Kevin O'Leary 2023 Watch Collection Update With Teddy Baldassarre

They have a boutique within a boutique. There, glass of you know, white burgundy, maybe a second glass of burgundy. We're having a good time talking about watches, yada yada, woof woof woof. I bought four Tudors that day. You have three of them in front of us right now. Yeah, hey Mr. Wonderful here again back with Teddy. You know we do these sessions together to talk about what we both love, which is watches.

Now, this is a series of new pieces that come into my collection, and they're relevant because many of them, for the first time, showed up on Shark Tank Season 14. So I thought I'd go through it with Teddy. But what's interesting here is quite a few of them are because of Teddy. I never bought low-end entry pieces; I was only a collector of high-end investable timepieces, and he got me into some of these brands that I never thought I would touch, including stuff like Tudor, which I thought to me was Poor Man's Rolex. I have a completely different appreciation of it now, and I have four our new Tudors. We'll talk about that.

But also, my key to all collecting, and Teddy knows this, is dial. You know, sure technology matters, sure caliber matters, sure history matters. But if the dial doesn't speak to me, I don't buy it; I don't collect it. And what's so incredible, Teddy, is the dials that you found for me in these low-end entry brands. You have some incredible ones. I'm looking at that Anordain. I'm looking at some of these Tudors, I mean, there's... and also the use of material too. You've got some bronze, you have ceramic, silver. You know, so you're even extending beyond dial. I think you're also finding some pretty eclectic uses of different case materials that make these different shine when you're talking about an affordable budget.

Because when I think of what can brands do at an attainable range, two things are usually bound by the movement, and they don't have that many options unless they can produce things vertically within their own manufacturing process. So they have to look at cases; that's a way to differentiate. And then also, their dials, like you mentioned. So I think those are the two areas when you're looking at these attainable ends, but they can separate themselves.

So I'll follow your lead. I mean, you have some amazing... Sure, but let's talk about Anordain because I didn't even know about these makers. And by the time this was over, they made a one-of-a-kind Mr. Wonderful Red Band, red dial. The dial is amazing, Shark Tank exclusive. Let's tell me about them.

So Anordain was founded in 2015 in Scotland, and what they're known for is enamel dials. So enameling is using powdered glass in this oven and baking it. The rate in which there's a lot of failure is quite high with enamel because you're trying to get these beautiful textures and different array of colors. This one has this fire truck red, I think they call it, and it's just beautiful. You know, you have to put your name on everything, Mr. Wonderful. I did, and it says right at the bottom, "It's still wonderful." I think it makes it priceless.

But I must say, when I put this on my wrist, I remember the day we were shooting at Lori's. On my left, she always lifts up my watches, and she leaned over and said, "What the hell is that?" Really, she said that. She was blown away. She said, "That's incredible! Leave a look at that." She loves my pieces, but this one was a huge hit on the set of Shark Tank, and it's two thousand dollars. It's in the two-thousand-dollar range. Nobody asks what it costs; they just kept talking about the dial, which is what I'm all about. So I felt pretty good about that.

Let's go somewhere else to an extraordinary piece. This is a very, very limited edition. I recently became an Emirati citizen, so I'm very honored I did that for financial services that I work in all around the world. But many of the watchmakers make special series for the 50th anniversary of UAE, United Arab Emirates. It's only 50 years old; this is one of those pieces.

Now, Teddy, you know this brand. Let's talk. It's strange because it's almost the timing of this is crazy because I just released a video on my channel looking at Nevada Gretchen. So this is their Chronomaster. This is their Aviator Sea Diver, which is a mouthful of a name, but it kind of gives the idea of what this watch is about: chronograph diving functionality, bi-directional bezel, and it also has some aviation themes in terms of what it's going for. So it's kind of just a hot podge of us, all this craziness going on. This is a brand that has roots back to the early 20th century, but a gentleman that is involved in the watch industry worked at JLC. You worked at Zenith prior, and he started making all of these new brands and bringing them back to life. He has Volcan; he has Excelsior Park. But Nevada Gretchen was the one that first caught on, and this is just their Chronomaster collection.

Why this is also so cool, talking about 38 millimeter case for... yeah, a cut. Also, one of very few made for the UAE. This is the only one in North America and the only one in the world with a red band. I've not seen that one yet in person. That's the Arabics on the... Yes, very cool.

Also, let's talk about where this started as brand awareness. South Pole, yes. This was the first watch worn by Navy explorers to the South Pole. Yeah, very high quality, very wonderful.

Let's go, um, let's pick up that Rolex right there. I'll let you explain why this Rolex is unique.

So Rolex, let's be frank, sometimes they don't take the most daring risks with their designs, but you won't say. But why would they? I mean, they're gaining market share year over year, so I don't blame them. But this was released this year, and this was almost the spurring moment that created this to be the year of the GMT. And why this one is special: for one, different bezel that they've ever done, black and green. But also, what's going on here? Exactly the crown; what is going on there? It's like the lefty!

Yeah, so they're lefty. So this, I would say, is probably one of their more daring releases for Rolex standards, which again is not the craziest of standards for going outside of the box, but this is out there for them. It's very out there and became an immensely popular watch overnight because basically you're wearing the crown on your left hand, but it's a lefty. And I think, is that your first left-handed watch?

No, no, I've got other pieces. What do you think of wearing that as somebody? Because you're right-handed, correct?

I am correct.

Does it bother you?

No, not at all. I like the uniqueness of it; obviously, I like the look of it. But of course, I can't wear this on television, which is why I have not yet installed... it'll be being put on next week, a rubber bait. They do the best integrations with Rolex. I don't own any of this company; I just think they do a great job, and I don't wrap them in any way other than to say I use them because they're really, really good bands. It'll end up on this piece. This will be in season 15 of Shark Tank, but I love it, and I've worn it, you know, around the house with the steel band on it. Very nice.

But you have to like the way that looks.

I do, and I like the green and black bezel. I think it's sharp. And I don't know if I would... I don't know if that would annoy me or not when I would flex in my wrist, but I've never really given a lefty a good shot like you're going to give a lefty a good shot.

It would be this one. You know, Panerai also does this, and I have Peter has one as well. But I think for Rolex to do this, that's a breakout, and I think it's a very collectible piece. Countless people have called me about this piece. Would you like to sell it? I just got it; it's a 2022.

No, I don't sell any of my pieces, but that's going to be a favorite for, no question, very nice.

While we're talking about Rolex, just a shout-out for the classic steel white face Daytona. This is the most popular watch I've ever worn on Shark Tank in terms of reviews from people who love the show. It really pops, wardrobe loves it. It's been in every season, and this year it will be auctioned at the Phillips auction for charity in December. I anticipate the piece is going to do very, very well; it will come with the original Red Band and all the original papers and the box. All the charity goes to Dr. Martin Solomon initiative in Boston, a doctor that has a great legacy for training younger doctors, and I want the proceeds to go there. That's great.

And I think watch out for this watch, the philosopher. The minute I get the link, I'll be posting it all over my social.

Now let's talk about Tudor. Just less than a year ago, sitting in this very store, this incredible iconic location for watches here in New York, Tuna Brooker. This is an amazing place. If you're looking for a watch, every single brand you could ever want and price point you could want is here. So I'm doing a shout-out for the store because this is a gorgeous location to shoot.

Recently, Teddy was trying to talk me into Tudor, and I said, "No, no, Teddy, no, no, no, no, no, no." It's a pushback you weren't about it. And I said, "I go Rolex." You know, Rolex and Tudor have a relationship, obviously, and he said, "I want you to meet the CEO of the Americas, Adam." Great guy, and we had lunch with them.

And yeah, you know, Adam was pitching me on Tudor; I still... I'm very, very picky. I mean, come on, I'm a high-end collector, so I was saying, "Look, it's great to meet you; you're a wonderful guy, and Teddy's terrific, and yada yada... Tudor, Tudor." Still didn't buy anything.

Get this: in this very store—well, not this store, the one in the meatpacking district—I was picking up a piece, and who is there? It's Adam, the CEO. And he's... they have a boutique within a boutique there. And so we start talking, glass of, you know, white burgundy, maybe a second glass of burgundy. We're having a good time talking about watches, and he starts telling me about a Tudor made out of silver.

You know my rule: you're not a collector of a brand or a mark or a Maison unless you have three pieces; that's the minimum. You're just dabbling. If you have one, you have to show commitment to the brand if you're going to be a collector; that's three. I bought four Tudors that day. You have three of them in front of us right now.

Yeah, so let's talk about that. So you mentioned the silver; this came out last year, so this is their Black Bay 58. Yeah, so 58 is known for the 39 millimeter case. I own one as well, in the navy version. But this is talking about differentiating with material: full silver case.

Also, they change up their alloy over some of their just metal, so they're able to have this patina in a really nice way. So even this—I mean this looks great still to this point—but you're talking about forty-four hundred dollars for this watch, very wearable. Mt movement on the inside, COSC certified, 70-hour power server.

As a metal, it's not completely inert, so it takes on the patina, yes, of the chemistry of your skin over time. So each piece becomes its own personality, which is so intriguing. And of all of the four that I bought, including a bronze one which isn't here right now, but this piece gets people talking. They know it's not steel; they ask me about it wherever I go, and it's a very, very, very beautiful looking piece, and I'm very proud to have it. I mean, it's a great collectible.

The taupe dial too— I mean this is... it works so well with the human case and just kind of just seamlessly transitions over without any effort needed. So beautiful watch and very, very collectible in terms of just being quasi-rare and getting silver.

Sure, let's take a look at another one. Let's go with the fixed Helga. So I think what's happened since the Black Bay was released is it's caused some of the other collections from 200 to be on the back burner. Unfortunately, it's true; this was a way to reserve some excitement around the Pelagos.

Now, the Pelagos, at the time of recording this, also they unveiled a new 39 millimeter version. But this was unveiled last year at the tail end. So this connection with the Marine National and a limited edition, so this one is really special because you're getting a titanium case. But the special thing here, what they call it... I call it the fixed is because of the lugs. You can see that it's a fixed bar rather than traditional lugs, so it allows you to slide through these different NATO straps. And Tudor has some great ones. You have it on this red strap; I think it works. Just a beautiful watch.

Yeah, it is, and it's also very collectible; that was the second. Let's look at one last one, the ceramic here, which is stunning from across the room. Very stylish, very minimalist, it's quite beautiful. I mean, what's really going on with Tudor is they're going into different materials and making it really interesting to spread yourself across. You can get bronze, you can get silver, and now this ceramic.

Yeah, and one of the most attainable ceramic watches you're going to find. So under five thousand dollars, fully ceramic case and watch. I mean, this is a crazy marble when it comes to positioning and price. Also, what I like about this watch moving on the inside is all black, kind of anthracite in terms of its looks. This is also a master chronometer, and then, in addition to that, we can actually look at this thing; it's an open case back.

It is cool, so I mean, it's not bad looking. It's a remarkable launch. You think about ceramic just cases in general? Yes, there are some other ones out there, but you're usually talking about usually double the price. So you can get involved with other brands. You're getting pieces that are completely different than each other at very, very affordable prices.

So now I am training Tudor. I'm a collector, obviously, with four pieces, looking at new opportunities. I think Tudor has really gotten aggressive in getting out there with new ideas for collectors at prices you can afford, so it's terrific.

Now let's get a little off pieces like to see. Let's get that crazy Aventi right there. So you have to tell me a little bit more about this brand; this is my first time seeing one of these in person. What do you think?

So I am more of a conservative type in terms of the taste, right? So this is out there for me, but there's no question that this case, this is sapphire case. It is sapphire. Pretty, pretty crazy. And then price on this is you're talking about what, like 14,500?

Okay, so first time?

Yes, it's aggressive, yes, it's big, bold, but my goodness, you want to talk about a Shark Tank television watch? Look at that! And so, these are young watchmakers that are breaking out of Australia, and I like to support an issue of entrepreneurship. And you know I've been talking to them about these designs, which are outlandish but not so crazy. Think about Richard Mill; think about what's going on, sure.

I mean, there's all kinds of makers messing around with sapphire cases, which are very expensive, and these guys are doing it at a very affordable price point. But also, you know, when I wear that piece out, it's a show stopper. You know, it's really out there, and it actually wears quite nicely. It's a huge piece; this looks like a race car on the wrist.

It is, quite frankly, it is a race car. Good analogy, Teddy, nailed it right there. Lots of fun.

Speak Marin, so this is a cool independent brand that is interesting to see that you had this. So this is known as their fruity tuning.

Yep, Fruity Tooty, head pain.

Tutti Frutti, pardon me, Tutti Frutti, whatever you want. But it's the dial that is so striking; it looks like a watch that would be named that, correct?

And also the case. So this brand was started by Peter Speak, correct? Who started the Springer, associated with... exactly, no longer associated with the brand.

But he started in the early 2000s, and he came out with a watch called the Piccadilly. Yeah, and that was very much in aligned with this; you had like this case's hinged-off lugs design. The other thing that I like about this is you have this kind of copper looking dial and then the kind of a skew sub-seconds that you have at that one o'clock position.

That's... that's out there. It's out there. Um, there's only 10 of these in the world; this is the only one with the red band, obviously, which is so I propose. Is this the... so they did a 38 and a 42? Which one is this?

This is the 42.

42. Yeah, okay, it's quite stunning. But this was purchased in my collection as an investment because when I get an opportunity to buy one of ten of anything, I'm going to take it because long term that's a very good outcome, usually.

So this brand is not as well known as many others but is making some extraordinary pieces. And again, my measure, last night I had dinner with my daughter here in New York. Everybody that came over the table said, "What is that?" That's for me; that's what a watch is all about; it starts the conversation.

This piece starts a conversation, so I love it. I'm wearing it today because it's a beautiful piece, but it's just another collectible. And by the way, it did get headlined on Shark Tank because it was on season 14, so it's going to have a special place.

Teddy, Longines, let's just talk about that for a second. Huge fan of Longines in terms of the fifteen hundred dollar to like four thousand dollar price range. Among the best, this is their Heritage Classic Sector with the black dial. They have one in silver as well. I own the silver; you pick out the black in our one episode.

Yeah, it's just a sharp watch; it's just remarkable. And also, the sector does design; there are others that will do it; it's this design that's more defined by these concentric circles that house the hour and the minutes on the outside of the track. They do it better than anybody in the price range; classic.

And again, wardrobe from Shark Tank fell in love with this piece, and it also showcased for the first time on season 14. Probably go into rotation for season 15. It looks so great on television, and you're looking for those dials; this is so unique; there's nothing quite like it, and it's got a lot of interesting elements to it in terms of a standout look. Clean symmetry; look at the symmetry.

And an incredibly affordable piece, yeah, and you're talking about 2500 on the bracelet. I mean, if you haven't looked at Longines and you're just starting your journey into collecting, there's so many opportunities there for under five thousand dollars that are fantastic pieces. This is one of my favorites.

Let's see what's left. We haven't talked about Hamilton in a while. Let's do it. Um, this is a piece that is eight hundred dollars that I bought in this store last time we had a little sales contest together here. It's become one of my favorites.

That's great; it looks so beautiful. It's a smaller dial; also, it's very safe to wear in the sense when I'm in a metropolitan area, which is known these days in big cities. You have to be careful with your watch.

Absolutely. I don't want to take risks with, you know, 20, 30, 40, or 200,000 piece, but I want to look great. I always have to look great, and this is a fantastic piece.

Talk a little bit about what Hamilton's been doing lately.

So Hamilton's... I know their history; they were a U.S. brand until 1969 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. And what they were known for primarily was their field watches for the United States military and the Allied Forces.

So during World War II, they came up with some amazing field watches that were used in battle, and they developed that reputation as pretty much the standard for under a thousand dollars for quality. What kind of quality are you getting for 800 bucks there? It's incredible.

I mean, honestly, I think of two Swiss brands that set the standard for under a thousand bucks: I think of Hamilton and I think of Tissot. If you like the diet, if you like the more field watch design, simply put, Hamilton is the best. Yeah, Swiss made movement, ADR power reserve. Also, you're talking about a bronze case here, which usually most bronze cases you're not going to find under a thousand dollars unless you go for some more out there micro-brands. They're one of the only mainstream brands that are doing this, but 825 for this watch, it's just incredible.

Well, listen, I hope you enjoyed this. You know, the whole idea of working with Teddy on this is we're going to the barbell approach, as I like to say. I started my journey in watch collecting at the very, very high-end investment grade watches, and I was a watch snob until I met Teddy.

I'm still a watch snob, but I own a lot of entry-level pieces for one singular reason: the dials are spectacular. It shouldn't be about what it costs; it should be about what it says and where it fits in your collection. That's what matters.

Are you buying something different? Are you buying something special? Are you getting a unique dial that you never had before, regardless of price? One last point I want you all to think about—and I've said this countless times—never go into debt to buy a watch. Never! You buy what you can afford, and as you go through your journey in life, you can afford more.

As you work your way through, the key is never to actually borrow money to buy a watch. Many people think you don't need a timepiece anymore because you have it on your phone all the time if the phone's with you.

This is about collecting art. This is about supporting watchmakers who start their journey at ages of 14, 15. This is about celebration of a unique class of art watches.

I agree with that 100%. The only thing I would add too is watches are one of those rare things where you can aspire your entire life; you'll never... you're chasing something. Think about where you're at in your career; you're still chasing that thing.

And the other thing about just why watches are still needed—maybe they're not needed; they're antiquated goods. But the thing that I love about watches, I think they're so special. We live in a world that's so disposable; everything just goes away. These things last a lifetime; they become a legacy in your family.

You know my son Trevor, he's licking his chops at all these watches, and I told him, "Don't even think about it; they're all coming in my coffin. Everything's going with me because where I'm going, I need a good timepiece."

Anyways, thank you so much. See you next time.