Watch Idiot Makes 6 Watch Collecting Mistakes And Why You Should Avoid Them (Rolex / Seiko Stories)

The watch world is an interesting place and just like anything else, there’s a lot to learn. Of course learning about watches is the main thing but learning about watch collecting is also an important aspect of our hobby. I have been in the watch world for pretty much 10 years and I have learned quite a few things along the way.
In this video I talk about six watch collecting mistakes that I made over the years so that I can hopefully help collectors who might just be getting started (save some money). And I hope my experiences can maybe serve as a reality check and reminder for more experienced collectors as well. One situation I face was whether or not I should sell a Rolex Explorer II that I started to drift away from. Also a blue Seiko Alpinist should be perfect for me since I love my green SARB017 Alpinist? I came to some realizations that have stuck with me ever since.
AWESOME STUFF- I own and love every product listed so I want to spread the love!
My favorite Amazon watches:
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Tissot PRX Quartz- amzn.to/3zaetzj
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver- amzn.to/3bQoZBw
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(These are all affiliate links! There is no additional cost to you but I might be paid a small commission if you use the link and make a qualifying purchase. Every penny made goes right back into the channel, so the support is very much appreciated!)
TIME STAMPS:
Six Watch Collecting Mistakes - 00:00
1 Buying watches “for others” - 01:03
2 Check Box Mentality - 03:20
3 Not Realizing You can Admire Watch From Afar - 05:12
4 Not Taking (small) Risks - 06:33
5 Buying Too Many Watches Too Quickly - 08:21
6 Not Selling When You Know You Should Sell - 09:30
CONTACT ME:
Follow me on Instagram to check out my collection to get a sense of who I am as The Watch Idiot!
Instagram: @the.watch.idiot
Or send me an email at:
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[@Rosay__]

Agree 100% that admiring from afar is a great skill to learn. If you can master that, you can appreciate so many more pieces without having to worry about the buy/no-buy decision. Just cause you dig something…doesn’t mean you need to own it.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yes absolutely and we're on the same wavelength here bc I just replied to another comment here talking about that buy/no buy stress that comes about wanting to buy every watch! I think it was by far the most important lesson I learned bc I led me to appreciate my own watches more, appreciate the watch hobby as a whole more, and it got me to be ok with letting go and selling watches that just didnt make the cut!

[@jh-il5sb]

another mistake is to get caught up in all the hype of a particular watch. sometimes everyone goes crazy for a watch and you may feel you should love it too.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yes that's a good one and it's absolutely true! I've fallen victim to that a couple times before as well so now I try to hold off until things cool down to let me think or if it's an limited edition I need to be 100% sure of the watch to jump on it

[@mintywebb]

Yeah bronze just leaves me cold.

[@thewatchidiot]

@Minty Webb yeah I love bronze conceptually but whenever I see it on my wrist it just doesn't excite me in the slightest! It's bizarre but I guess watches will always be irrational 😂

[@edshamaham5719]

Yeah I can relate to a lot of these especially the "not realizing you can admire a watch from afar." I always wanted to buy a whole bunch of watches bc I loved them and I thought owning them was the only way to experience them. But unless the ownership goes beyond "oh I like the watch so I got it" the watch is set to be doomed

[@thewatchidiot]

Honestly I think that that lesson was one of the most consequential lessons I learned bc so much of the other lessons I learned spanned from it. It's always best to appreciate the watches I already own bc in the end I own them and I have access to them all the time. Being able to appreciate watches from afar also made me appreciate the watch world more for what it is bc I started to appreciate the watches as watches as opposed to something that was borderline stressing me out bc all o was doing was trying to figure out a way to buy it.

[@mentalplane]

I've been guilty of checking off boxes. If you like dive watches, all the watches can be dive. I realized too late that I don't really like chronographs.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yes absolutely and I went through the same thing as you! I absolutely love the idea of a chronograph and I wish I wore chronographs more bc they look so good. BUT other than my speedy I pretty much never wore any other chronograph I owned very much. I'm still hoping my tastes change and I don't need a rotatable bezel on everything 😂😂

[@mentalplane]

@@thewatchidiot I think dive watches bring out the inner kid in us men. The bezel is like a fidget toy that we can play with. Lol

[@mentalplane]

@@thewatchidiot I, like you realized, I liked the idea of a chronograph, but didn't really like wearing one.

[@thewatchidiot]

@@mentalplane loool yeah I think so too it's also the most direct way of interacting with a watch without any risk of over using it and potentially damaging the watch! Additionally when it comes to timing things I find it far more useful than a chronograph On the flip side when there's a chronograph with some sort of a rotatable bezel it can satisfy my need for a bezel but then it often ends up being in the "best to admire it from afar" group 😂😂 dive watches ftw

[@watch_beginer2056]

Don't like chronographs either

[@bingogarvin2924]

Hi, thanks for your time ⌚, just got into watches, I collect on a tiny budget, my latest manuver, taking 10$ broken vintage Hamilton from thrift store to watch repair

[@thewatchidiot]

Sure thing! That's awesome to hear! You can find some pretty awesome watches at thrift stores and going through the process of bringing it back to life is pretty fulfilling I'm sure. I haven't gotten into vintage watches yet but now street reading your comment I want to stay looking!!

[@Maarten_official_account]

Apart from the occasional watchgeek like us only 3 types of people will notice your watch: people who sell watches, people who steal watches and strippers. All the rest couldn’t care less

[@ikonane]

Strippers?

[@thewatchidiot]

loooool its a lonely world out there looking at those three😂😂

[@Maarten_official_account]

@@ikonane they're trained: expensive watch equals big tips :-)

[@okihaveaname]

dude strippers ain't the only gold digging women. Lol. plus there are female watch geeks that like decent watches.

[@Maarten_official_account]

@@okihaveaname hahaha you gotta love people that don’t recognise sarcasm. Now here’s another one for you: if it flies, floats or f*cks it’s cheaper to rent than to own 😉

[@paulbennett6729]

I've learned to justify my mistakes by seeing them as experiences. My rule to justify these experiences is only buy when I have the money. Buying a watch or anything that you can ill afford will lesson the love you have for the item. Sounds boring but works for me

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah in the end watches are absolutely unnecessary and for sure should never be a financial burden. Makes the watch wearing experience feel better as well!

[@watcheswithabdullah]

Have watched a lot of these kind of videos, but your points were quite different and even wholesome to some extent. Keep em coming! 💪

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm glad to hear that I was able to add to the conversation in a meaningful way! Hopefully everyone watching can get the same takeaways as you because watches in general really are so special that I hope people can see that all that matters in the end is how they personally feel about watches!

[@johnsonedc1818]

Such an underrated channel! Keep up the good work!

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm glad you're enjoying the channel!! Lots more to come😁😁

[@TheDocrwm]

What I have learned over the past 15 years as a WIS is: Buy what you like, keep what you love, don't pay too much.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah totally agree with that! Definitely a really good and simple set of guidelines (especially that last one lol)

[@watsondna]

I have found that buying new straps to change the look of the ones I have really scratch the itch for me when I want to buy another. Great video.

[@thewatchidiot]

yesssss changing straps is unbelievably fun! Definitely can breath new life into a watch which can wipe out other watch lusts quite quickly like you said! Also its super fun to go through my strap drawer when a new watch comes along😁

[@webvideofan]

Very sound, mature advice. In reality, we’re really art collectors. Sometimes it’s good enough to just enjoy looking at it in the museum. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!! And yeah that's a great way of putting it! The art can be admired from afar and sometimes the trip to the museum (AD) can be a fun experience 😁

[@watchound.bernardo9738]

Spot on video, yet again. Made a few mistakes in 15 years collecting watches, what I do now is evaluate “wrist presence satisfaction” and try to limit the collection to 10 watches, 12 with wild cards. If I really want a new watch I have to sell before getting it, for that I weigh the satisfaction of wearing them, the experience, why I got them, this way the collection stays balanced, no watch is overlooked, and I don’t keep chasing the “next” watch.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm glad you enjoyed the video!! But yeah your method is definitely a good one bc I do think that there needs to be some rational consideration when it comes to what stays and what goes. Watches are completely emotional but letting only emotions dictate the collection can definitely be disastrous! 12 watches sounds great because you can have a wide range of watches within that which helps to keep the rotation fresh. I would love to consolidate down to 12 but at this point I think its impossible for me but who knows what will happen in the future!

[@watchchimp3102]

One thing I noticed many years back is sometimes you think people don't notice your watches when actually they might, they just don't say anything. I was hanging out at this guy's house for a few months, when suddenly he got up the nerve to say he'd noticed my watch and he was wondering where I got it. I felt bad, because at that point I'd had it for a number of years and you likely would have a hard time finding one like it. That said, you shouldn't use the non-aknowledgement as any sort of a justification for buying or keeping a watch.

[@lancelloyd7429]

Great points! As I've been waiting for my 925 to arrive, I've been on the hunt for something to sort of fill the gap until I receive it. Nearly pulled the trigger on an Oris, Doxa, Yema, even a couple vintage dress watches... I still may, but this video has been helpful in putting things in perspective haha. 👍🏽

[@thewatchidiot]

That's so great to hear that you'll be getting a 925! It's an incredible watch and I'm so excited for you to get it! Yeah I know the feeling of getting a filler watch but you've definitely got some great options between Oris Doxa and yema! I've still got the Doxa sub300 high up on my list. I guess it comes down to a watch different enough from the 925 to make sure it doesn't end up being completely overshadowed by the 925 or a watch that wont be too much of a financial burden if the 925 ends up dominating your wrist time! Either way lots of fun decisions coming up for you😁

[@Valera_Scotland]

Great examples... I've made similar mistakes. And they all happened very quickly. Bought a speedy without really getting to know any other watches (at retail with no discount!).... on finance (really bad idea), just because it's iconic and everyone says you need to have one. Realised I like smaller watches and also better water resistance... Ended up selling it at a 25% loss.... Have since owned 3 other watches (Omega Aqua Terra, Hamilton Khaki Auto and Seiko Turtle),.. sold them and only have a G shock and F91w left. Those are actually in my mind incredible watches. Now I'm really taking my time. On waiting list for an Explorer 1 36mm but I don't expect to get a call any time soon. And that gives me time to try things and really consider (I'm also really interested in the 40mm Railmaster)... Also the point about getting what's right for you is very good. I tried on a Tudor BB58 and listened to my intuition. It's a hyped up watch and it's great, but I didn't connect with it. So I'm really glad I walked away

[@thewatchidiot]

looool I got my speedy at retail too😂 However thankfully it was a special purchase and I wont ever be selling it so no big losses there! But yeah smaller watches with water resistance is definitely my thing too although more towards the diver end of things. However conceptually I absolutely love small and simple explorer aqua terra type watches. However I know that those kinds of watches end up not getting as much wrist time as they deserve The new 36mm explorer looks to be spot on! the proportions look amazing and I'd love to see one in person at some point. I'm excited for you and hopefully you get that call soon enough! Yes listening to your intuition is so important to try to sift through any sort of hype to really see how one feels about the watch. I love my BB58 Blue however now I'm not really excited by it anymore! Could be solely down to being overshadowed by the 925😂

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@thewatchidiot thanks so much for the reply! Love this watch obsession but also hate it ha ha. The itch can be painful

[@thewatchidiot]

Sure thing and yeah this obsession can be tough to handle for sure!!

[@tri7661]

Greats points there man. I feel like the point where you “check off the boxes” is a trap all of us fall into, noobie and veteran.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah I still have to fight off the urge to check off the panda chronograph check box! I love the look of it and I want one but I know that it wont get worn very much at all!

[@okihaveaname]

I have 10 mechanical watches. No regrets. From diver, chrono, jump hour, dress, and a funky roulette wheel I love them. Mainly because they're all affordable seiko, tissot, movado, bulova, longines etc.

[@thewatchidiot]

10 is a good number and that's awesome that you don't have any regrets! It's nice to have a varied collection bc different days can bring about different urges and you've definitely got a great selection 😁

[@VmanStudioz]

Great call! The heart wants what the heart wants! However, my journey has shown me you can pick the watch; but ultimately, the watch is going to pick you!

[@thewatchidiot]

Yes well put!! It's happened so many times that I got a watch that I didn't mesh with initially but eventually the watch completely pulled me in!

[@thegorn]

This list resonated with me hardcore. I also bought a lot of watches in 2018. Depression buying as Bitcoin crashed. But yeah buying a lot of different types was wasteful but I learned about what I liked and flipped the ones that were no good for me without too much trouble on eBay and Chrono24 and giving some cheap ones away to friends, who really loved them. I found I am a dive watch guy too and have all dive watches except for 1 dress watch - a beautiful JLC master control - and 1 pilots watch - a fantastic Laco Flieger B-dial. I'll never sell those two stunners. I had a bunch of chronos and GMTs but gotten rid of all of them. I no longer like complications. Just give me a dive watch with minute markers on the rotating bezel. I'm also getting rid of watches with dates if I can move them on - love the no-date pieces I sold some of the earlier divers that were too big, but the ones I have no are great and aren't going anywhere, and will keep adding the 39-42mm divers to the collection. Have Omega, Tudor, Rolex, Seiko and some microbrands. Looking forward to what Monta come out with in 2023.

[@Gary-li7ib]

I've only been into watches for a couple of years but my system is to wait at least 2-3 months from first seeing a watch and lusting after it before deciding pulling the trigger. If I'm still interested in it after that period of time, chances are it will be a keeper. I also limit myself to a maximum of 6 watches, that way everything gets worn. Good video!

[@thewatchidiot]

That's a very good system to have its served me well with my ollech and wajs P104! Most of the time I find myself forgetting about a new watch I initially lust after quite quickly. 6 watches is definitely a good number and and I'd love to one day consolidate to that point! Not only will all the watches be worn but it makes choosing a watch much easier too😂 Thank you so much I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the video!!

[@mondrayuk]

All the points you have mentioned are valid and so many people including myself have experienced them; part and parcel of being a watch collector.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah definitely part of the watch hobby experience! I'm glad that I've (mostly😂) moved past these mistakes but things will always keep changing so I wonder if I'll be looking back at this comment as a one watch guy one day😂

[@stevenwang3396]

Great video! Looking and purchasing my first luxury watch sometime soon and it’s good to hear the tip about slowing down, I want to make sure I’m able to appreciate each

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thats awesome to hear you're buying your first luxury watch is definitely a big occasion and a fun search! Yeah slowing down is so important because in the end its more fun to be able to wear and enjoy the watches you have which will make great memories!

[@stephen9609]

Just because someone doesn't complement you on your watch, doesn't mean they don't notice (sometimes they're shy, jealous, etc). Also, your watch is a part of your overall fashion sense and people will almost certainly notice that, and if you're watch doesn't fit with your style it will stand out

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah you're absolutely right that a watch is a part of someone's identity! My point was more towards the end of someone buying a watch almost purely for the sake of what others may think, disregarding whether or not it's a watch that they themselves actually like which could sour the experience!

[@davebudd1429]

that was a great episode, nicely done. I relate to most of these mistakes. Like that O&W too! I have one that is an Explorer homage, verr nice.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks man I'm glad you enjoyed it!! Your O&W sounds pretty awesome too! Which model is it I'd love to look it up bc I don't think I've ever seen one!

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

Great pieces of advice. Here’s another. Early in your watch collecting journey, don’t get many of your watches personalized. If you do, it will be more difficult to let go of (and to sell) when you later graduate to a higher level of watch.

[@thewatchidiot]

That's a good one!! Yeah for me it would make it nearly impossible to sell a sentimental and engraved watch. Other than truly significant occasions, I went a step further by purposely not connecting other occasions to watch purchases to make it easier to part with them if I had to sell. Definitely helped a lot.

[@Valera_Scotland]

Your point about getting bored of trying new watches and constantly moving on.... man... that's a great analogy for dating in your 20s ! In all the excitement you don't connect properly with any one watch !!

[@thewatchidiot]

looool yeah that analogy definitely makes sense! and after a while you end up with the one....or the 12😂

[@BobbyLegs]

i've been collecting for a few years now and I still make mistakes. I'm a slow learner.

[@thewatchidiot]

Not all mistakes are bad! And if the mistakes are as fun as some of my mistakes were, then I guess its ok to be a slow learner😂

[@scatterbrain9490]

Maybe you called it sarbo 17? What watch is that, green Seiko, blue one too? Looks really nice

[@davidstjohn7943]

This is wise. You're going to have to change the name of the channel!

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool I think I'll have to be "the wise idiot" then for some videos 😂😂😂

[@gmotionedc5412]

Good stuff. I have a dozen I need to sell. They are lower tier like seiko, Timex, etc.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah for a long while I was sitting on a bunch of watches that I didnt wear that I knew I needed to sell too! But after the first one gets sold off, seeing the extra money in my bank account definitely gave me a nice push to keep it going😂

[@michaelp3010]

The only time I got a complement by someone that doesn't know watches is when my friend told em to complement me cuz he flet bad knowing I never got one, not even in my rolex.

[@thewatchidiot]

loool youve got a good friend there! Yeah its pretty bizarre how some people like us never get complimented on our watches and then there are some people who's watches always get noticed!

[@jpd7]

I agree with most, especially 5 and 6. I don't really agree with checkbox mentality though, or at least not exactly. For me, I get certain desires to play with specific movement types, like a chronograph or an alarm. It wasn't until I checked off my alarm, that I really fell in love with it. It's one of my favourite complications and has thus sparked my search for other alarms! Same with high beat movements. I was obsessed with the old KS/GS with the 36,000 beat (Lord Marvel included). This was how I found out about the Longines Ultra-Chron, which I am still searching for today. Perhaps for me, checkbox mentality scratches an itch of my desire to try and play with a certain mechanism or style (I, on the other hand, never bought a diver before, but when I tried it, I ended up with 10+ now. That being said, it made me forget about my all time favourite, which is still pilot watches). I find it difficult to practice #3 (Admiring a watch from afar). My father is an avid watch collector of Patek Phillippe and playing with his pieces and going up to grand complications, I could never imagine putting down that kind of money for all the Perpetuals, Chimes, Minute Repeaters that he has. The more I play with it, the more I would want it. So I try not to center my research and 'window shopping' to those kinds of pieces, lest I end up doing something stupid and over spending.

[@thewatchidiot]

That's awesome that you collect types of movements! I love chronographs and it's definitely something I want to expand into beyond my speedmaster but I unfortunately am way too deep in with dive watches so I know a new chronograph likely won't get much wrist time😬 I definitely want to get a mechanical alarm it's been on my list for many years I'm thinking vintage Tudor advisor, a good ol classic vulcain cricket or a JLC memovox if the stars align! But yeah as far as the check box mentality goes, it really comes down to not owning a watch JUST to check off a box or just bc someone feels the need or pressure to own a watch. Especially if the watch won't be enjoyed very much otherwise. However enjoyment can come in many different forms sometimes having every variation of a particular watch in one place can be extremely enjoyable and satisfying to a collector which is great for them! In your case trying out watches with different movements isnt necessarily box-checking but rather one of the paths you're currently on in your watch journey! Loooool if I had access to a collection like that I would find practicing admiring from afar extremely difficult too! But on the flip side you might be able to scratch the itch for grand complications and pateks by fiddling around with your father's collection every now and then. But then again it might make you want one sooner so who knows what can happen! I guess that's the fun of the watch hobby😂😂

[@davidc5191]

The only person who recognized the watch I was wearing was a salesman at a Tourneau retail store.

[@alxbly]

Good video, it sounds like we've had a similar watch journey. I agree with pretty much every point. Subscribed! 🙂

[@RocasThePenguin]

Writing this was we go to see how many of these I'm guilty of. Guilty of 1, Guilty of 2, not so much 3, starting to get away from 4, always doing 5 and need to stop doing 6. I got things I wouldn't mind parting with .

[@ridge9447]

I’m currently in mistake #5. Your 2018 year is my 2021 year. I’m loving it now, but will probably realize my mistake later.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool there will for sure be some mistakes in there but hopefully not too many! On the bright side you can see it as a learning experience 😂

[@juniorgallo8786]

I agree when you say that the person who notices your watch the most is you, in general, but there are instances when you are completely unaware about your watch and someone approaches you with an unexpected compliment or remark and also some people do notice but they just keep to themselves for various reasons, lack of closeness, shyness and so on. How not to notice the beauty of a rose gold cartier tank anglaise XL in leather strap?! I know I know, I have to accept the idea that some very weird people don't give damn for watches LOL

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah thats a good point! I do wonder how many people noticed my watch without saying anything! I should wear a sign saying that I open to talking about watches 😂😂 Yeah seeing a rose gold tank anglaise out in the wild would be awesome because its definitely a looker!

[@jochen5653]

i already got 3 people who asked me if my king turtle is a rolex because it has a cyclops.. for alot of people most dive watches look the same i guess

[@Bob.martens]

If the blue Alpinist were a regular model, i'd have one. At the prices they demand now? Nah. SARB017 FTW.

[@louisdante9621]

This ideology is the more or less the same approach I used for relationships during my 20's. Translates surprisingly well.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looooooolllllll omg I can totally see how it translates! watches are just as important so it all makes sense😂😂

[@ashoat2388]

You put someone in a drawer for a month to see if you would miss them?

[@louisdante9621]

@@ashoat2388 Saved me worrying about them coming out of the closet.

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Some good points, great video 🙌

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks man I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the video!!

[@Jeff-11_354]

#3 is a great point. I love the Patek 5196. I think it is the most beautiful watch ever made. That being said, it looks ridiculous on me, because I'm a big guy.

[@thewatchidiot]

the 5196 really is a gorgeous watch in in photos and videos which should hopefully make things easier to admire from afar! But who knows your tastes might change in the future so theres always a chance. At the beginning I was a full on dress watch guy and now I'm a full on dive watch guy and who knows where I'll land in a few more years!

[@resjon7981]

Number 3 has saved me thousands! It helps to be content with what you have then admiring from afar is easy. I had to choose between the Pelagos, BB58, BB Heritage Steel and a BB36 and ended up with the BB58 and the BB36, the other two will be admired from afar.

[@japd7897]

It has saved me millions.

[@thewatchidiot]

loool #3 is definitely helpful!! Yeah its a bit of a chicken and the egg situation because sometimes one needs to learn how to appreciate other watches from afar first to be able to fully appreciate their own watches and sometimes fully appreciating what they have leads to being able to admire from afar. I honestly have no idea which one came first for me now that I think about it lol the BB58 and 36 is definitely an awesome duo and I can see how the heritage steel and pelagos would be ones to admire from afar. Just gotta make sure you dont see the pelagos too much in person bc itll make admiring from afar pretty tough as I learned😂

[@spektrograf]

Such a good episode and so true. Hope it helps other budding watch collectors along the way! 😊💪

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yeah hopefully it can help others come to some of these realizations earlier on to make the most of the journey!

[@spektrograf]

@@thewatchidiot 🙌 You really nailed it on this one. I've been on a downsizing run because I realized the difference between possession for use and admiring being-for me-mutually exclusive, since I don't like to hold things I don't use. Still love admiring so much of the design and craft from the industry though. 😊

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah that's very well put! I do end up feeling guilty if a watch isn't worn very much and that adds to the lower levels of enjoyment for sure which leads to a push to sell it. In the end being able to read articles and watch KZbin reviews on particular watches is more than enough for me all while enjoying my core group of watches!

[@rickhammel9541]

The one watch I wear that gets a ton of compliments is my Hamilton Ventura XXL, especially from women. My favorite watch for sure.

[@thewatchidiot]

Ah yeah I'd expect that to get a lot of attention lol! It looks awesome it's definitely a bold and striking looking watch!!

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Great information and advice for people getting into the watch hobby. Truth nobody cares or notices what you have on your wrist. I get what I like and are in some way a little unusual

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks! Yes that's very true hardly anyone will notice a watch so it's best to buy what you want! And yeah unusual watches are always better and helps keep things fresh😁

[@jh-il5sb]

i've committed mistake #5. i was in my seiko/microbrand phase and purchased several watches that i now regret.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool yeah you gotta learn some way or another!! I do have a set of watches that I need to unload at some point bc they just didn't click!

[@KennyHyde]

Good stuff, though I think your channel name is a misnomer! All great points, the key one for me is #3: learning that it is ok to admire/like/love watches from afar. Easier for me to do with ultra expensive pieces, that I know I would not own.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much! Looool I guess the name makes the info that much more surprising then😂😂 Yeah easy for expensive pieces but crucial for affordable watches. The temptation to get a bunch was crazy but thankfully I've managed to control it (mostly😂)

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

It's a head game. You realize you don't really 'want' it. You want to want it if that makes any sense. You want that dopamine from the hunt rather than the item itself. Having something to go after. The good news is its quite an exercise in self exploration.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah I get what youre saying! Its always good fun to look for the next watch, my wish list has probably 30 watches in there that has made me actually want to buy them at some point. I then look back and wonder wow that initial rush was so powerful but then it died off as soon as I found the next best thing that I "wanted to want"! Definitely was a very interesting pattern to see and learn from. And then a watch comes a long that is just too intriguing and I have to listen to my heart instead of my head😂

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

@@thewatchidiot The heart wants what the heart wants.

[@bodegaboylex]

How much do you want for that Sarbo17 with the green dial $

[@migfed]

Oh man the third one is a really wise and fully insight remark. That's so fucking true. Actually I've been for a while trying to master that skill, it's a skill no matter how many dudes laugh at me. I think this a vital step in terms of maturity for watch lovers. Great video and cool remarks. Did I mention I love your channel?

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much for your support that means a lot to me!! I'm glad to hear that youre enjoying the channel and in the end being able to just talk about watches with everyone in the comments is awesome so I'm happy you commented with your experience! Yeah its a super important skill just because it really does transform the experience of the watch hobby. Its no fun being in a position of always looking at watches and constantly wanting to buy every single watch. At that point the watch experience just becomes one of frustration and unrealistic expectations. Its best to just sit back and to just enjoy and appreciate what the watch world has to offer all while really enjoying the watches one does own. I guess this general idea can be used in other parts of life now that I think of it. Its always great to keep pushing forward so long as one can appreciate what the have now! Like you said it really is a vital step in maturity and I'm glad I was able to make the realization sooner rather than later bc I really do feel like I can enjoy my watches much more!

[@anotherknight75]

I’m on mistake 6. Got about 10 watches that I rarely wear. Just been to lazy to get around to selling them.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool that was exactly me for a long time 😂 however once I got started, seeing my bank balance increase definitely felt good and I sold off a bunch more in one go!

[@laurencefahey2085]

Omg you are on the money when you talk about feelings and lusting after certain watches ,you just told me about me 🤭🤣, perfect advice 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks!! Yeah realizing that I don't need to buy every watch I lusted after was huge for me! It's been very helpful to actively think about not being needing a watch when I start obsessing about a particular watch. And a result I've gotten to enjoy my own watches way more! 😁

[@ViolinistWilliam]

GREAT video. Enjoyed it.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm so happy to hear that!

[@ublade82]

Not exactly check box mentality but you need variety Not everyone needs a pilot's watch or square gold watch or GMT watch or whatever But look for example. Black divers are really stylish. But I don't need 10 and 9 of which I don't wear. Get one and move on.

[@thewatchidiot]

Oh yeah I totally agree with you on the variety aspect! If you take a look at my SOTC video you'll get what I'm saying 😂! But yeah for me it really comes down to every watch I own having a purpose. My collection is very diver heavy but I feel like I've honed it down to each being relatively unique serving a particular "purpose" bc at one point I definitely had far too many black dial divers😂

[@hbomb9041]

Enjoyed this. I’m scaling way too quickly. Kid in a sweet shop syndrome.

[@thewatchidiot]

Awesome I'm glad to hear that! Yeah being that kid is tough and it's even tougher when any watch can be bought within a few taps on your phone!!

[@Valera_Scotland]

Rocking that G shock. One of my favourite watches ⌚👌

[@thewatchidiot]

That's awesome!! Yeah the GW5000U is definitely dominating my wrist time alongside the rest of my Gshocks. They're just too good!!

[@Gibalok]

Being a diver fan and no having Sub of SMP300 is a bit strange watch collecting strategy

[@garycasteel4961]

Love divers and would love to get a Omega SMP 300 but can’t get past the He valve@ 10:30. To me it really distracts from the looks of the watch. Is it really needed?

[@Gibalok]

@@garycasteel4961 i would take SMP300 with no date option. Escape valve for me is a part of history.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool having a specific strategy would go against what I said in the video! I like the submariner a lot but I definitely don't feel the need to own one just to own one and have it sit around. As for the smp300 I used to own one and sold it off a while back although I do want to rebuy it

[@sjonny-depp]

Plot twist: That 1 person noticed the watch was a potential thief.

[@barryvercueil2346]

Brilliant list. Great that is comes from personal experience.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yeah experience is always the best way to learn but hopefully now some people can try to avoid some of these experiences😂

[@ocb05]

Just when I thought of trimming down my collection for a grail, your video popped up.

[@thewatchidiot]

loool its either a sign that you should go for it and buy what you know you love or that you should savor the watches you have right now so I'll let you choose whatever is the most convenient 😂😂

[@ocb05]

@@thewatchidiot yes I already answered my true calling of watch color instead of keep pursuing the color that I think I want. Will be selling most of my collection since I gotten a grail and gonna start the journey once more. Thanks for your video man.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah that's the best way to go about it, just follow your heart! I tried opening up to more colors but I realized that I like what I like! Oh wow big changes in the collection! Congrats on getting your grail!! What watch is it??

[@ocb05]

@@thewatchidiot last time I was chasing ANY salmon dials and microbrands. Right now i had realize the true color for me is actually Royal or Navy Blue all along. Many watches come and go, but my Baltic Aquascaphe Blue Gilt has been on my collection. Now I bought a DAMASKO DK 30 black and Frederique Constant Flyback Chronograph Navy Blue, time to consolidate.

[@thewatchidiot]

Salmon is pretty awesome but man the blue gilt aquascaphe is pretty awesome!! I had the black and cream aquascaphe and it was one of my favorite watches but I gave it to my cousin for his wedding. I do miss it quite a bit 😬 Oh man an aquascaphe, dk30 and the FC flyback could make for a pretty awesome 3 watch collection actually!! All the best with the consolidation and hopefully I can move forward with phase 2 of my consolidation as well!😁

[@mppdidi9436]

I totally agree with all that's been said - cheers

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks so much I'm glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@jimlittle5769]

What are your thoughts on the ideal amount of watches for a watch collection? I have eight right now, but I find five or six is about right. P.S., can't BELIEVE the Polar Explorer II fell out of favor. Man I LOVE that beauty. Hoping to get the call in the next year or so.

[@thewatchidiot]

I really think the ideal number of watches for a collection really depends on the collector and what they feel the most consolidated version of their collection looks like. Not sure if you watched my SOTC video from a few weeks ago but I have quite a few watches lol! However I went through a consolidation phase last year and I feel like the more expensive side of my collection is now more justified than it was before bc it was tough for me to justify keeping the pricier watches that arent worn as much. Ideally I love the idea of going down to a 12 watch collection to fill up just my watch box but I think that that is far away. For me the ideal number is higher bc my taste in watches is quite varied and there are some watches that completely unique and I keep rotating what I wear. For example a Gshock is a gshock, and an Omega X-33 is an X-33 and when I feel like wearing one of them nothing else can take their place! And then on top of that I love my divers and each one at this point is there for a purpose and then my seikos are very special to me as well. This could very well just be me trying to mentally justify the larger collection lol but who knows what I will think of the collection a few years from now and onwards! (So in short whatever the size of the collection is, I think every watch should be there for a reason!) Yeah the explorer II made its way out! I really loved it and I still absolutely love the overall aesthetic however, it was just a bit too big for my taste. If it was 40mm I think it would have stayed on! But in the end, it was just impossible for me to justify having that much money just sitting there for me to wear only occasionally. I hope you get the call soon bc it really is an awesome watch!

[@sobeit712]

What’s your stance on evaluating resell value or easiness to sell when purchasing a watch? The reason I’m asking is that I noticed no matter how careful or well thought out you are, taste and situation will most likely change. You often end up having to sell a watch.

[@thewatchidiot]

So it definitely plays a factor when I think of buying a watch but how big of a factor it is completely depends on the price and type of watch for me. My collection is larger and I enjoy being able to experience a wide range but majority of them are on the more affordable end bc I dont feel as guilty if they arent worn quite as much. That being said this all means that I do end up selling quite a few watches. So given my collecting style I have to think of ease of reselling on watches that I think might not last in the collection. On the other hand if I know I absolutely love a watch the ease of reselling and the resale value dont play as big a part bc I am going into the sale knowing that I'll get a lot of use out of the watch and that I would want to keep it for a while. Of course the more expensive watches get the more I have to think about resale just bc I need to make sure that I dont have a large amount of money tied up in something in case I need the money back. But at the same time if I am super confident in the watch I will feel more comfortable taking a bigger risk! So in the end every watch has a different thought process

[@Saints-Forever]

Another watch owning mistake to avoid is buying watches from each popular brand especially vintage or semi vintage. You may end up not wearing them as much.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah definitely no reason to own a watch just for the sake of owning a particular brand or type of watch. Like you said they just end up sitting there doing nothing!

[@anthonystevens8683]

A good list TWI, I can relate to many of them but can't really say I've made many apart from having the odd splurge when I've bought a few in close succession. Maybe because I'm a fair bit older now. All the watched I've purchased over the last 10 years were because I liked them, not because of what someone else might think. The watch I have that has had the most attention from Joe public is the JLC reverso a whole three people have commented on that one over the years. Selling watches that aren't worn? Well the ones I don't wear are from much earlier days in my life that have memories but simply are not worth fixing or of a style that no longer works and to be honest they probably are not worth anything anyway to someone else. Strangely I never considered that someone may think my Pelagos was a Rolex but I see your point. The general public know Rolex as a watch brand so as you say would probably see a bunch of different watches on other people and consider them a Rolex. I do wonder if in many years time people will term a mechanical wristwatch as a Rolex similar to the way people (in the UK anyway) used to term any vacuum cleaner as a 'Hoover'. I see you have the G-Shpck on the wrist again for some time telling fun. Keep up the great work.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thats great to hear that you didnt make as many mistakes in your past which means smoother sailing! But I can see why your Reverso would be the most noticed watch from normal people bc it really is a striking shape and look. If only they got to see the main party trick of your duoface!! Yeah I think its important to have some watches from the early days just as mementos of life and also as a little window of who you were as a watch guy at that point in time. looool yeah I feel like any sort of nice watch can be seen as a rolex whether or not it actually looks like a rolex😂 so yeah I feel like rolex will become a "term" soon enough! Sometimes its interesting to look at watches through the eyes of a normal person. Idk if you've watched Teddy Baldesarre's videos on his normal friends reacting to watches and I must say it was bizarre to watch bc it made me realize how much of a bubble us watch guys live in when it comes to watches and how differently we think of watches (and watch prices lol)! Yes Gshock is continuing the domination and the one I have on my wrist here is actually a new addition, the GW-5000U! I love that its a screwback and the overall quality is absolutely incredible! Also they upgraded the module in so many critical ways main thing being that the current time is shown while using the timer and stopwatch. For me it really is the pinnacle of the classic resin/rubber square

[@anthonystevens8683]

@@thewatchidiot You are right about non watch nerds, a few months back I stayed at my sisters house in the midlands, she appreciates watches but you could never say she was into them, one of her friends popped over and just and looked at the watch roll at my G-Shock full metal red (I call it the Chianti) that was next to my Oyster Perpetual and just said, ooh I like the red colour of that one. Enough said. We do indeed live life in a time bubble. My G-Shock resin 5600s and full metal 5000s show the time in the stopwatch and count down mode as well but my 5610 doesn't. I think if the module can connect to the phone app via BT it will have this feature. You may also notice that the light is a soft on soft off type. If you have a reminder set via the app at just before the light goes out it turns red to remind you that you have a err.. reminder as well. I do like my G-Shocks.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool yeah the red full metal gshock is definitely a looker so it makes sense that she gravitated towards that I guess! And it's funny that on the other end of the spectrum I think I would gravitate towards the gshock as well bc oyster perpetuals are awesome but it's not everyday that I see a red metal gshock😂!! Yeah my base $25 dw5600 has the time displayed alongside the stopwatch and timer which made the lack of it on the more expensive squares that much more irritating! I haven't gotten into the Bluetooth squares just yet although I want to add a full metal square soon. The soft on off light is a nice feature and it looks great on my casioaks so I'm not quite sure why they didn't include it on this upgraded module of my GW5000U. Regardless of that, I really do think it's undoubtedly the best non metal square so I'll be doing a video on it soon but in the meantime you should take a look at it!!

[@anthonystevens8683]

@@thewatchidiot I can't disagree with your view TWI. I've been pondering a Casioak and need a second look at the new metal topped versions reviewed by Jodi. The Chianti full metal is a limited (no idea how limited) edition that I ended up getting direct from Casio UK. An awesome watch with arguably the best negative display I've seen by Casio. Although I prefer the positive displays that would not work anywhere near as well on the Chianti as the negative. I'll take a look at the GW5000U in advance of your review.

[@thewatchidiot]

The casioaks are definitely good fun giving me a very different feel as far as Gshocks go. The full grey one I have it awesome! Oh wow just looked up the chianti square and it looks pretty awesome!! Makes me want to get a full metal square soon!! And then another bold color one😂. Yeah it definitely works better with a negative display. Aesthetically I enjoy negative displays in general but no doubt that the positive displays are just way more usable. Speaking of which, the positive screen on the GW5000U is incredible a step above regular screens!

[@jodysilvia2]

I have to slow down and enjoy what I have because I've bought to many watches this year.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah it can be tough to limit yourself especially during such a strange year! But its definitely promising that you made the realization much quicker than I did!

[@WatchUnwind]

Good list. Pretty funny how you mention that no people in real life notice your watches. Before I started watch collecting I had a fossil watch I got for like 40 bucks and I used to get compliments on it all the time from hot chicks. Then when I started wearing “better” watches like Longines or Omega no one has complimented them.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool yeah funny how things work lol it always seems like the most unexpected watches catch people's eyes! My friend's full metal g shock gets the most attention out of his collection!

[@buškrafterinabaterije]

number 5, guilty!

[@natesportsfanatic4670]

good video

[@thewatchidiot]

thanks man!

[@kevinduncan9686]

What did you say at the very beginning? Was it another language?

[@edshamaham5719]

Ummm it's all English bro

[@kevinduncan9686]

@@edshamaham5719 sorry I had to listen to it a few times but I figured it out. You said "good people of youtube" but initially it sounded like another language or gibberish to me.

[@kevinduncan9686]

I should say he said*

[@thewatchidiot]

looool yeah "good people of youtube" definitely isnt the normal youtube greeting

[@morgenholz]

The things we lust after are diminished, once we own them. It’s the thrill of the hunt that drives us.

[@TurnRiver]

The journey of obtaining the watch is also important. It's the ones that you can get easily that diminish once you own them. Easy come, easy go.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah both points are absolutely spot on! The quick impulse buys based on lust can often drift away but can sometimes be completely unexpected keepers! And usually the harder and longer it takes to find a watch the better it feels when it's finally on wrist. But they can also sometimes be unfortunate downers. All these ups and downs and unexpected experiences make this weird watch world of ours so incredibly fun!!!!

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Very good vid, mate. Haven’t we all fallen in those traps ? I like to think of watches as women. There are so many you would like to date, but there is only one you want to marry. (OK, many three or four. Or more). But you get my point.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah these making these mistakes are all part of the journey and I'm glad I got to learn these lessons! looooool yeah there are definitely quite a few parallels between some of these mistakes and real life. Or in the case of women maybe lessons will be a better word😂

[@anthonyagung1320]

Chasing the hype , judge watch basis on market value.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah the hype train can definitely lead to a lot of random purchases that don't click 😂!

[@craigwoolbert2443]

Yeah, nobody else notices your watch. My friends and family don't have any idea what I am wearing and could care less. LOL

[@thewatchidiot]

loool yeah thats pretty much the same with me although over the past few years some family members got going in watches after spending too much time with me😂 but yeah the vast majority of the people will never know and never care. Thats why KZbin exists for us!!

[@craigwoolbert2443]

@@thewatchidiot exactly

[@pierremartin9048]

Please send me some of those slowdown pills.

[@thewatchidiot]

Loooool im getting them patented right now so I'll send them soon😂

[@japd7897]

If you buy a watch for others because you have some sort of psychological problem and low/weak personality.

[@Square-Watermelon]

Jesus is God & He loves you Jesus will soon be seen by all men, women, and children up in the clouds. Jesus is returning now! Believe and be saved. Exodus 3:14 (God speaking) And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. John 8:58 (Jesus speaking) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 10:30 (Jesus speaking) I and my Father are one. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, *The everlasting Father,* The Prince of Peace Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, *God with us* John 1:1 & 14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh (Lord Jesus) and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 8:24 (Jesus speaking) I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. John 14:9 (Jesus speaking). Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then Show us the Father? Hebrews 1:1-3, & 8 (God calls His Son "O God" because Jesus IS God in the flesh) 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 1 John 5:7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; *and every eye shall see him,* and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him Even so, Amen. Isaiah 44:6 (God speaking) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first and I am the last and beside me there is no God. Revelation 1:8 (Jesus speaking) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, *the Almighty.* Revelation 22:13 (Jesus speaking) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. --- There Are None Righteous / How To Be Saved Romans 3:10 & 23. 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Luke 5:31-32 (Jesus speaking) 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 1 Peter 3:18 (The word “quicken” means “to make alive”) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: Romans 10:9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[@MrJamesDuffy]

Great video with great advice, man. I am a habitual impulse buyer and it took a few good mistakes to get me to a point where my now expensive impulse purchases are rewarding and without regret.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks man glad you enjoyed it!! Yeah it got pretty out of hand for me to the point where I was wearing a watch maybe a handful of times before it falls out of favor for the next new thing. Definitely happier now that I've consolidated a little more although I hope to consolidate even more soon!