Brand perception, bias and snobbery

[minute_man]

This has the potential of becoming a polarizing thread but since this is a watch forum I'd like to share my experience and observations hoping for some civil interaction.

I recently acquired a Grand Seiko 44mm GMT. Always loved the design and features, never had tried one. Bought sight unseen and ended up loving it. In all honesty, it is the only watch I've evet had that gets noticed and complimented almost on daily basis. I am mostly not the one to strike a conversation so I casually thank or nod yet there's always the curious one asking what brand it is.

I always respond that's a Seiko and there's where it gets awkward. Those who know me well are aware of my watch fetish so naturally want to know more.

My employer was the first one to notice and was shocked that a Seiko can be of "decent quality" lol.

Had a couple more chaps asking to handle the watch which I was happy to oblige. Which in turn raised the question about the "Grand" prefix.
After some explaining on my part, one just sighed, (almost in relief of some sort?) while handing it back but the other one tossed it across the table scoffing and ranting how Seiko is of no value.
The same person bashed on Datejusts because "they look like Seikos" while wearing knock-offs himself. As for myself, I wouldn't toss one's Q&Q across the table.

Again, not seeking reassurance here, I couldn't care less how someone feels about a watch I'm wearing. Just sharing my experience which sadly serves to confirm how much the name on a dial matters when it comes to sentiment and bias and how the latter, combined with snobbery drive demand for certain brands while dictating the baggage for others to carry.