Can A Watch Brand Reinvent Itself? Looking at you, Seiko, Omega, Hamilton, Rolex & More!

What makes us love (or fall out of love) with a watch brand? Today, Marc from Long Island Watch joins us once again in the Urban Gentry war room for a fun but essential #watchtalk episode all about the highs and lows of watch brands.
What does it take to be a great brand that wins over fans? Why do watch brands fall out of favor? And can a brand successfully reinvent itself?
Join us for this laidback episode where we discuss a few watch brands that have succeeded (and some that have failed) in their rebranding efforts, and our thoughts on the reasons behind each success or failure. As a watch enthusiast, it's always exciting to hear a watch industry insider's perspective and insight on the inner workings of the business. And we'd love to hear your perspective too. What do you think it takes to make a great watch brand? Let us know in the comments below!
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Thank you for watching The Urban Gentry channel, home of the #wristwatchcheck and #seikosaturday! Check out my other videos for more watch and lifestyle content.

[@ivermec-tin666]

Do not ignore the recently announced in house automatic movement from Citizen, newly designed from the ground up. Citizen is going automatic for their flagship. This is a sea change at Citizen, and a return to their roots making railroad watches in Japan.

[@theurbangentry]

Excellent point, I must say, as a former (before the channel) long time Citizen and and owner, I am excited to see what happens and I will be covering it next year! Thank you OverIverfor the heads up. Best regards, TGV

[@varanid9]

That's good to hear. I'd given up on them and gone completely over to Seiko. The only Citizen I currently own is out of production, their first ana-digi diver.

[@themightysquid]

@@varanid9 I have 3 Citizens. The original 40mm Navihawk Blue Angels hybrid world time, the 42mm solar Navihawk Blue Angels GMT, and the Kermit diver NY-0084-89E. Great watches to go with my dozen Seikos. Citizen doesn’t get the credit it’s due. Glad TGV has always took notice of their quality and design.

[@scottrasmussen9750]

I love these watch talks, they’ve essentially become the first thing I want to view when I have a free moment for tv 😄 Hoping there will be more of them in the future!!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Scott, I really appreciate that You will be glad there are another 2 already recorded and many more planned for next year! Best regards, TGV

[@RevLev06]

Another great into, very clever and creative. Your videography is impeccable as usual.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you so much my friend, I really appreciate it. Make all the effort worth it. Always great to hear form you. Best regards, TGV

[@chrisdavis8399]

I really love it when you two get together! Btw sir, thanks for the the tip about Loake shoes! I’ve got 3 pairs now and they are outstanding! Cheers!

[@wristygymnast1384]

Loake are superb dress-down-dress shoes, if you want a casual-work boot look at Grenson

[@barrycolmer324]

The Hamilton gig is where its at at the moment, Price point, style, wearability, history! A real no brainer with some of their recent releases. Their brand new aviation pioneer is seriously hot! Great work guys, love the channel TGV (as always)

[@joed.twyman6355]

Right you are barrycolmer324! I just got my Hamilton Khaki Field with brown strap. Then I scored a few black leather,1 is calf, and an H shaped buckle meant for the aviator. I will keep the original new as they cost $100.**. It's Fabulous! Completely love it.

[@Videosrgd]

Your passion and enthusiasm are infectious TGV! Truly someone doing what they love and you can see it in every video. Thanks for creating content and sharing it with the world, big thumbs up from Ireland! 🇮🇪

[@VivatChristusRex99]

A notification from your channel always makes my day!

[@theurbangentry]

And hearing that has made mine, thank you Sandor! Best regards, TGV

[@VivatChristusRex99]

@@theurbangentry You’re welcome TGV!

[@jjjjjj-ds7eq]

nice pfp

[@VivatChristusRex99]

@@jjjjjj-ds7eq Thank you, the golden days

[@MegaMarlon0123]

Thank you guys for making this videos! We enjoy them a lot!!!

[@theurbangentry]

Always a pleasure, thank you so much Josue, Best regards, TGV

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

You don’t really need to set a topic. You put on the camera and you two just talk about watches. History and Engineering the perfect couple ! 😎 I could watch it for hours, so mutch to learn from... 💯👌👍

[@loganoftherockies9453]

"Listen to them and give them what they ask for" sounds like a description of your excellent work on the Islanders in the wake of the SKX discontinuation. Always great to see you two wonderful pillars of the watch enthusiast community together. And yeah, Seiko does seem to be moving the right direction, another point in case the milled clasps on the new Prospex solar chrono Speed Timers, though still a ways to go on the general bracelet quality to catch up to comparably priced Swiss like Tissot.

[@dannyfree1120]

Thing with these 2 lads, is that there is zero ego and zero bullshit. Literally why they have so many subscribers.

[@manasraut9377]

The intros always jolly me up! Thank you TGV. Great video! Thank you, Manas.

[@AK-rq1cz]

Great timing for the gym, love these talks. Keep well TGV!

[@AK-rq1cz]

@@almog3875 On TV screen in my home workout room.

[@BondUpNorth]

Same, I watch these videos on the treadmill

[@stevea2639]

Yup, the GS is great. I put a lot of consideration and several months into choosing between Omega and GS. Ultimately I went with the GS. Love it! Thanks for the fun guys!!

[@dannyfree1120]

Which grand seiko did you go for?

[@andreidoanca4262]

I like seeing you both in the same room as opposed to doing the virtual/online meeting...This real and in person show has a different dynamic to it which I really enjoy

[@raykay91]

You guys have such good chemistry. These chats are a joy to watch. Thank you. Oh and also, don't forget that Citizen is launching a new flagship automatic and there does seem to be more of a push for automatic watches from the brand.

[@crownroyal2154]

Denzel wore a Suunto All Black Core in The Equalizer.

[@jameshall7887]

Great way to end the work week, relax with a gin and watch TGV and Mark. Love the conversational nature of this one TGV.

[@jeffjacobson59]

Or relax with multiple gins. Nudge nudge wink wink say no more!

[@romeosly4341]

I love your videos with Marc. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Chicago mate

[@Every_Day_Adventure]

the chats you have with Marc are always fun and informational. I think it would be great if companies looked to their past and brought back some of their old designs with a modern flare. Look at the Tissot PRX, that has a certain retro 70's style but is a modern classic. Always look forward to your next offering.

[@tkindschi]

I'm fairly new to the watch world, and KZbin watch world. But I rather enjoyed seeing two likeable, but absolutely different people, with different senses of style, (and accents!), shooting the breeze. Good stuff.

[@eucitizen78]

Best way to rebrand is. Buy the brand and make it independent. Stay on the history of the brand, believable, full of integrity.

[@werners5191]

Every time you guys get together is good stuff. Thanks!

[@heikowallauer]

Good evening TGV, good to see you two guys back! Great topic you bring up. To reinvent a watch brand I guess it takes a really strong and determined personality in command. As you mention Fortis, I think Jupp Philipp is that kind of guy. Or Simon Hall at Hanhart. Really love what I'm seeing from those two brands in the last two years. For example the Fortis Marinemaster is an exceptional watch that ticks so many boxes. Have a great evening!

[@theurbangentry]

🙌🙌🙌 I can personally attest to that, Jupp is a stand up guy, he was very open to listening to idea and knows exactly what he want too. A very mobile trait. I am so glad he and fortis are together. Excellent comment. Have a great evening too. Best regards, TGV

[@Ishabu7]

Thank you TGV for a great watch interview with Mark! Very interesting topic! Stay Healthy and Well! Nicholas 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️🌊🌊🌊

[@markikn3183]

Marc practises what he preaches on customer service. He went above & beyond with an order of mine recently, the extra care greatly appreciated.

[@theurbangentry]

🙌🙌🙌🙌 That is why I was a retuning customer too, we then became friends. It takes a lot to do business correctly. He is one of the VERY few watch dealers I would ever recommend. Thank you Otto for sharing that. Best regards, TGV

[@markikn3183]

@@theurbangentry He was even gracious enough not to complain when I spelled his first name with a K. Saludos desde Lima, Peru.

[@Mihalblch777]

Right when it's needed! Thank you, guys❤️

[@DavidHolliday]

I must admit, I usually scrub past the intros, but the Hugo/Bond one was just brilliant!

[@theurbangentry]

So glad to hear, there's been a few of thee two together recently you might also enjoy! Thank you David, Best regards, TGV

[@David-uz5zo]

No mention of Tag and brand Ambassadors and racing.... WOW!!! Love the banter between you two and your videos!!

[@1962jroc]

How fun to see these two together. And, the clash of accents....simply fascinating!

[@nrbrown5985]

I agree about Seiko. I think watch enthusiasts have been spoiled by Seiko in the past. But the reality is that new Seikos are better quality than the past and the price reflects it. I have no problem with them moving up market. For instance, I feel if the current Alpinist said Tissot on the dial you’d have watch enthusiasts screaming about great value.

[@oscargarcia-vz6jg]

Great watch talk, always enjoy your segments with Marc

[@markikn3183]

My favourite Timepiece Twosome. And the hugo mashup is your best intro

[@theeverydaywatchcollector8036]

Another great discussion on a fascinating topic! It really is a shame to see some brands with real history go down the wrong path with poor branding choices (Movado, Wittnauer, etc.). But at the same time, it gives me hope to see brands like Seiko finding new ways of succeeding! Also, amazing editing in this one!

[@SniperKing029]

“Is that a Rolex?” “No, but I’m on the waitlist”

[@Roomfulofgear]

definitely appreciated the humour that went into the segments explaining "antiquated" technology to Gen Z; side bar - a few weeks ago, I sent a letter for the first time in YEARS, while wearing a Tissot powered by a Valjoux 7750. Not sure what that means to me, but I guess I felt like I was just doing something different to the everyday "click to send" kind of interaction with a digital device.

[@j.burgess4459]

Those intros with Hugo always crack me up :-)

[@henkvandebeek7921]

Great collaboration as usual from you both but also such a good choice of subject and your discussion around it.

[@fabriziodutto7508]

You both are in really great shape!! Thank you for this video! When Glycine was bought by Invicta, they lost some of their "aficionados", they've also changed the logo on the dial, and this also affected the love for the brand by someone. I really like Glycine. I think changing some characteristic so imprinted into the uniqueness of the brand, could affect likeness of the brand by its lovers, like for Tudor leaving the snowflake hand or Rolex using base metal cases, or like for Sinn to abandon their Dehumidifying Technology... Anyway if Squale will make a strict dress watch wr 30m, I would not complaint, but, can you imagine such a watch with a "squale" logo on the dial?

[@eihabhani5941]

Amazing intro, slick, and as usual a fantastic discussion between both, very interesting, thanks TGV, kudos! 👍🏻

[@964tractorboy]

These "double headers" with Marc are the best thing ever. Never miss one. The helpful Gen. Z definitions were hilarious (for me); especially "The Letter". Lady Ga-Ga is not my idea of anything, let alone a brand ambassador. Jack Nicholson - now that's a different matter!

[@adamleblanc8669]

I love this channel, just got into watches and just bought my first Islander watch last night I cannot wait to get it in the mail. You guys are the best at educating on both the history and technology that goes into watches!

[@jobuckley2999]

Stellar video. Hilarious intro. Seiko's are great watches. One of my favorite watches is a 1968 Seiko Sportsmatic. I love that thing. Another beautiful vintage watch is a Bulova Super Seville.

[@varanid9]

I love Seikos. I just looked up the '68 Sportsmatic on Ebay. BEAUTIFUL! Perfect size, too.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Lovely

[@bbwt9991]

Brilliant intro there and fantastic video guys! Seiko are definitely on the up and up, still need to address alignment issues but the offerings are very attractive and successful. This might sound a bit off but I think that the Ali Express brands that are homaging Seiko divers with NH35/36 movements and including ceramic bezels, sapphire crystals and solid end link bracelets with milled clasps is a big reason for Seiko beginning to up it's game in this area. Just an opinion but those AE watches are extremely successful in terms of price and often better build quality than the Seiko's they copied or homaged if you prefer. Of course I'm sure Seiko are making plenty of money selling their movements to these companies anyway. I suppose it's a bit like Samsung who supply many components including selling and licensing it's screen technology to Apple, its biggest competitor!

[@George_Washington0855]

Just finished up an essay and was greeted with this gem. Notifications for the win.

[@themightysquid]

Before: Who’d pay $3000 for a Grand Seiko spring drive? After: Rolex Submariner pre-owned at $15,000… Can I have a look at that Grand Seiko please?

[@theurbangentry]

LOL!!!!! So true, so true indeed. Excellent comment. Thank you. Best regards, TGV

[@thesaintandhisbird]

Amen 🙏

[@darrenfry4695]

Great intro ,both of you guys mix really well and you both know everything there is to know about watches ,cheers guys

[@Grannn]

Hey Tristano, Great topic and super executions. The "annotations" regarding the Walkman (I should still have mine... somewhere :))) and snail mail cracked me up. Take care!

[@jweskieswatchstraps2554]

I love your conversations gents. Thankyou! Looking forward to more.

[@boymatin5845]

These videos are high quality content! The intros excite me every time! Thank you!

[@richardtwyning]

I found that I'd done with SEIKO long before I'd realised. I owned only quartz watches and gravitated towards Citizen because I was tired of the battery replacement issues. It wasn't until my wife bought me my Seamaster Chronograph in 2020 that I understood the whole "new" world of automatic movements. I would not currently look at Seiko for a new watch unless it was something very special. This is because the way I feel they're pricing some customers out. I've just received my first Islander and absolutely love it. I bought my wife one too. These collaborations with Marc are brilliant :-)

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

You should sell this titanium Islander ! It’s a killer watch ! 🤩😎

[@Micksteroony]

Bought an SRPD in olive green for my son as a 'beginner' automatic in advance of his graduation next year. He started getting into watches and immediately he was drawn to these models (not knowing he'll be getting one!) - seems like people his generation like these! It will be a great beater and he can take it from there.

[@secordman]

Love my SRPD, great value.

[@martinjirusek6997]

The intro had me in stitches :-) Great timing with the latest Bond movie currently in theatres. Well done, TGV (and Hugo)!

[@Pr1zzm]

LOVE that titanium ISL-18 Mark was wearing. I just picked up the stainless steel model from his website and it's one of my new favorites. That blue is to die for.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

My biggest issue with seiko is quality control. They want to move up market im fine with that and also willing to pay more but only if the watches are right. My last purchase 2 months ago was a SBDC125, $1200 and when the thing came in it had a misaligned bezel insert. I wasn't that mad because i can fix it myself but most people wont attempt something like that nor should they have to after spending $1200.

[@ultraluxeest1991]

Another great video as always TGV & Marc! Keep it up, love when you two collab!

[@Crackers2549]

Love this one TGV... Love em all but this one's intro is over the TOP....!!!

[@monkebidness]

Hi. Recent subscriber and new watch enthusiast here. Love both of you guys snd have been binge watching both channels. One thing that sticks out to me is that the more I watch true enthusiasts discuss watches I rarely hear the names Tag Heuer and Citizen. These are two watches I’ve followed long before my recent fascination with the hobby. I understand Citizen doesn’t do a lot of mechanical movements but the Eco-Drive is surely a step up from other quartz and even reputable solar movements. As for Tag, did something happen? Just something I’ve been scratching my head about. Anyways, keep up the quality content boyos

[@Javi_C]

As always, great to see you 2!

[@scottlumpkin7023]

TGV/Marc...I think “customer service”...is the linchpin for both success and failure...and they both follow “QC”....I cant understand how Seiko holds on to its place in the industry with indices that don’t align...+ and - time accuracy that are atrocious along with watch bands that are crap....but they thrive! The only reason I still sport a Seiko is because I have a very talented watch maker in my town that turned my SKX 011 from being a + 30 second time pig into a +4 second per day time piece! My primary watch is a Squale’ 1545....+2 seconds per day...I couldn’t be happier! I do very much enjoy the videos when the two of are together...entertaining and educational. Than you!

[@anthonystevens8683]

I say old boy, what a splendid intro, awfully well done old chap. The terrific duo return with another highly entertaining masterpiece. Always good to hear your views from different view points.

[@bagushariadi]

when watch historian and watch technician/engineer collided (in a good way). nice chat, guys!

[@julianmoss19]

Another great video TGV! Thank you. I suggested in the comments of another that you should have a look at the Swedish watch Sjöö Sandström. Please do… would be good to see what you think. Best j.

[@alexm2113]

Amazing! I was just thinking earlier today how I could go for a TGV and Marc video. I didn't know you were psychic TGV 😉

[@steffenaarsnes8066]

I laughed so hard from the description of walkmans, but then the one about letters killed me! Love your humour, keep it up. :D

[@shanephillips8735]

That is such a tease! You need to tell us the brand you won't buy and what they did!

[@barryvercueil2346]

Brilliant as always. You guys represent the two Opposites of the watch enthusiasts community. Awesome perspectives.

[@TheSavagederek]

I had the Japanese 5 Pepsi a few years back. I just got a new 5 last weekend and went for the all green on the bracelet. So far I'm impressed, whereas I didn't connect with the Pepsi and I sold it to a friend, who still wears it.

[@CGSBlackJack]

I know this video is a year old but I personally have to come back and rewatch this specific video *just* for the Bond scene with Hugo.😂 well done

[@AndrewSwope]

I enjoy the entertainment value you add to the videos

[@rrshse6704]

Great show, beautiful presentation, I never thought I'd sit and watch half an hour of talk ...you two are awesome. Greetings from Canada!

[@eddieg849]

The new Seiko 5 are awesome for modifications

[@TunesByTanzil]

The best Hugo intro ever hahahahahaha!

[@scotthayes2652]

Back home on a Friday and see this video has dropped, great way to start the weekend. Marc’s eyes on stalks when he saw your slippers 😂

[@OneBravo1]

I very much look forward to these talks.

[@yoinkhaha]

Marc's Titanium mod on the seatbelt is SICk!

[@Thibruzer]

A very clever into with Mr Bond you never disappoint sir 😆. I know both of you are busy but I think an hour podcast with you two answering some of our questions would be amazing. Or discussing historical pieces, I enjoy when people have a passion to educate others as you both do. Thanks for all your hard work TGV and Marc!

[@quiterioalbertobaezbenitez5739]

Hello!, well first of all Thank you very much to both of you... what a pleasant moment watching and hearing to you! Well, a couple if years ago I could watch a documentary about the old brand called: INVICTA I almost cried because I felt sad. What they used to be but now... what the heck! Ok, the Invicta's Submariner's homage is a prodigious piece of 80$ wich could last working for 200 years, but that lose of soul, that rich history, all those achievements, that huge catalogue... now all is dissapeared like tears under the rain... We all dream with the arrival of all this glorious and glamorous brands someday. That time when he who adquires a watch lived a little but significant moment, like a new opened door, a new opportunity... "oh wow!, look at my new watch man!"... that feeling like everything going to get better! New watch=>new future! Thoughts from the analogical times guys! Thank you!!!! Saludos!!!

[@raymondfoo9045]

That's why microbrand is absolutely collectible and stands their own ground with other big brands, they come start fresh with their identity and design language. Remember Rome wasn't built in one day, nor Rolex and Seiko. I would be absolutely excited and proud of the microbrand I chose to believe and support when one day that grows into a big brand.

[@lance4613]

Excellent TGV, it seems to me that yours is the only channel that reviews watches that the average working man can actually afford.A lot of the other channels are all Rolex,Patek,AP etc etc.Although it’s great to have aspirations most watch people can’t afford the aforementioned brands. Keep it up.

[@jimlittle5769]

Brilliant Hugo opening!

[@arekrymarczuk4535]

Ok last comment... history and engineering combined...you two are a great dynamic duo covering both ends of watch world .

[@guzzijack9714]

Hugo in top form today. Being new to watch appreciation I'll have to check into Concord as I'd not heard of them previously. As to what will make me abandon a brand (any product) is a brand ambassador that espouses beliefs that are antithetical to my core beliefs. For whatever psychological reasons the reverse is not true.

[@freesneaky]

So good seeing you guys hang out in person often and talking watches!

[@botezsorinconstantin]

Thank you TGV and Marc for this coffee morning discution! Great, like always!

[@j.stephanjohnson4342]

The amount of effort that goes into these videos is well noticed and much much appreciated. The content, just everything about these videos, bravo 👏

[@pavloskourris277]

I walked into the GS shop in knightsbridge in 2019 thinking I was going into a Seiko watch store. After checking out the prices (which surprised me as I never heard of GS) I realised what they were upto. I did my part in "re-brading" the luxury car of Toyota in the 1980's, carrying out research for them in the middle east, which eventually became Lexus. Toyota opted for name change and separate dealer shop, great way of going about it and left "Toyota" unchanged. The GS way i.e. by keeping the Seiko brand name in GS they had to in effect "re-brand" the established Seiko lines (virtually up the prices of Seiko coinciding with changes (am not sure how significant they are) with the movement etc). I bought many Seiko 5s at around Euro90 - Euro130, but now they are around Euro500. I would not buy Seiko at this price point and that is why I recently bought two Hamiltons, my first Hamiltons. (I was lucky to buy SKX007 and the flighty at a good price after seeing your other video on 10 best Seiko's, but would not buy any of the new stuff). Great work to you and Mark, thanks for the channel.

[@christopherwilson5212]

You gentlemen seem to have one thing in common watches. I prefer your vantage point, similar to myself. You are one of the best horological watch gentlemen out there.

[@Kdub780]

Oh man that brought me back. I loved my Walkman as a kid. Had one of the sweet sport models with the big crazy lock on the front. Great video guys.

[@christopherjackson4297]

I love these co-op videos with Mark from longislandwatch. These are more exciting than Netflix coming out with a new episode for some dumb show.

[@PixelVogue]

Love these vids with you both, Friday night half hour before Eastenders.... LOL

[@akira1068]

I love these little "helps" for Gen Z. Cracks me up but I also feel old now.

[@jonirwin7316]

Another outstanding video. Always the best shot, produced, researched etc. Well thought out. Oh yes, not a bad guest either! Keep them coming.

[@MrOuazo]

I would listen to Long Urban Gentry Island chit chat for 3 hours guys! 30 minutes is way to short! Very enjoyable as always!

[@danielmercado9035]

Love these collaboration videos. I agree with Mark that Seiko has been successful in rebranding. Perhaps some of us may focus on what was lost with the new Seiko 5s, however I can see how they are targeting a younger audience and therefore another generation of consumers. I own a Tag Heuer Formula 1 quartz chrono and most would probably think I over paid, but it got me into the hobby and now I have Seikos, Certina, Victorinox, Bulova, Citizen, Tissot, and Orient along with some Dan Henry's, so I do not regret it. Tag Heuer gets a bad rap, however it's all part of this great hobby. Great job as always TGV.

[@samjep2]

Your absolutely spot on about the Seiko 5 range, for the price, variety and ok quality I get more comments on that watch then any other...

[@elijahinky]

Hello TGV!! Thanks for another video 😁👍

[@TheMNbassHunter]

I'm really bummed that Seiko took the direction they did with the SKX. I feel like I missed out as a newer watch enthusiast who didn't get the opportunity to buy one. Now I'm not sure if Seiko is a brand I should even be considering. Also, I appreciate Mark's draw to watches. As an Engineer myself, I find I'm drawn to the beauty and complexity of watches that require various manufacturing processes to create. The precision machining that is required for these pieces is astonishing especially at the price you can get some of these watches.