Watch Collecting Madness - HOW to HACK the Journey in 3 Steps!! 

I sold all my watches 15 of them of various brands and kept one only ,,,Rolex 116600 and definitely no regrets. Took me 10 years to figure it out! yes you can become a Manchurian candidate 😊

WOW. I found this video while in the “buying cheaper alternatives phase”, and while considering whether I really want to be a watch collector… and you just changed my life Mark. I am returning my CW and the Steinhart, waiting for the Sub (I’m already on the list at an AD), and I’m just going to SKIP the entire painful journey and go directly to the end state and love that watch for the rest of my life. LIFE HACKED!!! Thank you!!!

I’ve been collecting watches for 8 years and everything you’ve said is so true 100%, I’ve just picked up a submariner 124060 2 weeks ago, I’m seriously thinking about selling all my other watches and just wearing the sub, I wish someone would have told me this in the first place ! It would have saved me a whole load of money, 😂 This is great advice for any watch collector or anyone just getting into watches 👍

This video really resonated with me - Great storytelling. I've been collecting for over 10 years and recently I really have been burned out by the entire process. I've collected everything from Sinn, TAG Heuer to IWC, Rolex, Jaeger to Vacheron, Moser. I'm at a point in life where other things take priority over my own selfish watch collecting hobby. I'm thinking of selling everything and just keep perhaps a couple of them. I pray I have the strengh and wisdom to do it. Thank you.

I don’t do wait lists…. That’s what really made me an Omega guy, I can walk into an AD and buy what I want. There’s nothing “luxurious” about being frustrated waiting for a call. That’s probably the dumbest thing I’ve heard in over my 20 years of collecting.

Most honest and relatable watch video I’ve seen. Thank you

Great watching this. I'm in the process of selling my collection to fund my one watch. In my case it's an Explorer 40 which I recently collected from my AD. Journey completed.

The escape route I took to exit the rabbit hole: 1) Kept the gold Longines dress watch that my father gave me as a present when I enter the university. 2) Kept the Submariner I bought in the late 1990s. 3) Buying from time to time a couple of inexpensive watches I like that sometime later I give them away.

Brilliant video and i totally agree. Ive got a 4 watch collection - Speedy, SMP300 (white dial), Datejust (blue) and a Rootbeer. I love the rootbeer but its not an everyday watch. The truth is...the Submariner is the king and the ultimate watch. Its the hobby killer...the question is..do we want out 😂

My Ginault Ocean-Rover II is an alternative to the Rolex Submariner. I've never wished for the Rolex after getting the Ginault, because I like the Ginault better. For me - that updated 5-digit case size, with the 5517 sword hands, - is superior to what Rolex are putting out right now.

Great storytelling….Thank you

awaiting your guide someday on the vintage watch rabbit hole 😉

Agreed one and done no date sub, take this guys advice people and save yourself the agony, great video mate, love it

Aaaah, Mark, so true! My only watch for 11 years was my Peter Blake…and I was never happier 🎭

Great video and excellent tips. I'm heading toward that nearly same end result, but in a different order and I no longer care for dive watches, so my terminal or exit watch will likely be either my Explorer or my Hamilton Khaki.

Never seen any of your videos before but thank you. Not many videos on any subject cut through the BS as cleanly.

Hmm.. I think the new black lacquer dial Oh-mee-guh AquaTerra will do quite nicely. 😊

This is the way! I have ruminated on how to exit the game for a while now and came to the same conclusion as you. I’m in the process of selling 7 watches and keeping one, my 2254. I would add also, stop visiting AD’s or any watch shops. Now I need to get off all social media, thanks for the excellent, well thought out video. I’ll miss you 😂

IMO: one quartz beater, one automatic diver, one handwound dresswatch is the perfect collection, suitable for every situation. For example, f91w, omega smp 300, old omega/longines 34 mm handwound in gold

So true,l! This is exactly what I’ve been in the process of doing over the past few months. With that said, I’m still on the fence whether I should get a black dialed Explorer 2, an all black GMT Master II, or a Sub. Your video pulled me towards the Sub, but I have a sibling who lives abroad hence the GMT options. Choices choices… haha.

This is the longest Rolex commercial I’ve ever watched, and the only one at that.

So as of late I’m so fascinated with the Sea Dweller. So much that I have 3 diff references. I’ve been considering offloading the entire collection except for those and my one Submariner. I get pure joy from the subtleties in all these watches.

Um you nailed my journey on the head....i've had GShocks my whole life and then decided on the Seiko 5 automatic, then a Sub Seiko Mod, then Oris, then Tudor. I just got my first Rolex, Explorer ii black dial, after watching countless youtube reviews for over 4 years. Then i went through the pain of considering grey market prices or just "settle" on an Omega while waiting for over a year on the waitlist. I'm glad that I finally got the call and got the watch I've always wanted. I did have the sub on my wish list too but I felt the Explorer ii was a bit more interesting with the steel bezel and orange accents. All that being said to basically agree with you 100%. Save your money and holdout for the watch you want. Oh and by the way i do have a Timex on the way to the house....😂 You are a wise wise man.

Brilliant honesty to yourself, I really needed this video, I am coming from fountain pen collecting and recently started the watch collecting , since experienced I totally agree with all your statements, it is difficult to do though... Hoping all will be over in a short time after receiving my Datejust :)

OMG!!! I’m not even in this hobby for one year, and I am NOSE DIVING down the rabbit hole!!! Started with a Citizen Pro Diver (love the li-el SCUBA tank it is packaged in). Then I bought a Seiko Prospex Alpinist (Mystic Forest dial😊), then a Hamilton Khaki Field Watch. I am currently planning to purchase the Omega (the correct pronunciation is how Meg Ryan says her name!😂) SMP 300 with a white dial. After that, I plan to save for a Grand Seiko Spring Drive, then “The Bloody Grail”; Submariner!!! The watch worn by the first, and BEST Bond; Sir Sean Connery in “Dr. No”! You have outlined my past, present, and future!!! I must confess, I am having WAY too much fun to take your “short cut”! GREAT VIDEO!!!😉

Thank you for sharing.

Great video. I believe you are speaking to the hearts of a specific kind of watch guy. The guy who finds appreciation in the simple things; for example the guy who dreams of wearing a Explorer as a his one and only watch. I’ve been wearing my sinn 556A for 5 years and I’m now in my late 20s. I don’t fall for the hype. I find great appreciation in seeing this watch in different occasions and on different straps and can see myself wearing it for the rest of my life. I agree that for this specific kind of watch enthusiast they understand that a black dial dive watch is all he needs because that’s all Bond needs, that’s all a soldier far from home needs, that’s all you really need as a man trying to create a life for himself in this harsh but beautiful world.

I have paired down my collection significantly over the past 12 months and down to three primary watches. It's been a decision that has worked for me well. Now I don't worry about which watch to wear nor do I feel guilty leaving one in storage for extended periods of time.

Great and honest commentary .

Very well put

He's not wrong... well he is on his pronunciation of Omega...

Thanks you are absolutely 💯 ❤

As much as it pains me to say it, you’re absolutely right! Although, I’d keep my Speedy that was a gift from my family after retiring from the Air Force after 20 years and engraved. That’s be my one. But not yet, haven’t accepted it yet. Still have a bunch of watches I’d like to experience! I’m trying to avoid the anxiety by focusing on “renting” watches over time, experience them for a bit, then sell it to put towards the next one. But if I ever had to quit, then I’d just keep my Speedy! Cheers!

Some solid advice here, especially 1 & 3. I agree that a Rolex Sub & / or Explorer I is a perfect 1 watch for a lifetime. However, selling a collection that one has spent a lot of effort, time, and money to make is very hard. I love watch collecting despite the money strain for such a hobby.

This is very sound advice. If you buy a diver as your one and only watch, my choice would be the longines Legend diver 39mm, on the rice bead bracelet in black.Ticks every box, with 300m of water resistance , iso rated diver, and COSC certified, while looking very dressy to work with any outfit. My ten watch collection will be reduced to around three watches, by the time i retire.

7 lucky number 😁easy for me no social media at all in the first place, but i will stick with me Omega Seamaster 300m white dial until i pass on to the timeless dimension 🙏. I liked the piece.

I've got a Vulcain Minstop, square Zenith Respirator with the original NSA bracelet, and a solid gold square cellini which I occasionally wear. I agree that vintage is a very deep rabbit hole that also ends up being extremely expensive. My daily watch is the 39mm black dial Zulu time. I want to add a day-date in white gold eventually. I feel satisfied with what I have.

He’s not wrong. I think I would buy an Omega (maybe just keep my Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich as the ONE) , but I’m also a Rolex fan boy as well.

I did this…sort of. Sold everything including holy trinity pieces. I just didn’t enjoy the hobby anymore after about 10 years of collecting, dealing with AD drama, difficult to acquire pieces, and the endless searching. Purchased a “no date” Submariner and a steel Sky Dweller jubilee online, both unworn, about four months ago. Couldn’t be happier.

spot on friend, no one cares, including friends and family don't care what you are wearing!!! it's all about what you like

Also, what if someone already has a Submariner in their collection?....are you suggesting they sell it with the rest of the collection, only to repurchase it afterwards?....if so, then I understand as it's part of the process/hack....??

Agree I’ve gone back to Seiko and San Martin lol

I didn't buy a black dail diver, but at the surface a simpel semi vintage Vacheron Constantin Phidias 48020 two tone gold. When I wear it I understand what real class is. And it was surprisingly cheap .

If I had to give up my collection my Breitling Galactic 41 with big date will be my keeper. So much madness!😅

Hi Mark so are you thinking of taking your own advice ? It's like asking someone hoo has a addiction to stop it's easier said than done very thoughtful video thanks John

Brilliant

This video had me cracking uo 😅 wow this guy has my number 😮 im skipping to the sub lol

Great video. There’s no way I could get a Sub but thank fully my favourite watch is a black bay 58 which I now have. I’ve had countless Seiko’s and micro brands. Now they’re all gone.

mmmmm......unsure about this advice. Got my Submariner (one watch collection) last year.......about two months ago picked up a Zenith Pilot 40mm.......Thinking I prefer the Zenith tbh....

It’s the same with collecting anything.

Sounds like you did the right thing for you. The amount of agony just isn’t worth it. Many of us don’t have agony, envy or anxiety though. They are just watches in the end. Don’t lose sight of the big picture.

I’d rather die than quit the hobby, but I concede you’re likely correct 😂

He speaks the truth👏

I thought the Peter Blake was your nirvana exit watch in a previous video lol

Honestly, it's great advice lol

I really thought „the last step will be buying a Rolex Submariner“ :D

As an alternative why not embark in a journey of discovery on making your own watch, using you love, passion and watches as inspiration, I believe this journey would be more fulfilling than a sell and be forgotten approach.

I managed to realise the trap early. I had bought a Tissot but then, by chance, managed to get a new Explorer from a local AD. The realisation that watches are a bit of a black hole came when I tried to sell the Tissot. It was basically impossible! Unless it's a proper luxury watch you lose rediculous money, so I figured I'd just go directly for the entry level luxury instead and stop there. I now just have the Explorer and a Hamilton I swapped the Tissot for, which I'll sell in a few weeks.

Here to report back on the fact that I did exactly this today. Consolidated my collection and bought me a 2018 114060. Let’s see if this single watch ‘collection’ thing works for me. Will I grow to love the modern no date Sub enough to stick with it for life? Time will tell, lol 😊.

So true….but I just can’t do it!!

Great advice. But the enjoyable part of the Watch hobby is doing all the things that you telling people not to do. 🤣. And making your own mistakes. Much more fun. 👍.

You are not wrong with the life hack. A late Submariner 14060M 4 line with rehaut is about as perfect as it gets. If a person is more fan of the six digit, a 114060 is also a good alternative since they are almost the same price for both models at least here in the US.

I have a very physical job and lifestyle to say the least … wearing a $5,000+ watch ain’t happening. It’s G-Shock for me. Now I wouldn’t mind a Submariner that I break out for special occasions but it’d sit secured in a case 99.9 of the time.

Tudor blackbay?

I think you just described my entire journey …..😅 then the next thing is to set up a channel and talk about watches!!!

How many time can you say “guys” guys.

Just found your channel and subbed. Some great truthfull content here. Maybe just the use of the word GUYS,way too many times is a little bit annoying. 🙈

Ciao Mark! I really like your monologues and your way of reflecting on our passion for watches! I would not be so restrictive and dramatic though: I would say to impose a maximum number of watches to own that you’re satisfied and proud of, limit the time dedicated to watches to 15-20 minutes a day and be aware that many times, when we desire a new watch, we are only in the middle of a peak of dopamine, after which that desire is going to perish...

my Raymond weil freelancer is more comfortable than Tudor black bay on bracelet

I have a Sub Date and love it, but it's probably not a good exit watch. They are just way too common. I went to two separate shopping malls this weekend and I saw a guy wearing a Sub Date both times. The Sub Date is a fairly boring watch to begin with, and if you see it constantly on other people's wrists, you are probably going to want another watch and then start the cycle all over again. If you must go black diver, get something like a Fifty Fathoms or SeaQ, I never see those in the wild. Or just stay with Rolex, but pick literally any other sports model. Sure I see Daytonas, GMTs, and even Exp IIs in the wild these days, but nowhere near as many as Subs. Although I still think going outside Rolex might be a better bet. A Speedy Pro is a safe choice and although it is crazy popular with watch enthusiasts, I don't see them often in the wild, certainly not as much as a Sub. Plus they are strap monsters in a way the Sub can never be, so you can easily put a unique spin on them.

For point 3 - for me it wouldn't be a diver. Maybe something like an IWC pilot

You are absolutely right!!!! Coming from a collection of 13 watches, I would give all of them away for having 1 nice piece, if it could be the Hesalite Omega Speedmaster (moonwatch) even better. Great video!

No piont having to many watches, be happy with what you have.

I am lucky enough to have 3 Rolex watches…and none of them are a Submariner 😂

great video Mark... is this tongue in cheek? Or are you planning to eat your own cooking and do exactly as you prescribe? I hope not, as I would miss your videos! My solution is simple... bought a watch winder with 4 slots and told the wife I'd be done when they are full😆i purchased rolex early, to avoid spending too much on the 'creep up the ladder' phenomenon. have one slot left & looking to close out the collection with the new black & grey GMT, which is very sub like!

Gluttony… is a sin… that caused this video.

Spring drive diver.

Unpopular opinion: Dive watches are highly overrated.

Twenty-fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ω, ω), corresponding to the long o of the Latin. It is pronounced as it would be pronounced in Greek, since it has no translation. James Bond is very cool , but he needs to read a bit apart from doing push-ups.

Maybe Rolex is an overpriced Tudor as someone said 😂

47, that's how many times I heard this guy use the term "Guy's" when addressing the audience watching this horribly boring video.

1 diver 1 explorer 1 gshock

I'll get me that Rolex ( obv. after a lengthy waiting period (#nogrey4me), go up to town ( London) in a t- shirt , feeling the 'biz'; watch gone within 15 minutes; noble truth remembered & felt ( forever?).