It's incredibly inspirational to see someone who has access to some incredibly high end gear, and yet is still perceptive and open-minded enough that they give good, quality budget options a fair shot, and is even enthusiastic about them. In no small part due to your videos, I recently ordered my first real watch, or at least the first watch that I'll own because I appreciate the engineering involving and not because "oooh, buttons and backlight!" (although I'll concede that I haven't even owned one of those in over 10 years). It's a Seiko 5 (SNZG17J1), and it should be here in a few days. While I did have to go through the grey market to find this particular watch (it wasn't available through any ADs in Canada, and given that I live above the 60th parallel, taking a jaunt out to the nearest high-end jewellery shop just isn't an option), it didn't put such a dent in my wallet that I'll regret it if it doesn't work out, but I'm optimistic that I'll love it. Thanks for being a cool guy, and moreover, a true gentleman.
Great list TGV! Tough challenge given the set of parameters you allowed yourself. Braun often overlooked, but the cleanest design for this money, I think, and glad you included the Invicta. Cheers!
Really enjoy your Blog. I just started to watch you this weekend and have seen several of your watch episodes. You are very fair and balanced in your watch reviews. It's such a pleasure to listen to a certified watch enthusiast who is a gentleman and quite knowledgeable. I am now a fan of you and your blogs. Dennis Sadlicki
Bought a snk809 after a video of you, put it on a leather strap and it is a perfect piece for me. Well my friends who wear Fossil, DW and Emporio armani don't like it. But who cares about their opinion ?
Your friends are not obviously not into horology, just smile knowing what a enriching, satisfying and enjoyable hobby you are into. Their loss my friend. My your SNK809 serve you well. Thank you, Best regards, TGV
Trafalgar Law congrats! I bought the Random Ghost (the swatch) after the video! Hahaha It was not easy to find, I guess TGV is impacting the market! Cheers
You guys are being so snobby, perhaps without even realizing it. Are you invalidating their opinions just because they wear fashion watches? Also, how does this make them "sheep?"
@@LeConcerto Fashion watches are way over priced for the poor quality you get, am as happy wearing a Citizen or Seiko as i am my Hamilton because the quality for the price is there.
Absolutely. I almost put it in but I just could not take any of my picks in. I am so glad you mentioned them Steve, Great to hear from you btw, I hope all is well. Thank you my friend for the tip, I have yet to try that Citizen! :D Best regards, TGV
The Urban Gentry Doing well, Thanks very much Tristano. Great video and I always look forward to your videos and superb content. I think it's really important to remember that you don't have to spend a fortune to own a great timepiece.
Steve I ordered though Amazon a Vostok Komandirskie automatic KGB for a goof, on Sept. 3, per the vendor ru.store is should come sometime next week. I have no idea that it take's that long, wondering if they send it from Russia?? I have heard good things about them as well as the vendor. And yes it was well under $100
I love that you include watches for people like me who have a much smaller budget. You’ve shown me that a good watch doesn’t always mean expensive. Because of your videos, I recently bought my first automatic watch; the Seiko SNK807, and I love it!
“Errm, where is Daniel Wellington? There quality is amazing and nothing comes close to them at this price point! Especially with there precise beautiful movements!” - said no one ever
I completely agree with your inclusion of the Invicta! I picked one up for $45 on Prime day just to see what the fuss was about. This is a wonderful watch for an entry level collector.
A very respectable list. It'd be awesome to do a video on Rotary past and present. They were my gateway brand. I don't tend to wear them these days but I think they make some beautiful watches
loved the inclusion of the Casio Duro. I call it the Budget Bond. Also, I am a huge fan of Sherlock but never noticed the watch. Definitely considering ordering the Rotary. Thank you TGV, truly a channel of pure class and style in these admittedly garish times.
I can attest to your number one pick! I wear my snk803 daily, I am an automotive technician, and it is truly durable. The list was filled with great watches. Thank you for another wonderful video! As you say - Onwards and Upwards!!
There are a lot of very affordable vintage* Rotary models - handwound and automatic - in decent nick on the 'bay. *- well, honestly, more like 70s and 80s models. Getting one of those and getting basic service for it locally might fit under the $100 mark. Worth considering, imo.
I bought a rotary about 15 years ago with my very first pay check when I was 16 and it's still going strong now apart from changing the battery every 2ish years lovd the watch
Just discovered the channel few days ago and the passion in all your videos is just intoxicating. I love watching your channel, you've made me appreciate watches more than i thought i would ever do. Thanks to you i now bought a Seiko 5 snk623k1, a Swatch Irony Chrono Windfall YCS410GX and an Orient Bambino FAC00004B0 to put next to my Casio Edifice and my Casio world time illuminator. I know it's not much but i hope to build it up with the help of your videos. Thank you.
I love the history lesson you give with each watch. I've seen Braun watches for sale and even though I really liked some of their designs, I never gave them much attention. I just figured they were a cheap piece of advertising for Braun. But I have a new respect for them now. I also did not know Bill Gates wears a Casio Duro, pretty cool!
ClassicTGV! I loved your countdown. I also liked the way you were so honest about the pro diver and many of the other less recognized watches. These type of videos involving great entry level watches is what really got me into your channel. Great vid! 👍🏾
TGV brings the same passion and enthusiasm whether hes talking about entry level seikos or 10k rolexes. That's is simply PURE CLASS and we appreciate that! 😁
Wow, another fascinating show TGV and particularly found the info on the Braun mesmerising, I mean how embarrassing that I never even knew they produced watches, yet alone such beautiful ones. I have already sourced one and am seriously considering it as I cannot stop looking at it! It is a date at 6'oclock but with a mesh strap and for £50! You have to stop doing this to me lol, but I am learning so much from your shows since following you just a few months ago, its like school, but enjoyable! I wonder if you could do a show all around German watches at some point? Perhaps you already have and I've missed it, so forgive me. Cannot wait for future shows, all the best
I have a lovely little Rotary automatic that my wife bought me to wear on our wedding day back in 2016 that I wear every day. It is a classy little piece and although it only cost about £150, it is priceless to me and will always be my first watch 'proper' watch. It also sparked my interest in watches and I am now chomping at the bit to start building a collection. Maybe my wife may regret buying it for me when I start dropping thousands on luxury pieces but I will love it forever! Thanks for the content TGV...I always look forward to your uploads. Keep up the good work :)
TGV, Greetings from Idaho, I hope this finds you well. Long time fan and infrequent commenter here but I wanted to say you are one of the people who inspired me by teaching me so much about watches. I appreciate these affordable watch videos as I am assembling myself a decent collection of affordable timepieces (most recently a Pepsi SKX as inspired by yourself). Another gentleman and watchmaker who inspired me; Cameron Weiss of Weiss Watch Co. based out of Los Angeles. He is making beautiful automatic field watches and also runs a horological show called “Watch and Listen”. I wonder if you’ve heard of him or his pieces? Best regards, Nick
Hi TGV. Recently discovered your channel and I find it very informative and entertaining. I even got inspired by one of your reviews for my most recent purchase (Laco flieger watch), so really admire your dedication and I'm very thankful for it. I just wanted to mention I'm very happy to see the Braun brand featured. I own the BN0095 Prestige chronograph. Despite being a quartz movement watch, I truly love the design, particularly the monobloc case (I think this is a feature that you would love) and the history behind it, which you referred in this video. It won three design awards, including IF, so no surprise it's linked to museums and so on. It's a shame that they didn't release this watch as an automatic and also, it's very sad that only the first versions of this watch are made in Germany. They are now made by a company called Zeon, which I think (but I'm not sure about it) are done in China. It might not be something that it's noticeable to many, but when I see my dial and read "Made in Germany" it gives me a lot of confidence on the piece. It's now on its fifth year with me and still going strong. It would be really cool if you do a review on these Prestige watches some day. The digital is truly good looking and definitely a couple of watches that are true representatives of Dieter Rams principles. Cheers!
I have 5 Seiko 5s. Love every one of them, and I have about $400 invested in the whole lot. Black, blue, green, khaki (all now on NATOs) and a rather rare blue/red (Pepsi?) combo. Super, super watches.
I love it!!!! You sound like a happy man David, super indeed. Thank you for sharing that, I hope it inspires others as much as it inspires me. Onwards and upwards. Best regards, TGV
I'm not sure what inspired me. I have an Omega Chronostop which I've now owned for 44 years - my 18th birthday present from my parents. Wore it for years (and it shows), then went off into the quartz world. Several (6-8?) years ago, I started thinking about watches again, and, after digging in again, was astounded to find real, mechanical, automatic watches for sensible prices! Orient Blue Mako is my daily wear (with the dreaded day pusher); my Seiko 5s provide the variation, and an Omega Speedmaster of some variety is now my Holy Grail. Love your channel - I'm addicted :)
Nice to see Rotary getting a mention. I've had quite a few, my favourite by far is my Aqua Speed Chronograph which looks very like a Breitling. Internal screw bezel, screw down crown etc... Very nice watch and now I believe around £120 including a black ion plated version. Great watches. Mine needs a new battery.
Your enthusiasm is contagious, sir. And your English is so beautiful that I use your vids to train mine. (My mother language being the utmost beautiful Italian idiom). Thank you.
Great list. Very glad to see you include the Invicta Pro Dive. The watch that got me intrested in learning more about automatic movements. I have since gotten much more expensive watches includeing a Rolex, but I still break out my Pro Diver and wear from time to time.
Nicely done TGV, hitting all spectrums. I appreciate you standing by your convictions. The Invicta piece was very good. It is what it is. True Gentry must admire it as a valued timepiece in this collaboration. Love the Rotary and Seiko variety. Congrats on another well-done show. Keep up the good work and all the best Sir.
No surprise at number 1! I am very pleased to see the casio duro at number 2. I have one, largely to do with your review and my need (at the time) for a good work watch. I run kitchens for a living so my watches get wet, beat up, and must keep accurate time. I have to say, I love this thing. The original intention was to mostly wear it at work, but now I have so many straps for it because I wear it on so many different occasions. Anyway, great list. I know the rules were only one watch per brand, but the seiko SUP880, is a great buy under $100. I have the non solar version of this watch from the 80's (It was my grandfathers) and I can tell you that it is just timeless class. I dress mine down on a navy perlon, or brown calf skin. But put a black lizard on it (it just gives it that beautiful vintage feel) and I'm ready for a tuxedo. Thank you for all of your great content!
Great video again TGV. Casio Duro is timeless, but I’m also using a different casio which is the Edifice EF-547D-1A1. Really fell in love with this piece, bought it for $100.00.
Im always a huge fan of when you do these budget videos as im no vanderbilt or rockefeller and while some of these pieces in other videos are amazing, these are so more affordable and very attainable. I always refer to these videos when i go watch shopping.
A friend recently purchased an Invicta Diver and is now hooked on watches. He realizes there is so much more out there now, like the field watches. I suggested his next to be a Hamilton or Seiko. Thanks (again) for all you do sir!
An Invicta on the Urban Gentry. How can you not be a fan of this channel? I've received many compliments on my ProDiver - and I've always admitted to the brand. Nothing to hide, just a nice watch to wear (and I can afford it). Hey, if it falls off in the ocean, I buy another.
To be fair Dieter Rams actually likes Apple and believes the company designs with his principles in mind, but I have always thought there's a line between inspiration and plagiarism and in some cases between Apple and other companies, including Braun, that lines feels a tad blurry.
Your videos have inspired me to get back into watches. I had my father's 1971 Seiko dx 25 jewels serviced and now I wear it often. I also bought myself a Invicta submariner homage and love it. I will be getting my Seiko snk 803 in a couple of weeks.
Great video. Always watching your videos to help me with my watch journey. I just tried to do a review on my IWC Portuguese Chronograph. I wish I could talk like you ! Keep it coming. 👍🏼
I am honored and flattered my friend. Ahhh the Portuguese, such a classy watch! Great choice my friend. I did review one many years back but sadly I had to take the video down. Oh well, one day I will get one in again. Wear it with pride and speak from the heart and I am sure your video will be great. Thank you, Best regards, TGV
I enjoyed the video. I recently bought a SNK809K, and modded it with dial and hands from the SKX. It’s about my favourite watch from my collection! I can’t seem to take the thing off. Perfection, and so meaningful having “created” it myself. The whole project set me back less than $100.
Truely gentlemen, very informative video. It is great to see someone so passionate about watches. I was most suprised with Braun, I fell in love with it
Great video as always. Use my casio duro as my work watch but I knew a Seiko 5 would be number one definitely have to get one soon. I liked your new rule because we got to see multiple different brands and I've seen rotary before I don't know much about them but it would be nice to see one for review soon.
Rotary used to be a solid brand, but they sold themselves to a Chinese firm and they are no longer the firm they used to be. I have an old one that I enjoy, but I would recommend against buying their new models. If you want to buy an old, real Rotary with an automatic movement, it will cost you. Check out eBay. Seiko 5's are amazing because the dials are so beautiful for a $100 watch. Seiko Recraft is another great line of watches in that $100 - $200 price range. If you only wear one watch, automatics are great in that they never need a battery, and it is cool that you have a mechanical computer on your wrist. The only other firm to consider in this price range is Orient.
A Rotary was my first watch. I loved it. Very rugged. I think it had a ETA 7001 movement. And the last watch I've bought is the system 51 blue, you showed here. Great video! Thank's! Keep on with the great work.
Dear TGV my friend, another AWESOME video as always- your subjects enthrall me!! My Great-Uncle sadly passed on about 7 months ago, and I just was given my inheritance which included a Wittnauer watch (probably purchased in the early 1960's!!) it seems to be in pretty good condition... Have you ever thought about doing a WITTNAUER history video??
Owned a wittnauer chrono back in 1973. Was very a curate that is until it got washed in a pair of jeans. Dam shams.id like to have it today. I remember paying $100 for it. Lot of money back then for a high school kid
Loved this selection, especially number 1, Seiko 5!!! My all time favorite and actually the first watch I ever owned gifted my grandfather. Got very surprise about that Braun watch! I did not know they make watches too!!! Thanks, great video and selection.
Hey TGV! Excellent video, im currently resisting the urge to shop! I have a seiko 5 snk805(green) as my everyday/beater/work watch, its fantastic, managed to pick it up new for £54... couldnt be happier :)
Again, another informative, enlightening and just plain fun way to learn about watches that are quite approachable to purchase, especially for young people who are just coming into their own earned money.
Hello TGV! Out of all my watches, my invicta pro diver by far gets the most compliments. It seems I can’t wear it out of the house without someone commenting on it! Obviously it’s a homage piece but no one has ever drawn the comparison aloud. I love wearing it and no matter how many watches I get I go back to it. I’ve been recently considering the Squale military after watching your review on it. It still nods back to Rolex but a bit more original and quite a bit more respectable within the horological world lol Cheers, Alexander
I've not seen nor heard of the Braun watch but it is as I would have expected from a company so steeped in the Bauhaus tradition. A design aesthetic that I personally love quite a lot. Quite right to add the Duro to the list lest there is a revolt! LOL! And I couldn't agree more about Seiko 5 at no. 1. I would like to say that Pulsar (a Seiko subsidiary) also makes numerous compelling models under the $100 price point. Thanks, as always, and cheers!
Love the policy of one watch per brand on these lists. There were so many you mentioned that I hadn't considered. That Rotary is especially intriguing to me
Love the top 10 lists! Been looking forward to watching this one since I got the alert and wasn’t disappointed. Informative and entertaining as always. Did you see the new versions of the Marlin on Timex’s website? Getting ready to pull the trigger on one. Thanks TGV!
I love Seiko (and own many models) but Orient offerings may be the best "bang for the buck". I could be perfectly happy with owning watches from these two brands alone.
I ordered my first Orient the Ray Raven II, was going to order the very similar Mako II diver in Blue. Just lover the whole black color scheme. If I like it, maybe in a few I'll get the Mako II. I did order a few NATO bands from Amazon for it.
Great informative fun as always, plus some new brands to check out. The Braun had me way interested 👌🏼 A couple of my personal favs that would have made it are Wenger/Victorinox and I found a stunning mint vintage Gruen online for under $100! 😁
Great affordable suggestions T. And even though Invicta is not for me I certainly do appreciate you in including them, keeping snobbery in check! It’s easy to fall on the snobtracks of group-think where somehow affordable means low class; sine nobilitate! -Diego
