Top 3

[metzger]

Being a newbie to the watch world, I wonder what you guys think are the top 3 watch bands?

[Dr. Robert]

bands as in straps????
I like Di Modell

[metzger]

Wow my mistake. I meant to type watch Brands. My apologies.

[Dr. Robert]

Rolex, Patek Philippe & Officine Panerai

[metzger]

Much appreciated. That was kinda what I was thinking. Any opinion on Vacheron?

[sweeper]

Originally Posted by metzger

Much appreciated. That was kinda what I was thinking. Any opinion on Vacheron?

The Overseas series watches are the most beautiful Chrono out there IMO

[metzger]

Originally Posted by sweeper

The Overseas series watches are the most beautiful Chrono out there IMO

I absolutely agree. I've had my eye on that series for awhile!

[horseco]

Vacheron Constantin & Jaeger-LeCoultre are two of my all time favorites

[figbo]

Rado.

[conrail]

Top 3 watch brands of all time, or now? Of all time, I'd say Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet. Perhaps also Jaeger-LeCoultre or Girard-Perregaux. Don't they call those first three the "trifecta" or "big 3." Something along those lines.

Today? Perhaps, A. Lange & Sohne, Rolex, and maybe Patek still? I don't care at all for Patek's new designs, so I think they've fallen from grace lately. Maybe throw in there Blancpain, Glashutte Original.

[metzger]

Originally Posted by conrail

Top 3 watch brands of all time, or now? Of all time, I'd say Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet. Perhaps also Jaeger-LeCoultre or Girard-Perregaux. Don't they call those first three the "trifecta" or "big 3." Something along those lines.

Today? Perhaps, A. Lange & Sohne, Rolex, and maybe Patek still? I don't care at all for Patek's new designs, so I think they've fallen from grace lately. Maybe throw in there Blancpain, Glashutte Original.

That makes sense, I thought I heard somewhere about the big 3. Would the Audemars be considered more of sport watch?

[conrail]

Originally Posted by metzger

That makes sense, I thought I heard somewhere about the big 3. Would the Audemars be considered more of sport watch?

Yea, their models today are more sporty. They do have some dressier models, but they aren't really known for making elegant dress watches today. Not their strong point, with the exception maybe being of the Jules Audemars line of models, some of which are really beautiful.

This might be a typical offering from AP: http://www.europeanwatch.com/audemars-piguet.htm Their standard Royal Oak, a couple goofy models, and a dress model.

[metzger]

So if I was looking for a dressier watch I would be best to stick with Patek or Vacheron. I've been wondering lately if the big sport type watch trend might be giving way to a more understated profile?

[Passionata]

i respect
rolex in all aspects,
jlc in movements
ap in RO
and
PP in pricing

[conrail]

Originally Posted by metzger

So if I was looking for a dressier watch I would be best to stick with Patek or Vacheron. I've been wondering lately if the big sport type watch trend might be giving way to a more understated profile?

Generally, yes, those two make absolutely beautiful dress watches. Patek for the longest time has had the classiest models, including the Calatrava. Vach has some stunners today as well. Sure, most watch mfg'ers will make something that appeals to everyone, but its best to stick to what that particular company does best. They do it best for a reason :) For example, I wouldn't buy a Rolex dress watch, same as I wouldn't buy a Patek sports watch.

The big, bulky, over-sized sport watch trend will probably fade, in fact I've heard many grumblings about the fact that it might be already; don't take my word for it as I don't particularly fancy those big ugly watches, but pick what watch you like today and think you'll like in 5 years regardless of trends. However, a Patek Calatrava-styled watch, for example, is timeless and resists any trends.

If you can afford it (not that Patek's are cheap), look at A. Lange & Sohne. Probably the finest craftsmanship of any watch today, absolutely stunning dials, and first-rate movements. The one gripe folks have with them is the lugs on their watches and many other modern dress watches are "disjointed" or appear to be 4 pieces of metal connected to the watch, whereas a Patek 5107 Calatrava or IWC 3531, for example, has the appearance of having seamless, connected or flowing lugs.

For example (both beautiful watches):



vs. (not that I'm a particularly huge fan of the large sweeping seconds and date window on a dress watch, but still...)

[metzger]

Much appreciated and very informative. I have been looking for awhile and keep coming back to the Patek Calatrava. And now that you mention the "lug issue" I favor the Patek even more.

[RRGHOST1]

Top 3 brands must be Timex, Smiths and Sekonda.

[ducatidoc]

PP, VC, JLC are the three most often mentioned at the top. But everybody has personal favorites.

[blackmsport]

Patek
JLC
Rolex (as I can't afford the other two... so I put Rolex in No. 3 spot .....)

[metzger]

JLC. I obviously have heard of the name, but what is their claim to fame? Sport, dress, etc?

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by metzger

JLC. I obviously have heard of the name, but what is their claim to fame? Sport, dress, etc?

Movements

[capote]

Originally Posted by metzger

JLC. I obviously have heard of the name, but what is their claim to fame? Sport, dress, etc?

They have supplied movements to Vacheron and AP, probably PP as well. I read somewhere that they have more than 800 patented movements. If that doesn't send you to the top 3 I don't know what will.

[Sirowhite]

My Top 3: 1.AP, 2.Rolex 3. Panerai

[jamesbondOO7]

Rolex, Rolex, Rolex.

[ohfivepro]

Anyone who can narrow it down to 3 ain't trying hard enough

[gaopa]

Originally Posted by ohfivepro

Anyone who can narrow it down to 3 ain't trying hard enough

I love it! Cheers, Bill P.

[Dickson Lim]

There are tons of good brands. But for the Swiss, the 'HOLY TRINITY' mentioned are always Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. A lange & sohne is a really good brand to compete with the big three too.

[kilyung]

For me it's AP, PP, and JLC because of the depth of their product lines - even if you remove all the LEs. I like VC but it's not a very active brand. Rolex is obviously the marketing leader. If you're looking for an alternative dressy watch with creds, check out the Glasutte based brands like NOMOS, GO, or for some extra coin ALS.

[eric23]

There are too many to chose from, Rolex is my number one, then Paneria number 3 is Patek or A.P. (they make great watches for sure but they cost a lot too).

[Submarino]

The big three or what some call the divine trinity of watchmaking and 'haute horlogerie' are: Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin.

No wonder why Gerald Genta designed three masterpieces for them: The Royal Oak for AP, the Nautilus for Patek and the 222 for Vacheron.