Do You Really Need A "Tool Watch"?

[@typebflieger]

What matters to me is resistance to water, magnetism, and shock. Most dress watches don’t have much of those attributes. My job ranges from desk to physical labor and often both on the same day. A tool watch gives me peace of mind and it matches my personal style. That’s basically it.

[@d3xmeister]

Any Certina DS with Powermatic 80 movement. Best anti-magnetic properties of other regular automatic movement (Si springs) and a big rubber ring around the movement (the DS system)

[@casualsuede]

I think the problem I have is that people consider or call a watch they own that costs $5k as a tool watch. One of the attributes of a tool watch should include the possibility of it's destruction. If I am in construction using mchinery like a jackhammer is a $5k Panerai a tool watch I would wear on site on a daily basis? I have dived three of the oceans and several seas I consider my deep blue and a gigandet watches, both worth under $300 as my tool watch, not my rolex submariner, which I would not be willing to wear diving (since I have destroyed a watch that hit a jagged reef before).

[@lindboknifeandtool]

What job?

[@lamaludwig1470]

Next week: why you need a tool watch in your collection

[@vianouche1]

Totally

[@frank327]

Like how this channel is more chilled than a lot of watch channels these days. Enjoyable and engaging video.

[@salam-s9y]

Ive found dive watches to be the most useful day-to-day. The timing bezel is so important for setting reminders and deadlines. Plus they are so legible. Lume, day/date are important. I use them at the gym, in a suit, at work, all the time.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I like this kind of "deep thoughts" on watch collecting topics. Definitely something to think about, and don't think I didn't notice the spectacular tool watch eye candy in the video. Also, great production values on this as well. Video, audio, lighting, etc. I like the setup. Keep doing great work.

[@jay_watch]

The term “tool watch” might be a little overstretched in a sense that not every durable, tough watch is essentially a tool watch. I truly enjoy having durable watches in my collection, such as divers or gshocks, so that I don’t have to worry about them when I’m on vacations, at the beach, doing sports etc. So in that sense: yes, you some need “tool watches” in hour collection.

[@jonfavale]

Could the name of a tool watch just be replaced for a sports watch? Plenty of sports watches are stainless steel, 200m water residence, screw down crown, sapphire Crystal

[@LCRider13]

States he does not like tool watches and then says he loves the Speedmaster, which, of course, was actually used as a tool watch for NASA missions. In fact the Speedmaster literally saved the lives of the Apollo 13 crew. If the Speedy is not a tool watch, then what watch is???

[@cotecote9214]

I think he means like i.e. tool watch like a helium escape valve on a dive watch, this was designed for saturation diving ! Btw the Speedmaster was designed for racing not for astronauts! I just think he means tool watch in the literal term.

[@thegraciefighter102]

@@cotecote9214 Exactly! It was always a tool watch.

[@LCRider13]

@@cotecote9214 Point taken, but watches are tools at their heart. I think the discussion would have been better and less confusing had the topic been, "Do you need a beater watch?" On another note, if you look, most people who wear a watch nowadays are wearing an Apple watch. So i would argue that anyone wearing a mechanical watch is a winner in my book. Apple sold more watches last year than were produced by all manufacturers of mechanical watches in all of Switzerland.

[@watchchimp3102]

@@LCRider13 Zactly! The smart watch was feared to be the end of conventional watches, but in reality high end watches are selling more briskly than ever. You know who has taken a beating? MVMT, Fossil, etc. Timex is desperately trying to move back into the mechanical watch space, because the cheap digital market is shrinking exponentially. Kind of what that means now is when I see someone with a conventional watch, increasingly it's likely a conscious decision on their part and a statement about them and how they feel about themselves. Paradoxically, I think that's why luxury watch theft is up! The demise of the cheap watch means anyone wearing a conventional watch is likely wearing something nice!

[@LCRider13]

@@watchchimp3102 Excellent points!

[@Chilazr]

I think the "cosplay" comparison might be a bit harsh. A lot of folks like having that little tactile connection to whatever history/tradition a Flieger/diver/Chrono/field evokes. I get the point, but I'd not take it TOO seriously.

[@LCRider13]

Before cell phones, especially smartphones, watches were tools because how else were you to tell time? Now, watches, even traditional tool watches, are not really a necessity for anyone. We wear them because we like them.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I bought a 1969 Omega Seamaster 120 new from a jeweler in Switzerland. I wore it through 23 years of US Army life, including Special Forces and extensive SCUBA diving. It wasn't as flamboyant or ostentatious as a Rolex and never got any attention. But it is a tool watch. Even with frequent servicing it leaked diving in 2006. I still wear it often but I dive with a G Shock.

[@JeeGee114]

I like the design language of tool watches more than that of Grand Seiko. The Pelagos is the best watch the Rolex group has to offer imo. Also since Covid I really don't need a fancy dresser anymore for my zoom meetings. The Pelagos is probably also better readable when you are 75 instead of a fancy dresser.

[@WeibenWang]

Hey, I also wear my Grand Seiko SBGA413 as a daily wear "tool watch." I call it a GAADA (go almost anywhere, do almost anything). I'll wear it for just about any day to day activities except the riskiest, notably riding a bike. I once gave a G-Shock road rash when I had a run in with the pavement; fortunately the GS was in a bag. I probably wouldn't wear it to the beach, mostly because of sand scratching it up. If I have a tool watch (I have one diver, a couple field watches), it's for the styling, not for the tooliness; just about any watch will stand up to my day to day life.

[@vincent67239]

Eyyy I also have a G-Shock with bike road rash. And I still use that same G-Shock whenever I do anything like biking, climbing, or swimming.

[@michaelbishop9157]

GAADAA

[@Johnny641]

Great topic guys, my hot take, no one is buying "expensive" tool watches to use them really as a tool watch, despite the fact that the watch is fit for purpose. I was a commercial diver for 14 years, of which 8 was as saturation diver, most of us wear Subs or Seadwellers when we are in the bar, but hardly anyone actually wore them in the water as they are too expensive to wreck so really our purchase logic was no different to a desk diver, we bought them because they are cool. In fact, the Seadweller was nicknamed the drawer-dweller in the industry, because that is where they stayed when the guy was in the water. lol Personally I do like the dive watch aesthetic, although I did recently get a Speedy, not sure if that is a keeper though. Generally, most of us wore G-shocks or similar while working but watches were often a topic of conversation especially if someone had something other than a Rolex for casual wear.

[@Not-a-bot222]

I’m a military aviator and I where Damasko or marathon. Neither cheap nor truly “expensive” but none the less it serves its purpose on my wrist as durable go anywhere and be ready for the task. To each their own

[@casualsuede]

I agree, as a recreational diver I wear two watches, both worth well under $300. When we discuss tool watches we need to also discuss it's possibility of destruction. I have destroyed one watch while diving when I swung around and it hit a rock and smashed it's glass. Learned to never wear something I would be afraid to lose... I have one friend with a sea-dweller. He doesn't know how to swim.

[@triniboy05]

Hmm I stopped having a “collection” and only have my Rolex Explorer 124270 and my Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. I used to think I needed watches for all these different categories but I like having 1 watch for everything.

[@elefantrising]

That is a nice "tool" watch! Salutations

[@triniboy05]

@@elefantrising thanks I appreciate it!

[@jashoo8597]

That is a good pair. I also only have 2 watches - Rolex OP 39mm and G-shock metal square. Took me a while to realise that I'm actually not a collector.

[@Carloshernandez-kk7dp]

I’m a tradesman who loves collecting watches and part of collecting for me in wearing my watches so a “tool watch” is mainly what I’ve been collecting lately as dress watches, vintage watches or anything that can’t stand wearing on the job site has been phased out due to mostly sitting in the box rather than on my wrist

[@AndrewTPewPew]

Let’s not forget price….when wearing a $5k+ watch (and you aren’t bling bling wealthy) you’ll always have a hesitation to rough it wearing it. Switching to the $400 Seiko assures you that if something did happen, worst case your out $400

[@watchingandseeing]

Every analogue watch nowadays is a dress watch

[@shanebarnes4049]

Rarely do I use the functions/tools on my chronograph. I think I like the look of it more than the use of tools it provides. * bonus points to Blake for the Blue note on the hat. STL we all bleed blue.

[@josephgschwartz]

I do use my dive watches. I don't use them to dive but I do use them to time things and give the kids a bath and go swimming. I realized I could use a field watch to do the same thing but I couldn't do the timing and so it is useful to me.

[@stevea2639]

This was actually nice to hear. I've been looking for a diver, then i ask myself "why?" I'll never end up at the bottom of an ocean where it will be useful. And if I do, the last thing I'll be worried about is weather or not my watch is keeping accurate time. Everyday wearablity for a non-dangerous job is the way to go for me. The few watches I have are great and none of them are classified as tools. Must resist the urge to buy something I don't need 😃 Thanks guys and cheers!!

[@burntvirtue]

This is a very myopic perspective. Almost nobody who owns and wears a dive watch will ever actually dive with it on. They are exceptionally popular for a reason. They're incredibly versatile, and useful for more than diving, especially the GMT dive watches.

[@RagnarHoff]

I agree with the comfort aspect of it, but many brands have smaller purpose built watches too. Damasko, Muhle Glashutte, Sinn, Ball etc. For some reason people think tool watches needs to be chunky to be durable.

[@kronosb6982]

Great intelligent discussion with a caveat. My heart sank when noting horologist had got rid of Seamaster & Submariner, etc. Tastes change, but often move full circle. Every watch I've bought still appeals at some level at some time. Also, & I appreciate the views thoughtfully conveyed, I just can't escape the magnetic appeal of my 'tool' Seiko SKX007J1. I'm a terrible swimmer, but I love dog walking in the rain; it's environmentally friendly - automatic, super lume (as anyone knows who's had one), built in stopwatch via bezel, day/ date complication, easy to read & tough as hell. I make use of all of these, even if I'm not swimming with the fishes. I love Volvo estates, too.

[@saschagizzi4272]

True. Most of us don’t need any kind of toolwatch, but that‘s part of collecting. We don’t need it. But we don’t need a AMG eitler or a Porsche.

[@pityipalko]

As a matter of fact I use the chronograph function of my Speedmaster every day. If I am wearing my Sinn UX diver, I use the timing bezel every day on which I wear the watch. I also take my watch swimming in the summer, so I like to have at least 100m-s of water resistance. The Sinn UX happens to have a decent thickness with a water resistance at which I do not have any worries whatsoever if I go into the water with it. I also like the high contrast and excellent legibility of the Sinn UX. I also sleep with the watch so I need the lume. In the winter I sometimes go hiking after darkness sets in, so I prefer to have a lumed watch. In cold weather, while hiking in the forests I wear my watch over my jacket, so a divers extension is welcome. I think, that you actually underestimate the number of people who use their wristwatches while doing various outdoor activities.

[@rood17]

Hey guys, i'm from Brazil. I usually use an analog digital Technos Skydiver from the 90s. Reasons to make it a tool: 1- Digital stopwatch: I use it for running and calisthenics resistance sessions. 2 - The second hand I also use to mark short calisthenic exercises. 3 - The lumens on the hands help me see the time faster too, when I'm driving or running, for example. 4 - The alarm helps me know the minutes before the crash point hits on job. 5 - The rotating bezel marking the pre or post-fixed amount of time. 6 - date and time and day of the week. 7 - The digital clock uses the Portugal time zone (in 24h mode). The battery lasts about 4 years.

[@watchchimp3102]

This video, while amusing kind of shoots itself in the foot with it's argument against "Tool" watches. First you say that you don't need a tool watch, then that you never want to wear a Tux. So really what you should be saying is "you don't need a dress watch" or maybe "you only need a casual watch"? I say "you ONLY need tool watches!" My Seiko Alpinist or Longines Spirit are tool watches, but plenty "dressy" should the need arise. Tissot Sea Star is awful blingy for a diver, plenty good for any occasion. Unfortunately, with the advent of Smart watches any sort of mechanical watch is a "fashion watch", we wear them for esthetic reasons. When I slipped back into watches during the lockdown I promised myself "No dress watches and No complications"! Happily that cuts out a lot of options and I've mostly stuck to it!

[@Anirossa]

I bring a quartz if it is going to take a beating, mechanical watches are great fun, but even in a shock absorbant case, there is still magnetism, heat and the shock resistance usually won't do much if you drop it.

[@ztnupe8]

Disagree my Hamilton Mechanical Pilot pioneer goes through hell daily without loosing a minute and has war wounds to prove it.

[@edjack1993]

Imho - a basic G-shock is all you need in terms of a tool watch. Anything more expensive is essentially an aesthetic choice. An expensive dive watch can 100% do the job as a daily, but I’d rather beat up a G-shock.

[@harveytan7506]

For me, I use divers for legibility and is strapped on my wrist even during bedtime because I need a time reference when I wake up at night. For simple tasks like timing coffee brewing, boiling eggs, washing machines and dryers, the 20-minutes between periods of a hockey game on TV and much more, any of my Seiko divers is my tool watch of choice.

[@EricBishard]

So this is interesting. I live in Florida, as a career I am an engineer, but I dive and do a lot on the water (SCUBA, Snorkel, and sail) I also want a nice watch that I can wear outside of that and look great in. I don't mind scratching my watch, it's mine forever and will be given to my son in whatever condition it is in when he turns 18 in 2 years. I purchased the Tudor Black Bay 58. My son also dives. In fact last week he went on a shark dive. We fish and often are out on boats. 20 times plus a year. So my point is, this watch is great because we don't have to be concerned with it getting wet with the activities we do. I feel like it's needed. Especially because I want a watch that will last forever or damn near forever. Another great thing we can do with this diver is time things. It's very easy to use the watch to time things in minutes. Set the bezel ahead and start at the top of the next minute. I use it when travelling and set the bezel triangle to the 12 midnight of another timezone. I know its not made for it and doesn't have a GMT function or hand, But it works quite well. This may be my only tool watch. Unless when I give it to him I decide to get another for myself. I'm also partial to getting another Black Bay when he turns 18 and letting him choose the one he wants. The watch also commemorated a very special trip we took overseas and picked out the watch together.

[@wornandwound]

That’s awesome to hear! We love hearing stories like this

[@seikojapan1725]

Careful guys. Next thing you know, you’d be asking “Do we really need wrist watches?”

[@Milofchg]

I think the term “tool watch” is one of those KZbinr excuses to buy or own a watch. It’s a term to justify to yourself. Obviously yes some watches are tool watches but in modern times. People don’t really need a watch. Time is everywhere on our computer screens, phones, and vehicles. Other than a watch being an accessory (jewelry) it serves very little use in modern times for most people. Personally I gravitate towards watches that are just that. A watch for every occasion use. For me it’s the Rolex Explorer. It’s luxury that doesn’t scream “hey look at me I’m a Rolex”. It’s stealthy, it’s dressy, it’s casual, and can take a beating. It really can be your beater (I wouldn’t at $6k thought). The dial is simple, it just tells the time nothing more nothing less. I’m sure everyone has that only one do it all watch. Others would be an IWC Mark 18, Seiko 5, JLC Polaris Automatic, most NOMOS watches, pretty much time only, water resistant, with some Arabic numerals, some luminova on it, can be worn on a bracelet, leather/rubber strap, or NATO.

[@jashoo8597]

My watch for almost every occasion is similar - Rolex OP. Some people will think it's boring, but it goes with any occasion and any outfit. I would argue that sometimes if one has found that "everyday watch" or "life companion" (if one chooses to be poetic) and keep your collection small, one actually saves money in a long run even if that watch is of certain high budget, because one stops yearning for more watches and flip them eventually. Learned from my own mistakes.

[@vincent67239]

It’s also a term used to justify scratches on watches. “It’s a tool watch; it’s meant to be beat up.” Uh, yeah, no thanks. I consider my watches jewelry and like to baby them as such. And when I really need a rugged beater watch, I wear my trusty G-shock.

[@spoudaois]

Omega aqua terra, railmaster, and tudor blackbay 36 are great alternatives . Rolex is hard to get for a decent price.

[@Balazo8]

In 2021, ALL watches are unnecessary tools. Everything said about “tool” watches can be said about mechanical watches writ large. We compulsively have phones handy, and don’t really need these relics of history. The insight this video lacks is that so-called tool watches are the meta watch. We are all cos playing our grandfather.

[@geraudlabellie8133]

I would personally disagree on this one as per my airline cabin crew experience…telephones are stowed away in flight mode and we work using the wrist watch for a bunch of purposes especially during long haul flights. From using utc time when giving a medicine tablet to a passenger or waking up the crew members that had their nap in the crew rest compartment. The Casio world time is perfect for me and sure enough I don’t need a GMT master but a wrist watch used as a tool of the trade yes 100% in my case.

[@VMIyanks04]

I’m a tool watch kind of guy. For me, it’s not about having tool watches in my collection so much as I’m just drawn to that style. I’m in the military and it just goes with my style. I’m a huge space nerd too so of course I love the Speedmaster and would definitely consider that a tool watch. The conflict I see in the definition of tool watches is when it comes to cost… exactly what you pointed out regarding your Zenith, is the risk of damaging an expensive watch worth using it as a tool? It may be designed as a tool watch, but if you’re not using it as a tool watch because of the risk/cost consequence, then it’s not a tool watch. I believe it’s all in how you use it. If a Grand Seiko is a daily wearer for you, then it’s a tool watch since you are using it as your tool to get through life. Love the conversation and video! Thank you!

[@baze3SC]

Yes, good point. Even if it's designed to be tough the last thing I'd want is to wear a $4000 watch while scrambling up rocky terrain or something of that sort. Of course if it only took me a day to earn the money it would be a different story. But I'd rather buy a $50 Casio for that kind of activity. Same case if you travel. You don't want to magnetize a luxurious watch while going through airport scanners and you don't want it get stolen in some 3rd world country. In this case I'd also opt for something more practical. I think truly expensive watches should be treated like fashion accessories or jewelry and they should look the part.

[@danielstidham8936]

Every watch is just a tool that tells time ! Some can withstand the elements better than others , less than 100m WR means you have to baby that time piece. So my speedy is a less than tool because you have to consider where you’ll wear it I gravitate towards 200m WR just cause shit happens.

[@raymondfoo9045]

I agree with your points on when buying a new watch. I will think about budget, whether I like it or not, imagine how I am gonna wear it, the purpose, and how it fits my wardrobe and my style. But I find tool watches charming, they can be dress up and down. What I am talking about is tool watches like Rolex Explorer, but not something too extreme with bead blasted case etc.

[@perrysaker1526]

To me a tool watch is an everyday watch that you don't care about getting scratched or cosmetically damaged!! People.who buy expensive dive watches.dont even dive lol They have no real use for a compass or any of the functions these watches come with. It's like showing off because your Rolex has gmt timing! Nobody needs GMT in this day and age!!

[@Valera_Scotland]

I really agree with you thoughts on the Speedmaster... I just put my 1861 up for sale. It is gorgeous, and I can look at it for hours, but in reality I worry if it rains too hard, or if I hit it on something when going on walks.... also it feels a little top heavy (I wear mine on straps), and often gets caught on my cuff and jackets... I just realised that it doesn't "fit like a glove" as much as my little humble Casio F91W or G shock 5600.... so I'm now aiming for the little Explorer instead. Size- wise it's not too far off the F91W and it's so timeless...poor Speedy. I love that watch but I have realised that watches should feel comfortable. That's a real priority. They should be barely noticeable on wrist

[@JeeGee114]

Did the same thing. Also relieved that that large box is gone also. For now the Sarb033 is doing fine. Thought about the Explorer but I am not willing to pay that premium.

[@Johnny641]

I bought a Speedy 1861 last month, wanted one for years and now I have it, I have buyers remorse. Yea the box is plain ridulous, lol. I do also love the look of the speedy but for some reason I am just not digging it, maybe it's becuase of the price hikes and I am just to conscious of that. Think it will go for sale next week. Ah well have to scratch that itch somethimes I guess.

[@charlymagne]

Great topic. As mentioned we evolve as collectors, as we age and family dynamics change. But I think that every watch can be considered a tool. It does a specific purpose whether you’re dressing up or dressing down. A Cartier under the sleeve of a nice suit is doing it’s job. A dive watch is perfect for when you don’t have the brain power to pause before jumping into the pool. I have two small kids and live in an area that remains warm for most of the year, so water resistance is a must. I don’t want to pause and take off my watch just to jump in a pool or a lake. But that might change one day. Who knows. I am also a big believer that watches are meant to be worn and used regardless of price tag. Wear it and enjoy it make memories with it. Yes. The speed master is a tool watch. You wouldn’t use a tractor under water. But it’s still a tool.

[@piotrszmidel]

A tool top3:Ollech&Wajs,Sinn,Tutima Glashutte

[@stake6957]

I prefer tool watches over any other. Mostly for the durability. I’ll take Promaster, Seiko Arnie, Marathon, g shock or Luminox most days of the week. I like being active, hiking, camping and I don’t want to worry about my expensive nice timepiece breaking very easily. I also like the idea that if I lose all my technology I still 1 piece of gear that still works.

[@TickSweep]

I certainly need a 200m for when I’m desk diving 😂 great video!

[@brockadcock2735]

Wow these guys are great. I love chronos but they are hard to read at a glance. The cool think about Seikos is their mod ability. You can take a diver dial/hands and put it in a more practical case. The hobby is fun. They nailed it. What’s important to you in a watch? That’s the question to ask

[@sirgrizzly1665]

Anybody knows which black watch the host is wearing? thx

[@KRJoye]

Great discussions regarding tool watches, and good to see Zach contributing live and not zoomed. However, i found the background music kind of distracting from the conversation.

[@Jedi391]

I think you guys are really way overthinking this. I prefer dive watches. I like the way they look and the bezel actually provides a quick way to keep track of how long I have before I need to check the steak on the grill. It isn’t deeper than that. When you think this much about watches or anything else, you’re putting way too much thought into things that aren’t important.

[@automaticdial1]

Well, a lot of people wear basketball shoes, but never played basketball! Tennis shoes and never played tennis. It really doesn’t matter to me as long as the watch is looking cool, and I can read the time.

[@asko7113]

Great video, it made me pause and think about my own collection which are mostly tool watches. I love divers, I own divers but I’m not certified. There’s just something inherently satisfying owning a watch that is more than capable of handling any of the tasks I do while it’s on my wrist. I love chronographs, I owned a Speedy and will again but I’m never going to the moon and my daily driver is the farthest thing from a sports car. But the functionality of a chrono is just fun and I use it almost daily. And yes, the Speedy most definitely is a tool watch. All watches are tools, made to tell time, date etc based on their complications. But in times past, collecting watches wasn’t really something the average person did, not like today. My dad would buy one watch, in his case an Omega Seamaster,, and wear it for years as his daily. I love watches too much to just own one but something in me wants to. And if I ever sell everything and keep one watch it would be a tool watch 😁

[@TriforceRich]

100m water resistance, screw down crown, and solid legibility are the bare minimum. Depending on ones use case, lume may be a requirement as well. The Pelagos is the best pure mechanical diver on the market but it’s also pretty poor choice of a watch if it’s going to be relegated to be simply worn around the office. The Sub can be worn as a desk diver or actual diver and look amazing, transcends categories.

[@morgan97475]

Not sure what a "tool watch" is. But I can say that when I needed a watch for its practical function - being able to easily read the time in 24-hour mode and have a light - I went with a cheap digital whether it was a Timex, Casio, or Armitron. Now that I'm out of the military, my watches are for fun as well as telling the time.

[@BlkREPR]

Watches are tools. Used for the measurement of time. They are not jewelry. From one who wears a watch as an everyday tool .

[@DrExeCelticHeroes]

nice video, i recently aquired the 126610LN and i know i need a Tool Watch, it was the next step going from the 116610LV. Been a Toolwatch Guy ever since, the question im asking myself is do i need a Chronograph?

[@suikakujun]

The key word here is "NEED". Most people don't need a watch. we wear them because we "WANT" . Wear what you like, no NEED for reasons. Cheers.

[@JamesRobinson-ratwerks]

i'd always thought of my aesthetic as "tool watch" but on reflection it is just "diver". Completely agree that chronographs and pilot watches should count and also that i'd be cosplaying to wear one. Once upon a time i was a diver but now i just really like the clarity of the dials and how handy the bezel is for parking meters. It does not hurt that i have big hands and fat wrists so divers all wear great for me. i use UTC a lot so dive GMTs rather than pilot GMTs tend to be my favorites. An MT5652 in a Pelagos and a 5R66 in a Tuna would be a complete two watch collection for me.

[@timtim4525]

Marathon MSAR.....auto.....great tool watch...for those that know.

[@Joe-xo3xy]

to all enthusiasts and my fellow enthusiasts at worn and wound-this is an idea used to struggled with; we do not need mechanical watches any longer, this is the truth, I collect them because they are art and this is simply the idea to me. So, do not struggle about the use of it, it is an art. I started off collecting vintage watches and I do not wear them as sad as it may seem, I wind them up and enjoy the feel and look of them. Collecting new watches is an extension of my vintage collection. They are beautiful items merged with design and technology which can be argued to also be an art as well. A new watch with lume and so on is simply to me, staying true to the spirit of their predecessors, I do not need it. Guys, enjoy your watches, the older they become, the more you will appreciate them

[@contaygious]

I don't see a pelagos as a tool watch at all but I like the Convo. My friends palagos is scratched up all over. My damasko is new after 10 years so it's a tool to me because I can do anything in it and not worry unlike my delicate watches

[@walkerb1734]

Everyone aspires to lead the ‘James Bond lifestyle’ and I think that’s where the tool watch concept originated. But that’s not my life. That said, I do like a watch that has 100m water resistance, resistant to electricity & shock, and balances elegance with a degree of robustness. My solution was the JLC Geophysic 1958 limited edition. It’s perfect in almost every situation yet is svelte enough on the wrist to not draw unnecessary attention.

[@Buffalohump77]

I first came across this concept with the Marathon SAR, the original version. Someone published a photo essay one of the forums comparing a Marathon (tool watch) with a Rolex Sub (jewel watch). The phrase was new to me then but that essay made a lot of sense. Why pay thousands for a fancy piece of jewelry from a high-profile brand when you could be paying $500 (price at the time) for a really well-made watch that still features a Swiss movement? To my mind the critical difference is price. An IWC is still a tool watch but its price is prohibitive. Even a Tornek-Rayville is too much. A tool watch must be affordable so that you don't have to worry about beating it up. Since then I've strived to stick to this aesthetic (with one exception) and find watches that offer a lot of bang for the buck. Because they are tool watches I also appreciate their legibility, utilitarian nature and reliability. Most importantly, I am not afraid to wear them. My only problem now is I have too many!

[@jonathanramos3286]

For my purposes: work and recreation, I need it to have 24 hour dial, date, and adequate water resistance... 100-200 meters perhaps? As well as not above 40mm. The search continues...

[@cardinalj]

Wear my Sinn 856 A B with a satinized tegamented bracelet and case. It can take a beating and i wear it with everything. 200 m of WR and all the other Sinn tech helps also. Looks like the day i got it.

[@Scaglibones]

The point of a collection is to gather a group of something that has a specific focus in mind. If you are a watch collector with out a tool watch you are missing a important piece of horilogical history. If you only purchase watches to wear something different every day you are a watch acquirer not a collector.

[@vonyp6018]

I've done the same. Got rid of every chrono and bezel watch and settled on 2. Tudor black bay 41 heritage steel 79540 0001 black and a tudor 1926 white dial 19550 0011. I might swap for a silver dial 79540 and get rid of the 1926. It's taken years and many watches to get to the same conclusion, that most watches are wrist bling to most people and that if you're collecting watches as jewelry then interesting dials is what you should be looking for such as anordain and moser

[@TheRollerballer]

There's nothing more hilarious in watch collecting than getting a >2k tool watch and having concerns about using it on certain occasions because "it can break and it's too expensive for that". The watch market has changed a lot since tool watches were designed. Anyway. A tool watch is in fact an excess for day to day, in reality there are few people who can find a real use for those hundreds water resistance, that high tolerance to impacts, that ability to measure hundredths of a second, to that need to manipulate big crowns with gloves on or calculate how much fuel is left in the tank of our airplane. It has more to do with taste than with actual usefulness or our ability to use them. But on the other hand, tool watches provide greater confidence in many activities: manual work, getting caught in a sudden rain, swimming, sand on the beach, playing with children or pets, a necessary repair at home. And there is more to all of this than just a taste for overbuilt watches. Conclusion: If you find a tool watch necessary or appealing, go for it, but if you replace it at first concern with a $100 Casio, then you're using a nice object on your wrist, not a tool.

[@ludovicoc7046]

I wear a Speedmaster whenever I go to the moon.

[@ComicalSatania]

My main watch is a gshock because I want to wear my watch I don't want it to be the other way around, I don't want to have to take it off when I'm doing a sport or going for a swim or anything like that. If I end up falling or bash my wrist into the door knob by accident I know it'll still be working and that's such a peace of mind. Do I love other watches? Yes but the Gshock will always be the actual tool watch everything else is not as capable

[@siegfriedeind1370]

IMHO we do not need any watch, as nowadays most of us have a phone with us. But I like my watches, because of how they look. I am not a diver, not a pilot and not adventurous at all. 🤜🏽🦾🏆👍

[@Serdaruzun88]

The amount of times I went swimming as an adult can be counted on one hand. But I still have a dive watch that I use to time my exercises. I use it as a countdown timer or a stopwatch. Even use it to perfectly boil an egg. It’s all good. As long as one enjoys the watch. But some of these KZbinrs have 100 watches and name one watch, their daily watch. I don’t know how someone can enjoy just having so many watches and not wear them.

[@wescobts]

Yes , not everyone needs or uses a tool watch. A tool watch is like a spare tire, you don't know if or when you'll need it, but good to have when you do. Also they are for the most part very easy to read and because of they build quality they offer a certain amount of value, I.E. you'll most likely get your moneys' worth after a lifetime of use.

[@stevefox8605]

Surely all watches are tools? Personally I only like "tool watches", dress watches just don't do anything for me... Funny, but I think the Speedmaster is probably the ultimate tool watch, given it's history!!

[@Warioda]

Tool watches ALL DAY E'RDAY for me. I'm finding being attracted to everything except chronos. My journey is my journey...

[@ianwoollard2063]

If you find yourself asking these kinds of questions as a collector you probably have too many watches. Buy whatever you like to hell with what other people think. I love the ruggedness of dive watches on bracelets few other things excite me. All I would add to the conversation is that if a watch doesn’t make you feel excited about owning it then it’s not for you

[@rolandbjr.1761]

Having at least one tool watch is essential even for a non watch collector. As a tool watch I do have a variety of dive watches as I use them for recreational diving and I don't consider myself a pro diver even if I did a couple of dives with real pros at 700 feet.

[@flip97gt]

My BB58 has side lined all of my other watches. I'm not sure why. I just like wearing it and don't mind a scratch or two.

[@janihellberg6911]

Nice video. You have been maybe neglegting the youtube a bit, so nice to see new kind of videos from w&w. I don't think there is such a thing as a toolwatch anymore, maybe excluding gshock. There is a gadget for everything that does the job better than a watch these days. It's all about how it makes you feel. I have the new explorer as an everyday watch and I don't baby it, but I just got the Tudor heritage black bay and something about the robustness of that watch makes me feel like it's indestructible even though my reason says that the explorer is just as capable.

[@watchchat]

Typically I like this channel but the premise here is senseless. We don’t need any watch lol. Some common sense is all that is needed…if you want to rough house with your watch then you risk damaging it and yourself. Tool watches have been replaced with modern tech so it’s not the purpose any more of the watches. You like what you like…watch collecting is supposed to be fun and subjective to one’s taste.

[@natesaltus3001]

that anOrdain is beautifully legible. Also, did anyone else keep watching the mondaine clock to see if it was a stop2go when it rounded 12? :)

[@spoudaois]

I think tool watches are popular because they are casual and the current style is to dress down. It's for fashion. The big watches big bezels are masculine but I' am noticing that people are tired of the oversized . Its would be ridiculous to use gold on a real dive watch except for the fact that its a fashion trend. When ever I dive the guide wears a big plastic// rubber watch. I do have an explorer 1 that I like because its rugged , looks good and I can swim with it. Omega , tudor and many other brands have similar styles.

[@TheWayofGrace89]

Yes

[@cagataycakmak2280]

Generally a watch with a 100 m water resistance like a new seiko 5 is durable enough for %90 percent of people.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

Who wants a watch that says do not get wet, do not swim, do not knock, avoid magnetism, etc etc that watch will cost more in repairs.. But I do get the point, but with me I like a watch that can survive a drop, any weather, swimming in the sea or pool, glass remain legible, hardly need servicing and high accuracy.. I wouldn't want to take my watch off if I was doing activities on a holiday and then it's ended that you were going deeper than what your watch would permit used to go even as a tourist want your watch to go through all adventures with you as a man I feel at times as though my watch emboldens me is a companion a companion and witness a heir loom.. But not a attention seeking friend that always needs attention and service.. My pet hate as well is a see through case back

[@Michael-4]

I need more tool watches!

[@pth8888]

Hmm… an interesting topic. IMO we should be buying watches that suit our lifestyle instead of owning bunch of tool watches which we don’t really need those high specifications. It’s cool looking but not necessary. With that, I can trimmed off a large part of my collection. Haha!

[@jeonglee657]

personally a "tool watch" nowadays are digital watches that are like a mini-computer on wrist....the traditional definition of tool watch is more for legacy...

[@gmotionedc5412]

I just like what I like and never think of what type it is when I wear it. Yes if I’m going to a funeral I’m probably not wearing my orange monster but that’s probably about it.

[@jashoo8597]

I find "tool watch" very hard to define. What do one needs the "tool" to do? A diver is a tool if one uses it for diving. If one dare not even swim with a diver, it is a "dress" watch because one has elevated it to a jewelry. Thats why i can never get my head around submariner/expensive 'tool' watch as I can get much better looking wrist jewelry with the money. Type B Flieger made a good point of an "everyday watch" to be resistance to water, magnetism and shock. These more practical and well defined criteria extend beyond "tool watch" with rotating bezel, or get you to the moon, or let you race your F1, etc. In modern times, I actual would argue that based on most people's lifestyle, a smart watch/g-shock is the real "tool watch" (eg i used one to time my swimming/jogging) and others use them to connect with people. An "everyday watch" can be a reliable fuss free, time only watch that follows you everywhere you go. One has to define his/her comfort level with budget and how luxury one needs to feel connected with it - its that simple. Gets a "dress watch" only after one has an "everyday watch", and wear it proudly with T-shirts so long as you knows you won't be doing physical labour or get wet.

[@carguy3645]

I personally love all of my tool watches.

[@brunovrancic8330]

Tool watch can only be quartz, under 1.000 $. Everything else is luxury.

[@artagain8977]

So a Pelagos or a Planet Ocean is not a tool watch then??

[@JeeGee114]

@@artagain8977 Back in the Day at my local diving club people had the SKX or a Citizen. Cheap, rugged and easy replacable. The Omega and Pelagos are statements.

[@mogret7451]

1. Your son ask you to go out and play. 2. You start to think about watches.

[@lulul]

anything above casio doesn't fit into the need category..

[@myknife_life]

Watch collecting and speaking of watches you ‚need‘ is a contradiction in itself. To be honest, you really NEED just one, maybe two and you’re fine in every surrounding and situation. It’s the essential of collecting not to look on the necessity to own things 😉

[@chubbymonkey6604]

I guess for me, I don’t feel the need to justify a watch purchase by convincing myself I need it for a specific function or task (and god knows I’m not convincing my partner with that argument). After all, my stupid phone will do a better job than 99% of watches at telling accurate time. I collect watches for many reasons but none of them are based on “need”, and I’m okay with that. I have a Seiko diver and do wear it while swimming/snorkeling and think it’s fun, but honestly, who needs to keep accurate time when snorkeling lol.

[@sheek3]

Tool watches are an useful anachronism in a industry where watches as much about prestige and taste as functionality. Few people who wear them actually wear them for the tasks they were originally intended to use for. Conversational thoughts but smartwatches are the new tool watches.

[@RondelayAOK]

IMHO. ..inexpensive dive watches can be good beaters but I opt for an all-around watch that fits under the sleeve. My Certina DS Podium really fits the bill. AND it’s not oversized. I like 38mm. A watch shouldn’t be an obvious automatic conversation piece.

[@lskovly]

You dont need, but i do a lof of deskdiving with my Sinn UX..

[@JJ-pm4jc]

I only mostly wear tool watches. I’d rather be a fan of something expensive and have something I wouldn’t be afraid of wearing than live in fear of breaking it. I wouldn’t enjoy life as much if I was worried about breaking my $15,000 watch. Give me my $500 tool watch and I’ll go live my life.

[@pierresangeorg2286]

None of the 30-50m wr watches are tool watches.

[@casualsuede]

I think 99.9% of watch nerds love to brag about their tool watch than use it for it's intended purpose. I dived from Hawaii to Australia to Greece to Mexico and I've never taken a dive watch over $300, even though I own divers worth 3k+.

[@baze3SC]

I presume you used an actual dive computer which served as your "tool watch". A mechanical dive watch is just a nod to the past and a romantic illusion :)

[@will-i-aint4106]

No one really ever needs a tool watch for anything anymore. Owning/collecting a watch is a hobby. It doesn't have to make sense why you are hoarding on many different kinds of watches. Basically all this guy said was he stopped collecting, sold everything, kept only his GS for his edc. So??

[@test123]

it would be very funny if guy with hat, that is of start interview agreeing on tools, pilots and chrono maybe-good joke, but at the end draw a line and get in fist fight with "negative" guy when he start talking about divers like have it all, will grand seiko survive? :D

[@purpleberrybob]

How about when someone says you need a certain watch you say okay buy me one lol