10 Things I Wish I Knew About Watch Collecting Before Starting

[@ID-Guy]

A decade in this hobby teaches you a lot about its quirks... What’s the one thing you wish you’d been told before falling down the watch rabbit hole? (this should be good) 😉

[@handlehbt]

Find a friend or person who you look upto and his choice in watches (ideally someone who has been into watches for at least 10-15 years), discuss with him about the options you are considering as the first/second watch and buy the one he suggests. You will not regret it.

[@BenNS1971]

To take it slow, do the research and avoid impulse buying.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

@@BenNS1971 Impulse buying, as I have experienced typically leads to regret.

[@localheroEd]

Knowledge costs only your time, then buy only what you love AND can afford (incl servicing or replacing)

[@ID-Guy]

@@BenNS1971 Brilliant points here Ben, these will be included in Part 2 🥃

[@UltraDoug]

100% spot on. I would add…. #11: You shouldn’t own every watch you love, but you should love every watch you own.

[@ID-Guy]

Very deep, I like it 😉 This would’ve made for a great bonus point. Excellent Doug 🥃

[@rickfanning5647]

This is fact.

[@danielgillrup9518]

I completely agree with this!

[@OneManReviews]

great addition!

[@comeonman7423]

I’m sure I heard this one before 🤔

[@dannyg6592]

Brilliant episode! I've been collecting for 55 years and have a few things to add: 1. You can enjoy collecting only affordable watches for years, but once you step up to luxury level, you won't want to wear your cheap watches anymore. 2. Your taste in watches will change as you grow older; and 3. You may prefer smaller, lighter watches as you get older. This is from personal experience. Cheers!

[@ID-Guy]

Exactly what I've experienced, these 3 points are brilliant Danny. Hard to look back at the more "affordable" watches after stepping up the game AND smaller watches... I'm finding day after day I'm gravitating between 39 - 36mm pieces. Fascinating how our tastes change 🥃

[@Treetopflyer777]

Tastes change 💯%

[@davidrowan9163]

I disagree about your first point. I own Rolex, Omega and JLC etc but today I’m wearing a G-Shock just because it feels like a G-Shock kind of day.

[@Treetopflyer777]

@@davidrowan9163 I’m with you too. I have same stuff but love wearing my hamiltons or G shocks too.

[@clo2715]

@@davidrowan9163 G-shock is different. I got rid of all my watches except for a GW-5000 and my Grand Seiko.

[@merkhet9328]

I may annoy a few people, but one thing I learned is that for most of us the sooner you realize you’re not a collector just “a guy that likes a nice watch” the better off you’ll be. Figuring out I don’t need to own every watch I like has been very freeing.

[@DZ_____]

Totally agree, less is more!

[@jipke]

Agree. I got to the point of owning 4 watches and I'm already trimming down. I'm not a collector; I just want to own 1 or 2 watches that I can wear for years to come. Glad I never really fell down that hole.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

No annoyance at all. You stated it well. Best to be a gent/gal who likes watches. Collecting adds to much pressure for many of us.

[@highsoflyify]

Collecting is more for the ultra rich who wants to have something very special (like rare limited Edition or watches that were previously owned by famous people). As a regular guy, just buy some nice watches for every regular occasion and be happy

[@ian5445]

I have moved on. Satisfied with my five watches. Rolex, omega x 2, Tudor and Tag. Loved the obsession for last few years but no longer and enjoy what I have.😊

[@MattSeesGray]

I’ve gone through this phase as well, but I’ve also been sucked back in. Be careful and continue to enjoy what you have!

[@nicksundby]

I've worn my Datejust every day since 1982. For me, it's perfect.

[@lukasz_zegarkowy]

Respect!

[@blasien1]

11. Watches are luxury items, expensive jewelry. Never forget 12. Rolex "Oyster Steel" is the same inexpensive industrial steel used for urinal pipes in stadium restrooms

[@reedgrabowski8314]

12. 🤣

[@Alexander-xq1gr]

Presumably because it doesn’t corrode? I think that actually makes it a very sensible material for a dive watch and doesn’t put me off. Gold might be better in its non-corrosive properties but both the average urinal enjoyer and the average watch buyer probably consider solid gold urinals/dive watches overkill 🤣

[@robbbbery]

Biggest advice: don't take advice from internet strangers. One person says once you go luxury you can't enjoy cheap? Another person enjoys Rolex and casio in the same collection. One person says don't do trends, another person enjoys the variety of owning watches for a few months and then selling them for something new. There's too many different ways to love watches for anyone's "lessons" to reliably generalize to anyone else. Find your own way, make your own mistakes, and try to have a blast doing it.

[@kojiattwood]

“Having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical but often true.” - Spock (Amok Time)

[@philiplauzon1743]

Never satisfied ….. that is the problem with today’s society and one of the reasons I’m staying away from the “hobby” I realized it’s not a hobby but an addiction. There is a problem in your life if you keep buying and selling watches …. Now I have a Speedmaster, a Pelagos and a Seiko SPB383 and I’m done. Ever since I drew the line in the sand , I’m appreciating what I have much more so I’ll keep away from videos and stores and I’ll be just fine and damn satisfied

[@ID-Guy]

It’s definitely something that resonated with me the most too (could’ve based the entire video on that one point) - whether not being satisfied with the watch, our choice or the million other things, the “accessibility” we now have today makes our choices have far less weight. Well said Philip! 🥃

[@saulgood2366]

Good idea. I’m thinking that a explorer, GMT and G-shock would be ideal for me. Will pass the explorer on to a younger relative after 5 years

[@2K9s]

It’s only considering an addiction if it affects your financial situation.

[@Melontheyoutuber]

Sure thing buddy! I give it six months max and you’ll be back

[@DZ_____]

I can resonate with this. I enjoy my watches more now I’m out of the loop with watch content

[@davidhori4899]

"Chase Simple and Timeless Watches". The longer I spend in the watch hobby, the more I've come to realize how important this advice is. What a great video; thank you for making it.

[@petrokersta5293]

Great points! I’d add a few: 1. Always try a watch in metal before buying it. Renders don’t do watches justice. There’s no other way to understand the ergonomics. You won’t wear what you don’t like and more so something that is uncomfortable. 2. Learn to appreciate watches without owning them. I know easier said than done. But I’m trying. 3. This hoppy is as much about people and their stories as it is about watches. 4. Enjoy the journey. Cheers!

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Agree that it is best to try a watch on (in the metal) before making the decision to acquire. It's the only way to know if it will truly fit.

[@ajgross67]

About 7 months ago I decided to train for a marathon, and as a result I have been wearing a Garmin watch on my right wrist and my traditional watches on my left wrist daily since then. It has made me realize about bit how ridiculous this hobby can be and that at the end of the day it is a hobby of just buying. There are still watches I plan to buy, but I am definitely less interested in watches than I used to be

[@spencerh26]

Ended up buying a WHOOP with the bicep band for this exact reason. Still run with my Garmin but use the WHOOP for my health tracking the rest of the time. Love being able to wear my mechanical watches but still track HR/HRV/etc

[@chriscon8463]

I liked “Point 8; keep some $ aside”. It occurred to me that everyone that bought watches during the bubble (starting in maybe 2020?) will have to service them in another 5-10 years. Some people may be in for a rude awakening! We may see a lot of used watches hitting the market, that people sell off when they realize the cost of servicing.

[@jeremydahm2124]

My advice is pick one. If it's a reach financially, buy it as your one and only, and wear the heck out of it. Sinn, Longines, Oris, Tudor...can't go wrong.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

all great choices.

[@ID-Guy]

Excellently said 🥃

[@watchmdn]

Sound advice! Ultimately, there's no shortcut to gaining experience. In other words, making some mistakes is essential to getting it right..

[@rickfanning5647]

I have two, 1. There is nothing inherently wrong with quartz. 2. You can “be into watches” without buying or selling any. You can watch videos, have opinions, talk with others, etc. and not spend a nickel. It’s OK to just chill with what you have.

[@chowda4u]

I would add, don't be afraid to explore outside of your comfort zone. For example, if you're into dive watches and have a few already, try on a chrono or dress watch.

[@ID-Guy]

Excellent, that's what I should've expanded on in "#10 Looking Elsewhere", also looking to other styles and functions. Dig it 🔥

[@PatQuakernaat]

"Cheap" watches are not that bad nowadays. I do not propagate them, but as a starter, they do give you an idea if it suits you and if you still like it after a year. I have done this in the past, and works for me.

[@vmarsch]

These are great. Two things I'd add 1) Remember your first impressions. The look or feel of a watch 'growing on you' means that it will fade, eventually. 2) Though a mechanical timepiece can "last a lifetime or longer," the vast majority do not.

[@sumitkar8146]

Another great episode - For me it was - Understand your style and buy watches to suit it. I am a T shirt and Jeans guy and almost never wear a suit. I bought dress watches and almost never wore them. Had I understood this, I would have stuck to steel, sports watches

[@jipke]

I think the other way around works better. I sometimes dress up (nothing too fancy, but still), and I can wear my Longines Spirit or even my Sinn 356 without a problem. And... I can wear them with jeans and T-shirts. Dress watches quickly feel out of place in many situations, I reckon.

[@georgehave]

Great points. FADs, following another’s desires. Bottom line is the watch or anything else in life should be something that brings you joy. No other criteria is really important.

[@Bootsy98]

You’re making the best watch content on KZbin! Keep it up

[@Rhamirezz85]

Great list, but You know #6 is very controversial aproach. My first diver is a "cheap" watch, it was around 80$, automatic diver. It's amazing watch, great finish, ceramic, super bright lume. It is not a universal truth that "cheap' will be worse, but for sure there is a risk factor. You decide what risk you take, 400$ established brand or 3-4 cheap watches. I took a gamble and won big time! :D

[@ivanmejia6843]

Great episode. Totally agree about getting "simple" watches being a better choice. Hence, why I bought preowned the previous SMP300 black non-wave dial. Less is more.

[@ID-Guy]

Those OG Ceramics are beautiful. Simple, ETA mvmt, amazing tools. I’ve been so eager to pick up a black dial like yours for that reason. Brilliant, brilliant piece 🔥 Well said Ivan.

[@ashleyg6479]

Always a total joy watching your presentations ..and more importantly educational ..and sadly we all share some of the behaviours ! Thank you for the reality check that is so true in it’s content

[@jroobz]

things i've learned: - a watch can be more than the sum of it's parts - appreciate a watch for what it is today - all watches are good and beautiful. if you're not into a watch, you're not ready for it yet. but you can get there in time

[@mkii2363]

Talkin' about "never truly satisfied" - you just had to stick the image of Breguet Marine, now didn't you?

[@ID-Guy]

Had to find one of their outliers ;) Imagine the damage they could do with this line? After seeing them butcher the Type XX… maybe it’s a good thing they aren’t touching the Marine 🤣

[@PeterKotsa]

Great rules to follow in this hobby, well said brother 🥃

[@ID-Guy]

The twists and turns of our hobby 😉 Stumbled on your GS Hotaka GMT video a few days back, brilliant insight as always man… I’m so tempted by the colourway! 🥃

[@PeterKotsa]

@@ID-Guy Hahaha...funny enough I am wearing it today..its on my wrist as I type..wow 💪

[@danielmulero2816]

Great video. I myself, before making any decision in life, look inside myself, trying to figure out what it is, that I really want. Once I have a slight idea, then I try to find it in the outside world. This also applies to watches. This is a difficult thing to do, but, in my opinion, the only way for long-term satisfaction.

[@michaelcozens7537]

1) If you like a cheap watch, buy a cheap watch. You can get just as much enjoyment. Easily serviced or replaced movements, parts made in the same country or allegedly same factories as some “luxury brands” not in “back alleys “ 2) Don’t believe a word from the Watch Press, their drinking the manufacturer’s champagne and pissing in the same pot.

[@markdickerson3486]

Brilliant! Such a simple, yet almost obvious list is truly what the new enthusiast needs to hear. Getting a watch because YOU like it - not for show or to impress (number 1 reason I don't have a Rolex) but something you like. A lovely (and expensive) hobby that can enrich or cause frustration. I choose to be enriched by my humble 6 watch collection. Well well done again!

[@rabtrekker]

Enjoy what you have. Marketing is so aggressive in horology and price hikes are an insult (I'm looking at you Omega) I have two watches that suit all I need Black Bay 54 & Casio G-Shock 5000u. I'm watching from the sidelines these days but still enjoy your amazing content 😊

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Nice choice regarding the BB54. And IDGuy's content is the best by far! 💯

[@eventhorizonomega]

Great video! My input: try to always see the watch in person and put it on your wrist. Don’t get carried away by online posts, photos, videos and what others say.

[@borassictime918]

Going back to the start, I wish I’d known more about the marketing of luxury products and what a can of worms it is for the consumer, how ADs work, how the big watch groups work, the margins, that ‘Swiss Made’ often doesn’t mean what you think it does, how important the movement really is…plus all the things you said, and much, much more. Yeah, there’s no such thing as a perfect watch. Every watch has compromises of one sort or another, and we tend to value the opinion of others over developing our own, not least because it’s human nature to want to fit in with the crowd. What is remarkable is the quality of *some* ‘cheap’ watches (eg Cronos, Proxima, Baltany) in terms of fit, finishing and regulation, the branding may be rubbish but the quality is truly astonishing. And ironically if we’re concerned about nickel content, Rolex’s 904L SS has far more nickel (circa 25%) than bog-standard 316L SS (circa 10%)…😂 In the end it’s fashionable to be trendy, and it’s trendy to be fashionable, especially when the brand name has high awareness and is shorthand for what you want to say about yourself. Ploughing your own furrow is far more challenging in lots of ways. But then that applies to life in general. 🥃

[@garykolb4550]

From the time I first became interested in watches until I finally bought one was 8 years. I kept looking for one that, to use a phrase, sparked joy. Sometimes I’d find a watch with a great design aesthetic but an uninteresting movement. Sometimes it was the other way around. I raised the amount I was willing to spend twice. Eventually patience paid off and I found a watch that pleases both sides of my brain. I’ve owned it for a couple of years and I still don’t see anything else I’d rather have for daily use. Wouldn’t mind a dress watch though!

[@jipke]

Believe it or not...there are still people who do NOT have a social media account and are NOT trying to garner attention from random strangers on the internet. I check YT videos, I read reviews, etc. But the few watches I have I bought for myself and myself only. No one 'out there' knows what watches I have. I couldn't care less.

[@varthdader12]

Same boat I joined watch crunch to check out others' opinions on watches but even that feels a bit... Gross

[@talia3280]

If you can, wait to see the watch in the metal and on your wrist before committing. I say if you can because if you live in certain areas of the world, it's hard to see some brands. My second one is be prepared to walk away. A good example of this for me was when I finally got to the and Longines Spirit Zulu Time. It looked great in the media but the dial is just ... off for me, it's too busy.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Did you also find the numerals on Spirit Zulu Time to appear small for the dial?

[@petemitchell6965]

He doesn't miss... Another great video

[@grahambowes756]

Great points. Another being not to buy a watch to scratch an itch thinking it’ll save you money and fill that place in the collection. You’ll soon discover that you want that dream watch one day.

[@ID-Guy]

Scratching the itch… excellent point Graham. So often we hunt for that “filler” piece when it would’ve been way better to hold back and grab the piece that we’ve actually been yearning for. Well said! 🥃

[@reedgrabowski8314]

@@ID-Guy Wish I knew this in 2017.

[@Conversus]

You can’t think yourself to a great collection. You have to walk the walk, buy and sell, loose money. There is no way around it.

[@stephens2r338]

This should of been point 11. I love watches and after years of collecting l became a watchmaker. Years later I finally understand the statment it's just a watch! Nearly all watches are basically the same, that's why any watchmaker can service most watches and if they won't service it it's because they can't get replacement parts from the manufacturer so there's no point. Watches are just like shoes in that they are also all basically the same job and have the same parts. So try not get overly excited about new coloured laces or soles. In the end just like shoes the one you wear most often and your favourite will be the one that's the most comfortable, practical and matches your outfit.

[@raysway1897]

ADVICE: go to a jewellery store or dealer that carries many brands, and lots of watches, dress as you would most of the time. Try on as many different brands, designs, sizes, colors, and complications as you have time for, DON'T FEEL INTIMIDATED. Doing this will give you a much better idea of what type/size/design you would enjoy. This will help you to not make purchases you regret shortly thereafter, it helps you not get caught up in trends or hype (cause you know what you like), and lastly it gives you the confidence to purchase pieces without trying them on (because you have a better understanding of what you like and what looks good on your wrist). KNOW THYSELF

[@umist123]

Taste definitely changes overtime, swinging like a pendulum. To manage this, my collection comprises diversity of dials and size...ranging from field, diver, GMT, dress, steel or gold, 36mm through to 44mm, Swiss, German, Japanese etc..

[@bullnose01]

It is better to have a watch box that is smaller than your collection, than a watch box that is larger than your collection. Those empty slots will create an inexorable demand that they be filled.

[@ID-Guy]

I have a 10 Slot Watchbox and at least four of those cushions are occupied with straps and nato's 😆 Looks kinda cool having different colours and materials surrounding the 6 watches. Great point about having a smaller watchbox 🥃

[@ProfessorPesca]

I got an inheritance and wanted to use part of it to remember the person who had died. I had not bought an expensive watch before and I ended up getting a JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon because I thought it was the classiest and most timeless piece that would last a lifetime. I never made the connection with it and I wish someone had said to me “you never wear a dressy delicate watch normally, why would you wear one now?”. Stick with what you like, not what you think you ought to like. I ended up selling for a loss (before the watch bubble) and should have bought the tooly watch that I thought wasn’t classy enough.

[@Harry-tb8yo]

I would change #1 to "never 100% saturated." Not being satisfied conveys a sense of not being happy with what one has but every watch I purchased gave me happiness and satisfaction and that feeling never disappeared for any of my watches. Looking for other watches doesn't mean that I want something better than what I already have. It just means that I am interested in something else while still enjoying the watches I already own and wear. I also find #9 important. It doesn't mean that you should reject trends but consider if you are still going to love the watch in five or ten years. Before buying my orange Omega Planet Ocean Chronograph I spent some time thinking about whether I was going to love its size and color in the future. But I never had serious regrets about it and today I love it even more than when I bought it back in 2009. Same with my JLC Reverso Squadra Hometime. It's huge for a Reverso but that was the trend 15 years ago. Nowadays it is rarely seen but I get a lot of compliments for it.

[@GoTerpsGoBlue]

Another great video. Patience, Curiosity, Humility. Thats the sum of what I heard…great advice for how we approach our crazy watch hobby…and maybe how we approach this crazy world we live in!

[@dominicrusho]

Great video! My advice to fellow collectors is this: the only watches worth having are erotic dial Blancpain minute repeaters. Everything else is a complete waste of time. Ciao

[@ProfessorPesca]

This whole video could be replaced with this gem.

[@khronokraze]

All great points I've also learned myself, and surely much much more. I think almost all of them can be resolved and condensed down to one thought and action... Have self-discipline. BUT, it is easier to prescribe the medicine than to take it yourself. I know I've broken (or gently bent) my own rules on more than just a few occasions. The watch hobby is definitely a journey and a self-fulfilling prophecy guided by our choices to do and don't do. Unfortunately, the most valuable lessons in life are often taught by our own mistakes/failures than by our successes/accomplishments. Sometimes you just don't and won't know until you do. Thus, this is a round about way for me to say, please, listen to what this man and this video has to say.. as well as the wisdom worthy commentors of this channel.

[@lrbrown]

Never buy a watch without seeing it in the metal. Specs and dimensions are all very well, but you don’t know a watch until it’s on your wrist.

[@thomashelm6931]

Absolute truth! I've hated some in the pictures but I was shocked when I saw it in person.

[@MSAINT-bn4vj]

Don't buy cheap watches... Shows one the best Hamilton ever made in the last 20 years... 🤯

[@Valera_Scotland]

For straps, I've always gone to Bulang and Sons. Huge variety. Expensive, yes... but beautiful quality

[@ID-Guy]

I’ve yet to pop my B&S cherry! Still getting most of my stuff from WatchGecko. When they have specials on Spanish / Italian leather… I’m there like a madman 🔥

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@ID-Guy I'll email you

[@CaesarTjalbo]

Be prepared for frustration. My first luxury watch all on a sudden ran half an hour per day fast: I learned about magnetization. Had a watch serviced at great cost, a few months later it started to work intermittently and then stopped altogether: a broken screw. It's a hobby that's given me "anecdotes". Or thing 11 to know: keep a good, beater quartz watch as a backup, I recommend a solar watch on a bracelet.

[@mi626]

Well needed topic. Thank you.

[@PietroCozziTinin]

How about; Never borrow money for watch.

[@ID-Guy]

Phew, buying any sort of “luxury optional extra” on hire purchase… very good piece of advice. This video deserves a Part 2 😆🥃

[@reedgrabowski8314]

@@ID-Guy Make it so!

[@mariog7213]

Unless it’s 0% financing

[@notenoughtime7274]

Great video and smart insights Miss the guitar intros, bring them back!

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great list. I’d add: decide what specs really matter to you, don’t be a Specs Snob.

[@cedarcanoe]

Would you recommend the FXD? You still own one don’t you? I would chose the black dial.

[@ID-Guy]

Absolutely still recommend the FXD, it’s my daily every week whenever I’m out doing some sort of activity. The pro’s of the blue? Engraved caseback and a bi-directional bezel (reverse numerals) - the black variant is far more like what we’d expect from a modern diver 😉🥃

[@cedarcanoe]

@@ID-Guythanks for the feedback. Didn’t realize there were functional differences. Thanks buddy!

[@austin73]

Solid advice. What really resonated with me, is to buy quality. The sense of accomplishment you get from setting aside a little money each month for a year or two and then getting what you really want, cannot be matched with an impulse cheap watch buy.

[@ProfessorPesca]

Definitely. You need to work for it for the sense of connection and satisfaction (or I do).

[@wescobts]

Funny, I was wearing a Timex while watching this video.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Brand and watch kind of go hand in hand. A ‘Brand’ is normally a ‘brand’ because of the quality of its products.

[@omegafanboyian]

Fantastic Advice 👍👏👍👏 The Only thing I wish knew before was that the Rabbit Hole is Bottomless & buy what you like , always.

[@ID-Guy]

The rabbit hole is endless 😉 Thanks for sharing Ian! Have an excellent weekend sir 🍻

[@ColinLack]

I'd just tell people to buy what speaks to them

[@uncles2000]

Buy the dials and complications you love and what fits your wrist. No matter how much you love it, if it doesn’t fit your wrist, it doesn’t fit your wrist. Never go into debt for a watch. Understand the difference between AD new, grey market and used markets price points; when to choose each (warranty vs service costs). Don’t swim in vintage waters unless you 100% understand how deep you’re swimming and the predators you’re swimming with.

[@jean-claudebeaver6614]

Great points bro, agree with all and well thought out. For me a game changer is the idea of letting the watch pick me, rather than me picking the watch. We always see things and then start to gain interest and then go and try on that particular piece with blinkers on, but there’s nothing like walking into a boutique with no preconceived ideas and trying on a few pieces and then having lightning hit you out of nowhere. Case in point that little zenith a384 you’ve got on, I hadn’t given one thought before trying it on but when I did it just smacked like a tonne of bricks. Current speedy is the same, I thought it was boring etc, but it’s like it was made for my wrist. I think if you don’t get the lightning, keep searching for it

[@ID-Guy]

Excellently said brother! There are so, so many lessons we learn in this game, right? Super keen to attack another 10 of these in a few months. "letting the watch pick you" Deep man, really deep 😉 We must have a call! 🥃

[@boatdetective]

All wise and true. I might add for people to be wary of the very real danger that the hobby can make you covetous. It can range from mere bourgeoisie one upsmanship to vile greed. I would also say to consider the "serviceability" of a given case/movement. There are huge advantages to choosing a watch with a somewhat prosaic movement as a local watchmaker can service it easily. You don't want to hear the dreaded words, "we have to send it back to Switzerland ($$$)".

[@ID-Guy]

Absolutely… to not be humble and get into this hobby? It’ll only exacerbate things x10 🥃

[@JimWestrich]

There is watches I like looking at but would not like to wear (either not my type or just not comfy)

[@thegorn]

Don't buy new. Only pre-owned. Unless it's AliExpress.

[@Johnny3514]

Don’t know if anyone has written this, but here’s one: Never sell a watch that means something special to you. A gift, heritage from a relative, a piece you worked really hard to get, etc. Can be tempting if you find a “better” watch, but regret is probably round the corner…

[@JeeGee114]

I found out that a service for my Omega was double the price of servicing my youngtimer. I've sold it and moved on to an eco drive. Never had the urge to buy my "grail" back.

[@joker14n]

🖐️show of hands..how many people have that shoebox full of straps? Life is short, enjoy the ride

[@ID-Guy]

I’ll admit… I have a lunchbox 🤣 It’s just what happens, can’t fight it 🥃

[@khaaaaaaaaaannn]

I'd love to have a "one and done" watch. I'm getting there slowly, I've got 5 at the moment so I'm nearly there!

[@briane1116]

I bought a lot of cheap watches when I started out. All of them are gone now. To my defense, I didn’t know what I was looking for yet. Over time, it became much clearer and while I do still have a large (12 watch) collection, the core consists of a three-piece rotation. The Omega Railmaster, the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, and the Rolex Explorer 124270 (36mm).

[@shaheenevans]

My tips - 1- if it is comfortable and sized right you will wear it, don’t be afraid to get a smaller watch then the trend, 2 - make sure your straps are sized right 3 - don’t buy the homage or good enough, get the want you want 4 - wear your watches for what they are meant for and no safe queens 5 - rotate them by keeping them away and when you open it it feels new 6 - enjoy the hunt and don’t have to buy 7 - be brave reach out to KZbinrs they are just people 8 - if you have a collection, insure it and don’t post about it as one Aussie KZbinr got robbed 9 - rotate watches with friends for a day to try out 10 - personalise your watch with engraving or straps

[@Msgt_Slim]

I wish I'd known to buy that Explorer I from the Air Force BX in 1986 😅

[@BAF605]

I was a young airman in the RAF when all the mechanical watches and chronos were sold off for peanuts as the MOD introduced quartz watches. Nobody wanted them which is probably why so few survive. Hindsight eh???

[@Msgt_Slim]

@@BAF605 Yes, Sir! My first issued watch in the USAF was a mechanical Hamilton made in 1982. The next one they tried to issue me was quartz. I chose my F91W instead 🫡

[@reedgrabowski8314]

20/20 hindsight! I even remember Rolex being available in the AAFES Catalog. Missed opportunities.

[@evanhartwig2849]

Also, make sure to actually wear your watches! The point of a timepiece is for you to enjoy it, not for it to sit in a safe as an investment. Wear the hell out of it and enjoy every mark and imperfection

[@BAF605]

Lots of thing I wish I'd known from the outset but two stand out. 1) Whatever watch you want usually somebody is selling it with a discount. Search for that seller. 2) However much you may enjoy any particular watch KZbinr always employ a little scepticism. I'm afraid many are just paid shills, though the watches they push may be decent quality. I've watched many channels grow from a small number of subscriptions. Then the first "freebie" arrives and things change. Even if you disagree al least keep this in mind. For myself the number of channels I watch has decreased dramatically. I don't need to be sold the same watch ten times. Channels like ID guy are great because we see a man's view rather than one review after another.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Like you, I have trimmed my subscriptions regarding watch prognosticators down to three: IDGuy, Adrian Barker, and Teddy Baldassarre.

[@robertocarrillo9919]

Great video, what i learned with the time is check the background of the KZbinrs some of them just sell the brands couse they get money from them but they dont share that info.

[@ID-Guy]

Beautiful deceptions, right? I’d always say take everything that’s said (even from me) with a pinch of salt 😉🥃

[@drfathertime]

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! OMEGA IS THE BESTEST OF THE BEST!!! REEEEEEE XDDDD I would say buy whatever you want, you won't impress most of people out there with your watch anyway, if you want to get a sub get it, but if you want a pink my little pony watch, that's legit as well. As long as you don't buy a Hublot or an Invicta we are good!

[@ID-Guy]

Pink My Little Pony watch 😆...Just as long as its not Hublot or Invicta. Brilliant advice as ever Doc ;)

[@drfathertime]

@@ID-Guy i have a pink casio Calc watch that I use along with other a bit more expensive watches and people get confused lol and I would totally wear a my little pony watch as well. Rn I want a purple watch tho. Like his purpleness level of deep purple, any suggestions?

[@danieltaylor4475]

I’d like it if your next video was about watches that exceed expectations, as you mentioned at the end of this video!

[@irvinspence8897]

All valid points. 👍

[@Sparkadian]

I haven’t found anything I enjoy more than my simple Unimatic u2, the rest of my collection that I put a lot of thought into are just collecting dust now, I pull them out and I like them but they’ve turned into something like baseball cards.

[@thatguy6111]

Watches are like food, music and cars; tastes vary and that’s a good thing. Buy what you like regardless of what others think and wear it in good health.

[@marcgirard7551]

So many great points made here. Really all of them are. My biggest advice: buy the watches that truly bring you joy and that will last. That might mean a Hamilton you truly love or some independent or a Grand Seiko. Go after dials that watches that pull on your heart strings... that make you fall in love. There are all sorts of Grand Seikos that I want to love because others told me too, but I always loved the SBGM221 GMT which most people ignored and was definitely not hyped. Now they are hard to get in some places because some baseball player wears one (he only signed the biggest contract in MLB history). The popularity can come to you but don't chase it. ID_Guy - great video and that Zenith looks so good on you!

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Great advice!

[@HRM.H]

Brand names dont matter is totally right. People tend to over glorify the "holy trinity" for example.

[@ID-Guy]

There’s definitely a “level” that you reach, let’s say the £6-£8k category where you know you’re getting quality across all the great names (of course you have to know what you’re looking at though 😆) Well said 🥃

[@mindfulawareness1]

I think you are principally right, but the very affordable watches we see on Ali Express, and some microbrands, are getting better and increasingly asking a few questions of the established Swiss brands, that are still beyond reach, or hard to justify financially, for a lot of folk. I'd love an Omega Heritage 300, but even a good pre-owned one is several thousand dollars/pounds. But you are right, one could easily end up with a drawer-full of cheap watches that eventually you won't value, can't sell, and can't pass on or down to any friends or family.

[@Melontheyoutuber]

That IWC Eternal Calendar is insane. Wish I could justify spending that much money 😂

[@ID-Guy]

They're gorgeous, right? When IWC puts together their Perpetuals... man, they make a masterpiece every time. Whether its a Portugieser or Pilot Perpetual, gorgeous 🥃

[@Jtjustintimberlake]

I personally love the idea of buying pre-owned, especially a good quality watch.

[@M3_86]

I’m going to pull the trigger on AT Small Seconds. Not many videos on it but just love the overall design in the blue with rubber strap. Saw them in person and now looking for the best place/price for it. I guess it’s not that popular? Don’t care it’s for me.

[@ID-Guy]

I'm such a fan of the Small Seconds. Remember covering it as one of my favourites when it arrived a few years ago and had tonnes of pushback. That Beige combo on a Rubber strap... what a beauty! Chase the stuff that's not popular ;)

[@M3_86]

@@ID-Guy thanks! Yeah the beige looks awesome too. I’m looking at the blue-grey.

[@eddy8828]

Excellent. Thank you for your hard work.

[@BenNS1971]

I’ve been collecting for almost 18 years and made a lot of these mistakes, but that’s part of the journey. Fantastic video!

[@ID-Guy]

Agreed Ben, the mistakes are what make us (we don't learn without struggle 😉) Well said 🥃

[@rzezniqq]

Let me add this: Nobody cares about the watch that you are wearing except other enthusiasts. You could be wearing a hyper complicated Patek and nobody would give a damn.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

So true.

[@ID-Guy]

Very well said, more and more I'm learning how folks really don't even notice what's on your wrist 99% of the time 🥃

[@Pentonavalsolutions]

1-Do Not ( by ALL means) break your bank account for a watch. 2- Do not go desperate for the grey market. WAIT for the call...

[@AmandaSchulte-s9d]

It always amazes me how much beauty and precision are added to the parts of amzwatch's watch 99% of people will never see.

[@snookeredinbc6017]

Awesome video - my number one mistake was spending too much money on entry level luxury thinking it would scratch my itch. I thought when I started I would never spend more than 10K on a watch, and proceeded to buy 6-8 watches valuing over 10K. Now I have passed those watches along and spent upwards of 40K on my most expensive watch 😂

[@kuanseow7407]

Buy watch We Love and Must be a Rare Collection (Example Rolex 116600 & Old Rolex Daytona 116523 Panda Dial (Arabic Numerals Racing White Dial or Black Mother of Pearl).............This Principle I believe is good move for long term for Enjoyment as well as an Investment............Never Buy Above AD Price

[@2K9s]

Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

[@fistofsteel85]

Excellent video all very great points

[@craig2100]

I love that zenith you're wearing. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking...1958 timex 100 commercial... but it still stands today. Well done!