TOP 10 WATCHES TO AVOID - Don't Buy A Watch Until You've Seen This! 2023 

My number 1 rule for everything, including watches is. Buy what you like, not what others tell you, you should like.

I got unironically asked the other day if my Orient Kamasu was a Rolex. Most people do not care what sort of watch you're wearing or even if they do, they don't know a lot about them. Just wear a watch you like, it's primarily for you.

I just got started in watches and my first ever mechanical watch was a Seiko that went for 106 USD and I'm happy with it. Also, do not get into a massive debt trying to buy that particular watch you're lusting after, there's nothing wrong with buying what is within your budget. Thanks for bringing this up most specially designer watches.

Really nailed it on saving up for one watch. I want that CW Aquitaine GMT so badly but have had to wait and resist buying other less expensive watches. Its my grail for now but I have had a lot of other financial responsibilities for my family in the meantime. Gonna stay strong, no matter how long it takes!

Youre absolutely right about trying the watch on the flesh before pulling the trigger, it happened to me with a Omega Seamaster 300 (the vintage type) that very much appealed to me on videos and pictures but was very underwhelming when seen at a jewelry store

I actually got a Ranger this year as my first "luxury" watch. I had been lusting over it online until i finally managed to save up enough and spent a few months trying to track one down locally. I went in with the mindset that it might not be the right watch for me but once i actually handled it and tried it on i knew i had to have it.

Very much agree with point number 1 - I had a bunch of watches; they weren't worth a lot but I realised that they were there just because I wanted to buy something instead of waiting for something I could keep for life. In the end, I sold 11 of the 12 watches I had - I kept my G-Shock as an end of days beater and swapped the other 11. With the money I bought the truly wonderful Seiko Tortoise (SRPG15) as my daily and a gorgeous little 1960s gold tone with champagne dial for a dress watch and it's the best decision I could have made. 3 watches with clear roles in my life that I can actually bond with instead of chopping and changing all the time. I know my route isn't for everyone but it's exactly what I needed.

Absolutely outstanding video and some of the best watch buying advice I have heard..."Super" ! It is so easy to get caught up in the hype and lose sight of what attracted us to the hobby to begin with. We have all made mistakes and sometimes its hard to remain focused and not scratch every itch (AliExpress watches). Take your time, stay focused and yes, even ask your wife what she thinks about the look/design it can help (sometimes). Most importantly, buy what YOU like. Buy what speaks to YOU, not what a friend, RU-vidr or a salesman is telling you to. Buy what you like, make smart, well thought out decisions so you dont end up looking down at your collection wondering what you did, where you went wrong. Thanks Russ keep up the outstanding work and have a great New Year.

So what you are saying is that you SHOULD buy a smart tourbillon watch?

Interesting list and I mostly agree with all your points. I think if you just follow 2 rules you will be fine: 1 - buy watches you like rather than what you think you should, 2 - enjoy a watch for what it is and don't expect it will change your life

I have learned most of these lessons in the last 3 years. I recently went to buy a PRX in gold PVD, only realise I would not wear it much when I had it in my hands at the AD. Instead, I left the shop with the new Seiko 5 GMT with the blue dial and bezel, which I have been wearing constantly since getting it. I bought a dress watch a few years back (Rado Coupole Classic), and it gets little to no wrist time. Why? I suppose its due to the death of the suit at work, and the increase in working from home thanks to the pandemic. I also recently bought my first G Shock after years of prevaricating. God only knows why I took so long. Damn near perfect watch for my lifestyle, and under £100!

Agree with all of the points, the only problem with getting it on the wrist before you buy is with microbrands. I've bought from a couple of UK companies that would have given a refund if unhappy, but that wasn't necessary because fortunately I loved the watches. But I've also bought a couple that came from Europe which I'm really not that fussed about, and had to pay VAT and import duties to get them, so even if I did send them back I'd be seriously out of pocket.

I know fashion watches are a no no but I have a Vincero I absolutely adore. With various straps, it pairs with almost my entire wardrobe. I also think the the construction with the marble back is pretty nice too.

Love your content mate. So different to every other watch you tuber … great video except I have to disagree on the Ranger. When I got it I was in the fence but after wearing it for a while I have fallen in love and seriously curbed my desire for the explorer 39m. The tooliness of it just works so well with the bb58 size… I was as shocked as I thought :) happy new year !

Russ, I found your channel this year, as I am new to watch collecting. What your doing is great. You have brought me a lot of joy, humor and knowledge. Well done, sir!

Russ you nailed it with... buying cheaper watches that we end up not wearing, I have quite a few of those! 😟Happy New Year to you and your family!

True story. I purchased a nice automatic watch from Melbourne Watch Co. around ten years ago. It has a nice dial, simple Myota movement and sapphire crystal and a see through case back for around $450. Around two years later during my bachelor party in Las Vegas I purchased a Bourne & Maurcie (don’t wear it nearly enough to remember how it’s spelled). Oh I was excited. It was my first really expensive watch. It looked lovely. Nice alligator strap and great presence. Of course, I really wanted a Panerai, but that was about twice as much. I get home after a weekend of shenanigans and I realize that my lovely new. B&M is nearly identical to my other existing watch. You’d think I did it on purpose. That’s my big lesson and I really need to just let it go more than likely.

Great show and happy new year! All excellent points. I’ve been guilty of some of these things over the years… but remember, CASIO DOESN’T COUNT. It exists in its own geeky-cool pocket reality 😂

Russell! Your energy just brings me LIFE AND JOY!

for those who want a Sub with a vintage look- Grab a Steinhart Ocean One 42mm - with the red triangle at 12 - under $500 , 300mrs wr , vintage lume look. a really good bracelet - a really good watch ! daily driver for me for over 2 years and I have some expensive watches as well- Panerai , Rollie - et cetera - but bang for the buck is amazing

I resisted temptation for over two years while researching and saving for my BB58. I almost made it, but got a PRX80 towards the end. No big deal that I caved. Got the BB 3 months later on Chrono24 when one night I decided I was tired of waiting for 'the right time' and just finally went for it. The PRX, I was aware was going to wear larger. Hesitated for a while. Ran into someone I didn't know but saw their watch and chatted a bit and tried it on. Borderline on my wrist, but I could see that I could still pull it off. As the for 58, I had never seen one, but thanks to its popularity, I spent a lot of time watching like a hundred vids and reading articles and posts and comments over that 2+ year span. I knew literally everything there was to know about it. And when I got it, it truly lived up to everything I knew and expected. Perfect watch as you said. I wore it exclusively for 5 months before bring my other watches back into rotation. Even the days I don't wear it to work, I put it on when I get home until going to bed. (Sometimes I keep it on to bed for no reason). 😊 It was love at first sight in around early 2019 when I hear about it. But never thought I'd spend over a grand on a watch, so it was just something I enjoyed from afar. Early 2020, got a Speedy Reduced impulsively with zero research, and was like...hmmm, maybe I could spend a little more next time and Get a BB. The Impulse Speedy worked out though, I love it wear it a few days a week.l, and almost every day during the time between getting the Tudor. But I basically made the 58 my goal and my grail right after the Speedy. I have a good eye for things and will say with confidence that I have exquisite taste, with an ability to accurately imagine reality, so even my impulse buys are never mistakes. I have never not purchased a keeper.

Great advice all-round. Most working class people would have to save their hard earned money to buy a luxury watch. When I got my Omega Speedmaster it was worth the wait. Looked at many watches, the Speedmaster racing was the one for me. Some luxury watch manufacturers don't do anything for me and others offer many great watches. Thank you for the great advice.

I like my calvin klein infinity watches. Maybe because I got them at a huge discount but still have nice movements and cases

New subscriber. Thanks for the show. My very first watch was a Timex: my only regret is i don’t have it any longer. No idea where it went (behind the sofa?), but at least i was spared all the horrid Timex jibes about cheap watches. No idea how their stuff fares these days as i’m only just getting into the world of ‘movements’. On the other hand i’m surprised Casio have such a huge following … it’s the watch of choice i would use when travelling abroad as i’m less likely to get mugged whereas a sub, even a cloned one, screams ‘come & rob me’ iyswim. Stay brave, stay safe. 👋

So by your logic, if the Ranger is a watch for someone who really wants an Explorer, then the BB58 is for those who can't afford a Submariner? Somewhat hypocritical. If you like a watch, you should just buy it.

Great show Russ. Have a great 23. Santa brought me the Pelagos in blue. Speechless. Admired from afar and overwhelmed that the Mrs splashed the cash. Cheers mate. 👍👍

Solid advice for someone who is just starting out although I’ve ignored a few of these I have a pretty large collection ranging from Casio, citizen, orient, seiko to GS, rolex and omega and the only ones i ever tried on before buying were the ladder 3 coating $4k plus that’s just simply because I don’t really have many authorized dealers around me and I’m confident in seeing the dimensions whether it’s going to fit or not but like most of us there are definitely a few box queens I regret buying and I have to disagree with the homages outside of buying a fake I found that it was a great way for me to test the case dimensions before making my more expensive buys like my Rolex SD43 so I bought an homage and I was blown away by the quality you can get from some of these clomage brands I paid less than $140 for this sea dweller homage it came with a sapphire crystal a ceramic bezel screw down crown and a 4hz movement it gave me a good idea of how the dimensions and bracelet would fit on my wrist before spending almost $14k on the real deal so there are definitely quality watches out there and depending on your budget I would steer you towards brands like citizen, seiko, orient, Hamilton, or tissot all make quality watches at an entry level price point

Thanks for your first point. I’m saving for the Hamilton Khaki 38mm Aviation Pioneer as a 40th birthday watch. I tried it on, love it, fits my personality and style and it’s something to pass down. But I’ll be saving for it well past my birthday in all likelihood and the temptation to get something I like well enough is just….it’s strong.

I think you nailed it with #1. At the moment, I'm patiently waiting to get the money together for a watch that I really like but am getting distracted left right and centre by Christmas specials and discounts on watches that are a lot cheaper. Nice to have watches, but nothing that I'm really itching to get... I also think you nailed it with trying the watch on in store. I had the new Oris Propilot X Calbre 400 on my list but tried it on at the Oris store when on a work trip. All good, but the guy in the store had one and I just did not like the bronzing of the titanium on that watch after a bit of time. Wanted it to stay silver!! I think the only other thing to add (especially if it's an expensive watch) is to try to buy from authorised dealers close to where you live, for the service and support, whether warranty or just servicing. I think there is a bit of a danger dropping thousands online for overseas dealers, especially if second hand.

Very true and sometimes confronting words, unfortunately I recognize myself in some of the points you gave, great content!

Tbh for the submariner most decent clomages or homages are more true to the original than an actual Rolex. The price tag alone disqualifies it as a practical watch.

My man i agree on the designer watches....but check out the latest RALPH LAUREN, it is a killer, army style, with or with no bound strap..came out in paris last month..... happy new year mad watch.

I very much agree with all these points and have fallen down most of these rabbit holes but I do have to say while I’m not fond of Rolex, Patek or other high end clomages one of my guilty pleasures is a good cheap Seiko clomage. I just can’t bring myself to spend $600-$2,000 on a good condition used Monster, SKX or Turtle but $150 for a Heimdallr with better specs, finishing, build quality and an upgraded Seiko movement? Yup, love ‘em and I don’t have a heart attack every time they smack a doorknob. They were originally meant to be inexpensive beaters after all not case queens. Honestly there’s not much guilt what with Seiko continually downgrading their new watches while increasing pricing and straight ignoring QC issues. Feels like they find a new way to slap us in the face every few months. Also I’m pretty sure Seiko makes more selling movements than actual watches so I don’t think they are all that bothered. I say that but in truth they are the OG designers and deserve the credit for creating such wonderful products. If I had money to burn I would buy the originals so that’s where the guilt comes in. I understand they’re not authentic and I don’t try to fool myself or pretend they are anything but copies. I think that’s the bit where people go very wrong.

You are are breath of fresh ocean breeze . Your show has so much energy and creativity minus the loan officer / my accountant perspective. Your wife is very smart and keeps it fun. Good luck to you and yours!

Great tips Russ! I agree with all of them besides possibly the watch that suits your life style. I had no intention of owning a Cartier watch a year ago but now I have 3 of them! I get that most people think they are dressy but watches like the santos and many grand seiko models are dressy and sporty at the same time!

As a watch and fragrance collector just an Fyi that Tom Ford is not an 'aftershave' plus it costs more than many watches ($200+). That said I do get not buying 'fashion watches' bad value for money and quality. Years ago I was gifted a Tommy Hilfiger Tank watch (before I got into collecting) ... but what SHOCKED me was that a company like Macys is STILL selling them today - I happened to see them when I was browsing the watch cases around Christmas. 😖🤦‍♂️.

I was quite satisfied with my Pagani V3 moonwatch homage. I'm a busker. I also like vintage watches but they're often fragile and can't take the hard use I'm going to put them through. All good advice you've given . It's taken me years to know what to stay away from. I can gestimate by size and lug width what I'm probably going to get away with without trying on.

Man...I everytime wondering about your video editing skills. You spend so much time and effort. And the results are so great. Thank you for making our hobby less boring.

Great show! Some good advice. Happy New Year to all!

Weell, i used to have like 15 casio/g-shocks watches, sold 12 of them so now all the Casios i have is: ga2100, rangeman and a retro vintage A168WA. Took the money and bought myself a Hamilton Khaki King Chrono Automatic, also bought a nice watch box for 5 watches, so iam missing one. Saving money for my Oris diver

My best advice is be patient and do your research on why luxury brands are so expensive. Put branding aside and see what they do compared to cheaper brands. Makes you appreciate cheaper brands more and how good of a value some of them are.

Whilst I do take your point about try before you buy I think this would unfairly rule out microbrands such as Farer who produce really good value and interesting pieces but keep prices down by selling direct to market. You usually get a no quibbles return policy so try at home with no pressure to buy.

Hi Russ, had my first look in the flesh of a Tudor bb58 yesterday, must admit to being very tempted to move some watches on and treat myself. You are spot on in saying look and handle the watch before buying, only seeing on screen did not inspire me to get one.

Best advice buy what you like, will wear and will enjoy regardless of any 'rules' and suggestions. There is a watch for everyone and we could all use more enthusiasts. A 'bad' watch enjoyed may lead to a good watch. I.e. people could say 'never own more than 3 watches/5 watches/10 watches, because you will never need or wear them all'.

I’m just getting into the watch scene, and I found myself gravitating towards square/rectangle watches due to my smaller wrist and more dressy design. One of my favorites is the Cartier tank in silver, but I would never spend 2k-3k on a watch, it’s just not practical for myself at all. Although, Seiko makes a homage to it called the Seiko SWR049. It has slight changes to the hand sizes and colors, as well as the crown size and color and roman numerals thickness. I really love the watch since it’s priced at $200, and i’ve heard good reviews on it, but I also don’t wanna be judged for something that looks similar to the cartier, what should I do?

I got a Casio MRW-S300H today. I love it and it's mine!

Set my goal thanks to this video. Tudor Black Bay fifty-eight 39mm. Every time I see one in a shop window I’m drawn to it. I’ve always been obsessed with dive watches so it’s aesthetics are perfect for me.

Hooray! A new MWC vid is just what I needed today! Happy New Year, everyone!

Fantastic show as always Russ! Really enjoyed the content and the edit👌😎 all the best for 2023 my good man🎉

Excellent advice here and a great video. Your videos are so fun to watch! I looked and tried on the Cartier Santos serval times, it’s not my jam and looks great on other people…

Don’t buy a watch unless you have handled it first! Hmmm I buy them all unseen 🤷‍♂️🤣

Great show! I have nothing productive to add to the conversation lol - but I am saving up for the CWC SBS Diver!

Another entertaining, informative episode Russell. Best wishes for 2023.

This was by far the funniest RU-vid video on watches i've seen in a LONG time!! Def got me to hit the sub button!!! Keep the vids coming!!!!!!!

Sage advice, across the board. For me, one of the biggest struggles is taking stock of who I am (lifestyle, wardrobe, location, etc) vs who I wish to be. I often do this to stop myself from buying a watch that just does not fit. It's important to be realistic when pondering a dress or a dive watch, when neither are appropriate for where I am today.

Ha! Agree about fashion watches and with your logic about them. However... (dramatic interlude music) i have quite liked the Fossil brand which also manufactures the Armani range I understand. I always felt the visual designs were quite appealing.

I happen to be quite partial to the Invicta homage watches, I own a few and they serve me very well, but I also agree that Orient is really the best in class when it comes to super affordable Rolex homages. The rest of the list, I totally agree with, especially with avoiding fashion/trendy brands. I bought a MVMT watch once and...yeah, never again.

The settler advice is one I’m trying to keep to! It’s so hard though! 2023 in theory will be when I get 2 only, the seiko SRQ035J1 and SLA055J1…however only time will tell! Have a great new year and keep up the brilliant work 👌👌👊

I have mentioned this before here but I have one of these super clone watches. The Submariner Starbucks green bezel version. It is astonishingly good to the point that I feel if I had the real one it wouldn't be any better. I can't buy the real one because the supply issue is so chronic now that I would have more fun eating dog do do than waiting for a real one. And mine was available and costs me just $600. I'm not trying to impress anyone and tbh those few that have seen my watch have been told immediately it's a clone and I'm not fooling myself either. But the reality is very simple. If Rolex made more watches and took the shite out of buying one of their pieces I would buy one. In fact I did buy one a few years back. I bought a 214270 Explorer and very lovely it was too. I sold it because I'm an idiot. Tried to but another one or anything else from Rolex but the dealers were so rude and obnoxious I felt like punching one of them clean into next week! If normal people like me who have worked hard for the dosh and want to spend it on something nice cannot buy a Rolex then I have no sympathy for some of these clone factories filling the gap with their excellent offering. You should get your hands on one to see. They are truly astonishing.

Just found this channel!! Quality ! so happy to find it.

One rule to mention: avoid a watch that won’t fit your wrist. Take a measurement: if your wrist diameter is below 6.5”, then there’s no way a watch with a lug-to-lug above 53mm can be worn without overhanging, unless it’s an integrated strap.

The only point where I'd disagree is about clomages. :) One of my favorite watches is my Pagani Design Sub homage. It definitely doesn't have the finishing or the materials of a Submariner, but It's got decent specs for the money. To get a sapphire crystal, solid end links, and a good clasp with an NH35 from Seiko, you'd be talking about spending a lot more money. I understand the disdain people have for clomages, because they lack originality, but sometimes I think you just want to have a watch that apes the style of a much more expensive watch without buying a fake. At least the clomages are honest about what they are.

Some excellent advice. Others to avoid, anything that has too contemporary a style, highly likely to go out of fashion. Also, anything too gimmicky. You'll only end up getting bored with it.

Totally agree with the never buying a fashion watch and that particularly applies to anything made by Swatch! Set a price point and enjoy looking for the very best specification you can get for the money and that suits your style. At the end of the day, anything over £500, you are paying for the name. My personal choices revolve around accuracy, a titanium case and bracelet, and sapphire glass. The Casio Oceanus S100 is probably the best value for money meeting those specifications, but Citizen and Orient have some very respectable offerings too. So perhaps an additional exclusion would be not to pay over the odds for anything displaying a Swiss Made label.

Only one watch in my collection I have regretted buying : a huge U-Boat by Ítalo Fontana. I will gift it to a very buff friend of mine who will probably love the size and the military look of the watch. So it’s all good. 😊. Great fun and informative video as usual. Love your channel.

My 2023 watch will be the Citizen CC5006-06L or JY8127-59E. I'm leaning towards the CC5006 cuz I love the satellite wave time keeping. I need precise time so mechanical watches ain't an option. I just bought my EDC watch, the G-Shock GW6900. Happy New Year, mate!!

Happy New Year Russ mate!! Great year for the channel, here’s to another great year!!

“Avoid old man’s watches” until you’re actually and old man (me lately!) 😂

Recently bought a Alpina startimer from Jomashop. Never again am I buying a watch online! Both spring bars were bent, no warranty information, the seconds hand is slightly bent but not noticeable from the front luckily. I did get it for a very low price. Now I’ve got to order a new strap from Barton. Rest assured it’s still a neat watch that I will wear. Next watch I purchase is probably a Seiko in person. I have a few old Seiko’s from my grandfather and have yet to own a new one.

I went though a time of wanting to collect rare vintage watches. Not entirely with the intention of wearing them, but because they were difficult to find. The Omega Jedi and the Albatross for example. Both very special and cool looking watches, but not meant to be worn on my small wrist. Then came the realization that these were going to need service eventually. That was simply not an expense I was willing to commit to. So after years of pondering I sold both. Best decision I could have made. Thankfully I got my money back, so no loss there. But it was a learning experience. Unless you have money to burn, do not buy collectors pieces you get no use out of. The "investment" excuse is not good enough. Prices fluctuate too much and are too dependent on trends. You have to very aware of buying and selling timing.

New to this channel and love the content and delivery. Bravo chap.

The Tudor Ranger does have one major advantage over most of the other Tudor watches: They were able to remove the tumor from the hour hand.

Looking Forward to the New Year..! Great advice for all..! Thank u for getting us threw a Crappy year.

Those Instagram scammers with the obvious fakes have been bombarding many people of late, very annoying. Love the guest appearances on this one!

Man you're spot on. I have to say I'm a watch geek, love em, and truly enjoy your channel, great content and delivery. Cheers from Boston Ma

Great advice and to be honest you don’t need any more than a 3watch collection, if you do it becomes an unhealthy obsession Great show and as always the wife is right if you need a date magnifying lens you should have gone to spec savers 😎

Dude that editing is so awesome! Love it

Hype watch of the century = Moonswatch 😒

New sub here from Southern California USA. Love the craziness and the fact you're a bit frenetic. Looking frw'd to binge-watching your channel... ¡Saludos!

I support homages and even fakes. Let's give the people some options...and Rolex some competition. They sure could use it,

First video I’ve seen of this guy and absolutely love him. So entertaining and captivating to watch. Had my attention throughout the video. “Claps” Liked and subscribed!

I don’t usually subscribe to channels that try to be funny, but you are right on the mark, and you address my concerns as a new watch collector, thank you for your advice. 👌🏼

I love your channel...plain and simple.

Very good advice. As a general rule for a beginner, avoiding “fashion watches” is a good idea. However, it’s difficult to say what qualifies. Some would call Cartier, Bulgari and Hermes “fashion watches”, and that’s incorrect. But if you are dropping that much money on a watch, then either you aren’t a beginner or it doesn’t matter what we call it, enit?

Wife mentioned one of your points about settling. I can only afford the Citizen amount of $$$, err, the lower priced stuff but I really want the Tsuyosa. I saw another Citizen about $100 less, she said don’t settle and wait for the Tsuyosa, so I am.

Just picked this up Seiko 5 SNXS79 made in Japan new old stock, It’s a little Beauty , Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year 2023.

Although I completely agree with the thought of don’t buy a watch without touching it first. I was lucky enough a while ago go to buy an Oris RFD and edition with a 45mm case size and I love it. My most worn watch. Just lucky. Wouldn’t buy another one unseen.

Flippin love your channel. Loads of good info hilariously presented. Nice one.

Great video. I love the “buy your style” rule. I very much appreciate higher-end watches but as a fisheries biologist the folks in my circle would think I’m crazy for a) spending $10k on a watch, and b) wearing it! Thanks for the video!

My new in-laws gifted me my first "serious" watch. I've fallen in love with it. Now that the goal is to start collecting, I've been looking around for my next piece. Video helps a lot even it some of the advice seems obvious.

Glad I saw this video..was going to purchase a gshock DWH 5600-1 went to the mall and actually saw it. Not worth it. Didn’t feel that spark.

I now wear a Tissot Sideral . First time I saw it I thought that's me. I'm in the water more than on land at the lake water skiing , and it's perfect for that.

Good guide! I think you have a little inconsistency between your assessment of the 58 and Ranger though. Very few people will buy a Ranger because they can’t get an Explorer. People will buy a Ranger because they can’t get a 1016 or a vintage Ranger (and/or because 36mm is too small for them). If you want a cheaper/more available alternative to the current explorer, you get a BB36 - swathes of internet comparisons between the two highlight this. It’s exactly the same with the BB58 (which was also super hyped up at release) - you didn’t buy that because you couldn’t get a modern sub. You bought it because you couldn’t get a 6538 big crown ;) Just like the Ranger, the BB58 is way more expensive in real terms than it’s vintage inspiration was when it was released. To me, that’s the great thing about some of the Tudors though - everyday usability and vintage Rolex charm at (comparatively in today’s crazy market) sensible prices. 👍🏻

You are definitely ticking well over 4 Hertz by I like it! So refreshing.... It might be obvious but you did nail the 8 or ten commandments. Here's my collection and I am not sure what to get next... Perhaps a Hamilton Khaki field. Omega 1932 pocket watch that I got from my grandfather Yema Automatic that my grandfather bought me when I was 10 Tissot PRS 516 automatic that I got for my 40th birthday 5 year old Swatch Irony chronograph (all steel) that I wear as a daily (much nicer Moonwatch homage than the Moonswatch...) Alpina StartTimer Quartz, simple but effective design pilot watch.

I hear you, working towards gmt Batman or maybe a sprite sub, and trying to avoid buying stepping stones

For daily use I wear a Bulova. Quite heavy and bulky but does the job. It's grown on me somehow. I also own an Orient Kamasu which is more sopisticated than the Bulova. I usually wear the Orient with formal occasions. I had two Invicta's but sold them both. They are good watches to, but I just couldn't get over the huge engraving on the side of the case 😢 I have some dress watches I enjoy wearing to. Indeed, I dont buy chinese 'clone' hommages or fashion watches. Have always avoided those.

Great points all around, and they sound like a common sense, but I'd stop for a minute at "try it yourself on your wrist first, and look at it with your own eyes". Again, it's a common sense to me, but it's not always possible. What about JDM watches? I'm from Poland (though I work in Germany), and around next week I'm planning to buy my first Oceanus. These watches are really hard to find and get, some models at least. Currently I'm going for OCW-T5000-AJF1. I've found one on Amazon, but it costs nearly 1350 EUR. Now I don't know if it's a ripoff or actually fair price, because you can also buy this watch directly from "Discover Japan" site, where price is substantially lower, but then again they only accept payment in YEN, so after all calculations and additional charges (overseas shipping etc), the price may be actually the same or higher... Anyway, I'm also planning to buy Oceanus OCW-T150-2AJF (its pearly dial is so uncommon and beautiful), but I've decided to buy T-5000 first, because the former is much easier to find. I agree with "buy watch that fits your lifestyle" part. I want to wear my watches. I always wanted to own a "classic" LED watch from 70s, and I was almost decided to buy Bulova's Computron. But I wanted to have those 70s red LEDs, since other colors were unavailable back then. From the technological perspective, the shorter the wavelength, the harder it is to build it. That's why first lasers were also red, and blue and green ones appeared only recently... However, Computron with red LEDs is all gold, and I don't like gold. Too "loud" for me, so it would only fit some more formal clothing, if you ask me. So eventually I went with T-2077 made by polish watchmaking company Błonie (on the market since around 1956), cooperating with CDProjekt, who made Cyberpunk 2077 videogame. Pretty solid watch, with all titanium case and bracelet and sapphire coated glass. It has yellow LEDs though (since it fits Cyberpunk aesthetics) 😆 I'm also guilty of being hyped for that one "special" watch, as I'm planning to buy Christopher Ward's C60 Sapphire in some undefined future...

Russ ...omg that "hype" with the military march soundbite was f'ing gorgeous

Great video and advice. Fantastic job on the channel and content. Always a fun thing to see. I would recommend not falling for the RU-vidr watch herd mentality that you need to strive for a luxury piece in your collection. In the end, you are buying a watch because of others and not for yourself. In regards to your points Russ, I have also fallen privy to them like many of us here.

I own 2 Oris and 1 Breguet Classique, all my friends who own Swiss watches have Tags. None of them have heard of either brand, they only know Rolex, Omega ad Tag. I explained that there are superior watches to Tag, Oris being a prime example, for less money. Their reply, nobody knows them, what’s the point of spending a lot of money on a watch if nobody is going to recognise it. I despair, who are they buying for, themselves or people they know. Rule number one in buying any watch whether it is a £20 Casio or a £1000000 Patek, buy a watch you like, don’t give a toss if anybody else does or doesn’t