Does anybody buy so called “lesser” brands after Rolex?

[dnd2984]

Not from lesser brands... After the Rollie I bought Seiko, Grand Seiko, Omega, IWC, Tudor. I got into Rolex because it was something I aspired for. Then I got into watches, so much more than Rolex out there at 1/10th the price.

[HbbDiesel]

There is a life outside Rolex.For me, a collecting Rolex watch inclusively will be quite boring .Rolex Have 3 models that i like and that it.so yes lesser watch i own.

[Llamathurst]

I bought a Breitling Superocean Heritage II 44 rose gold after purchasing several Rolexes, and it just couldn't measure up. Gave it away.

Been buying Vacheron Constantin lately and they make the Rolexes feel pretty pedestrian.

Going forward, I think more VC, PP, etc mixed with Rolex durability is a good mix.

[OrangeSport]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Yes! My next acquisition will be a Grand Seiko spring drive GMT. I love the idea of a mechanical automatic watch with the accuracy of a high end quartz timebase and NO BATTERY.

Surely a step up, both in the actual watch and the grand (with its fascinating history)

[Chester01]

I don’t see them as lesser brands. In fact it’s more brands and brands that dupe people through fake scarcity, or simply paying $$$ for the logo. In general what separates brands really has to do with marketing. That said, there are many brands that offer more historical significance such as the speedy pro-perhaps the most significant wrist watch period, el primero, navitimer etc. Rolex is a great brand but many of not most these days are too blinded to really look at them objectively and are blinded by marketing and instahype.

Brands like seiko, doxa, BB broke new ground and great watches. For me the seiko arnie is what got me interested in watches and it’s the one on my wrist today. I’m guessing that most here did not start with a Rolex, and if they are honest with themselves can find very few real differences between their seikos and Rolex outside the name.

[telesquire]

No. I've worn a Rolex since I was 20...which was a long time ago. Omega just look like they are trying to hard to please and are now overpriced. Grand Seiko too. Sorry, but after all this is a Rolex forum and why we are here. I have no plans to change or be convinced otherwise...lol.

[doboy007]

Recently bought a limited edition Tag after owning 3 Rolex watches. After Tag I quickly added 4th Rolex cause I felt dirty, haha. J/K

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Kawirider

Does anybody buy so called “lesser” brands after Rolex?

Which are "lesser" brands?

My Master Chronometer Omega's are every bit as good and in many ways better than Rolex.

[Oxfordian]

Lesser brands are fine with me, I’m happy with a good looking watch on my wrist irrespective of brand.

Rolex are great but not the last word in watches as their designs can be a bit conservative and a bit similar. So for me variety is the spice of life.

[bjdub]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Wouldn't call it a lesser brand but it is less expensive

FWIW, I wear this one the most too

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Love this watch (SKX009?). Got one for Christmas in college and it got me into watch collecting in general...

And to answer OP question, I own a Rolex and 100% plan to get an OG Speedy someday because they're dope and there is so much history behind the watch. Love that Omega.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by bjdub

Love this watch (SKX009?). Got one for Christmas in college and it got me into watch collecting in general...



And to answer OP question, I own a Rolex and 100% plan to get an OG Speedy someday because they're dope and there is so much history behind the watch. Love that Omega.

Yes indeed. The is a SKX009j.

You can still find them for sale too. Great value IMO

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[PaulChronometer]

Definitely ­­­­­– I sold my Explorer (and Speedmaster) and purchased a Tudor Prince date+day in steel, and a Horage Array (small, innovative Swiss manufacturer and movement factory).
Very happy with them and I haven't yet missed the Rolex and Omega. I like the toolwatch vibe of the Tudor as well as the open-worked big date wheels of the Horage, with an industrial yet stylish look. Much more off the beaten path, more my thing.

[Kawirider]

Just read through everyone’s response. I love how opinions vary so much.

That being said, I still regularly look at tag heuers and seikos/bulovas etc as well.

I guess I do enjoy the looks of many brands. But I’ll admit, nothing feels better than wearing my Rolex.


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[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by dannyp

It’s a Lester brand, not necessarily a lesser watch. Big but subtle difference there ;).

That sounds awfully clever, but what does it mean though?

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

Clue is in the forum name!

So Rolex is the lesser brand on the Omega forum?

[ndrs63]

Yes, I got a Grans Seiko Snowflake after 3 Rolexes and was blown away by its quality


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[Avs Fan]

Thinking about adding another Panerai - probably will be ETA base from the old days.

[2001jesper]

If the name on the dial is the sole decision maker for you purchase, then is time to look inwards. There are so many fantastic makers and watches out there that are worth exploring and ultimately experiencing - Its such a shame to limit yourself.

With that said, the same post has likely been posted in the Patek forum, with Rolex being the lesser brand / poor mans Patek

[SaddleSC]

I have a huge Doxa collection and they get more wear than any of my Rolexes.

[myssjeep]

I don't think lesser but different. Last purchase was a Breitling, next could be an IWC or G-shock open to all kinds of watches.

[Polarexplorerii]

Yes, i have a G-shock and plan to buy a Speedy at some point

[Old Expat Beast]

Perhaps you mean lesser-hyped?

[mikeyatc]

My favorite is a Seiko Black monster.

[PBJ1925]

After my SkyD, I bought a G-Shock, and Grand Seiko which were far more affordable.

They all shine in their own ways.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

That sounds awfully clever, but what does it mean though?

That Rolex has developed significantly more brand equity over the years than has Omega. The “because it’s a Rolex” factor on its own is more valuable than “because it’s an Omega,” regardless of quality of watch. This is all about marketing, not watchmaking, success.

[Harry-57]

I just like watches and I like to mix them up. More, less, greater, lesser, all subjective, all in the eye of the beholder.

[Nodzex]

Of course, Omega, Seiko/GS, Tag, Breitling, Tudor, Tissot, Orient, IWC.

[subdownunder]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Yes! My next acquisition will be a Grand Seiko spring drive GMT. I love the idea of a mechanical automatic watch with the accuracy of a high end quartz timebase and NO BATTERY.

Yes I moved upmarket at a lower cost by buying a Grand Seiko Snowflake at 40% off second hand.

The thing makes my rolexes look industrial

[subdownunder]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

So Rolex is the lesser brand on the Omega forum?

Yes, but only when it comes to the innovative movements and some of the designs... not the panache and perceived status by the wearer

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Wouldn't call it a lesser brand but it is less expensive

FWIW, I wear this one the most too

Attachment 1244627

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Do you wear this the most Brian that’s interesting. I wore it for a long time solid such value for money. I gave it away to a friend who really loves watches and used to be a diver he was over the moon. Full disclosure I half gave it to him because I had removed three or four links which all need to be put back on and I don’t know if you have ever tried but adding removing links on the seiko jubilee bracelet is a real pain in the arse I’d rather just buy it again

Which I will !!