Watches that deserve more love
Fernando AldeaNot all watches are born to be superstars, but that doesn't mean they're not worthy. There are pieces with spectacular designs, top-notch quality, and fair prices that, for some reason, don't get the attention they deserve. In this episode, we bring the ugly ducklings of watchmaking out of obscurity and give them the recognition they've so richly earned.
There are watches that are an instant hit: they're launched and disappear from display cases in a matter of days. But there are also those that linger longer than they should in catalogs. And we're not talking about ugly watches or ridiculously overpriced ones, but rather true gems that, for some incomprehensible reason, don't generate that uncontrollable desire among collectors. We turned detective and decided to unravel this enigma.
Often, the problem is one of image. There are brands that, despite having history and legitimacy, have failed to modernize or connect with the current market. Others simply have a poor distribution strategy. Without visibility, no watch can become a success. In some cases, the lack of love is due to misperceptions: models with classic designs that seem "boring" or brands that live in the shadow of more high-profile competitors. But we're here to vindicate these watches and give them the applause they deserve.
Brands with less affection than they deserve
When it comes to brands that are far from receiving the recognition they deserve, there are several obvious candidates. For example, Breguet, a house that invented everything in watchmaking yet has yet to gain popularity. Its classic designs and focus on tradition have left it trapped in an overly exclusive niche. Blancpain suffers a similar fate: despite having created the first diving watch in history, it remains on the periphery of watchmaking desire.
Another brand that doesn't get enough love is Sinn. The Germans at Sinn have created some of the most robust tool watches on the market, with proprietary technologies that make them nearly indestructible. But their focus on direct sales and extremely technical aesthetic have kept them out of the spotlight. Citizen is another brand that deserves more love. If Seiko is the Toyota of watchmaking, Citizen is the Mazda: reliable, well-made, and packed with great innovations. But despite its technological precision and advancements like the Eco-Drive, it continues to be ignored in favor of its eternal Japanese rival.
Watches in our store that are inexplicably still available
There are more specific cases that have us perplexed. Take the Rolex GMT-Master II "Coke" ref. 16710, for example. This watch has everything a collector could wish for: perfect proportions, a legendary history, and an iconic bezel that can be easily switched between black, red/black, or red/blue. Yet it remains in our catalog, waiting for someone to do it justice. Another rare example is the black Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 41mm. How many years have we heard that no one can find a Royal Oak? Well, here's one at a brutally good price, and still no one has claimed it.
Continuing with examples, there's the Porsche Design Dashboard Chronograph, a chronograph with an ultra-Bauhaus design and racing car DNA, which, despite having everything a sports car fan could want, is still in stock. And not to mention the Cartier Must 21, an elegant, slim quartz watch with that timeless Cartier design that's always in style, but which, for some reason, is still waiting for an owner. The question is: what are people waiting for?Final thought: all watches deserve love
The world of watchmaking is a strange place. The best, the most innovative, or the most functional don't always win. Sometimes, a watch just needs someone to pay attention to it to transform it from ugly duckling into swan. And that's what we hope to have achieved today. Because if we've learned anything over the years, it's that every watch has its audience; you just have to find it.
If you're looking for a watch that will make you stand out without following the latest trends, take a second look at those models that haven't received the love they deserve. And if a watch in our store catches your eye, remember: love at first sight. Don't wait until it's too late, because in this world, ugly ducklings also find their happy ending.
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