What Is The Difference Between A $500 Watch and a $5000 Watch ?

[@Audittr2108]

I have a couple of Rolex’s and a Speedmaster and they’re beautifully put together. Amongst others, I have a Certina DS Action Diver which cost around £620. I have to admit that this watch is a quality piece especially for the money. You get excellent quality for in the £600-£1000 but you don’t get the prestige brand which is what a lot of people are after.

[@pistolpete023]

Similar to the wine industry, the price of the watch does not scale even close to linearly with the quality of product. Often you're paying a hefty amount for the brand itself in order to flaunt your status, which is why if I were ever to pay as much as 5k for a watch, I'd go for a Grand Seiko. Being a metallurgical scientist by training, I would also never pay significantly more for a titanium case than a stainless steel one. Stainless steel is much harder to scratch, is way cheaper to process, and although is also heavier, if you're complaining that a watch is heavy, you better get yourself to the gym.

[@operasinger2126]

Grand Seiko looks nice.

[@secondopinion6654]

Wine and watch owners are divided into investors/resellers and consumers. A brand can also represent both status and value at the same time. Some watches consistently hold or go up in value. Others get consumed. It depends on what you're after. How dumb would it be to pay $50k for a watch? It depends on what you're doing. It's not that dumb if you sell it a year later for $55k. By all means have all sorts of watches including one that you get paid to wear.

[@bulldogms]

I agree. It's not objective 'quality'. So many expensive watches have mass produced movements, etc. I have had Rolexes. Overpriced. You are paying mainly for the brand and an excellent watch worth no more than $5k realistically.

[@donguy8413]

i always remember my mentor words " a poor man with expensiv watch is still a poor man"

[@robc8468]

I remember there was a book called the millionaire next door. The most common watch Brand owned by millionaires is Seiko.

[@petershallis2294]

So glad you featured your SKX, higher prices will naturally denote higher quality but there are some watches at the lower end of the scale that just have a certain charm that belies their price point. I'm thinking Orient Bambino, Hamilton Khaki, some Seiko 5 models...etc

[@ARG750]

It is amazing how Federico and most watch collectors miss the point entirely. The high price point of a watch has almost nothing to do with features, details or even materials (in case it contains valuable materials). High price points are naturalised by Federico and seem to stem from all the things he mentions when the fact is that watches are luxury commodities, such as art - and luxury, due to its incredibly high margins, is not valued merely by its features or even quality (especially beyond a certain point where it gets very good). As such, the sale price of a watch is a "contract" between the brand that sells that watch and the buyer, who values the watch enough to pay that price. And the buyer does that due to a number of reasons, but usually a couple of them are most common: because they believe they need it; because they believe they are buying a quality piece; because they see it as an investment; but mainly because of many other things that are external to the object itself and that brands sell along with physical representations (i.e. watches) such as heritage, lifestyle, social prestige, sexual value, exclusivity, status, etc... The fact that a Rolex that costs 500USD to make is worth 7000 USD is merely a convention; one set by the brand (that usually holds the cards and finds every possible way to justify any value) and the general public.

[@ceyaDIN]

as an industrial design i couldnt agree more, federico disapoint me...

[@kxish]

you make very good points, however, I don't feel Federico is justifying the upper end cost, merely stating that in that price point you will notice 'X' difference.

[@BourbonInhibitions]

This is exactly why I don't see the point in spending thousands on a watch, especially when they are almost entirely pointless in this day and age from a practicality standpoint. Sure the materials and build quality and all that are better than a $500 Seiko or what have you, but $4500 better? $15,000 better? $20,000 better? Not a chance, even if you do have money to piss away. I think the people who spend that much on watches fall into two categories: Either they genuinely have a passion for watches and those brands, or they just buy them to fit an image they're trying to present onto other people.

[@ThePipeMonk]

Wait till you hear about A Lange & Sohne watches. KEK

[@DonAmos_stories]

Majority of people who are rich sadly are not into specs, trying to set a hierarchy amongst peers is all that is to it! They will buy even the most ridiculous things not just watches to say ;I have something you don't! You are describing human nature as complex as it has never been, only maybe amongst collectors, others just want what others cannot have!

[@jonathanelewis9134]

I came across your channel by accident, and I have to say you are the most genuine person I've come across on KZbin! I am a watch collector ONLY in the sense that I like watches. No high end stuff here! Lol. Your info has helped me learn what to look for and what to avoid. Thank you! I have subscribed, and look forward to more.

[@BourbonInhibitions]

Jonathane Lewis Federico is awesome. I love the simple joy he gets talking about watches and talking watches with other people. Anyone who is passionate about something in their life can identify with that.

[@filmpje101]

$4500

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

BAZINGA!

[@craik7]

filmpje101 me thinking GS ?

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

filmpje101 just saw your post after i said the ssme thing...lol

[@romanmichaelhamilton8729]

Exactly. :-)

[@kyussvegas]

This is the same with guitars. A huge amount of the difference in price is fit and finish, and that's a hard thing to do well. Love the explanation!

[@TheGimboo]

Not if considering 8 string or Floyd Rose or humbuckers

[@bearclooneywatches4186]

I think this is very useful video for anyone new in watch collecting. I am glad you touched on different levels of ETA movements, but I think you can go even further on this, as I see this subject often being misunderstood. Nice and simple explanations and I think you managed to touch all important elements that differentiate between inexpensive watch and luxury watch. I was laughing when you touched on subject of straps and "fake prints" So true! And finishing is so obvious to me! Good job Federico. Thank you!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thank you so much Mike!

[@northof-62]

Have to research those movement numbers :-P Greek to me

[@JogBird]

dont forget that you are paying for the marketing, eg w omega you are paying a tax for them to sponsor the olympics and paying clooney to wear omega watches, etc

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

of course... But I think you also pay that with Hamilton and Seiko.

[@waktosha7378]

Federico Talks Watches Yeah, but a whole lot less!

[@Timberjagi]

that is maybe even higher with a rolex ;), it's quality but also a mass produced product

[@rickewilde]

Personal choice and affordability is the key here.if I could afford a £5000 watch I would consider the option but it would not be the price that makes me buy.i have seen £500 watches I would sooner own.

[@tc9383]

Best watch channel on KZbin. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@kendalltull9854]

Good video that nicely summarises the differences in between the price points. That Longines Moonphase you had up when discussing features is a good looking watch. Definitely one on my radar. I'd be interested in hearing your opinion on it.

[@iRepairSouthampton]

Another great video. Was hoping you were going to put a photo of the AP Royal Oak when talking about bracelet fit and finish. I have held one in the dealer and was blown away. As you said, easy to feel the quality, hard to articulate.

[@davidcallan7844]

Good info! Long time viewer , first time commenter. My collection includes: Seiko Sarb 065, a 1992 seiko quartz gold tone 36 mm, srp777 Turtle, ssc487 world time gmt,100m wr resistance, vostock amphibia and a tempest viking v2. Just ordered a Borealis oceanaut bronze no date jade green. Working in my budget. I would love to own a true luxury piece one day, concentrating on quality in my price range right now. Thanks, keep up the great work!

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Great job as always Federico! Keep up the great work!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thanks bud!

[@geroldatlarge1841]

Fed . Thanks . One of your best vids. My fellow watch enthusiasts talk about this a lot. A great breakdown for the novice and experienced a like. When one spends 5 to 20 k on a watch , one needs to at least try to rationally discuss the pros and cons of the piece in some systematic way. A good start.

[@Reck1e5s]

Fed I'm so glad you are back!

[@tendrams]

The difference amounts to about $1000 worth of actual work and dedication. The marginal returns to an additional dollar spent starts to really drop off a cliff at about $2000.

[@Stephenberry0]

Another great video from my favorite host and KZbin channel.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Very very kind Stephen. Thank you!

[@123vfp]

Great explanations. Simple and straightforward.

[@jhelwig19781]

Great video Federico, really helps with parsing out the value proposition of each watch. Keep it up!

[@LacayoDe]

Very happy you are doing videos again

[@LargeEnsemble]

Hello Federico, nice video. It was interesting to listen to the differences between the price ranges that you have set up. Keep up the good work.

[@andrew_owens7680]

Thanks for this video. It's one of your best yet. I like this amount of information.

[@hidad5601]

My steinhart ocean one has an ETA-2824. I paid about $600 AUD for it. The Tag Heuer Aquaracer costs $3500 and has the same ETA and it's not regulated. I want to get the Aquaracer but it feels like I am paying their advertising and sponser bills! I used to work in retail and post-it notes had a huge markup. They sell them for like $5 for a small pack and costs the store like 60c. I feel that these 'luxury' watches are the same. People just seem to be oblivious to the markups and buy for social status!

[@valebliz]

I would like a video on ETA vs the new calibers derived from 2824/2892 like the powermatic 80 and the various Hamilton H calibers. It would be extremely interesting since various brands are going the route of "kind of in-house but not really"

[@ProenskiKaproensky]

Replace 5000 with 2000 and I concur with most of your comments

[@raylleverino9814]

Hey Federico I just subscribed to your channel because content is really really cool, solid and something that someone who is getting into the hobby should listen to. Horology has always been fascinating to me because I believe it’s one of the most complex things in the universe. Plus it’s an incredible invention.

[@antoniolittera2154]

Great one! Ticked most boxes and very understandable for someone just getting in to watches.

[@sohailyazdani5713]

Federico ,well done man. A concrete wall needs plenty of water to be built but, you won’t see the actual water in the wall, years of craftsmanship, innovation, techniques in any aspect and etc. These are like a water in that concrete wall.

[@Lukegaragozlo]

Please do a difference between $5000 and $50,000 or something that compares the big boys to submariners or el primeros of the world. That would be fun, great video by the way buddy.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Absolutely! Coming soon!

[@spookyspoots]

Lol great video. I love how you totally shoot your self in the foot in the beginning but still follow through with a thoughtful, genuine feeling video about a very interesting topic.

[@thomasanonymous1103]

Thank you Federico for another interesting and informative watch video! God Bless you, sir!

[@medstud]

Great concise video Federico. I’d like to add “tolerances and heft” under finish. The more expensive watches tend to have more density and tighter spacing, whereas the cheaper ones tend to be more “tinny” and lighter for the volume. You’re also far more likely to hear/feel the rotor upon movement in a cheaper watch, whereas a Rolex say is entirely silent on that front. Another difference is that expensive watches usually take more risk with the small metalwork on the dial and elsewhere, so the hour markers and hands are beveled/chamfered/cut in a very precise way to showcase the manufacturing acumen of the company, whereas with the cheaper ones they rely more on printing things onto the dial without much work being put into the metallic features, which would lack the precision and attention to edges ...etc.

[@mynusss]

As a new collector, this video definitly helped me out.

[@ghislainel4830]

Thanks Fed, you're awesome!

[@SalvaGian47]

jubilee bracelet on seiko skx looks amazing!!! fantastico

[@eljayr4669]

Informative video but also I think you do pay for the brand. When buying these upper end watches you do get a feel good factor and that is part of the cost. If you have a watch that gives you lots of pleasure it doesn't matter what it costs. Your SKX is a prime example. I get just as much pleasure and satisfaction from my Orient "Sun and Moon" as I do from my Speedmaster.

[@bulldogms]

Brand is 90% of the cost. I'd love to see the COGS on a Rolex Submariner. Maybe it costs about $1,500 all in?

[@tomvanovac7975]

Federico, you left out the key differences: Status and Brand. It is not really about the product, it is what a pricey watch communicates about the owner. No one needs a watch costing more than $500. For some owners their ego and need to display their status overrules reason.

[@excelsiortrading8050]

I think that was a well covered video bro. I'm definitely "blue collar", sub $1000 watch collector. But I do a ton of research before I buy anything and I appreciate being able to carefully pick out watches in the $350- $600 range that offer many features of $2000- $3000 luxury watches. I enjoy bang for the buck and only really have one or two ambitions to aquire certain high end pieces years from now after much saving.

[@Everbrooks]

just curious, what brands do you recommend (that have the best value for money)?

[@BourbonInhibitions]

You can honestly buy a lot of beautiful, high quality watches in that price range. Certain high-price watches have their place, but by and large you can get a lifetime out of a

[@1338-c9s]

decorated movements to justify a 5000 watch is ridiculous. might as well decorate my cars engine and increase the price 1000%

[@jasondismuke4837]

Decorated movements with closed case backs.

[@MAKESQ]

@@jasondismuke4837 I have a Patek Calatrava 5196 that I bought 15 years ago or so. It has a closed back. When I took it in for servicing at Wempe's, the watchmaker opened the case and I was astonished to see intricate decorations on the movement. I had had the watch for years and did not know about these decorations, which remain hidden. I thought it was nice but weird. Like, why decorate a movement that no one sees? But I guess that's a "thing".

[@sama7085]

My goodness thats dumb. A watch is a thing of beauy, whereas most non luxury cars are a tool. As a thing of besuty you appreciate the craftsmanship, and decoration is a big part of that. If you just need to tell the time get a casio.

[@treehouse722]

Good topic, interesting vid. Thanks for posting.

[@ManoloVintage]

LOL I love your watch pet peeves!! You can't hide the disgust 😂 I don't think I hit the subscribe button so I'm hitting it now.

[@darrenaquilina1403]

Great video.. im watching this now in 2020 and my Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 has all these for 700 :-) makes it a great watch.

[@joergbrathauer2302]

I think also one of the differences is longevity. a luxury watch can basically be serviced forever by the manufacturer and can last for generations.

[@keithperrin4950]

At the higher end descriptions you sound like your talking about a Pagani Design Sub Homage which has most of that so called high end spec for around $80

[@fawkesandhound]

It’s weird that people are arguing like he is ‘justifying’ the cost, instead of simply describing the differences you’ll notice.

[@jayvoorhees2931]

Great vid! Thanks Federico!

[@danrossi8753]

solid versus folded end links!!! granted you find SEL in 500 dollar watches and if you do...probably 500 well spent.

[@Knightlore10]

Personally I think real alligator skin looks best when it’s still on the alligator.

[@valicourt]

Knightlore10 well, I’ve never seen an alligator wearing a watch.

[@daniellee8162]

I'll just superglue a watch on a subject alligator and wear it.

[@jaskey]

I used to have a big collection with watches less than $1000. The collection grew because all the watches were great but there was something that were just a bit off whether it was design, function, or finish. I would keep buying to find that watches that wouldn't have flaws that would bother me everytime I wore it. Then I ended up with a Tudor and it just clicked. I since then sold off most of my collection except ones with sentimental value, and started over with new higher price point with much much smaller collection. To note only watches under 1000 i owned that did not have the notable flaws that would bother me so much were christopher ward and ginault(used).

[@kevinlevin3479]

I learned a lot from this. You decided that you had the wrong price points but went ahead anyway. What would been s better frame of reference?

[@gerhardschuster375]

I see a big difference in the dials. Expensive pieces tend to have a much richer dial.

[@bigbearddahuzi1036]

...Seiko would beg to differ. The movement and the strap/bracelet are not going to be nearly as pretty/nice, but the face on most seiko's are about as good as it gets. Don't know about the cheap seikos, but when you get up around $700-800, the finishing on the case is going to kick the ass of any evenly priced swiss watch as well

[@rogerdickinson6944]

It's very easy to get drawn in by the big brands marketing and get tempted.... If I think about it rationally my ideal watch is probably a Citizen or Seiko with sapphire glass and a solar movement. I've had an eco drive for 7 years now and it's great that it never needs a battery! Keeps absolutely perfect time as well. I think paying thousands for a mechanical movement now would be a downgrade on accuracy and ease of use.

[@paulfitzpatrick6202]

I have looked at your watches and will probably be buying one from you soon. Thank you for your videos. I am a newbie to the world of watches. And i just found out my Aquaracer has pins in the bracelet insted of screws... shiet.!

[@Bergrgenjohannes]

Great video, much appreciated.

[@spittinvenom9671]

Great video

[@aormnc]

I still think the 80% of a 5000 thousand dollars watch price is in the brand. I still think a submariner easily can cost to them around 700 dollars...

[@anthonyb2990]

Derek Shearer No. That's kept confidential. It's only assumed that a standard stainless steel models like a regular oyster perpetual costing $5,000 costs less than $1000 to make. Rolex makes huge profit on their watches.

[@nicholascooper1154]

Yes, you pay for a brand name. But it's what that brand name means to you.

[@vassilisk.5067]

We don't know that, but I am curious from someone who knows to tell us about. I don't think it's too expensive only because of the name, it might be something special!!

[@jonnypescado1]

Excellent overview. I do think $5k was a little high to compare, but the points were all salient. If you could do the "next achievable tier" as a series, I'd love it. I can jump from a $500 to a $1500 with some saving.

[@robc8468]

If you Hamilton and Tissot offer some very nice watches around $500 I doubt you can show much improvement for the extra $1000.

[@fabmano765]

Well done Fred!

[@94Ninsound94]

What do you think about teinted alligator strap? I mean when your watchmaker use genuine leather but decided to match the dial colour to go that way?

[@yogeshvahal7759]

Thank you for the video.

[@BJORNWAUTERS]

Thanks. Very usefull

[@daw162]

crisp lines are a thing on just about every item in the world. Good design and execution divides elements and does so crisply. To do that, and to do it with things like compound curves is a human skill, one not easily duplicated any other way. Once you learn to see those kinds of things, you understand what makes things look good rather than "I think that one looks better than this one, but I'm not sure why".

[@VicMcNeal]

My 500 dollar Lorier I would put up against any 5000 dollar watch. Very informative video sir!

[@bluelifemedia]

You're a smart bear Fed. Thanks for the info.

[@thatonespecialsnowflake5486]

I love your video!

[@mjveling]

Hi Fed, you had a photo of a Dietrich Organic time in this video when talking about the finish. What is your opinion on them? Keep up the good work! Marco

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

What's the reference of that Tudor at 5:00

[@robertgilbert1924]

How/where does one learn about different movements?

[@ronangsr]

Is the eta 7750 a good movement ?

[@joytekb]

So what category Ball watches are?

[@tertommy]

$5000 mechanical watches, lp records with vacuum tube stereo systems, shaving with straight razors, micro brew beers. Is it all part of some nostalgia insanity?

[@frankisouza5925]

Frederico whats your opinion on the Sinn U1?

[@saptarshihalderofficial]

Hi Federico, Big fan from India !! Love your knowledge based videos ... Requesting you to make a video "10 watches under 200 or 500 usd" and links, sites details.. how to buy ( world wide shipping)

[@jdstarek]

Lol, Fossil watch ad during this vid.

[@richardseekins24]

and I have one on my Wrist lol

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

My wife used to buy me Fossil watches for special occasions. I have a 2001 "Blue" line Fossil that has massive sentimental value to me. The fact is, that this era of Fossil are very well made. It has a 316L case, back, and bracelet. Sapphire crystal, and an Ronda 515 quartz movement that is still one of most accurate I own. My wife really gets a kick when she sees me wearing this 7th anniversary Fossil Blue that she gave me. She knows that I have many that cost much more than the $95.00 she paid, so she also knows how special this watch is to me.

[@tenken1013]

I see your Fossil ad and raise with a Vincero ad... lol...

[@dillonkoch72]

I wouldn't bother with a more complicated watch i have no need for a moon phase function and I'm not about to pay to have a watchmaker service it. when they charge by the complications.

[@mikew2911]

Hey Federico, what is your opinion on the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600? I've been nickel and dimming my watch collection with $150-$300 pieces but really want something a step up. Would you recommend this watch or should there be something else you think I should look at in the $800-$900 dollar range?

[@theskippie5458]

Mike R I've heard good things about that watch, but in that price range I would get an Oris Aquis all day. I haven't taken mine off in just about 2 years.

[@gestapo81]

the real difference it's in the construction materials used. instead of stainless steel, u get, titanium, gold, platinum. there will not be a more visible accurate movement in the 5000$ watch, other that it's pre-regulated. if you are not into bling-bling, you can always find a great 500$ watch for your taste. you only need to pay over 500 if the watch has more complications.

[@craik7]

Can you do a video of GPS tech in watches

[@billcore6295]

Movement, quality of materials and refinement..... An ETA can be regulated if an owner wants it to be done...

[@jayw9129]

What brand shirt is Federico wearing?

[@wiseguy724]

Brooks brothers

[@karlitobergkamp8082]

What brand polo top does Federico wear?

[@functionaldoc5054]

Brooks Brothers

[@clo2715]

I wear a seiko monster 3rd gen daily and I've been wanting to upgrade to the Seiko MM300. Do you think the MM300 is worth it's selling price or am I better off looking at a different watch for about $2,000.

[@antoniolittera2154]

I say go for it! The 1-2 K tier is really difficult. Watches are still pretty generic and flawed but MM300 is one of the few exceptions. It's a cracking watch. But you need to go with the new one, SBDX017 which has the B-type movement. Old MM had the A-type movement and there are some horrible issues with that one.

[@clo2715]

Antonio Littera thanks for that info

[@sabaruengineering3843]

i bet you won't get any problem when you choose the watch with "special feature" like GPS Satellite watch, for example: Citizen Atessa GPS, Seiko Astron, G-Shock Mr-G, sadly there's none Swiss Watch on this race

[@oliverpersson6090]

If you want a GPS, buy a GPS. If you want a watch, buy a watch.

[@giangvu7902]

Are we talking about MSRP or price ones might actually pay?

[@watagump1]

My used Jazzmaster, $499, chrono, H21 movement, swiss made.

[@SirKrawuzi]

I bought a watch with a Vajloux 7751 Movement in it - for the price of 800€ (around 945$). Yes, it says "Breil" (italien brand, now known for fashion watches i think) on the dial. But i dont care and i have a great pleasure with the 7751! ;)

[@samjep2]

Love those Skx's

[@johnt3844]

Steinhart disproves most of this...I love you though, Fed

[@juniorbullock838]

I'm sure a $5000 watch doesn't cost nearly that amount to make. I wonder how much profit they actually make?

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thats a whole different story.

[@waktosha7378]

Junior Bullock Around 75%.

[@voiceofexperience]

Federico Talks Watches Please do a video on that soon!

[@Lavishlyfat]

Waktosha 73 right. So imagine what you are getting with a $500 piece. A watch that's worth pennies

[@medstud]

Lavishlyfat not necessarily. Just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean the profit margin is the same.

[@rodschermerhorn6996]

Thanks, your good!

[@Lewissssss]

500 bucks otherwise known as not quite enough for a Patek Phillipe box haha... hope all is well Fed!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

hahahah, actually $500 is pretty spot on for what a Patek box runs second hand ;) !

[@Lewissssss]

Crafted from the tree of life itself, we can all dream eh bud

[@user-ux1bw1co6q]

What about orient sun and moon v 3 This piece has a choreograph

[@Thomgxx100]

Even more relevant, the difference between a Jaeger le Coultre and a Frederique Constant !

[@joseluislagosr]

Would be interested in your opinion of the fairly new Steinhart Titanium 500 GMT (Batman watch) Other than a mismatch of the colors of the watch and bracelet it seems to be a great watch for $700. Titanium, ceramic bezel, sapphire glass, elabore eta with decorated movement and a display window, GMT function and tested to 500 ATM.Thank You

[@or1134]

This is nonsense. There is no rational explanation for the high price of watches other than people willing to pay for them. The reality is that watches, especially mechanical ones, are obsolete devices with little practical value that perform poorly at their main task. No matter how much you paid for that Calatrava, it can not compete with a $20 quartz at telling the time. Luxury watches are just jewelry, a fashion statement or a status symbol, no different and no much more useful than a pair of golden earrings. Obsolete, useless, and fascinating devices. Obviously I'm wearing one now.

[@SecOfunk]

3:48 Côtes de Genève - for the folks that wanted to know!

[@thestig007]

If you're going to spend 5k on a watch, you better get an Omega or Grand Seiko. Best bang per buck in that range.