Before buying a Watch - Ask yourself these 6 questions

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I release 3 videos per week, all watch related, including reviews, first impressions and general watch related topics.
I try very hard to diversify my content. Featuring known watch brands, microbrands, Aliexpress. Some I have purchased new, others second hand and I occasionally am given a watch from brands.
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Below are affiliate links for my absolute favourite watches on Aliexpress. Each of them I have owned and had positive experiences with the stores that they are linked to.
Hruodland Turbine Pilot (My favourite watch on Aliexpress):
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San Martin SN0144 (the best Aliexpress watch of 2024 and an incredible watch):
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Baltany A7 Pilot drivers watch (Baltany is an incredible watch brand and this is my favourite from them)
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Another Baltany (their VC homage)
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Everyone loves the SteelDive Willard Homage
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But I still think The Tactical Frog Willard Homage is better
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My favourite and still affordable Sub homage from Cronos
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The Boderry Voyager Titanium
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The best Type A and Type B flinger from Escapement Time
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[@loogoo]

I recently made up a spreadsheet of all the watches that I have purchased (along with their prices) over the years and the was shocked by how these purchases added up. Had I asked myself these questions back then, I could have reduced my retirement financial anxiety by about 40 percent!

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahaha. I try to keep that in mind too. Scary to add it all up.

[@josephcalamaio6326]

I also have a spreadsheet and it looks like it's time to move some watches on to make room for new and more permanent watches.

[@FlyedPiper]

I like these points. I would also suggest keeping yourself to a max number collection that you really wear (I'm going for 3 with a few random ones that may come or go from the watchbox over the years). This can really make you be decisive about your choices and focus more on the journey with the watch more than building a collection of "things." Experiences > possessions for me.

[@WATCHingJames]

I like the idea of 10. But it tends to be 20. Currently even more. Time to sell a few

[@blakslee720]

Whenever I see a chrono that I like, I always remember the white speedmaster which is what I REALLY want. Glassbox panda is a close second

[@WATCHingJames]

It is definitely easy to get sidetracked sometimes so good to keep in mind what we are truly after

[@stevenwilliams176]

If I asked why, I wouldn't buy anything 🤣🤣

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahahaha. Well that’s true

[@encol7953]

I’m so glad James didn’t have this in the list - phew!!

[@AnyoxB.D.]

Great points here. Some other questions I ask myself: 1. Can I resell this? If you only buy watches during sales or second hand you can usually get 80-90% of your money back. 2. Do I actually like this watch or am I being persuaded by a KZbinr? A huge percentage of “watch reviews” on KZbin are actually just paid commercials for the watch 3. Will this watch get me respect from people online? This is the most important thing. Watch collecting is about impressing strangers on the internet. If your watch won’t do that, skip it.

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahaha. A must for all of us collectors.

[@Time_Passages]

Why were you not a KZbinr in the 1980’s? I would have made way fewer mistakes collecting watches 😂 Great video!

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahahaha. Thanks for WATCHing

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@vaclav_fejt]

Spot on. These are the exact questions I ask myself too, they saved me a lot of money. I haven't avoided some impulse purchases, but I also waited so long the watch was almost sold out (two years). Moral of the story: Do wait, but don't wait too long when it comes to Seiko.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve done that too. Thanks for WATCHing

[@balconybill]

I think that Baltany looks like the best option for me. Thanks for taking the time out to reply, James. It's much appreciated. Best. M

[@WATCHingJames]

They are one of my favorite affordable brands. I have my eye on a couple more from them.

[@watchoutpal]

I've learnt the hard way on your first point, I love dress and vintage watches, a lot, but never wear them properly, so they all got flipped, and I've learnt to love them from afar. I have multiple black dive watches, as that is what I seem to want to wear the most.

[@WATCHingJames]

It’s probably the hardest question to honestly answer. I look at all these amazing watches. But just know most would lot end up being worn. So it’s nice just to appreciate them. Not own them.

[@thegorn]

Another quality vid. You've got a fine collection and I'm loving the b roll.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I’m constantly refining and adding but am very happy with what I have at the moment.

[@paulkukula6541]

All good points James. All valid. I have to consider- Will the wife agree. Will the wife allow. Will her reaction be verbal or physical. Then I make a decision to buy her a new dress watch. After that I got my new g shock. Out of ideas after that.

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. A very good consideration to keep in mind

[@Adrian_3006]

Pragmatic and disciplined approach James 👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing

[@SyedaNAnzar]

As always great content, pertinent analysis, well presented

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing

[@peterfrancis14]

Content has been great! Keep it up James!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing

[@Scott-f8r]

This video really helped this new collector. Thanks James

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s great to hear. Thanks for WATCHing

[@iansclone]

Great content! I do the same thing, with one tweak on question 1. Instead of, "will I wear this watch," I ask, "when would I wear this watch?" Like what occasion or situation? Example: I adore pilot's watches. When would I wear one? Honestly, close to never. They're too tooly for dressing up, usually not enough water resistance when having summer fun, usually (per my taste) too expensive for tinkering in the garage or weekend work.

[@WATCHingJames]

A great question to ask. Thanks for WATCHing

[@Fred-rg5vw]

Thanks james. Good run-down on things to rhink about when buying a new watch.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing

[@Trapvision3D]

Great questions. These will definitely keep me from making a poor decision. Great video James!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks mate

[@kblue4506]

Looking forward to the orient star outdoor follow up review. Thanks for the great videos

[@WATCHingJames]

It’s on the list to be made soon. It has turned out to be one of my favorite daily wear watches.

[@SyedaNAnzar]

Ok, watch buying is very much a feel experience as well. All of you will HATE me for saying this... but I bought an Orient Kanno....impulse buy ... having a flat big wrist I Must say it suits my wrists and looks more substantial than a blackbay 58. Yes the hollow links drive me crazy and I am waiting for Mark from long Island watches to come out with a bracelet or a strap for it. So yes with watches , try it out first and really assess it on ur wrist. Kanno scratches all the itches that a standard black bay generates ;)

[@WATCHingJames]

The Orient watches are brilliant. I’m currently slightly obsessed with the Orient Star models.

[@gadgetbeacon]

These lessons are usually learned the hard way 😂Cheers

[@WATCHingJames]

They certainly are

[@tonydilucente2342]

This would have saved me a lot of time and money when I first started collecting. Trying to corner the market on Invicta pro divers was not my best decision.

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. We all look back and question our buying choices. But without them perhaps we would not have our understanding of what we want now. Thanks for WATCHing

[@thesolver1970]

Exactly what I do! If I do have a craving for a new watch for that instant gratification, I'll get a Skmei. I've only a couple of watches I look at go, why? But that's ok, sometimes its nice to wear a rose gold cased brown dial rolex daytona homage when putting out the garbage or unblocking drains!

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ll have to check out Skmei again. It’s been years since I looked at them.

[@seanryan8341]

I see that older style black hydroconquest you have in the corner there at 2:25. HOw do you like that watch? I went to a boutique and got to finally see some of the Longines in person, and I wasn't as into the newer model as I thought. But i didn't get to see that older style one with the busier dial / indices. Kind of looks better in my opinion!

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a special watch for me for a few reasons. But it is also a lovely watch. Well made. Great movement and very comfortable. However I would love to be able to update the clasp as it’s a friction lock and not enough micro adjust.

[@barryvercueil2346]

Great video. Cheers

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

QUESTION TWO: What watches do I already have in my collection? Again, another great question, but when I look at your collection I see that there so many overlaps. It seems that you look for holes to fill that may not really be there. Stretching the rule to get that next watch fueled dopamine hit. Like with question one, this only works when there is a collection size limit and one adheres to it.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@balconybill]

Hello James, I've just seen Jody's video on the Revelot Terra. That may be the answer to my question. It goes on sale today. I'm going for the red dial. Shame there's no hacking. Enjoy your day.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m very tempted by it too. Love that style and the lume is sooooo cool.

[@keyboard.grinder]

Your name is James, and I'm watching you

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahaha. And I certainly appreciate it.

[@casteltheghettomonk4392]

From my experience 2 factors play the most role 1. Originality and uniqueness. The must have something that other brands , models don't have ( mostly I buy from Ali) for example SM avocado watch . No other brand on ali tried that color scheme . Same with sn0128 wafle 3d dial . 2. What am I missing from my collection ( a diver , field , military etc. ) or maybe a color 🤔 I don't have . And one more thing , addiesdive every year release new model with 36 mm. Case 19mm bracelet, same everything like the ad2030 . So I am not into rush to buy the ad2066 mint everyone raving about ( like it but not so much even though never seen before mint dial ) I'll wait till next year addiesdive to realise new model and will decide which I like the most

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve been having some great experience with Addiesdive lately.

[@balconybill]

Hello James, More food for thought. I fell down the watch rabbit hole 4 years ago and bought too many too quickly. Now things have slowed down and there's only about 6 watches that I really want now (only two watches for over £1000 and they're both under £2000). It's about finding your style and needs. Having moved back to Blighty 6 months ago and still being in limbo, I've only had access to 2 of my watches: Orient Kamasu maroon dial and Casio Royale copper case. This has been instructive, makes me like these watches more, but also makes me yearn for my other watches, especially my Hamilton Khaki Field automatic (black dial 38mm) and Tissot PRX quartz (white silver and rose gold 40mm). Would love a field watch small seconds 40mm. Any suggestions, James? I always enjoy the content on your channel. Nice work.

[@WATCHingJames]

Vertex for a more expensive option or Baltany for affordable. It’s a great style of watch with lots of options at the moment.

[@weezkidtube]

I ask myself if a watch I want to buy is staying on the collection long term and worth passing to my kids. My strike rate won't meet a T20 standard for sure.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@KenNewton1]

Where do you sell your watches? How easy is that? Do you discount it, auction, how?

[@WATCHingJames]

I mostly use Facebook watch sales groups. But also general market place. EBay and chrono24. I try to be fair with pricing and not squeeze every doller out of sales.

[@jrbj2000]

I have extra money… The question “Do I need to watch a James or Jody video”? 7 days later USPS drops off a package. 🤔 maybe I need to ask a different question 🤣

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahaha. I’ve done the same. Jody is a bad influence

[@johanvandersandt8904]

I do a similar thing... Seems some of our questions overlap. Do I need it? Do I have something similar? Is it a good deal? Is it dependable and suited for a specific task? Will it attract the wrong attention? Hope you are doing well James!

[@WATCHingJames]

It’s good to think these though a bit. Helps get better watches in the collection.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@WATCHingJames Agreed! Have a great one James!

[@libor4128]

Important considerations, thanks for sharing them as they are applicable to many (if not all) of us. Based on my own experience, I would add one more question: Can I smuggle the watch into my collection without the wife noticing?

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. You are not the only one to mention something similar.

[@ianforber]

The flip side of course is what questions you should ask before selling a watch. I only have 4 watches and bought them all with no intention of selling them. My questions would be as follows. 1. Do I need the money to help pay for something else in my life? 2. Do I want to sell to help fund the purchase of another watch? 3. Would selling help me enjoy my remaining collection more (I’m thinking of allowing me to wear each watch more often and/or balancing the collection by removing too many similar styles of watches)? The ultimate question is of course should I sell all but one and try to get out of the game but I don’t think that’s a relevant question for any of us! Have I missed anything?

[@WATCHingJames]

A very good suggestion. Might make for a good video idea.

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

cliffs?

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

@@WATCHingJames I haven't watched the video yet.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for thinking about WATCHing

[@RobinhoodarrowsRHA]

7. Will the missus find out 😅

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahahaha

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

QUESTION ONE: Will I actually wear this watch? QUESTION TWO: What watches do I already have in my collection? QUESTION THREE: Are there any watches in my collection that I am willing to sacrifice? QUESTION FOUR: Is there another watch that I could buy that I like more for the same cost? QUESTION FIVE: Have I thought this purchase through? QUESTION SIX: Can I afford this watch?

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for the summary

[@martinowl]

The question, Can I justify the cost? Has stopped me from buying just about every watch I look at.😱. Also, when will I wear it? I really admire vintage Omegas, seamaster, constellation etc. very classy but also these days look quite formal. I have also realised dive watches don’t do anything for me, so I’m glad I haven’t spent a fortune on one. Ah well, the search continues.

[@WATCHingJames]

It certainly does

[@HansZarkovPhD]

My first question is, do i really need watch number 13 when i only wear 3 of them regularly?

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahaha. A good question to ask

[@watchalot919]

A lot of the resonates with me. I would also add that I avoid paying more than I can sell it for. It is never my intention to sell the watch when I buy it, but I am a serial flipper.

[@BarryDalton]

That’s a challenging, potentially quite limiting constraint. Except for very rare, few brands, or if you really really dig deep into the used market, watches are like cars they have an accelerated rate of depreciation. Most depreciation will occur in the short period after purchase. And the used buyer is also much more sophisticated now, with endless data available on watch prices and market value.

[@watchalot919]

@BarryDalton I rarely buy new watches, as it's best to let the original buyer take the hit

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve started becoming one of those to. But balancing it some that also stay.

[@BarryDalton]

@@watchalot919 agree. I never buy new cars either. Even in the used watch market, it requires a level of knowledge, sophistication and time commitment to hunt for undervalued pieces that most hobbyists/enthusiasts don’t have. Nor don’t want to invest in. My rule of thumb - don’t buy watches as an investment or income stream. If you can do it, great on you! Enjoy the hunt! Thanks.

[@michaelostassr.2771]

Anyone ever tell you”you have too many watches?”

[@WATCHingJames]

All the time. Hahahahahaha. Myself included telling me I have too many.

[@tonnyhansen4481]

As usually - good advise. Just discoveret I didn`t subscribe to you channel. Sorry. Done now! 🙂

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. It makes a big difference so I really appreciate it.

[@scatterbrain9490]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@Dicey151]

#overthinking

[@WATCHingJames]

💯%

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

QUESTION ONE: Will I actually wear this watch? All of my watches get worn or they leave the collection. But this is the thing, you need to define wearing a watch. What is an acceptable or unacceptable amount of wear time? You CANNOT have a big collection and give all your watches a reasonable amount of wrist time, so one must set a limit have the discipline to stick to it.

[@WATCHingJames]

It’s good to have an idea of a comfortable collection size that suits you.

[@dunderhay9169]

As usual, thought provoking content 👍. You do a have a great collection, it's nice to see some AliExpress watches in amongst the Mont Blanc, IWC etc, no one can call you a watch snob 😁

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. Thank you. It’s great to be open to all watches. So many to love. No matter the price or background.

[@justmeeagainn]

Very overanalytical. Seems to me that this takes a lot of the fun out of the whole experience. The emotional stimulation of just getting something that is calling out to you. This also seems like it would take a lot of time. I'm surprised you haven't died of old age by the time you were up to your fourth or fifth watch. And why not buy many of the same type of watch if you like that style? "Oh, I must not buy another black dial diver since I already have one." What??! Nonsense. What if you LIKE black dial divers? Buy 100 of them! Kind of goofy reasoning, if you can even call it that. Let's just forget about how watch A and watch B look totally different. Already checked the black dial diver box, so time to move on! What garbage.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@jamesdamenti2092]

another seriously annoying update from james…and the side view is so bad…

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing