Ranking in watch brands

[exiger77]

Does anyone knows the order of the rankings between the top watch makers, in terms of quality.

[HL65]

Very subjective but most would have Patek at top. The big 3 are Patek, AP and Vacheron. To each his own and at the upper level they are all high quality. To me though Patek and AP are special as they have rich histories and are both independently owned as they have not sold out to the big 2 Richemont and Swatch like others have including Vacheron....JMHO.

PS. And yes that is excluding some of the other upper end small independents like Philippe Dufour etc.

[powerfunk]

There is no correct "ranking" but in addition to the aforementioned holy trinity I personally consider Breguet, Lange, and frankly JLC to be top-notch brands. JMHO.

[exiger77]

I was wondering if there are any official ranking being published in terms of quality other than the ranking of the most number of watches sold. Any opinions shared is appreciated!

[Cc1966]

PP. VC, AP (Top 3 in that order) IMHO.

[One Ping Only]

I don't think there is a published quality ranking as there is for automobiles. As noted, PP, VC and AP are generally considered the trinity with PP almost always first and the next two based on personal preference.

[Audemars Piguet]

Yes there is one and I will publish tomorrow when I get home.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

To me though Patek and AP are special as they have rich histories and are both independently owned as they have not sold out to the big 2 Richemont and Swatch like others have including Vacheron....JMHO.
.

x 2

[singe89]

I would say quality among the top watch brands is pretty even. Comparing an AP grand comp to a PP, VC or ALS grand comp would be pretty equal.

I give extra points for independent brands with rich history. PP is the top luxury dress watch company and AP is the top luxury sport watch company in my book. Although I really love ALS lately.

[subtona]

too subjective, too many variables.

[s14roller]

Nope...top 3 watch houses are more of less agreed upon but that doesn't exactly equate to "quality" per se.

[travisb]

I agree with Ken also.
For me: Patek is #1 followed by AP

[robisan]

As others said, it is subjective. Patek is #1 for me then followed by AP, Vacheron, JLC.

[subtona]

Considering that most would agree that Patek is #1 ...
To me the question is what are the criteria for this consensus?

Is it the movement? If so ALS is quite competitive here, yet it is not mentioned in the top 3.
Is it resale? If so then rolex has to be next to Patek, immediately above or below.
Is it beauty? This is totally subjective as we know it is in the eye of the beholder, swatch could be #1 for some?


What Is it ... What is the consensus to the criteria for creating this list?


Finally the biggest issue imho, is that not all watches in a particular brand (like most things) are created equal, take the Omega Speedmaster Pro for example, it has many qualities that most of the Omega line do not share... To rate Omega soley on the speedy pro would be misrepresentative of the brand, & likewise to rate the brand soley on their newer products would also be less than the whole story.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by singe89

I give extra points for independent brands with rich history. PP is the top luxury dress watch company and AP is the top luxury sport watch company in my book. Although I really love ALS lately.

My fav three as well with Rolex.

[Soly20]

Originally Posted by singe89

I would say quality among the top watch brands is pretty even. Comparing an AP grand comp to a PP, VC or ALS grand comp would be pretty equal.

I give extra points for independent brands with rich history. PP is the top luxury dress watch company and AP is the top luxury sport watch company in my book. Although I really love ALS lately.

This.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by AK797

My fav three as well with Rolex.

Rolex, PP and AP my favorite as well!

[mimo5000]

Not much argument about the holy trinity. Ranking brands 4 through 10 and so on can be much more of a debate.
There's also old vs new manufacture history to consider. That's when newer houses like ALS (reincarnated), and FP Journe (Richard Mille for some) start getting solid discussion.

[mimo5000]

I'll give you my opinion. And take it with a grain of salt as I've only been collecting watches for a year now.

1. PP
2. AP
3. VC
4. ALS
5. Rolex
6. JLC
7. FP Journe
8. Glashütte Original
...then I lose interest.

[Yoda]

Ranking is subjective. To me Richard Mille is a top brand and backed by AP.

[conkers]

Surely if outright quality is the main criteria then Greubel Forsey and Laurent Ferrier and perhaps even Roger Smith might get a look in? On an overall list than they wouldn't figure clearly.

[SixPak]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Rolex, PP and AP my favorite as well!

Those are also my top three. What a coincidence!

With an honorary mention to JLC.

[PatekCollector]

If we're talking about quality, then PP, Lange, AP, VC, JLC & Breguet comes on the top.

But if it is about quantity, then Rolex, Omega, Rado & Cartier comes on top.

Forgive me if I forgot some well known brands either in quality or quantity.

[exiger77]

I do not doubt PP, as a matter fact i was considering the 5711/5712 steel for sometime after owning AP 15305, but somehow i have doubt over the long term look appeal of PP over AP.

An example:

AP 15305 vs PP 5712, both price about same bracket and in steel, what will your choice be?
That's a personal headache, I must admit I haven't owned a PP.

Sorry if I am off the subject. Always excited when comes to watches.

[exiger77]

Originally Posted by khalidss

if we're talking about quality, then pp, lange, ap, vc, jlc & breguet comes on the top.

But if it is about quantity, then rolex, omega, rado & cartier comes on top.

Forgive me if i forgot some well known brands either in quality or quantity.

x1

[CWIN]

My faves...Patek, ALS, AP, JLC, Rolex, IWC, Panerai, Omega...

[Hairdude1]

My personal top 3 PP,AP, and Rolex.

[jenniferjanef]

Originally Posted by exiger77

I do not doubt PP, as a matter fact i was considering the 5711/5712 steel for sometime after owning AP 15305, but somehow i have doubt over the long term look appeal of PP over AP.

An example:

AP 15305 vs PP 5712, both price about same bracket and in steel, what will your choice be?
That's a personal headache, I must admit I haven't owned a PP.

Sorry if I am off the subject. Always excited when comes to watches.

IMHO ... I find it actually the opposite. AP to ME looks great and amazing and wow wow wow from the beginning but after a year (max) I lost interest and start looking for new addition and you can't really blame me cos AP keep pushing out ever more amazing LE new colors (LOVE fresh new color) and I almost get accustomed to AP introducing amazing pieces "soon"... As for PP, I find it almost in "ZEN" mode after AP (especially those ROO)... PP gave ME a very calming effect if you know what I mean.

Rolex is just something I do put on and go. I guess Rolex is all about reliablilty and dependability.

Of cos, these are just my personal experience.

HAGWE jen

[SamGMT]

IMO, the one you like most is the Number 1 brand. If the number one watches are not smiling at me, to me she is not number one in my book. In my heart, Audemars Piguet, Rolex & Tudor are my top 3 brands.

[Audemars Piguet]