I see two distinct categories - the 'big names' (Swiss and German) that form the bulk of people's collections and / or aspirations and the different levels within there from Lange and PP at the top through Tags at the lower end and then the independent names that are much more appealing to me at the moment. There are tiers within there as well from the true artisans who do everything themselves through to the brands that use generic movements with their own case, dial, hand, etc designs.

Not sure that 'don't care about' is fair, but from a personal standpoint I only have an interest in lower end mass market brands from the perspective that they are part of the industry, not from a potential purchaser's standpoint.

I'm totally and utterly indifferent to Tag Heuer... plus I dislike their image.

What, womanizing millionaire golfers don't do it for you? Oh wait, that's Rolex.

(I was actually thinking more of the chav wide-boy image that Tag watches can often conjure up in this country. Certainly not all the time, but often enough.)

I also respect the likes of Seiko and even Casio because they push the "technology envelope" forward and they also produce quality goods for appropriate money.

When I was looking to take a step up an did some research on different watches, I found a great independent website that charted them out in different tiers. I'll see if I can find it.

Some of the Grand Seiko line is pushing Rolex price territory, and is firmly in Omega territory. Granted, the watches appear to be excellent, but one isn't saving much for going with a less prestigious name. Then again, perhaps it shouldn't be less prestigious.