8 Things You NEED to Know About Watches - A Crash Course to Watches 

Apologies for the length of this one everyone. I tried to include all the necessary details while moving through it pretty quickly. I know for those that have a very good grasp on watches some of this will be redundant, but hopefully, there is at least one thing to learn in this video even if you are more experienced. Timecodes are down below if you need to come back to a topic after watching. This one took a couple weeks to complete editing so I appreciate the support. 0:00 - Ground Rules And Other Videos to Watch 1:12 - The Two Primary Types Of Watch Movements & How They Work 6:25 - The Mainstream Brands that Make Up The Industry & Who Owns Who 8:58 - How To Determine The Best Size Watch For You 12:59 - Straps & Tools 16:13 - In-House vs Third Party Movements & Certifications 19:36 - Understanding Water Resistance 22:49 - The Different Types Of Watch Crystals 24:37 - Types Of Watch Sellers/Dealers

Don't apologize for the length of this video...this is exactly what we need in order to properly introduce us to the basics. Well-researched, well presented and most of all incredibly informative. Well done.

The second hands on the Sinn and Nomos were synced. That's the kind of attention to detail that makes my brain happy.

I appreciate the fact that the watches shown side by side were synced. It shows attention to detail in your presentation and that you take care good of your things.

This is one of the most informative videos I have seen for a while... no hype, non opinionated, just plain honest knowledge, I love it! Unlike many other clickbait "things you should know" videos. Production quality is pretty awesome as well so that makes it even greater - as a starting watch enthusiast I have learned a lot from this video and it has not felt long at all, even though it is indeed longer than many other "8 things you need to know" videos. You can tell a lot of effort has gone into making it. Well done Teddy!

I’m definitely sharing this with all the people who find my watch obsession weird. If this doesn’t get them started, nothing will! Amazing video Teddy!

The great videography really kept me interested in the parts I might have known about, but the concise information was great. Especially talking about the differences in the markets we are all deciding to buy from. Excellent episode Teddy !

When did tom holland become a watch expert

Love how you mentioned the crystal diameter / bezel size effect at 12:14 - this is even less talked-about than lug-to-lug but plays a huge part. Great video!

This is amazing. Literally clubbing 8 different videos that you can make into 1. Kudos to the work you've put in for this!

Tremendous video and summary here, Teddy. Really appreciated this educational segment even thought I knew a fair bit already. Great video with very helpful descriptions and graphics.

Job well done Teddy! You pretty much cover most of the main "bullet points" to consider when you getting into the hobby. 👍

Teddy I watched all three videos and I cannot thank you enough. I have owned and worn watches for a long time but never got the terminology and some of the basics right, I just wore them without any knowledge of what I was actually wearing. This was so helpful and it really encourages me to have a closer look at the watches that I already own and what I should look for when buying a new one.

I'm just getting startted building my watch collection, but this video is the best I have seen so far. Thank you for all your information; very clear and easy to understand.

Learned a lot!

Thank you so much for this primer as well as for the other 2 videos you mentioned; as someone who is transitioning from a passive enjoyer to an active hobbyist this was a much needed resource!

"the world lies to you all the time, I don't think its a good idea for you to lie to your self."- Teddy Baldassarre, 2020 great way to live your life in general I'd say

Thanks, professor. Great info. I love your enthusiasm for the subject. The video didn't seem long at all. You paced it well.

You definitely know your stuff! I’ve been a watch enthusiast since the early 80’s. You’r presentation and knowledge has definitely made a fan out of me. Good job!

This is terrifically informative even for someone who has been into watches for years. Excellent video and keep up the good work!

Was quite literally thinking I needed a video like this today! Great video that I will return to in the future

Great video and very well communicated Teddy. Love your pace and patience in explaining things.

Great Video Teddy! Very well explained and to the points, short and clear. Great job!

Even though I already know everything mentionned i this video, it was still a pleasure to watch it until the end. Great content as usual Teddy ! 👏

Hey Teddy - this is definitely a helpful breakdown for somebody new to the watch scene. Just one quick thing I’d like to add...I believe Polywatch can be used on most acrylic crystals with the exception of the Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope (which was showing while you were describing Polywatch) due to the extra applied anti-scratch treatment. Just wanna make sure that new collectors who get a Max Bill are not accidentally misled into believing that Polywatch can be used on the acrylic version. Great content as always, and looking forward to more videos. Cheers

Awesome vid Teddy I really appreciate the breakdown. Well done I took notes as if I were in class. Thanks again!!

This was awesome, even for an experienced person. Thank you and keep up the great work.

No worries on the length Teddy, the info as always is welcome and spot on. Started collecting two years ago. Any suggestions on literature to learn more about how to collect and history of horology would be great. Looking forward to the next video.

Great video. I like that you make a point of the importance of lug to lug size, which I personally also think is very crucial to how a watch will wear.

Thank you so much for all the videos Teddy, they are really informative, and you are very nice and genuine. Learning so much from you!

Very informative, definitely learned a lot even though I thought I knew a lot, and one of the few videos that I actually watched til the end.

One of your GREATEST vids EVER Teddy. I've been a subscriber for about 2 years, and this is the first comment I've ever posted as far as I recall. Keep the exemplary job going

This video was very meaningful, because watches reveal time and the meaning of time at our wrist. I was mostly into digital Casio watches because it gave me all the informations I needed. Yet when I started getting an analog watch, it changed my perspective about what time really is... Time is not infinite, time is literally running out and the more years you live, the more you realize how time is passing by... Sometimes faster sometimes slower... I really like watches that display the most accuracy possible... Your video was amazingly educating and got me deeper into the meaning of watches & timekeeping. Thanks a lot.

Great video Teddy. I AM just getting into watches & there is a load of great information here. Very helpful. Don't apologize for the video being to long, ive watched it three times already. Great stuff👍

Thanks for the summary, I really find it useful as a beginner in the world of watches. Quality editing as well and really informative to me! Cheers ✌️

I am just getting into watches myself, and had no idea how to even start looking for a decent watch. Thanks to this, I was able to find the perfect first watch. The Orient bambino or the orient star classic. Absolutely beautiful timepieces for the price. 👌🏼

I am just getting into the hobby of watches. This was a very good video. Very informative Thank you

Absolutely loved the video Teddy! Have a nice weekend!

Thank you for this video, recently discovered your channel and I’m loving it! Learned a lot with your videos!

25:10 “The world lies to you all the time. I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to lie to yourself by wearing a fake watch.” - Teddy Baldassare, Sep 2020 Well said, Teddy.

Great video, Teddy. I definitely learned some new things especially about water resistance. Looking forward to your video on the grey market dealers.

Great job, very thorough and thoughtful production! Thank your for sharing your knowledge 👌🏾

Some really good points here for people starting to collect, or starting to expand their interest in the hobby!

Didn’t realize you were an AD, congrats. Will definitely support and look your way when interested in those brands.

Great video, very informative. I just got into watches in 2020 with my first watch, the Breitling Avenger, and was shocked to realize that all watches didn't have batteries, that mechanicals were not as accurate as quartz, etc. Now I've come to prefer mechanicals, their engineering, artistry, their beauty and character, is something quartz watches, and smart watches especially, will never compare with. And I love my Apple Watch for it's practicality.

Insane video, so much pertinent information, don't apologize for the length, this was exactly what I was looking for and by the look of the comments I've seen so far, I'm not the only one!

Please make part 2, we wanna see more of this. Great Video !!

Citizen Garrison/Chandler (green fabric strap) is my favourite watch. I challenge any watch to suffer how my Garrison did & survive. The watch was lost during a home re-hab project. Eventually gave up searching, moved on, bought a new Citizen eco-drive. After 1 year, to the week, raking around the garage, I found my missing watch! In a dirt pile for 12 months of rain and Wisconsin snow. I was so happy. Cleaned with a rag. Left in the sun for a day. Wearing it now, works perfect.

Great helpful video Teddy, always top shelf videos from you. A real class act. Thanks so much for the free education via your hard work. I've learned much. I appreciate it.

Terrific video! Very informative, interesting, and helpful! Great job!

Wow, this video is wonderful. I love watches, own many, like to work on them. But still love to see well made, comprehensive videos like this on the things I like. And your refined, gentle tone is a great plus. Well done, Bravo! Cheers from Italy! :)

@Teddy Baldassarre Thanks a million Teddy!!! Really wanted such a video😘 I Love watches. Amazing to have all the info compiled all together! And as always Amazing to have you back buddy👍

Glad you mentioned servicing mechanical watches. Eventually they will need servicing if only cleaning and lubricating. Even that level of service can cost hundreds or even thousands and I don't think many people buying these watches realize the carrying cost of ownership. I would recommend checking out the typical service cost from an AD before you buy.

Such a helpful guide. Keep up the good work!

Teddy this is a masterpiece. I'm def keeping this in my back pocket for whoever expresses interest in watches haha

I’ve been watching luxury watches reviews for few months now, but this, is one of the best and most informative video out there. Thanks a lot.

Hey Teddy, thanks 4 this great video. Would love 2 see more videos like this one. Also very interested in seeing a video re: Grey Market. Keep up the good work.

Fantastic lesson which explains everything about watches. How they work etc. Personally, l am a big fan of quartz watches because of accuracy and timekeeping. But it is my point of view and l respect others.

Very informative, I know nothing about watches but just bought a Tissot Seastar 1000 and love it, though wasn't thinking about any of the points mentioned here when I bought it, I just liked how it looked. 😁

Extreme value in this presentation. Like a Collector’s/Enthusiast’s Handbook. I enjoyed every second!

too helpful...thank you for sharing the knowledge with us

This video is fantastic - I would've loved this when I first got into watches.

Very interesting video! Thank you! Thankfully in my case watches were an easy choice. A Seiko Premier for dress wear and a Casio g-shock gw-5610 for everyday wear.

Awesome video thanks for your dedication to the art very informative looking forward to purchasing some new straps from your site

This is the video to share . People always ask me questions about watches just because I am into the hobby,but I am no expert . Just a very humble collector,trying to rebuilt my collection sold due to quarentine effects over the economy. Consider writing a book,Teddy. Congratulations for this masterclass.

Another vid with another lovely cup of coffee to drink with .. thank you 🌹🌹

You got me into my first automatic watch. Thanks Teddy!

Holy cow! that was a lotta info. But easy to digest none the less. Thank you. I was fortunately(though unusually) in an absorbent mood.

I am new to watch buying and I really appreciate all of your videos and guides. Very helpful. Thank you!!!

Big fan Teddy!!! Love the way you explain and break down "Watch 101" and Horology. Vote for Teddy all day.

In addition to the sizes that need to be taken into account when choosing a watch, there is another important parameter - weight. For example, watches made of titanium and steel differ significantly in weight with the same dimensions. And this has a very significant effect on the comfort of wearing. Someone likes it heavier, someone easier, and even depending on the type of watch (diver, everyday, ...), but you can't ignore it!

Just VERY VERY helpful and thanks for uploading such a patient, detailed video.

Awesome I really enjoyed and learned a bunch. Great content. Thank you and until the next one. Primo 😊

A suggestion for the next video perhaps.... A difference between pre-owned watches and vintage watches. And can we call the vintage watches are actually new watches or not. Thank you for this information.. be well Mr. Teddy

I recommend laying an open plastic bag on the table and unfastening the spring bar in that; if the bar goes flying when it is popped out, the bag will catch it and you won't have to spend an hour searching for the thing in your carpet.

I absolutely loved this video! Keep doing more videos like this!

Never seen a video with such a clarity. Great Job. Absolutely loved it.👍

you introduced me to the best watch ever the ORIENT MAKO USA II, I bought it because of you, I would like you to make a full video about that watch. ive bought many other watches since then but that's the best watch I've spent money on

that Maurice Lacroix is giving me the "please buy me now" look

Excellent video, key points very well touched for newcomers in the beautiful art of watches, thx

I absolutely love your video thank you so much for giving your knowledge to the world !!

I'd like a video on servicing and the cost of running different watches.

If you are worried about scratching the face of your watch you could probably go to any shop that sells paint protection film and have them cut a custom piece and install it on the watch face. You wont be able to tell its there after a few days and the scratches will heal themselves. If the face it already scratched, some paint protection film brands do a very good job of covering up the scratches.

Your videos are very informative. I’m kind of new to the watch community. I always loved mechanical watches just never owned one until recently. I inherited a omega speedmaster from 1967 with a 321 movement. After researching the history of the watch I was pretty blown away . This watch is definitely going to be the gateway to others and I want to learn as much as possible.

I appreciate your choice of brand selection on your site. For real watch enthusiast!

I have a 7 1/2 inch wrist but I prefer small watches around 28-32mm in size. I often have to buy watches described as 'ladies watches' in order to get this size. The main problem I have is finding bands that are long enough on small watches. It's surprising how many manufacturers will not supply extra links.

It wouldve been nice to go through the different types of watches aswell, eg. Divers, Military, Dress, etc

This very informative and well said. Thanks for sharing this.

Awesome video I just get in the hobby and more you scratch more is complex so thank you for the resume.

On the subject of water resistance, the "dynamic pressure when moving" is really considered an urban myth, the pressure variations will hardly ever exceed 10% of dynamic pressure, if at all. The consideration is rather about safety factor and service life. If the watch is tested for 3 bar, it's dipped in water, pressurized and taken out (one sample per batch, or even just per model), then they check if any noticeable amount of water has gotten in. But some water will get in, because no seal can ever be perfect. Now if that remains just a little water, no big deal. But take your 3 bar watch swimming in agressive salt water multiple times and the next service, you're in for a nasty surprise. And then there's safety factor. This is basically engineer speak for "the number of zeroes you slap on to be sure". Would you for example, if you weighed 70kg, get into a lift tested for 71kg? (Rest assured every lift can take at least 4 times the weight it says inside.) Same thing with a watch; remember a diver's watch used to be the only thing keeping you from running out of air. As a rule of thumb, the product rule gives you a fair indication of what you can do to your watch. Say a 200m ISO-6425 rated diver is tested at 250m equivalent pressure (125% as by the standard) for 2 hours. As a rule of thumb, the product of those two, in this case 2500mh should not be exceeded in between two full services. So if for example you dive recreationally down to 25m, you can take about 40 30-minute dives before you should replace all relevant gaskets (that's roughly my diving schedule over 5 years btw).

I want to go back to simpler times when I only had one Seiko Quartz. This is probably not feasible so. I am thinking of selling everything except for the Citizen Pro Master Tough from 2018 (for hiking) And The Casio F91 gold striped(for running). I would buy the Citizen Solar Diver (for swimming) and a Grand Seiko 9f Quartz ( for the office and dressy occasions) and a Casio Oceanus 100 or 200 for travelling. I am past the hassle of servicing watches. Time is short and I have other hobbies as well.

I found this video very interesting and educational. Points that I already knew are summarized, dark points are clarified and new and unknown information is added. Time spent on video is precious in every second.

The best introduction video on watches. I wished I found your video before making my first purchase. I liked, subscribed and click the bell. Good stuff. Thank you for the time you put in this video, very helpfull!

Thanks Teddy, I found this video helpful and the fact that you disclosed your wrist size also helps me in determining what case diameter to select. Does the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 fit well on your wrist?

I wouldn't mind seeing a deep dive /demo on how to ahop for extra bands and how to swap them out and how to clean the watch yourself. Basically things that help you get the most out of your watch.

I have no clue of watches and was looking for a video to gather basic but diversified information to get first impressions and start to build up on. Thats exactly what I found, thank you very much!

Earned a new sub. Great content and advice Teddy. Thank you.

My word of advice is to “handle” a watch before you buy it. Sounds simple but so true. I wanted a submariner so bad until I handled it. Saved me a ton of money...a ton.

I admire mechanical watches for their ingenuity, but I do love good quartz watches. As an electrical engineer, I can only recognize that they are much better as timekeeping devices, and much more convenient to own.

Great video Teddy, really enjoyable and informative.