5yr State of the Collection: 15 watches from $20 - $1,500

Check out Carl Friedrik here: friedrik.com/6wi
Ts and Hoodies: justthewatch.com
Most of the Watches in my collection available from Amazon or Jomashop (Affiliate Links):
Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/justthewatch
Jomashop Top Picks: www.dpbolvw.net/click-9258021-10691971?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jomashop.com%2Fjust-the-watchs-top-picks.html
I've changed out many of my straps to straps from Nomad Watch works! Use my referral code to join their loyalty program to get 10% off your first order by clicking here (and I'll get points towards discounts so I can buy more too!):
a.marsello.com/l/5f5759993702930184963284
Checkout their full collection of straps here:
www.nomadwatchworks.shop/
Other Straps seen in this video provided by
Artem: artemstraps.com/
Strap Mill Canada: www.strapmillcanada.com/
Strap Atelier: www.strapatelier.com/
Other watches seen in the video available from:
Squale Corso Italiano: whatawatch.es/portfolio/?idx=3
Zelos Spearfish GMT: zeloswatches.com/
Yema Navygraf: en.yema.com/
Laco Casablanca: www.laco.de/en/index
RZE Ascentus GMT: www.rzewatches.com/pages/rze-ascentus-gmt
#carlfriedrik #seiko #bulova #casio #zelos #squale
0:00 2023 SOTC
1:28 Affordable Grails
2:25 1. Yema Navygraf GMT
3:48 Carl Friedrik Palissy [SPONSORED]
5:17 2. Seiko Urushi Dial
6:36 3. Bulpova Moon Watch
8:03 4. Squale Corso Italiano
9:05 5. Seiko Alpinist
10:48 Collection Staples
11:41 6. Citizen Nighthawk
12:38 7. Orient Star Outdoor
13:36 8. Seiko Samurai
14:28 9. Laco Casablanca 42
15:10 10. Casio W217
16:00 Microbrands
17:18 11. Zelos Spearfish GMT
18:10 12. RZE Ascentus GMT
19:14 13. The 5th Swiss Auto
20:10 14. Nodus Sector Pilot
21:04 15. My Own Build (Namoki Mods)
22:08 Cost analysis

[@Podcastage]

That disclaimer at the top is so important and why we love your channel, the perspective. It’s so easy for our brains to get tricked into wanting to have collections like watch youtubers, but the reason many have the collections they have is because they are watch youtubers. Thanks for all that you do Dave. PS: The audio sounds great.

[@JusttheWatch]

Thanks again for helping out with that!

[@JusttheWatch]

And I think I'm going to make a follow up video that's basically "What my collection would be if I didn't have a KZbin channel."

[@nobbynoris]

I'm a 'watch youtuber'. I watch KZbin a lot. Haven't made a penny out of it so far.

[@Mr_Santo5]

As someone who also enjoys collecting watches, it's just more fun to own 10-15 affordable pieces than 1 or 2. I'm at 20 watches right now. Each was purchased for a reason and has a story for me. What matters is that you enjoy wearing them all.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

No fashionista could ever convince a watch idiot savant to jUst sAvE uP for _one_ really nice haute couture outfit to wear for the rest of their lives, yet WIS will keyboard warrior until they're blue in the fingers that you should mortgage your house for The One so that you can then lustfully covet and possess it.

[@majestic-skies]

Yeah honestly I don't understand why some collectors say you should save up for 1 luxury watch rather than owning 5-15 good to great quality budget/mid range watches. It gives you a chance to learn what you like without breaking the bank. Spending a large sum on 1 watch when you're just starting a collection is setting yourself up for disappointment when your "dream watch" isn't what you thought it would be

[@daviG27]

@@majestic-skies at the end you spend a lot of money even if you buy 15-20 low range watches. But you’ll get cash back one day in the future

[@ahmedgang55.]

@Davide Giovannini you'll only get your money back if you buy a rolex, patek or AP. Most patek and APs are well over 20k. Plus it's really difficult for your average guy to get their hands on these types of watches.

[@daviG27]

@@ahmedgang55. my thought is: if you buy 15-20 watches in the 100-500€/$ range, you will get back something very close to 0 in the future (people could always easily buy something new at low price) and you will not do any regular revision because they would cost more than the watch… they are just commodities. If you save money and buy 2-3 watches > 3,000 €/$, even if they are not Rolex or AP (for example, Omega, Tudor, ..) you will get back some money in the future (even if with some discount vs retail price)

[@aaron3890]

I've just recently discovered your channel and have been binge watching! Thanks for the constant reminder that someone can enjoy great watches without needing to be wealthy. It was also really nice to see someone with an ESV Study Bible in Japan! Much love, brother.

[@Tbone51]

I like the Vaer microbrand. Exellent watches: auto/quartz/solar, field/dive, reasonable sizes and prices.

[@Frank-qs3pe]

Great review ! Love the 80’s music riff in the beginning.

[@bani_niba]

That "The Fifth" watch is both beautiful and functional. Nice buy!

[@ronnieh1326]

really love your Affordable Grail classification

[@d7r_tv]

Seiko Alpinist 1959 is the real winner.

[@sdaafasfad]

Where can I get the hoodie? Looks sick

[@cappy2282]

Lol I know, that watch is beautiful

Also, it is a luxury watch for me

[@neilbotha3527]

Great video Dave. Blessings to you and your family for 2023

[@pauljordan7465]

I fell into the rabbit hole, 200 watches, Automatics. Mainly 200m divers, mainly Seiko. 10 grails. No regrets. From platinum to gold, titanium to swatch plastic. I love them all. Latest Wise watch is my current favourite

[@johnfadds6089]

How does one service 200 watches?

[@BroAriq]

200!? Damn i thought 5 is plenty😂

[@ChromeMan04]

200? Bruh your hoarding at that point 💀

[@nateb9768]

Picked up that Alpina star timer from Jomashop. After replacing the spring bars it was as good as new. Never buying a watch online again unless it’s a Casio. But I do like the startimer quite a bit.

[@RohinBhaumik]

I absolutely love how honest he is. Great video man! Subbed for life.

[@awais105794]

Love your honesty and I always follow your watch collection. Recently bought a Nodus sector for myself. Thanks for your honest watch reviews. I truly love your channel the most.

[@Mister75199]

I appreciate u being real about the watches and having a common sense perspective

[@ogenmatic]

A collection worthy of some envy! This is my favorite watch channel on KZbin & it’s because of your honesty, integrity, & extemporaneous delivery much more than the items you present. Even a video that shows a watch I’d never own is easy to view due to your insightful analysis of it. Thanks for the look at your collection & for taking us along on your journey. Happy New Year!

[@Vox-Populi]

I really appreciate your videos, and I like your collection. I stepped out and bought an Omega, then sold it for an $800 loss, because I just cannot identify a true "Use Case" for it. I'm not gonna wear to the grocery store. Lesson learned which hopefully will save me money in the future.

[@danielfernandez2339]

Love the ESV Study Bible shoutout 😃. Great channel!

[@franciscomoliner1296]

Nice collection. The Urushi, the Alpinist and the Zelos do stand out to me. Regards and Happy New Year.

[@denisdaly1708]

Agree

[@denisdaly1708]

Nice. You have done well. Happy 2023.

[@ArniesTech]

Two watches I never thought of won my wrist almost the entire year: 1) Square golden Citizen Quartz day-date with a gold-dust dial. Gosh its astonishing (around 25€) 2) SEIKO square 32mm golden woven dial (around 15€). Both look a million and started more conversations than an Omega, a Rolex, a Tag Heuer etc 💪🙏

[@5stringfrolic]

Great collection! Every time I see the sarx029 I feel I need to have one!

[@gilean6179]

yep, that's the Dave watch.

[@rabadabadoo491]

Great collection, I like how it's came together and I think 15 watches at the prices you've paid is entirely justifiable. All the best for 2023

[@Camushura]

The combinaison "Yema + Opinel" is so french ! I love that ^^

[@karlsenula9495]

Lovely collection Dave ... I especially appreciated the level of detail you provided as well as prices.

[@rickrounds5150]

Thank you for sharing your collection with us. Your Seiko grail watch has the most beautiful dial I've ever seen. Have a great and successful 2023.

[@WatchWitt]

Great find on that Orient Star! I’m a lot like you when it comes to field and pilot watches…but I love a good diver too!

[@triples4good]

I love your collection and I really like that all the pieces are affordable. I have quite a few dive watches in my collection but pilot watches are my favorites. My dad was a pilot and I flew with him since I was really little. I think that takes more thought and discernment to choose great pieces with falling for the trap of just expensive things. That said I have a few really expensive watches but the ones I wear on a daily basis are the one similar to the ones you have shown. As an aside it would be great to have access to all the really cool JDM watches at your fingertips. Great video. I enjoy your channel. A breath of fresh air.

[@halfpastblog]

This is a really solid collection, my friend. And we'll presented. I haven't made a state of the collection video because it seems hard to keep it interesting. And this kept my attention for the whole vid. Have a great 2023.

[@Mike-kr9ys]

You have an interesting and thoughtful collection. The new strap does look good on the beautiful Alpinist. Thanks for sharing your collection with us.

[@dans.8217]

Nice collection and great video! Can always count on you to give honest, informative, thoughtful and complete reviews!

[@lawrenceong8501]

I appreciate your contents and your sharings on all your chosen watches. You are one of the most humble watch KZbinrs around and I would like to wish you and your loved ones a great year ahead in 2023 for both your wellbeing and your channel. Thank you Dave!

[@mjcochran3515]

Im with you Lawrence 👍

[@BCallum]

Thanks Dave! Enjoyed your collection. Cheers from Atlantic Canada!!!

[@morgan97475]

Nice collection, fun video....looking forward to more in 2023.

[@wow3130]

Just randomly stumbled across your vid while I was eating. Your vibe, intro music man Ive never subscribed to a channel so fast in my life lol. Love your vids & quality of them!

[@garyz0611]

Nice collection….Watching your reviews is like the guy next-door to them very natural and down to earth

[@Smoothtlknwhtboi]

Just love your channel and outlook. Very relatable. Favorite channel. I have bought many watch from watching your videos

[@mitchmatic8029]

Always appreciate your reviews and take. I find your reviews some of the most honest on the web. Well done Dave. Love the collection. Surprised you didn’t keep the Namica Neo Tokyo. Happy New Year!

[@JusttheWatch]

Still waiting for my production version to come in! They let me borrow a prototype for the review.

[@oldstock]

I am relatively late into this watch collecting hobby and yours is the first watch review channel I subscribed to. I prefer watches with a date complication, don't mind quartz and somehow gravitate towards chronographs (I don't have any divers, yet). Of the 15 you have shown, I am most drawn to the Seiko Urushi. Probably would be my grail watch now. Thanks Dave, for sharing your collection and your honest thoughts about each of them. You are near the 100k subs level... so my advance congratulations.

[@nobbynoris]

You could be me, for all of the reasons that you list.

[@edteach3r]

Awesome collection, Dave. As a long-time subscriber, I have enjoyed how your channel has unfolded. Your photography has been a highlight. Congratulations … your success is well-deserved. Assembling an affordable collection that is limited in number requires careful planning, not to mention restraint! I have strived to do this also, but have ended with a more disjointed collection due to my spontaneous buying habits. I share your love of the Bulova Lunar Pilot (I own two!). My son has a 6.5” wrist and wears his Lunar Pilot comfortably. The wearability lies in the 49mm lug-to-lug distance. Interestingly, the 45mm case is just 1.7mm larger than the original (there is a great WatchUSeek article on this). God bless you and your family in 2023!

[@Helix5370]

I just found your channel and instantly subscribed. I really like how you've built your collection over time. Quality, affordability, and great designs. Looking forward to watching more of your channel.

[@thegorn]

That "The 5th" piece is beautiful. Really like that heritage Squale too. You have good tastes.

[@kristiangustafson4130]

Your build is excellent. Really nicely done. I frequently drool over Namoki's stuff. The rest of your collection... excellent. You have the same tastes as me (field & pilot, want to have date, not too big) and have thought it through.

[@philipwinn3392]

great collection , trying to build up my collection glad you included casio real budget watches with realability cheers

[@briangray966]

All the very best for 2023 ,you're certainly a man with good taste, wonderful collection Dave.

[@larx4074]

Great collection there Dave, oh, and Happy New Year!!

[@niccolostamboglis4172]

Amazing collection. I appreciate the down-to-earth approach to its build-up.

[@renngretsch]

Great collection. And great taste on your own build.

[@grahamwallace]

Some peaches in amongst your collection. Thanks for sharing. All the best for 2023 🎉

[@son2425]

Interesting.. I always thought the watch industry is inflated and we would surely see a watch market collapse but for some reason it keeps growing and growing.. glad to see this!

[@relosapulso]

Really love to see ur humble collection dave!

[@TheJormaKirves]

Dave. Happy new year! I really like your channel and your style! Keep up the good work.

[@rangersmith4652]

Great collection, and great philosophy for collecting! I have 30 or so hand-wind and/or automatic watches, but for me, an every-day watch is a watch I can pull out of the box and strap on in a rush without needing to set it. It also means a watch I can easily replace if disaster strikes. In my collection, that means quartz. If I'm not wearing my Garmin 245, I grab a Citizen Eco-Drive or a Casio. Inspired by this video, and as a lover of the F91W and the W219, I just ordered a W217H-1AVCF (the non-reverse display model in resin) for $16.88 US on Amazon. Thanks for reminding I needed that one.

[@_e5598]

I love my SARX029 Urushi. I wear it on a SARX00X bracelet. Fits perfectly as it shares a case.

[@charlesgraham9954]

i have all the department store brands, but I'm more of an automatic type of guy. Timex to Rolex, Seiko to Citizen and a few mechanicals. i buy what i like too, i don't care the make or model, if i like it, I'll get it, same with music. thank for your time on these videos sir. i appreciate it.

[@jacc88888]

I appreciate your transparency and down to earth approach to watch collecting. So many nice looking watches there. The Seiko with the urushi dial and the Zelos stood out to me in particular but also love the look of the Casio! I think the an urushi dial Seiko will be on my grail list now. The Carl Friedrik straps and briefcase look lovely!

[@vulcanpie]

That green fifth company is amazing. That is one beautiful watch. I would love to find one of those. Nicely done. I’m glad I stumbled upon this.

[@shezyferdy]

Great collection Dave ! Your video on the SEIKO SNXS79 inspired me to jump into the watch collecting hobby and mechanical watch world. Thank you !

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Awesome collection Dave. Each piece has it's place and it's reason for being there. Have a great 2023! Loved the cheeky little mention at the end of the video 😁

[@ryantaylor3416]

This is my favorite video you’ve done!! What a fantastic to collection (and love the Carl F leather stuff you!). Keep it up!

[@Marc_It_Down]

I appreciate how humble you remain. A voice for the common man ✊

[@just-a-kollector1568]

You are the most likeable, watch reviewer on YT, ever! Great work, & I love the RZE watch. I own a BOLDR & would love to own a RZE watch next. 👍🏽

[@bongkem2723]

you make me feel good about my collection, it doesn't need to be 100k$ ...per watch to be a good collection ;)))

[@joeylopez7978]

Like you're approach. I'm not trying to spend my life saving up for a grail either.

[@Sirleopard666]

Nice my top from your list : Bulova Lunar Pilot Citizen Nighthawk Seiko Alpinist If I live in Japan, I think I would search for more Citizen titanium watches

[@BobBeer]

I've been eyeballing that blue Seiko alpinist for a year. What leather band did you have on it (before you swapped it with the Carl Friedrik)? Love the caramel color with that blue dial. Awesome look!

[@loganholmberg2295]

i think i got my realistic grail last yeat. A Casio protrek PRW-70YT-7JF titanium. my collection is mostly solar now. being an 80s kid i have no problem with quartx. id didn't even know autos existed back then.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

One of my favorite channels. Ive stopped buying and am saving up for one grail, the Christopher Ward Aquitaine GMT.

[@joshmesina980]

Really appreciate your content. It's realistic and relatable (i.e. considering the $700-1500 range as grail/luxury whereas for many other channels, this is considered low-mid level). Really being particular about price vs value, and all that. Not to mention my overlapping interests with yours like my childhood dream of being an astronaut, my grail watch being my Alpinist SPB123J1, and having a general interest in Seiko's field watch line (last year, I was able to find a JDM Seiko AGS Landmaster with which I share the same Birth Month and Year) Not to mention, I also frequent Nomad Watch Works for good value leather straps (I've gotten 2 Horween straps from them already). Cheers and more power to your channel!

[@TomasWatchReviews]

amazing collection. My favorite is Seiko Urushi, it does look wet even on the video :D

[@leonm2407]

Hi Dave, Happy new year and congrats on the big 100 k subscribers coming very soon. I really enjoyed your video. I have a larger wrist and therefore am drawn to slightly bigger watches than you showcased, but I do share the 5th in the same colour way you have. A very nice watch.

[@robertvangundy8255]

That Seiko Urushi is incredible! Never seen that before! And where is your Casio Royale?? Great video as always!

[@stephenlee7256]

Thanks for the video Dave! I’ve been a follower since the beginning and enjoy your down to earth style and watching your journey

[@colinhayes3395]

Very solid collection Dave. It covers a lot of bases. Like you, I also gravitate toward field & pilot watches over divers. With a 6.5" wrist, I prefer to stick with 38-40mm. Blessings from Spokane, WA!

[@garycollard1981]

Very nice collection. Pick of the bunch for me is the Nodus Pilot, would love to have one of those.

[@mariog1490]

Dave, I’m glad that since last time we talked, you have opened your mind and realized it’s ok to own a more expensive collection and not sinful. Sin does not mean evil in a moralistic sense. Sun is an old Hebrew word that means, to miss the mark; or to love unwisely. I think as long as you don’t love watches more than your family or something, then it’s ok. I liked the collection, but as a vintage guy, I recommend a vintage watch. I got one on eBay for $15 and it’s still running well after 2 years.

[@JusttheWatch]

I think I need to finally try to get into some vintage watches this year!

[@mariog1490]

@@JusttheWatch awesome! Sadly, vintage takes a bit more homework and forces you to have a more keen eye. But I think it also makes the hunt more enjoyable.

[@davidmolloy126]

The Seiko Alpinist is beautiful and I would love one, one day. Thanks very much.

[@tmoh99]

Love that mod! Nice work. Love the channel. Christ’s love to you and your family, brother!

[@unclekrconzh85]

I have 3 Seiko automatics. The Skx 009, a black dial 5kx, which I wear more than the skx, and a cocktailtime as a dress watch. A Hamilton Khaki field mechanical, a G shock GA2100, cause I wanted a G shock, a Casio F91w in transparent gray jelly color, the Casio AE1200, a Casio Edifice Efr-510, a 40mm Citizen Eco-drive dress watch and an everyday Eco-drive watch, which looks like an affordable Oris Big Crown Pointer date. The last watch that joined is the Apple watch SE 2022. I mostly wear the Seikos, Hamilton, G shock and the Apple watch. The Eco-drive everyday Citizen is great, as a grab and go. The Casios spend their time in the box. I’ll never sell the Skx 009, cause I want to see what it will look like in 25-30 years. Love your collection and your videos.

[@robshrader9124]

Great looking mod watch. Kudos. I kinda wish my Sinn 857 had that 12hr bezel.

[@brett233]

Awesome collection! So many different ways to collect. I like to do a few higher end pieces, some people like many mid to lower end pieces. I do think everyone should have a taste of both sides to get the experience! If you could have a higher end piece what would it be? Something like $3k or higher.

[@alansmith8837]

Love your reviews and your modesty dave dont change.

[@punkypink83]

I love the affordable grail notion. There was an Orient I was set on getting. It had the right proportions for me, sapphire crystal, open heart, exhibition caseback etc. It'd been a lot more affordable a year or 2 ago before it got discontinued and then Orient does Orient things and discontinued it. The price shot way up. By chance for Xmas I found a listing for a fair price(a few £ more than i'd bought my Orient Bambino 38mm for) and i got it. I think there's a couple more watches I want, but with that piece, I think my collection feels mostly complete.

[@dwayneclayton6364]

Love the collection and I like the piece you built! Is that something that will eventually be available for purchase? Gives me a Sinn Vibe.... Happy New Year!!!

[@Tdr-jv2nc]

I used to have tons of watches now I just have a Shinola Vinton and I love it I wear it everyday

[@sdavifcom]

Very nice collection. Great value. And that Zelos is really bothering me... In a good way. Thanks for sharing.

[@saf00]

nice "down-to-earth" collection, Dave. happy new year 2023!

[@russellalfonso2962]

2 at the top from ebay at the cost of 1000.00 each: vintage Rolex Royal precision , vintage 18k IWC dress watch, both 1950s or 1960s

[@bignz721]

21:05 - I made a near identical mod (no bezel - Explorer case). Obviously shooting for Sinn 885A. This is a strap monster, esp with the three standard James Bond NATO styles. I bought a JUB Strapcode which is great, gives it great sparkle, but something as spartan as this will probably do better on an O-style. Matte black + chalky white lettering SO hypnotic.

[@harald2101]

I was really looking forward to the part with the seiko. your review convinced me to pull the trigger on that one. I am absolutely in love with it. Although the bracelet is absolutely great i feels a bit much for some occasions because I am dressed very casual most of times. So i Changed it with a navy blue suade leather band from watchbandit. I am also waiting for an Erika Original grey with royal blue stripe. Looking forward to that one too. thanks again for the tip and the great content in general! greetings from Germany

[@zelphx]

Among my subscribed channels, I have begun hearing Christo-centric comments. It's heartwarming, against-the-tide, and I very much like it. ✝ It may spell a new level in our association.

[@zelphx]

⌚Some emojis are not used enough 👺

[@djsmiley1965]

Love the show... Has your watch collection as a whole depreciated or appreciated in the price? Since beginning your collection.

[@JusttheWatch]

Definitely depreciated. There's only a few that I might be able to sell for above retail, but I purchased most of them at discounts so I don't think I'm too far under if sold everything now.

[@bastieniezzi6539]

Great collection, love the channel. Thanks Dave.

[@pauljohnson3412]

Props for the ESV study Bible in your briefcase, brother!

[@MegaElecman]

Hello and thanks for sharing those awesome details, the strap you placed on the lunar pilot took my attention looks perfectly fit, can you please share the details of that strap, thank you and happy new year

[@Therealbackslabbath]

I love the idea of a watch getting a little “beat up” over the course of its life. Especially something considered more of a tool-watch. It just gives them character and tells a story. I’m looking forward to some of my automatic dive watches showing their maturity with a nice patina in 20-30 years time.

[@gabegherca]

i love you're chanel so much, this is just a great collection.

[@phillipedwards420]

Very cool and well balanced collection! Thanks for sharing.

[@ae-ca602]

Great peices. I have some similar watches in my collection. I also tend to go with field and pilot style watches. I have the brown dial of the laurel alpinist. Love the dial, hands and the markers. What a great little watch. The Laco is an awesome piece and the orient star is one of my favorite pilot watches.

[@СлишкомКлассный]

i was like why spend so much on 15 watches if you can get like 2-3 really nice watches for that $10k, but when i saw $2.7k it started making sense

[@jimwatchyyc]

Great channel Dave, you’re totally authentic!