5 Watch Brands I'll NEVER Buy!
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I love watches. But not all watches. Even with an unlimited budget, there are plenty of brands that would never get my cash. Here are five of them. What about you? Any brands that you detest and why? The comments section is gonna get tasty today! Cheers, Jody
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Regarding overpricing of brands using the ETA movement, wanting to get myself a landmark birthday present I recently bought a second hand 2017 Alpina chronograph and couldn’t be happier - no pretentious diver’s bezel, a reasonable 40mm for my slimmer wrist and although fairly weighty due to the movement it seems extremely well made and quite comfortable as an everyday piece. Love it.
Yes Mido is exceptionally big here in Mexico, most likely because you can see their products at famous department stores, being marketed as entry Lux, I think just as you do.
As for number 4 I have a saying “si hacen calzones, no hacen relojes” that translates to if they make undies, they don’t make watches
My most recent purchase was the Mido Multifort TV big date, and I really like it! I know many may gripe about similarities with the Aquanaut, but I'm glad this was already in their catalog, although tweaked a bit. They have a few other nice models in their catalog as well....
Mido were first with that design 😮
Mexican here. When getting into watches and watch RUclips I wondered why mido was rarely mentioned 😅
I guess it's just "big" here.
My dad gave me a mido commander a few months ago and I absolutely love it
Swiss here. Mido is fairly known in Switzerland itself, actually. Although, it seems to me that they aren't positioned as "true" luxury, so you're almost more likely to find mido in a jeweler's store or in a shopping mall, rather than in a watch boutique
I think in the early days of Bremont they produced some really nice pieces, the MBI and MBII, the BC-S2, the Alt1-C were/are all really nice pieces, beautifully cased and really well engineered. I have a BC-S2 and it really is beautiful. I think they lost their way however with the "special editions" and their current catalogue, which as said in the video as both really extensive but also lackin in a statement/icon piece. I certainly wouldn't pay current prices for one, when a Speedy or Tudor GMT is available for the same/similar money.
I've taken a second look at them. They are super engineered. Problem is, you pay for it, but neither you nor anyone seeing you wear it will notice.
I once got a Luch one handed watch that my mom randomly found at a discount store for $5. It looks and basically functions like a Meistersinger. There is almost no way on earth you could get me to buy a watch that costs well over $1000 when I have a fairly good looking watch that is basically the same but without a swiss movement and more modest finish.
Completely agree, except I might consider the Mido Commander. There are more brands there to add to this list, and I'm sure you'll easily be able to come up with a part 2 video.
In addition to Casio, there are other brands that produce (and are even famous for producing) items other than watches and are still relatively beloved among orology enthusiasts, in my opinion.
I don't own any of them, but I see good comments about Victorinox, Montblanc, Hermès and Louis Vuitton watches.
Not to mention Cartier!
I thought the same about Mido until I got one. The multifort chronograph is great in orange & black.
Jody you nailed it with IWC and Bremont 100%. But I do give Mido a lot of love for their ability to put so many certified chronometers in their catalogue at very reasonable prices, and the ocean star heritage model has a beautiful bracelet with on the fly adjustment.
The best bracelet that I own. It’s as good or better than the Rolex
I think the Mido Ocean Star is an exception
If you need a "certified chronometer" that badly, why not just buy a quartz?
Iwc flieger used to retail for about $2500 15-20 years ago
Mido Ocean 600 is a great one except its 3hz beat. Produced with COSC and very functional bezel.
I completely agree with everything you said, especially the Fashion brand watches urrgh. As for Bremont I just can’t understand why they are successful when other brands as you mentioned who have far more heritage (Tudor, Omega) make far better watches in the same price bracket or cheaper than Bremont. I have always thought Bremont watches are overpriced by one to two thousand than they are actually worth. Great vid as always.
Enjoyed the video! Funnily two of the brands are one I own and am interested in.
My only dress watch is a Mido Baroncelli. I didn't have a watch with a metal bracelet, an automatic, or a dress watch (that wouldn't be too ostentatious for the office either), and for the price point I was looking at, it fit the bill - the guilloche dial put it over the edge compared to other things I was looking at.
Interestingly, your video has made me consider the Meistersinger. I like the single hand concept (albeit a bit hipstery), but does that require a Swiss movement? Probably not.
Mido makes some nice dress watches with COSC caliber movements at a fair price!
Agree about fashion watches, or companies that make things other than watches, with a few honourable exceptions. Mainly Cartier, Montblanc, and Casio as you rightly pointed out.
Bremont leave me cold, IWC feel great on the wrist but I see your point, I have never seen a Mido in the wild here in the UK and Meistersinger just remind me of weighing scales!
Keep up the great work, love your content.
Sad to see you've missed out on the best part of an Ocean Star: the bracelet. The ocean star 200 that I own has the best bracelet on a swiss brand south of $1000. The instant I felt that bracelet I fell in love with the watch, and it's now one of my most worn watches. And with essentially a variant of the Powermatic 80 its an incredible value. The ocean star on the bracelet feels like a $2000 watch. It's certainly large, and I have large watches. But I hate to see it overlooked based on the experience of two watches on straps.
I love my ocean star. The best finish and bracelet out there
@@gtbigdog3507 Totally agree. That part of the video was "rubbish" 😂. Mido does not belong on this list imo. Own a black ocean star 600 and absolutely love it. Great finish, looks and feels like a much more expensive watch, + 1 SPD accuracy, 80 hr per reserve, on and on. Also have a Mido Multifort Chronograph on leather. Again, fantastic watch and great value. Looking to buy another Mido in the future.
I personally find the Bremont Jaguar collection to be very unique and accordingly appealing. My dream watch is the Bremont Jaguar MkII with the white dial. Absolutely beautiful watch. But then again, I am Jaguar fan - but look up that specific watch and make sure to check that rotating steering wheel at its caseback!
Different strokes for different folks
In 2008, I bought a single-hand Epos watch in Geneva, I kept it for 1 year and sold it on a watch forum losing 1/2 of its original price, but I realized I got bored with that complication which made quite difficult the time reading!
IWC is a great brand. The pilot watch design makes sense, at the end of the day it is a premium pilot watch design. But IWC has other great models in their collection which are better and has its own design language. Portugieser line one of the best.
You are right, the pilot watch design makes sense. But the IWC pilot watches are too expensive. There are other cool brands for pilot watches with historic background like STOWA, HANHART or as told LACO.
I think Jody has a point though. Even the Portugieser, even the ruby red and amazing colored ones, don't seem to justify the price. IWC has a great market of rabid fans who love the idea of a premium pilot watch design, but it's definitely not appealing to an equally large portion of the market
A Laco has the same history and a manual is £400, the Portugueser is a different kettle of fish, not overpriced on the grey market. 🤣
I love their vintage dress watch more than their pilot watch.
I agree mate. Sadly he didn’t mention what sits in the watch, in-house movement in new mark XX is extremely great, the bracelet technically and visually one of the best on the entire watch market. Not to mention finish, but if someone buys a watch so it looks expensive that is what I call quite snobby:)
Put more videos like this out, definitely there are more brands that deserve more criticisms... 😂
+1 as greatly appreciate Jody's frank and honest reviews!
So many watch guys on RUclips will never say anything negative about watches because they sell them or are sponsored by them, love that Jody keeps it honest
I’m right with you on Bremont and to add Mont Blanc as next in line for never. 👌
Hublot got the easy pass in this one smh
He can't do too much, otherwise he won't get sponsors or freebies. They guy's gotta eat. Tough went he spends all his free cash on watches.
Agree with No. 4. Casio is exceptional tho. I'd buy Casio Watches, Calculators, even their Synthesizers 😁
I agree Casio makes phenomenal watches, i have three watches from them, two from the Edifice range and one Casio from their basic range.
The casio comment was a joke😂 everyone has a casio , if they're good enough for Marty Mcfly, then. they're good enough for me.
Nearly 100% agree with the exception of Mido. The looks might not be to your liking but the extremely aggressive pricing for a COSC certified Swiss watch is an undeniable value.
As a Mexican I can confirm the great importance than have Mido in the popular culture. A lot of Mexicans have a Mido (especially the Mido Commander) has their grail watch, it's commonly a reminder of the mexican golden era and a antique than remember the watch of the father or grandfather.
A big hug from Mexico Judy!
Pues, tu y tus pinches Midos' valen verrrrrrrrrrrrrga. :D
The Mido Commander can be a sexy watch.
I'm from México too, and as a good mexican, I've a MIDO LOL. It was my first "real watch", before I've just had fashion & smart watches. But that MIDO although I don't wear it often anymore, it has a special place in my heart since it was the one that wake me up in this watch collecting journey.
Saludos Mauricio, desde el norte de la república!
I’m American and I want the Mido Commander 😅
The founder was Swiss so when he used Spanish to name his Company he was probably thinking of the Country of Spain and their Culture which produced you know Picasso. So wherever it’s popular now maybe happens to be Spanish Speaking but it probably was not founded and branded for that reason.
I guess since Jodie is not in Spain/Europe he is not supposed to like ‘Mido’ 😆
Mexican Mido comander owner rigth here
I purchased a Mido ocean star diver a couple years ago, my everyday watch and I love it. Was between it, certina, and Hamilton and I'm pleased with my choice.
I got an Ocean Star about 6 months ago, and it has become one of my everyday watches as Well. It looks great, and I know I can do some work with it if I need to. Not to mention the movement runs at about -1s per day
@@Syrinx222 mine runs about +6 crown up. I'm hard on watches and other than some bracelet scratches looks brand new. Love the day date and open space on the dial, makes it super clean and legible.
I actually quite like the look of some of those bremonts but yeah at that price range, it’s almost impossible to justify choosing one of them over the more prominent and reputable brands.
The one thing to note about Mido is they are consistently in the top 10 (sometimes top 5) watch producers for number of cosc certified watches being produced
Love your list! Only exception for #4 (fashion brands) for me would be Hermes. Their H08 and (if money were no object) insane moon phase watches I would definitely wear!
I remember almost buying a Ralph Lauren chronograph with Jaeger-lecoultre movement. It was highly discounted and good looking. Some of us are movement "heads" and believe a great movement in the watch is more important than the name on the dial. But this is a fairly rare occurrence.
Totally agree about Bremont, over priced without any brand heritage at all. Mido however do one of the best looking watches out there in my opinion, the Multifort Patrimony, which is flipping gorgeous
And pretentiously labelled
I agree with the list except for Mido. I own an Ocean Star Titanium and I can say it is a great watch. Great value for money, good quality and very comfortable to wear. Give it a try!
Excellent watches and thoughtful designs.
Yes I concur I've got an Ocean Star and a Multifort
@@MrBacchus18 Nice!!! Since I wrote this post, I got a Multifort TV big date blue dial too!!!
Yes.. That Ocean Star Titanium is excellent. Way better than many Tissot or even Oris watches that I have checked.
I am guilty of buying a CK watch a few years back. It’s a basic dress watch with an ETA 2824 movement, sapphire crystal, and they were clearing them out for about $150. I ended up buying one for my son as well. I’m not a dress watch guy, so I pretty much never wear it.
I love the concept of this video. Keep them coming.
In this case, just for the movement alone, you did well!
I did the same thing. It was the cheapest way to get a Swiss made automatic on my wrist. Still put it on once or twice a month.
Legit exception to the rule. Well done.
CK did collaboration with Swatch some time back, and they had pretty well spec'd automatic watches produced by Swatch at the same factories as Tissot, Certina, Hamilton etc, with similar specs. The price though was very sweet for something with "Swiss Made" on the dial, but personally they all were pretty meh from design standpoint. I was really close to pull the trigger on CK automatic ETA2824-2 with sapphire and see-through caseback, but design turned me off, despite they were around $150 - cheaper than Orient.
Me too I picked them up for the movements I paid like $120 for him I’m gonna put a field watch dial on one I also want to put a aviator dial on another. I picked up one for about $80 I haven’t made a plan for that one yet and actually by my time Grapher is only two seconds plus per day
The Mido Baroncelli Heritage is a stunning watch in the metal. It has a paper/eggshell dial and is less than 7mm thick! That is crazy thin for an automatic watch.
Mido has some good looking dial designs.
Living as I do right on the border, I’m tempted to venture into Mexico on a Mido search and rescue mission…
Very true. The Baronchelli line is a good option for dress watches. Mido doesn't have a great distribution or service centers in most of the countries which is a big issue when it comes to their sales.
I do like some of the Mido watches, but I can't help but think Tissot beats them out in a lot of the types of watches they are selling (compare the Le Locle to the Baroncelli for example)
@@Nightfury0695 Any SWATCH service Center can service a Mido. Pretty well every country has at least 1 Swatch service Center.
Got a MIDO Ocean Star for less than $500 and it's a great value! the artwork on the back and the screw bracelet with milled clasp and micro adjustments can't be found anywhere else under $2k!
Great concept Jody! I don’t get the appeal of these “designer” brand watches either.
Mido Ocean Star Tribute might be worth a second look; well integrated ratcheting clasp, 80 hour power reserve, domed crystal and retro all polished case and band.
I stumbled across a Mido Commander II for $400 (New) on clearance. Its one of my favorites. I could never pay the 1k MSRP but the watch feels luxury; the bracelet, dial, hands, unique date window.
As for Mido, the Commander Big Date is worth consideration for sure.
I think IWC are diversifying. Whilst the watches are too big for my liking the ceratanium and some of the new ceramics look great! Also for me luxury brands like IWC / Zenith appeal so much more than Rolex because so few people are aware of them. You can wear a quality watch without the risk of it being seen by someone as an opportunity to rip it off your arm.
He also showed a Mark worth $4,250 and said it was $10,000, so he lost me there.
the portofino is only 40 mm and looks great.
@@mattbrowne3767 He is Australian! The retail price of IWC Mark XX is 8400 AUD$. Though not 10K like he claimed, but close. By the way I beg to differ about what he said of IWC. I see IWC as an excellent alternative to Rolex and Patek bull**it waiting game. IWC makes some really fine watches. As far as price justification goes, no watch price is justified! They are all horribly overpriced.
I agree entirely with everything in this list, except Meistersinger(!) Although they are quirky, that's the entire point! They are all about the design, which I really appreciate after looking at 1,000 near-identical "chronographs", "divers", "pilots" and "field watches". Once you get used to the layout they actually keep time just about as well as any other automatic.
Their design philosophy is also great I feel: you don't need to know the time to the exact second. In German they call it (freely translated) de-hasting. Getting a rough estimation of the time should be enough, you shouldn't haste over a couple of seconds of even a minute or two
If Casio comes out with a single hand watch, I will buy it. Lol
Christopher Ward work with Meistersinger and seem to use them as an experimental range, it appears to be a successful collaboration.
I agree, I think Meistersinger watches are kind of odd, but I cannot bring myself to hate them. Interesting and quirky, as I see it!
To be fair Mido has some pretty solid offerings, similarly Certina is the other less popular Swatch brand around Asia that offers pretty good value for the price with some history to back em up. Nice content as always!
Yeah, Mido and Certina offer decent value.
Certina's retro divers have had me really close to purchase a couple times. Some cool, somewhat unique stuff
Started with a Certina 38mm diver, too small but good, went for a Mido Ocean Star in titanium, initially loved it, but now it’s my knock about watch on a NATO. Then pressed the button on a Christopher Ward Trident 600 with white face which led to a Christopher Ward Trident Elite. I also have a 1980s Omega and Seiko Turtle, and a King Turtle which I thought would be my beater, but I cannot take the CW Trident Elite 1000 in Titanium off yet. So the Mido is not loved that much but is a solid watch and a great beater, and the swatch movement keeps good time…
Mido Commander and other vintage Mido's .
Yes. I agree. I like the style of Mido and Certina
on IWC - I agree on the Flieger but I would definitely consider a Portugieser - the new blue and white one for example or one of the coloured dials. Also the Pallweber jump hour is gorgeous (if mad money)
1000% Portugieser is the one to own.
While Rolex had no watches in stock, even though I was ready to buy, I walked over to IWC and immediately fell in love with the pilots watch blue face on the bracelet. I own omega breitling, Rolex, cartier, baume nd Mercier but none of them stand out like this IWC that I have. One of the few watches that I look at and I don’t know the time because the dial just sucks me right now especially in a different lightings. Look into it it's a really nice watch!
As long as you plan to keep it for life
I love IWC .. and I'd keep it for life... also love Glashutte.. ... I'll never own either... as I live in the real world... not in Dubai or Martha's Vineyard...
I have a martynline watch and i dont know how to set it to romania time i dropped it accidentally it got the back removed put it back is it because of that
Totally agree with the single-hand watch as something I will never buy. No way! Want to say Thank You for turning me on to Casio and all the fantastic watches they offer. I wear my Casios more than my higher priced watches and absolutely love them!
Good call Holly. Most people don't know watches and don't care about outrageously expensive mechanicals. Ridiculous to pay that money anyway for an uncomfortably heavy watch that goes dead every few days. (I'm guilty- tried a nice titanium Omega Seamaster- but got tired of baby-sitting it and sold it). Bought a vintage Seamaster 300 later because it had a quartz movement, but it was a bit small on me and sold that recently too. They're only paying many thousands for the name, and for the ridiculous tiny automatic movement. If they sold similarly beautiful quartz or solar watches that were slimmer and lighter, I'd be in, but they'll never do that because these are strictly prestige items that people drop 10K and up for. And if you research a business like Rolex, you'll find that between the way it's structured and all the non-discosure agreements that employees must sign, you'll never find the actual value of their watches. Meaning, a $500 watch will easily cost you $7500 at one of their authorized 'boutiques'. I'm down to a rather nice titanium MRG B1000D-1AJR during the week (love the newer bluetooth and everything kept accurate by phone link), and an older Casio Sky Cockpit (beater) for hiking and outdoors on the weekends. When I was diving, the divemasters wore cheap 200m Casios. Most military people you meet are wearing Casios. Good people, real people, you and I; wear Casios. 👍⌚👍
Great concept Jody! I agree with Bremont. Their prices are ridiculous. Another is Ginault, given their sketchy "background". Any microbrand charging over a grand and is powered byan NH35. I do disagree, humbly of course, with Mido. I bout their Ocean Star GMT based on your review. Their standard Ocean Star & Ocean Star Tribute lines are great. Oh yeah, I won't ever buy an Apple Watch or a Jacob & Co either.
I can't include Ginault, because I bought one 🤣🙊
i'd love me an ocean rover, tbh.
Also agree with Bremont. I did like their Martin Baker branded watches but I didn’t think they justified their price. If they had a good in-house movement inside then maybe.
You absolutely nailed the Mido marketing bubble. None of your viewers will be troubled by their vapid and instantly... erm...who was I talking about again?
Ginault doesn’t use NH35 movements.
First, thank you for your videos, I have to admit that I’m enjoying the way you present them. Second wise, I’m so much on the same wave length than you with the brands you mentioned. However, when it comes to IWC, I’d make an exception for the Aquatimer that I personally own one and I feel that this model is an outcast of the collection.
J Dog, would reconsider the Mido Ocean Star titanium from the Mido range, bit biased but the quality ( let alone the accuracy) is great and love the charcoal and orange that the Titanium comes with. Got mine second hand for $1000 NZ .
Mido had some lovely watches like the older All-Dial models, and the Commander is a nice vintage-looking piece too. They didn't used to be bland but from the looks of their current range they've retired the better models.
Dark Jody roasting watches for 10 mins. I'm in
Hah.
I'd make an exception for the Chanel J12 - that one is beautifully finished, very comfortable and for the watch enthusiast - a proper watch with a full ceramic case and a kenissi movement (technically very close to the tudor MT54 that goes into the tudor black bay)
Fantastic video (as usual)!
But how about the IWC Portugueser?
I might be biased, as it was the brand my grandpa wore (they were still "Intenational" back then), but don't you find some of their designs inovative?
Cheers from the other down under (Brazil)!
This is insane. I was just watching The Watch Finder, researching IWC as a potential next big purchase. I look down and the next video listed is this one. I didn't even finish what I was watching and jumped straight to Jody.
If you like IWC, get pre richemont ones, they are great!
@@lukasbo2642 well before richemont they were making no nonsense tool watches, now it's more celebrity endorsements and bling. My opinion obv.
@@lukasbo2642 ah I hear you. I just don't like the idea of my money going to that insufferable D-bag Hamilton.
Liked the new video idea Jody. Here is my take.
1. Expensive Microbrands (Monta, Chris Ward) since I really like brands with history.
2. Revived Brands (Yema) because they are just not "them" anymore if you know what I mean.
3. Any Swiss Made brand coming from anywhere else than Switzerland. Just feels like cheating or somehow not authentic.
4. Chinese mushroom brands with funny names.
5. Richard Mille :)
An industry secret is #3 discounts most of the Swiss watch industry.
Chris Ward is not a micro brand for god sake.
@@garyboyle695 Fair enough. Put them in my number 3 then.
@@theoneandonlybosable Agree, "Swiss Made" requires that 60% of the 'value' of the watch has to be produced in Switzerland. Given the markups on these things that probably translates in over half of the parts are coming from the far east or who knows where.
@@miguelvictoria-boca573 Christopher Ward are fantastic watches and great value. I even like the original logo which has a lot of hate and has now been replaced.
Great statement, that caused me to chuckle a little, "If Ralph Lauren won't wear a Ralph Lauren watch, why should I?"
May I ask your views on Seizmont? I lvoe how there Dante 2 looks but I know nothing about watches
Bremont's most original design is probably their Martin Baker series MB1/2/3 models. The MB1 is only attainable if you have ejected from a Martin Baker ejection seat. That's quite special I guess but yes, I agree the rest of the catalogue is dire... The added cost is usually because the watches are made and assembled in England rather than China.
English assembled? Buddy, and Jody showed they are in the same price range as in-house Swiss brands like Omega, Tudor, etc. The price category like Sinn or Bell&Ross would be appropriate. I even forgot about their new in-house movement that was quickly exposed as an Swiss movement they just assemble.
@@Alexander-dr4mw yes, they are defo overpriced. But I sort of admire Bremont for being the first mass produced British watch maker in over half a decade. But their watches really do lack soul. I only ever considered a Martin Baker but found them too large on the wrist.
Yeah, they do a lot of those who are currently serving and not in a trashy way, so they have my respect for that. But the $$ just isn't cricket for most consumers
I've got a Victorinox Infantry Mechanical from a few years ago that breaks your rule and it's amazing for the money in my opinion. The ETA 2824 has a little bit of finishing on it along with a nice little victorinox logo. What I really like though is even under a 8x loupe everything is really tight. The hands look great with sharp defined edges. The dial has an amazing textured look to it. All the applied markers, numbers etc...have very tight borders. Sapphire crystals front and back. Engraved crown logo. Just seems like overall a lot of care was put into making it and it wasn't a half-assed job just to get their logo on something.
In a way it's probably the watch equivalent to their knives. Not the absolute best thing you can buy, but overall just really good quality for what is a mass produced item.
I too was wondering Jody's and his community's take on Victorinox and whether it qualifies under rule #4. They probably wouldn't like them more because they are not great value for money. I still have my Maverick II Chrono from 15yrs ago. Quartz, sapphire, 100M and still runs +6sec per month but wouldn't pay $500-700 now.
@@czopsticks4238 I suppose. Seems like that would be snobbery to me though. "Value for money" is fairly subjective. For example the 2824-2 movement in my Infantry is used in 2000 dollar Tags, Tudors, Longines and even a 4K Breitling. Does that mean mine is great "value for money"? I mean, of course I get that those companies are going to decorate the movement more but essentially it's the same ballpark. In fact, on a quick search I can't seem to find many watches that are cheaper that use this movement.
I think a lot of people will just assume because it's got a "big brand" non watch company name on it, that they can't possibly have done any homework into making their product. It seems to me that in this case somebody at Victorinox understood what makes a good watch and had them built that way. Do you pay a little more for that logo? Sure, probably. But it's probably not much more than you think. Those big companies have economies of scale that will allow them to make a better product than most micro brands.
Totally agree with this list but there is always an exception to a rule. That exception for me is in the category of fashion brands. Most are not worth the money with the exception of Hermes. If I had the money I'd definitely purchase. They've put a great deal into their watches and movements even purchasing a 25% stake in a company that produces quality movements. Geneva has even taken notice and thus can't be ignored. Not to mention the designs are on par with what you'd expect from this luxury brand.
Yes, definitely the exception to the "rule". I would throw Montblanc and Victorinox in that small group, as well.
For me, if I am going to spend over $1K on a watch...it would have to be from an established watch house. My Rolex Sub (16613) I've owned for about 25 years. A Glashutte Senator for about 15 years (interesting pre-WW2/post Cold War history) . The rest of my watches are mostly every-day wear Chinese homages with SI movements...or microbrands (
I would also add the new Leica watches as a (rare) exception to the Rule #4...
Chanel J-12 really added something
I do agree for the most part. IWC does though have some more interesting lines. In terms of the fashion brands… there are 2 in particular that excel in watches too, those are Cartier and Chopard.
If you’re looking for a diver everyday beater watch, Mido or Ball could be good choices.
I’d be hard pressed to wear my Blancpain daily.
I wouldn’t call Cartier and Chopard fashion watches. They have both a long history of making excellent and iconic timepieces.
I’d add bvlgari to the list of respectable fashion brand watches
I agree with you on all except IWC. I really like the IWC Portugieser Chronograph. Other brands I will never buy, are Rolex, Panerai, Bell & Ross, Tudor and Hublot.
Agreed, the IWC comment was very reductive of their catalogue, chief among them the Portugieser.
Nice one Jody! Something we don't hear very often in "the watch world". I have problems with Mido, too, but then again i also don't get Rado. Most of the modern Breitling are also a pain to my eyes, except for the 38mm pistacchio dial bi-compax chrono. They have a lot of wonderful vintage pieces, though. Biggest No-no for me is Rolex. It's fascinating to see what they can do in-house and how dedicated they can be to making great pieces but the prices, the availabilty and the "innovation" of having a new dial design on an otherwise unchanged watch just don't catch me.
IWC on the other hand i love! Not the Fliegers, you're right about that part. But the Portofino, the Portugieser and the "Petit Prince" Chrono are wonderful (although that one has some Flieger DNA)! Oh, and smart watches are pretty disgusting...
Agreed - there's more to IWC than fliegers, even if it's what they're primarily known for.
What problems do you have with Mido?
@@michaeleastham3868 They look generic to me. We have a lot of jewelers in my area with Mido displays in their shop windows and every time i see them, i think that the Swatch Group owns more brands than they can come up with target groups to sell to. I know that Rado are big in India and i hear the same for Mido in Mexico and that's great for the brands but to me they're mostly boring and sometimes meh.
Re. Mido - they've just released the Multifort Big TV which looks pretty nice! Would love you to give your thoughts on it.
I mostly agree with your considerations. There are just two exceptions: Cartier has some very nice in-house movements recently, I find these watches very interesting and would not consider it to be a fashion brand by that criterion alone. Also, I own a Mido Baroncelli Tonneau III (Ref. M003.507.A), which is my only rectangular watch and it has a very nice sunburst grey dial and copper / rose gold coloured case and it just looks gorgeous and it has a lot of character, too. I have to admit though that I am currently not seeing myself buying another Mido since no other models have stuck out like this one.
Don't think he was calling Cartier a fashion brand--he was saying Ralph Lauren himself wears a Cartier instead of a Ralph Lauren watch.
@@rsinger2597 You are right, he was talking about Chanel, not Cartier... That was my fault, it's not the first time I have confused the two and I don't know why. Thanks for the correction!
@@j1d7s Easy to confuse them... some do consider Cartier more of a luxury jewelry brand than a watch brand anyway, but they have some enduring watch designs and history to their name so they still get a lot of respect from the watch crowd.
Kinda surprised to see Mido on that list, conidering only two of them were reviewed - and actually liked. Yes, a lot of their designs are just a bit too conservative, but there's some neat models like some of the Commanders as well.
Their new multifort with the cosc movement is something to behold too. It looks gorgeous
If we had a dealer within travelling distance I'd be having a look at the Commander Icone in black, looks terrific and a cracking price for a Swiss chronometer.
Hi Jody, I like this concept and the honest approach as usual. On point 4 you stated it to be "any brand more associated with something other than watches" I know you obviously made the exception for Casio, but what about Victorinox too? Their Inox is a great piece and can be seen as a brand definer, but they are obviously much more well known for their red pocket knives! Then there is the Braun watch too... a Bauhaus classic!
MontBlanc and Victorinox are not that bad either.
@@MrPleers yeah I reckon to watch enthusiasts Montblanc very much come to mind when you think think of premium brands, however to those not into their watches they just assume they make expensive pens... However, they actually make some nice wallets and fragrance too - suppose then this could make them a luxury fashion brand??
That Mido rainbow diver is awesome! Very unique. You’re hard on Mido. You said they have 2 good watches. That’s one more than Audemars Piguet.
The Mido Multifort Patrimony with a blue dial is actually a great looking watch.
I agree with most but Mido. The Commander and Multifort series are rather slick.
To be honest, all high-end luxury watch brands ...Not only because I'm not a billionaire and can't afford them, but because I honestly don't think their prices can be justified... I feel that when you are a watch enthusiast you become numb to a lot of the high-end prices you see in the industry, but you can always have a wake-up call by showing those price tags alongside photos of the watches to a normal person who is not a watch enthusiast. Their reply is almost always the same; "why is it so expensive? I don't understand.", and I find it hard to explain why a watch costs tens or hundreds of thousands or even millions...The watch industry and its accepted norm for pricing are out of touch with the real world, and they really need to rethink this if they want to survive in the future in my humble opinion unless they want to end up a novelty industry that only the rich and a few geeks care about...This is why I really enjoy this channel because it's all about affordable quality watches that watch enthusiasts like me with average income can realistically hope to own,
Well said
@@polygoncoco exactly
the same reason tennis shoes cost 1k, a purse 10k, set of ear rings and so on... a road bike 20k!
Most "luxury" brand watches have a 30x mark up that's why they're so expensive
Unfortunately people continue to buy because they are ridiculously expensive. Same problem with cars and other status symbols. The instinctive desire to have a good mating call will keep people buying luxury items for thousands of years in the future
Great video thanks again was wondering if you had any insight or input on the fortis Fliger F-39 New 2023
Where did you get that shelving unit good sir?
Honestly Jody, with regards to IWC, you need to try some of them on the wrist. I kinda felt the same as you do, until you start putting some of them on the wrist. Kinda wanting the new IWC 41mm Pilot Chrono with their latest in house movement :)
Get the green dial 41 Chrono. It is so far from Laco, Stowa and their copy cats that makes you wonder why it is only IWC that knows how to make a Flieger watch relevant and fresh in the 21st Century. Gorgeous timepiece!
I fully agree with you about IWC. Also on my list (and never on my wrist) is CHRISTOPHER WARD; I've also fallen out of love with PAGANI DESIGN due to QC issues. I don't like Brands with oddly-spelt names - SKMEI, RMALTI, RDUNAE, PARNSRPE (autocorrects to Parsnip), and TANDORIO (... feel like a curry now). If you're going to all the effort of making a decent watch, put a decent name on the front! Finally, OMEGA (I know - I can't believe I'm saying it after so many years of loyalty). I spent a considerable amount of money on a Speedmaster, and then Omega made all those cheap plastic ones; it's put me right off the Brand - I'm trading my Speedy for a Pelagos now.
Well said! Totally agree on the imbecile SKMEI shite. But then again: they're so cheesy I'd wear one to see if anybody recognizes it and have a nice, hilarious, conversation with another watch lover. 😉
I own 2 Christopher wards, and o can tell you they are beautiful high-quality
Yeah it's terrible about the Speedmaster. The Speedmaster has basically become a punchline to a bad joke. I always wanted a Speedmaster MW but it's been so watered down to the point I don't even want one anymore, Total overkill with the Speedmaster
Out of context question, I saw you have Matter by Ian Banks at the back, do you recommend the book? I bought the book a few years ago but never had the chance to begin reading it.
All Banks is good Banks!
6:17 what about Maserati watches? They look distinct enough as far as I can tell… thoughts about them please? 🙏
It’s funny - Ralph Lauren did this gorgeous minute repeater a few years ago and I absolutely adore the look of it. I believe richemont make the movements on their behalf. If I had cool $200k to spare (hopefully a lot less on the secondary market) I’d absolutely buy one.
Kindest roast ever! Had to put on the Imperial March in the back to add some of the dark side vibes😁 Also makes total sense and reflects the way I consider spending my money. Thank you Jody!
For a flieger watch, San Martin 39mm bronze was my absolute favorite and I wore it the most second hand with patina paid $65 for it.
Nice review Jody. I've got a Meistersinger but but not happy with it really. Can you recommend a watch with no hands at all?
What a decisions?! I agree with you with the most brands, but for me for example Mido Multifort Patrimony is a beauty. Best regards
Of course there are exceptions. Cartier makes jewelry and handbags, but practically invented the wrist watch. Mont Blanc has branched into making decent watches after decades of making fountain pens.
Yes Mont Blanc make some beautiful unique watches that are easy to spot on the wrist
Look up what Bulvgari and what they have done with the octo line…
Victorinox / Swiss Army?
A little bit of googling revealed that no, Cartier did not invent the wristwatch, did not even popularize it. By the time they did theirs, Perregaux was already mass producing them. Even before then, wristwatches were worn mostly by women.
Source? All I find is Patek in 1868 some sources, other say Breguet in 1810 both predating Cartier's alleged 1904
I actually felt this was very respectful. Hamilton was a brand my family supported for generations, so my first "good" watch was a Hamilton Khaki Auto. It's brilliant. I followed up with a Khaki manual wind field, which stopped running for more than 8 hours just after the warranty period. I sent it back and seven exchanges back and forth later, Swatch Group support ostensibly sent me a brand new watch back. Guess what? It won't run for more than 8 hours! Either the movements are bad and there isn't a QA process to deal with it, or they're lying about servicing/replacing my watch. Either way, I won't buy another Hamilton and I'm on the fence about another Swatch Group-owned brand. I've ended up giving my hard earned cash to Christopher Ward and Dan Henry and I'm just as happy with my watches without worrying if they'll ever actually service them when the time comes.
Completely agree regarding Christopher Ward. I dropped my 2017 Trident Pro down a flight of stairs and one of the applied indices fell off. Contacted CW customer service about a repair (which I was willing to pay for because it was my fault). They repaired it free of charge under warranty (it was less than 5 years old at that point) and even paid for the postage to and from Canada. I'll definitely be buying another watch from them.
Excellent. Love the way you present things. Thank you.
I like the new IWC mark XX, 5 day chronometer movement, 40mm, and a cool flieger aesthetics for 5k is a value imo.
Bought one 3 weeks ago, lovely watch. Blue dial, swapped the blue leather strap over to a brown one. First IWC, the finish is superb.
Agree with #4 except....
What about Victorinox? Famous for Swiss Army knives (and other stuff) they make some pretty good quality and unique looking watches.
You were spot on with both IWC and Bremont. Mido watches are okay. And you are spot on about fashion watches .
Rolex submariner falls into that fashion brand now😂😂😂
I own a Mido . I bought a Multifort for the history of it. Its a great watch and I get lots of compliments on it. Cheers
4th one is a bit difficult, I mean Hermes, Cartier and Montblanc are making really nice pieces.
They are , but for what they are, priced too agresively.
@@Psysso Do you reckon so? I reckon montblac watches are priced rather decently.
Except that Cartier and Hermes have a watch making pedigree. Montblanc bought Minerva, which has some history behind it.
@@ivanharlokin Yeah, but when you hear about those brands, watch is not the first thing that pops up in my mind....
@@ivanharlokin You could say the same about Rolex, never made a watch in their lives until they bought the companies that made the parts for them.
Jody, regarding the topic at 6:45, what's your opinion on Victorinox watches? They are most known for being a tool maker, and are excellent at that. And despite their often generic choice of movements I think they make some nice looking watches (which also is featured on a surprising amount of wrists in film and tv). Would love to hear your honest opinion on them. Cheers, mate!
I've got an Infantry Mechanical from a few years ago and it's amazing for the money in my opinion. The ETA 2824 has a little bit of finishing on it along with a nice little victorinox logo. What I really like though is even under a 8x loupe everything is really tight. The hands look great with sharp defined edges. The dial has an amazing textured look to it. All the applied markers, numbers etc...have very tight borders. Sapphire crystals front and back. Engraved crown logo. Just seems like overall a lot of care was put into making it and it wasn't a half-assed job just to get their logo on something.
In a way it's probably the watch equivalent to their knives. Not the absolute best thing you can buy, but overall just really good quality for what is a mass produced item.
@@doublestrokeroll the older Infantery automatic models looks really nice. And yes, I agree with your on par comparison to their knifes, but I would alsoblike to add that a SAK is probably the most reliable thing I know, I have yet to break one, and I have really pushed them to the limit. I've cracked a few scales though... but as a on the spot toolbox that fit in any pocket, it is amazing. I have though broken a Leatherman multi-tool.
Back to the topic, I now have a growing craving for an Infantery automatic for my collection.
What about stuhrling original swiss automatic depmaster 883 would you buy those
The new mido multifort vertigo is STUNNING . Looks like they heard you haha
I absolutely understood and agreed 100% on the IWC diss… until I recently saw the Ingenieur model line of the 1990s. It’s a stunning integrated sports watch that I never knew existed. IWC are suddenly on my map because of the Ingenieur, and I’m looking to purchase either a vintage or more recent update. As for their other models I ran IWC, I’d throw them all away and focus solely on the Ingenieur.
Yep. The 90s Portofino are my absolute favourites.
Disagree. The portofino and Portuguese watches are amazing.
Well this comment aged quite well. Nee ingenieur is an absolute beauty.
I have actually brought Calvin Klein watch :) (Infinite automatic), basicly because it has eta-2824 2 movement and the price of the movement alone is 2x time high (I have paid 130 Eur for the watch), than CK watch with sapphire glass and etc. So you can really find a gem in fashion brands for future projects
I picked up a Mido multifort a few years ago at TK MAX sapphire Crystal ETA 2824 … £186!!! There were two I so wish I’d bought both coz I’ve been wearing it over a year and it’s bullet proof! Zero scratches and looks as good as the day I got it… fantastic build quality… My Seiko Sarb 033 on the other othe hand, which I love… (and cost three times as much… one of the last two Seiko had in their Japanese warehouse… hence the huge price… I waited way too long to fire the trigger… scratched up pretty badly over the same period of wearing it… still absolutely love it though!!
Appreciate any video that risks rubbing brands up the wrong way but you do it anyway. Too many watch youtubers shy away from brutal honesty. Good content - I'm now a subscriber.
Agreed except for Mido. Love my Multifort
I have a MIDO Multifort with a leather strap 28,800 bph. Never disappointed. I acquired it in 2006
Agreed, I like Mido because they seem to have good quality control. Very impressed with the accuracy, finishing and overall quality of the older Ocean Star model with the rectangular markers. Not sure if I’d pay full price for a Mido but you can find awesome deals on the gray market, for the right price it’s unbeatable. Especially if you’re getting a certified chronometer movement like in some Multifort and other models I’ve seen for under $700 🤯
I still usin my 1940 mido multifort lol… with em hexagonal case
Yesss but The multifort tv is the exception at the price range for that chapter date. 5:20
Mido. I've never seen one up close, but from your review it looks like the cheapest "traveler" style GMT out there. That had to be worth some points compared to 3x the price for the Longines equivalent.
Another great video. After watching watch videos for three years, I find there are only three I return to regularly - and yours is at the top of the list. One question: your rant on brands that sell other things than watches. What about Mont Blanc? They have some great looking watches, and are primarily a pen company.
Thanks Andy! Mont Blanc are a tough one because some of their watches are beautiful.... Let's see!
Hi!
What is the watch that is being compared to Bremont at 4:30 timestamp?
It's a Christopher Ward, C65 Super Compressor. $1375.
I like the changeup of topics with this one. 👍
Totally agree with Bremont, there's just something very fake about their story, branding, marketing etc...feels very forced. I'd probably add Panerai, Hublot & Rolex to my list. Rolex because I will never get one at retail and refuse to pay double on the grey/used market. Although Jody I must suggest one other brand to consider in your "brands famous for things other than watches" category would be Mont blanc...I think their heritage (Minerva inspired) models are beautiful, I can definitely see myself owning one at some point
I keep a daily notebook and it’s the same with the brand moleskine. They are a pretty young company as stationers go, but market themselves as older and suggest they were used by the great writers and thinkers of yesteryear without directly saying it. The build quality is nothing special and is comparible to most cheaper notebooks and uses the same materials but cost twice as much. It’s all down to marketing and how good their spiel is
I am just finishing up a prototype of my own design to compete against the "one hand" watch.
My innovative design has no hands, in fact it consists of a band with no watch.
How's that for style?
But did you see Meistersinger's model that has a jumping hour? I thought it was the date window at first, but it's the hour while the hand counts the minutes. Really cool actually.