berndt
Nookie Newbie
Rank: 1



UID 4038
Digest Posts 0
Credits 10
Posts 12
Karma 10
Acceptance -2
Reading Access 10
Registered 28-10-2007
Location Hong Kong
Status Offline
Post at 27-1-2012 23:21  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Prestigious Timepiece?

Hey fellas, my boss gave me a watch as a CNY present.
According to him its a prestigious label on par with omega and audemar piguet watches.
The brand is Philip Stein. I've  have never heard of this company before. Can any of you watch loving bros enlighten me?
Top
yyy111
Nookie Newbie
Rank: 1


UID 79822
Digest Posts 0
Credits 75
Posts 30
Karma 75
Acceptance 5
Reading Access 10
Registered 28-11-2011
Status Offline
Post at 28-1-2012 01:26  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Can't say I've come across this brand myself, but if you do a quick Google search you'll find out that the company is relatively new compared to other well-knowns (their own website claims that it formed in 2002).  It seems like Oprah has a segment called Oprah's Favorite Things and supposedly indicates that she likes a handful of their watches over the years (I counted a total of 3 different Phillip Stein watches).

Notice Oprah's Favourite Things list doesn't seem to feature any watches from Omega or Audemar Piguet. My guess is that Phillip Stein are still building up their brand and are using Oprah's show as a means to do so. Whether that means anything in terms of "prestige" depends on who your friends are (or at least who the people you want to impress are). The watch may be as expensive as an Omega, but if you need to explain this to everyone - then it's not widely accepted as "prestigious".

Phillip Stein also claims that their watches help improve people's sleep with what they call Frequency Technology. And this is apparently what their customers rave about. I'd suspect these watches appeal to a certain market of well-off health fanatics (e.g. doctors). The sceptical still think it's just "snake-oil" . So maybe a certain set of people will automatically recognise the "prestige" of that watch (like your boss or doctors), but others won't.

Ask yourself: Who do you hang around and do you want to impress them with wearing the "prestigious" watch?
(Now I see the beginnings of an experiment... start wearing it out often and see what kind of reaction you get. Maybe you'll start a new trend and help make it into a more well-known brand!).

[ Last edited by  yyy111 at 28-1-2012 01:33 ]
Top
womble
Musky Member
Rank: 2



UID 4569
Digest Posts 0
Credits 164
Posts 45
Karma 163
Acceptance 27
Reading Access 20
Registered 16-11-2007
Status Offline
Post at 29-1-2012 02:18  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
In my opinion I think it is mostly a marketing ploy, yes it is worn by some famous people but I personally would not buyone, I would take an Omega any day (my choice! As they say in the ads!)
To me they are just an overpriced quartz watch but if it was a present then that's ok!
I wouldn't mind banging the lady boss who imports them, she does the modeling in the ads for Philip Stein, Christy something.

Heading to DG soon for some factory meetings, if I don't have flashbacks I will file a report!
Where is a safer bet, anyone? Thx
Top
markreyes
Kinky King
Rank: 5Rank: 5



UID 5437
Digest Posts 0
Credits 1301
Posts 805
Karma 1288
Acceptance 265
Reading Access 50
Registered 2-12-2007
Status Offline
Post at 29-1-2012 22:26  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Definitely not on the same level as Omega or Audemars.

As a watch collector, Phillip Steins have little to no value.  

As a gimmicky watch, they have followers, I know of a few people who swear by its frequency marketing.  I've tried one and I can't say it magically improved my life.

As a gift, it's not that bad a present!  

Be thankful for what you have =)
Top
berndt
Nookie Newbie
Rank: 1



UID 4038
Digest Posts 0
Credits 10
Posts 12
Karma 10
Acceptance -2
Reading Access 10
Registered 28-10-2007
Location Hong Kong
Status Offline
Post at 29-1-2012 23:19  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Thanks for the feedback.

I guess this is a real POS (piece of shit).

I cannot find anything about the guts of the watch. Any idea what the movement of the watch is? Are they made by ETA? or is it just some generic china made movement?

I'm thinking of just pawning this garbage.
Top
timewaster
Erotic Emperor
Rank: 6Rank: 6


UID 7180
Digest Posts 0
Credits 2778
Posts 1944
Karma 2755
Acceptance 467
Reading Access 60
Registered 14-1-2008
Status Offline
Post at 30-1-2012 00:09  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
yeah.
i'm into watches and rarely ever hear people mentioning this brand.
it would help if you post which model you have.
so it is mechanical?
Top
berndt
Nookie Newbie
Rank: 1



UID 4038
Digest Posts 0
Credits 10
Posts 12
Karma 10
Acceptance -2
Reading Access 10
Registered 28-10-2007
Location Hong Kong
Status Offline
Post at 30-1-2012 00:40  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
No its quartz movement.

I was thinking to get a nice watch this year. Any ideas? budget is under 3000USD.

Whats the best automatic watch I can get in terms of accuracy reliabiability and prestige?

[ Last edited by  berndt at 30-1-2012 00:46 ]
Top
markreyes
Kinky King
Rank: 5Rank: 5



UID 5437
Digest Posts 0
Credits 1301
Posts 805
Karma 1288
Acceptance 265
Reading Access 50
Registered 2-12-2007
Status Offline
Post at 30-1-2012 02:36  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Reply #7 berndt's post

Phillip Steins use ETA movements.  Which means its basically a nice Swatch.  You'll find these inside most if not all of the boutique watches, including "prestigious expensive" Cartier.

That being said, it's not a bad watch.  I'm not up to date with pricing, but I recall them being north of 1200 usd, although I've only really looked at them in the Philippines just to see how much they were at first.

Under 3k, I'd say look at Omega and perhaps you can find an Rolex AK for slightly more.

I do think unless you are quitting or getting fired, you best wear that watch and say it's awesome to everybody you know.  I can't think of a faster or more efficient way to get in the doghouse of never getting promoted than to sell gifts from your boss and then wear a substitute that he can see everyday at work.

Good luck with that.

Recent Ratings
yyy111   1-2-2012 11:16  Acceptance  +1   Indeed. Wear it to at least keep the boss happy :)
doghead   30-1-2012 12:56  Karma  +1   Being insecure about looks, he will wear gift at work n another at night.
SEAJ   30-1-2012 11:25  Karma  +1   V. good advise! Looking at a gift horse and all that!
Top
timewaster
Erotic Emperor
Rank: 6Rank: 6


UID 7180
Digest Posts 0
Credits 2778
Posts 1944
Karma 2755
Acceptance 467
Reading Access 60
Registered 14-1-2008
Status Offline
Post at 31-1-2012 08:27  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
i like omega.
it's getting up their with rolex in terms of prestige.
Their new co-ax movement is extremely accurate.
I have the aqua terra and it is off < 5 secs per week.
Top
markreyes
Kinky King
Rank: 5Rank: 5



UID 5437
Digest Posts 0
Credits 1301
Posts 805
Karma 1288
Acceptance 265
Reading Access 50
Registered 2-12-2007
Status Offline
Post at 1-2-2012 05:31  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Reply #9 timewaster's post

I don't see Omega ever coming close to Rolex in terms of prestige.  There are a few Omega watches that are valued by collectors though, and they will get you those prestige points, but if it's been purchased within the last 15 years or costs less than 10k usd, then Rolex will get you more bang for the buck.

Most modern watches are precise enough that you won't notice.  Truthfully though, if you are looking for precision, a quartz movement will likely serve you better than a mechanical watch.

Most Rolexs are not as precise as any cheap quartz watch, although they can be more accurate, depending how the bones fall that week.
Top
DaBestHK
Godfather of Hole
Rank: 9Rank: 9Rank: 9


UID 38266
Digest Posts 0
Credits 9074
Posts 6140
Karma 8967
Acceptance 2136
Reading Access 90
Registered 19-1-2010
Status Offline
Post at 1-2-2012 16:18  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L


QUOTE:
Originally posted by berndt at 30-1-2012 00:40
No its quartz movement.

I was thinking to get a nice watch this year. Any ideas? budget is under 3000USD.

Whats the best automatic watch I can get in terms of accuracy reliabiability and prestige? ...

for under 3k USD, you can consider Ball and Oris as well.
Top
sirtiger (the banana)
Erotic Emperor
Rank: 6Rank: 6


UID 3407
Digest Posts 0
Credits 2609
Posts 2588
Karma 2586
Acceptance 465
Reading Access 60
Registered 27-9-2007
Location other side of the planet
Status Offline
Post at 1-2-2012 23:29  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L


QUOTE:
Originally posted by markreyes at 31-1-2012 04:31 PM
Most Rolexs are not as precise as any cheap quartz watch, although they can be more accurate, depending how the bones fall that week

almost any cheap watch can be as or even more precise as a pricey ETA timepiece.  The pricey ones are like artwork with its precision 200+ moving parts.  It will be pretty precise as long as people take care of them & tune them up as needed.

In mass production luxury timepieces, nothing will rival Rolex in easy resale & prestige.  There are pieces which are more prestigious like patek or less pretigious like Tudor but they flat out don't have the same mainstream following.
Top
Grimlock
Musky Member
Rank: 2



UID 39786
Digest Posts 0
Credits 143
Posts 130
Karma 142
Acceptance 20
Reading Access 20
Registered 13-2-2010
Status Offline
Post at 7-2-2012 20:31  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L


QUOTE:
Originally posted by sirtiger at 1-2-2012 23:29


almost any cheap watch can be as or even more precise as a pricey ETA timepiece.  The pricey ones are like artwork with its precision 200+ moving parts.  It will be pretty precise as long as people  ...

For mainstream prestige, Rolex is the watch to get. They also hold their value very well as long as you get a style that is timeless. However, Rolex movement is a little less spectacular compared to some other watches. Omega's are very modern pieces with, in my humble opinion, better movement than Rolex. However, Omegas are definitely held to a lesser regard than Rolex from a traditional mainstream feel.

Like Sirtiger said, if you want to really be in the know, then you're looking at watches such as Patek Philippe, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, and Panerai. Most likely, these brands would be outside of your posted budget unless you have some interesting connections. However, that's not to say that the other watches mentioned in this thread aren't nice either. All watches have a personality, from their mechanics, to the company's history, to the quality of the materials.

Just to add more fuel to the fire, take a look at Breitling and Tag.

I personally have a Tag F1, Omega Speedmaster, and Glashutte Senator. However, my most treasured is my Tissot PR50 which was a gift from my mother.

Your watch is part of you. Pick one that you'll enjoy
Top
sirtiger (the banana)
Erotic Emperor
Rank: 6Rank: 6


UID 3407
Digest Posts 0
Credits 2609
Posts 2588
Karma 2586
Acceptance 465
Reading Access 60
Registered 27-9-2007
Location other side of the planet
Status Offline
Post at 8-2-2012 03:00  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L


QUOTE:
Originally posted by Grimlock at 7-2-2012 07:31 AM

Omega's are very modern pieces with, in my humble opinion, better movement than Rolex. However, Omegas are definitely held to a lesser regard than Rolex from a traditional mainstream feel.

I personally have a Tag F1, Omega Speedmaster, and Glashutte Senator. However, my most treasured is my Tissot PR50 which was a gift from my mother.

modern in terms of style?  

Both timepices are very rugged and its hard to say which has better movement.  Yeah a little snobbery comment here but there is something to be said about rolex inhouse movements oppose to outsourced ETA movements.

The orginal tag f1?  I have that one too and love that one!  Speedmaster is a very nice one as well.
Top
timewaster
Erotic Emperor
Rank: 6Rank: 6


UID 7180
Digest Posts 0
Credits 2778
Posts 1944
Karma 2755
Acceptance 467
Reading Access 60
Registered 14-1-2008
Status Offline
Post at 8-2-2012 07:31  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
maybe he meant in terms of movement?
The omega coax is one of the latest renovations in mech watches.
i love it.
it is extremely accurate/reliable and is reputed  to have 2x longer period of time before it needs to be serviced.
Top
Grimlock
Musky Member
Rank: 2



UID 39786
Digest Posts 0
Credits 143
Posts 130
Karma 142
Acceptance 20
Reading Access 20
Registered 13-2-2010
Status Offline
Post at 8-2-2012 14:05  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L


QUOTE:
Originally posted by sirtiger at 8-2-2012 03:00


modern in terms of style?  

Both timepices are very rugged and its hard to say which has better movement.  Yeah a little snobbery comment here but there is something to be said about rolex inhouse  ...

Yes, in my opinion, Omega style is more modern than Rolex. Both movements are great, but Omega just seems to evolve more in terms of style and mechanics than Rolex.

I have the TAG Heuer Kirium F1 which came out in 2001. Has both analog and digital functionality.

http://us.tagheuer.com/en/vintage-watches/launch-of-the-kirium-f1

[ Last edited by  Grimlock at 8-2-2012 14:09 ]
Top
markreyes
Kinky King
Rank: 5Rank: 5



UID 5437
Digest Posts 0
Credits 1301
Posts 805
Karma 1288
Acceptance 265
Reading Access 50
Registered 2-12-2007
Status Offline
Post at 9-2-2012 07:55  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
From the comments you guys are making, it's obvious that these watch companies have done a great job of marketing their products.

Before you guys get too involved debating quality of movements, I suggest doing a little research on the history of watch manufacture and the industry as a whole before you buy your next watch.

I think you'll be surprised at who actually designed and manufactured the movement in the watches you're talking about, and the precision or lack of in each brand.

As I mentioned before, watches are a personal issue, and you should buy what you like.  Debating about movements, especially at the price levels you're at, ispointless.
Top
genaisp
Carnal Conqueror
Rank: 3Rank: 3



UID 66332
Digest Posts 0
Credits 334
Posts 97
Karma 333
Acceptance 24
Reading Access 30
Registered 24-5-2011
Status Offline
Post at 15-2-2012 21:59  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Reply #7 berndt's post

you can have a look on the following website : www.collectorstime.com

I know the boss very well, they are ultra serious and know a lot about watches. It is basically asian grey market and you can get sometimes great prices there.

I am not connected to them in any mean, just giving a link that i think is useful
Top
cn888
Carnal Conqueror
Rank: 3Rank: 3



UID 36510
Digest Posts 0
Credits 253
Posts 260
Karma 253
Acceptance 4
Reading Access 30
Registered 22-12-2009
Status Offline
Post at 17-2-2012 09:01  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L


QUOTE:
Originally posted by berndt at 27-1-2012 23:21
Hey fellas, my boss gave me a watch as a CNY present.
According to him its a prestigious label on par with omega and audemar piguet watches.
The brand is Philip Stein. I've  have never heard of this  ...

I know a few people that have purchased this watch brand.  I wouldn't say that it is a POS, but it is more of a fashion watch rather than a collectors watch or anything with a complicated movement.  That being said, they usually start around $4500HKD to upwards of 20,000HKD (with diamonds).  It is a quartz movement usually with two time zones.  I don't think they look bad but as bros have said in this thread, not rolex or omega.  But then your really not comparing apples to apples.
Top
pasadenaoc
Carnal Conqueror
Rank: 3Rank: 3



UID 58420
Digest Posts 0
Credits 202
Posts 49
Karma 201
Acceptance 11
Reading Access 30
Registered 5-1-2011
Status Offline
Post at 21-2-2012 05:58  Profile P.M. 
Font size: S M L
Well, for starters, Omega actually used to be considered more prestigious than Rolex back in the 1950s/60s.  Not to say that Rolex was not a prestigious watch back then.  However, the  perception toward Omega began to change in the 1980s when Rolex became quite popular amongst the nouveau riche/young people with way too much money on their hands.  Omega remains a quality brand, with recent solid achievements including the coaxial escapement (which interestingly enough, the inventor first put in his Rolex to test it out!), the Planet Ocean which has been a huge market success for them, and more recently the LE "Liquidmetal" bezel.

Having said this, Omega is not on par with Audemars Piguet.  AP is more in the echelon of elite watch brands ex. Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, etc.  The fact that your boss lumped them together shows he's probably not that informed about watches (or, he thinks REALLY highly of Omega).

I personally wouldn't say that Philip Stein is on par with either of the other two brands mentioned.  I wouldn't go as far as saying it's just another fashion watch, as fashion watch to me is something like a Fossil or Diesel watch.  Philip Stein is at least known in the watch collector's world for their advertising of frequency technology.  I don't know much about it and haven't read up on it, but supposedly it helps your sleep rhythms or something like that. I also occasionally see ads for Philip Stein watches in WatchTime magazine, and they look decent for their price point.

What I guess it comes down to is that no, I wouldn't put Philip Stein on par with Omega, and therefore by default not on par with Audemars Piguet.  However, I think it's a nice gift to receive from your boss, even if he tried to make it seem like it was more than it is.  I'd just enjoy it for what it is: a nice gift from your boss for CNY

btw, in case it wasn't apparent... I like collecting watches, haha.
Top
 


All times are GMT+8, the time now is 24-11-2024 04:30

Powered by Discuz! 5.0.0 © 2001-2006 Comsenz Inc.
Processed in 0.034748 second(s), 9 queries , Gzip enabled

Clear Cookies - Contact Us - 141Love
Disclaimer: This forum is operated as a real-time bulletin board system. 141CLUB.COM carries no legal liability on its contents. All messages are solely composed and up-loaded by readers and their opinions do not represent our stand. Readers are reminded that the contents on this forum may not convey reliable information thus it is readers' own responsibility to judge the validity, completeness and truthfulness of the messages. For messages related to medical, legal or investment issues, readers should always seek advice from professionals. Due to the limitation of the forum's real-time up-loading nature, 141CLUB.com is not able to monitor all the messages posted. Should readers find any problems regarding the messages, do contact us. 141CLUB.COM reserves the rights to delete or preserve any messages and reject anyone from joining this forum. 141CLUB.COM reserves all the legal rights.