While there is potential to buy the wrong watch, the potential to buy a phenomenal watch that you'll always cherish and remember where you got it from, during a happy and fun time, could leave one with a watch of unmatched sentimental value.
You're definitely not alone. We (watch enthusiasts) should form a group so that we can swap watches for 1 week at a time, this way we can know in advance whether a watch is for us a keeper or not.
I've purchased about 6 of my watches while on vacation. First off, I'm fortunate enough to have this luxury. Secondly, when I look down on the watch on my wrist I remember my time in the city or Country I purchased the watch in. I now have to remind myself that I do not need to buy another watch and as tempted as I am for another purchase, I remind myself to continue walking along.
I buy mostly online, too. But this exact Seiko 5 was the first one I was tempted to just walk into nice store with friendly staff and have that little luxurious shopping feeling. But guess what: It was sold out everywhere. Even online. So I ended up buying it from a collector. Handing over cash in front of his house (he didn't want any strangers enter it) Not quite the luxurious experience I had in mind... But still love the watch and don't regret the shady purchase
If you have done your research, definitely buy the Kuoe. If you let them know in advance they will be so excited you love the brand, and you may get a behind the scenes tour.
I can definitely relate to your thinking regarding money given as a gift either at Christmas or for a birthday. One could argue I buy many of my watches while on holiday (as an UK ex-pat) as I've been buying a few from UK micro-brands recently and having family and friends in the UK saves my 25.5% VAT if it was delivered to Finland. However, never bought a watch on a warm weather holiday as I can 99% of the time find it cheaper online as I do love a bargain.
Enjoyable video and an interesting subject. Sometimes a purchase can stand as a lovely memory of a great time had. I’ve never purchased a watch whilst on holiday but did once buy a shirt! A shirt that I would have never have brought at home. It sits in my wardrobe unworn, but every time I open the wardrobe doors it makes me smile. Buy a Hamilton… I have three. Superb quality. Great reliability. Amazing value, particularly on the used market.
This video has actually done me a favour. I’m currently on holiday and have been considering a purchase but I know it’ll put a huge dent in my saving for the watch I actually want. Perfect timing!
Great video! Fascinating to hear you walk through the mindset. I find myself recoiling at the idea of buying watches on the spot without consideration!
In my video on the watch that was one of the things that really drove me mad. It's a pressure sensitive bezel, so it's designed to operate properly at depth. All that means practicably is that when you're wearing it on dry land it slides around everywhere.
Love to get a Kuoe watch, just not sure if it would look good on my large wrist being 21.6cm in diameter. There is one model that at 38mm in diameter, but currently showing out of stock. Love to go shopping in Japan someday myself. Something I like to understand better is why some watches are sold in different markets. I live in the US and notice some watches (like Citizen) sell in EU and JP, but can’t find them in the US.
While I do agree you shouldn't be splashing £300+ on a spontaneous holiday watch, I really think you've overthought the G Shock. I bought the same watch in green and love it despite the legibility issues. There's nothing wrong with treating yourself while you are on holiday, as long as you're not spending crazy money!
