dealers · 2026-10-05 · 1h26m
10-05 Analysis of Automotive Marketing Strategy and Watch Collection Reviews
[](plaud://image?type=summaryCard&id=oc_su_fa9c812fc31dd4e0954c8c46e621c197_i1)
The transcript interweaves two primary threads: an auto dealership’s digital marketing discussion led by Lance (covering Facebook Marketplace via V Auto, Google AI search/ads, spend levels, and new content “feature pages”) and a long sequence of watch reviews and ownership reflections (Panerai, Longines, IWC, Seiko). It also contains personal, off-topic anecdotes. Clear next steps are defined for marketing research, budget analysis, dashboard review, and content development, plus a single call task. ------------
Digital Marketing and Budgeting for an Auto Dealership
The business conversation focuses on Audi Baton Rouge’s digital strategy. The team is exploring how to use Facebook Marketplace through V Auto for two-way engagement: posting inventory and potentially viewing/purchasing vehicles from customers within that ecosystem. Lance explains current SEM posture and budget: total advertising spend is “a little over four” (inclusive of VLAs and service campaigns). Historically, spend was between two and three and recently rose at the client’s request, coinciding with newly launched inventory ads that have only just gone live. Despite higher allocation, not all campaigns fully spend due to search volume constraints in some segments, which caps outflows irrespective of budget.
On AI-driven search ads, Lance indicates incremental budget may not be necessary; the plan is to reallocate within existing spend. He has an SEM results dashboard ready for review and intends to gather precise data on AI-related spend before final recommendations. The immediate directive is to investigate Google AI Search and AI Ads offerings specific to Audi Baton Rouge, map options to current spend levels, and identify what would be displaced or rebalanced to implement them effectively.
------------
Personal Anecdotes and Off-Topic Conversations
Amid business and product review content, the transcript includes fragmented personal narratives unrelated to dealership strategy or watch topics. These include:
- Vehicle maintenance speculation involving transmission issues and clutch housing service.
- Accessibility challenges at a game venue involving a three-year-old child with Down syndrome and elevator access justification.
- Ongoing concerns about a child’s behavioral outbursts and a possible benign brain tumor, with references to broken devices, pending MRI approval from insurance, and fluctuating behavior at home.
- Disconnected references to individuals (e.g., Neil) and seating at a game, plus miscellaneous household incidents.
These sections serve as personal context but do not connect to business decisions or watch evaluations.
------------
Comprehensive Review of Panerai Watch Lines
The Panerai segment distinguishes three core lines and their identities:
- Luminor: Presented as the modern essence of Panerai—iconic crown guard, bold presence. Though some references can be thick (e.g., 16 millimeters), short downturning lugs aid wearability. The brand has also offered smaller, dressier references (e.g., 38 millimeters around 2016).
- Radiomir: Rooted in history—its name originates from early radioactive lume (now replaced with Super‑LumiNova). Origins include a 1935 commission by the Italian Navy, with Rolex supplying 47‑millimeter pocket watch bases and welded wire lugs; modern Radiomirs employ removable wire lugs with screws for easier strap changes. It features an onion-shaped, oversized screw‑down crown and a fully polished case, conveying a versatile, less “toolish” aesthetic.
- Submersible: The only Panerai with a rotating bezel; framed as the most experimental line in design and engineering. The Elux variant uses four mainspring barrels to power 160 micro LEDs illuminating dial, hands, and bezel. Across many three‑hand Panerais, P.9000/P.900 automatic movements (4 Hz, 3‑day power reserve) are common; the P.5000 is hand‑wound with an 8‑day reserve.
The narrative positions Luminor as the default “first Panerai,” Radiomir as a connoisseur’s, historically faithful choice, and Submersible as a futuristic, tool‑centric option.
------------
In-Depth Analysis of Longines and IWC Watches
Two major threads develop here:
- Longines HydroConquest:
- Lineage: Originates from the 1954 Conquest; HydroConquest launched in 2007 as the modern diver line. Recent updates include GMT-led design language transitioning to applied indices and lacquered dials, with two sizes (39 millimeters, 42 millimeters) and 14 configurations in total. - Dimensions and specs: The 39‑millimeter model measures 39.5 millimeters in diameter and 11.7 millimeters thick—thinner than a Tudor Black Bay 58. Silicon hairsprings offer strong anti‑magnetic benefits. A user preference leans toward the HydroConquest over a Rolex Submariner due to high-contrast white indices and bezel markings, which visually “pop” and influence daily wear choice. A note on value: the speaker anticipates greater depreciation for Longines (20–40% from retail) versus historically stronger retention for Tudor Black Bay references, though exact figures vary with time and supply.
- IWC Ingenieur (Aqua Dial):
- Heritage and design: A 40‑millimeter revival of the 1976 Gerald Genta Ingenieur SL, contemporaneous with the Royal Oak and Nautilus. The new model embraces an integrated sports-watch profile with an industrial character, functional bezel screws, and refined H‑link bracelet finishing. - Wear profile: Thickness is 10.7 millimeters, with a central lug‑to‑lug of 45.7 millimeters and extended end links bringing total span to 49.5 millimeters; sharply angled end links help it wear true to size. The smaller dial opening versus comparable divers yields a compact visual footprint. - Movement and debate: Uses IWC Caliber 32111 (4 Hz, 120‑hour/5‑day reserve). Architecture originates from Richemont’s ValFleurier, also seen in models priced below the Ingenieur (e.g., IWC Mark XX) and historically in Bvlgari/Montblanc. While this raises questions about price-to-movement value, the speaker argues the sum of design, finishing, heritage, and on‑wrist experience justifies the premium. A soft iron inner cage under a closed caseback provides magnetic protection while retaining 100 meters of water resistance.
------------
Review of Seiko Watch Collections
A survey of attainable Seiko choices (excluding Grand Seiko) positions models by role and value:
- Presage Classic: Recommended as a top everyday mechanical under $1,000, featuring a 40‑millimeter steel case and bracelet, silk‑textured dial, AR‑coated sapphire, 100‑meter water resistance, and the 6R55 movement with a 72‑hour reserve (Spron 510 mainspring). The Silk Dial 38‑millimeter variants satisfy smaller, dressier preferences. Seiko often ships movements unregulated to keep costs down; many examples still run better than stated specs, and watchmakers can fine‑tune accuracy.
- SPB317 “Turtle” (Prospex): A versatile sport diver with a slim profile for the form factor—41 millimeters, 12.3 millimeters thick, 200 meters water resistance, 6R35 movement with 70‑hour reserve, MSRP $900—designed to blend dive‑ready reliability with daily-wear comfort.
- SLA079 Marine Master: A professional diver at 42.6 millimeters and 12.3 millimeters thick with a lacquered steel bezel (eschewing ceramic to avoid underwater brittleness) and the 8L35 movement (a Grand Seiko 9S55 variant) built with MEMS‑made components and a replaceable screw‑in crown tube—emphasizing longevity and serviceability.
- King Seiko SJN121: A premium dress model—145th anniversary limited edition, 800 pieces—highlighted for its finishing and commemorative appeal.
------------
Strategic Initiative for Dealership Feature Pages
Lance proposes building comprehensive, information‑rich “feature pages” aligned to two customer journeys: 1) Shoppers looking to lease/buy new vehicles. 2) Shoppers seeking used or certified vehicles.
These pages must be visually strong and content‑dense to serve both direct visitors and AI-driven discovery tools that increasingly guide customers. The plan is to pilot this at Audi Baton Rouge to establish a repeatable content “skill,” then replicate across other brands and locations once the initial framework is validated. Immediate steps include defining a proposed list of page types, discussing and approving the list, then producing the first set for Audi Baton Rouge.
------------
Action Items
- @Lance
- [ ] Investigate Google AI Search and Google AI Ads options for Audi Baton Rouge, including option details, expected performance, and alignment with current account structure - [TBD] - [ ] Analyze budget impact and identify which current campaigns/spend would be displaced or reallocated to implement Google AI options - [TBD] - [ ] Retrieve and report precise data on current AI-related ad spend - [TBD] - [ ] Prepare and present the SEM results dashboard to the client, walking through current performance and spend utilization - [TBD] - [ ] Draft a proposed list of “feature pages” for both new/lease and used/certified customer journeys (Audi Baton Rouge pilot) - [TBD] - [ ] Review the proposed feature-page list with stakeholders and finalize scope - [TBD] - [ ] Build the initial set of approved feature pages for Audi Baton Rouge (pilot) - [TBD]
- @Unidentified Speaker
- [ ] Call Eric Metzler on speaker - [TBD]
0:00
Spend
ABR ads a little over $4k incl VLA/service; not all campaigns fully spend
0:00
AI ads
Reallocate within budget for Google AI Search/Ads — don't just add
0:00
Feature pages
ABR pilot information-dense feature pages for new + used journeys
0:00
vAuto FB
Explore FB Marketplace via vAuto two-way
0:04
Facebook Marketplace through V Auto. I'm sorry, through V Auto. Through V Auto. What do you mean, like post inventory to it,
0:10
Or no, both, both post and be able to view and potentially buy cars from from from from customers. So let me pull it up and I'll tell you where it sits because I don't remember exactly, but it's in it's in V Auto. It's like one of the far left. Hang on, I'll pull mine up so I can tell you. How much would.
0:33
I have to spend on.
0:33
AI to to do what to have an impact? You mean like for the search ads we were talking about? I'll I mean I'll build that out for you today and look at it. I don't think we need to spend anything extra because I mean I have a whole dashboard like kind of a results dashboard that I've built for our SEM. It's what I use. I'll sit down and look at it with you and show it to you. I think it would mainly just be moving money around. No,
0:58
I don't know that. I would rather increase.
1:00
You want to just because right now it's like it's a little over four total, including VLAs, including everything, and that's and also including service. Yeah, yeah. And so,
1:11
What's that? It seems like that's. I mean, that's that's increased quite a bit.
1:17
Well, at one point it was two or three, and you wanted me to try to get it up to where, and that literally is just now the last like week because we you and I talked about adding the inventory ads, so that's gone live. Um. But I, it's it's not it hasn't spent that. It in fact, oftentimes it doesn't spend that. We end up with so there's two ways you end up not spending. Either you're not putting enough money in a campaign and you hit a hit a cap based on your spend. The other is not enough search. Like so, right now there's a few campaigns that we have that don't have enough search volume. They don't spend the full amount. I.
1:58
Man, let let me get let me get the data on the AI spend, and then I'll tell you where that where we sit with it. All right,
2:03
Man. All right, bye.
2:52
Okay,
3:09
Let's look into for Audi Baton Rouge the Google AI search. And AI ads that they're offering. Give me some details on all those options and where they would sit with our current spend, and what we might would displace or move around in order to get there.
3:49
It's either the transmission. They're not doing the recommended service life. They're not, you know, changing the clutch housing. They're not changing the whole thing. Like, or your transmission's not working.
5:03
Oh boy, that's the kind of he he had just learned how to walk. You so you should say, "Don't hit him." Oh, that car seat stuff in the back of the city. Most people think you're like doing the car seat in the back of the city, but I had it. This is the thing. So hard to keep it inside. I wonder what it was in that dark. That was twenty percent. It's twenty percent on that car. What kind of was this?
5:35
That was that was Neil that white guy. Neil that won four worlds. No, I think Neil lost his ball. If I remember correctly, I think Neil might have been. But no, I, I have a black dude who just almost looked excited, but they were all trying to say. But no, he left because it was one of the. It was a three or five game. Like, oh, this is perfect. It's a three or five game.
6:06
We live here. Like I can. Once we get to the airport, get on the road, take the bus, anyway, and blah. We make it cool. Well, we get down there, we get a ticket for the game. We sat in the like the top of it. Yeah, like we were literally the second, second to last row. Yeah. Well, the game ended. Charlie, people are busting because I'm trying to be. He was like, oh, you should use an elevator. I'm like, look, I have a three-year-old Down syndrome. I said, I'm using an elevator. He was like, oh, supposedly for handicapped. I'm like, my child is Down syndrome. He can barely walk. Yeah. He is handicapped. I'm like, technically, I can get in. He can't get in for my car. For him. Okay, really? I'll do.
7:05
Dude, minus twelve also. Yeah, he's been. We can walk through a little bit about. We think he might potentially have a benign tumor, a brain benign brain tumor, but he's been having like really really bad like he'll just out of nowhere he'll just walk up to a TV and just pull it down like he's broken a couple of TVs, a couple of his tablets. We're just pulling out tools because. Vicky, because the two different glands, like the others, are different. But they were saying the way it's all put together, they're wrong. So we're waiting for insurance to say if they're going to cover him the new MRI. Maybe.
8:45
Yeah, well, I from where he is.
9:26
And like he's just super crazy, all offbeat, just lays there. So it's been, yeah. Yesterday he kind of gave us a glimpse of his old self, before all of this, like before he was twelve and the outbursts. But like he slapped, he tried to slap me twice yesterday, but then he saw I was just like, no, like you don't do that. Like I didn't feel.
9:56
Just random, like one day we're eating, we just grab a bottle of water and start throwing it on my brother's wall. And then I'm like, "Daddy, you don't do that stuff. Put some time out." I'm like, "No, give me these at the wall." I'll have a little poltergeist. Are we an octopus? We're just like, "What the hell?" No. Like I whipped him, and my mom starts talking to me. It's a lot of collectors. Like you just. All changes in the world.
12:11
The only one in that way was aesthetics. The Chinese do best,
12:18
Which is take a functional design and put a few strokes of.
12:27
Stylus and touch.
12:42
Maintains pressure onto the crown, so instead of the crown being a sheet of metal, it's a pressure. This is a model I used for the 2009. It was a.
12:58
Titanium case and a blue plastic pocket watch. The only thing that.
13:12
I think 16 millimeters thick sounds pretty daunting on a small wrist, but I wouldn't judge this book by its look because a combination of short downturning lugs help the watch wear much better than built. Personally, that I couldn't pull one off until I actually tried one on my decision-making wrist, and that's still hard to sell for you right now. So a new Panerai in 2016, which has a small diameter of 38, these more dressy. It's quite popular, water resistant, full of that lume that gives you all that Panerai character in a smaller package. But what I also loved about many of the Panerai models are these sandwich styles that they feature—a construction where numerals are cut out of a transparent, luminous plate, which not only gives you a dive-worthy brightness but also adds tremendous depth to the look.
14:07
Now it can be kind of a chore to find aftermarket straps for a Panerai, and we actually carry a twenty-four millimeter rib nylon strap with that red leather keeper in our shop. So check that out if you're interested. But what if the Panerai of the movies doesn't appeal to you, and you want something that looks more like something from the forty s, when the first Panerai's were born? Well, then you need a Radiomir.
14:34
Named after the radioactive elements that was used to paint the dials back then, of course now replaced with Super-LumiNova, so they've lost the warm, slight cancerous glow. But the watch still retains everything else that makes the original Panerai special. In 1935, with World War II looming, the Italian Navy tasked Officine Panerai, a Florentine instrument maker, to build wristwatches for the frogmen. The Navy's specialized divers, and because Panerai had no expertise in wristwatches, they turned to Rolex, who then supplied them with 47 millimeter pocket watches with welded-on wire lugs. Then Panerai fitted these watches with their luminous dials, and you know the rest was history. And this collaboration yielded the Radiomir that we know and love today. Even though the Radiomir now goes all the way down to 40 mil, what I have here is the Vintage Accurate 47.
15:31
In GMT form, which might sound kind of like a silly size, but because of these wired lugs, again, the watch is basically a square on the wrist, and the lug to lug is not much longer than the width of the watch. It is still like this massive, heavy on the watch face thing for sure, but that kind of gives it the character of a Panerai. It's not unwearable by any means for somebody who has, say, near a seven-inch wrist or above. Today, though, these lugs are no longer welded on. That used to mean that you'd have to hand stitch the straps when you needed a switch. Now they utilize some screws that kind of bite into little notches of the removable wire lugs when you need a swap. Now it's not hard to imagine this cushion-shaped case being a historical pocket watch. In fact, if you put this next to a Rolex Bubbleback from the same period, you can see the sibling resemblance, and you can see that the dial, the Radiomir, and the lume are really derived from each other.
16:31
Feature of sandwich dials here, and these stick hands. However, one big difference is the lack of a crown guard. The Radiomir uses this onion-shaped, oversized screw-down crown to achieve its water resistance. It's big, it's easy to operate, and the crown is just a big part of the Radiomir aesthetic here. The bezel of the Radiomir is also thinner as well, and the watch overall is less kind of tooly looking. With a fully polished case, this can be a very versatile piece. It will necessarily look out of place and dress your occasions. So, if the Luminor is the essence of present-day Panerai, then I would say the Radiomir embodies the history and where Panerai came from. Wearing a Radiomir conjures back like black and white images of Italian navy divers in wet suits and the charm of a design that's hardly changed in nearly a hundred years. But what if all that.
17:24
Vintage mumbo jumbo doesn't concern you. You are a modern man. You're looking into the future, and you want something more cutting edge. Then you have to take the dive on the wild side with the Submersible. So the only Panerai with a rotating bezel, the Submersible, as its name suggests, it's a true dive watch. Every time I look at a Submersible, I can't help but wonder what part of a submarine did this fall off of. Panerai takes the most chances both with design and engineering when it comes to the submersible. For example, they recently released a new Elux model, which uses four mainspring barrels to drive one hundred and sixty micro LEDs to light up the dial hands and bezel. I remember as a kid riding a stationary bike in a science museum to light up light bulbs, and now we have that in a watch. But the design of the submersible is a bit more abstract.
18:23
On the dive watch, the dial uses geometric shapes instead of numerals, and the hands are these big skeletonized things. What I have here is actually a Luna Rossa special edition, dedicated to the sailing team. I think they compete in the America's Cup, so it's very kind of nautical themed, with a matte blue ceramic coating over a titanium case, and hints of red splashed on the dial in the sub-seconds dial, a Panerai kind of signature look. The nine o'clock, as well as a very cool rubberized strap, and I just love the way that Panerai has executed their bezels in the submersible. The regular steel one is equally cool, oversized, full of character. And then there was this Bronzo model that aged beautifully over time. But on this Luna Rossa model, something about the interplay between the matte blue finish and the polished bezels really pop.
19:20
And the feel in the hand is equally solid, with a 60 loud, satisfying clicks and zero backplay. So, these three hand Panerais all use, I think, their P.9000 or P.900 movements, which are automatic, 4 hertz, with three days power reserve from twin mainspring barrels. They do also have a P.5000 movement that they put in certain models that has a full Eight days of power, and there's like a historical reference there. That's also achieved with two mainspring barrels. However, that only comes in hand wound form. The submersible has really grown on me over the years. It has all the character of a Panerai, but with design taken up to eleven. It looks like some retro futuristic depth gauge that you find on the Nebuchadnezzar. So it's less like '90s action movie and more like futuristic.
20:16
Steampunk sci-fi, but we come back to the original question, which is which Panerai is right for you. Here's my TL;DR. For your first Panerai, you kind of can't go wrong with a Luminor, right? It's the one that really popularized the brand. It's the one that the brand themselves call essence of Panerai. And if you can swing the forty-four mil, then this is like the Panerai equivalent of a Seamaster or a Submariner. Now the Radiomir I see as kind of a delicacy. For somebody with taste, the radio mirror is appreciated by fewer, the more discerning collectors. But arguably the classiest Panerai—it's not trying to be something else. It faithfully executes that vintage original look. The wire lugs easily hold its own in dressier occasions, making it the most versatile Panerai. So this is like the gentleman's Panerai. Then check out this Submersible—it's one of the.
21:14
Biggest appeals of this brand is its achievism. So you can choose to full send the submersible, change your name to Dozer, and go smash some drywall. So I'm sure the Paneristi will have plenty to correct me in the comments. But this is kind of my 30,000 feet impression of the three major lines within the brand. Thanks again to Windup Watch Shop for lending us these watches to film. I'll put their information in the description. I'll see you guys in the next one. Take care.
21:46
To name the three most notable nations for watchmaking, I would mention Switzerland, Japan, and Germany. All of these nations deserve their place as leaders of the craft, with each delivering noteworthy contributions to the world of horology. However, in this video, I want to highlight something a little bit different. One of the most attractive intersections of quality with price in the industry, and that is looking at a list of attainable German watch brands that you should know. So to provide some clarity on what I'm specifically referring to, I want to showcase some brands that range from under one thousand dollars to around.
23:06
This Right here was the watch device instead of a Tudor, and that video blew up. It's one of the watch. Watch. If you already own a dive style watch. Three link bracelet. I would push you more towards the mesh alternative because it gives you some features that you don't typically see on mesh bracelets. Because I think having that in your collection is nice to have. For example, it has a micro adjust in the actual clasp of the mesh bracelet, which is something that you just don't see. Now, I did do an entire masterclass series on bracelets, and one of the features in there I talked about was the different micro adjusts in different clasps, as well as the different Milanese style bracelets you can buy.
23:47
If you don't want to use the long jeans one, so if you buy it on the H link bracelet, you can swap it out for straps like this one right here. Is the Non-Polished Mesh, and I absolutely love this bracelet. It is the same price as the actual head of the watch, so it is not cheap whatsoever, and isn't one that I would recommend to most people because of the price point. However, there's also a Hirsch bracelet that is mesh as well that I think would fit a watch like this relatively well and be something you should strongly consider. It does have a magnetic closure, and so it gives you. Basically, infinite adjustability in terms of size. The only downside with magnetic closure for most people is they're worried about magnets around the watch movement. But the nice thing about this particular movement is it has a hairspring inside it, which I mentioned when I did the original review of this watch. This has a silicon hairspring on the inside. Silicon is a magnetic material, meaning it doesn't get affected by magnets whatsoever. That means that I'm not worried that much about having that. That being said, even if you did magnetic watch, but if.
24:45
Demagnetizer is such an easy, cheap purchase that you can use to immediately make your watch totally fine again. So I don't worry that much about magnets because it's really solvable, really easy to take apart, and no skill to do so. Now, how do I feel about it months later, having owned this particular variant? I love it. I think the sizing of this watch is perfect. Now, while it says 39 millimeters, I think that's a little bit of a misnomer because the actual bezel itself measures in at 40. Now, my Rolex Submariner is a 40 and a half. Half millimeter watch. In theory, they say forty-one because they round up, but it's basically forty-one and a half, forty-one point six millimeters. But the bezel on that particular watch is about forty as well, and so they feel and look basically the same, in my opinion, in terms of overall size. So while one says thirty-nine, one says forty-one, they feel the same because the bezel is what your eye sees, and that's what most of the size is. And so I think that is a better, true indication of the size of the watch.
25:44
Rather than a like case size, meaning the actual mid case, the bezel's 40, the mid case is 39. It's essentially a 40 millimeter watch. They get to brag to the few people who think 40 is a little bit too big, but 39 is the actual case diameter. But in my opinion, this is a 40 millimeter watch. Now it has a ceramic bezel on the outside. I do know a lot of watch enthusiasts that don't like ceramic bezel inserts because they're shiny because they get a lot of fingerprints. In my opinion, it's not a big deal. You swipe them off. Same as a sapphire crystal. Like my crystals get smudges on them all the time, and it's just something you learn to figure out how to like wipe them off or how often you do it. I don't think that that's a big deal. The lume tip on the top here, I haven't had any issues. It hasn't popped out or anything like that. What I do love about this watch more than anything is the actual indices in the vessel itself are really like pure white. So when you see it next to the Luxor, Luxor has platinum coated.
26:42
Indices or platinum, something embedded in the indices, and so the actual markings, the numerals outside that bezel, have that coating on the inside, and they're not perfectly white. And so what I find is that I like this Longines when I look at it in the submariner in the watch box. I'll reach for the Longines because it will stand out more. Like it sitting next to the submariner, it will just simply stand out more because the contrast is more there in the bezel and in the indices than.
27:11
So it's a little bit more loud, and so it stands out a little bit. That's personal preference, but I do find that that is the one word I would not have considered when I was originally reviewing it, or when I watch it all the time, is that my eye is drawn to contrast, shininess, sure, but contrast more than anything. So like a matte dial with white numerals or white markings has a lot of contrast. In this particular case, the white indices. With the rhodium plating, and on the outside, this bezel here is pure white. has a lot of contrast, and it draws my eye to it, and it makes me pick this over the submariner a lot of times. I think, frankly, because of that contrast, and because it moves my flex, but also because that contrast, I find that the numbers on the outside here also stretch, but a little bit larger and like longer than they are on the submariner, and so again, it stands out to my eye, and I have picked it many times.
28:07
And I think often when I watch on watch box, I probably pick this sixty percent of the time. The submersible would used to be when I go down watch box. The Submariner was the first thing I pick out because it's so easy to throw on. And I think that the contrast is one reason. And the second reason is the fact that this is a 20 millimeter lug width. The current submersible is a 21 millimeter lug width. I mean, you can buy an older version of the Submariner.
28:34
But the problem is the Submariner has a 20 millimeter lug width. Basically, while it had aluminum bezels, I like a ceramic bezel. It still has a 20 millimeter lug width on the prior version, but the lugs got really fat on the prior version. That was that whole maxi case look, and I'm not a big fan of that. I don't think modern time has the bigger indices compared to the older versions. So I want ceramic bezel with thinner lugs, which is exactly what I own right now. But that has a 21 millimeter lug width, and so it means that most my straps. I mean, I just did that whole masterclass series of five videos of all these different straps, and I bought all of them, or asked to have any of them sent to me in 20 millimeters. And so it means I have a ridiculous number of straps and bracelets and stuff I can change this Longines out on, and so I consider wearing this more because I frankly just have the adjustability, I have the interchangeability, I have those other straps.
29:31
Now this compared to something like a two or Black Bay fifty eight. If you're looking at those two and you're wondering which one you should look at, which one you should purchase, I think it's pretty obvious that the big difference here is just price. Like, a lot of people ask me, should I get this or should I get that? But like, I'm comparing the HydroConquest to the Black Bay fifty four used for whatever the price is these days. I haven't looked at fifty four or fifty eight used in a while. Really, I think it just comes down to would. Is it worth spending double them? Like the Longines here is twenty two hundred dollars, twenty four hundred dollars, depending on the variant you buy and what. And the Tudor these days is even four thousand dollars, somewhere within that, I believe. Again, the last time. And really, the only advantage you're getting there is you get the sister brand to Rolex, and so you're essentially trying to buy a Rolex for less money. To be fair, there's nothing wrong with that. I love Tudors. I own multiple of them. You're essentially trying to piggyback off.
30:30
The name of Rolex into a Tudor, this gives you that feeling, and I think brand is a big reason why we buy watches. And so that it isn't a discount from another brand. And being a sister company, Rolex is a big deal because it is Rolex and the top dog and watches for a long time because of a lot of the marketing and the handling of Rolex and brand here and all that stuff. But is it worth the double the money? That's really the question. And if you have the money and you're willing to spend. And get the Tudor, and don't feel bad about the fact that you're spending two thousand dollars more than you would on the HydroConquest. If you are, you know, really struggling to pay a thousand, five thousand dollars for a Tudor, then why not buy it and buy it now? The downside in this particular case is that this watch will have a million different variants that come out over the next couple of years, and so what's going to happen is people are going to lose a little bit less interest in this particular variant, and so the resellability of this watch will.
31:27
Like this watch resale is probably going to be twenty percent less very shortly if it's not already, and eventually might be close to thirty or forty percent less than the retail number. The other option is that Longines just keeps raising the price until it starts to get a point where the used price is the current retail price, and the retail price is so expensive that the price discrepancy between it and the Black Bay 58 is not quite that large, and so it doesn't make sense anymore. I don't think that much about resale value on anything about two thousand dollars and less because, The net amount of money that you spend is so drastically different, and the net loss.
32:01
That you have is so drastically.
33:01
Doesn't have the same solvabilities of being into the first before this hit when the fifty was first released. You had to buy it over retail if you were going to go get something, or most of the stuff was collector, although that is a little less often these days. So I would say that that Tudor is still going to have a twenty percent hit to it.
33:22
Now at times brands tend to overthink how to win over customers in the collector market. When most of the time it just comes down. Just quickly fill in some context here on this watch, and in order to do that, we actually have to look back to 1954 when Longines introduced the original Conquest as the brand's everyday watch. It wasn't until 2007 when Longines released the HydroConquest.
33:55
That watch built on the conquest DNA, serving as the contemporary diver line in the sports catalog. They were originally available as both quartz and automatic models in a range of sizes, featuring elevated 300 meters of water resistance, their trademark large Arabic six, nine, and twelve numerals, a sizable crown with guards, and an aluminum bezel insert. 2018 saw some refinements of the case proportions and the introduction of ceramic bezel inserts. And new color choices. But 2023 saw the biggest visual updates through the launch of the HydroConquest GMT, offering not only a revamped case but new dials and bezel colors. With the elimination of the Arabic numeral indices as the most obvious change, this new visual language for the HydroConquest was a signpost to the future of the model. And now, in 2026, this format has made its way into the GMT lineup. Visually, it's a huge break from the more overtly sporty look with the legacy models.
34:51
With the sophistication that elevates the HydroConquest to a new level, and I'll compare the new model again to the previous generation product. Now there are two case sizes in the new range: 39 millimeters and 42 millimeters, and each size is available in six configurations, plus the boutique and e-commerce exclusive edition in both sizes that we'll mention for a total of 14 in all. The majority of the new models are going to have a lacquered dial, and it really steps up the look compared to the.
35:19
Now, starting with the three - link bracelet models, we have three.
35:22
Versions.
36:49
In a.
36:56
Rich green, all with a lacquered dial finish and matching ceramic bezel insert. Then there are three variants equipped with a mesh bracelet in black with a bright blue bezel insert, black with a slate grey insert, and a frosted pale blue sunray with a black insert. And finally, both of the boutique editions come. With that same icy blue sunray dial, but with a dark blue bezel insert on the standard ancient bracelet. Moving on to the dial layout, gone are the outside Arabic numerals, and in their place is a more traditional-looking set of applied indices, with circles at six and nine, and Roman numerals everywhere else except twelve, which gets a dive watch-appropriate inverted triangle. The indices are rhodium-plated and well-filled with superluminova. The blue handset does carry over visually from earlier HydroConquest models, with their beveled batons picking up.
37:46
没有。
46:41
I'd like to work on some feature pages. The fun thing is, all the research that we're going to do for these feature pages can be used for all of our stores, so we can build it into a skill. But the feature pages that I want to build are basically we put ourselves in the mind of a customer who is shopping to lease or buy a new car, and then there's another set that's going to be the customers that are looking to buy a used or certified car. So we're going to put together a set of pages. For the different types of customers, and build these pages so that they have all of the information that the customer would would want, and that they look good and are rich and feature rich and information rich. So they serve a couple of purposes. The main big, the one of the big purposes, of course, is customers land on our page and they use them to learn more about how they should buy a car, but also.
47:38
AIs that are doing the looking for our customers because that's becoming more and more common will find them very useful and they will use them to get information for our customers and link our customers to these pages through their results and sources. So talk to me about those pages. Let's make a list of the different kinds of pages we should build, and then we'll discuss. And then you'll build one set of pages. So we'll we'll start with the Audi Baton Rouge store, and then once the skill is built, we'll use that skill to build pages for the other brands and other locations. Let's discuss.
49:19
Especially At the diamond - shaped tip of the hour, they're also rhodium - plated to match the dial furniture, as is the second hand that gives a blue lollipop at the business end. An outlined date window sits at three, getting a subtle internal bevel, and features legible black - on - white printing. As for the other printed elements, a white minute track.
49:40
Models except the Ice Blue variants, which is going to have a trench rendered flat. Further inward, the Longines wordmark tops the applied wing hourglass logo below 12, while three small lines of text appear at both 6, the HydroConquest automatic, and the 30 bar depth rating balancing dial. In total, the dials have undergone a simplifying transformation, not only in terms of more elegant throwback looks of the indices, but with the addition of lacquer finish options that really raise the game. As for the case and the wear experience, the dimensions have received a bit of a massaging as well. So I'll go through a direct comparison of the previous 39 millimeter model and the new one. So the diameter of the new version checks in at 39.5 millimeters, more precisely, up from 38.8 millimeters of the earlier references. It keeps the 48.1 millimeter lug to lug of the previous generation, but it's a little bit trimmer in case height, now standing at a slender 11.7 millimeter.
50:36
Down from 12.2 millimeters on the prior variants. For reference, that actually makes these watches thinner than a Tudor Black Bay 58. All while getting additional water resistance in process. As for the 42 millimeter model, the diameter splits the difference between the 41 and the 43 millimeter sizes of the before. Case height is 11.7 millimeters. The lug to lug main the mount is 11.41 millimeters. 51.2 millimeters. Other points of difference include a bezel diameter of 39.9 millimeters versus 38.8 millimeters from the old, with the bezel itself being slightly wider at 4.2 millimeters compared to the outgoing version's 4.7 millimeters. The dial.
51:44
Can't beat the value appeal of Seiko, but with so many on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. Excluding Grand Seiko for obvious reasons, these are the best new line Seikos in each category. Everyday watches is a really tough category. Only one watch has to do everything. However, I truly, truly believe the Seiko Presage Classic series is the greatest single mechanical watch you can buy for under one thousand dollars. This look will never ever not be stylish, following a foolproof nice watch formula. But Seiko does small things to emphasize this Japanese luxury aesthetic. Forty millimeter stainless steel case and bracelet. If you want something smaller and dressier, the new Silk Dial Thirty Eights are a fantastic choice. Finishing is very intentional here: polishing on the case sides, bezel, and inner row of the bracelet links. No dramatic or flashy facets.
52:40
Everything else is brush to straddle that line between dress and sport. The clasp is a butterfly style, so it creates a clean, uninterrupted band around the wrist.
54:06
The texturing has a sort of double function. It not only has the restrained luxury visual appeal, but helps legibility by giving you two distinct surfaces from the dial to hands to indices. Seiko says it's also based on the woven texture of Japanese silk. You do get AR coated sapphire crystal on these, a notable luxury departure from entry level pieces from Seiko Five and most cocktail time models. At 100 meters of water resistance, you can be confident using this watch for snorkeling and being in the pool. Powering this watch is the 6R55, which is where I make my case for this watch being a true all-rounder. This caliber is also found in Seiko Prospex dive watches and the Seiko Alpinist, two celebrated and legendary reliable tool watches. Semi-two hours of power reserve, Spron 510 mainspring power for more efficient and magnetic-resistant power delivery. Seiko's Diashock shock-resistant system, hacking, hand winding, bi-directional automatic winding, plus.
55:04
Plus twenty five to minus fifteen seconds a day of deviation. As with many reasonably priced Seikos, they don't come out of the factory pre-regulated, most likely to keep prices competitive. Many users report better than spec accuracy out of the box, and good watchmakers can bring these close to task tolerances. I own a Seiko Alpinist GMT, which uses a movement just like this, and mine runs closer to plus or minus eight seconds a day. If you want a mechanical timepiece that looks stylish, Exudes luxury qualities and is wearable anywhere with proven Japanese reliability. You cannot beat the Seiko Presage Classic at nine hundred and fifty dollars. How can this be a sport watch when it looks like a diver and says "Divers Two Hundred"? True, but veteran Seiko fans know that the turtle cushion case shape has never looked as thin and as modest as this. And wearing on the wrist gives you the impression of infinite versatility.
56:00
With how light, comfortable, and restrained it is, it's my split watch. Forty-one millimeter stainless steel case with a proprietary super hard coating for extra scratch proofing. This watch is Seiko's thinnest automatic dive watch to date, at 12.3 millimeters thick. If you're a single turtle of any kind, you know how much of a deal this is. My SRPE93 is 45 millimeters by 13.4 millimeters. Looks awesome, but far from sleek and sporty. Even take the ice diver collection, forty-two point seven millimeters with great protection for the crown. Perfect for diving, but might look a little bloated if you're running or at the gym. This is the genius of the SPB317. Takes the world-class reliability and robustness of a Seiko diver and fine tunes it for an active lifestyle, not just submersion. If you've ever worn a cushion case watch, you know some of the most class reliability and robustness of a Seiko diver.
56:58
Fun things for a active lifestyle, not just submersion. If you've ever worn a cushion case watch, you know it's some of the most comfortable watches you can wear. So it's a sensible choice. Curved, air-coated sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, case back for 200 meters of water resistance. Big rectangular indices, minute markings on the dial and on the bezel. LumiBrite, a hidden four o'clock date. It's super easy to read, and paired to the reinforced rubber strap means sweat and water will dry up much. And breathe new, instead a bracelet, a leather strap. Look how it fits on my six and a half inch wrist at forty one millimeters. Even on small wrists, it just works. The 6R35 is the same movement from the outgoing uppers generation, another legendary sport watch. Seventy hours of power reserve, just under three days, so it should stay running if you take it off for a weekend or only wear it to exercise. Nine hundred dollars MSRP, it's refreshing. Feels like old school, say goes back, where they just give you an.
57:57
Awesome watch for the money, unapologetically. As I said before, dive watches are Seiko's bread and butter, and the history and reputation of Seiko divers is one of the best in the industry. Hallmarked by legendary reliability and practicality, replacing Swiss divers on a professional level before the advent of quartz, digital,s and smartwatches. Embodied in the SLA079 Marine Master is a modern and professional interpretation of Seiko's dive watch know how. 42.6 millimeters stainless steel case and bracelet. The size of the case looks bold and sharp, but it actually slopes inward on the undersides, almost like a cushion case. Also, 12.3 millimeters, which in Seiko terms means it's super thin, like the Turtle from earlier, except with professional saturation diving specs. With the combination of a textured dial and Seiko's LumiBrite, it's super easy to read and acquire in just about any lighting. As for the bezel, not ceramic, but lacquered steel.
58:56
Seiko is skeptical of how brittle ceramic can be underwater, especially with sharp edges and hard impacts during diving. The finishing is as good as you'd expect from a high-end Seiko: bold, sharp lines and edges, vivid polishing, and a smooth to the touch brushing. It's most likely as good as they can get it without employing zirconium, near-perfect hand polishing used on brand Seiko. This watch is designed to last a lifetime. Seiko engineered it with a screw-in, replaceable crown tube. Most divers, when the crown gets stripped, damaged, or otherwise compromised, the whole case has to go with, not the marine mask. The incredible value in the movement, Seiko 8L35, is a variant of the Grand Seiko 9S55. You might miss some luxury finishing. That means it's hand-assembled and adjusted in the Shizukuishi Watch Studio with the rest of the Grand Seiko mechanical calibers. Beats at 4 hertz, plus 15 to minus 10 seconds a day accuracy.
59:52
The escape wheel and pallet fork are made with MEMS technology, basically a microscopic semiconductor manufacturing method, to get these component tolerances down to the micrometers. 50 hours of power reserve. Put plainly, it's the most professional diver Seiko makes, while still retaining that daily wearability and decor. With the HSF 001 releasing soon, promising a more accurate movement, stainless ceramic hybrid bezel, micro-adjust class system, extra power reserve. Seven hundred dollars more expensive. It'll be interesting to compare to this watch to see who Seiko's top dog diver. Dress watch King Seiko SJN121. Considering this watch is not only the nicest looking King Seiko to date, but a one hundred forty fifth anniversary eight hundred piece limited edition. I'm shocked we still have a few in stock. Despite the mixed responses of the King Seiko line, you really need to try one on, handle it in person.
60:51
It sees initial wary buyer pressure that turned the price point from skeptical to more.
61:13
Of all the first Seiko data on interpretation for a few years now, end.
61:49
Spring two thousand and twenty-three, and I was in Geneva as I usually am around that time of year for watching wonders. This was an eventful year of releases, and one of the brands that dominated the discourse was IWC with the relaunch of the Ingenieur, which makes tribute to the one thousand, nine hundred and seventy's Gerald Genta collections. Now, up until this point, I liked previous generations of the Ingenieur, yet not enough to actually consider owning one myself. At IWC's booth, where I had about thirty minutes in a dimly lit room to photograph the. Entire lineup. As I started trying them on, one watch stood out immediately from the rest—the aqua dial version. This crosshatch texture, the way the bracelet flowed into the case, and the proportions—everything just clicked together. And while integrated sports watches typically live in a world of black, blue, and silver dials, this green-blue aqua color just felt genuinely fresh. I couldn't stop thinking about it. And after watches and wonders, I eventually convinced myself that I.
62:48
Pass on it, and I was okay with that decision. Months would go by, and I managed to resist the temptation until Google kept reminding me. And this was a tough one for me because every single time I searched IWC Ingenieur, the image that was the preview next to that search results was a picture of the exact Aquatour Ingenieur on my wrist that day that I tried it on for the first time. And every search became a reminder of the watch I had talked myself out of buying. Eventually, I gave in. And after living with the 40 millimeter aqua version, I wanted to answer the question I couldn't answer back in 2023: What is it like to actually own either the Ingenieur 40 millimeter? Part of what drew me into the Ingenieur first was that unlike many of its integrated Swiss watch rivals, its history isn't nearly as well known. The story begins in 1955 with the original Ingenieur reference, the 666, and while it looked like an elegant dress watch at the time, it was built as a.
63:48
It was water and shock resistant, and it featured a soft iron inner parrot cage that protected the movement from magnetic fields, making it especially popular among neer scientists and other technical professionals. That engineering-first philosophy remained at the heart of the collection until 1976, when IWC gave the engineer its defining redesign. Gerald Genta, the same designer behind the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, reimagined the watch as the Ingenieur SL. The SL introduced many of the design cues. That still define the collection today. The wide round bezel with its five recesses, you have the sculpted integrated beech link bracelets, and a bolder, more contemporary profile. Genta's three landmark integrated sports watch designs all arrived within just a few years of one another. The Royal Oak in nineteen seventy two, the Nautilus in nineteen seventy six, and the Ingenieur SL later that same year. The Royal Oak and the Nautilus have become the undisputed icons of the category.
64:47
It came from the same era, the same designer, and pursued the same vision of a luxury integrated sports watch. That is exactly the watch IWC chose to revive in 2023. So this modern engineer clearly references the original SL while refining it for everyday wear. The fine bezel screws are functional and perfectly aligned, and the transition to the H-link bracelet has been smooth with a redesigned center link. And the 40 millimeter case feels exceptionally well proportioned. You get 100 meters of water resistance. Five day, one hundred twenty hour power reserve, caliber thirty two one, and the signature grid pattern dial across multiple colors and sizes, case materials. So, one of the biggest criticisms of integrated sports watches is that they almost always wear more than their listing suggests. A forty millimeter integrated bracelet watch often feels closer to a forty two millimeter watch than a perfect bracelet extends way beyond the case. The Ingenieur does have some traits working in its favor.
65:48
Inside, presented on paper. First off, its diameter is 40 millimeters. We have a thickness at the pocket of 10.7 millimeters, and the lug to lug, when factoring in the central piece only, is 45.7 millimeters, with the extended measurement of the end link being 49.5 millimeters. On wrist, I would say this watch wears pretty true to size. It's a 40 to a 40 and a half millimeter on wrist, and it benefits strongly from the sharply downward bend of those end links. Those. Closer to a 42 millimeter watch because the bracelet extends way beyond the case. The Ingenieur does have some traits working in his favor to wear more aligned with its size presented on paper. First off, its diameter is 40 millimeters. The thickness that clocks in at 10.7 millimeters, and the lug to lug, when factoring in the central piece only, is 45.7 millimeters. With the extended measurement of the end length, hitting 49.5 millimeters. On wrist, I would say this watch wears pretty true to size. It's a 40 to.
66:47
Millimeter on this, as it benefits strongly from the sharply downward angle of those end links, and will not wear to that full length at 49.5 millimeter measurement. Additionally, the dial opening is small for a 40 millimeter watch without an external rotating bezel. I had a Tudor Black Bay 58 sitting next to me while I was gathering my thoughts on this piece for review, and I measured its dial. And despite having a rotating bezel and a smaller 39 millimeter case diameter, the engineer actually has a smaller visible dial area. The substantial bezel presence changes the watch's proportions, making it appear more compact and helping it fit smaller wrists. The only potential concern is the overall length, but visually, I don't view the end lengths as part of that central case, so the watch maintains a very elegant appearance and has become a versatile option for daily wear. But if you want to go for something smaller, you can go for the five millimeter option. Do have to be mindful that the Aqua is not available at thirty five. Now the finishing also stays true to the Ingenieur's technical.
67:48
The majority of the case features satin surfaces, including the top of the case, on the sides, and you have a circular finish that's going to be across the bezel. Fine bezel screws add some visual contrast and are not only functional, securing the bezel directly to the case. Talking about some of the polished elements, you have polished bevels around the bezel, rawer case edges, and the reflective rim around the sapphire crystal, both to introduce just enough light play to prevent the watch from feeling purely industrial. While this is happening. The double signed AR coating crystal that keeps focus on the signature grid pattern dial. At three o'clock, you have large brown guards protecting the screen on the crown, which features the IWC Probus Scafusia engraving. It's a Latin phrase representing IWC's commitment to being well known in shop houses Switzerland. Where this watch really excels, though, is going to be with its bracelet. So the H-link bracelet is arguably one of the strongest parts of this watch. Carbon fiber and satin H-links with polished center rectangles, creating a mix of sportiness and refinement.
68:46
That really defines this category, and it is worthy of mentioning that not all variants of the Ingenieur are going to have polished center links. Another element that makes this aqua variant unique. Link removal is handled through push buttons on the underside of the bracelet, allowing for pins to be removed without traditional screws. This provides the security of a screw system while avoiding the common frustration of stripped screws. The bracelet is going to taper down to an 18 millimeter butterfly clasp, signed with the IWC logo. The clasp itself is nicely done with polished components. You have polished inside there, and underneath one of the ends, and twin trigger releases for unlocking. For my wrist, the fit has been excellent, especially with the included half links. However, if you prefer on-the-fly adjustment, IWC has made an interesting decision. You can get the micro adjustment clasp that is going to be compatible here. That gives you as an owner one of the best on-the-fly adjustment systems in the entire industry, and it's probably a worthwhile add-on if you are concerned about keeping the.
69:44
Precise size. I have not had an issue with this. I have now gone through the summer with this watch on my wrist, and I have never felt like I need to have on the fly adjustment. But you might think different. At launch, the Ingenieur was offered in several stainless steel dial configurations: black, silver, blue. The Aqua dial made the Ingenieur something a little different, something that still felt sporty and luxurious, but with a personality of its own. The color is pretty fascinating too, because it can give you dramatically different looks.
70:14
In darker rooms, it takes on a deeper green tone, while direct light brings out that more aquatic blue character that gives the dial its name. But the color is only half of the appeal. The defining feature is the cross-hatched grid texture on the surface. The foundation of the dial is a soft iron base, which also contributes to the uncluttered anti-magnetic properties. And the signature pattern is created through intersecting lines being stamped into the dial surface, forming the raised checkerboard texture that has become one of the defining Surrounding the dial is a matching aqua minute track, slightly raised above the center surface, with the applied hour markers extending inward. Each marker is filled with Superluminova, maintaining legibility while keeping the dial clean. At three, the date window is framed by a matching eight-minute minute, appreciated detail that prevents it from disrupting the overall design. IWC Schaffhausen text is going to sit at twelve o'clock, balanced by the Ingenieur's logo at six.
71:12
The hands are intentionally simple, pointed baton-style hour and minute hands, paired with a thin running seconds hand that tracks along the outer. When IWC unveiled the watch, the biggest point of discussion was not the design; it was the price, and much of that conversation centered around the movement inside, caliber 32. So let's put this movement into context. From a technical standpoint, the 32111 is a solid caliber. It operates at four hertz. It offers substantial one hundred twenty hours of power reserve. It pays huge packing and blinding, and provides the kind of everyday reliability you would expect from a modern automatic. The challenge is not that this movement is necessarily lacking. The challenge is that collectors are familiar with where this movement comes from and is also made available. The caliber 32111 was developed with ValFleurier, response internal movement development arm, which.
72:10
Creates and designs calibers used throughout the group's brands. The same architecture can be found in other IWC models, including the Mark Twenty, which is priced significantly lower than the Ingenieur. It also shares its underlying architecture with the Bvlgari. Putting the IWC A brand position even further below in terms of price, which was formerly part of Richemont's portfolio when the caliber was initially developed. And that is really where this debate comes from. For many, the A brand position even further below in terms of.
72:44
Of discussion was not the design; it was the price, and much of that conversation centered around the movement inside, caliber 32111. So let's put this movement into context. From a technical standpoint, the 32111 is a solid caliber. operates at four hertz, offers substantial one hundred twenty hours of power reserve, days, features hacking and winding, and provides the kind of everyday reliability you would expect from a modern automatic. The challenge is not that this movement is necessarily lacking. The challenge is that collectors are familiar with where this movement comes from and it's also made available. The caliber thirty two one was developed with ValFleurier, Richemont's internal movement development, which creates and designs calibers used throughout the group's brands. The same architecture can be found in other IWC models, including the Mark Twenty, which is priced significantly lower than the Ingenieur. It also shares its underlying architecture with the Bvlgari movement from Bvlgari, a brand positioned even further below in terms of.
73:43
Price, which was formerly part of Richemont's portfolio when the caliber was initially developed, and that is really where this debate comes from. For many collectors, the Ingenieur represents one of IWC's most historically significant designs—a watch that sits in the same conversation as legendary integrated sports watches from the nineteen seventy s. At this level, some expect a movement that feels uniquely and purpose-built for the model. Now, behind the closed case back is a soft iron inner cage that provides protection against magnetic fields. Along with a silicone pallet fork and escape wheel to reduce friction and improve long-term performance, the closed case back is not simply a stylistic choice. It is an important part of the outdoors technical identity, allowing the item to be stored in a magnetic projection system while maintaining the one. What caliber operates at four hertz? It offers substantial one hundred twenty hours of power reserve.
74:40
When IWC unveiled the Ingenieur, the biggest point of discussion was not the design; it was the price. And much of that conversation centered around the movement inside the caliber 32111. So let's put this movement into context. From a technical standpoint, the 32111 is a solid caliber. It operates at 4 Hz. It offers substantial 120 hours of power reserve, five days. Features hacking hand winding, provides the kind of everyday reliability you expect from a modern IWC. The challenge is not that this movement is necessarily lacking. The challenge is that collectors are familiar with where this movement comes from and is also made available. The caliber 32111 was developed with ValFleurier, Richemont's internal movement development arm, which creates and designs calibers used throughout the group's brands. The same architecture can be found in other IWC models, including the Mark XX, which is priced significantly lower than the Ingenieur. It also shares its underlying architecture with the Bvlgari movement.
75:38
From Montblanc, a brand positioned even further below in terms of price, which was formerly part of Richemont's portfolio when the caliber was initially developed, and that is really where this debate comes from. For many collectors, the Ingenieur represents one of IWC's most historically significant designs. A watch that sits in the same conversation as legendary integrated sports watches from the nineteen seventy s. At this level, some expect a movement that feels equal to the build of the model. Now, behind the closed case back is the soft.
76:10
Along with a silicon pallet fork and escapement wheel that reduce friction and improve long-term performance, the closed caseback is not simply a stylistic choice. It is an important part of the IWC technical identity, allowing the IWC to incorporate that magnetic protection system while maintaining the watch's everyday practicality, which also will be 100 meters of water resistance. Another thing to bring up is that IWC is not third-party testing their movements. They are going to run generally very well. Mine was running within COSC parameters when I put it on a timegrapher. I tested across six different. As well, running around three to four seconds off a day, depending on position. But that is something to keep in mind. A lot of the competition, Master Chronometers, also have COSC Chronometers. IWC is not going to be that. Now, ultimately, the movement is not the reason to buy this watch, but it is also not the reason to dismiss it. The debate comes down to whether the complete package of the design, finishing, history, and ownership experience justifies the premium attached to this particular.
77:08
And I think as a way to recap, I think it's important to think about this world of integrated steel sports watches. There are these distinct tiers. At the top sit watches like the technically Nautilus. We have the AP Royal Oak and the Vacheron Constantin 222 in overseas. Let's have a look. That is a group of steel models that can generally be found for less than twenty thousand dollars. Some of the favorites are the Chopard Alpine Eagle, the Girard Perregaux Lorio, and a watch like the IWC Ingenieur that we have here. Now there are others that you can mention here, but these three just feel like the strongest examples of that 1970s-inspired integrated sports watch genre that we've been also having authentic historical roots to. Period. Now reasonable people will disagree on which of these deserve the top spot. Some will gravitate towards the Laureato for its variety of sizes, particularly the excellent 39 mm model. Others might prefer the Alpine Eagle, whose more elegant execution trades some of the industrial character of its peers for greater refinement.
78:05
As for me, I put myself firmly in the third. I would choose the Ingenieur. Yes, the movement leaves something to be desired, relatively speaking, in price, and it carries a noticeable premium over other watches in IWC's own catalog. But ultimately, the Ingenieur simply looks the part. I spent time with all three of these watches I'm talking about, and IWC is the one that felt the most right on the wrist for me. It strikes the right balance between the distinctive finishing and design flourish.
78:35
Memorable, while still preserving the industrial tool watch character that has always defined the Ingenieur in the nineteen fifty s. I was fortunate enough to handle the Ingenieur on the day it was. Never had enough time to form an opinion of this watch prior to actually trying it on. My one and only take was shaped by actually experiencing it on the wrist. Sometimes the way a watch wears, the details you notice every time you look down at your wrist, and the emotional connection it creates are just as important as.
79:03
And sure, seeing it tease you every single time you look it up on Google might play a factor. It may not win every comparison on value, but it is one of these watches that has stayed with me years after I first tried it on. And ultimately, this why it's earned its place in my collection. There you have it, guys. That's my personal ownership story of the IWC Aqua and Aqua. It's the one that I really liked. I know in the comments down below, I want to see some discussion down there because this a polarizing watch. Many people love this watch. Many people have questions about its positioning. I'd love to see your comments down below. Especially if you try this watch on, or if you're an owner of this piece, I think that would be very helpful for the discussion. And then we can have the comments. If you guys enjoyed this video, you liked when I look at some of the personal watches from my collection. Make sure to give this video a thumbs up. That's a great indicator. I have been enjoying speaking.
81:19
Also,
81:20
Be sure to check out WatchBox. com, full authorized dealer for over 35 brands. Every purchase from our website comes with quick and fast fulfillment, dedicated customer support, and full factory warranty for all the products that we offer. In addition, if you're ever in the Cleveland, Ohio area, want to check out any new watch or jewelry.
84:52
The expansion this year, four times the brands, four times the states. Love to be able to help you out, whether online or in - store. Your next box purchase. I'm also keeping it going here. We love what we do, guys. Thank you again so much for watching. Be well, and we'll see you all very.
85:05
Soon. The watches too, and so that's why I brought a couple of these pieces because they're kind of sentimental to me. Yeah, and so. This first one is just a Timex pocket watch. It still works. It's kind of basic, but at the same time, I knew that my grandfather used this around the house when he was out working as an electrician, and it obviously has some very sentimental value to me. But you can see the amazing, the fancy strap here, or whatever. Ah, like people don't even realize that Timex is doing this. This is a nice little watch. It's beautiful. Oh yeah, it is, and it's and and I've really enjoyed it. And as I told you before, we.
85:45
Started here is I'd love to get back into the whole pocket watch sort of revolution.
85:50
Picture dandy era going.
85:52
Yeah, I mean, you know. Speaking of, I mean, look at these things. Look at the Pentagon. This is really cool. It's beautiful. It's a ruin that was sold in the town that I teach in Newark, Ohio. Hmm. And so the gentleman that bought it at the store, because I saw the original box, had his initials engraved on there. And my grandfather was able to get it as part of an estate that he worked on. And nobody really wore it, but it kept getting passed down. And I just really wanted to have this. So, with it being an Ohio company and with it being so unique, I just couldn't turn it down.
86:22
So, this was one that you inherited from your grandfather. This was one that, as you started to get more into pocket watches,
86:29
One of the one of the draftsman that sends people connections to your area.
86:32
Absolutely. Call Eric Metzler on speaker.