps piece things together. Will try doing one sometime 😊
@@maxmaara My pleasure. Good luck with your watch venture. 👍
Loved this video. I think you gave alot to think about for people who are just getting into the watch game like myself. 1st of all you should not be buying luxury watches as an investment, that's crazy. That's like trying to predict the stock market. 2nd I started molding my watches. I get more enjoyment out of that. Knowing its something i created & its 1 of a kind.
Thank you so much! You nailed it, it's all about ENJOYMENT and fun with your watches, whether they are worth $10 or $10 million 😁
Congratulations, great video with, from my point of view, true facts about watch collecting. I agree with your opinions 👍🏼
and I am sending you a word again!!! thank you for saving me from going the wrong route!! subscribed! happy timekeeping from Delhi
Needed to see this. Been, “on the fence” of buying a Sinn, which while less than $2,000, STILL, that is a lot of money for a watch. I also find myself thinking (with a lot of luxury purchases), “I am middle aged and I have no one to leave something like that to once I am gone.” Bothers me that someone in a hospital (who likely would not even know what it was) will likely end up with it.
I bought the Sinn U-2. Love it. They also make a U-50 which i am considering. BUY for you, no one else. I am in the same boat as you,and have 5 watches for myself. ENJOY.@@johnpoulter
Yeah the sinn 104 used to be around 1200, 1300 or so. Oris aquis too, definitely a more appealing prospect then than now around the 2 grand mark. But great brands. Sinn annd other german companies are criminally underrated
When you get really old you can prepare for your demise buy starting to sell your valuables. Sell your watch and treat yourself to week away somewhere doing things you always think about.
Why leave it to anyone? Get buried with it. That's what I'm doing. And I'm using my Porsche as the coffin. Get the Sinn, Fred.
Looked at all the expensive brands. Decided on the Sinn 104 with bracelet. Outstanding timepiece. Buy it. Enjoy the german sub.
Totally agree with you. That’s the reason I aim at having 4 luxury watches and the rest is medium cost (750-1500 usd) or cheap watches (500 usd maximum)
Great breakdown 👍
It’s the old question how many watches can you wear at one time. Most San Martin watches get about 90% close to the top brands , recently I brought a Cronos BB pro and it’s very close to the Tudor in fit and finish and although the movement is just a NH 34 they somehow have got it running at +2 per day. The brushing is very close to my Longines Spirit . Only the bracelet is not a direct match but still very good. I’ve had similar experiences with the Seestern Pelagos again with an NH 38 running at +3 secs and very good finishing for the price. When Sam Martin put their mind to it they can easily produce watches superior to Hamilton and Certina in quality of finish.
Great video! Very balanced presentation.
I agree point-for-point with you (except for my personal/ethical issue with homages) and I'm hearing and feeling this sentiment more and more across the hobby community. I sense another crash coming to the Swiss watch industry as the collectors who support this hobby wake up to the absurdity of the current market and the degree to which brands are exploiting our good will.
Yes they are, and that just pisses me off ! It's not only the Swiss, to a much lesser degree Seiko raised prices very much in the past years without raising quality and I felt...betrayed 😂.
@Horologique Yeah, Seiko's been creeping their prices upward and I won't defend all of that, but at least they're still doing really interesting and fun things in the mid-3-figure range (the Snoopy 5 pilot, the 5 GMTs, and the Speedtimer solars are 3 great examples) and I'd still argue that-if you're of the mind that any mass-produced watch should cost so much-Grand Seikos are incredible bargains relative to what the major Swiss brands are offering at the same price. And I certainly appreciate the inherent honesty of Seiko watches being made by Seiko marketed as Seikos vs, say, Swatch pretending that Hamilton, Longines, Tissot, etc., are distinct manufactures rather than just different logos applied to watches from the same factories for branding and marketing purposes, or the endless variety of companies pretending that movements made by third-parties or companies within the same business conglomerate are "in house" and unique.It didn't work well for GM and I don't expect it'll work out well for Swatch, either.
Totally agree about the homage route.
Sold my Daytona last year snd bought a number of Cronos and San Martin models.
Absolutely LOVE the Cronos sub homage. I keep expecting it to break, scratch or otherwise malfunction, but it has been impeccable.
Having worn Rolex exclusively for 30 years, there is NO WAY I would go back.
👍👍
I agree with you on all counts. Thanks for your thoughtful content.
Totally agree with you. I feel so good with my three Timex watches really great for the price. Thank you for your videos.
I totally agree. Whereas before they were a fun splurge, I simply can't afford them at the prices they charge now. My Speedmaster Pro was $3K new, and my Explorer II was $5K. Even "value" brands that I used to buy like Oris are now priced very high. I just can't justify the price increases, it's artificial price gouging. And I can definitely sympathize with the maintenance costs....it gets old fast when you have several watches that need servicing every 5 years at a cost of $750-1000.
Even brands like Seiko, Bulova, and Citizen have increased their prices. The full price for something like the 43MM Lunar Pilot is $900 and I can't imagine people willing to spend that much money on a Bulova watch. Personally for me I wouldn't spend much more than $500 to $1000 for a watch. The cost of servicing a Tissot or Hamilton is going to much cheaper than a Omega or Rolex would.
I bought many real prior to the pandemic. 2 rolexes, a GMT, Yactmaster, 6 Breitling’s over the past 20:years, a Zenith, omega. Now….the prices are just stupid insane, and very difficult to buy anything. I have walked into at least 12 Rolex dealers all over the world, and just said…”do you have any sports watches to sell me today- SS, white gold, or platinum….answer has been no, with a smile and laugh. Not so funny. I have now bought a Daytona and Patek super clone. They are phenomenal. I will never ever buy the AD’s crap again, until they come back down to MSRP, if they ever do
Do you have a reputable site? I can’t trust any of these places I see.
@@davidr6865 I do, but I think it’s like sketchy to give the names of these places. I love my replica dealer. They answer me every time, give updates, etc. their stuff is 100% spot on. Even the dealers can’t tell it’s a rep, and I mean it. My best advice would be to try one of the forums for replica collectors. Start with something small. And read all the details of what your buying. If it doesn’t say “working seconds”:then it doesn’t work. Don’t assume everything functions as real unless it says. My first experience was buying a AP from a dealer other than thee guy I use, all the chronos are screwed up. Seconds is a 24 hour hand, minutes is seconds, etc etc. lesson learned.
Perhaps as watches aren’t as popular now (correct time is on a smartphone and/or smartwatch), the Swiss have pivoted their timepieces to that of luxury, exclusive status.🧐
I’m a Speedmaster fan. They maintain their value against inflation over the years. I get great enjoyment from a little glimpse of it every day. Add up how much a new Apple Watch costs over a longer period and the argument gets stronger for a luxury mechanical watch. The latest Omegas for example only need 10 years servicing on average. Something to give to your kids one day too 😊
LOL you are funny. Buy what you want, the ridiculous justifications are gross.
A few years ago, Costco had a traditional hesalite crystal Speedmaster for sale in their jewelry case. I kind of regret not buying it, but even with Costco pricing it was still a chunk of money so I decided against it. To this day I always check the jewelry case when I go there in the off chance they stock one again.
my son doesn't give a damn about watches, I had a 500 euro Tissot and bought a 2000 euro Longines, I offered him the Tissot but he couldn't give a damn about it...
Exactly. I’m not sure one’s children will be all that excited by the heirloom. A few might, but most won’t be. And how much to service it? Um, no thanks. I need money to upgrade my smart phone (which is fair enough). The ‘heirloom‘ will probably languish in a bottom drawer only to be eventually discarded.
Great vid! I have set rules to my watch collecting. I only buy designs that I LOVE and so it can take a few years to decide (usually they then have gone on sale). I only buy watches at big discount. Plenty of modern Selita and ETA movements which are lower cost to maintain. Every ten years, I might buy a more expensive piece which is higher end with more exclusive calibers (put the money aside each year so you can afford it). Over time you will acquire a great collection that you love at a value price. Never sell and disregard collecting for investment resale because that is a hassle. Give away any watches that you do not absolutely love as your collection grows.
Great video, truth spoken. Having a current collection of Omegas and Tudors, IWCs after having divested myself of 20 luxury watches a dozen years ago, I have also thought about what you have said. Maybe I did not want to face the truth...recently Seiko SPBs, Doxas (newest is a 600T--must see!) and Stowas have been satisfying my watch appetite. Love Sinn too! Thank you for putting into words what many of us may have been thinking.
I agree its gone mental imagine having to go on a waiting list to have the privilege of buying something 😂😂😂
Well said. There's plenty of room for excellent entry level watch enthusiasts. There's plenty of room for luxury watch enthusiasts. It's all good.
Spot on! Excellent advice 👍🏼
Great point about a watches value and the worry about getting mugged for it. I often thought about that same thing even though I don't have something like a Rolex. I have an upper tier Garmin watch and even wearing it makes me a little apprehensive in certain situations.
Watch-specific muggings aren't too common in the US, except maybe in California. Like many people in my state, I never leave the house unarmed, so muggings and similar crimes aren't really a problem. 😃 That said, when I travel to Europe, my nice stuff stays at home and I just wear a Casio or Seiko.
good points. To add, luxury good are supposed to impress others. But other people care more about who you are, not what you have.
Watches in general are rarely noticed by others. 90% of people aren't interested in your watch and the 10% that are will likely be watch/brand enthusiasts who may or may not be impressed by your choice. So not really worth spending £1000s trying to gain approval from others with expensive watches.
very true @@paulc9588
TO TA LLY !
Very wise thinking and a lot of good points here
Great points, Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great video. I'm sharing your mind 100%. Resently I was about to buy a premium diver watch.
It was a very emotional mind.
But getting the facts infront of my eyes, it really doesn't made sense.
There are such great watches in the price range of 15 to 2,000 Euros.
On a certain point Ceramic can't be more shining. A leather strap can't be more softer. And a dial can't refelct more sunlight.
If someone wants to get a feeling of a premium and well manufactured watch with good materials on the wrist, there are awesome serious traditional brands which offer amazing products (even way) under 2K.
Longines, Tissot, Union Glashütte, Rado, Baume & Mercier, Frederique Constant, Certina, Junghans, Laco, Circula....just name a few.
I think people as us, living in high developed country with highest incomes in the world (even still complaining), we should consider us as blessed. Instead of throwing money out of the window it would more sense to donate money to those who can't afford food, medical treatment or education.
By the way:
If you don't mind I would show you a wish-list for affordable watch brands to be reviewed 😅. I know it's not easy to get everyone for a review. So if not, it's also ok.
Zeppelin
Laco (loves actually to cooperate with CZcamsrs)
Junkers
Dugena
Circula (the classic quartz models are quite cheap, and they also love to work with CZcamsrs)
Wise (Hitman or Adamascus or any other)
Richard LeGrand
Gigandet
Elysee (a german watch brand, most homage types. Their offical prices are way too high, but they offer them often for 60 to70% off on their own or other websites)
They are not "luxury"; they are overpriced.
Greetings from Brazil! I sure agree with you. I do have a few old swiss made watches and I think the new homages are so much better. Like your Channel Man!
Obrigado!! Have a great Sunday
Thanks for this. I began collecting watches about a year ago. Never anything expensive. I have 2 oceanus watches which I paid about $1300 for both, a couple of seikos, 2 islanders from LI watch Co, and a couple of casios. I noticed as I was getting enticed into spending more and more, that what ever is inside is not what you are enjoying as much as what the naked eye sees. I am not talking about getting total garbage. What I am saying is once you get really good finishing, anti reflective sapphire crystall , nice looking dial and a decent movement for the price, I think you are good to go. I was looking at 2k to 5k watches and I couldn't see me enjoying those anymore. It's like getting a 500hp car when you are only driving it 30mph.
I feel you. This is what I’m telling my friends for years. It’s nothing luxurious about bending over at a Rolex/Patel/ap ad or bagging to be on a „list“.
I've purchased many 'luxury' watches over the years. And truth be told, my all time favorite for more than 10 years is my Seiko SARB065 Cocktail watch with light blue sunburst dial, costing me about $450. As someone who thought the grass was always greener on the other side (more expensive watches MUST be so much better in every way), I'm happy to have experienced cheaper and more expensive watches, and can confidently state that there ARE many great choices to be had for $500 or less, which you will fall in love with and keep for the rest of your life. Just don't buy into the 'hype' as I and others have done. It's all marketing. Thanks for the thoughtful video.
You are absolutely welcome, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts 👍. The SARB065 is a great watch, back when Seiko was still king of value. Sadly they don't want to claim that crown anymore
@@Horologiquewho would you say wear that crowns now?
that's like saying yeah, i used to drive a ferrari but now i drive a miata and it's just as good. no, it's not. you might enjoy the miata for what it is and i can relate to that but it is just not the same thing. if you settle for less, that's fine but then also call it as such.
I have a Fiori watch from about 20 years ago, no idea what the model is but a lovely blue dial with sparklies which may be teeny diamonds. I wear it to work every day still and it gives me a lot of pleasure, even if it's scratched and worn :)
@@hazardeurthat’s a false analogy, a Grand Seiko spring drive can cost less than 50% of the cheapest Rolex but it outperforms the Rolex in every way, it’s better built, more accurate, more advanced technologically, better looking and much more individual. That’s totally different to a Miata / Ferrari comparison.
Thank you for the refreshing point of view. As I'm writing this there is a MoonSwatch on my wrist while my original Speedmaster sits in a box. Indeed, you don't have to spend a lot to have a nice watch that's enjoyable to wear. In fact, I find the less I spend on a watch the more I like it.
I have all sorts too! My true enjoyment is my Steinhart ocean vintage 39. My luxury watches don’t see the light of day! Thanks for the awesome video. Cheaper is more fun and more confidence in wearing it outdoors. Luxury watches are too mummy cuddled to get any enjoyment out of them!
Started with hommage, recently bought a Tudor, you are right, my cheaper watches give me the same excitement
I like watches. That said I cannot fathom going off the deep end with them. $250 CDN is my limit on a watch. Plenty to choose from in that price range. Quartz only for me.
very well explained!! thanks
A great review being a fellow watch collector you are on point here & fellow watch collectors reply the top Swiss brands have gotten out of control regarding price. Many good brands out there that are good value for money keep up your reviews on your channel you are unbiased compared to some other CZcams sites kind regards from the UK.
Thank you so much, kind regards from France 👍🇫🇷
Agree. In the recent past, I’ve had a long series of nice cars, the problem with the cars like the watches is, if they are too expensive they end up owning you. Why have a car that you’re concerned about being dented or scratched in a parking lot. I still drive a Mercedes, but it’s a w124, one of the cars that gave Mercedes the reputation for quality and longevity. That’s luxury for me. My daily watch is a 1968 Wyler lifeguard 660 day date diver. I love durability, automatic movement, and it’s interesting when people ask about it. Subscribed.
Thank you so much for you support and welcome to the channel 👍. It's the exact same thing with watches, when you unavoidably scratch or damage your luxury watch it's heartbreaking, with a more entry one it's not an issue and that's another form of luxury 😁
Bro, He showed the casio world time. 2021 I survived a car accident that almost killed me....i was wearing that watch. That watch and I returned from the dead
I agree with this totally. I own an Oris Aquis, a Bell & Ross Vintage and some Casios. I'm done buying but still love a the art of a great timepiece.
Greetings from Singapore! (No Rolex or other luxury watches in my collection though 😅). Really great points brought up, enjoyed this video, thank you!
Great video. You're absolutely right. Better a good homage than a Rolex that just sits in the safe.
I totally agree, I used to buy the big names . But I’m happy to buy 10 San Martin or Cronos watches instead. As you say they are catching up fast .
Totally, and now San Martin has some pretty good In-house designs
Great info! Thanks
Great video, I only buy independent watches at the moment. A lot of personal contact with the watch maker, and a lot of the times actually great value for money.
10000% agree. I have many watches from IWC to Omega and Rolexes but completely stopped buying luxury brands about 5 yrs ago when prices started to go crazy and value just wasn’t there. I’ll give what I have to my kids but now, I don’t even wear a watch 🙂 IPhone is all I need.