Panerai, IWC, Breitling, Rolex, Omega Standing

[ttfjon]

Hello Sifus,

As someone new in watch collecting, I would like to get your opinions on the relative standing among the 5 watch brands.  I have excluded the exclusive luxury brands which are of course higher than these 5 brands.

Thanks.
Jon

[ck77]

Can't really compare besides the price and market share.
If you talking about history, quality, finishing etc.
Those are very subjective.

[swleong]

I'm not sifu, but my ranking is as follows:-
1) IWC  - just love it!
2) Pam - still the 'In' thingy now
3) Rolex - needless to say
4) Omega - a bit too mainstream
5) Breitling - just not the fan of complicated dial design...

[adrian]

I'm not sifu, but my ranking is as follows:-
1) IWC  - just love it!
2) Pam - still the 'In' thingy now
3) Rolex - needless to say
4) Omega - a bit too mainstream
5) Breitling - just not the fan of complicated dial design...

Same here.

[kltime]

Can't really compare besides the price and market share.
If you talking about history, quality, finishing etc.
Those are very subjective.

Agreed...each person has his own criterias whn purchasing a watch...

[peanut]

I'm not sifu, but my ranking is as follows:-
1) IWC  - just love it!
2) Pam - still the 'In' thingy now
3) Rolex - needless to say
4) Omega - a bit too mainstream
5) Breitling - just not the fan of complicated dial design...

I believe there was a prior discussion on this a while back.  If you rank by brand then you are making a lot of generalizations and of course this will result in a lot of arguements/contentions.  Even for IWC, I only like Big Pilot, Portuguese and Ingenieur.  

On the ranking for the watch brands you mentioned, my personal view is that IWC generally is considered higher rated than Rolex, PAM and Omega.  Breitling is probably one level below the three.  But then the Rolex guys will be upset and will mention that Daytona is probably as desirable and good as comparable IWC.  I have since give up this ranking thing and buy whatever that I like.  My rationale is unless I can afford to buy MB&F, Gruebel Forsey, Richard Mille, etc, there is no point to rank all these "inferior" brands    

[swleong]

arguing which brand is better is pointless, but rank your personal favorite brands of watches is all about passion  , just like no contention is required debating who is sexier between Magen Fox and Angelina Jolie 

[peanut]

arguing which brand is better is pointless, but rank your personal favorite brands of watches is all about passion  , just like no contention is required debating who is sexier between Magen Fox and Angelina Jolie 

Sorry ... Megan Fox IS sexier!  Angelina Jolie WAS sexy     

[jacky8888]

my PERSONAL preference would be:
1)IWC
2)Rolex
3)Omega
4)PAM
5)Breitling

p.s. i am not sifu either..

[ttfjon]

From the comments so far, it appears that Breitling almost always appears at the bottom in terms of preference.  Do you mind sharing why Breitling is not so 'desirable'?  Is it appearence, reliability, price, etc?

[peanut]

From the comments so far, it appears that Breitling almost always appears at the bottom in terms of preference.  Do you mind sharing why Breitling is not so 'desirable'?  Is it appearence, reliability, price, etc?

Breitling positions itself as "instruments for professionals" - i.e. a tool watch most of the times.  So its products are usually highly functional, reliable but almost seldom excessive.  This may appeal to some but it will never match the top luxury brands where cost is not an issue/design consideration.  I am only aware of their innovations on slide rule bezel and super quartz movement but their mechanical in house movement is only very recently and limited to very few of its products.  In other words, Breitling is not usually seen as a leader in mechnical watches in terms of leading edge design, innovations, etc. 

[Samajaya168]

here is how i c it 


Rolex - chinaman malaysia
Omega - chinaman china
IWC - chinaman soon 2 b... i think
PAM - kiasu man - spore / kai si man HK
Breitling - typical kwai low

 

[kltime]

[/quote]Sorry ... Megan Fox IS sexier!  Angelina Jolie WAS sexy     
[/quote]

 

[collatzer]

From the comments so far, it appears that Breitling almost always appears at the bottom in terms of preference.  Do you mind sharing why Breitling is not so 'desirable'?  Is it appearence, reliability, price, etc?

Breitling positions itself as "instruments for professionals" - i.e. a tool watch most of the times.  So its products are usually highly functional, reliable but almost seldom excessive.  This may appeal to some but it will never match the top luxury brands where cost is not an issue/design consideration.  I am only aware of their innovations on slide rule bezel and super quartz movement but their mechanical in house movement is only very recently and limited to very few of its products.  In other words, Breitling is not usually seen as a leader in mechnical watches in terms of leading edge design, innovations, etc. 

breitling fans is here ..currently it's inhouse movement is only on Chronomat B01.as per their stupid MD replied, next inhouse most probably will mf in the next 5 years. B01in others product? hopefully will see it on 2011 basel fair

[hotshothunk]

im a fan of IWC. brietling's designs r a little complicated. everything's just cramped in the dial.

[JOS2012]

I would think it is better to compare specific models of different brands viz-a-viz each other either in similar price range or complication regardless of price.

Even top brands have lemons or nothing spectacular..

Although I have my favourite manufactures but I still desire only a few models from each of them. The rest do not appeal to me in the least.

[JayJay]

Rolex watch fir keep to pass on to next generation.

Dont waste time, buy rolex

[Henry133]

I thought PP for next generation...

Dont waste your youth..buy PP

[dsiewmy]

i think the way you are asking to rank these brands are not really correct.
you should ask to rank in terms of something ... i.e. brand perceived value, retail vs 2nd hand value, strength of community, strength of manufacture, etc.

cos i think u are confusing yourself if you just leave it too general.

[gloomis]

previously if u ask me n i will tell u
1.rolex
2.pam
3.iwc
4.omega
5.breitling

today if u ask me....i will tell u my mind is all about 3 digit....

[IWCking]

Well, rollie is kind of most recognised and like in asia if you asked me. Indeed, asian collectors these days talk about PPPR (PP, AP, Pam and Rollie).

IWC used to be very prestigious but some people sense that it kind of losing out a bit after being bought over by a conglomerate. I was told that last time the entire town lived by IWC, everyone worked for iwc. But that strong tradition is fading these days.

Omega is also very popular in asia. But my personal opinion is that rollie is perceived as slightly premier than omega.

Pam gained popularity during last 10 years due to richemont's good marketing strategic. But a lot of pam critics think that pam is just some 'worthless' brands which use ultra big case to attract attention.

All breitling are certified with COSC for many years. So breitling is famous for its accuracy.

Well, all in all, its a bit hard to compare which is good and which is better. Everyone has his poison. To sum up, I will say rollie is for 'status' and reliability, iwc is more of elegant design and very famous watch maker, pam is very unique look and trendy these days, omega is very well known and popular, breitling is sporty and accurate. So you will have to be very specific on what you really want to know?

[sm]

I think it is not correct to group these 5 brands together. Rolex is too far apart from the rest in terms of brand value, prestige and reliability. It is the top ten most valuable luxurious goods and the only watch brand in the top ten listing. To side track, the most valuable brand on luxury goods is LV. Amongst others are Ferrari, CD, Chanel Merc etc.

Rolex sponsors all major sporting events the likes of golf and tennis.

IWC most popular and iconic model is the classic dressy Portugese range. If we talk about a good dress watch non-bling, Portugese stands equal to AP 15300 and JLC.

Panerai is hot now with the growing wealth among the younger generation. It needs time to develop the depth in watch making but make no mistake, some of the models are really beautiful.

There are some who called Omega, the Volvo in the watch industry (pun intended). Good machine, reliable and well represented with wide range of models but cannot and will not be the Merc or BMW or Audi in the industry.

Breitling came in with a bang but is considerable quiet now.

Actually watch making is a tough business for the other brands. Rolex and AP(lets forget bout PP) has taken the lead for too long that it is very difficult to dislodge them from the pole
position. Panerai is still new in this business. I am sure Rolex has already develop its range of models for Basel 2015.

[Godzillaz]

From what you write you are basically saying the position of these 5 watch company is judge by its brand value?

Rolex and AP taken the lead? What lead are you referring, sales, branding or popularity? 

I am not sure what are you trying to say here.

Regards
Tyler

I think it is not correct to group these 5 brands together. Rolex is too far apart from the rest in terms of brand value, prestige and reliability. It is the top ten most valuable luxurious goods and the only watch brand in the top ten listing. To side track, the most valuable brand on luxury goods is LV. Amongst others are Ferrari, CD, Chanel Merc etc.

Rolex sponsors all major sporting events the likes of golf and tennis.

IWC most popular and iconic model is the classic dressy Portugese range. If we talk about a good dress watch non-bling, Portugese stands equal to AP 15300 and JLC.

Panerai is hot now with the growing wealth among the younger generation. It needs time to develop the depth in watch making but make no mistake, some of the models are really beautiful.

There are some who called Omega, the Volvo in the watch industry (pun intended). Good machine, reliable and well represented with wide range of models but cannot and will not be the Merc or BMW or Audi in the industry.

Breitling came in with a bang but is considerable quiet now.

Actually watch making is a tough business for the other brands. Rolex and AP(lets forget bout PP) has taken the lead for too long that it is very difficult to dislodge them from the pole
position. Panerai is still new in this business. I am sure Rolex has already develop its range of models for Basel 2015.

[sm]

Hi
I mean brand prestige and perceived value, in general.
I refer to the topic 'brands of higher standing' and IMO Rolex should be classified w AP, JLC etc.

As I travel to Spore HK, I realise how strong the status of Rolex AP Lange (lets not talk bout PP). Well it is strictly my opinion.

[kamalys]

I would have to go for Rolex first. The watch speaks for itself. Then i have to go for Omega. James Bond preferred brand