8 Mistakes Every Watch Collector Should Know And Avoid

[@zwerko]

#1 mistake, by far, is is to start collecting watches. All other mistakes come from it.

[@Somedude75566]

The biggest mistake is going too quickly. You'll end up with a box full of cheaper seikos you never wear. Ask me how I know.

[@alexflores4458]

​@@Somedude75566 which models did you buy?

[@Somedude75566]

@alexflores4458 got a turtle, an skx, a samurai, and a presage. I only occasionally wear the skx.

[@sam96man]

@@Somedude75566That sounds good though 😅

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

That brilliant....😅

[@beetlefang]

The bracelet adjustment at 6 oclock is spot on!

[@ajhl1]

Totally agree but one would assume that the watch seller/fitter would take this into consideration because of their experience......BUT THEY DON'T!!!!

[@timb8095]

@@ajhl1a lot of people buying online

[@STYGY25]

Im using 3 fewer links on 6 side, because i always hated how watches tends to turn around your wrist to 12 side. This trick really helped me.

[@ThatGuyUpThere]

I had thinkered with every bracelet I own because of this, jewlers in general doesnt' seem to care.

[@lmen255]

I like the hing of the folding clasp away from the side of my wrist. So slightly to the 6 is better for me.

[@lespaulfav187]

A mechanic trick I learned a long time ago to prevent cross threading, is apply slight pressure on the crown before screwing down, and turn it counter-clockwise until it drops into the threads, and then turn forward. This way its always set into the threads before screwing down, and not forcing its way into the threads.

[@lefterismic3978]

Does this apply to all brands?

[@lespaulfav187]

@@lefterismic3978 it should. It’s the basic structure of screws. There’s always a lead thread for the starting point. With bigger thread things, the screw will naturally catch when it makes it to that point in the threading. But with very fine screws like screw down crowns, it can be beneficial to go backwards first so you’re not forcing the screw until it’s set in the starter thread

[@fiskrens92]

@@lefterismic3978 This applies to any and all threads👍

[@lefterismic3978]

@@lespaulfav187 Thanks for the reply 😀

[@lefterismic3978]

@@fiskrens92 Thanks for the confirmation. So then my understanding is that the same method we should apply to divers quartz watches (battery, solar). Is this right?

[@mazin13]

The best watch youtuber in my humble opinion. No matter how big Teddy is getting (well deserved too), he always remains humble and gives a 100$ watch the same respect and thorough review and opinion as a 10,000$ watch. Stay as you are Teddy! Wishing you all the success in the world.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

He's a salesman what do you expect but if you want to continue being naive. Go right ahead

[@cliffwheeler7357]

​@@lonewolfemcquade8133I have had run ins with dreadful salesmen with no respect for the customer. I'm sure Teddy would not be one of them.

[@Chiller11]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Haha, I bet you’re fun at parties.

[@augustlavdal6187]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133agreed, every video has a sponsor or he talks about a brand lol

[@Macna333]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 then why are you here?

[@BaddogSports]

I see a Teddy B video, I click it. As a guy who started collecting watches a little over a year ago, I learn a lot by listening to him! Thank you, Teddy.

[@millenb8266]

Amen!

[@JR-lg7fd]

good little robot

[@niqpw]

Agree 100% with shorter bracelet at 6 - took me years to realise this! My tip with a screw-down crown to avoids cross-threading - push and wind anti-clockwise until it clicks, then maintaining the pressure wind clockwise to screw down. To set the date - pull crown fully and move hands to 6 o'clock, push crown and set day/date to one day BEFORE today, pull crown fully and advance to correct time paying attention to when the day/date snaps over. This way you won't break the date part of the movement and you will set am/pm correctly.

[@LouisStravinsky]

Why does shorter at 6 make a difference in comfort? Is it a rule to follow with every bracelet? Only removing links from the 6 o'clock?

[@edwardblack7133]

@@LouisStravinskygeometry of the shingle fold over - hinge on the 12 o’clock side but you want the “wing span” of the clasp fold centered and flat on your flexor tendons of the wrist

[@mountainjay]

4 biggest mistakes: #1 Buying a watch to impress anyone else. #2 Changing straps or even removing your watch from the wrist while standing over a hard surface. #3 Changing the date between 9 - 3. #4 Buying a homage watch to scratch the itch for what you actually want.

[@odedroesler]

Im feeling #2 right now

[@daleyfamily2179]

I agree with number 4 lol

[@GeniusInventor-dj5zc]

I agree with number 4 when it comes to some watches but not as much as the others because I’m never buying a Patek or AP in this lifetime seeing the prices they go for.

[@mountainjay]

@@odedroesler If it makes you feel any better I remember seeing an Adrian Barker video where he destroyed his Rolex by dropping it on a rock while attempting to change straps.

[@ButterfatFarms]

#4 would much rather have a brand new Hamilton PSR rather than a vintage Pulsar P2, with 50 year old electronics in it, and then the sort of the nice minty condition one you want, it'll never be anything other than a watch case queen, a trophy, that you never want to wear for fear of scratching or damaging the crystal. Or I can slap a brand new PSR on my wrist that's beautiful and pristine and just enjoy it and it'll cost me less as well. So while 4 has merit it certainly not an absolute. Edit: unless you were speaking of so called "rep" watches. There's about half a dozen good reasons I would never buy or want to wear a knockoff watch over something legit and genuine in that same price range.

[@davidlmatteson]

@5:17 i use a hair dryer to warm up the loctite on the bracelet screws. I just lay the hair dryer down on its side and point it at the spot on the bracelet with the screws. About 6 to 10 inches away from the hair dryer. When the bracelet is warm, not scalding hot, just warm, the loctite will loosen up easily.

[@ThomasGeisler-gv5ld]

Fantastic review of basic do’s and don’t s. This should be a primer for all watch collectors, newbies through old hats.

[@bullnose01]

To avoid crossthreading a screw down crown, before turning the crown clockwise to tighten it, turn it slightly counterclockwise. This will help to properly seat the crown in the threading before screwing it in. Also, if you do mess up the threading, the fix, replacing the crown tube, generally is a relatively easy fix for a watchmaker and usually not expensive (certainly compared to the cost of the watch), so don't put it off.

[@benhenderson9190]

Worst mistake: telling your spouse how much it actually cost.

[@michaelmaina8803]

Not if your spouse bought you your first really expensive watch totally out of the blue. (She did. And I’m still in shock.) Money I only ever dreamed about spending on a watch in the first place. And I love it to death.

[@ButterfatFarms]

Worst mistake: Getting caught by your spouse lying about how much it actually cost?

[@benhenderson9190]

@@ButterfatFarmsworst worst mistake is lying about how much your collection costs and then dying and she sells it for what you told her spent.

[@ButterfatFarms]

@@benhenderson9190 ha!

[@mocheen4837]

My wife actually bought half of the watches in my collection including my first Rolex and an Omega Speedmaster last week for our anniversary.

[@Username159_]

That sapphire crystal critique is spot on. There's ways to fix scratches, but shattering requires a replacement.

[@Sedoc9549]

Ive worn a domed sapphire watch on the tools in trenches at work for about a year and a half and it's still scratchless and hasn't shattered, what are you all doing with your watches?

[@fhujf]

Mistake no. 1 Getting into the hobby in the first place :')

[@thoselog]

I literally just Sunday took my Explorer I back to the AD and switched it to 4 links on the 6-side and 6 links on the 12-side. I wondered how popular this was or if I was doing something weird. Feels WAAAAAY better though, I absolutely love the way it wears now, so this is an extremely timely video for me. Thanks! Great advice.

[@etebol]

Great video Teddy as always. As a 19cm wrist-er, I can attest to your clasp position observation. I just wanted to add that I came to find out that the larger the wrist is, the harder it gets to have the clasp centered. Thank you for sharing.

[@ManmanNorales]

Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!

[@bernardwadding]

Less links at 6, 100% correct

[@Voltanaut]

Fewer, babe, not less.

[@bernardwadding]

@@Voltanaut s-knob, babe

[@GreceMarip]

got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on MAMACOO 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.

[@johnrbh]

I’ll add two extremely important pieces of advise. 9. Insure your watch. The Valuables policy I have is inexpensive and covers loss or damage with no deductible. 10. Update your appraisal for your watch and then update your policy. I had a Panerai PAM24. I would wear it when we went on a beach vacation. Was in Hawaii out in the surf and a big wave literally ripped the watch off my wrist. I had bought the watch new for around $4k, and that what I insured it for. The price for a new one had gone up to around $6k. So, my insurance company cut me a check for $4k. If I had kept my appraisal up to date I would have gotten a new watch. That prompted me to update the coverage on my 25 yo Rolex sub 16610 that I had bought new while I was in the military for about $2k (at the time you could get a great deal on Rolex through the BX). I got the Sub reappraised for $10k. Now I’m covered!

[@hgr.7857]

Excellent; wise words & great job learning & sharing the knowledge. Sounds like you got a great deal on the 👑 AND it has actual significance to you.

[@thomashelm6931]

Oh great.. just when I had forgotten about going to the BX and getting a Glycine GMT,as a loadmaster, instead of getting the Rolex... I'll never forgive myself. Then, again, just a little difference in price between the two. 😆

[@raulrios3579]

Thanks John for the insurance tip. Who do you insure it thru? Homeowner insurance or Standalone policy?

[@johnrbh]

@ it’s a valuables policy through USAA. Homeowners insurance gives you minimal coverage.

[@Jithinjohnson007]

Idc if it has 10,000 meter water resistance… I am not going swimming with my watches 😂

[@apageii]

I’ve only made two mistakes on the list thanks to listening to other collectors/enthusiasts which is the clasp not being centered. It doesn’t really bother me but at least now I know why they pull the links from the 6 position. I’ve definitely overwound a watch before but I’ve just been lucky that they are automatic and have that fail safe. Haven’t bought a mechanical watch yet because the stigma and I don’t think I would wear the watch as much as automatic. I’m so happy to hear Doxa is available on your site. I’ve wanted one for a while because of if I get a dive watch I want it to have that history. Too bad I can’t find a place to try one on around here.

[@Watches-In-Virginia]

Thank you for the advice on asymmetric link adjustment for a bracelet watch. I moved a link on one of my watches from one side of the clasp to the other and now the watch fits better. You are right about screw down crowns. You will never cross-thread or over-tighten a Panerai! And you won't forget to screw-down the crown on a Panerai before going into the water.

[@mattk8166]

Having the 6 o'clock side of the bracelet shorter is a game changer. Especially for Seiko Prospex bracelets. Many complain about the divers extension being uncomfortable. That is because it doesn't lay flat with the rest of the bracelet, it starts to curve around the wrist. Get it in the right position and the Seiko brackets are very comfortable.

[@sazzadulislam3144]

Yeah bro, that’s what I used to know. What difference does it make if its 6pm and not 6am?

[@scrhunter3901]

First point is very important!!! You are the first i see that speaks about it. After month i realised this. Very good point thx

[@NalinKhurb]

Correct, I've not heard this from anyone. And it also took me a month to figure this out haha

[@VijShuaibi]

My watch was purchased 2 years ago from MAMACOO and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.

[@johnrbh]

Great advise! I always tell people to change the date with “hands down”. Easy way to remember it!

[@UTOOOOOOOY]

The screwdown crown thing, I remember learning about screwing in screws, you have to go counter-clockwise first, once you feel a tactile bump, then you can go clockwise and screw-in. Doing this makes the screw follow the threading straight down, unlike with traditional screw in, that you'll have to feel it go in, and if some of the sides bite before the others do, this may definitely cause the threads to wear.

[@retroluminico]

The final words come to sumarize the whole idea: we love what we do. It takes way to much honesty and knowledge to come with this content. For a true watch collector this might be your best video so far Teddy. Thanks

[@sharanm5622]

Totally agree with the clasp being off centered. Discomfort and visually displeasing.

[@LashondaBeesmer]

Love MAMACOO watch，Such a great looking watch to match with the precisionist movement.

[@albertsmith9315]

Interesting video. Regarding point one, just by trial and error I arrived at the same conclusion... I removed more links from the "6" end which really makes the bracelet lay nicely on my elliptical wrist. In the beginning, I used symmetry in my link removal, but the folding hinge jutted out under the bracelet. Your suggestion rang true for me based on my experience.

[@LauraKnotek]

Your first tip makes so much sense. When I wear a NATO strap, I have the strap shorter at the 6 o'clock side in order to keep the strap buckle in the centre of my wrist.

[@jakegittus8381]

Congrats on 1 million teddy🎉🎉

[@JohanyPopoola]

MAMACOO is one of my favorite watch manufacturers they do offer beautifull dials, good workmanship & moovements.That smooth sweeping second hand is truly mesmerizing！

[@jorgepedrofernandes]

Great video, as always. The clasp issue is something I totally relate to. Thank you Teddy

[@cliffhiggins730]

This is a FANTASTIC video! Every new watch enthusiast should see this!!!

[@Apexdetailing]

As some brand new toying with how deep into my collection I found your advice extremely practical and experienced. Thank you

[@1bigoptimus]

Great video Teddy. I wouldn't say I'm a watch collector. And though they're not very expensive, I do appreciate the ones I have. This is all great information.

[@LudokuTarantowicz]

I like the watch I got from AMZWATCH. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.

[@SynthiaMoskau]

When people are saying MAMACOO is a better option for buying a watch,I very much agree!

[@AMAMBT]

that 6 o'clock bracelet adjustment is crazy, it worked for me so i went through all watches and yes a night and day difference. thanks Teddy

[@_e5598]

Clasp position! I often send a watch back at resize and end up with 2 extra links on one side as well. For Seikos, 2 links extra from the 12 o'clock side (opposite other watches)

[@jonclassical2024]

Teddy, you are sooooo correct on centering the clasp on the back of your wrist. To this day, I still prefer a leather or silicone buckle strap because in my early days, I mis-fit the bracelet. A very informative basic vlog of truisms.

[@LisonbeeMcpeake]

I like the watch I got from MAMACOO. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.

[@oryoruk]

fantastic recommendation with removal of more links from the #6 side!! you just made my favorite watch more comfortable

[@jasonpwl]

Always putting the watch hands at 6 seems like the best thing to do when adjusting dates. Doesnt matter if it is am or pm, it wouldnt fall into the date change window. Although...my Frederique Constant manual says i need to place my watch at 10.10AM first..

[@chrishugo]

Bingo! My bracelet "offset" is also most often two links shorter on the 6 side for my 7 5" wrist. On a strap, I may swap the buckle end from 12 (as commonly sold) to 6 to get that same balance, a standard form on some Seikos. It can make a huge difference in seeing the full dial with an easy wrist roll.

[@sushisuich]

It took me until about my 3rd or 4th watch until I made the realization that less links at the 6 o’clock side causes for a better fit. Definitely top tier advice

[@albusg9437]

I know Teddy is a CRAZY watch collector like me and many, when he brought up the clasp position. Thank you Teddy.

[@Justme0495]

I simply love those videos just talking about watches in general! Keep the good work up!

[@GeniusInventor-dj5zc]

The first reason I just figured out recently when sizing out my own watches with an watch sizing kit. I wore my tissot PRX 35mm with the clasp not centered and went back to move a link from the 6 o’clock side to the opposite and the clasp centered, making the wearing experience much better. Transferred this knowledge to whenever I’m adjusting my other watches

[@ClauGarin]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the MAMACOO's watches are the most intriguing.

[@PeakyFknBlinder]

This is such an educational video especially for someone who is just getting into the world of mechanical or automatic watches. May I also add that exposure to extreme temperatures (may thicken or thinness lubricants) can lead to malfunctions. Ignoring power reserves as prolonged periods without being wound, a watch’s oil may thicken unevenly. Last, storing in non-ideal conditions. Humid or dusty environments can lead to moisture ingress of debris inside the case. As always, love your contents and your shop, Teddy! Cheers! 👌🏼

[@CoxJohan]

My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from MAMACOO

[@bullnose01]

As to watertightness, keep in mind that a watch's WR rating is determined when it is in pristine condition. Tiny particles of grit and temperature fluctuations encountered in normal use can impair the integrity of the gaskets. If your watch regularly is immersed in water, its water resistance routinely should be checked, which can be done quickly by a watchmaker for a nominal charge.

[@Robin_npy]

6:50 Got it Teddy. I’ll let my wife know I can’t hold her hand anymore 😂

[@underwaterlevelz1947]

this never occurred to me. dont dance with a woman with a diamond ring

[@johnberan1906]

I do the exact same thing, I usually have 1 to 2 links less on the 6 side, it helps keep the watch centered better.

[@salthart57]

Thanks Teddy. Best watch channel on KZbin hands down!

[@repodonkey]

This is a timely upload. I adjusted my own bracelet on my citizen garrison and it went well. Admittedly my method with a small screwdriver (flat bit) and rubber mallet I would not feel comfortable with on a $100+ bracelet . Thanks Teddy

[@Chiller11]

Hats off to anyone who takes a hammer to his watch.

[@mark_n_r]

Very good point regarding clasp position. I discovered it years ago and it makes a big difference.

[@curtiprice]

I could not agree more about clasp alignment!! I thought I was being petty, but couldn’t help it, it bothers me more than most anything else!!

[@prettysoIdier]

1:17 I’ve always had my bracelets sized to get the clasps centered on the underside of my wrist even though the number of links are not equally distributed. Most people try for symmetry at the cost of comfort and that’s a big no.

[@rikoerlemans6715]

The clasp in the middle is not always the best option imo. In the case of butterfly clasps: yes. But in many other cases, such as Seiko, the folding parts of the clasp are sticking out on one side of the closing mechanism. So if you get the closing mechanism visually in the middle of the bracelet, the clasp itself is probably not. All of this kind of clasps that I have are therefor one link shorter towards the 6 o'clock side of the watch.

[@LauraKnotek]

What's interesting is that many vintage watches had date complications, but nobody ever mentioned when not to change the date back in the day. I started wearing a mechanical watch as a little kid in first grade. My father was very mechanically inclined, but he wasn't aware of this issue, so he never mentioned it to me. I didn't learn this until relatively recently.

[@Soldierboy39]

Since Teddy said it in past videos, I'm always watching at what time I change the day/date on my watches if I need to.

[@matthewfriend6672]

Great video Teddy! All valid points! Thanks for your time and insights.👍

[@scottbollinger3641]

Excellent videos !… very informative.

[@yanlevionnois4868]

Great video, and amazing news for Doxa! Congratulations on getting so many great brands in your store 🎉

[@oweng7987]

Sapphire Crystals - if you do any welding, take your watch off. Weld spatter will melt / fuse to a sapphire crystal. First hand experience here. Screw down crowns - Add a small amount of silicone gel (nothing petroleum based) to the threads. This will lubricate the threads and the gasket and improve the sealing of the crown.

[@gmbell258]

I agree with the off centred clasp. It also stops the watch case hanging over the back of your wrist.

[@aqualust5016]

Congrats on picking up Doxa. Yall are going to the top fast!

[@Making_Wristory]

So excited that you added Doxa!

[@Augustine1119]

Fewer Teddy, fewer links. Love ya, love your work!

[@BogdanGuna-cz9of]

Your channel has been very useful and entertaining for my watch collecting journey. I have a wrist size identical to yours and I always check your wrist shots on watches I'm interested in.

[@attilasaylan7414]

Normally people wear 1-2 watches but aliens like us have tens of mechanical watches. So it’s impossible to keep all springs alive. Thus, we have to adjust date & time much more frequently than ordinary people. As a conclusion I suggest to spend your money for one top model that your budget allows and try to change straps to have different styles. This will ensure that top item in your collection will be always live and you don’t care to damage other models that much. Congrats Teddy it’s really difficult to keep sincerity on social media 👏👏👏 We feel that you are among us rgds

[@robysarno]

Thank you so much for posting this video! Excellent in every sense, as usual. One thing though: Omega starting from 300m to 600m and more, have the technology to use the pushers of the chronograph underwater. I have tried and it works just fine. The only thing is that they don't tell you until what depth you can do that. So if it is at snorkeling depth is ok but no-one can tell you if you go deeper until which depth you can do that. And with the new parachrome, cerachrome and so on materials for the hairspring watches are nowadays much less subject to malfunction when exposed to a magnetic field, but all in all I agree with you 100% why take a chance? Bravo! Please keep informing us on these beautiful details

[@TheNewfacto]

Teddy you nailed it with the first one, it just makes sense

[@EulahFellezs]

that was incredible. what a beautiful watch and what great work you did on it!MAMACOO

[@ishtiX]

Very helpful information indeed. Thanks, Teddy.

[@soo-weeong9149]

100% on the clasp alignment! When I first got my santos, clasp was digging in and didn’t realise the mistake. Corrected the alignment,….. 🎉🎉🎉

[@slide7132]

Excellent video thanks Teddy

[@kenrknight]

Note to Teddy’s editor: make sure you don’t have VBR1 turned on when rendering. Constant bitrate or VBR2 will keep the footage from getting pixelated on scene changes for a second. Keep up the good work 🫡

[@Memmaao]

Bracelet adjustment: it has to be OCD proof for me, therefore I'm always doing it myself! No scratches, centered clasp. I didn't mind to buy all the necessary gadgets, it worth every penny.

[@NalinKhurb]

Great video Teddy, useful tips for beginners

[@mariopinder242]

Yes I have made few of these mistakes myself. I have stripped the threads on my Omega SeaMaster.

[@frankmollee4907]

I recently got that alpinist, and it is amazing! Love the dial. Shame the bracelet has not got any more micro adjustments

[@lalaboiz]

Thank you for the 6o'clock link removal information.

[@twzKevin]

Can definitely agree with the clasp position, especially as someone with rather skinny wrists there are more than a couple of clasps where there aren't enough links to remove to position them correctly 🥲

[@pds1216x]

teddy just canonized and popularized a low-key clasp alignment trick with specifically mentioning the bottom lug for sizing.

[@petergrams6390]

These can sound so simple, but I’m a bench jeweler, watch retailer, and independent jewelry store owner, and just last week I noticed that the crown on my Tudor north flag was somehow half or more unscrewed. I tell customers to keep an eye on theirs all the time, and didn’t keep mine screwed down

[@philippestrickler3461]

Thank you TEDDY for all our good advices . On my side, it is a nightmare when i have to set the triple calendar . There is a lot of dealers in France, they are not the official dealer and they are not able to adjust your watche properly .

[@kairodumba7924]

I just bought a Hamilton Khaki Field King Auto and observed the day and date changes at 11:58/11:59pm. Is it alright?

[@grantbailey5413]

Congrats on the Doxa partnership!

[@pavo45]

Great advice Teddy, bracelet clasp position was my failure! Your prices are really keen, just a pity that those of us in the UK miss out on so much of your retail collection!

[@Blue_3rd]

Some good tips, cheers! Don’t forget that links are countable nouns :)✌️

[@Bensonbadger]

Will have to keep my bag of diamonds away from my watch! Thanks for the tip.

[@markdickerson3486]

Really good, down and dirty look at the silly things we do as collectors, or as brand new to the hobby. Thanks Teddy!

[@Anonymouslyme1]

Great video well done Teddy

[@darrenhojnacki6636]

Congratulations on Doxa. Good topics.

[@craigborrenpohl1233]

Doxa! Congrats Teddy, great brand for which to be a dealer.