We’re approaching the end of Watch Madness Round 1, so I thought I’d take a moment to comment on the results so far.  Take a look at the results (click to enlarge).  Any surprises?

In the $0-$5,000 bracket, everything seemed to go according to plan.  Both Omegas won their first round match-ups.  I did think that they Baume & Mercier Capeland would fair a bit better – it’s new styling is very popular.  However, it was no match for the power of the Omega brand.

Many people would consider Montblanc’s victory over Tag Heuer an upset – but, Montblanc has been coming on strong in the watch world lately.  People like the big, bold, clean style of their watches.

It will be interesting to see who pulls out the final match-up: Omega Seamaster vs. Breitling SuperOcean Heritage.  Two popular brands, two cool watches.

In the $5,001-$10,000 bracket, everything played out as one would expect.  The IWC Portuguese Chronograph, Panerai Luminor Marina, Breitling Navitimer World, and Rolex Submariner Date are all VERY popular watches.  I thought that the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph might have a chance against the Panerai, but last year’s champion pulled it out.  I’m excited to see the results of the second round match-ups.  There are going to be some TOUGH choices.

There was a minor upset in the $10,001-$15,000 bracket where the Cartier Roadster chronograph lost to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.  Both are great brands, popular, and unique.  I believe that people have a love-hate relationship with the unique shape of the Roadster.  That may have hurt it’s chance for victory.

I’m not surprised that the Rolex Daytona beat the IWC Portuguese Yacht Club – however, the Yacht Club is one of my favorite watches right now.  It’s different.  It’s cool.  It’s harder to find.  And that hint of red really stands out.

The results in the $15,001+ bracket were a bit surprising.  I didn’t expect to see the Patek Philippe Nautilus lose in the first round.  And I was surprised at how handily the Patek Philippe Calatrava beat the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore.  Judging from those results, it looks like the classic, clean styles may do very well in this competition.  The Nautilus, Royal Oak Offshore, and even the Cartier Roadster chronograph are all a bit unique and all lost in the first round.  Seems like the Rolex President should defeat the Hublot Big Bang handily in the last match-up of the bracket.

Round 2 starts on Thursday afternoon.  There will be some very interesting match-ups.  We’re excited to see how things play out.  Click here to stay up to date.

Thanks for voting!!!