10 Watches To Avoid Buying & Why

Teddy Baldassarre - watch enthusiast, entrepreneur, and life coach. "Don't be the guy that owns a Rolex but doesn't have a bed frame." Well said.

Currently saving $15/week for a Grand Seiko Snowflake. I planned it out so that i should have enough by my 50th birthday, 7 years from now. It's a small incremental amount and getting my grail watch on a milestone moment in my life will be so satisfying 😊

Rule #1 Buy the watch you like and stop caring what people thinks or may think about it. No matter if it is a homage or lookalike watch, if feels good for you go for it. I have friends with really expensive watches that even asked about my paganis, san martins and other pieces in my collection, do not judge people about the watch they wear.

I love that you don't call out any one specific watch brand but instead types of watches to avoid. This is a great way to "teach a man to fish" instead of "giving him one". Amazing content as always.

When a brand is withholding watches from their customers in order to pump their prices, it makes it difficult to feel bad about purchasing an homage watch for a fraction of the price. Edit: I did end up buying a Rolex about a year after this comment. It was a used one though.

Beautiful and essential advice re: “the watch that brings you financial hardship.” For many, even a Seiko could fall into this category — patience is tough! I finally bought a watch I’ve long desired, I thoroughly vetted it and dwelled on it until I was sure there was no alternative…then waited some more. Finally having the money, I weighed the options even more. THEN pulled the trigger, with no regrets. Can’t wait to receive it

When in doubt buy a Casio.

I started with MVMT watches...I learned quickly that it was a very bad watch, but it did get me into watches in general. So, I can be thankful for that.

Love this video Teddy Another point I would raise is Don’t buy a watch expecting it will be noticed by people. Buy the watch that makes you happy. You spend a lot of money on a Rolex expecting everyone to notice and realise no one notices and you feel disappointed. Wear the watch that makes you happy even if no one will ever notice .

“The Hype Watch You Do Not Actually Care About” is a huge one. Glad it was included.

Dude - what a great video. Applies to so many hobbies/collections beyond watches, just sensible advice. The fact that it comes from someone who actually sells watches for a living is even more noteworthy, when many so-called "enthusiast" YouTubers are basically paid shills. Great work!

I really enjoy your calm, rational, well researched presentations. It's refreshing to see someone who isn't trying to be as sensational as possible on YouTube. Subscribed!

HOMAGE HOT TAKE: I'm actually a fan of homage watches.  I have a few in my collection and, though obviously I would prefer the real thing, I've come to understand/appreciate their place in this strange hobby we all love. The idea of "it would be more satisfying to save up for the real thing" feels a little easier-said-than-done for something like a Daytona as an example.  For my income level, saving up $30k (for any purpose) would take a very long time, and when I reach that point I could not justify spending it on a watch instead of something like a house (in line with your last 2 points, with which I very much agree). I love the look of the Daytona. The design language speaks to me and I get why it's a highly sought after classic. And so I have a $75 homage at 1/400th the price. Should I not get to enjoy just a fraction of the wearing experience because I wasn't born into money or chose to work in public education?  I feel like answering "yes" to that question just perpetuates the gate keeping many in the watch community find so off putting.  An underlying thread in all your suggestions is "wear what makes you happy." Anyways, thank you for the great content, Teddy. You are crushing it as always!

Last year I went from a Seiko SNK809, directly to a Tudor Black Bay 58. But I wanted to make sure that I really want the 58. I spent 2 months thinking and researching if getting the Tudor is the right choice, and if the price is really worth it for me; and then another 2 months on the waiting list. And when I finally got the watch, I was so glad that I didn't rush into it. Now, 8 months later, and wearing it daily, it still brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.

This is definitely my favorite video by Teddy. He is honest and genuine. It feels like he’s speaking directly to me on some of the don’ts.

I’m an older guy and never got into watches until very recently. I know nothing about watches. I bought Timex Expedition for $50 or maybe less? I really like it. I’m happy with it. I don’t care if it’s cheap. I’m on a very limited budget anyway.

I wear Movado because my dad wears it since I was little. It has value to me. I don’t care what the “community” thinks.

"you don't need to own a Speedster" - this is probably the best watch advice I heard in a while. You make a lot of good points. I'm not sure I agree about the homage part - when a gen Aquanaut retail is more than I can justify spending, and the hype has pushed prices over 100k, a homage seems like an interesting proposition.

One of the best advices you can have. I got my first Taghuer from my past away grand father and my next one is Oris for my bachelor degree graduated. I have a plan for many watchs but the thing is don't too focus and remember is a collecting an object that you value but don't let it's more value than your actually goal your career , your family and yourself.

Really appreciate all the tips and the advice about delaying gratification. Just started to save for my first watch and I’m feeling much better about the process after this video :)