Watch Idiot Makes 5 Watch Collecting Mistakes: What I Learned And How You Can Avoid Them

[@dannyg6592]

Great advice. I've been collecting for over 50 years and here are some lessons I learned the hard way: try a watch on before buying it. If you don't like the way it wears on your wrist, it will sit in your watch box. Second, don't buy too many watches that looks similar - just because you like black dial 40mm divers, that doesn't mean you need two dozen of them in your collection. Third, don't buy dozens of watches per year. Buy one good watch, wear and enjoy and take the time to decide the next watch to add to your collection. Fourth, dial color matters - dial color diversity greatly enhances a collection.

[@steelsteez6118]

Very very great considerations.

[@47thdarkdimension]

I agree, I'm currently trying to choose a yellow, red and white dial watch to buy (no hurry). I currently have a blue, orange and black dial. Once these are purchased I'll be done. 5 watches in the watch box and 1 on my wrist, rotating every Sunday.

[@thewatchidiot]

all your points are good ones for sure! Along the same lines, comfort on the wrist is often overlooked and its been increasingly important to me over the years. Bc much like you said, if it doesn't feel good on the wrist I'm simply not going to want to wear it no matter how perfect everything else is! And yeah having color in a collection keeps things fresh and interesting

[@jh-il5sb]

since you have sold so many watches, maybe you could do a video explaining how you sell your watches and the process.

[@wristopia4101]

Profit/loss would be interesting too.

[@Bloodrozer]

​@@wristopia4101@jh-il5sb It's tricky to give buying/selling advice as inevitably someone will come and complain that it didn't go well for them! If you're looking to buy and sell there are many watch groups on Reddit, Facebook and elsewhere to learn about the process and many nice members would be happy to share with you their process in that limited setting. The best advice in watch buying/selling has been "buy the seller" not "buy the watch", meaning you need to do due diligence to make sure the other side is trust worthy then still take actions to protect yourself by using specific purchasing methods!

[@Delkor444]

This^

[@shuswapoutdoors]

Yep

[@thewatchidiot]

Seems like there's quite a bit of interest about how to sell watches so I'll make it happen soon!

[@jamesgoulding2001]

I’m not usually a fan of these kind of videos, but this is by far the best one of these I’ve seen. It’s full of common sense and genuine thoughts and feelings all tailored towards actually enjoying this hobby, which is something that is so often overlooked. Great video, love the channel and looking forward to seeing more in 2025!

[@remus2001]

I have discovered that I don’t like wearing watches without a date complication. I just rely on the date too much. I’m not selling my OP or my Explorer, but I only wear them on weekends and I definitely won’t be buying any more movements without a date.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Ever heard of a calendar 😂

[@h.l6344]

I agree that after collecting so many watches, the date function is a must have, I am too lazy to get my phone out for the date or time 😂 I also had an OP but sold it just because of no date function and swapped it for a yatchmaster, but I still have my explorer 1 just because it was my very first Rolex 😅

[@scollyutube]

Agree. It's why I don't wear my Speedy to work, and sold a BB58.

[@thewatchidiot]

I dont mind no date watches but i definitely prefer having a date. back in the day i was all about no date but its undeniably useful to have for the quick glances. Also for me its easier to quickly figure out which day a wrist shot was taken lol

[@craigkovach8475]

All relatable! I would only add that changing up straps/bracelets is another great outlet for renewing my appreciation for the watches I already have.

[@anthonystevens8683]

I share your thoughts TWI. I've had an interest in watches for many decades. I would add an important piece of advice than that is the cost of ownership of a watch. If you intend to keep mechanical watches it's worth considering service costs into the purchase, an off the shelf movement may be looked down upon by some snobs but they can be serviced at reasonable prices by a good watchmaker and are generally 'as good' in many respects., bespoke in-house movements may be restricted and have to go back to the manufacturer and be away from the collection for quite a while at quite a cost. I also put watches away that I might consider moving on and then try them again at a later date. Most of the time it's like a second honeymoon that reminds me why I purchased the watch in the first place. I've only moved on a couple on loan initially so if I feel I want to get them back I can, oddly when I see them I'm tempted to bring them back but we shall see. I completely agree that it's your wrist so choose what you want to put on it and not just because it's 'in trend'. Another piece of good advice is to slow down, like you when I had the finances the collection grew but fortunately I have no regrets. From memory there have been few occasions when anyone has commented on what is on my wrist with my old JLC Reverso Duoface getting the most comments from watch nerds like us along with my SMP300 also getting the odd nod. Oh and don't restrict yourself to a particular movement type, I'm just as happy to wear my F-91W Casio as I am any other watch. Nothing wrong with Quartz timekeeping.

[@Frank-qs3pe]

I’m considering becoming one and done and maybe a daily wearer beater. It’s just so much easier.

[@thewatchidiot]

It really would make life easier no doubt about it! Realistically I'd like to be at 7-10 watches then maybe 5-6. Then back up to 7-10

[@robertwilliams1286]

That's where I'm at now. I have 3 watches that I have when I first started. One when my son was born I gave to my wife to have (sarb033). And then a watch I've worn as a daily for 2 years. I'm considering one last was watch but it would bring my collection to 3 (my first, my current everyday diver, and then my next watch). I won't count my anniversary present vintage gold watch I wear for special occasions or my g shock square). But seriously one watch is all you need

[@jaredsmailes3912]

My opinion of course 1 and done with a good reliable beater is the best way to go takes the stress off and creates that better relationship

[@Frank-qs3pe]

@ I agree , I have a Casio Royale I wear just about every day. Today I went out with my family and wore my Seiko diver. It’s nice to have variety but nice to downsize.

[@Frank-qs3pe]

@@jaredsmailes3912 Agreed 👍🏻

[@scwazrh]

What knife is in the shot @ 6:02 ?

[@domgatrell651]

Over the last 6 years or so i’ve bought around 25 watches. I’ve learned also not to ‘box tick’ categories of watches or buy popular ‘watch collector’ watches unless i like them a lot. I started with divers as i am a certified diver so a robust diver (mine was a Citizen NY0040 promaster) was my main watch for years before starting to collect. Cash is an issue for me so i typically buy new or used watches for under £600. Many come in under that price, so my whole collection cost me about £4k. I can’t yet justify £5k for a single watch, when that’s all i’ve ever spent on a car tbh. Though i’m at the stage now where i find that i wear only 8 -9 of my watches regularly because i like them so much. It’s inevitable that i’ll consolidate my collection and concentrate on increasing the quality over time and decrease the quantity. Having fewer better watches i love means i’ll likely enjoy wearing them more often. I think around 10 watches is about right for me, but i do value having a dress watch and divers watches which cover about every scenario practically for me. I’d never use a GMT as i hardly travel internationally, chronos look nice but mechanical ones are a bit pricey for me so i’ve stuck to mechaquartz quartz/solar and a have two but i seldom time anything for more than an hour (which divers do well without another complication that increases service cost). I guess in my mind, watches have to be practical financially and functionally as well as looking good and making me feel great when i wear them, but i guess that’s why watches are so interesting, there are a lot of different factors that influence the watches we wear as individuals.

[@OscarOSullivan]

I have a Citizen NY0040-17L which I wear on a CWC admiralty grey NATO. For just over €200 you get a day date (handy feature), superb finishing of the case, a beautiful dark blue dial and an actual ISO rated diver’s watch from a company with quite a storied history with diver’s watches and plus everything lines up perfectly, movement runs accurately and without fault.

[@pieterjacobs6617]

In your experience how is the best way to sell watches?

[@nedflanders3769]

I’ve definitely made all these mistakes over the years. I’ve loved watches since I was a child looking at my dad’s small collection of Seiko’s. Got a bit more serious around 2007 or so when I got my first Swiss watch, a Tag Heuer quartz Aquaracer that I still have. My tastes have evolved a lot. I no longer wear my 46mm Ball Engineer for example. Ultimately the most important advice to people new to the hobby is just to slow down and buy what you like, regardless of what is popular. Are you on watchcrunch, by chance?

[@jeanlefranc3817]

For what’s it’s worth : after 12 years in the hobby and buying from the humble SKX009 to 214270 Rolex Explorer, with Breitling, Omega and Grand Seiko in between, I know that I never appreciate a watch better than when it’s the only watch I have during travels abroad. Owning multiple watches is really nice, but each day dedicated to one watch is one day when the others sit idle in the box. Factor in the maintenance costs and you will realize that the key to happiness is owning maybe 3 or 4 carefully selected watches, no more.

[@hammalamiri12]

I’ve got a 5 nice watch rule now, 5 expensive watches and one extra beater is allowed. I’ve realised the more watches I own the more I will gravitate towards just a few

[@edshamaham5719]

I'm a dive watch guy mainly with a solid amount of chronographs too so I've been trying to expand my horizons so I'm glad you showed that Raymond weil because it is looking fantastic! Wouldn't have expected that from them

[@thewatchidiot]

I've been on the lookout for chronographs lately the Baltic tricompax has been tempting me like crazy but when I saw that Raymond Weil on sale I had to go for it and I think it's one of the biggest surprises I've experienced from a watch!

[@shj2000]

Here's an important tip for watch enthusiasts: have lots of disposable income. And if you don't have gobs of money stop watching these videos.

[@MrBacchus18]

Quite right

[@thewatchidiot]

lol especially if someone hasn't learned how to admire watches from a distance😁

[@chuckgladfelter]

This may sound crazy but I have my sights on a Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ZO9305 that has the turquoise band and dial just because it's one of my favorite colors. I have much more expensive, accurate, higher end, etc. watches in my collection but I like the cheaper stuff too and am drawn to this particular watch. My daily driver is an Omega PO.

[@italo18041997]

Do you have a link for the strap being used on the SPB143? So clean!! Huge thanks!

[@dmac9777]

A beater, a worker, a diver, a dresser, a gmt amd a one for special occasions. You can get that in a few watches or six.

[@h.l6344]

I got to admit I have a 6 piece core collection but only just realised that the best one and done would be my Omega seamaster 2254.50 41mm perfect time piece, ticks all the boxes plus wont get mugged as its not too expensive but still have the prestige brand level 😂

[@garylangford6755]

What about the 5 black divers most collectors need

[@kresimirpleic]

In my book, a diver is a beater and a worker and a gmt (because the bezel can be used as a second time zone indicator). Especially if it's quartz. Add a nice mechanical for the office and events, and you have a perfect two watch combo with no fluff or filler.

[@thewatchidiot]

That sounds like an ideal set up! If only I had the discipline lol

[@cheesychester9647]

Uh oh. Another watch to hifi convert... Sounds like me haha! My audio setup is: JDS Element IV, Sennheiser IE900 IEMs, and Focal Azury headphones. That'd be SWEET if you could document your audio journey for us as a beginner! Love your laid-back vibe. Maybe a channel called "The Audio Noob" lol

[@khronokraze]

I have pretty much the same experiences and thoughts. Currently in a phase of keeping a smaller collection with simpler options I can rotate through with extended periods of wear between.

[@greenerick]

It seems we share similar tastes; I also own two Tudor Pelagos watches, though my current favorites are my Omega Seamaster Chronometer, Seiko LX Spring Drive, titanium square G-Shock, G-Shock MTG-B3000, and Grand Seiko quartz.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looks like we both enjoy titanium! The LX line has always interested me bc of that! I've been wanting to get a spring drive back in the collection after selling my GS spring drive so it looks like it can be a perfect match. How does the size feel on the wrist?

[@greenerick]

The watch sits a little high on my wrist, but the titanium case makes it comfortable. My watch collection has evolved; I have sold my Tudor Pelagos, despite having purchased it twice in different colors. I now own the Lx titanium spring drive watch, the Omega Seamaster Chronometer, a Grand Seiko quartz watch, and the G-Shock MTG-B3000 and a titanium square G-Shock.

[@stevehenrytagami4709]

I learned a lot from Ali Express , often buying the homage as a test of looks , style and fit . It has saved me a lot of money and time , in terms of what I thought I liked but the homage made me realize differently I rarely keep homages , unless it is a watch I cannot buy , be them vintage Rolex or if the homage is better than the OG ( I am referring to Serica whose new movement was broken and they refused to fix them ) I should tell you that a few Chinese brands , like San Martin, make original designs now with the usual awesome specs , fit and finishing that are on the same level as Christopher Ward but a quarter of the price . Now I am finding best value in Micro Brands and of course my Seiko divers I love inexpensive well designed watches but reviewers love to talk about the history so stick to the usual . I need a new category called the GADA Dress Diver I love a diver that works in the office and at a party , like the Horizon Nemo or Seiko 62 Mas on a leather strap

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

I too have bought and sold many watches, and have learned from each one what I like and what I don’t. Watch collecting, for me, has been a process, an enjoyable process.

[@asankadesilva3636]

Thanks for a thoughtful piece of content.

[@hughming]

What do you suggest is the ideal size of watch collection? Ift here is too many watches, each watch do not get the attention they deserve. Yet if the number is too slow, the lust over watches can hardly be satisfied.

[@NeoWahNah]

Making mistakes is expensive. If you're careful with your purchases, then you're less likely to make mistakes. Remember, KZbinrs have to buy and sell watches for content, unless they're being loaned the watches. Take your time and form your own opinion.

[@paulr6043]

Thanks for video. Can relate to so much of what you said!! If I had a KZbin channel you would have saved me from making a similar video. An example is the quartz Tissot GMT you discussed. I bought a Unimatic Quartz GMT when I already have mechanical GMTs and digital watches 😀

[@Area_man115]

Wow I have never seen an Omega ana-digi watch and then this black dial professional. Would anyone like to give mecsome insight on this. Does it have s good reputation?

[@luiscastro5456]

Where did you get that rubber bracelet for the omega seamster?

[@thewatchidiot]

This is the main rubber strap I wear it on: amzn.to/3OWzbM1 But there is a clip of it in the video of the original strap it came on which but there's a cheaper version that Uncle straps makes: unclestraps.com/products/omega-seamaster-300m-custom-fkm-rubber-strap

[@mrlong6267]

I like my watches like my cars…have 1 for every occasion. Diversity in your collection is key to keeping it fresh 24/7

[@predog18]

Bought some Chinese homages to see if I really wanted the Swiss originals and it turns out I absolutely do not lol. Totally scratched those itches. Micros/independents are my jam and there’s only two more I see myself procuring. Subbed btw.

[@hodad924]

I’ve got 2 watches, but I wear 1 so frequently it’s my one and done basically. Rolex Yachtmaster 16623 two tone silver dial.

[@Ryan_Tinney]

It is truly a wonderful hobby with options available for all price points. A hobby that no matter one's budget there is something to be had.

[@thewatchidiot]

Totally agree! It's a fantastic time to be in the hobby and especially for those who are new. So many affordable watches that are just great watches without needing to say "for the price"

[@Hrethgir]

In 2024, the new watches I've added to my collection were almost all custom builds I've done from AliExpress parts. The price is right and I can make them very much what I want. Only manufacturer watch I bought I can think of was a Signum Cuda Meteorite. Was not planning this, but this is what ended up happening. Still planning on getting something more pricey soon, but I've been saying that all this year!

[@thewatchidiot]

Thats pretty awesome that you're building your own watches, I definitely want to give that a go some day! the hunt for the next watch is always fun so maybe 2025 will be your year

[@Hrethgir]

@thewatchidiot Give it a go, it's not too hard (except for setting the seconds hand), and pretty cheap. I'll sometimes buy 2 or 3 sets of hands so I can mix-and-match for the right look, and even doing that with an NH movement, it's not much over $120 all in. Just need some basic tools and you're good to go!

[@WatchesCanBeFun]

My biggest mistake was not interacting with other enthusiasts. Watch enthusiasm or collecting can be a very social or lonely hobby depending on how you go about it.

[@doniherald7745]

A year ago i want simple elegant dress watch, now i looked whistlist and i don't like it anymore. I wan't more versatile watch like diver/explorer, but i still afraid what if my taste changed again

[@DANNY35870]

Excellent video! 👏

[@RobW1170]

Point 3 is a great one. I only recently had this conversation with my partner. So many watches out there that I love to see on Insta and on the websites, but do I actually want to own them? No, and that’s fine

[@martintanz9098]

Don’t be afraid to buy similar watches. Sometimes I buy a watch, then find something similar I like better. Buy the second watch, and sell the first watch. Or, buy the second watch, alternate the 2 similar watches for a few days or weeks and you will know which is the better watch for you.

[@dmora2386]

Watches got boring really quickly. The first one, an Omega smp300m(2019) I was over the moon, everything after that, including my Tudor BB Gmt 39" was very muted in reaction. The vanity wore off very quickly for me. Now I just watch KZbin and am like, oh that's cool, but I'll just watch you enjoy it instead of buying another 😂

[@Mr1MOA]

Yeah, never fall for the luxury watch market mistake.

[@FernandoLopez-zt8qo]

I actually want to wear the watches I buy…and since there is only so much time, that’s a great limiter on the size of my collection.

[@MrBacchus18]

I've sold dozens and dozens of watches the only one I regret selling was my Seiko Orange Monster srp309 because it was what kicked off my watch obsession.

[@thewatchidiot]

Have you come close to rebuying it at any point?

[@MrBacchus18]

@ I've considered rebuying a basic black Turtle. Also I think I lied in my original comment slightly I owned a Sinn 104 in white and rebought it in black. I didn't bond with the white dial but love the black dial.

[@HLB2512]

I always had a price limit of 10k for one watch, this was at the same time, i think i cared more about what others saw on my wrist over what i thought of the watch. Wasted alot of money and sounds silly but learnt to just buy what i want/like

[@syncopaint_minis3016]

I never make mistakes with this. I only buy what i like and only what i can afford. I certainly cannot afford to throw thousands at watches. If you can “afford” to make “mistakes” then you have more money than sense.

[@Vincent-b9c3h]

Fun to see that for me one of my biggest "mistake" is my spirit zulu time hodinkee wich i now want to sell ... beautiful watch but just not my type ... i jump on it without thinking 😅

[@h.l6344]

I learnt that I always need a date function, watches less than 42 mm diameter, maximum thickness 13 mm done. 😂👍

[@sfstoltenberg]

Aspire to admire without desire.

[@ColonelLighthart]

MAMACOO watches are great and affordable！

[@mfrankel8321]

When I first got into the watch collecting about 5 years ago, I started with a well-made homage diver watch. I would not buy an homage watch again.

[@BadgerJeff]

Headphones and watches here too!

[@Simple_Jack82]

I don't gravitate towards time only watches either.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah even tho i conceptually love them they just don't seem to last!

[@mezmerya5130]

You are not a tool watch guy, that I see, but what's the mistake? You thought you were? You lost too much of a resale value? I don't get it.

[@201950201950]

How dare you say that you could buy too many watches! Do better 😂😂😂

[@thewatchidiot]

loool lets try to keep it down to 5-70 watches per year😄

[@benimartin878]

Que horror 😝

[@wristopia4101]

My advice is to never pay list for a shop window watch. Rather than wait just get an expensive watch on interest free credit (maybe a UK thing) and enjoy it. If you like a date..... consider an annual calendar. Don't fall for the KZbin SMP300 hype train. Be 100% sure you like angled bezels, skeleton hands, cup cake shaped manual helium escape valves you will never use, that bracelet, and that a 42mm watch is not too big for your wrist. If you have a budget.... add 50% to get a better watch.

[@Swiss_Army_Knife1780]

🥱🥱🥱