What's your path to learn about watches?
As a new comer to the world of watch enthusiasts, I wonder: how do you learn about watches?
I got into watches into the last year or so. In this period I have consumed several hours of youtube videos, read several blog posts about watches and/or spoke with friends who turned out to be watch-lovers (surprise).
After devoting some time to these fun resources, I now have a better understanding of what I like and what might, or might not, work for me.
Still, every now and then, I take a step back from this world of watch-enthusiasts exit and realize the cost of this hobby. It is fairly easy to get anchored to pricing and think that a "good watch" must cost at least X amount of money.
Nohing against spendig on something you love provided that this doesn't lead to financial difficulty. The question is: how do you guys learn about watches? When do you feel confident enough about the technical details / history of individual pieces to actually know their value?
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Wow what a question! I also am learning and trying to educate myself. Not really sure of what path I’d better be taking, just mixing up material about technical aspects, innovative releases, watches 101, historic development… basically anything that catches my eye. I hope to be able to put some sense into it in the following months, after the initial surprise of entering this realm.
The biggest learning for me was the different movements for affordable watches. NH series (Seiko), Miyota (Citizen and Bulova), Sellita SW series and variations of all of these that are branded. Also ETA. There are different tiers for these as well depending on the complications and cost. I personally like the Miyota 9000 series because it seems to “sweep” smoothly. Then the dial. I like statement pieces, others prefer conservative. Then I look at reviews. Finally I look at online watch stores to see how they hold their value. Excellent watches tend to do better because the word is out that they’re quality. All that said, I lean into microbrands and compare all of the above. Then decide. 🤷♂️🥳
The biggest learning for me was the different movements for affordable watches. NH series (Seiko), Miyota (Citizen and Bulova), Sellita SW series and variations of all of these that are branded. Also ETA. There are different tiers for these as well depending on the complications and cost. I personally like the Miyota 9000 series because it seems to “sweep” smoothly. Then the dial. I like statement pieces, others prefer conservative. Then I look at reviews. Finally I look at online watch stores to see how they hold their value. Excellent watches tend to do better because the word is out that they’re quality. All that said, I lean into microbrands and compare all of the above. Then decide. 🤷♂️🥳
That's exactly the type of feedback I was looking for . Thanks!
I learn about watches while browsing marketplaces like Chrono24, or just by looking at websites of the manufacturers. Ordering free catalouges from some manufacturers is also very interesting. I still have a lot to learn but everything in life takes its time.
When I started I watched a ton of YouTube videos by The Urban Gentry. He is very well grounded and while he covers more expensive pieces and brands, he does a great job showing the value and quality in much more affordable (for most) pieces and brands. I look at the movement (in house can be nice and high quality but Sellita, ETA, and Miyota modern movements are easy to work on by anyone, very high quality and accessible in price), case dimensions (you need to learn what you like and what works on your wrist, generally lug to lug, diameter, and thickness), case polishing and brushing (mostly the aesthetic combo and what you like), and dial (I go after interesting dials, either in design, material, or pattern). But learning and exploring is never over, that is what makes this a hobby!
Read a bunch of books . . . On the history of time, on specific brands, on the industry etc. Beyond talking to watchmakers, maybe trying to assemble a movement, and talking to other knowledgeable enthusiasts nothing is going to beat diving into hard research. YouTube is great for the hunt and for an introductory understanding.
I'll admit to taking bad advice from a watch columnist called...wait for it...The Watch Snob. This guy crapped on Oris, Longines, Tag, Montblanc, the Seamaster. Every so often he would educate the readers on underrated brands like Nomos, Sinn, Frederique Constant.
As much as people criticize YT (and I have some criticisms, too), TGV, Watchfinder, IDGuy,Teddy, etc., taught me enjoy watches by explain brands and models actual history. What specifications really mean. Not just the watches status, or worst, where it sits that watch groups tier lists.