My CHEAP Watch Collection even Watch Snobs RESPECT
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- I built an Affordable Watch Collection with high quality time pieces that even a Watch Snob would respect (for the most part). I'll go through everything I learned in the process that might be helpful if you are looking to start a collection of your own, or just buy a watch for yourself or as a gift.
Links to the Watches in this video*:
Timex Expedition Scout : amzn.to/4cY26u1
Casio Black Dive : amzn.to/3UkGaSo
Mondaine Simply Elegant : amzn.to/3JJpfDf
Hamilton Khaki Feild : amzn.to/3UqSAbK
Seiko 5 : amzn.to/444HHzb
Mondaine EVO2 : amzn.to/4aUV5Z5
Tissot VisoDate : amzn.to/3W3eByn
Tissot Le Locle : amzn.to/49Hpycf
I understand that "cheap" is relative, so I cover the truly inexpensive watches starting under 40$ before I get into the watches that are affordable compared to similar watches in their category.
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Wow this video has gotten a really great reaction, thank you to everyone who has watched and commented. I also just realised that I have earned almost 30€ from this video already. If this keeps up, I can buy another watch... what do you think it should be?
Great video, beware reviews on watches get some grumpy comments 😅
@@brianfromireland that's the watch snobs for you but really the response has been great. Most people, even on the internet, are pretty cool 😎 Thanks for the comment!
you need a Seiko 5 the original modest watch. Cheers!
@@pierrecadieux6037 good call pierre. I think I might have decided that the Seiko Alpinist may be my final "grail" watch, but I'll still need to save a bit more before I can get there...
It's nice to see watches appreciated at all price points. No snobbery.
Thanks, it often seems like watches are reserved for those with huge budgets but alot of that is just posturing. There is alot to appreciate at all price points, especially if you include the history and heritage of vintage watches...
@@awkwardgenius Thanks for the response. Currently I just own a Khaki Field mechanical and a Casio F-91W and they are both great watches despite the price difference. I hope to add some others.
@@joshuaammon6335 That is the beginning of an excelant collection.! Those are both great watches. I'd be super curious what the next one is going to be, Sport/dress watch? Diver?
It's a descent collection but personally I wouldn't care about other people's opinion, especially snobs.
I wear what I enjoy... Why bother ... My money , my taste, my watches, my enjoyment.😊
Sounds right to me!
Three years ago my 84 year old father passed away. Before he died, he handed me a wooden box full of watches. Most are vintage, but also included were four Rolex watches, one of them being a Submariner that I wear on the weekends. Having said that, my everyday go-to is one of two Timex Expedition’s, or on occasion a Marathon watch I bought while active duty USAF. I do need to go through my dad’s collection to estimate the value of which I have no idea.
I'm sorry for you're loss, my dad is 82 so that's always right there. I don't know if you seen this song it's pretty powerful : czcams.com/video/S_MAesZsnMk/video.htmlsi=0rPzZhj-WPQpz1SU
For the watches definately wear the vintage watches as much as your lifestyle allows, it's what makes them live and it's a really special connection to wear something your father wore so often. I love the Expedition but I scratch the hell out of their crystals which really diminishes the look for me. I really prefer sapphire and we can get it now I believe on the Timex Expedition North...
Those are keepers in my opinion.
Marathon watches are so expensive now, I would love to wear their diver model on my duty as a cop but the smallest version costs a grand where I am from. Maybe one day.
@@awkwardgenius …. Thank you. I just saw this reply. I will check out that song.
"I realized, all the best watches in the world are Swiss" oh god no, keep researching my friend.
Sorry but he's correct. Yes other countries make fine watches but none come close to the Swiss watch. You might watch too much CZcams, let me guess, you think its hard or impossible to get a Rolex from an AD? I know. Learn the game son
I'm kind of taliking about watch history and culture with this one. It's the heritage aspect that made me want to add a Swiss watch to my collectin. Obviously there are great watchs from other countries... I've been hearing alot about gran seiko as a 7000€ ultra high end watch that rivals the bigs, and for a budget automatic alot of people swear by orient...
Ok I'll bite. First things first, he was talking about a quartz watch. The Japanese nearly put the entire swiss watch industry to bed with quartz. You cannot beat the Japanese for quartz to this day, spring drive? And how many grow their own quartz like Seiko? And I'm not even bringing up German or American watches, vintage Hamilton any buddy. Lastly, take a look at how "Swiss Made" works. I'll let you in on a secret, it's probably not as Swiss as you think. Dont get me wrong, the Swiss make excellent watches, but all the best? C'mon.
@Leo-Crespi How about offering information rather than acting like you know more than everyone else? It’s well known that the Swiss made watches are the best in the world, that doesn’t mean to say that people like Glashutte are not great too.
@@ragetobe me not very good talking. This is of course true and I state up front that I'm a novice so it's more about my learning curve. First I actually had to learn about the history of Swiss watches, now I'm learning about other makers as my education continues. Thanks for the comment !
i am about a 2 years into my own watch journey. I dont have alot of money for them becasue i have 2 kids and other life responsibilities, but i did alot of research and alot of watching youtube videos, i ended up getting a Hamilton Field watch as my mechanical watch and then i have a G-shock digital watch. i love them both for different reasons. I also enjoyed your presentation very down to earth and transparent. i look forward to more. thank you
For me that is a rock solid beginning to a watch collection. You will have those 2 watches until your kids do. I'm curiou what your next watch would be if you had the money today?
I definately get the budget thing, I'm pining for a Seiko Alpinist but I think I'll have to wait until my kids graduate college before I'll have the money...
Thanks for the comment. I do all kinds of content for now since I'm still pretty new at this but will probably do more watch content soon...
As a Watch snob I can tell you that you have a decent collection. Vintage Omega is as good as it gets. Tissot is entry level for Swiss made watches. I will say though that it doesn’t have to be “Swiss” for it to be good. When a company says Swiss made it doesn’t actually mean the whole watch was made in Switzerland. A lot of those companies outsource parts from Asia. The Japanese, Germans and Italy have some fantastic watch brands as well. I think the law is that a certain amount of parts have to be made in Switzerland for it to be labeled “Swiss made”
Thanks. I really like the Mondaine and Vaer as well but the Timex is a placeholder. I'd be curious what you would recommend as a replacemnt... i'd like a 'tank' or rectangular and was considering a seiko recraft auto...
hear hear! The whole 'swiss made' thing is pure marketing, like 'Champagne' or De Beers diamonds!
@@specialcircs I don't really like da Bears, I'm a lifelong Packers fan.
@@awkwardgenius Not sure if you'd like the style but I would highly recommend looking into the Boderry Voyager. Can get it on a Nato for 97 or on a bracelet for 140. Titanium, saphirre glass, seiko nh35 movement and water resistant, really can't beat it.
@@wubbadubnub Just went down the rabbit hole discovering this watch and it looks amazing. I don't think I'll get one for myself because I already have the Vaer Feild Watch but I've been thinking of getting my two boys their first automatic watch and this looks like just the ticket. Those specs are amazingfor the price, thanks for the tip !
Thanks for showing us your collection - really enjoyed!
Thanks Alan, glad you enjoyed it
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Tim, glad you stopped by
Thanks for the quality video and keep up the good videos. Very down to earth and I appreciate your content.
Just subscribed.
Thanks man. I'm still figuring this thing out but I appreciate the comment, cheers.
Very nice sir!! Thank you for sharing your collection.
My pleasure, I'm glad you enjoyed the tour
Very nice collection. Thanks!
Thanks!
Nice video and nice collection. Happy to subscribe and see if you make that collection grow or change over time.
Best regards
Thanks jorge. I'm a small channel and my content is kind of all over the place so hopefully some of my other stuff will interest you too. With the incredible reaction to this video I may just make more watch content. An unboxing would be nice...
This is such a great video. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment!
Great collection!
Thanks!
Awesome Collection! ❤
Thanks WC ! That means alot coming from such a dedicated collector
Very nice collection and great video 👍
Thanks Patrick, I appreciate it!
Nice collection…thanks for the great ideas.
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your collection.
New subscriber here. Nice to see you have a basic Mondaine and that you mentioned the Casio Duro (Marlin). My Mondaine Essence was a splurge for US $275 that I bought at the Zurich Airport to memorialize my first trip to Switzerland back in 2019 or 2020. It has also received more compliments than all my other watches, except for my Bulova Military which has a uhf movement and therefore a smooth second hand. I also have the Casio Duro/Marlin along with several inexpensive Orients and Seikos. I love how we now have “automatic” watches. We used to call them “self-winding watches” decades ago. I guess that wasn’t fancy enough. And at my age (73) I couldn’t care less what other people think about the style, exclusivity, or cost of my watches.
I've got my grandfather's 1959 Timex and it's got 'self-winding' right on the dial. It's still ticking but unfortunately it doesn't keep good time anymore and can't really be serviced.
I love the Mondaine, it's so differant from every other watch and yet timeless and beautiful. It's in design museums like MOMA for a reason!
I've been thinking my collection needs a seiko, what's your favorite?
CZcams seems to have eaten my first reply. My Seikos are older models. My favorite Seiko is the Seiko Sports 5 SRP 623 K1. I like it so much I replaced the Hardlex crystal with a sapphire crystal. It is a big watch at 44mm with a dark blue dial. When I looked for one several years ago, a lot of dealers showed it but they were out of stock. The SNE 107P2 is a little more formal than the 623 K1. I don’t know about its availability. If you are interested in a Seiko solar in a field watch then the SNE 331 and 329 are good. I don’t know if these models are still being made. The Seiko Sports 5 collection offers a number of wide range of affordable watches that are reliable. Of course, if you want to spend a lot of money, you can get the Grand Seiko and the watch snobs won’t have any problems with it. BTW, Bulova has several watches featuring their Precisionist movement that beats at 262kHz, which makes for a smooth second hand. They are below $500 and my two Bulova’s with those movements have gained the most comments because of the smooth second hand.
@@JBass33 wow thanks for the info, I'm going to start checking out some of those. I hadn't seen a Seiko that really jumped out at me style wise but I hadn't thought of looking for second hand and older models... I did check spring loaded on ebay and the cheapest one was still 2000...
Very fun collection!
Thanks Boz!
Love the Mondaine as well. You’re a cool guy in my book. The Omega looks great as well. Thanks for the great video.
Thanks, those are my favorites for sure
Amazing collection, really love it. Cheers mate!
Thanks, hope you got some good ideas. Cheers!
Sweet collection! - Happy new subscriber.
Thanks! This is my first watch content so hopefully some of my other stuff will appeal to you as well. I'm a pretty new/small channel so I'm still figuring things out!
Nice collection. Tx for sharing. Ps the beauty of watch collection is that everybody has its own preferences/style..
Absolutely!
GREAT video!!!
Thanks Cliff. I checked out your channel and it looks like it's right up my alley. I've subbed in and will be checking out some more of your content soon.
Nice little collection mate, keep researching and learning the rabbit hole is very very deep and stretches across borders and oceans.
Thanks. I can't really rationalise buying more watches for myself. OK maybe one to replace the Timex with something saphire, probably japanese... any suggestions?
Luckily, I can start buying watches for my sons soon !
Spring drive is a must!
Maybe one day, used. I'll never pay more than 900$ for a watch unless I somehow become fabulously wealthy. And at 900 it would have to be my grail watch... But you're right, a Spring drive would be a kick a** grail watch!
Loved the stories you have for each watch! Do the watch Snobs that you mention have this too?
Thanks so much for the comment. I'm still figuring out how to do this CZcams thing so I'm glad when I put together a halfway coherant story 😄
Fun video, and I like your collection. I was recently privileged to meet one of my role models, a guy at the absolute top of his game in our field. I noticed he was wearing the cheapest, smallest Timex watch. With a NATO band.
I love me a Timex but I hate scratched crystals so I just can't do anything without sapphire, but that's not that big of a problem because it's getting more common. Even Timex has some options... some people really just want a watch to tell time and that's fine, but that's not me.
I am not a collector, but if I were it would be watches. Your watch collection is impressive. Thanks for sharing. I loved learning a little about each piece. A truly timeless collection.
Hiya, this video is blowing up! Hope all is well by you
I thought your delivery, b-roll and editing were excellent. music was a little loud in the middle. Enjoyed the video.
Thanks for the feedback, especially for the background music I never know how to dose it and I'm still looking for the right tunes. I'm a tiny new channel so I'm still kind of all over the place, don't hesitate to roast my videos! It's the only way I know what works and what's breaking the rythym.
I say dump the cheesy music completely mate
@@marko1314 agreed
Both high and low end watches have their place. Here I am, saving up for a Cartier Santos. Having an Omega, and some other Swiss watches (Hamilton, Tissot) in my collection. Still for the last few days I have been enjoying wearing my Casio A1000 a lot. Maybe it's like food. I love eating lobster. On other days I'm just craving for some french fries or pizza.
Exactly. Eating lobster every day doesn't just ruin lobster, it ruins food.
I'm saving up for a sieko Alpinist #grail Good luck on your quest
@@awkwardgenius Seiko Alpinist is high on my wishlist as well. So are a Junghans Max bill and a Mondaine Stop2Go. That is the downside of saving up for a high end watch. Many other watches that are so nice. But distract from my goal. Still, they have to wait.
@@MrPleers love the stop2go! Too expensive for what it is but what a cool and unique movement...
Very nice collection. I started collecting around 2018 and I believe all collectors need to start with affordable watches in order to understand the variety and the unique aspects of different kinds of watches. Never seen that vintage Omega before, but vintage Omegas are some of my favorite vintages and it looks incredible.
Thanks! I'm guessing that Omega isn't particularly rare because e-bay let me have it pretty cheap and the collector's don't ussually miss much. But I got it serviced in Geneva and the watch shop assured me it's real. I used to know what movenet it had but I don't remeber anymore... anyway, love that watch. Thanks for stopping by
And I absolutely agree for the affordable watches. Learn the basics with great "cheap" watches and 20 years later you'll end up with a Timex or Casio that you still wear even though you now have a collection of amazing automatics...
@@awkwardgenius I have heard and seen a lot of vintage Omega sales that are less then $1000 and I was suprised because Omega is one of the best watch brands and most significant out there, but personally I don't know how the value of these watches work. Maybe the servicing has to be done pretty specifically or by any chance any parts have to be replaced they may be rare idk. I'd never go buy any other brand vintage though other then Omega, Logines, and maybe if I see something in really good condition a Seiko or Citizen.
@@zsfreestyles2007 yeah I don't understand the pricing either. I just saw a video about how vintage watches are a pain to own because they're less rugged and they are expensive to service... I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to own an Omega as old as I am and so far it's worked great. I wear it often and get lots of remarks.
Great collection, watch collecting can be so interesting and consumimg. I enjoy 50s and 60s vintage, (Benrus, Bulova, Enicar and Gruen they may not be real exspesive, but any mechanical watch running after 50 years has serious value to me. I also have a couple of 50s jumbo omegas similar to yours. Very interesting listening to you. What i have learned as well is you are never done collecting.
Absolutely the vintage watches are the stars for me even though they are less expensive to buy and more expensive to maintain. I have my grandfathers 1959 timex 'self-winding' which stil ticks but doesn't keep time anymore... hopefully some of the watches I've got now will still be ticking on my sons wrists in 50 years!
Great collection, very similar to mine. Had exactly the same Timex Weekender for many years, really dependable watch. Got the Casio Duro with the green bezel, a couple of nice Tissot, a couple of Seiko automatics, Orient, Citizen, a Hamilton Khaki, and I loved the vintage Omega, which I am currently looking for because, let's be honest, I'm not gonna throw hard earned money at a Rolex that I would probably be afraid to wear, when I can get a beautiful Omega at a realistic price and feel like 007 instead of a drug dealer...
Sounds like a great collection of quality automatics normal people can actually afford! That's what I loved about the Omega, it's swiss and cool and high-end without being ridiculous. I'm looking for a seiko to round out my collection but I don't love their selection... maybe a recraft green? What do you think of kinetic?
What about a wrist check? I wanted to know what you're wearing during the video
Hah i wondered about that. It's an Erikson rectangular fashion watch my dad got me for my 50th. Not a part of the collection that I built myself but I of course love that my old man got me something differant and I really like the faux reverso look. I'll never be rich enough for a Jaeger Le Coultre so this is a fun little daily wearer.
Only a watch snob, obsesses about watch snobs!🤔.. still very nice collection. I too am a closet snob, and ain’t ashamed to admit it!
@@jtpalooki7757 We have opinions, does that make us snobs. Yes, it probably does. Oh well.
Good collection for the coin. Covers a lot of bases, while sticking to your aesthetic of simple sophistication.
Thanks
All it's missing imo is maybe a chrono and a diver, definitely needs a seiko in there, but such a great and well rounded collection!! Love it!!
I definately agree it needs a Seiko, I've been thinking about matbe a Recraft retro with the green dial... I'm not all that into divers and chronos but maybe that will evolve... thanks for the comment
Awesome collection! I think it is better without a background music
Yeah I gotta stop with the music. Thanks for the comment !
@@awkwardgenius no prob, keep it up :)
Súper good video…congrats…👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💯💥
Thanks
Great collection. You seem to have a preference for watches that can be worn for almost all occasions. I do too! I really like that Omega. That watch is perfection. Have you thought about adding a chronograph?
Yeah they're all pretty versatile and my life and work are pretty casual so they all get worn. I've got the Viso-daye that can hold it's own with a suit and tie bot most of the time it's jeans and maybe a blazer so They all work.
Good call on the chronograph but they've really spoken to me personnally. If I were looking right now I'd like a rectangular watch in the style but not the price range of a JL Reverso. That would really add another style but I have no ideas who makes a nice one under 500$. I recently saw Sonner watches like this on kickstarter but I don't know much about them... my Timex is getting pretty scratched up, I wouldn't be against replacing it with a G Shock since I've already got a nice feild watch with the Vaer.....
This video strengthens my opinion about a simple, honest and conscious watch collection. I have been looking for the ideal watch for my lifestyle, which consists of office activities in front of the computer, ranging from home repairs to a little outdoor activity. This brief description guides us to have at least 3 to 4 watches... But I wanted to limit it to 2 only. One for diving and another joker for general use, dressed. I thought about the Seiko 5 SNXS which are beautiful, however, they are small for my 19cm wrist and I already made the wrong measurement once, the 40cm measurement is definitely better, as mentioned in the video. Well, this video brought me to reality so I don't spend money aimlessly. Thanks!
I'm really glad my experience was useful. Like I said I'm no expert but we do pick up some basics over the years...
A 2 watch collection is tough, I'd be thinking a dive watch like the Casio that can do everything from water to hiking to home repairs and you don't have to worry about it. For the computer/office/dress watch maybe a Tissot PRX, Seiko Alpinist or a Hamilton... I'd love to hear what you come up with. Cheers
@@awkwardgenius Thanks for the tips, I'll look into it, it was kind of you to respond to someone curious about the world of watchmaking. I'm from another era and a smartwatch is definitely not for me, a smartphone is enough. I really like the Tool Watch definition as a general watch because they are robust and sometimes discreet, like the example of the Seiko Alpinist you mentioned, there is the Casio Alpinist Mtd-130d-1a4vdf version... I like the Tudor Ranger in the affordable Orient Star Outdoor Re version -au0202n00b and for Hamilton the option could be Orient Defender Generation ll steel case?... Anyway, the price limits me... See you in the next video. Grateful!
Oh, you got a good deal on the visodate.
That's a very respectable watch and with history. The visodate was the first day date complication offered (to my understanding).
Yes I did, with the packaging and papers too! I still don't have the budget for 600€ watches but I've been pretty lucky on the second-hand market.
.... i bought a second-hand second hand.
Pretty cool, durability is always a factor for me as well. Didn’t know about the kinetic energy watch! Wow
Thanks! Yeah the automatic watches are amazing. I guess before they invented the batterie watches everything was automatic or you needed to wind it everyday. Thanks for stopping by !
The Tissot is gorgeous. Well Done.
Thanks. I don't know if i would have spent the 600 bucks at the time but I was super lucky to find it on Ebay with the original packaging and a receipt from a shop in Geneva.
I've worn a Fossil Arkitekt Diamond that I found in a workout gym in 2006, every single day, for almost 20 years. It's only in the past 6 months that I've began to expand my watch collection.
The Chinese are actually making some incredibly appealing time pieces with Japanese automatic movements, beautifully chamfered/brushed ss cases and bracelets, gemstone dials, etc. Many are clone/homage watches, to be sure, while many are unique designs of high quality, and lustrous beauty.
Yes, it's sacrilege to say but they'll catch up one day. I'm tempted by the Boderry 100€ automatic field wath for my boys and the Seagull 300€ automatic Chrono for me....
What's the watch on your wrist? Just curious
It's an eriksen tank, a fashion watch my dad gave me for my 50th. Not part of the collection I built but definately a watch I love because it was a gift from a 'non-watch guy' that is still cool and differant from everything else in my collection. Not a watch that will still be working in 50 years (like my grandfathers 1959 timex self wind) but something I enjoy wearing now
I have always liked the Mondaine watch, I think it would be cool to own one.
It's a really fun watch. Pairs super good with modern formal (designers jeans, shirt no tie, blazer) and definately gets noticed. Plus, it's got an interesting story as a conversation starter.
Good video 👍
Thanks 👍
I really enjoyed the music in The background of your video…..
Ha, seems like you're the only one! Thanks for the comment come back soon
@@awkwardgenius you have great taste both for watches and music ) thanks for sharing, it was pleasant to watch
@@ng4489 thanks, I appreciate it!
Interesting choices,I always apreciate fresh opinions! keep studying Horology!
Thanks, everyone has their own styles and sensibilities. Checking out somebody elses collection and the chouces they made always helped me keep learning
cool collection and excelent video... why you dont talk about the watch on your wrist? Greetigns from Ecuador
Greetings! The watch on my wrist was a gift so not part of the collection I built myself, that's why I didn't mention it in this video... thanks for the comment!
What do you think about the new hamilton expedition?
Nice looking but too rich for me especially for a feild watch that is going to take a beating. At 1200$ I'd rather keep saving that's half the price of a Baume et Mercia Classima already...
Love Timex watches
Yes! There are some banger new ones super reasonable. I've also got a 1959 self-wind from my granfather that still functions but it needs a bit of work (and a strap).
The Visodate is great single dress watch choice. I have the black.
Like I said, I think it was the cheapest 'great' watch I could get. You have to have a watch that can do formal even if you don't do it often. The same way you have to own a decent suit.
Searching for the perfect strap is another way I get pleasure from my modest watch collection. A good strap is transformative, and your beautiful Omega is calling out for a leather one! ;-)
Yes! I had a black aligator band but somehow it made the watch just look old. I love the juxtaposition of the vintage gem and the unassuming nato strap. I also don't know where to get decent straps... any pointers?
@@awkwardgenius
I mean, 'theBay' isn't a bad place to look.
I first determine what type of strap I think would best suit the watch; bolster, no.bolster, contrast stitching or not, colour etc.. leather type is also a good way to search (there are some nice NOS 'shell cordovan' ones on there at the moment for a remarkably good price, it's made from horse rump and is perhaps the finest leather in the world).
Fluco make some lovely suede straps too, which would perhaps bring your Omega more up-to-date. I believe NOMOS have Fluco make their suede straps, and their pieces have a similar lug type to yours!
😉👍
@@lefroy1 thanks so much for the info I will take a look. It would be great to update the Omega it's almost like it's a differant watch! Suede sounds like a super intetesting idea
@@awkwardgenius You're most welcome. FWIW, I have a suede Fluco on a steel vintage watch and it looks wonderful.
I have the Vaer auto field watch you show here. It has much better lume and AR coating than the Hamilton, which is why I chose it.
that watch is my daily beater and I love it. Thanks for the info I've never had a Hamilton to compare I just came across Vaer on kickstarter and withe the specs (automatic, sapphire front and back, 100m) and the horween strap at that price it was just exactly what I was looking for. Do you get alot of use out of your Vaer (I believe it's the A5 model I've got)? Had any issues?
@@awkwardgeniusYes, like yours, mine is the A5. I have have quite a few watches (none very expensive), so I wear my bear occasionally.
You have a nice watch collection there, your 1972 Omega is very nice watch 👍 Au
Thanks Rob, cheers!
Charming little collection. The Omega crystal appears to be plexiglass from the bubble patina you get when tilting at an angle. Very common at the time. My 1969 IWC ingenieur 866AD has a plexiglass crystal and your Omega looks the same. Solid collection mate, thanks for the video.
Thanks for the comment Carlos. I've looked intobit and I think you're right it looks like omega used plexiglass back in the 70s. I guess I just got lucky that it's in such good shape.
Btw, I'm currently trying to convince myself not to get a sarbo17 seiko alpinist because money, but damn it's tempting. I told myself I wanted my last watch to be hand winding, that I wanted it slim. And then I went and fell in love with an alpinist...
@@awkwardgenius Hehe, it's a disease this thing us watch collectors have! The alpinist isn't for everyone because of the double crown feature but personally I adore mine. Bought it for $700 on sale with the classic green dial and brown leather strap. Pure class in my eyes. Classy and tough and can be dressed up or down. Excellent watch.
@@awkwardgenius Also, plexiglass isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's quite easy (if you dare) to polish yourself to remove scratches. There's an excellent video from a fellow watch guy here on youtube showing just how simple it is, I was nervous the first time round but it worked like a charm. Personally I think the "bubble patina" as it's known amongst collectors gives the watch even more character. It's a gorgeous Omega.
@@awkwardgenius czcams.com/video/8cUdFas-q4E/video.htmlsi=pC6iAv-QGmmCpw7Y great little video if you ever feel the need to polish your vintage in the future, just try not to over do it! Many people over polish their watches. No bueno.
@@awkwardgenius czcams.com/video/8cUdFas-q4E/video.htmlsi=O2omfNH_h9HAgKv- great little video if you ever fancy polishing your vintage in the future.
A very respectable collection good video.
Thanks! I'll keep at it. What's your favorite watvh in your collection?
@@awkwardgenius At the moment it's my Casio Doro my bro gave it to me this past Christmas with the coke Bezel
@@4evalost948 nice, that's a great watch and it being a gift adds to the connection you might have with it. It will probably be in your collection forever
@@awkwardgenius yeah dude never leaving my collection
38mm looks even more classy, IMO. Of course it depends on your wrist
Yeah I think you're right. A funny thing happens when I make these videos I have to actually say stuff and then that gets me thinking about what I say. Often I learn new things or change my mind because of the experience of making the video. That's why these videos really are like a conversation where hearing stuff out loud and getting other people's feedback helps you evolve your perspective or ideas. The kicker is that what I said in the first place is on CZcams for the world to see it's often not even what I think anymore... I think about that when I see people get cancelled for 8 year old tweets.
Take a look at Orient watches also. Well done review, refreshing to see a collection of an average guy like myself.
I've been looking for an Orient Monarch because I believe it's one of the only winding watches with a power reserve complication (which I think would be super cool) but I have as yet been unable to find one... Us average guys get to have fun too even if we're just swimming in the shallow end!
Good vid.
👍
Refreshingly different 😄👍
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Some days i wear my Lange, some days i wear my Vostok.
There’s plenty of watches out there at any price point, all of them have their own story and are equally enjoyable if you appreciate the work behind them.
What matters most is the memories associated with each timepiece, you grab one from your box for the day and you have no idea what’s going to happen, you will eventually have lots of stories to tell for each one.
The stories absolutely, and how each watch makes you feel when you're wearing it
Great pieces individually but your collection needs some diversity with a coloured dial, a chrono or a diver, and a funky shaped watch like square dress wach or the vintage casios would be cool
Agreed but I'm not a huge fan of chronos and dives for me personnaly... my grail watch to finish the collection will be a green dial Sieko Alpinist so I'll get something a bit differant but I also really wanted a nice Seiko to balance out all the Swiss in my collection...
I love watches and love also collect nixon, it never failed me on adventures and swimming or surfing.. the other branded ones i use for others coz im afraid to broke it 😂
Yeah I'm just starting to trust me watches with 100 meters that I can actually get them wet!
What about the sports watch category... ?
Yeah I don't know anything about that. Are those the metal ones, I'm not that fond of the metal bracelets and by sports I thought they meant basketball or ice hockey which seemed crazy but now I'm thinking it's probably like the way you can call a blazer a sports coat (also not for basketball). Chronographs, Aviators, skeleton, mickey mouse where the watch "hands" are confusingly actually his arms.... the list is non-exhaustive
I'm not criticizing your personal collection, I think they are great choices.
I do however, disagree that especially in the "affordable" watch space, the Swiss are best. It depends on what you are looking for. I have 2 San Martin watches, which are made in China with Seiko automatic movements. The quality of finish is incredible. If "watch snobs" turn their noses up, I'm not at all bothered. My GMT came on a beautifully finished steel bracelet with a sapphire crystal, a milled clasp with easy adjustment. The tolerances of the end links to the lugs are as good as the best Swiss watches for 20 times the price. I paid $250 shipped.
If the argument is that the Chinese offerings are mainly "homages", well, I would argue that a Tudor Black bay is a Rolex Submariner homage. The new Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse is an homage of the Universal Genève White Shadow. The luxury brands get up to the same tricks as their more lowly cousins.
I think it comes down to enjoying the timepieces for their own merits. I absolutely agree with you that "cyber watches" are of zero interest to me. Daniel Wellington, Fossil and the likes I wouldn't touch with a "barge pole" However, there has been a massive shift towards independent "micro brands" of recent date with many carving their name as possible future "heavyweights". Some will fall by the wayside, however, others will establish themselves (and) deservedly so.
Great comment, Thanks. I was lucky to get some Swiss watches at good prices but at this price pount the Japanese watches exel and I also looked at Orient for awhile too. The Swiss are definately not known for bargain watches (except Swatch but that's a whole differant can of tunafish).
This video has got me wanting to switch out my Timex with a Seiko Recraft or possible a Söner (One of thos emmerging microbrands you mentioned, this one from Sweden).
The San Martins are definately interesting too! And I've got a Vaer microbrand feild watch with great specs for the money. I've had it for years with no problems!
I bought my dad the Timex Expedition scout as a gift and liked the style, so I bought myself a Seiko SRPG33 automation in a similar style.
Until I got my Seiko i didn't realize how much the Timex Expedition scout kind of sucks.
Really it's just the tiny hard to see date window and a few other details that just don't compare, and while I like the style the Timex Easy reader is better.
Ha I kind of feel the same way about my scratched up Weekender now that I've got the Vaer A5. Looks like you need to get your dad a new watch!
@@awkwardgenius
He mostly buys super cheap aggressive looking digital watches from Walmart with the occasional $25 Casio these days, so this is the most expensive watch he's had in a long time and is a nice watch to him.
If he would really appreciate a nicer watch I'd get him one, but he would probably just end up getting another $8 thing from Walmart.
@@TylerSnyder305 good point. Looks like you need to get youself a new watch!
@@awkwardgenius I've got a handful of vintage watches that need servicing, and eventually one of them will be my next watch.
When my dad was a kid he was given a couple cigar boxes full of broken parts watches from the local watchmaker who he used to sweep up for, and he gave them to me when I was a kid.
Recently I was going through the boxes and realized that 5 or 6 of them actually run and just need a service, they're all good known makes too.
One in particular is a very cool 40's Gerard Perregaux sea hawk that seems to be uncommon from what I've seen, and I'd love to get it serviced.
Everyone should have a timex weekender in their collection
Yes and no, I'm seriously considering swapping mine out for something new and shiny and seiko and probably automatic...
Good vid & great collection, music is too loud and distracting. Needs to be a little more ambient like in the very beginning. Just a suggestion 😊👍🏼
Thanks Doug for the feedback, I am also not an expert at CZcams!
Also consider vintage Smiths watches, but ensure they have 'Made in England' on the dial, which were the highest quality. A Smiths watch was the first to the summit of Mt Everest.
Nice, I just spent another 20 minutes looking at watches. I really like the Smiths aethetic but hey, I'm a field watch guy... thanks for the comment!
u need to buy additional a new watch case for additional slots lol
btw im also starting to build my watch collection currently at 8/12 the next 2 are cheap and the remaining 2 is expensive and cant afford them yet
For me 5 watches is enough. I want to retire the Timex and get a Seiko Alpinist but I'm going to have to save up a long time for that one...
"the best watches in the world are Swiss watches"
Grand Seiko: Am I a joke to you ?
😂
nice collection by the way. Cheers !
Hi Otto, I'm still saving up for a Gand Seiko, it's gunna be a little while... Thanks for stopping by, cheers !
@@awkwardgenius I used to collect only "Swiss automatic" watch. even believing that sistem51 Swatch is better than Seiko5. What a mistake I made...All my Sistem51 are now non functioning. Just sharing my personal experience.
@@ottowilliamhalim4116 if I can't get a Grand Seiko as a grail watch I'll probably just get a 5 or a recraft, I definately want a Seiko because they're behind the most important and impressive innovations in watchmaking of the last cetury (quartz and spring)...
Nice
Thanks Cliff
Whats the watch you’re wearing?
It's an eriksen tank my dad gave me for my 50th. I didn't include it since it's not part of the collection I built but I definately should have wrist checked it!
@@awkwardgenius yea definitely as I was waiting for the whole video for that watch because it looks pretty cool. Also looks kind of similar to the Cartier Tank.
so kewl
Thanks
A, a watch that works well with many straps if worth 3 watch.
B, at least one field or aviator
C, at least one day / date or day date
D, at least one rugged
E, consider which watch you will use the most so you can consider the bracelet option and pay a bit extra
F, always get sapphire crystal if you can.
G, some watches tick more than one box
H, do some research some 500 pound dollar only have 50 dollar movements
I, don't discount quartz
Good list. The point about changing straps id key, totally changes the watch.
May I know who calls Omega and Tissot cheap?
I got lucky on a second watch peice so for 300$ for that watch, that's cheap!
'Like' #888 Wow! Well done on this video. So happy to see you getting some traction again. Great watch collection. I'm going to hide over here in the corner with my 4 Fossil, and 3 Citizen watches. And pretend they're worth more than a paper weight.
Thanks for the info. Now I know what to avoid and/or what to get my grandson some day. :)
Yeah this video is doing great and made me a hundred bucks so far! Always nice when one pops off. Citizen is a good watch! Get your grandson a seiko 5 it's the most affordale great automatic watch out there!
Still have to be a little snobby. I like the tissot and the omega, the rest is crap to be honest haha. If you want to go casio go with the digital ones.
Crap, yes, but it's crap that I like. As a watch the Mondaine may be crap but as a design it's in the MOMA so I can go art snob on your watch snob. The Vaer is just a low end field watch with a japanese automatic, its no hierloom but it is a servicable beater. I just realised I'm saving up for a green dial Seiko Alpinist to replace the Timex and complete my collection. People may think that's a crap watch but I dig it!
@@awkwardgenius Yea i used to agree with you, but life is too short to wear knock off-s. I like to support the orginals, the ones that paved the way with their time movements inventions. The history makes the brand, with iconic design, a story, and excelent movements. People who wear san martin watches i cant take seriously. But Seiko, casio etc. are awesome watch brands indeed. Not everyone has to buy expensive pieces to enjoy the hobby that's whats cool about it. But don't buy these hommages watches they only take and don't create.
Firsty, you don’t need respect from snobs. They are just a bunch of people who would prefer their cocoon than to acknowledge anything outside their zone. They are not enthusiasts.
Ranting apart, loved your collection.
Thanks for the comment! I have a feeing I'm going to replace the scratched up timex one of these days, I think the new one needs to be a Seiko. Maybe wait until I can get a used spring drive (I may be waiting a long time!) Otherwise maybe just the recraft auto....
It's always a pleasure to own classy pieces. Cheers man
@@dushkriti32 cheers
The things that most often keep us from what we really want are paths to lesser goals.
That's a comment for my next video, stay tuned!
Who are these watch snobs and how do you spot them?
Don't know but it made for a snappy title apparently, this is one of my best performing videos already and I'm not even a watch channel! The idea is that alot of novices know that alot of people use fancy watches as status symbols and don't really know how to navigate that. You have to just ignore that and focus on the history, quality and engineering. And then you'll see what you like personally...
So…thumbs up on the collection. Very nice pieces in the under $500 zone, which is where most of mine are, too. But as some other commenters pointed out, your channel might benefit from a little more thorough pre-production research. Keep it up, and keep pointing out the great value and happiness that “cheap” watches bring.
Hey Nick, thanks for the comment. My channel could benefit from alot of things !! Unfortunately all of you have to watch me learn 😜
I like the timex one the best. I don't know why so many men's watches have to have huge faces that cover your entire wrist. I hate how big they are and I think it looks ridiculous. Although I like a small simple analog watch, it would be nice if they would also have the date as well as the day of the week. Unfortunately the smaller ones that I like usually don't have those features. It would also be nice to have one with a built in little compass, but there must be some reason they don't do that since I can't find any that do. Some have another little second hand. Seems like a useless feature that should be changed out for a compass to me.
I like small watches too, my omega is pretty small but i love it. My grail watch is the Seiko Alpinist that has a compass function that id really cool... But it's like 800 bucks !
The majority of watches in my collection are Japanese. I have one or two Swiss watches. 👍
The more I learn about the japenese watches the more I think I need a Seiko....
cool collection but you need an everyday watch one on a metal bracelet
Thanks. I know I'm supposed to have a sports watch with a bracelet I just never liked metal bracelets. I figured I'd get a Sreiko Alpinist as my grail watch and call that my collection. That's almost 2000€ worth of watches, I should probably stop there...
In my personal opinion, the Weekender could be a bigger winner and an almost perfect budget field watch had it not been so loud, not sure what type of Quartz they use but God…it’s an awful loud watch to live with on a hourly basis!
On a secondly basis, tic toc! I've been wearing it recently since I've been doing lawn work and hiking every day and I tried to set it next to my bed but I had to move it. Worse is when I sleep in the tent and would normally just wear it to bed to have the indiglo hour any time if night...
Did sapphire crystal exist in 1972?
Good question. I assumed that's what it was because it's 50 years old without a scratch...
It seems like they were likely plexiglass back then which would make sense because it sounds like plexiglass. Jaeger started using sapphire in the 1930's apparently
@@awkwardgenius wow, thanks, I genuinely didn't know when the lab grown sapphire process was invented. I never hear about watches using them older than a decade.
Absolutely nothing wrong with that Vaer.
I'm enjoying it and it probably gets the most wear of anything in my collection. A good rugged, waterproof, sapphire daily wear
Nice well thought-out collection but please ditch the music. It reminds me of struggling to hear someone speak in a nightclub. I kept wanting to shout 'PARDON?'
It IS a bit loud isn't it...! I was trying something new here with subtle background music for each section to break up the monotany of my talking. Looks like I botched the subtle part... Yet another discovery on my CZcams journey : sound design is hard!
The visodate you have has the 2824-2 4hz movement, but this very sadly is no longer made. Current model has the ever present 3hz powermatic inside. IMO a cheap downgrade movement. Ymmv :-)
Thanks for the info. I'm surprised they discontinued that movement, it was a popular workhorse for ETA. Anyway, glad I got the older model...
Who cares if watch snobs respect you? I have a San Martin, Invicta, and 3 Paganis in my collection. Snobs gonna be snobbin but I don’t care I’m happy. Stop trying to fit in, do what makes you happy. And ngl for me, these aliexpress watches kick the shi* out of any Timex or Casio in terms of quality and design.
Absolutely, you do you
Dude! Great video but the background music is super annoying
Thanks for the feedback Zach. Yeah I was trying something new with the music and I kind of overdid it. A few more years of making videos and I'll get a little better, Shirley.
5 minutes in and I had to stop. First, the Weekender is 38mm, not 36 or 34. He could have taken 8 seconds and googled it. Second, it's not a Casio "Black Dive. It's an icon of affordable divers called the Duro. 3rd, you mention the "engineering marvel" of an automatic, then show a hand wind chronograph movement. Finally, "all the best watches are Swiss"... Sorry Grand Seiko, Glashutte Original, A Lange & Sohne, Nomos, etc. Respectable collection for sure, uniformed content maker.
Hello Blake and thanks for the comments! I am indeed no expert and I don't do a watch channel so it looks like this isn't going to be your thing. There are lots of experts out there that will get all the details right. I'm more about starting conversations where I can also learn what I don't know. Bravo for knowing the the diameter of the Weekender off the top of your head, that's next level. You should do a watch channel!
@@awkwardgenius wristwatches on the surface seem simple. In reality, they’re extremely complicated. I’ve been into horology heavily for about 15 years, and I’m still learning. I applaud your efforts
@@RabbitWatchShop thanks! I checked out your channel you've got some cool content
Blake being the definition of a watch snob over a $40 watch... SMH
@@solidfoundations7020 😅😅😅💯
why do you wear your watch at the right hand?
I always have instinctively worn it on the right, I only recently realized everybody else wears it on the left. Is there a reason for that?
Yes, you want to wear it on the non-dominant wrist. This is to prevent excessive wear and tear. You will tend to use more the dominant hand and therefore wear and dings to the watch. This is especially evident on mechanical watches.
@@michaelriera6277 makes sense. This is going to be annoying I don't like the crown on that side...
You could have saved the $30 that you spent buying your watch box? Imagine if you get burgled, the thief would get so excited, and then open it up and suddenly lose the will to live. It's really unfair!
There's 1000$ in that watch box. Not too shabby for your friendly neighbourhood burglar 🍔
So Simon Pegg has an American accent now.
🌏