Seiko Club Singapore Museum

Higher End Swiss Watches

balzebub71
Higher End Swiss Watches
Am i delusional or something? Over the past few weeks, i have been window shopping in Singapore as well as overseas, checking out some higher end watch brands (at least to me) e.g. AP, PP, VC, ALS mainly.



I expected to be awed and overwhelmed by these brands' watches, BUT after handling and trying on the likes of AP RO diver and RO, VC Overseas Chrono and non-chrono and PP Nautilus (didn't have a chance to actually molest any ALS)..i came away absolutely unimpressed? I mean the watches i tried on felt and looked ordinary, there was nothing spectacular about the finishing or dial work etc..just so ordinary...if i covered the brand logo up i just cannot feel that the watch is any better than a mid tier brand's watch like Rolex, Omega, JLC and GS? The only reason why I would still want to pay so much $$ for one would be due to the brand.. it's a AP, PP, VC etc...



My SO who was with me was actually holding her breath, terrified i might go insane and whip out my card to purchase the AP RO or VC Overseas on the spot as i had been hunting for either watch for sometime; but somehow they just underwhelmed me.... :shock: :?



Guess i am just not "refined" enough to appreciate high end watches?
oncleoliver
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
Those are not to awe you on your wrist, they are supposed to awe those sheep looking at your wrist.
david.tan
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
maybe u are looking at those entry level (3 hand, chrono function) instead of some perpetuate calendar or minute repeater, toubillion model ? :)



other reason esp PP VC they comes mostly in precious gold hence the higher price



for instance, i do find ALS 1815, saxonia are pretty "normal" beside their finishing is superb and solid, but hack only those datograph, zeitwerk or highly complicated movement will "touched" my heart :)
Ed.YEO
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
If you're a cook... you'll know how to make a simple abalone looks like a dish for the royalties.

STIR FRY is the key skill there...



It may sound off-topic. When apply to the world of watches, you'll see the picture. The hobby in present day hovers around brands, names and how well the marketing is done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOGlRNrdHQs" false;



The real gems are those that takes long years of trials and errors to get those complications work for good years ahead.
herzausstahl
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
Balz, I don't think you are delusional. I share the same philosophy on socks, underwear, neck ties, and belts.
TheChef
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
I don't know about high end. I only swear by Seiko and Casio. I was crazy about Omega, IWC, Oris and Rolex watches, but not so much now. I get more satisfaction strapping a vintage low end Seiko on my wrist nowadays. I prefer the look of watches made in the good old 1970s.
Ed.YEO
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"TheChef"

I don't know about high end. I only swear by Seiko and Casio. I was crazy about Omega, IWC, Oris and Rolex watches, but not so much now. I get more satisfaction strapping a vintage low end Seiko on my wrist nowadays. I prefer the look of watches made in the good old 1970s.

Good old classiques, must look for those with Tiong Day wheels...

big-e-294
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
A watch is very personal and so is each individual "taste".

It really depends in what u are looking for in a watch...

Some see it as investment they can enjoy now, so rolex is always number one on their list.

Some like the intricacy of complications, technology.



Some like the brand's history or the image they reflect.



Personally, I prefer ALS over PP (in referring to the mid range models).

I've played w MB&F, I was not wow-ed that much.



I don't fancy tag heuer or Pam, coz I feel they are seriously overpriced.



For those who know me, they know I'm Siao about Seiko.

I could have bought a rolex, but I chose to hoot 2 GS instead. Call me crazy.



So which watch has made u go wow!?
Threeemperor
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"big-e-294"


Call me crazy.

So which watch has made u go wow!?


Siao big-e!!!

Pam also dun like..



Seiko FTW.

Best watch ever I discover
oncleoliver
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"big-e-294"

A watch is very personal and so is each individual "taste".

It really depends in what u are looking for in a watch...

Some see it as investment they can enjoy now, so rolex is always number one on their list.

Some like the intricacy of complications, technology.



Some like the brand's history or the image they reflect.



Personally, I prefer ALS over PP (in referring to the mid range models).

I've played w MB&F, I was not wow-ed that much.



I don't fancy tag heuer or Pam, coz I feel they are seriously overpriced.



For those who know me, they know I'm Siao about Seiko.

I could have bought a rolex, but I chose to hoot 2 GS instead. Call me crazy.



So which watch has made u go wow!?


2 GS?



You are mine hero
big-e-294
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"oncleoliver"

[quote="big-e-294"]A watch is very personal and so is each individual "taste".

It really depends in what u are looking for in a watch...

Some see it as investment they can enjoy now, so rolex is always number one on their list.

Some like the intricacy of complications, technology.



Some like the brand's history or the image they reflect.



Personally, I prefer ALS over PP (in referring to the mid range models).

I've played w MB&F, I was not wow-ed that much.



I don't fancy tag heuer or Pam, coz I feel they are seriously overpriced.



For those who know me, they know I'm Siao about Seiko.

I could have bought a rolex, but I chose to hoot 2 GS instead. Call me crazy.



So which watch has made u go wow!?


2 GS?



You are mine hero[/quote]

What would u hoot?





O_o
big-e-294
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"Threeemperor"

[quote="big-e-294"]
Call me crazy.

So which watch has made u go wow!?


Siao big-e!!!

Pam also dun like..



Seiko FTW.

Best watch ever I discover[/quote]

Like most people think all Seiko look the same.

I think all pam look the same.





O_o
herzausstahl
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"big-e-294"

[quote="Threeemperor"]


Siao big-e!!!

Pam also dun like..



Seiko FTW.

Best watch ever I discover


Like most people think all Seiko look the same.

I think all pam look the same.





O_o[/quote]
That's not true. Some of them have different straps.
herzausstahl
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"oncleoliver"

[quote="big-e-294"]A watch is very personal and so is each individual "taste".

It really depends in what u are looking for in a watch...

Some see it as investment they can enjoy now, so rolex is always number one on their list.

Some like the intricacy of complications, technology.



Some like the brand's history or the image they reflect.



Personally, I prefer ALS over PP (in referring to the mid range models).

I've played w MB&F, I was not wow-ed that much.



I don't fancy tag heuer or Pam, coz I feel they are seriously overpriced.



For those who know me, they know I'm Siao about Seiko.

I could have bought a rolex, but I chose to hoot 2 GS instead. Call me crazy.



So which watch has made u go wow!?


2 GS?



You are mine hero[/quote]
I have more GS than big-e.
ivan
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
At least 5 of my seikos are more ex than rolex sub.

1 of them more ex than dssd.



Dunno is i call pple siao or pple call me siao
herzausstahl
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"ivan"

At least 5 of my seikos are more ex than rolex sub.

1 of them more ex than dssd.



Dunno is i call pple siao or pple call me siao

Ok lah wise choice, those are investment grade Seikos.
ivan
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
Have to rephrase.

Previous post i sounded haolian.... even thou i m....



When i see seiko. I will kisiao.

When i see AP, PP, whatever P... i yawn.
Astro2212
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
For me to buy a PAM i rather buy a gshock
ivan
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
I have some gshock.

Can i trade your pams if u have any?



Thank you
TheChef
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"ivan"

At least 5 of my seikos are more ex than rolex sub.

1 of them more ex than dssd.



Dunno is i call pple siao or pple call me siao


99.99% of the population will say siao. I say you very clever. Got an eye for good stuff.
Astro2212
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"ivan"

I have some gshock.

Can i trade your pams if u have any?



Thank you

I never had b4,dont have now,sibeh high chance wont have in future.
ronnie
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
I like PAM . I like the big leather straps . I like the worn distressed leather straps .



But I have not been able to own a PAM. The furthest I can go is to have a replicate PAM . This is because my wife does not like PAM . She thinks PAM does not justify the high price .
balzebub71
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"ronnie"

I like PAM . I like the big leather straps . I like the worn distressed leather straps .



But I have not been able to own a PAM. The furthest I can go is to have a replicate PAM . This is because my wife does not like PAM . She thinks PAM does not justify the high price .

Heh no watch costing more than 1k is worth the high price in my opinion. All a matter of personal preferences and values.
ivan
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"balzebub71"

[quote="ronnie"]I like PAM . I like the big leather straps . I like the worn distressed leather straps .



But I have not been able to own a PAM. The furthest I can go is to have a replicate PAM . This is because my wife does not like PAM . She thinks PAM does not justify the high price .

Heh no watch costing more than 1k is worth the high price in my opinion. All a matter of personal preferences and values.[/quote]

I agree with you.

All the high price watch like AP, lolex... i really think they overpriced. Thats y i wear them as daily beater.



All those below 1k watch, i think their value is under appreciated. Thus i decided to buy and keep.



1 day... heh heh.

Imagine i can sell them at 1k.

Steady la.



Ok...

I m haolian.

End of story
thong
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
I love my branded range. I have :



1) a Rolex Sub - actually it is only a Sumo diver

2) IWC Big Pilot - actually it is a 44" Russian Aviator ($500 when new)

3) Panerai - actually it is a Singapore made Gruppo Gamma (Italian diver homage).



I love showing off to those stare with large dilated eyeballs ... then they realised my watches all under 1k and I can see them catching their breath again.
Cosmograph
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"ivan"

At least 5 of my seikos are more ex than rolex sub.

1 of them more ex than dssd.



Dunno is i call pple siao or pple call me siao




You are sibeh steady Siao haolian! Me like lah... We all like! Can see here mah!



Anyone who has more than 1 watch is already considered Siao! Let alone high end, mid end, or low end or entry level. :lol: :lol: :lol:



Personal choice is the key. Brands will always have their followers. Buy what you like, like (and i hope you love)what you buy. Impress yourself not anyone else. Be it buying for history, brand, image, movement, design etc... The money is yours anyway, no one cares what you spend it on.
zeikphur
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"ivan"

[quote="balzebub71"]
Heh no watch costing more than 1k is worth the high price in my opinion. All a matter of personal preferences and values.


I agree with you.

All the high price watch like AP, lolex... i really think they overpriced. Thats y i wear them as daily beater.



All those below 1k watch, i think their value is under appreciated. Thus i decided to buy and keep.



1 day... heh heh.

Imagine i can sell them at 1k.

Steady la.



Ok...

I m haolian.

End of story[/quote]



:lol:
karbonphyber
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"oncleoliver"

Those are not to awe you on your wrist, they are supposed to awe those sheep looking at your wrist.

well said. LOL
salokiN
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches
I would pay for a good complication, like the IWC Perpetual Calendar, that makes me drool, but can't afford it so have to tahan.



Recently just got myself a Longines, it's not anywhere near up there with the other big Swiss players, but i love the design, retrograde and moonphase complication, never regretted a single bit :)
Ed.YEO
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"salokiN"

...Recently just got myself a Longines, it's not anywhere near up there with the other big Swiss players, but i love the design, retrograde and moonphase complication, never regretted a single bit :)

This is also the only Longines that i have very positive impression on the "effort" they put in...



Although it will be a big challenge should anything happens...
balzebub71
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"Ed.YEO"

[quote="salokiN"]...Recently just got myself a Longines, it's not anywhere near up there with the other big Swiss players, but i love the design, retrograde and moonphase complication, never regretted a single bit :)

This is also the only Longines that i have very positive impression on the "effort" they put in...



Although it will be a big challenge should anything happens...[/quote]
This retrograde moonphase is cool, tried it on..but not cheap...
salokiN
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"Ed.YEO"

[quote="salokiN"]...Recently just got myself a Longines, it's not anywhere near up there with the other big Swiss players, but i love the design, retrograde and moonphase complication, never regretted a single bit :)

This is also the only Longines that i have very positive impression on the "effort" they put in...



Although it will be a big challenge should anything happens...[/quote]

This is the exact one that i got myself as a gift to pamper myself this Christmas, but it also means that i'll be off the watch market for quite some time.



I got the 41mm version, tried the 44mm one and it was so big it really looked like a clock. Funny thing is that the MM300 is also 44mm case but wears so much smaller.



Got the roman numerals one compared to the arabic one because i feel that the subdials are all in arabic numerals already, if the big markers are in arabic too would be a bit overkill. Roman numerals balances up the look nicely IMO, and the moonphase can really make me smile sometimes, absolutely in love with this piece. :)
Ed.YEO
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"salokiN"

[quote="Ed.YEO"]
This is also the only Longines that i have very positive impression on the "effort" they put in...it will be a big challenge should anything happens...

This is the exact one that i got myself as a gift to pamper myself this Christmas, but it also means that i'll be off the watch market for quite some time.

I got the 41mm version, tried the 44mm one and it was so big it really looked like a clock. ... ...Got the roman numerals one compared to the arabic one because i feel that the subdials are all in arabic numerals already, if the big markers are in arabic too would be a bit overkill. Roman numerals balances up the look nicely IMO, and the moonphase can really make me smile sometimes, absolutely in love with this piece. :)[/quote]
Same feel here... but some percentage of thoughts on probably different sides...



When there's a guilloche dial, I personally thinks the Roman indices will add a little more charm to the overall look of the dial. If any makers wants to use arabic numbers, the fonts will have to be Italic/slanted to add more feel to the vintage look.



I recently came across an Arabic one @ WoS, feels too modern. Yep... the price is not that budget friendly for some. Even with discounts given, will still hit a little more than 5k.

Actually you can wear 44 mah... your Steinhart Gran Prix is about 44 liaoz... If small @ 41, i see it a little cluttered on look...



Anyway... agree that this hoot sucked a huge chunk of your hobby budget... but perhaps too much that it may affect your next potential purchase of another STEINHART Anniversary L.E.



Hopefully you get big ang pow in the coming weeks to put you back to the game again! :mrgreen:
Ed.YEO
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"balzebub71"

[quote="Ed.YEO"]

This retrograde moonphase is cool, tried it on..but not cheap...[/quote]
Even after discount @ roughly 15%... still above 5k siol...
salokiN
Re: Higher End Swiss Watches

"Ed.YEO"

[quote="salokiN"]
This is the exact one that i got myself as a gift to pamper myself this Christmas, but it also means that i'll be off the watch market for quite some time.

I got the 41mm version, tried the 44mm one and it was so big it really looked like a clock. ... ...Got the roman numerals one compared to the arabic one because i feel that the subdials are all in arabic numerals already, if the big markers are in arabic too would be a bit overkill. Roman numerals balances up the look nicely IMO, and the moonphase can really make me smile sometimes, absolutely in love with this piece. :)

Same feel here... but some percentage of thoughts on probably different sides...



When there's a guilloche dial, I personally thinks the Roman indices will add a little more charm to the overall look of the dial. If any makers wants to use arabic numbers, the fonts will have to be Italic/slanted to add more feel to the vintage look.



I recently came across an Arabic one @ WoS, feels too modern. Yep... the price is not that budget friendly for some. Even with discounts given, will still hit a little more than 5k.

Actually you can wear 44 mah... your Steinhart Gran Prix is about 44 liaoz... If small @ 41, i see it a little cluttered on look...



Anyway... agree that this hoot sucked a huge chunk of your hobby budget... but perhaps too much that it may affect your next potential purchase of another STEINHART Anniversary L.E.



Hopefully you get big ang pow in the coming weeks to put you back to the game again! :mrgreen:[/quote]

I actually really hate the design on that St Imier retrograde, saw the actual piece in the boutique and i thought it looked like a badly made replica.



The Steinhart GP is also 44, but i think cause of the overall sporty design, a little big on the wrist is okay. For me, i feel dress watches should look classy and elegant, can't be too big. Surprisingly for the 41mm, everything is scaled down in terms of size proportionately, so it still looks really good leh.



Must see the next anniversary L.E looks like what first loh hehehehehe