Do you think this is accurate?

The order seems right, if incomplete.

My passion is affordable watches, especially as I believe a watch is a sum of it's parts, NOT a name on a dial. However, I do own a luxury watch, and a semi luxury watch. I bought a Rolex OP 36mm purely as an investment, although I do wear it carefully from time to time. I also own a Tudor BB36. Both are very well made watches, although you can se where some of the extra cost goes with the Rolex. that said, from a value for money perspective neither are very good. For example, put the BB36 next to a San Martin homage version, and other than the top grade Sellita movement in the BB36, there really isn't much difference. That said, the PT5000 movement used in some san Martin watches is amazingly accurate, and like the Sellita is just another derivative of the ETA2824.  

I think omega should be in entry luxury. 

I’d agree with that… mind you it’s not in the same league as JLC imho so perhaps the definitions of what sits in each league might be what decides it.

Omega is the very definition of entry level luxury (with some of their pieces being even more luxurious - eg that chronochime.

Top 3 seem correct to me. Omega and Rolex below together although I would put Omega higher up because they make better quality watches and movement. it will be interesting to see where the community place GS.  For me they make better quality movements and finish better than Rolex, does the bracelet really knock them down? If they come out with a mega bracelet does that kick them on?

I certainly prefer affordable watches - one reason being that I can’t afford the unaffordable! Also, I have rarely seen anything I would pay huge money for even if I had it.

That said, I have a couple of watches in what for me is upper tier - a small IWC Portofino bought 20 years ago when they were more attainable than today, and a Nomos Club from around 2020. Were do they come in to the pyramid, by the way - or are they too crappy? 🤭

Where's  hublot..😅🤕

In terms of quality, I think they're comparable but there is a disconnect in terms of availability/perception. If you're so inclined you can pick up an Omega de ville at a discount for the price of a Longines/Oris and gain brand access in a way that you simply can't for Rolex, JLC or Cartier. If exclusivity is a part of the equation, I think this ranking is fair.

For me Omega needs a promotion to Entry level luxury in that ranking

What's the purpose of separating watches into tiers?  Is it about what how the owners think about the watches, or about how outside observers think about the owners who wear the watches?

True enough, back to perception here: watch nerds might dismiss Cartier quartz but in terms of getting that iconic looking watch on wrist for a (relatively) small price this is a valid point.

This is as useful as the USDA's Food Pyramid. 

Mom says I need to stop filling up on refurbished HMTs and add more GShocks if I want to be big and strong.

This chart is worthless without Spaghetti Scameti.

What do you mean? Are you saying we don't need copious amounts of milk and cheese everyday? 🤔🤔😅😅

These pyramids really trigger me. Why do people constantly need to categorise? Does it make them feel better about where they sit with their collection? Do people have a real sense of reality when for two thirds of the world a basic seiko is a “luxury”? Why is it always about brands as opposed models - JLC can span all those  categories.
 

Grrrrrrr

I'll check it out for sure!

It would be nice to distinguish between watchmakers and marketers. 

Unfortunately his order book is closed probably for the next 5 years or so, he only makes about 13 watches per year, serious stuff.

Feels like Maslow's hierarchy of watch needs

I get a little irritated every time I see this pyramid. All the brands mentioned are luxury. 

Then splitting into mainstream luxury and connoisseur luxury? Wtf? 

I'd really like to see a list (better than this style) of microbrands. Idk what the meteics would be.. but I'd love to see it. I typically go for micro brands due to getting more bang for your buck. And the beauty of working with the owners of the brand to get your watch. There's just something special about the whole experience and piece. Buying Omega, Longlines, or Rolex feels like I'm just getting a watch so many others have. I mean yeah they're quality and beautiful pieces. Just isn't really the experience I'm looking for. I'm still on a waiting list for a Milgauss 🤣

JLC should be a rank higher. Just looking at their Duomètre collection and the gyros they made puts them miles away from Rolex and Cartier. Plus, they supplied some of the most respected Swiss makers with movements for years.

I think Omega and Rolex both know that Omega is "entry level luxury", and I think Rolex has worked a marketing miracle once again by pricing their Tudor watches to match Omega, thereby creating a false equivalency in the mind of the consumer and consequently creating the perception that Omega is merely "premium".

You're forgetting Casio. It's God tier, you know. Don't get Nico upset.

Look how quickly Nico started dumping on Rolex now that he can afford a Richard Mille. I just shake my head at these guys who are bandwagon jumpers seeking the approval of others. Whether getting the approval by wearing the right watch, driving the right car or belonging to the right club.

The whole point of the pyramid is to imply a level of status - the higher you go - the better it is. We all know that is purely based on what you are valuing when you build the pyramid.

For example, if we were building the pyramid based on the accuracy of the watch...Apple Watch would probably be sitting at the top together with any other "watch" that was using an atomic clock like numerous digital watches.

If we are basing it on heritage, than Patek, AP, Vacheron, JLC, Cartier, Omega, Rolex, and a few others belong in the top of the pyramid.

If we are basing it on the quality of workmanship, then it would almost exclusively be the smaller independent watchmakers like FPJ, Roger Smith, Phillipe Dufour, etc. who would be at the top of the pyramid.

All that said, the pyramid probably represents the marketplace's perception of those brands at the right level on the chart.

How are we defining "luxury" here? Or do we just mean "expensive"?

Before I weigh in with my thoughts, I'm keen to hear people's thoughts on what the specific criteria is 🙂

That's a very good question hahaa. Nobody knows the answer to that. My opinion is "the luxury watch market" is a pseudo term inventrd by watch manufacturers and dealers to steal money from customers. Price tag and availability are the main points they give us as to why certain watches are deemed as luxury but again they drcide the price and availability both. 

Interesting. Thank you for sharing!

I wonder if we could borrow (OK, steal) "luxury" criteria from other industries or markets....a thought starter below:

• https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.socreative.co.uk/how-to-create-a-luxury-brand/&ved=2ahUKEwj__PL-7Kz8AhXGwTgGHbOtDgsQFnoECA8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0KRzoVlnBQrD7XpVyNam3n 

I suppose my point is that I feel we need to have thie conversation if we're going to ever discuss a "luxury watch" hierarchy of any sort! My two cents.