My Biggest Watch Collecting Mistakes | Watchfinder & Co.

If you’re looking for a tale of joy and prosperity, look away, dear audience. We have all made mistakes, some more than others, but what I am about to present before you is nothing short of a watch collecting nightmare. But it is no terrible dream; it is the truth, awake and intact, and it shall forever haunt me. Look away, dear audience, look away. These are my biggest watch collecting mistakes. You have been warned.
Featured Watches:
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01
F. P. Journe Octa Automatique Lune
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[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@wakajumba]

Ironic that your watch mistakes were ‘timing’ issues.

[@SimplyKnownAsTron]

Bahahaha

[@Adrianbudiman]

ZING

[@jamesdean8876]

Yeah more irony wud be paying the premiums watchfinder charge.

[@SpiinM8]

Damn waka, your mind is powerful

[@aliindrawan]

Considering you're sharing a personal story, this must be one of the best poetry you have ever written thus far. Thank you for sharing these

[@13_13k]

That's what I said in my comment. The best video to date.

[@udn9930]

Considering Richemont owns Watchfinder, I'm not sure this isn't a very clever ghostwriter's work.

[@VinceRegan]

@@udn9930 could be...but going through life so jaded has its costs. Fake News? Different impact...there is a lot to learn from this video story

[@SGM805]

He still made a killing on the property that he purchased with the watch sale, so all is well lol

[@minusED]

Two lessons: 1. Don’t sell your loved watch until your life depends on it. 2. Go for your dream watch if you can.

[@-CLASSIFIED-]

and 3. as long as you don't loose money its not really that bad.

[@minusED]

Keegan Spencer agree. At times you would be glad afterwards.

[@ColnWay]

@@-CLASSIFIED- Even the watch lost its value but you still love it, then thats all it matters... Don't worry about value because love has no value

[@mfpope7431]

Yea my dream watch is 25,000. Just bought a replica for 100. I think I made the better choice

[@minusED]

Muhammad Pope i’m sorry but no:). I did bought not one but two watches like you describe. One died in a month, another held for three. That’s roughly 100$ a month for one and 33$ a month for the other. And none of them where ready for even light swimming or beating. All of my real watches will serve my son easily, I was swimming, diving, traveling in most of them. If you break 25K into 100$ a month - that’s a little over 20 years, which any real watch will easily held up to and NO replica will even come close. Then, fake is fake. Next time you feel sick - think if you’d prefer a fake cheap doctor? Or fake lover? If any of these are OK - enjoy your fake watch. You will always know it’s fake though

[@Skibbityboo0580]

"No light at the end of the tunnel...not even the sweet release of a train" is my new favorite saying.

[@doctorpanigrahi9975]

He is really good with words.

[@fastman119]

Hahaha, you’re a terrific writer. I can tell if KZbin didn’t exist, you’d be behind the pen in a writers room somewhere.

[@gyang333]

We don't know if the narrator is just that, a narrator, or also the editorialist as well or not.

[@smcneil9584]

This is obviously just a story.

[@riskis1793]

Is anyone else addicted to the story telling, the voice and the melancholic music of this channel?

[@pablochocron1388]

Totally...i use it sometimento sleep or to calm a migraine....jajaj

[@ashifaction]

Yes... He sounds like David Attenborough commentary for National Geographic

[@vossti]

Pure therapy!

[@MoneyFIC]

Mesmurising (hope that is the correct spelling).

[@serapio1959]

Absolutely

[@MTbone7]

The two real lessons here are: 1) Don't sell great watches ever 2) Don't trade those watches for a Panerai

[@JLchevz]

But sometimes people need the money and its difficult to have a lot saved so that you dont have to sell an expensive watch, but oh well, youre right

[@_joapa]

But look at Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days GMT Oro Rosso PAM00502.

[@riseuplight]

Lol

[@nizwansaharudin]

Hahahaha

[@lovingcompassion]

God dang, I just bought a Panerai an hour ago and I read this comment! LoL

[@maverickbonato8164]

Ouch. The worst thing I did was not buying the SARB033 when it was $350 and still not buying it today because I lack the money lol

[@chinchinche]

It's a good day when Watchfinder releases a new video.

[@MyCUTboyz]

Really sweet of you

[@pintthereof4598]

He posts this a lot on this channel. Obviously wants the likes.

[@almc1566]

Friday?

[@maomekat2369]

Except unless it's a Rolex add

[@tsp141181]

Best of days

[@Nerdhaunt]

Why this is not a 10 episode series documentary?

[@bobpark8656]

Do you know how small the watch community is lmfao, it'll be a huge waste of money.

[@BetheWainaina]

Can't wish 10 episodes worth of misery on pople

[@harrychowd]

@@BetheWainaina lol

[@rogier151]

@@BetheWainaina you're right

[@MD-jf7en]

Because he didn't make that many mistakes to make so many episodes. Luckily.

[@Femiforfun]

“Might I remind you that there is no light at the end of this tunnel, not even the sweet release of a train.” The presentation of these metaphors is absolutely brilliant!

[@bobbydazzler1780]

It’s also true when window shopping. Observing a piece on your imagined shortlist of future acquisitions steadily go up and yet further up in price until you are left thinking there’s no justifying dropping the eye watering sums involved just to have another brief watch honeymoon notched onto your bed post. With Rolex things are different. One by one you see the object of your desire go extinct in the wild and become mythical beasts of double or triple the list price you used to monitor behind glass. Sometimes in life you just have to be thankful for the trusty collection back home and rekindle the passion that brought them home in the first place and just keep your fingers crossed for a windfall or lottery win. These, of course, being the stuff of first world problems.

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

the Epster #truth

[@gregsolovieff6711]

One can console oneself with the biblical injunction,”Have more than Thou showest.”

[@hitler9578]

The way you tell everything.. Good, bad, and better...it's really mesmerizing.... Thanks boss....keep it up...

[@shonkeymoulder6972]

Is that a “Series of Unfortunate Events” reference?

[@arjdroid]

Oh god, that series, it just pained me so much as I watched and watched, season by season, these poor innocent children being relentlessly pursued by that vicious, greedy man. How enraged I felt when watching adults in the serious see Count Olaf putting on a crappy disguise and recognize him to be a different person! Even though I hated watching it, I had to watch it... I would not wish that kind of punishment upon anyone. Even though throughout the whole series, Lemony Snicket was always saying that the story doesn't have a happy ending, I still dared to hope there might.

[@AliceJaneSyndicate]

@@arjdroid I hate to be that guy but the book is better and the story is mixed up a bit in the movie and TV show but I do enjoy them myself. Reminds me of childhood.

[@azhalhalil9429]

This is the pinnacle of what KZbin has to offer we need more amazing content like this! Voice is so soft as well, quite the pleasure.

[@edgarm2036]

I used to like watches a lot, now thanks to you I became obsessed, thank you for making the best watch videos in the entire world !!

[@NICHOLSON7777]

This guy has cost me $1000's of well spent cash.

[@dgb6355]

An unusual vid , but probably the one I can identify myself with most. Selling remorse and missing opportunities : the story of my life.... I don’t think selling the beautiful Royal Oak to buy a house a mistake though. Beautiful macro, as always. One of your nicest vids. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikesimpson1368]

Great video as ever. Can’t get my head round the school of thought that you couldn’t really afford the AP if you had to sell it to buy a house. You could clearly afford it (you bought it), you enjoyed it, your priorities changes (and if buying a house isn’t a reasonable priority, I don’t know what is) and you sold it; a simple real world choice with the right decision reached. Whatever it is, if you can buy it and afford to look after it (servicing, etc), even if you know you might have to get out of it, then you can afford it; circumstances change.

[@watchfinder]

We’ll be over on Instagram today talking about watch collecting mistakes-come and join the conversation! Edit: All done, thanks to everyone who joined in!

[@criss6ixx]

what time?

[@Houthiandtheblowfish]

You sir you have a bloody good taste

[@sacphilip]

His 5 minute narrations are better than most 120 minute movie plots

[@campkira]

let face it.. you can not get your hand on the highly demand one anyhow..

[@watchfinder]

criss6ixx All day UK time! See you there!

[@1swm1]

Another great video! I can relate to some of these mistakes as well! This hobby has taught me a lot along the way and I am still learning.

[@stuartfew5000]

fantastic. like a tragi-comedy. you brightened up my day, thank you sir. keep 'em coming

[@elronhubburd]

You’re such a great writer. By leaps and bounds the best written watch videos out there.

[@lankysudanese]

Agree with you, wholeheartedly. I’ve made the the same “mistakes”, but at the end I found that that I’d actually come out on top. I sold a ceramic sub no-date and a Panerai at a loss to fund an important life event. I remained naked-wristed for 3 years, only to eventually circle around and land the 3 pieces that you’d mentioned. And at retail! There is a god 😁💪🏿🙌🏿

[@VmanStudioz]

Now that is true authenticity! Your best work ever!! I’m a fan again; please keep of the world-class content.

[@Namesi]

The videography, the script, the presentation, the story. Masterful. Thank you.

[@louismarcel3510]

I like how you show your hands without holding anything when you were telling about the FP Journe. It gives me goosebumps, I can feel your pain

[@RebuildingSaad]

I'm not even 4 minutes in and this is already one of my favorites on your channel! I can totally see myself making similar mistakes...if I could afford them.

[@scottrobinson6432]

This is the best video you have EVER made. As good as your videos are, it’s really nice to hear some of your personal stories. Make more videos about your personal connection to watches 🙌🙌

[@robertm8401]

One of the most enjoyable videos of this channel to date. A very interesting peek into the personal journey of Mr Talking Hands.

[@dooks85]

I just want to give you a hug after hearing this. Heartbreaking. That FP Journe though. lovely

[@davidclinton5545]

This was one of the best watch videos I’ve ever seen. Beautiful, witty and painful in the very best way. Thank you for putting it into the world.

[@bossman4401]

You tell your story beautifully! And with amazing videography. Thank you

[@richardc1792]

My condolences Watchfinder: I had several similar experiences at much higher price points, not in horology, but in property some years ago. I've since learnt my expensive real estate lessons & became an agent. For classic watches & future classics: Buy & hold, as long as one can, is a wise modus operandi to try to stick to! My memories still cause twinges of great pain though.

[@Kairapuhara]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is how you make video's.

[@Judge_RR]

Videos. You do not need the apostrophe because you are not denoting that something belongs to the video.

[@redentorroque262]

Videos like this set you apart from other watch channels... you have set a bar that, at this point, others have not yet scaled... well done!!

[@hsdxb]

Honestly this guy, story telling and drama on a whole new level !! Awesome

[@abdullahabdulrahim3249]

You're so over dramatic! Watchfinder & Co. : Hold my Rolex

[@erikmemo]

Thanks! We should at least know your name. Great experiences! You helped me feel better for my own mistakes 🙂 from which I’ve learned

[@paytay77]

Amazing video !!! Well done. Loved the underlying meaning. Thanks

[@vidpro4422]

Your passion is both a joy and a sadness in this story....Just to hear you speak about the pieces elevates them to almost mythological status....Sometimes I just play the video's just to hear you speak on the piece(s), it's both satisfying and exciting...Thank you for sharing your passion. The tale is, if I may, if it speaks to your heart and soul, then get it.

[@natfingerboard]

I got a sweet deal on a GMT master II a month or so ago, I'm never letting it go. I've made a list of my next watches and although they are expensive, I'm not settling for anything else until I'm able to buy them.

[@alexoliver2608]

A couple of years ago you mentioned in a Christmas special that you were saving for a A. Lange & Sohne. I want to know if you ever bought one and and which one?

[@davidb5720]

A GMT to a Panerai! Why! 😩 that would haunt me forever. I’d have cold sweats about that. You’re very brave to share this , I hope it’s been cathartic 😉

[@diogeneslantern18]

Verily. Anyone who gets a Panerai needs their head checked.

[@rjd0429]

Your tale of woe left me in tears of laughter! You are the pinnacle of all content creators, not just watch channels! Excellent video!

[@Lance54689]

You have missed your calling. You need to be the guy who goes around and fires people. They wouldn't even care that they had been fired, because it had sounded so good!

[@MikeRochac]

My sad story: My dad gifted me his GMT Master II coke Sophia Loren when I was 13 years old, it’s cost when purchased was around $2,000 (he bought it around 1986] I loved that watch and it was stolen from me at gunpoint when I was 20 years old (1997) it broke my heart to see it go. 💔

[@rustyshackleford17]

At least you didn't sell it for lapdance money....

[@farhanorakzai8872]

very sorry to hear this happened to you, but no watch is worth more than your life... glad your'e still here 🙏

[@noobzrule]

Sorry to hear but are you sure it wasn't an inside job cos u brag u were wearing a real SL

[@danieldelorme4021]

Your videos are just soooooooo good. Thank you for your hard work. We really appreciate it.

[@faisalingalong]

This makes me feel so much better. Thank you.

[@MilanNikolic96]

Next he'll say: I sold my house to buy a GMT Master II

[@thenameiwantedwastaken]

I have things in my life that bring me great joy, just from owning them. As much as the money in them is substantial, and they see little use compared to days of old, I still don't sell them because I know that I will probably never be able to replace them when i start to miss them.

[@gaeleus]

Another masterpiece of a video and one that portrays the horrors and mistakes and pitfalls that one encounters when collecting long enough. Some of us have been victims of our own doing by choosing certain timepieces over others. Hind sight is always 20/20. Life goes on and one continues to learn. Cheers mate

[@MERKAMGCLK]

This video was perfect! Please don't ever stop making them.

[@chandanh.s7924]

Loss of Rolex was a left jab, Royal Oak was a right hand which puts you down for a 7 count. But losing F.P Journe was like the knock out punch that sealed the career once and for all. I feel really bad that my favourite watch reviewer faced such heavy losses. This is probably one of the reasons you have such appreciation for the craft and storytelling that amazes all your followers. I feel your pain..

[@somerandomperson8282]

Actually he didn't 'lose' anything other than opportunity. :)

[@LucasM206]

What about the ones you got right? The happy stories? That would be a great video also!

[@ivanovooko]

how do you imagine any happy story can overwhelm a tragedy of missing out on fp journe? preposterous!

[@Patriot-rising]

Love this channel. The expressive hands and the well spoken story telling. And heck.. I love watches so much that I am here watching these videos. I probably need therapy. The engineering that goes into some of these fine Swiss instruments is amazing! Sad that sometimes we can not see every part of some of these timekeepers.

[@bobsmithinson2050]

Always beautiful. The ending about how you speak of enjoying them while they were around, is relatable to people we adore in our lifetime. It may sometimes be only for a short time, but it’s about enjoying them while they are here. After all…nothing is forever anyways. Subscribing to your channel is a no brainer. Your poetic approach opens a whole new depth and dimension to otherwise generic watch showcase videos. The cinematography of the time pieces pleases the eye, whilst your gentle voice delivers a beautiful story that covets the eardrums. A dash of humor here and there adds some fun. Your videos are a whole experience. This is only my second video, now I’m hooked to go watch all and those to come.

[@humanbeing1675]

Starting in the early 90ties I went from affordable mechanic watches to the expensive ones and back. I enjoyed them all and never cared about selling them or If they keep their value. They are all part of my watch biography, they can tell a story and eventually thats all that counts for me. Cheers

[@leor8819]

This reminds me of when my dad was drinking an Actimel and we saw this weird bell on the foil. We threw it away and a few days later realised we had won £10,000 but we emptied the bins and couldn't find it.

[@2000bhoy]

Ouch!

[@doxies]

Great video with absolutely gorgeous macro camera work as usual. Masterful.

[@Ouroboros67]

Thank you so much for sharing! Please continue the great work. Excelsior!

[@govtfunded]

Don’t feel alone, I don’t follow my own advice either.

[@davids9549]

The biggest mistake is to 'collect'. It is better to appreciate, and to enjoy. "Who is rich? He who is happy with what he has" (Avot 4:1)

[@gaeleus]

Very wise words. We all WIS people should learn but we are all fools

[@stevanpavic]

That is hard core truth. I'm happy everyday since I bought my dream watch. No collection, no daily drivers, no weekend watches, no sport/casual/business. Nothing but single watch that I need and want, to tell me time, go in water with me, make me proud and stay with me hopefully for a very long time. Finally let me present watch: Seiko SKX007, of course with charming unaligned bazel.

[@htautomat]

Great story, and one none too familiar in horological circles. Sounds like you have absorbed most of the regret and are coming to terms with this dark chapter... to the point that you are able to acknowledge and appreciate the good things that have emerged. I thank you for every new episode released, especially those which venture somewhat from the usual path. Your sharing of past mistakes can hopefully keep others from doing the same.

[@wynandlouw3952]

I want to finish a bottle of red now and go to sleep. What an eloquently told horror story...

[@hardikvp]

I was wondering what the 3rd watch would be and I legit had goosebumps as it was FPJ at 8:22.

[@cakraparindra4659]

Yeah the same goes for me

[@machtschnell7452]

Splendidly written. Thank you for sharing your insights and personal experiences in the market in which you specialize.

[@stephanedelisle5361]

Amazing videos Thank you

[@BlagoP]

The story of a non-rich man trying to play a rich man's game.

[@eorlsven1241]

when you have a virtually unlimited amount of money like the truly rich do than there will be no game to play and no fun whatsoever: you will be bored.

[@squirehaggard4749]

@@eorlsven1241 Very comfortably bored.

[@ropany]

​@@squirehaggard4749 As I child I would get excited when mom and dad bought me a bag of M&Ms: uuhh, the sweet chocolate, the bright colours... But now I just feel "very comfortably bored" when I have some. (for the very wealthy watches like a Rolex GMT have the same value as peanuts...

[@stefangrubesic2708]

And I thought that after the AP there was nowhere to go, I was so so wrong...

[@shaq4595]

I was guessing a nautilus, but that f.p journe was a punch to the gut

[@jlm1567]

@@shaq4595 ditto

[@JoeGiz64]

Excellent narrative and walk down memory lane...nice job!

[@dannythompson6719]

Great video - keep them coming!!

[@richardmcginnis5344]

i'm good with my old casio poseidon and my old armitron with the day of the week on top where the 12 should be

[@simiscorpio]

Regret is unprofessional my friend. Period. You don't drive the car by seeing in the rear view mirror.

[@lemmontree1]

Damn

[@jameswilkes3186]

I hate to take pleasure in your tales of sorrow, but you present them so well. I salute you for sharing your story.

[@joeclifford4953]

Thank you so much for making this video. Absolutely outstanding. Truly relatable.

[@jdanielortega]

Is the guy who writes the same guy who narrates and the hands model? I have assumed this all this time but maybe it's not that way.

[@vladimirzigic3365]

You're very good! 2 times I told to my self: "Oh no! I cannot watch any further!"

[@iceduckz]

This channel deserves to have millions of subscribers. Fantastic narration!

[@johnnylee1474]

When I saw the thumbnail of the two watches with the caption "My Biggest Watch Collection Mistakes", I was wondering what I did wrong as I have the Rolex and AP in my 4 watch collection. The Rolex was my first watch and the AP (15400ST variant) was my third. I bought both watches directly from ADs and am glad I still have them both. Thanks for the excellent video!

[@DStOctavian]

1st mistake to buy watches and then sell them. Never will I let go of my watches. Each one has a story known to me.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

I regret selling every watch that I have ever sold. I miss them, and some were limited and are pretty much disappeared forever. I won't ever sell another one.

[@sal1702]

First few watches you buy are often mistakes. Your mistake seems to be selling them too early.

[@khusyairi]

I agree. My 1st watch was a Tag Heuer, so nuf said.

[@javieroargubi]

my first watch is Orient. loving every bit of it

[@sjsth4168]

Great insight and narration!

[@wasimmohammad7689]

These have to be the best watch videos on the internet. Love them

[@grahamcawthorne3720]

I lost 150 bucks on a seiko once...

[@afdhalsoft]

I've never thought I'd be so emotional when watching a watch video until today

[@markus8197]

Great message!

[@kapoorh]

You are a master story teller - your narration, words, style...just love it.

[@teruphoto]

So...damned if you do, damned if you don't? This video only reminds me of how far away the goalpost is for "regular" people and those who never have seller's remorse because they can buy watch after watch without having to sell.

[@rustyshackleford17]

It's kind of sad that 20-30 years ago, the exact same watches that sell for tens of thousands now...could have been had for less than 10k. It's a market that most got into way too late. Though it does floor me that he bought a royal oak for 7k. I would have done that in a heartbeat.

[@Matthew-vj2eh]

I don’t know if I should “like” this video because deep down my heartaches for you.

[@kendalltull9854]

Very sobering experiences. Thanks for sharing.

[@JasperM1972]

Thanks for making me feel better about my own life decisions! And compliments on ‘cerebral osmosis’ off course.

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

"not even the sweet release of a train"....this deserves a T-Shirt

[@muaathalrashed794]

Its a sad story but always think about the moments you spend with those great watches and now its time for a new start the new generation Grand Seiko 👍🏼

[@TheKrischtopher]

Excellent writing, narration and content. Thank you.

[@bobrichards6696]

Beautifully done, thank you 👍

[@GeeBeeMike]

It’s only money, but this is what happens when you get caught up in hype for the next thing all the time. Better to be sure you want what you buy and keep it. Call me a heretic but that AP looks awful.

[@38201270298]

Not as awful as Rolex, but still.

[@weerobot]

The way you Talk Hilarious...expected you to say at end of Video...."I'm now Left wearing a DW..."

[@MonotoniTV]

G-Shock 😂

[@shihchen168]

The best watch video to date! You can see the details of the watches

[@Sobral_T]

Amazing story telling. Love your Channel.