Are YouTube channel celebs in touch with reality?

I’ve just worked my way through the “about effing time“ videos. I have opinions. I cringed quite a lot. I was left wondering if these guys are really in touch with the reality of most of us. Think what you like about Rolex, but when one compared them to Volkswagen in the car world, I raised an eyebrow. In terms of cost (even at MRSP and considering the engineering) this seemed trite. Tissot is a Volkswagen surely? What are peoples thoughts about these guys?

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  1. Influencers say things to generate reactions. 
  2.  Rolex is a mass produced product, maybe Audi would have been a better comparison, but VW works. When you make about 1,000,000 of something it isn't particularly rare or special.
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i Tried watching a couple of episodes but I can’t relate to any of them, they just sound pretentious rich pricks… sorry did I just say or am I 🤫😱🤭

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Of the watchtubers I watch, most are just to get the stats, see the watches on wrist, and get good pictures/videos.

Some are funny and I enjoy watching the videos even if I don't get too much out of it.  Some are incredibly informative (Tim Mosso). Some are both, or in-between.

In the end, most of these people are out of touch with reality in regards to when they talk about what is an afforable watch and what isn't.  Then again, many of us are too. We don't need watches, certainly don't need to spend what many of us do on them, but it's a hobby we enjoy so we do it even though it makes no sense at all.  I consider affordable watch range at 1K and under (where all but four of mine MSRP at).  Most people wouldn't think of spending $500 on a watch.

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Jimmer

Of the watchtubers I watch, most are just to get the stats, see the watches on wrist, and get good pictures/videos.

Some are funny and I enjoy watching the videos even if I don't get too much out of it.  Some are incredibly informative (Tim Mosso). Some are both, or in-between.

In the end, most of these people are out of touch with reality in regards to when they talk about what is an afforable watch and what isn't.  Then again, many of us are too. We don't need watches, certainly don't need to spend what many of us do on them, but it's a hobby we enjoy so we do it even though it makes no sense at all.  I consider affordable watch range at 1K and under (where all but four of mine MSRP at).  Most people wouldn't think of spending $500 on a watch.

It is funny when people refer to a $5K Tudor as an "affordable" watch, or a "poor man's" Rolex... funny in the "I'm not finishing this video you pretentious prick" kind of way mostly. 

The thing is, many influencers talk about luxury watches, and make them sound normal, because that's what most viewers want. 

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What would be a good analogy for those Hondas driving at 150mph every chance they get? 😂

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"YouTube channel celebs"

Now THAT's funny!!!

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  1.  Let's be real, are YouTubers really celebs? I mean, we may know some of them like Adrian/Nico/Thorpe/Oisin, Watch Gringa, Jenni, Tim Osso/Jack Forster but at the end of the day they're just people that enjoy the hobby and one day decided to do it on camera. Some are more charismatic than others, some are louder, some have better video production skills, some just want to sell watch straps, and some just want to convince other companies that they should pay them to do their marketing campaigns (cough, Theo and Harris, cough) now the voiceover guy from Watchfinder...the one we've never seen, now THAT'S a celebrity right there 😀
  2. Yes, about effing time, very dry and disconnected from reality. I forced myself to listen to 3 episodes, usually while cooking in the kitchen. I actually did a bit of research online to try and find out more about the other two guys that are not Adrian Barker, and some of the videos I found are just surreal. Multi-car garages housing some gorgeous mobile works of art...which would explain why dropping $5K on a watch is really no big deal for some of these people. But in their defense, when you're in the industry and you have a crazy range of wrist candy that starts at $50 and goes all the way up to $3 million you'd be forgiven if you were a bit desensitized. It's a bit like that one fancy furniture store that places their $14,000 couch at the front entrance and it scrambles your brain for a second, so that by the time you get to the back of the store and happen to stumble over a $4,000 couch, it all of a sudden doesn't seem that insane to spend that kind of coin for something you'd normally spend about $800 on 😂
  3. There's no third point, I was going to say "but I also run a YouTube channel, can I edit my business cards to denote I'm a celebrity?" but then realized it's not that funny. Thanks for posting Wayne 👍
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Bruce is a truly nice guy.  A bit of a goofball and a real overly positive watch nerd.

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The_Timist
  1.  Let's be real, are YouTubers really celebs? I mean, we may know some of them like Adrian/Nico/Thorpe/Oisin, Watch Gringa, Jenni, Tim Osso/Jack Forster but at the end of the day they're just people that enjoy the hobby and one day decided to do it on camera. Some are more charismatic than others, some are louder, some have better video production skills, some just want to sell watch straps, and some just want to convince other companies that they should pay them to do their marketing campaigns (cough, Theo and Harris, cough) now the voiceover guy from Watchfinder...the one we've never seen, now THAT'S a celebrity right there 😀
  2. Yes, about effing time, very dry and disconnected from reality. I forced myself to listen to 3 episodes, usually while cooking in the kitchen. I actually did a bit of research online to try and find out more about the other two guys that are not Adrian Barker, and some of the videos I found are just surreal. Multi-car garages housing some gorgeous mobile works of art...which would explain why dropping $5K on a watch is really no big deal for some of these people. But in their defense, when you're in the industry and you have a crazy range of wrist candy that starts at $50 and goes all the way up to $3 million you'd be forgiven if you were a bit desensitized. It's a bit like that one fancy furniture store that places their $14,000 couch at the front entrance and it scrambles your brain for a second, so that by the time you get to the back of the store and happen to stumble over a $4,000 couch, it all of a sudden doesn't seem that insane to spend that kind of coin for something you'd normally spend about $800 on 😂
  3. There's no third point, I was going to say "but I also run a YouTube channel, can I edit my business cards to denote I'm a celebrity?" but then realized it's not that funny. Thanks for posting Wayne 👍

We've all seen Watchfinder Talking Hands guy. Edit:  We've all had the ability to see the Watchfinder Talking Hands guy 😜

https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewMorganWatches

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Jimmer

We've all seen Watchfinder Talking Hands guy. Edit:  We've all had the ability to see the Watchfinder Talking Hands guy 😜

https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewMorganWatches

Not all of us, but now I can count myself amongst the people that have 😮 thanks for sharing 👍

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I remember that analogy raising my eyebrow as well and thought it was a stretch too far, and did come off a bit pretentious. I think it was George Bamford who made that analogy and was a bit surprised that neither Adrian Barker nor Andrew McUtchen questioned the analogy at the time. Certainly no one that I know of would equate Rolex to Volkwagen and agree Audi or even Porsche would've been more relatable. 

As to your question about whether they are in touch with most of us, I think it's helpful to know and understand who these guys are: George Bamford (founder of Bamford Watch Department), Andrew McUtchen (founder of Time & Tide), and Adrian Barker (co-founder of Bark & Jack). Of the three, Adrian is the every-man having come up via his wonderful YouTube channel. The other gents are completely on another level of fortune & fame (particulary Bamford). That podcast is just fun for them.

I don't agree with a lot of their hot takes but I think it's cool to hear their viewpoints because they've had notable success in the larger watch business. 😜 But yeah, they may not be seeing things exactly like most of us LOL. 😜

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My favorite guy is @Max He is the cornerstone of this site,  not afraid to say what he likes & dislikes and keeps the snobbery out of his videos.  His YouTubeing got me to WC.  Anyway I like Adrian Barker,  Jenne Elle is good eyecandy sporting a new tattoo every now and then & giving us all the correct pronunciation of all brands, The Urban Gentry has a unique slant and Teddy B is inspiring as a guy I used to like but now he is too scripted (probably from taking ques from his mentor Mr Red Strap aka Kevin O'Leary) I digress,  it's good ramble and I take it all with a grain of salt. Rolex is a VW LOL so popular to hate these days and yet everyone would love a new one IMO. Let's not forget Tim Mosso at Watchbox.  His voice , and detailed descriptions,  remind me of Dan Aykroyd's character in Ghostbusters . All good fun!

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foghorn

"YouTube channel celebs"

Now THAT's funny!!!

Yeah - sorry - but I didn’t want to be too rude 

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Jimmer

Of the watchtubers I watch, most are just to get the stats, see the watches on wrist, and get good pictures/videos.

Some are funny and I enjoy watching the videos even if I don't get too much out of it.  Some are incredibly informative (Tim Mosso). Some are both, or in-between.

In the end, most of these people are out of touch with reality in regards to when they talk about what is an afforable watch and what isn't.  Then again, many of us are too. We don't need watches, certainly don't need to spend what many of us do on them, but it's a hobby we enjoy so we do it even though it makes no sense at all.  I consider affordable watch range at 1K and under (where all but four of mine MSRP at).  Most people wouldn't think of spending $500 on a watch.

A guy that runs the Little Treasury shop makes YT videos that might be up your alley. Odd personality but mostly just the stats and some good wrist shots. They are also short, a plus in my book. He doesn’t carry Rolex or Tudor, but talks about most other brands we talk about here. 

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Sadly I once thought bmw drivers are arse holes until I became one soooo hello fellow area holes 😂 and I did give up my Audi for Toyota Minivan and a Volvo Suv so it calmed my douchbaggery lol

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KristianG
  1. Influencers say things to generate reactions. 
  2.  Rolex is a mass produced product, maybe Audi would have been a better comparison, but VW works. When you make about 1,000,000 of something it isn't particularly rare or special.

I still believe Rolex is the Porsche of the watch world. 

Same for both: huge production, good value retention, prestige item, usually marks an accomplishment. 

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I have seen one episode so far and i am not into these guys, i followed Adrian before but now he's videos aren't made as well, always the rolex as a thumbnail, boring topics. 

For me it's easy just watch Warchcrunch and Youreterrific. You'll see fun watches, nicely made videos and variety! Yes watchcrunch just made a video of the overhyped 5711 but watch the video, good angle. (In my opinion) 

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owwh how i love this topic. im sure they are in touch with reality for sure, but it isnt our reality for sure 😂. my tips is dont take the podcast seriously, just consider their conversation as a friendly conversation between them. there are plenty other youtuber with more friendly budget . now im going back to cruising with my old nissan truck 😀

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I mean meh...the watch hobby is more mainstream than it was but I wouldnt call them celebs. I would probably call them community influencers.

   

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Jimmer

Of the watchtubers I watch, most are just to get the stats, see the watches on wrist, and get good pictures/videos.

Some are funny and I enjoy watching the videos even if I don't get too much out of it.  Some are incredibly informative (Tim Mosso). Some are both, or in-between.

In the end, most of these people are out of touch with reality in regards to when they talk about what is an afforable watch and what isn't.  Then again, many of us are too. We don't need watches, certainly don't need to spend what many of us do on them, but it's a hobby we enjoy so we do it even though it makes no sense at all.  I consider affordable watch range at 1K and under (where all but four of mine MSRP at).  Most people wouldn't think of spending $500 on a watch.

I should have really said “some YouTubers” because I agree there are some great ones too. It was just this particular channel that really triggered me!

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KristianG
  1. Influencers say things to generate reactions. 
  2.  Rolex is a mass produced product, maybe Audi would have been a better comparison, but VW works. When you make about 1,000,000 of something it isn't particularly rare or special.

Many brands are not rare but are perceived or demonstrated as superior.

they Just triggered me with their inane-ness. Lol 

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mjosamannen

Not every podcast has to appeal to the entry-/budget crowd. Also I enjoy some info about expensive watches even thou I never will own one. I get that they might seem out of touch, but maybe they are just appealing to someone else. I think they are entertaining, but I prefer "2 broke watchsnobs", "wristcheese radio" and "the grey nato". They seem more down to earth. I also listen to "theo and harris" even thou they sound like complete assholes at times, it's sort of charming actually 😅

Generally I agree. I’m not a budget watch crowd guy however I recognise my own privilege in this space. There is very little humility amongst at least two of these guys. When the Australian fella declared in one episode about purchasing a watch “I was only earning $80k at the time” it made me cringe. It just seemed to me like unnecessary noting. Damn - triggered again lol 

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7rslender

I find the comparison of Rolex to Volkswagen quite fitting. 
The only problem with Rolex really is, that they think they are Ferrari which they are clearly not.

I suspect Rolex would hate being compared to a Ferrari. #rolex 

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KiwiWayne

Generally I agree. I’m not a budget watch crowd guy however I recognise my own privilege in this space. There is very little humility amongst at least two of these guys. When the Australian fella declared in one episode about purchasing a watch “I was only earning $80k at the time” it made me cringe. It just seemed to me like unnecessary noting. Damn - triggered again lol 

I agree that it's tasteless. But I could be in the perspective that he shouldn't have bought the watch at the time. I don't remember the episode 😊 Anyways... I don't really have a dog in this fight 😅

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Ichibunz

i Tried watching a couple of episodes but I can’t relate to any of them, they just sound pretentious rich pricks… sorry did I just say or am I 🤫😱🤭

You said it - and it’s ok :)

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I made another attempt last night to watch the hour long show. I couldn't do it. It just can't keep my attention.

I think it is because the heavily British perspective. So many references that don't mean much to me. I'm sure they will find a fan base. 

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Tbh im just looking for facts and sometimes opinions from people who actually get to handle the watches. Where I am from there is no way I could ever handle an AP or Patek. Even a submariner is hard to just get to look at.

Also I think most of us loose the grip on reality when it comes to the things we do in our job. I’m my profession I handle a lot - and I mean a lot - of money. Doesn’t mean I am rich or Think like that. But I do see myself not caring about people who have a lot of it. There is always somebody that has more and I just have a different perspective on it. Now if you handle expensive watches on a daily basis then suddenly a 5k Tudor becomes "cheap". 
Also. No need to challenge me on this. It’s just one mans opinion. 😅

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Yes. I am. 😀

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I have always enjoyed Adrian’s videos but this show is a bit over the top for me and I agree with others that it comes off as pretentious and a bit out of touch. I do wonder what a show with just Adrian and Andrew would be like. my guess is that it would be a little more thoughtful and grounded. George is a big personality and he seems to dictate the tone of the show (pretty sure it’s his show more than the other two). I think George says some things that invite Adrian and Andrew into saying things that they may not otherwise. I could certainly be far off, just my impression. I will keep watching Adrian’s channel but I’m off this podcast for sure.

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I'm guilty of watching too many watch YouTubers.  In general, they are ok if one understands that they are hosts and/or entertainers that (hopefully) give some useful information about a watch you might be interested in or are being introduced to.  There is one I like in particular, but even I must question her sense of reality when she says she has little money (apparently she is a church youth worker or something like that) but then shows her collection of Rolexes and Cartier all acquired in the past few years. And then her husband comes home with a new Patek.  Something doesn't add up...