5 Rules You MUST Know to Be a Watch Enthusiast - THE Definitive Crash Course

[@DragonSlawe]

For recap: 1. Keep you watch clean. 2. Better buy a strap to refresh the old watch instead of buying a new watch. 3. Service regularly or when your watch starts to deviate. 4. Don't change the date between 10pm and 4am on the dial, to be on the safe side. 5. Screw down a crown even if not submerging. You are welcome =)

[@kitandrei]

Legend

[@user-do8fb9gz4x]

Thank you so much

[@bluedog88]

Needs more rhyming...

[@55mikeburns]

Thanks for writing these. The video was rather slow to get to the points.

[@DragonSlawe]

@@bluedog88 I was actually thinking of that! :D But I can't rhyme in any language. =/

[@WatchesOnWood]

Rule number one: Don't be a snob

[@kiljaeden7663]

Best rule.

[@unarmedduck]

Well that rules out half of Watchfinder's commenters then!

[@rhyswilliams4893]

That's like no1 rule for collecting watches for a lot of people. Usually the ones who can afford the "good" ones.

[@evh4611]

True that

[@shino8854]

Rule Number 2 If you can't buy retail go clone.

[@tbone121974]

If your watch seems tired, a service is required.

[@jonathan1889]

If your watch is running slow... take it to someone in the know!

[@philipbasarir6829]

Rule 1: wear what you love!

[@lordchicken9705]

Except if its a Hublot

[@LambentOrt]

@@lordchicken9705 Invicta?

[@terencesaunders7010]

Thats the best advice.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I noticed that screw down crowns are mentioned a lot in this and various other vlogs, and I am compelled to offer my knowledge. I have spent a lifetime in the field of Oceanography. I have designed, fabricated and deployed many subsea enclosures for use in that application. There is usually a big misunderstanding in regards to the function of O-rings and standard gaskets. While compression gaskets rely on the strength of compression for sealing, as the hydrostatic and/or hydrodynamic pressure increases against the seal, there is a point where it will breach the seal. O-rings on the other hand seal entirely differently. Providing the O-ring and grove dimensions are correct, O-rings will seal better and better as water pressure increases. The whole concept of the screw down crown on a water resistant watch is an extre layer of security with that extra seal and also to prevent the crown from being inadvertently pulled out while under water. There are many well designed water resistant watches with proper captive O-rings on the stem that, because of the nature of how O-rings work, will withstand many hundreds of metres depth. So, how water resistant a watch can be has nothing to do with a screw down crown, but how well designed and implemented the O-ring or O-rings is/are. As for saturation, helium issues, well that is another story.

[@ClassicalProtestant]

Thank you! Please publish this somewhere lol. It’s the truth!

[@sean1e100]

Great comment. You win the watch internet today 🎉 🏆

[@brianmsahin]

Excellent explanation Kevin. 👍👍👍👍

[@williamwallace9427]

Interesting! The luminox seal watches get alot of hate for having o rings instead of screw down crown. Perhaps the hate is unwarranted!

[@erizzle67]

I leave all mine unscrewed all the time. If anything in the air is that corrosive I’m going to have bigger problems than issues with my watch.

[@DaveJohnson]

If your watch smells like vinegar, send it to Linakers... (Promptly opens a watch cleaning company named Linakers)

[@brianwilliams7335]

you guys amuse me so much! i love the back and forth!

[@cousinwil5808]

The thumbnail made me think you were going to tell me not to be left handed 😂

[@duketogo666]

All the work you put in ... that leads to a grin ... And a chuckle or two ... right fixes my mood... So tip of the hat... and thanks for all that. Top chaps get my vote... please KZbin take note.

[@sean1e100]

Nice work 🖊 ✅ 🎉

[@sean1e100]

Nice work 🖊 ✅ 🎉

[@alexp3752]

As a watch enthusiast who often works with their hands, I recommend a small storage pouch be kept in your bag so you can safely store the watch to avoid damaging it. I have done this for years, and it is one of the best things I have discovered to preserve a special watch that you truly value.

[@jonathan1889]

Another rule I think is never to buy a watch you cannot afford, or better put.. do not put yourself into debt for a watch. Work hard and save what you can, then when you have enough it will feel like much more of an achievement 😊

[@kiljaeden7663]

Also, don't buy a watch you can't afford the service costs for.

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

@@kiljaeden7663 thats why my Submariner is in the Bank safe. But I sometimes take it out, but I put on protective tape to not scratch the watch. /s

[@Stormin2548]

@@raupenimmersatt6906 don’t you wish to enjoy your watch?

[@luisbalderrama8145]

This. It feels worlds better to make an earned purchase. It will also test if you do really want said watch or not.

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

@@Stormin2548 No, I just want to flex :-/ Just kidding, I even wear my GMT 16758 sometimes in the gym and dont give a flying fuck about scratches

[@mtbkmaniac1]

I like to clean my watches with lense cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth. I've never had an issue. For smelly leather straps, I've had great experience using teatree oil.

[@LambentOrt]

Tea tree oil? How does it work? I'm genuinely curious.

[@mtbkmaniac1]

@@LambentOrt Teatree oil is a natural antibiotic. It has extensive research and applications. I tried it in Guatemala the 1st time out of desperation. It killed the smell and smells like Eucalyptus.

[@bulldogms]

Love the strap change concept. True!

[@logipilot]

If the month is somewhat shorter - don`t adjust at midnight quarter.

[@sugarcubedbklyn]

I'd add something to your fifth rule; Where ever you store your watches, store them with a package of desiccant to absorb moisture in the environment - easier and less thorny than a cactus. 🌵

[@logipilot]

If your watch is running late - try to set a servicing date!

[@macthecat]

Screw in the crown and your watch won’t let you down.

[@r.8742]

1 Wear above the wrist bone 2 Dont pay to much over retail cause it drives the prices higher for everyone 3 Match watches w outfit types

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

But if I wear the watch under the wristbone everyone can see my Standard mass produced Rolex steel model. Thats the whole purpose of it. And it looks better in wrist shots in my BMW.

[@r.8742]

@@raupenimmersatt6906 😆

[@AbhisarRawat]

"If the watch starts to smell like vinegar, the watch cleaner within you it shall trigger" or "If the watch starts to smell like vinegar, its time to begin the cleaning procedure"

[@mikehat1722]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@TheSwedishRider]

I just clean my watch every morning by wiping it with the moist hand towel (made of microfiber, but ordinary towels are just fine, too) during my morning routine.

[@ravipro]

Do the same. wet a microfibre (Zeiss lens cloth) and squeeze excess water and wipe of the watch and let it air dry.

[@jhollie8196]

Loved the opening music. The start of the Marine Corps Hymn. Semper Fidelis

[@neil4701]

Rule suggestion: wear watches that are a good size for YOUR wrist, not whatever size is fashionable or what someone else says is a good size. For most people there is a pretty narrow range of sizes that will look well-proportioned.

[@D3Vlicious]

Strap refreshes would be so much easier if my local Tissot AD actually carried the PRX straps instead of me having to source them on the internet.

[@jameswilkes3186]

I enjoyed the rhyming part!

[@TrainTracker911]

A highly informative video. Thanks.

[@paullucas7053]

Great tips, thanks for sharing. I recently purchased a few new straps to revitalize some of my watches. Its like having a new watch again. I also keep them in a case to protect them and I am always careful when winding and screwing down the crown.

[@michaellooney1089]

One of my watches is a Citizen PMD56-2952 (JDM - check it out!) 20bar, the date changes right on 12.00.00, and by the time the day has also changed, the time is 12.00.14 - pretty damn quick!

[@teleguy5699]

My Grand Seiko does that.

[@mattwise8597]

Best advice for collectors, work hard to afford quality pieces but don't go into debt. The second piece of advice is to wear what you want, don't let other people tell you what you should value for quality watches. The third rule is to always keep your watch clean, I agree with you guys on that. Watches operate best in a clean and stable environment, so please don't treat you watch like a piece of s***

[@hockingham7160]

But what about my beater watch? That's it's life path

[@mattwise8597]

@@hockingham7160 maybe but you can still take care of it. I get having a watch just for work, I have a Pagani design GMT that I paid a couple hundred bucks for and I use it for one of my jobs. I keep my expensive ones like my Rado Captain Cook for special occasions. As long as you take care of it. Even a cheap watch can last

[@aravindvenkateswaran5294]

Unless u own a g shock

[@huge_balls]

I'm a tradesman so I absolutely cannot wear my mechanical watches at work so sadly I barely ever wear them at all :( they would get destroyed

[@mattwise8597]

@@huge_balls yeah most likely.real shame

[@ashoat2388]

“If your strap smells like vinegar, don’t let it linger.” “If you change the date, your watch will be in a right state.”

[@998karam]

Yo give this guy ☝️ that rolex

[@nedflanders3769]

Good avice on trying a new strap on an old watch before looking at new watches. You just saved me $1000 !

[@Rhal63]

Good advice. Thanks Tom 😊

[@michaellooney1089]

Have you seen Marshall on 'Wristwatch Revival'? The man is a GENIUS!!

[@fredfred2363]

100% agree. He is very good.

[@M6GOF]

Beware with the Casio Mudmasters, all that extra cladding around the body and the bases of the strap can hide all sorts of horrors when you buy pre owned. Got some horrid gunk out of the strap bases and case despite the fact it came with every bit of paperwork and box.

[@rhyswilliams4893]

I once got told if you buy pre owned always get it ultrasonic cleaned even if it looks clean. Lots of little area gunk can hide.

[@qwerty687687]

so that's why it's called mudmaster?

[@alessandro.felici]

Thank you for being one of the few things that make me laugh in these times! ❤

[@rayalix]

I leave the crown popped out on my quartz watches to save the battery, should I not be doing that? I keep them in a decent quality watch box and I've thrown one of those little silica gel bags in there..

[@TheSwedishRider]

I think you'll be fine with that! As far as I heard, a screwed crown doesn't really contribute to water resistance directly, it's the sealing rings that do. A screwed crown keeps the stem of the crown from being deformed by bumps or being unintentionally pushed in, pulled out or turned, which can cause water coming in under water. Apart from that, water proof doesn't mean air tight. The inner of the watch will eventually adjust to the climate outside watch, unless you are only in an "extreme" climate for only a short time, e.g. a steamy bathroom. If you are in place with constant humid air, like some tropical areas, the inner of the watch will get as humid as the outside, no matter if the crown is screwed or not. It might just take a bit longer to get to it.

[@joseluismalagagranda4785]

Getting a new strap before considering buying a new watch, is one of the best advices.

[@JoelBrennan]

You forgot the fifth rhyme! "Don't be a clown, screw it down."

[@anotherguycalledsmith]

@2:26 Yes, this is even true with the “diving version” of Apple Watch Ultra ;-) After taking it to a thermal bath running on sol water, the crown became sticky and needed to be rinsed with fresh water…

[@Boomheyyou]

What about getting your drivers checked every year for pressurization omega says every once a year you should get that checked

[@jws14]

Easy to say get it serviced. Omega just told me I’ll get my watch back in 8 months

[@Lagerfanny-g7e]

Plenty of independent watchmakers around.

[@howcanimiss]

If your watch smells like vinegar, set it on fire. And if your watch is omega, make sure it’s one of the top 10 speedmaster

[@Roberto68n]

This wasn’t a video on hype, that’s why I gave you a like.

[@Madmanmarque]

Also don't wear your dive watch in a hot tub. The heat can deteriorate the O rings.

[@pickfairguy]

Learned that the hard way back in 80s with GMT Master II at North Road.

[@Madmanmarque]

@@pickfairguy Sorry to hear that.

[@pickfairguy]

@@Madmanmarque Thanks. Never figured out the cause until recently. All I knew at the time is that the hands got discoloured and a whopper of a service was required. I figured that perhaps I left the crown loose inadvertently.

[@isbestlizard]

Is it good for the watch to use an ultrasonic cleaner like drop it in the water for a few minutes while being ultrasounded?

[@Rafael_Alavez]

If I’m left handed I should wear the watch in the right hand? I always do it that way but I don’t know…

[@xiaokang8692]

for leather straps I use shoes deo spray. Refresh and kills bacteria.

[@WatchesOnWood]

If your watch starts to smell of vinegar, it's time to buy a spinnaker

[@ahojnazdar3656]

Please, correct me if I am thinking wrong. If there is air in a watch the air has already it's certain natural level of humidity. When I screw down crown I'll close the air inside the watch with all the water which can't go anywhere and mentioned corrosion takes place there anyway. So the "keep the crown always screwed down" above water could be improved the way to go to location with lowest air humidity possible, unscrew your crown for significant time then screw it down and go wherever you want. :)

[@truthserum9157]

All good watches have a double seal, one at the stem of the crown and one at the screw down side, it needs more than what’s in the air to ruin a watch, it needs to leak moisture in, all good watches are made of rust proof metal just in case, if your watch has moisture build up on the glass then it has leaks.

[@zak-ur6yy]

"if your watch isnt keeping time, get a watchmaker to check its fine"

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

Regarding day/date change I always do it with both hands around 6. Just to be safe. I know it's not that sensitive, but it's not hard to just put hands on 6, it doesn't take any longer than turn them to any other hour. But this way you'll always be safe no matter then watch or brand.

[@Ruckus45]

I was a victim of the last rule. Went to a Miami Dolphins game where the humidity was out of this world. Dial fogged up and soon after watch broke. Had to get a full service

[@michaellooney1089]

Not a very good watch then?

[@davidwithers1748]

If your strap smells like vinegar, add salt like Gary Lineker. If your (sailcloth) strap smells like vinegar, use it as a spinnaker.

[@Spongefov]

part of my reluctance to buy pre-owned is I assume other people are not as clean or look after things. I can onl imagine the horrors some people find when they buy 2nd hand - would be a good idea for a video where people submit their 2nd hand horrors

[@kernicterus1233]

I've got to be honest, I used to think 'new new new', but having had a number of used watches from a reputable company that 'finds watches' (hehehe) I've never been disappointed. I am not a big spender; no Rolex, Omega, Patek, Lang, Audemar etc for me, instead Tag, Perrelet, Bremont has been my mainstay cost margin. It's then easier to part-exchange through this particular 'finder of watches' when I wish to upgrade. And I'm not being sponsored! Straps are a massive deal for me too.

[@Spongefov]

@@kernicterus1233 perhaps if i’m ever near one of their physical stores where i can see them first, i’d pluck up the courage to go 2nd hand 🙂

[@kernicterus1233]

I’ve never used a physical store. They give a full refund after a short time if you don’t like it though. And if your reading this Watchfinder, I’d love a Bremont MB III 🤣

[@markkirkland561]

Regarding leaving crown pulled out. Hamilton electric watches, crown should be pulled out when not in use, because the contact points can wear out and they are no longer made.

[@mattede8744]

If your Rolex smells like vinegar, don't wipe it on the spinnaker. But a proper boat with some go, and an Omega just for show.

[@dejuanmcguire9348]

@4:00 I wish I had heard that advice about two months ago. I bought a tan suede strap for my Seiko SNK803. While it looks great next to the cream dial, it started looking dirty within a matter of weeks. Now I am considering either a leather strap in the same colour, or a darker brown suede strap. Never again will I get a suede strap in any light colour.

[@nielsiochem8578]

Suede gets dirty and is impossible to clean. It will happen to darker straps too, it just won't be as noticeable. Try other leathers.

[@callummackinnon2900]

If your strap smells like vinegar... there used to be a rhyming solution for many people, but that's not been legal since 1807 😅

[@sophdog1678]

Ode To The Rules As with any loved machine, keep the case and bracelet clean If you face a budget cap, start afresh and change the strap Now your watch is growing old, service time for steel and gold Only if you see the sun, should the date advance be run. Above the Earth or fathoms down, be sure you always close the crown

[@Joe-nh8eq]

@3:21 on this, I’ve realized that the biggest esthetic difference between a nice, but inexpensive watch and a watch 50-100x the cost is the strap. seriously, I have a collection of orient watches and bought a bunch of good looking straps and a two tone bracelet. People literally think my Orient Bambino i wear on a NATO strap is more expensive than my Tank, Seamaster, or speedmaster its wild… i wish i learned about how much experimenting with straps can really make a watch a pop. Blue face open heart orient bambino with a navy blue and pink nato strap. And it might actually be the best looking watch I own right now 😂

[@PaketGo]

I expected to see about the Rolex Submariner, and why it has a red cross on the video intro.

[@michele_]

1:00 I wonder that too 🤔

[@danbiss87]

You didn't mention which wrist is correct like the thumbnail.... I'm left handed so wear my watch on my right, is that improper?

[@Rosskitchernew]

If your watch smells of vinegar, kick it in the cleaning bowl like Lineker

[@viriatvsoflvsitania5422]

If your strap smells like vinegar, it means you're sitting close to Britain's new Prime Minister.

[@o7stilty]

Hilarious

[@hmApollo101]

Damn y'all Brits can roast someone in the most subtle of ways

[@archergg9226]

If your strap smells like vinegar... Uhh. Watchfinder. For all your watch needs.

[@doublej7424]

Spot on

[@johnuythoven5823]

I put the time at 6 o clock and then change the date… a guy at the watch shop told me it doesn’t matter if it’s 6 am or pm just set it to 6 o clock and set the date then dial in the time. He said at the 6 o’clock position it wouldn’t screw up the watch. Is this true? I’ve been doing it for years.

[@johnuythoven5823]

I don’t have telegram

[@jayruman6145]

You should have done this as a podcast. I think you should think about doing a podcast.

[@bullnose01]

Don't wear your watch in the shower, especially if you like hot showers. Even if your watch is an ISO compliant diver, it is not hermetically sealed. Water vapor can penetrate the case. Unless there is some reason you need to time your shower, take it off. Better yet, leave it on your dresser. Also, while you definitely should keep your watch clean, don't try to polish out the scratches. Unless you really know what you're doing, the odds are that you will make it worse. Scatches are part of the character of the watch. Leave them alone. If they're a real problem, take it to a capable jeweler to restore the finish.

[@attila2246]

Ugh more BS... If the water is hot enough to be a problem then you probably have other worries... like calling an ambulance. That being said I agree that there's not really a point to wearing one in the shower.

[@sylvesterstallion6837]

@@attila2246 my bathroom turns into an steamsauna when I shower, pls don't call 911

[@Lord_Flashheart_Woof]

Yep. I know someone who did that to a new Omega SM 600M. Luckily it only required a drying at the local watchmaker.

[@The_Igloo]

This nonsense never ends. At 200m or 600m under water, the pressure trying to push water molecules into your watch is definitely many times that of hot showers trying to force water vapour into your watch.

[@shino8854]

Been wearing my Gshock for several years in hot showers, jacuzzis, spas, never had a problem.

[@cr4ftyazme544]

If it smells like vinegar then get it in a sink rinse her it’s a misdemeanour to think that it’s nothing to clean a squirt of mr sheen windowlean for greasy finger marks an easy start I’m sure a 16 isn’t needed but ….

[@Thrilos30]

If you have a guest over and your watch smells like vinegar, you might offend your visitor.

[@hitchhicker92]

I only "recently" (durring W&W) found out that the date change rule only applies for older movements. All ETA/Sellita calibers produced in the last 10 years (and probably even more) you need not worry about (dunno about STP 'cause they suck and one would be wise to stay far away from 'em). When I asked my watchmaker buddies about the above they confirmed that this is so, however, they keep telling all their clients to stick to the rule to avoid mix ups...

[@Dimble]

The Tissot with ETA-movement (well, the ETA movement was altered by Tissot iirc, in order to get the 80h of power reserve) I bought earlier this year does mention it in the manual. I'm not about to find out if it's actually necessary or not though, changing the time is no effort at all.

[@punishedflucker8342]

"Something that rhymes with vinegar" - I know what I must do but don't know if I have the power to do it...

[@joskoperic]

Its unusual to hear your voice jokeing,hahah You are always so serious when speaking about watches. Anyway great video!!!!! Cheers from Croatia

[@BigTwinkle]

The only rhyme for vinegar surely would be Srinagar, in India.

[@jimwatchyyc]

If your watch starts running fast and it’s not anti-magnetic, try demagnetizing it first, a demagnetizer can be bought for $10.

[@javierramirezp.3314]

Buy a watch that fits your style… Buy that one that makes you smile

[@DisplayKeesBack]

If your strap smells like vinegar, clean it with a damp toothbrush or something similar.

[@rangersmith4652]

If you're going to be around water, and you could take off your watch first, do that. There is no such thing as waterproof watch. The more expensive the watch, the more relevant this principle -- why take the risk unnecessarily?

[@ffdtsfsfgdfasdgsyhg]

Great vid! I only have waterproof watches so I just keep it on as I hop in the shower in the morning 🤠

[@robertpaulis439]

Moisture under the crystal??? Pull the crown, place watch, crown up, in your oven with pilot only lit, leave door ajar, by morning moisture gone!

[@alessandro.felici]

That Autavia got my motor running! So freaking gorgeous ❤

[@Froxdj]

If it smells like vinegar change it like Lineker

[@swaser112]

I've seen stores leave their watch crowns unscrewed though, wouldnt that damage the watch?

[@careycrews1]

Righthanded and wear my watch on my right hand....Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

[@stuartdroberts1]

If your Rolex smells like vinegar, one can deduce that your bathing habits are minima. That pungent aroma will not add value to your "Daytona." However, if it's a "Oyster" you wear, and it smells like dairy air. Go for a dive, just not at low tide. If all else fails, and your budget is on the rails. Eliminate the perfume of over "Date" yeast by "Just" selling the beast.

[@stuartdroberts1]

I had to try - Did I win a cookie?

[@drewzero1]

5:48 If you spot a deviation, take it in for regulation! 😂

[@chasekemp4982]

Toddlers toothbrush with water and a little bit of mild dish soap. A jewellery cleaner off Amazon for $20 is a great way to clean out that soap on the bracelet when you’re done.

[@jacksonlewison518]

You can tell they aren’t American when they said they don’t know what rhymes with vinegar. Honestly, glad it doesn’t came to their minds.

[@dbportillo]

“If your strap smells like vinegar, you likely smell sinister”. Sorry for bringing this out in the world. I’ll see myself out. But I agree with this point.

[@beno8983]

I use a glasses cloth cleaner thingy to keep my watch finger print free

[@StuntpilootStef]

Rule 1: Nobody gives a toss that you own a .

[@Vexterian]

Rule number 6, you have to wear your watch once a while, even if you have many watches.

[@BEARMOUNTAINMedia]

If your strap smells like vinegar, give it a sprinkler, or you’ll smell like a missioner, that’s walked all the way from Lincolnshire.

[@vicioussky1256]

I like the cactus suggestion. Don't know if it's true, but I bet that from today, every watch enthusiast will surprise their better half with a nice cactus now and then. You know, just for safety.

[@kallensaczkowski]

Ovet use the vinegar, that's a move of a beginner

[@Marshal77]

Bought years ago grand seiko. It arrived crown out pos. Contacted seller, he explain he understood crown should be out, since in pics/ shops its in open pos quite often

[@rdlwawaw]

If your watch strap starts to smell like vinegar, it's time to rinse the Omega.

[@colonelbubble]

If your strap smells like vinegar, soak it in something from your minibar!