10 REALLY overpriced watches

[@cheshirered9204]

In a watch world of fawning videos and over-generous reviews this is a bit of a gem. Straight talking and all the better for it.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I try at least. Don't always get things right, but I have a perspective 😃

[@BenNS1971]

One thing I love about your approach is that you don’t just state this or that. There is always a very reasonable argument to your perspective. I may not always agree but it’s easy to understand your perspective. Cheers!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I try to be reasonable at least 😂

[@tartantulakid666]

Omega were the perfect watches in the 4-5k range. Now an aqua terra costs 7600 euros for no damn reason. That was enough to push me to get grand seikos.

[@hammalamiri12]

Good Grand Seiko watches cost similar or more. Basic 3 hand manual wind grand Seiko in leather straps cost 5k euros. A nice grand Seiko with the updated movement costs 10k euros

[@miabeatz80]

Most people would like to see the day when Omega can out sell Rolex. How can they do that without raising prices? Also, any watch brand that has improved the quality of their brand across the board should raise the prices according to the market. Some people approach Omega like this: "they make a great product and if they price it at a deal I (might) buy one". Folks want the brand to bribe them into buying one instead of just saying there's a ton of quality and iconic status of some of the designs so it's still a fair deal.

[@lamentate07]

@@hammalamiri12 Depends on the model obviously, but cheaper Spring Drive models (5-6k Euro) offer more value for money than say a Seamaster or Aqua Terra. The updated movements aren't more accurate, they are just smaller/thinner. The value proposition of GS watches beyond 8k Euro is somewhat questionable. You don't really get that much more for your money than with cheaper models, with few exceptions.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

​@@miabeatz80Many would like to see the day when Omega out sells Rolex? You have a better chance of Hell freezing over

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

​@@miabeatz80Most people want to see the day when Omega out sells Rolex? You have a better chance of hell freezing over

[@MisterKnightly]

Around 2020 or so I went looking to buy a JLC Reverso Quartz watch, on my relatively modest Canadian public servant's salary. I believe there was an option for $5700.00 CAD and a slightly larger version for around 6K CAD. I thought those would be excellent choices, and a reasonable price for what I was looking at. COVID happened and I had to take a step back from going off on vacation to check out the watch, and I lost sight of that particular goal. I went back a few years later to finally get that watch of my dreams and found it was now $9600.00 CAD. I've never considered JLC a serious watch company since, no matter how beloved they are, or how great their watches can be. That's a simply absurd pricing model.

[@cjr1324]

Great video. JLC stands out as having really gone overboard here. I'm a big fan of the Master Control line, but at retail, today, absolutely no way.

[@mybrainlikesthings]

Casio MR-G, which are starting to approach $10k for exotic titanium and mythical finishing with proper metal enclosures - still though, having resin shock absorbers inside, digital LCD displays and ICs from a mass production electronics company. Casio, like other watch companies, are also looking for their whales.

[@lamentate07]

Some of those higher level G-Shocks are damn impressive though in hand. I bought an GMWB5000D-1 last night on sale, and I thought I paid too much for a Casio, and that's entry level premium square 🤣 Having said that, pricey G-Shocks at least get us thinking about what a luxury watch actually is.

[@itsmike3393]

I love Casio but I never understood those. Even with the materials and finishing, they’re way too overpriced. A Citizen Forza uses titanium but they’re priced way below 1k

[@lamentate07]

@@itsmike3393 That Citizen doesn't compare. Not even close. Those Casios are definitely overpriced though.

[@mols0n]

All Richemont brands are overpriced. Lange, VC, and JLC were all fairly priced like 4 years ago but when the secondary market exploded in late 2020-2021 Richemont jacked up the prices for all these brands thinking the market will continue to rise. Now that things have come back to earth, they all are now overpriced

[@Blastboost86]

That’s fair but so is Rolex. Which is the most overrated brand in the world. That brand is also coming down to earth. Like $15k for a submariner in the open market on average is crazy. People will lose their stuff in the long run thinking Rolex is “investment” lol 😂

[@mathieunh3409]

Same with LVMH brands Tag or Zenith have reached omega and Rolex prices

[@DanielDahl-i9p]

Other than thr monaco, which Tag is priced equal to and omega for the same features?

[@mathieunh3409]

Chrono from the Carrera and autavia lines for instance

[@jackochainsaw]

That's always a danger when you have merges. It's anti-consumer because they are not really competing against each other anymore, its more co-optive strategy. The same is true with the Swatch group, their prices are less keen across the board. Epson is also the same, it owns quite a few watch brands.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Ooh I do like the Autavia but you are right. Its not worth it new. Second hand though... 😁 I have a friend who has a rule... When buying watches anything in plastic you buy new and anything in steel you buy secondhand. Let another man take the hit. Hope you have a fantastic weekend Mike!

[@MrShoryuken1]

I sold my speedy last year, it no longer sparked joy and was due a service. I looked into servicing before selling. Omega wanted £500 and to keep the watch for 6 months. When I said that this seemed a bit excessive, the boutique rep suggested I buy another Omega to wear in the interim (with a straight face, she wasn't joking). I sold it for a grand more than I paid, which is mental. Omega apparently have moved into the aspirational segment, completely detached from reality. Won't be buying another.

[@everydaybiker]

@@MrShoryuken1 wow, the market is out of control

[@johnsanabria3279]

Waiting on my 1st Cartier(a Francaise) and looking forward to it! But Mike, you are very spot on about the high cost of luxury watch brands raising prices because they can.....makes no sense! FWIW,you're still the best when it comes to explaining the business end of luxury watches!

[@tiffer67]

All new entrants into the world of watches should be made to watch your uploads Mike, prior to making their first purchase. The watch market needs someone that can be trusted to offer an unbiased, sensible opinion that takes the emotion out of the purchase making decision. You're the man for that. Points off this week for not using the term "strap monster". 😛

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Kind of you. Just sharing a perspective to add to the conversation 😃

[@tiffer67]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Indeed. Where your opinion carries more weight than others, is that you’re not selling anything other than that. I do hope you resist the temptation for mugs, tee shirts & hats in the links below!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lol. 😂I garuantee I won't ever take money or watches from a brand. Coffee mugs are also out of the question since I don't drink coffee. But a line of generic nato straps with my logo on them? hmmm 😂

[@L233233]

One thing that annoys me about Oris is that they're seemingly using their new clasps with on-the-fly micro-adjustments to upsell you to their expensive in-house movement models, as if their Sellita-based models weren't already expensive enough to accommodate that feature. Then you have the Pro Pilot X. An interesting design for sure, but €4300 for a watch with a very plain dial with printed indices and clasp with no micro-adjusts whatsoever? That quite steep, especially since most people probably aren't willing to pay Tudor money for an Oris.

[@ThatGuyUpThere]

When I started to obses about watches the oris kermit was launched, at a blind guess I deemed it to be expensive but adviable to buy, then I saw the price and laugh for the absurdity.

[@sequoianagamatsu1402]

@@ThatGuyUpThere They tank used, so you can get them with quite the discount barely used. Used price? Worth it but not MSRP.

[@richardattridge3182]

I paid £4,423 for my Reverso classic small seconds in July 2020, that currently go for £9650. Would I pay the current price, absolutely not, but was happy what I initially paid for the watch back in 2020. I had mine engraved with my initials on the case back to make it more interesting.

[@razer6909]

what are you waiting for, put it for sale before the price drops down

[@AndrasMenyo]

Who would buy it with his initials engraved and more importantly do you think he would have engraved it if he was going to sell it?

[@richardattridge3182]

@@AndrasMenyoExactly this, hence why it’s a keeper.

[@steelsteez6118]

I paid $179,000 for my house back in 1979. It's now worth 6.5 million.

[@itsmike3393]

@@steelsteez6118Must be nice to be hardworking. I can’t afford a house because I’m a lazy millennial, allegedly

[@JimWestrich]

JLC just introduced a smaller (more close to the original) sized Reverso, which you can consider the new entry model, below 10k.. your point still valid, though

[@johnsanabria3279]

Still too high for my taste!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Yeah - The new model seem to be an attempt to at least get to a better value offering. I have to give them that. It's still expensive but a step in the right direction 😃

[@johnsanabria3279]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch But how big or small a step? How much room between the thumb and forefinger?

[@ayda2876]

You're by far my fav 'watch related' channel on youtube, appreciate all the videos

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for watching 😃

[@MatoyaLim]

You are the reason why I started watching watch KZbin once again. You are the most objective , no nonsense , factual watch KZbinr

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Kind words. I'll try not to disappoint 😃

[@kentwong3818]

When I graduated high school in the mid 2000’s, a speedmaster pro was around $3000-4000. It’s essentially doubled and nothing much has changed

[@pb12echo]

Of course something has changed. Inflation. Nothing cost today what it cost 20(!) years ago. A honda civic new in 2005 started at $13,260USD, A 2025 Civic new starts at $24,250.

[@gnarl12]

The movement was updated in 2021 and the bracelet got a better clasp.... That's it

[@andreijochim751]

Money "costs" less 🙂 Remember the time, just believe me...

[@vvvhhhhhbb]

Nor, has that much changed in cars. However the average price of a car in the United States is now $47,000. Yes, obviously you can get cars much cheaper than that, however that does not change the average price. I am sure many will say the technology has changed etc has changed blah blah blah. Ultimately not aligned with the increase of the price of an average car now.

[@Timetrends-n5t]

​@@pb12echoExplain inflation

[@patrickhartmann1540]

Based on the Oris promo video, I’m concerned that the parts in their in-house movements are a touch oversized.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

😂😂😂

[@Jimbobrasil]

I was offered a discount on an Omega Worldtimer at AD, then another one on the phone after I left. Says it all and actually the experience tilted me away from a tight decision. The price collapse on the secondary market is also very illuminating.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

AD's need to get rid of stock that's not moving. Lot's of watches look great but they gather dust, so a discount is a good way to motivate a buyer 😃

[@jeanlefranc3817]

The more I watch these vids, the more I like my Traska, Unimatic, Baltic and Formex watches. And my €3400 GMT SBGN003 Grand Seiko.

[@99jasonhooper]

The best watch channel on YT - thanks Mike for all your efforts.

[@markikn3183]

The G-Shock Paradox: Some of the best watch value at $100, then head-scratchingly expensive for the premium end pieces.

[@lamentate07]

They are best appreciated as pop art pieces or 'experiments' that force us to question what luxury watches actually are!😁

[@markikn3183]

@@lamentate07 i like that

[@birdman4565]

To which I'd add, there is not much difference in appearance, especially to a non-watch nerd - which most people are - between a high-end, very expensive G, and a "normal" one..

[@uncles2000]

The NTTD is worth 7.2K USD with bracelet and full kit, as new. One of the best watches I own. The weight and case height makes it wear very different from a standard Seamaster 300. It could easily be my only watch.

[@Cmdtheartist]

There are a few people, not that many, but apparently enough, who enjoy paying full price for a watch at a boutique, at an AD. I personally would love to swan into a store and pay full price for an expensive watch, for the sake of developing a memory of extravagance, as silly as that sounds. "So I said to Hemingway, I said, Ernie, I don't have to outrun the bulls at Pamplona, I just have to outrun you, you son of a gun." That's what a lot of watch collectors like to think when they get a watch, that it's the first step in some scheme or adventure. And nowhere in that fantasy is there a fluorescent light lit basement filled with folding tables that are covered with watches in ZipLoc bags. But I do agree with you that some of these watches aren't worth the extra squeeze. But maybe, a few are? I'll let you know after my safari.

[@frogsplorer]

“And nowhere in that fantasy is there a fluorescent lit basement filled with folding tables that are covered with watches in ZipLoc bags.” 😂

[@gazz501]

Believe it or not there are some watches that are cheaper at the AD point of sale than the "basement" scenario. I bought an Omega Ed White, admittedly after a year's wait, and just before a dramatic price rise, for far less than the grey market prices. Plus you get the "memory of extravagence" hero status in the boutique. Nice turn of phrase there btw.

[@michaelm7557]

7000 euros for a 38mm Aquaterra is insane or 6400 euros for a SMP 300 is also mad crazy. Omega used to be great value for money, not anymore.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Omega has lost their frigging minds with the prices. I guess Omega is paying through the nose for that awful marketing and brand ambassadors that don't give 2 shits about the brand. So they're gonna milk the customer for every cent possible. It won't be long before the Speedmaster is 10k or more

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

I remember in 2017 the salesman begging me to buy moonwatch at steep discount around 4800$ Now the watch is 8000$ with 0 discount 🤣

[@NCSheriff7]

@@mohnnadmercedes8246begging? Ok

[@derosa1989]

@@mohnnadmercedes8246 don't know where you live, but speedmasters are 20% off in the USA, easy to find

[@Talon173]

Speedmaster is cheaper than an elpimero or navitimer……and only a few hundred £££ more expensive than a TAG Monaco. id say its competatively priced in comparison.

[@Talon173]

@@mohnnadmercedes8246yes, buyt youve had 8 years of inflation which cumulatively is over 24%, a new movement and model launched since then with a far better bracelet too.

[@jjlad5037]

The value of luxury goods has very little to do with its components or capabilities and everything to do with perceived demand.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

not incorrect

[@richardmorris7063]

Stick w/ steel,precious metals & baggets are the rippoff

[@Amplitudeproblem]

There's a lot of thought and analysis in your videos, which are appreciated and a big reason I enjoy your channel. It seems like you're trying to pick up the pace a bit in this particular video, quicker speech and quicker cuts. I know that works for some channels and some content, but I don't think it's the best match for your thoughtful style and content. I prefer the previous pacing. Regardless, keep up the great work!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for watching. I try to balance the pacing - These list videos do tend to fly a bit faster as there is less to "digest", but my general intent is not to speed things up. Cheers 😃

[@luke211286]

I got my Divers 65 few months before the worldwide lockdown. It costed just slightly more than a thousand dollars. Right now, I go to any retailer and the display prices are more than double of it. Yes, all Oris products are overpriced for a brand known to be 'affordable luxury'

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

And THIS is why we live in a very good world of microbrands and smaller production companies. Blindfolded, you wouldnt be able to tell the difference. Eyes wide open, they are way more interesting to look at for a feaction of the price.

[@gavinj01]

Agree! Just received my Direnzo Eclipse in white dial and I can’t believe the quality for under 1k. A hand written thank you from the designer who is obviously passionate about his product makes it that much better for me.

[@itsmike3393]

@@gavinj01just checked them out. On the wishlist it goes lol

[@kaunas88]

I agree completely. There are a lot of great watches at attractive prices which do not reflect huge marketing budgets and just paying a lot more for the name.

[@ProfessorPesca]

I thought this was going to be one of those fake videos where the answer ends up being “any watch you don’t love is overpriced” etc etc. Great to see a non-clickbait video

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Happy to hear it - I do go for eye catching thumbnails but I prioritise that they actually match the contents of the video 😃

[@edwintschopp1493]

Fair priced watches: Mido, Certina, Hamilton, Rado, Longines, some Omega, CW, Tissot, Baume et Mercier, Tudor, most Nomos, Stowa, and a lot of other brands from Germany.

[@khronokraze]

Can agree on all. I'll add my 2 cents. Bell & Ross i actually really like, but, would make this list too. Panerai. I really like the white dial Submersible in 42mm. Had a look at one to judge if it'll work on my 7" wrist and check the quality. Overall, felt good and nice UNTIL I got to the bezel. I've read online how it is "disappointing". I checked the white dial and another black to make sure it wasn't just the one example I had. Yeah, it's a loose and cheap feeling bezel action. Totally not worth near a $10k price, and I Panerai's are at least $3-4k overpriced, already. And, Panerai is known for dive watches, too. And to see a critical dive component which will easily be interacted with be so bad is a real shame. Note, the 44mm version feels a lot better in the bezel. And, it's not that much more $$ to the 42mm. But, still not close to being near $10k retail.

[@lamentate07]

Bell & Ross are essentially fashion watches. Even the CEO pretty much admits that. They have some interesting designs though, no doubt, but their prices have gone through the roof lately, and they are basically like cheap Hublots in 2024.

[@DrBob0910]

Mike, Superb presentation as always. Thank you for your well researched videos.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Very welcome 😃

[@TriforceRich]

Almost all brands are going crazy with the retail pricing. It’s less about volume and more about pushing product to a shrinking core audience. The issue is that I think a lot of these pricing models came out of the inflated hype era and there are going to be serious issues for many brands.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Volume is gone. It's price premiums all the way unfortunately 😀

[@DidUseeDatOllie]

I must be a special kind of crazy but i do care if my movements are finished well even when it's in a closed caseback. I like to paint miniatures and I'll paint sections that I know will be closed off and will never see the light of day again. I just enjoy knowing that everything is "complete"

[@zxb995511]

To each their own. I would never buy a watch without a display case back at almost any price point. I dont use watches as tools, so being able to see what I paid for is of utmost importance to me. 30k for a Rolex and you cant even see the movement that cost more than my car? No thanx.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Fair perspective. For me it's kind of redundant but on the other hand, opening something up and seeing a bog standard machine blasted movement would be a disappointment 😃

[@mdesmet9111]

I own the Seamaster NTTD and absolutely love it, but I bought it new at €7500 and not the €11.100 retail.

[@fieldwalker]

Cheers! How about Micro overpricing (or not) episode? Ming at 9k, Formex at 4, Anordaine etc

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Generally I don't think those brands overprice nearly as much as the more established brands. Their margins are slimmer, their costs are likely higher (because they don't control production and don't have the volumes). AnOrdain as an example are not unfairly priced. They hand enamel dials, which is a ridiculously finnicky process that is slow and prone to error. The number of dials they make per day per employee can probably be counted on two hands. The cost of making that is super high. Whether it's a sustainable business model is another question... 😃

[@teppicxxviii9744]

JLC's story is an interesting one. A little over a year ago, I wanted a Reverso and went to the boutique to try one out. I was hesitant, not really falling in love with any of the ones I tried. The sales assistant said to me "you'd better make up your mind quickly, because next month we're increasing our prices". One month later, +40%! I don't have a Reverso and never will unless they lower their prices.

[@Harrythehun]

Price and value are two different things. If you don't like any of them, believe they have low value regardless of price?

[@teppicxxviii9744]

@Harrythehun I actually liked some, and I like the idea of the design and the quality of the movements, but unfortunately, none fit me well (I have a very thin wrist). So that's true that I value them even less now that they have upped the prices so much without any good reason.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I get the feeling they are not "lowering" prices but trying to "realign". There were rumours of price drops back in april / may and I saw that some prices got moved around in the lineup. The never reverso released not long ago are also considering their specs positioned differently than what we've become used to. I do think JLC overcorrect and I also think they know. Now they're trying to align their value proposition better with peoples expectations. We'll see how it unfolds 😃

[@MrAndy76101]

The Omega Gold / TT pricing was probably the biggest eyebrow raise.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Yup. More expensive than a gold / tt Daytona depending on the model.... If they have a dream of getting the steel models to Rolex levels my head will explode. 😃

[@qahtaniM]

Yet, another superior video. I love the honesty and clarity along with reasoning. I took your advice from previous videos and again you mentioned it in this video as well, to try some models from 2ndary market. I just had my Santos Blue dial (almost new) for almost 25% less. and boy I love it... it wears well and pleasing to look at. Keep up the good work. happy to watch you videos.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I appreciate that, thanks 😃

[@sanghoonlee5171]

An arbitrary rule I used to have was that a well-made steel tool watch from an Omega-tier brand should cost 1 or 2 months' salary for an average office worker in a developed country, and a gold time-only dress watch from a brand like JLC, 3 months' salary. Alas, those days are LONG behind us.

[@hammalamiri12]

In 2 weeks I will be buying the Bremont supermarine in blue over the bb58 blue. All Bremont haters give me an alternative / suggestions for a similar price point :)

[@Zotrax1946]

To each his own. No suggestions from me, enjoy it👍🏻

[@OldGlory_EC]

Not a Bremont hater but you asked...Certina DS Action Diver; Christopher Ward Trident; SinnU50

[@hammalamiri12]

⁠​⁠@@OldGlory_ECcertina has an awful movement, CW is great but the SW200 is my most hated movement also if I spend more then 500 I want a brand with a full service centre / AD network. I’m picking up a Sinn 105 UTC I think the best looking Sinn. Hate the bezel action on the u50 and the dial also isn’t blue. Fact is people can hate on this Bremont as much as they want and I hated it more then most until I swallows my pride and got hands on and thought wow. This is a great watch and I’m getting great customer service which is not so common these days from most boutiques and brands

[@MichaelRimmer-qx8jp]

If you like it, buy it. Only your opinion matters.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

IF you like you like and I've seen it several times - It's a nice watch. Not a fan of the bracelet but the case and dial are pretty darned good 😃

[@thetenor1000]

Like you, I love the Seamaster 300 NTTD and would love one however, £9.5k retail is beyond insanity. Nudging us in the direction of the secondary market is certainly sound advice. Just a matter of finding a good one from a trusted source - that’s the challenge. Love your reviews.

[@Simon-ry5kg]

Great call on the Swatch 50 Fathoms. I waited for ages for the black one to come into stock, finally got my hands on one, it felt cheap and the 12 o'clock marker was on the piss. Politely handed it back and walked out the store. I also feel Panerai is at the root of Richemont's price hikes across all the brands. When they saw how much people would pay for that level of movement and finishing, then threw in a B&M "in-house" movement and saw it sell for a jacked up price, by comparison JLC, IWC, even Lange were underpriced in their eyes.

[@genghiskhan7041]

Good job. I actually loved the look of the Lange and Sohn you showed in this video, but that price is over the top.

[@Lintybaybay]

I’m subscribed, I think your content and discussion points are brilliant!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks and welcome aboard. Appreciated the support 😀😀

[@BobSmith-wc4hr]

I would argue that Lange is actually exceptionally good value if you are looking for that type of watch. Just buy them on the secondary market and there you go, a world class complicated watch for half, or even a third of the cost of a similar Patek.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Hi all Thanks so much for the support and for enjoying the video. Two points of note: 1. For the reverso I used video for the monoface tribute while referencing also the price for the monoface classic. That could be a little confusing. Apologies. 2. JLC prices vary wildly from country to country and it’s not just down to exchange rates. In the euro zone alone the monoface tribute has close to 800 usd spread. So depending on where you live in the world you could be paying anything between 8.400 usd to 10.900 usd for the new tribute. (I did add a note about this in the video) Although the new tribute released recently is a better proposition than some of the previous models, it’s still on the high side in my opinion. I would guess that this was “as low” as JLC felt they could go. Even at close to 9.000 in the US market I still think it’s too much (despite hand bevelled movement components - which like I said in the video are hidden behind a steel case back). Cheers

[@Trip2Shiesty]

I’m a huge fan of Longines & Tudor just because you get so much watch for around 2k-4k and they have the best quality out of that price range

[@Blackmind0]

I love watches, but I don't like throwing my money down the drain. Especially not when companies speculate on the stupidity of their buyers. This year I bought 2 watches from Longines. The watches here are still really well priced. The quality matches the price perfectly. greeds BM

[@Epicacactus]

Sometimes I like to imagine how many high fives and a promotion the guy/gal received for bringing “bio-ceramic” to the board meeting 😂

[@ericdaimler2]

I like my swatch fifty fathoms so much I bought a second one I never wear my moonswatches-they feel too cheap-and I have the steel speedmaster. The swatch collab straps are what are real crap. I put them all on rubber.

[@Feldos52]

I'm weird but I love my Blancpain x Swatch... Bright yellow with black Nato/yellow stripe. Keeps time well. More ppl comment on it than with my more sedate and probably better watches. But in general, the "better options" in this video are way out of my price point and interest. The only one of these I own is the CW titanium. It's My favorite of my 55+ watch collection. But, like many say, "but what YOU like". Mike, I love almost all your commentaries and rarely miss one of them"😊

[@eguaio]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@mercuriall2810]

⁠@@Feldos52I totally agree with the sentiment of buying what you like. The Blancpain x Swatch isn’t my cup of tea aesthetically speaking, so for me it’s a very simple decision - I won’t be buying one. If I did like the watch, there’s still one sticking point for me, and that is the fact that the movement can’t be serviced and they wear out after a few years of use. If you’re wearing it occasionally, it could last a long time, but if you wear it daily then you’ll be lucky to get 5 years out of it, after which it’s dead. The idea of a disposable mechanical watch doesn’t appeal to me. I tend to grow more attached over time to the watches I like and wear, so the idea of it wearing out would really bother me. I appreciate that putting a more traditionally built, serviceable watch movement like an ETA or Sellita would push up the price significantly, though.

[@Feldos52]

@@mercuriall2810 I don't disagree with anything you said. For me, I rotate between about 35-40 of my watches and there are only a few that get worn more than once a month. I think I've got "a touch" of ADHD. Also, I'm 72 years old so I'm more concerned about my longevity than that of the watch. It will be more likely become an estate sale item than it will get passed down to one of my kids. Just as aside, I'm a very OCD surgeon. None of the watches I have purchased new have a scratch on them...seriously. I know it will happen some day...lol. Anyway, nice chatting with you.

[@EGO0808]

Again your detailed insights, spot on critics and all in that brutal honesty, straight in the face, it’s such a pleasure watching your videos and taking it all in. 😊 Now about the Blancpain Swatch, I have the perfect storm version, black with a black Artem sailcloth strap. It’s magical, it really is. Like what you explained in another video about the balance and how a strap or bracelet subtracts or adds, exactly that is how the Artem strap adds to the Blancpain Swatch. But…. With a 140$ Artem strap on the 360$ plastic watch, it is indeed WAY overpriced. 😊

[@ianforber]

Great video, as ever. Can’t argue with most of this and it boils down to - when in doubt, buy a Longines! I have a 38mm blue teak dial Aqua Terra and a 39.5mm blue dial Planet Ocean. I love them both but it is a bit crazy that both increased by £1,000 in 12 months after I bought them. JLC have lost their minds. I like Cartier but would only ever buy a quartz version which I think are good value whereas the automatic versions are not. I think the Speedmaster Pro sapphire is now overpriced - it shouldn’t cost £1K more than the hesalite version which, after all, is the real icon.

[@sinesaii]

That entry level Hublot Classic fusion is actually really well-made. The case finishing is good, and the dial is too. I can find grey models under $6,000. I can see buying that over many other brands. I do not care about the movement. No, I wish Hublot offered that watch in Quartz for $5,000. I would buy it immediately. I love Quartz. I hate in house movements.

[@TheHorologyOnTap]

Another solid video. Some of the only ones I watch without skimming. I particularly like the Backstreet Boy clip. It had me singing instantly.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

You caught the backstreet boys? Then you were clearly paying attention 😃

[@Ratgibbon]

G-Shock's MR-G line. At the moment it starts at £2500 on their website, the most expensive is £5700. For a G-Shock. 🤯

[@mrbrisvegas2]

The MR-G is far rarer and much more expensive to manufacture than a Submariner. The G-Shock multi-motor units are, by far, the most complex watch movements ever manufactured.

[@eseir64]

The problem I have with Seiko is that I can not get over the fact that I can buy a "Seiko" for $200 even though, they make incredibly high pieces, I do not find them "panache" enough to spend more than $500. If I am spending $1500 or more I would rather have a luxury brand such as Longines, Omega, etc

[@ViewtuberOG]

Remember only rolex and omega have pink gold that doesn't fade to yellow over time. They are the only watches with 10 year service cycles as opposed to 3 and also the best warranty repair I've ever seen

[@patsmith3894]

True about the Omega No Time To Die. But love is blind.

[@frogsplorer]

I do desire the NTTD and I don’t think a cheaper substitute can substitute. At the price it’s likely to stay a fantasy though!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

A no date 300m. What's not to like? 😃

[@rickmccall5649]

Great review Mike. I'd be interested in seeing a review of the Bremont Broadsword. A lot of people compare it to Hamilton field watches but I tried one on at the AD and it was definitely in a different league than Hamilton.

[@pendaranroberts4350]

The problem with your review of the big pilot 43 is that it has a quick exchange system that includes one of the best bracelets in the business. So, the big pilot on strap has way more potential features than you mentioned, even if you have to pay more for them.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Yup - It's a bracelet from a company called brogioli. Same people that make the bracelet for the Lange Odysseus (and same quick adjust mechanism) 😉

[@pendaranroberts4350]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Yes, it's very good. IWC was smart to partner with them.

[@everydaybiker]

Great video, thank you. Can I ask 904L, why do you find no value in this? I really enjoy your videos. Cheers

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

The properties are different and Rolex say they use it because it polishes better and has more of a white gold look to it. IT's probably true, but I just can't tell and I've seen other brands 904L that in no way blew me away. So I don't dispute the fact of what is materially different about it or the implications of what it allows a watchmaker to do, but on a day to day I really can't tell and then I question if it's worth the premium. 😀😀

[@66racer]

Dare I say G-Shock MRG-B5000 titanium square at $3500 yet I still want one. Not sure I could ever actually pull the trigger though since I already have the ~$450 steel version.

[@gizamlukeable]

Yep prices are insane. I understand luxury goods are suppose to be expansive, but these brands went a tad over. Especially the same watch can be had on the used for way less. Putting a halt on my collection. Have more than I could wear.

[@BradyPuryear]

Pretty spot on however I’d challenge two of these. For sure the Oris pro pilot. A titanium watch with an in-house 5 day power reserve 10 yr warranty movement is absolutely unheard of at any price point. And $3-4k is super fair value. 2nd if the conversation is about value for the money and not value retention then Lange dials, cases and movements for the price are at least fair. Put a 1815 next to the new steel AP code for 30k and it’s a joke, the AP is just sad by comparison.

[@renevanderkraats224]

IMHO the Richard Mille watches. I'm sorry, I know (luckily) everyone has a different taste, but my God....these gaudy, in-your-face monstrosities belong as a gift in a cereal box. I'm not talking about the quality, but the design is just....$2 plastic watch that my little son would buy at a fun fair.

[@udosteinhauser5661]

Excellent video, Mike. Was expecting the Blancpain FF on the list, maybe came as close 11th.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

The list is longer than ten.... 😂

[@Matt-vj8ou]

Like you have said in a previous video there is a lot going on in the sub £2k ($2.5k) bracket… and some really nice stuff at under $700 from micro brands. The higher up the tree you climb the more things seem to cost. I like this though it gives me something to work towards and aspire to… although I also know some watch brands are just beyond me ever being to own despite their beauty. As cost increases and a watch becomes (to most people) an almost unobtainable dream does value for money become less relevant? Another great video Mike, a very insightful and interesting analysis. I think both my watches so far are great value for money… the IWC Pilot XX and my Miyota 9075 driven Traska Venturer… for one of the former I could have had 8 of the other… but I love them both and that gives them their value… to me 😊

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

IWC and Traska? Good choices. IF you watch enough of my vids you'll know the Mark XX is a personal favorite 😃

[@Matt-vj8ou]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I have watched quite I few and I know you like them. Thanks for the videos Mike it is refreshing to see videos with an honest and balanced view. You always qualify your opinions clearly and remind people to have their own… haters going to hate I suppose… thanks again for the great videos.

[@ChristopherHarris-c6q]

I know that this review was about retail. But for me it pinpoints why I never buy watches at retail. Always buy in the secondary market.🤑 Buy luxury…but buy value luxury.

[@okey5]

10:55 I would really like a video about what watches tank the most in price in the secondary market though. Would be really interesting

[@yebzy]

0:00 I love it when he says the thing This time he even started the video with it

[@ComeOnPelican91]

It's too bad for me that I dislike every rectangular watch I see except for the JLC Reverso, which I love.

[@mdcohen]

I’d love to see your take on the best values in the secondary market.

[@mrbrisvegas2]

All luxury watches are overpriced by at least a factor of 10x. You are paying for the brand not the product.

[@brafya]

ARCHIE MENTIONEDDDD! PHIST!!!

[@nikital7541]

Man on THE PHUCKING MOOON PHUCKAS

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

The pontif of pontifs

[@FunWithAJ]

I'd add after Bremonts rebrand earlier in the year they're simply done to me. They butchered the logo and brands name.

[@mrfreemin4321]

The price of the gold speedys have always blown my mind, ridiculous

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

45.000 dollars........ 🤦‍♂️

[@maromorostar6621]

But that gold green dial version might be the most beautiful watch i have ever seen. You need to see in and feel it in person, absolutely stunning.

[@peppe82]

Hi, love your videos. I am curious what is your opinion on Breitling Chronomat 42mm, 6700 USD? Is it heavily overpriced? BTW Thanks for mentioning Archie Luxury. He's the coolest man out there!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

At 6.700? That's low for a chronomat. Are we talking about the 42mm Chronograph current line up which starts at 10ish thousand USD and goes to like 13-14K for steel models? In that case 6.7K is very reasonable. I like Breitling and they were one of my first "big boy" watches. They're all on the chunky and shiny side. That's kind of been their thing for a long time. Movement is solid but remember it's essentially the same one you'll find in a Tudor Chrono which retails for a lot less. Breitling watches look expensive and have a high quality finish but from a value perspective they're terrible. Not that that should matter 😃

[@alialghoul9459]

I agree with you about Panerai watches I am big fan of the brand but the prices are just crazy and not fair

[@jcx5663]

I feel like people that can afford an A. Lange & Sohne aren't worried about paying a bit more than value dictates for something they simply want. That Zeitwerk is a thing of beauty.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Zeitwerk is my grail 😀

[@Nudel-nc1cp]

Zenith, Breguet, Blancpain, Longines, Rolex, IWC, Jaeger, AP, Vacheron, Piaget, Franck Mueller, H.Moser&Cie, Glashutte Original, Credor, A.Lange, Patek... and so on. Mostly all swiss brands.

[@RegalitoDeDios2]

I, as very often, totally agree with you. But guess what: I recently bought a Hublot CF Chrono instead of a Rolex Ex I. And I own the SMP300 007 NTTD titanium! I must be crazy, but I like both watches very much. But to be fair, I bought both CPO for prices far below the list prices. 😉

[@bluebatmedia6100]

I always look forward to your take on watches. Value is important to the process of buying a watch, but sometimes we pay up if that's the only option to scratch the itch. My next watch purchase will be in February when I will be in Tokyo. It's my first time there, but I hear they have a robust watch market. I will look at a number of watches that interest me, but bringing home a Japanese brand watch would make me happy. I already have a GS, but I am attracted to the Kurono Tokyo Grand Akane. Love their dials.

[@bdcochran01]

1. thank you for your evaluations. 2. I struggle to follow the one out-one in approach. Gave one watch as a gift and obtained two more.

[@avicella189]

Hi Mike: very good analysis as always 👍. That's why I mainly collect watches between 1300$ and 3500$ and have set a limit of max. 4000$. There is one exception, the GO PanomaticLunar. I might have paid the list price for it. Fortunately, I was able to get it well under list at an AD. Okay, it was still over my limit, so I had to give up two or three watches on my list. But the GO was worth it to me ❤.

[@tonyvera-cruz6422]

Thanks for the great topic, Mike! You spelled out what I always thought.

[@michaelbishop9157]

I also love the NTTD but can't bear to pay such an exorbitant retail price, which is just Omega ripping off the fan base. They are shameless. I do hope to pick up a cheaper one at some point as I really love the aesthetic (if not the use of the broad arrow which simply shouldn't appear on the watch)

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Get it secondary. Lot's to be saved 😃

[@anthonyb2990]

1:00 50 hours ain’t bad.. there’s Patek’s and AP’s that come with less for much more money. Technically all luxury watches are incredibly overpriced considering a Casio can do the job better for $30.

[@jonasm.4096]

What JLC ​​has done in recent years is just cheeky. They have almost doubled the prices

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

yup

[@tjcrex]

I’ve just bought a new Oris Divers 65 with the 400-2 caliber, on bracelet: perfect(ly boring) for me! I paid a very reasonable €2250 ($2450) for it at an AD in the Netherlands instead of the listed €3600 ($3950): I feel lucky now!

[@samnova450]

Thanking for the feedback on watch prices. I would put my watch buying budget at $2500 or less currently.

[@AndreAndre-in1lg]

Bought no time to die omega at retail to comemorate a very important development in my life. Was paying 30% over the grey market slightly painful? Yes. Was making it mine from the beginning absolutely worth it? Absolutely. Especially that I do not plan to ever sell it.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

we like what we like

[@jcx5663]

Panerai still has its followers, I'm one of them, the beauty is in the second hand market. Retail pricing is too much for sure and the newer designs are pretty questionable. Need to get rid of those gradient dials lol. But the right one's make statement without saying too much, bold yet simple, gets compliments from non watch enthusiasts all the time.

[@josepauloneuparthvieirafer4449]

This remembers me the legend of Robin Hood and Prince John. These are undoubtedly John Lackland's watches. As you previously said JLC has raised the price of their watches just BECAUSE. Generally they didn't do any special upgrades to justify their current price points. As what concerns Panerai they should be very careful. They call in-house movements to things we know that they aren't. They lost hit so they should be more humble. The all story built about their heritage is mostly a story and not History. I own a Panerai Luminor for more than ten years. I like it, but I don't rush for it so often. The movement inside is a common 7750. I have other watches with this movement and better finished, one of them is a Hanhart Pioneer II, a much lovelier watch. Absolutely on spot. Thanks. Cheers Mike.

[@carlbenson686]

Agree on the Panerai issue where every tiny extra like a seconds hand costs you 1-2K more. Nuts

[@diogommachado]

Mike forgot to say that the base model is manual and the Luminor Marina is automatic. Go check the difference between a manual Speedmaster and an Automatic one…it’s the same.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Check out Perezscopes run down of Panerais super dodgy movements. Automatic. Yes. But also. Basic machine blasting. No hacking seconds and just generally corners cut at every possible place 😃

[@papaann4]

Great production Liking the graphics. Very entertaining.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - Glad you appreciate it 😀

[@15harry1561]

I brought my wife a Cartier Tank rose gold, it was expensive, yes, but she absolutely adores it, so I didn’t find it overpriced.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Overpriced is always relative. I have watches that I paid retail for that others would say are massive ripoffs. I might even agree. But I love them anyway 😀

[@bjornhuijnen5044]

Love the video and I must agree, lot of watches are way overpriced. That is why, I go for the older models from IWC, like the pilot’s IW387802 bought for € 5000 with including a 2024 full service from IWC including new strap ( bought at Zeitauktion in Germany)Also did this with JLC, Panerai and Roger Dubois. There are some great deal out there, with great movement, because lately the Richmond group is using a lot of the same movement in IWC, Cartier, Panerai( the caliber P900🤪), with is also available in a Baume & Mercier that cost € 3000. In the other brands is cost more then twice that or even more.

[@woozertoo]

10:00 am, EST. Right on the dot, Mike.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

It's almost like it's.... scheduled 😃