Hi,
I am still fairly new to automatic mechanical watches and have been shopping via AD’s on the internet. What is difficult to assess over the internet, which is beyond “design” or features that attract you to a particular watch is the materials of construction, fit, finish of the face, case and bracelet and quality of movement used between the companies who market watches in this price range.
On the last point, I realize that they mostly rely on ETA movements, but some buy better grades or modify them internally. I currently have a Ball watch and I was extremely pleased with its quality buying it site unseen. I am interseted in identifying other manufacturers.
Below, I have listed a number of Swiss and German companies that I see discussed on the internet. Its by know means comprehensive. I just placed it within the post to “jog” your memories…
Swiss:
1. Ball
2. Baume & Mercier
3. Bell & Ross
4. Breitling
5. Doxa
6. Ebel
7. Eberhard
8. Edox
9. Fortis
10. Glycene
11. Longines
12. Maurice Lacroix
13. Mido
14. Montblanc
15. Omega
16. Oris
17. Tagheuer
German:
1. Chronoswiss
2. Damasko
3. Limes
4. Muhle Glashutte
5. Nomos
6. Jorge Schauer
7. Sinn
8. Stowa
9. Temption
10. Tutima
11. UTS
QUESTION:
Forgeting individual designs or type of watch, which Swiss or German companies are “top” in this price range in terms of the materials of construction, fit, finish of the face, case and bracelet and quality of movement used in your opinion and why?
Thanks,
Bob