Grail Brands

[dddrees]

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]

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

[slcbbrown]

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]

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.

[dddrees]

Great comments and opinions so far, thanks guys.

[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

[horseco]

1. Patek Philippe
2. Audemars Piguet
3. Vacheron Constantin
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre

[dddrees]

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............................................... .......

[cedargrove]

Grail - Patek

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

[capote]

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]

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?

[drchuck72]

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.

[capote]

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...

[jim251]

Originally Posted by horseco

1. Patek Philippe
2. Audemars Piguet
3. Vacheron Constantin
4. 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...

[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.

[dddrees]

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.

[ghaddar]

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)

[bewithabob]

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

[eric23]

For me

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

[TSW]

Audemars Piguet
A Lange & Söhne
Patek Philippe
Richard Mille

[eric23]

Originally Posted by TSW

Audemars Piguet
A Lange & Söhne
Patek Philippe
Richard Mille

No Vacheron Constantin?

[Welshwatchman]

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

[TSW]

Originally Posted by eric23

No Vacheron Constantin?

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

[Andrés G]

Mine are AP and Patek. I'm working towards getting a Patek.

[WatchTimes]

Rolex, Patek, RM, FPJ, Lange

[dddrees]

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.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Andrés G

Mine are AP and Patek. I'm working towards getting a Patek.

Good luck with your journey Andres, I can't wait to see what you have chosen.

[dddrees]

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?

[warren G.]

Vacheron Constantin, A.Lange & Sohne, Laurent Ferrier, and FP Journe.

[TSW]

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