Avoiding Certain Brands

For me, among the watches at the level that I like, I have avoided Boderry. I have heard of some watches being inoperative on delivery, and the only way to get a replacement is to send the watch back to China at YOUR EXPENSE! So, I have avoided them due to reports of QC issues and unsatisfactory customer support. I like their watches, but I don’t know if I want to risk it!

Sort of agree on modern Seikos, the value proposition is not where it once was. But vintage Seikos are great value and to enjoy Seiko I suggest that’s where to look.

In terms of brands that avoid … there are a few that I just glaze past because I know they are not for me (e.g. Richard Mille) and a few that are overhyped and overpriced, often with a big following, that may have great heritage but have become “badges of wealth/success” which just isn’t my thing.

Luckily there is so much great choice out there that giving a few a wide berth isn’t a great hardship.

Yikes, that sounds like a nightmare.

Agreed on the super-expensive brands. I'm very happy that I don't have the "brainworms" for brands like AP, RM, or anything like that.

Christopher Ward - I have stated my opinion on CW multiple times here so won't repeat

Baume & Mercier - my opinion they are the definite "soulless conglomerate 'luxury' watch brand

Seiko - QC issues, never found designs compelling

I have chanced a few in the “affordable” category and have mostly done okay. I can think of one shocker where an obvious flaw was apparently a “feature” but on the whole I have done okay. Given the breadth of choice I would agree though that why bother risking it if there are better calls on your cash!

Movado. There’s not a single watch from that brand that I’ve found to be aesthetically pleasing.

Luckily - and just my personal taste here - I think most of those really high end things look gaudy/tacky/cheap so there’s no desire even to suppress.

Very rarely do I see a $50k plus watch and think “wow! that’s for me” because if you’re dropping that on a watch then it’s likely the kind of watch that people see coming long before they see you … and that’s definitely not my style.

Leave that to the rappers and F1 drivers and good luck to them.

If I had unlimited resources, there’s no brand I would avoid. However, I would avoid certain models that fit into my prejudices of people 😆

I have avoided Rolex, for obvious reasons.

Christopher Ward because I think they're trash.

Affordable Seiko (what everyone else mentioned), and you get more value and “heart” with “some” microbrands.

#spinnaker … Poor quality for the price! I’m not sure how this supposedly British mega brand (in reality a Chinese mushroom brand?) from Dartmouth Brands has hoodwinked so many fans! Granted Picard or the Phantoms look pretty, and I never owned a limited edition, but their regular models I’ve owned had QC issues (rough finish that needs to be sanded, cracked mineral crystal), and they come with base quality movements that are quite up charged.

Mostly, I'd avoid watch brands if there is nothing they make that I like. Invicta I'm turned off by, since they make a lot of watches that don't appeal to me. They do have one or two I could see myself buying.

Same with Rolex. Not many that appeal to me. Also, I hate how most ADs will have fake waiting lists and make you buy five other watches. That I'd avoid.

I only avoid specific watches I don’t like, regardless of brand. That also means I would never rule out buying any specific brand in the future if they come out with a watch I really like. No need to narrow your horizon like that.

I have avoided Rolex since I sold off a few back in the 80s. I personally feel the watches are terrific but exactly 3 individuals that I have had very egregious interactions with in the past wear Rolex watches. A little infantile but there so many other watch brands available, allows me to be stupid about the situation.

Frankly, I avoid all AliExpress watches. Although many praise San Martin or Pagani for their value/money, it’s just too shady for me. I don’t want to be responsible for financing child labor, forced Labour, counterfeit watches or worse.

I collect inexpensive watches so the brands I avoid in my price range are Stuhrling Original and Matthey Tissot. Stuhrling Original because they sell "chronograph style" watches with fake chronograph dials. There is no excuse for this with inexpensive chronograph movements available. The only reason I avoid Matthey Tissot is that other collectors I respect avoid this brand and I haven't done the research to determine the reason. They have a few designs I like. I may change in the future.

I love my Invicta 😍

i made a similar post too! personally i like the pro diver

Any and all Chinese brands from AliX, homage brands, Invicta, Movado, Squale just to name a few

#rolex : overpriced, outdated, deceitful management, and a cult (not all owners) of insecure neanderthal owners who feel the need to defecate on anyone not wearing a Rolex about heritage and brand equity.

#invicta : aspiring Rolex owners.

#richardmille : expensive and ugly.

#casio : generally too much plastic.

#citizen : nothing visually appealing.

This is not an inclusive list, and I cannot hate owners of these brands, despite the Rolex fanboys who prioritize status and "heritage" over quality of the ⌚.

I promise I’m not trolling, I’m genuinely curious. What’s the difference between a Dartmouth brand and Lorier (shown in your avatar)? Both are 100% made in China and sold under a different country’s flag. Is it the size of the company that makes it feel different?

I like some of Lorier and Traska’s designs but I can’t pull the trigger because they lean into Chinese labor so hard.

I meant nothing against “Made in China” 😊🙏

My Lorier, Islander, and Phoibos is all made in China/east asia and I’m very happy with them (and a good chunk of parts of my affordable “Swiss made” also I’m sure).

At least from my research, Spinnaker tries a bit too hard to claim this British heritage but seems to be actually owned by this massive multinational, primarily base in China. So the deception bothers me. And when they release special models, they often say “Japanese Automatic” and seem to hide that it’s a NH movement.

So yeah, I just have issue with how they try to hide who they are. While I respect the brands who (as far as I’m aware) are more honest in their production. Also I had 2 less than ideal experiences with the Bradner and Hull Riviera models.

Gotcha, that totally makes sense. That type of marketing (combined with what they charge) is what turns me off to Shinola. Transparency matters.

I avoid the really expensive watch(es). I don’t want to draw any attention to myself while walking the streets wherever I am. I don’t want to have that lingering thought in my mind that someone may try to take it, that I may scratch it, or that I may break it.

That being said, if I lived in a perfect world and money was no object there is not a brand that I would actively avoid.

I haven’t looked too into Shinola, but have heard that before, which is def unfortunate.

I think the only China/Asia made affordable brand that I own which seems extreme transparent is #islander. Still, I hear ya ✌️

Amen, brother, so do I 😎👍

I don't "avoid" any particular brand of watch. For me, no matter which watch I am looking at, it's a matter of perceived value vs. specifications. That's why I love the Invicta Pro Diver and Grand Diver lines. Great bang for your buck, and built solid. Say what you will, but I love the thought of being able to backhand a mugger with my Invicta Sub-Aqua and knock him out cold! 😎🤣

IOW, you have no experience with a brand yet you manage to give an involved opinion of it. Here's what you should have written - "Has anyone had experience with (insert brand)?" Then I would've answered "Yes, I've bought a couple dozen watches from Aliexpress and every one has been good. Never a problem." See how much more you'd know if you asked a question instead of writing things you don't know about?

Rolex. Definitely Rolex.