10 Worst Watch Brands to Avoid in 2025

Let’s face it: Many top brands on the market sell low-quality watches at high prices.

If you are not an expert, it is tough to tell which is real or fake.

So, you must check out our list of the worst watch brands to avoid in 2024 because watches are more than just fashion accessories. They are a symbol, a legacy, and a time-telling tool.

Our team members have used these watches by themselves over time and tested a lot of factors to conclude their results, which we will discuss here.

List of 10 Worst Watch Brands

Our team has reviewed the 50 top-selling watch brands on the market. You may be surprised to see many top brands on our list.

However, the ranking is based on the customer experience. For this purpose, we have collected vital information from the various customer forums to make an unbiased list.

So, based on poor quality, bad customer service, and limited features, the worst watch brands to avoid are Invicta, Casio, Parnis, Swatch, Timex Marlin, MVMT, STERNGLAS KANTON, and Daniel Wellington Sheffield.

S. No.	Brand	Logo
1	Invicta
2	Casio
3	Parnis
4	Swatch
5	Timex Marlin

1. Invicta

Invicta Group has been in business since 1837, making them one of the pioneers in this industry. These watches are made with fine craftsmanship in Switzerland.

However, now they are no longer the best watchmaker in the market. Its product quality is declining, making its users hate this brand.

The following are some of the problems that Invicta users have reported.

• Average quality
• Poor customer services
• Misleading marketing campaigns
• The company does not stand behind its warranties
• No proper refund policy
• Even they don’t accept valid claims from their customers

2. Casio

Casio is one of the world’s largest and most reputed Japanese electronics companies.

Over the years, the company has released new watches with innovative designs and technologies.

Their digital watches are famous because they are very reliable. Despite being one of the best, many Casio users have complained about several issues while using their various models.

It shows even reliable brands are not immune to offering the worst products.

Check out the common complaints against Casio brands you need to know before purchasing.

• The watch band is not very comfortable
• Average in quality
• Watches are Lightweight
• Not water resistant
• Sizing is inaccurate

3. Parnis

Parnis is a Chinese brand with its primary markets in the US and Europe. It is popular because of the low prices and offers various fascinating styles.

Since it is made in China, the build quality is inferior. Most of these watches are made in China due to mass production.

Customers have reported many issues in online customer forums. So, you must avoid this brand if you want to wear something reliable that suits your personality.

Here are Parnis’s most frequently reported issues.

• Product quality is inferior
• No customer support
• Problems in the winding mechanism
• It is not durable and stops working within 6 months

4. Swatch

Swatch was founded in 1983 by Swiss watchmakers Ernst Thomke, Elmar Mock, and Jacques Müller.

These watches are made from durable plastics and silicone.

So, if you’re looking for a unique, well-designed, and stylish watch, this is a great brand.

Still, many users have concerns about this brand that you should know before purchasing it.

• Watches are overpriced
• Misleading ad campaigns
• Average in quality
• Hardly accept any claim made by customers
• Watches are not repairable

5. Timex Marlin

It is an American watchmaker famous for making high-quality watches at reasonable prices.

Timex is a versatile brand and offers various styles in its product line with good craftsmanship.

No doubt, their watches look great and give you the vintage style of a modern watch.

But Timex Marlin has also struggled to satisfy its customers for various reasons.

Before you rush to buy, check out the following issues reported by its users.

• The quality of the product is poor
• Movement is disappointing
• Defective winding mechanism
• Watchband breaks if you stress about it
• Loses time after a year and a half

6. MVMT

MVMT watches have made a splash with their modern design, but they often fall short in durability and craftsmanship.

The brand’s reliance on basic quartz movements and lack of distinctive features make them a less desirable choice for serious watch enthusiasts.

7. STERNGLAS KANTON

Upon wearing a STERNGLAS KANTON, one can’t help but admire its design. However, admiration wanes when considering the quality of its build.

In my experience, these watches don’t offer the durability or the detailed craftsmanship one expects at their price point.

It’s a reminder that a beautiful exterior doesn’t always guarantee an equally impressive interior.

8. Daniel Wellington Sheffield

Daniel Wellington’s Sheffield series is the epitome of minimalist chic. But, having worn one, I can say that its beauty is only skin-deep.

These watches, while sleek and stylish, offer little beyond their aesthetic appeal.

The high price, packed with basic functionalities, makes it a less prudent choice for anyone looking for more than a fashion accessory.

9. Primark Watch

Next on our list of bad watches is Primark. The brand offers watches that are kind to your wallet, but my experience says they’re harsh on longevity.

Their affordable nature comes with a cost – compromised durability and quality.

Ideal for a quick fashion fix, these watches aren’t built to endure the test of time, often succumbing to daily wear and tear much sooner than one would hope.

10. Fossil Coachman Chronograph

The Fossil Coachman Chronograph initially seems like a promising blend of style and functionality. However, after regular use, its allure begins to fade.

The strap quality often doesn’t hold up, and mechanical issues arise, diminishing its appeal as a dependable timepiece.

While the first impression was great, its functionality makes it among the worst watches of 2024.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Watch

Various watches, whether classic or smartwatch, are available on the market, and it cannot be very clear which one to buy.

So here are the following things to consider when buying a watch.

1. Type Of Movement

The first thing you should consider is the type of movement of the watch. There are three main types of movements:

• Quartz
• Mechanical
• And Solar

Let us discuss each of them in detail.

Quartz watches have a battery inside, and they run on electricity. This gives the watch a long life but makes the watch quite heavy.

However, the quartz movement is the most accurate worldwide, and it keeps excellent time.

Mechanical watches have a spring and weights inside them. The spring pushes the weights up and down, called the “Cheshire” or “Equilibrium” movement.

This type of movement is less accurate than the quartz movement but is much lighter. It is also much cheaper than the quartz movement.

Solar watches have a rechargeable battery and a tiny solar cell attached to the top of the watch.

The solar cell recharges whenever the watch is exposed to the sun. This makes the watch light and very accurate.

However, this type of movement needs regular charging, and it will stop working if it is not charged for a long period.

2. Functions Of The Watch 

Besides telling the time, a watch can have several other functions. Let us discuss these functions: 

Timer: The timer function is very useful for people who need to do many exercises and want to ensure they do not miss training sessions. It will count down from a certain time and will automatically switch off when that time has elapsed.

Stopwatch: A stopwatch is extremely useful for athletes and anyone who needs to measure how long something takes.

Calendar: A calendar watch is designed to tell you what day it is and show you the date. If the watch has a moon phase, it will also show you the moon phase.

3. Case Shape And Design Of The Watch 

Another thing you should consider when buying a watch is its case shape and design. There are three main case shapes: Round, Square, and Octagon.

Round watches are the most common ones. They are usually very thin and have high-quality stainless steel or gold bands around them.

Square watches have four straight sides. They are very common and great for people who like symmetry. They are also very suitable for business people due to their clean and simple design.

Octagon watches have eight straight sides. They are less common than the other two designs. Although this may be true, the octagon shape is very unique and has a distinct look. Some people love this style and find it very difficult to wear. It is not for everyone.

4. Leather Or Rubber Band 

When purchasing a watch, the band is the final thing to consider. You may choose between two types of bands: leather and rubber.

Leather bands are more expensive, but they will last a lifetime. They are also hypoallergenic and will not irritate your skin.

However, the leather band will eventually get damaged if you drop your watch several times.

Rubber bands are much cheaper than leather bands and come in different colors.

They also have a very “cheap” feel but do not last long. They are great for the first few weeks but will wear out afterward.

You may also read:

• Worst Piano Brands To Avoid (And 3 Reliable Brands)
• Worst Luggage Brands | 5 Luggage Brands to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The research and study done by Statista show that the global watch industry is growing rapidly. People are still willing to spend a good amount on good-quality watches.

So, here in this article, we provide you with the best guide on the worst watch brands to avoid on the market to make the right choice.

Always choose a product from the brand that suits your lifestyle and personality well.

So, checking the brand reviews before deciding to avoid any embarrassing situation is vital.

Christopher Evans

Website

Christopher Evans is a Mechanical Engineer and is a distinguished expert in tire and electronic appliance testing with over 15 years of experience. Holding certifications like Automotive Tire Service (TIA) and Certified Appliance Professional (CAP). He is also a member of the the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and has significantly contributed to safety standards and testing protocols in both industries. Evans is a respected speaker and award recipient.