A Watch Gang Story : Is It Ever Worth It?

[@maidpretty]

One day I received a package and there was a watch inside. After a 30-minute investigation it turned out that after visiting a birthday party on last Friday's evening I crawled back home at 3am barely standing and barely conscious, but somehow managed to switch on the computer, browse watches and successfully make an order before shutting down. I had no recollection of that night, but since the watch turned out to be an actually great looking retro classic style (older Rolex oyster type) new old stock budget Seiko 5, I had no complaints. Drunk watch purchases are probably still a better experience than Watch Gang.

[@martinduffy243]

I've a few decent drunk watch purchases. Few drunk holiday purchases under my belt too. Basically all my best shopping is done intoxicated. This should become a thing. This bloke in the vid is waffling though, he knew he'd joined watch gang and had already had watches off them. Plus it says watch gang in the post packaging. I know as I was a mug and joined it years ago and lasted 2 months on it 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@LamarFaciane]

Lmao 🤣, I drunk bought a watch last night and just got my refund 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@adga2233]

Alcoholism ain’t no joke brah !

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

Watch gang sounds like the kind of thing one would do after a dozen of beers and regret it when upon waking up sober.

[@kylestrickland6126]

I was about 5 bourbons deep and did 4 spins fml

[@JusttheWatch]

This is hilarious. I kind of dig the hand set though.

[@RelativeTime]

We can always use it as the punishment for collection conundrum. You have to wear it for a day. I might as well just mail it to Alton now. 😁

[@JusttheWatch]

@@RelativeTime ha ha ha

[@Alias_Anybody]

Everyone throwing their Casios into a bag and afterwards you play cards for the privilege to pick first sounds like a more reasonable drunken watch related activity than Watch Gang.

[@ascarcelle1]

Casio =god tier

[@roaddogg800]

I honestly think you made the perfect point. For the average watch collector it makes far more sense to simply save for the brand & specific piece you actually want. Rather than spend $99 a month ( for example) on what will very likely be micro-brand watches you may or may not like or wear, it makes far more logic to wait and invest in something you know you'll enjoy.

[@danpo70]

Looked at WG right after it started and was not at all interested and never went back. I did not know about the “wheel” - might be worth checking out periodically. Thanks for the info.

[@stevefox8605]

The whole idea is lost on me, I just don't get why anyone would pay for this service.. much better to save & buy what you actually like/want. Cheers 👍👍

[@allegedkurd]

To me it kind of takes the entire point away from collecting watches. Instead of buying a collection of things that you like, you're just getting a bunch of random watches. I guess that works for people who want to have a display case full of large, Invicta styled watches just to have one, but to me it's useless

[@nicolasfernandez9437]

Thanks for the tips! Was looking to see whether this was worth it and you brought up some awesome points! Only have two watches but want to get more 😊

[@Stevetho8315]

Even though this video is two years old, it is, as always, very educational for me. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge of the Watch Gang service. I am glad I looked for this video. I figured you have had an experience with Watch Gang. I will take a pass on Watch Gang. Thanks again.

[@MoeMollemsHairyMoes]

I’ve just started a watch gang subscription, going to try it for a year and see how it goes. I like the surprise element and am happy to receive a couple of terrible watch’s for the mystery.

[@drippler243]

How is it going?

[@barryvercueil2346]

Wow!!!! That Blue Laco is GORGEOUS.

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

Got a good chuckle with this one. I have to admit I came close a couple years back to giving it a try but decided against it. The wheel looks kind of interesting though. Thanks for the fun story :)

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I think all reviewers can relate to the "what is this and why is it here?" conundrum.

[@pdmotors5027]

Interesting, thanks for the heads up.

[@crisco753]

This kind of service exists for all sorts of things from pet supplies to clothes and even for food. I think some people just enjoy the surprise of getting something unexpected. To quote Family Guy "A boat is a boat but the mystery box could be anything! It could even be a boat! You know we've always wanted one of those." I agree with most everyone about this though. I don't see how there is any value in the subscription service.

[@Nothingtoya]

I agree with you. You go thru your first 18 years of life with birthday parties, Christmas, and Easter. So I can see where, as an adult, getting a surprise every now and then, could be nice. However, the surprise is rarely ever worth what you paid for it.

[@ryejack]

I understand the whole wanting to be surprised each month, but every single subscription service I've ever done I found disappointing. I would usually get one or two items that are kind of neat, with several that I would just go to goodwill. Never did I get anything that I thought was amazing. So, with that track record, I can't imagine doing a subscription service with items as expensive as watches. That seems beyond absurd. With most subscription services I tried, I was out maybe 25-50 bucks, not hundreds of dollars.

[@ozludo]

When I was a kid in the late 70s we had a battery wall-clock that looked a bit like the Nubeo (is that the brand or the model?). Oversize 6 & 12, cutout tear-drop hands. Different colors, this was the 70s - a cream dial with matte black hands and numbers. And it was bigger than the watch, of course. Maybe not a lot bigger -

[@RelativeTime]

Probably not much bigger. 😃

[@gregorykinseyjr2024]

I've been part of a watch gang for a year and put some time into it. Never again would I ever start it again. My automatic watches have some working completely. I even bought a 400-dollar 8 watches winder. And the main so-called watches worth 2500 or more some don't even work and even in my winder the watches stop working.

[@EDCKnifeAddiction]

HERS IS A TIP ON THE WHEEL. to make sure you guarantee get the tier 1 watch you want, put it in the wheel all 3 times. Odds are you'll land on tier one and at least get what you want. Who knows you might get lucky and land higher. But at least you know worst case scenario what you're getting.

[@degenerateWA]

Finding the right watch can definitely be overwhelming. So many options, with reviews all over the place. For the uninitiated, services like Watch Gang could very well be an effective way to give them a crash course in what to look for in a watch. Personally I'd never use it because I know what I like, but crazy watch fanatics like myself are the exception and not the rule.

[@lawcane]

That's ridiculous

[@degenerateWA]

@@lawcane explain

[@stevenmccarthy112]

I would NEVER allow someone else to choose watches for me.

[@ThePhantom712]

Watch gang makes sense for new collectors starting out.

[@CraigG21]

Agree 100% - no Watch Gang for me.

[@kombo731]

Never heard of or used watch subscription services such as Watch Gang. But this was another well done, informative video from Shane. Thanks.

[@bhoustonjr]

I did it for like 6 months when they first started out.... I only got one watch I liked. The rest I gave away to friends and family... all were Japanese quarts movements even though at the time you could say you wanted Swiss movements only. I found that they were a complete waste of money. And like you said I couldn't even resale them on Ebay as there were flooded with them.

[@MrAndrewbuckley]

I think you pretty much nailed it, WG in general and it's subscription service is not a good idea unless you really have money to burn and don't care what you get. On the very rare occasion it can be an interesting proposition.

[@crvols]

What do you learn about watches sight unseen from going this route? I have a box of under $100 watches that I lused to learn what I like and, what I do not, by watching videos like yours. I guess I screwed myself rather than having. a watch club do it but, became knowledgeable in the process.

[@somnolentSlumber]

not gonna lie, sometimes I come to your channel just to listen to your voice bc it's a really good voice to zone out to so occasionally I get to the end of a video and have absolutely no idea what you said lmao

[@HVG67]

Well, he is called the "Richard Attenborough of watches" 😂😂😊

[@bburk658]

That’s 😆

[@bburk658]

In Hawaiian, we could give him the name Kaleo (pron, Kah-lay-oh) meaning; “The Voice”

[@WeibenWang]

$1000 for that watch? That's Invicta pricing. From the few Watch Gang videos I've watched. pretty much all of the watches are no name brands. So, you pay $99 for a watch with $200 MSRP which you can source from Alibaba for $25, that's MVMT pricing. And aside from the pricin, you get random watches you in the mail that you didn't choose and call it collecting? I don't get it.

[@brianmccord7387]

Shane how is the lume on that monster? I love the fact that it is as thick as the usual lug width of more sensible dive watches

[@Bob_Smith19]

I have small wrists so there is no way I would ever sign up to receive a random watch. The chances of it not fitting are quite high.

[@islandterror5198]

I always see their subscription pieces on eBay , hoards of the same one . Usually priced so as to retrieve back the subscription cost . Look up reviews on that Watch & sure enough WatchGang ! 🤔 They usually look enticing at the price until you see the reviews and realize everyone is just dumping them .

[@watchalot919]

It's not a watch, it's a wrist clock. I wouldn't go near one of those services, EVER!

[@choond]

Very interesting video

[@bytex666]

I almost bought into this schtick, but decided to google around a bit first. Found this video. Not putting my money in there, thank you :) quality over quantity.

[@nineteenninetyfive]

It doesn't make sense because watches are not (for most people) highly consumable items. A decent watch will last very many years so nobody needs a new one every month. A watch is also a very personal choice, unlike a new pair of socks, the watch that i will want to wear is rare and most will not suit me. As you described it, WG is a thinly veiled marketing strategy to shift unwanted stock to people that are into buying new stuff for its own sake. It is a sure fire way to end up with a drawer full of watches that you never wear.

[@Johnmk24]

I strongly considered WG. However upon seeing the Tier watches, I just didn’t feel it. I saw on another Watch channel a strategy to use the WG wheel. He recommended loading up the wheel with the same watch you want on every choice except one grail piece. That makes sense.

[@RelativeTime]

That might of been Dave, he recently put out a video. That's pretty much what I do, although the one thing I'd add is to not even spin it unless there is something on the first tier you want. As that's probably what you are going to get.

[@ricead]

In general, I hate subscription services of any type. Thanks for confirming my thoughts. Not worth it for me.

[@alansfreetime9891]

Interesting idea that wheel, but not if you are looking for specific watches.

[@nrs6956]

To me not being a sophisticated buyer by any means, money is too difficult to come by. I try to resist to resist many watches as being a form of petty self indulgence. People I know are the Casio set! Thank you for your warning about "watch gang." Recently watched "Shop NBC," As a customer called in to mention his collection of 1000 Invicta watches..

[@RelativeTime]

1000 Invictas, O man.

[@djapojunior]

Lol, at least we are having a laugh watching this video. So the decision you made after the pool wasn't a complete fail. 😄

[@cms7479]

I'll be honest, I like the Nubeo watches. It helps that I am a big guy and those bigger watches just look right on my frame.

[@jlchavis0844]

I really like Watchgangs Wheel. I got my Laco and Boldr watches for pretty good deals.

[@craig2100]

Ooooh boy...umm. no. Glad you're sharing this and the watch site. Buyer beware, not that they're doing anything wrong. Just an odd business model.

[@BlueWallFull4331]

i did 3 watched from them, hate them all. would never wear any of them. i went into it when you got to select the types of watches you got and i really was looking to get any kind of watch with a metal linked band…. they got rid of the type choices thing and didnt even notify me and all my watches were ugly and similair

[@stuartcarden1371]

I found the wheel quite useful once. I wanted this cool (to me) quartz GMT/Diver - It was being sold on the brand's site for $250 but the wheel had it on for $160 and I couldn't find it anywhere on ebay or other sellers. It works in situations like that but you do have to be very selective.

[@brandonar868]

I love how beefy this watch is....not on Invicta Level but livable.

[@bburk658]

Ah, Gambling. Sometimes I buy a watch thinking that I like it, then wear it and find that I don’t. So now I’m very careful to get as much information about the watch I’m about to buy before taking the plunge. Live and learn. I think the chances of liking a random watch sent to me without seeing it and not being able to check reviews, (especially here on KZbin), the odds of liking it are way worse. The “House” always ends up the winner because there are many, many more losers.

[@johndoyle1969]

I'm sure a museum might want that watch cause it's so ugly it could be a modern art masterpiece.

[@RelativeTime]

😂

[@iTziLLUMY]

What karambit is that at 0:51

[@RelativeTime]

It's a SOG Survival Gambit sogknives.com/gambit/

[@badbird1972]

Every single watch I ever received from Watchgang was absolute garbage. I was on the $100 tier (plus shipping of course) for almost 8 months, which was 8 months too long. It did however lead me to the raffle groups on facebook which I am still part of to this day and am very active. Raffles still see their fair share of watchgang dumps usually disguised as spectacular mystery boxes (stay away from mystery boxes in raffle groups!!!!!). Good video!

[@RelativeTime]

Good to know. I'll have to check out the raffles.

[@brianmsahin]

Entertainment and fun video as always Shane! I don't like how this watch looks, but I know someone who would love it. Lol. If that watch had a slimmer more refined case it might not be so bad as the dial is very legible and could be good for people who don't have the best eyesight. Thar Laco Nepal is very nice.

[@RelativeTime]

The Laco is pretty cool. The lume might be the weak point of it, as it's that old radium style.

[@watchesinthewild6264]

I'm sorry Shane I can't listen to you without having flash backs to American Psycho - so cool.

[@exkal215]

I had a subscription with Watch Gang in the past for about 1 year. Out of all the watches I received, I only liked one which I still have. I gave away the rest. Never again. Save your money.

[@fractalofgod6324]

I couldn't think of a worse system for buying a watch unless you've got money to burn and your bored silly. A big part of building a watch collection is the research and purchase of a watch.

[@bigswoll61]

I bought a Level 2 wheel spin last week. The watch I "won" had an MSRP of $875. Following the link from WG to the manufacturer's site... the watch was priced at $95 (the wheel spin was $175 - minus 10% off, so like $165 after tax and stuff). I contacted WG and they gave me some store credit, but not even enough to cover the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 spins. I'm trying to get AT LEAST that. I did find a watch I liked on their Level 1 wheel offerings, so taking my new found knowledge that most likely WG's prices were bullshit, I purchased the watch direct from the manufacturer (which was also marked down significantly from MSRP). I plan on burning my credit for one last spin, but will be doing ample research on the watch offerings on the wheel before I actually purchase the spin to make sure I'm getting my money's worth. After that? I'm most likely done.

[@someguy6978]

Just spent 300 for a watch worth at least 2100....wg says it's 4500 but I find it on sites for 21 to 2300.... Not a bad deal

[@thomasmargolis6057]

I considered it, and there were the videos of 'happy' subscribers in a room, and talking about the high dollar rolex, w/e they 'could' get. Of couse there was the package and the 'oh wow' moment. The inquiry I made, where in w/e price tier, where it came to me, get a bunch of watches its unlikely me/others would want; and have just how many watches that would gather dust. I found a comment site on them, where not actually dishonest, rather the matter of expectations and willingness to fund them, there.

[@kiwi_commander]

These services are good for small consumer items for example Japanese snacks or . For larger, more luxurious items they are not worth it since it is basically gambling. Instead just wait and save for something worth it. Rather than settling for the instant gratification.

[@goretyanty6151]

Hello, I’m new to your Chanel, can I know which Watch you’re wearing in this video please ? Thank you

[@RelativeTime]

I believe I'm wearing the Farr & Swit Wayfinder. I don't have a review yet (coming soon). But you can see a little bit more of it in my recent Lume-o-ween video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6XCgqeJp7-bhKc It's near the end as an honorable mention.

[@goretyanty6151]

@@RelativeTime That's cool! Thank you for your answer, it's a priviledge for me reading your answer. i'll check it out

[@elarson312]

The problem is watches are very personal and I don’t want something random like that thing you got to just show up.

[@appleschaaf5640]

I'd love to give that watch a good home honestly I absolutely love it

[@stephenbradford7936]

Imagine being this terrified of every decision and agonizing whether to review a watch, review a site, spin the wheel, not spin the wheel, check the street prices, check the eBay prices against the wheel prices…you must be really fun at parties. I don’t use any watch subscription services, but this odd video did come up on my feed today. I felt bad for the guy, “after thinking deeply about whether or not I wanted to spin the wheel, I decided I must create an excel document to list the current street prices for the types of watches that may end up on the wheel. However, those prices quickly change once you own the watch, so I needed to figure out a calculus for that too.” Have a beer and relax dude

[@redjet4810]

That Nubeo is a beauty.

[@KrisHandsome]

I would consider doing the wheel spin thing some time if it means saving a couple hundred on something I already want. I agree that the subscription portion of their business sounds awful.

[@dude28405]

I actually believe you’re better off buying what you want and saving for it I’ve been tempted a couple times but came to my better judgment. I’ve actually picked some off on eBay that were actually what I thought were kind of cool and like you said there were so many of them flooded on eBay I was able to get it less than what I would’ve paid if I would’ve subscribed.I think some people just like the surprise but I said those people go see a movie

[@Apetro89]

Dr Strange called and he wants his portal opening device back! Jokes aside, apart from the size, thickness, movements, bracelet, price and douche factor, its a decent watch. I kind of like the dial

[@RelativeTime]

LOL! It's almost as big as that.

[@Fubar684]

That 39mm Nepal would look real good on my 6" wrist.

[@itsofficialj]

I feel like I just got a watch review from Joe the character from the Netflix SERIES ,YOU

[@Taylod1]

I've thought about it but I have a hard time owning more than a few watches at a time. since I buy watches on the web it's already abit of a guessing game . The thought did cross my mind but for me didn't make a lot of sense

[@darrensmith6999]

" Might have had a couple of drinks" Yup Been there (:

[@ColinLack]

I think if these subscription services offered a twice a year deal at grail level, you submit a grail list then that might be cool. Also, if they had the option to limit case sizes and watch styles then that could also be pretty cool. But ultimately they are not for me.

[@RelativeTime]

I've heard they let you add some preferences, but not sure how much they follow that.

[@BassMatriX]

I have found subscription services to be a good way of learning about brands I didn't know about before. As a budding reviewer myself, it has been a great way to meet microbrand owners and establish relationships. That said, for someone who isn't interested in making those connections, the value of subscription services can be a bit of a toss up. It really depends on your sense of adventure and disposable income more than anything else.

[@johnleonard3951]

The watch is going to be worth more than you paid for it but lets not forget INVCTA has $1000 or more on there hang tags for the $75 pro diver model. So ya there is that.

[@Wanderingpyro]

That watch is amazing I love giant watches

[@rumatadestora]

This is not a wristwatch, this is a wall clock on a strap haha

[@propblast82nd]

Lol, just seeing the title of your video made me laugh .

[@Unkn0wn1133]

Or you could order 12 watches off ebay and amazon with different shipping options and have a no name watch arrive every month in the mail

[@scatterbrain9490]

The Laco looked nice

[@3rdpig]

I've never been a part of any subscription service because I think they're a scam. I've also never been a part of a religious cult either. My two sons both belong to a subscription service where you get gaming related items every month. I'm a gamer myself but when I see the kind of stuff they've gotten for their $100 a month I break out laughing and wondering where I went wrong.

[@RelativeTime]

I think my nephews do the same thing. I don't get it. I also never quite got them wanting to spend real money on skins for fortnight.

[@Tom_H327]

I considered joining Watch Gang. But then I realized there are waay too many watches out there I don't like. And my luck is such that I would never get a watch I could enjoy.

[@karlsenula9495]

So Watch Gang watched Forest Gump? 'Life is like a box of chocolates ... never sure what your gonna get'.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Or you could do Daves Watch of the Month club.

[@RelativeTime]

That was a genius idea for him to do.

[@drewdurbin4968]

Look at the bright side you got a free boat anchor

[@dinner_workingsly]

I was just about to blindly start bagging on WG, but you got an NTH?!? I guess out of all the models the Tikuna would be the one in there, it wasn’t a great seller. But still, I didn’t think WG had anything legit on it so that’s kinda cool.

[@RelativeTime]

There are some other random microbrands in there as well. Right now in "Wheel 4" Tier there are some NTH / Aragon / Hemel / Vostok Europe... Problem is that they are then surrounded by a bunch of random crap.

[@dinner_workingsly]

@@RelativeTime and that’s exactly what I’d end up with…some random crap 🤣. Honestly though I bought a lot of garbage in the beginning before I knew what I liked and what good stuff was. WG isn’t far from the mistakes I initially made…but they were mistakes, which I’m thinking WG would be as well. Good vid Shane!

[@gergemall]

I’ve gotten GREAT watches from Watch Gang

[@RelativeTime]

Which one is your favorite?

[@themagpie_1]

i live in the uk and a member of WG, ive never had a watch i didnt like.

[@RelativeTime]

Good to hear. How long have you been a member?

[@shawn1928]

"Drunk watch purchases are probably still a better experience than Watch Gang" -- maidpretty This.

[@osgoodbad]

You're looking at this all wrong: You basically got two watches for the price of one. You just have to wear them one on top of the other.

[@RelativeTime]

LOL! 😂

[@mdrglxix3699]

I mean, is not all bad, at least you can use that thing as a weapon maybe...

[@RelativeTime]

I'll find some use for it. It will either be a punishment for the Collection Conundrum show I've been doing with Dave & Alton. Or maybe last prize in my next giveaway. 😂

[@sean1e100]

That Nepal seems like the only good thing to have come from that whole dark corner of the interwebs

[@RelativeTime]

Its a great looking flieger.

[@shawnholloway2410]

Hilarious! I vote to pass on the Laco dress watch review but definitely review the Flieger (compare to the Escapement Time). Something I think a lot of people would find interesting is a short video of what you have in for review, like a preview. Enjoy your new watch, wear it proudly :)!

[@Bob_Smith19]

I have both the Laco and ET Fliegers. The Laco is better in all regards. Nothing wrong w/ the ET, either version, but you’re getting what you pay for.

[@shawnholloway2410]

@@Bob_Smith19 I figured the Laco is better, I just always like to see comparison video's. I purchased the ET just to try out a Flieger. Not really a fan of the style and it was my first Ali Express purchase. It is a nice watch though. I am on the hunt for a German made watch so always up for watching a video.

[@SilverKeyMan]

My 7yr old son picked out a Watch Gang subscription for me for a year. We kept it monthly for about 9 months, then switched to quarterly just recently. The pros: My tastes are pretty well defined, and left to my own devices, I'd have a dozen near-identical watches in my box before I actually got anything visually distinct. And I live in a small Canadian town, where our entire Province seems to only have access to Citizen/Bulova/Timex watches, so selection is thin. And I prefer Quartz Chronographs to Automatic Divers, so not getting yet another NH35 diver isn't a big deal to me. The cons: I have 6.25" wrists, and the watches average 42mm diameters, so they generally fit big, but I've found that with a good bund strap most of them work. I've had to give away 3 of the larger offerings that most definitely did not fit to family that were happy to receive them. Also, the "Original Tier" is crap and the "Platinum Tier" is over-priced. Only the "Black Tier" makes any kind of sense, in my opinion.

[@OneBravo1]

I've looked into Watch Gang and the like but it seems like too much of a gamble for too little. I'd rather just agonize and not buy a watch 9 out of 10 times.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

You should keep that watch. Wear it for a while. See what you think. Give it some time.

[@gambitxe]

You don't wear Nubeo, Nubeo wears you

[@violinmke]

The only mystery watch I want is a Copernicius.

[@elgatto3133]

Missing out on mystery time gruens... those are cool too.

[@1959Berre]

Watch Gang? The name by itself gives me the creeps. Sounds like something nasty that might happen to you in a dark alley behind a dumpster. BTW, the name of the brand is NUBEO, not Neubo. Anyhow, I would not be interested to remember that name, since the damned thing is about as elegant as the behind of a baboon in heat.

[@lawcane]

Haha good call. Stupid name. Disgusting company.

[@violinmke]

I think you missed a chance to show us a wrist shot of your new watch- 30 seconds of silence and then just a large sigh.

[@RelativeTime]

LOL that would of been good.

[@FitOutPost]

Put your future in good hands - your own.

[@RelativeTime]

Well said.

[@tedblack2415]

Nah ..Never! .. to the whole idea plus really can't take that plate of a watch seriously.

[@dude28405]

Laco wheel maybe cool