Brand/Watch History

[CharliesPal]

How much does a brand and/or a particular watch's history factor into you actually buying a watch ? 

I recently was pondering getting a Cartier Must "Tank" but in the end went with a similar styled but IMO more modern looking and versatile  Oris Rectangular 01 561 7783 4065 -07 5 19 17 which I placed on an aftermarket strap.

Oris is of course a brand with its own share of history if not the model and the quality of this watch has impressed me tremendously. In short, I don't feel I compromised for a cheaper watch, I chose a cheaper watch based solely on the fact that I actually liked it better after having handled both. 

In the past I have bought other watches that had a wealth of brand and model history based on this alone as I was at that time ''set'' on getting the classics... only to be dissapointed and later sell the watch. Now I am a strong advocate for buying what you like regardless of brand, history or price point though I do have an appreciation for brand and model history, don't get me wrong...it just would no longer be a determing factor in a purchase.

[watchmavan]

Both a lot and not much really. The watch comes first and this can be enhanced by history. Eg my Speedmaster Professional. Sometimes the history can cancel itself out too though. My Rolex Explorer and the false claims made by Rolex in the past about Rolex being first to Everest.


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[beshannon]

Interesting question.

Brand and brand history are important to me. Watch collecting to me is both buying what I want to own and wear but also enjoying the journey of the history of horology.

Vacheron and Glashutte Original are two brands with tremendous history, tradition and innovation yet manage to be left (mostly) out of the hype that is ruining watches today.

[Old Expat Beast]

I've been looking at vintage Eterna watches lately, mainly because of the brand history, which seems largely overlooked. Just trying to find a 1960s Eterna Matic that I like the look of and that is in good condition.

[GB-man]

For me it’s aesthetics, comfort, then how I feel about the brand/watchmaker. Ideally my watches fulfill all 3 but a brand doesn’t have to be well established per se just has to pique my interest.

[charger_vital]

What does brand/model "history" mean exactly (rhetorical question)? I hear this "brand history" concept quite a bit in collector circles, and I think people confuse "age" with "history." If a brand exists for a long time without doing anything significant (I won't name names), you can hardly call that "history" worth anything.

On the other hand, a newer brand like Urwerk, who arguably revolutionized avant garde watchmaking and sparked an independent revolution have an incredible history despite only being around for 25 years.

[Dino944]

People should always buy what they like. I would never buy a watch I didn't like, just because of brand history or the history of a particular model.

However, I think history adds an interesting element to a watch (brand/model). It seems to resonate with many collectors whether it's the GMT Master was invented for PAM AM pilots who flew international routes, the Speedy Pro was the official choice of NASA after rigorous testing and has been to the Moon, or Gerald Genta's inspiration for the RO bolts was a diving helmet, and he supposedly designed the watch in a single night after a phone call from Georges Golay of AP, etc. These are great watches all on their own, but the history adds something that distinguishes them from competitors. Over the years many nice watches have been made without any history, but lots of them are largely forgotten because there is nothing particularly memorable about brand/model.

[cbalster]

Brand matters to me because I have this romantic notion of owning a collection of watches for the long haul, seemingly becoming almost an extension of myself, and eventually passing those down someday. In this romantic dream the brand has to give me confidence that they will still be around 100 years from now to service the watch. Basically, just Rolex. But I also own Lange and Breguet because every rule one sets for watch collecting is just a rule meant to be broken.

[brandrea]

For me it always starts the same … I have to love the aesthetics. Next, I have to feel like there’s good value. If that’s the case, I’m likely a buyer and if there’s a cool backstory, it only enhances the pleasure of owning

[dannyp]

On the other hand, some “histories” give me pause. For example, certain IWC pilot models, as I’ve said before, turn me off as they were (since changed) proudly described as modeled after the watches designed for the Luftwaffe. That IWC was a supplier is what it is (many were) but I don’t feel the need to walk around in that design, and consider the decision to call out the association in a positive way questionable.

[Nathan_]

Originally Posted by CharliesPal

Now I am a strong advocate for buying what you like regardless of brand, history or price point though I do have an appreciation for brand and model history, don't get me wrong...it just would no longer be a determining factor in a purchase.

Well said!

[enjoythemusic]

Do they have excellent customer service? Since i wear 'em it's pretty much a top list item... except for inexpensive 'toy' pieces where it works until it doesn't. Those 100+ year fables are nice, but how many still have the same owners while maintaining / increasing craftsmanship?

We also need to realize there are 'new' companies / independents that are far more creative than old-timers who are weighed down by their past.

Overall, it's great we have so many choices. It wasn't this prosperous just 20 years ago for holorogy.

Originally Posted by CharliesPal

In the past I have bought other watches that had a wealth of brand and model history based on this alone as I was at that time ''set'' on getting the classics... only to be dissapointed and later sell the watch. Now I am a strong advocate for buying what you like regardless of brand, history or price point though I do have an appreciation for brand and model history, don't get me wrong...it just would no longer be a determing factor in a purchase.

^^ this

[Tools]

There are hundreds of fashion watches that are little more than throw away pieces. There are also brand-names that are little more today than that name where the original company along with its horological history are long gone.

You can buy what you like, but you should know what you are getting.