Best & Worst of 2024 - Watch brands tier list

[@drdesign6886]

Holy cow it’s almost surreal to have a watch KZbinr who talks sense, is clearly objective in an investigative manner, is honest and genuine, and does not have some hidden ulterior agenda or motive. Kudos. So refreshing in a sea of chancers spouting utter tripe to get the next freebie.

[@PhilBot4OOO]

You missed the guy who left a 3 page comment recently to the contrary. He was 110% sure there was a hidden agenda and clear financial incentive in shilling brands like Rolex and Tudor! Essentially the parallel opposite of your comment! 😂

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for that. Very kind words. ❤️❤️ So far I've been accused of being paid by Rolex to hate on Omega. Being paid by Omega to hate on Rolex. Being in the pocket of CW. Being in the pocket of "chinese brands". Being too harsh on chinese brands. Being too swiss. Ignoring the germans. Hating too much on the swiss. And here I am just being paid by all of them - Rolex actually pulled out of F1 to pay for me, you know 😂😂

[@drdesign6886]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch If you are pissing off the entire range of watch community mafia then you are definitely doing something right! You are the hero we need but don’t deserve 🦹‍♂️

[@wristopia4101]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Loving your work Mike, think the channel you have created is great, and do not believe any of that stuff particularly, but every KZbinr making money out of KZbin as a full time job has an agenda and steers content in a financially beneficial way. It's human nature 😉

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Please don’t forget “the floating head” of watch opinion. Mike I know your wife is a very special person. How about a his/her video.

[@rjames7941]

Hearing your buttoned up voice say “bit of a douche” was gold.

[@crownjewelmusicgearreview9430]

🤣

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

delete

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

+1

[@borassictime918]

And the understatement of the year! 😂

[@Friars90]

That made me laugh out loud! 😂

[@rudigerbruss1163]

Is Bremont the inspiration for Jaguar?

[@SoeUnfiltered]

🤣🤣🤣

[@paulbugoni2846]

Thought the exact same thing. What a mess.

[@ValDarrant]

Way back they decided to stick with Jaguar and turned down Rolls Royce..😮

[@lts1682]

Good one man. 😂

[@BertoniBertone]

Well, they’ve certainly both been run by fools (still are) that’ll do a stint, fail, walk off with a nice fat payoff - leaving employees and core investors with nothing. I’ve been to the Bremont’s ‘Wing’. They’ve got machines that they can truly make stuff with. I left with the feeling they were run by marketing lightweights, not engineers. The result: well, you’ve all seen it.

[@HarryJoiner]

I swear, your channel is like a free MBA in luxury marketing. Dude, you’re the man. 🍻 QUESTION: in one of these companies, who’s responsible for the evolution of the product? Does that sit with marketing? Is it ultimately the responsibility of the CMO?

[@ronaldnixon8226]

Head of Product? Product Manager?

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

If it's Patek apparently everything is Thierry. In the rest, likely somebody in product management but watch brands tend to have massive involvement from the execs it feels like (Obviously they're involved in the decisions but it feels like many exert quite a lot of creative control - just like the aesthetic of the cybertruck is very much a product of Elon Musks brain) 😀

[@SteveConkie-t6r]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I am baffled why some brands find it so difficult to do things right. Before the shake-up at Longines (who are doing great things in my opinion and are now more attractive than Tudor to me), it seemed to be their mission to make good designs, then ruin them with utterly stupid things like the infamous "Longines Long Lug Syndrome" and "put a date wherever you like as long as it looks awful" strategy. It shouldn't take more than a couple of people trawling watch fora to understand what people want.

[@sf90001]

Finally someone who puts AP, Rolex and the expensive brands where they should be, producing the Royal Oak or the same watch year after year means treading water not making waves

[@SuperGenericUser]

You mean like Omega which ended up in S tier in spite of just having 2 models they keep releasing new versions of over and over? 😂

[@originalboondi]

@@SuperGenericUser Yes, but they have innovated by using co-axial movements.

[@SteveConkie-t6r]

I don't have a problem with that to be honest. Certainly not compared to their overpricing and constant "thuggification" of once classic models. When was the last time Monblanc needed to "update" their 146? Never. Audemars Piguet on the other hand, are utterly contemptible to me for chasing The Rappers' Dollar.;

[@kaunas888]

One of the big problems for the industry is that most of the expensive watch brands have raised prices significantly during the Covid watch bubble (often it seemed the higher the better)...and now that the economy is weak and spending is tight, so many folks simply cannot afford these ever more expensive watches, so sales are falling.

[@Dunkelheit_Schwarz]

Finally, a ranking that is not just BS, but is constructive and based on facts! :)

[@FC-yr3be]

😂😂😂😂

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

In fairness - this ranking is still highly subjective, but I do try to base it consistently on "what they released this year and how the market reacted" vs "whether I just like them or not".

[@umsoserious]

I recently purchased the CW Trident Lumière after watching your review of it. Absolutely love the watch (and the value is insane). I can't seem to take it off!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Glad to hear you like it - to be fair I haven't done an in depth review of the lumiere - but spoke more generally about CW. It is a very nice watch though 😀

[@thomashelm6931]

Absolutely agree with the evaluations Mike. Your knowledge adds to your credibility immensely. And I can barely pronounce the names, so what do I know? 😂 Great evaluations, with solid evidence to back up your position.

[@danemehring]

The Peter Griffin cameo was chef’s kiss 😂

[@jackraglin5526]

For me, Bulova has done well and of all brands, Timex has recently generated a lot of talk.

[@ttothec]

The Super Seville was an awesome release.

[@justinsaunders4068]

I think Timex has given the market exactly what they want 98% percent of the time this year, they really have been on a roll the past couple of years.

[@h4rd2bme]

Bulova just can't seem to wedge themselves into the luxury space. I thought Timex and Seiko and many other lower tier watches have features galore over their 20x the price counterparts.

[@KalElinabox]

​@h4rd2bme Bulova can't seem to realize most people dont want to spend 500+ dollars on a quartz watch. I'vs seen ones I would be happy to buy at 300 cost 500 with no discounts despite the model being out for a while. And bulovas have a tendency to be too big. Tldr Bulovas's are too big, too expensive.

[@Psalmanazar1]

Every time somebody brings up the Moonswatch, I like to argue the lunar pilot is superior: better materials, MUCH better movement, more flight heritage/history, same price. I almost believe it.

[@alvinnzx1]

I was almost giving up on the hobby. The people, the youtubers, the social media, really took away the purity and joy of the hobby for me. But your channel reminded me of what collecting is all about and I am really so grateful for you for that. Never change. p.s. I finally pulled the trigger on the tribute moon reverso after sawing you had one too :p

[@gesalbte]

That's so true!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I'll try not to. Cheers 😀

[@polygoncoco]

It’s ok, being interested in watches isn’t really a hobby - an interest at best. Buying expensive jewellery isn’t really considered a hobby, and that’s ok! Don’t take it too seriously, buy what you enjoy and relax. Best way to enjoy watches is by enjoying what’s on your wrist and living life.

[@SteveConkie-t6r]

I agree that this particular hobby does tend to attract a lot of self-appointed Alpha Males/Experts who think that throwing a lot of money around validates their uninformed and often childish opinion/statements.. And don't get me started on the "watch dealer(s) in downtown New York for 30 years" who give you advice (always the same advice: Buy a Rolex or the latest hyped mega watch.....from my shop) A calm, reasonable viewpoint is always welcome. 👍 I would have preferred for this segment, rather than looking for short-termist "excitement", to have been a "State of The Collection" piece. What does a prospective buyer have to choose from when arriving at the boutique of X brand? I don't really think it matters if a watch is particularly new and it can be to a brand's detriment to have an overly large number of new watches for a customer to develop feelings/opinions towards. That being said, I did go specifically to Tag Heuer to see the new Solargraph and I liked it. It is not only good-looking it is an extremely sensible watch. Light, discreet, legible, with a movement you simply do not have to worry about. Want one watch for life? Done.

[@mz-se8ue]

Your channel also belongs to the S tier of watch youtubers. One of the only few channels that aren’t just basically sponsored ads for brands that pay them. I agree Omega has been on a crazy upward trajectory but so has been their prices but I guess the same goes for pretty much all swiss brands

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Very kind of you - thanks for the praise and thanks for sharing 😀

[@chrisjones6439]

CW....😂

[@chadschobert1440]

Putting out my own ranking of YT watch videos, this may be my favorite of 2024. :) Love to see insightful and intelligent takes in a sphere that often succumbs to stuffiness and hyperbole.

[@chuckmontgomery7571]

No thoughts on Citizen this year? They seem to have done a lot of interesting things both in the movement space and affordable watch releases. I was a little surprised to hear you mention Casio and San Martin with not a peep about Citizen.

[@mybrainlikesthings]

I don’t know about the rest of the world but 2024 was when The Citizen started officially selling online outside of Japan. This is true for North America. The Citizen is known for their high-accuracy quartz that’s competing with Grand Seiko. Citizen has added more of their expensive watches to this market when they used to rely on department stores and mall shops.

[@SilojensenDK]

I agree. This was a big year for Citizen. Suddenly relevant to a broad range of enthusiasts.

[@andyfrizzell4352]

Yes, they were the brand that sprang to mind considering Casio and San Martin / Chinese brands got a mention

[@blackwell68]

Yes, this was the year I bought a Citizen.

[@chevy4x466]

I think this dude stays with the swiss

[@ralphbehr]

Another insightful and compelling contribution to the industry. Everytime I sit and share time with you I come away with a greater respect and appreciation for your work. Well done!

[@y0shi556]

Grand Seiko wins S tier for me. SLGW003 in particular, w their new caliber 9SA4 bird pecking motion is beautiful to watch. Its also slim under 10mm, 38.6 diameter. Dial side is clean and classy.

[@jn8532]

Been waiting for this one, your sophistication bleeds into the ‘tier list’ genre, excited to hear some incisive evaluation.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - It's a lighter version compared to my usual stuff but it was fun to try the format 😀😀

[@robbacic]

Great list! My personal fave brands for the year would be; Longines Timex Omega Nomos Glashuette Tag Heuer Swatch * I loved the Tudor Pink Chrono but their other releases weren’t as great as last year

[@MrEliwankenobi]

Agree with your Omega assessment. The Speedmaster FOIS, the new No Date SMPs are almost perfect IMO. Would love to have them.

[@mr_watchaddict3146]

The clear winners this year are you, sir, and Andrew Morgan. A classy, eloquent, informed and considered duo right there. 🙏

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Impressive company - Humble thank you 😀

[@fredrickwerstein546]

As usual, very insightful and accurate observations on the current state of the watch market! Always a pleasure to see you've posted a new video. Keep them coming and keep up the great work To us, watch afficionados (at least in my opinion) your videos are "the grail".

[@traviswatts6661]

Your subscriber count is continuing to rise as it should. Well done.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

It's moving along, which is something I'm happy about 😀

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

Any thoughts on Citizen? I think they have come a long way the past couple of years, them and Timex

[@fawkesandhound]

I think the direction they’re heading and the releases of the new Tsuyosa and Forza models put them right in A tier

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Should have put them in the list I suppose. Problem with Citizen (like Seiko) is they launch what feels like 2.2 million new references every year and it's hard to get a feel for what the direction is. The new zenshins and updated Tsuyosas are winners for sure. I'm leaning A over B

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Thank you for your opinion! Yea, they do release a lot of models. I think Timex is killing it with their heritage releases, like the new 1982 model they just released

[@silvaanosvs8783]

The feeling of shuffling towards the comfy chair, holding the day's first cup of coffee in one hand, looking at the mobile in the other, seeing that a new video from "the sense of inspired calm" is available is a very good one. (If you remember the start of that sentence)

[@pauldevey8628]

Omega Olympic Gold Sector watch is stunning!. Great ranking and I agree with so much of it. Thank you.

[@epicv7dayz824]

Nice to see TAG getting back up the rungs, surprised by your assessment of Panerai, but given its one of my most favourite watches, then I’ll agree with the grade. Nicely articulated mate.

[@dougm659]

Parmigiani Fleurier are making some really stunning watches these days (actually for quite some time) and their newish CEO has a clear vision of what their watches should be….more attention and love is deserved for this brand!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

agree

[@superfoodguru]

They sound like a pasta dish though. :)

[@kenhaun9042]

Solid content. Whether or not I would agree with every pick is fun to be sure. But the basis for putting this together was spot on. Good job there.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - No expectations on my part that you agree. We like what we like and tier lists are basically just for fun 😀

[@wanyangchen9784]

I always feel so peaceful watching your videos.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Hopefully a good thing 😀

[@kbeightyseven]

Longines has being doing absolutely stellar, their full line up now is fantastic I completely agree, with your rankings and it's refreshing to see a youtuber give genuine rankings

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Love to see Omega get the love it deserves. The 2 brands that are not resting on their laurels and hit it out of the park throughout this year for me are Tudor and Christopher Ward. Their new products are attractive and offer great value which attracts lots of interest from a broad spectrum of collectors. The third brand that grabbed my eye is Baltic with their recent stone dials! If only they made the stone dials in 39 or 40 MM, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy!

[@drewrodwell4221]

Love that your assessment is based on what they are doing, not what they did

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

This is a good concept for a tier list. Not wholly original but executed very well. One point in earnest. As your subscriber numbers grow so will the temptations coming your way. Stay ‘clean’ boet. Your insights are wonderful and useful to us. All the best

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Had to try to do my version of it 😀

[@miabeatz80]

I totally agree with your assessment. Especially, in ranking Omega the winner this year. Omega has had the most consistent positive feedback this year without redesigning any model. Even with the Olympics releases (which I normally don't care for) there were standouts. 🍻

[@jazzman5598]

Bremont……….I’ll take my 10 year old Alpinist Sarb 017. Great vid Mike. Thanks (& glad you S tiered the Glass Box…I also have the blue dial Carrera with the date at the 6:00. ) and carry on . I have never seen a watch channel grow with the rapidity of yours. And for very good reason.

[@johnd-xd9sn]

Always superb discussions. Thought provoking, open minded, and analytical...as best can be hoped for in a hobby of passion. Hear, hear to Omega at the top...agree completely. As for Studio Underdog...not so much. Odd colored dials feel to be about all the brand does well...and that isnt enough for a top tier ranking. Nonetheless a superb list and fun to hear your thoughts.

[@wolfmoz2232]

Great channel! Thank you for the nuanced content and especially for the clear highlighting of deeply personal views. It is refreshing and encouraging to see, how good and entertaining it can be, when there is a consistent understanding and reflection on the fact, that arguments on ‚objective truth‘ are often just a post hoc rationalization, to justify one’s subjective (emotionally driven) decisions. Cheers!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I have strong opinions usually , but I do try to be clear when I state them, that they are just that - opinions. cheers 😀😀

[@wolfmoz2232]

@ exactly what I like about them. 👍👍👍

[@frankieb2784]

Holy smoke.. this was amazing.. thank you.. I just received my Clemence Munro.. quite impressive for a budget friendly newer micro brand. Thanks!

[@hunterl5148]

I started my collection about a week ago and I’ve learned so much from your channel! I’m a broke 30 year old right now so I’m sticking with a few Casio’s…for now. GW5000U-1 is what I’m saving for now! Then I’ll be looking for my very first automatic. Absolutely love the vids. Keep up the great work! Thank you! Edit: I’m leaning towards a CW on the lower cost end, Hamilton, or a Seiko 5. Any other suggestions from anyone less than or around $500 would be great!

[@TheWatchDoggg]

Find yourself a great dive watch. They are awesome and can be dressed up for most situations. Not to mention more robustness and the 200m of water resistance.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Tissot PRX Powermatic.

[@hunterl5148]

@@dannysimenauer5745 that’s definitely on my list.

[@TacticalMechaStriker]

Try a Citizen Tsuyosa

[@superfoodguru]

Try channels like Mad Watch Collector or Just One More Watch, etc. which lean towards the affordable market.

[@mayanalien]

Omega making S tier. ❤ I was waiting, surprised they didn’t land in B, assuming you just forgot about them when you got to A. Shocked when it hit S. Hope they keep the momentum going.

[@NPJensen]

As usual, you make a lot of sense. I would not have mentioned anything Olympic as a positive thing these days - the IOC is simply too tainted for that, but in spite of that I agree with you about Omega.

[@devinhedge]

I don’t agree with ALL of your super subjective rankings; however, I believe you’ve nailed the most important detail. Product is King. In downturns you have to nail your product game and have what it takes to be consistent at catching each specific market segment’s consciousness. For those in the A and S tier, I believe you’ve nailed that though I would have put Cartier in the A tier.

[@Grumbo91]

Very fair list Would have some changes myself but each point justified eloquently. Totally agree Omega have had a great year. Picked up the white dial speedy this year, its stunning.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks 😃😃

[@gojamzim]

May not be sexy but I like when a brand takes an existing model & makes thoughtful improvements to it. Like Oris did this year with its nearly 60-year-old “Divers Sixty-Five” (now the “Divers Date”). And they didn't raise the price! Hope other brands follow suit next year.

[@stevenpwright8792]

I like Oris, especially since they are independent.

[@ntorresla]

I always enjoy your videos, where do you put formex? I wanted to grab a reef 39mm

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

B. I really like formex but the stratos isn't as strong a release as I had hoped. They did some cool variants on other models but the stratos detracts on aesthetics (for me)😀

[@andrewklyce-mariscal1564]

Gundam Wing Zero chillin the back. Appreciated

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Gotta have something interesting in the background 😀😀

[@Bronilli]

Probably the best tier list I’ve seen so far this year. Great job!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Don't know about that, but thank you 😀😀

[@Bronilli]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch You ranked Rolex, ap, patek exactly where they’re supposed to be, they’re lazy complacent companies at this point in time, and didn’t drool over them for simply existing. You didn’t hate on hublot simply for existing. Perfectly done in my book great job! 😁

[@WaterJake]

I think you're right about Christopher Ward in regards to their move to profitability with higher end models. You can see the attention those get from enthusiasts at events. Everyone flocks to the Bel Canto, the Twelve, etc. The more generic models don't get any of that attention. This is just an impression of course, but it aligns with that narrative quite well. The entry models should in theory be more attractive to general audiences, but I suspect that they just don't get that many sales from regular customers as opposed to enthusiasts.

[@billbouldin2969]

Happy holidays TWTW!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

to you too 😀😀

[@melonlord951]

I think it was a great year for Casio releases. New Rangeman, manga 2100s, new entry level lineup and also the 2100 MRG. Also the Oceanus anniversary editions and the Casiotron reissues.

[@anorax001]

Casio had a stellar year. As a G-Shock lover there is so much choice and it is great to see Casio offering G-Shock options for those of us with micro-wrists.

[@jdwxflyer]

Just a few words about Cartier: their watches are Classic, beautiful and high quality. But more so, their attention to customer satisfaction is stellar. I went into the Paris flagship store this summer to buy my wife a Love ring and was overwhelmed by the service. Just excellent! I almost wanted to buy a Santos just because the S.A. was so nice.

[@andrewhagemannarchitecture3798]

Omega are great. Love the new Ti SMp - reminds me of the mid naughties sword hand NAC with white gold bezel. Just hugely updated. Great thing about them now is you can now get their superlative bracelets to fit your old SMPs and Speedies. Just brilliant brand all round - always looking to improve and excite 👌

[@johnsanabria3279]

I agree with your choice about CW and Cartier.....these two brands tend to keep chugging along while most of the others do very little to introduce something eye-catching and different! Btw,have you thought about doing a video on Farer? There is a gentleman in the UK I have bought a number of my CW watches from who has had on his website several Farer watches. IMHO,they look to be colorful and interesting watches.

[@timb8095]

I’ve bought 5 x Omega and 1 x Longines this year, so agree with your list 😊

[@Leedoggie6677]

The Bulova Surveyor, Jetstar and the Super Seville are STELLAR releases. Hope you can get a chance to check them out! Great list by the way!

[@targaflorio3239]

Love your balanced, analytical approach. And Bravo for acknowledging Chinese brands like San Martin are getting better and better as a value prop.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I think they deserve fair mention 😀

[@peterneissa6019]

I'm not a big time collector, I just like watches even though I cannot afford 90% of the one's I like, but the year in review was priceless and now I cannot wait to see how each of those brands either fall into complacency or step up their game.

[@Karl-hx6sw]

I think I'd pick Watchdives. They are doing a lot of good things to satisfy people like me. Clasps and bracelets at an acceptable level of fit and finish which is often rare in brands even much higher. Some will argue about originality but thats a whole different discussion. I like them producing meccaquartz versions I can use for work plus I think I have enough autos now. They listen and progress from feedback a lot. Just got a white speedtimer and am very happy with it. I don't and never have wanted the Omega one. A chronograph is best in quartz imo. Outstanding value, one to watch

[@limelightmuskoka]

Spot On, CW has grown so much in the past year. San Martin Wow. But I would say therre is a wide spectrum of quality but there is certainly quality and value.

[@recxion37]

hi Mike, curious to hear your thoughts on Mido. I’ve heard they are very underrated but would love to know your opinion.

[@mybrainlikesthings]

Good call. The updated and fixed movement of the modern TV Big Date this year (compared to 2023) has made this a solid choice for many. It was the first time I found something from Mido that I wanted.

[@BRMCaptChaos]

I put them in with Baltic, but higher information buyers may be seeing a gem emerging.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

This is why doing these tier lists is tough. I find it tedious to go through what feels like 1.2 million brands and then I select the ones I've noticed/experienced most and then I miss some good brands. Big fan of the decompression world timer 😀

[@auxmike718]

I’m a fan of Bremont and look forward to getting another one. I don’t care what people think especially you.

[@nightstalker824]

Why did you comment if you don’t care? Bremont is horse shit. Yes, I wanted an old school supermarine diver back in the day, but that was back in the day when they actually cared. I can’t see this brand lasting more than 5 years, unless they cut their prices in half. Breitling can get away with selling you a $4000 ETA powered watch, Bremont can’t anymore.

[@auxmike718]

But the first series tudor Blackbay Divers had the same movement. I guess they got away with it, too, eh? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@nightstalker824]

@@auxmike718 I thought you said you don’t care what people think. Tudor has history from Rolex. Breitling has history from themselves. What does Bremont have? They are in no shape to charge those prices.

[@auxmike718]

@ no I want 100% agree on that point. If I get another Bremont, it’s definitely gonna be used not new. They are horrible value from an AD, as are most luxury watches excluding Rolex of course.

[@simonpedersen4853]

I love listening to your insights. A true expert in watch marketing at the highest level in my opinion.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Kind words. I'm not an expert though - just an engaged enthusiast 😀😀

[@catchlite5196]

I feel like many brands, outside of the watch world, should take notice of your contributions. Thank you for your thoughts.

[@miguelgarcia-ck9br]

Awesome video any recommendations for dive watch under 1 thousand dollars

[@attila2246]

Why is Panerai in A tier? Didn’t hear any follow up on the rating.

[@dblh84]

Agreed. I, too, listened closely but heard absolutely nothing. Also, hearing yet more praise for Tudor - the staidest of the staid, imo - is discouraging to say the least.

[@Simon-ry5kg]

Agree with a lot of this. Omegas are occupying several slots in my to-buy list and each new release makes the decision harder.

[@MERKAMGCLK]

I purchased 2 Chinese homage watches. Both have Seiko actions and the fit and finish are excellent. They are great everyday watches.

[@rowluxillusion5235]

I think a very fair rundown, Omega in S tier is I'm sure for many controversial, but I tend to agree with your placement, they have definitely offered more this year than the others, but the price increases are hard to swallow.

[@ЛентяйЁпта]

We need proper SMP300 and PO updates, not just color variations. More power reserve, thinner case, better bracelet. And NO, the HE valve does NOT need to go.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

HEV lover. Good to see 😀

[@Docmeff1]

Totally agree with this list. 2024 has been the year of Omega for me. I've bought 6 of them this year!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lucky you 😀😀😀😀

[@paulkukula6541]

Really enjoying all your reviews. Agree with Omega. The black dial Aqua Terra is a stunner. Although, I think I’m in the minority as I like Bremont. Something for everyone I suppose. Keep up the great work.

[@efeefruwhe256]

I only just subscribed this month, and I am enjoying every minute of your videos. If I may ask what are your thoughts on Russian brands like Raketa and Pobeda? I do know Russia has a relatively unknown horology heritage

[@TheSlowoldman]

Probably the most reasonable tier list I've seen and it's based in reality (objective subjectivity???). Pleasantly surprised you did it. I completely agree with placing Hermes in the S tier, it will be competing with Cartier if it isn't already as the jewelry watchmaker. I'm a fan of Laurent Ferrier as you well know so I agree with the A tier ranking. Omega is huge and Tudor may be overhyped but they are at least making a number of good watches and have had some nice releases.

[@theprike5372]

I agree on your thoughs on longines. I somehow snobbed it but I regret everything that I had in mind in the last 90 days. The ultrachron is stunning and I tried it on an AD

[@JohnConnor636]

I love my Omega's. Incredible value & availability with slight variations. There could be 5 people in the same room and all have Seamaster or Speedmaster with all a sight variations. I love that.

[@j.m.4444]

Totally agree on Hermès. Got into that brand due to the Birkin Bags of my wife. Will collect my H08 next week. Hell of a watch and far superior than the artificial Cartier hype.

[@TheLocara]

Perhaps an interesting topic to discuss for a video (or the next Q&A): Spring Drive It being the "perfect marriage" between mechanical and quartz movements, one would think it would sort of mark a point where new innovations would pop up more in the industry, but it seems like it's been relegated to GS (and the LX line of Seiko) as much as the Astron technology has done the same Any idea where you feel that the future of that tech will go? And maybe adding your own thoughts on its impact

[@josepauloneuparthvieirafer4449]

Spot on rewind of 2024. A lot of precious details. Cheers, Mike.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Cheers to you too

[@JordanNiks]

I love your takes and insight, I feel you missed the mention of chronoswiss. Their Delphis is absolutely stunning and uses color in a way that few watches can pull off. Would love to see a tier list of the decades. Watches are meant to be timeless, classic, and longstanding… it would be so much fun to see your take of brand releases through the timeline of the 1900’s :)

[@c.f.g.2837]

A very good, concise, review ! I have a Zenith Elite Chronograph blue dial that uses the El Primero movement. A stunning watch imho with a true heritage in watch making. I'm not impressed with the Defy styles, but want to get a Pilot. The CW brand offers some stunning styles but I always question the quality side of that brand. Omega is always a favorite!

[@mike-yn3mn]

As a doxa fan i think the smaller subs were a nice addition to the lineup. Although it would be nice to see them try their hand at dress watches they had some nice ones in the 40's and 50's before dive watches consumed the brand.

[@tboneisgaming]

I think that's a fair assessment. I'm saddened by Bremont's rebranding. To me the coolest watches in their lineup was the Martin Baker and the Kingsman ALT1. Longines is doing stellar work. I like the look of the conquest now.

[@JimWestrich]

Thx Mike. Even liked your Japanese casio pronunciation. Too positively biased to speak about JLC (would put them higher) but feel like I need to disagree with Omega. Like the brand but the FOIS doesn't feel well in my hands and the Seamaster 300s look outdated and need more of an upgrade than the releases this week..

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Always informative, entertaining and you made me laugh out loud! Thank- happy holidays

[@deltropico7]

Normally I enjoy your train of thought but Omega? Wow. Agree to disagree. Respect!

[@johannoren2787]

This was awesome, pragmatic, serious and well researched, thanks man.

[@PiracyAgreement]

Great video as always! Personally, I’d rate Rolex higher considering the context of the immense hype surrounding them in recent years. I believe a more understated year was necessary for their long-term strategy, and I think they absolutely nailed it. On another note, is there a specific reason Timex wasn’t mentioned? I understand not every brand can make it into the discussion, and some will inevitably be overlooked, but I wanted to check if this was an oversight given the impressive momentum Timex has had recently-especially in the context of the rise of Chinese "clomages"-or if there was a particular reason for their omission.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

No other reasons than there are more watch brands than I have time for in a video. IT's a balance 😀😀

[@robmonk8901]

Great vid. Would love to hear your thoughts on Speake Marin- they seem to be quite niche, but their watches look great (to me)

[@j.m.4444]

This channel is the end of the foodchain! Thanks for your efforts.

[@genericreference6969]

Just curious - what are your views of Apple? Do you consider them a watch company or are they better classified as something else? They do sell a very high volume and they are something other than a simple fitness tracker. Anyway, just curious :)

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Tech company through and through 😀

[@MrZanzibar123]

Giving Hegel a run for his money with your encyclopedic ambitions! Might quibble here and there but was entertained; thanks for a year of illuminating analyses!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

If you're entertained, I'm happy 😀

[@Leftystrat]

The great thing about omega is you can buy the watch in a year for 30% off!!

[@bgloumpu]

How ?

[@Chiller11]

I want an Omega white dialed Speedy like I haven’t wanted an Omega in years. I’m also a Portuguieser fan for uncertain reasons so I was glad to see IWC make some progress. I’d be interested in your perception of Dornbluth & Sohn.

[@davidconnelly]

For me, Baltic and Erebus are winners. Baltic has gone from obscure micro brand to having physical stores in places like Paris and London. As for Erebus? They knocked it out of the park with the Ascent.

[@anorax001]

The Ascent is my watch of the year for 2024. It is the most balanced well made watch in my collection at this time. I hope it isn’t a one hit wonder for the brand.

[@SkipPremium]

Great post, thanks. Would appreciate your feedback on a watch I’m thinking of going for for a pending landmark birthday (on a normal persons purse). Aware it’s a Patek wink but the soon to be released jade dial Maen Manhattan 40. Do you think this is a good watch and investment?

[@jmsd021]

Really love your content and echo many other commenters sentiments on your well-reasoned, objective and comprehensive approach (with a bit of dry humour). One small piece of feedback: If there is a watch you are focusing on (rather than mentioning in passing), it would be great if you used an image/animation of the watch a bit more in tandem with your commentary.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Noted and thank you 😀

[@jmsd021]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Thanks for the response :)

[@johnburrow4124]

Wonderful video! Do a bonus ranking for best to worst Gundams haha

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lol.... That would be tough 😀😀

[@C.C._TJ_Jason]

I’m curious where you would rank Hanhart. I was really impressed with their HD12 release.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good watches but in terms of what they've done this year I'd put them in B. Nothing changed their relative "status" in the watch world 😀

[@nightstalker824]

I agree with your Christopher Ward point of view. They are fine watches, but the more high end they get, it brings more satisfaction to buy a brand that isn’t associated with “affordable.” It’s like buying a Genesis car, well made care but a tough pill to swallow spending that much coin knowing it’s a Hyundai, and they were making throw away cars 10 years ago.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

It's a tough journey to go upmarket in that way. Ditching the "affordability" can be a costly choice 😀😀

[@NavinJ8]

Good stuff. I like the jacket too-what’s the brand?

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lindeberg