Narcolepsy inducing brands
Following @Max polarizing post about how the PRX left him feeling nothing, despite wearing it for two weeks, I realized that I'm also guilty of overlooking some brands because they can't manage to raise any interest from me.
They are boring, to the point that I can't even remember their models, I never remember their name, or logo and I'm barely aware they exist even when I just read about them a few minutes ago.
For me the worst of them is Squale. I can't even imagine a circumstance that will lead me to buy one of their watch. I know that they used to be famous, I can accept that there are enthusiasts that love them, but the only thing I remember is that they have a logo that looks like a sliced fish. I can't even be bothered to try and remember what they look like.
Is there any other brand that generate this kind of indifference? For me no, but I'll be interested to learn about other people's opinions.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Almost all Hamiltons ...except the chronos
This is my personal opinion and shouldn't hurt anyones feelings:
Seiko: Even they make great watches. But their design language doesent appeal me. Of course there a few which are ok and I concentrate on them. But so far I still don't own one. Everytime one thing is missing in their design. Seikos...or Japanese products overall are highly functional, not emotional. But watch enthusiasm is emotional. That's the problem.
But I'm also not willing to memorize all their alphanumeric names. If Seiko gives a s...t about to offer their customers a good overloook of their products and names which we could remember....so I will not give any s...t about their SBGS123s and SKX321s .
Orient: Same like Seiko. Don't get me wrong. Great brand. I would recommend every one who is looking for a mechanical budget watch. But also everytime something is missing for me. Some designs, even the Orient Star line, looks like if their were designed by a total rooky noop, who has nos interesst in watches but designs them like they think how a watch could look like. Some Bambino looks totally like grandpa watches. But of course there are also fews great ones.
Citizen: Man....I just (almost) gave up with that brand. Thousands of watches, who look almost all same but are bigger and uglier than the other. (Except the NJ0150...wow I can remember their number).
But there is also a general problem with their Brandings, Logos and Marketing which disturbs me. I wrote an article about Japans obsession into German coats of arms in their Logos
Tudor: I respect other people loving this brand. But for me it's the similiar with Seiko. Most of their design are really boring. And I think they are way overpriced. Many decide for Tudor because it's stealth and understated. But in this case I would go for the Seiko Prospex line. As you know I don't remember their Model names, but there are few which I would prefer instead of Tudor.
Longines for me, except for the Zulu , I have purchased a few longines I believe it’s their master collection, it’s a great watch but did not connect with it…
The popular Tudors. I can't see what so many others seem to be seeing. There isn't a single Black Bay that looks the least bit interesting to me. They're simply lifeless.
The Tudor 1926 on the other hand? I like it.
Tissot (entire catalog), Mido, Bell & Ross, and Girard Perregau.
Also Vostok.
I almost googled “that watch that sponsors Aston Martin F1” to try to remember Girard Perregau and then remembered “Laureato” and googled that instead. Now I can’t get this guy out if my head from the near Google misses:
I think the entry level Swatch brands all pretty much fall into this category. Each has one or two models I like, but overall they are kinda plain. It's intentional, since most people just want a simple watch that looks good and tells the time, but I find them boring.
I agree with @Catskinner about Squale as well, particularly since I'm not a "heritage" guy. The watch models all look like generic divers, with a shark on the dial.
This one might ruffle a few feathers.... Baltic. I don't see the appeal, they just look like dull generic divers as well. They had one model I liked the look of, but I was so not fired up I don't even remember the model name.
Timex. I use to see them as an “I need a watch right now” department store grab. Lately, every model seems to be missing some critical specs. Whether it’s a “dive inspired” watch with 50m WR, or a classic design powered by an 8 series miyota.
They’re just ‘not for you’. Not every brand/watch will be (it’ll be a miraculous if it were!). Even though other people may like/dislike a watch, you’re not them.
It’s fine, no harm, no foul, play on…
Tissot (entire catalog), Mido, Bell & Ross, and Girard Perregau.
Also Vostok.
I almost googled “that watch that sponsors Aston Martin F1” to try to remember Girard Perregau and then remembered “Laureato” and googled that instead. Now I can’t get this guy out if my head from the near Google misses:
Ha G D 😂
I’m polite because I live in a pretty big glass house 🙂 In saying that , my pet hate is “ cheap” watches , nothing to do with cost . For example to my eyes Richard Mille , Invicta , Hublot look like they are from theTarget toy isle . JMHO Resence also … smacks of toy ….
Grand Seiko. Yawn.
Even if I find one that’s interesting, it’s a manhole cover.
This may be controversial to many but for me it’s the homage brands, the Pagani Designs etc who simply copy other brands models like for like. It’s on the same level as the well made fake replicas to me. They’ve just legalised it by putting a different logo on.
Timex. I use to see them as an “I need a watch right now” department store grab. Lately, every model seems to be missing some critical specs. Whether it’s a “dive inspired” watch with 50m WR, or a classic design powered by an 8 series miyota.
They are treating their new automatics like they are the second coming of Christ, and pricing them accordingly. They should do themselves a favor and price them a little more economically and once they build up some brand cachet, introduce some more premium designs and features/specs.
I submit to you my Vostok Amphibia 170548-02 with alternate bezel on a two tone strap. Slightly better than a kitchen appliance! Ha!
Unfortunately for me, Mido was the brand. I really really wanted to like it as my new dive watch. Loved what it looked like online.
I was in LA (sans wife and kids), so, naturally, I decided to go gambling with my buddies. After gambling all night, I visited a Mido AD. I was in a vulnerable spot: stayed up all night and still high from making some money at the craps table. I put on a Mido diver, and it just looked generic to me. I was so disappointed.
I came home and eventually ordered a Doxa as my new dive watch.
AP. Two watches?!?!? Really?
I understand where you and @FlatteryCamp are coming from, but you are fighting human nature. We define ourselves often by what we are against as much as what we are for. There is also the problem of watch brands being used as a proxy for some other grievance (wealth based, class based, or otherwise).
I try not to wade into general criticism. It is too easy. When you think of it, most brands should not elicit too much response from any of us. If you have honed your own sense of style and taste then most watches that do not approach either should be met with a "meh."
All of this is said with the understanding that I am probably most known for tearing things down rather than building them up. However, there is nothing like having to defend your preferences for giving voice to the reasons why you do like something. The most interesting comments on those threads are usually well-reasoned arguments against our premise for a particular watch.
I guess that I am comfortable with a little honest negativity unless it seems uninformed or mean spirited.
I agree for the most part except with the premise of "fighting human nature". Human nature isn't monolithic but rather ranges across a broad continuum of dispositions and traits. Some people are wired so that they rarely see things in a positive light (like the fictional character Livia from the Sopranos) yet others have a much sunnier disposition. Having managed many large teams and projects I soon learned to predict which employees were predisposed to complaining about almost everything and which confined their critiques to matters that impacted project goals. I often had difficulty finding staff to team with the more negative employees because they just sucked all the positive energy out of the environment and were just a bummer for the others to be around in general. Both Max and other YouTubers have lamented the paradox of how social media algorithms reward negative content but the need for those types of clicks results in a less psychologically healthy environment. I think a certain amount of valid criticism is essential for maintaining the integrity of the hobby its just that the balance has seemed increasingly off. I'm having zero difficulty finding a multitude of watches I'm really happy with while being pretty immune to whether others are happy with them as well. Thanks for your insight though as it was good to hear the dynamic involved.
rolex
All of 'em except Panerai :)
Ah, so interesting to read all of the brand aversions. Some are quite surprising.
I guess I'm just naive or very simple, because I think of watches like people - each has something to offer, some more than others, naturally - and I'd never think to dismiss an entire watch brand.
Interesting post, @Catskinner.
It depends on the brand I guess. Take Nomos for example - you can't really like one of their models, be indifferent to some and hate the rest because they all looks basically the same.
I was the same. I really wanted to like GS, but something always was off. People always talk about the snowflake, shunbun, or white birch. None of them really did it for me. Finally, I found one that I really loved immediately. Maybe that will happen for you one day.. or maybe not. So many watch brands out there!
Ah, so interesting to read all of the brand aversions. Some are quite surprising.
I guess I'm just naive or very simple, because I think of watches like people - each has something to offer, some more than others, naturally - and I'd never think to dismiss an entire watch brand.
Interesting post, @Catskinner.
Which ones are surprising? I'm not really surprised at most of these, eg Tudor, GS.
Which ones are surprising? I'm not really surprised at most of these, eg Tudor, GS.
Hamilton, Orient Citizen...
The Nature Haikus are getting tired. I'm over almost every dial being textured. I regret selling my Snowflake. The watch had simple texture that made the dial look stunning. I hope they come out with a Snowflake 2 or I will buy another Snowflake. The bracelet polish and mat finish never appealed to me. I had to yank the bracelet off right away. Comfort was not an issue just finish. Evolution 9 models have a much more appealing finish. How about more watches with mat or just plane color dials? All the most loved new Evolution 9 watches would look great with a simple dial variant. I am patiently waiting for Evolution 9 model with a simple color dial. Call it whatever, I will never remember the name (or the model number for that matter. GS Models are like the class roster at MIT ) Also, on their new dive models give us at least 300 meters of water resistance if you are selling product to compete at price points reserved for Omega, retail Rolex etc.
There is a blue Evolution 9, plain blue with a red seconds hand. SLGH003
There is a blue Evolution 9, plain blue with a red seconds hand. SLGH003
Beautiful watch! I would love this in a Spring Drive
Nomos and Junghans.
I find that I have no interest in Citizen at all
Tudor
Rolex
Nomos
Anything Genta or GG inspired from the 1970's onwards ( nautilus, royal oak etc = Emperor's New Clothes)
Squale? I must take the bait (hehe)...shark bait that is...
This is boring?
Squale? I must take the bait (hehe)...shark bait that is...
This is boring?
Yes. It's an uninspired design that can't be lifted up by smearing some lipstick all over it.
The cat is great thought.