Beginner Watch MISTAKES (and How to AVOID Them)

We're talking about all the common beginner watch buying mistakes and how to avoid them! Don't look or sound like a noob when you go to purchase, own, or wear your new luxury watch! Don't forget to let us know what you thought in the comments, and subscribe if you want to see more.

[thomasdavis]

I used to try to sell my affordable watches when I fell out of love and always took a hit on the second hand price. I switched to just giving them away to friends and family and I feel like I get more than my money's worth back when I get to make the people around me happy.

[thewatchverdict]

I think the biggest mistake is following “watch collecting rules”. You hear all these things like don’t have more than one from each brand. Every collection should have a dress watch, diver, chronograph. Etc. In my opinion there should only be 2 rules for every collection. 1- buy what you like. 2-don’t be scared to experiment. Sometimes you think you won’t like a watch but once you put it on and feel it it changes your mind. It may even become your favorite watch.

[brianfowler]

Adding another point: appreciate, as much as you can, the watches you already own. The “next watch” isn’t necessary better than that ones you’ve enjoyed and established sentimental value.

This is a message the industry won’t share, as they shouldn’t, since it’s not their responsibility to do so.

[timmanion]

I purchased my first Rolex Submariner 5513 in 1968 . I've purchased a Submariner everytime they've come out with a new model . I never sell them and enjoy wearing them . I'm a military trained diver and actually use my Subs when diving as well as just enjoying them to wear . I've collected for a long time but can't remember buying any watch that I still don't enjoy wearing . I spend a fair amount of time thinking about and investigating every purchase and always have with the exception of my first . I bought that one because everyone in my team in the military had a Submariner on their wrist . I learned to appreciate them after that first purchase. Such a crazy hobby to be into, but after learning more about what I had bought, I was hooked . As always, a good video that gets me thinking of my own experiences.

[ritethumstik]

Before working in jewelry, I worked at a department store in the accessories department for five years. Because of sales and employee discounts, I was able to get countless watches at extremely low prices. In my first year, I had bought over 30 pieces, all fashion brands. Because of this, at my peak I had 112 watches. In my later years at that store, we got Tissot and Hamilton, and I realized I needed to slow down and get -better- pieces rather than more of them. My last year there, I only bought two. Now, I am saving for my first Tudor, and I've whittled my collection down to 29 pieces. I hate that I wasted so much money on fashion watches, but I'm glad that I've learned.

[marcgains]

One of many watch mistakes was buying a second hand Grey Side of the Moon Speedy for a great price - then found myself in a financial bother and needed to sell it. The piece is now over 10k new. Like you said in the video it’s the only watch that ever made me feel “special” or it felt special. I’ve subsequently purchased an Aqua Terra which is a lovely watch, but it doesn’t have the level of feeling that I had each time I would put the speedy on. I look back at pictures of it and often just do a sad exhale. Whoever purchased from a well known second hand watch seller got a truly magnificent watch.

[Reclaimtherainbow_Gen]

This channel is becoming one of my favorite and I’m not just saying that. I feel like I’ve seen a video here and there but never gave it a full chance, but now I’m seeing the comedic dynamic, the video quality, the subjects and watches talked about, it’s all great!

[adrivdw]

"Buying what you like to wear" is indeed the best overall advice. But frankly that probably doesn't have too much meaning to a novice collector. I believe we all have to go through our own learning curves here. And for me, learning to buy AND sell watches is what has given me the real handle on my passion.

[frankpentangeli]

Biggest mistake I ever made was walking into an AD with the intention of buying a specific watch (a fairly expensive one), trying it on, and not liking what I saw. But instead of simply leaving the shop, after trying on a bunch of other watches I decided to buy an even more expensive one that looked pretty good on me. Unfortunately I never really bonded with that watch and it always felt a little uncomfortable after wearing it for a couple of hours.

I ended up selling it for a loss just a few months later.

The lesson being that if you don't like the watch you intended to buy after trying it on, then you should just leave the shop and give yourself time to think about your alternatives.

[leeswire]

Wanted a Milgauss, couldn't justify paying above list on the grey market. Then bought an Omega, and another Omega, a Sinn, a couple of Longines and some homages. Then bought a Milgauss. I barely wear anything but the Milgauss.

[steveh]

I really wanted (please excuse the terminology), a "beater" watch as I can't be trusted not to damage one of my more expensive watches. Bought an Orient Ray II on a silicon strap. Absolutely brilliant piece! Tough as old boots, good looking, in-house movement. Happily smug 😁

[brianmccarthy]

I avoided a mistake when I inexplicably became bored of my 2003 Speedmaster Broadarrow automatic about 10 yrs ago, when my head was turned by Rado and Bell and Ross. Than god I got over that “episode”, kept it, put a tan leather strap on it and now bloody love it.

[tonygluk]

You never know whether it's the watch for you until you've tried it. Divers I was seeing online seemed ridiculous to me until I've put one on my wrist. Seiko 5 Sports (the one looking like SKX) ended up being my first watch.

Also, absolutely love the show. What a delight.

Also, I can't put into words how off-putting this Timex's bracelet looks to me.

[karimallaudin]

Sometimes you might not like it in the beginning but with time you start linking it. I bought a citizen quartz many years ago, it was an impulse buy, and didn't like it then but now i love it.

[supergranular]

The tonal shift from your other videos is wild and I love it.

[rickybobbysdriver]

That Nintendo switch comparison to watches and investments was hilarious. The silence after he mentions why he's holding on to the switch is just comedy gold.

[rynomite_]

I'm loving these dialogue/podcast style episodes. Keep them coming, guys! ♥️

[curtbrown]

Bravo! I wait with great anticipation for each episode of this presentation. My watch buying experience slows with each purchase, as I become more knowledgeable and my tastes become better defined. That, I feel, are the keys to a smarter purchase experience.

[melody]

My first watch was a seiko 5 then moved on to an st36 watch then got seagull 1963’s. LOVED them. My favorite movement of all time because of how efficiently it is produced.
It still makes me feel special like you said didn’t happen with you.

[Madmanmarque]

My first watch was a Breitling Shark in '93. What I really wanted was a Rolex Sub 16610. I ended up getting the Rolex the next year. I agree, don't settle for a consolation prize.