Why I hate the term 'entry level', and other thoughts on watch collecting!

In today's #livestream episode of #TalkingTimepieces we'll start by talking about the term #entry level" and why I hate it, then talk about other #watch collecting thoughts and issues. We'll also address and talk about other questions and topics about #watches from the audience. Come participate!

[watchmewatch]

Great stuff Alix. Like you said, compared to the smart watch crowd, we are a small group of peeps. I own a very nice collection which includes Omegas, Rolex, Tudors, Breitling, Zenith, Cartier, Squale and a slew of Seikos. When I see a young person with even a Casio F-91W on their wrist, I get excited and cannot complement them enough. I would never tell them, " hey nice "Entry Level" watch. You'll get there some day."

[santaclause]

Hey Alix! Just a great episode today, 100% in agreement with the topic. Being pretty new to watch collecting, I'm trying to do my part expanding the hobby to others. So far, my oldest grandson and two grand daughters have been 'bitten' by the bug. My son-in-law is coming around, too. I love seeing them excited over their latest timepiece purchases, even if they're only in the 'less than $100 each' range. It's a blast! And just an awesome hobby!

[johnnyarsenault]

Hi Alix!
Great show, sorry I missed it(jet lag)!
Recently on a flight to Portugal: I saw a passenger with the nicest vintage solid gold Lemania 48 (circa 1950-60s), these watches were sold at that time at Swiss airports, etc., they were considered entry level chronographs (hand wound) back then, nowadays are very sought after by collectors, everything is relative. On the same flight a gentleman sat next to me, talk to him(shooting the breeze), when a saw that he had a Breitling day/date (seldom seen), congratulated him for a fine watch which his grandchildren had bought him, you could literally see a smile from ear to ear from him. This model from Breitling has an ETA movement which has been tweaked to have much more precision, case finishing is extremely well done (a real beauty). Noticed a guy at a coffee shop wearing a square mechanical with a rich dark blue dial, congratulated him on his watch, he told me that he didn’t pay much for it, told him of his impeccable taste 😻, another ear to ear smile. Everyone loves their own watch, be an embassador to the watch community! 👌❤️👍

During the zenith of COVID-19, I was in line to get some hardware at a store, noticed the gentleman in front of me had a mechanical chronograph, told him: Nice chrono, he insisted for me to try it, it was a Raymond Weill! Trying it & congratulated him for having such a fine watch. I made his day during what seemed somber times. Being positive doesn’t cost you a dime & makes people happy beyond what you would expect.

These weren’t entry level watches, they were their loved belongings which were ready to share their love with seeing I was one of their compadre 😊👌❤️👍

[jfdomega]

Great episode today Alix, really enjoyed it. The phrase "entry level" really sets you off. Lol.

[conradlake]

Great show and points made Alix. About 2 years ago on about effing time while doing a show about what advice they would give to their younger selves if they met themselves earlier in their watch collecting journey. Adrian Barker made a great point about the same thing. His words were that as collectors we don’t need to go “up” the proverbial ladder when collecting. People obsess about getting more expensive watches to get out of that “entry level” zone and it’s just watch marketing. Retailers trying to get collectors to spend more money. Longines make some amazing pieces as does Hamilton but I call neither of those brands entry level. Some avid collectors have been collecting for many many years and only collect Hamilton. I would not call them entry level collectors as they may have extensive knowledge of horology and watch collecting. I have heard people “stupidly” say that Tudor is entry level Rolex. Absolutely crazy!!! There are amazing (and interesting) pieces at all price points. Thank you for a great show!!!

[Butters-si]

Enjoy watching your vids, sorry i missed the stream.

[santaclause]

Hey, while perusing the very popular online shopping venue (starts with an 'A'), I came across some interesting horological-related jewelry, in the form of small watch movements made into cuff links and tie tacks. Interesting items. Might be a topic for a future episode someday....different forms of jewelry directly tied to horology. Just a thought

[jfdomega]

That guy, saying my ex wife was "entry level" set me off, .... laughing!

[RobMyself]

I hear what you're saying about entry level but I think that term is used into the entry into a prestigious brand. Just like you made a comment as I'm typing this message about cars. Same thing. There isn't an entry level Rolls-Royce but there is an entry level Toyota. If you can get an entry level Rolls-Royce at a decent price then it's a good thing

[GeorgeScott-oh]

I totally agree Alix. I think it's funny that they call the VC Fiftysix an entry level watch, suggesting that it's lesser than the rest. I tried on the Overseas and found the Fiftysix was a better fit for me and I liked it better than the Overseas. I buy what I like. I don't listen to these snobs who think buying a watch is all about keeping up with the Joneses. Watches don't have to be expensive to make you happy. Fiftysix over the Overseas all day long.

[johnd-xdsn]

perhaps "entry level" is just used to abbreviate a longer less-flattering sentence regarding quality and price of certain watches.