- temerityb
- Banned!
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- Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2012 10:00 pm
Brands So Obscure Even I Never Heard Of 'Em
Ulysse Girard
Hype from the website:
“Explore the Ulysse Girard collection of prestigious, high-precision timepieces.”
Where to get yours: I guess the website, which lists New York, Dallas, and Switzerland locations for the company. The prose on the website suggests a revived brand, but your guess is as good as mine. Oh, and I notice the esteemed home shopping network JTV is hawking these. Call your Uncle Mortimer, the uncle that gives you socks every year for Christmas. I must admit: The captions on the rotating photo carousel on the opening page are just priceless.
https://www.ulyssegirard.com/
Buech & Boilat
Hype from the website: “Throughout the late 19th century, Buech & Boilat occupied a prominent position in their particular line of manufacturing – elite timepieces of the utmost quality. The brand was applauded by aficionados of the time, winning a bronze medal for horology at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1878 and a Second Class medal for movements at the National Exhibition of Horology at La Chaux de Fonds in 1881.
Today, we are proud to reintroduce the prestigious brand of Buech & Boilat to the world. Our watches are modern masterpieces of haute horology. They do not change with capricious trends because they know what they are and where they came from. Despite the introduction of a diverse line of contemporary designs, Buech & Boilat honors our heritage and the craftsmen who came before us.”
Try saying that brand name five times fast. I didn’t know you could sell haute horology for $306.99 on a home shopping network (where it’s listed as “country of origin: China”). Another of the more expensive brands you’ll find on JTV, which I don’t believe I’ve ever watched, not even once. Wow, these are listed on the Macy’s website, but I don’t know if these are carried in the stores. Frankly, I'm shocked Tim Temple isn't selling these right now.
https://www.buechboilat.com/
Elevon
Hype from the website: “The 20th century was a time fraught with great triumph, trials, and technical progress. Most dear to us are the pilot watches born of that century – second only to our deep-rooted respect for the aviators who flew to new heights wearing them.
We set out to pay homage to our beloved era of flight and timekeeping. With that, Elevon was created; a tasteful fusion of old and new. Every Elevon watch employs contemporary styling with a dial that remains true to its glorious underpinnings.”
Possibly the best quality stuff on this list, the band’s website lists a Georgia address while the prices on the site are listed in Euros. There are contacts in the Netherlands and the UK listed as well. The stuff, to me, looks like Japanese quartz-packed somewhat sporty pieces that are meant to compete with the MVMTs of the world. Some piloty and divey designs. Tons of models. Seriously, this might be the best brand on this list.
https://elevonwatches.com/
Tire’d Watch Co.
Hype from the website: “Driven by his passion for automobiles, mountain biking, and snowboarding; Edward Cole has created unique and trusted timepieces. With a combination of ruggedness and refinement, the Rapide has an innovative design based on an old world idea. Few watch companies can offer a combination of tactile, visual and emotional appeal. More importantly, the use of recycled material (rubber in the strap and titanium in the case, crown, bezel, and deployment buckle) allows you to be environmentally responsible without sacrificing quality or style.”
I see this brand all over local TV here in the NYC area in ads that look like they were purchased through cable companies. The designs remind me of Swiss Legend right before they bit the bugle. They’re big, gaudy, loud, and feature a variety of movements from everywhere you’d expect. The “News” section on the website hasn’t been updated since 2017. There’s a banner on the current website: “25-35% OFF EVERYTHING FOR A LIMITED TIME - NO CODE NEEDED.” Site has garble on it, at least on my browser.
https://www.tiredwatchcompany.com/