[scott.french3]

I find watch reviews to generally be helpful as they address technical specs, include videos or pictures of the watch and provide reviewer impressions. However, when a watch doesn't have a reviewer preferred feature, the reviewer sometimes gives the watch a lower mark. For example, a watch has a straight bracelet instead of tapered bracelet and the reviewer prefers tapered.

Do you find reviews helpful or more like entertainment?

 

[Glencoe]

Both

 

[PennyTheDog]

I don't like how overwhelmingly positive they are, but I assume that's so the reviewers will continue to be sent review watches. I still feel like they often point out important characteristics, and usually come with photos that aren't available elsewhere.

 

[NC_Hager626]

Do you find reviews helpful or more like entertainment?

I find watch reviews helpful if I am interested in purchasing the watch down the road. As for entertainment value, I can't say, as I am selective about what reviews I read or watch.

 

[bigclive2011]

Both really…with the underlying understanding that it’s just another guys opinion, which may or may not be the same as mine.

 

[Jonathan T]

i read reviews on watches i'm interested and unless they're poorly written, i certainly find value in them!

 

[Nokie]

Mindless and paid for entertainment with an occasional highlighted feature thrown in to appear legitimate…..

 

[Davekaye90]

I find watch reviews to generally be helpful as they address technical specs, include videos or pictures of the watch and provide reviewer impressions. However, when a watch doesn't have a reviewer preferred feature, the reviewer sometimes gives the watch a lower mark. For example, a watch has a straight bracelet instead of tapered bracelet and the reviewer prefers tapered.

Do you find reviews helpful or more like entertainment?

It's easy to ignore things like that. If you don't care about the bracelet tapering, and the reviewer otherwise liked the watch, then it shouldn't be an issue for you. I watch reviews from people like Britt Pearce or TGV mainly for the entertainment value. My own tastes are so specific at this point that it's highly unlikely I would decide to buy anything or not based on a review.

 

[Baka1969]

Typical YouTube influencer

 

[mconlonx]

I seek out reviews of watches I am considering, generally with bias in mind, confirming what a good idea it is to buy any given watch.

Otherwise, entertainment. Although lately, I get to a point where I see something that turns me off a watch, in the first review, and that's it, on the next one. Or something else, entirely.

 

[zfeldm]

They all say how great every watch is...so the count of reviews feels more like a measure of buzz than anything else.

 

[kramer5150]

Both for me... informative and a little entertainment too.

 

[DiveM1972]

By the time I start watching or reading reviews on a watch, I've already done my homework in terms of the objective information. I assume that the review is skewed in favor of either (1) being very pro-watchmaker, i.e. getting paid or (2) attracting views, i.e. getting paid. There may be certain parts of the review that affect my decision, but its rare. It's an opportunity for me to see different pictures/video of the watch and get excited about the decision. Thus, technically-speaking, its more like entertainment than informative research for me.

 

[8J41]

Shill marketing.

 

[Davekaye90]

They all say how great every watch is...so the count of reviews feels more like a measure of buzz than anything else.

Most, yes, but not everyone. This isn't an "everything's amazing" shill review for GS. It's highly critical, and points out an issue that I otherwise wouldn't have known about.

This is what bugs me about the reviewers that say "we only review the stuff we like." That's a copout. It doesn't help the consumer make an informed choice. If you can't show me you have the ability to say anything negative about a watch, then I have no reason to trust that any of your positive reviews are genuine.

 

[zfeldm]

This is what bugs me about the reviewers that say "we only review the stuff we like." That's a copout. It doesn't help the consumer make an informed choice. If you can't show me you have the ability to say anything negative about a watch, then I have no reason to trust that any of your positive reviews are genuine.

With big brands I agree...but a lot of reviewers also don't want to crap on microbrands since they don't want to hurt companies still building a brand.

 

[WatchEnthusiast1983]

I'm a huge fan of watch reviews. There are so many watches that you can't see in person whether it's because they're not in a showroom, out of stock, too far from homebase, etc.

A good watch reviewer shows all aspects of the watch and knows how to get the right camera angles, including wrist shots. I personally love the "down the barrel" shot so I can get a feel for the how the watch wears with regards to lug length and lug shape.

Otherwise, yes, you should expect a watch reviewer to promote the watch as half the reviewers are watch sellers and thus need to maintain a good relationship with their providers. Don't bite the hand that feeds you, and all that.

 

[atvar]

I don't really like watching youtube videos so I prefer written reviews, and generally I find watch reviews to be a waste of my time to read. They invariably 100% positive with no useful criticism or highlighting of any flaws that might suggest the watch is anything less than 100% perfect. Every single watch, regardless of size, sits well on the reviewer's wrist, finishing is always great, etc. I don't recall a single review ever saying a watch is overpriced.

For watches I'm interested in I skim the reviews for the pictures, look at the spec sheet, and search for discussions on forums like this one, where I have a better chance of seeing an honest opinion.

I know 90% of reviews of anything online are paid shrills or people receiving free goods, but the watch industry is particularly bad at this - if I'm buying a car or a PC or a camera or a pair of headphones or baby equipment or pretty much anything I can generally find a review site that points out negatives as well as positives, but for watches I've yet to find one....

(Just had to get that off my chest )

 

[NikoMos]

For specs and overall appearance they are extremely useful. For opinions, well you have to decide.

 

[usccopeland]

I think anytime you get to see a watch away from the brand's website and on a wrist, it's a good thing. I take everything said on reviews (good and bad) with grain of salt. No entertainment value for me, just there for feedback and impressions. Combine that with actual wrist-time when possible, other research, patience and I know if it's a winner or loser.