10 Watches To Avoid Buying & Why
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In this video, I’ll share 10 common pitfalls and mistakes commonly made by collectors and enthusiasts when buying watches. What watches have you picked up along the way that taught you one of these important lessons? Are there any other watches to not buy that I missed?
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0:00 - Intro & Organization
1:29 - 1. Replicas & Fakes
3:11 - 2. Homage
4:55 - 3. Paying Way Over Retail
6:37 - 4. Unproven Upstart Brand
8:28 - 5. Too Good To Be True
9:34 - 6. The Watch That Causes Financial Hardship
11:40 - 7. Fashion Department Store Watch
12:49 - 8. The Hype Watch You Do Not Actually Care About
14:25 - 9. Buying The Alternative When The Real Thing Is In Reach
15:57 - 10. The Investment Watch
Teddy Baldassarre - watch enthusiast, entrepreneur, and life coach. "Don't be the guy that owns a Rolex but doesn't have a bed frame." Well said.
Haha thanks Chris! Have a great Saturday!
yeah that is solid advice.
Don't be the guy that buys a luxury watch, or "nice" watch, and is too scared to wear it because it's too nice!✌🏽
Get the Rolex - you can’t bribe the border guards with a bed frame.
@@marsoelflaco5722 This I agree with, my sister bought herself a a Patek for her 50th, it spends 95% of its life in her bedside drawer, that makes it a very expensive treat
I started with MVMT watches...I learned quickly that it was a very bad watch, but it did get me into watches in general. So, I can be thankful for that.
Most peoples first watch isn't the best, I had a few ok digitals before I bought an analog watch my first analog watch I bought myself was a grey Timex and it was pretty good but noisy
I've actually been pretty happy with my MVMT watch. Looks nice, was competitively priced, and keeps accurate time.
It was the first watch I bought a long time ago and it didn’t even work from day one. Really shit product.
I love that you don't call out any one specific watch brand but instead types of watches to avoid. This is a great way to "teach a man to fish" instead of "giving him one". Amazing content as always.
The title of the video is misleading. The title should say types of watches.
I hate it. Everyone just beats around the bush. If you wanna help people give names of crap companies. Nobody has stones anymore
@@SuperSteelSteveHe showed a few websites that had pics of watches to avoid, such as MVMT.
Dumbest crap, This is not fish, these are watches, some that go easily for hundreds of euros. Easier way to fare is to give the names of the companies that aren´t that good or outright scammers, but no, puts a clickbait on the title and then proceeds to show TYPES and has the nerve about craping on fakes lol, when there is known expensive brands that crap on costumers...
@@SuperSteelSteve It’s in the videos. Are you blind or can you not read?
When in doubt buy a Casio.
Beautiful and essential advice re: “the watch that brings you financial hardship.” For many, even a Seiko could fall into this category - patience is tough! I finally bought a watch I’ve long desired, I thoroughly vetted it and dwelled on it until I was sure there was no alternative…then waited some more. Finally having the money, I weighed the options even more. THEN pulled the trigger, with no regrets. Can’t wait to receive it
Leave that shit at home then
Used that phrase a day ago (to myself) when purchasing an unworn ORIS Diver online. "Pulled the trigger" and I wait......
I remember when my first Seiko was a hardship. I feel this way about the Speedmaster. I love the thought of the movement...but I will never see it nor does it tell time any better.
I’m near the end of this exact process, about to purchase a Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton… so excited😅.
That’s the way buddy! Enjoy the watch! The acquisition will be that much sweeter as a result of your patience.
When a brand is withholding watches from their customers in order to pump their prices, it makes it difficult to feel bad about purchasing an homage watch for a fraction of the price. Edit: I did end up buying a Rolex about a year after this comment. It was a used one though.
Agreed Rolex is sad
Looking at you Rolex. 😂😉
Not to mention when it comes to things like watches, handbags, designer clothes, etc......they are absolutely taking advantage of people and beyond overpriced. A lot of the designs are blatantly generic and they try and make it impossible for others to design something similar so they can force people to overspend. I am glad cars don't allow this kind of nonsense. I think we should all have the option of purchasing something similar at a cheaper price point if you are willing to accept the quality trade-offs.
Seems like all you care about is other people thinking you own a Rolex if that's your justification.
@@ghostxfairy very good point.
Dude - what a great video. Applies to so many hobbies/collections beyond watches, just sensible advice. The fact that it comes from someone who actually sells watches for a living is even more noteworthy, when many so-called "enthusiast" KZheadrs are basically paid shills. Great work!
I really enjoy your calm, rational, well researched presentations. It's refreshing to see someone who isn't trying to be as sensational as possible on KZhead. Subscribed!
Love this video Teddy Another point I would raise is Don’t buy a watch expecting it will be noticed by people. Buy the watch that makes you happy. You spend a lot of money on a Rolex expecting everyone to notice and realise no one notices and you feel disappointed. Wear the watch that makes you happy even if no one will ever notice .
There are mainly two kinds of people noticing your Rolex, anyway: 1) Those who think it’s fake (and they’re mostly right) 2) Those who plan to steal it
I would get compliments on mine. But the reason why I would have a watch. Yes tell the time. But the face hands and aesthetics would help me get through the day.
Which is why I wear my Seiko. I love it. I couldn’t care less if no one noticed it.
This
Yea that's why it's often better to just buy a super clone Rolex instead. I know teddy doesn't sell them on his site but his daddy a billionaire, he'll be fine
“The Hype Watch You Do Not Actually Care About” is a huge one. Glad it was included.
If it's a good hype one, you can lurn to appreciate it.
Yeah, like Brew or the Baltic MR01
Couldn't agree more!
@@novaguy9767 from experience no. Why? Because I m not pretending I ve got the best knowledge and tastes. Taste is a long experience, a long luring process. I ve got a grand seiko quartz, and I would never consider it before. But now I have one, I dig into what a grand seiko quartz is really and I can now appreciate it... I could never have this consideration for it if I didn't bought it.
The SKX doesn't appeal to me either and you can add all the G-Shocks to that list. On the other hand there's the SARB 017......
This is definitely my favorite video by Teddy. He is honest and genuine. It feels like he’s speaking directly to me on some of the don’ts.
Really appreciate all the tips and the advice about delaying gratification. Just started to save for my first watch and I’m feeling much better about the process after this video :)
Last year I went from a Seiko SNK809, directly to a Tudor Black Bay 58. But I wanted to make sure that I really want the 58. I spent 2 months thinking and researching if getting the Tudor is the right choice, and if the price is really worth it for me; and then another 2 months on the waiting list. And when I finally got the watch, I was so glad that I didn't rush into it. Now, 8 months later, and wearing it daily, it still brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.
Is Tudor a better brand than Seiko?
@@___Anakin.Skywalker honestly it could afford a tudor i would save for a rolex as rolex owns them
I'm now deciding between Tudor and Rado. Rado is in my budget now. Need to wait for the Black Bay.
"you don't need to own a Speedster" - this is probably the best watch advice I heard in a while. You make a lot of good points. I'm not sure I agree about the homage part - when a gen Aquanaut retail is more than I can justify spending, and the hype has pushed prices over 100k, a homage seems like an interesting proposition.
Is this the only watch design you like though ? I'm sure you can find genuine, original design watches that will please you for the same price the Aquanaut homage sells. That's Teddy's argument, but I still see your point - I guess it's a mixed bag with #9 : is the homage'd watch in financial reach.
I feel personally attacked by that segment and your comment! lol Like a lot of boys, I grew up fascinated by astronauts and astronomy. There's something to be said for a Seiko 5, which is much cheaper and favored by Gene Kranz, who was Chief Flight Director for many Apollo Missions...
One of the best advices you can have. I got my first Taghuer from my past away grand father and my next one is Oris for my bachelor degree graduated. I have a plan for many watchs but the thing is don't too focus and remember is a collecting an object that you value but don't let it's more value than your actually goal your career , your family and yourself.
Teddy is the best watch coach ever... i really like his honesty and knowledge about his field. I love that he give value to inexpensive but quality watches. Great job Teddy!
HOMAGE HOT TAKE: I'm actually a fan of homage watches. I have a few in my collection and, though obviously I would prefer the real thing, I've come to understand/appreciate their place in this strange hobby we all love. The idea of "it would be more satisfying to save up for the real thing" feels a little easier-said-than-done for something like a Daytona as an example. For my income level, saving up $30k (for any purpose) would take a very long time, and when I reach that point I could not justify spending it on a watch instead of something like a house (in line with your last 2 points, with which I very much agree). I love the look of the Daytona. The design language speaks to me and I get why it's a highly sought after classic. And so I have a $75 homage at 1/400th the price. Should I not get to enjoy just a fraction of the wearing experience because I wasn't born into money or chose to work in public education? I feel like answering "yes" to that question just perpetuates the gate keeping many in the watch community find so off putting. An underlying thread in all your suggestions is "wear what makes you happy." Anyways, thank you for the great content, Teddy. You are crushing it as always!
Fax
Agreed!
I agree. I bought some Pagani homage watches mainly as conversation pieces. I will never pay for a real Submariner, Speedmaster or god forbid a Daytona. I rarely wear them, but I enjoy having these iconic homages and will immediately tell anyone that asks that it is a Chinese homage watch and then start talking about the real thing often times educating a non-watch person about some of the more famous and historical watches and chronographs. I have them along with some other homages in a display case in my office which also spurs conversation. I would never try to pass them off as the real thing and I have other watches - Seiko, Citizen, etc. - that are not as close homages. But I do wear that Daytona homage occasionally (and a Rotary Navimeter homage and sometimes a few others) because it looks really nice and nobody really cares, most people don't know watches and, again, the ones that do it will make for conversation.
@@alangil40 Agreed. The number 1 rule about watch collecting is no one cares lol. I've seen some comments saying that people who buy homages only want to give the illusion that they own a Rolex, AP, Omega, etc., which I very much disagree with. Anyone who knows/cares would easily be able to identify that it is an homage, so wearing it for that purpose would be pointless. For me it's more about getting a piece of the wearing experience for a fraction of the price. Iconic watches are as such because of their design first, then the brand follows. Also, there are some really well-made homages (including the San Martin Teddy shows in the video). I got a royal oak homage for $100. Is it 300x less satisfying than wearing the real thing? I highly doubt it.
@@roykim1297 that’s what you think, post your homage in a watch collecting group and see how many people completely lose their minds.
Great topics in general! I get as much of a rush wearing my "Casioak" as I do my Omega Speedy & my Pagani BB homage! It's how the individual feels & no one else. 👍
Great video. I've made some very expensive mistakes over the years mostly due to impatience / getting sidetracked. I like to think I've learned from them, but it's tough - there are a lot of truly fantastic watches out there and it's all too easy to convince yourself that "this one" can jump the queue you've carefully set up. Stay frosty out there!
Loved this video, especially the “not in the same galaxy” between the Daytona and that next level Breguet…. So true, and so many people do that mistake. Keep up the great work. Best reviewer on youtube in my opinion. 🍻👌🏽. Watching from Malta.
9:34 #6 I believe I really needed to hear this. I have spent the past couple of weeks watching your videos looking for my first Automatic watch. I realized I knew deep down that I was just trying to fill a void in my life after being laid off in June and having a rough time in the job market along with some other personal matters. Sure, I could go buy that Hamilton field watch or Seiko Presage with my savings right now, but it would nag at me because I didn’t really earn it. It will be much sweeter when I land my next job and I can celebrate by making that purchase in confidence.
Some really good pieces of advice, thanks Teddy! I did a mistake one month ago by buying a Baltic Watch HMS 002. In the end, it was not for me and I did regret my purchase. For the same budget, I'm happier with a Lip GDG Green dial + Leather bracelet. Despite the hype, buying a watch remains very personal. It needs to be special FOR you, not by the others.
That is life, but you shouldn't regret it. It's a learning process. You would not have paid mega bucks for the Baltic, which I happen to think is a very good Watch co. offering good value for money. So you spent a few hundred bucks getting your Baltic. Better than spending thousands and regretting it. Always buy for love and not for how much it's worth and can I make a quick buck out of it.
This is among the best videos on this subject. So well explained and with such great examples. This video reflects honesty, practicality and a couple of life lessons too. It also speaks volumes about the kind of person Teddy Baldassarre is - truthful and genuine!
I built a right handed Seiko 12hr GMT "Sprite" in 2019 prior to the Rolex release. It went from a unique looking piece to an homage overnight unfortunately. I still really like it and wear it regularly but most people view it as a homage now.
Great video Teddy 👍 I do feel for enthusiasts entering the hobby sometimes a homage watch is a great way to get an appreciation of their grail. I recently upgraded a Seiko 6309 diver with a reconditioned 6105 “Willard” dial as I love the design and wanted a homage to the original. Love the hobby ⌚️
I bought a “homage” watch, but for a unique reason. I’ve been trying to pick between a Tudor Ranger and a BB36. I know it’s not much for some to spend 2-3k on a watch, but that’s the most I can see myself spending on one for a long time and I wanted to be sure I would really enjoy whichever one i bought. And because I can’t “test drive” a watch for a week like a KZheadr and there aren’t any AD’s around me that carry Tudor- I bought the San Martin version of the ranger and it helped me decide that I want to go for the BB36. I’ll make a trip and see one in person before I buy, but I think the $200 I spent on the watch was worth helping me avoid a $3000 mistake.
good take, tudor is great value i have two, great value retention, but great quality for money. im a dive watch guy so the tudor divers are the best in my opinion from the look and materials used.
If it tells you the correct time it's a real watch. Make sure you wear your watch, your watch doesn't wear you. People that have problems with that have issues beyond watches. 😂
This is an interesting strategy and a good counterpoint to homage watches. It is such a loaded topic.
@@PaperOverPusy agreed. Id love to go for an explorer, but I don’t see how it’s worth thousands more. I think Tudor is right in the sweet spot for me
@@chrislim7976 oh definitely. I could get an explorer, which is what I thought I wanted, but I think if I paid that much for a watch I’d be scared to wear it like I should and it’d weigh on my mind while I do my day to day activities. I want this to be an everyday watch, and the price of the Tudor is something I can live with. Just wanted to make sure I made the right choice the first go-round. Another added thing about buying a “test” watch is that implicitly, I knew if I didn’t feel the desire to upgrade from here after some time, then I shouldn’t get the real thing at all. Kind of a test to myself.
Iv recently gotten in to watches and you sir are making me rethink how I see watches. Iv watched a few of your videos and all I can say is you have changed the way I think.. Fantastic advice. Im currently in to vintage watches but finding that right one to start my collection.
You produce amazing content. Sharing your wisdom with us beginners instead of promoting your business shows that you are are genuine person trying to do good. Thank you for that.
Zenith El Primero is my goal watch at the moment. (I think it looks better than the Daytona. Never bought the "It's a Daytona homage" line that Teddy seems to be implying 4:26) I saw that Hammy at 14:44 and nearly pulled the instant gratification trigger because that Hamilton does look pretty and is about 1/4 the price of an El Primero. I was a good boy though. Still saving for my El Primero.
We could have been better on the visuals. I am mostly referring to watches that are exactly the same as the original watch apart from the logo. I think the zenith is cool and does enough things that are unique. Different registers, colors, and the movement is high beat with 10th of second indication. It’s also even further grey given that that el primero was housed within the Daytona for a decade. If there is any point from this list I wish I elaborated on it would have been homage watches. It is a loaded topic with a ton of grey areas and I don’t want any of these points to undermine my ultimate mantra of buy what makes you happy.
You could argue the Daytona is an El Primero Homage
Right there with you. El Primero 38mm was the One but I almost bought the Hamilton multiple times. The only thing that stopped me was the size. Lucky to have found a pre owned full set at a good price and pulled the trigger.
Any watch fan would have mad respect seeing you with an El primero.
The Zenith El Primero is not a homage watch. In fact, Rolex bought Zenith’s movements for its first Daytona launch.
I am definitely a member of the "I will buy this one today instead of waiting for the one I really want". For what I have spent on these watches I could have had a couple of watches that I really would love to now own. Good video and information. Unfortunately for me, years too late. Be safe all.
very reasonable advice! could underline all of them, even when i'm at the very entry point of our hobby. makes sense in every way. very good that you included the fashion watches bit and also emphasized that we are essentially investing in adult toys which should be treated as such investment wise. good video
This is probably the best advice not only for watch enthusiasts but people in general. I’m glad I subscribe to this channel.
I hope for even more content on German watchmaking! I am a newbie, that is - I have always loved watches but felt the luxury/status part of it was obnoxious - until I fell in love in a handful of German brands - no status, just quality, tradition and esthetic integrity, fair pricing and true innovation.
Gotta love that Glashutte Original Sixties with the green dial! No date, though…
I too have been researching German brands. They compete with the Swiss very well.
Great content, Teddy. I've bought the hype watch, and the "features" watch (like the Formex Reef I bought from your store!), and the impulse buy watch over the years. I've made a lot of expensive mistakes along the way, but that's how we learn. Buying a watch without wearing it on my wrist most often ended in sadness and remorse. But, with experience I've learned more about what I really want in a watch. I recently bought the new Christopher Ward Trident Pro 300 without seeing it in person and it turned out great. I love the watch. I would love to see you review it. It is an amazing micro-brand watch at a fantastic price.
I can so relate to your story, having myself purchased so many watches online, because they looked so amazing, only to be disappointed with the actual product. I shudder to think about how much money I have wasted because of these impulse purchases. It is interesting that you mentioned the Christopher Ward Trident 300, because I am looking to purchase the green dial with the rubber strap of that model. Do you think it would look good on a person with an embarrassingly small wrist. As a frame of reference, I have 5 3/4 " (14.605 cm) wrist size. Obviously, I know the dimensions, as describe on their website, but the website depictions don't always accurately reflect how they would look in real life.
Thanks for sharing! Love your insight. Hope you have continued success. I see your ads more and more in my KZhead feeds and smile every time. Nice to see you're getting the exposure you deserve 😄👍🏼
I am amazed by Teddy's honest opinions on brands. Some of the brands mentioned here may not like this video. But this is exactly why Teddy is the biggest Watch KZheadr in the world now. I hope Teddy will reach the one million subscriber milestone soon!
With respect to homage, even close-homage, I’ve my take. I usually buy them to have the feel of the real deal. I can tell you that it works. It saved me some money letting me realise that a certain design is not good for me and then I sold them
Great vid! I commemorated my leaving from one career to another with a watch purchase. I left the railroad after 23 rears and had always wanted a Ball because of its railroad history. Everyone questioned why not a Rolex or other more popular brand. I stuck to my “dream watch” and purchased the Ball. As you sort of demonstrated, I love my watch and have no regrets. I love to look at it and to wear it. It’s one of my favs. I would have had regrets if I would have sidetracked. So bottom line is I agree! All great advice. I’ve made some of those other regretful purchases though. So I can identify there as well!!
Teddy! Great practical advise. And yes, I own a bed frame. Still saving up for the mattress
Rule #1 Buy the watch you like and stop caring what people thinks or may think about it. No matter if it is a homage or lookalike watch, if feels good for you go for it. I have friends with really expensive watches that even asked about my paganis, san martins and other pieces in my collection, do not judge people about the watch they wear.
I wear Movado because my dad wears it since I was little. It has value to me. I don’t care what the “community” thinks.
Love Movado. Especially Movado Series 800 & Museum
Agree. If you like it, wear it. I like the minimalist look of Movado.
Did he mention Movado?
I own several Movado. Series 800 and Bold are nice. My father also has the museum. Watches are art. Art is subjective.
Nothing wrong with a Movado, They make good watches with respectable movements in them. The only drawback is they are overpriced for what you get.
I agree with your 10 watch types to avoid. I collect watches, and wear a different one each day. In the early years I really did not know what I was doing. It took a lot of trial and error(s) to improve my judgement. I always buy watches that I love without any plan of appreciation, even though I have unwittingly stumbled into buying a couple of watches that have appreciated well. I bought one replica watch and regretted it. I have never worn it, because as soon as I put it on, I am reminded that it’s not right. I kept it as a reminder of what NOT to do. I have owned 3 Rolexes but I sold all of them all because of problems in reliability and the expense and hassle of getting Rolex to repair them. From my personal experience, I have a very negative attitude toward Rolex. On the extreme other end of the love/hate spectrum I have several Omegas and Tissots that I absolutely love simply because they are beautiful and dependable. Keep up your good work. I do like your open minded approach to collecting.
As someone new into watches, your insight has been very helpful. Thanks for your videos. The cinematography is also excellent.
I agree with Teddy in the fact that you receive a certain appreciation when you save up for a really nice timepiece. There's nothing like going from a seiko flight master, to a movado series 800 to saving up a little longer and acquiring that Omega Aqua Terra. That being said I don't think it's necessary to look down on someone wearing an homage watch. I think sometimes as watch enthusiasts we forget some people just want a nice looking watch. I'd much rather see someone wearing a Pagani design that's a Black Bay homage than someone wearing a smart watch. I believe smart watches have spat in the face of the class that comes with a traditional timepiece. Watches for me is like bourbon I used to drink ut for the social part and fun times but now I enjoy the taste profiles how long it's been aged and the different mashes for it. I think if you give people time they will acquire the taste and heritage.
Well said man
So I absolutely agree but I have a first world problem question. I'll preface it by saying I've been into watches since I was a kid but have never had the budget for a $1k plus watch until now. Now, 30 years later, I am fortunate enough to have enough disposable income to just walk into a store and buy an Omega. However most of my life I've had to scrimp and save for any sort of luxury good and that always made the purchase that much more meaningful and exciting. So my question is how do you go about "saving" for a luxury good that you can already afford? It feels rather hollow to just waltz in and buy something I didn't have to struggle for.
@@oo7kamikaze I personally like to set a goal and then reward myself with the luxury object. Maybe you could do with losing 20 pounds of weight, maybe you have some unhealthy habits like smoking or regularly drinking, maybe you have someone to make amends with, etc. Set yourself a goal that you really don't look forward to doing but know you really *should* do, something you'd otherwise probably put off day after day. That way every luxury you treat yourself to feels earned and toiled for, making them things you can be proud of. It's what I've done for all my watches except the ones I was given and inherited, and it makes me feel instantaneously better about myself when I put them on in the morning.
I disagree with the homage. You never TRULY know how much you would like a watch without something "like it" on your wrist. I have a few nice homages of watches I was interested in. Now seeing what something "like it" on my wrist, one I am going to buy, one I will not. The homage probably saved me $5000 in disappointment.
I love my Pagani Design watch, will never be able to afford the watch it's meant to look like and for the money it's really well made, nobody I know would even know what the original watch it's based on is.
Great points all around and I pretty much agree with everything here. The one where I struggle is the lure of alternatives when the thing you want is within reach. There are many less expensive watches that may scratch the itch, but just won't get me there. I will say, though, something of similar styling for vastly less cost may indeed have its place in the collection, even if only to test the waters to see if said coveted watch is actually what I desire. If it is, then flipping the watch even at a net loss could be worth the cost of admission and the hit may be less than buy a very expensive desired watch, only to find out it doesn't work me and then losing potentially much more money on the flip. Case in point, I ordered (and am waiting on) a couple Seiko watches similar in styling to the Cartier Tank (the SWR049 and SWR053, to be exact). If such similarly sized/styled pieces turn out not to work well for me, then they will be passed on with no regret, whereas buying a $3000 Cartier and having to suffer selling for a larger net loss would hurt a lot more. I could try on a Tank at the local Cartier dealer to get the real feel, but the problem is that local Cartier dealer is about 4 hours drive from me and certainly would be a trip requiring more planning than a trip to a watch dealer to try something on.
I’m in literally the same boat. I thought I’ve always wanted the Cartier Tank, but after seeing the DolceVita, I’m highly considering going for that one instead of the Tank that is $4-5k more. But am I settling with the DolceVita??
@@truedogs4698No. You're getting a great watch and not spending money you don't have to for... what exactly?
Love seeing Bulova's Lunar Pilot after the Speedmaster during the alternative watch segment, cause you know, it was literally used as an alternative for the Speedmaster on the Apollo 15 mission
Amazing video. The lessons here can be applied to many things in life too. Subscribed!
I almost fell into the unproven upstart brand category. Luckily a friend of mine gave me sound advise and i ended up buying a Seiko 5 GMT instead. I'm so glad I heed his advise. Loving my Seiko 5 to bits!
I just got one (seiko) cant wait till it comes
I used to be all about Homages, but now I"m starting to change my stance on that predictably..... there are so many great watches that can take design cues from those well known designs without being a blatant ripoff.
I wonder - the Bulova Royal Oak, in particular, has a pretty storied history and is actually pretty sought after. Does this count as a homage watch/blatant ripoff?
Yes....I've definitely made a couple of the mistakes you mentioned. Luckily, they weren't the kind of mistakes that put me in a bad financial situation, but I definitely made them. I bought a watch because it was "a great deal". The initial rush of getting it for half price fades when you realize you don't wear it and it's just sitting there. I bought a "must have for your collection" Seiko 5. It's a nice enough watch...but I don't wear it often. I bought it based on "what I should have in my collection" instead of buying it because I really wanted it. I bought a "placeholder" watch once. I didn't have a chronograph, and I wanted one. Rather than save up and hunt for one that I would be passionate about.....I bought one that I could afford "right now". As you could guess...I rarely wear it. None of these mistakes hurt me financially, but if you think about it....if you put them all together, instead of 3-4 watches in my collection that I never wear....they could have been ONE that's in regular rotation.
I ended up getting deep into watches this past year and recently bought my first time piece, a Grand Seiko, for 5gs. I absolutely love it. It inspires me to go harder and it also symbolizes how far I’ve come.
Always go harder bro! Spend 20k next time to get to low grade baller status!
I'm new to collecting and currently in college, so not really in the position to go from some the higher priced watches I like. However, a trick I have been using is stopping impulses and then moving that money i would have spent randomly into my savings. Been working so far and when i finally save enough I am sure it would have all been worth it.
That kind of mindset is going to get you far in life in general. If you can, maybe put your savings into a mutual fund or diversified stock ETF to speed up the process!
@@speedracer2pleaseMaybe. Diversified means a bunch of mediocre with a couple winners. Better to research your market, find the winners, and invest in them.
Number 6 for me is something to think about. I just got into watches through your videos, I bought a Seiko Presage and I love it. Now I’m looking into buying something for double or triple that price, which I CAN afford, but I’m struggling with “could I do something better with that money?” I’m having trouble reconciling what dollar amount, or what percentage of my income, is okay to spend on the watch. I spend a ton of clothes for work, and I never think of it. I think because it feels like a necessity. But with the watch, it’s like you said: it’s a “toy” for me. So I feel guilt. Idk what to do lol
Buy the watches, not "the watch." Variety is the spice of life.
What you gonna do … take it to the grave? Treat yourself because you’re worth it 😜
Great work Teddy. The way you've approached this is a good model for public discourse. Rational, balanced, and an absence of absolutist language.
Such great video. Amazing advice putting it all together how and why we make decisions. You are very wise and deliver the content well. The watches are a nice conversation piece
Great video , and REALLY great advice for life in general. I'm in my 50's and been a watch "enthusiast" since my 20's. I own 16 watches. Two are in the $5000 - $7000 range. Absolutely LOVE them, and those two are my cherished "collection". The rest were less than $800. Everyday beaters that work great. FANTASTIC advice. Get what YOU love and F**k what others say or think.
This helped me pick my watch thank you man !
6. totally agree, and in that sense i think that "homage" watches are great. I really like Rolex Submariner but i cant afford in current stage of my life. So i got a homage of it for fraction of a cost and i absolutely love it. I think in our world there should be more of "enjoy what you can afford" and less "hustle 'till you can buy high-end"
Was going to post to this effect as well. It doesn't matter how hard you hustle if your job and life circumstances aren't great. You'll literally never be able to own a Rolex or some other ridiculously overpriced, but cool wrist-mountable time computer. So having a replica, homage, whatever you want to call it that you know isn't the real deal is still cool because you get to look at it and handle it and actually wear it vs merely dreaming about it. Also, there is risk to having thousands or tens of thousands of dollars just hanging on your wrist. Lots of watch guys got watches they never wear because they're too nice and expensive. Real shame really.
It’s the whole privilege mentality. How dare you buy something for cheaper . Some things are only meant to be for the wealthy and the rest can’t enjoy
One of the best video you've ever made. Wise with great insight. It really is a conforting video. Thanks for that.
This is one of the best episodes I have seen Teddy. Great advice, as usual. Thank you.
Great video, Teddy! Recently I sold all my affordable homage watches. I got to the point I had too many of them (about 14) and I did not enjoy them at all. From profit I bought Orient Star watch which became my favorite! We all learn from our mistakes. Cheers from Czech republic:)
Why didn't you enjoy them?
@@hyperchord I bought them from wrong reason. Because of hype I wanted something that look like Rolex, Patek ect. , I really didnt liked watches it self
Thanks for sharing your personal story Jakub! Cheers buddy.
Wait so can i sell modded seikos?
Mine is different.. I love my pagani design watches.. even though I have some original micro brands I am not a snob to homage watch, actually for me, I felt I am wise to own homage than spending my hard earned money to a watch that for me is overhyped & crazy over priced watch.. I also happen to have promised myself to have price bracket limit for the price tag.. So it is impossible for me to buy even a used or vintage rolex, omega, tudor etc.. The only way to enjoy them is to own homages that looks almost the same..
Nothing wrong with a homage or watch looking like another as long as it isn't sold as such. Even big brands copy designs like you mentioned, but you love those..
Would you consider a Seiko Speedtimer an homage to the Omega Speedmaster?
Awesome, awesome video Teddy. Thank you for the wisdom! 🙌
Great video Teddy!!! I know I personally have made a few mistakes on your list. Having said that, it's a learning experience. I am saving up for an Omega Speedmaster Pro in Sapphire crystal. Its's out of my reach presently but I have made some good relationships with a few dealers so lets see. I thought about the Submariner no date over the Omega but then decided against it as I currently have a Tudor Black Bay which I purchased in 2016 with the In house movement. The Speedmaster Pro is definitely the watch for me. All in all your list was spot on sir!
I like Movado watches. I didn’t see them mentioned but they were on the thumbnail. I love the way they look. I know they’re not a “luxury” brand but I wear my Movado more than I wear many of my more expensive watches.
One of my favorite brand. In fact, my very first “luxury” watch was Movado 25 years ago. I still wear it today and I have had no maintenance on it except battery. I own two movado, amd love them both equally. I am about to buy another one, they make great watches. Tag and Rado are also great watches.
@@SS-xc8bw Yeah, I know that Tag doesn’t receive a lot of love from the “serious watch community” but I like a lot of them. They have a good style.
Bought my wife a Movado because she ribbed me for buying an “expensive” Tissot. She had commented on one as being the one watch she’d buy….so I bought it. She adores it and has a second one!
I love my Movado watch. I buy what I like.
My grandfather had a Movado and that was the first "expensive" (for me) watch I bought. As I went on, I developed a sour taste that the brand was becoming more fashion than horological. But, I get a lot of compliments on it, it has no other brands "copying" or making homages, and it does look good on my wrist. I've made my piece and wear it with enjoyment and fond memories of my grandfather!
Great video. Tip #9 actually just helped me make an important decision. I've been saving for an IWC Big Pilot and recently got sidetracked by a Hamilton Intra-Matic Chrono and was seriously considering buying that instead. After watching this vid I'm gonna stick to my guns and hold out for the Big Pilot. Thanks Teddy 😊
Same but with the speedmaster vs the intra-matic chrono lol
I’m looking at a Hamilton for my next watch. Good choice.
I know I'm kind of a snob on this, but I like to have a watch brand have more continuity than just, once upon a time a company made watches in Switzerland, Germany, or America, were defunct, but we bought the name and are churning out a product. One which may well be fine, but does it speak to you? If it really does, then go for it! But is that Hamilton in the video actually 2k? For that money you can get a used Grand Seiko Spring Drive. A company that's been at this for decades, and the most innovative movement to come along since quartz (and by used I do mean some scratches and dings at that price, but ATM the dollar is pretty strong against the Yen, so have at it.)
Bro you been working out and it shows. Cool watching you go from boy to man live
Great video Teddy!! Thanks for posting, it is very insightful. Until this one I've only seen your watch videos with the O'Leery guy and trust me, you're better off on your own....
I love homage watches. Love them. Totally legal. And it sticks it to companies like Rolex that artificially inflate the prices of their watches by reducing supply.
I have the real thing. A real Pagani or San Marco. I feel badly for people who feel the need to spend so much money for a single time piece. Heck, Rolex doesn’t even display its movements. Now if we are talking Vacheron or A. Lange where every component is handmade to create master craftsmanship and a true thing of beauty. That’s different.
Where do you draw the line though? When does a Homage become a copy?
@@stockwatches It is semantics. Some people use the word copy to refer to a homage watch while others use copy to refer to a counterfeit. As long as a watch is not a counterfeit I am fine with it. The reality is very few people on this planet can afford $5k for an Omega Seamaster or $10k plus for a sub-mariner. Having another company offer a similar looking watch for 1/10 the price is fine with me. I recently bought a Steinhart OVM. Rolex only made 1,200 Mil-Sub's and there were never made available to the public. My options are to spend $100k plus to buy a used one, or $500 for the Steinhart.
@@davidteer80 to say very few people on the planet could afford to buy a Patek Philippe is absolutely true. To say very few people on the planet could afford to buy a $5k omega is a little bit absurd. Regular people buy 100k porches all the time (I know because I see them on the road pretty much daily), so how is a $5k watch somehow out of reach for everyone?
@@gilbert4394 A couple of things to note. Being able to buy something vs being able to afford something are two very different things. Just because someone is a approved for a car loan to buy a Porshe does not mean they can afford it. If buying that Porshe mean you are living paycheck to paycheck then you cannot "afford" it. The average yearly income for a person on Earth is approximately $18k USD. SO the average person on this planet will never be able to afford a luxury watch.
Great video Teddy, I don’t buy fake, I don’t buy copies, I don’t buy hype. I buy exactly what I like and make no apologies for it. I have a Seiko, Shinola, Victorinox, Panerai, Zenith and Omega and I could care less what anyone else thinks about them. They all hold meaning for me and I enjoy wearing all them to remind me of my accomplishments in life. My collection is strictly that, MINE and I don’t care if someone else likes them or not.
More power to you. Honestly people who are snobby over materialistic things are ultimately douche bags.
That’s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at 2:50 Brings me joy to see our Cleveland sights included in the video.
Pulled the trigger on an omega diamond constellation and a planet ocean all white 39.5mm. Best choices I ever made, I love them.
I purchased an MVMT based on their TV ads. It's not the highest quality watch but it's also proven to be pretty reliable and was a great introduction in to the watch world. I now own established brand watches but will still sub in the MVMT to my rotation. Would I ever buy another one? Maybe not, but I would recommend them as a budget friendly introduction.
I received one as a gift 4 yrs ago and it stopped working after about 2 mos. They sent me another one and it too stopped working. Maybe the quality is better now but I would steer clear of cheap brands like those. Glad you're having a better experience with yours. I would take a sub $300 Seiko over one of these any day.
@@luckystrike70 must have been a bad watch. I've had mine a little over 5 years i want to say and haven't had issues. I've only had to replace the battery once in that time.
I almost bought a mvmt a year ago but ended up not. My fiancé just ordered me my first watch for Christmas and I picked a seiko series 5 in green. Can’t wait to get it!
Great advice. Bottom line; buy what you like, not what you think other people might like.
Hey Teddy, love the videos and learning a lot. What would you choose as your very first watch if you got to start over?
Great tips and sharing. Very useful. I purchased my first automatic, a Seiko SRPD25K1. I already have a smartwatch and a few Quartz timepieces but I knew Seiko has a long track record and makes quality timepieces at quite affordable prices. This SRPD25K1 caught my eye because of the dark blue sunburst dial and black IP coated bezel which appealed to my taste. Moreover the stainless steel bracelet looks good on this piece. It was selling at retail price of RM2100. But I managed to bargain the price down to a cool RM1500. Plus I heard there is not many units of this specific model left in my country because Seiko has stopped production for this model and other outlets had already sold out. Still, the watch shop I got it from managed to source one last unit for me which was new and still in the plastic wrapping. What's important is that I got the my first automatic which appealed to my tastes, at a really good affordable price from an authorized retailer so I know it's original and authentic. Love it so far and wear it everyday with me.
Regarding point #2, homage watches, this falls in the category of "to each his own" style & price point. The Rolex Sprite GMT that Teddy highlighted is unavailable at the Authorized Dealers, and well out of the price range of many buyers. So if someone wanted to buy brand X with the green/black bezel, I see no harm since the brand is clearly NOT Rolex. Another related example is Seiko copying the Batman motif at a $495 price point in its GMT line. Again, to each his own, and this is not stealing since it is not using the luxury brands logo (which as Teddy pointed out is a crime). Let's face it, car manufacturers borrow design cues from each other worldwide and the consumer benefits.
What is funny is that Seiko will copy and still offer less quality and higher price than a San Martin homage. Gosh even some seikos homages models have better quality than the original with San Martins… it is quite revolting.
@@d7r_tv Was just about to say the same =) When some homage brands offer better quality and quality control and specs for less money then the original brand why shouldnt you go for that instead. =)
I personally disagree on #7. One of my favorite watches is a fashion watch. I bought it for its unique and distinctive appearance and still love wearing it. Also homage watches when the watch you want is not attainable is ok in my opinion. Really good content in the video.
What is it?
Emporio? I was looking at one but after watching this video idk now lol
*This is why I watch your channel Teddy. I respect you. Great video. Your dedication, knowledge, and genuine sincerity is appreciated, always. 🙂
I was given 2 grand seiko’s through my dads will and can I say i’m excited to start learning and watching Teddy has opened my eyes!
I have a Pagani NTTD. I’ll never be able to have the real deal and I love how they look and want the chance to have that look. I know it’s not an Omega and I’m ok with that.
I recently bought a GUCCI “Diver” to add to my collection. I love it as much as my ORIS. It’s a quartz movement, which was missing in my collection. Groan all you want, I think it’s absolutely beautiful and very well made. Lots of compliments at my office.
But u work at the Zoo 🥸
I really like how down to earth you are Teddy. As a guy who is not rich and still enjoys watches.
So well done and sincere. I just SLAMMED the Subscribe button and looking forward to catching up on all the great videos and more to come.
Great advice! I 100% agree with everything! Except….the statement, “don’t buy a replica” screw them. I was on 3 different Rolex “waiting lists”:for a Daytona. I bought a sub, a GMT, and a yacht master. Over the past 4 years. I still don’t have my Daytona. I bought a super clone. I LOVE IT! I wear it every day, and you know what? I can care less if I get some desk rash on it, hit it against something by accident, and it is SPOT ON. I have zero desire to kiss ass and play the Rolex game anymore. If I do get the Daytona from a dealer, the first thing I will do is flip it. Play their own game. I’d also add another piece of advice. Don’t buy a watch that you can’t read the damn time on. I have a zenith el primero skeleton. The watch hands are the same tone as the internals. I can’t ever tell the time on it. (Omega makes an all black and gray sea master now too). No wAy.
I have a $50 homage Rolex Daytona (panda) and I love it, I just use it when I go cycling/running/working. It has a good seiko chrono movement, sapphire glass, ceramic bezel, it's waterproof enough to have it in a pool. I wear it more than some real mechanical watches that I own.
Good video because with anything that can be a collectible item, people sometimes lose sight of reality and end up in financial pain. Lots of level headed advice. 👍
Very well put in this video!! Thanks for sharing your wize thoughts.
Well stated as usual Teddy. I wish you'd made this video before I first started out on my horology journey but then I guess we learn from our mistakes....
I sometimes think, “I wish I knew this earlier.” However, I think those lessons and new conclusions are only possible by making mistakes yourself. I have made them and have become a better collector because of it; mistakes were a necessary part of the journey for me.
@@TeddyBaldassarre I think my mistake is some of the new microbrands! For one of mine, the screw down crown would not engage ( still under their warranty, but kind of annoying at the time) and the 2nd one was a unisex piece that my wife wears, one of the pins came out of her bracelet the first time she was wearing it!
As a watch designer for the last 15 years, I agree with most points here. My brand has been around for 12 years and copied by many. The most baffling part is that my watches are very affordable already but the copies sell for the same price?! So much so that the first watch I designed in 2010 got copied by a guy in China, then his brand is credited and used in the AppleTV show 'Severance'! He literally removed my logo from my watch and sells it as their own.
Ok dude
@@timmyw365 Go look at the S001B watch I designed 12 year ago and now seen in Severance. You'll see what I mean.
My friend has caught the desease from me . I will share this video with him at the beginning of his journey . It is a Master Class in how to start the jouney into watches . Thank You
Currently saving $15/week for a Grand Seiko Snowflake. I planned it out so that i should have enough by my 50th birthday, 7 years from now. It's a small incremental amount and getting my grail watch on a milestone moment in my life will be so satisfying 😊
Not all homage watches are terrible. I bought an Invicta Pro Diver, which is an homage of the Rolex Submariner, because its Seiko NH35A movement is a reliable machine. I also like the quality finishes, and the deep green color on the bezel and dial is quite attractive. I really don't have $30,000 to burn on an already unavailable Submariner Hulk. At $90, with positive reviews from enthusiasts across the globe, the Invicta homage does the job as a diver watch and is no doubt a good value for the money.
I have no issue with homage pieces. Sometimes I prefer the homage setup to the original. I love the explorer and the OP but will not spend anything on a Rolex (I haven't since the 80's so it's not recent) and I just found a small maker watch that combines my favourite features of the Explorer with the parts I love of the OP. I snapped it up and it makes me smile every time I wear it. I also saved a huge amount of money. Score.
Your takes on all your point is very professional and true, I really love homage watches and what you said is how I decide what homage watch to get, if it's just a rip off it starts to feel like a replica. I like it when there's elements of originality in the design language. San Martin is my favorite, but they copy way too much. There are still struggling with brand identity, but I'm sticking with them, I know they are getting around their style one watch at a time. And their quality control happens to be the best in their tier of watches above Pagani and even Sieko if I do say so. Tissot is very great with originality, their dials are nice but the entire style doesn't resonate with me, and again QC concerns. Thanks for your video. Definitely a new subscriber ❤
Thanks for the great guides and informative reviews Teddy. What do you think about Ciga design watch brand? I have one model and plan to buy their Blue planet model
On the topic of homages--people buy paintings all the time that are made to look identical to the original, without claiming to be. My office is filled with such artwork, when you're looking for something that's iconic, let's face it, many original designs aren't that great and when you're dealing with a canvas as small as a watch? Well there's only going to be so much variation possible. That being said, I do like original designs, plenty of Vostok, Orient, and Seiko watches in my collection -- but even wearing my Seiko Sea Urchin I've been asked once if it was a Rolex by a guy who only caught a glimpse at a distance. So, what's the big deal? Unlike replicas/fakes they're not frauds trying to be something else, even if they're trying to be faithful to the original artwork so-to-speak. Many Chinese brands don't have strong design departments either, yet make amazingly high quality pieces for the money, a $350 Cronos GMT? The Hangzhou 6460 is a great little movement ( ETA clone with a GMT addon ), +3 seconds a day! Sapphire crystal, Ceramic bezel, screw down crown, a nice comfortable bracelet too. Does it look like a Rolex GMT Master II? Yes, very much so. Let's face it, original designs are hard, and even brands that are commended for their designs like Baltic draw massively on things that came before. The Tissot PRX that is so popular these days? It's a throwback design. This stuff is hard, so what else is a brand to do that just wants to make a quality affordable product that they know their customers will absolutely love? They're going to turn to homages, and I don't blame them. You even see this with cars, just check out the ford fusion vs an aston martin.... NB Miata vs a Dodge Viper? Even the toyota MR2 spyder can look like a porsche boxster with those early 2000's headlights from some angles. Who cares if the design is "original?" Honestly, thinking about watches the only ones that seem to be original and unusual are things like Konstantin Chaykin, Xeric, and a few others. Let's be honest too, most people won't even wear such things. From 10-15 feet away, you can hardly tell the difference between even the major watch brands--a black diver looks like a black diver. Honestly, I wonder if some of the contention against homage watches is that they encroach upon the big brands- -how can a $350 watch get so close to something that's $10,000 or more? And sure, the Rolex will definitely be an heirloom piece that can go anywhere and will not let you down. You take a little risk with something like a Cronos - - but failures follow a bathtub curve and if you get out of the first month chances are you'll have no issues with it. Just get it serviced in five years and it'll probably keep on going longer than you'd care to wear it. Even if you want to take a Swiss example, Steinhart, for less than $1,000 you get excellent timekeeping and build quality from a Swiss made piece, it happens to be a homage, and, who cares? Sure they have some original designs too, but I can only imagine the homages sell way more than their original designs--because let's face it, it's a more pleasing form of art. ( edit: hypens striked out text above, funny markup Google has lol )
I wish I discovered Teddy's channel earlier in my watch collecting pursuit. When I first started buying watches - and I am embarrassed to admit this - I bought quartz watches from bands like Invicta, Fossil, Tommy Hilfiger, and Guess. I did not know much about the artistry, quality and craftsmanship that went into higher end automatic/mechanical pieces. Then, by happenstance, I stumbled upon Teddy's channel and others like it, which gave an accessible look into the amazing world of horology. Now I am in the process of replacing those watches, which I now know to be mass produced cheap trinkets, devoid of the ingenuity and style of the brands that Teddy features on his channel. While I can't afford the premium luxury or high horological brands, I am now looking to replace those poor quality toys with brands that Teddy regularily features on this channel - brands like Longines, Hamilton, Tissot, Certina, Seiko, etc. Thank you Teddy for opening my eyes to the world of amazing higher quality timepieces. I could have bought my recent purchase of my Tissot Gentleman Powermatic from Tissot directly, but as a sign of gratitude, I bought it from your website. In a month or two, I plan to buy my Oris Aquis Date chronograph from your website as well.
You will also love Urban Gentry......a different take, but LOVES timepieces. One of the originals to it all. I have learned a lot from both Teddy and Urban Gentry.
Don‘t forget Nomos, Mido and Tag Heuer! 👍
@@youtubeuser8436 amgolfer 52 minutes ago I will add Squale,, Sinn, Oris, Nivada Grenchen, Fortis, Monta, Rado and Christopher Ward. Agree w/all your choices, as I hope to own a Nomos one day. I will do w/out Tag Heuer as I have had a few issues w/them in the past. They have some good looking watches though. I think Longines is underrated and I love Hamilton.
@@amgolfer3591 Thank you for the suggestion. I am familiar with Urban Gentry. He has a great channel. One I would suggest in return is Swiss Watch Gang. Granted, he features watches that are a bit on the high end, and some that are way out of my reach. What I like about his take on horology is that he features a lot of watch creators who are not well known, but craft pieces that are on level of Lange.
@@youtubeuser8436 Of course. There are so many stellar brands that Teddy has featured that are worthy of consideration.
Thanks for the info! I’ve been watching all your videos before I make my first purchase
Excellent video! I’m a pretty new collector (admittedly low end) and I’ve already fallen for two of these categories! Hope this will keep me both from falling for them again (slow learner) and for the other categories. Thanks again.