Building the Perfect Watch Collection With 3 Styles - Dive, Drive, & Fly

[@balesjo]

The Longines Chronograph was my absolute favorite of all the watches. That blue dial is so striking!

[@MarcAmAlb]

The amount of watch brands I had not heard of that I’ve discovered since finding this cannel is astounding. Teddy, you are like a watch encyclopedia. And you’ve renewed my interest in watches.

[@joseluismalagagranda4785]

The Orient flieger is an amazing value / money option . Orient divers also are amazing .

[@colossusX1]

That Laco is nice. I agree with you on the Vacheron. I have always liked that piece.

[@ariannadominguez8162]

Very helpful and well put together video, would love to see the same for small wrist, even if some pieces can be suitable for both categories. Keep the good quality in your videos, they’re the reason why I rediscovered my love for watches.

[@chrississon8371]

Excellent video Teddy. I really like the idea of a categorical collection video broken into price point tiers, I find it syncs with how I look at watch related content in the first place. Hope to see more.

[@eltacodurito9231]

Great video and really helpful as a reference of a starting collection.

[@jasue2000]

The Teddy, a watch that you seem to overlook in these collection watches is the Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot… power packed with style and value and it a strap monster to boot!!

[@mikegugino5538]

Teddy, could you interview an expert in each of these three fields to explain some of the functionality found on today's watches in these categories? Sure, the watches look cool, but I want to understand their functionality too.

[@mikegugino5538]

I believe there's a lot of crossover among watch enthusiasts and gear heads and utilitarianism. I live in all three camps. Anyone else? Teddy?

[@yoitsjust]

Buddy it’s 2022. Watches have next to no utilitarian value. Most people use their phone to tell time and date. Phones for alarms. Almost no one uses watches as a serious diving tool. People buy Watches today for different purposes

[@mikegugino5538]

@@yoitsjust Yeah... of course the "phone" (if we really can call it that anymore) has all the utilitarian value of a watch and WAY more, but I hate to look at a piece on my wrist in ignorance. There's form, function, history and art sitting there. I want to know more about how these things came to be. Funny story... my son asked, "daddy what is that on your watch?" after he saw me moving my rotating bezel on my "dive" watch. I knew it's diving functionality, but I told him that it was my pizza timer. When I call for our pizza on Fridays, I move the bezel around so I know when 20 minutes has elapsed. That's when we get in the car and go get the pizza!

[@fillo1969]

I love these type of comparisons! Awesome videos sir!

[@scousewillo62]

All the other categories where spot on :)

[@VedavyasMunugoor]

God, the chrono with the mesh strap looks SO good.

[@Klunker1]

Very interesting and more enjoyable than a one watch review. It hits home as I’ve pared my collection down to three mechanical watches in a similar mix like this review. Laco Heidelberg, Yema Navygraf, and Serica 4512 California. I find myself buying G Shocks to satisfy my need for new and fun watches. Oh yea, forgot my Garmins. How did I catch the one more watch disease, I wear a mask.

[@johnemerson5383]

Great video Teddy.

[@ramgonz1005]

love your videos and your passion for watches man!!!

[@ΛεωνιδαςΑργυρος]

Great video! I think that the most iconic pilot watch is the Longines Lindbergh. And the Sinn U2 EZM is also an outstanding option for a diver watch.

[@awais105794]

Going well Teddy. I have been following for over a year now.

[@AK-pr2nk]

The Mido is lovely apart form it's a clock on your wrist

[@kyleweber9760]

Another great video, thanks Teddy, great to see what's out there.....Really loving the Pelagos.....

[@lucioferro9870]

Grande Teddy. Bellissimo video

[@brucecameron7172]

Excellent video

[@Giavel84]

Thank you for this video Teddy! 🙂

[@rickfanning5647]

Really enjoyable video. Great selections all the way around. I liked the inclusion of the “drive” watch. I hadn’t heard that used as a category before.

[@janneshildebrandt1]

That mido looks awesome, i definitly like it more than Rolex Dive Watches

[@thewatchexplorer2244]

I really enjoyed this one ☺️

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Video idea: flieger watch options in ascending order. Stowa, Laco, Archimede, Sinn, IWC

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Certainly can do something like that. Have something in the works. 👍🏻

[@ÞorkellSigvaldason]

Why do you rate Stowa as the lowest of these?

[@GregSmith-pb3gh]

Great idea...

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

@@ÞorkellSigvaldason I just listed them off of the top of my head bro, relax. I know that stowa has high quality pieces as well.

[@bobj8877]

@@TeddyBaldassarre I'm debating whether it's worth it to upgrade my Stowa Flieger to an IWC Spitfire, so I'd be into a video like this. Also curious on your opinion on the Spitfire.

[@Gasmaska69]

For a "drive" watch I have a Casio Edifice EF503D in my collection. Had it since 2009 and it's a great watch! Sapphire crystal and solid end-links which you can't find on a watch over $500 now. I got it for around $80--90 back then. I think that they still can be found on Amazon or Ebay in mint condition.

[@anthonystevens8683]

A really great format Teddy. Some great options for the different budgets.

[@Sprezzatura1]

Thank you, Sir!

[@janihellberg6911]

I love those FC hands. Gives me Laurent Ferrier fibes...

[@teaganhudak290]

Love the video, great job! I would definitely recommend the Seiko SNA411 (Flightmaster) to anyone looking for a more budget pilot's watch. It's an absolutely fantastic watch for right around $250.

[@ewestre1]

I agree. I have (had) all the versions; the 411, 413 and 414. The 414 (black and gold, I have sold), and the 411 is the most common, but very cool. The 413 has become something of a rarity, so I may just keep it. But love all versions. The dial is crazy busy, but a lot of fun.

[@thomashelm6931]

Vaer is a great selection, expecially in the dive catagory. A choice of a Japanese or Swiss movement. All under $1000. Thanks for your video!

[@MrDominicharrison]

Excellent video! It’s hard to find drive themed watches Also fifty fathoms instead of the sub, interesting choice and I have to say I agree, Blancpain do seem underrated!

[@viktoriya260589]

Big fan of your channel and your content, also congrats on your engagement, your fiancee is very pretty and her channel is great too

[@garythomas3150]

Great video! Do more collection videos. 👍

[@YYLegend]

I would've figured out a way to squeeze Monaco in there somewhere if it were me.. and being a Panerai cultist a Submersible as well. Always appreciate it Teddy once again I've discovered some watches I haven't known about you're the absolute best man.

[@brandonleach8]

You’re a beast teddy

[@Abiwrl]

Awesome! Thanks Teddy! 💪🏼🙌🏼🔥

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

Spot on with your choice in the Hamilton Chrono H. By far my favorite. And IMHO, I believe it outclasses all other Chrono's. Definitely one of the most eye-catching time pieces out there.

[@GregSmith-pb3gh]

Love your videos...keep them coming.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks Greg!

[@buying_Time]

I like what you did with your playfull categorisation of watches. Yet if I look at my collection I would differentiate between utility watches (divers, field, Flieger), sports watches (plain chronograph, tachymeter), dress watches (business, cocktail, office) and maybe flamboyant watches. I would say that this categorisation has a more all round approach and lets you combine different styles in one category more easily, so to maximize the diversity in the three watches you would select.

[@Henrik2000]

Great video Teddy My no budget choices would be: Polaris mariner memovox, VC historiques american 1921 and H moser & cie heritage dual time

[@wolffury5019]

I am wearing a Casio Calculator watch for the past 20 years and I will not settle for anything fancy!

[@gregoryyentz6241]

Suggestion for next cool, budget watch? Current Collection: - Casio dw5600 - Seiko snkl41 - Vostok 420059 - Seagull 1963 - Casio a168w THANK YOU!

[@salam-s9y]

Incredible that for under $1000, he chose the Duro over many Orient and Seiko options. I've gifted it to my brother, father-in-law and many others and its become their daily over many other options. Get an alternate bracelet for it though.

[@MasterSam85]

Always love those "themed" videos for different budgets. I'll add the "Vintage" budget, not necessarily the best but what came to my mind with as little thought as possible: - Dive= Submariner 5513 - Drive = Heuer Autavia 1163 - Fly = Breitling 806 Navitimer (or more legible & recent, the IWC Mark XII (with its JLC caliber))

[@lvdox21]

The Christopher ward C60 lynphstone on the bracelet, carbon dial and gunmetal stainless steel. I think this watch would be an incredible watch worth displaying to the world. It’s quality for the $1000 price tag is unbelievable. Not to mention 600m water resistance.

[@ewhyte8059]

Teddy nailed it on the BlancPain 50 Fathoms! in steel for the diver.Boom! Yet the 2022 Raymond Weil Parsifal Chrono. is so sexy as a driver at 1.5 k - 2k sterling and then the Breguet Type XXII Flyback 10Hz in 18ct rose gold at around 22k sterling wraps it for an all round créme de la crême said 3 piece suite!

[@snapfitness1]

But love the categories! Suits me to a tee

[@maximum2753]

Wow.. this is the first time I have seen you mention Christopher Ward. 🙏

[@user-zy9dv4tc6c]

Hi teddy, loved the video. I think the AVI-8 Flyboy engineer should be considered for the pilots watch under 1000 dollars.

[@tee6519]

Older TISSOT box goes perfect with the red blk n white Sinn

[@haping1]

Great collections Teddy, but maybe add some more overlooked brands. Too often the same watches get in the spotlight. For a budget driver, think about Yema Rallygraph, or Tissot Chrono Sport. For a more expensive true flieger from Germany, I recommend the Hanhart MKI or MK II. A budget watch can also be Dan Henry.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

I’d a rundown on titanium options. I see it as a selling point or upgrade like hacking or a screw down crown.

[@martinturgeon3849]

Wow! It is as if you knew what was my watch collection! I own a Casio duro (blue) and a Orient pilot (black dial). Great video! Continue doing what you're doing. It is very interesting!🤓🤙

[@chrisboggs4262]

Funny, this is about where I am as a beginner/budget collector. I went with the Orient Ray II for Diver, the Seiko SSC667 driver (solar!) and instead of a pilot, I went with the SNZG (J1) field watch style (I've got a Casio too, of course). I don't really need a dress watch, so I'm wondering where to go from here. I like the idea of the Orient Triton (I think that's what it's being called) or stepping out a bit and getting a Helm Vanuatu...but I'm just not sure where to go from here. Upgrading what I've already got seems less that optimal - especially when I'm working on a budget...so I'm in an interesting place. I think this is a good overall guide though. I like where I'm at, want to grow my collection and this list sums up what I was feeling my way around last year. I'm taking it slow now, waiting to see what pans out on the Vanuatu, and just looking for the time being. I wonder if others are in the same conundrum?

[@tadlambert1493]

You missed a chance to include Alpina quartz chronograph watches. They have many around the $300 - $600 range. Would rather have an Alpina than the first chronograph you showed.

[@hrs.ai2018]

Seiko has some budget yet decent quartz chronograph where price range around 200-300

[@tylerjohnson2080]

Land, sea, & air!

[@siddnneeyy]

Great recommendations! For the drive category, I would like to put forward a collection that is not often talked about: The Chopard Mille Miglia chronographs with that vintage look. I feel Chopard as a watchmaker often gets overlooked due to their jewelry line, but I believe they are legit watchmakers with their history!

[@ChrisGBusby]

I couldn't agree more. I have a Chopard Mille Miglia Azuro GT and it is one of my favourite watches in my collection :)

[@siddnneeyy]

​@@ChrisGBusby The Azuro GTS is a beautiful piece!

[@offizielle_twytch6862]

No one talks about CONTAR from Portugal, a really good affordable Pilots watch that has the specs to go up against the reigning champs: Bulova Hack & Hamilton Khaki Field. When service become the difference between keeping a watch or not, people should NOT be disappointed in the QUARTZ variants available. It's so nice to see the Casio Duro included. My watches so far in this category: Diver - Vostok (42)mm (PAM) Amphibia Classic 170458 (2415 Automatic Movement) #Still looking for a Mecha Quartz Diver's Watch, any suggestions let me know. Driving - Dan Henry 1964 (38)mm (Racing Style) Silver Tricompax Chronograph (VK63 Movement) Pilot - CONTAR Field MK I (40)mm (VD78 Quartz Movement) I'm a (5) watch guy, but I love the take on this (3) watch collection. It just goes to show you don't NEED a big collection for day to day occasions.

[@BlackWipeout]

Certina is also underrated in the Swatch Group ;)

[@paulshealthfitness7922]

what camera are you using? This is one of the sharpest videos I've seen!

[@TomSmith-kc8mz]

Teddy have you done a no budget 3 watch collection? As in, your favorite 3 watches ever?

[@mitchmatic8029]

Great vid. There’s that awesome shirt again! Who does that?? Used to be in the fragrance biz, can’t wait to see what you all do!

[@adrianmark613]

If I'm gonna restart my watch collection and since I have limited budget, I would go for; If analog: 1. Casio mtp 1094e-7a silver dial 2. Casio Edifice EFR 527D blue dial 3. Casio Duro mdv100 black dial 4. Casio mrw200h- 7e white/green dial. If digital: 1. Casio a700w gold or silver case 2. Casio a168 silver case 3. Casio Gshock g5600 mod s.steel kit 4. Casio w218h green case

[@BFit25]

Nice to have brand variety but we like what we like. I’d do sub ND, Speedmaster, and gmt master ii Pepsi.

[@juanpablomirable8437]

Hy Teddy! Great video! In my case, i think get a cronograpf and i really like your recommendations. Best regards from Argentina!

[@urielalbertosanchezm]

Diver Squale - Chrono panda hamilton - flieger Frederique Constant add a GMT casio AE-1200 with metal strap and a Gshock 5600 with metal bezel and you are good to go

[@peterkalos6271]

A list with no Seiko!! Didn’t know it was possible! Well you did have an Orient, seiko related. Great picks though…liked the mix per range.

[@Ishn01]

I'm not at a $1000+ on a watch point in my life, but I've grown fond of horology and watch culture over the past year or so. I would love a video exclusively about amazing watches below, or around, $500 that a) look great, b) are not overly busy, and c) represent a good potential investment in that it should hold most of its value or possibly increase. Most of the watches I have my eyes on are Seiko or Orient for the looks and price, but I'm not sure if they're the best value. Also, if it makes a difference, I have giant wrists and most watches don't fit me out of the box. I had to order a third party band for my Seiko, which says it's meant for wrists 7.5" to 9", which makes bracelets difficult to wear. The last time I tried, it was too small without the extra link and too big with the extra link.

[@MTerrence]

Out of curiosity, when it comes to Flieger-style watches, why do you favour Laco over Stowa? Excluding the Miyota or quartz movements, all else being equal, the Stowas are a little bit cheaper. Both were among the "Big 5" original flieger manufacturers. For example, Stowa's flieger with an ETA 2824-2 movement in 'top' quality is ~$1,030 USD (at today's exchange rate). Laco's most comparable fliegers, the Heidelberg and Speyer, are $100 more, but only come with an ETA 2824-2 in 'elabore' quality - to get a 'top' movement is a further $150. As far as I can tell, the other major differences are as follows. The Stowas are beautifully brushed, as opposed to Laco's duller bead-blasted finish. That is a question of taste; I prefer brushed, but the Laco's matte finish seems closer to the original. The Laco onion crown is more authentic to the original than Stowa's more conventional crown. The Stowa has a sapphire exhibition caseback, which some value, whereas the Laco is again more authentic with a solid caseback. The Stowa can be had with or without a logo or date complication, which would again be non-authentic but which some people might find useful. (Note that it may not be worth pursuing the quest for authenticity too far; the originals were huge watches of 55mm diameter to fit well over flight suits!)

[@myname6132]

Probably because he is an AD for Laco and not for Stowa.

[@MTerrence]

@@myname6132 That's a very good reason to have done so!

[@timmanion7459]

As far as the chrono goes , there's some really awesome watches out there under $1500 . Maen makes a nice one and a Japanese watch from Knot Watches is an exceptionally nicely done as well . There are a few others in the mechanical/ automatic category. Just sayin' . As always though, good video Teddy !!

[@timmanion7459]

Is this a legit message.

[@gregalonzo747]

Good video. Don't get me wrong, I like Mido very much. In fact they were one of the first Swiss brands that caught my eye. However in the dive watch catagory, I would have gone with Squale. They have several great picks in that price range.

[@stevedelgado9128]

Great recommendations. But I think you missed out when you didn't recommend to the Tudor GMT

[@mollari2261]

How do you square dive-drive-fly with daily-dress-sport?

[@521tifosi]

I think a dress watch category should replace the pilot watch. Most men need a dress watch for a formal occasion rather than a pilot’s watch. I know the same argument can be made for a diver, but they are far more popular than pilot style watches.

[@jewelstd]

Boldr makes a mechaquartz chrono with a tachymeter scale which makes it a better suited option for under $1k. It also beats Farer in specs being titanium, 38mm with 200m of water resistance for $299.

[@ttc9942]

Teddy your videos are awesome. I've never seen anyone do a video on watches for blind people (history or specific models). A few years ago brother was struck blind. We have a running joke that one day we will get him a minute repeater watch...but that is obviously a bit out of the average human's price range. Would you consider doing a video on watches for the visually impaired? It would be really interesting! Thanks.

[@dragan796]

This is the exact philosophy of my collecting. 1 watch for each style

[@magnusberger6762]

Dive: Rolex submariner Drive: Heuer Autavia Fly: IWC Mark

[@brandontran4180]

The Lorier Gemini would have been a great option for the budget collection. $500 for a mechanical chronograph from a proven microbrand is solid value

[@18banners]

My favorite Microbrand . I was lucky enough to get their Worn and Wound Limited Edition model 👌 it competes with some heavy hitters in my collection ( Speedy , Black Bay , etc ) and is by far my favorite watch in collection

[@brandontran4180]

@@18banners I personally have the Neptune Series III with the Bond SPECTRE NATO from a UK seller on Etsy. I got it as a birthday present from a childhood friend. It's my personal favourite watch in my collection. The sentimental value plus the Bond inspired looks really adds to the cool factor

[@jaepasco132]

As usual, great info. By the way, what's your thought on Alpha Sierra Watches?

[@ehsanislam5295]

What do you think of Alkin Model Two?

[@thesaj1110]

While I do have watches upwards of the $3000 mark. I get the most compliments on my &60 bucks Casio watch!

[@thesaj1110]

Please watch for the scams on you posts like this one!!

[@michaelphillips5263]

Interesting choices over a wide set of price ranges. You definitely seem to have fun putting these videos together, and they're fun to watch. Not in agreement with the "Unlimited" choices for Dive and Drive, though. Blancpain might have historical significance to some, but if I'm going to spend that much money on a dive watch, I'd like something that's not quite so . . . ugly. Personal favorite dive watch: Glashutte Original Sea Q, in either 39.5 or 43.2 mm. The JLC is a beauty, but to me it's NOT a drive watch. Would go more for the Omega Moon Watch, Rolex Daytona, or Breitling Chronomat 42. Keep up the good work, TB. You're clearly among the most knowledgeable and entertaining watch mavins.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Appreciate this comment Michael! This was a tricky video. Plenty of options for each of the classifications.

[@zillsburyy1]

i thought casio was dropping the marlin logo?

[@jpce9999]

not gunna lie. these were subpar lists for every price point. Quality of the video was on point tho

[@kevinfestner6126]

On the cheepie side for under 1K area, how would you feel as a drivers watch the Junghans form C?

[@briansorci2784]

Teddy, $625 for a off brand quartz chronograph?? No no no, in the $1000 budget game no way would that be the best choice. A solar Seiko chronograph definitely would fit the bill leaving you with a ton of cash left for some up brand watches to round out the collection. Thanks for all the videos, your professionalism is welcomed.

[@dandc2011]

He only ever talks about watches at *MSRP* sold at an AD. So it's going to be skewed. For example, you can get a Hamilton Intramatic chrono for $1300-1500 at a gray market dealer. That Mido diver is frequently sold at $500-600, not $1k.

[@oklahomahank2378]

I really like the titanium Mido. I actually bought a used bracelet by itself and it is a great design.

[@Mik01ist]

Hey Teddy how about the Citizen Eco Drive green bezel you presented few months ago as entry level dive instead of the Duro? Great stuff and I love these fun unconventional videos ;)

[@justinlee9206]

Hi Teddy, For the Longines Sector dial, could you please explain where I could purchase a beads of rice bracelet similar to the one that comes on the black dial version, for my white dial version? Is the one you’re wearing the OEM Longines bracelet?

[@scousewillo62]

Thought you where way off on the budget end. Diver Steeldive, Vostock or Aragon. Sapphire, NH35 200+m. Pilot Fliger Steeldive, San Martin or Aragon again. Sapphire NH35 and Chrono Seagull 1963. Personally I would go Aragon Divemaster 2 43mm $129. STEELDIVE SD1903 pilots watch $180 and finally Chrono Seagull 1963 40mm $150 for a total of £459, all mechanical and an in house movement on the Seagull. I would maybe choose a Vostock also as it is like a tank and also an inhouse movement.

[@ninomartini8081]

My perfect collection would be, navitimer,speedmaster,submariner

[@erickroberts1348]

Hey Teddy, just curious on how come you have never spoken about Porsche Design watches?

[@kamil4149]

Vacheron Constantin 1921, but in 36.5 is my ultimate grail. Are there any other watches witch that tilted design, except longines single pusher pilot and that 50$ vostok? Because I'm not aware of any.

[@ZainxIqbal]

IMO, a better option for the racing category for under $1,000 would the Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo. The White Tricompax Panda is beautiful. Even the 1962 is pretty great. Vintage-inspired design, Seiko mecha-quartz, and only $270.

[@krystianstepien5835]

Under 1000. Hold my beer. 1. Orient Mako II or Ray 2. Bulova Moonwatch 3. Zeppelin Quartz Hundenburg. You're welcome.

[@jaybe8160]

Hmm, "low-budget" bucket driver style watches: dan henry or nezumi voiture chrono which are less than your pick from farer.