Watch Olympics: Team Switzerland
Which three watch brands best represent Switzerland in ALL areas of watchmaking?
Let's say that all the watchmaking countries come together to participate in the Watchlympics. Three companies are chosen for each country and compete against one another, judged on three general areas:
Heritage & History: The stories behind the brand, the watches, or the people that wore them and when
Design & Craftsmanship: The beauty of the brand's design philosophies, or their commitment to creating the best movements imaginable
Versatility & Affordability: The 'value for money', adaptability; The watch/brand that can do it all - At least, as much as possible from the price point
Which three (3) Swiss brands would you nominate to compete? Comment below.
If it were me:
Omega - Going to the Moon is an almost unbeatable piece of watch history, but they also have beautiful designs and exceptional movements in watches that are capable of adapting to many situations
Patek Philippe - A venerable powerhouse, the best of the 'Big Three' won't get many points in the affordability range but make up for it in exception design and craftsmanship chops
Tudor - Though the price has been steadily increasing, it's hard to find watches as versatile or capable in their price range as Tudor.
I am not Gerald Genta. I like to draw watch ideas. They usually suck. #defsnotgenta for more.
Swatch, Luminox, Mondaine
Swatch, Wenger, Titoni
Rolex - not a fan, but their financial performance is incredible and brand value unparalleled. Their designs are conservative but even tiny changes are totally trend setting for the industry. Plus they have great history, undeniably solid products and excellent value retention, current bubble aside. Tissot - value champion since 1853. Bringing superb quality and finishing to the masses for under $1000. Anyone else make a chronometer with silicon balance spring in that price range? All with original designs and impressively wide distribution to malls and tiny small jewelry stores alike.
Longines - heritage and history as good as Rolex and Omega. Unique ability to fuse classic and modern in their current line-up. Many superb Longines-only movements produced by the very best in business, ETA, like the column wheel automatic moonphase chrono or the moonphase retrograde. All those complications for under $4000 - no competition there. Plus they have a really diverse range of styles for all wrist sizes, both men and women.
Affordability is the killer here. Normally: Breguet, VC, and PP Hands down every time.
Affordability: Breguet, Rolex, and Omega.
Yes, I know to most those are not affordable to most , but relatively speaking, it could be argued they are.
Affordability is the killer here. Normally: Breguet, VC, and PP Hands down every time.
Affordability: Breguet, Rolex, and Omega.
Yes, I know to most those are not affordable to most , but relatively speaking, it could be argued they are.
That’s exactly why in included it 😉 Affordability and Versatility are, in my opinion, equally as important as craftsmanship and heritage because it gives you a sense of constraint when drafting your team. It makes for more entertaining lineups, and prevents the heavy hitters from completely eclipsing everything else.
Watches and Olympics......Omega.
Moser (99%), Oris, Horage (99%)
Mega super Swiss Team 🧀, not kinda Swiss (50% of the value is a hilarious joke)
Moser (99%), Oris, Horage (99%)
Mega super Swiss Team 🧀, not kinda Swiss (50% of the value is a hilarious joke)
Like the Olympics, it comes down to country of Origin. Pau Gasol may play NBA in the USA, but he will always represent Spain in the Olympics.
It’s the same reason why I’ll put Bulgari on team Greece. Bulgari, although Italian, was founded by Greek immigrant Sotirios Voulgaris. It’s also why Hamilton is on Team USA.
Like the Olympics, it comes down to country of Origin. Pau Gasol may play NBA in the USA, but he will always represent Spain in the Olympics.
It’s the same reason why I’ll put Bulgari on team Greece. Bulgari, although Italian, was founded by Greek immigrant Sotirios Voulgaris. It’s also why Hamilton is on Team USA.
So... Rolex: Swiss (where they are), English (where they were founded) or German (where Hans Wildorf was born)?
Since that's in question I'll leave them out of my nominations.
Patek Phillipe: Calatrava case alone would be enough to put them on the team.
Tissot: Undisputed Swiss affordability proposition.
Jaeger-LeCoultre: Can't leave out the watchmaker's watchmaker.
So... Rolex: Swiss (where they are), English (where they were founded) or German (where Hans Wildorf was born)?
Since that's in question I'll leave them out of my nominations.
Patek Phillipe: Calatrava case alone would be enough to put them on the team.
Tissot: Undisputed Swiss affordability proposition.
Jaeger-LeCoultre: Can't leave out the watchmaker's watchmaker.
I would say founded, because that’s where the brand is born. Jus soli and whatnot.
So Rolex would be British, but Tudor would be Swiss.