Does anybody buy so called “lesser” brands after Rolex?

[mullman]

Don’t hate on Panerai, they are fun.

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[Manamana]

There are lesser brands than Rolex, but Omega is not one of them.

[Mendota]

Originally Posted by mullman

Don’t hate on Panerai, they are fun.

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OK, the Panerai that is second in from the left, sitting in between your sub and Explorer II... Which one is this? Do you know how what size it is? It looks great. I really like some of the Panerai designs from an aesthetic standpoint, and I like the idea of all of the different custom and handmade straps, but they always seem so big. Yours looks to be about the same size as your sub. How does it wear on the wrist?

[mullman]

Originally Posted by Mendota

OK, the Panerai that is second in from the left, sitting in between your sub and Explorer II... Which one is this? Do you know how what size it is? It looks great. I really like some of the Panerai designs from an aesthetic standpoint, and I like the idea of all of the different custom and handmade straps, but they always seem so big. Yours looks to be about the same size as your sub. How does it wear on the wrist?

That’s a PAM 1392 42mm I bought new a few years ago, and the watch to its left is a 116710LN, not a Submariner :)

The bands are fun and you wait months to get custom ones you design from artists all around the world. It isn’t cheap!

It wears taller, but doesn’t feel too big.


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[Kevin of Larchmont]

I have my Rolexes. At this point in my watch collecting career I shop in the tiers below Rolex, that’s where the opportunities are and where the fun is. Watch brands owned by conglomerates? Bring ‘em on. I like watches and hunt for and acquire them because they are fun and watches that I can’t afford aren’t fun. So I hunt where I can and I enjoy myself immensely.

[RLROCK]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I don’t buy “lesser” watches just some that cost less. Over the last 30+ years I have had Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Panerai, Tudor, Eberhard, Hublot, Oris, Seiko, and lots of microbrands you’ve never heard of. Loving watches but having nothing but Rolex is very boring.

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[Mendota]

Originally Posted by mullman

That’s a PAM 1392 42mm I bought new a few years ago, and the watch to its left is a 116710LN, not a Submariner :)

The bands are fun and you wait months to get custom ones you design from artists all around the world. It isn’t cheap!

It wears taller, but doesn’t feel too big.


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OMG I am so embarrassed! Of course that's an 116710. I can't believe I missed that and called it a sub. Ha ha! I was so focused on cutting and pasting out the rest of the images when I was quoting the post that I forgot what I had even looked at. LOL I'll slink out the back now...

[AntonisCy]

Originally Posted by Manamana

There are lesser brands than Rolex, but Omega is not one of them.

This

[dandigangi]

Originally Posted by AntonisCy

This

Can I get some more info on why Omega is no bueno?

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

The biggest difference between Rolex and the "lesser brands" being described in this thread is mostly marketing, and nobody in the world, perhaps in any consumer product segment, has done it better than Rolex. I've been wearing these watches since the mid-80's, but they aren't high-end swiss horology, no matter what we'd like to think. They are very good, mid-tier swiss watches, not much different from Omega, Breitling, and their very own Tudor brand.

Being a Rolex snob is like being a car snob because your drive a Mercedes E-Class.

What’s wrong with the E-Class? It’s an excellent car. Love ours.

[dandigangi]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

What’s wrong with the E-Class? It’s an excellent car. Love ours.

Yeah agreed. Lol E-class is great. Mid model but can be just as loaded as an S class.

[Tricolore66]

Great collection! There was a period in the early 2000's when you could pretty much walk into any Rolex dealer and get 15% off any stainless sport model, 30% off precious metals pieces, and Daytona's at MSRP weren't particularly hard to find. Panerai's were a different story! That brand was on fire and the Paneristi forum was the place where all the action was. I was collecting both, and got away from the Panerai stuff a few years later, but I still have my PAM111E.

Originally Posted by mullman

Don’t hate on Panerai, they are fun.

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[stewester]

I've bought from lesser brands in the past but wouldn't do so again.

If you can stump up the initial outlay for a Rolex, you'll likely get back all you paid (and possibly more) if you wish to sell after any significant length of time.

With other brands not only do you end up owning a lesser watch, you also take a massive hit on resale which is ultimately false economy. Hence Rolex only for me.

[Benzsiam]

Some higher and some lesser for variety.

[dnpina]

My box is Rolex, IWC, and Panerai. I enjoy them all.

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[Posh Gentleman]

yes. as long as quality is there, i like the aesthetics of the watch, and the price is right.

[Ferrari308]

I have always had a lot of watches - most lower end, but have had some of the nicer Citizens and generally sub-$700 watches for most of my life. Earlier this year I sprang for a Daytona, a Sub, and now a vintage OP. I haven't bought anything since these yet, but am certainly open to it. I feel very blessed to be where I am to be sure.

I also have a few Invictas and some others, which most of you would probably call "junk" watches, but I don't view any of them as lesser than any others.



PDG

[Beto737]

My PAM1209 was almost as expensive as a new Sub. I feel that as far as utility, it is every bit as good as any Submariner I’ve ever owned. Most importantly, I love being able to play with different straps. That is acceptable with Panarai. My Rolex pieces with the exception of my Exp.II 16570, do not look at home with different straps other than the metal bracelets.

That being said, I know that if I was to trade or sell I might take a bath with it. At this point in my life I don’t really care. I buy what I like and that’s that.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by dandigangi

Can I get some more info on why Omega is no bueno?

I believe the point of the quote is that Omega is muy bueno.

[dandigangi]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I believe the point of the quote is that Omega is muy bueno.

Oops read that wrong haha

[JDsnewwatch]

Funny you should ask. I just took delivery on an Omega Globemaster with the annual calendar. (In Rolex terms: that's like a sky dweller and a Milgauss in one). But not really. The Milgauss is only protective for 1K gauss. This watch has 15K protection. It wasn't easy to find, but after spending too much time in "Rolex la la land", I couldn't believe the price of this thing. An annual calendar that arrives in a wood box for under 10K. No mind games, no stupidity at the AD, just a request and a few-week delay. Then a call to tell me that my watch had finally arrived.

[hambone1983]

I wear a Citizen Eco-drive on backpacking trips.
Often wear a Shinola for a change-up
Others in the box - Bulova, Seiko, Oscar Waldan, Breitling

[HideMyWalletPlease]

I’m not buying “lesser watches” now because I don’t really have a practical use for them. However if I was needing to travel for business again and see clients, I would probably but something cheap around 6k on leather strap. Cartier drive or Santos might do the trick. Believe it or not, some people are out off by a Rolex and I would enjoy jusy wearing a watch that I wasn’t too concerned with in case I had to remove it at the airport or keep it in a hotel room, etc.

Right now, I don’t really need a watch like that.

[alphadweller]

Yes of course, I bought several cheaper watches after acquiring my Rolex pieces, most below 1k. I wear them with great pleasure. They don't feel as special perhaps but they're still very nice.

[Kawirider]

Originally Posted by JDsnewwatch

Funny you should ask. I just took delivery on an Omega Globemaster with the annual calendar. (In Rolex terms: that's like a sky dweller and a Milgauss in one). But not really. The Milgauss is only protective for 1K gauss. This watch has 15K protection. It wasn't easy to find, but after spending too much time in "Rolex la la land", I couldn't believe the price of this thing. An annual calendar that arrives in a wood box for under 10K. No mind games, no stupidity at the AD, just a request and a few-week delay. Then a call to tell me that my watch had finally arrived.

Yes I believe the seamaster I’m waiting on has 15k gauss protection as well. Also has 1000 feet water resistance. Like you said, it’s like a couple watches in 1.

I also love the clear case back. Most will argue you’ll never see it, but I enjoy sitting back and looking at my watches, so that’s a cool touch.

Omega box is night and day to Rolex in my opinion.


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[MJ EXPLORER]

I absolutely love Rolex, but there are so many great options. I picked up a stunning Grand Seiko. I love looking at it closely. So well crafted. I'd really love to add an Omega Planet Ocean and/or a Panerai Submersible.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by mullman

Don’t hate on Panerai, they are fun.

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No hate here. Amazing Panereis.

[Beto737]

Truth is, if you’re a true watch enthusiast you’re going to be attracted to other brands other than Rolex. Rolex just happens to hold its value better than most.

[Tricolore66]

E-Class is an excellent mi-level German luxury sedan, just like Rolex is an excellent mix-level Swiss watch. A Rolex isn’t a Patek perpetual calendar any more than your E-Class is a Carrera GT. I’m happy you like your car, there’s a lot to like!

Originally Posted by Nav01L

What’s wrong with the E-Class? It’s an excellent car. Love ours.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

E-Class is an excellent mi-level German luxury sedan, just like Rolex is an excellent mix-level Swiss watch. A Rolex isn’t a Patek perpetual calendar any more than your E-Class is a Carrera GT. I’m happy you like your car, there’s a lot to like!

And to continue the analogy, that's often a good thing. Imagine taking your Carrera GT to...

Get enough groceries for a family of four
Drop two kids off at school
Drive in an inch or two of snow/slush
Down the half-mile gravel driveway to get to your brother's cabin
A public carpark with narrow stalls

Can't think of a single place on that list I would drive the Carrera, or that I wouldn't drive the E-Class.