10 Biggest Watch Scams To Avoid In 2023 - Don't Buy A Watch Until You've Seen This!

[@richardseaton6390]

How can I get on the Hulex waiting list??!

[@theurbangentry]

🤣🤣🤣🙌🙌🙌 Good one, thank you Richard, Best regards, TGV

[@paulsmith1807]

I was watching the advert and thinking exactly the same thing. Although I'm sure the waiting list isn't as ridiculous as another similar brand I've forgotten the name of ;-)

[@gunzishere]

Obligatory comment - finishing nowhere near a Grand Seiko

[@karlsenula9495]

Does each watch come with totally unique chew marks?

[@barsztik]

If waiting list for Hulex too long for you, and you don't have moral issues, you can always buy homage. I've seen similar T-lex watches ;-)

[@OmidSoltan]

Fashion watches did what major watch brands failed to do: getting people into wearing watches in the age when the majority wouldn’t even care about that.

[@frankdux5693]

Because they're cheap as hell with name recognition. Crap Armani watches everywhere. Are those people going to drop £5k+ to get themselves a decent watch? No.

[@AdamJay510]

I love your Ricoh you’re wearing in this video. Any idea where to get one? Love the videos

[@scottc77]

I understand that, they are the only reason my younger brother wears a watch, two Michael Kors. But I sent him a Citizen to help start him on the right path 😂

[@OmidSoltan]

@@scottc77 I started with a DW. I didn’t know better at that time, but there is no shame in that.

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

It's okay until that person get one that cost over 500$ Then it's just a rip off.

[@HandelOp6No5]

Man. I really needed a watch chat today.

[@timchan334]

You need to call out that dealer and let us all know so we dont get scammed!

[@1Ball_220Toes]

Who was it?! We need to know!!

[@legathm]

A friend of mine in Austria got scammed in a real similar way by an american dealer, the watch in this case was a vintage day date. If you can just name the state the seller is operating from, it would be nice. Greetings

[@siobhancrowley8777]

I'm beginning really looking forward to your watch chats, dear TGV and Marc! Glad you just released this new one.

[@HRM.H]

Fake new-old-stock watches have become a MASSIVE problem on the auction scene... happens especially alot with vintage Seiko.

[@ExpeditedProductions]

TGV, thanks for putting this out there. The annoying “competition won” scam seems to be old hat now, but they were remarkably annoying and disappointing. Nearly got me once about a year ago. Thanks to you and Marc for providing us all with the heads up. Excellent to see you both! Onward and upward, my friend!

[@FuquaRomeo]

I would absolutely LOVE to hear you and Marc talk about the truth behind resurrected watch brands and purchased history. TGV because you are entrenched and well educated in watch history - and Marc because he knows the industry as an AD and watch designer. When a brand goes bankrupt and ends up completely defunct, but is later purchased and revived by a different company, what happens to the quality of the watches? For example, Zodiac. It seems that Fossil only purchased the rights to the Zodiac name and their designs. Nobody would pay $1,000+ for a Fossil watch, but they will if it looks like a Zodiac. What really happens when a watch brand is purchased? Are they really the same quality? Or are they just buying a better history to assist in deceptive marketing?

[@TheSpritz0]

THAT would be an awesome video!!!

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

Yes, Zombie brands like Aquastar, Nivada Grenchen, etc.

[@rogerwills2509]

I bought a Zodiac. The buying experience was a dumpster fire from beginning to end. No exaggeration. The coupon code, billing my credit card, the customer service trying to get everything fixed, the shipping. EVERYTHING. Wouldn't recommend!!

[@kbarnbrook4993]

See invicta, a Swiss watch company, bought out by an American business when it went bust, but now produces poor quality Rolex homages.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

@@kbarnbrook4993 True, but we all know Invicta is crap, whereas KZbin reviewers sing the praises of Nivada, Aquastar and other zombie brands.

[@hawkeye454]

My two favorite horological enthusiasts at it again! Love the collab videos as always! Cheers, gentlemen!

[@SkilfulLeader1]

Hugo’s utter class intro, classic piece!! 😂

[@davidcrandall4958]

That chat was very entertaining and informative! Thanks Guys!

[@tjanders9863]

Gentleman, I love both of your approaches to the love of watches. Your both in my opinion the best at separating the good from the bad. Thanks for the numerous videos that help us the consumer make better decisions and ultimately learn how to make good purchases.

[@k.iskandar]

Congrats on the TGV Squale release! Such a beautiful and classy piece.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you sir, Very much appreciated, O&U! Best regards, TGV

[@mbbrooks123]

I've recently found this channel and I find it soothing for the soul. I enjoy hearing the discussions between you both and I've been watching over the past week or two now. I like everything that I've seen here so far. I've always been a watch guy at heart but yet I've never owned more than three at however I love looking at them and enjoy seeing collections no matter how cheap or expensive. The very 1st watch I owned I begged my mother to buy it for me and she did so. She didn't always buy everything I begged her to buy for me so I wasn't that spoiled. Now the watch was a Timex Indiglow with a rotating bezel and a brown leather strap it was so cool and I felt cool while wearing it. If you made it this far thank you for. your time reading my comment and tolerating my lack of punctuation and improper words used.

[@MegaNaydan]

Great timing, I just ordered the latest TGV Squale! Great talk as always!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you my friend! Congrats and enjoy, that means a lot to me. O&U! Best regards, TGV

[@africanwidow]

Hi TGV. Happy March coming tomorrow! I really enjoyed the smart watch verses fashion watch discussion about 35:20... in the video. Like... "the fashion watches are worse." "I feel like smart watches have "Utility"." "Fitness goals... or appointments." Soooo not in agreement with what Marc said about all that stuff. But... What I did like about the video... was the Intro! I have said it a 100 million time, your intro's are so good. Hugo, channel 865, some nice ocean shoreline scene with some hotness in there... and a motorcycle on top of that. Nice work! Nice video! 😉

[@UCZ15]

Hey TGV - no one on KZbin is talking about this but I think one of the biggest scams in the watch world right now is the Rolex 32xx movements. People are having unacceptable issues with amplitude drop-off, stiff crown and horrendous timekeeping. Experienced Rolex techs and independent watchmakers are citing the movement as compromised because Rolex have made bad decisions in multiple places in the movement for the sole reason of bumping up the power reserve to 70 hours.

[@martymcpeak4748]

I loved the interview and interaction between you guys, I was hearing gypsy jazz in the background at one point and I was tapping my foot.

[@TheFranticgamer]

Love when you have Mark on. It’s great seeing the different perspectives. Both of you love watches but because you’re a consumer and he’s a seller sometimes one of either your negatives or positives can be countered by the other. It’s a very unique dichotomy that works well in this setting. Also Hugo my man not classy on the over charged quartz watch but do love the Hullex name. Lol Great to see that someone else loves the series Dinosaurs!!!

[@Laz_Arus]

G'day TGV, I'd just like to commend you on your editing of this video. Halfway through I suddenly noticed the seamless transition between the closeup shots of yourself and Marc and then the wider front view. Having three cameras is certainly effective and I can imagine a lot of time and effort is needed in the editing phase to ensure a smooth visual flow of the conversation. To my mind, you have the balance just right between the cameras. Well done. 👍

[@iansclone]

I'm a newbie to this hobby and can't speak enough to how valuable discussions like these are. Thank you both. Also, looking forward to the UG/IW/Hulex collaboration; ready with my CC..

[@adamsmiths3016]

That's exactly what's I thought. Its very approachable for a person new to this hobbie.

[@sturmgold]

I am lying here with covid for the 15th day now and feeling pretty weak, but you two gentlemen made me feel a little better. Thank you ❤

[@theurbangentry]

So sorry to hear that, get better soon Simon, I'm glad we could help at least get your mind off it for a while. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@daniell2217]

Been there. Feel better, my man!

[@sinesaii]

Apple juice bro, Apple juice. I remember coming out of the worst of it in the hospital, and I was not okay until the apple arrived. It was like the nectar of the Gods. I swear Thor was there, and Vishnu-with a Seiko on every arm

[@darkchocolate4643]

Hope you're feeling better, Simon!

[@terrywayneHamilton]

Entertaining, insight with much watch nuance and delivered with a toping of fun. I first thought it was a gag , but became invested in the conversation and watched the full 45 minutes . I am now a watch enthusiast.

[@andywilson3761]

Hugo up to his old tricks, top video TGV! Love it! 🦖

[@RevLev06]

Another fine discussion of the world of watches, even the dark underside of the business. Always fun to hear what you and Mark have to discuss. Keep up the good work.

[@xivix6710]

Your edits are always top notch! This time the black and white is really aestheticall pleasing

[@RJ-cq8dd]

You also pay 1000s for the name Rolex on the dial...not much different from a fashion brand.

[@markusbe.musicfromtheunder2497]

Another fabulous and extremely informative video. New to this channel and absolutely loving it. Thank you!

[@barrettwbenton]

The watch chat that *never* fails. Thanks once again, guys. (And, uh, you too, Hugo.)

[@chriscon8463]

Love the topic today! Will there be a collab between Marc & Hugo to bring the “Hulex” to fruition?

[@yonder_owls]

On a vintage watch, I think a few aftermarket parts are fine. It's a good sign if watches were serviced over time, and at some point the parts become unavailable. Absolutely disclosure is crucial and tells you a lot about the dealer. I don't want to be zooming in on photos to figure out whether a crown is signed. That said, some online listings are just cursory. If you reach out with specific questions, a good dealer will answer thoroughly. If they don't, just walk away.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

I’ve said it before…you guys need to do a three-way with the person Marc mentioned at 30:54. (Wasn’t too hard to suss out!). That would be amazing! Thanks as always for the great interaction!

[@PradyumnaNadig]

JOMW?

[@iluvpepero]

love the production quality of the content! it’s brilliant! 😍🦖⌚️

[@TomasPerez-en6bp]

God I love these podcasts its actually comforting in a way watching you two talk

[@fakenewsisthenews3542]

haha, Marc is talking about "Just One More Watch" with Jody. Buying from Aliexpres and reviewing them and poking fun at their chosen brands and misspellings. "Tandoori". LOL.

[@vannaeldwijk7075]

The finest presentation, very interesting content with a touch of humour, a bit of elegance+ sprezzatura. Thanks!

[@paulsutphin7813]

This one was a gem, for many reasons. The classic Hugo and Hulex intro, with brilliant high speed disclaimer roll. Marc and perhaps a record number of “bleeps and grins” and use of the word “poopie”. And, TGV, what seems to have been perhaps more than one (or three?) pre shoot dirty martinis? You seemed extraordinarily “relaxed” throughout, in a good way-it’s not often your fluent commentary devolves into head shaking giggles coupled with a “I’m about to lose it, so better appeal to audience (we of the peanut gallery) for views” default. Good to see the humanity-onwards!

[@Trapvision3D]

This was definitely a great chat. I can appreciate your love for watches.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you sir! Keep up the good work on your channel. O&U! Best regards, TGV

[@thermionic1234567]

UG is right. That’s the reason I’ll buy from Marc one day. I certainly feel like I know him and he’s so likable!

[@craigisadrummer]

Such a brilliant review, thank you. Find your style refreshing. And helped me decide on the watch! :)

[@mattys1467]

Hugo is just raking it in. Brands must all be after him!! Always learn from you and Mark. Thank you

[@wilsonmoody880]

Great video!!!! I definitely appreciate the honesty in discussing these various topics related to the horology.

[@TheShane209]

Thankyou for the birthday video you guys! I hope yours went well. I just got from the UPS driver my all steel matte black g shock and couldn’t be happier with it

[@theurbangentry]

Congrats! Such a cool choice, classic happy birthday! Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@danschlacks5740]

Great discussion, however I'm really curious about who the bad guys are and I prefer to not find out the hard way. Is there anyway to learn who they are?

[@mrmagoo.3678]

Man those Islanders have REALLY evolved! that one on Marc's wrist here looks Fantastic! 02:52

[@AWDTurboPOWAH]

TGV looking like the most dapper Bond villian ever with that outfit! All you need now is the facial scar and a white Persian cat sir. 😂 Seriously though, amazing episode as always, love it when Mark stops by for these chats. Can't wait for you next one! 🍻

[@brunonjezic6208]

great video, great chemistry and mood with great content

[@alexm2113]

Just when I think it'd be nice to get a video with TGV and Marc, you deliver. Well done 👏 I can totally see Marc's point about smartwatches versus fashion. There's something really disingenuous about fashion brands selling mass produced cheap quartz watches for hundreds just because they put their name on them. 🤔

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you as always Alex 🙌🙌🙌 Best regards, TGV

[@christrayling1852]

I’m totally with you TGV, I love a back story with my watches. Brilliant video, I learnt so much from your conversation. Thanks guys 👏

[@davidjsutherland]

It's Friday! FRRRIIIIDDDAAAYYY! Marc and TGV watch channel FRRRIIIIDDDAAAYYY! Love this show. Thanks guys.

[@rodneykinnaird7613]

i recently tried to buy an item on line which showed the picture but had the wrong serial/stock number?when i informed the seller to not send the wrong item because of questionable stock number,a number of days later when he did not mail out on time? i was informed that my order was cancled and he forgot that he might of lost track of item and may have possible sold it??(e-bay)

[@인생연구소-w5d]

I enjoyed the video.Your conversation was very informative and interesting.Thank you.

[@random-vl1li]

Great collaboration as always. 👍

[@GutterLivinStargazer]

Yo! My guy is back. Can't wait to watch this after the gym. Cheers!

[@nickburak7518]

Long time enjoyer of this excellent channel. I must say (in Rexs voice) that the openings (the soundtrack, the video collage) of this show are one of the best in all of the KZbin! And apparently there are watches to talk about in great company, too! Jolly good!

[@bassplayer2011ify]

One thing I love about being at watch guy is when one these fashion brands make an agreement with KZbinrs I watch. I remember one of them making a deal with an automotive KZbinr I watch and I said something to the effect of "Come on, I've seen you wearing a Rolex. You know this watch is a piece of junk made for pennies on the dollar." It doesn't happen every much anymore but it was fun while it lasted.

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Great job fellas!!!

[@tomroeder7348]

Another great video! Looking forward to meeting you at Moyer's next week!

[@jodiwilson7299]

TGV, best intellectual watch content. Delivered with style & class. 😊

[@davidmichienzi101]

Great chat you two and cheers 🍻 👍

[@mikesenko1]

love watching you two always learn something

[@gary2632]

Sitting down to watch this whilst opening my new Dan Henry 1963. A nice evening indeed 😊

[@nyanates]

Now I laugh at them but fashion watches are what got me into this hobby. They’re part of my story.

[@Tjsamborski]

Fantastic video guys. Loved it.

[@MlkXiu]

Still have my Orient bambino that I bought from Marc 4-5 yrs ago!

[@RandallSlick]

Great video and I've unexpectedly learned how to change the date on my Ricoh day/date. Thanks very much for that.

[@rylan5040]

Thanks for the advice brother!

[@Watchmade]

Again such a great video! Thx

[@Jordandagostino]

You'd think by now KZbin with how many billions of dollars can stop these bots from happening, but here we are dealing with scammers on almost every major social media app...

[@DaveMGmovies]

I never get tired of these discussions. They are a real tonic. Great advice all round too but I suppose it's a rite of passage to fall into at least one of these traps. I was ripped off with my first vintage watch (from a 'proper' dealer) but the long game is that I never went back and wouldn't recommend him.

[@billbrecht707]

Great material! Thanks guys!!

[@bubbabrannan5915]

Nicely done gentlemen. Great show and great narrative... 🥃🥃🥃

[@mikemantho9426]

I bought an Apple Watch, which led me to a review of it on Hodinkee, next you thing you know I was buying my first Tissot (a Visodate). Smart watches as Marc said are incredibly useful to triage your notifications and keep you from pulling out your phone and getting lost in it. Funny thing, reading Car & Driver today and saw a Stauer ad!

[@cossack814]

I don’t even care about watch scams. I am a huge fan of watches, however, and I just want to hear these two talk! These two. Are. A. Vibe. 😎

[@joekickass9982]

Good to see TGV and Marc together again 👏

[@stevenv.surawski1178]

Hey Guys, thank you for this very interesting video.

[@reinisjaslins1561]

Thanks for the great video! Here are my thoughts about smart watches… Most of the athletes, professional and amateur, are wearing sport smartwatches like Garmin Fenix or Suunto Peak, or Polar. Also, as a person involved in military, I can say that watches like Garmin Tactix or Instinct are widely used. I have in my collection mechanical Glycine Combat, but I can’t imagine my military and sport activities without my Garmin as well. Thanks for the great video! Here are my thoughts about smart watches… Most of the athletes, professional and amateur, are wearing sport smartwatches like Garmin Fenix or Suunto Peak, or Polar. Also, as a person involved in military, I can say that watches like Garmin Tactix or Instinct are widely used. I have in my collection mechanical Glycine Combat, but I can’t imagine my military and sport activities without my Garmin as well.

[@PartyPooperXX]

Getting ready to sleep and this pops up and with a great topic, keep it up

[@KoNtRoLMaNiAk]

this is the first video of yours i have ever watched, and i must say it was very good. i was cracking up at the designer watch point, because i remember over 10 years ago i was huge into Diesel watches cause i loved their larger out of the box looking designs and i remember buying one of their larger "Daddy" watches (dz7221) at Macys for i think $375 ten years ago and i loved it back then, and thought it was awesome until years later to find the same EXACT watch with literally just a different brand (the small plate on the top left of the dial) somewhere online for literally $35, to later find out that Fossil made/makes over 85% of designer watches and puts the designers name on it, and to find out that $375 Diesel watch had a pennies on the dollar Japanese movement in it, not to mention that watch has 4 different movements in it, which means having to replace 4 different batteries every time you opened up the back it, oh the good ole days... lol

[@loganpierce9244]

Awesome video; it’s always a treat when you both get together and have these discussions. There’s always something to glean from your personal tastes, experiences and knot. Thank you! BTW: greetings from Texas!

[@dakistle]

I love these chats on this thing of ours.

[@ajmarion]

I’m thinking you’re referring to The Time Teller…

[@Bob_Smith19]

Came here to say the same thing.

[@watchesgadgetsandstuff]

What's up guy! I love the videos you make - great content! About the aliexpress watches, some of those are getting quite good! I had a Seestern for a few months (basically a Doxa Sub 300 with a NH35 movement). I think they go around 200$, the quality and the way mine was put together... Scary good... Honestly Seiko now sells 200$ watches with the same movement and less "features" (no sapphire, no AR, no proper bracelet) and I am kinda curious, what will happen when the "proper manufacturers" from China start developing own designs and proper marketing.. It will be interesting!

[@partofthegame2691]

There is a channel on here that covers great alieexpress watches

[@watchesgadgetsandstuff]

@@partofthegame2691 There are a lot of channels that do that, what is your point? 😁

[@filipwennergren2712]

Love this. Greetings from Sweden.

[@nirvanaofmonkasar1107]

Love your channel great content i would like to know is victorinox a fashion watch brand? And are victorinox watches good?

[@theurbangentry]

Great brand, I love them. I have owned, reviewed and talked about them many times. I highly recommend. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@nirvanaofmonkasar1107]

@@theurbangentry Can you do review on vicotrinox Field force gmt . please Also i am going to buy Certina ds podium gmt quartz. ( its a four year old model not the latest gmt)

[@rudolfabelin383]

Very entertaining TGV and Marc. PS I think TGV does well with a dirty Martini.

[@richardtwyning]

Gentlemen, love both your content, would certainly buy from you TGV. I've already purchased from Marc, and will do again. Excellent customer service. Hoping to get a Rangemaster II this year ;-)

[@dgdave2673]

If car and truck dealerships can sell obscenely above sticker, why not watch ADs? They are just cashing in on the demand real or artificial and foolishness of the buyers !

[@DeadlyMuffinCat]

Glad you brought up the bit about the Oris frankenwatches on ebay. I recently bought a new cherry dial Oris Aquis as my first "big swiss" piece. I have been learning ore about the brand since and had some time to kill recently so I took to ebay to look at some retro pieces from them. The shear amount of them for 25$-150$ Immediately sent my scam alarm ringing and I was so curious as to why Oris of all brands but it makes total sense the way you explained it flying under the radar. Thanks for the great video !! Love watching you two talk about watches always a great way to unwind at the end of a day!

[@mjcochran3515]

I bought 3 Oris watches from Ebay all China rubbish they came frim from Ebay guess it like the boys say if it to cheap how can it be true (real) 😂 lost under $200 leason learnt 😂

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

My ex fiancee was stung when buying a Daytona. Checked the glass etching, hands, rear casework, colour combination, writing, box and papers and still got stung. Ebay purchase as a present for me. Took the watch to a Rolex dealer to check authenticity and it took them 20 minutes of looking st every detail including the jewelled movement. They declared it as the very best copy they’d ever seen and handed it back instead of destroying it. The two giveaways were the gold plated bracelet using pins and the serial nr being that for a sub mariner. In all other respects it was indistinguishable. It was checked for accuracy and came back at within 2 seconds per day so I’m intrigued as to what movement is within it . Still have it 16 yrs later but never wear it. It lives in a drawer.

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Authentificication guarantee! 😊 TGV you cracked me up. Great video as usual. ❤ ⌚️

[@cossack814]

Mark is a very smart guy.

[@chrisbarnhart7944]

AMAZING intro!!!! hahaha so well done......

[@24934637]

I almost believed that one of the 'scammers' that you were talking about at the beginning, but thinking that it was an 'attractive female' rather than being interested in the supposed 'prize', I attempted to start a chat....Epic fail PMSL. Great that you've taken the time to warn people! I'm usually incredibly cynical so wouldn't send money to anyone, but I can see some people falling for it easily!

[@rain3304]

Thank you both. for bring out different scams. I'm mainly a vintage watch collector but redial problems I have encounter. I guess I'm pretty blessed that my father was a watchmaker in the 60s thank you so much TGV I really enjoy your channel and hopefully one day I will get to meet you In person On ward up words. :)

[@BandrewScott]

I bet the whole community would love for you to release the outtakes of you whispering “HULEX” into the mic. That cannot have been easy to get through. 😂

[@anels9]

Another great videos guys

[@liasummers1824]

Marc knows all about Aliexpress cuz it's where he gets his parts!

[@TGriffiths-ve6nw]

This does bring up a good point. Is there anything wrong with that? I bought a really nice well known micro brand watch. I am not kidding myself into believing that all of the parts are not from China. Of course they are. I am fine with that.

[@CarlosDiaz-gk7nk]

What a great intro! Delicious gain TGV!

[@BlackWipeout]

Reviews comments can be fake, some company use this tools for giving bad image of their rivals. The worst is on the forums. Great video.