What do you think are the most overrated brands?

[pakman]

Hello everyone. My name is Jay and I am new to this forum. I dig watches so I figured this is the perfect place to come and talk about them. I also happen to own a store where I sell many different watch brands. Now don't worry, I'm not here to advertise or to sell anything. You won't be seeing a thousand different posts under my name on selling watches. My main reason for being here is the same as most of the people on this forum; that is to get the latest information on watches. One of the things I was most curious about is what brands do you guys think are the most overrated? Also, what brands are the most underrated?

[ElChingon7]

Hmmm, let see what this thread can turn into.

Most overrated....Rolex

[Janne]

Welcome to the watch madness!
Overrated: Panerai? Rolex?
Underrated: Japanese makes?

Please, before you hate me: I own a Rolex. I do not own a Japanese watch. I will never own a Panerai.

[Patstarrx]

Panerai? Janne excuse me for saying (r u nutz?) LOL.
Ok this thread will cause issues.. This is simply a matter of personal choice.
For the prices that most of these major brands charge, their all overrated..
I dont care how great a watch is when your asking 50,75,100,500k dollars thats
just simply crazy..

Janne- no offense, I'm a big supporter of Panerai (dont own 1 anymore). Over priced probably, overrated No!

[PJ]

[pakman]

I personally believe that the most underrated brands are the Japanese brands. Why are they not considered on the same level as Swiss brands? Especially during these times, the Japanese are known for technology and quality. Everytime I show a Seiko Premier to the "average Joe" he gets shocked at the retail price, but seeing the same the price on a Tag or Omega won't shock him as much. I personally believe Citizen makes some of the very best watches out there for a very reasonable price. Of course, Rolex is very much overrated.

[acdelco]

underrated: many of the german company brands that aren't Glashutte Original or A. Lange and Sohne (i.e. Archimede, Stowa, Muhle Glashutte)

overrated: Tag Heuer--agree with Sunshine 86 response--perfectly fine watches but perception of non-wis is that they're the bomb. everyone who is fresh out of college has heard of Tag. probably not a great thing.

[Sunshine86]

Overrated:
Rolex - I think there is quite a lot of smoke and mirrors woven into their marketing and, unfortunately, many people (particularly those of the non-WIS variety) get wrapped up in it. That said, I would love to own a Sea Dweller or a GMT Master II.

TAG Heuer - Definitive proof that Tiger Woods can sell anything. In my opinion, they're mediocre (at best) watches but the non-WIS, Kool-Aid drinkers can't seem to get enough of them.

Panerai - A little star power goes a long way amongst the sheeple. I never have understood why people are compeled to buy things solely because X celebrity has the same item. Nice watches, however.

Underrated:
Jaeger Le-Coultre - Beautiful watches for great prices (considering the craftsmanship, quality conrol, etc.). However, they get barely any recognition outside of the WIS community.

Ulysse Nardin - I would say they are in the same boat as JLC.

Stowa - Gorgeous watches.

[CycloneFever]

Over: Panerai, Rolex
Under: Orient, Casio

[Watchbreath]

Here we go again.

Overrated - Franck Muller, Philip Stein (sorry Oprah) and the rest have
been named. The usual suspects.

Underrated - There's quite a list, but for major brand, Ebel. There's been
a lot of shaking up there in the last few years.