What are the most overrated watches for you?
After a couple of years in the "hobby" I've noticed one thing - pretty much all people have more or less the same watches in their collections (whether they collect mostly cheaper or more expensive watches). I attribute this to "watch influencers" who seem to promote mostly the same brands/watches and to the good marketing some brands are doing themselves. I'm talking about watches like:
Rolex Submariner
Rolex Explorer
Omega Speedmaster
Omega Seamaster
Tudor Black Bay XX
Seiko SKX
Seiko SPB143
Sinn 556
Tissot PRX
I hope you get the idea. All are great (or least good) watches IMO, but I have to wonder how many of them are considered great just because of the immense (and often misleading) marketing around them. E.g. the Rolex Explorer didn't even exist when Edmund Hilary climbed the Everest... The Speedmaster has replayed the Moon landing connection to death by now... The Submariner and the Seamaster are mostly famous for their association with James Bond, who's a fictional character...
I have to tell you that the more time I spend in the hobby, the more frustrated I become from the constant reissues/modification of the famous watches, just to milk us enthusiasts more and more. I'm also guessing that's part of the reason why most brands recycle their back catalogs and rarely venture to release something truly new. When was the last time Rolex or Omega released some truly novel watches?
Anyways, what are some watches that are very popular but overrated in your opinion? Why so?
P.S. My post is inspired by this video by TGV that was recently released. I tend to agree with the watches they mentioned (e.g. the Speedmaster and all the Black Bays). Still, I think there are a lot more watches that are overrated and I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the topic.
Newly minted watch enthusiast (I got seriously interested in watches in late 2022). I aim to build a small collection (5-6) pieces over the course of the years. I'm mostly into Tudor & Seiko these day...
The Daytona. I just don't get that dial.
Don’t really know the Seikos, but yeah, tend to agree that the Omegas and Rolexes you mention are overrated- or at least: overpriced. I get the allure: they are very well designed watches, which served and serve as inspiration for a whole load of other watches and brands. I’d plunk Panerai and IWC in the same category: highly recognizable, quality watches - but at a price point which seems about 30-40% too high. I know, I know, you pay for the heritage (aka the marketing budget), but even though I love the looks of a Seamaster or Luminor, I can’t justify the expense. I’d rather sink it in a GO, JLC or vintage VC. Still, I fully get it if a Speedmaster, Sub or Explorer is someone’s grail — they are watches that co-defined watch history in the 20th century. Which leads to another question:
Which brand / watch you think defined the 21st century? (so far ofc :)
I think a lot of watches become over-rated because the impact they've made is forgotten. Good quality has become so easily accessible from a market over-saturated with homage brands. This is a good thing, but it makes it easy to overlook the fact that these brands wouldn't exist if weren't for the foundation the "overrated" watches laid down before.
Personally I think Squale is over-rated. Everyone speaks highly of them so I bought one. It was an okay watch, nothing to write home about.
For me, the modern Rolex Submariner.
It's a black-dial dive watch. And really it's only claim to fame is it was the first mass marketed diving tool watch. A history that is very far removed from what it currently is...
Just one man's opinion mind you. If that's your thing then great!
I have watches I like that are overdone too. One of which, went to the freakin' Moon... 😂
I really wanted to buy the Speedmaster as I’m a huge Omega fan, but every time I tried one on (multiple times) I just never connected with it and the 42mm diameter. 39mm to 40mm is my sweet spot. I also found it strange that for a manual winding watch the crown was just a little too small and slightly uncomfortable to wind, if I had to wind it every couple of days I’d go crazy. Seemingly small complaints but after seeing it in the metal and trying it on at least 3-4 times, I just didn’t get it.
Explorer was my grail for a long time but now I’m not really interested in Rolex.
Speedmaster is the most overrated overhyped watch IMO.
Owned a Bond Seamaster, liked it, didn’t connect with it, sold it.
Still love my BB58.
Still love my SKX007.
Owned the SPB143, heavy and poor accuracy for the price, sold it.
Owned the PRX in several colors, 40mm too big, 35mm too small, sold them all.
These are all very good watches for various reasons but it doesn’t mean they’re right for me or you.
The Daytona. I just don't get that dial.
Or the screw down pushers.
I’m with @Icarium kinda. Whether a watch is overpriced works better for me because I can look at some objective factors.
The idea of the example watches being overrated is too subjective such that it’s never been convincing to me. These arguments usually breakdown to what folks feel are boring, ugly, outdated, played out, etc.
Who in the hell buys Hublot?
Love them or hate them, they are popular for a reason. That's really the bottom line. Impossible to understand people's motivations or reasons for buying or liking something and the impact of the supposed "marketing".
Who in the hell buys Hublot?
an estimated 52,000 people last year
who indeed
FWIW-I own none of those, mostly because I’m frugal. I was tempted by the PRX but then I got the sense it was popular maybe as a fad. They are fine watches, iconic in some cases, but I’m not compelled to have them. Perhaps the makes me more of an enthusiast rather than a collector. If so, so be it. 🤝
I am an admitted Omega person. I have never felt the allure of a Rolex, Breitling nor a TAG Heuer. Seikos are overpriced. Sinn, meh, I own a STOWA.
The Daytona. I just don't get that dial.
The whole watch looks like a spare parts bin special. Before the hype train and the flex took over the Daytona, it was a bit of a flop.
I really wanted to buy the Speedmaster as I’m a huge Omega fan, but every time I tried one on (multiple times) I just never connected with it and the 42mm diameter. 39mm to 40mm is my sweet spot. I also found it strange that for a manual winding watch the crown was just a little too small and slightly uncomfortable to wind, if I had to wind it every couple of days I’d go crazy. Seemingly small complaints but after seeing it in the metal and trying it on at least 3-4 times, I just didn’t get it.
Try the trilogy Speedmaster or the FOIS. A bit more character and smaller.
There is some truth in what you wrote but at same time I would say these listed watches are simply great and oftenly benchmark for rest in their class. Your assumption would lead me to believe all enthusiasts are blindly following influencers which is far from truth. Maybe Rolex as mainstream status simbol counts here but watches like Speedy, Seamaster, Tudor BB, some Seikos, Sinn 556 are simply top level in their class.
There are so many watches at every price and quality point out there, that it's really hard to say something's top level in their class. I mean it's easy to say it, but it's often hard to back it by objective data.
I have a few somewhat "famous" pieces myself and while I like them (I bought them, didn't I?) I still wonder if I came across them mostly because they became more popular than their competitors (that are also great watches) for some (random) reason or another. I've also noticed that the more exposed you are to something the more likely you are to develop some bias (positive/negative) towards it.
The submariner, speedy, and SKX were ubiquitous among watch enthusiasts (the Submariner was universally popular) way before YouTube was a thing. I think the only watch that was truly influenced by social media was the PRX. I’ve been a watching enthusiast for the better part of 3 decades.
That's an interesting perspective and you're probably right. I'm guessing for me it feels different because I've started to follow watches and trends seriously only recently and it really feels that everyone's promoting more or less the same watches (and brands more broadly) right now.
Been collecting for a long time (almost 20 years) and to me three watches really stand out as the most overrated:
Rolex Daytona
AP Royal Oak
PP Nautilus
When I first saw these watches, only the Rolex was really a hype piece. The AP and PP we’re novel, and in that vein had some kudos. But now… the idea that these three are the most sought after models in each brand is madness.
At retail, they’re over priced, especially relative to what they were 15-20 years ago. But on the grey market they’re insane!
And it’s not just that they’re overpriced; I really don’t get the appeal, they’re confused watches. The 1960s Daytonas were pretty watches, but since the 1970s they’re fugly as hell. And don’t get me started on the Gerald Genta madness: they were novel when he first conceived of the design, but just like flared Jeans, they’ve dated badly.
Rolex Daytona, AP can’t see the hype
Sounds like he offende you with his dislike for the Speedmaster. God forbid someone questions your love for the brand😂.
Well, you didn't comprehend my point entirely. I'll be more specific for you. The point was the extreme limits people put on a watch. It has to be a very small window for the case size. It can't be too tall. It has to be a bracelet (or a strap, whatever). It can't be this. Or it can't that. Etcetera...
Take it a step further. How do you truly experience watches when you self-inflict such limited parameters?
God forbid you couldn't figure this out for yourself. 🙄
Omega fan definitely, Speedmaster fan, not really. Omega already has a place in my collection but I am very choosy when it comes to chronographs. Everyone tells me the Speedmaster is the perfect watch but in person it just wasn’t perfect for ‘me’. I had my credit card ready to go but I just couldn’t do it. I was underwhelmed, I felt the same way about the Daytona sadly and passsed on one when my brother in law offered me one at a reasonable price. Just wasn’t for me.
By what I believe are the 'Speedy' purist standards, I do not own a Speedy. But I do have four Speedmasters. Frankly, the very basic astronaut watch isn't my cup of tea.
As you'll see, mine are all a little bit different. One vintage. Two Broad Arrows. The last one is a DSOTM - Vintage.
Poor Rolex, they introduced a new model line up just last year (1908) and everybody complains they never do anything new. Okay, maybe not ground breaking. Skydweller was introduced in 2012 and in watch world that to me is ground breaking.
Not sure what the last new model line Omega introduced was (would be interested to know), but they are innovative in movement technology (mainstream adoption of Co-axial escapement, spirate rate adjustment).
I get the watch fatigue, with the same models receiving all the attention. However they are great watches.
On the plus side for those who appreciate watches more off the beaten path bargains are to be had, especially 2nd hand. Looking on watch charts amazed that Grand Seiko models with the beautiful 9SA5 hi beat movements go for not much over half their retail price.
Well, you didn't comprehend my point entirely. I'll be more specific for you. The point was the extreme limits people put on a watch. It has to be a very small window for the case size. It can't be too tall. It has to be a bracelet (or a strap, whatever). It can't be this. Or it can't that. Etcetera...
Take it a step further. How do you truly experience watches when you self-inflict such limited parameters?
God forbid you couldn't figure this out for yourself. 🙄
No, sounded like you were just annoyed @wiseguise
"Geez. Well, hopefully something quartz can satisfy your super-sensitivities. Good lord. I'm an Omega person with a dozen Omegas. They range from 39 to 45.5. I love every damn one of them for exactly what they are. Weight, height, strap, bracelet, etc."
Where in this quote did you made the point of people limiting themself?
Tell me, this didnt sound like you were dissing his opinion on the Speedmaster.
Next time you want to make a point, make the point and dont lash out at people for not conforming to your taste.
Tudor because I like Omega and Rolex 😂
No, sounded like you were just annoyed @wiseguise
"Geez. Well, hopefully something quartz can satisfy your super-sensitivities. Good lord. I'm an Omega person with a dozen Omegas. They range from 39 to 45.5. I love every damn one of them for exactly what they are. Weight, height, strap, bracelet, etc."
Where in this quote did you made the point of people limiting themself?
Tell me, this didnt sound like you were dissing his opinion on the Speedmaster.
Next time you want to make a point, make the point and dont lash out at people for not conforming to your taste.
Sorry, pal. Who are you? The site police?
FYI - You won't be telling me what to say or how to say it. Via watches, this is largely an opinion site. Can't handle it? Don't read it or comment on it in the first place.
The original post was based largely on people all buying the same watch. People critique on here all of the time.
Sorry, pal. Who are you? The site police?
FYI - You won't be telling me what to say or how to say it. Via watches, this is largely an opinion site. Can't handle it? Don't read it or comment on it in the first place.
The original post was based largely on people all buying the same watch. People critique on here all of the time.
I can handle it, I didnt tell you what to say and what not.
I was pointing out the unnecessary rudeness of your comment, then you wanted to gaslight me. Telling me that you were making some sort of comment. When all you did was be rude.
And now that I pointed that out, youre lashing out at me.
Are you sure that I am the one that cant handle a comment? Because I was neither aggressive nor rude towards you.
By what I believe are the 'Speedy' purist standards, I do not own a Speedy. But I do have four Speedmasters. Frankly, the very basic astronaut watch isn't my cup of tea.
As you'll see, mine are all a little bit different. One vintage. Two Broad Arrows. The last one is a DSOTM - Vintage.
Mighty fine collection of chronographs you have here. Beautiful!
Mighty fine collection of chronographs you have here. Beautiful!
Thank you!
Funny (quick) story: I fell for chronographs after seeing a Daytona about 40 years ago. Gold case & deployment clasp, white dial, brown alligator strap...stunning. That set the hook!
I can handle it, I didnt tell you what to say and what not.
I was pointing out the unnecessary rudeness of your comment, then you wanted to gaslight me. Telling me that you were making some sort of comment. When all you did was be rude.
And now that I pointed that out, youre lashing out at me.
Are you sure that I am the one that cant handle a comment? Because I was neither aggressive nor rude towards you.
How about this? I'll keep sharing my honest opinion about watches on a watch forum site. You? Be the 'sensitive police,' if you wish.
We're done here.
How about this? I'll keep sharing my honest opinion about watches on a watch forum site. You? Be the 'sensitive police,' if you wish.
We're done here.
Youre the kind of person that likes to be rude but cant handle it, when someone points it out, are you? Be honest thats fine, I will continue as well.
Also youre right, lets end it here. We are not a fitting pair.