Over-rated Haute Horological Brands

1. IWC - Bullshit marketing. No in-house movement.
2. Blanpain - Still feeding off the 50 Fathoms
3. Patek - If you can afford it - and buy one - you're a sucker
4. Breitling - Rich man's Fossil
5. Hublot - Big Bang, small value
6. Panerai - Fiat on a strap

I must say that I'm out of words to properly described the #1 over-rated in my all time list...

1-Rolex

PS: I would agree with your list for the most part although, I was under the impression that IWC Calibers 5000 and 8000 are not ETA based and are considered in-house movements ?

that should prompt some responses..........

Wow. I was going to buy one of each but not anymore. If it ain't boscoe approved, I don't want it.

Why do you think so little of Breitling and Panerai?

Funny stuff, Boscoe!

I have to ask, what then are the "properly" rated haute horologic brands?

boscoe wrote:1. IWC - Bullshit marketing. No in-house movement.
2. Blanpain - Still feeding off the 50 Fathoms
3. Patek - If you can afford it - and buy one - you're a sucker
4. Breitling - Rich man's Fossil
5. Hublot - Big Bang, small value
6. Panerai - Fiat on a strap

+1

A pre-owned Breitling can be had for as little as $1,000. Not much value there. Patek prices are artifical, Hublot is way over priced and kept up IMO by arabs and chinese.

Panerai is over rated and blancpain as Boscoe says, lives off the old 50 fathoms watch.

Just my two cents worth

I don't own any of those brands so I'm ok with it :), and now I don't feel a need to buy a breitling or panerai. I never understood the appeal of the Hublot, and never really looked at the other brands as I tend to buy gray market new old stock and those are hard to come by.

1. IWC, tend to agree, but maybe because nothing ever sung to me
2. Blancpain, see IWC.
3. Patek prices are high, but they keep the value, so what came first, the chicken or the egg?
4. Breitling, has several models that are real pilot tools, that is assuming you have any clue on how to use a slide-rule. Now with an in house movement.
5. Hublot shows that money can't necessarily buy good taste, but also with in house movement. I like the older, smaller, quartz dress models. They are classy.
6. Panerai, in house movements. My 210 is lovely, even though a base model/movement.

My wife is always bringing up Hublot, but we are opposite ends of the watch-buying spectrum - it's all looks with her, as she could care less if a streptococcus virus on a tiny wheel was powering it as long as she likes how it looks. Besides, we can't 'ford no Hublots 'round these parts, no how - looks like we'll have to settle for the brands about three notches down.

;)

Add Bell & Ross to the list. Over priced, over hyped.

mrneddles wrote:I have to ask, what then are the "properly" rated haute horologic brands?

+1

It's easy to diss everything, but what brands are considered laudable?

WatchDorks.Net wrote:

mrneddles wrote:I have to ask, what then are the "properly" rated haute horologic brands?

+1

It's easy to diss everything, but what brands are considered laudable?

I guess that goes with individual perceptions.... to me

1-Grand Seiko
2-Omega
3-Jaeger LeCoultre
4-A. Lange & Söhne
5-Audemars Piguet

I have none of the brands listed so far. As such, I am not qualified to comment on their horological chops. What is telling to me is the attitude that some develop after purchasing them. I buy the watches I like which are priced reasonably to me. Not to say that some of the luxury brands are not worth the price, I would be reluctant to wear them for fear of damage. So much of luxury goods marketing is just hype. Anyone seen the new BMW 3 series commercial? Here are some of the claims:
-The 3 series exemplifies the essence of BMW.
-It has all of the ingredients of the perfect sports sedan.
-Everything is balanced,everything is perfectly engineered.

The skeptic in me asks, if the 3 series is the shiznit, why is it the base model in their lineup?

boscoe wrote:3. Patek - If you can afford it - and buy one - you're a sucker

I will be a sucker then, when I pull the trigger on this:

@Mark1....
Fear not Mark, any watch brand in my laudable list, is much better build than a 3 Series... buy with confidence.

mrneddles wrote:

boscoe wrote:3. Patek - If you can afford it - and buy one - you're a sucker

I will be a sucker then, when I pull the trigger on this:

That's a beauty man.... really sweet

Per Breitling. Used to own a bunch. All gone. Navitimer has a virtually unreadable dail. These are fashion watches. Model line seems entirely changed every year.
None of these comments are quibbles with quality, merely with the brands' "godlike" status

Nice to talk watches again, eh guys?

So where do yall think Oris stands? I love me some Oris and think of them as a poor mans Omega, but I'm new to this stuff, so I don't know much.

boscoe wrote:Nice to talk watches again, eh guys?

That's a +1 Dan.... nice indeed.

iwasbanned wrote:So where do yall think Oris stands? I love me some Oris and think of them as a poor mans Omega, but I'm new to this stuff, so I don't know much.

I have two, an F1 on rubber and the 47mm variety of the TT1 small date sub on a bracelet.... both very nice , priced right, they offer lots of quality and excellent fit/finish for your money, not sure about calling them the poor men Omega? it is a very good quality, mid priced brand, I like some of their subs designs and readability under water better that some of their Omegas counterparts (I own Omega subs too) but that is just me.....

iwasbanned wrote:So where do yall think Oris stands? I love me some Oris and think of them as a poor mans Omega, but I'm new to this stuff, so I don't know much.

Oris is a quality watch. It is not a haute horology (translation: snob) brand. Decent stuff, for sure

boscoe wrote:1. IWC - Bullshit marketing. No in-house movement.
2. Blanpain - Still feeding off the 50 Fathoms
3. Patek - If you can afford it - and buy one - you're a sucker
4. Breitling - Rich man's Fossil
5. Hublot - Big Bang, small value
6. Panerai - Fiat on a strap

Very good and your comments are not without merit.

How does Maurice Lacquoix stack up. The first one I bought was a bit high in price, but then I discovered WOW. I now have five. I think the quality is great and they keep near perfect time. IMO they are a very unique timepiece that looks and feels great on the wrist. Underrated or Overrated ?

I'd say ML's rating is just right. Considered a very solid and respected brand, but not talked about in the hushed tones reserved for Patek, let's say.
But these are just my opinions. No more - or less - valid than yours

Thanks boscoe, I appreciate the response

Jeeze

I've been stalking a Breitling Montbrillant Legende lately. Far from being able to pop for it - but now I dunno.

How about Eterna?
Specifically the Kontiki Diver (flip top).

Whew! on the Oris F1 been on my short list for a while now.

jaw wrote:Jeeze

Whew! on the Oris F1 been on my short list for a while now.

F1 is excellent! recomended, I miss out on the Coste LE... so now, pre-loved is the only way to go.

boscoe wrote:Nice to talk watches again, eh guys?

Thanks for that.

I like Eterna, I'm trying to find one at a decent price I can pick up. The Kontiki diver is great looking. How about Armand Nicolet. I rarely see anything about them.

I have owned Oris in the past, and am now on board for another. Quality watch, but seems to lose it's luster in a short time. Not sure why. As far as Dan's list, I agree with two exceptions... Love me some Panerai Submersible 2500, and Rolex should be number one on the list. If I want a tin bracelet, I'll make one out of a can of beans.

I agree that Rolex is over rated and have twice passed on the brand,opting for an Omega in both cases after an in person side by side comparison.
But I'd still like to have one.
In actuality they're all over-rated depending on the rating system and the rater.
None of my watches are over-rated and if anyone thinks they are then screw 'em.

bones666 wrote:How does Maurice Lacquoix stack up. The first one I bought was a bit high in price, but then I discovered WOW. I now have five. I think the quality is great and they keep near perfect time. IMO they are a very unique timepiece that looks and feels great on the wrist. Underrated or Overrated ?

I own three, looking for minute repeater or retrograde. Under-rated watch IMHO.
Add fortis to the mix also as alternative to some of the over-price Haute brands.

Personally I wouldn't place you #4 or #6 in the Haute category,that would be the same for Omega, Bell & Ross as others have mentioned. That being said the rest of the brands you mention are generally over rated but each does have a design or two that I do like and wouldn't mind owning.

The two brands that Im Interested In most right now are Hamilton and oris. I really feel that you get most of the high end stuff without the high end prices. There is also a watch that has been resentley released,I hear that it "will absolutely dominate It's class",I cant seem to remember the name

I like them all! I see nothing wrong with any of those brands! Where the fuck is Invicta in that list?

Who gives a shit. If a watch cost me $50,000 & I like it and have the money, Chances are depending on the make and model it maybe worth $200,000 down the road.

Have owned my Calatrava for over 20 years - it's still a lovely watch, as classic as classic gets - design as fresh as when I bought it - don't see the over-rated issue.

DoubleSplit wrote:Who gives a shit. If a watch cost me $50,000 & I like it and have the money, Chances are depending on the make and model it maybe worth $200,000 down the road.

Or maybe not.
It's all opinion and attitude.

Ok.

I'll bite, Boscoe.

Breitling has some very respectable actual tool watches, especially pilot watches. My Avenger Seawolf isn't fashionable or blingy. So Breitling is off the list. Jaw, get the Montbrilliant, it's a gorgeous watch.

My Rolex Submariner enjoys an amazing heritage and resale value. As a no-date, non-COSC certified, Tritium-dial model, it's certainly not a fashion or bling piece. It's a tool watch that became popular as a status symbol. Just because people that don't know anything about watches want them for the name, doesn't make it any less a great watch. I'll be able to get what I paid out of it any time I like and in all likelihood, it's value will increase at a rate higher than inflation.

Panerai makes a very cool watch with a very distinctive style, good resale and great wrist presence. I plan to get one as soon as I can.

It's funny. Rolex and Panerai always get dragged into these "over-priced/under value" discussions, but they make the most copied watch designs of any manufacture. Their in-house pieces are cost-competitive with other pieces offering an in-house movement.

I think the most over rated are:
1. Movado (one design, over and over)
2. TAG Heuer. After TAG bought them, the designs are fairly non-descript and they cost a hell of a lot for a quartz watch with a G10.
3. Doxa. Yeah, Clive Cussler wrote books with a character that wore them. Big deal. Iffy provenance, overpriced and not that attractive.
4. Kobold. Why are they so damn expensive? 2nd hand they are a lot cheaper, so I say you're a sucker to buy one new. They seem to be an overpriced microbrew that got awful damn lucky a few times.
5. RGM

And I know, my selections aren't Haute horology, but they are over rated.

BigCheez wrote:Ok.

I'll bite, Boscoe.

Breitling has some very respectable actual tool watches, especially pilot watches. My Avenger Seawolf isn't fashionable or blingy. So Breitling is off the list. Jaw, get the Montbrilliant, it's a gorgeous watch.

My Rolex Submariner enjoys an amazing heritage and resale value. As a no-date, non-COSC certified, Tritium-dial model, it's certainly not a fashion or bling piece. It's a tool watch that became popular as a status symbol. Just because people that don't know anything about watches want them for the name, doesn't make it any less a great watch. I'll be able to get what I paid out of it any time I like and in all likelihood, it's value will increase at a rate higher than inflation.

Panerai makes a very cool watch with a very distinctive style, good resale and great wrist presence. I plan to get one as soon as I can.

It's funny. Rolex and Panerai always get dragged into these "over-priced/under value" discussions, but they make the most copied watch designs of any manufacture. Their in-house pieces are cost-competitive with other pieces offering an in-house movement.

I think the most over rated are:
1. Movado (one design, over and over)
2. TAG Heuer. After TAG bought them, the designs are fairly non-descript and they cost a hell of a lot for a quartz watch with a G10.
3. Doxa. Yeah, Clive Cussler wrote books with a character that wore them. Big deal. Iffy provenance, overpriced and not that attractive.
4. Kobold. Why are they so damn expensive? 2nd hand they are a lot cheaper, so I say you're a sucker to buy one new. They seem to be an overpriced microbrew that got awful damn lucky a few times.
5. RGM



And I know, my selections aren't Haute horology, but they are over rated.

RGM wow seriously. I think their underrated. There's not one other American Company doning watches like RGM. Rolex now their overrated.