<p>^ Did anybody expect less from the_prestige? ;)</p>
<p>I agree with you on the Rolex…my daily watch is a stainless steel Rolex Submariner…no one ever comments on it…understated prestige.</p>
<p>
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<p>It’s a superb watch. It’s also one of the most recognizable – which is why its probably one of the most popular counterfeit watches on the black market (regardless of brand).</p>
<p>^ True…no one ever comments because they probably assume it’s a fake.</p>
<p>I was waiting for the_prestige and UCBChemGrad to respond as I knew both would. And not surprisingly either, you both gave correct answers, albeit in your own personal styles. </p>
<p>One can obviously debate what constitutes “the best” watchmaker. We each have our own personal preferences. However, by and large, there seems to be a general consensus among watch affectionados as to what are truly the best watchmakers. The 16 watchmakers I listed in the initial post can be broken down into the following groups when it comes to craftsmanship, design/style and quality:</p>
<p>GROUP I:
A. Lange und Sohne
Patek Phillipe</p>
<p>GROUP II:
Audemars Piguet
Blancpain
Breguet (President George Washington’s time-piece of choice)
Jaeger LeCoultre
Vacheron Constantin</p>
<p>GROUP III:
Alain Silberstein (very eccentric and original designs)
Franck Muller (also quite untraditional)
Parmigiani
Ulysse Nardin</p>
<p>GROUP IV:
Breitling
Cartier
Omega
Rolex</p>
<p>GROUP V:
Tag Heuer</p>
<p>Now keep in mind that I left out several excellent watchmakers for simplicity’s sake. Watchmakers like IWC, Bvlgary, Ebel, Chopard etc… </p>
<p>It is also important to remember that the above groupings reflect the overall attention to detail and quality of the brand, not individual efforts. Some Omega and Breitling watches are build to the highest standards, but only as part of a limited edition or as one-offs. </p>
<p>I find it strange that if asked to name the best watchmakers, most people would probably list the bottom five (Groups IV and V). The only watchmaker in groups I, II and III that would make the cut is Patek Phillipe. I was guilty of that myself, until I started seriously researching the matter. </p>
<p>Thank you all for participating. I am now going to go a buy myself a watch. After months of researching the matter, I am leaning toward a Blancpain, Breguet or a Vacheron Constantin. But Franck Muller and Parmigiani are also tempting me. Decisions! Decisions!</p>
<p>Hmmm…yes, I love watch shopping - er, I mean timepiece. You know, I’ve been to the Tourneau stores in Las Vegas and New York…the salespeople are clueless!</p>
<p>The brands you’re interested in are fantastic…I personally like a Breguet model…nice white classic face with roman numerals, white or yellow gold with a brown crocodile strap…very classy.</p>
<p>Congrats Alex, at that range you’re hardly going to be make a “wrong” choice. At this point, it really comes down to your preference of movement, style, form, function, size, etc.</p>
<p>Many of my friends come to me to consult about a “major” watch purchase. The first questions I ask right away are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Price range</li>
<li>Style (casual vs. formal)</li>
<li>Function (i.e. do they want a GMT function, chrono?)</li>
<li>Size (oversize vs. a more formal elegant piece – kind of dovetails into the style question)</li>
<li>Metal bracelet vs. leather strap?</li>
</ul>
<p>etc… </p>
<p>As to your comment about brand familiarity, I know its like beating a dead horse, but it goes back to my often quoted “hamburger” familiarity vs. prestige argument. Patek Phillipe enjoys both high prestige and familiarity whereas Vacheron Constantin doesn’t have high brand awareness but it certainly has prestige… A brand like Rolex, unfortunately, has become a symbol of ostentation, when ironically, its not a “showy” watch in general (i mean you can buy one full of bling, but that’s not really their bread and butter). If you want “showy” there are far better watches like a Franck Muller, though I actually think THAT is a watch which borders on ostentation – i mean its like the white collar version of a “gangsta” wearing “brick money” on his wrist like 'Fitty.</p>
<p>Anyways, let us know which watch you end up choosing and show us some pics.</p>
<p>The only ones I’ve heard of are Rolex, just 'cause and Aduemars Piguet because it was in a Beyonce song (and I love Beyonce). Oh, and Franck Muller but IDK where.
I think this is the most random and pointless thread that I’ve seen so far. wow.</p>
<p>The only ones I’ve heard of are Omega and Rolex.</p>
<p>That being said, I don’t even have a watch…I just check my phone</p>