What Is A Luxury Watch? What Makes A Watch More Luxurious? (Four Reasons)

Shop Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/
Written Content: www.teddybaldassarre.com/blog
In this video, I'll tackle the nuanced subject of what it means to be a luxury watch. I'll provide my four main characteristics I think help to qualify a watch as a luxury product. This is all subjective, of course, and I'd love to know what you think down below in the comments. What constitutes a luxury watch for you?
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0:00 - Introduction
1:21 - Establishing Luxury In Watches
2:56 - Four Key Characteristics Of A Luxury Watch
6:58 - Rolex vs. Breguet Example & Final Thoughts

[@user-mh9zx9mk7o]

Once you reach a certain height in life, having time itself to watch youtube videos is a luxury.

[@shuycg]

Then the definition of height in life should change.

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

Pretty much everybody takes dumps so yeah… You’re wrong

[@joshs3916]

Trump took the vaccine lol.

[@infinitekronos]

❤️

[@baobabs727]

Dude I have no “height” whatsoever, and I still watch these videos. Haha.

[@shawnfahey4459]

I really appreciate videos like this, Teddy! All of my friends were fortunate enough to not be infected with this sickness so videos like these are a great way to make the collecting process less lonely and have an opportunity to think about these ideas. I would encourage you to keep creating content based on your opinion, you lay it out in a way where even if someone respectfully disagrees with you, you probably helped them think about the subject enough for themselves to do so. Not sure if that makes sense but thanks for the time you take to create this content!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

That’s a huge compliment, Shawn! I appreciate it greatly buddy.

[@joshs3916]

Agreed lol. Non of my friends are into watches. Own asked why my submariner didn’t have the two tone bezel (GMT) I explained and they said ok. Lol

[@MrZPal2099]

I feel the same. I lack anyone to really geek out over watches with, but Teddy's videos have an innate sense of inclusion that makes me feel part of a community...

[@alexspink4325]

Your video quality is always of the most professional calibre Teddy, but this is over and above. Whoever you got on board to add the music and bespoke animations in the transitions, it makes all the difference. So engaging. This is some of the most highly polished content on KZbin

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Shoutout to Vlad! He is a beast and has been editing most of the videos for the last few years but never gets complacent. He did a great job running with this topic.

[@jkotka]

does this categorize it as a luxury video?

[@TheAussiePencil]

Thanks Teddy! I really enjoy these deeper videos examining aspects of the watch hobby, rather than examining one watch model

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Glad you enjoy them. It is always fun for me to approach these types of topics.

[@RudyVisuals]

I've owned Swatch and Casio for years until I got my career going. Now I can afford to spend a bit more, a Seiko Presage, Khaki Field Auto and PRX feels luxury to me. I've never felt the need to want to spend more than £1k on a watch. Great to hear your thoughts on this and really enjoyed this one Teddy!

[@anjav6]

Teddy, it's a joy to watch your content! you are eloquent, so well informed, so respectful to many brands, regardles if they are swatch or high end timepieces, and i love your objectivite! Well done sir!

[@Ishn01]

Luxury categories to me: 1. case material 2. the movement & complications 3. the dial 4. fit & finish Honorable mention: exclusivity

[@lane2063]

Income levels, as you stated, define luxury. My first “luxury” watch was a Cyma and was a university graduation present for myself. I don’t remember how much it cost but at the time it was an incredible splurge and felt extravagant. Tag was the first company that felt high end but was also obtainable. I have every model except the Gulf Monaco. It’s size is really too large but for the sake of completing my collection I’ll buy it eventually. More recently I’ve been purchasing micro brands and faces that speak to me. My last big purchase was a speedy but really not the Omega that I’d been wanting. I find Rolex to be overpriced and boring. I’d rather spend my money on something that no one else will be wearing. At my age I’m not trying to impress anyone.

[@michaelfoster7300]

Always love your content Teddy-although we may differ in opinions on certain watch preferences, I love to learn from your videos !

[@dsus878]

Yooo I'm loving the editing on this videooo!!! It's so captivating but also has function. Great video as always!

[@walkerb1734]

Excellent topic here, Teddy! Nice to hear your thoughts on a very elusive topic, “luxury”

[@kiwinick4583]

Thanks, Teddy. Another great video. Well thought out, and great points.

[@babindinda9414]

Love this explainor style... especially with the animations!

[@cameronstewart6193]

Outstanding video. I'm wearing a Casio Marlin Pepsi on one wrist, and an Apple watch on the other. Feels pretty luxurious to me. And, yes, I have other stuff, but this makes me happy-which is the point.

[@jimlittle5769]

Great video. Very well laid out and thorough.

[@forgettmenot]

These kind of videos separate you from the other watch videographers, would really love more videos like these! Thank you so much.

[@Bourne1984]

Another brilliant vid Teddy. I’ve been watching you from the beginning and you really are one of the best on KZbin. Keep up all the great work.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Appreciate your continue support, James!

[@BenNS1971]

Just saw the video again and I think you’ve nailed it. Great job.

[@EduardoCampos-id1lz]

Great video Teddy. Liked how you anticipated to try not to hurt people feelings around prices. Great suit !

[@MyVideosWillCalmU]

Wow Great video and discussion Teddy👍🏾

[@qatarwolf]

Very well said Teddy! Very informative content not only in the world of watches but for business/marketing landscape. Instructors in well known universities use hours to what you just delivered in such a short time with examples and information that simply stick in our minds. I’m going to use some of your content in my presentations in marketing 👍🏼😁

[@EricSloferwatchreviews]

Great video I can sum it up to people want what is hard to get either being rare or expensive, thanks for the video Teddy.

[@UpfulWarrior]

I love your videos. Great choice of topics

[@amenhotep7704]

very great analysis Teddy, thank you !!

[@PatPerdue]

Teddy, your insights are always top drawer and have helped me tremendously (thank you). This video took it all to another level. Loved it. .

[@woonfaseng8737]

good and comprehensive content....

[@stevepapa]

Great points all around! Price is only one segment of what makes a watch a "luxury watch" (or any item for that matter). A good example would be the Omega Seamaster Professional 300 vs the Oris Big Crown ProPilot X. The Oris is an extra $2000 retail price coming in at $7600 compared to the Seamaster's $5400 price tag but I don't think anyone would claim that Oris is more luxurious than Omega. Granted, these are two completely different watches but the point of the MSRP being all that matters to determine luxury isn't accurate. Brand perception, quality, price, availability, uniqueness all plays into the luxury good and you have to assess the product as a whole.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Agreed on price not being the single factor. Your example is also interesting considering how crazy that Oris is. I think it does show in luxury sometimes your least expensive item will somewhat dictate how people will classify you within the hierarchy of brand.

[@Nefville]

Question, is this the Pro Pilot with 10 day power reserve, skeletonized or is this the Pro Pilot X, 39mm solid dials, 5 day power reserve? I love Oris but I don't remember seeing a PPX over $5k.

[@stevepapa]

@@Nefvillethe skeleton dial with the 10 day power reserve is over that 7k mark

[@megasoid]

Excellent video. I believe the definition luxury varies from person to person, truly subjective. I agree with function and practicality over anything else. What I've also found is that expensive items are not always luxurious.

[@brettkeeler8822]

I dig the animations. Nice touch!

[@YUCHENG-eq5yz]

great content Teddy!! btw nice suit combo🔥

[@infinitekronos]

Wonderful and thought provoking. Luxury I feel is something that is defined by the individual themself. The point you make around build quality and uniqueness are points that are most important to me. I want to know that what I spend money on is not going to fail in a short time and has some uniqueness in it's design. As always, great video

[@bhaveshsinghal9052]

Love the production quality on this video.

[@leosjan1]

Lookin like a real pro, Teddy. Keep it up!

[@ItsParadise304]

Very enjoyable and insightful video, thanks!

[@theshadowman1398]

After many videos from different channels including this one as of yesterday I got my first Swiss watch which at the price of just over a grand I consider very premium to luxury. A MIDO commander big date blue dial. Absolutely love it. Now will save up for a personal grail watch which for me is a Breitling Navitimer automatic because of my love for aviation

[@WestCoastAce27]

Very good choices of criteria to define luxury. I would have added ‘materials’ to build quality. The Daytona vs Breguet wasn’t the best comparison because of the sport vs dress - but did make the point.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

Good stuff as always bud

[@timetowatch_francois]

Thanks for your insight! ❤ I agree that, today, just having a watch is “luxury” … even more of a luxury when having dozens! BUT I’m sure I speak for many of your viewers, it’s having goodness on your wrist, regardless if it’s considered a “luxury”. It all comes down to your taste but more importantly, your budget 😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@cool66990]

very well explained!!

[@herbmerced7780]

Great points!

[@mathieugoasguen]

MAN! Both content and format of this video are unique. Love the pace and zoom-in/out style that helps focusing on the message as well as the quality of the work done on a vexed question. Again, congrats!! Isn’t the real luxury to have access to this content for free Teddy? :P

[@rollout1693]

Just my two cents on this. I recently purchased a Tag Heuer piece. I've been a longtime admirer of Heuer designs as they fit my personal design tastes. It seems most people in the hobby don't consider modern Heuer pieces to be "luxury" watches. I am not in a tax bracket that allows me to purchase 8 or 10 thousand dollar watches. Therefore, my new $2500 watch is a very luxurious watch for me. A grail watch to me that I am now very proud to own. The guy at the bar next to me wearing his Daytona probably won't think too much of my F1 but I didn't purchase it to impress him. I guess the point is, luxury can mean very different things depending on lots of individual factors in a person's life. If you love it, have to wait and save to obtain it and finally get to make the purchase, you just bought yourself a luxury piece. Keep up the great videos!!

[@FalconAnno75]

Agreed. A sense of fulfillment that comes from filling a want rather than a need is a luxury experience. While not watch related, for me it was last when I bought a car way nicer than I purely needed but makes me smile every time I go for a drive!

[@MadMax76er]

Excellent production on this one Teddy👍

[@opbk88]

I was hoping this would be a longer video! Very interesting topic.

[@ATR-42]

really well done Teddy!

[@thomaskim7299]

I bought a Rolex explorer one 2021 model couple weeks ago as my first watch purchase. It was a milestone watch for me, and I’m really happy with it. When my friends and family see it, they don’t even know it’s a Rolex at first since it’s not flashy or expensive looking. For some reason, although my watch comes from a luxury brand and is luxury quality, it feels down to earth and basic. And on that basis, it doesn’t feel like a luxury watch even though watch people probably think it is… idk if that makes any sense. Anyways love your videos man, they got me into watches and hope to see more content in the future

[@amoghrajput4708]

Fashion watches have made it looking normal 😂. Otherwise nothing wrong with your watch . World is obsessed with an Apple watch .

[@joshs3916]

Nice piece. Have you considered the Explorer two?

[@thomaskim7299]

@@joshs3916 I thought about it but the explorer 1 looked classic and simple which I actually like so I chose that one. Explorer 2 looks beautiful too though haha

[@mathewkeipert6021]

Great thorough video Teddy. So well presented and explained. Luxury for me has to do with materials used, reliability which can be covered by even lesser brands but above all heritage. I adore watches and feel lost not having one on. Only recently bought an entry level mechanical. A Longines Hydroconquest. I love it and appreciate it. However I've already got "The disease" as eloquently put by Kevin O'leary. I have my eye on a few Tissot's, TAG'S but mainly a Omega Seamaster, Speedmaster and a Tudor Pelagos LHD in ceramic. Love all your videos Teddy.

[@nashespiritu]

Looking good Teddy, great video bruv

[@AKRex]

I think this explains it perfectly. I would also add that luxury brands are the ones who also tend to set and dictate the trends, where-as the lower-mid tiers tend to follow, borrow and perhaps expand them into something that is more affordable, fashionable and perhaps has more variety to it to allow you to wear them as a great accessory in addition to whatever outfit you choose for the day. At least that is my personal theory :)

[@waitup-5198]

great work

[@bwallace4241]

Nice video with good points

[@jorgegallegos7895]

For me luxury is when you spend your time and money and enjoy it. Great video Teddy, greetings from Mexico.

[@travistanner6042]

Writing and pacing on point here. I dig the approach.

[@fitforfreelance]

This is a thoughtful analysis of luxury!

[@hollywud4]

Very solid take like you said opinion perception and position to obtain an item any time can be luxury. Base on a position at a time to obtain. Buy what you love and can afford and enjoy, and your perceived luxury will be obtained.

[@osebireland]

Brilliant view of luxury watch industry Teddy!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks Sebastien. Enjoy your Saturday!

[@Maestro940304]

Nice one mate

[@martinkaplan1805]

Thanks once again, Teddy for a compelling analysis of a term that’s thrown around a lot in our community, ie “entry level luxury.” I’ve been assuming that any watch over $3-$4K would be considered entry level, but that’s based on only one criteria (price). So, I have at least one watch that cost about $5K (SMP300), but I just purchased, after a 5 or so month wait, a Ginault Silent Service, which exudes “luxury” in terms of build quality and appearance, and was difficult to obtain, but clearly the brand itself is generally held in low esteem in our community. So, I guess it fails obviously to meet the criteria. But I love it nonetheless, and in my mind, it’s a luxurious product. So perhaps luxury and luxurious should be differentiated.

[@r7coo]

Great video as always Teddy, you are looking very smart today. Nice suit!

[@scentatic]

Excellent work Teddy

[@Sams911]

this channel proves everyone has a different idea of what luxury is, for some it's Tissot, for some it's Omega, for some Rolex... for me it's "Holy Trinity" .. AP, VC, PP

[@Paiste2002Fan]

I like the animations and infographics in this video.

[@bosoxspider1]

Such great content on every video. At 40 years old, I'm finally in the market for my first "luxury" watch. I want it to be something I can give to my son later in life. Unfortunately, I'm stuck on Rolex for reasons that you mentioned about them. I'll just have to wait for the market to come back down or buy used. Thanks for the great vids!

[@donaldgeorge6656]

I agree with your assessment. I buy on function and practically. Also luxury is in the eye of the beholder whether to impress or something you really want.

[@ignaciopadilla5150]

Great video Teddy

[@vicioussky1256]

Very interesting video. Very nice editing and cool subject. Good job!

[@lcm6091]

Teddy, a spot on analyzes of the watch industry. As you say owning a watch is a luxury. The cost of what you own is arbitrary. As per your financial, desire and taste for watches. When I began my collection A Lang was my grail, as I grew as a collector, while Lang is at the top of quality, a dress watch is not a good fit for me. So factor in consumer desire. Btw, the suit/ tie was a good fit for the content.

[@roger5621981]

Deep insight…. Also watches are here to stay so the passion and collecting will always be here, pieces will go up and go down and is all part of the hunt and making it fun.

[@joshs3916]

Great video and points Teddy. I was gifted a Gulfmaster GWN1000-9ACR, and have a duro as my daily wear piece. Also have a NOS date sub that I was gifted last year I wear on the weekends. Just like those big collectors who enjoy a more affordable watch, to them, like the speedmaster and the GMT 🔥, it’s nice to have a varied collection and open mindset. I wasn’t too much of a fan of GS initially as I’m not into quartz watches. Over time I’ve leaned to appreciate how well the finishing/ and the incredible tec (spring drive) is. I wouldn’t own a GS but hope to have a speedmaster one day. Variety is the spice of life, no reason to not enjoy a varied collection. After all, the hobby would be boring if it was only high priced moon phases or low priced duros.

[@Zairn12345]

Time is the one thing on this Earth which is the great equalizer; the one thing we all answer to. I’ve grown to find love for the beauty in craftsmanship in a fine watch and the engineering behind what drives them. What better than to have a masterpiece, or multiple, in your collection to wear and keep with you on a daily on your journey through time. A gentle reminder that you, and it, are both moving toward the end, but when you look down, you’re looking at something else, something beautiful. And maybe it’s got a soul of it’s own, looking back at you, while it ticks away, happily keeping your life in check.

[@basoolatteyah7966]

Beautifully said

[@davida8407]

Love your videos! The music on this one is a little weird. Definitely detracts from the theme. Fantastic content - would love to see a review of the Tag F1 Mariokart with your thoughts!

[@xBboySpazzx]

Teddy, love the suit! Please do consider unbuttoning it when sitting. This helps the form of the suit and less strain on the button as well as gives you a little more comfort!

[@friedrichaurelius4352]

Thanks Teddy! I was just asking myself this question. Can you do one next on what makes a "dress" watch?

[@A.S379]

Hello Teddy, with luxury watches you have the ability to pass it to the next generation. They retain craftsmanship, product reliability and timeless beauty.

[@OmidSoltan]

Good to see blazers and ties are making a comeback to the media 👍🏻

[@tuktce]

Liked your topic. Some people trend to have judge the Luxurious based on Chrono24(2nd hand market price) that's why most new comers are only looking for RL over anything else.

[@williamhill7312]

Great video

[@Jelloc]

Teddy I love your stop-motion animations, very cute

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Ton of work to make those but felt this subject deserved it.

[@Jelloc]

@@TeddyBaldassarre They really help with understanding and capturing the attention of audiences, for me at least!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Seems to be mixed reactions so far on them. Glad you like them. Have a good Saturday!

[@carguy3645]

Luxury is having more than you need so yes any watch that you purchase, given you already own a smartphone is a luxury item to have and own. Watches are not about telling the time anymore or needing them. They are all about want and something that you enjoy having and keeping above and beyond your normal day to day items used. They are for something to behold enjoy and bring a smile to my face when I look down on my wrist to see the time. I love them. I enjoy them and I can justify any amount of money I pay for them.

[@robertliskey420]

I really enjoyed this. I do agree the un-seen touches do make a difference. And perhaps not that important presentation. However it does show the care the makers do. A good example in the Omega line when you are in the upper cost ones the box changes.They actually have (when I purchased mine) a box number, my jeweler and I spent a bit of time looking for the right one it was only one in store piano finish wood.

[@kevinfestner6126]

Wow, nice suit! Great discussion about this nebulous definition. Why are bulovas and many seikos not luxury? For category 1, Orient has an excellent build quality, for example. My conclusion, a luxury watch is one that impresses others due solely on the price tag. Then, Richard Mille qualifies as the most luxurious watch, today.

[@Suyihai0]

Richard Mille is also interesting in how divisive it is - to 'traditional' watch collectors they lack the brand prestige, but there is no doubt they are doing very well in terms of marketing themselves as luxury outside of this group of self-perceived 'true' watch collectors

[@Hnair1982]

Difficult to put this in words, you did well Teddy. By the way, nice tie, for a luxurious look I guess 😜

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Haha thanks my friend

[@steelsteez6118]

Next can you do "What is a standard plain white T-shirt? What makes it more standard? (four reasons)". Ty so much for tackling these harder to grasp and ever so complex concepts 🙏

[@arango79]

Nice videos, it's all about perception; luxury is same as bauty; subjective. Your analysis was pretty good but finally everyone have different backgrounds in life and that gives them different ways to choose.

[@carlosmiranda2968]

Terrific video Teddy! Very interesting points that were explained elegantly. Side note: what watch are you wearing in this video? Looks so sleek!

[@Mandaunusantara]

Income level and willingness to spend certain amount of money define luxury. For me, seiko spb series are luxury because it is expensive for my income level

[@pault6731]

A good video with an interesting topic, everyone has their own perception of what Luxury is. The wealthier the person is the higher their expectation maybe.

[@syazanbasil1630]

This is how educated people see and talk about watches. Hats off to you Teddy

[@trayyoutube]

Love you teddy ❤

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Appreciate you Tray!

[@lx95020]

I agree with your list. I would add one more: An item especially an accessory or watch is luxury if the user feels its worth being repaired.

[@petrokersta5293]

Absolutely. Disposable items aren’t luxurious. To add to that luxury items are expensive to own dud to maintenance costs. Think about servicing a rare high complications.

[@raghavdixit7746]

I believe the definition of Luxury for all people keeps on changing..if you and everyone arnd you wears a casio the luxury might be a rolex , if you and everyone arnd you wears a rolex .. then the luxury might be a Breguet or a Patek..you see its a never ending thing.. But one thing I know for sure If you are watching this video from the comfort of your home along with that nice hot meal.. you my friend have something which is categorised as luxury for some

[@driven01]

This is a great discussion. Where things get muddied for me are the brands that sell very basic and inexpensive mass produced watches, and also sell 4 or 5 figure higher end limited edition watches. (Seiko, Citizen come to mind). In the world of cars, Honda broke into two brands in the USA, Honda for the masses, and Acura for that "leveled up" model. However in Europe, even the high-end models are called "Honda". It's all quite confusing at times.

[@dougstump2520]

Excellent video. This is an interesting construct to explore, and the relative nature of luxury makes it hard to define. My first swiss watch - a Hamilton day-date pilot (Cooper) I bought only after taking a few things I didn't want and had no attachment to to a pawn shop and, surprised by the sum, reinvested in this watch. Do I consider it luxury? No, but I highly treasure this watch for a variety of reasons. However, I know that in my family, spending $650 for a watch would be considered an act of extreme wealth, and others would look at this as luxury. To answer your question - Omega has always held a deep fascination for me, and I consider this an attainable luxury brand, and it will be my first luxury watch. Brand reputation, quality and style all contribute to this. I have no desire to chase exclusivity of access, and Rolex has never caught my attention in the same way Omega has. For me, there's a breaking line with regard to luxury, beyond which it's just a foolish burning of money - and likely just like luxury, this idea of foolish spending is also a highly relative construct.

[@alcoholocaust7213]

Cool animations

[@andrewwoodward1375]

Thanks for making this video! It'll be helpful when I develop an Austrian School theory of luxury goods, based on the general theory of goods posited by Carl Menger.

[@tylerpirc]

That is a great suit!

[@martincefai3929]

For me, luxury is spending money on something that is not essential for everyday living but makes you feel happy having it.

[@PeteNice29]

I would recommend reading Fussell’s timeless book Class. In it you’ll discover why wearing something high end that others specifically won’t recognize is preferable, unless you’re a scuffler.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

I think (and said) your original definition was spot on. I further think that unless you solve jealousy, then it’s not worth tackling luxury. I further think that luxury, like beauty, is in the eye/wallet of the beholder. The sneaker reference is pointless compared to how we balk at an expensive milkshake, yet happy to buy six beers of the same price each. I think if you replace the word luxury, with luxurious, it makes it a lot easier to quantify.

[@tobyclements3791]

Great video and interesting topic. In contraction of Adrian Barker’s video - do you think Omega is a luxury watch brand?