Rolex vs OMEGA, Seiko Lost Its Way, Every Case Should be Under 40mm: Reacting to Your Hot Takes
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
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In this video, I'll react to a series of controversial hot takes on the watch industry submitted by our subscribers and social media followers. If you guys would like to see more content like this in the future, be sure to comment down below what types of topics you'd like to see covered!
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0:00 - Intro and Organization
1:14 - Rolex vs. Everybody
3:41 - Has Seiko Lost Its Way?
6:02 - Every Case Should Be Under 40mm
8:04 - Should Grand Seiko Change Its Name?
9:59 - Watch Enthusiasm on the Decline?
12:37 - What Does Swiss Made Mean?
14:13 - Is the Octo Finissimo Attractive?
15:06 - Why Does Everyone Love the Snoopy Speedmaster?
16:57 - Where Has All the Creativity Gone?
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Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa... - Jak na to + styl
I'm 73 years old. Although I've owned watches most of my life, I am new to horology. Learning new things has always interested me. Hence my enjoyment in watching this channel.
Good man Poz. Welcome :-)
Hey Poz. I'm only 60, always enjoyed quality watches. I enjoy this channel, but am apparently not target market. Time to move on?
Hey Poz, 67 y/o here and my interest in horology has developed since I retired. One day I decided I wanted to try an automatic watch, so I purchased a Orient Helios. Immediately struck by the beauty of design and accuracy of a mechanical movement. The hook had been made! Two months later I ordered a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic. Then a Seiko Presage "Negroni" cocktail watch (amazing dial), followed by a Zelos 'Lunar Frost', a Seiko Khaki Navy Pioneer, and the last one which I got two months ago and hasn't left my wrist since, a Longines Flagship. At this point I'm having to apply the brakes and maybe thin the collection a bit before investing in more watches. Horology can become addictive, but how I love learning more about it.
Welcome to the club
Glad to see older gentlemen appreciating the work of a Millennial CZcamsr.
I don't understand the size arguments because there is no right and wrong clearly. There are trends and there are preferences - the end.
I used to have the same thoughts on Seiko vs Grand Seiko. After learning more about watches, that has become a total non issue. Grand Seiko has established it's own legacy and should never change it's name. I used to think they were just too plain to command the prices they do, until seeing a couple in the wild. However, I do think they are a watch nerd's watch, and the casual observer won't appreciate them.
As long as they change that horrible logo and font. The regular Seiko one looks miles better.
I also enjoy the fact that my Snowflake is nothing to anyone who does not really like watches. People wear a sub for others, you wear a GS for yourself.
If the average person looks at them, they may notice the flashes from the facets, but that's probably about it. For some of us, it's a little weird to consider what other people think about the watch you're wearing (at least within reason. I probably wouldn't wear a pink glitter watch, but I wouldn't do that for myself just as much as being seen doing it).
I saw a comment on another Teddy B video that really hit home the Grand Seiko argument: a Rolex is for when you want to impress someone else, and a Grand Seiko is for when you want to impress yourself.
They need to change the name. They need to stand on their own feet not keep Seiko name. But the price keeps them from doing it and is hurting their sales. Everyone knows Seiko is not luxury and having a name Seiko in your watch name will always pull down. They need their own name maybe at least GrandS so people stop saying word Seiko. You just can't think of luxury like Patek Philippe or roles or AP when you speak Seiko. So they need to cut that word out or come with a bra e new name. Grand is good word, but Seiko no. It should be two words and maybe hint that it is Asian or Japanese but that it is high exceptional quality and hand made. Maybe some name of Asian God and elegance and peace.
Knocked it out of the park again, Teddy. With all the heavy emotion that exists in this hobby, I think it’s good to remember that in this day and age, watches are supposed to just be fun. I love this video format and appreciate your level-headed take, especially as a business owner in the industry.
Appreciate this comment, my friend! Have a nice weekend.
Or we could see it as Teddy never wanting to ruffle any feathers because he has a vested interest...
@@SavedbyHim "They" are conniving and always play both sides.
@@TeddyBaldassarre can you do a video on the Omega Globmaster annual calendar. Would like to see what you think about it. And or a comparison between the annual calendar and the regular globmaster. Thanks
@@SavedbyHim I believe you are missing the point of the comment you are replying to.
About the Silver Snoopy bit: the NASA connection is one of those rare associations that, as far as marketing goes, was completely out of the hands of Omega and therefore completely unexpected. Hans Widmer of Omega did get the award on behalf of Omega in 1970 (for the performance of the Speedy during Apollo 13), and the fact that this was essentially an unplanned gift and not paid for by marketing, that matters to Omega's corporate memory. Very few companies outside of the aerospace industry incorporate their place in space and exploration history as part of their corporate and marketing DNA.
Omega are the best result of perfection and precision when is come about movement. Don't ever confuse them with Rolex or whatever, they have different customer category. You know any Rolex tourbillon, complicated with something? Exactly, are just well done watches, extravagant, gold, rose gold, platinum, diamonds, rare awww. etc. and not to exceptional well finished, i mean are brands who make a better job from this perspective. When Omega my friend, you should search about how mutch improvement bring in this industry, and the fact they was present in most important things in history, and is not about marketing, couse they not try to convince you how good they are if you don't have the watch culture you can take for yourself a Rolex is fine.this is a job for. Hublot or AP They are not watch dealers, keeping the rhythm with the market lol
Yes more of these Teddy! So nice to hear you speak “more freely” and hear your opinion. Have the editors throw in a few questions you aren’t prepared for either
Personally I'd much rather take an Omega over Rolex
Ditto
@KGR Why not
Pos and neg to both but if they were same price id say rolex is better buy buttttt then again it all comes down to personal taste. Were human afterall ;)
@@stefanfreestylez definitely, I like the look of omega far more than Rolex plus Rolex cost a more generally.
@KGR Better quality and technology for half the price. It's a no brainer!
I agree with your point that Grand Seiko, having been established for so long, makes it very difficult for them to change their name. I think that while it does confuse people on the difference between Seiko and Grand Seiko, it shouldn't really change the perspective of the buyer, since the buyer who is gonna buy their watches know the brand pretty well. It only hurts those buyers who buy a watch solely as a status symbol, not appreciating any of the development or advancement a brand has made to the industry and attempt to degrade Grand Seiko by calling it 'an expensive Seiko'. It also doesn't help that a certain personality has once referred Grand Seiko as 'just an expensive Seiko'.
Like Nico Leonard calling GS shyt and an expensive seiko without holding one in his hands… showing a single Grand Seiko on his channel.
@@jerryeu2161 i don’t think Nico should be relevant in any discussion. I’ve watched like one video of that guy and besides the GS ‘mistake’ and many others he put Patek in the same category with a relatively cheap watch (I don’t remember exactly) and below Rolex. I felt like his whole tier list wat totally random. The reason I’m commenting is because I got anrgry for the whole day that someone with so many views spills so much bad information. If someone can shed some light on me: what’s up with that guy? Is he trolling? Why is he calling himself a ‘watch expert’, like based on what? As I said. I’ve never seen someone spilling so much bs in the watch community.
It's not that simple though, is it? The price point of Grand Seiko's are very a competitive price range. You can get 'better' reputation brands for the same cost.
Grand Seiko doesn't need to change their name, they just need to drop the "Grand Seiko" logo on the watches and just call themselves "GS". The same way a shitty products company called "Lucky Goldstar" changed their name to "LG" - they still make crap products but people think they're good.
@@BlagoP lucky gold star lol
See now this is smart, reacting to "viewer hot takes" that way you can say these things without all the backlash. I don't know why this hobby gets so contentious sometimes but it does and still these are topics that we should discuss; its good for the industry and for the hobby.
I feel like every niche hobby has a lot of “viewer hot takes” that makes regular people scratch their heads. A common theme in virtually every hobby is dumping on innovative designs yet groaning when you get “more of the same”.
You should see people argue over motor oil. Yes, motor oil.
This series is awesome! Teddy you're fair, reserved, and open-minded. Hello from C-bus, glad the Browns have the weekend off 😃. Love your content, take care.
Thanks, Chris! The state of my browns is sad at the moment. At least we have the promising, young Cavs.
I'm glad you addressed the watch size question. I have a 19.5 cm wrist that also happens to be wide. A typical 40mm looks very small on my wrist, A 43 or 44mm is normally a good sweet spot. Great content as always!
Great talking points Teddy! Thank you for continuing to listen and air these topics out in public! Just to be clear the Octo case design was by Gerald Genta. Hence, it is not something from a brand trying to copying something else (as a someone mentioned) it is an original design owned by Bvlgari and interrupted by their designers. You are completely on point with regards to the industry, and refreshing to hear other than hyping this and that to sell something. Regarding Zenith, we don't want another Rolex, why do we need a dive watch from them, they are putting out some great product right now. Grand Seiko, the car analogy is perfect and correct. I will not pay USD over 2k with a Seiko on the dial, sorry my loss your gain. Again thanks for airing this out Teddy.
well as a 17 year old, and being really enthusiastic with watches and the whole industry i think that this generation (gen z) has SUCH a large access to almost every and any industry you can think of, meaning that the watch industry being very niche will only gather few people who care about the history or the fascination of these tools, but then again i think people (gen z) will get back into watches when they start to realize the influence it has on your appearance and status, as MANY youtubers who do grooming and mens fashion promote the idea of having wristwatches to elevate the sophistication of your outfit and class.
@@EeBee97 I wouldn’t be too sure about that. No one would have predicted the recent surge in luxury mechanical wrist watches. We’re already living in a time where a watch is completely obsolete from a practicality perspective.
@@tomw485Yes a mechanical watch might not have much practical use , they are in the and a kind of jewellery. Can you see people will ever stop buying diamond rings or gold bracelets any time soon ? Of course not smart watches or smartphones might be much superior functionwise but they lack the luxury feeling and looks. Which in the end matters the most. As long as we live in a materialistic world as we live in today .Luxury watches will never go out of business.On the contrrary the numbers suggest thay the luxury watch market grows exponentioally with the help of media.
"Seiko had lost their way" means you still want a $700 watch for $300. Now that they're charging $700, you're upset. The misalignment stuff has to stop. It was a cute joke with the SKX, but that's over
Completely agree with you, the only Seiko watch I have in my collection is the Seiko King Turtle (Green Dial), I love the watch. I paid around $500 for it. It's worth every penny : unique design, ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, decent 4r36 movement with 40 hour reserve and most importantly an align bezel. (lol) I think I got what I paid for.
@@PepRex it's extremely mess common with their newer models. They even resigned a lot of their new throw backs without a chapter ring.
Is it a 700 watch though? One can, for example, get a Victorinox with a Swiss movement at or below that price point. Of course one has to consider that Seiko has a big selection, but while they used to be really good value for money, it wasn't 300 to 700 good value imo.
You can get a pagani with a sapphire crystal, a seiko movement, AND proper alignment for like $100.
You can get a pagani with a sapphire crystal, a seiko movement, AND proper alignment for like $100.
Great video! I'm growing in knowledge of watches with your videos. The video that you made reacting to all the "luxury" watch brand ads was so awesome and funny, you should do another one like that :)
Tbh I used to wear 42mm, after I discovered your channel a few years ago my max size now is 38mm.
It's kind of weird, I used to think that 38mm or < doesn't suit my character, but after I bought a Seagull ST19 38mm just fo fun.. It completely altered my view on smaller sizes.
Great upload Teddy!
This was an excellent video, and I would like to see more of these periodically. Hearing Teddy's take on these points is really interesting, partly because he's deep in things now, including from sales front, and has a more informed perspective. As far as the Octo Finissimo, I think it's really cool. I don't know that it's my style, but I'd consider it if I was spending that much on a watch. It's great to see something modern in design. Remember, the Royal Oak was wild and not necessarily the hit it is today back when it was released. We need watches that will be re-issued or looked back upon fondly 20-40 years from now. As one of the older viewers (Gen X), I definitely think watch companies are resting on their laurels too much, and not courting Gen Z appropriately.
Thanks for a great watch channel, Teddy. Your love of watches and commitment to producing quality videos about them is obvious. I was thinking perhaps for something a bit different you might consider doing a review of do-it-yourself watchmaking kits. This is something I have a personal interest in and would very much appreciate your take on the kits that are currently available.
Good video teddy. I of course love watch reviews, but it is always nice to see more content outside of reviewing a specific watch. You are providing variety much more so than other creators. Keep it up!
Honestly enjoyed this episode. I always like to hear different opinions and perspectives. I'm in my late 50s so not in the "younger" generation of watch collectors, but relatively new to horology. I've learned so much just by watching and listening to people such as Teddy Baldassare and his viewers. Thank you.
I just turned 30 recently and to celebrate that I purchased my first quality watch. Although I understand it isn’t considered a luxury watch, my Seiko Presage in the brown burst dial is the most expensive watch I could responsibly afford and like it. However, I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to afford anything beyond this line of watches but I resigned myself to enjoying the presage watch.
One thing I have learned in the hobby is that price doesn't equal happiness. My favourite watches aren't my most expensive ones, or my most fancy ones.
If the Presage make you happy when you look at it, you're farther ahead than someone with a Rolex, wishing it was a Lange.
Seiko Presage is luxury
Seiko Pressage is such a beautfull choose. Congrats pall!
Seiko Presage is really great
@@ItsMaceo Omega Seamaster 3OOm
Love love LOVE these videos. Love seeing open dialogue about watches/watch culture and seeing a whole bunch of different views and responses from a guy with a lot of knowledge on the industry. I like that these videos are becoming a more regular thing.
I'm glad you mentioned one size doesn't fit all, i tried a 40mm on and it looked like a women's watch on my wrist. 46-50mm is what fits best for me. Enjoy all your videos, it's given me a better perspective on many brands of watches I've wanted to or have already bought, thanks!
On the Grand Seiko point, I’d also argue that it doesn’t help that a lot of young or new watch enthusiasts are led to believe by some CZcamsrs that GS watches are just expensive Seikos. There’s a particular group I’d categorize as snobbish and almost always automatically put down GS just because of the “Seiko” in their name.
I’m very happy the trend is going away from the 48mm monstrosities of 10 years ago, but when people say stuff like all watches should be under 40mm it drives me nuts. I’m not a huge guy or anything but I’m relatively muscular and have somewhat wide wrists and hands. 42mm is really the sweet spot for me and even 44mm still looks good on my wrist. The smallest I will ever go is about 39mm for a simple dress piece.
I agree as a tall guy with a big frame, 40mm is tastefully small on me, and 44mm looks normal on my wrist.
Good comment but I would suggest that the “normal” size look of your watches are based on the so called “norm” in watch sizes. The size of a watch decades ago was considerably smaller. I believe watches were smaller because it’s nicer to wear, not bulky. In the last 15 years watched got obscenely large compared to the old days. I think a lot of the watch market was moving towards large watches due to the presence and the look at me and my watch trend. I think somewhere in the middle of old and new size is perfect. Just my opinion
I have a big frame and an 8.3 inch wrist. Anything below 42mm looks stupid on me so I can relate
Great video! Hoping to see more of this kind of content. Related to the topics of the video, I have to say that the bvlgari octofinissimo is one of my dream watches (maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow....), but every person I have shown it says that they don't like it.
The red and blue 59.11s APs look absolutely phenomenal in person. Especially the red version without the subdials.
Another great video. Loved the points about the Chronomaster Sport/Daytona. The Daytona is a great watch but its become more of a status symbol in my opinion, the current price tag is absurd. Great to hear they used an El Primero movement in the past, I am not surprised at all 🤣
They used the Zenith El Primero movement, but removed the calendar function and scaled down the beats for better reliability.
Grand Seiko is amazing, im looking forward to getting a spring drive model (as soon as they get rid of the gawdy power meter), As far as Rolex VS Omega....I ended up getting sick of seeing used Submariners getting to ridiculous prices (im not paying over 8K for a stainless steel watch)..so it pushed me to start exploring other brands. I ended up buying an Omega Seamaster, and am totally in love it with it. Looking forward to getting a Seamaster 300m!
As a dude with a very large upper-end watch collection, I will say this my friend... You are absolutely never going to go wrong with a Seamaster 300M. A horological classic and class choice :-)
@@denis888red i totally agree...i got a Seamaster 300 a few months ago and absolutely love it!
Love a new omega way worth the price and same quality as a Rolex. I have Rolex’s also.
Great response to the last question. Microbrands are a great example of innovative design (not really watchmaking though) that I think people support well. One reason I bought the new 38 mm Giorgio Galli Timex is that I want to encourage them to keep doing this. Maybe it isn’t the perfect watch, but it is a great step for them and i want their marketing dept to say “ yeah let’s do more of this”
This was a particularly well executed episode TB. I think objectivity in most discussions is an excellent quality to have.
Especially surrounding products that are redundant for the most part, or not worn by the people for the specific environment they were designed for.
Surprised but pleased that most of the viewers are below 40!! I'm over 50 & I've always thought of it as an older persons hobby as we generally have higher disposable income & tend to be more nostalgic for obsolete technology! Glad to hear youngsters are enjoying the hobby as much as I have since the 80s.
My hot takes, Omega make better watches than Rolex,but Rolex are the best at marketing and anything designed (or influenced) by Genta after 1970 are fugly " Emperor's New clothes" pieces 🤢
Good show, Cheers mate 👍👍
No i just started as a student! Recently picked up a seiko snd809k2 and a seiko titanium secondhand. Ofcourse rolexes are far out of my budget but watches around this price point are still very good looking to me, especially since secondhand you can get alot of value for your money!
This one of the most intellectually-fresh and real 'watch talk' I've heard in a longgg time! I completely agree with you. The definition of 'desirable' has been changing so rapidly that brands are either 1). shooting blindly to see what sticks or 2). following the footsteps of the success story. And also...rich collectors need to stop buying EVERY SINGLE POSTER WATCH! It's literally the reason why brands just forget their rich heritage and just focus on that one piece (Nautilus, Royal Oak, Reverso, Speedmaster...)
Great creativity in content as of late, really setting the bar for watch CZcams channels. I appreciate the points you made and your measured responses. God bless you and yours, keep up the great work.
Great episode from a great channel! This was like a "best of watch related Hot Takes" for me and your views Teddy was just spot on for me. Great stuff!
So thankful that Teddy is in this field. So much crap out there and he gets the big picture views
Rolex is dope, but imo Omega makes a much nicer looking watch.
I prefer Omega to Rolex as well. Prefer the Seamaster 300M to the Submariner, the AT to the Explorer I, Planet Ocean to the Sea Dweller and, of course, Rolex has no answer to Omega's AT Worldtimer. Having said that Rolex has a few watches Omega doesn't have an aesthetic equivalent. Z-Blue Milgauss, Polar Explorer II, the whole GMT II model line. That's where I like to dip my toe in the Rolex brand, myself.
I prefer Rolex much more. Just a nicer brand, no Swatch group holding in their neck, doing their thing and doesnt try to bend over backwards to whatever trend is hot right now. They create trends themselves rather. No comparison to me what's the better brand.
I prefer the looks of Rolex in general, but like both, have owned both. Love the Omega Ploprof.
@@Ossory88 So what trend has Rolex started?
I which i could appreciate Rolex more, but on waiting list for 9 months now… starting to give up and buy Omega. I really wonder why all my newspapers and magazines are filled with Rolex adds when it is impossible to buy them before Christmas…2025
The points / counter points that you made in this video are absolutely spot on! This is the type of open and honest dialogue that needs to be happening in the watch community. Bravo!
I really liked this episode. Something about the way the information was packaged made it enjoyable and east to digest and remember. More like this please. I also like it when you put together collections with various checklists.
I love my Omega SMP 300. The Rolex Submariner is a beautiful watch but honestly Omega is my favorite.
Agreed. Omega is low key closer to rolex than some people think, especially for the money. For instance, The speedy is closer to the daytona than the price would suggest and I might even take the omega over the rolex just based on size.
You know as unpopular an opinion as it may be, I really think the new Seiko 5 automatic sports and "diver" watches are both affordable and beautiful timepieces. Mine just makes me smile Everytime I look at it. Just wear what you love, not what they tell you.
Thanks for more great content!!
I am a fan of them too. Thanks for watching!
I agree. I am a seasoned watch collector and I just bought one just because. I love how it looks and I anticipate it will have a regular spot in the rotation with far more expensive pieces, because it looks that good.
I have several of them as well, and throughly enjoy them!
1:00. Keep pumping that Tissot with the integrated bracelet. It’s really really cool.
Best watch channel on YT.
Always unbiased, balanced views which is so nice to see.
I don't think all watches should be
I get it, but I think Tissot is trying to sell the Visodate as an every day watch that can be dressed up rather than as a dressy watch that you could wear casually. It might be a distinction without a difference, but IMO, if they were trying to sell the Visodate as a dress watch, they should have made itsmaller.
The average male wrist is 7.25", so not everybody has these tiny wrists most watch nerds seem to have. A watch too small looks just as bad as too big.
@@Ozmeister666 Below a certain threshold, sure. I wouldn't expect a man to wear a 23 mm ladies watch.
But some younger guys don't remember a time, say before the mid 90s when many men, if not most men wore watches that these days would be considered mid sized.
And, many of these watches are icons in the history of horology. Omega Constellation, Rolex Explorer, Cartier Tank, JLC Reverso, AP Royal Oak, Patek Calatrava. All small watches by modern standards. Are you saying that generations of watch designers and watch affcionados who wore these classic watches were just wrong, and it wasn't until the late 90s when the watch industry finally figured things out?
@@martintanz9098 Times changed and so did taste/fashion. I totally get smaller sizes for dressier pieces but for your average male 40-42mm is the sweet spot for sport/everyday watches, which is why the market adapted to provide mostly these sizes.
I've got 7.5" wrists and even a 36mm Explorer just looks ridiculous on me. I've actually always thought to have rather slim wrists before I started watching watch youtube/reddit were the average wrist size seemingly shrinks to like 6.5".
@@Ozmeister666 my wrists are just a little over 7.5", probably 7.6 to 7.7, and I am with you on 36 mm seeming a little small now. But not outrageously so. I still enjoy my vintage watches, from time to time, though they are not my every day watches anymore.
As to why the market changed, I think some of it has to do with more casual modes of dressing generally. The second thing is, quartz. Back in the day, a watch that was small and thin showed a watchmaking craft. For a long time now, even the cheapest watches could be made very small and thin.
So the luxury brands, at least some of them started making watch cases bigger, even if a lot of the case space was just air, or a spacer.
Love my omega seamaster, but I expected a bigger watch ,being a sports watch or diver, hell of a lot cheaper than Rolex and more accessible, and the presentation and boxes for omega are far superior
I don’t think omega is far superior than Rolex my fucking omega speedmaster is getting moisture in the crystal
@@user-eb7ns2or1j I did say the presentation and boxes where far superior, if it’s under warranty send it back, it obviously these watches need checking every 12 months or so if regularly submerged in water
I have both Rolex and Omega. I love my Omega Speedmaster and my Omega Seamaster, I wear them all the time. They are not better than my Rolex watches. Also, the Speedmaster is basically the same size as my 40mm Rolex Submariner.
@@user-eb7ns2or1j Yep the speedmaster seems to have that issue because it has no real water resistance
But I love omega and Rolex they are both at the same level for me
Very interesting video, I really liked the format that's such a cool idea !
As a zoomer myself, I just bought my first Quartz movement over $20 watch. I love it! It's the start of my collection (which I admit will always be a very humble collection as this watch is only $108). I want to get an automatic in the next few weeks as well to continue the collection (still under $100) but to the point that I don't *need* a watch, yeah I don't. I used to need one for running, and a $15 timex was the best option for that. Light, cheap, beatable etc. Now I swim and I always wear a watch. I got this watch to dress up, but more than anything I want a watch because they're cool! I don't need a watch though, and spending more than $200 on a watch just sounds completely outlandish to me. I just don't need one that badly but who knows, maybe in a few years I'll be eating my words :)
I have a 8.3in and after wearing a 36mm datejust, I don't want big watches anymore . it's so comfortable and wears like it isn't there, and looks great!
You can't be serious.
Good for you, man! I really like how smaller watches look.
@@maitrehg definitely am. It wears bigger than 36mm, it looks good on me according to others where a 38mm hamilton didn't. And it's great, it I want comfort, that's what I wear
@@DangerIndustries I agree with you for the comfort. For the look, I'm sure a girls watch looks weird on an alpha male wrist like yours.
For comparison. A 36mm on a 8.3 inch wrist is like the equivalent of a 32mm on a 6 inch wrist which most people would consider too small.
I stick to 42mm myself (8 inch flat wrist). But I was pretty tempted to buying a 38mm hamilton mechanical. It did look small but real field watches actually were very small, so it didn't look bad at all.
The "perfect size is 40 and under" thing needs to stop. It's the most common and most wrong sentiment in the watch world. Look at a 38mm on my 7.5in wrist and you'll quickly see why I don't buy anything below a 42. Your wrist is not The Wrist.
Agreed, the “under 40mm” snobs need to eat a sandwich and hit the gym… 40-42 is my perfect size…but to each their own. There is no “right” size, just what is right for the individual.
I agree 100% - just because a watch doesn’t fit you doesn’t mean it’s a bad watch. Also, be willing to try something out of your comfort zone if you feel compelled.
Absolutely - at 6’3” with an 8” wrist if I wear a watch under 40mm it looks like I’m wearing my wife’s watch!
Totally right Teddy - however I think under 40 trend is here is caused by the lack of choices in that smaller wristed zone. When you see companies release new watches they might size people out and the usually make it in the large size first, which probably is why the omega seamaster aqua terra, Rolex OP 36 and Tudor BB58 are so popular, because that actually is the same design as the bigger watches in a smaller package. Just a thought though. Love your content and you made me buy a Nomos, as a my dress watch and thank you for that.
@@TeddyBaldassarre what about a video where you sit down 3 guys with 3 different wrist sizes, and they all try on the same watches on camera, at 36 and 40 and 44mm, just to illustrate how silly the argument is? Nobody would ever tell a 6 foot 5 man he should be wearing a medium size tshirt, so why do that in watches?
Teddy, your on fire man. Great vid. I have 6.5-6.75" wrist with 54mm width. I wear everything from 36mm cases to a 53mm lug to lug Sumo with zero issues of looking odd or over sized. The design can make such a big impact on wearability. Regarding the watch market, it will go through ups and downs like every other market, however, surviving and then thriving after the quarts era suggests to me the best is yet to come. I appreciate your hard work and dedication.
I've learned a lot watching your channel Teddy, please keep on coming up with your technical videos, thanks:)
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I think people forget that Gen-Z is not quite old enough yet. The earliest years (like myself) are just entering the workforce or starting grad school. We don't quite yet have the disposable income needed to make a serious mark in the watch industry. But I'm happy to report that people around me who are Gen-Z have quite an interest in watches, or at least, a budding interest. The allure of Rolex and Omega are not lost on anybody. Rap music also got a whole new generation and demographic of people aspiring to own a Patek or AP one day. I think there's a reason why AP released the Black Panther Royal Oak: to leave an impression on young people. While I still do think that smartphones and smartwatches will make a dent in the watch industry, I do believe that a lot of the Gen-Z is growing up even more exposed to watches and watch brands than millennials did.
Im starting to doubt that Gen Z will ever have the disposable income - that would require your generation to actually show up to work
@@MyLifeInDebt people are starting to work younger than ever
@@MyLifeInDebt People work all the time, but you boomers love to complain about how little we work. Us gen z'ers will never retire from work by the way you people have run the world!
@@MyLifeInDebt 😂😂😂
@@MyLifeInDebt You'll actually find that Gen-Z are entering the workforce younger than previously (as allowed legally), and are actually quite eager to work. The pandemic threw a wrench at everything, but we're eager to work as long as the pay is good and the conditions are right.
About the Gen Z not being interested in watches is absolutely true, I'm born in 2001 and I have just one friend that has interest in watches, and thanks to your video I'm getting more involved in the craft and history in the watch industry, something that I wouldn't have learned anywhere else.
So thank you Teddy
Out of curiosity, do you think it's because the relatively boring styles of most watches (pretty much the same thing over and over). I'm curious if younger people would be into crazier watches like Richard Mille, or the Black Panther watch more than older people would be. It seems like older people can't stand anything different or new, whereas younger people like different and new.
Same. im in college rn (2000) and I only have one friend into watches. But it works out because we are both obsessed
@@BabyJesus66 People always simplify every younger generation in history by assuming they only want things that are new and exciting. Consider that few of the people Buying RM models are younger people. We can't afford them man. You know what a lot of us bought? Those terrible Daniel Wellington watches. People forget that Gen Z are the ones buying record players, film cameras, fountain pens, and other bits of analogue heritage. Like every generation, we contrast the world we came into. Gen X bought steel Rolexes when their parents bought gold watches. Boomers bought Mustangs when their parents wanted Oldsmobiles. The world we've grown up with is one of impermanence, so we've started buying things that are concrete and reliable to counter that, but the watch industry rightfully caters to those who have the money, which isn't us. When we can afford luxury watches, we will buy them. (1999)
@@BabyJesus66 personally I am not a fan of RM, I just fancy a couple models, I prefer history and class in a watch, in fact my favourite watches right now are the JLC Reverso and the Vacheron Constantine Overseas
Interest in watches tends to come later in life. The fact that Gen Z are not interested in watches now does not mean that they won't when they are more settled and affluent in their 30s and 40s.
I just turned 20 this year and also got into watches a couple of months ago. I must say that yeah, none of my friends get excited or think anything about watches. I think it’s possible that it will drop due to the new generation that don’t really care about analog technology 🥲.
Thanks for helping me discover this world btw! Your channel is definitely the cornerstone of my watch knowledge and my entire wishlist comes from here 😂
Run !!!
@@TRUYORK718 When you're right, you're right!!!!!
I like to wear larger watches in hot summer days when I wear more short sleeves and looking more casual. That's when I bust out my G-Shock. I wear smaller watches as it gets colder and I start layering up, and in more formal occasions.
Thank you for your comments on case / wrist size. As a collector with an 8" wrist, I can tell you that it's already difficult. There are many watches (especially vintage) that simply aren't options for me. It's already frustrating so it doesn't need to be made worse
“ You just did a drive by on half the industry”
Fell out my chair Teddy lol.
Great video.
I would say for average or smaller wrists, the 36-40mm size is very good. A typical 40mm sports watch looks a little small on my wrist though so I tend to prefer a 41-43mm (depending on case and lug architecture) for a sports watch and a 36-38mm for a dress watch.
It's all preference though. I am not out here trying to abolish 38mm sports watches because they don't work for me. Good that everyone has options.
Totally agree. I’ve got 20cm wrists and anything smaller than 42mm looks puny on me! I do wish there were more dress watch options larger than 42mm though.
@@almostnoodles with a dress watch I prefer something more classically proportioned. I think large dress watches look silly myself 38mm Looks traditional on my wrist though.
Abolishing over 40mm? Militant Stick Arm dweebs... Puny types with willowy arms who wear watches to appear bigger. I love 42mm's without bezels.. great big pronounced dial. I have 7.5 inch wrist and 42mm is my prefered size in a regular watch .. 48mm in a diver.
@@almostnoodles An oversized dress watch is an Oxymoron for a couple of reasons. First, a dress watch is about understated elegance. Simple, without complications. Larger than 42 mm on a dress watch looks clumsy with a lot of empty dial space.
Second, it is meant to be worn under a shirt cuff, and with a suit jacket. An oversized watch just looks clumsy under a shirt cuff.
FWIW, a 20 cm wrist is large, but not huge. To the extent you think 41 mm looks puny, it is just something you conditioned yourself to see. Objectively, it isn't.
From the time wristwatches started to be worn by men, around 1920, until around the late 1990s, almost nobody made watches larger than 42, and most watches were smaller than 37 mm wide. It is only the last 25 years where huge watches became a thing.
@@martintanz9098 or maybe your stick in the proportions of 50 years ago when men were 40 pounds lighter and 4 inches shorter thsfs why the propertions worked not now unless your challenged in the wrist department
As far as Seiko are concerned, I do agree with Teddy. You can still pick up SNK models on the secondary market that have to be sold below cost. This cannot continue forever. The new Seiko 5s are pricier, but you can get a very robust and moddable (if that is word) watch at around $300, and I personally haven't had a problem with their QC. What I think is trickier is the push into the medium price range. The Alpinist versions have a slightly upgraded movement, but are in a price category where you can also get excellent Swiss watches. I can see Seikos value proposition in the low end of the market, for their divers in general, and what they are doing with Grand Seiko. It's the upper end of the Prospex line that has me wondering a little bit.
You’ve become my go to watch channel. You’re the best guy out there for watches. Your content is superb. Thank you!!
As the officially elected delegate for Gen Z, I can assure you many of us are huge fans of watches. The issue is the the market today is vastly different than it was in 2014-2017. Yes, the watches we have today are the greatest they've ever been, but as speemasters and datejusts and even seikos crawl up higher and higher in prices, we're just not able to catch up yet. The watches we desire are the ones that channels like this celebrate, but the watches we can afford just simply aren't the same, save for a few notable outliers. However, the success of Daniel Wellington and similar brands shows without a doubt that we have high interest in luxury watches, as many Gen Z people were willing to fork over absurd amounts of money for low quality items such as those. For most of us, the $5000 USD barrier for entry into proper luxury watches... you have to remember that's 1/5 of our average yearly income. We'll get there, we just can't afford it.
Pretty much. It’s like houses…..we’d love to own them but can’t afford them! 😂🤣😂
Couldn’t have said it better myself as a fellow gen Z.
Absolutely, days of the 400$ Seiko Alpinist are long gone. We don't get watches that offer so much at that price point anymore.
@@MrApotheosis15 It's a shame that to find those prices, you have to dig deep into the gray market, which is a shame what with the weird warranty policies they have and stuff.
I love my $300 Seiko 5 SRPD71K2 as much as I love my $1500 Oris Aquis. Waiting for my first field watch again a $600 seiko prospex.
It is not about the price. It is about what you like
Analogy for someone who doesn't know what a Grand Seiko is:
"You know how Tudor makes Rolexes? It’s the same way Seiko makes Grand Seikos."
🤣
It’s kinda weird how just a name will influence watch buyers (and not only), but the quality doesn’t matter that much.
Tudor DOES NOT make Rolexes.
@@wdf1088 that was the joke
love the channel- every episode you should highlight the watch your wearing that day
Great video! Thank you. Loved the Q&A format.
I have both Rolex and Omega watches. I love both and wear both. My Rolex watches are much better though. If I had to choose, I'd pick my Rolex watches over my Omega watches anyday. Also, I have 7.25" wrists and I generally prefer 40mm. 38mm to 42mm is my sweet spot. However, when it comes to size, I draw the line at anything more than a 50mm lug-to-lug size.
On Seiko's pricing, I hear what you're saying. But one of the reasons Seiko gaining such widespread popularity was the availability AND pricing. Now they are limiting their availability and pricing. They've cut my sector of the market out of their pool of potential customers.
That is simply not true. We’re talking about a brand that is at the very top since the 60’s, their popularity has very little to do with a small period of time when some of their watches were heavily discounted on some markets. Their numbers actually increased a lot since their “price increases” and “unpopular” new Seiko 5’s and so on. Keep in mind that watch enthusiast are not the market for Seiko or almost any other brand
I'm a bit confused about your final statement, unless you're referring to a specific line. Seiko offers quite a broad series of watches that cover pretty much all price points. Their business model of the last few years has taken some of their lines more upscale. For instance, the Presage line.They offer a lower end with the cocktail watches in the $500 range, but have been introducing more refined watches that range from around $1000 to $4500 (Spring Drive models). Some have fine lacquer, enamel, or porcelain dials, some with Zaratsu polishing of the case and bracelet. But you still have the Seiko 5 and the Prospex lines which cover from affordable to mid-ranged watches. There should be price points for most budgets.
@@balesjo Less than $100?
@@d3xmeister And I can't afford them. True, Seiko doesn't need my money, consumers of modest means should be able to get a good automatic tool watch at a decent price.
Definitely a good format "my takes on your takes". Stimulating conversation and debate on these topics is always welcome
I guess I’d consider myself a collector of sorts- watches, guitars, motorcycles. It came from my father’s obsession with time and watches. He was a pilot having been the youngest to obtain his license at 16 in 1931. He gave me my first watch, a Timex and first chronograph, a Wakmann day-date. I got interested in Rolex after watching Dr.No and seeing Sean Connery with his submariner- probably could have bought one back then for around $100.00!
My first “expensive” watch was an Omega Speedmaster bought in 1967 at a PX in Giessen Germany. It was $94.00 (all I had in my checking acct.) and bought because the Rolex submariner was $125.00. The Daytona wasn’t really popular at the time and I really didn’t even know about them till much later.
By the 90s computers and the internet were available and I started to read the watch forums and came upon a piece titled “Why I didn’t buy a Rolex Daytona”. I’d already seen a couple in jewelry stores but not for sale! At the time they were using a Zenith El Primero movement so why not look for one of those. The date was the mid 90s and Zenith was not being sold in the US. I found a watch seller in the UK selling them and ordered one. Here it is 2022 and I still have it. I’ve finally acquired a couple Rolex, a GMT, Explorer, as well as a couple of Tudors. The prices have soared so I think my buying days are curtailed for now.
for me the perfect sice is 41 - 43mm, so that's my sice. And yes, I have a Speedy with 44mm and it's my fav watch ;-)
Teddy makes a great point about new watch designs being risky.
Aesthetically speaking, I believe there are only a finite number of designs and any large deviations from them will result in very little mass appeal. Real innovations are still being made in movement technology though.
Thought provoking discussion regarding the design conundrum. I confess I'll spend hours looking at watches, wondering why all I see are minor (and frankly boring, for the most part) variations on tried-and-true designs, only to balk at something new and innovative as too radical or flashy for my tastes. It's no wonder manufacturers play it safe.
Teddy, your reviews and videos are excellent. Great in-depth coverage. So glad you continue to produce such great content.
Haha some of these opinions are killing me. Thanks for this content Teddy, I'm very impressed at how you're able to stay cool headed reading some of these lol
As a Genz watch enthusiast, I agree with the fact that most GenZ kids these days have barely any idea what mechanical watches are but as someone who has only gotten into watches during the pandemic, I would say that we are the most perfect future customer demographic since most of us realize that it's better to own a mechanical watch longterm even though we have an apple watches. If watch brands educate and market themselves along the lines of selling a product that is unique, long-lasting, and is personable than an apple watch; Most GENZ Kids are going to jump at the opportunity to acquire automatic and mechanical watches. If watch brands like Seiko had good marketing compared to MVMT watches, trash overpriced fashion watches would not be so hyped by influencers and be bought by us.
Good Education + Good Marketing = GENZ Customer acquisition.
Yeah as a fellow genz member that’s now going to university (19) I feel like our demographic is perfect, we’re at the age where we can get better paying jobs and honestly if a brand like seiko offered more of a sense of personalisation it would rlly take off
I think part of the hobby is also the the fact that you kind of have to discover a lil bit. If I would see Seiko insta ads similar to mvmt or all these other „Swiss made“ Chinese dropshipping brands, and therefore every 2nd 19y/o wearing these, that would be a reason for me NOT to buy these pieces…
I don’t think you’re going to get a lot of Gen Z buying into overpriced marketing hype on outdated technology like mechanical watches (At least the Japanese are trying to innovate with quartz/spring drive). Sure you’ll get the “buy to impress other” crowd from the Gen Z’ers but every generation has those people. To me Rolex is the epitome of anti-Gen Z…that brand is a machine made/mass produced/boomer/I have too much money and want to impress my friend crowd.
@@jackz4149 i bet you’re the type to buy to impress others.
@Kay M yeah well expensive mechanical watches are more lifestyle and hobby than function. You’ll learn to enjoy them when you reach certain income level, when everyday items such as computers, cars, clothing don’t appeal to you anymore. In order to enjoy expensive mechanical watches you need to have good taste in art and appreciation for complicated machines. Therefore if someone’s poor or still has mortgage payments, don’t even bother
Love this format! I hope to get involved in future intakes.
Gotta say man I watch you for the watches of course but your communication & presentation skills are top shelf and you have a level of clarity of speaking that I’d like to emulate.
Dress Watch tradionally in the 50s-80s were
Actually from the 20s to the 90s. I would venture the standard size men's watch varied but 31 or 32 mm was not uncommon, and 36 was sports watch territory (Rolex Datejust and Explorer, for example).
I don't often wear my vintage watches, but on special occasions, they are so much more elegant than modern watches.
Men. Were actually 40. Pounds lighter and 4 inch shorter thats why smaller size all bout proportions those of from a bygone age
Good video. I think Seiko needs to get back to basics on the quality control. I do buy the divers but never online as I want to see the alignment before buying so use a local AD in Istanbul, where we do get Made in Japan watches. I do have a GS but on a leather strap. I do think when it comes to attention to detail on the watch itself, Rolexes automated production lines churning out a million watches a year cannot match the hand made craftsmanship of the Grand Seiko.
Hey Brian, did you say local AD in Istanbul? Where if you dont mind telling ? Thanks
@@instugiram Hello my friend. Sorry for such a delay, I've just seen the post. There are quite a few authorised sellers. Konyalı saat, Fatih, Galataport and Üsküdar. There is also another dealer in Eminönü, Vanlilar Saat, who often have very good prices. Sorry again for the delay.🙏
@@brianmsahin No problem thanks 🙏
The biggest laugh was "Zenith copies the Daytona", when Rolex busses in pared-down El Primero movements from Zenith for the Daytona,
True, if you look at past El Primero's you can see it just evolution, the bezel was required for the 1/10th count and there are more differences than similarities.
For me it's the chronomaster sport all day.
About the 40mm case size. I’m 6’5, 375. I have to request additional links anytime I get a Seiko or Citizen. 43-46mm is my sweet spot. Anything smaller and it just won’t wear correctly on my wrist.
I have to strongly disagree with the 40mm take. I have a small wrist myself but to say that anything above a 40mm case is too big is ridiculous. Just think about the IWC Big Pilot, Seiko Prospex Divers, G-Shocks, Panerai. All of these watches need to be big, it’s purposeful and ultimately what gives them their charm and has made them icons. Also there’s simply people with big wrists, a 36mm isn’t going to look great on everybody.
I agree. Plus, I can’t read a 36mm anymore. Even with glasses on!
As a Grand Seiko owner, I agree with rebranding it. I was a snob about GS until I handled one and immediately bought it.
I wish I had the spare for a Seiko Prospect, heck even a Seiko5 lmao
Fantastic comments and insights. You seem to have a grasp of the big picture very well. Thank you so much for helping us through the maze of information out there.
love the content as well as the format, the thing about the swiss watch making is why fix it if it is fine(not broken), which is clever in some sense, still there are very few brands that are trying to be creative, in the mid-lower end is the frederique constant,which the osillator instead of the balance spring, and the UN freak,or the entire line of UN. Omega have stick to the co-axi for years now and haven't done anything new strictly. brand like Rolex and PP are very cautious about changes is due to their already high value retension, if they some how "screw" a new design, it very well may do damage to the value retension that they earned, so play safe if they can, I do heard the can be some issue with the 3235 movement, which, well, makes the older models( 3135s) more desireable and .... :( ,would like to save up to a new blue aquanaut, but it seems impossible, aim the freak x now, I do not think after I get the freak x I will regret it.
Man, the silver snoopy edition is so cool especially with the history behind it and after you've seen the backside, how on earth can someone say, that's ugly and not worth its money???
Furthermore, as mentioned, that's a "special edition", not for everyone! Isn't that the thing about "special editions", that they are SPECIAL?
Some people are just uptight like that, and think that "cartoons characters on a serious watch! That's a travesty!" They don't fully appreciate the Silver Snoopy award and the NASA connection and the decision that Omega made to commemorate that because I think they are the only civilian contractor to win the award(?) Apparently, ADs simply didn't want them because they thought none of their clientele would be interested in it, which explains the absurd prices we see today.
Regarding the take about zoomers not being into watches because of technology. Sadly it's true, there are more people into Apple watches than a regular watch, but there is still a market. I was born in 2001 and there are people around me who wear analog watches and who dream about owning a rolex one day. I was saving up to get an apple watch as well until I came across this channel about 2 months ago and now I changed that goal to a Tudor Black Bay. There is still hope!
Absolutely...I have a 15 year old son who wants a Vostok Kommandirskie for Xmas. He loves the Cyrillic backplate and the idea of a Russian military watch but he is virtually unique among his peers in wearing a timepiece. He feels it differentiates him from the crowd. So yes there is still hope.
@@maxpower7086 congrats to you for raising a kid who wants to stand out and be unique, he is going places with that attitude. And about that Vostok, immaculate taste! Hope he is going to get it.
HI ,one question which model of the Zenith El Primero is the one in the viceo?Thanks for the video
What an interesting and nicely done discussion. You are running a really good channel. Thanks, Teddy.
The Swiss brands should start sponsoring sports events and concerts in USA to reach the young audience
Tbh. I don’t think they would as the young audience cannot afford one yet. That’s why Swiss watch (eg. Rolex) only sponsor events which have an older audience (eg. f1, Tennis, golf) which might have a higher chance of affording one
@@jameslim2795 good point!
As an older millennial who did really well picking up cheap real estate after the 08 crash, and still young enough to enjoy my wealth and bought steel sport Rolex’s pre-2017, I approve this message.
I like this style of video a lot! Keep making these.
I agree with you teddy, you make great points I realize watch brands are thinking about new things but do consumers want new things? I feel like people are used to the same old same old and whenever someone tries something new we scrutinize it. I realize everyone has a specific taste and that’s what makes this hobby beautiful. But also be open to new watches that are in the market. For myself, I can respect new attempts but I’m a traditional guy I love watches that have been already made with a timeless design. I personally collect Rolex homages, like the orient president, or seiko sgf204 and sgf206. Etc. but I love your takes. Keep uploading!
Seiko quality went down the drain once they got all the hype from every corner of the Internet
The thing I find amusing with people getting upset about "Swiss Made", is I bet almost nothing in their homes is "Made in America". Somehow Chinese parts are the worst thing ever in a $600 watch, but their $1000+ fridge is perfectly fine with Chinese parts.
How many people know where the parts in their "American" car are made?
Watches should be fun, and useful. Getting wound up(I'll see myself out) about silly things just takes the fun out of the hobby.
Well put, Teddy.
Branding... a blessing and a curse.
In most cases, I personally like the classic offerings that have been improved with modern technology and manufacturing. Like you said, no one needs a watch. But, I like something that's classic that can handle being worn every day and can be serviced if need be.
Thanks.
I really appreciate you taking the time to react to viewer commentary. It makes this more of an ongoing dialogue and less of a showcase of watches for sale. Discussion of controversial topics and opinions is a welcome diversion. Keep the critical thinking coming.
All I can say about Rolex is that I purchased a Datejust champagne dial in 1981 in Geneva and have only serviced it twice in 40 years (last service was over 20 years ago).
It still runs perfectly at plus 2 seconds a day.
Before I got into horology and didn't know my wrist size, I was scared to try/ buy my first luxury watch that was over 40mm ( I am a your typical athletic guy who likes to stay fit at 195 and 6'1. nothing special).
I almost didn't buy my dream speedy since it was 42 mm. After trying it though, I realized it fit me perfectly!! I got a 43 Bulova for my birthday and it fit me even better!!! Tried a 38 mm and it looks like a ladies watch on my wrist ( 7.1 inches)
I guess I won the wrist size lottery! :/
Watches are subjective, I have a 7" wrist and find anything larger than 42mm diameter, and 48mm lug-lug too big. I love my 38-39mm watches, and wonder why anyone wants to wear a saucer on their wrist... 🤣
@@Furniture121 I agree! :)..
My thinking comes from the fact that if my fiance can wear my watches and look good in it, maybe its time to hand it over to her and go buy me an exclusive watch.....or a new fiance! :P
20.5cm/8.07 wrist here. Thought I was a 40mm guy and happy with my Daytona, until I tried on my Royal Oak offshore 42mm. Now, every time I wear my Daytonas, they irritate me that they arent at least 41mm.
I am just turned 18 and I just got to know what is a automatic and mechanical watch means 2 days ago and now I' am fan of the channel and love all these watches which I can not afford(even above (50$)but just mesmerized by their beauty them and in how much detail you explain and your passion just wonderful like your video on the spring drive just love it too much
Invicta watches offer a lot of value for the price. Same for Fossil. Many can be bought pre-owned on eBay for around $35, a fantastic buy.
To your last point, Serica 5503 is a great example of innovative, funky, new, risky, and yet somehow timeless. The mix of Milanese and link bracelet is revolutionary. I can't wait to buy mine (only allowing myself odd year purchases so 2 years)! Unsure how Jerome pulled it off, but he's a genius.