Rating 20 Popular Watch Brands on Quality & Design
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- Today I'll be rating 20 popular watch brands on both quality and design. Giving them an overall score out of 20. Then ranking them on a leader board at the end of the video.
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Longines watches are fairly priced. The Spirit, Zulu Time, Big Eye etc. You get a lot of watch for your money, and yeah their prices are converging with Tudor, but they have more variety, a greater history and nicer dress watches. The overall build quality of their watches has increased substantially in the last 7 to 8 years.
Their designs are very traditional pilot watch, which isn't to many people's taste with large sizes, oversized crowns, huge numerals, etc. Well built but I don't enjoy oversized watches so I have to pass except on the smallest ones they make
The heritage collection is great though but I just can't pull the trigger on it
I get that. And I somewhat agree with what you say. I'm a big fan of Longines. But their brand name doesn't hold as much weight as the likes of Tudor. And branding is a huge factor when you get to those sort of prices :) I think Longines operate best at the $1k-$2k range. I certainly wouldn't spend $3k+ on one. But that's just me :)
I think Longines are a little overpriced, I own a new Conquest and did not pay RRP, it's a quality watch but I am not sure it feels £1000 better than my PRX
@@Dean-f2c Longines has some incredible offerings with their more complicated watches, but I definitely agree that they're not as impressive with their more basic models.
@@Dean-f2c My Aqua Terra costs twice the price of my Longines Zulu Time. Is it twice the watch? No, but it is a better 'luxury' product. Is Omega's Moonwatch twice the watch of Longines Big Eye? No. It is a cam chrono with a 3hz movement, but it has superior case design and finishing, more prestige, and a more 'elevated' look, for lack of a better term.
With luxury watches, beyond a certain price point, you are paying for incremental improvements. Whether it's worth it or not is up to the individual.
So happy to see Citizen getting the praise they deserve! Cheers Kieron!
Longines are amongst the most fairly priced brands out there! The quality far outweighs the price point.
I'd take Longines over Tudor every day of the week.
Me too, frankly.
Whenever I see a Tudor, it's "meh", where as Longines have such a varied catalogue that most people will find a stunning watch for a very fair price.
Tudor has greatly benefited from being associated with Rolex. I'm still trying to warm up to them, but I honestly am having a hard time with their snowflake hands. Longine on the other hand, is very easy to like and has such a large option of styles.
If the list was compiled in 1985 I would agree completely. Casio design has not moved forward since those days for the most part. Longines would be a welcome gift, but too expensive to buy for myself. I feel comfortable with an Orient. Genuine history, in-house movement, beautiful designs and reasonable price.
As a Casio addict with 70+ Casios, I’m all at smiles even though I feel that their analogs deserve more attention and fame.
Timex has stepped there game up, how many timex watches have you actually had in hand, i agree they are far from great but timex is doing some big things recently, no where in the likes of citizen or seiko but i wouldnt count them out.. suscribed as well thanks for the content sir .
I agree 100%
Greetings from a diehard Citizen Fanboy from 🇩🇪...
I love my Citizen Watches...🥰
Nice video!
My 2 cents : Almost every time I've been in a boutique with pretty expensive watchs and one of the brands was Longines I found myself thinking "why spend more when you have such a well finished watch at 2-3k". And it wasn't even confirmation bias because for a long time I levitated around the Omega watches and was eager to justify why I was ready to spend far more than that 😅
Great vid!! For micros I’d say def look into mentioning Wise and Tuseno
I actually agree with most of your ratings and conclusions. Two notable exceptions: With their price increases of late I would have ranked quality/price of Christopher Ward lower. For example we get only (shamefully unregulated!) base tier Sellitas now where we once got COSC ones a couple of years ago.
And I would have ranked quality/price of Timex much higher. You are basing your rating here on your experience with super low end Timex watches. Their mid- and higher tier watches offer absolutely competitive quality for the money.
I hear your Timex point. But I can only judge what I've tried. And I've tried around 8 Timex watches now and I've not been impressed with a single one in terms of quality. I'm planning to try out a couple of the ones that receive high praise in the new year! Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts :)
I fancy Baltic in your microbrand review. Thanks and enjoy your content!
Really enjoyed that Kieron and I generally agree with your assessment. I'm glad Casio got number 1 slot, it was my first ever watch and the value for money can't be beaten in my opinion.
Microbrands I'd like to see are Beaucroft, Maen and Studio Underdog.
This time last year I was congratulating you on 20k subs! Amazing year you've had mate, very well done indeed 👏👏
Hope you've had a good Christmas, a very happy new year to you and your family 🎉🍻
Just my opinion, quality should’ve been a separate criteria from value. It would’ve been ok to put them together if we’re reviewing watches in the same price bracket, but there’s quite a wide range in price with these watch brands. We already know that there’s usually diminishing returns when it comes to watches, so consequently the more expensive watches would tend to rank lower in value/quality, when in fact they’re better in quality, just not value for money.
I get that. But I wanted to keep it simple. Frederique constant scored high for quality even though they're expensive. That's because they offer a lot of watch for the money with the movements.
My aim with section one was 'the amount of quality you get for the money you spend' which I think I scored fairly 😁 but of course, more expensive brands are always going to be held to higher standards. And I think that's fair 🙏
@@Bu-22 Value = Quality / Price
V = Q / P
@@Area_man115 Yeah, that’s why to my point, making V & Q 1 score creates a problem.
An original take on watch ranking lists, well done and thank you!
For your microbrand list, may I suggest: Phoibos, Helm, Venezianico, Farer, Monta, Circula, Bausele, Revelot and (most likely not necessary to suggest, but still) Beaucroft?
Al the best, have a great new year's eve!
Thank you for the time and effort you put into this list. I was very surprised to see San Martin push in at 10th. Maybe it's time to give them a closer look. BTW, "slaps harder than Will Smith"... Hilarious!
Hey Kieron. Fresh and clever way to judge watches. Very enjoyable! Happy New Year, my friend. 🎉
Microbrands:
Formex, Brew, Trafford, Xeric, Stratton, Gekota, Nodus, Nezumi, Eza, Farer, Namica, and Vero.
Of all of these, I have been most impressed by trafford compaired by price-point, but I have been happy with each of them. Formex is a very close second.
For micro brands, I’m most interested in Vario, Baltic, Farer, Brew, and Maen.
Great picks!
I own several microbrands, and Maen is unbeaten in its price range. The quality is on par with big brands like Longines
@ Wonderful to know from an actual owner. Their Manhattan, chronograph, and moon phase are all on my list; I just can’t decide on colors for each. What an awful predicament!
@@MR2D2AL Yes. Having owned watches from other big brands like Longines and Tudor, Maen surprisingly gets most of my wrist time. That's why, after getting the Hudson, I picked up the Lunar Classic. Now I have two! You just can't go wrong. I am just happy with the quality and the fact that I paid far less than my other watches.
Maen is also on my list. I want to get hands-on with one before purchasing.
Ooooh I can already see the pitch forks coming out with this one haha! A fair criticism of each brand! Casio do have iconic analogue models though... The Duro and the MRW-200 and the MQ24 which is super popular in Japan. I hope you have a fantastic 2025 man! Stay awesome!
I forgot the Duro 🤣 even worse because I've actually owned it too. I'd probably bump them up to a 10 then! Although they're already 1st place so it doesn't really matter 😆
Appreciate you mate! Hope you had a great Christmas. Also, enjoy new year!
Comments are surprisingly nice! I guess I wasn't brutal enough 😈🤣
@@TopTierTicker Oh no hahaha! Yeah Casio is great so I doubt anyone can complain haha! Thank you man, Hope you have an awesome new years too! There is always next year that you can tear into Seiko and watch the haters pile up. 🤣🤣 Take care man!
I have this Edifice too. Yes, it’s great and great value for the price. 🕐⚙️🍸
My first watch i bought early this year to start off my "collection" was the tissot le locce 20th anniversary limited edition as smart watch. A few months later i bought myself a seiko gmt and have had it on my wrist every single day.
Great list. Well done. Happy New Year, Kieron.
I know you've mentioned/discussed Sternglas before as a Microbrand, and there's something about their design philosophy that almost always hits with my sensibilities. If I'm not buying one, I'm always having it in the back of my mind to think about buying. They've gotten far more adventurous by Bauhaus/"Bauhaus" standards the last year or so, so I'd like to see them talked about again.
I don't think you've ever gotten an Astor + Banks watch (another microbrand), but I also got their Fortitude Pro Mother of Pearl watch this year, and it's quite gorgeous and I still haven't seen anything quite like it on the market.
Lorier is my suggestion for a micro brand to be reviewed. I also love my Sherwood, Radcliffe, Blok, Brew, Stirling and Islander watches. I hope to buy a Farer and a Studio Underdog shortly. Look forward to hearing your picks.
A fun video Kieran, well done. I’d be pushing Orient higher up your list.
For micro-brands, do drop the SU from your list since they sold out with their Moser collab.
As a voice for British Watchmaking pls could you reach out to the guys at ‘Shoreham’. I don’t believe there’s been a single review of one of their watches. I have the ‘Pembroke’ and it’s a cracker. Other models in their range is a rather generic, but pleasant diver, the ‘Monmouth’. But their last release, the ‘Snowden’, a traveller GMT, is very nice and an original design from what I can tell.
Hadn't heard of Shoreham before your mention but I'm very impressed with the GMT and Cali dial piece. I'll get in touch with them and check them out at some point in 2025. Thanks for the suggestion!
@ Nice once Kieran. Mine is a dated version of the Pembroke. The ND versions were released later which I’d prefer. Three firsts for me in one watch! Bronze. California dial. Onion crown.
Great list. Love the video.
Good video! Would like to see Dekla in your microbrand review.
@@liverstee seconded
Will do!
San Martin will obliterate every brand here if it scored higher on the design, but it doesn't.
Cool video! Some of the ranking of value seems strange to me though.
*Talking about QC issues and ranking San Martin 10/10 for quality??
* The Longines 5/10 is just strange too. When comparing similar watches between Longines and Tudor, sure Tudor wins on specs most of the time, but a 5/10 value when their most complicated watches have complications almost no other brands can offer at even twice the price?
I Love my San Martin with the Blue Dial and orange Bezel and Orient Bambino Version 7 with a black dial 😊 I met Nathan from Trafford Watches at Minutes & Hours a local watch show in Austin Texas 🤔 I think you should give them a look 🤨😎
I agree with many of your rankings. I hope you include Phoibos in your microbrand review.
whats the citizen watch at 8:31 ??
Apparently Citizen Ti cases come in variable scratch resistance but for the same price….
Yes of course you should do a microbrand video including Beacroft, Kuoe, Farer, and Vario.
Great video!
5:05 What model Casio is this? I've never seen this version. Thanks
Great video. Have you ever heard of JDM military?? A swiss made watch. Quart but great value for the money
Casio doesn’t have an iconic analog watch??? They only make the best sub-$100 dive watch…. The Duro!!!!!!
That's true! How did I forget the Duro!? I've owned it too 🤣 Maybe they'd get a 10 then? 😂
@ I figured you simply overlooked it. 🤣
The whole Longines/Tudor thing is silly because they are so different. Buy both.
Tudor is very solid, but Longines* mix quality and cheapness (push pins!) like no other.
*Love Longines BTW.
Keir - please do the microbrands video asap. Loving your work (not least because we share similar tastes and opinions!)
I'd normally be with you on the 10/10 for San Martin if I hadn't bought the recent SN0144 with its simply dreadful bracelet, ruined by genuinely sharp, uncomfortable corners on the links. It was a real disappointment because I'd never had an issue before. I suspect they rushed out a shed-load to capitalise on the 11/11 sale.
What is your wrist size by the way? Maybe I missed the videos where you mentioned it :) Because I'm interested in that spinnaker cahill 40mm and my wrist is puny 6 inch :( I was eyeing on the spinnaker spence 300 with all those punching specs but the design seems a bit too similar to a sub IMO
My wrist size is 6.5 inch 😁
CASIOK ALL TIME ❤️🔥
Curious if you review micro brands, what do you think of Henry Archer. Just received my first and really like.
Do a video on microbrands featuring STUDIO UNDERD0G, BALTIC, KUOE, & ESCUDO!! (look out for Escudo, super good quality🔥)
Great video!
Slaps harder than Will Smith…😅. I think your assessment was spot on. I’m very interested to see where San Martin ranks ten years from now. Thanks!
I've got that Mondaine Helvetica, did you get yours in TK Maxx as well, Kieron? I couldn't leave it there for that price, mine cost just a few tens of quids more than the Sellita SW210 movement that's inside the watch.
Really interesting video! I'm not sure how I feel about it. I would absolutely trade my 2 Casios and 1 Citizen for an Omega.... but I'd also miss my AE-1200 "Casio Royale" a few times a week. I think this goes to show that a lot of times we're paying for more than just the watch.
Micro: Beaucroft, RZE, Nodus, Monro 🙏
and Delft Watch Works🙂
Microbrands I would like to see are San Martin, Poedagar (Nautilus homage ) Erebus Ascent. In fact a seperate one on Homage watches Genre.
Tag are in no mans land part from the quartz chronos and ladies Aquaracer
Zelos, Venezianico, Phoibos, Dan Henry, Wise, Henry Archer
I would be interested to see where you would rank echo neutra
I'd love to see Henry Archer on your list if you rank micros!
San Martin are ranked higher than Frédérique Constant...no way! 😮
Stupid judgement indeed.
Just on the factors I've set for the video. I'd rather own a Frederique Constant any day of the week. But they destroy the competition when it comes to quality for the cash!
FC is a great watch for the money like Longines. San Martin is just an homage, not like other micro brands like Zelos, Farer.
@@cenekbaca6469 I hear that. Hence why I rated them so low on design :)
They probably sponsor the video 😂
Oddly enough I agree with the first and last place brands wholeheartedly. Timex is just so long in the tooth at this point that I won't have anything to do with them. As soon as Casio gets their Edifice line fleshed out better and become more consistent in what they offer country to country, they will be pretty unstoppable.
Timex is on the right track. I have a suspension that they will surprise people within a two year span. I want to say why I know this, but I can't.
As for the Microbrand video: zelos, straton, helm would be good to see.
Cheers!
Someone finally said about Cartier. Unbelievable prices for cheap materials.
Nice to hear someone that's actually realistic in the comments 🤣 thing is, they make great watches. But, let's call a spade a spade here.
But they look elevated, despite having simple cases, printed dials etc. The design language is distinctive and strong.
Man, I started this year with 1 San Martin and now I have over 10. Send help! Also added another Omega and an Oris 65 :D
I have the same problem. I own 11 San Martins and 1 JiangHun, all perfect. Comparing them in person against Tudor, Longines, Hamilton, just makes me feel like I dont ever want to buy a Swiss watch. Obviuosly, there are better Swiss watches, but paying $10k Vs SM average of $200 and getting perhaps 90% of the watch is amazing.
@@mvm006 Yep, I feel you. But, I should stop. No room for any more watches... But they keep releasing cool stuff. UGH!
how about Formex for micro brands?
Formex is my favorite brand that I don't own any of.
Top tier content
Too kind. Thank you 🙏
I like Locman and Lip, put them on the list next time! (for the more 'microbrand' watches) Also, I wish Rado was on the list, they have great pieces (Golden Horse, Diastar, and Captain Cook).
Casio is King, this list is correct 👍👋💪. Please review Alkin watches for the microbrand review 🤞🙏
Microorganisms, CWW is a given, WISE and NOMADIC would be good to see in the video.
If you were ranking Citizen's Star Wars collection they would have been number one!!! 😄
Very good review
I’d like to see Wise in your micro brand review
I would like to see a microbrand review of quartz pieces and analog solar models.
just got a boderry landmaster. its impressive. my salmon orient bambino 7 is on the way
Can you do a review on the “LIV” watches?
I'll check them out! Leave it with me
I think when you say quality, you actually mean value for money. From an engineering standpoint, quality usually is related to reliability, performance and durability. Which makes the first score confusing. However if the first score is value for money i can see why you scored the brands what they were.
My exact intention for the first section was quality for the money. Basically, how good is the watch for the price in comparison with competition. So yes, kind of value for money. But not so spec based. Actually inspecting the details too.
Microbrands I would like you to score are:
Wolbrook/Douglas/Elgé
Alsta
Dificiano
Revelot
Nezumi
Dan Henry
Byop
Lorier
Henry archer
Zelos
I see the backlash over the San Martin comments, and I have nothing to say...
However I think you were a bit off-base on your Catier comments. I think you mis-understand the market for the Tank. It was designed to be a watch worn by rich socialites at formal events: the opera, the theater, charity events, etc. It's only been somewhere in the last three decades or so that customers started wearing the tank in different situations. But this design is still markedly lead by people who need a slim, un-complicated type of watch to wear with a bespoke suit or tuxedo.
That karket doesn't need (or in fact want) something like more water resistance.
I get that! And that's completely fine. And again, I'm a big Cartier fan! It doesn't change the fact that the watches aren't competitively priced for what you get.
As an enthusiast, you look for areas of potential flaws or improvement. Cartier has plenty of them. So when putting them in a video like this, you have to be fair when comparing with the watches around it
There are no rules for Cartier anymore. They are now worn very casually, for better or worse.
@@lamentate07 Yes, the customers have decided that Tanks can be worn more casually, but still within limits. I don't think you'll see people out hiking, mountain climbing, deep sea diving, etc. wearing Cartier. However that's different from how Cartier defines and markets their watches. They are not actively going after the more casual market. And that's a key difference to understand.
@@TopTierTicker I think this is a matter of being more aware of the differences between what the company sees as it's market, and what customers have decided to do. Just because the general public has decided to use a product in a way that the company didn't forsee, does that become the companies responsibility. In some cases I'd say yes (when it is a matter of public safety, for example), but in most cases I'd say no.
That's what I am pointing to. Saying that the water resistance could be better is you not really recognizing Cartier's definition of their market, and instead applying the values of the market that is outside of what Cartier has defined.
@@unattributed1641 Sure. That's why my aunt, who is more stylish than me, wants to buy one and why I remain on the fence despite considering a purchase for the last year.
I really like the Santos Dumont and have no problem getting a quartz model, but I'm not sure I will ever wear it, and I already own two dress watches.
I also think their watches are overpriced for what you get, but I guess if you just accept them as jewellery they are probably worth it for the design alone.
San Martin 10/10 on Quality?!! They've gotten to you, haven't they. Oof. Seen many people complain about quality control on SM
Quality for the money* I give flowers where due. And criticise where necessary. They offer the best bang for buck for me. But they obviously have other flaws!
Agreed. Sam Martin’s quality isn’t great in my experience. You’ll lose less money over time with a San martin, vs the higher end Swiss brands in this list though.
@paulroscorla1666 I disagree. To me anyway, SM is something people buy to scratch an itch. If you buy one maybe it's good value for the money, but ending up with several like many do just seems like setting your money on fire
Check out with was shown in the video and see what the new higher line watches bring to the market and get back to us. Most people that knock them haven't tried one.
@@alanalbright2705 It's a brand built on the foundation of stolen design. I don't care if every one of them has a sapphire crystal or if they are branching out to original designs, it's just not anything I can get excited about. To each their own. Just not for me.
I think longines and oris have to be place 1, they have everything what a collector watch should have.
For micros: venezianico, beaucroft, Baltic, Traska, lorier, nodus
Ok, but when Britt calls you out, you're on your own.
You know that right? 🧐
Haha why? Did I say I don't like something that she does? 😆 It's okay. I'm sure she doesn't like half the stuff I like too. That's the fun of it! 😁👌
Bro within 10 mins lets go
Haha. You was very quick today! Hope you enioyed it 🙏
@TopTierTicker as always mate!
Dont know if i can agree with 5/10 quality/value for Yema.. designing/manufacturing orginal in-house movements including a micro-rotor and tourbillon should count for a lot more
You set yourself a tough challenge. I’d be inclined to doodle around with the criteria a bit. For instance, I’m no expert in this area, but the amount of imitation between brands is immense. Having said that, you correctly pinged a few for bland product variety. But on the other end a company like San Martin has tremendous variety but got dinged for lack of originality. Frankly, I’d drop it from consideration or give it a lesser weighting. I think faithful execution of a variety of designs-by-others is far more impressive than a catalog full of flops.
Likewise, I’d find a way to split price and value. This is where I do not envy you with this task. There’s the value for a price point. Then there’s value for any price point. Cartier cannot score well in my opinion because they cannot create more of a quality gap that the price gap would necessitate. Not sure if I worded that well.
Objectivity is difficult here. You mentioned a few personal preferences along the way, which is honesty writ large. But, I have one major bias: sorry Casio, advertising a digital watch anywhere near me is an eight point deduction. Yes, I’m one of those. (Ironically, I’m an IT consultant, too. Never said I was consistent!)
I really appreciated your comment at the tail about your preferred brands list would look different.
I so appreciate your effort in this. Nothing I said is meant as a critique but more of an acknowledgment that I would slice this beast of a challenge differently.
I would end with an endorsement of my absolute favorite brand…except I have about six of them. Or eleven. Probably more before the sun rises again….
All the best!
Kieron: Microbrands Henry Archer and Traska need to be on your list.
My brothers both got Seiko’s from my dad. Then I bought one from my friends hyped recommendation. They fell apart within a month. All three of them😭
Probaly didnt take care of them correctly or maybe bought fake seikos, I have many seikos and they are very good quality and stand the test of time,
Would like your opinion on nezumi studios
Id like to ear your opinion about AEVUM watches in microbrands video.
Microbrands: Circula, Elysee, UMF Ruhla...Greetings from Germany!
I did enjoy this video but I really can't see the attraction in the winning brand. Of course though, it's all a matter of personal taste.
Re the microbrands, I'd be interested in your score for Sherwood.
I love my SMP. But calling it objectively better watch than Submariner means objectively you don't know what you are talking about at the higher end.
Lower accuracy, lower beat rate, lower power reserve, lesser bracelet, in-house movement vs made by ETA, independent watch maker vs SWATCH, lower resale value and less prestigious.
Sure Omega can counter with a few things...arguably more anti-magnetic and the Daniel's escapement in interesting...but that's about it.
Otherwise...thank you for the tour of affordables. I have or had most on your list and mostly agree...understanding you threw a few brands in that belong in the micro-brand category.
I don't know if you think I'm saying that my vintage reference is better than the modern submariner... I wasn't.
But my reference was better than the submariner of the time. And the modern seamster is better than the modern submariner. You can't compare a 20 year old SMP to a modern Sub 🤣
Give over. The movement inside of the SMP is miles better than the sub. Doesn't take much research to find that one out.
Also, I dislike your condensing tone. You don't need to be rude just because you disagree with someone.
So much to learn you have. Best of luck as you become experienced in horology and aside from that ill informed statement...good overall video.
The SMP300 is a design mess!
PO is stunning though.
Mineral glass on a 12k watch is just insanity
Most Cartier watches have sapphire, including the entry level quartz models.
I wish you feature Venezianico.
Happy new year
Nizar
Mate, why include totally dull brands like Mondane, and not have decent, quite interesting, microbrands like Farer!?
I think talking about bramds wo talking anout specific models or watch lines is a bit pointless. Brands have to respond to many demands at differnt budget levels and even between them they share a lot od the se suply chains and materials.
For some quality is a balqnce between reliability and design or innovation while for others quality is simply proven reeliability and durability.
Just think about how many consumers have no concept than a watch might need to be serviced and certain things that wear might be considered consumeables and not just a new battery or strap.
I appreciate the effort and video but I would suggest something a bit more focused following some sort of empirical aproach.
Tbis is in good faith wo trying to be negative about it.
Many Thanks for the effort you put into this.
would be nice to see some british love and rank Mr Jones Watches.
I actually have 2 of them in for review. Keep an eye out! It will be coming out over the next couple weeks
They have several watches on my list
fun fact I (embarrassingly) took almost a year to stop mixing up the Oris and Orient watch brands.
That's brave of you to admit 😂
for your microbrand rank Islander and Dan Henry
Good video. As for microbrands, Monta.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll make sure they feature!
i have the SM V6 root beer GMT its a original design. 13:29 got that in quartz 2264.50.00
No iconic analog watches by Casio? The Casioak says otherwise. Okay, it‘s similar to a Genta design (and not fully analog, okay), but every watch enthusiast knows immediately what is meant when you say "Casioak". That's what makes it iconic.
Love the idea behind this video, but how about an AliExpress version? I've bought a few, the most recent being a 007. Looks good, but, it's awful. Too much hassle to send it back. Keeping it for parts...
Casio are good value for sure, but design?? Only if you like 80’s era digital.
I would place Oris higher than that too.
Try formex, zelos, venezianico, vario