Why Do Most Watches Suck? - (Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Hilfiger, Michael Kors etc)

Why do most fashion watches suck? In this video, I look at an Armani Exchange watch, as well as a Tommy Hilfiger watch and explain some of the cost-cutting in the fashion watch industry right now.
Thanks to Amazon for covering the cost of the watches featured in the video.
Affiliate product links:
Tommy Hilfiger: geni.us/tommy1791684
Armani Exchange: geni.us/armaniax2101
Alternatives:
Seiko SNK361 (Amazon): geni.us/seikosnk361
Seiko SNK361 (Jomashop): www.tkqlhce.com/click-8946237...
Orient FAG03001: geni.us/orient-fag03001
Orient RA-AR0002: geni.us/orientraar0002
Best watches list video: • 10 Best Watches In Ben...
Disclosures:
I use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Ben's Watch Club is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We also utilize affiliate programs with retailers such as Jomashop, Aliexpress, WatchShop and more.
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Ben's Watch Club tends to cover affordable watches like Seiko, Timex, Casio, Citizen, MVMT, Vincero, Bulova, Orient, Hamilton, and more. We rarely feature luxury watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Grand Seiko, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, or Hublot due to their price.

[@BensWatchClub]

Some sections of this video have been blurred post-upload to avoid breaking Amazon’s updated terms of service for their affiliate program. Affiliates are no longer permitted to use Amazon web pages in their videos, and we can’t afford to get booted, as it makes up a large portion of our revenue. They threatened to remove us if we didn't comply. It sucks, right? Product Links (affiliate): Tommy Hilfiger: geni.us/tommy1791684 Armani Exchange: geni.us/armaniax2101 Alternatives: Seiko SNK361 (Amazon): geni.us/seikosnk361 Seiko SNK361 (Jomashop): www.tkqlhce.com/click-8946237-11554237?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jomashop.com%2Fseiko-watch-snk361.html Orient FAG03001: geni.us/orient-fag03001 Orient RA-AR0002: geni.us/orientraar0002 Best watches list video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5-4oGqomr9lfJY

[@flamingchuucygnet8983]

Thanks to you, i'm slowly falling into the watch rabbit hole (although mainly on old digital analogs) and one thing I realized about fashion watches is that they're more or less like "gaming mics/headphones" cheap builds with a lot of "bling" sold at high prices compared to proper headphones that are cheaper and better priced made by purpose made companies. Thank you!

[@TheNightshadePrince]

Casio is trash, their customer service is horrible, they sell watches with plastic cases covered in tin foil, and they are overall a scamy company. I personally don't think you should promote them because of that but do what the wilt. I actually disagree with you on the dial of the Armani I think it looks cool but agree that it was poor manufactured. If it was an automatic watch and not a quartz I would have it in my collection, but I don't buy quartz watches cause they're bad for the environment. I don't mind the crown guards issue as if you wear your watch on your right arm as you're suppose to (but most people don't) then you are very unlikely to damage your watch crown. :)

[@flamingchuucygnet8983]

I dunno man, casio digitals are pretty neat, so are their calculators.

[@deeprod2592]

@@flamingchuucygnet8983 yeah that shit is solid, bought a 45€ digital casio back in 2017 and the thing still works fine, never changed anything on it + looks cool

[@flamingchuucygnet8983]

@@deeprod2592 The best part, anytime I wanna "clean" my F91Ws, I don't have to grab a cotton bud or a special cloth or special cleaning agents, I just wash the damn thing in a sink and dry it with my towel, no scratches, no water damages, just pure enjoyment.

[@samfallow18]

If you want to buy a watch, buy from a brand that actually makes watches.

[@MegaRizm]

True.

[@debendragurung3033]

Yes indeed.

[@nigelixtiti]

Hi, i have a potentially dumb question here. But how do I tell if im an absolute novice? For example if i google Armani (or even Fossil), they are listed as companies that make watches. So how do I tell if its a proper watch making brand, or just a brand that produces “fashion watches”?

[@GODOFLIQUOR]

Except Louis Vuitton, they went all out on their high end watches

[@demonix207]

@@nigelixtiti maybe look at the Reviews and (if there's something like that)at the faq, than also maybe try to find many KZbin videos about the same watch to not just get tricked, by a KZbinr who got money for saying that it's good even if it isn't. Edit : also be always sure that the price is like starting on around 100 € (or $) cause that is also a good detail to see if a watch is well produced and has maybe high quality.

[@davidbrunken7600]

"The hands look like they've been circumsized, hitting well short of where they should." You just won't find that kind of hard-hitting, journalistic analysis from Hodinkee.

[@seybertooth9282]

That's because Hodinkee are too busy sucking their sponsor's [beeps].

[@dragonballtorture]

@@seybertooth9282 this sponsor's [beep], is it circumcised or uncircumcised?

[@MrPleers]

I'm visit the Hodinkee page only to see the photo's and the specifications of the watch. Not for an unbiased review. Because that is not what you will get.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Definitely done by the yanks

[@jbuckley2546]

So does his head.

[@Zechariah340]

My grandfather used to be a watch collector, he had everything from Chopard's, Cartier's, Citizen's, Movado's etc. When he was still around I used to spend my vacations by him, and we went to the mall and I saw this watch by Hugo Boss going for around 80$, I asked him to get me it but he said no he'd get me something better. I said okay and didn't argue. Fast-forward a couple of weeks op my birthday I had already forgot about the watch. I got a gift from my grandfather and inside it was a watch. He got me a Timex Waterbury watch. I know some people call Timex trash but that watch was amazing to me, I used to wear it almost every day, I wore it on my frist date, graduations etc. But sadly one day someone broke into my house and stole the watch.

[@Zechariah340]

@Anirudhan Sreelal oh yes I do. Haha your grandpa kinda sounds like me😭

[@BubbafromSapperton]

My first watch was a Timex that cost $6.00 new in 1967, I wore it for years & years. 🤗

[@Zechariah340]

@@BubbafromSapperton wow that's awesome

[@OffGridInvestor]

I thought you were going to say he bought you an omega or something 🤣

[@yourbadtrip4207]

If watch alone is stolen, it's someone you know, for sure

[@dylancostello1103]

I love how 90% of us already know the answers, but still like to watch Ben trash fashion watches

[@Jikaninja]

Interesting icon……..I don’t care if ppl trash any fashion brands, especially if it is a clear scam or rip-off, but like Zodiac is definitely not built in China……Please do not insult the brand just because they are own by Fossil group….just like I will not buy any China built VW golf doesn’t mean that Lamborghini, Bugatti are built in China! Even though both Lambo and Bugatti are own by VW! Do your research.

[@craigroberts5965]

@@Jikaninja Where your Golf is made is likely down to where you're buying it (North America? Mexico or Brazil). I believe European sold Golfs are manufactured in Wolfsburg Germany.

[@craigroberts5965]

@@Jikaninja and he didn't bad mouth Zodiac. He alluded that the Fossil group manufacturers cheap watches on behalf of other brands.... And that they happen to own Zodiac.

[@seybertooth9282]

@@Jikaninja "I will not buy any China built" You are a good citizen, you have bought the anti-China propaganda hook, line and sinker without a hint of critical thinking and you are passing it on. The gov propaganda machine are proud of you.

[@seybertooth9282]

@@craigroberts5965 Yes, they are made in Wolfsburg. @Jinkaninja is just a clueless hysteric who has bought into US propaganda and is joining in the "2 minutes of hate" with zero questioning.

[@vladpotekhin843]

You were wrong about one thing: most of these mid-tier fashion brands (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, etc) are NOT responsible for the production or even designing their fragrances either. They are designed, produced and sold by big companies like Coty

[@TheTonyspoons]

At least Calvin Klein used to be made by Swatch Group and were half decent, unlike the other fashion brands. Don't know if any new CK watches are being made, or if all the 'Swiss Made' ones floating about are just old stock.

[@marcosdoyter7460]

Yes. Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger are designed and produced by the Movado Group. Movado produces and distributes them. They only have to pay royalties to those companies. Calvin Klein is produced by the Swatch Group.

[@simonr7097]

@@TheTonyspoons I used to own a CK watch a few years ago (a gift) and the quality was appalling. After a year or two the markers came apart! I hope Swatch wasn't responsible for this.

[@Seele2015au]

Vlad, have you heard of a man called Dickson Poon? Apart from being the ex-husband of the movie star Michelle Yeoh and owner of Harvey Nichols, Tommy Hilfiger, S T Dupont, Bertolucci, Charles Jourdan, Christofle, etc, he started out in watches and jewellery, and was the agent for numerous brands of various products in Hong Kong, such as Carrera eyewear, etc. It did not take much convincing for them to want to add watches to their product line, especially when Dickson Poon was going to do all the hard work, and they receive royalty fees. These watches built under Dickson's supervision are actually of high quality, but as you said, the brands on the dial has nothing to contribute to their design and construction.

[@vladpotekhin843]

@@Seele2015au never heard of him. I like luxury eyewear and about 80% of the market belongs to one single company Luxottica which simply pays the brands royalties for using their brand names. They design, produce and distribute the eyewear (they also own the biggest eyewear retail chains in the US), while the brands have nothing to do with the products. They are of descent quality and are made in Italy though. I guess that’s how the market works

[@Seele2015au]

One might be happy with his Sony television set, but he might think twice about yogurt branded as Sony. Fashion watch buyers are the type who would buy Sony yogurt.

[@thenonexistinghero]

But Nintendo serial is so good...

[@ofb923]

This is so random and I love it

[@FatGouf]

Reminds me of Maserati watches.

[@prettysoIdier]

“Don’t be offended if you own one of these watches.” Excellent.

[@ShadrachN7]

I disagree with your sentiments about Spaghetti Scametti. They aren't "cheap", they're "affordable luxury". Ask any middleman.

[@JuanMarkk]

Lmao😂😂

[@rudy7403]

🤣🤣

[@gregorybarry4564]

From what I hear, random women approach you and compliment you on your watch. Seen this on their ad.

[@Jamie-2004]

@@gregorybarry4564 People have literally been stopping me on the street...

[@bunberrier]

I was at a stoplight yesterday and a unemployed middleman holding a cardboard sign approached my car. I handed him one of the drive through burgers I just bought and he actually burst into tears. Scammetti and all of you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

[@Steven_M.]

The close up when you said “trust me” had serial killer in a van written all over 😁

[@gadget00]

I was without a watch for quite some time, and my wife was buying a Michael Kors bag online and decided to get me a watch as a surprise christmas gift; she's the best. The watch is borderline ugly and heavy, but I keep it as a token of love in the drawer next to my Bulova Cronograph C(love it!) and others, and even wear it sometimes when I go out with her so she can see it and get a happy smile. Remember kids, true love is sacrifice LOLOLOLOL

[@Mysteryboy0007]

you are a treasure to the human kind my friend

[@VCthaGOATdunker]

How lovely.

[@vojtizslav]

Now this is something I can respect.

[@VyomKinght]

My preference is Casio when it comes to watch. I love their G-Shock range.

[@UNSCPILOT]

And G-shocks have a history of being used on the International Space Station, which pleases my Space Nerd side to no end, none of these fashion watches have that history or Iron clad reliability. In that regard it also makes me interested in the Bulova Lunar Pilot since it's based on the "Other Moon Watch" that actually went to the surface of the moon, it's built like a tank, and uses a in house hyper accurate Quartz movement that seems quite fitting even if it's far from the manually wound mechanical from the original. Meanwhile these "fashion watches" are dollar store items with no history or interesting features beyond a flimsy pumped up brand name that outsources everything they do and are glorified marketing companies

[@VyomKinght]

@@UNSCPILOT 😊👍

[@cleverkitsune4302]

Id like them more of they werent so bulky and ugly much prefer their old stainless digital watches

[@polluxtroy69]

@Clever Kitsune I recently bought the Gshock GA 2100 (full black one) was £80. Really slim design compared to their usual watches. Looks great too!

[@VyomKinght]

@@polluxtroy69 good choice my friend.

[@megadead1837]

My experience with non watch enthusiasts is that they find the "normal" watches to conservative and prefer this cheap all over the place designed fashion toy watches.

[@Jorj57]

unfortunately.... traditional watches tend to have this "oh it must be expensive!" kind of stigma that they have since idk.. forever i guess

[@TheBasti05]

To be fair, if you want this minimalist design, most real watch brands wont offer it to you. There were these Casio pieces Ben showed, but Seiko, Orient and so on? The most minimalist stuff they have are dressers which still scream Grandpa compared to the look a MVMT tries to achieve.

[@PeLOmaRgni]

@@TheBasti05 Yeah actually that's a really good point, it's easy to dump on non watch enthusiasts but whether you like it or not, these fashion brands provide an (overpriced) esthetic that you generally can't find in traditional watch brands.

[@Jorj57]

@@tancreddehauteville764 seriously?

[@megadead1837]

@@tancreddehauteville764 another term (and better sounding) for watch geek, watch nerd, watch fan and so on

[@gsfcdy]

I'm more shocked he even bothered to wear gloves lol

[@nomadben]

@@markgrieves1307 Gave me a good chuckle, Mark.

[@jamesjenkins6457]

@@markgrieves1307 same here mate. Deffo chucked at that one, well played Mark 😂😂

[@5stardave]

I wouldn't want to touch those watches with my bare hands either. I would have used surgical gloves.

[@ronniep9272]

I had an Armani watch back in 2001 for £200 when I turned 18, it got a lot of attention at that time and lasted 10 years. I can't complain.

[@Stefan-ei5wg]

Own one myself now and no complaints either...despite fact according to this watch "expert" i'm wearing a "garbage" on my wrist..

[@ronniep9272]

@@Stefan-ei5wg at the end of the day a watch is a piece of jewellery. The fashion watches usually have a contemporary design and a quartz movement that will be more accurate than the best luxury watches. And I'm saying this as someone who owns a couple of expensive watches.

[@kaas228]

Attention from a people who just like Armani worthless

[@ronniep9272]

@@kaas228 I was 18 years old when I bought it and it impressed my fellow 18 year old friends at university. I'm sure things have changed in the last 20 years due to social media but no 18 year old back then had heard of any luxury watch brand apart from Rolex. So an Armani was considered impressive.

[@vooligan9499]

Watches tell the time, the true "fashion" watches are the ones that cost more than £100-£200 and have people showing off their "real quality watch" The watches referred to as "fashion watches" are often just a nice looking timepiece and are usually shown off as a fashion statement less than a "proper watch" Ultimately it's all nonsense, so just wear what you like the look of on your wrist, you're not suddenly going to be minutes/hours/days/years ahead because you bought a watch you like that isn't considered a high end watch.

[@nagylevi3827]

I caught a 40$ pre-Chinese era Sturhling a few years back that's still amazing today. Great shell, elegant design, perfect time keeping. In short, not all fashion watches disappoint.

[@-10]

I think a common mistake (also a bit made in this video) is not mentioning quartz citizen/seiko/orient/pulser enough as a recommendation. I think a lot of non enthusiasts are put off from the downsides of entry level automatics, I'm sure an affordable quartz from a brand with higher standards will excite a lot more people into getting something better and perhaps eventually the hobby. These watches also tend to have a bit more play in the colors etc., whereas most Seiko 5s may look dull to fashion watch consumers.

[@e28forever30]

Fully agreed. Most people are not interested in mechanical watches, but they could be perfectly happy with a decent Japanese quartz watch!

[@ltu42]

Oh, 1000x this! If you need the watch to tell the time, not show off your status, why would you go with a quaint old technology, when the alternative is an order of magnitude cheaper and an order of magnitude more precise?

[@atriyawadhwani5980]

Quartz citizens and Seikos have got me compliments where cartiers went completely unnoticed

[@HamzahTheKing]

@@atriyawadhwani5980 no shit...fr bruhh ?

[@atriyawadhwani5980]

@@HamzahTheKing yea totally

[@Mr850man]

"please don't get offended if I feature your watch, if you enjoy paying for an overpriced piece of crap to flaunt money you don't have then go ahead"

[@TheDeathmail]

Hey, that's not fair; most people know nothing about watches... as stated in the video, most people believe they are getting their money's worth with the crappy stuff cause they don't know sh*t about watches...

[@davidteer80]

@@TheDeathmail it is called the school of hard knocks.

[@TiJayFLY]

I had a D&G watch as an 18yo student for exactly that reason ;) I feel like it was acceptable at the time... but as a grown man, I buy Casio/Seiko/Omega.

[@kevin933]

As someone new the world of watches, having just bought my first ''fashion'' watch, I'm confused as to what other purpose would they serve in 2021? I think we can all agree that it's not practicality, as everyone's smart phone can tell them the time accurately (Even if a better watch can tell it more precisely, there's no earthly situation where it would make a meaningful difference). Is it the appreciation of the gears and mechanisms that make it work? I get that I guess. Even if it's not something I value that highly, I can see how other people would. Is it the fact that some watches are considered investments? That I absolutely get, but it all hinges on the fact that people like watches and assign them that much value, which is my question still unanswered. The way I see it is that it's just basically jewellery for men, which is fine. If it looks good, stays intact and serves it's purpose, than it's good. Deep down I feel like people are pretending that it's something other than that, but for the life of me I can't figure it out. I remain open minded, and can for sure be convinced otherwise if the reasons are good enough.

[@travisdorling2997]

I believe it's refering to fashion companies who decide to sell a watch. rather than wearing watch as a fashionable item. fashion companies who buy cheap watches and provide just their logo and marketing. these watches tend to all have cheaper alternatives that look and perform the same or alternatives where the pay is a little more ethical

[@travisdorling2997]

that being said I haven't finished the vid yet and also don't know shit about watches

[@jimwatchyyc]

I can glance at my watch in an instant…my phone is in my pocket, not on my wrist.

[@kevin933]

@@jimwatchyyc Would you say the 1.5 seconds to do that is worth the hundreds or thousands of dollars in the difference? Or are there any other factors in it for you?

[@AmericanEyeInt]

It's the one of a few pieces of jewellery a man can wear that accents a look. It's like earrings for a woman; they're just rocks that shine stuck through your ear but they can make someone look slightly better.

[@riverwildcat1]

Funny and even witty commentary. Very useful, well presented, and factual. Exactly what I need to know. TY.

[@hillogical]

As soon as I got to my unit, my first Army paycheck went to a stupid looking Fossil watch I thought was cool. I still own it, but I doubt I'll ever wear it. It serves as a reminder that I wasn't always smart with my money.

[@CobraKaiNoMercy]

You still in bro?

[@hillogical]

@@CobraKaiNoMercy no. got out in 06. I'd retire this year had I stayed in. God, I'm getting old.

[@hillogical]

@Sony Aja I'll look for it

[@CobraKaiNoMercy]

@@hillogical Haha ok. Thanks for your service. I got out in 20'. Funny enough a guy I know bought a Fossil from the PX and couldn't return it and tried selling it to people. It looked ugly AF 🤮. I do love Zodiac watches though, it's the only watch brand I've bought from the Fossil group.

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

This guy chose the Army, when the Navy was right down the hall. He chose a Fossil watch. Bro, I don't even want to know what your woman looks like!

[@thisnickisnotused]

As I understand, absolute majority of houses also license their perfume to third parties.

[@seybertooth9282]

That's correct, in fact, pretty much everyone apart from the few that has had a perfume house operation for decades. In fairness though, that is not always a bad thing as some of the "third parties" they license their fragrances to are very competent perfume producers. Unlike, you know, drop shipped Ali E watches.

[@NoahThiru]

Can confirm, have a friend who's working for top top fashion brand. But a comfort is, their third party partner is known for high quality perfumes. Just that you are paying wayyyyy over the odds.

[@mihacar2615]

That's correct. But the thing is is, they license it to high quality perfume producers such as Coty or L'Oreal. I think Chanel is actually the only inhouse perfume brand (talkin about mass brands like Boss, Armani, Givenchy...)

[@KKinterlude]

@@mihacar2615 dior and hermes aswell

[@mihacar2615]

@@KKinterlude That's correct. Although, Dior as a brand is part of LVMH group, but they do make their own perfumes. And you are also right for Hermes.

[@danc1660]

“The hands look circumcised” I actually died XD

[@mandylorien314]

Impressed that you managed to make a post as you take your last breath.

[@triniboy05]

Great video. Entertaining and extremely thorough. Thanks and I hope you have continued success and growth with your channel.

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

Fashion watches are alright, it's just the inflated prices they're asking for them... If they charged what they're really worth, there wouldn't be a problem... If the watch is worth $5 bucks, just pay $5 bucks for it, not $160.

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@tancreddehauteville764 That is nonsense. I was able to get get the Miyota-3-handers as a private customer for under 2€ and a 10-pack of batteries for another 2€. If you are a business and buy 1000 plus there's a high chance it will fall under 1 USD for the combination. Strap won't be worth more than 1 USD either if they are as poor as on that one in the video, flat mineral glass bought in bulk is most likely in the 20-30 cent range. While I don't have numbers on the cases those are most likely not very expensive either. If he's talking about British pounds 5 (=7 USD) for the whole thing is actually pretty realistic.

[@seybertooth9282]

@@tancreddehauteville764 Oh dear, I suppose someone has blown a lot of money on fashion watches and is triggered eh? Yeah, I'd feel like an idiot too if I had bought a friggin DW.

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@tancreddehauteville764 My point was that your calculations were complete bullshit. And I don't have to start a watch company, you can already get generic ones for 20-30 bucks on AliExpress. If you actually listened, Ben commissioned two "Spaghetti Scametti" ones for his parody video already.

[@userbrytje008]

@@tancreddehauteville764 if you say this kind of things about a Hugo Boss or a Hilfiger watch, you have never owned a real watch.

[@userbrytje008]

@@tancreddehauteville764 lol glad you had a great day

[@herewegoagain...]

I still want to get my hands on a Scammetti

[@alexandrupara4574]

Same

[@FourIntoOne]

Dam right. Very rare beast indeed, only 2 known to be in existence. Must be priceless!

[@bunberrier]

Ditto.

[@Justme0495]

I heard their special coated alloy cases are the reason for their rarity. You just don't find many artisans out there anymore...

[@charlesmostert]

I've been searching the internet for months now and I just can't get my hands on the Spaghetti Schemeti watches. It's true that he has definitely cut out the middle man. It's my grail watch currently. I even visited a Rolex /Omega AD and they couldn't help me. Please let me know if anyone knows how to get on the waiting list for one of those beautiful watches?

[@theeverydaywatchcollector8036]

Another great video of valid critique and humourous touches! I personally think fashion watches have their place in drawing in the inexperienced collector. But once they actually start to think critically, they of course realize how many better alternatives there are on the market (myself included!)

[@ssbidyadhar]

Hahaha, I'm experiencing this same chain of thoughts. Right now, I'm at 'fashion watches have their positives, but if we're willing to go beyond a certain price, it's much better to try actual watchmakers'.

[@EyewitnessHistoryChannel]

There's a barrier to entry and that's the price point of higher end timepieces. That can't really be denied. I'm glad fashion watches provide a budget alternative and a potential gateway as you say. If people want to splash the cash later that's their prerogative.

[@nousername2932]

I used to buy shitty expensive fashion watches and they all just broke within a year or two. I decided to pay a little more for a Citizen EcoDrive and it's great. No battery, heavy, nice looking and it has outlast the others by a few years so far. I also like my gshocks for when I'm out and I know I might scratch it.

[@G1NZOU]

Same first couple of watches I bought were some cheap but funky LED watches from those stores which sell a bunch of gadgets, games and pop culture merch. They were cool but the first one failed not long after the first battery change and the 2nd I bought also failed. Things changed when I got a solar Seiko and it was durable enough to last daily wear and accurate enough to be useful. The collection sort of started a year after getting that Seiko when I experimented with buying a few automatics, now I've rounded it out with a few vintage quartz (king, grand and superior Seiko quartz) and a couple of hand wind soviet watches. I've got to get a Citizen sometime.

[@davidteer80]

well it has a rechargeable battery, commonly referred to as a capacitor.

[@amero3577]

My g shock has been running for 6 years on the same battery, I have no idea how long that thing can last. 6 years?

[@qayyim3299]

@@amero3577 my black casio battery last 10 year. I buy it for 30 dollar.

[@SPEAR05]

Nice profile picture 👍

[@ElGuardianDelTiempo]

I only own one Armani, from the 90s, a present from my mother (she did not ask before). I kind of like that watch and if I look at similar watches today, there is a huge difference in regards to quality. It feels heavy, well done. I just think that in the last years this kind of fashion watches have deteriorated a lot and I would never buy one, but I will keep my Armani always in my collection. At the end of the day we develop feelings for those little timepieces, and they name they have on the dial does not matter much. I like the way you develop the video, great script man! congratulations.

[@fizzamalik-je5nl]

Is armani exchange really good for watches ? Plz do tell me

[@Mario_N64]

​@@fizzamalik-je5nlThey're not that good. 90s Armani watches were high quality and expensive.

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Amazing thanks Ben! Perfect timing. I'll dive in.

[@urielalbertosanchezm]

No saben lo decepcionado que me sentí cuando un sobrino llegó con "fashion watch" diciendo que por fin había ahorrado para comprarse un reloj "bueno", cuando con ese dinero se podr;ia haber comprado un buen Seiko o un hermoso Orient

[@panzerkami2381]

This isn't hard to figure out, guess why you find most fashion watches at 70-80% off at most Amazon Prime Days while you will NEVER find a Seiko at more than 10% off.

[@andrewd7586]

Jomashop.😎👍🏼

[@YaYousef5]

Not true, haha. 9:45 there's a screenshot showing a Seiko for 60% off.

[@twyx6928]

0:06 I love how the Casio DW5600BB just casually slides into view, effortlessly nuking every fashion watch from orbit quality-wise.

[@DK-jd8bj]

I've been wearing a DW 5600 HR with a modified positive display for the last year. It's perfect. The negative display was too hard to read but I really liked the case (All the words aren't as distracting) and band.

[@twyx6928]

@@DK-jd8bj How did you mod the display to positive?

[@tee_m]

May I say that the last Accurist that I picked up is really quite decent (model 7219). It's a quartz, sure, but it's solidly built, has sapphire crystal and a decent bracelet. Great alternative to something like this. Think many people are put off by autos for one reason or another but there's plenty of decent quartz options.

[@diogeneslantern18]

An automatic movement should be a point of appeal 😭

[@wholesome2792]

Thanks for the informative video, I ordered that Seiko watch you mentioned. Hopefully it turns out to be a good choice for a first try at watches. I could see myself ordering a new one every year at least.

[@rtsbeyond]

I’ll never forget 2020 when the crown on my new 2-month-old Armitron watch snapped off when I pulled it as necessary for timekeeping adjustments. After that I upgraded to Casios and G-SHOCKs. They’re the best but I do still have 3 old discontinued Armitron sport watches as they were my personal gateway into watches in the first place. Got rid of the broken watch, also now discontinued. Armitron tends to do that..

[@muthulakshmimuthiah4804]

However metal is metal and G Shock is plastic

[@gonzalomcordovez]

You are awesome man. Thanks for making clear that on those brands you are just paying to have the name on the dial

[@jonjackson8811]

Both the Tommy and the Armani look great IMO, I love the design on both. I'd rather wear one of those than a Timex.

[@ivoshandor6859]

Shows how much you know.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

This was bloody incredible!!

[@Halb_Wert_Zeit]

"These watches suck" - "there's affiliate links below" 😂

[@chrisburn7178]

This is the video that me as a non-watch guy still had a feeling about. The quality of a basic Seiko, Tissot or Citizen is just apparent immediately, in the crisp edges, quality metals and faces, compared to the nasty glitz of fashion brands.

[@bobjeffboiii7725]

Same for me only I fell into the trap of buying an armani watch I realised it looked good but rlly it's a bit crap so I bought a seiko lol

[@josephtheboi_2410]

As long as it tells time, buy whatever you want.

[@sr-m3725]

After seeing this video, I must say that , it was very informative and I have subscribed.

[@ONEKristaps]

For one who's looking for a reasonably priced / fair quality watch, I would say your video has perfect timing.

[@prorace_type_r]

I agree although I don't think you can say that Seikos (which I love) look "nicer" cause precisely fashion watches appeal to a lot of people's taste. And some of them actually look pretty good. For example, I don't like oversized watches but it is clear that a lot of people actually do. And probably in 20 years or so the taste will change.

[@PaulV.]

Although I am completely agreeing with you about fashion watches in general I want to share a personal story. About 20 years ago I ve got a present - Gucci watch, model 3600M. It has a pretty cool distinctive look you can see that its Gucci from a mile away (someone who is interested can google it) and has the Swiss Made logo and S/N on the back. The watch feels like a real thing when you put it on your wrist too. I rarely wear that watch having much better ones in my collection but keep changing a battery once every several years and after all that time it runs perfectly (never needed to adjust time there). But yes the price of that Gucci was $1000 even in those times so its kind of like a different tier fashion watch.

[@johnyoung1601]

Excellent video. Very informative and helpful!

[@zamSEG]

enjoyable & informative as always. keep it coming ben... when will the spaghetti scametti hit the market?

[@dionysiosoikonomou4045]

If you want a good looking quality watch you need to spend a serious amount of money that many people can't afford . Personally I get more compliments when wearing a Tommy Hilfiger rather than a respectable brand such as seiko . As long as you are happy with your watch , there is no reason to wonder if it's a respectable brand or not .🤙🏻

[@BensWatchClub]

Debunked that theory at the end of the video. But yes, you're correct - people can wear what they want if it makes them happy 👍

[@nissan_6828]

@@BensWatchClub brother, if I’m going outside with a brand new armani watch, people are like yo that’s a nice armani watch. But if I go out with a seiko they are like what’s this? Nobody these days is a watch nerd man

[@11East]

@@nissan_6828 depends on the company you keep.

[@mirvang]

I almost bought a Fossil watch aa my first watch online, but i decided to look at the watches firsthand, and i see that they're not kooking as good as i expected. I ended up buying a $40 casio and never regretted it. The thing about watches in traditional watch brands like Seiko or Casio, they tend to look better when you look at the watches by yourself, compared to the pictures that they own marketing created. Maybe you can interpret it as their marketing is not as good as those fashion watch brands.

[@markiangooley]

Citizen is another brand that markets badly.

[@randomdude7345]

Fossills are actually well made and good looking. Edit: well maybe there is some misaligment, but its ok for the price.

[@nathanchang7713]

@J.M’sTechWorld I like fossil because of the design but I agree Casio & Seiko are definitely better quality but their designs don't appeal to me as much as a Fossil

[@tsukai1276]

Wait, whats wrong with Fossil watches? Fossil have long history in watch industry. I have Fossil watch which i bought 12y ago and im only changing the batteries. Get your facts dude than post stupid comments.

[@arifazman5057]

Just owned a fossil watch last year, not even 1 year of using its internally broken

[@LORDxMINECRAFT]

Only recently have I gotten more interested in watches that before. I currently own a Fossil watch, that got me into watches, and a Paul Rich and a Guess watch. So yeh, not the best. And man I wish that I would have just gotten one solid one for the price of all those 3 combined. Thanks for all the knowledge you spread on these type watches, which stops me from ever making those mistakes again! (I do however still like the looks of the Guess watch, and the Fossil got me to like watches in the first place, so oh well, all part of the experience)

[@markl4798]

Really depends on the buyer and how well they take care of their watches. Many people claim poor quality but also treat their watches like crap. I buy fashion watches when they are on clearance; mainly to match my outfits, and they work perfectly well for me. I also have a separate collection where I buy slightly more expensive brands like Tissot and Liv for their quality. But hey, at the end of the day, most people don’t even notice what you’re wearing anyway. Facts.

[@tylerbeaumont]

I have a Calvin Klein watch that I picked up for around £80, and it’s genuinely quite good. It looks good and keeps time almost perfectly, and it’s built really well for the money. The strap it came with was a pretty fiddly chain-link which I replaced quite quickly with a leather one, but apart from that it’s great. It’s become my go to work watch, and it’s great for that. Means I don’t have to look at my phone whilst behind the bar, and it’s quite water resistant too so I’m not too worried about getting it a bit wet during a shift. But yeah, most of these watches are often quite poor for the price. If you know what you’re getting though and actually look at the watch before buying, then you can get a pretty decent timepiece out of some of these brands.

[@vojtizslav]

Looks like you definitelly know what youre talking about here. "Its quite water resistant" LMAOOOO

[@TheGrandmaMoses]

@@vojtizslav Stop the snobbery. Educate, don't hate. Most people realize how badly their 100 buck fashion watch has been built when they touch the first Tissot or Seiko entry level automatic offers and are allowed to compare. Funnily, it's not about 'keeping good time' when talking about a watch's build quality. A one dollar quartz watch from Walmart keeps better time than even the most sophisticated Rolex can. My advice to the OP: If you like your watch - fine, don't let anybody talk you down. But if you want to see and feel the difference in quality to good models of the price range, go to a real jeweler and try some on. The weight alone makes such massive difference in the perception of quality of a watch, it's amazing.

[@anuragkhosla]

I own everything from Longines (Swiss automatic) to Tissot (a quartz one) to Japanese automatics and quartz watches too (Seikos and Casios). Alongside, I also own many low-end quartz watches (Lorus, Sekonda, Timex etc.) and many fashion quartz watches (Esprit, Kenneth Cole, fossil, and more). I think not all watches in all of the above categories are good and at the same time, not all are bad (meaning some Armani exchange or Tommy watches will be good - one should have the know-how before picking). It all depends on your taste and what works for you. For example, i know some people find the Seiko entry-level automatic watch shown in this video absolutely garbage and for that reason, they like the higher-priced Presage etc. A lot of entry-level watches (sub £100 or so) by hardcore watch companies are boring and will not appeal to a large chunk of buyers. Personally, i pick everything from £15 to £1500, it has to appeal to me and I should feel absolutely amazing when I'm wearing each of those pieces i own. Nothing else matters!

[@ForneverstarOfficial]

​@@TheGrandmaMosesagreed but sometimes you just run into one of you like lol, I have a couple seikos, a old vintage submariner, a Tissot 1853, but my watch I find myself wearing everyday is a watch I bought at guess lol, I know its not as nice as my others but it looks great, I can swim In it and has been proven durable for work, I arguably could have gotten a cheaper quartz so price point is bad but the watch just feels good. Hell I had a old Casio diver I'd beat up and not have to worry constantly about the watch. These watches have purpose

[@TheGrandmaMoses]

@@ForneverstarOfficial I think that's the essence of what I tried to say. Wear what you want, wear for purpose, stop the snobbery and at the end of the day, don't take a silly little thing like watches too seriously. Their purpose should be to make you happy, not anyone else.

[@igorchistyakov8876]

Now. It took me quite some time to realise: I would unironically buy Spaghetti Scameti watch as your merch, if you slap international shipping on top of timeless design and craftsmanship. Well, depending on your desired fraction of a cost of course. :) Like, Amazon is basically nonexistent where I live, but I would still like to support the channel, so think about it, Ben. P. S. I know about Patreon, I hope you get what I mean. I myself am yet to improve my finances enough, so that my salary won't fully go into food and medication, but you might have viewers with better situation and similar mindset.

[@GGN-92]

Thanks for the advices. Really interesting to watch.

[@BlokeOnAMotorbike]

I just literally (an hour ago) bought a £40 Lorus chronograph. Lorus is one of those trusted watch brands. They've been going for 39 years. Helps that they're a Seiko brand. I didn't buy it as a brand statement though. I bought it for smart functionality. And it does look bloody smart.

[@jimsound7888]

A friend of mine asked me why I'm wearing a fake rolex...........I said " I'm not, I'm wearing a genuine Invicta Pro Diver"

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

Happened to me wearing a Steinhart Ocean 39. People don't get that it's not a fake unless it has the faked brand/logo on it.

[@Gave-rf1hr]

Damn , that must double suck .....first someone thinking is a fake rolex and then to realize its an invicta .

[@DK-jd8bj]

That's one watch they make really well. I have 2 and they're great watches. No one in their right mind would wear a Rolex. It's like putting a mug me, "I have $20,000+ and I didn't know what to do with it" sign around your neck.

[@azz09444]

I got an emporio armani watch as a gift once, the build quality is really good and it has served me for years and it even looks like its worth double its original price, i can even wash my hands while wearing it without worrying if it will stop working only had to change the battery once so far

[@huyyy010]

My 10 year's old emporio Armani is still working fine

[@kenabi]

i've got an old fossil blue(bq-9142). it's .. so-so, but i look at the newer offerings and i can't help but want to just keep moving on. so far the one i'm looking at the most is a seiko samurai variant, but i'd have to mod it since i prefer blue glow loom, and thinner hands/dial indicators. sadly, there's few options for this... so i'm still mostly looking for an option.

[@rcsteele3169]

Always a great channel, and a big fan. Do you think you could review and give your impressions on Stefano Braga Watches?

[@CobraKaiNoMercy]

Ben, I've heard your opinion Fossil's lower end watches, but what is your opinion of Zodiac? 👍🏽 or 👎🏽?

[@thomaswarren2699]

All watches bow down and cower in fear of the mighty G-Shock! I've had mine for about ten years now- a few years ago I threw it off a building and then drove over it in my car because a friend didn't believe me when I told him they're pretty much indestructible. It's still on my wrist, still keeping time, and still using the original battery. The doubting friend now has one too.

[@DK-jd8bj]

I wore one for 20 years. Then I decided I needed to upgrade and got into automatics. Spent lots of money. Now I'm back to my G-Shock. It's true a lot of them are oversized especially if you have a small wrist. I wear a DW-5600HR(modified with a positive display). One of the smaller G shocks. It just works, I never take it off.

[@hnnnnnnnnnng]

So glad the first real watch I bought myself was a gshock. I never take it off.

[@visualstudiosproductions]

Not gonna dispute quality, but that's a very very ugly watch. It all depends on what you are looking for, I guess. For me a watch is mostly a fashion accessory, there are far better tools to tell time nowadays.

[@anthonyp9316]

That video drop when saying "plugged into the system" made me lol. So funny.

[@cleancar8553]

I wasn’t expecting that outro at all

[@seanferguson5460]

This is why I watch your channel. I don't give a fig for brands and extravagant consumption is for suckers. I want simple, elegant, attractive, accurate, affordable watches.

[@adrianmark613]

Go for casio

[@seanferguson5460]

@@adrianmark613 I love Casio!

[@SpecterNeverSpectator]

Dont go for Casio, just buy a cheap Chinese brand, I mean it sounds like it's what you want, it's what I have.

[@user-ik5mn8qv5z]

those fahion watches had indeed good build quality back in the days imo. The cheap, "profit in mind" kind of approach is something that begun recently. I change batteries on all types of watches and ive seen "good quality fashin brands" from CK, MK, GUCCI, etc and some of them have quite good build quality actually.

[@kine2903]

Tremendously insightful!

[@michaelanthony5441]

Very good review amazing the market up on some of these watches, unfortunately I was one of those who had bought a fashion watch or two in the past. Over time I have realized thanks to these channels the amount people are spending on these overrated watches which is disturbing. Most of my watches are now mostly of Casio and Seiko especially when it comes to value for the buck. Thanks Ben

[@arkodas1283]

Hey Ben, please make a video about what this oil filling inside watches is all about. Thanks for your hardwork. ❤️

[@Spyyyder1]

An oil filled watch if readable at almost any degree with no glare underwater. A lot of dive watches are oil-filled , but it only works with quartz movements

[@mwhodatboi]

it is for emergency lube

[@thereyougoagain1280]

It also allows for more water resistance, if the case can handle it.

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

You can also use “Blinker Fluid” if you’re really stuck.

[@AtheistOrphan]

@@Spyyyder1 - Ressence Watches would like to disagree with you. Check out their (100% mechanical) oil-filled watches.

[@martingrant9005]

Great vid subscribed to your channel 👍 not into my fashionable watches , I love my g shocks for the wear , but currently own the iwatch series 6 and I’m missing my g shock lol 😂

[@TheSFMCreators]

'Hands that are circumcised' the banter in this one is top notch

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

People don’t buy watches from brands like these because they want a good time piece. It’s brand. Image.

[@drfathertime]

Here's the thing tho, scametti will double the value in resale, with very conservative estimate!

[@terrysky83]

Sir Ben, my friend at the MoD told me they will start issuing Spaghetti Scametti watches to the SAS and SBS, MI6 will use it next fiscal year. Brilliant work 😉

[@litamtondy]

It's so wierd seeing a top-of-the-world fashion name like Armani on a cheap watch.

[@destinilund4771]

It's not 90s anymore. They haven't been on top for decades.

[@sanguinor5609]

I remember browsing a local buy and sell group to find a bloke trying to offset some buyer remorse by selling his quartz watch for $1500 (AUD) with the justification that it’s Gucci so it must be good.

[@jwrightonline]

Dude, you are legit. I am glad you have stumbled upon your channel.

[@denisdaly1708]

Great vid as usual Ben.

[@stevec5465]

You can buy watches from China. Pay them to put your logo on it and Voila! You sir will have become a fashion watch seller! Just like a lot of these kickstarter brands.

[@Sheeshening]

I think the Armani looks actually really good. You could easily spend 1k$ on a watch and get run of the mill hour markings used by like 30 different brands

[@JacK-yr8ri]

I remember one of my team telling me how they were worried about getting their hugo boss watch crystal replaced ( it had cracked ) encase they didnt get official hugo boss glass.. He seemed to be loving his watch tho so fair play to him

[@riog9477]

Thanks for informative review Ben. Does anyone the Seiko model at 8:27? Thanks in advance. Cheers!

[@ryant2568]

I own an Apple watch myself as my daily and I have a quartz watch in the draw that used to be daily but I see these as "throwaway" pieces of technology, unlike my beautiful mechanical turbillion watch which I see more like a piece of art that I can wear.

[@osrsw6450]

If you're gonna pretend to own a watch with a tourbillon movement, atleast make sure you know how to spell it.

[@ryant2568]

@@osrsw6450 I didn't say I owned one although I would love to. Apparently there are some decent Chinese tourbillons on the market now. And yes I made a typo.....so sue me.

[@arisaga822]

I saved up for a little over two years, resisted every temptation that came along and bought my personal “grail watch” - an Omega Seamaster chronograph. Wearing it is a joy. Deferred gratification is so much satisfying than the instant variant.

[@xxArsen1xx-OnPsn]

Ive noticed thats shared by every "gentlemanly" hobby, delayed gratification for the the long sought vintage, the grail edition, the unobtanium last piece to complete a collection- those "finer things" all seem to be about zooming out and planning further ahead than the impulsive child. If only i could keep this in mind with my trading account open 😂

[@EyewitnessHistoryChannel]

That's great, man. But it's thousands of dollars/pounds. Lord knows the profit margin on that. It's a stunning watch, yes, but depends if somebody can personally justify spending that kind of money.

[@arisaga822]

@@EyewitnessHistoryChannel I understand what you mean, which is why I saved only the most discretionary of my income. Cheers.

[@Arizona9001]

New to the hobby here, this is new to me. Thanks for the video.

[@BbYyTtOo]

Great video! What's your opinion on Zeppelin watches???

[@FroschBube]

My first watch I bought was a Hugo Boss Pilot's Edition. I really enjoyed wearing it, but looking back, I could've gotten something better for 200 €.

[@FroschBube]

@@tancreddehauteville764 Seiko, Orient, Quartz Tissot / Certina / Hamilton, Citizen, etc.

[@kleanovodust-bin69]

The scammeti watches are better than these fashion watches. Even better than Rolex! Even my great grandfather who passed away in the '70s complimented it!!

[@36424567254]

they are literally better designed that the fashion watches he showed though, irony aside. If I had to buy a fashion watch between those shown, for some reason, I'd buy that.

[@notincognito4660]

Casio G-Shock. Have mine for 8 years now. My parents bought it for me after my 10th standard. Still use it daily to this day.

[@chiderajames8387]

9:56 the ending cracked me up ngl 😂. Good education 👌🏿

[@BongoManal]

Love the video.Shortly after having problems with what can only be described as censorship imposed on you by some butthurt watch companies you get out such enlighting and honest content. Kudos to your cojones - great honesty without ever getting rude oder insulting is rare these days. There is a reason why your channel is so beloved. Thank you very much! (Sorry for the bad English)

[@raykay91]

Hello (sorry for bad English)

[@yobgol]

i’ve seen one video talking about copyright infringement issues that have hit watch channels recently. this would be a very clear + long-existing legal issue about trademarks, use of terms that are registered and protected by law … resulting in connection of a cheap / quartz look-a-like to an item at a much higher quality + price point sold by what’s likely a very wealthy and powerful company. this is not censorship, this is consequence. it’s naivety. it’s lack of thought. it’s a shame work was lost, but i think the cheap end of the market could learn from buying less and learning more, then accepting limitations on finance and not settling for crap. expensive watches can be vastly overpriced, but they’re also widely underestimated for the work involved - big brands have models that earn a greater % profit and others than don’t make that much but increase appeal, there’s always a mix. vintage offers some surprising drops in price on names you’d associate with haute or high end part of the market; bulgari, glaschutte, girrard perregaux, JLC, IWC and probably some others are great makers that can be found at a price that’s not OTT compared to the upper edges of the cheaper end before you leap towards a rolex date just.

[@FuglyStick]

Wristwatches have largely had their utility and practicality outsourced to smart phones, which are more ubiquitous than wristwatches today. Just as many people find land lines redundant now when they have a smart phone, many people find wristwatches redundant. So for a lot of people, functionality of a wristwatch doesn't matter - a wristwatch is an optional accessory, purely a fashion choice.

[@canadiangoose4078]

Yea it’s basically never to tell the time it’s just an accessory just like a bracelet or necklace is

[@ocubex]

Just getting into collecting watches. so subscribed!

[@NaNByZero]

Great content, man! 🎉⏱🎂🎂

[@nikolaidiqnov6801]

Well actually, some fashion watches are not that bad. Speaking from personal experience. I love the Calvin Klein watches and own a few. The oldest one is probably 5 years old and never had any problem. I think the internals are made by Swatch which is pretty good in my book. It all depends on what you are looking after. Keep up the good work making those vids.

[@OffGridInvestor]

Must admit, i liked the guillochet pattern on the dial of the armani because I go for that on any watch.

[@cosmic-tiger]

The Calvin Klein watches often say they’re Swiss Made so I’ve always assumed they were pretty well made. And for me a lot of the Japanese watches under £200 look a bit uninspiring even if they’re well manufactured for the price. So, I think it’s a case by case thing unless you’re spending big money.

[@justinburt3090]

Calvin Klein watches are made by the Swatch group so I suspect they’re reasonably well executed. Personally I would much prefer something from Swatch, Tissot or Hamilton (all lower end Swatch group brands) but buy and wear what you enjoy at the end of the day 👍

[@crisryan1550]

I have Stuhrling Original watch and 5 years counting. No problem at all.

[@ChromeMan04]

Just because it Swiss made doesn’t automatically mean it’s good

[@campshay19]

remember folks a big shiny watch doesn't mean it's good

[@mohzmmedzia3165]

Hi. Great video. What do you think about Zeppelin watch? Is it made of good quality? Thanks

[@iliamarielugo]

Thanks for the video! 😊 I’m sure from now on I’ll be spotting all those imperfections on every watch I look at lol!!! But I agree, the watches you reviewed are hideous! I gotta say though, some fashion watches do look nice, that is style wise, and I assume this is due to the fact that they’re copies of much more expensive brands 😅 (which most of us can’t afford) I love the Michael Kors Lexington design for example, and mine is 11 years old and still beautiful. Maybe you can review a few of the nicer looking ones and point out/educate us as to the reasons why you don’t think it’s worth buying them. 😊

[@spexyPOV]

Hey Ben, big fan from India. Would you like to review some Indian company watches like Titan and FastTrack. Thankyou

[@simonbailey2151]

There’s nothing wrong with a fashion watch, just the golden rule is DON’T buy it new in a shop. If you like the look then get the watch.

[@beastatkhd6293]

Facts, I was going to buy a £400 armani watch in store when I was 17, went home and brought it for £130 on sale