Don't listen to case width when considering a watch. It goes like this, 75% lug to lug, 20% case width and 5% thickness. I'm 6.25" wrist and I have found recently that I can wear a 44mm Citizen Promaster Diver and not a 39mm Visitor, no telling how many watches I've missed out on because of that.

@Not-a-bot222

3 жыл бұрын

Truest statement ever!

@FINEST-uz9ek

3 жыл бұрын

I agree lug to lug is biggest dimension to look at . I have a 6.75 wrist and 47 lug to lug is my sweet spot and although I prefer 39/40 diameter I have worn watches that are 43/44 no issue BUT they had a short lug to lug! For example a Turtle .

@chasfoster9895

3 жыл бұрын

It’s always amazed me how people discount lug to lug and wrist shape. A lot of difference between a flat wrist and a round one.

@Not-a-bot222

3 жыл бұрын

@@chasfoster9895 yup, all the hype is 38mm this or 36mm that. I can tell you a 38mm Hamilton field and a 38.5mm Sinn 556 would look completely different on wrist. And the Sinn would wear smaller. I have a 36mm marathon gsar that is quite small but tall enough to have presence and it works on my 7 1/4 inch wrist. And when I swap to a DS30 which is quite larger at 39mm case 47.7mm lug to lug that too fits right at home. Some people just need to wear what that like and if you want to get into smaller watches then get one and wear it, eventually like a few days it will become natural and look completely normal. Same goes for larger watches. I personally enjoy smaller watches

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you. Pinned!

I think the single most salient point here is "don't buy what you can't afford". We all love watches, but there are many, many other things that are way more important.

@violet-kittychick

3 жыл бұрын

I agree and disagree for this one point that men would most likely never think of hey!! If I am working for a business and their business colour is orange I will match certain things to match my uniform such as my studs (ear piercings) and my watch or other small items so I more look the part and look like I both belong but I am also committed to my job and role. It helps on a subconscious and conscious level more so with the 'customers' or 'clients' to trust us. Boys or men generally wear what they like to make them stand out to represent their own personality or to show it off while us chicks or girls try to match or blend in and let our makeup, appearance or personality make up for the rest that we feel we lack. On the other side of the coin when working with a majority of other chicks or women such actions can be seen as too competitive or even 'desperate' depending on their attitude or established experiences in that worksite hey!! If that happens then it is best to never be to socialistic with your coworkers and risk blending personal and work to much hey ;)

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris.

@violet-kittychick

3 жыл бұрын

@@islandwatch Men.. always so few words LOL!!

@violet-kittychick

3 жыл бұрын

@@Ash-om3yg Budget well and plan for the two you wanted.. one for her and one for you :P

@spursblood1

3 жыл бұрын

100% correct. I'd love to drop four or five grand on an Omega or a Tudor but honestly, with bills and things going on in everyday life it just wouldn't be right. Instead, I'll prioritise those things life throws at you and will save towards one of those grail watches I'm after, It might take a little longer but it will be worth it. ,

Marc, it’s reaffirming to see a businessman with integrity. It is everything.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Trying

@rayclawson5561

3 жыл бұрын

I bought bezels from him because of his video on how easy it is to remove on your own with grip tape solvent. I applaud your integrity as well Marc.

@RobWhittlestone

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly what I wanted to write. Marc inspires trust and confidence. That's why I've been a customer and will be again.

@fmc6338

3 жыл бұрын

seems rare in large business but smaller mom and pops i have found they rely on their integrity to stay afloat.

@calebrolin262

3 жыл бұрын

His tune is changing

Sound and honest advice from a watch enthusiast and salesperson. It's appreciated sir!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

Good advice, Marc. As an adjunct to number 5, don’t buy a watch late at night; sleep on it, if you still want it after coffee in the morning, go for it! Thanks

@chrisdavis8399

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed. I actually sleep on it for a week..

@joseph_b319

3 жыл бұрын

Do I want a Grand Seiko or Omega Speedmaster? Sleep for 5 seconds then coffee, ahh yeah I still do!!! LOL

@joseph_b319

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly!!!

@UGA.D

3 жыл бұрын

late at night... halfway through a bottle... HA HA

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

I have gotten many drunk buyers!

To add: Don't get swept away by the hype of limited editions. There will always be something new or limited that will come all the time.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

True!

@chulkcha

3 жыл бұрын

Seiko and Sinn are the kings of limited editions. There's so many it makes it so normal.

@calebrolin262

3 жыл бұрын

Yea, disagree . Just ask Grande Seiko

@calebrolin262

3 жыл бұрын

@@chulkcha not sure where you are getting you info on sinn. This is flat out false info

@chulkcha

3 жыл бұрын

@@calebrolin262 when everyone is a sup, no one is (Pixar, The incredible). When every watch release is a limited edition, there's nothing special about it.

Here is a funny one. Don’t let your spouse or significant other get a watch for you without knowing exactly what you want. That is actually not from my experience.

@Simplifier123

3 жыл бұрын

Imagine your naïve new girlfriend gives you a MVMT watch after noticing you're into watches...

@marius2971

3 жыл бұрын

@@Simplifier123 the relationship would end there

@ajbones4207

3 жыл бұрын

A wife or spouse or a woman, in general, buy you anything at all? What is this madness you speak of ?

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Good point.

@ajbones4207

3 жыл бұрын

@@islandwatch As you can tell I have a history of picking nothing but winners, Lol.

I had no idea that, frequent manual winding of automatic watches is not a good idea! Thanks for this important information.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

:)

@VanderJam

3 жыл бұрын

Me too. I'm kind of OCD about all my watches running and being set to the right time at all times. So Ill often wind up my windable automatics (more than I should apparently) just to ensure they'll keep running when I'm not wearing them. Effective immediately, I'm just going to let them run out of power when I'm not wearing them. Fortunately my only two windable automatics are an Amphibia and a Bambino. All my nicer Watches are purely automatic or purely manual as luck would have it.

@okihaveaname

3 жыл бұрын

Automatics won't let you over-wind. Rewatch what he said.

@MrMadvillan

3 жыл бұрын

one of the reasons they the s726 is superior to the nh35. hacking and hand-winding introduces additional levers, spring, friction points and most importantly, human error.

@MrMadvillan

3 жыл бұрын

@@okihaveaname technically the mainspring and mainspring barrels differ between manual and automatic movements . The bridal(end) of the manual mainspring is typically fixed bc the amount wound is a know quantity, so to speak. An automatic mainspring can slide along the outer barrel wall if it has exceeded its maximum wind bc we re now dealing with an unknown amount of wind. This is why you apply breaking grease to the inside of an automatic barrel and not a manual winder bc you want to control the slip. haha TMI 😆 and TLTR

Don't put down Microbrands. Some are exceptionally good (not just good value, but simply Good!).

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Yup. Like the Islander! LOL

@MrMadvillan

3 жыл бұрын

and for the nh35, thank you seiko

@azadr9231

3 жыл бұрын

Formex 👍👍👍

@CyberBeep_kenshi

3 жыл бұрын

Or my sweet Steinhart :) I prefer smaller brands to be honest

#6: don't buy from brands that severely overcharge (especially fashion brands).

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

true

@ulysses26

3 жыл бұрын

I would just go with “Never buy a fashion watch.” Easily the worst watch I have ever owned was a fashion watch given to me as a gift. It broke five times in three years and I finally threw it away.

@CyberBeep_kenshi

3 жыл бұрын

Mvmt, barf

Don't belittle people with cheaper watches. A really bad look.

@AliasEveWatches

3 жыл бұрын

Yes!!! No to snobbery

@brianbellamy5958

3 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah! You should be envious of the '90% off' deal they got. But seriously, it's good to keep perspective - anything over the most basic watch is jewelry. No reason to not let others fully enjoy what they've chosen as their wrist decoration.

@VanderJam

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Whether it's a Grand Seiko or a Vostok Amphibia, a good watch is about the history of the design and engineering that went into it. It's not about the price. I will literally get as excited listening to someone talk about how much they love their Bambino as I will listening to someone tell me about their new Marathon. A real car enthusiast for example will have as much respect for a Miata as they will for the new C8. The same should be true of a real watch enthusiast.

@potgieterl

3 жыл бұрын

Rule 6

@mrbacchus6127

3 жыл бұрын

That is good advice for all material processions.

Honesty is really rare nowadays in watch related youtubers, so thank you Mark for your YT channel!

Great advice. You're a true class act. The world needs more people like you.

LOVE the idea about a segment on changing out straps/bands!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Okay, thanks!

Your technical expertise is why I watch this channel. This advice is spot on too. Thanks.

Thank you Marc! You really a treasure to watch collectors all over the world. I am still relatively new to watch collecting and you give the best advice on the internet. You probably saved me several times from doing something horribly wrong. And you're a great and trusted watch dealer to boot!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thank you for the tip about not going crazy with winding your automatic watches! I'm less than a year into getting into watches and had no idea about this as it's generally not talked about from what I can tell. I'm for sure done hand-winding the watch I'm wearing in the morning.

This is why whenever I can I tell people to buy from you, and your brand. It's why I have 5 Islanders and have bought so many other watches from you. Because you are a man with integrity and values. I appreciate it that. You have a life long Customer in me.

Thanks Marc. This video was like "watch therapy" for me.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks.

Great points. Glad to see you, as a merchant, being responsible and actually looking out for the best interests of your customers!

Thank ou Marc this was very helpful and appreciated I'm so glad you posted this I'm sure your a nice fellow and a great business man who cares about his customers thankyou for this it's very helpful it's rare to hear someone be as open an honest as you again thank you

You honestly are a straight up dude! You telling the truth to your customers and viewers put your business at risk but also makes us want to support you and your business more!! Props to you marc and much respect!!! bravo sir!!!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

#3 is a really important one for people who are new to the hobby. It's so easy to get brainwashed (for lack of a better word) into buying what the hivemind says you should. But often the watches that are the most satisfying to own are the ones that speak to you personally without any preconceived notions fed to you by someone else.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I've been sitting and winding my Automatic watch while watching this...

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

LOL

@luiscastro5456

3 жыл бұрын

same here, the minute Marc said that I stopped. haha

Excellent, honest video Mark. Exactly what we've come to expect from you. Great advice.

Some great advice here. Taking the time to do this kind of thing is very much appreciated. Thank you.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Hi Mark, that was a brilliant video showing an amazing amount of honesty and integrity for a watch seller! Well done my friend you are a credit to the watch sales industry!

Number 1, Do not watch Marc's channel or TVGs or you will have way too many watches all the time! great points Marc 👍

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

I ordered my first mechanical watch, a Seiko Recraft SNKP23, from you and am eagerly awaiting the delivery. I have a couple of Kinetics that i bought decades ago, and I am excited to try a mechanical watch. Watching your do's and don'ts made me happy I bought from you! Thanks for the helpful and honest information.

This is why I love your videos. Giving good advise even when it pretty much goes against sales at times. The Islander brand has become a staple of my wife's and my collection. Please keep up the great products, advise and all around supply of information. Thank you.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

Really refreshing to hear that Mark. You have integrity and are comfortable with who you are, well said ! Definitely someone to do business with. Regards from South Africa.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony!

Thanks for strait advice.. I am saving up for an islander diver, love them.

Great stuff as always. Love your help and honesty

Marc, thanks for the great tips. I will now stop hand winding my automatics not in winders. I made an exception to the rule on sleeping on a purchase when I got the second notice for the Red October Islander. Ordered it as soon as I saw the email and got one of the last numbers. Beautiful watch!

Thank you for the honesty! Great company and better person!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Any time!

Seeing this vdo...one word that popped in my head..."Respect".

Marc....LOVE the "live within your means" advice..... Been trying to instill this in my two boys their entire life... Fortunately, them both being mechanical engineers has let them both acquire nicer watches than dad ever would have.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

:) Good career!

Thank you for the winding, or maybe don't wind, tip. As I was watching the video I was winding my ISL-19. I stopped and put it on. Keep them coming Marc.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped

Great advice Marc. I am loving my Squale 50 atmos I can see why TGV and you love it so much it is so comfortable.. 😁

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your number one! I keep having this discussion but some people insist.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

I know it!

Great advice Mark you are such a genuine man. I enjoy listening to all your advice.

thank you for your blunt honesty.

Such a great video. Thanks, Marc, for summing up the basis for my enthusiasm for watches and my philosophy about collecting and loving a bunch of them. I have a couple of high end pieces: a Rolex Submariner and and Omega Speedmaster. I love them and use them in the ways they were intended to be used, which is for diving and for navigational problems (yes, some of us still do that, GPS notwithstanding). The greatest joy I have had with watches, however, has been amassing a collection of quality watches for everyday wear. Each is slightly different, each is affordable, and each gets regular wear. I have a maximum budget of $500 and only buy a watch or two a year. I love the value of these microbrands and lesser known Swiss brands (Certina is my go-to). I also feel free to experiment after doing my research. This budget is an indulgence for me and by staying in a realistic price range, I feel that I have little to lose and much to gain. Each winter, I spend a few happy nights pawing through the collection, identifying watches that have dropped out of the regular rotation and, as Marc remarks here, changing a few straps, usually transforming the watch and making it new again. As I type this, I can't stop looking at a 15 year old Citizen GMT watch miraculously transformed tonight by a strap that I already had in the drawer. Island Watches is a great resource because of its focus on this price point, its commitment to quality, and because Marc shares and supports my approach to this wonderful obsession.

Mark you are truly a decent chap! You deserve the success you enjoy..

Thank you Marc! You’re a true gentleman.

I really appreciate that you mentioned watches are not investments. I guess some swatch models are. But they’re not guaranteed to and could take too long.

Wow Marc, this is really good advice, from a seller perspective you have integrity... that’s fresh air in this world ! I can say without a shadow of a doubt that you would be a great latex salesman!.....

Your 007 vs islander video showed me you're an honest salesman. That's good for business. Kudos.

What a guy!!! A man among men. Honestly and integrity above greed, selfishness. It may sound cheesy that I am saying all this but in this day and age this kind of quality is hard to find. Stay true Marc, hence all the success.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Man ur honesty is amazing

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Trying!

As usual, I enjoyed your vid 👍 Glad you called out doing self mod's. I'd seen a number of videos for regulating movements and they all said it wasn't difficult. I was thinking about adjusting one of mine but now that's out the door 😅. My advice for repairing or self-modding would be to buy a few non-working similar watches & practice with them first to see if it's something you can do. It's better to spend $20-$30 to experiment than to lose $300+++ on a good piece 🥺 that should have been done by a professional in the first place.

Great tips Marc 👍👍 refreshing to see your honesty and openness 👏👏 I would add don't always look at other people's collections/watches and try to imitate them or wear what they wear. Wear what suits you and your lifestyle, not what suits the people or your favorite watch aficionado.

Very good advice. Thank you for this video.

I started buying from Long Island Watch in the mid 2000's I remember I bought an Orient World timer (I don't remember the full name) I loved it an wore it till the arms fell off literally. I can back again recently after a long stent wearing an apple watch. I have bought 2 Islanders in the last 2 months and all I can say is wow what a great value and great watch. Thank you Mark.

Great list! I always wanted a nice watch so when I was finally able to afford one, I bought one. My tip would be to learn everything you can about a watch before buying it. Thanks Marc! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Great tip!

@kristomat

3 жыл бұрын

I'm notorious for buying a watch then learning all about it. Bad habit for sure.

Very solid words of advice Marc, especially points 4 & 5 ... THANK YOU! 👍🏽

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

You got it!

This is great! I recently bought a Tissot Le Locle nd have been hand winding it. I'll stop doing that. More importantly, I love the advice you're giving that encourages people to discern what they can truly afford. Honest business professionals who care about their customers are a rare breed. I salute your integrity! (Aside: I'm loving your watch brand. I keep eying the white dress watch with the blue hands. Your other models are impressive as well!)

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much.

I had no idea about the winding! Thx! 👍

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Now you know

These tips might seem obvious, but they are absolutely the truth. In my last 25 years of being a hobbyist, I’ve made ALL of these mistakes. Good vid Marc!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

That Daytona is gorgeous! 😍

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

Thanks for the tip of not winding. I'll stop now thanks to this video.

@CyberBeep_kenshi

3 жыл бұрын

Ye, excellent advice

As a new watch enthusiast, I would do well to remind myself of #4. Thanks Marc!!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Perfect!

Good sensible advice Marc, thanks.

Really like dont#3 and don't #5. Thanks Marc. I would add don't impulse buy after watching a youtube video. I find alot of times I don't really like the watch as much as I did at that moment.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

True. Sleep on it

Good honest and sincere advice, we appreciate, thanks Mark!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

I am definitely buying an islander after this. Once I work out which one I want, of course. Such integrity and common sense the watches must be fantastic 😁

Marc your a top bloke !! Gunine honest don'ts from a bloke that makes his bread from selling watches !! Respect from the UK.

Thanks.I broke the second commandment very often, and I will continue to do the same. Stay healthy & all the best.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

LOLOL

This man personifies the "right way" of doing business. There's a right way and a wrong way of making money. I love parting with my money, when I know I'm getting a fair shake and feel like I've bartered rather than hoping I didn't overpay.

Marc, all great advice. Thank you.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Hi Marc, lots of good advice on does and don’t , however a lot of it is just common sense . But your videos are always a pleasure to watch. I’m still saving for my trip to the USA so I can get my islander,and see family in Atlanta.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

Terrific. Marc, you are a level-headed guy!🙂👍🏼

Thanks Marc!!! Really like your honesty! If I had lived in the US, i would really buy a watch from Long Island. 😄👍🏻

Great advice, also very honest advice! A main reason to why I follow your content 👍

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

It's great videos & advice like this that i will continue to be a return customer to Marc's shop. Can't wait for my ISL-66 to arrive!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Right on!

Always love your videos! Thanks for the great tips!

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Bravo, Sir! One can always count on the straight dope from Mark at LIW.

Yikes! I’ve been violating rule #5 all week! Thanks for the information, Marc. 🙏

Very good and wise advices Marc. In line with last advice : if you get the urge to buy it, don't, and sleep on it. While owning a watch is an act of passion, it's not mandatory to exclude reason from the buying process. Also, I guarantee you there's a watch you're neglecting, that will wear much better ar this time of the year than last time you wore it, or with a different strap ! Give it a chance.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

True, thank you!

Do what YOU want to do. If you like it, buy it. Great advice. So, my Citizen Titanium Promaster Tough Eco-Drive available only in the UK is on the way. Looking forward to it.

Great vid! Love this style of video and the thought behind the points made

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great advice -- all of it. You are a mensch. Thanks, Marc! My biggest "Don't": "Don't buy watches to impress other people. In fact, don't do ANYTHING in life to impress other people."

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@Silver-st2zq

3 жыл бұрын

Wise words 👍

I literally want to buy an islander in large part because Mark is such a stand-up guy. Also those new field watches are dope.

Love the Blusie! I also appreciate your solid advice.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

You really are a guy with integrity Marc 🙂

Best advice ever ... BUY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD!

I just regulated my King Turtle, so that (don't) resonated. I was scared the whole time but it worked out. It was a brand new watch but I stupidly dropped it and it was running 2 minutes fast, now it is 14 seconds slow and I'm fine with it. No visible damage from the fall thankfully.

A video on common counterfeits and how to spot some of them would be interesting . Thanks

I keep running into advice online saying an automatic should be fully hand wound occasionally. I'm not sure why some say this, but I like your advice about it better.

The naked wrist caught me by surprise. Great tips, thanks for all your knowledge and videos.

@Laz_Arus

3 жыл бұрын

Plot change ... Marc broke his arm and had to employ a stunt double for his wrist, but forgot to tell the providers that he required a watch to adorn it. 😉

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

LOL

100% for being honest, plus extra points for being an honest New Yorker.....

Thanks for your business ethics with appears to be honest. I have been looking at a few watches recently actually some on your site. Just window browsing. I'm a watch nut since I was 6 or 7 and now I'm 65. During my lifetime I had my share of mid tier pieces, in Omega , Breitling, Seiko, etc etc. I usually shop for specific pieces, like now I'm thinking of soon buying a German made Flieger Type B. The issue that a few of us face or maybe just me , is if I wait to "Afford a watch " with risk to my old man budget , I miss sale specials,that I never see again or the piece goes out of stock or discontinued. Yes there may be similar pieces, but I usually know what I "Exactly" want. So I wish there were layaway options sometimes that where tailored to remove the risk from you the seller and set up on a time frame so you can flip your inventory still at a reasonable rate. This is all assuming a credit card purchase is not an option. Thanks for your sound advise !

Wise words 👍 thanks Marc I love the Rolex

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Good advice from these last two videos I recommend shop around and don't impulse buy. Watches frequently end up in sales, the watch that costs 800 today could be selling for 600 next month.

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

thanks!

Rule 6: "If it costs more than 10k new, buy second-hand 5 years old"

Thanks for your honest opinion

@islandwatch

3 жыл бұрын

Always!

this is the best watch advice vid ive ever seen

Excellent tips, Mark.

Sir, you are a class act!

What do you think about watch winders? How often should you have them spinning in there? And what could be the side effects? Love the videos keep up the good work!