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dddrees · 29 March 2012, 01:17 AM

If you were to buy watches according to brand, which brands would top your list.

Yes I wouldn't buy a watch unless it spoke to me. But if you were to go by brand what would it be?

Rolex first because I have always wanted a Rolex even before wanting or knowing what a luxury watch really was. I heard the advertisements and the quality spoke for itself long before I knew all about the other things such as history, durability, dependability. I have also found these watches just seem to work real well for me.

Patek would have to be next on my wish list. This came about when I became aware of it's history, the mystique, the tradition, the quality, the level of detail, and their designs.

p_mcgee · 29 March 2012, 01:36 AM

Patek, Lange, AP. Also have a thing for Journe.

slcbbrown · 29 March 2012, 01:42 AM

I would always start with Rolex, because unlike most other quality brands, Rolex fits most lifestyles. IMO, no matter what anyone says, when you put a $400 gator strap on a $30,000 watch, it's a dress watch. All that said, my list of brands would start with those who have a long history of producing and servicing watches-- Rolex, Omega, PP, GP and JLC. I don't trust the "history" of brands that were out of business or moribund and resurrected by new ownership (Breguet, Blancpain).

While I'm nitpicking about watches I can't afford, I prefer a brand that has a solid history of building the types of watches that I like. PP has a tremendous reputation for complicated finely finished dress watches, but the one that interests me is the Nautilus. As nice as it is, the Nautilus isn't what Patek is all about. Same for Blancpain's FF or Breguet's Type XX. IMO, all three of these models are the anomaly for each brand, historically. The Speedy Pro isn't as nice a watch, but it really represents what Omega is. Same for Breitlings Navitimer.

McLovin · 29 March 2012, 01:59 AM

Patek is unique, IMHO. There is nothing else like it for the reasons you mentioned Dan. If I had money to burn, I think I'd be compelled to look for a grail watch from PP. But the funny thing is, I don't really want one now. The watches I find myself thinking about and looking at online are much more accessible, and are almost always from JLC, Zenith, Rolex, AP and VC.

ghaddar · 29 March 2012, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

Patek is unique, IMHO. There is nothing else like it for the reasons you mentioned Dan. If I had money to burn, I think I'd be compelled to look for a grail watch from PP. But the funny thing is, I don't really want one now. The watches I find myself thinking about and looking at online are much more accessible, and are almost always from JLC, Zenith, Rolex, AP and VC.

I really agree with you

,
No doubt Rolex and PP are top tier brands,
However if i had the money to buy, ill prolly get a perpetual calender reverso limited edition,
The brands i really like are JLC, zenith, AP, A little love for breitling (Specifically navitimer)

McLovin · 29 March 2012, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghaddar

a perpetual calender reverso limited edition

Excellent grail watch!

dddrees · 29 March 2012, 02:03 AM

Great comments and opinions so far, thanks guys.

capote · 29 March 2012, 02:04 AM

I went with Rolex first because of the history and the iconic model's they have created in the past. But the tier one brand I think has both the most interesting models, history and mystique for me is Vacheron Constantin. I know I'm in a minority here, but there is something about their watches and the company that really is appealing to me, maybe it is because nobody else really cares about them, there is something refined and low-key with VC IMO. VC is the old dog with a distinct character that has its scars after living on the street for a few years, Patek is the dog that is always best in show

Other than that I would like a Speedmaster and a ALS Dayomatic....and a RO Jumbo, and...and...and

dddrees · 29 March 2012, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capote

I went with Rolex first because of the history and the iconic model's they have created in the past. But the tier one brand I think has both the most interesting models, history and mystique for me is Vacheron Constantin. I know I'm in a minority here, but there is something about their watches and the company that really is appealing to me, maybe it is because nobody else really cares about them, there is something refined and low-key with VC IMO. VC is the old dog with a distinct character that has its scars after living on the street for a few years, Patek is the dog that is always best in show

Other than that I would like a Speedmaster and a ALS Dayomatic....and a RO Jumbo, and...and...and

I think it all depends on what moves you. But there are so many nice one's out there it's hard not to be moved by something.

like you said and then there's this one, and this one, and this one............................................... .......

capote · 29 March 2012, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

I think it all depends on what moves you.

I agree. When you are up with the trinity + ALS everything is just about the emotion you get from the watch and/or company and they all have something to offer me. Too bad I don't have that kind of money to offer them.

dddrees · 29 March 2012, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capote

I agree. When you are up with the trinity + ALS everything is just about the emotion you get from the watch and/or company and they all have something to offer me. Too bad I don't have that kind of money to offer them.

I do my best not to get too inspired by things which I may not be able to reach. Keep it real as much as possible without giving up on my hopes and my dreams?

capote · 29 March 2012, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

I do my best not to get too inspired by things which I may not be able to reach. Keep it real as much as possible without giving up on my hopes and my dreams?

Thats why they are grail brands, sooner or later...

horseco · 29 March 2012, 02:26 AM

Patek Philippe
Audemars Piguet
Vacheron Constantin
Jaeger-LeCoultre

jim251 · 29 March 2012, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horseco

Patek Philippe
Audemars Piguet
Vacheron Constantin
Jaeger-LeCoultre

Well, this list sure works for me, at least intellectually. If you take away AP, a brand from which I personally have yet to hear music, and replace it with Zenith, then right there is my WIS-head's location.

Rolex? At least for me, definitely not a grail - more like the perfect half-tool, half-gateway drug...

wantonebad · 3 May 2012, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horseco

Patek Philippe
Audemars Piguet
Vacheron Constantin
Jaeger-LeCoultre

X2

with A.Lange & Sohne #5, Rolex being #6

Jassen2270 · 3 May 2012, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horseco

Patek Philippe
Audemars Piguet
Vacheron Constantin
Jaeger-LeCoultre

+1, but with Rolex added as well.

cedargrove · 29 March 2012, 02:32 AM

Grail - Patek

But there are other brands I would liek to own before I get there.

drchuck72 · 29 March 2012, 02:53 AM

I would think that Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger LeCoultre, Breguet and Richard Mille could also be on the list. It really depends on the person. I love the AP ROO and would like to get one soon. As much as I can appreciate the history, technology/artistry of the movements, I am not overly moved by the designs of most of the houses that are considered Haute Horologie.

psv · 29 March 2012, 03:15 AM

I'd say the list is somewhat dynamic.

Many/most of us started of with Rolex, so it has a very special place and is still my go-to watch on a daily basis.

My first haute d'horologie brand was Patek Philippe, but for a long time it was more about the honor/prestige/pedigree/history more than really liking the designs per se.

Top today for me must be: AP, Patek, and Lange. The ALS Datograph might be at the very top model-wise.

I've assessed other brands like VC, Breguet, JLC etc but they just don't do it for me. Either I've had quality issues with them (multiple JLCs) or I don't agree with the direction that Richemont Group is dragging them.

dddrees · 29 March 2012, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psv

I'd say the list is somewhat dynamic.

Many/most of us started of with Rolex, so it has a very special place and is still my go-to watch on a daily basis.

My first haute d'horologie brand was Patek Philippe, but for a long time it was more about the honor/prestige/pedigree/history more than really liking the designs per se.

Top today for me must be: AP, Patek, and Lange. The ALS Datograph might be at the very top model-wise.

I've assessed other brands like VC, Breguet, JLC etc but they just don't do it for me. Either I've had quality issues with them (multiple JLCs) or I don't agree with the direction that Richemont Group is dragging them.

Interesting, thanks Patrick.

Of course a lot of this has to do with our experiences. What we experienced first hand, and sometimes what brands are easily accessible not only with regards to money but those which we see more often as well.

bewithabob · 29 March 2012, 03:39 AM

I have my grail in hand…and it is ROLEX…my Meteorite Daytona

eric23 · 29 March 2012, 04:44 AM

For me

1. Patek Philippe
2. Audemars Piguet
3. Vacheron Constantin

TSW · 29 March 2012, 04:45 AM

Audemars Piguet
A Lange & Söhne
Patek Philippe
Richard Mille

eric23 · 29 March 2012, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSW

Audemars Piguet
A Lange & Söhne
Patek Philippe
Richard Mille

No Vacheron Constantin?

TSW · 29 March 2012, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric23

No Vacheron Constantin?

Ok ok let's ad VC just for the beautiful 1921

dddrees · 29 March 2012, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSW

Ok ok let's ad VC just for the beautiful 1921

That's surely different. Sorry for being ignorant Thomas but is the way that watches face is oriented something VC is known for, or is that just the way they have designed that watch?

TSW · 29 March 2012, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

That's surely different. Sorry for being ignorant Thomas but is the way that watches face is oriented something VC is known for, or is that just the way they have designed that watch?

The original model from the 20's was referred as the Drivers watch designed to be easier to read when driving

Welshwatchman · 29 March 2012, 05:04 AM

Can't narrow it down to grail brands, only grail pieces.

dddrees · 29 March 2012, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

Can't narrow it down to grail brands, only grail pieces.

Ok, I'd be interested if you'd be willing to share your grail pieces list Paul.

Welshwatchman · 31 March 2012, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

Ok, I'd be interested if you'd be willing to share your grail pieces list Paul.

To be honest Dan, I can't think of one.

I thought the Patek 5960P was "the one" and I had one on my wrist with my wallet there on the table and I just didn't pull the trigger. This was before the seemingly exponential prices increases even.

There are a couple of watches that I would bring into the herd at the right price.

116509 Panda or Slate.
Zenith Striking 10th.
216570 white dial.
BP 50th Fathoms on X10 bracelet.
JLC 187T170.

.... well if I were pushed I'd opt for the Speedy 311.90.42.30.01.001 (shame about the ruined left mini dial) for the ultra stealth look.

260g on a slim Speedypro !!!!

I'd need to pay trade though.

29 March 2012, 01:17 AM	#1
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Grail Brands If you were to buy watches according to brand, which brands would top your list. Yes I wouldn't buy a watch unless it spoke to me. But if you were to go by brand what would it be? Rolex first because I have always wanted a Rolex even before wanting or knowing what a luxury watch really was. I heard the advertisements and the quality spoke for itself long before I knew all about the other things such as history, durability, dependability. I have also found these watches just seem to work real well for me. Patek would have to be next on my wish list. This came about when I became aware of it's history, the mystique, the tradition, the quality, the level of detail, and their designs. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

29 March 2012, 02:03 AM	#7
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Great comments and opinions so far, thanks guys. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

29 March 2012, 02:26 AM	#13
horseco "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Anthony Location: North Jersey Watch: Daytona 116528 Posts: 3,426	Patek Philippe Audemars Piguet Vacheron Constantin Jaeger-LeCoultre

29 March 2012, 02:53 AM	#18
drchuck72 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Charles Location: canada Watch: Rolex 116520 Posts: 306	I would think that Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger LeCoultre, Breguet and Richard Mille could also be on the list. It really depends on the person. I love the AP ROO and would like to get one soon. As much as I can appreciate the history, technology/artistry of the movements, I am not overly moved by the designs of most of the houses that are considered Haute Horologie. __________________ Rolex 16610 and 116520\|AP ROO Safari\|Panerai PAM320\|Omega Planet Ocean 8500\|Breitling Chronomat Evolution\|Tag Heuer Kirium F1 and Monaco\|TW Steel Kivanc Edition

29 March 2012, 03:39 AM	#21
bewithabob "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Bob Location: Dallas, Texas Watch: Daytona Meteorite Posts: 3,417	I have my grail in hand…and it is ROLEX…my Meteorite Daytona Attached Images __________________ meteor flying to Earth onto my wrist... 116509 Daytona Meteorite, 116520 Daytona Black, 116710 GMTIIC, 16013 DATEJUST, CARTIER SANTOS 100 W20090X8, IWC Big Pilot, IWC Top Gun "Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."

29 March 2012, 01:36 AM	#2
p_mcgee "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,150	Patek, Lange, AP. Also have a thing for Journe.

29 March 2012, 01:42 AM	#3
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,689	I would always start with Rolex, because unlike most other quality brands, Rolex fits most lifestyles. IMO, no matter what anyone says, when you put a $400 gator strap on a $30,000 watch, it's a dress watch. All that said, my list of brands would start with those who have a long history of producing and servicing watches-- Rolex, Omega, PP, GP and JLC. I don't trust the "history" of brands that were out of business or moribund and resurrected by new ownership (Breguet, Blancpain). While I'm nitpicking about watches I can't afford, I prefer a brand that has a solid history of building the types of watches that I like. PP has a tremendous reputation for complicated finely finished dress watches, but the one that interests me is the Nautilus. As nice as it is, the Nautilus isn't what Patek is all about. Same for Blancpain's FF or Breguet's Type XX. IMO, all three of these models are the anomaly for each brand, historically. The Speedy Pro isn't as nice a watch, but it really represents what Omega is. Same for Breitlings Navitimer.

29 March 2012, 01:59 AM	#4
McLovin "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Watch: SubC Posts: 1,014	Patek is unique, IMHO. There is nothing else like it for the reasons you mentioned Dan. If I had money to burn, I think I'd be compelled to look for a grail watch from PP. But the funny thing is, I don't really want one now. The watches I find myself thinking about and looking at online are much more accessible, and are almost always from JLC, Zenith, Rolex, AP and VC.

29 March 2012, 02:04 AM	#8
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	I went with Rolex first because of the history and the iconic model's they have created in the past. But the tier one brand I think has both the most interesting models, history and mystique for me is Vacheron Constantin. I know I'm in a minority here, but there is something about their watches and the company that really is appealing to me, maybe it is because nobody else really cares about them, there is something refined and low-key with VC IMO. VC is the old dog with a distinct character that has its scars after living on the street for a few years, Patek is the dog that is always best in show Other than that I would like a Speedmaster and a ALS Dayomatic....and a RO Jumbo, and...and...and

29 March 2012, 02:32 AM	#17
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	Grail - Patek But there are other brands I would liek to own before I get there.

29 March 2012, 03:15 AM	#19
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	I'd say the list is somewhat dynamic. Many/most of us started of with Rolex, so it has a very special place and is still my go-to watch on a daily basis. My first haute d'horologie brand was Patek Philippe, but for a long time it was more about the honor/prestige/pedigree/history more than really liking the designs per se. Top today for me must be: AP, Patek, and Lange. The ALS Datograph might be at the very top model-wise. I've assessed other brands like VC, Breguet, JLC etc but they just don't do it for me. Either I've had quality issues with them (multiple JLCs) or I don't agree with the direction that Richemont Group is dragging them.

29 March 2012, 04:44 AM	#22
eric23 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Calgary Posts: 9,595	For me 1. Patek Philippe 2. Audemars Piguet 3. Vacheron Constantin

29 March 2012, 04:45 AM	#23
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Audemars Piguet A Lange & Söhne Patek Philippe Richard Mille __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

29 March 2012, 05:04 AM	#28
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	Can't narrow it down to grail brands, only grail pieces. __________________ ..33

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