My 2 pink watches, I really wish more companies made them in larger than 36mm sizing

I am not defending Hodinkee, nor will I, but those watch straps were made in Europe from the same leathers you would find at Hermes. The markups on them were pretty standard for any retail shop. I am all for calling them out on things, but not everything associated with them was/is bad.

With high touch items like watches that is not a surprise. The training cost alone for an average employee is many times higher than most industries, and that is sunk cost before even starting on a watch. On average the AD is working on a 30%-40% margin, and that has to cover the entire business cost. That is a pretty common retail margin.

I have known more than one company that stopped selling Baltic because of the return rate for failures. I was being nicer then I needed to be by saying other watches from them might be better. If you have had good luck with them and enjoy the watch then I am happy for you and I hope that continues to be the case.

When I said save up for something better that was not a dig on micro brands, which I own many including Nodus, Weiss, AnOrdain, Fears, Farrer, and Unimatic among others. My permanent watch collection ranges from sub $100 to timepieces that I cannot justify the cost of.

What I meant was pass on Baltic, you may have to pay more for a similar style but it will be worth it. That is only my opinion from my experience.

Everyone is allowed to collect how they want, the only rule should be do not put yourself in financial trouble while doing so.

I wish you good fortune in your collecting journey.

😂 this is a fun one in the collection. A 1967 Waltham Cleopatra - rare manual wind that is gold plated so not nearly as pricey as other wrapped watches.

It is primarily the micro rotor cheap Chinese movements that are the problem. If it has a Miyota or Swiss movement you get the expected reliability for the price point (somewhat accurate but shouldn't give you much trouble for a few years) finishing and case is solid for price point, but overall I would rather save up for something a little better myself.