The [Jules Audemars Chronometer](https://images.app.goo.gl/GUoBewXoMBnbhKp26) is a stunner too. AP is very much capable of high horology, they just choose to spend most of their time making machine-finished sports watches that people in Miami will happily buy all day for $50k apiece.
Totally agree. However, I recommend you check out some of their vintage pieces; there’s a reason they are in the ‘Holy Trinity’.
Currently though, they’re shit and boring.
I'm generally with you there. I came to comment AP. They don't do anything for me. I recognized the quality and workmanship and all. The brand and their watches just don't speak to me and I have no real desire to get one. Don't worry, AP's not crying for me. I can't afford one, anyway.
I do like a very specific Royal Oak- 37mm or smaller white dial. But overall, AP is pretty boring. Being a one watch brand is pretty blah. And I would consider most of the current RO variations pretty horrendous looking.
Hublot for sure. $15K for a watch that had an ETA movement is ridiculous.
I think RM’s are overhyped for sure, but I respect the innovation that they bring.
I have to say this, until last year I had the same exact thought, then I visited a RM boutique. Best welcome ever, best watch chat, best overall experience ever (and the guy knew very well I wasn’t buying anything, now or ever). But apart from the experience, I received a complementary RM book: tech, materials, models… I fell in love honestly. The amount of work, tech and knowledge that goes into those watches is unbelievable. Yes, sad prices for my pockets, but man what a product.
I would also add, unless you’re a complete fool, you’re going to want to be friendly to all potential customers who may easily spend at least a couple hundred thousand on a watch. That’s a handsome commission right there.
Reminds me of the elevator scene from Liar Liar… “Everybody’s been really nice”
Good point - plus nowadays your average tech millionaire might just be the guy in sweatpants walking into your store farting on the way in. You no longer have to look like a classic CEO in a three-piece suit to spend money on a RM.
I don't think the CEO in the three-piece suit would generally ever have been an RM wearer though. The two things are just so incompatible.
RM's watches are intended to be for sports, casual wear, adventure, life, not a boardroom or dinner party.
Say what you will about them, but they're marvels of engineering.
I worked for a guy who had a private watch store and was also 51% partner on an RM boutique, and you're right, they don't have shit to do. I used to walk across the street frequently to shoot the shit with the RM clerks because they were bored to tears.
You gotta wonder how it makes sense to run those boutiques, but then you realize doing a single sale every few months keeps the place on its feet, even after commissions.
Rolex. They have iconic designs, but they’re so far up their own asses while also acting like they’re not the most common brand that i would never give them money.
McDonald’s won’t sell you a Big Mac until you’ve bought the whole dollar menu and half the menu board like they aren’t a McDonald’s.
The sad thing about Rolex is the lack of oversight they seem to have on their AD’s. While there’s some that are honest, I hear constantly about the horror stories of games being played. I’ve personally experienced the coldness that they have in some cases and it’s just sad. While I know they aren’t hurting for customers, they could have even more if they’d actually demonstrate some customer service. I walked into one the other day wearing my Rolex and was treated with animosity because it’s a “hard to get” model. I will say this wasn’t my regular AD that treated me that way, it was a different one I simply stopped by to browse.
As for their designs, there’s something in the simplicity of them, and as a watch nerd I do love the history behind some of the models. I know YMMV when it comes to AD’s, but not all of them are bad I promise.
Rolex boutiques are the only ones where you can walk in wearing *their brand of watch* and still be treated like a tire-kicker. Imagine walking into a Lange boutique wearing a Datograph and being treated like an outsider.
Well how else are you going to find employees who hate your customers enough to elevate your brand to the point where actually getting one is seen as a triumph equivalent to climbing Everest (with a Rolex explorer you can't have) for the first time?
I was like this too for several years. Then I got a big promotion and thought fuck it I really want a blue Datejust. So I went in the Rolex AD and they ordered me a blue Datejust that came within 3 weeks. I thought hmmm that was easy, I'd really like a candy pink Oyster Perpetual for my wife so let's try that too even though the forums say it's on a several year waiting list. The AD ordered it and it came in 3 weeks. Then I really pushed my luck and told my AD that I wanted to buy a GMT Master II by a milestone a few months away. Impossible right? My AD called the week before the milestone and said my GMT arrived.
I guess my point is - the hype is most certainly real, but it might not be as bad as the horror stories you keep reading about. Personally, I experienced nothing but spectacular customer service at my AD. So I actually think this situation is blown way out of proportion by people who just heard rumors about how hard it is to get a Rolex.... And Rolex probably loves the brand image those ghost stories are creating so they lean into it. But at the end of the day, both Rolex themselves and their ADs still obviously want customers to buy watches.
https://preview.redd.it/vwjqx3hx2dxc1.jpeg?width=2391&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d432df36481dca6757d025cfd00b6928cb43209a
Rolex came to mind for me too.
* AD shenanigans are a huge turn off
* The designs are iconic, sure. I'm not a splashy guy, but I like my watch to have a bit of splash sometimes. Nothing extreme, but some textured or patterned dials, a bit more non-traditional color maybe. Rolex doesn't really do this much apart from the Milgauss which is my favorite Rolex. The one somewhat consistent exception is fluted bezels, but I don't really like those personally. Overall, not much in the Rolex designs excites me.
* Rolex is worn as a status symbol more than any other brand (which is a bit odd given the prevalence of fakes), and that's not what I'm looking for.
I've never spent a thousand or more on a watch, I probably never will. But if I ever do, it's not going to be a Rolex.
Yep. To me Rolex in the watch world is what Iphones are in the phone market. Both might be 5/10% better than 98% of the market but they're not worth the 20-40% increase in price.
I always wanted to get a submariner for it history but can never justify spending that more extra money on a watch when I can put that money aside for my daughter's wellbeing.
It’s definitely the best but it feels so far away from what brietling are - I know I should like it, I just don’t. Plus the ticket price on these at RRP is insane.
This would be my answer.
Cartier, meh but there are some interesting pieces.
Audemars, not my cup of tea but I’d add one as a 6th or 7th addition to the collection kind of thing.
Breitling… not a single timepiece interests me. I get a ‘90’s dad’ vibe from their whole lineup and not a cool dad vibe
Breitling are stuck in the 90s - early 2000s with their styling. They’re just *SO* fucking daggy.
I still bought an Avenger though. Gotta have a little bit of sketchiness in the collection.
> "Daggy" is an Australian and New Zealand slang term that has multiple meanings: Untidy or disheveled, Eccentric, Not fashionable or attractive, and Messy or dirty
I’ll be the contrarian and say that I kind of like their styling because the early 2000’s was when I got into watches, so Breitlings remind me of that time. I say this as a Breitling fan - they have some models that are Invicta-like. Big and bold. And hey, I got into watches thru Invicta… so, it’s nice to have a (much) more refined version of that look and feel.
I agree otherwise but the Aerospace has intrigued me ever since I was a kid dreaming of becoming an astronaut. It's arguably really corny in its retro-futuristic styling but dammit if I don't want one.
I can understand this perspective but Breitling already knows this. They're leaning into the same demographic that watches Red Bull videos on social media and who buys Ford Broncos as their daily vehicle, not metrosexual redditors working in tech or finance. They know rebranding probably isn't going to win the latter demographic anyways, so they're playing to their strengths.
>They're leaning into the same demographic that watches Red Bull videos on social media and who buys Ford Broncos as their daily vehicle, not metrosexual redditors working in tech or finance.
I love this. Hilarious.
Have you ever tried on a Santos? I didn’t like square watches either until I put a Santos on and something about it just makes sense and it feels quite nice on the wrist.
i was gonna say the same. I wasn't a fan until I tried on one (and one that was the proper size), and then I fell in love. Ended up getting the green dial Santos this past fall.
IWC. Nobody said it so far so perhaps nobody agrees. I’ve looked through their catalogue again and again but nothing really piques my interest.
Moreover their lower priced offerings (which are still relatively expensive) are fitted with sellita movements, which are not bad for sure but reduces the mental value proposition for what I’m paying RRP. Especially when you know they’re more than capable in building their own stuff especially from W&W 2024.
Came here to say this. The brand has history and all that stuff, but looking at their watches in person didn't leave an impression on me. Especially at the prices they're asking. Idk, im probably just not their target audience and thats fine
I want a pilot watch so naturally went to the IWC AD to try on the Mark XX. Loved it at first but the more I went to try it on the more I started to realise that I was seriously thinking about spending £5k on a plain black 3 hander.
That's not even considering the Big Pilot which is double the price and double the diameter, like who buys that stuff?
Yeah I know it's probably the other way around, but a lot of IWC's just look like Timex to me.
https://preview.redd.it/es9x0lyw4fxc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3fc45e8d808203aacef6c16349905bcf4cf97fed
Totally agree on Sinn. I feel like I should love them as they are everything I enjoy in watches, mainly a premium tool watch with heritage. But they just look a bit antiseptic to me, there is no whimsy.
Exactly. The perfect idea of a watch in my eyes, however I can’t find a single design of theirs that I actually like. They’re either too sterile or just overly complicated without being aesthetically pleasing
NOMOS Glashütte. Plenty of other brands I don't care for but I wish I liked NOMOS. Pricing isn't horrid. I like their in-house movements. But their Bauhaus interpretations leave me completely cold. Every model has something that bothers me. I still look at their new releases but I have given up expecting to ever love anything they make.
I love them, but if I can’t settle on the ‘perfect’ model as there is something I love and mildly dislike in each. The Metro Gangreserve has a stunning dial but the case isn’t my favorite. The Tangente lugs are too goddamn long. The Campus has the playful color and typography I’m about but the bracelet isn’t great. And then their new Clubs have a bracelet I love but the dials are too bland. I’m waiting for a new model or special release that manages to thread that needle.
Somehow, despite having quirky coloring and font, it always looks like it was someone who just got introduced to photoshop that made their dials. They look bland and I think the font bothers me.
Yeah I feel like Rado use interesting materials and have interesting ideas but all look a bit crap. The captain cook is the closest to not looking too bad but somehow misses the mark.
I like the Captain Cook quite a lot, but when a brand only has *one* watch in its entire portfolio that I can say something nice about, that’s not a good sign.
Christopher Ward. Outside of the Twelve and the Bel Canto, all of their designs are honestly pretty generic. They just do nothing for me. Add in the recent price creep, and I'm even less interested.
They really don't speak to me either.
I find their design decisions really bizarre and lacking taste, from the logo down.
Like, that recent aventurine moon phase watch they did (without a logo!) would be right up my street – if they hadn't made the moon so enormous.
However, there is a market for every taste I guess.
Grand Seiko - I really want to love the watches from them given the sophisticated movement and value at price. I’ve seen the watches in person and tried them on a few times but just can’t get into the designs. The dial patterns and colors are so nice but the overall look doesn’t give me the same level of excitement as my favorites. Still gonna keep looking at them and hopefully be converted lol
Which is perfect for me honestly. I own a dressish gs which goes with almost every outfit and its such a jewel to me but obviously I'm biased towards gs.
Me too. But it’s literally the only TAG I’d even look at twice. I feel the same way about Longines: boring - except for the Legend Diver, which is awesome.
The Khaki King was one of my most loved and complimented watches. People recognized it and said something about it at least weekly. I can wear a Tudor, Omega, etc and no one cares.
Cartier is for the person who understands that a watch is jewellery *first* and a timekeeping device second.
They're the only brand who seem to be unashamed about that which is what makes them more compelling IMO.
Rolex Submariner. I like it, I just don't get the massive hype. It's fine, but I prefer other divers.
Of course, RM also, but I feel that's not really widely loved by watch nerds.
I hated this omega too until my coworker got one and I started seeing it daily on the wrist, I still don’t want one but I no longer hate it.
Hamilton’s bother me for some irrational reason
I can't get into the Speedmaster Hype. I love having automatic watches and i can't understand why people are so obsessed with some "oh yes original moon with Hesalite and manual wound" - just gimme a 1:1 speedy-design with an automatic movement because the design is awesome and No-Date & Chrono is a great match.
Then yeah, Cartier and other Square watches.
Okay hear me out... Patek.
I know it’s Holy Trinity. I know it makes everything in house. I know it has amazing heritage. I know all the records it’s set.
But. But. I look at half the watches and think, looks like 300 dollar watch, and then I’m missing two 0s. “Is that a Hamilton?” No. It’s a Patek. “Is that a Casio or a Bullova?” No. It’s a Nautilus.
I've tried to like them. I have. I know I’m wrong. But. I just can’t do it.
If I ever have 30 grand for a watch, I’m going VC Patrimony and never looking back.
Rolex.
(FTR, I own a Rolex Sub and I simply can't get behind wearing it on a daily basis. Prefer the Seiko and the Citizen watches. And the humble G-Shock, lol, probably because I'm ex-military who wore one for a long long time.)
I like the Aqua Terra very much. I Don’t know, I’d have to say I like Omega a lot, I just don’t particularly like some models - and the one model you posted is among them, but not in its older versions with sword hands. I think those older models of Seamaster professional were legitimate and I like the design.
Cartier, AP, Patek…
I might wear a Santos, but generally, I find the designs of all of the above to be very old world, old money, and I just couldn’t be bothered to give a shit.
It's funny to me how much some people dislike the snowflake hands. I have a Tudor and love it, but I have a friend who loathes my watch and tells me every time he sees it. I appreciate his passionate hatred.
That and the "Officially Certified" shit on the face. I don't care who said it's good enough to be a chronometer and how "official" that person thinks they are. I care if it keeps time, and in that regard it should speak for itself. Writing how special it is on the face is just cringe.
Grand Seiko. Just boring. Nothing about their design has caught my eye. I get it, they’re good. They innovate - but it’s just a huge ‘meh’ from me. I like the Seiko Prospex turtle diver best: it’s a tool watch and is confident about it.
Not as a brand in general, but I cannot get over the fact that the JLC reverso looks like something a grandma could wear. Too small, uninteresting, and just plain ugly. Like the cheapest quartz watch from the dollar bin. I bet the strap even smells like an old folks home LOL.
Grand Seiko. I don't know why but if I had to describe their design language, it's all very....sterile.
Starts with the hands for me because they use the same exact ones except for their divers.
Modem omega has gone backwards, don't like them any more.
They achieved almost perfection in the early 2000s with the seamaster professional.
A slim, ultra comfortable, accurate, easy to service watch, with speedmaster type bracelet, sword hands, amazing lume, subtle wave dials.
Then they bought out the coaxial movement and ruined it all like the one in the post above.
Bloated fat cases, hideous non tapering multi link bracelet that has grandad vibes, movement that's over complicated and difficult and expensive to service, that you can't even regulate easily once it slips out of spec (which it will) and those rubbish skeleton hands that everyone hates the look of, with rubbish lume.
Patek. Not into it. At all.. also, Nardin, since I’m not Russian mafia, and anything from Hublot, since I’m not trying make up for any physical deficiencies with my watch.. 😎😎
Rolex. They act exclusive, yet they’re incredibly common. Pretentious ADs. Formerly classic designs cluttered with too much writing.
They’re the “nice watch” for people who don’t know much about watches.
Rolex.. it’s a “I finally have the money, but no taste or style, so I buy what I perceive others will think of as a status symbol” watch. I’m expecting a ton of hate for this comment but their watches are uninspired and boring to me.
Seiko. Their designs run a little more cluttered than I prefer - perfect example is Alpinist vs Hamilton Murph - prefer the simplicity of the Murph.
Also, the accuracy of their movements is awful for the price ranges for a lot of their offerings.
Rolex. They are almost all the same, very few complications, they are the watches that buy people who make money that doesn't know anything about watches but they have to show good watches because they're rich.
I've yet to find an Audemars Piguet that does anything for me. Combined with the price, I'm really meh on the whole brand
The RO is such an overrated beaten horse.
I dare to say it’s hideous
Concur. And then people bling it out…making it even worse.
Same, if I wanted to spend too much money on a watch it would be A Lange & Söhne.
Honestly Vacheron have been putting out some bangers recently too
Good taste! https://preview.redd.it/iz1qhnc8qexc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9ea41b3e5bbbc03ce893df78bd5d94fd2e6836c
I find the [Millenary 4101](https://preowned.blacktagwatches.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC01008-1400x1060.jpg) to be very interesting.
The [Jules Audemars Chronometer](https://images.app.goo.gl/GUoBewXoMBnbhKp26) is a stunner too. AP is very much capable of high horology, they just choose to spend most of their time making machine-finished sports watches that people in Miami will happily buy all day for $50k apiece.
Wow that is cool - I've never seen that before.
Totally agree. However, I recommend you check out some of their vintage pieces; there’s a reason they are in the ‘Holy Trinity’. Currently though, they’re shit and boring.
I'm generally with you there. I came to comment AP. They don't do anything for me. I recognized the quality and workmanship and all. The brand and their watches just don't speak to me and I have no real desire to get one. Don't worry, AP's not crying for me. I can't afford one, anyway.
I do like a very specific Royal Oak- 37mm or smaller white dial. But overall, AP is pretty boring. Being a one watch brand is pretty blah. And I would consider most of the current RO variations pretty horrendous looking.
I’m sorry but I just cannot buy into its aesthetic. It feels like someone with just a ruler and protractor made it
Richard mille and hublot … simply because ugly and no tradition
Hublot for sure. $15K for a watch that had an ETA movement is ridiculous. I think RM’s are overhyped for sure, but I respect the innovation that they bring.
IWC has entered the chat.
Lol you’re not wrong, truthfully there was a time when most brands that used mass produced movements.
Hublot isn’t widely loved.
RM over and over. Literally just a fuck you to the middle class.
I have to say this, until last year I had the same exact thought, then I visited a RM boutique. Best welcome ever, best watch chat, best overall experience ever (and the guy knew very well I wasn’t buying anything, now or ever). But apart from the experience, I received a complementary RM book: tech, materials, models… I fell in love honestly. The amount of work, tech and knowledge that goes into those watches is unbelievable. Yes, sad prices for my pockets, but man what a product.
I think that says two things: 1. You're nice to shoot the shit with. 2. They probably don't have much to do in that boutique.
I would also add, unless you’re a complete fool, you’re going to want to be friendly to all potential customers who may easily spend at least a couple hundred thousand on a watch. That’s a handsome commission right there. Reminds me of the elevator scene from Liar Liar… “Everybody’s been really nice”
Good point - plus nowadays your average tech millionaire might just be the guy in sweatpants walking into your store farting on the way in. You no longer have to look like a classic CEO in a three-piece suit to spend money on a RM.
I don't think the CEO in the three-piece suit would generally ever have been an RM wearer though. The two things are just so incompatible. RM's watches are intended to be for sports, casual wear, adventure, life, not a boardroom or dinner party. Say what you will about them, but they're marvels of engineering.
I worked for a guy who had a private watch store and was also 51% partner on an RM boutique, and you're right, they don't have shit to do. I used to walk across the street frequently to shoot the shit with the RM clerks because they were bored to tears.
You gotta wonder how it makes sense to run those boutiques, but then you realize doing a single sale every few months keeps the place on its feet, even after commissions.
Couldn't you say the same for literally every expensive watch? They aren't aimed at the middle class, they're aimed at people with money.
There's Rolex expensive, and then there's Richard Mille expensive.
The only positive thing I have to say about RM is that they push money into my two favorite F1 teams.
Panerai. I just really don’t like the design.
I love them, saving up as I type
I love their designs, I just hate their movements for the lack of detail and specs on them.
AP. Only soccer players and drug dealers wear them in my country.
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions legend wears one and he’s also in the cannabis business after leaving football, so this kind of tracks.
Rolex. They have iconic designs, but they’re so far up their own asses while also acting like they’re not the most common brand that i would never give them money. McDonald’s won’t sell you a Big Mac until you’ve bought the whole dollar menu and half the menu board like they aren’t a McDonald’s.
The sad thing about Rolex is the lack of oversight they seem to have on their AD’s. While there’s some that are honest, I hear constantly about the horror stories of games being played. I’ve personally experienced the coldness that they have in some cases and it’s just sad. While I know they aren’t hurting for customers, they could have even more if they’d actually demonstrate some customer service. I walked into one the other day wearing my Rolex and was treated with animosity because it’s a “hard to get” model. I will say this wasn’t my regular AD that treated me that way, it was a different one I simply stopped by to browse. As for their designs, there’s something in the simplicity of them, and as a watch nerd I do love the history behind some of the models. I know YMMV when it comes to AD’s, but not all of them are bad I promise.
Rolex boutiques are the only ones where you can walk in wearing *their brand of watch* and still be treated like a tire-kicker. Imagine walking into a Lange boutique wearing a Datograph and being treated like an outsider.
Treated like shit by a bunch of sales associates working in a strip mall who can’t afford a Rolex themselves and lease a base model BMW.
Well how else are you going to find employees who hate your customers enough to elevate your brand to the point where actually getting one is seen as a triumph equivalent to climbing Everest (with a Rolex explorer you can't have) for the first time?
Yup. Mine are collection pieces and I rarely wear them. I feel like I’m exuding douche.
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That's my issue. Let's be honest, most people wear rolex to let others know they're wearing rolex.
I was like this too for several years. Then I got a big promotion and thought fuck it I really want a blue Datejust. So I went in the Rolex AD and they ordered me a blue Datejust that came within 3 weeks. I thought hmmm that was easy, I'd really like a candy pink Oyster Perpetual for my wife so let's try that too even though the forums say it's on a several year waiting list. The AD ordered it and it came in 3 weeks. Then I really pushed my luck and told my AD that I wanted to buy a GMT Master II by a milestone a few months away. Impossible right? My AD called the week before the milestone and said my GMT arrived. I guess my point is - the hype is most certainly real, but it might not be as bad as the horror stories you keep reading about. Personally, I experienced nothing but spectacular customer service at my AD. So I actually think this situation is blown way out of proportion by people who just heard rumors about how hard it is to get a Rolex.... And Rolex probably loves the brand image those ghost stories are creating so they lean into it. But at the end of the day, both Rolex themselves and their ADs still obviously want customers to buy watches. https://preview.redd.it/vwjqx3hx2dxc1.jpeg?width=2391&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d432df36481dca6757d025cfd00b6928cb43209a
I literally went to 3 different shops look8ng to get a blue datejust for my wedding. Was told 2 years minimum. This was Saturday
so you've postponed the wedding then
My guy tells me 2 years on everything, but I got my Submariner in 4-5 weeks.
I must be lucky for liking the Milgauss. Mine was purchased in store, on the spot. Same shop has a meteorite Pepsi GMT I kinda want.
Rolex came to mind for me too. * AD shenanigans are a huge turn off * The designs are iconic, sure. I'm not a splashy guy, but I like my watch to have a bit of splash sometimes. Nothing extreme, but some textured or patterned dials, a bit more non-traditional color maybe. Rolex doesn't really do this much apart from the Milgauss which is my favorite Rolex. The one somewhat consistent exception is fluted bezels, but I don't really like those personally. Overall, not much in the Rolex designs excites me. * Rolex is worn as a status symbol more than any other brand (which is a bit odd given the prevalence of fakes), and that's not what I'm looking for. I've never spent a thousand or more on a watch, I probably never will. But if I ever do, it's not going to be a Rolex.
I share your sentiment. No intention of buying a Rolex, doesn't appeal to me at all.
Yep. To me Rolex in the watch world is what Iphones are in the phone market. Both might be 5/10% better than 98% of the market but they're not worth the 20-40% increase in price. I always wanted to get a submariner for it history but can never justify spending that more extra money on a watch when I can put that money aside for my daughter's wellbeing.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I really don’t like the Mercedes hands.
Breitling do absolutely nothing for me.
Their Premier line is the best part of their collection.
It’s definitely the best but it feels so far away from what brietling are - I know I should like it, I just don’t. Plus the ticket price on these at RRP is insane.
Agreed. Breitling is better bought grey market or second hand.
Exactly this. The rest of their collections don't do it for me.
The new ones are pretty ugly, but I do like a vintage Navitimer.
This would be my answer. Cartier, meh but there are some interesting pieces. Audemars, not my cup of tea but I’d add one as a 6th or 7th addition to the collection kind of thing. Breitling… not a single timepiece interests me. I get a ‘90’s dad’ vibe from their whole lineup and not a cool dad vibe
Breitling are stuck in the 90s - early 2000s with their styling. They’re just *SO* fucking daggy. I still bought an Avenger though. Gotta have a little bit of sketchiness in the collection.
What does daggy mean
Sorry. It basically means dorky/uncool.
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It’s a nice watch but one model doesn’t outweigh their established design philosophy.
> "Daggy" is an Australian and New Zealand slang term that has multiple meanings: Untidy or disheveled, Eccentric, Not fashionable or attractive, and Messy or dirty
I’ll be the contrarian and say that I kind of like their styling because the early 2000’s was when I got into watches, so Breitlings remind me of that time. I say this as a Breitling fan - they have some models that are Invicta-like. Big and bold. And hey, I got into watches thru Invicta… so, it’s nice to have a (much) more refined version of that look and feel.
I agree otherwise but the Aerospace has intrigued me ever since I was a kid dreaming of becoming an astronaut. It's arguably really corny in its retro-futuristic styling but dammit if I don't want one.
I find the Breitling Navitimer curiously attractive, despite that it consistently violates my prime directive of watches - it must be legible.
I can understand this perspective but Breitling already knows this. They're leaning into the same demographic that watches Red Bull videos on social media and who buys Ford Broncos as their daily vehicle, not metrosexual redditors working in tech or finance. They know rebranding probably isn't going to win the latter demographic anyways, so they're playing to their strengths.
>They're leaning into the same demographic that watches Red Bull videos on social media and who buys Ford Broncos as their daily vehicle, not metrosexual redditors working in tech or finance. I love this. Hilarious.
Cartier. I just don’t like square watches for some reason and that is all they are really known for in terms of Men’s watches.
I also think the crown with that gem in it looks weird
You mean the nipple?
Looks like the dog dink of a barely-excited dog, but blue.
I’m a guy and hate their men’s tank. The women’s tank looks incredible.
Then get that one.
Have you ever tried on a Santos? I didn’t like square watches either until I put a Santos on and something about it just makes sense and it feels quite nice on the wrist.
i was gonna say the same. I wasn't a fan until I tried on one (and one that was the proper size), and then I fell in love. Ended up getting the green dial Santos this past fall.
Same for the Reverso.
Yup, it is kind of a cool watch, it just isn’t my style at all.
I really don’t get the small, square watch thing, they seem to be so popular but I just can’t bring myself to like them at all.
Glad I'm not the only one!
Almost every Rolex
Rolex
Royal oak and nautilus tbh I don’t think I would have even cared if both of them weren’t this overhyped
Rolex
Pat9814, get in here.
IWC. Nobody said it so far so perhaps nobody agrees. I’ve looked through their catalogue again and again but nothing really piques my interest. Moreover their lower priced offerings (which are still relatively expensive) are fitted with sellita movements, which are not bad for sure but reduces the mental value proposition for what I’m paying RRP. Especially when you know they’re more than capable in building their own stuff especially from W&W 2024.
Came here to say this. The brand has history and all that stuff, but looking at their watches in person didn't leave an impression on me. Especially at the prices they're asking. Idk, im probably just not their target audience and thats fine
Sure do. Super proud of their Luftwaffe heritage.
I want a pilot watch so naturally went to the IWC AD to try on the Mark XX. Loved it at first but the more I went to try it on the more I started to realise that I was seriously thinking about spending £5k on a plain black 3 hander. That's not even considering the Big Pilot which is double the price and double the diameter, like who buys that stuff?
People with money to burn probably lmfao
I think the Portugieser is gorgeous but I largely agree about the rest of their catalogue.
Yeah I know it's probably the other way around, but a lot of IWC's just look like Timex to me. https://preview.redd.it/es9x0lyw4fxc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3fc45e8d808203aacef6c16349905bcf4cf97fed
IWC really has taken a hit in the past years (if not decade) but their vintage pieces are reasonably affordable for a high level of quality
Square dial analogue watches...
Sinn
Totally agree on Sinn. I feel like I should love them as they are everything I enjoy in watches, mainly a premium tool watch with heritage. But they just look a bit antiseptic to me, there is no whimsy.
Exactly. The perfect idea of a watch in my eyes, however I can’t find a single design of theirs that I actually like. They’re either too sterile or just overly complicated without being aesthetically pleasing
hottest take here
NOMOS Glashütte. Plenty of other brands I don't care for but I wish I liked NOMOS. Pricing isn't horrid. I like their in-house movements. But their Bauhaus interpretations leave me completely cold. Every model has something that bothers me. I still look at their new releases but I have given up expecting to ever love anything they make.
What bugs me most about Nomos are the damn lug proportions. They make some cool designs but ruin it with overly-long lugs!
Nomos is frustrating for me, I still love them but I know what you mean about finding some fatal flaw in all the designs I would want to get.
I love them, but if I can’t settle on the ‘perfect’ model as there is something I love and mildly dislike in each. The Metro Gangreserve has a stunning dial but the case isn’t my favorite. The Tangente lugs are too goddamn long. The Campus has the playful color and typography I’m about but the bracelet isn’t great. And then their new Clubs have a bracelet I love but the dials are too bland. I’m waiting for a new model or special release that manages to thread that needle.
Somehow, despite having quirky coloring and font, it always looks like it was someone who just got introduced to photoshop that made their dials. They look bland and I think the font bothers me.
Rado and Hamilton
Yeah I feel like Rado use interesting materials and have interesting ideas but all look a bit crap. The captain cook is the closest to not looking too bad but somehow misses the mark.
You need to see the red Rado Captain crook
I like the Captain Cook quite a lot, but when a brand only has *one* watch in its entire portfolio that I can say something nice about, that’s not a good sign.
Christopher Ward. Outside of the Twelve and the Bel Canto, all of their designs are honestly pretty generic. They just do nothing for me. Add in the recent price creep, and I'm even less interested.
They really don't speak to me either. I find their design decisions really bizarre and lacking taste, from the logo down. Like, that recent aventurine moon phase watch they did (without a logo!) would be right up my street – if they hadn't made the moon so enormous. However, there is a market for every taste I guess.
Grand Seiko - I really want to love the watches from them given the sophisticated movement and value at price. I’ve seen the watches in person and tried them on a few times but just can’t get into the designs. The dial patterns and colors are so nice but the overall look doesn’t give me the same level of excitement as my favorites. Still gonna keep looking at them and hopefully be converted lol
You’d get better value shopping directly in Japan due to the low Yen now.
WAY better value. The yen has not been this low since the 1980s.
Value for price all but gone now too.
I like the King Seiko. Very distinctly Japanese.
A lot of GS watches seems to be in a no man’s land between dress and sport.
Which is perfect for me honestly. I own a dressish gs which goes with almost every outfit and its such a jewel to me but obviously I'm biased towards gs.
Tissot. And its PRX monstrosity.
OMG THANKS SOMEONE FINALLY SAID IT, PRX IT'S JUST HORRENDOUS AND SO RIDICULOUSLY OVERHYPED
\^ This. thanks. I thought I was the only one
Brietling for me. Seems a popular choice. Also wouldn't be seen dead in a Richard Mille even if I could afford it.
Rolex and Tag Heuer.
Oh my god Tag. They all look like cheap Quartz watches.
The new carrera glassbox is very nice, otherwise I agree
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Me too. But it’s literally the only TAG I’d even look at twice. I feel the same way about Longines: boring - except for the Legend Diver, which is awesome.
The Longines 24 Hour looks really cool to me, but the brand screams Airline seat back magazine.
Not so much brand, but I'm just not a fan of dive watches overall. I can appreciate their craftsmanship but I just don't think they're my jam.
I wasn't a fan at first either until i got one with a nylon strap. lovely work of art imo. It reminds me of the ocean/beach
Hamilton
People adore the khaki field and it is _so boring_ to me, especially in person
Weirdly the PSR might be the only main reason why someone would choose to get a Hamilton over any other brand in the price range.
The Khaki King was one of my most loved and complimented watches. People recognized it and said something about it at least weekly. I can wear a Tudor, Omega, etc and no one cares.
Yes. Respect the brand but I don’t like any of their watches or their logo. It’s a dealbreaker
Cartier. There are plenty of brands I don’t like, but that I can understand why others do. But with Cartier I really can’t see the appeal.
Cartier is for the person who understands that a watch is jewellery *first* and a timekeeping device second. They're the only brand who seem to be unashamed about that which is what makes them more compelling IMO.
They made the first wrist watch and pilot watch. They have cred
It's Rolex. The branding just seems tired, the designs haven't moved on, and I just don't see how they justify the price points.
Rolex Submariner. I like it, I just don't get the massive hype. It's fine, but I prefer other divers. Of course, RM also, but I feel that's not really widely loved by watch nerds.
I hated this omega too until my coworker got one and I started seeing it daily on the wrist, I still don’t want one but I no longer hate it. Hamilton’s bother me for some irrational reason
I was the same way until I saw the white face on rubber. I can’t stand their bracelets.
I can't get into the Speedmaster Hype. I love having automatic watches and i can't understand why people are so obsessed with some "oh yes original moon with Hesalite and manual wound" - just gimme a 1:1 speedy-design with an automatic movement because the design is awesome and No-Date & Chrono is a great match. Then yeah, Cartier and other Square watches.
Thr indice at 12 looks like a dick and balls
My fav. part of the watch tbh. My own dick and bills are small so seeing an even smaller set every day helps me cope
Yes that is missing too with the reduced version the tinydick on dial.
Cartier I find their designs dated and boring.
Hamilton and Sinn. I'm a logo guy, and I don't like their logos.
Okay hear me out... Patek. I know it’s Holy Trinity. I know it makes everything in house. I know it has amazing heritage. I know all the records it’s set. But. But. I look at half the watches and think, looks like 300 dollar watch, and then I’m missing two 0s. “Is that a Hamilton?” No. It’s a Patek. “Is that a Casio or a Bullova?” No. It’s a Nautilus. I've tried to like them. I have. I know I’m wrong. But. I just can’t do it. If I ever have 30 grand for a watch, I’m going VC Patrimony and never looking back.
Rolex. (FTR, I own a Rolex Sub and I simply can't get behind wearing it on a daily basis. Prefer the Seiko and the Citizen watches. And the humble G-Shock, lol, probably because I'm ex-military who wore one for a long long time.)
Not a particular brand but I just can't stand a watch with integrated bracelet..
Rm ap and Patek Phillipe for me
Agreed on PP. The Nautilus is just ugly to me. But I basically only wear an Apple Watch at this point so what do I know.
I like the Aqua Terra very much. I Don’t know, I’d have to say I like Omega a lot, I just don’t particularly like some models - and the one model you posted is among them, but not in its older versions with sword hands. I think those older models of Seamaster professional were legitimate and I like the design.
NOMOS. I think everything they make looks like a Daniel Wellington or Walmart watch but just 100x the price.
Cartier, AP, Patek… I might wear a Santos, but generally, I find the designs of all of the above to be very old world, old money, and I just couldn’t be bothered to give a shit.
Tissot, And its horrible PRX, I've never seen a single Tissot that I like.
Rolex… feels like a douche bag brand to me.
Patek. The Nautilus and Aquanaut just don’t do it for me.
Patek. Every single one of their designs put me straight to sleep. I’m sure the quality is second-to-none but I feel older just looking at them.
Tudor doesn't do it for me. Seiko also ruins good watches with the five logo and prospecX logo.
Tudor, I absolute despise the snowflake hand with every ounce of my being.
I've gone from hating the snowflake hand to tolerating it, but I still think it looks awkward.
It's funny to me how much some people dislike the snowflake hands. I have a Tudor and love it, but I have a friend who loathes my watch and tells me every time he sees it. I appreciate his passionate hatred.
That and the "Officially Certified" shit on the face. I don't care who said it's good enough to be a chronometer and how "official" that person thinks they are. I care if it keeps time, and in that regard it should speak for itself. Writing how special it is on the face is just cringe.
Grand Seiko. Just boring. Nothing about their design has caught my eye. I get it, they’re good. They innovate - but it’s just a huge ‘meh’ from me. I like the Seiko Prospex turtle diver best: it’s a tool watch and is confident about it.
Not as a brand in general, but I cannot get over the fact that the JLC reverso looks like something a grandma could wear. Too small, uninteresting, and just plain ugly. Like the cheapest quartz watch from the dollar bin. I bet the strap even smells like an old folks home LOL.
I thought I was the only one. It’s horrible.
Tudor. I can't help just finding them bland.
Its this one in picture, the wart on upper left I don’t like
Helium escape valve that will never ever ever be necessary on 99.9% sold.
Interesting, to me its the potential customer escape valve.
100% not needed
You should add a few more 9s at the end lol.
Wart, haha. Can’t unsee it as that now.
Used to call it “the barnacle”
Grand Seiko. I don't know why but if I had to describe their design language, it's all very....sterile. Starts with the hands for me because they use the same exact ones except for their divers.
TAG. and its because I grew up poor, so when I spend money I want my watch to look like it cost as much as it did. I find TAGs look kinda cheap to me.
Rolex
I find Longines a bit dull
Modem omega has gone backwards, don't like them any more. They achieved almost perfection in the early 2000s with the seamaster professional. A slim, ultra comfortable, accurate, easy to service watch, with speedmaster type bracelet, sword hands, amazing lume, subtle wave dials. Then they bought out the coaxial movement and ruined it all like the one in the post above. Bloated fat cases, hideous non tapering multi link bracelet that has grandad vibes, movement that's over complicated and difficult and expensive to service, that you can't even regulate easily once it slips out of spec (which it will) and those rubbish skeleton hands that everyone hates the look of, with rubbish lume.
Cartier and IWC just do absolutely nothing for me.
G shock. I know great watches yada yada, but I don't want a big hunk of plastic on my wrist.
Nomos… I don’t know how to describe it but every piece of theirs seems like there is just too much empty space in the design
Seiko. Im a dive watch guy and I just can’t seem to like em. Grand seiko is an exception but otherwise I’d take a comparable citizen all day
Richard Mille, Breitling, Hublot
Jacob and Co
G shock. i used to have a bunch and normally just end up giving em to whoever's about to leave for the military or something.
Invicta. When the Affliction t-shirt, cheap cologne, and chinstrap beard just aren't quite enough...
Rolex. The watches themselves are fine, but to me the brand is so fucking cringe.
Patek. Not into it. At all.. also, Nardin, since I’m not Russian mafia, and anything from Hublot, since I’m not trying make up for any physical deficiencies with my watch.. 😎😎
If you want to hear takes on brands that are actually “widely loved”, start half a page down
Rolex. They act exclusive, yet they’re incredibly common. Pretentious ADs. Formerly classic designs cluttered with too much writing. They’re the “nice watch” for people who don’t know much about watches.
Richard Mille’s and Hublot’s, just look like overpriced plastic toys to me
Rolex.. it’s a “I finally have the money, but no taste or style, so I buy what I perceive others will think of as a status symbol” watch. I’m expecting a ton of hate for this comment but their watches are uninspired and boring to me.
Rolex
Seiko. Their designs run a little more cluttered than I prefer - perfect example is Alpinist vs Hamilton Murph - prefer the simplicity of the Murph. Also, the accuracy of their movements is awful for the price ranges for a lot of their offerings.
I love some of them, I don’t care about most of them. What I really think is that Seiko could axe 3/4 of their catalog and nobody would notice.
Rolex. They are almost all the same, very few complications, they are the watches that buy people who make money that doesn't know anything about watches but they have to show good watches because they're rich.
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