I usually go for watches around $1,000, but I have been trying on watches from luxury brands like Tudor, Longines, Omega, Rolex, Tag Heuer, Ball, etc.
But I can’t really see or feel any differences or improvements on quality or finishing once a watch gets over $2,000~3,000. The only exceptions I can “feel” or perceive were the Rolex’s bracelets and Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive.
I can definitely think there is a “jump” in qualities from sub $500 watches to around $1,000 watches. And, I can see another jump from around $1,000 watches to $2,000~3,000 watches. But, I don’t really feel another jump after that. Maybe there is another one past $20,000 or more, but ones I haven’t experienced those yet.
People rave about finishings and details on certain watches, but when I put on my wrist or look at them, I’m like “oh it’s ok, but I can’t tell the difference.” I was pretty excited to go try on some Grand Seiko’s because I’ve heard a lot of things about their exceptional finishings and qualities. But I personally couldn’t really tell the difference, and they felt just bulky and big. (Not a diss on Grand Seiko. I have a lot of respect to the brand, but it was just my personal experience)
Something to add though is I’m not talking about movements. COSC, chronometer, master chronometer, and other qualities in the movements increase reliability, accuracy, amenability, etc. by a lot, but that’s not something you can feel physically right away.
One “physical” difference I can feel across the luxury brands was that watches’ designs felt generally more balanced for more models that ones from collections of non-luxury brands. But, that is subjective, and there were definitely some ugly and unbalanced models as well.
So, I’m not sure if it’s just me that can’t see any improvements in quality or finishing after $2,000~3,000 price range, or the quality and finishing improved across the board in the industry, so no one can actually tell the difference with the bare eyes without using microscopes or close-up shots.
But I’ll add a few better things I could feel from the luxury brands.
- The sense of comfort and stability that comes with the name of the brand. Even if a watch from a microbrand or masstige has the same or similar quality or finishing, I don’t think you can get that feeling from a microbrand or masstige brand. I think this alone can be a solid reason to get a luxury watch.
- Rolex’s bracelet definitely felt different. The links were very tight but smooth at the same time which was a quality I could feel.
- Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive is something you can definitely experience with your bare eyes. The smooth sweep is unbeatable.
What do you think about this?
You’re correct, case finishing doesn’t change much. The case construction does change quite a bit though, and applying the finish can take a lot more effort.
I own and admire watches at prices ranges from $1k to $100k and there is a distinct difference in quality and finish as the price goes up. That is not to say that $1k watches are low quality, or that the more expensive watch is always “better”, but there is no doubt about a difference. IMO some brands and models deliver consistent value above their price point, some are arguably overpriced on a quality basis, but definitely there are still many level of distinction above $2k - $3k. Material and method alone drive some of that. Gold & platinum cases, enamel dials, hand turned guilloche that very few manufacturers can do, highly engineered complications, movement finishing…these are real differences.