Micro brands vs the Über brands
I love watches. I fall in love with new models, vintage models, weird limited edition models…every day.
I have a theory though. My grail list of classic watches remains fairly static:
Cartier santos
Rolex Explorer
Omega Speedmaster
Breitling Navitimer
I guess I should whittle it down to one if it’s a true grail - Explorer, perhaps?
But when it comes to microbrands - whilst many of them make some lovely pieces, my eyes are always wandering. One day I love the look of the Yema Superman, next it’s a Baltic or Serica. One day I think Farer is the bees knees … next day, not so much.
Is that what really differentiates the top makers? The constancy of their iconic models, versus the intransigence of the latest micro brand fauxtina’d “vintage inspired” dive watch?
Or am I just smokin craic?
Answers on a postcard please
Just getting interested in collecting
Good taste brother
Trust me, once you actually obtain one of your grails you will still have a wandering eye 😂
Trust me, once you actually obtain one of your grails you will still have a wandering eye 😂
Oh I know. Last year’s grail is this year’s beater, and grail
Number two appears in your cross hairs
Oh I know. Last year’s grail is this year’s beater, and grail
Number two appears in your cross hairs
Perhaps then the prohibitive barrier to ownership (exorbitant price) is all there is to it lol
I’ve answered my own question
Marketing and the perception of better quality. Microbrands have a lot to offer, but they got no "heritage".
I don't think so. The only thing, that really sets them apart, is movements - and market position.
Hey, I can't help but wonder the same thing every day. Honestly, I've gotten to a point where I just love all my watches for how they look, what they mean to me, and how they work, not because of the brand or how much they're worth. It's tough to get caught up in the whole prestige thing of certain brands.
I totally get you, it's really hard not to love some of the French designs.
Hey, I can't help but wonder the same thing every day. Honestly, I've gotten to a point where I just love all my watches for how they look, what they mean to me, and how they work, not because of the brand or how much they're worth. It's tough to get caught up in the whole prestige thing of certain brands.
I totally get you, it's really hard not to love some of the French designs.
Love those French brands - real class
Love those French brands - real class
They do. I’m fixated with Baltic and Yema. My wife calls them my French lovers. Lol 😆 🙌
Even with the grail you will still looking around. Just enjoy the journey!
By the way here a pic of my Serica😁
As others have already said I’d also argue that even with a Rolex you’d have a wandering eye. It’s consumerism telling you that you need more crap that you don’t need to be “happy”. Most of us (myself included) are guilty of participating in that bad cycle. I also think decades of marketing has made people think I need x luxury watch. It’s why brands shifted to their current sales models after the quartz crisis. Appeals to passing on your watch to your kids, “ brand heritage” etc. all marketing fluff.
Even with the grail you will still looking around. Just enjoy the journey!
By the way here a pic of my Serica😁
Beautiful - you chose the pale blue by the looks of things, my favourite - looks like a moody Brittany coastline
👌
I have a great respect for many large well established brands. However, aside from detail and fine finishing many mid-tier brands such as the ones listed aren't as far in quality and design from lower tier and small makers with history of their own as the hype and cost would lead one to believe.
Do I still want a Navitimer and precious metal Rolex in my collection some day... Yup. 😎💸⌚