These 7 Watch Collecting Mistakes Will RUIN Your Collection! 

As an enthusiast and someone who works in the industry, I was an elitist. The other day I came across a fashion brand watch I really liked the design and wouldn’t buy it because it’s “fashion”. My girlfriend called me stupid and you know what, she’s right it is stupid. I ended up getting that watch and I wear it now more than my omega and breitling. Shit it makes me happy and almost weird that I’m wearing a fashion brand after hating on it for so long 😂.

I once read an article in a watch magazine many years ago where the interviewer asked the Editor of that magazine what he thought was the best watch. His answer was not Patek-Phillipe, Rolex, Omega or even a Hamilton. He simply said "The best watch is the watch you enjoy wearing the most". That has been my attitude with watch purchases. Loved that answer.

COSC? Nah. The real COSC I want is Casio Orient Seiko Citizen

Having built up an collection of 8 in 3 years in my experience the most important is patience. Appreciating your collection is the most important thing. Being broke helps a lot

Casio, orient, seiko and citizen are literally the only brands in my collection.

And definitely don't listen to brand haters. If a Tag Heuer appeals to you, then buy it. If a Movado was your dream watch, then buy it. Don't get caught up on the haters and the "certain" brand name fan boys where everything sucks except their brand.

I’m only 3 minutes in, and I love this guy! Talk about pearls of wisdom and common sense! Awesome!

The dive depth snobbery has always been a weird one to me. Most recreational divers don't go anywhere near those depths and chances are if they do they aren't wearing their little Seiko 5.

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As I "mature" in this hobby I'm learning that not everyone's opinion should be taken as fact. This hobby has a lot of snobby people in it. I just like what I like and I'm not listening to anyone else anymore. Lol

From my experience, I learned to buy watches that I will ACTUALLY WEAR, not because of specs, or because I anticipate growing into them. That’s why I sold off all my technically superior Seiko divers, but still kept my first one, the SKX, and why the only dress watch I have is the versatile Seiko SARB035. Both watches fit my thin wrist well, both work with my lifestyle, and both are unique in their own way. Furthermore, both will stay with me long term, because being wearable means I’ve had the opportunity to build bonding experiences with them. Next stop for me will be a Rolex Datejust.

This was put onto my recommendations, glad it was, many wise words said throughout, really enjoyed and glad to be a new subscriber

Hello: I have been collecting watches for way many decades and your video is very useful for new and old generations. I grew up using pocket and wristwatches, nothing electronic :) Cheers from Patagonia, Argentina.

This is hands down some o the best advice on the hobby. Thank you for being down to Earth, straight to the point, and honest about these potential pitfalls. I've bookmarked this video to go back to when I feel overwhelmed with choice.

I’ll repeat what’s been said a dozen times already, this is good advice that could save you money, time and future headache and heartbreak.

I fell fast and deep down the rabbit hole, starting with a beautiful $100 Tissot and a Seiko 5 (the 5 SPORT, not 5KX), and one year later ended up with a Tudor Prince and the El Primero. I initially planned out a whole watch collecting journey. But due to some windfalls, I was able to simply save a bit more and went straight to the watches I really wanted. I guess that was my saving grace, as I might've potentially spent way more money on the 'in-between' watches. And yes, now I truly love what I have. Watches come out all the time, and whilst I really like some of them, I look at my watch stand and go 'Nah. I'm good'. I'm not a sports watch person. That's what I realised when I wore the Seiko 5. The El Primero is a chronograph, but it's definitely more dressy than sporty.

We need more of this kind of video in the watch community. So spot on.

Oh man thank you so so much, I'm just starting and I feel every single advice you talk about in the video. Thank you, it's really helpful!

Dude... you just describe my whole watch life of the past years.... AMEN to this video!!!

Alessandro, thank you for this video. It helped me in reconsidering selling some of my watches. Seriously, this was great!

Sound advice, and well delivered. Thank you for the reinforcement of these sensible principles.

Superb advice, maybe the best I've seen in 3-4 years watching watch commentary on RU-vid.

Beautifully said Alessandro, clear concise advice from your experience, excellent !!

I'm falling into the hole fast. Started early this year devouring everything I can get on watches. I even dream about this little bastards. The first automatic I got (March), already trade for another one. Now I have the 2-week rule. Never buy by impulse, I must wait 2 weeks before buying any watch. It saved me some money and made me appreciate more the ones I have

What a great video ! "You must be reading my mail" because you've identified, and nailed, practically every mistake I've made. Thanks for that. 😉 And thanks for what you're doing.

Anyone new to this hobby should watch this video. Looking at the local second hand market, you quickly see what mistakes people make.

Great advice. I’ve been collecting for decades and it took a considerable amount of time and money to really discern what makes a great watch for me. There’s not many short cuts, sometimes they just don’t click, but this is certainly helpful advice!

Fantastic advice! I've made each of these mistakes in the past. Now I've learned to slow down and think.

I've never seen such an honest list before. I just subscribed.

7:22 - 100% agree, and a statement which I struggle with when pulling the trigger on a Luxury watch.

This is terrific advice and it applies to any kind of collecting.

I'm a diver and I can tell you that a diver wears a diving watch only on land (and while swimming) and usually not while diving. Underwater we got our computer and don't need a watch anymore. Especially one without a rubber strap. You would have to wear your computer on the one hand an the watch on the other wich makes no sense. So divers usually wear them on land and when they are in company with other divers (in Germany, where I'm from, the most worn are the Citizens).

Great advice, as usual. I skipped the Seiko 5kx earlier this year, though I really wanted it, and was so happy when the rotating bezel-less 40mm version came out. I got that one, and now it refuses to leave my wrist 😂. Point is, I’m glad I waited.

Number 7 is so important. I fell into that trap of listening to the online watch community too closely At some point I found I had collected a number of "WIS favorites". But only after spending the money on for example an Omega Speedmaster Professional (great watch don't get me wrong) did I realize that I don't actually care about the connection to the moon-landing, I hated the bracelet, and while I loved the design of the watch it was not what I was looking for.

Awesome content. Informative and straightforward. Just recently got into watches and your advise are all on point. Thanks!!

Great video! Excellent points on this obsession that can take us in so many directions.

Another great video with very good advice, it's easy to be influenced by other watch reviewers on RU-vid when the only view that matters is your own.

This is the best collecting mistake video I’ve seen. Bravo sir!

This such an awesome video! I have no idea why I haven't come across your channel before but it is fantastic - Thank you 😊👍

Such a great video , and so true the way I look at it. I made so many of these mistakes, but in doing so it made me realize what I liked and what worked for me. It is always easy to look back and say if only I knew then what I now know, but unless you had a large volume of watches to try on and compare in the metal you really sometimes just have to experiment. Thanks again, Brian.

Thank God I'm a 17 year old when starting my watch interest because I'm in the begining phase where I like a lot of watches but I dont have money to buy them😂. I have a cool seiko 5 and I'm thinking about getting an orient kamasu when I go into university and maybe I will buy a vostok. If I had financial liberty I would have pulled the triger in like 5 watches already 😂

Great video. I'm just starting out my watch collection and I'm certainly falling into all these traps. So far I've bought an orient bambino and a hamilton khaki field mechanical. I do want to check the diver box. Ultimately I'd like it to be an Omega Seamaster 300 but I think maybe getting an orient mako or ray would be a good way to see if a dive watch is right for me before dropping thousands of dollars.

Thank you for thses insightful perspectives. These are helpful to novices and enthusiasts with a bit of experience.

I really enjoy this channel! Specially this video which is, I think, more about wisdom than watches. Keep up the good work!

I've found that not looking at the "next watch" leads me to notice and appreciate my current watches more. Thanks for number 4!

I have really been dedicated to the Citizen Eco-Drive line. Good looking, always reliable, and really affordable. Sold 13 of them because I feel they were becoming to “fashion” focused with their collaborations with Marvel, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, etc. I find myself wanting and enjoying mechanical watches. Wearing and winding occasionally by hand is fun for me rather than just looking at a variety of watches in the watch box. I am digging many micro-brands and might even buy a Kickstarter watch. Not sure if I can wrap my head around spending more than a grand on something I may knock around. Moral of my story, buy what you want, sell when your tired of them, buy more if you can afford.

The video is just amazing. Answered all my questions in the video. Doing a great job man.

Well said, specially the part with the “you need..” . Good video 👊🏼

Your videos Alessandro are real gems in the horology business

Spot on with "you do you"...keep up the great content

What a great video! Thanks for your advices, they are wise and precise!

Great video mate. I WATCHED IT TWICE! You've helped me change my perspective somewhat. I'm constantly on the hunt for my next watch, and have pulled the trigger on lesser watches for the instant gratification. I'm going to save up for my next one!

“Listen to me: Don’t listen to others!” Ok… 😄

I have a Citizen Eco Drive Skyhawk and had my eye on the Promaster dive watch, Pro master Blue Angel's & a G Shock full metal. I've had my Skyhawk for 4 years now and wear it constantly but I've been wanting to add to my collection for awhile.

Excellent Information! Thanks for grounding me! It is so true, and i have found this out with all the different things i have collected through out the years! Great Reminder video!

Really thoughtful, sensible advice, and nice video. Thank you!

Everything you described is part of a journey of collecting anything. They are not mistakes. If you are an enthusiastic beginner you will buy a lot quickly. If you are undecided on what your style is, you buy examples from all styles. Then you spend more time with your collection and eventually it becomes clearer what you like, what fits your wrist and what suits your lifestyle. Then you sell what you don't wear. Then you get bored with what you wear, and start looking for something different. And the process starts again.... This is just a hobby and supposed to be fun, don't beat yourselves up people :-)

I agree that buying a substitute timepiece "to scratch the itch" of getting something that isn't that much more expensive is silly, but if your grail watch is significantly more expensive, there's nothing wrong with finding a more affordable, comparable clone. Case in point, my grail watch is the Tag Heuer Carrera chronograph with the green dial, so in the interim I recently picked up a Fossil FB03 chronograph with a green dial. It's obviously miles apart in quality, but it does, for the time being, scratch the itch.

Finally some sound advice. I have probably made all those mistakes but now I know what I like and what works for me. Great video!!!

Insightful video. Thanks! What is the strap on your sarb035? Is the stock?

The only spec I really look for is a sapphire crystal, because no matter how hard I try, I know I'm going to beat the crap out of it.

So true, I diminished my collection from 25 to 5 watches wich I intend to keep. 2 Blancpain, one Vulcain Cricket, one Longines Spirit and one Vostok Amfibia for rough use

Thanks for taking this new watch guy through the basics. Looking forward to learning more from you.

This was actually a well thought out video and much appreciated! Great content

Started collecting 7 years ago... and I’ve owned over 100 watches, always chasing the “perfect” collection. I sure wish there were helpful videos like this back then!

"...wow! This thing is AWESOME!" That's it.

Excelent advice. I just wanted a good automatic watch and channels like yours helped me in my choice. Thanks.

really good advice alessandro! I totally agree with you: especially with number 6/7. Buying just the specs will make you miss out on really cool watches. In the beginning of my watch collection journey I was strictly against aluminium bezel inserts. Now, I really enjoy the vintage aesthetic. Personal Taste changes over time, especially when it comes to watches.

"Great value for the money" is something that *every* purchaser of a timepiece thinks about and incorporates heavily into their decision. Whether it's a Richard Mille, or a Seiko 5--and for whatever purpose the watch is being purchased--that person's subjective value-to-cost ratio is always part of the equation.

Great advice. The only one I'd qualify slightly is the last one: yes, the only opinion that matters in the end is your own, but hearing other people's opinions can help to develop your own, and help spare you from some of the mistakes you describe elsewhere in your video. When anyone describes himself (and it's usually a he) as a rugged individualist who can make his own mind up without being influenced by other people, I usually assume he's deluded (especially if he's wearing a Sub 😉). "No man is an island" and all that.

Such great advice! Wonderful video.

Thank you for this video. You are so right, about the choices we must make. Not only for watches, but for all stuff we want to buy.

Amazing video, definitely could have used this when I started. I think mistakes will be unavoidable as it's hard to know what you will love. The key is to minimize them. And it's a journey not a race...

I buy watches that I love, so, when I rotate them, after some time without using a piece, wearing it back is like another honeymoon. When I plan to buy a piece, I do not buy anything else, no matter the price, because I would get me off the final goal. P.D.: Interesting video as always.

Appreciate what you have! That was the key for me!

This was a informative video with many great points! Subscribed for sure!

Like any hobby, collection or life itself - watch collecting is a journey. Remember this: there are no mistakes... ...if you learn from them.

I found it absolutely hilarious when he said "just get a quartz watch" 😂😂 destroys the point of automatic lol

Excellent advice. Thank you!

This is a great video. I think most collectors have experienced these things and hopefully learned from their mistakes. I also rarely wear dress watches because they are not durable enough for day to day wear.

I agree with a lot of what you've said but there has been instances when a certain watch catches your eye and its just pure😍😍 but you resist the urge & end up thinking about it forever more as you can no longer acquire it due to the short purchase window. I'm sure some of you guys have suffered the same "one that got away" fate.

One of the best videos for new watch enthusiasts. I was in this trap before, when I was buying a lot of watches in short amount of time. Also, I was only looking at high end, particularly Grand Seiko (ended up with 5 of them). Guess what...over the years I started to appreciate cheaper watches to the point, where now Im a huge fan of Russian Vostok watches and I own nearly a dozen of them. Accuracy is not their strongest point and I have to agree with you and add something from my experience - the more watches you have in your collection, the less you look at accuracy. You change them every now and then to enjoy whole collection. 5 or 20sec +/- a day? Doesn't matter to me. Also, Im glad to see you still have a Nighthawk, its one of my fav watches, I have Blue Angels edition. Greetings!

so glad your making videos again!! i needed to hear that lol

Great tips! Much appreciated.

I just ordered Tissot now 💪🏻

I’d never pay thousands for a watch. I always compare those with cars i like... final result... i ended up buying a second hand porsche instead of a grand seiko (my dream watch) happiest decision ever. Insane for that money.

Amazing video and info! 💯👍🏻👏🏻 thanks for sharing

Great video and good advice. I will say, my journey through watches started with cheap watches and lots of them. I'm really not sorry about that either. I learned a lot and wasn't out all that much money. I still have a couple from the start of my journey (sold off the rest) and I love them! From that I learned what size works for me, what styles I like (I like divers and tend toward dressier watches) and what I don't like (Gshocks and chrono's are not my thing). My choices now are much more considered, but that couldn't have happened without the lessons learned with less expensive pieces. Great video - keep them coming!!

Where'd you go man?

Ahhh. Thank you for this video. I just received a caravelle watch from my wife as a gift. Initially, as a "watch collector" it didn't catch my interest. But knowing I shouldnt give a fuck and love it for what it is, accurate, good looking, thoughtful gift is all that matters. Do you!

I Loved the way you delivered it! Great!

The Best video (info) in a long time. Honest information.

Honestly for some people, myself included, the mistakes were necessary lessons in the collecting process. Had I saw this video in my early days I probably would’ve made the same mistakes anyways. :)

My three rules: 1. The biggest misconception is that you need to dress up to wear a dress watch. I don't need to have a suit on to wear my Calatrava or Datejust, just a Polo shirt, or even jeans and a t. 2. Want to know the difference between a sport watch owner and a diver owner? Sport watch owners are the only ones that admit they don't use their watch for diving. 3. All watches are fashion watches. It is only a TOOL watch when you use the watch as a tool.

Very interesting and well thought out perspective.

Many youtuber make this kind of video. But i appreciate the way you present your point of view. The thing is find what you want and enjoy as collectors rather than what other people opinion. Great video and really personal from you

2nd ?

For most part of my career I was wearing suits and ties for court and protective details, I was a Deputy US Marshal. I loved watches and still do, but in those days I lost a beloved Seiko dress watch due to my job, during a trial there were 6 defendants from a drug organization and at one point they decided to engage the deputies in court, well they lost but I lost my suit and tie along with my Seiko watch. That same week I went to COSTCO with my wife for grocery shopping and I saw this beautiful diver homage watch for $49.99, please don't hate me it was and Invicta diver watch. Bought it and for 7 years it endured so many fights and arrests while another new deputy lost his graduation gift, a brand new Rolex Submariner. Nowadays after retiring almost three years ago my collection is about sports watches, dive watches and field watches, no dress watches because I don't wear suits and ties unless it is a special occasion. Yes I was like you, I bought about 5 watches at the beginning just to get that watch itch, nowadays I am more choosy with my watches. And yes, I love my Steinhart watches 😁😁😁 Best regards from San Juan, Puerto Rico, stay safe.

Thanks for educating us and pointing out the mistakes that we make even without realising it ourselves. I am guilty of buying a watch that I seldom wear, especially a homage watch that cost many times less than the real deal. I'm guilty of buying a cheap watch that I don't wear so often. Wished this video came out earlier, then I wouldn't have to make so many mistakes. Thanks for being truthful on your opinions.

Thanks for that quick shot of your SNX79. It looks SO MUCH BETTER since you swapped out the case...! Sembra spettacolare...!!