I once met a 94 year old retired watchmaker through work. Obviously, I asked him his recommendation for a budget Swiss Watch. Without hesitation, "Tissot!" Was his reply. He'd only retired at 92 because he was finding it hard to see the parts! Legend.
Fossil watches actually got me into watch collecting...because I owned one that broke when trying to change the battery after died, then replaced it with another fossil watch that broke AGAIN when changing the battery, even after taking it to a watchsmiths. After that point I actually took an interest in buying a watch that was worth the money.
MVMT is what got me into watches. As soon as it came in the mail, I had a funny feeling that it was not worth the $120 that I spent. After a few years it broke, so I did some research and got myself a Hamilton and a Bertucci.
yeah same with me. i currently got a fossil, but i don't like it that much. the quality isn't that great, so i want to get a but of a higher class watch.
Wait for real? I never had a quartz fossil but my mechanical one from my company given to me for my 5th year of service; still works after 8 years but I don’t wear it much because the bracelet links(4th year? was when bracelet broke) was the one that gave up and just kept it in my watch box. Also never had a cheap quartz watch (or gshock) that broke yet after battery replacement so this is a weird thing. But good to know, thanks for sharing.
Isn't the hobby great? Watches are obsolete technology these days. They really shouldn't exist. They should have gone the way of typewriters, twin tub washing machines and whistling kettles yet the market is booming. So many styles covering all price ranges. Let's all keep buying watches thus keeping the hobby fertile & healthy. Just subscribed.
Bulova and Tissot are both so close to pure class category. Citizen is my personal favorite, so the Citizen Group watches I’m biased towards. Eco-Drives over Seiko 5 Automatics for me. Steeldive would rival Seiko if they cleaned up the logo.
I enjoy wearing my burgundy red face Kamasu! A purchase inspired by one of your videos. Keep up doing this great content for us affordable watch collectors.
Tissot and Hamilton to Top Tier and Spinnaker to Would Buy tier. There is no way Spinnaker is at the same tier with those brands. They use NH35 for god sake.
personally putting tissot up one, tho I might be biased because my first swiss watch was a prx and I just got another Tissot, but for $400 for the quartz prx, the finishing and dial and history are just really unbeatable. Sure other brands have a lot of history for cheaper, but tissot watches just feel quality in a way that you dont normally get around the pricepoint
Very good list, very fair.... I'd add both Seiko and Citizen to top tier especially with both their movements being in other brands watches... also I would count Gshock as casual and sneak them into the too esp that I have 8inch wrist.. good job sir
I have Casio Databank 2515 DB-360-A1 Vintage and I love it! This watch helps being not late in work and complete set of date/time/year analog, for awareness. Long last battery for 10 years. Thanks for being Casio on the top tier. Very affordable and time guaranteed. I'm a huge fan of Casio watch, especially the vintage and databank series.
I must have had some good luck with Fossil. My first Fossil watches in middle school and high school still work great. I do wear them on occasion, since they are fun to me. With the being said, great list! Victorinox is really underrated imo, great watch for the money across the board imo. I want to buy a Timex and Hamilton eventually to add to my collection
Great video. For what it's worth, I would grade the ones you mentioned as follows: TTT: Casio; Orient PC: Tissot; Hamilton; Citizen; Seiko; G-Shock WB: Bulova; Victorinox; Timex; Swatch S: Marathon; Spinnaker; Alpina; Invicta; Accurist; Sekonda A: Armani; Fossil; MVMT I have four Bulovas and would love to put the brand in 'pure class'; but, I agree that, until it ditches about three quarters of its catalogue, that can't happen. Laco, Certina, Glycine, Stowa and Junghans might all be worth a mention, depending on the price range we're looking at; but none of these are too out of place in a list that already includes Hamilton, Tissot, Marathon, Citizen and Seiko.
That's a sensible list, and I can see your point with them Laco for me are slightly out of this category in terms of pricing, Junghans also. Certina could've featured for sure. I'll likely do a big tier list next year featuring something crazy like 100 brands, I'll make sure that they feature :) Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your opinion 🙏
Hard to disagree really overall great rating, great review!! I’m a seiko fan and as much as I’d like it in top tier now a days with the price it’s hard considering how great orient watches are for the price, orient is the new seiko
Thanks for getting me into Orient. I was looking at Seiko or Citizen for my first automatic. I had no knowledge of the brand Orient. Now I’m blown away. They are totally my style. Combine that with Japanese craftsmanship and very reasonable prices, I have a winner. My only gripe is that I like them all, tough choice to make.
Thanks for this video. Im always looking out for new watches. Thanks to you I found out the Spinnaker Piccard. Such a strange watch. I do love a watch that not everyone is running around with. And is a bit off. Was able to buy it at a great discount. Cheers!
I appreciate and respect your tier list. The only thing I’d change is to put Bulova in pure class. Their top tier watches are phenomenal- their Jetstar for example is a to-die for watch, and their Sinatra is wicked nice. One more thing, the Invicta 1953 and Invicta Pro Diver SW200 I think would put Invicta in would buy, if they only made those watches. I agree with you that their bulky watches ruin it for them. Lastly, Glycine watches are hell-a-nice, and I would put them in would buy category. Once again, great tier list!
I generally agree with this ranking, save regarding Swatch. If you want a Swatch that can stand a normal day-to-day use, you need to take one from the "Irony" series (rather expansive, an Orient would be better then). The plastic ones can have their Strap pin broken after two days (So it happened for me) while the glass is a scratch magnet of the first magnitude (a nail suffices). So I would file the brand a bit lower.
The list was pretty spot on, I agree with nearly every position, I would only switch Victorinox and Alpina, I like Alpina's designs a bit more although I did not yet see an Alpina that really impressed me, they look a bit too generic to me. Maybe they need a new designer, if they got a bit more adventurous, I think they could make some desirable watches.
Recently had to return three 'Depth Charge' GMT watches that I bought during the blackfriday sale, I was so excited to own them but when they arrived I was so disappointed with the quality, visually they looked good but all three had the same problems, the bezel rotation were not smooth at all, they were clunky and had so much back-play. But what really made me decide to return them is the GMT hour hand always lagged/fell behind and could get overlapped by the main hour hand, all three watches did this and I even started to doubt maybe if it's normal for a GMT watch 😂 since they were my first GMTs (and I'd change: Put Seiko in the Top Tier and Swap G-shock and Casio and I'm glad you included 'Accurist' in this list)
Your rank on Citizen has earned you a sub hahaha! Thought I was subscribed before but I am now! I mostly agree with your list but I would put Seiko slightly lower. Historically significant but not the everyman's hero they used to be.
Well, it's good to finally have you on board 😜 although I've definitely seen you in the comments a few times now, but thanks! Seiko is seemingly splitting opinion quite a lot. Some saying they should be higher, some saying lower... It's a very devisive brand isn't it
@@TopTierTicker Honestly thought I was subbed but I guess RU-vid is doing RU-vid things again haha! Yeah I bet! Seiko is like a ex girlfriend you just cant get out of your mind. You don't like what she has become but you fondly remember the years she was good to you in the past. 🤣
I own an Orient Neptune; two Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive divers; and eleven Seikos. Eleven. Seiko... Top Tier. No question. G-Shocks don't count. A G-Shock is a staple of life. Like pizza.
Ain't talking about those lesser knows brands (for me at least) but mate you put Seiko, Tissot, Hamilton and even Citizen below Orient!? Not that I have a problem with Orient (Kamasu, Bambino and Multi-calendar are among my FAVORITE watches under a 1000$) but seriously when we're talking Japanese watch brands we are technically talking Seiko! Tissot is a fabulous brand with more than 170 years of history. Hamilton is one of those brands that makes you want to be a watch collector. Citizen is the definition of precision, accuracy, innovation and the bloody ECO-DRIVE is a fantastic thing to have. These brands HAVE to be rated HIGHER.
Lorus should've been in this ranking. They are a subbrand of Seiko use Seiko movements and are extremely affordable. I would recommend Lorus watches to anyone who wants an automatic watch under 200€. Now, I would also recommend to spend a little bit more and get a Citizen or an Orient watch, but if 200€ is a hard limit and the person does not want to spend anymore, I think Lorus is the way to go. Personally I buy Lorus watches if I know I won't be wearing this style of watch a lot, but I still want it in my gollection, like a gold coloured watch or an orange dial.
I laud the Lorus brand plenty after buying them for years and owning 4 . They get NO exposure from watch channel etc folk and I do wonder why ..hmm 🤔. Agreed they need to improve their design game but I’m told they are. I buy the quartz ones and they are an unsung bargain 👍
I have a couple of Alpina watches and just think they are a fantastic value and seem to be of great quality. I admit that you just don't hear much about them but would rank them a little higher.
Swatch aren't really my cup of tea. I think they're mainly aimed at and more suited to younger people (I'm middle-aged) but I love the fact that they exist. You can have a Swiss watch on your wrist for a modest amount of money and they have their own niche in the market. That's pretty impressive. I still have a Swatch my brother bought me back in the 1980s. I never wear it because I just don't like the look (it's a skeleton style) but I might get a more sober looking Swatch for my collection at some point.
Agree 100% to put Orient in Top Tier - they not only are very affordable vs Seikos, but their quality is phenomenal for the price you are paying. The Bambinos have a cult following for a reason (one of the best value dress watches for around $200!) and the Kamasu has Sapphire crystal, 200m resistance, hacking for $300. The accuracies are usually much better than claimed (up to +/- 2 seconds/day) and the designs are stunning. Kamasu has burgundy red and teal dials that change with the light. Orients have it all - they are indeed the new Seikos Seikos are still good but you get less value for what you pay vs. Orients. The Seiko 5s feel cheaper vs Orients. But once you get to the mid-tier Seiko like Prospex, then quality goes up and they can now compete against entry level Swiss watches costing 2-3x the price
As a Seiko fanatic, I'd put them in god-tier class behind Casio and ahead of Orient. I love these 3 brands so much as they put out really good-looking, value-for-money watches and it's really easy to build a collection with them, though mine is still small (Seiko 5 SNK23, Seiko SNKE49, Casio Duro 44mm, Orient Bambino Gen2 V2, Timex Weekender and the Tissot PRX Quartz). I will be letting go of my Weekender soon to make way for a Hamilton Khaki Field.
Seiko is definitely more Versatile than orient. But the orient Kamasu and Bambino are just about as good as you can get in the budget category. I think Seiko wins though because of the impression a nice Seiko leaves on non watch fans. Their reputation is worldwide and very few people know orient outside of the watch community. Seiko also has more options, but orients budget watches are the best to me.
Seiko has good reputation due to all the innovation they made in the past, and the completeness of their offer, but with Citizen or Orient you get more watch for the same price.
I received my Victorinox watch a few days ago. I'm very pleased with it. Solid and quite heavy. They say they are virtually indestructible-i can believe it.
For me the tissot and seiko is TTT. love the PRX quartz I dont know why everybody hate Bulova...My bulova surveyor is an amazing timepiece for the price
I own Tissot, Citizen and Bulova watches as well as a couple of Sekonda. For what you pay the quality and finishing on the Sekondas I own is very very good. I think they are a bit underrated
Citizen is currently quite underrated for me, for an entry watch it is such a good value since the experience of the solar eco drive is really just a no-fuss watch. No hiccups on it for the last 3 years. So i feel like it is tied for me with Tissot as Tissot ties with its heritage and brand recognition. While i noticed that my Tissot PRX automatic, i notice the power reserve got worse after the 1st year and had to have it serviced.
I have 2 eco drives. Great value for the quality if you buy right , and are under appreciated by these ‘ watch experts’ and appreciated by many Joe Public - as if a a lot about “experts “ doesn’t it.
This is a great video Kieron, I agree with everything here. I'm so glad you put Casio in Top Tier, I do love a Casio! I thought you were going to put Timex in avoid to wind your mate up!! 😂
I agree with the tissot, hamilton and orient ratings. 100% agree seiko just above tissot, I own many seiko auto 5 and a couple night hawks. always wanted a seiko skx as a daily, but now that line is discontinued. for watches in this price range that value and quality of build/movement is there.
Value for money! You’re talking my language, I fell in love with watches when I was a teenager, many decades later I saw an Orient Mako II modded with a domed sapphire for £120, and the love for value watches grew. Now enjoying a Seiko Presage Ginza, only criticism is the black numbered ring around the face, pointless, but great video and your legitimate opinions.
During my last 55 years, I had around 18 various well-known brands of watches mostly from Swiss, Japan and Germany. As I can't wear them frequently I gave them mostly away to my Family members. Guess what ? Now I have a G-shock and Fossil Pathfinder both with solar drive meaning I don't have to border with changing Batteries for at least 10 years, winding etc. Always keep time . At my age (75 years old) you look for convenience and most Watches do break and sometimes you can't get the spare parts even from well-known brands.
Timex should go for avoid. Quality is not fair. Bulova imho has history, it is the only watch that has ever made to the moon. Pure class mate. By the way, great job you are always doing. Respect Brother 🎉
Thanks for another insightful video. I do have a question. You justifiably put fashion brands like MVMT and Armani in the 'avoid' category. I'm wondering, however, where you might rank Vincero. On the surface it's an 'avoid' brand. But when you look at some of their automatic offerings the specs look pretty good on paper. The Vincero Argo dive watch, for example, has a Myota 9000-series movement, sapphire glass, industry-standard stainless steel, etc. It seems that Vincero is upping its game, certainly compared to MVMT, Daniel Wellington, etc.
Tough one. Like you say, it looks like they're trying to actually make some decent watches now... But it's hard to shake the reputation. It'll take a few years to start changing opinion, and whilst the fashion watches are still front and centre on the website, it's hard to take them seriously
Hello, i am from India and many of these brands arent available in my country but the ones which are available you place them correct for example - timex, casio, cutizen, orient, tissot, gshock, seiko and every fashion brands. I have a Timex Skeleton watch with miyota 8315 moment and 1 casio duro batman edition which are priced 2x but they are still worth. I am jelous of you people who gets a casio mdv 107 at 49bucks whereas we indians have to pay 99bucks for the same.
For me, yes, Orient over Seiko. Mainly because of the value that Orient offers. Still with in house calibres. Citizen and Hamilton is close, but Citizen have had a very good year for me, and these lists very much change year to year. And Hamilton hasn't done anything TOO exciting... That's my reasoning, but I can absolutely see the flip side too :)
Hi, I am a fan from the Czech Republic of your work. I do like your classification of the watch brands. Maybe I would move the Aplina to the Would Buy area. I think it deserves it. Thank you for your work. Stay well. Mikulas
I have a difficult relationship with Casio watches. I don't understand why their offer of digital watches with cases made of steel is so modest and a bit expensive compared to their other analog watches from other series, e.g. edifice, where this case material is standard. I will also mention the recently released mdv 10d model, where we literally pay the same for a smaller and worse watch compared to the original mdv 107
Love the rankings. I think my only change would be to move GShock up to the top tier. Big wrist folks like myself really appreciate those glorious pieces!
What do you think of Bering?.... cannot find many review anywhere and yet they seem a step up from Skagen, being minimalist, but using sapphire, titanium, and have a solar range?
I mean they look alright. On the verge of being a fashion watch though. The reason you can't find any reviews is because they're not an enthusiast brand. Take from that what you will
I'm glad you've rated Orient so highly. I've been thinking about Orient Star Classic Moonphase Open Heart as my first big watch and you've probably decided it for me. (The next favorite is Tudor Royal 38mm btw.).
Hello, in my opinion, the value of the watches we use depends on us. The quality of the watch we wear on our wrist, its price, the feelings we have when buying that watch make us feel good. This thing that makes us feel good may not mean anything to someone else. For example, my Hamilton Khaki watch that I wear on a day when I wear sportswear does not attract attention, while my Quartz Fossil Military watch, which I bought much cheaper, attracts attention and can start a dialogue. For example, none of my Seiko, Tissot, Hamilton, TagHeuer watches received a positive comment like my Armani watch, in fact, it did not attract any attention. I think our watches, which we do not value because they are fashion brands, are enjoyable watches.
Pretty good ranking but, I think Seiko definitely needs to be at the Top over all those. Single handedly it caused the Swiss market to crash in 83. Also most of their watches are affordable and even their higher end watches won't cost you an arm and a leg to attain. The other brand I would move up to pure class is Alpina, and Drop Spinnaker to Snooze
I like Seiko... They have very well designed watches. But for me, they do lack a little bit of quality sub $500. I like a few Alpinas, but none jump out at me to be a must buy! Just a few cool 'hidden gem' pieces. I'll definitely explore them more in the future
I want to buy a Citizen, I really do. Need convincing though. A friend of mine has the chandler field watch, from a distance it looks great but up close the doubts kick in. I need a model to convince me
Very fair review. Spot on with Invicta great entry watch I own a pro diver. Hamilton do nothing for me to be honest. Bulova, I have the Marine Star diver open heart, feels quality, love my PRX, Sekonda are fine for the money. My Accurist is decent for the price. Can't really comment on SEIKO as never had one wrist but their alignment issues put me off. Orient on my radar, again never had on wrist but not sure I would have them above Tissot. Casio yeah!! And I do want a Casioak. Citizen gone up in my estimation too, Series 8 models are class.
@@TopTierTickerSounds good, I think any Lorus automatic is basically a affordable SEIKO. You alerted me to this in a previous video. What don't you like about Zeppelin? I have a couple of Camden watches, they don't get much love but the design is great and the quality is not bad for the money.
You forgot certina a Swiss company with a long history I have a certain pH 2oo m diver lovely 60s diver reissue comes on a mesh bracelet and nato strap for 680 euro fantastic value
