The Only Watch Advice You Need to Know 

Can I suggest another rule? “The plasticity of perception“: people always argue about whether our watches are too big or too small, but in fact, your perception resets after a couple days to get used to whatever size you are wearing. So when you are used to wearing a 36 mm vintage Rolex, a 42 mm Seiko looks huge, and vice versa. A lot of people don’t seem to understand this at all, and so dig in on the idea that only one size watch works with their wrist, or even that smaller watches aren’t manly, which is silly, given that they were manly enough for the soldiers who fought in the world wars.

Thank you. I can testify that you are spot on. Add to this, sell one to buy one. My journey started with a well meaning person telling me that every man should have more than one watch and that a G-Shock was not appropriate for most situations. Hundreds of watches later.... Unfortunately, that may not be an exaggeration as I am trying to sell 2 large totes full of watches now. Ignore what people say you should have, what do you like and want. Once you know that, buy it. I have a LOT of watches that look similar to what I really wanted but didn't scratch the itch. In every case, I could have bought the "real thing" many times over and had more money in my pocket.

I like to watch the Watch Philosopher! (Philosopher literally: philia, the love we feel for those who shaped us, plus sophros, practical wisdom, that is, knowledge that actually helps guide us in our everyday lives.)

Spot on per usual Jeff! Thanks man!

I own 32 watches (some which I bought as a teenager in the 70s) and have always bought what I wanted after careful consideration, regardless whether anybody else liked them. I often change watches twice a day, and cannot bring myself to sell any of them. It is a shame as I would really like to own fewer watches.

Haven't watched this yet, but it's spot on ❤

It’s the 1% that messes things up for the 99% in all areas of life. That 023 and its monoblock case is iconic, the 019 is on my short list. Opinions are everywhere and are often cheap, buy what you like, icons are hard to beat.

This is yet another great video, McMahon. You've really learned to harness your insights into simple truths enthusiasts can absolutely relate to; I, too, agree social media has contributed to mass indecisiveness and an overall lack of confidence and insecurity with regard to purchasing watches. I've never cared what others wear/think and have always bought what I like - the same thing applies to music, cars, etc.. For example, I recently bought a Doxa Sub c-graph ii Caribbean on the blue fkm strap and absolutely love it; however, it's generally disliked - especially by Doxa enthusiasts. That's a shame but who cares. Like you said, if you love it, it's comfortable and brings you joy that’s all that matters. Plus the fact that said enthusiasts get worked up because Doxa had the nerve to put "Sub" on its dial (it's based on their very first diver reference, 11804-4, released in 1964) yet it looks nothing like the official Sub released in 1967. It's amusing how sometimes we're passionate to the point of ridiculousness.

Here’s my advice: Limit social media usage, limit your purchases, and buy watches that are enjoyable to wear, so you can “touch grass” with them. All the experiences you spend with those watches out on social occasions, creating memorable experiences will make you appreciate your watches even more. You can’t do that if you own too many watches, or own uncomfortable watches. Why did I sell all my Seiko divers except my SKX009? It was my first Seiko watch, the watch I had the most amount of memorable experiences while wearing, and most importantly, it fits my wrist.

What drives me nuts is when someone buys a clone of high end watch then begins to tell you how stupid you are to pay the price of a Rolex, Tudor etc. how better their Chinese clone of the watch is in price spec etc. If its so damn good why the hell do you have to try to sell everyone it is. People just stop. If you have to justify your position on the watch, knock it off you have lost. I had to get off watch crunch for this exact reason. Cant do it, done lol. My wife who is a psychologist gave me the head shrink reason people do this, but it was a Master's thesis explanation lol. But it boiled down to insecurity lol.

I always plan on my impulse buys.

Now...... We need a BOOK.

“Dogs…because people suck”. Sorry to hear about the trolls McMahon. I’ve had to get off a lot of forums/social media because of the toxic people. Hard to shake it, but you’re not alone.

And when the substitute is better and more enjoyable than the ‘Rolex’… and the Rolex can be very uncomfortable to wear. I have not wore my expensive watches ( the ones I did not not sell) for ages. And the affordable ones I love on the day. And love another one on another day… but yes I’m obsessive. And I love a good deal. So my plan is to reduce the addiction to one watch per month. If it’s on special…

I recommednd all to buy the one wa

There are way too many enthusiasts who can’t do #1 on their own. So many posts asking for advice/direction and/or validation. Part of the reason why so many collections look the same.

Jeffrey, I've been seriously thinking about selling all but 2 watches and move on from collecting

Stay busy being productive and you will soon only want one decent quartz watch. Although I have five watches I am so busy these days that I only grab my Seiko SNE573P1. The other four are - Seiko SUR447, Tissot PRX 35mm digital, Tudor BB36 and a Tudor GMT. They could be up for the chop.

McMahon, who makes the chocolate bar rubber strap you have? Uncle Seiko has one but I don’t like the pattern on it. Thanks

Where did you buy the chocolate bar strap?

Never sell. Who ever dies with the most watches win!😅

Hey Jeff. What a shame I was enjoying reading your stuff on there. Always some idiots spoil it for everyone.

This damn watch addiction can make you go nuts man 😩

Dude, you look 52, tops. Good work sir.

For my personality, rules 2 and 3 are "'Law Of Nature'" level axiomatic. That 2% thing is fascinating, and rather sad. Such a disproportionate and destructive effect. I have a similar 2% theory of behavior that I've been thinking through for years. I've worked in hospitality for much of my life, essentially hotels. 98% of guests walk in and just want to be liked, to be pleasant, and have a stress free enjoyable stay. Yet, there's always that 2%. Like your 2% being awful enough for you to completely bail on a social media platform. The hospitality 2% is vile enough to ruin my day, and in bad cases, ruin all the other guests stays too. Bonus percentage. Of the 98% of guests who are pleasant and well behaved. How many are on the psychopath spectrum, but disguise it well? What percentage of the 98% would I, for example, under no circumstances want looking after my pet?

Dont buy rolex