What Other "Lesser" Brands Do You Have or Like?

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I wouldn’t label Fears an Independent brand, Michelle. They have been around for a very long time. They are a small brand, though. Love your Fears!

Kat


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But they are independent…

[marmite2005]

Lesser brand?........No.....I own JLC Reverso's.

I like Cartier, from a "Watch Jewelry" perspective.

Seiko make some awesome watches and I own Original Orange Monster, 2000's Sub homage and new Midi

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[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I wouldn’t label Fears an Independent brand, Michelle. They have been around for a very long time. They are a small brand, though. Love your Fears!

Kat


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Yes Fears has been around since the 1800's and started back up again in 2016 but still small family owned company.
Thanks, I really enjoy both my Fears watches

[bioyuki]

Stowa and Seiko. I consider my Grand Seiko, Omega, etc. to be on par with Rolex for the most part.

[bigheart]

I have 2 Cartier- a Tank medium and a Miss Pasha, a Tag link with diamond bezel and an automatic Chanel J12

[NAUI1982]

Originally Posted by ~Ocho1~

So of course this being the Rolex Forum, we are all fans of Rolex & Tudor, but I'm curious as to what other brands are in your collection or do you like. I've seen a few here with AP's & Patek's, but what about the lower levels of luxury watches?

I feel Omega is a great brand, & while not at the same price point as Rolex, quality is pretty damn close.

I'm personally a big fan of Longines, I have a few of their pieces & really like their vintage inspired designs & their vintage watches are beautiful.

Oris is another brand that comes to mind when I think of well made, well designed watches.

So tell me about the other brands you like, who while not on the same level as Rolex, still bring you enjoyment.

“Lesser” band is a bad title. Rolex is a great watch, but I also love my Hublot collection and Omega collection. I also own two Burcherer watches, and one Tag. Plus a Garmin Descent Mk3i dive watch/computer and an Apple Watch Ultra original.

There is a place on my wrist for cool stuff. Rolex doesn’t own the real estate!

[NAUI1982]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

…

One of each timepiece would be nice, but where to store all those boxes?

YES! Where?

My dilemma, have been carrying around boxes from every home move!

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by NAUI1982

YES! Where?

My dilemma, have been carrying around boxes from every home move!

EXACTLY, you get it! Love Omega, and their special edition boxes are EPIC, but they're huuuge. And for as small as the Bvlgari Octo FS is, the truly lovely wooden box must be 100x the size of the watch!!!

#MoMoneyMoProblems.

[ma2045]

35619_5c3d9776-6888-4c55-b937-eb35bcdcddc8_2048x.jpg
May I submit the Milsub's replacement, the humble Cabot Watch Company diver for your consideration.

[Macnavara]

G shock and swatch

[sambb]

omega speedy, patek perpetual, vacheron historiques, and iwc pilots watch of any sort are all classics to some degree and can do well in a collection. deals to be had on them.

[TheVision]

I used to love Omega (owned smp 2 generations, planet ocean) and no longer prefer them. Thick oversized cases. They use "holes" for the date function..barely legible. May as well remove the date window. Kept the same lineup over the years but doubled the retail price thinking it's Rolex.

I bought my 1st Pam and love the brand. I'm aware of the negetive press but my bitempo gmt has been rock solid..took it to Bali last month and did ATV'ing, tons of hiking and boating/snorkelling and zero issues. Plus the most comfy rubber strap ever! My Rolex AD also sells Panerai and they got the new 40mm Radiomir in stock and they look really nice!!

Also liking Tag...new line of Aquaracers are now cosc certified and better finishing than prev gen for literally a fraction of the price of Omega/Rolex.
https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timep...11.BA0013.html

[scarlet knight]

Great watch, OP!

I have a ton of Seikos.

[Mr Ben]

Originally Posted by TheVision

I used to love Omega (owned smp 2 generations, planet ocean) and no longer prefer them. Thick oversized cases. They use "holes" for the date function..barely legible. May as well remove the date window. Kept the same lineup over the years but doubled the retail price thinking it's Rolex.

I bought my 1st Pam and love the brand. I'm aware of the negetive press but my bitempo gmt has been rock solid..took it to Bali last month and did ATV'ing, tons of hiking and boating/snorkelling and zero issues. Plus the most comfy rubber strap ever! My Rolex AD also sells Panerai and they got the new 40mm Radiomir in stock and they look really nice!!

Also liking Tag...new line of Aquaracers are now cosc certified and better finishing than prev gen for literally a fraction of the price of Omega/Rolex.
https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timep...11.BA0013.html

Similar boat to me - I have an old aquaracer and an old omega seamaster which I don’t really wear any more. The aquaracer is far too thick and top heavy.

Waiting for a white dial speedmaster and may use that as a reason to move on the seamaster. Of my small collection, it has the least sentimental value.

I agree on those new aquaracers - my old one was my first automatic watch and so reliable/ sturdy so I do have a soft spot for them. I’d consider a new slimmer COSC one with an adjustable bracelet, better power reserve etc for a summer watch I don’t need to think about throwing on for pool and beach. They should be a bargain in the used market given the discounts already on offer new.

[ts3]

I like pre Richemont IWC, think 1980s and 1990s.

Mostly tool watches of amazing build quality with superior bracelets and clasps for the time. On top they offered ingenious complications like the rattrapante by Habring, the PC from Klaus, the MR, or several / all of those complications combined. Having said that, I think some of the highly complicated watches didn't stand the test of time when it comes to aesthetics.

[travisb]

Seiko, G-Shock and Swatch.

[gamingdoctor]

While hype for Rolex is leaps and bounds over Omega, I believe they are equal quality wise. I'm not a fan of either company going to the bigger sized dials though.

[Bazil]

I have a real love and soft spot for Seiko, my son has a lovely Seiko watch .. I would go as far as to say it’s ‘exquisite’ …

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by brandrea

There’s no better bang for your buck IMHO





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Amen. Wearing my SBDY055 baby tuna today



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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

Amen. Wearing my SBDY055 baby tuna today



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[2000-NJDEVILS]

Porsche Design - case and design terrific. Movement is just so so.
Doxa -watched Jacques Cousteau and had to have one. And then another and another…
Franck Muller (had to put in a Chronometer grade movement on both as their movements stink)

[ap1]

Longines legend diver the new smaller one in 39 is great to not worry about for me. Seiko obviously which has been mentioned here already

[keeso]

I think between Brietling and Seiko.

[Rebel]

Citizen Eco-Drive dress watch and Casio Illuminator for yard work, etc.

[Old Expat Beast]

Lesser is more

[mongrelnomoad]

Huge Seiko and G-Shock fan here.

[samson66]

I'm a big fan of Christopher Ward. Not many brands do better with the value for the money proposition than CW.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by MichelleP

Love Glashutte but wouldn't call them "lesser"

I would think Glashutte is a few rungs above Rolex on the horological ladder.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I would think Glashutte is a few rungs above Rolex on the horological ladder.

Indisputable.

Movement finishing and available complications alone are worlds apart.

Rolex towers over GO in other (important) categories , but GO packs an impressive punch.

[Llamathurst]

I definitely think Glashütte is a better finished and perhaps made watch, but from a brand cache perspective, "lesser" than Rolex.