Thank you Teddy for your first hot take. I sold a GS and an IWC when my wife was diagnosed with cancer to help pay for her care. I am rebuilding with g shocks and orient to feed my enthusiasm while still maintaining a budget. I love the collecting and love timepieces.
The general feeling I get from ADs is “you can’t afford to be here.” That said, when I do pull the trigger on an expensive timepiece, I want the luxury buying experience that should come with that. So it’s a double-edged sword.
I alway's go to the same watch store near my job, and there is one employee in particular that i dislike. Why? Because whenever i go after the job, fully dressed in my suit and tie, she treat my well, but whenever i go on the weeked she act like i dont fit there and as if i'm wasting her time 😂 (i tend to wear cheap casios on the weekend). But i still go there because the two other ladys are very nice and i just alway's ask to deal with them. Maybe someday the "bad lady" will make the connection between my two alter-egos 😂
@@carl-williamhumoriste6664 Actually I am sure that the bad lady is just tired of your broke ass window shopping. Unless your ready to drop $250,000 on a limited edition Patek your a nobody so stop going to their store.
I always say: you don't even have to own any X to be a X enthusiast. Ownership doesn't define passion. I've been a watchless watch enthusiast for YEARS before my first purchase.
@@philspencelayh5464 not everyone can own a Ferrari. That is a fact. But you can't be "Driver" if you don't own a car. Any car. How can you be a watch enthusiast if you don't own a watch. Any watch will do as long as you own one.
Sure you can’t be a driver but you can certainly be enthusiastic about cars and have a wide knowledge of them. I think that alone makes you a car enthusiast, same as being passionate and having a wide knowledge of watches would make you a watch enthusiast regardless of ownership
You're right about the whole "gotta own a Casio" thing. Though I own several and think they're an essential part of my collection, I would resent anyone telling me what I should and should not own. Seiko SKX for example... many probably say the same thing about them and yet I have never had a desire to acquire one.
On the other hand, there are lots and lots of box ticker collectors, who only buy canonical watches to a degree, where I'm not really sure if it matters if they like the piece themselves.
@@Beechhill I've come across the canonical watch collector myself and have often wondered if they really like every piece in their collection. When I first started buying watches I almost fell into this trap myself before realizing that I didn't actually like some of the "must have" pieces.
I got called out many times as a guy who doesnt have a single seiko or even a casio haha. But my Orient Kamasu and Vostok Amphibia are taking the spot as the “G-shock alternative” there. Did think of buying one just to round up my collection, but I personally have no sentimental attachment to the design and watch as a 97’ baby with a family who never cared much about watches, so a pass for me - even if it may be cheap. Just more clunk on the desk. Watch box is full.
Great video, I purchased my Omega SMP 300 in Miami from a woman at the AD that didn't try to steer me toward the Tag display. I honestly knew more about the Omega than she did. I was wearing a pair of flip flops from Old Navy and a pair of surfer shorts from the Salvation Army I purchased with the tag still on. I had just come back from eating chicken wings at Bahama Breeze and I was a hot mess! She was so friendly and kind and was not trying to qualify me so I pulled the trigger. I remember her proudly sizing it for me and offering me a bottle of water. When she brought the case it was magnificent and I opted to put my Casio in it and wear my SMP 300 out. Best experience of my life since she was the third person that spoke to me. Victoria is and will always be my AD girl in watches. Don't pre-qualify people in sales, big mistake, especially in Miami!
I always find watch stores intimidating. Most have no interest in figuring out what I want or what would be good for me. It just seems like they want a “fast food” experience and if I take more than a few minutes they get irritated (in the last instance I was the only person in the store). It is a lot of money. Dont freakn rush me. Make me feel good about the purchase.
Thats why i love my Hamilton/Tissot AD and will continue to do business with them even when we move out of state. They are friendly and patient and i visited and bantered with them 3 times before i finally made my first purchase there.
That is why Retail is dying. Especially in western countries there is no customer service anymore. Any stores. If you ask the staff a question they act like you asked them to move heaven and earth. When was in Hongkong 2018 even small clothing shop staffs treated you like royalty.
I spent an amazing few hours at Goldsmiths - looking and trying. I recommend the CW Sellors pre-Christmas watch and jewellery show at Chatsworth House - assuming it will happen this year as per pre pandemic. I spent six happy hours there, everyone was pleased to show you any watch you wanted to see or try
I definitely get the “unwelcoming” feel from many AD’s a lot of the time. But I think attitude means more than mode of dress. I do love Teddy’s point about wearing something that goes with the brand you’re representing, though a spacesuit at the Omega dealer might be a bit much 🚀 The one brand I had a GREAT experience with was Oris. Went there, talked to the two guys running the shop, and walked out really feeling seen and heard and respected. I didn’t have the money ready to go at the moment, but went back maybe 5-6 weeks later, they remembered me, and I bought a Cherry Aquis right then and there. No regrets. It was their attitude that really spoke to me above all else.
After visiting a joint Rolex-Tudor boutique in NYC, I can say that while the employees on both sides of the store were wearing suits, it's much more about the environment and behavior than the attire that creates a welcoming environment. I had a casual conversation about the Hamilton I was wearing with the guy on the Tudor side, but asking someone to try on a Rolex meant first whispering with the servers and waiting on the green velvet sofa for the current customer to finish.
This is why Teddy has been Teddy from the start. Appreciative of some incredible pieces while practical and down to earth in the bougie world always present in background of horology. That said, I don't think watches at the end of day are all jewelry. I actually like depending on my watches to keep track of time. Yes of course there is always bit of wrist candy factored in otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. 🙂
I have walked into a Watch/Jewelry store to get a band adjusted in shorts and a short sleeve shirt. I felt out of place but the people in the store were nice and helpful.They were in good attire. I don't think if the watches are high end the employees should be wearing casual shirts - unless it is a branding thing where that is kind of a uniform.
The AD Experience is a very interesting subject. When you are buying something premium you want a premium experience. But in the end it's about who you are dealing with too. At my favoured AD which is all dark suits and grooming "my guy" is a Watch Guy and we chat watches more than choosing them. I will buy my next one from him. Yesterday I dropped in on a jeweller who sells watches and looked at a couple of Oris pieces. Next to us is the Tissot counter and I made a comment about the PRX, how it is such a good take on an affordable Royal Oak kinda thing and she looks at me like I'm talking a foreign language...it's less My Place.
Agree as it goes for a Casio so it also goes for a Rolex or Omega or Sinn or Hamilton etc. Or indeed any German or Swiss watches or Seiko ... you don't have to own one of these to be considered a watch enthusiast or collector. You just need to be interested in and enjoy watches.
There’s “smart casual” and there’s “beach casual”. I think you hit the nail on the head, Teddy, when you said that the average watch/jewelry store environment could be more welcoming, and the suit and tie associate is a throw-back to an earlier time. I have an idea for a cross-over episode with Courtney’s channel… have her re-style the staff of a watch shop to reflect modern sportiness/casualness of the watches they sell.
I walked into the Rolex boutique in Scottsdale AZ wearing Costco jeans and a nice shirt. The manager was very accommodating and we discussed the state of the brand for about 20 minutes. It was a great conversation. Sadly, I have no business owning a Rolex, nor did they have any product to sell me. I was dressed even more poorly when I bought a Tag F1 calibre five from a nearby store. It was awesome talking watches with the saleswoman and the whole experience was enjoyable. I doubt that she gave a thought about my cheap jeans and Carhart T-shirt and as such, she made a decent sale. After the transaction, we chatted about G-shocks. Because, well, they're cool.
That’s cool to hear you’ve had this experience in Scottsdale. The Valley I feel like tends to fall a little more in line with the casual shorts or jeans and a T shirt vibe similar to Teddy discussing Miami.
People say you need a Seiko too, but I’ve had 2 and they are garbage, especially the SKX. Own what you like, but don’t tell me I’m not an enthusiast because I won’t overpay for trash.
We should differentiate between "Gray" where they take tons of unsold watches at near cost (so the AD can actually get enough churn to keep their distribution) and then sell them at a hefty discount, versus the secondary market who are providing a conduit for certain brands "Preferred Flippers" to make a short term hit of thousands of dollars while the secondary dealer makes a few grand...
Absolutely, these are two completely separate processes. I understand it's human nature for a salesperson to feel the pull to capitalize on a high demand product, but no way am I buying a standard production model for 2.5 or 3 times retail. I'll wait my turn for "the call," whenever that may be, and until then I'll research other brands that deliver high quality without the hype. Once again, absolutely great content from Teddy.
I went into a boutique for the first time today to purchase my first ever watch and it was certainly daunting seeing the staff there in formal attire even though I was only there to look and possibly buy a Casio G-Shock lol... Still, I went ahead and stepped into the place and purchased the Casio G-Shock GM-2100-1AER model. Very happy with my purchase, and to my surprise this watch fits fine on my small 6.0 inch wrist which was a bonus.
Well damn. I bought a Casio beater and ended up loving it. I had more fun buying a few more and switching around NATO straps on them than I ever thought I’d have. Now I unironically love them and rotate them in with my regular watches.
I will never forget this story. You say dress for the watch jewelery store. I have a friend, he owned a furniture making business. High end custom built furniture. He also had a second business installing high end kitchens. This crew would go to 10 million dollar homes under construction and put in the custom marble and cherry wood etc. On his way home he passed a Jaguar dealership and saw a silver V12 XKE on display. Early to mid 70s. He was awsestruck and did a U Turn. Entered the showroom in his red and black plaid shirt and blue jeans with holes and a slight layer of saw dust and wood stains. Asked a salesman about the car....crickets...salesman turned and walked into the service shop. 5 minutes passed and salesman returned and again he asked about the jag and salesman said out of your price range. My friend exited the store, drove home showered and changed into a business suit, returned to the dealership, walked right past the saleman, past the sales manager and into the owners office. He asked how much would a salesman commision be, I think the answer was $4000. He agreed to buy the car -$4000 as there was no sales service. Never judge a person too quickly. They could also be a millionaire plumber.
I was a salesperson for BMW, Imo it depends about the salesperson attire in every country If i would sell a premium item at least i should have a "proffesional look" at least. Then how you describe your item and how you approach customers to make the deal is the most important i think
Yes, definitely more content like this. I would especially be interested in discussing the last topic of the video in more depth. I think that specific topic has something to do with younger generation are not into watches as much as we would like. Would like to hear more about the topic. Cheers Teddy
I like suits and I'm tired of the "all casual / all the time" thing, but fully agree that the salesperson's style should match the brand and the environment. Whether you like it or not, your clothes and your grooming make a statement about your relationship to society and the world.
As for adjustable bracelets, now this is just from my observations of the decades, I have found that the less expensive watches ( under $2,000 ) seem to have larger bracelets than more expensive brands. I had one heck of a time finding extra links for my Sub and EXP II, than I did with my Tag. In fact, I actually took the bracelets off and put XL Gator straps on my two Rolexs. Maybe because the watch industry in the 1980's didn't care that much...or they didn't want to add extra links. Just an observation! But...at 6'6" and 345 lbs of ex-college football player, who has a 23 cm wrist, even today, guys my size have a difficult time not only finding a watch that doesn't look like a child's watch on us, but finding a watch with a large enough bracelet, is kind of a nightmare! I do have some larger watches, because they fit me. I am retired, so then need to wear a five figure watch has passed me by...but...if I chose to splurge...I would be rather disappointed I imagine. Just an observation...oh...my maternal grandfather sparked my love for watches as a very young boy many decades ago!
Dude NICE. It’s nice to see another big boy loving the world of watches. 6’4” 260 lbs personal trainer, never even looked twice at a watch and all of a sudden I was watching watch (pun intended) videos to fall asleep and now i’m all in. I’ll take note of your comment, I appreciate the info!
Same here. 8 1/4” wrists and 11” hands make regular watches look like kids’ watches on me. Many people hate the brand but Invicta makes plenty of watches that fit and look right.
I know some people shit on invicta, but I have a few, and shaq has been doing stuff with them for a while now. Hes a big dude and invicta have a lot of big watches in many different styles.
@@thorvaldhansen7858 nothing wrong with Invicta big dawg. Their good watches for anyone trying to get a decent peice. You just have to know they rely on a battery and have no resale value at all. Get a Timex or a GOD TIER Seiko
I think a button up shirt or polo with slacks for floor sales and sport jacket for management. Everyone wearing the brand(s) of the store. I want to work with enthusiasts that know more than myself and will be unbiased in their advice. That was my Omega experience. I never felt uncomfortable. In fact it was a relaxing and friendly experience.
I only follow the "give the consumers what they want" argument to some extent - if you think it through to the end, you'll end all novelty and innovation. From time to time, a brand needs to take a leap of faith and do something unexpected, or they risk getting very stale and repetitive.
@@sinjon People will swear that the old models are the best Rolexes. Then when they make something new, they’ll complain that it’s ugly and ask for the old models back.
@@EthanRom I have a 1016 Explorer and haver never seen another Rolex I would like to own, not that I would be able to get my hands on one these days so just as well that I only like old ones.
It's all about image and knowledge. I recall buying a watch at a local jewelry/watch shop. The salesperson was well dressed, but didn't have a lot of knowledge about time pieces. She actually commented that I knew more about watches than she did. I don't think I know that much about watches (Did my homework though). I bought the watch but wasn't impressed with the store. Had she been well dressed and knowledgeable I would buy there again.
One of my biggest complaints about buying a watch at a local watch/jewelry shop is the lack of product and industry knowledge. 90% of them simply are there to make sure there is a warm body behind the jewelry case.
This is so right. I had a few questions about the watch ready to go from watching channels like Teddy's. They just made it up on the spot yet the info could be found from looking online- like what does COSC mean? How long has this watch model been available? First AD had no clue- the girl looked embarrassed.
I like quartz until I need to change the battery. Maybe there is something wrong with my cheap Casio but it new a new battery after every 3 to 4 months. That's too soon.
Don’t mix up enthusiasm and collecting as the same thing. I love watching watch videos and only own one watch! I like cars don’t one a single super car. Grey market dealers I feel put arbitrary values on some watches and only trade among other dealers; probably wrong but that’s how it looks to me.
Excellent video, my two cents, people in a boutique can be dress in suits, I don’t care, what I like is someone that knows the product and their competitors so that person can give me good advice and that’s aside of doing my homework before going to the boutique. Keep the good work my friend!
Loved this video Teddy, I agree with the discussion on the retail product and content variation. I get tired of seeing Submariners and Nautiluses (Nautili? Lol), but at the same time these designs and models are tried and true so they are a home run for watch companies and content creators. Lately my philosophy has changed on quartz watches as well, I own a few, but rarely wear them. Love the “set it and forget it” mindset. Cheers!
What you say resonates with me and I agree on some of the points. I am 49 and have been in love with watches since I was in school. But the way 'watch collection' has changed leaves me feeling I am missing something. In those days (even now) the only way I would have more than 1 watch I needed (these days don't even need a watch) was strolling by a watch shop, I would see something in the window that would make my knees go weak. And I would buy the watch. It did NOT matter which brand, how popular, resale value etc as long as it fit my budget. These days when I see so many things go into buying a watch. You love a particular brand. They see a RU-vid video and the hype for some watch gets you and you buy one without knowing why? Things like resale value and collectible value have come into a picture. Looking at all this, I still want to do it the old fashioned way. Stroll by a window and fall in love and keep the watch with me forever. No flipping. No thoughts of resale. No regrets of a bad purchase decision.
I just love Teddy's genuine love for watches. Regardless of the background or superficial value one can present themselves in the watchworld, he gave one of the most mature insights in this vid. Cheers! I just got into this hobby and lately, Ive always been going to Teddy's channel for reviews!
I can recall chaperoning a friend of ours, a wealthy Thai girl who was intending to buy herself a high end ladies Omega watch. The jeweller was on Bond Street in London and you had to ring a doorbell to gain access. My friend and I were smartly dressed and she was intending to buy two watches. Personally, at that time I couldn't afford a thing in that shop. The staff were rude to my friend, humoured her as if she was a dreamer/ time waster. I took the salesman to one side and suggested he take her seriously and treat her with respect as she could buy and sell him and if we walked out, he was going to lose some serious commission. £10k later, two Omegas and a humbled sales assistant, my friend had her new watches. Appearances can be deceiving...
To answer you on "attire", I agree with you on the mannerisms point. There have been a few instances when the buying experience was ruined by inflated haughtiness masquerading as class (a mark of ill training). At the times I could not pass on a hard to find piece I was pushed to ask for another representative to finish the buy. You can be in a suit but have manners and respect. I agree, most of us just want the enthusiasm mirrored instead of having to deal with a personality disorder while buying an item we've been dreaming about.
I think the thing to remember about watch collecting is that there can be hype and pieces that are popular for a reason, but at the end of the day, you are the person who will wear it day after day- why do that with something you feel 'meh' about? It's worth it to have a collection where you can say you adore each piece in it.
Awesome video as always, Teddy. I slightly disagree on your comment about it almost being the opposite of the 'high roller' image when you get after market diamonds - I think the fact that spending lots of money on top of the base watch to get after market diamonds KNOWING that it will make the watch worth less is almost the definition of high rolling. It's like lighting a cigar with a stack of hundred dollar bills
The guys in Rolex AD in Malaysia wear suits. The lady who sold me my 1st omega in Barcelona was wearing a suit. Think suit or casual depends on the brand and how they want to be perceived by the customer. The key is the customer service regardless of what they wear. Some brands do this well and some don't. They need to make the customer more welcome and feel good even if they walk out without buying anything
That's Hyde Park Jewelers here in Denver and that's my man John Burba @ 16:16, looks like it was filmed at the height of the pandemic, but still kind of cool to see one of my AD's featured on your channel. Wish I could have met and conveyed my gratitude and appreciation for all you do.
Speaking about under-rated, neglected watches try and cover the Baume et Mercier Clifton or Riviera 10660. While the brand may not be as strong as others, their appearance and features I think will garner attention, especially if you use a nice photo shoot.
Damn, completely agree on last Salesperson session. I am in NYC and I hate Breguet, Bulgari, Wempe, etc boutiques. When you walk in, suddenly, some kind of heavy feeling appears. However, I know I want to have fun, talk about watches, try a couple of them, buy one. And it actually stops me visiting them for 3-4 time. I become tired really quickly. There is only one from the big stores that is ok, but at the end of the day, I want more boutiques like Martin Pulli in Phili. What a wonderful atmosphere! I wish to have one in NYC
I love the idea of, like, "We're IWC. We specialize in pilot watches, so we are all dressed like jet fighter pilots!" However there are far too few brands that specialize to the degree that would be possible. Imagine going to an Omega boutique and talking to someone dressed like an astronaut, then asking about seamasters and having to wait while they change into a wetsuit. Would be a hell of an April Fools prank though!
TB, this entire video was lovely. Being honest with the community and how you think. Sincerely appreciate this one. P.S. Wished you had put the names of the watches in the video in the lower third though. Some of them I’ve never seen and would love to explore.
I just got bit by the watch bug and after buying a couple swiss made watches , I bought a casio A159W out of nostalgia and the only thing I didn’t like was that is smaller than what I remembered them to be. About the dressing code I think it should be more relaxed otherwise you could intimidate potential first buying customers.
Great content here Teddy. In terms of what a boutique or AD salesperson wears, I am attracted to authenticity. To me, that means that a sales person dresses as themselves first and also appropriately for the setting. I’d prefer a an open dress shirt or quarter zip to a cheap suit and tie because it’s “the uniform”. My watch buying is primarily done through authorized retail locations and I love the branding work being done by Rolex, Breitling, Omega, and especially IWC. The days of intimidating jewelry stores should be over. Give me an authentic enthusiast that loves sharing their offerings as my sales person!
Thanks for the take Teddy, especially with the ADs. Don't want to name any names but my first experience was a bad one - maybe because I went into one wearing sweat pants and a parka but still. Like literally no one wants to help you as they probably think you're not going to buy anything. They do need to do a better job of hiring more knowledgeable reps that actually want to help you because let's face it, not everyone that goes into an AD will buy something every time.
Last part got to me. Nothing sells to me more and attracts me more than a salesman that knows and talks about the product with real knowledge and not just a script that they memorized and don’t understand.
Love this - I will say I do appreciate the NYC boutiques based on my experience, I’ve purchased from Longines and Panerai boutiques here and the staff at both are very formally dressed, and extremely engaging/informative/personal. The combination of formal dress code and relaxed engagement creates a low pressure environment for the enthusiast IMO. I also received personal letters, emails, and texts from the reps who helped me out thanking me for my purchases and expressing genuine interest in being available for further questions, servicing, and of course purchases.
You hit the nail on the head I want to feel welcome I don’t really look around and care about what others are wearing. I want the sales person to care more than I do and assist me making a purchase without the push … Thx for the content
Teddy, I WOULD LOVE MORE OF THESE VIDEOS!! Please keep this type of video going! Once a week maybe?? Love all your videos but this is like having a conversation as enthusiasts!
I think the attire is part of the environment and a small part of the brand culture. Breitling did it really well. Their new boutique concepts are industrial, inviting, and the staff wears business-casual uniform which fits really well. Their staff are also encouraged to roll up their sleeves to show tattoos etc.
I don’t consider myself a “collector” even though I own a few watches. I definitely consider myself an enthusiast though. I think there’s a big difference. Collectors don’t necessarily have a love for horology.
I'm really confused and I ask this with with the up most respect. You own a few tine pieces but don't consider yourself as an houralagist. That's like saying I don't support the 2nd Ammendment but I have closet full of AK's. Which I'm down for but lost in the statement? I had to re read this and analyze I get it. My apologies these fucks cater to the resalers who don't appreciate the practice. My bad but now I do realize Rolex and all the other ADs cater to the flippers. Just had to tink about it
@@gawdbody6710 No, you've got it backwards. I'm not a collector but I AM an horology enthusiast. I don't consider myself a watch collector. I don't have any interest in acquiring quantity.
For $1500, I went with the C60 Elite 1000 with titanium bracelet. I agree, CW is amazing and great quality. It’s my new favorite now as is many CWs including the Moonglow.
Bit of advice I would give from a developer standpoint, adding a sort by function to the website will help users browse through the list of watches more easily. Other than that, I love the teddybaldassarre site and browsing through the watch collection. I’m considering a Junghans for my next watch as I really dig their minimalist designs.
Grey market dealer: “This ______ (Insert any hot watch) is so rare, you can’t even get it! It’s going for 3x retail. Me: If it’s so rare, how do you have 50 of them???
Teddy, you are very funny and thoughtful. I wish my Rolex AD was welcoming. I went there for the first time and looked around for about 20 minutes before being spoken to. Three different sales people literally looked at me and turned away to walk elsewhere. They were all wearing suits, I just came from a meeting with khakis, a nice button down shirt and rain jacket as it was raining. Thankfully, I was helped and someone got the sales person I was exchanging emails with. They were much more welcoming.
I agree on all the line. The conversation was most interesting to me was the way dealers are treating and interacting with customers. Empathy is key just as much as showing watch knowledge. So you achieve empathy by putting a fleece or a suite on? Not sure, but certainly it lacks today
So long as they are professional in their dealing with me I’m happy. My AP of choice (Gemoro in Edmonton) are very well dressed, very pleasant and friendly. Jeremy was fantastic.. helped my with my Omega purchase!
Your comment about content is spot on. I find similar things when posting about cameras. People say they’re tired of camera review videos, but those are the ones that people click on. I’ll post a tutorial on lighting portraits and it gets nowhere. People are so fascinating.
Every bracelet on a watch costing over 2k should have an on the fly adjustment. There are micro-brands selling watches for under 2K and even some under 1K with on-the-fly micro-adjusts. Grand Seiko, Omega ATs and the list goes on of watches over 5k that don't have this. It really shouldn't be a thing.
Big love for covering all bases, I want a sea dweller ultimately, I love a lot of watches and manufacturers ..some pop without costing lots or being an art piece.
I think on the question of attire for salesman; I personally enjoy the comeback the suit is experiencing these days. People more and more are wearing suits because they want to not because they have to and it's not really seen as being a statement of formality anymore. It's more an indication that you gave a little effort before you left the house than anything
Well said Teddy. Your tact is commendable, despite trying to dissolve all of the opinions of people who "know" they are right. I've been a fan for a while. I hope your channel continues to grow.
Of all the content creators in the world of watches, some I watch for entertainment others for perspective, but at the end of the day, most of us appreciate you Teddy for being the adult in the room and presenting such balanced content. Bravo Zulu.
Agreed completely on all counts! Excellent video as always, and really appreciate your equanimity in evaluating things in context, and especially the inclusive demarcation of genuine watch enthusiasm and what budget we enjoy the hobby at---so important for the health of the hobby and in particular accessibility to new and younger collectors. I've had times in life my collection was G-Shock and Timex, times it was Seiko and Tissot, and now it's Omega, Grand Seiko, etc. It will probably never be Lange and Patek, but I can appreciate them tremendously just like I can appreciate a Puccini opera on RU-vid from the Met or a Picasso in a museum without ever being able to personally afford purchasing them! And YES to microadjusts!!! The Speedy 38 I have on wrist lacks one, as does my Grand Seiko...and it's like come on, guys:)
Like your comment on the boutiques. I want to buy a watch in casual clothes. Sometimes the security guards don’t make you feel welcome. Also if I am dressed casually, I don’t get the attention at a dealer like others. When I do get their attention because of my watch knowledge, then they are interested. They need to be less judgmental. I have a 80+ watch collection. Omega let’s me in. Others have not.
On the topic of 'casual dress': The weirdest vibe is the Seiko boutiques - selling a relatively inexpensive SRPG Sport alongside a Grand Seiko will attract fairly different clientele. It's almost weird to buy a Seiko '5' from someone dressed in a 3-piece, but I could definitely see myself purchasing a GS from someone in business casual (if I had the money).
Such an interesting post. I really like the transparency. Consideration of the majority that simply can't afford a Moonwatch, for instance, is appreciated. (Although I wish.)
I think there’s credence to the attires element of Watch Shops. However so many brands have an extensive portfolio from a high end piece to a lower end piece. So …. The dress code may be both. I think as long as the employees are dressed appropriately and have a sense of neatness that’s cool enough for me. As you said , watches are jewelry so I expect the employees to be dressed the same they’ll be dressed at a jewelry store. That’s both.
Oh and with the mechaquartz over cheap mechanical chronograph. The Seagul can be serviced, after all, at the end of the day its just a mechanical movement. The issue (much rarer than it actually is in real life) is obtaining parts. Really, with the cost of a service of a mechanical Chronograph exceeding the cost of the whole watch new the option is to simply get a new watch from seagul as it would be cheaper than a service! The wonderful thing about the mechaquartz movements is you get the feel of mechanical with the pushers but the cheapness of a battery change once every three years and perhaps a lube job on the mechanical bits every ten years. Another thing for me with quartz is that if a watch is offered with a bog standard automatic from the usual players or a high accuracy quartz movement accurate to 5 to ten seconds a year the quartz is a far more interesting movement horologically speaking. Same for ones solar powered with GPS or radio controlled. Give me that over a mass machine made borning auto any day. But then, I am a child of the quartz revolution and remember the forward thinking excitment of this then new technology. Trouble now ( in comment also to the heritage comment) is people look backwards instead of forwards more.
I live in FL and you were right about seeing people in Tanktops and shorts and dropping 50K on a watch in a Watch Store. So it does not make sense for everyone to be wearing suites here .
Great takes, especially on grey market. Supply/demand - fine. But when ADs are turning their back to their staff selling to the same people and getting a kickback on the subsequent resale on grey, that’s not good.
I hate going to pretty much any jewelry store. Personally, I’d like for there to be a more casual, inviting setting but I think part of the stuffiness comes with the territory of trying to make things accessible to see and purchase but also not get robbed. I actually went to my local mall to go to the omega boutique but ended up not going inside the boutique because I didn’t feel welcome there even though most of the watches there are well within my financial reach.
Thank god, I thought that after 25 years of collecting, owning 40 watches being a mix of luxury and affordable (and those inbetween), but yet not a casio in sight, I was worried for a second that Teddy may tell me I'm not a watch enthusiast
I work near in the financial center of Switzerland and I wear a suit all the time and I am around people who wear suits a lot professionally. My friends are not so i am in both worlds. So i dont feel weird when i walk in super casually on saturday. I even went to buy my NTTD Seamaster when I was in sweatpants and I did not feel intimidated at all. Especially when I showed that I do still have the money to buy it and i am also knowledgeable about the watch too.
I’ve never owned a Casio, nor have I ever wanted to own a Casio. I have always preferred mechanical watches, but just like the guy who likes Casio, there are others who like Seiko quartz watches. I’ve never owned a Seiko quartz either. There’s just something about watching the gears and trains running in a watch movement that’s extremely satisfying. I think it all goes back to my great-grandfather’s 1894,18k Hamilton 21J, Railroad pocket watch. It was passed to my grandfather and to my father, then to me. It runs as well as it did when it was new.
Teddy, on the question of dealers being casual, semi casual or smart dressed…my own experience of buying multiple pieces from multiple dealers is that the minute you enter the store…..they check your wrist!…this tells them initially about what demographic you fall into…..another good vid….👍
Have you done a video on how to invest in watches. By this I mean, what are the factors that you look for in determining the value or prospective value of a watch. What do you look for when determining the value of a watch?
We’re I have a problem is I never deck out my wardrobe so to speak. I have been that way since I was very young. I look more like ZZ Top. Wear always with a custom hat. I love ring, and bracelets on my right arm. And I am upping my watch game on the left. I am usually treated as a possible threat to the establishment and am constantly watched. Those in suits won’t approve me to assist. They have no clue who I am, or what I have in my bank account. Or plan on spending. I love the thrill of fulfilling my dream, asking to see something and dropping the cash or Platinum Card. Never take people for granted. Suits don’t impress me. I can tell when people are dressed in their style. And I love it. I hate being pre judged. Just my two cents. Your style works great for you and speaks volumes as to who you are.
That last question about attire was very interesting but I’m with you Teddy in that it’s regional and cultural as well as about the brand. I’m fine with the salespeople wearing suits as long as they treat all customers nicely. I remember going to a Vacheron Constantin boutique wearing a polo shirt, shorts and sneakers: they treated me like a gentleman and showed me a lot of watches even though they could tell I wasn’t making a purchase that day.
