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As a long-time lover of the weird and wonderful, I always support controversial choices. Whether it’s buying a Cartier Pasha for a modern Omega Seamaster or swapping my Tank Vasculante for a $15 Citizen from an op shop, there are decisions that most watch enthusiasts would balk at. I know what it’s like. But watches are a reflection of our true selves. Because we put up with the sidelong glances that come with watches. When we asked people what their most controversial watches are, here are some of the answers from some of the bravest people.
Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch remains the king of controversy
Even after the Swatch x Omega Moon Swatch was released in 2022, I feel like watch culture never fully recovered. In the past, watches that were available to the general public have never garnered immediate hype, but it’s only recently that a limited number of models have become available for purchase online. . However, with great popularity comes great resistance, and there is no shortage of hatred towards Moonswatch. Whether it’s a bioceramic case material that’s indistinguishable from plastic or a quartz movement that doesn’t have an ounce of Omega heritage, people will find any excuse to call it overpriced, overhyped, and nothing more than a toy. Dew.
What haters lack is a sense of eccentricity. The MoonSwatch was never intended to be an affordable Speedmaster, but rather Swatch’s gleeful interpretation of the Speedmaster architecture. It may not be your cup of tea, but there’s a good reason why it remains in such high demand two years later. On the contrary, the lack of publicity for the Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms only proves that Moonswatch has come up with a winning formula and deserves its place in many collections.
There’s a good reason why fashion watches and quartz watches are popular
Quartz watches in general have always faced their fair share of snobbery, but more affordable movements mean more money is spent on build quality, case finishes, fitment, etc. Not everyone is interested in the so-called purity or history of mechanical watchmaking. Even those who are interested can appreciate the role that the quartz movement has played in this. While you can buy a luxury watch and enjoy its features, you will likely save thousands of dollars by purchasing a quartz watch.
Indeed, if you look at the suggested retail price of a fashion watch with a typical quartz movement, you can easily assume that you are being scammed. However, these watches are often sold at deep discounts, especially towards the end of the season when sales overlap. If you know what you’re looking for, you can really find a bargain. Designer brands can also cater to aesthetics that go beyond the usual standards of watchmaking, which leads to fun and unique designs. Let’s take a look at some of the Oakley watches from the Y2K era and how collectible they are.
Is the watch really controversial?
Maybe it’s just the way the question is phrased, but I’m not entirely sure that what everyone chose is really controversial. Maybe there was a negative reaction when your Rolex was introduced, but since Rolex is the most famous watch brand, it will always attract all kinds of opinions. While it’s a matter of personal preference, there’s no such thing as a Rolex in today’s market that you can’t justify purchasing. I understand that something like Ploprof may not be to everyone’s taste, but I think the same can be said for Tudor and the lesser known Omega. Are you all just humble bragging?
The usual suspects appear
There are some brands that people hate. Sometimes there’s logic behind it, and sometimes it’s just blind piggybacking. Hublot, Panerai, and Bremont are some of the luxury watch brands with solid reputations among their fans, but you can definitely expect some disappointing comments if you flaunt them on social media. Thankfully, in personal encounters, negative reactions to watches are rare. Budget watches like Invicta and Daniel Wellington aren’t necessarily trash either. Some of Invicta’s models are actually good, and Daniel Wellington is often a stepping stone into the larger world of watches.
