The Dark Side Of Watch Collecting No One Talks About

In this video, I'll tackle some of the challenges I see in watch collecting that don't get discussed as much as I think they should. But what about you guys? Have any of you experienced the dark side of watch collecting? I know I have.

0:00 - Intro & Some Hard Truths
3:26 - 1. Prioritize Your Life Over Watches
3:45 - 2. Could I Set It On Fire?
4:23 - 3. Have A Budget & Stick To It
4:58 - 4. Goal & Reward System
5:19 - 5. Trust Your Gut
5:55 - 6. Take Your Time

[lancehatch]

In my 20's I worked for a few high end jewelers (including a Rolex & Patek AD) before going back to grad school. I always felt really guilty selling to certain clients who would feel like they had to take awful financing terms to buy something they clearly couldn't afford. I hated being in that position. Sparkly rocks and shiny metal aren't worth setting yourself up for failure. If you fiancée won't marry you when you're broke you shouldn't marry her. If people in your life judge you by your watch, they aren't a friend or ally.

[PiXimperfect]

Major respect for you, Teddy. Thank you for always showing the human side of it.

[doctor]

This is the type of content that differentiates you from the average watch channels Teddy, thank you for this reality check and keep it up.

[davidelliott]

Well said, Teddy! The battle is real. It’s all about keeping things in the proper perspective. Buy what you like and can comfortably afford.

[avarmauk]

So much respect Teddy for posting such a video. Not a lot of people would be honest enough to post something like this. You’re in a league of your own in appreciating all aspects of watch making and collecting covering all budgets. Your integrity is really why I love your opinion these last few years. I hope you continue to share your passion and knowledge of watches with the world.

[VictorAdameArt]

Isolation leads to addiction, speaking experience, going out and making friends helped me out a ton, even if they're watch-obsessed individuals like myself 😂

[paulhart]

I bought my "holy grail" watch almost 2 years ago. I'm basically done. We all have to learn to enjoy our collection!!

[Robert-vwod]

Wise words. Since I got back into watches two years ago, Teddy is in my opinion, one of the best on YouTube, and it doesn’t surprise me that he is strong enough to make these points.

[wisamal-hakim]

Well done teddy.

This is important.

It’s amazing how normal people turn into spending monsters when it comes to watches. Myself included.

For me, an impulse purchase is the main one to avoid.

[bbeth]

Such an important topic that's not talked about enough. Before I became financially responsible, this was me when it came to buying watches. It was one of Teddy's videos a few years back where he was talking about not going into debt to collect watches. That advice seriously changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but if you're a watch enthusiast, you know where I'm coming from. Thanks Teddy. The watch community is lucky to have you.

[inzamam]

Unconditional respect for you Teddy, this is such an underrated important issue that we don't discuss and not in the context of just the journey of watch collection but also for the things like shoes, jewelleries, bikes, cars, or anything that can be deemed as collectables. As being the loving and appreciative individuals towards our dearest ones in life, the joy of having a grail of a timepiece is no where near comparable to having a great time with your loved ones even for a moment.

[watsondna]

Teddy, your store and your approach goes a long way towards pushing back against the problem. By offering and reviewing inexpensive watches you make the point that our obsession does not have to be at the expense of our livelihood. Thank you for that.

[Professionalpatternrecognizer]

This is a great illustration of the kind of guy Teddy is. Well done, sir.

[pilotjpbiv]

Sir, you have garnered my complete respect! This is not a message I would expect coming from a watch dealer. Thank you Teddy for being forthright in being responsible and not being taken up in the frenzy, and guarding ourselves from excess and the desire to fit and be accepted by fellow watch enthusiasts.

You have earned my complete respect, and my business!

You’re a good man, Teddy!

[mrothpsy]

Well said Teddy. There are some watches that I know I will never own, but that I can simply enjoy from a non-owner perspective. There are much harder things in life to make peace with.

[urbanracer]

"A watch should be an extension of a life well lived". That is a well said, simple truth.

[jakelee]

Hey Teddy. I feel like over the years you have talked about the ethics and responsibilities around this hobby. I've really appreciated that about your content, and it is why I've followed you. Thanks for being thoughtful and contextualizing our hobby.

[esrynshudder]

love this video Teddy, exactly what I needed. Been looking at an expensive watch that I can't afford at the moment, so going to save up and invest the money instead and then when I complete that major goal (graduating university) I'm going to buy that watch. Really helpful, thank you.

[brianyee]

I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced both sides of the watch equation as a consumer and as a dealer/accessory manufacturer. It gave me an emotional perspective that few can say they’ve experienced. Having said this, my respect for you continues to grow the more I follow your channel. Teddy; you’re truly a class act and a credit to the industry. Keep up the great work!

[rnavarropiris]

Your honesty, politeness and integrity deserve appraisal.
Kept up the great job, Teddy!