7 Tips You Should Know Before Buying a Luxury Watch

[@JustBlueFish]

Please use my Amazon affiliate link when shopping on Amazon and buying anything I've reviewed: amzn.to/2rIzw9K

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Through my anecdotal experience and my vicarious experience through my friend, I picked up a few important lessons: 1) Be prepared to buy and sell numerous watches as you find out what works and doesn't work for you. 2) Obsessing over value retention and investment viability is usually a red flag that indicates you can't comfortably afford to spend that sort of money. 3) You don't have to own every genre of watch, or feel like every watch has to fill a niche someone prescribes you. Most people don't care whether you wear a dive watch with a suit, let alone even care that you're wearing a watch. 4) If you're addicted to or are obsessed with chasing after watches, then a luxury watch isn't a cure, it's an expensive fix. 5) Don't let this hobby spoil your sense of humor.

[@JustBlueFish]

Good stuff thanks man!

[@williamrizzo1285]

I was offered a new stainless steel Daytona from my watch dealer the other day but he would not budge on the price so I walked out. I wasn't born yesterday.

[@Jack-is9sm]

@@williamrizzo1285 If that was an Authorised Dealer you won't get discount on a Daytona. If it was pre-owned I have seen Ceramic bezel Daytona's for sale for as much as £23,500 ! So if an AD had one, I would be happy to pay full retail, for stainless steel version only though. You can get discount on precious metal Rolex models. I am glad I got my Daytona before the crazy situation at the moment.

[@arnoldjenkins5455]

@@Jack-is9sm you got a bite William haha

[@PhilipBeresford]

Guy, this is exactly why I like your channel. You're been in the game for a few years and you see these small details that other people completely gloss over. Most internet watch personalities are so focused on the next watch that they fail to see these things. These are all important considerations, and it's how I view my purchases too.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Phil, hopefully this video helps someone along their way. That’s all I can try to do.

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

I have found that my priorities and interest in watches changes over time. I think I know what I want. I research it. Obsess over it. Buy it. Then the emptiness sets in. You know, the thrill of the chase and all that. Knowing that, I don't lie to myself anymore about how I am going to keep a watch forever and start talking about how I am going to pass it down to future generations, etc. I buy the watch that I want at the time and see where it takes me. I could very well be different than you. Cool. No problem. I have found that spending a lot of money on a respected watch of a respected brand does not mean I will be satisfied. Case in point: I own a Reverso and a Datejust but I wear my Sinn all the time everywhere. I have owned Subs, Explorers, blah blah blah. The Sinn is my least expensive watch and it is quartz. But it feels right to me most of the time. I just enjoy the experiences with the watches now and try not to spend money that I will invariably see when I look at the watch or watches I don't wear. To me, an unworn watch is a sad waste. That is my collecting moto. Yours will be your own. Good luck. Seriously, it is a fun trip. I hope I never tire of it because watches mark my time on earth and everyone knows that is limited. So they are special little companions to me. Take care watch people, Michael

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

And, by the way, the advice in this video is strong and sound.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Michael!

[@astifcaulkinyeras]

So true! I have a couple of Rolexes that I rarely enjoy because I’m worried about banging them up. But I’m sure if I ever moved on to AP/PP/VC then I’d happily turn my Rolexes into my new beaters.

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Top 7 lessons I learned about buying watches: 1) Don't get into watches 2) Don't get into watches 3) Don't get into watches 4) Don't get into watches 5) Don't get into watches 6) Don't get into watches 7) Don't get into watches 😬....

[@JustBlueFish]

😂

[@nicholasevennett8231]

Lol. Everyone here knows it, but it's too late!

[@mrp9498]

buying precious metals is safer hobby.

[@lowersaxon]

You seem to belong to the very few who have learned the lesson. Are you actually free meanwhile?

[@zsb707]

I bought my Omega SMPc (41mm, black lacquer dial) and my Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 (43mm, non-skeleton dial) from an AD, and I got a 20% discount on each. I'm not a collector, but enjoy these two timepieces: the Omega talks about my admiration for horology, and my Tag Heuer reflects my passion for cars. I wear my Omega with a suit on a daily basis and my Tag casually.

[@honoluluwatch5733]

Excellent video and I liked the longer, more formal format, separates your content from the rest. Keep up the good work!

[@JustBlueFish]

Honolulu Watch thanks!

[@GeordsYouTube]

Look at every possible option you like and if you still come back to the same watch it’s the one for you. I would also recommend getting a very similar size and look watch, you won’t get the exact feel but it will help you be 100% on your decision.

[@JustBlueFish]

Good tips Andrew.

[@mynameisavailable]

One of the best videos on watch collecting I have seen in ages. I know all these things after getting into collecting for a few years but I wished I had known all of these when I started the hobby. Great job!

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Great video Guy, but I think an 8th piece of advice is needed here : delivery. Whenever you can, buy from a brick and mortar shop, where you can inspect the watch, have the bracelet sized, see that the guarantee card is properly filled in before you part from your hard earned cash and walk with your shiny new timepiece on the wrist. Buying on line is ok for a Casio Duro, a G Shock or a Timex. But never forget that the delivery guy driving the van knows what’s inside the box with your name and address on it, this thing might be four or five times his monthly salary and his main priority is not your satisfaction, but dropping all these boxes in the shortest possible time. Speaking from experience here, as I received from FedEx an empty watchbox yesterday, when I’m pretty sure the German company who shipped it actually put the watch I ordered and paid for. Play safe, only pay for what you can touch.

[@JonGH33]

I'm pleased you talked about servicing. We still endless videos about microbrand watches but servicing or the inevitable discard of watches is rarely mentioned. I wish microbrands did more quartz as that's where £500 watches should sit.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah servicing on microbands might be a challenge in the future.

[@Watch2Wear]

Hi Guy, Great video. I have a simple motto when purchasing a watch. I never pay more than what I can sell it for the next day. This philosophy has worked out exceptionally well throughout my tenure collecting watches. Hope you are doing well. Best, Dale

[@mulemule]

B. Franklin observed, "Common Sense is not so common!" These are *great* uncommonly straightforward & sensible tips. 0:58 1) Negotiating Price 3:35 2) Service Costs 5:26 3) Insurance Coverage 6:51 4) Grey Market 8:56 5) Vintage Watches 10:18 6) Retained Value 13:42 7) Replica Watches (aka Fakes)

[@tomgrimes8379]

Another luscious television production both in its look of the method of presentation. Tight, concise wording presented in a great TV setting. And, of course, the content itself was, as usual, on the mark; certainly consistent with my experience..

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Tom!

[@philipsdefreville6138]

Guy, An excellent, well thought out presentation. Very objective.

[@Mark..P]

Great video Guy. We all need these reminders. My advice would be to buy what you really want for yourself and don’t get caught up in the hype of what everyone else thinks is cool. It may be the hot watch to have but it’s ok to admit that you personally don’t like it and it’s not for you.

[@JustBlueFish]

Well said!

[@tbd1613]

Liked and subscribed. Rule 8: When possible buy used with box and papers. You save more and you let someone else pay for the depreciation.

[@angelos6817]

Don't be paranoid about getting it scratched because you'll never end up wearing it. Just put it on, scratch it and enjoy the ride.

[@robertsullivan4773]

Wow over the last few years I thought I learned a lot about the watch hobby/game. But you just gave me a lot to think about an commit to my knowledge banks. Thanks.

[@dadcaniborrowthewatch8572]

Hey Guy, good info...#6 and Selling as a individual could be a topic on its own...Every one talks resale, but no one talks about the difficulties actually selling to recoup value, especially early on in the hobby. Thanks for the vids!

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah, everyone makes it seem like flipping a multi-thousand dollar watch is trivial but it's not at all.

[@mb-watches]

Oh yeah, so much to consider in the beginning. I was so lucky to find out about in watch forums before buying. 👍🏻

[@kristianopd9447]

All great advice ! Wish I had known these things when I started collecting

[@JustBlueFish]

Kristian me too!

[@seanpollard4844]

Great points and very sobering for people buying with an itchy trigger finger. I always ask myself if this watch is expensive for the sole purpose of the price. Is it expensive so that you feel special and that very few people can afford to spend this kind of money on a watch or is it expensive because it actually was expensive to make. A watch made by hand instead of a CNC machine with the very special experience of getting to know the watchmaker who made the bespoke watch for you is entirely different. It takes patience with time and research to really know what you are buying that most people don’t do. I recommend touring the facility and meeting the watchmakers if you are spending serious money.

[@simiscorpio]

Well said on retained value. Exactly why I am not on the Rolex Steel sports wait-list. I don't like those bulky maxicases one bit and there are equivalent of better watches at same or lesser price points.

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Great video and good advice Guy.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Bruce!

[@scottsj4625]

Guy, you made a lot of good points. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Most I know but when I was new I knew almost nothing so this might be very helpful to new buyers. I would not buy a luxury watch off of eBay or Craigslist. Also not on Facebook. I would rather spend a few dollars from a dealer. Unless I know that seller. Jomashop has its own warranties for watches. They are grey market and trustworthy. I don't know any others.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah I think a lot of guys will know this stuff but hopefully some find it useful.

[@YogaSusetya]

I learn a lot from the video. Thanks!! Great video!

[@jouwenlee7829]

Very true about the service intervals, service charges and downtime without a watch. Many would compare prices, resale value etc. but overlooked the service costs. Certain watches can't be serviced other than the authorised service centre probably due to the movement complexity or certain special accessories, requirements.

[@tomkhong9828]

It’s so true. Thanks for sharing !!

[@rickonwatches9932]

Great tips....I would add “buy the seller before you buy the watch”. I’ll pay slightly more from a known/trusted seller.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Rick I appreciate it.

[@danielwilliams2467]

This is a great video. Thank you. Very informative

[@AlexCastignani]

great suggestion!!! thanks

[@JustBlueFish]

Alessandro Castignani thanks!

[@carminefriendly3703]

what do you think of breathing chronomat 44mm the one with black dial and mirror polish steel? I would love to buy one soon cause breathing is removing this modell. The big issue is that a mirror polish watch leaves the scratches very visible.....what do you think I should do cause I love breathing, and this model is just the one I prefer..this one and the sub is the only two I'm interested in

[@zsb707]

Breathing? 😂

[@LearnEnglishwithJames.]

Best watch channel on KZbin 👊

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks man.

[@ginyamaguchi1421]

Have you seen Archieluxury?

[@lrlevy]

My big learning was buy a classic style that you'll always enjoy. Don't buy a weird style

[@JustBlueFish]

Leonard Levy that’s a good tip. Timeless designs are timeless for a reason.

[@24934637]

I'd say that in general you are right, especially if a person is buying with intent to sell at a profit at a later date. However if a person isn't buying for investment purposes, and purely buying a watch for their own use, I don't think that there is anything wrong with them buying something weird, quirky, unusual or non-traditional IF they like it, and it suits their style! Prime example of this would be the Studio Underd0g Watermelon Chronograph. Very unusual, and certainly not for everyone, but personally I quite like it, would buy one and I suspect that it would also retain value surprisingly well!

[@macdee6040]

For me, Step 1 - have money Period lol

[@JustBlueFish]

Haha ya that helps.

[@davejacobs2205]

Any thoughts about a Rolex TT 16713?

[@steffydog]

Great video, I do think people think buying a watch is a sound investment, but forgetting they’d be selling at trade not retail, it’s like a car generally, it’s a loss when you sell, bar a very small selection of watches, that you can’t get anyway.

[@josephknecht4272]

Often, luxury watches are a substitute for a deep psychological need or void. Before going down that rabbit hole, meditate on what are, or ought to be, the main priorities in your life: doing so, in the long run, will make you happier.

[@JustBlueFish]

🙏🏻

[@zsb707]

Joseph, you are correct! 👍

[@biffbifford402]

It’s the need for more HQ watches. 👍

[@Alithia451]

Make sure you will still like the watch in a few years.

[@JustBlueFish]

That’s tough for me. No way to know till you’ve had it on the wrist for a few weeks. But in an ideal world this is good advice.

[@Randy-1967]

I view a watch as an investment as much as I view a car as an investment lol

[@jowon]

Thank you for good informations

[@webkris]

Excellent video Guy! I hear people complain all the time about "over priced" brands - when in reality - no one is paying MSRP on them. You absolutely nailed Tip #6 - "The endowment effect" is what makes people feel great about that (asking price) $10K watch they got for $8K - until they realize that it's weeks of responding to low ball offers on eBay, Watch Forums, Chrono24, etc. in order to sell it and recoup the cash. Less 9% and 3% of course (unless you find someone to do a wire transfer - oh hell no). $6500 from Bob's watches doesn't seem so bad now does it? 😆

[@JustBlueFish]

Ya that’s why I sold my Explorer to a dealer. Way too much hassle.

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

Another great vid with awesome tips

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

DavidSW DavidSW DavidSW-Archie approved!!

[@JustBlueFish]

I sold him my Explorer, transaction was seamless.

[@rootedrotor525]

Me too. Paid me the most for my SeaMaster. Seamless transaction.

Some very wise advice there. 👍

[@wapphigh5250]

massive research is the key.....

[@lesgillard1685]

Great Advice mate. :-)

[@demokid2000]

I bought from a gray market, new since they had NOS Fortis Flieger Chrono. Perfect. :D

[@paulienkhamvaiphei134]

Great video👍.Guy please suggest a good book on Rolex.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching. Sorry I haven’t read any watch books don’t have a recommendation.

[@ginyamaguchi1421]

The rolex book

[@paulienkhamvaiphei134]

@@ginyamaguchi1421 Thanks a lot Matt👍

[@chaosmatic404]

I totally agree on the point of not buying watches with some intent to sell at a profit a few years down the line. If that is your hustle then get into something else instead.

[@JustBlueFish]

Definitely better ways to make a buck.

[@valerosagroup9698]

Totally agree "investment watches" don't yield as well as you think , when the actual reputable person who sells your watch will take 30% from the total sale value for his efforts and expenses leaving you scratching your head to where this investment profit actually just went... buy the watch, enjoy the watch! Happy days! 💪💪💪👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Great video as usual! Thank you!!!!💪💪💪💪💪💪👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JustBlueFish]

Truth

[@scottsj4625]

I have seen deep discounts on Breitling and IWC in Sams club and hearing from others they see them in Costco and also heard some Omega watches spotted at Costco. 40% off of MSRP. Soft Brands. These days your lucky if you can find Rolex at MSRP. The popular models I mean.

[@JustBlueFish]

I think Sams and Costco are selling grey market. I don’t think they’re ADs for most of those major luxury brands.

[@scottsj4625]

@@JustBlueFish Yes, you are correct. AD's dump their stuff that is not selling well to buy new inventory. Omega sued Costco and lost. There is no law against selling legitimate watches. It is not legal to sell replicas in the USA. I hate these new high-end fakes, there have been stories going around selling fake Daytonas and some others. They may look real on the outside but usually, the movements are crap and lucky if it lasts a couple years. I have seen a video of a watchmaker taking apart a fake submariner and the movement had fake Rolex stampings but the parts were inferior. Bad mainspring. You name it. Garbage and people paying over 500 dollars. You can get Entry-level swiss watches for that kind of money that will work well like Tissot and Hamilton, Steinhart. Probably microbrands. with Seleta or Eta movements.

[@caonabo2]

It is reasonably to buy fron stablished gray market sellers. Sometimes you can negotiate paying for the AD manufacturer's guarantee, and then you have a full watch with all the perks.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching buddy.

[@caonabo2]

@@JustBlueFish Thank you for your honest, thoughtfull and smart tips on watches, which are my hobby. Keep up the good videos, and god bless you and your loved ones.

[@mbglobal5858]

very cool vid, very accurate info, cheers

[@ivankerr3570]

Great video. I wouldn’t buy anything unless it’s at least 20% discount. And most important of all is don’t buy new. Buy preowned from either an Authorised dealer or an established bricks and mortar store. Avoid Grey market online dealers until you have experience. And......... don’t. Repeat don’t buy on eBay.

[@yuvalsheer]

No. 1 Lesson---stick to Casios

[@JustBlueFish]

Yuval Sheer they get expensive too!

[@henrikpettersson2886]

Ive got ad fatigue from KZbin:( Not from the watchvideo though. That was refreshing. :)

[@JustBlueFish]

Henrik Pettersson thanks for watching sorry about the ads!

[@henrikpettersson2886]

@@JustBlueFish No worries I do understand that all great content on KZbin wouldnt be possible without ads. :)

[@consumidorbrasileiro222]

great video

[@Anonymous-wh6zv]

I have insured my Rolex submariner 1166 13 Lb as a portable asset it is part of my insurance premium in the contents inside and outside all over Australia outside of Australia only get $10,000 inside current grey market value so yes if you can afford to buy the watch you can afford Australian$89 x 12 I believe it is well worth the money regards Paul

[@marcustahoun]

Wise words.

[@petes5152]

I really don't get the "service cost" thing. If you're buying a $10,000 watch new from an AD, you won't need to have it serviced for something like 10 years. Yes, I know the manufacturers tell you 5 years, but if the thing is running perfectly, why service it? You aren't going to hurt the watch by letting it run another five years. A $500 service when amortized over 10 years is a negligible cost. Great point about the insurance though. That is a cost people often forget. Also, are people paying $100 a year for insurance? Where? Of course it depends on the value of your watch(s) but my insurance costs a lot more than that from a big US company.

[@JustBlueFish]

Insurance on my Submariner is about $120 a year, my Speedmaster is a bit less.

[@petes5152]

@@JustBlueFish I need to call my insurance company! Thanks for the info.

[@mattstevens1820]

I couldn't give a hoot what anyone else thinks about a watch. If you love it, buy it and wear it like a boss 😎

[@dimatha7]

I would only trust Horology House for buying online.

[@ericdiefel4505]

Yeah, it was funny the first hundred times people have made this comment on other channels

[@minchoi489]

Well, if the service cost is a concern, you shouldn’t buy one first place.

[@Jack-is9sm]

Cash doesn't make a difference here in the UK anymore. Also, if you are buying a watch that costs more than £10,000 , breaking out cold hard cash 'could 'raise a few eyebrows, and also flag you for potentially money laundering.

[@24934637]

1) Find someone who already owns one, and have a chat with them, and ideally have a look at theirs. 2) NEVER buy a watch without ever having seen one face to face and trying it on! 3) When you see the actual one that you are going to be buying, have a VERY careful look at it, and make sure that there aren't any faults. 4) Have a look at various watch sales sites and see how well the watch holds value. 5) NEVER rush into a purchase, unless it's a rare piece, there will always be another chance to buy. Anyone trying to rush you isn't your friend.

[@Punisher9419]

I think it's important to do your homework, instead of going out and buying a Rolex, Omega straight away it might be better to look around at other makers because you might actually prefer watches made by other makers. You don't have to spend much to get a nice quality watch. Not all watches are built equal some are designed to never be serviced and will last decades without being touched, others need to be serviced on a regular basis.

[@JustBlueFish]

Kuddlesworth NA thanks for sharing good advice.

[@vsop240]

have money (at least 10 times of the watch price) and high end life style ,, otherwise it's a waste . also,it depends on the luxury watch price 10k or 350k, so do the math .

[@JustBlueFish]

vsop240 thanks for watching and for the comments!

[@formationit5039]

Here's an approach: Buy a Seiko automatic dive watch and have fun swapping out coloful inexpensive nato straps.

[@demokid2000]

How about all cheap watches people throw away since they don't do the service... Might be, as an old cup a great deal. :D

[@void1984]

I love grey market dealers, because they offer models not available officially in USA, EU, or Asia.

[@gaurd3]

Don't buy a luxury watch unless YOU have legitimate warm fuzzies in your stomach when its on you arm. It will save you a ton when you are trying to sell a USED watch a month or 2 later.

[@JustBlueFish]

Ya selling after a couple months is a sure way to lose money.

[@dariusbrainiac]

tip numbah one: no impulse buys! ;)

[@arnoldjenkins5455]

If you can't buy it twice, you can't afford it

[@InGratitudeIam]

Collecting watches is supposed to be fun and satisfying, not an investment strategy. That's not to say that "this blind pig" doesn't find the occasional acorn, but that's not why I collect. My odds of making money playing craps is far greater.

[@laurentfargues8113]

Don't buy luxury watches, you can have the same quality for much less from "unknown" brands

[@frankdux6930]

Dont buy from guys like Chris Essery rule #1

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

Good video, Guy. All this talk about rEtAiNeD vAlUe and iNvEsTmEnT wAtChEs really ruins the purity of the hobby. Advice given to noobs is to "buy what you like" but then experts mention under their breathe that they'll take a bath if they ever try to sell a watch from XYZ brand. Literally every watch will retain some value. These are durable goods and will never be worth nothing. Have these fools seen the value retention on the clothing they wear? Practically zero. Why do they buy American cars when Toyotas and Hondas hold their value better? Fools. Tons of watch guys are fools.