Are Wooden Watches Worth Investing In? - Holzkern Review

[@justme7920]

What no wooden diver?

[@BaddaBigBoom]

It would (wood?) bring you bobbing to the surface!

[@zeroset7402]

Man

[@allyw7405]

What I find amazing is Swatch use to have 200m rated plastic divers

[@davidcordatos-marcotte8144]

Does teak...leak?

[@compuguy123]

Life vest on a wrist ​@@BaddaBigBoom

[@magnetpull7587]

At least unlike other wood watches, they include standard lugs so you can exchange the strap as wooden straps are bound to break when they get wet repeatedly. I wonder though why not more brands create wooded bezel inserts, these look really good imo

[@GriffXJ]

The wood/lacquer/resin scratches extremely easily. I have a wedding ring with a wood inlay and I have to send it out every other year to be refinished/replaced

[@RB-bm7cl]

Doesn't matter, not only the wooden straps will break when they get wet repeatedly but the wooden lug will also break too. So even if they don't give standard lugs it doesn't matter. The body, the frame eventually all will break. Wooden watches can only be beater watches with good but cheap quartz movements within 20USD. So even if u use the watch for 3-4 years, u won't mind. Also not the 5-10 USD chinese wooden watches. They won't last even a year. Brands like casio or timex can make if they are interested. They r making good watches under 20USD,so if they r interested in this, then can try. But still it will ruin their their legacy. Even the cheap Casio or Timex lasts decades. Casio even uses battery that lasts for 7 or even 10 years in their budget watches. So I don't think they will make a watch that will hardly last for 4-5 years. It will just ruin their reputation.

[@watchthisspace2924]

Speaking as someone who builds their own watches, there are limited watch case designs available to the small scale watch builder. Unless you have a huge industrial metalworking factory or you have the economies of scale enough to approach a factory in China it's incredibly hard to step out of the available case design choices. Wood adds another medium to the toolkit of non-manufacturer watch builders and sellers. Essentially what I'm saying is the barrier to entry on wooden watch design is a lot lower than metal watches and it gives you more options.

[@Ty91681]

That's a great point and not be overlooked.

[@haruruben]

I love the idea of wood accents on a watch, but I wouldn’t want structural elements to be made from wood

[@cube_cup]

I love mine. It's my third favourite in my collection of 12. It's that second one, the all wooden. Honestly, that was the appeal to me.

[@shedwrightoutdoors204]

Just received my first Holzkern watch. I am extremely impressed with it. It feels sturdy, it is heavy (which I like). It is so clean and actually pretty cool to just look at. It is from the Impact collection (the Horasko). I absolutely love it.

[@ZeFluffyNuphkin]

2 years later, do you still like it? I'm considering getting one

[@shedwrightoutdoors204]

@ZeFluffyNuphkin yes! I love my first one, and I bought a 2nd one this year and love it! I get a lot of compliments on them.

[@ZeFluffyNuphkin]

@@shedwrightoutdoors204 Awesome, I'm glad to hear it. Whats the new one you're getting, and are either of them wood? Have you noticed any issues with fragility?

[@shedwrightoutdoors204]

@ZeFluffyNuphkin I already got my new one early this year. It is the finisher. And they seem really durable. Both of mine are waterproof, and they have held up.

[@johnwescott1500]

I wooden bother with these.

[@jeffreypetchharrison4363]

haw haw haw poop pop phart phart ...

[@phildunstan2096]

I have had a Tissot Wood Watch and my wife a Tissot Lapis Rock Watch for approx 30 years.They have been totally reliable and make a great statement with their simple face design. Have thoroughly enjoyed owning them, but we do not wear them as everyday watches so much as when we're dressed up to go out.

[@jimmydasani8922]

PHILLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[@garycank5169]

Love the reviews ben, Are you working in the marketing industry, or media industry? So professionally and informative.

[@Shadowofthestag]

I would love to see your opinion on their new watches. They seem to have leaned away from wooden watches and more to normal watches with wooden bits

[@marcdecock7946]

I bought one for my wife, brand: 'woodwatch', the cheapest, but engraved with a personal message, and also a small personal poem on the wooden box... she gets positive feedback on it, people seem to like it, no harm done.

[@pjmallery5379]

I am looking to buy my first watch which is what brought me here. Admittedly I know very little about watch trends or what others would like in watches. So my opinion is based on looks alone and I think some of the wood watches look very cool. It is all in the eyes of the beholder obviously because many in the comments here seem to not like the look of them, yet you said one of them is one of your most complimented when wearing. I also don't think it is a negative that they feel so light compared to steel I mean it's a completely different type of material lol. Thank you for the review and if I decide to go with a wood watch at least this seems to be the right company to get one from.

[@nuuwnhuus]

What did you end up getting? :D

[@edgargabriel6640]

Well all is personal opinion. I like the colour/ material combination of my holzkern Ultraviolet very much. Build quality is nice (so far satisfied). Thickness? Well, no competition to my Skagen watches, oh, I knew that from the product page 🙅😁

[@HelgeKS]

I have a holzkern. Cool watch but had to change the wooden strap with a leather one. The wooden strap just chips off here and there and the fastening screws loosen easily.

[@easternwind4435]

The "e" in "holzkern" is spelled like the "e" in "end".

[@tmargosian]

Spelled or do you mean pronounced?

[@easternwind4435]

@@tmargosian both

[@welza001]

I am looking at these and they have really expanded the size selection of their automatic higher-end watches... I would love hear if you tried any of them.

[@MrReaperofDead]

The watch is very, VERY AWESOME! They are very beautiful and I've only received compliments... However dudes, that box we gotta talk about. Its waaay too small and my watch i'm afraid could get scratched. I dont keep it in there, you shoukd make it bigger

[@nakazatotakeshi4286]

Hello Ben, you should do a review on the Swatch with quartz movement and possibly compare them to the other "fashion" watch. Theres alot of Swatch that cost around $60. And wooden watches is a waste of trees

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

I've got a wooden watch. Super cheaply made, crappy movement. Best watch I own. Why? My wife had the dial engraved with a picture of my newborn son on it. Nothing beats that.

[@kaylierojas8536]

If you see this comment can you ask her where she had it done? Thanks!

[@ХристоМартунковграфЛозенски]

I'd say that yes, it could work. If you're in it for the appeal of the material (and not for any particular trend), then why not? On the "horological significance", check Soviet Raketas with wooden cases and dials and Hamilton Sherwood models from the 50s or 60s (if I'm not mistaken). And that Tissot someone in the comments has already mentioned.

[@Slippy_CTE]

I have the holzkern Gawain from their Camelot collection. And it feels super sturdy, and it looks great. I love it.

[@richardryan7566]

I am really interested in that watch. Helps to hear someone who has it likes it. Thanks

[@Slippy_CTE]

@@richardryan7566 it gets lots of compliments just for looking really nice. Goes great with a wine red button up shirt. The only thing I will say is the wood is not quite as red as in the pictures. But it still looks great.

[@MikeHaggarKJ]

I only have one watch, it's in wood and I don't see myself ever taking it off (with the exception off a few very formal events)

[@jh565bb]

It's been some time since you commented, out of curiosity, how has it faired?.

[@MikeHaggarKJ]

@@jh565bb it's doing fine 👍

[@jh565bb]

@@MikeHaggarKJ Im glad, seems like a hardy time piece.

[@Alithia451]

I went to their popup store yesterday. I almost bought one bc of the cute girl, but they cost 30% more than online. I asked them what to fo if I encountered a swarm of termites though.

[@jurivlk5433]

The mother of them all is the Tissot Wood Watch from the mid 1980's!

[@jurivlk5433]

@CRF.Channel97 Yes

[@johnbr59]

from time to time i see holzkern advertised on social media, and whilst I always admired their courage/originality in making and marketing wood watches, I've always thought of it as a gimmick - in other words, i never really took it seriously. however, when browsing their offerings on their website, some are actually quite stunning - the use of wood in the bezels (e.g. walnut) and marble in the dial is quite striking and original. some of the 40mm offerings look great as a more dressy watch, whereas some of the 42mm chronos look stunning for more casual purposes. i'm going to keep an eye on them. bear in mind that some of their watches appear to have standard metal cases, but with wood/stone touches - e.g. in the bezel or dial. in other words, you can still get a metal watch case but with the beauty of the natural/organic materials for design purposes. there's actually something quite charming and kind of retro about it. the 4 they sent you don't look their best. perhaps a more recent review would help bring things up to speed!

[@jonasjung256]

Yeah I saw there Hundertwasser model, and liked the look of that but it also only seems to use wood in the center links of the bracelet as more of an accent, and the blue marble dial looks pretty striking. Not sure that it’s worth the price they’re asking though.

[@700NitroXpress]

I got the Holzkern Alrakis automatic, it's nice for wearing at work. I think I'll likely pick up a U-Boat tungsten watch and wear that over this one eventually though.

[@balail9167]

Ben, any observation or opinion on Holzkern`s Camino collection? They seem very similar to the Skyline collection ( the Mangattan model). I`m seriously thinking about getting the Inca model. Any suggestion or advice?

[@GamingKav]

As a fashion watch I quite like the Holzkern Chicago. If I’ve the money I would consider picking one up.

[@Christian_counsel]

Just bought one. Can’t wait to get it

[@Phil_Leotardo]

@@Christian_counselhow is it? Does it still work?

[@davidhomeroxford]

I've been through 3 Foxgrape watches in a few years, they're really pretty and fully wood, however they're really delicate. I was on holiday and went into the sea forgetting it was on. Dead on arrival at a watch repair shop, another fell off a table and landed on the floor and shattered and the other I left in the sun and the wood dried out and cracked. I bought my girlfriend one three years ago too and hers made it three years then the mechanism failed. They do do cheap fixed priced repairs. In summary if you're careful like my girlfriend and look after it it'll last a few years, if you're like me you're effectively on a subscription model paying every year :)

[@artfartzy]

Can you tell about the automatic system, is it good or does it have to be adjusted after some days ? I read somewhere that those with battery was more accurate and those automatic ones would need to have the time adjustet after some time.

[@paulkinder8440]

I've recently bought a Holzkern Mumbai, which is an automatic, blue stainless steel and Leadwood design with a marble face. It's a nice looking watch but if your eyesight isn't the best, picking out the time from the grey marble isn't as legible as some other watches.

[@Alagathevictor]

A very good review. When I saw the Holzkern adds on Facebook and KZbin, I knew this was just a new brand coming out of nowhere to make some money and that it would´nt be my money

[@THEWOODIO]

Depending on the buyer's point of view, we will choose the right watch for ourselves

[@myoldskool]

I really like them, have a couple now. Generally I'm not into watches but I had to have them. Closer to the £300 mark and look amazing.

[@SubaruWRC1996]

I've been considering getting a holzkern watch as there's one I really like but are they worth it

[@07thomasd]

Original Grain make the best wooden watches by far. They're not typically "fashion watches" as with the other brands. Their quality and craftsmanship punishes way above the category of watch they're placed in and they don't release countless watches (clearly made quickly and cheaply for maximum turnover) like all the others. My Rosewood Chrome Classic is still ticking and together over 5 and a half years later.

[@untitle161]

With wooden watches can you adjust it or tighten it just like other wrist watches?

[@Katzenkotze85]

Your facial expression all the time during that video sums up all my assumptions about HOLZKERN.. .thank you Ben!... 😅

[@jayr5972]

How does it compare with the Bobo Bird?

[@mrhawk1924]

Just got this watch. I have a few wooden watches. They are cool but no shower or bath or swimming. My is call Mossimo

[@brotherandrew3393]

I never would trust a wooden watch as a daily beater.

[@aaronaustrie]

I think some wooden watches are cool

[@greamespens1460]

Some people marvel in the wood craftsmanship in the interior of Rolls Royces and I have wondered as to why with the mechanics of watches why are there no similar desire in wood watches.

[@yourma40]

Aaron Austrie kk

[@jamie1234591]

You should check out the watches of Valerii Danevych with mechanical wooden movements, they are incredible! www.keepthetime.com/blog/valerii-danevych-wooden-watches-miniature-timepieces/

[@crispyair3338]

Hey, where's everyone else?

[@ernestoflores9854]

I just received mine (fall-dusk) no instructions and does not start? any advice

[@TarekMidani]

Wait, why is this brand different from an automatic Jord watch?

[@michaeljones701]

They're not an investment watch, but they are a good EDC - I have a Holzken with a Seiko solar movement - it looks great and well made and most important its accurate.

[@underwaterlevelz1947]

Not a watch snob by any stretch, but man these wooden watches just do not do it for me at all. They scream "faddish" and I have serious concerns about the craftsmanship.

[@godfreyfoster9303]

Ben, I was hoping you'd do a feature on wooden watches. You have good opportunities but then squander them on subjective comment. There is a watch for everyone and there will be plenty of wooden or semi wooden watch followers relieved that after such a long wait decent quality has arrived. I bought one at £130 and got the cheaper on free from TruWood Canada. The Black pvd and duo wood model Architect and the only wooden duo wood Hybrid. The finish and quality of these designs was superlative. The weighty feel of the Architect was even more than I expected, must be the heavy back plate. Well if you think about it, Ben to make a fuss free always ticking, a time reliable a quartz block is the obvious choice for a wooden watch. This leaves, as it does here, the well balanced appeal of the exquisite woods and their finish vs the practical design. TruWood are clearly experts at wood craftsmanship. Theres something far more tactile, closer to the skin with wood and has a real characteristic aroma all by themselves. Olive wood, ebony and sandalwood to name three... That's essentially what you are doing enjoying the watch as well as the function of straight time, no need for a date. Keep improving Ben, atb..!!

[@micmac6556]

I was looking into this brand and thought I saw that they are made in the USA unlike most others made in China. I would like to get one of the watches with the marble dials

[@valkyrieofgloom3324]

I love Holzkern. I have 4 of them and they are my favorite ones.

[@annkhoshaba1778]

Hi, do u have their coustomer service coz I cannot find it plz

[@stevenrogers3115]

do you use anything on the wood parts, such as wax or oil to help preserve/ waterproof it?

[@nickporter9264]

Imo, wooden watches are not cool. I’d like to see you do a review of a Seiko 5 Ben. The SNKL line is great bang for buck.

[@EaGilgamesh]

Wood expands and contracts. A horrendous design choice for a machine with many components relying on precision. Dont expect these to last long lol

[@markau9582]

Is that a timex on your wrist?

[@BloodSoakedGoat]

discord.gg/aJEnjN

[@justme7920]

You’re in Teddy’s MVMT trailer 😃

[@Maximo665]

what's your wrist size?

[@TheInselaffen]

Why is he so chilled in this one?

[@sixt3denied]

I've seen a lot of reviews that these wood watches do not hold up. They look great but not convinced they are worth the money.

[@gabrielpraslin9576]

Damn, I've never been this early before

[@dralzgamer2354]

They look like tiny tables or furniture pieces for insects with the wood and marble combo

[@haruruben]

It’s interesting, I’ve never seen marble on a watch face before. I have a watch with a mother of pearl face that I adore, that’s the closest I’ve seen

[@TheLegitAlpha]

I’m pretty sure this also applies to Original Grain as well.

[@lukefromtonight]

Absolute GARBAGE! (what happened to the cool wall? bring it back imo) Also, congrats on the cameo on Teddy's recent video mate! 🎉

[@BensWatchClub]

Hi Luke, haha I saw that video, looks exciting! I generally include the wall in individual watch reviews, maybe I should include it for these including multiple watches? Either way, I'm redoing the studio, making the wall out of action for a couple of weeks haha. It shall return!

[@lukefromtonight]

@@BensWatchClub that's a good point - forgot the wall is for individual watches... ignore me 😜

[@Animalkisser]

Are they termite proof? LOL

[@herald1953]

ben, can you do a review on NAM watch? Indonesian brand, they made some with ETA movt, seems high quality but priced kinda ridiculous, i want to know your opinion on em

[@themikek99]

Hell yeah, thanks man! :-)

[@theshadowman1398]

I actually like the WeWood Jupiter. But the mechanism is utter crap and just died in mine. Still need to replace it.

[@bubblewrapvillain]

Where is my fully wooden digital watch at?

[@831nightmare]

Can you review Bromwick watches next?

[@davidholmes3776]

I really like the look of the Holzkern Ciudad Perdida at the moment but I’m saving for Hamilton which’ll be my first Swiss made timepiece. It would make a nice dressy watch though imo. I’ve got a cheap Quartz Seiko chrono, an old Citizen Eagle7 automatic and a Seiko 5 automatic that I rotate between.

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Can u submerged it in water

[@hagbard72]

New meaning to "I got a woody".

[@edwinvincent1506]

Can you give a review on watch you are wearing in this video

[@melody3741]

I hate it when watch boxes are magnetic because you can only ever use it with the watch that came in it or other quartz

[@wagrealtyllcnorthcarolina7726]

I like my Benjamin Banneker Maat we get wood watch

[@marconersita7114]

Where are they made?

[@snyper701]

Germany

[@Jon867]

A good, honest review Ben. These wooden watches look chunky, ugly, gimmicky and I just can't see the USP myself - unless they're somehow being pitched as some kind of "eco" option? Bizarre.

[@Parocha]

"eco"? A Steel watch would last decades, whereas a wooden watch is liable to be less durable

[@Jon867]

@@Parocha I agree, I was just wondering aloud why they've gone for wood and why they think it might appeal to the consumer. Perhaps they think that buyers will see it as a more "natural" material and somehow more environmentally friendly... even though that would be, objectively, flawed reasoning.

[@conyo985]

Just get wooden watches on aliexpress. So much cheaper there. The positive thing I can think of is if you have nickel allergy. Just make sure you get the full wood version.

[@davidspahr4020]

As a person who has purchased many wooden watches I can tell you that the real expensive ones aren't real worth it usually. You only pay for the stylistic features. On the inside most of these are similar with low cost movements. Many inexpensive watches are very nicely designed too. The unfortunate thing can be that the Chinese don't have a good feeling for what makes a good brand name and often have really lame names. Many times I avoid certain watches because of their ?!? names. The watch is great then they put a bad name on it. Ugh! What various sellers do to make their watches seem hoity toity is really only putting a name on it that sounds classier or they want to convince you is great even though you can buy one almost exactly the same with a different watch face or name for $20 or less. All the Holzkern really has is a nice watch face and "better" name.

[@giuliocallegari9366]

Imagine storing watches in a box with FOUR MAGNETS IN IT.

[@EsoRimerCz]

Those Charles watch looks best in my opinion. It is easy to see it is reall wood, looks unique, simple but elegant design. Definitelly watches wich catch attention. But I buy casio only, so they are not for me anyway :D

[@flaze3]

Interesting review, but I think you're slightly missing the point, which is that these watches are supposed to be wooden and made from wood as much as possible. It's not so much a fashion statement as an ecological one.

[@nuclearwaffle11]

Imma say uncool for these, they’re not as bad as dw or mvmt, but definitely have their issues

[@glennpowell3444]

Casio are watching and laughing? Yes I love timber for building but these are the stuff of English tourist outlets? Do you get a free tea towel and set of handy coasters thrown in? Dare I suggest "Bol..cks"Cheers.

[@stevenharper6888]

Most wooden watches are not for me. I do still have a Nixon Rotalog made of walnut which I still love !

[@santoscarrillo2996]

Shit looks better than a Rolex(only for show) definitely going to Snag one

[@allyw7405]

It's a shame, some of their mineral dials are gorgeous.. Love that sodalite but for the movement, price and wood, bleugh. Site doesn't even state the glass or wr ratings..

[@nomo4u886]

I love wooden watches mate

[@joachimpenisberger5023]

I don't find this video very helpful in deciding whether a wooden watch is worth buying. You just happen to be complaining in a monotonous voice about things you would already know before buying. Like the design and the diameter. Or unnecesary stuff like the sound it makes when you shake it. Sounds to me like you already decided to hate it, before having it. I would have liked more information about everyday practicability but it seems like you never really wore it and can't give any experience. Which makes the video not more informative than a simple look on the website. This very unineterested bored attitude is not pleasant to listen. But maybe its more pleasant to watch your videos of watches you are more entusiastic about.

[@andreschwunck5994]

interesting to store a mechanical/automatic watch in a MAGNETIC box....

[@andirabl3100]

I recently bought an automatic Holzkern watch and it came with a different closing mechanism with no magnets.

[@Poemwriter_Angelo]

a wooden watch looks kinda hipster and fashionable. and it can even look luxurious. but i stay happy with my Seiko. which is waterproof

[@jayr5972]

That’s a sweet vandelpark

[@shoryuken64]

looks like a watch fred flintstone would wear

[@aldob5681]

for 10$ shipped i don't argue

[@4evalost948]

I like wood watches for fun as for Investing in a wood watch that is big no, if it looks cool and fun I'll get one it's no skin of my nose I just would have a price limit in buying a wood watch.

[@mikeburns6603]

It seems like after 20 years, a lot of the wooden elements would warp, bend, crack or discolor. Sure, the wood is treated, but that only busy so much time. I love things made of wood, but as an investment it seems like a poor choice.

[@dennyterrio1942]

I was gifted a Holzkern by someone who was looking to get me something unique. It has gone to two memorable functions. Yes, it sits in that nice box on the pillow and its waiting to be taken to another memorable function.

[@griffin5226]

it's really strange how similar Holzkern and Jord packaging is. This may be an indication of where they're made. Also, my theory for wearing wooden watches is two fold. For one, I am pretty much only ever wearing attire that is pretty sporty, this category is for my g shock, and the other is leather shoes, jeans, and a flannel (wooden watch domain). Neither of these are suitable for a classic watch with a metal bracelet The second is impressing non-watch people. I understand wood is a turnoff for many enthusiasts, however, realistically there are few people who are serious about watches. A wooden watch, in my experience has gotten way more attention then any of the Omegas I have ever worn. I am not pretending that the build quality, and functionally are the same as a classic design from a well known manufacture, but as an eye-catching accessory they work well.

[@MrReaperofDead]

It was kinda hard to understand your large paragraph. 😔 I LOVE my holzkern watch! Its really awesome!

[@hectorandem2944]

Watches... in _wood?_ I don't know, fam. Seems like the materials department is barking up the wrong tree, there. 😎

[@ChrisMilestone1]

They are all made by hand in Germany :)

[@herald1953]

overpriced , only sells wood. In Indonesia (MATOA) they made it themselves with standard generic movement, you can get your name engraved in the back, cant go underwater nor splashes. Just buy seiko 5 with that price or Braun pieces pls, my f91w do a better job