What They Don't Want You To Know - Secrets Of The Watch Industry, Luxury Market & Social Media
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- čas přidán 9. 10. 2022
- In this video I share some of the biggest secrets and deceptions when it comes to the watch industry and social media, and their detrimental effects on watch enthusiasts. From some recent discoveries about Seiko, to what really constitutes "Swiss-made," to the ever-looming influence of Rolex, market manipulations, and how this all affects the luxury industry, branding, and the concept of value, this is a must-see video for watch collectors, watch media consumers, and anyone who has ever considered buying a luxury watch.
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Thank you for watching The Urban Gentry channel, home of the #wristwatchcheck and #seikosaturday! Check out my other videos for more watch and lifestyle content. - Jak na to + styl
TGV - This video is absolutely outstanding. Maybe my favorite you've ever made. It's not just applicable to watches, but to every single niche or topic on the internet. The humor you intersperse with a serious topic is well done and keeps it from being all doom and gloom. Keep up the great work, and keep up the good fight.
Thank you so much!!! Rather speechless. This just made my evening.
Onwards and ever upwards my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry I agree TGV.. This to me , is one of your finer videos.. It show cases to me the points that you are in fact a true enthusiast through and through . Well done sir!
Here, here!! I’ll toast to that!
@@theurbangentry Agree with OP, this is insightful, well thought out and researched. Truly excellent and insightful work.
I agree, just add one more voice. What I enjoyed about this very well done video is that it touched on more than just watches. It got to the heart of the matter of marketing and the human condition. Well done, outstanding.
Great message. Luxury watches don’t define us. Being kind to one another is worth more than anything else in this world. Appreciate the time and research you put in to this. Nice work TGV.
OMG, it's Philly's finest!!! Thank you so much Joe, I hope this finds you and your family well.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry thanks bud! Much love. Cheers. 🥂
@@AvgJoeWatchReviews being kind to one another lol. The amount of emails and dm's I received from companies and people saying how you were to deal with would suggest otherwise. I'd drop the "nice" act and just be yourself.
Indeed, the video segments were so bloody pitch-perfect. Many were some of my fav movies and shows. Network! whoa...
Thank you... Just my take. I've been a watch enthusiast since my mid-teens, and I'm 66 now. I made it an early habit to save up for what I wanted, and I only buy what I consider the best. Long term value, quality and craftsmanship are paramount. While in college, I discovered my grail watch, and it was an ultra=thin Piaget dress watch. I worked and saved for over a year to buy it, and I paid cash. This taught me many lessons... The journey (work and effort) needed to acquire something of extraordinary personal value is very important. Working toward that goal gives a sense of anticipation, something to look forward to in the near future. In short, it's those elements that make something worthwhile. Finally acquiring it is the icing on the cake! And that is worth the wait.
What I found interesting is if you find a timepiece you genuinely love, it actually can become part of you. Just think. What personal artifacts can a man acquire during his lifetime that he can keep, enjoy and appreciate over the entire course of his lifetime. You will find that cars, clothes, houses, relationships, marriages, money, businesses, jobs, and friends can come and go but a fine, truly prized watch always remains!
The inability to obtain a new Rolex directly from a Rolex distributor is frankly insulting. The elitism of the luxury watch community is the plague of the modern watch era. It’s frustrating how such prestigious pieces are so unattainable even for those willing to pay the price. The commodification of watches are the industry’s greatest danger.
Their loss there’s so many better watches for half or even quarter of the price
What LA said 👍👍. Rolex isn't the only brand out there. Spend your hard earned $$$ on someone who'll treat you right. This reminds me of the story of why Jay Leno doesn't own a Ferrari. He found the Ferrari buying process off putting. He didn't agree with having to buy something you didn't want and have a history with the brand just to get what you wanted. Which sounds exactly like some watch brands buying process. 😬
Good points, well said
@@LAbigsnoopac Totally agree! I sold a Seamaster because I needed the money! I regretted it so much after two weeks. I started looking at Rolex Submariners and Sea Dwellers. Most likely because there’s so much ‘buzz’ out there! I never looked much at Rolex. I liked the ‘yacht master’ a little and that was it. I could’ve bought one but never did! Right before Christmas, I put myself on a list for a Sub and 4 days later, the AD received a Sea Dweller and offered it to me! I thought about it, it sold and he still has me on the list for a Sub. I’ve been trying on Rolex watches and the Seamaster I sold and guess what? I still love the Seamaster and will most likely buy it again! The point is, it matters most what you feel and think and not what others feel and think! Don’t be ‘swayed’ by supply and demand! If you’re honest with yourself, you would be surprised what you really feel! Don’t buy something because it is worth something to others or what it may or may not be worth, monetarily! Buy what is worth something to you! I am finding this out, all over again! Consumerism can cause chaos!
@@edwardpetersii6276 nice! Totally agree. I have an Omega and Rolex and still wear my seikos the most 😁. It’s all about what you like and the joy you get from wearing a timepiece! That’s what the hobby should be about!
What makes this channel unique and impressive to me is the periphery elements you include. It isn't just a watch review channel, it's a window into the richness of your life. Your appreciation of timepieces is a labor of love, but only part of the whole mechanism, and the elements merge seamlessly into the whole production, one episode after the next, consistent, surprising, enjoyable. Which is the way it ought to be.
Mind you it was through you that I found the tachy tele and the Janeiro which are among my favorites. I somehow ended up with five Dan Henrys. But it also helped me refine my collection and realize what I really love and why. I became a watch historian during this journey. I found what brings me joy and what I really don't have to have.
Still waiting for a joint review with reviewbrah, you bring a watch and he brings a sandwich.
What makes this channel unique to me is the lava lamp!
This video is a big part of why I've always loved Hamilton. A brand like Hamilton, Seiko or Fortis has quality, heritage, classic style, but without the irresponsible costs, pompousness and vapid materialism of many of the digests names in the industry.
hamilton is swiss owned? they have the history but divorcing them from the beast isn't really possible. being of the swatch group gives them access to the new eta movements, which helps keep costs lower, but yeah, it's a long ways away from the Lancaster PA days. as far as vapid goes, hamilton have to be in the ballpark given the hollywood crossover with their watches in many films. seiko is big enough that they are a beast unto themselves and they are more self sufficient than other swiss watch brands. fortis definitely fits the bill. or oris. or squale. respect to any smaller still independent watch company.
@@mitchaelhollingsworth1698 I’m fond of the smaller brands like you mentioned. I’ve never owned an Oris but, I would love to. I enjoy watches from marathon (I’ve had the MSAR), Damasko (DS30), Lorier (Hyperion) and a Serica (5303-1). We truly live in the golden age of watches once again with so many options. I’ve had two Hamilton’s and sold both within a few months of ownership.
I own a Hamilton and a Seiko (as well as a Tudor) - both are superb watches. The Seiko is probably my favourite - it’s a ‘5’ model, and I’ve had it for 17 years - it’s never missed a beat, even though it’s my ‘beater’ watch. The Hamilton I bought for my 40th birthday - so 10 yrs old, and it’s built like a tank. Tremendous quality, for quite a small outlay.
Add Oris here 👍🏾
This is why you should buy a Sinn
Brilliant video, TGV! Having worked in an industry for 38 years that heavily depends on advertising, I have learned that the true goal of advertising is to create a burning desire to purchase a product that the consumer did not know he wanted before seeing the advertisement. The Patek advertising campaign is a stroke of genius.
Indeed, Rolex too are amongst the best marketers ever in my opinion. More recently Apple, Tesla etc have followed suit.
I dunno. I had the exact opposite reaction when I saw the Patik ads in the Economist magazine. Then again, maybe as a teenager, I was not the target audience. Whilst I remember and recall the ads, For the longest time, with no prior knowledge of the brands existence, I thought this was a brand trying to be more self important than it really was. For me at the time, Rolex and Omega were the inter generational watches. Not some watch I’ve never heard of.
My point is that some ads can sometimes impart another meaning to certain segments of the market/audience.
That was the most candid, honest and articulate evaluation of what most of us feel about the watch world on your channel. Your content is simply going up and up with regards to quality and honesty. Extremely impressive content right there..👍🏻👊
Hamilton 'Cooper' Interstellar, Bulova Lunar Pilot, Tissot PR50, G-Shock 7100, Seiko SKX009. I have just 5 watches, none of which are luxury, and I love them all because each of them means something to me.
I really try to ignore the hype and expectations in this hobby. I try to buy watches that I like. I enjoy my $90 Casio GA-2110 as much as my Longines Conquest. Enjoyment can’t be measured by Prestige or Dollars. It’s intangible
Great video. I love your content and enthusiasm. You are one of the guys that got me into this wonderful hobby
Fantastic video TGV ! Really enjoyed it and absolutely spot on. 👏👏
Thank you TGV! This channel is an oasis. The themes and messages shared here speak to a way of life beyond watch collecting. Appreciating, understanding and respecting the craft, skill and story behind watch making, collecting and giving urge us to be mindful of time and to think about our place in time, to live with care, respect, humility and a quiet confidence.
Another great video love the editing !
My father had passed away about 20 years ago and I was going through some of his old things that I still had last year and ran across a Timex he'd owned and wore that I remembered him wearing when I was a kid.
I took some time and cleaned and buffed it up, bought a new band and started wearing it and loved it enough that I started to read, watch videos and learn everything I could about watches and all their differences.
Since then I've bought a few of my own watches to enjoy everyday and someday pass on to my kids.
I could of cared less if my Dad's was a Timex or a Rolex it was the memory of him wearing it that was priceless and gave it every ounce of value. to me.
If a Rolex speaks to you and gives you joy then buy it if you can and if happens to be a Timex get it and do the same.
Superb yet again TGV. Your knowledge is articulated exceptionally well. This video really captures some of my thoughts about watch collecting I always look forward to your videos, they're of such great production and I appreciate how much effort must go into making such videos. Thanks.
My watch collection is based on the love for watch making. I always appreciate a well thought out Seiko, Orient or Hamilton movement over an over priced rolex. This is why I love this channel! Thank you again TGV!
Anything Swiss is automatically overpriced
“Love for watchmaking” 😂 whatever helps you sleep at night bro
@@h4lcyo What do you mean ????
@@h4lcyo???👽
@@h4lcyodoes being a jerk help you sleep at night?
Caz**!!
Another amazing/ excellently produced and thought provoking video!
Thank you 👏
Enjoyed the video, great content as usual!
TGV, you renew my faith in humanity on a regular basis. Thank you!
First video of yours I’ve watched in a while. It’s great to see that you’re still putting out quality content.
Always posting at the most perfect time! I’m pumped every time a new tgv video drops!
I always thought the Patek advertising campaign was brilliant. I never saw it as a “buy this to be a better father to your children” message, what it said to me was, the quality of our products are so good that they will almost certainly be heirlooms for your children. I love that idea that one day my children will cherish my watches, because they were worn and loved by me.
I too loved the softness, subtlety, smoothness, romance and generational connection inspired by Patek’s advertising and I still do. I love this heirloom idea.
My thoughts exactly. It's no different than the idea of being the custodian of a classic car for future generations. I think there may have been some projection at play if these ads made someone feel guilty or less than. Says more to me about them than it does Patek.
Obviously the advertising worked.
LOL Marketing worked perfectly on you. That good you even didn't noticed.
As a communication graduate, while I was doing my thesis, when I realized my course ultimately a 4 year course on how to put a spin on things and messages. Thankfully, it made me aware of all the advertising and PR bullcrap of the world. I'm thankful that channels like the Urban Gentry exist that tells the real information about the topics that they're covering.
Awesome vídeo TGV!! Very reminiscent of the videos that you did a while back that in my opinion were the best!! Looking forward to more content similar to this my friend 👍🏻🙌🏻😀
Your work is beautiful...👌🏼 This is far beyond just a simple channel about⌚️watches...💯✔️ I'm so glad I fell into this rabbit🐇hole...🕳
The production and content in these videos is truly fantastic. Hard to believe it’s from one guy. Hours and hours of work for our enjoyment. Thank you so much. I especially love the reference to the film They Live. An absolute classic.
I think this is one of the best videos I've watched on CZcams in quite a while. A video that simply makes you think and analyse what it is you're really looking for. Very nice, well done :)
Love the channel, love the content, and love the message in this and all your videos. What sets you apart from other watchtubers is your insight into how our shared passion informs other aspects of our lives. It's not just a rote repetition of specs and features, but a reflection upon how we choose to present and conduct ourselves as human beings. How very rare and wonderful to find such precious nuggets among the dross.
I love your channel because it's not just a watch review channel. It's a history lesson or a journey through time. Keep up the fantastic work.
When I moved to Marbella, Spain, where a lot of money sits, I reduced my collection to 12 pieces. But being afraid of someone stealing them, I realized - to my surprise -there were only two I was really afraid of losing, so I always had them with me. And my favourite watch turned out to be my Barcelona666 Space Worker LED watch. It's special, and all about fun. Thank you TGV, love your channel! ❤️
Thank you for introducing a new watch brand to me. And not a boring brand. 🙂
Awesome content, with an actual and relevant message. Love the production value of your videos as well🙌
Your best video yet! Lovely video and a lot of life lessons here. Hope you are well
TGV-This may be the most profound video you have made. There is so much more I want to say, but genuinely, thank you for bing a real gentleman and being one of the moral compasses in the hobby. That is all. Thank you for this episode.
Thanks for bringing these issues to light, TGV. The 'watch reviewer' to 'authorised dealer' pipeline is, indeed, an unfortunate phenomenon, and a damning indictment of the modern age. Keep on fighting the good fight, and I look forward to more insightful content from you.
Great job this was needed in the community
Outstanding content, enjoyed it, learned something, thanks
I would show this video to anybody at the start of their watch collecting journey. Excellent work TGV, as always. Currently wearing the watch that got me in to watch collecting, a Vincero Rogue. Snobs hate it, and that makes me love it more.
The reality of the watch industry...Thank you so much for making this episode! Anyone who wants to get into this hobby should watch this before they begin. Well done!
Just subbed. Loved your presentation and for me, very informative. Thank you.
I found this channel a few months back. I really enjoy your take on watches and the watch industry. Refreshing for someone new to the world of watches. Great video, keep it up!
I only saw They Live for the first time last year and absolutely loved it - this intro had me smiling the whole time. Thank you for yet another quality video!
I would recommend everyone watch it. It's not the best made movie but worth watching
This is what we need more of. I used to question why I bought a Speedy Pro because it felt ridiculous to own. But after a year with it, I just think it’s cool. I love the history associated to the watch-regardless of the marketing.
Me too, bought the 3861 recently and it is cool.
I watch all of your videos. This is by far one of the best. I love your candid take on everything and full transparency of thought. Very cool, keep it up!
Great video TGV, thank you for telling it like it is!
It really feels like in the last ten years or so, the entire industry has really been affected by the whole image obsessed social media world. Hype pieces, marketing that's focused on image and showing off, and just general superficial stuff. I'll never forget a trip I took to LA in the fall of 2013. I literally walked into a Rolex AD in Beverly Hills and every single model, included the sports watches, were in the cases and available at retail prices. Crazy to think about, honestly. Brands such as Rolex and AP have really embraced the hype too it seems, which is a shame. Us enthusiasts have to look a bit deeper now to see past that stuff.
Brands have done the research. The overwhelming majority of watch enthusiasts are not wealthy - it is a hobby of middle income for the most part. Those brands do not care because their consumers are in a different category. The average AP buyer at a boutique is earning over $500k a year. Not $50k.
I've purchased several Orient watches based on your reviews and love them all... my latest crush in the Red Star Seagull 1963 in 40mm with sapphire and it runs very very well... I also have a few Invicta divers with different straps, et al, but one of my absolute favs is my Casio Duro on the Connery strap... it looks so appropriate, it's accurate, affordable, and zero maintenance... absolutely owe all of this fun to your channel!!! Thank you so much. Best Regards... and tell Hugo I haven't forgotten about the $20 he owes me LOL... a person doesn't need to break bank in order to collect awesome time pieces, and you taught me that as well. Again, Thank You.
What is this Connery strap you speak of?
Excellent video. Glad I subscribed way back when. Love the message!
Bravo TGV! What an amazing view. Keep up the good work friend, this is why we highly respect and support you.
Easily my favorite video you've ever posted. Great work and thank you for the honesty.
In the watch game, once I realized that a $300 piece makes me just as happy as a $10k one, I woke up and rethought my whole approach moving forward.
That happened to me as well.
Excellent TGV. Very thought-provoking. If my watches were lost or stolen I would of course be very upset -- but as you say, they don't define me. In any case, as the old adage goes, there is always, always someone worse off and you don't have to look too hard to see it.
A fantastic video, great quality and production. Keep up the good work, look forward to seeing what comes next!
Videos like this one are what sets this channel apart. Thank you for another thoughtful and inspiring episode!
I’ve never owned a luxury watch. When I see the price, I always think of where else can that money be used.
Thanks TGV, excellent points. I personally never understood anyone purchasing a luxury watch merely to impress others, and yet sadly, I believe a significant percentage do.
Lovely vid! Thanks
I remember this channel and Hugo from 5 yrs ago. Your videos are even more entertaining and insightful, so glad you've kept it real. A real pleasure to watch! Thank you.
This video just shows how humble of a person you are TGV despite being successful at what you do :) Good job! My all-time favorite brand is Casio. They always deliver and you always get more than what you've paid for, that makes them a great company in general, and on top of that, they have heritage. Followed by the Seiko and Grand Seiko, especially GS because they honestly make a better product than most other luxury brands but don't rip you off, and again, similar to Casio, you often get more than what you've paid for.
Very interesting. Though I own no true luxury watches, the nicest ones in my collection by Seiko, Citizen and Mathey-Tissot were all purchased due to seeing honest reviews on CZcams. I take the good and bad points and make my decision to buy or not buy...big marketing does nothing to impress me. Cheers TGV as always, thank you for being an example of class and honesty.
Just being subscribed to this channel and enjoying the niche content makes me feel luxurious and fancy! Iv been slowly climbing the cost rungs on the watch collecting ladder, and Im in no rush to breach the more approachable brackets. Thank you for bringing the world up with you!
Great video, thought provoking in all aspects of the hobby, and life. Well done!
Way to speak the truth in the face of our manipulative, mass market world. Advertising doesn't have to reach for the lowest common denominator, but sadly most advertising does.
I am wearing a Lord Matic Seiko from the 1970s. Beautiful watch with day-date function. There are so many wonderful gems available at reasonable prices that we should focus on, if we do hype pieces will deflate and we’ll get back to the days when you could walk into an AD & walk out with a watch at retail price.
Another great video from TGV.
Class defined. ❤
Brilliant narrative TGV, as always enjoying your insights…
Great video!! I love what you discussed. I'll probably never own a "real" luxury brand as the only luxury watch that interests me is the Rolex explorer and I won't play the game to own one. Instead I'll stick to the Affordable luxury brands, IMO, Bulova and Citizen. I absolutely love my Precisionist busy dial and all. I love the look and utility of my citizen ecodrive Altichron with the altimeter and compass perfect to use with a map while exploring Idaho's woods. While I've never gotten lost while exploring as I have a great sense of direction, but it's a great backup. I finally found a g-shock that looks like the original 5000 I bought in 1987, red line surround and all. Everytime I put it on I'm reminded of the people I served with in the Corps. That's what I like about watches the memories they bring back or utility they have now.
Well said. A much needed vid by the most respected "watch guy" on CZcams. All my watches are either affordable or affordable vintage. The best advice you give is the treatment of others as we ourselves wish to be treated...because of its divine origin. There's plenty of room in this hobby for all with something for everyone regardless of budget. And, as you correctly state, our hobby should be tempered by the knowledge that things are less important than people. I have always admired your authenticity and sincerity as much as your self evident skill with video and your passion for horology.
I struggle to come up with a comment in response. A profound thank you my friend, I think I will leave it at that.
Onwards and ever upwards.
The very best of regards,
TGV
Looking the business TGV! Another great video 🦖 👏🏻
I absolutely am in love this channel and it’s following. I love how TGV shows us good qualities that everyone should follow. I love you TGV!!!!! ❤
A great commentary on the industry! I think as watch enthusiasts, it's easy to get lost in the weeds where we want a luxury watch for what it's supposed to say about us versus enjoying it regardless of what it "says" about us. Thank you again for another great video!
Philosophy, ethics and integrity tgv . What is life without honour ?
Wonderful quote, I might have to use that one.
Thank you so much,
Best regards,
TGV
Is that you, Thrall?
So true everything you mentioned. Awesome content
Excellent analysis and very thought provoking. Thank you.
I don't know if the Invictas I own are better than any other watch but they were the watches I could afford. I suspect that there are better quality watches available at greater cost and I'm okay with that.
But, we like them and they pulled is into the hobby. That's all that matters! 😀
I personally own couple of Invictas and one is the pro diver. Love both of them. I also own gshocks and couple of Casios along with Seiko, Citizens, Orient.
Great video as always my man... Cheers!
Always good to hear your perspective. Nice work.
Pure class and food for thought from TGV!
Wow wow wow what a great video. Love this type of content from you. This is deep stuff.
Great video, just awesome, thanks!
Profound and well said! Thank you!
Good quality content. Thanks for you effort.
By far the best video of you! I love how much passion and effort you put into your content. The quote at start is so dark but in many cases very true and sad. Thank you for your wonderful videos. Much love and respect from Austria!
thank you for creating mind expanding content!
Great episode, I really enjoyed it. Fabulous production, well researched and entertaining. Well done TGV!
I agree.
Great message!
The best watch video I’ve seen. Love the genuineness and attitude toward the hobby and life in general.
Thank you TGV for your work and dedicating time to share with us.
Wow. Great essay!
Thank you for keeping it real for so many years!!!
Now that was a refreshing perspective. Great channel.
one of the greatest and most insightful videos yet TGV!
Love this...thanks TGV
Super content and many true word and thought provoking cheers
A most excellent video. Thank you!
Congrats! Love this content TGV, very brave, for sure one of your best videos. Keep doing it your way!
love your video and your Channel very very Well done, as always..
Thank you for your wonderful and thoughtful and philosophical video. Marvellous ❤
Fantastic topic !!!
Really good video. I had to watch it twice end to end to really soak it in. Thanks
Outstanding video!
Great video! Loved it.