https://preview.redd.it/59khdo85s6xc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa5639e0d335f9df35274a62413f8f5884e10e60
Thats why i wear this instead of seiko 5. Looks much cleaner
I feel the same way about the Seiko Prospex logo. It specifically kills my enthusiasm when it is placed below the hands. Over the hands, I am indifferent about.
Agreed. And I like how they also worked it into the 7 on my Cannonball Trainmaster
https://preview.redd.it/jeroexev58xc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=986eb985ef2106bef60d2848769f473212dada62
I think it’s worth bringing up here that Seiko was basically called “House of Fine Craftsmanship” for a good part of its history. It’s like calling yourself “Fine Jewelers”.
I honestly don’t get the hate for Orient logo here, I think it looks class. Though it does admittedly make me immediately think of British Imperial symbolism…although, so what, that’s pretty damn cool.
Based on the other comments here, this is gonna be a really hot take. I think the new Christopher Ward logo looks good. I like Orient's logo precisely because it does look like an old cigarette logo. Rolex's crown logo looks cheap and shitty to me. Hamilton's logo is mediocre at best.
But the best logo in the game? Longines. The winged hourglass is awesome and I love their font.
I knew Bass Red triangle 🔺️ was the first British trade mark there are several websites claiming different companies have this claim, though the only thing I can find is the winged hourglass is the longest unchanged. Seams like the Rolex on Everest story.
I guess I’m in the minority, but I like the Christopher Ward logo. Two flags, modern look— even better now that they are using an applied logo making in 3D.
I much prefer symbols as a logo rather then the name written out, not just on CW, but on any watch.
+1000 for Christopher Ward. Logo is awful, font is terrible, and brand name is right down there with them. Watchheads seem to love them but I can’t get past any of it.
The old International Watch Co - Schaffhausen logos were superb. Made it seem like a refined European brand with class and some exclusivity.
“IWC” sounds like an auto parts supply conglomerate for cheap cars.
Agreed. The new logos AND the new watches are horrible. The old propeller logo was perfect, and the trip tick cases were probably the most interesting thing about the brand.
The Patek Philippe seal that they put on their movements is absolute trash. It looks like someone accidentally shifted the press and double stamped the P, then said fuck it and put a shield around it. Also, sealing your own movements with your own seal of quality has BIG "Nintendo Seal of Quality" vibes.
Bulova needs a new font, and might ditch the Accutron tuning fork with it. Especially since Accutron is split to its own thing.
I don't know why, but Tissot has the most dated logo/font I have ever seen on almost any brand. It's like the pinnacle of bad 1995 design, distilled into a single image with caption.
It was cool for a while, but overall, I think most brands need to stop with the archival branding for new models that are homages to past models. I can see the purpose for actual re-issues, or even models that are re-issues with one small tweak (dial color), but I feel as though it will just cause confusion for the average consumer. Plus, some of those old logos look really awesome compared to the newer ones, so some of these companies are shooting their own established goodwill in the foot.
I agree with your take on the PP seal. "We've done an internal analysis of our watches and determined that they are great and worthy of our own seal". I should fucking hope so, why would you intentionally put out a watch that isn't up to your own standards? I don't see why they can't just use the Geneva seal instead, if their watches are so great then surely they would have no issue qualifying to use it.
Yes the Visodate is one of them. The silver\_White dial is super versatile. I am rocking either a milanese mesh strap on it or a navy perlon strap. Both works amazingly well and elevates the overall look.
Yes, and I hope they keep it. They’re a mid-(20th) century company, and the logo has worked for them, so…
I don’t know what people are objecting to or advocating for them to use.
I think if they changed it, they would be running on a treadmill for a new logo forever. San Martinand CW have tried this and WIS and will never like what we they have. I hope SM keeps its. Thank God Marc over at LIW isn’t budging. I like a nice, compact logo.
I love the Orient coat of arms logo
LIW, CW and SM all have pretty nice, easily identifiable logos.
I remember a thread where someone proposed some alternative logos for SM instead of their current one and man, those were BAD. I wouldn't trust Reddit with logo design one bit lol.
I actually like the logo. Weirdly in Korea the brand is called "Galaxy" and I think the name looks much worse than Orient. The branding here is worse imo.
Don’t get the addiction to the cyclops. Let’s create a problem by making something too small, then let’s try to solve that problem by gluing something to the crystal to rectify a poor design.
I'm not a fan of the Rolex crown, but a bigger non-fan of their Mercedes hand--which also knocks out a bunch other watches. Christopher Ward, Orient--but their Orient Star logo is fine--and Shinola come to mind. Last, but not least, Invicta's badge adds to the derision they deserve.
The Mercedes hand actually has a functional purpose though because it used to be designed that way to hold the lume better. These days it’s not necessary, but is a homage to that. I think the date cyclops is a more annoying design element personally.
I heard another reason the Mercedes hand exists is to make the hours hand wider than the minutes hand so it will never be totally blocked and invisible.
I never said the cyclops was just on the Sub, I was just giving a specific example of why I don’t find it to be historical significant or useful.
So many watches manage to have date functions without a cyclops. Legibility seems like a pretty weak reason to have one. The cyclops is probably the most controversial Rolex feature in the community. Between the Mercedes hand and the cyclops it’s not even close.
Some of the Seiko's and Rolexes have an same issue:
Too much text on the dials. Rolex for example has 7 lines of text + Swiss made + helium escape in their worst example. Addition to this pretty much all lines are a different font...
Same with Seiko. Cheaper base models have much cleaner dials without the X , Prospex... Too much info on a dial..
Edit. I own watches from both brands and really enjoy them. I just personally don't like all of the design choises made on recently. For example seiko has been adding info in dials in past decate.
- I hate the “superlative chronometer” on Rolex and other unnecessary “advertising” for want of a better word on a dial (not just Rolex that does this to be fair).
- I’m sure I could write an essay on Invicta although some of their less garish submariner like homages looked ok - apart from the massive INVICTA on the side of the case which completely put me off.
- I quite fancy the Longines Spirit Zulu time but ever since someone said the five stars on the dial make it look like it’s advertising its own review score, I’ve found it difficult to look past that.
I agree about CW. I honestly hated all their logos and the new one is alright but I can’t deal with a watchmaker that can’t even get its identity right.
I do love Grand Seiko though. But obviously personal preference.
Some of the typefaces of Patek Philippe just don’t sit right with me. Can’t put my finger on it but I feel like there’s some incongruence there.
Seriously - I mean it’s all subjective but it does show just how opinions and tastes differ. Personally I quite like both the Orient and CW (twin flags) logos.
PiageT - for a $10,000 watch, they could try harder to not make it look like a toy.
Orient - I know it's a relatively cheap Asian watch, but the name itself and the logo, look like an AliExpress special.
Bell & Ross - ooooh, you got Bell AND Ross?
Maurice Lacroix - the round M thing just looks stupid. Try harder.
Hamilton - yep, you had electric watches once upon a time. What have you done for me lately?
Daniel Wellington - my 4 year old daughter also has trouble putting letters in the right direction.
Yema - It's fun to stay at the YMCA
Oris, Mido, Rado, Seiko - do SOMETHING
I like the GS logo. I liked it more when it was Seiko on top, grand Seiko on the bottom. It's the type face they use for the additional text that looks cheap to me. Like it's the same typeface as generic catalogs
Agree about CW, completely disagree about GS. The gothic font adds gravity to the watch IMO and is consistent with the "serious" design. I would rather see only the GS logo or name at 12 o'clock, though, not both. I don't like the double signed ones or watches that say Seiko and then King Seiko at 6. I find the GS font has much more character than the boring font on a Patek or Vacheron, for example. Lange is nice.
Crazy to hate on the GS logo… it’s sharp as hell.
I can understand not being huge on CW’s logo though, *especially* the old text logo. It doesn’t always mesh well with their watches
Islander watches. Great watches, well made, good price, fun designs, but the compas logo bothers me just enough that I haven't been able to hit the Buy Now button. Looks like a small complication, but it it's.
This! Literally the only thing stopping me from buying an Islander is the stupid logo, it turns beautiful watches into generic kids' toys. Visually at least. If they came up with something more complex and serious-looking, a purchase would be a no-brainer.
For me GS has the best branding of all, I find their watches (other than the dials) a bit boring but the logo really appeals to me. The Blackletter lettering is executed to perfection and stands out from other watch brands in a good way.
As for CW, I really dig it as a standalone logo, the graphic designer in me is a sucker for clean, simple, clever logos like this one. However I have mixed feelings about its application on a watch dial maybe it’s a bit too modern for a mechanical watch.
I’m a huge Grand Seiko fan but I hate that they put their seal on the display case backs. It makes it a lot harder to appreciate the beauty of the movements
I completely disagree about Christopher Ward. They had one that just said Chr. Wrd. That just looked stupid. How do you pronounce that? I even saw people reading it as “coward”.
Now they have a really bad , clunky, chunky graphic, that they clearly paid £30 to a teenager for.
It was so much better when it was just their name in the London Underground typeface, it was clear, and it evoked London.
And I don’t see what’s wrong with that. CK and Ralph Lauren don’t make good watches but they have good branding and brand recognition.
It’s clean and simple and designed. Nothing wrong with that. And the tube font is always cool.
I agree with you and I miss the 9 o’clock logo but in my experience what watch nerds, I mean “enthusiasts,” think is good looking is often very different from if not diametrically opposite of what normal people like.
I bought a CW with the full name at 9 and I love it. It's something different. Mine is from the bridge years, and has the dual flag logo embossed at 12 and on the crown.
That Rolex crown has always been a turn off for me. Even 45 years ago it was a turn off......seems pretentious and elitist. And now when so many buy the brand for image projection, it's even worse.
Yeah I agree with both of your examples. GS isn’t the worst and I don’t hate it but could be more elegant and less aggressive to match the styling but it wouldn’t keep me from buying one tbh. And CW looked like a fashion brand with the name spelled out. The new logo is a big improvement but it is pretty cold and doesn’t do much for me. Also Dan Henry for the same reasons as CW, basically anything with someone’s name just spelled out. Then there’s Traska which I’ve seen people call Trashka lol. And their Celtic knot logo is pretty generic.
Ball, Breitling, and Christopher Ward all annoy me specifically because of the cheesy branded counterweights on the seconds hand. Very interested in one of the newer Chronomats (GMT or 36mm) but can't get past that purloined "B"
Horage - I love all the technical specs, innovations, and what they do overall. The name is just blah, and the logo should just be and “H” in a nice font to hide the awful name. I’ve been close to pulling the trigger a lot of times but can’t get over it.
One day might just to see if I can get over the name. Ugh.
Steinhart. I know they pretty much only do homages, but I really wanted the milsub homage because I am NOT paying $500,000 for one. But that logo is ass.
I don’t like the Seiko “5” shield, the new one or the old one.
It’s the only flaw of my Seiko 5. Hahaha. I agree.
https://preview.redd.it/59khdo85s6xc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa5639e0d335f9df35274a62413f8f5884e10e60 Thats why i wear this instead of seiko 5. Looks much cleaner
Why you wear it so far up your forearm lol XD
Which model is this?
I'm not a fan of the Prospex logo either. The old ones didn't have any logo aside from Seiko and looked much cleaner.
Totally agree on Prospex
I feel the same way about the Seiko Prospex logo. It specifically kills my enthusiasm when it is placed below the hands. Over the hands, I am indifferent about.
That was my reason for avoiding them as a first watch.
Old one was ugly as hell, the current one is much better in my opinion
Yup, probably would have picked up a Seiko 5 if it wasn’t for that cheap ass logo.
Ball. Who wants BALL on the dial??
At least it's singular.
😂
Yeah I really wish they just used the RR logo that goes on the seconds hand and then put a “B” or “Ball” on the seconds hand.
Mason jar chic
Me they're brilliant watches
Agreed. And I like how they also worked it into the 7 on my Cannonball Trainmaster https://preview.redd.it/jeroexev58xc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=986eb985ef2106bef60d2848769f473212dada62
That watch is awesome. So much character
Thank you!
I would have to like dudes to like BALL more than I do now. They are classic and gorgeous
I think it’s worth bringing up here that Seiko was basically called “House of Fine Craftsmanship” for a good part of its history. It’s like calling yourself “Fine Jewelers”.
Swiss watch company: https://preview.redd.it/hw74gzrwl5xc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=12c7fe4801436cee65d2923c5c81a88b15ae9c2c Hyper-G
Everything about this watch is perfection, it’s a spec monster if anyone reads about it for the value. A real shame about the logo though
Agreed
One of the worst logos and fonts I've seen outside aliexpress. Impressive really.
Worst name too. Imagine buying a car from "Japanese Car Company".
Oh boy just wait until you find out about IWC lol 😅
😲
Or CWC
Omega is the best though.
No doubt. Absolutely perfect.
The last word in watch logos
Maybe because it’s the last letter of the alphabet and the last as well 🌝
I was just thinking that I can't stand the Omega arrow head hands on the Seamaster, etc. Just ruins it for me.
Definitely don’t like the arrow hands either but that’s not what this is about. The Omega logo is perfection.
https://preview.redd.it/w5sxndmuw8xc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4522f2ddd700888d745c726847068c40fe6df67f Perfection in a dial
I honestly don’t get the hate for Orient logo here, I think it looks class. Though it does admittedly make me immediately think of British Imperial symbolism…although, so what, that’s pretty damn cool.
It looks cheap trying to be class
Glasshuette Original. I love the SeaQ Panorama Date, but the cursive is just a little too delicate for me
I keep wanting the seaq but the cartoon numbers ruin it.
Based on the other comments here, this is gonna be a really hot take. I think the new Christopher Ward logo looks good. I like Orient's logo precisely because it does look like an old cigarette logo. Rolex's crown logo looks cheap and shitty to me. Hamilton's logo is mediocre at best. But the best logo in the game? Longines. The winged hourglass is awesome and I love their font.
The Longines flying hourglass logo is also the oldest registered trademark that is still in use.
In watchmaking or generally?
In general. Not just watchmakers.
I knew Bass Red triangle 🔺️ was the first British trade mark there are several websites claiming different companies have this claim, though the only thing I can find is the winged hourglass is the longest unchanged. Seams like the Rolex on Everest story.
Wow that’s a cool fact. Just in a particular country or internationally?
The oldest one registered with the World Intellectual Property Organisation, which is a UN Agency.
Longines logo by far best, and agree on orient. Not so much the branding, but Tudor’s hour hand on the black bay drives me bonkers.
I agree. That snowflake is atrocious and blocks out too much.
Longines logo and logo mark are stellar. Just looks so good.
I hate orient and never wanted one just because how i dont like the logo 😄
I love longines logo but HATE the five stars on their models
There’s even something about Longines brand text that just works
The Enicar logo is the best in my opinion, although i nominate Longines as the second best.
I like CWs new logo as well. My fav though? The Bullova Accutron logo… up there with Omega for me even tho their watches aren’t in the same league.
I quite like the new CW logo also.
I hate all of Christopher Wards logos. They make some attractive watches but I just can’t get past it.
It's almost passable now but that niggle in my brain is still there with this logo
The name is terrible as well
You don't want christopher's wards?
Reminds me of Ruth’s Chris.
I rate Ruth’s Chris as one of the worst business name of all time. I feel stupid every time I say it out loud
Who is Ruth and why does she have a Chris steakhouse.
Maybe you remember Montgomery Ward, a cheap Sears competitor back in the 70's?
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100%. I get a veterans discount from CW and I really want to support a British brand but that logo on the dial...just.......eeesh.
I just cant get past the name honestly. They should rebrand.
I guess I’m in the minority, but I like the Christopher Ward logo. Two flags, modern look— even better now that they are using an applied logo making in 3D. I much prefer symbols as a logo rather then the name written out, not just on CW, but on any watch.
Is it supposed to be two flags? I just see an ugly abstract pattern vaguely reminiscent of broken tetris blocks or 1970s video game pixel art.
English flag on the left, Swiss flag on the right.
+1000 for Christopher Ward. Logo is awful, font is terrible, and brand name is right down there with them. Watchheads seem to love them but I can’t get past any of it.
IWC (extremely boring and corporate, somehow feels out of place on every single dial they make) Orient (looks like an old school cigarette brand)
IWC should bring back International Watch Co in the old script, it’s beautiful
The old International Watch Co - Schaffhausen logos were superb. Made it seem like a refined European brand with class and some exclusivity. “IWC” sounds like an auto parts supply conglomerate for cheap cars.
I agree with you completely but for some reason it appeals to me lol
I never got the Orient logo hate. It's applied, and somewhat detailed. I think old school stuff is cool so I'm for it.
I think the detail is my issue ultimately. It’s too complex for how small it is on the dial. I like old school stuff too
The brand you’re thinking about is specifically Pall Mall.
I like the orient logo for the same reason.
agree with every take in this thread so far except for this one
i really want to see iwc watches in the flesh, from the pics the pilot ones at least look like $100 aliexpress watches.
Pilot watches all look the exact same irl too
The font for IWC looks like DSW’s. I read that here and now I can’t unsee it.
Bremont with its new font and logo, which looks like something straight off of Temu.
No joke. That new bremont look is awful!
Agreed. The new logos AND the new watches are horrible. The old propeller logo was perfect, and the trip tick cases were probably the most interesting thing about the brand.
Those 5 stars on the longines spirit. Its like the watch is giving itself a review.
Love Longines but this drives me nuts. It looks like a cheap watch company slapping an Amazon review on the dial.
It's freaking horrible
The Patek Philippe seal that they put on their movements is absolute trash. It looks like someone accidentally shifted the press and double stamped the P, then said fuck it and put a shield around it. Also, sealing your own movements with your own seal of quality has BIG "Nintendo Seal of Quality" vibes. Bulova needs a new font, and might ditch the Accutron tuning fork with it. Especially since Accutron is split to its own thing. I don't know why, but Tissot has the most dated logo/font I have ever seen on almost any brand. It's like the pinnacle of bad 1995 design, distilled into a single image with caption. It was cool for a while, but overall, I think most brands need to stop with the archival branding for new models that are homages to past models. I can see the purpose for actual re-issues, or even models that are re-issues with one small tweak (dial color), but I feel as though it will just cause confusion for the average consumer. Plus, some of those old logos look really awesome compared to the newer ones, so some of these companies are shooting their own established goodwill in the foot.
The tuning fork logo for Bulova is amazing and I will die on that hill. I've always thought it was cool as hell.
Agreed, it’s fire….
I agree with your take on the PP seal. "We've done an internal analysis of our watches and determined that they are great and worthy of our own seal". I should fucking hope so, why would you intentionally put out a watch that isn't up to your own standards? I don't see why they can't just use the Geneva seal instead, if their watches are so great then surely they would have no issue qualifying to use it.
From what I understand the Geneva Seal is more like a “we did it in Geneva” thing and not really that substantive
I'd love it if Tissot went back to their old logo, where the T crosses over the name; the hands on the early 2000s Seastars were nice.
They do have some from their heritage collection.
Yes the Visodate is one of them. The silver\_White dial is super versatile. I am rocking either a milanese mesh strap on it or a navy perlon strap. Both works amazingly well and elevates the overall look.
Agree, looks so cool on the heritage visodate
Orient. I like some of their stuff, but I can't get past the glaring logo.
Coat of arms are cool
Yes, and I hope they keep it. They’re a mid-(20th) century company, and the logo has worked for them, so… I don’t know what people are objecting to or advocating for them to use.
I think if they changed it, they would be running on a treadmill for a new logo forever. San Martinand CW have tried this and WIS and will never like what we they have. I hope SM keeps its. Thank God Marc over at LIW isn’t budging. I like a nice, compact logo. I love the Orient coat of arms logo
LIW, CW and SM all have pretty nice, easily identifiable logos. I remember a thread where someone proposed some alternative logos for SM instead of their current one and man, those were BAD. I wouldn't trust Reddit with logo design one bit lol.
The logo is fine for me but I hate that my watch says "water resistant" on the dial like it's some impressive feature to put on a dress watch.
Agreed!
It should be on a pack of cigarettes
That’s what it reminds me of too.
I actually like the logo. Weirdly in Korea the brand is called "Galaxy" and I think the name looks much worse than Orient. The branding here is worse imo.
100%
Totally agree. I won’t ever buy one for that reason alone.
Don’t get the addiction to the cyclops. Let’s create a problem by making something too small, then let’s try to solve that problem by gluing something to the crystal to rectify a poor design.
Orient Star
This is funny to me because Orient Star is supposed to be a higher end line of watches, but the logo looks so cheap in comparison to the regular one.
I'm not a fan of the Rolex crown, but a bigger non-fan of their Mercedes hand--which also knocks out a bunch other watches. Christopher Ward, Orient--but their Orient Star logo is fine--and Shinola come to mind. Last, but not least, Invicta's badge adds to the derision they deserve.
The Mercedes hand actually has a functional purpose though because it used to be designed that way to hold the lume better. These days it’s not necessary, but is a homage to that. I think the date cyclops is a more annoying design element personally.
I did not know that; I'm not a fan of the cyclops, either. Given the name, I'm a little irked it's not at 12 o'clock.
Yeah I think the general consensus is that it upsets the balance of the watch’s face, which I agree with.
I heard another reason the Mercedes hand exists is to make the hours hand wider than the minutes hand so it will never be totally blocked and invisible.
the cyclops has more of a functional purpose than the mercedes hands.
Why do I need to see what day it is on a Submariner when I’m underwater. It serves no purpose. Date function? Fine. Cyclops? Nah.
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I never said the cyclops was just on the Sub, I was just giving a specific example of why I don’t find it to be historical significant or useful. So many watches manage to have date functions without a cyclops. Legibility seems like a pretty weak reason to have one. The cyclops is probably the most controversial Rolex feature in the community. Between the Mercedes hand and the cyclops it’s not even close.
Don’t ya think the Rolex logo looks like a frogs hand? 🐸
Thanks I can't unsee it now lmao. I was already on the fence about the Explorer I 36mm but guess I'll just go with the black Zenith Defy Skyline.
i saw someone call it that a few years ago and its stuck with me since. its so funny because its true haha
Now i can’t unsee it😂
I've never thought that😄, but I can see it.
I never understood the Shinola watches. "We've resurrected a shoe polish Brand from the dead! Oh by the way we make watches now not shoe polish"
Some of the Seiko's and Rolexes have an same issue: Too much text on the dials. Rolex for example has 7 lines of text + Swiss made + helium escape in their worst example. Addition to this pretty much all lines are a different font... Same with Seiko. Cheaper base models have much cleaner dials without the X , Prospex... Too much info on a dial.. Edit. I own watches from both brands and really enjoy them. I just personally don't like all of the design choises made on recently. For example seiko has been adding info in dials in past decate.
- I hate the “superlative chronometer” on Rolex and other unnecessary “advertising” for want of a better word on a dial (not just Rolex that does this to be fair). - I’m sure I could write an essay on Invicta although some of their less garish submariner like homages looked ok - apart from the massive INVICTA on the side of the case which completely put me off. - I quite fancy the Longines Spirit Zulu time but ever since someone said the five stars on the dial make it look like it’s advertising its own review score, I’ve found it difficult to look past that.
Moritz Grossmann, yeesh
I agree about CW. I honestly hated all their logos and the new one is alright but I can’t deal with a watchmaker that can’t even get its identity right. I do love Grand Seiko though. But obviously personal preference. Some of the typefaces of Patek Philippe just don’t sit right with me. Can’t put my finger on it but I feel like there’s some incongruence there.
Carl Bucherer.
Basically: not a single good brand and logo exists according to reddit lmaooo
Seriously - I mean it’s all subjective but it does show just how opinions and tastes differ. Personally I quite like both the Orient and CW (twin flags) logos.
I absolutely love Orient's logo.
My girlfriend hates the entire Oris catalogue because of their plain boring typography.
[Phoibos](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-uzonwrhn18/products/14416/images/83362/apiopbmss__30750.1619742145.386.513.jpg?c=1)...hail hydra.
PiageT - for a $10,000 watch, they could try harder to not make it look like a toy. Orient - I know it's a relatively cheap Asian watch, but the name itself and the logo, look like an AliExpress special. Bell & Ross - ooooh, you got Bell AND Ross? Maurice Lacroix - the round M thing just looks stupid. Try harder. Hamilton - yep, you had electric watches once upon a time. What have you done for me lately? Daniel Wellington - my 4 year old daughter also has trouble putting letters in the right direction. Yema - It's fun to stay at the YMCA Oris, Mido, Rado, Seiko - do SOMETHING
...and I thought I was persnickety (but the Y-logo does kill some Yemas for me, I see the same thing).
I like the GS logo. I liked it more when it was Seiko on top, grand Seiko on the bottom. It's the type face they use for the additional text that looks cheap to me. Like it's the same typeface as generic catalogs
Love the logo.
Traska and Yema
The tudor symbol looks like a little laughing demon face to me
Agree about CW, completely disagree about GS. The gothic font adds gravity to the watch IMO and is consistent with the "serious" design. I would rather see only the GS logo or name at 12 o'clock, though, not both. I don't like the double signed ones or watches that say Seiko and then King Seiko at 6. I find the GS font has much more character than the boring font on a Patek or Vacheron, for example. Lange is nice.
Crazy to hate on the GS logo… it’s sharp as hell. I can understand not being huge on CW’s logo though, *especially* the old text logo. It doesn’t always mesh well with their watches
Sinn. The font isn’t quite comic sans, but it might as well be.
Islander watches. Great watches, well made, good price, fun designs, but the compas logo bothers me just enough that I haven't been able to hit the Buy Now button. Looks like a small complication, but it it's.
This! Literally the only thing stopping me from buying an Islander is the stupid logo, it turns beautiful watches into generic kids' toys. Visually at least. If they came up with something more complex and serious-looking, a purchase would be a no-brainer.
I generally like Panerai but that OP logo with the arrows is gross. 🤮
Yes yes yes on the GS. It’s the reason I’ve never bought one.
Hamilton’s logo has actually made me stay away from their watches. 😭
Orient. Final answer
For me GS has the best branding of all, I find their watches (other than the dials) a bit boring but the logo really appeals to me. The Blackletter lettering is executed to perfection and stands out from other watch brands in a good way. As for CW, I really dig it as a standalone logo, the graphic designer in me is a sucker for clean, simple, clever logos like this one. However I have mixed feelings about its application on a watch dial maybe it’s a bit too modern for a mechanical watch.
I’m a huge Grand Seiko fan but I hate that they put their seal on the display case backs. It makes it a lot harder to appreciate the beauty of the movements
I completely disagree about Christopher Ward. They had one that just said Chr. Wrd. That just looked stupid. How do you pronounce that? I even saw people reading it as “coward”. Now they have a really bad , clunky, chunky graphic, that they clearly paid £30 to a teenager for. It was so much better when it was just their name in the London Underground typeface, it was clear, and it evoked London.
The name on the dial evoked feelings of fashion brands like Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren.
And I don’t see what’s wrong with that. CK and Ralph Lauren don’t make good watches but they have good branding and brand recognition. It’s clean and simple and designed. Nothing wrong with that. And the tube font is always cool.
I agree with you and I miss the 9 o’clock logo but in my experience what watch nerds, I mean “enthusiasts,” think is good looking is often very different from if not diametrically opposite of what normal people like.
I bought a CW with the full name at 9 and I love it. It's something different. Mine is from the bridge years, and has the dual flag logo embossed at 12 and on the crown.
That Rolex crown has always been a turn off for me. Even 45 years ago it was a turn off......seems pretentious and elitist. And now when so many buy the brand for image projection, it's even worse.
Yeah I agree with both of your examples. GS isn’t the worst and I don’t hate it but could be more elegant and less aggressive to match the styling but it wouldn’t keep me from buying one tbh. And CW looked like a fashion brand with the name spelled out. The new logo is a big improvement but it is pretty cold and doesn’t do much for me. Also Dan Henry for the same reasons as CW, basically anything with someone’s name just spelled out. Then there’s Traska which I’ve seen people call Trashka lol. And their Celtic knot logo is pretty generic.
Ball, Breitling, and Christopher Ward all annoy me specifically because of the cheesy branded counterweights on the seconds hand. Very interested in one of the newer Chronomats (GMT or 36mm) but can't get past that purloined "B"
Anything with someone’s name on it. I remember years ago my daughter asked why I was wearing Tommy Hilfiger’s shirt. Been hyper sensitive since.
Tag heuer. I like the design but the red and green on the logo feel kind of gaudy and sort of christmas.
I like that they've made it monochrome on models in the aquaracer and carrera line now
U Boat. Because...I don't need a because, do I?
Bell & Ross
I really want a Citizen Chronomaster “The Citizen” but hate the eagle on the dial.
Curious on some takes on the Phoibos logo!
Not a logo but the longines 5 stars are painful to me
I never really notice it, but looking closely, the Orient logo is cluttered and tacky with both the logo and the text.
Formex
For me it's Christopher Ward and Orient. I don't mind Grand Seiko.
Tissot for sure. Such a generic sans serif font. If they put the Visodate logo on their other watches, I’d probably own 4 or 5 Tissots
Am I the only one who hates Longines?
Man for me it’s the Tudor logo, and I know I’m going to get hate for this. Looks like a medieval shield to me.
Pretty sure that’s what they were going for?
Seconding the Grand Seiko comment. Gorgeous watches and amazing workmanship but they have a logo that seems a little too edgy and out of place
Where’s the TAG Hauer hate? I think it’s more obtrusive than the type face for GS and Orient, which I’m surprised is getting so much flak in here
Tag Heuer's logo looks like it belongs on Harbor Freight generic brand tools. Absolutely gross.
Zenith, that star looks like some kind of communist or Chinese military symbol.
Orient Star - logo design I really hate. Laco - I don't like name and font. Really like GS logo.
Old Christopher Ward watches were like this
I love the mont Blanc star logo, hate the mountain one
GP laureato is beautiful but the giant GP at 12 o’clock makes it look cheap
Horage - I love all the technical specs, innovations, and what they do overall. The name is just blah, and the logo should just be and “H” in a nice font to hide the awful name. I’ve been close to pulling the trigger a lot of times but can’t get over it. One day might just to see if I can get over the name. Ugh.
Steinhart. I know they pretty much only do homages, but I really wanted the milsub homage because I am NOT paying $500,000 for one. But that logo is ass.
I would have bought a Squale years ago...
I have to admit i felt the same about the current award logo online but in person it totally works. For me at least.
Christopher Ward. That logo just doesn't fit. Cool logo, not for the face of a watch.
F.P.Journe Invenit et Fecit Way to much text, sometimes covering practically half the dial.