Watch Q&A: Grey market collapse, Breguet, fakes & more

[@YoureTerrific]

Thanks for the call-out. Every few days, brands offer me money to make videos about their watches. I won't do it; it feels dirty to me. I want to stay as unbiased and unencumbered as possible. Having principles is costing me money. Dumb.

[@theWaltVegas]

@@YoureTerrific While capitalism doesn't necessarily reward principles, your principles may get you more subscribers and updoots, which may in turn get you more paper and maybe some skibidi rizz? I'm really not sure about that last one. You and Mike are my two favorite watch enthusiast content creators. It's great seeing you here in the comments.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

You should take the money. You’re not going to change the way you do your reviews. The manufacturers know that.

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

@@thereissomecoolstuff A bit of his soul goes into those videos. He knows once he opens that door he loses it.

[@TheSkatereel]

as long as you make it crystal clear that you are getting paid up front. How else can you get a hold of more watches? And if you review some badly, companies can take the criticism constructively an improve, or theyll never contact you again... See it as a win win. Most importantly is to be honest with yourself and viewers that money hasnt taken over and this is something you will continually ruminate on to continue to be honest.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

@ absolutely… Do you have the confidence and character to remain objective. Get over yourself too. It’s only a watch. You’re not reviewing heart surgeons in Gambia. You can still refuse to take the money case by case. It’s 2025. Take the money and get your family some compensation for your obsession or donate the cash to a food bank.

[@JulienCharbon]

You have a quite rare super-power: You actually answer the questions. Well done sir! 👏

[@wgnhsr]

Almost - at 7:09 I was curious about his opinion about power reserve

[@borassictime918]

The thought Mike has put into his answers is truly impressive.

[@YT2000-s4c]

I agree! There are so many watch channels, but none as accessible and relevant as this channel.

[@ghjong001]

Weird, right?

[@chrisswanson9724]

Definitely not a politician. The depth of Mike's musings are ultra-informative as well as relevant and entertaining.

[@edblair1]

You are no amateur Sir. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@vaclav_fejt]

Amateur, from lat. "Amare" (v.) = love. He's not formally trained in watches, he applies his business knowledge at what he loves. There's no shame in being an amateur.

[@tonydilucente2342]

Your best Q&A to date. Thoughtful discourse beats the hell out of just another watch review any day of the week.

[@DavidSmith-sy2bp]

Love your ability to articulate your points without disparaging other opinions . Enjoy your reasoning interspersed with your knowledge in business analysis.

[@charlesrusselliii2952]

Thank you for describing the new enthusiast. It describes me. I overbought, but in doing so I found the type and style of watches I prefer to wear which is different from the type of watch I thought I wanted. Perfect description.

[@andrewcollins7867]

This was me unfortunately. Not sure what happened, I had the same watch (a Tag Aquaracer that my parents got me) for the best part of 18 years and I loved it (and still do) I didn’t feel the need to have another watch at all until the lockdowns. I had begun to watch a few watch KZbin channels and had taken an interest in Tudor watches, but still wasn’t that bothered. Now, I have gone down the rabbit hole and have spend way too much money on watches. I love them all, but some need to go and I want to get my collection back to no more than 3 watches, but I’ve just been buying left right and centre and now I’m beginning to believe I have a problem lol. This Chanel has definitely not helped me by making horology seem like a smart persons choice lol

[@DrBob0910]

Same here. My son's gladly accept my watches that I no longer need in the collection.

[@davem8836]

@@DrBob0910 I'm glad he used the term, "See...binge...forget." I hate to admit it but that's been me.

[@ChazLikesSharpObjects]

So true

[@jpdemer5]

It's the direct way to discovering what you like - kind of like moving to a new city, and going to dozens of restaurants before settling on your favorites. I kept the cost down a bit by buying second-hand (mostly on eBay, later on dedicated watch sites), and re-selling what I got tired of or simply didn't wear much. Now I have a small collection, and everything in it finds its way onto my wrist for one reason or another.

[@GoTerpsGoBlue]

Another great discussion Mike! You, Teddy, ID Guy…my holy trinity of youtube watch guys/gals. All 3 of you have common traits, informative, mostly humble, thought provoking (at different levels), and polite gents. Pleasure to watch and listen to all 3.

[@paul1978g]

I love that Breguet refuse to make a "modern" watch. Most modern watches are gaudy and clumsy looking things. I love the elegance of thier range. Of course, I can't afford any of them, but I still love thier style.

[@Nudel-nc1cp]

I like Breguet a lot aswell (also cannot afford one :D). I wish they made an entry level watch with cheaper, more pedestrian movement that doesn't cost a fortune. That would be amazing. 🙄🙏🌠

[@derkommentator9636]

One could argue that the type 20 is the "modern" Bréguet. Because an 70 (?) year old design is still fresh, in the grand scheme of things. (And of similar age as the Speedmaster, give or take two years...)

[@increiblepelotudo]

I secretly don't want them to modernize. Praying there's a sugar daddy that keeps Breguet, Breguet.

[@maheralkhalaileh7916]

Breguet needs a new modern sporty line watch that gets more younger watch enthusiasts interested

[@nemanjap8768]

​@maheralkhalaileh7916 I don't think they do, no need to chase anything or anyone. They make special looking watches in small numbers, earning more money and being the hype of the moment isnt always the good thing

[@jamesgreig8796]

Best wishes for 2025. Rest assured the effort you put into your videos is much appreciated. 👍

[@steinbeck1805]

Thanks for the fantastic content - as always!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

You are way too kind - Thanks a million 😀😀😀🙏

[@EanPaul200]

LOVE Breguet. Top 3 for me for sure. All the points you make about Breguet (which are “old”) are the reason I love them so much. Helps that the second hand market is a steal. Makes my heart melt…..

[@jasonsmith1375]

I almost lost my bowls when Mike said skibiddy rizz! Your the best sir.

[@anoldslowhorse]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Enjoyed listening to your insights…

[@latinballa88]

Dad continues to be the most relatable watch KZbinr 👏

[@Der_Boratcho]

Happy New Year, Mike! Your channel is the only one on KZbin where I watch videos that are almost an hour long. A big thank you for all the effort you put into producing these videos, much appreciated.

[@edblair1]

My 2 cents: i follow many channels i like and dont like. I talk shit about some. This channel here is a fantastic youtube watch channel. Thank you for the content.

[@willstaier3385]

Mate, I’ve come across your channel and I have been going back watching 85% of your videos. I really enjoy your unbiased considered content. Please keep it up 👍🏽

[@espiriti]

I would like to return the „"Thank you very much““ to you. All the hard work, research and whatever you do for your contents… is phenomenal and helpful! A word to MontBlanc: they own the legendary Minerva Villeret movement factory, but only a small number of their watches are equipped with these chronographs. They are beautiful and finished to an eye watering level. Most of the M^B watches are driven by Sellita based movements. The only thing i really can’t stand, is… their mountain logo: Mont^Blanc. It’s a LITTLE thing, but big enough… for me! Take care Mike. Kind regards from Zürich.

[@j.m.4444]

Your channel lifts my hobby and its understanding to the next level. Thank you for this intellectual and well-founded channel. Even my wife is watching your channel. Greetings from Germany.

[@mrbxv]

I love the Q&A format. Real questions with some advice for a watch enthusiast friend is much more interesting than helpful than what other KZbinrs are providing.

[@mybrainlikesthings]

Tim Mosso’s 5 minute reviews for 1916 Company are invaluable for learning watch components and gaining a glossary of terms… and why some features are important. Just beware that breathless enthusiasm - from anyone - can be an impulsive emotional mental sell. Know when to step back and cool down.

[@theWaltVegas]

@@mybrainlikesthings I wouldn't be into high horology if it weren't for Tim Mosso and those reviews. When I first got into watches, I saw the high end watches and thought they were ridiculous. Now I would love to have a DeBethune DB28 GS or a Patek 5212, even though my friends who can afford them tell me their movements are way too delicate for regular wear. It's a sickness, this hobby.

[@Greysprunkiyay]

Yes they need to cool down and agree with whatever your opinion is, right? Meanwhile this dude talks about “every watchmaker other than Rolex outsources parts” with no evidence that Rolex doesn’t do the same. Just buy what you love and ignore what these influencers have to say about anything.

[@sinesaii]

FP Journe would have bankrupted me long ago if I could have afforded them.

[@lamentate07]

@@Greysprunkiyay Most watch influencers are idiots and/or low level types. Complete conformists, which is to be expected in a largely status based 'hobby'. I must admit that Mike's reveal of the AP chrono on Teddy's video was a bit disappointing. Between that, the gold Yachtmaster and his recent Tudor purchase, he is coming off more and more like a corporate status conscious type that I just don't relate to. That Rolex parts comment raised my eyebrows too.

[@raivobralis6231]

For me Tim fell totally. He is watch encyclopedia but never says negative features. I just can't believe one when all watches turn to be brilliant 😭

[@wrenside]

your presentations strike a perfect tone and i love your fireside chat approach to a hobby that often gets people way too worked up. many thanks.

[@PiracyAgreement]

This started over a year ago as me just wanting to get a few watches and looking for a review of the Tissot Sidéral. I've been hooked on this channel ever since & albeit, I'm still not a watch guy, I really love the insights.

[@TheLute70]

Great video as usual Mike. You're correct about the spending spree when a person first gets into watches. I went from 2 watches to 10 in a little over a year. Many of them I still wear but there are a couple that I looked at and wondered "what was I thinking?" My big mistake was going for quantity and veriety over quality. The upside is that my brother now has a pretty good collection of lower end watches. Now I'm buyinga new watch only when I've thought about it for at least 6 months and have a special feeling about it. Also, I have a list with priorities (which contantly changes) and I try to stick to that.

[@darrenhojnacki6636]

Excellent discussion, well thought out as always. I like that Breguet and FC know who they are and stick to what they are. Can you imagine Breguet doing a Bremont rebrand?

[@elliot_shooting]

Just wanted to say a big thank you for the time you have put in to your videos and a Happy New Year. I recently began my watch journey last year and your videos have been very informative, well presented and entertaining. Definitely one of the best on YT. Keep up the great work and thank you!

[@woozertoo]

Q & A for the new year? YAS

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Happy new years 😀😀😀

[@Slappycatch]

I dont often comment on KZbin videos, but I love how you separate the objective and subjective, having/using multiple perspectives, going in-depth on many of these, using examples and comparisons to better make us understand, so on and so forth. You articulate your thoughts in a very comprehensive and thoughtful way. I always had a feeling you were from Scandinavia, being from there myself. There is iust something about your kind of dry and witty humour, along with your self-reflection, and analytical skillset, and furthermore your decor in the background that scream «Scandinavian» (Edit: Sorry if it came across as stereotypical, its meant as a compliment). Big fan of yours for a while now.

[@leighglendinning6263]

Great Video Mike! And so pleased that there's someone else out there that not only loves watches but shoes as well!

[@danielnelson-ds8rr]

Please do more of these podcasts, Mike. They're terrific!

[@Grumbo91]

Mike saying skibidi rizz... what a start to the year.

[@theWaltVegas]

@@Grumbo91 Exactly. I almost spit out my water!

[@fread222]

was just about to comment this

[@Loonie1029]

Happy New Year to you too Mike! Great responses to the questions! Keep up the great work!

[@ThinkingAndInkingLtd]

Haha! Happy new year Mike. I am about to watch this vlog. But, before I do (I know it will be cool) just wanted to say, keep doing the TWTW thing. Your 'take' is excellent and gives a lot of our 'community' a different insight to the corporate world, especially branding, logistics, supply chains and various other factors that influence watch making, albeit not necessarily, design. Retain your integrity. But, do not miss out on opportunities that swing by. Along with Teddy, ID Guy and Adrian, IMHO this watch nerd positions you in the 'knowledgeable but likeable expert category. Keep going. Stu

[@timgerber5563]

Really enjoyed this format. Very insightful answers. Not only in terms of what you answer, but also how you answer which I find equally „satisfying“ because you’re one of those people that are able to structure their thoughts well which lets me experience cognitive closure 😂

[@johnd-xd9sn]

Mike, always a special day to listen to you chat about all sorts of things. Appreciate the superb content as some of the best on YT especially in the watch space - clear minded, as analytical as you can be given this is a hobby of individual passion and irrational enjoyment at tiny wrist machines, and insightful like no other channel regarding the back room machinations of the watch industry.

[@gimjyu]

Thank you, Mike! I will continue to recommend your channel first for those interested in the hobby.

[@edheliosz]

Brilliant as always. I’ve been following you since day one. You have a wonderful insight into this hobby. All the very best Mike.

[@kevinlaracy797]

You never disappoint. Thanks for the great videos

[@LeaderOne24]

What an excellent video, Mike! So much great information for the novice and experienced watch hobbyist alike. I’ve learned so much from this channel and others like Teddy Baldassarre and Britt Pearce. Love how seamlessly you integrate the heritage, business and economic perspectives that inform our purchasing decisions. So grateful for your channel and looking forward to your new reveal next week. Cheers!

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Thanks Mike for answering my question , and providing valuable insight into watches! Have a prosperous new year!

[@ABRAHAMANNIE]

Very informative video . Stumbled onto your channel and you speak my language . Cheers

[@fhyousif3613]

Mike I tend you rewatch your videos multiple times to capture all the nuance you try to convey. Great work

[@allanbergsma3256]

Happy New Year Mike! Always enjoy your down to Earth take on watches.

[@raysutton378]

Happy New Year Mike and continued success 🎉

[@Docbyday]

Happy new year! I will enjoy this on the commute to and from work tomorrow. As always appreciate your thoughtful discourse and pertinent insights!

[@JDinHNL]

Happy New Year! As a collector, I absolutely enjoy your channel. As someone who doesn't really know watches, I love your channel. As someone who appreciates some great suggestions for watches that are awesome but not the mega names... always a great channel! You are spot on that the grey market is not going to collapse, but I'm already seeing the panic/collapse for the grey market Rolex, and I think that is a wonderful outcome for everyone. I want resellers to continue, but a watch is a watch, it is not a bar of gold. Your review of brands, and watch sites that do reviews, is especially perfect. Teddy and Fratello are some of my choices for exactly why you note in the video. Again, all the best for the new year!!!

[@brianj6701]

Great video with good questions and very solid and educated answers. Good show, Mike. Happy New Year!

[@theWaltVegas]

Best part of the week, Mike! Happy New Year!

[@RichardDesforges-f3y]

I'm new to your channel and have to say this was excellent. Thank you for your time - I look forward to your next Q&A post

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

Absolutely outstanding episode! It is obvious that you put a great deal of thought, research and effort in your videos and this may just well be THE exemplary. I may not agree with all of your takes but I respect the process you use to come to them and i very much look forward to your content.

[@erikknudsen2971]

The thoughts on finishing are spot on. I think most who review watches discuss finishing as filler material to round our a review. Over and over we hear, 'the finishing is excellent' and then they go on to the next part of the review. Most never get into the particulars as to what is so great relative to the finishing or make a comparison of the finishing of the watch to another of comparable price or quality.

[@jefe.amo32]

Like watching an Olympic event and in a split second a judge is able to say the performance was a perfect 10. Rating scales in any field of interests or evaluation of performance are all subjective evaluations. Overrated and pretentious IMHO. Art is in the eye of the beholder.

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

I had a small spending spree as a beginner enthusiast but it was deliberate and only at the budget end of the scale. I have learned so much from the experience and now I am so quick to find fault with new watches that pop up on my radar that I just don't impulse buy. Online, everybody told me to slow down but I wanted to do it this way. When the milestones pop up in my life, I will be ready to pick a watch that I won't regret or want to sell on.

[@MrScoot64]

Yep, pretty much describes my process too. Started by buying an Alpina GMT on Jomashop because I had a bonus to burn. 18 months and a lot of thousands later, ended up with a hand-wound Portugueser (among others) and several of watches for sale on Ebay. I didn't mean to collect watches, it just took a lot of shopping and buying to find a few that I really enjoy.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

What a fun listen while working. Hope you have a great weekend Mike!

[@Bastian-g6o]

Now that is a great way to start the new year! Thank you for the insights and input!

[@HowardMeyers-m8g]

Enjoyed the Q & A session and will look forward to the next one. 👏

[@carlmelville]

Excellent post. Saved it to watch it again. Regarding the strident homage question, those with the strongest over-the-top negative reactions to homage (not fakes) tend to be insecure people who feel it threatens their flex (sad). If someone is that dependent on a watch to justify their identity, they should look inwardly rather than lashing out at others. Again, great Q&A post. (not targeted anyone in particular - general comment)

[@EGO0808]

I actually queued and bought three moonswatches, I am happy to hear you are totally fine with that😊 Happy new year, Mike and can’t wait for the next video. It was nice watching and listening to this first video in 2025.

[@tizombie]

I appreciate the thought you put in to your presentations. Well done, thank you Mike.

[@jamieopulence]

Fantastic segment on Breguet.Thoroughly enjoyed listening to your insights regarding all things to do with Breguet ❤

[@rickb6365]

Great questions and and analysis in your answers! I always seem to learn a lot when I consume your content.

[@jimmydang8054]

Just want everyone to know. I absolutely love this dude.

[@joepennucci657]

Mike is the best! Let's get him to 100K! Thanks for the great content!

[@KOKOBC]

Happy new year to you too, love the videos

[@fardeenr.168]

That is the charm of Breguet! The old fashioned look! Classy!

[@misericorde360]

This channel is one of the reason I really like KZbin. Love your takes & insights on watches ! Would you consider making videos about other topics/passions/hobbies ? That'd be awesome - came for the watches, stayed for Mike ;-) All the best for 2025 ! Greetings from Paris !

[@Rjhs001]

Hi Mike. You say that you're no expert but you seem to have a really good grasp of businesses principles and manufacturing methods, for example destructive and non-destructive testing. This, coupled with your honesty, openness and communication skills make your channel compulsive viewing...and bear in mind that I'm a sub £500 watch purchaser. Many thanks and Happy New Year.

[@Martyn-j2g]

Thanks

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you! Seriously. Thanks a ton 😀😀😀🙏

[@bobjosephs8376]

I love watches and shoes as well, and I also love your channel. It is filled with knowledge and insights into watch collecting that is presented with intellect and wit.

[@marinusvanmook3658]

Happy new year Mike!

[@SHONUFF772]

As always - great video. Very soothing and enjoyable. Great work

[@maurosobreira8695]

What a nice video - Thank you Mike for your insights...substance and entertainment!

[@erikn54]

My datejust 36 is a great ”sports watch”. I wear it playing golf, when I am at the gym, beach, spa etc. It fits everywhere.

[@ElliotVale]

Thank you very much for the insightful response! 👍

[@michaelfierman3256]

Fantastic episode this week and a happy new year to you Mike!

[@s39020]

Wow… This was so good. I appreciate the degree to which Mike pays attention to supply chain… It’s everything - or darn close to it.

[@STK11-z9b]

Excellent as always. Lot of substance in your videos and a lot to learn as well. Thank you.

[@maxinahunt8652]

I follow an American watch auction site. It’s amazing seeing a few things. 1: what is selling and for how much. 2: what is not selling, how high the bids went and then the much higher reserve was…..😂 3: some of the absolute old, junky, corroded watches people think are valuable just because they are Rolex…. It makes me think that some people are going to get a grip of reality if they want to get any cash out of granny’s watch or the watch they got bored of. Great video. Thx!

[@Lenardan14]

Thank you for this great video! I feel like I learnt alot about the industry, watch collecting, and my own tastes :)

[@popezosimusthethird269]

On the topic of Breguet's troubles : Their financial woes date much, MUCH further back than the 80s. You could even say that from the second generation on, the Breguet name has been in trouble (Abraham-Louis Breguet's own sons did not want to keep working on watches and started building measuring instruments instead while the work on watches was outsourced, it came back to the Breguet workshop proper thanks to his nephew IIRC). The Breguet name has had several owners and was not particularly productive at the turn of the century (the history of the Type 20 shows it, with Breguet snatching the right to produce the model on a military contract but having to sell that right to others in order to outsource the production that they couldn't manage themselves). It was purchased by the Chaumet family in an attempt to revive it and as such was a casualty of the Chaumet Affair (when the family was caught in a massive money laundering bust). Word through the grapewine today is that Breguet was largely a pet project of the Hayek family and has been in a constant deficit since, subsidized by the rest of the Swatch Group.

[@ttothec]

The best hour of my time this week. Thank you, sir!

[@anorax001]

I love this YT channel. Excellent Q&A session. 😍

[@LauraKnotek]

Thanks for doing this video. I enjoy these types of videos and would love to see more. Your content is so informative and helpful. Best wishes in 2025.

[@007-i6z8v]

Great opinions, being a long time collector, i tend to agree with your points and I'm glad that finally someone had the courage to name the Chinese manufacturing of Swiss watches! Way to go!!!

[@jasoncollins9640]

We stick with you because your the best channel 😊.

[@gregs.8895]

Happy New Year and thanks as always for your thoughts!

[@trond1005]

Really love youre channel Mike. I love the laidback style you have when talking about watches. I Learn a ton everytime i watch you’re videos. Cool that you keep an open mind about everything you talk about. Too me you have by far the best and most interresting watch channel. I planning on purchase a watch for this summer and i have a few on my list, one of those is the Breitling Superocean heritage 42 blue dial. Would love to hear youre thoughts around this model 😊 Keep up the great job Mike! Trond

[@alanledzep1967]

This was GREAT. Happy New Year. Beste Wensen. ❤

[@eguaio]

Your analysis about measuring finishing is so wise and meaningful. I want to insist, start making videos about other topics. I'm sure you're thoughts on any political, environmental, or philosofical matter will be so interesting. Thank you for the videos and cheers again from Argentina.

[@michaszuber4001]

Another impeccable video 👍🏻 Hope to see you on Watch’n’Wonders this year. 😀

[@PiracyAgreement]

I'm not sure how much this impacts the stats, or how many others do the same, but I don’t always watch your longer videos in one sitting. It sometimes takes me two sessions to finish them, and I might revisit certain parts later in the week. I recall you mentioning that KZbin isn’t always favourable toward longer content, so I’m curious if this behaviour plays a role in that, albeit I really enjoy your longer videos.

[@NaNByZero]

Thank you too for the content and happy new year! 🕐⚙️🍸

[@Steelslags]

Thank you Mike!! Your videos are the best!!! Love them!

[@123Neilob]

The child in me really loves lume and I’m always a bit disappointed when it starts to fade across an evening. I’ve had the idea that a brand could build a uv ring light into the rehaut of a watch dial that can be activated for a few seconds to recharge the lume. Would be gimmicky (and might be reasons it wouldn’t work) but I’d definitely considering purchasing one. Just to take childish glee in topping up the lume whenever I want. Happy New Year & thanks for another great Q&A 🎉

[@patricks4401]

I’m so glad to hear IWC reached out to you after your analysis of the brand. Now, if only JLC reaches out to become that much better with your help! ;) Great video as usual, and happy 2025 to you and your family!

[@Itstimetoshowoffwatches]

Damn, you are good at this. Well done. I have 2 comments: 1. I relate to your MoonSwatch commentary very much. I have 3, yes 3, of those plastic things. The first one was an impulse buy. The other 2 were not. I just love wearing them. 2. Let’s buy some Seamasters 300M and some cheap clear case backs. We’ll engrave your face on them and make a shit load of money 💪

[@666mademe]

Great Q&A as usual Mike!

[@VovanusVI]

47:05 The moment Mike got real🔥🔥🔥

[@josepauloneuparthvieirafer4449]

Hello Sir, This was one of the lengthiest programs of your channel. Now tomorrow I'm going to see it again, because I want to savour some details who will make me rethinking about what was being said. I was absolutely comfortable with the length of this show. Actually when I see one of your new publications I first look at the lenght before seeing the title. This illustrates the pleasure I get from your shows. Some of the questions are super interesting with wise clean replies from your part. I've read some articles from Perezcope. I find him superdetailed, superinformed and happily for us blunt enough for daring to cast new lights above matters, as the Panerai movements scandal and sometimes above old matters as which was the first real diver, the Sub or the Fifty Fathoms. Congratulations Mike, Cheers.

[@Simon-ry5kg]

Love the bracelet story. It's incredible the stigma we apply on Asian manufacturing when instead it's the quality control standards of the brand. As a consumer, we don't care if our product is the 1 out of 100 that made it through, we care if they're selling us the 99 that didn't.