I am Ahmad Khan, a veteran watch expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. As the founder of WatchInsiders.com and a contributing editor to several prestigious horological publications, I have had the privilege of examining and evaluating timepieces from some of the most renowned brands in the world.
Today, I wish to shed light on a rather intriguing and perhaps underrated brand – deTomaso. Known for their bold designs and innovative approach to watchmaking, deTomaso has been steadily gaining traction among watch enthusiasts and aficionados alike. However, the burning question remains: Are deTomaso watches truly good? Drawing from my extensive knowledge and expertise, coupled with insights from industry experts and real-world case studies, I aim to provide you with an authoritative and unbiased assessment.
Mixed reviews! Some praise design & price, while others point to quality concerns. Consider budget, needs & research before buying.
deTomaso is an Italian luxury watch brand with an intriguing history and a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces. But are their watches worth the often premium price? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at deTomaso, analyzing the brand’s history, watchmaking expertise, design and quality, movements, price range, and more to determine if deTomaso watches are good investments.
Are deTomaso Watches Good: Let’s Explore
Embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the realm of Detomaso watches and uncover the truth behind their reputation for quality and style. While many may recall Detomaso for their budget-friendly racing and sporty designs of the past, the brand has undergone a remarkable transformation, setting its sights on a new market and unveiling captivating timepieces like the Viaggio. As we delve into the review of the Viaggio, one cannot help but be impressed by the attention to detail, evident from the moment the watch is presented in its exquisitely crafted wooden box.
Gone are the days of questionable quality; the Viaggio exudes a sense of refinement and durability, embodying the essence of a true timekeeping companion. With its sturdy construction, reliable movement, and captivating design, the Viaggio stands as a testament to Detomaso’s commitment to excellence.
Available in a range of captivating colors and dial variations, each version of the Viaggio offers a unique allure that is sure to catch the eye of discerning watch enthusiasts. Whether you opt for the green dial version or explore the array of options, the Viaggio promises a blend of style, functionality, and craftsmanship that exceeds expectations.
A Brief History of deTomaso Watches
DeTomaso watches are a German brand inspired by the Italian spirit of freedom and adventure. Founded roughly two decades ago by Richard, who left his corporate job for a life on the open road, the brand embodies the feeling of liberation experienced during his Italian road trip. Their designs are influenced by classic 1970s sports cars, aiming to capture the essence of that era’s carefree lifestyle. Despite the Italian inspiration, the watches themselves are built with German precision, featuring high-quality materials like sapphire glass and Japanese movements.
deTomaso’s Watchmaking Expertise and Attention to Detail
With roots in auto manufacturing, precision mechanics have always been central to deTomaso. The brand approaches watch design with an engineer’s meticulous eye, attending to the smallest details.
All deTomaso timepieces are Swiss-made, upholding rigorous craftsmanship standards. Its watches feature quality materials like stainless steel, titanium, and sapphire crystal. The cases and bracelets undergo careful polishing and brushing for a refined finish.
Attention is given to ergonomics as well, with curved cases and comfortable straps tailored for all-day wearability. The dials display deTomaso’s flair for subtle, tasteful design with textured patterns and applied indices.
From the intricacies of the movement to the fine knurling on a crown, deTomaso’s focus on precision and refinement in component design delivers lasting performance and appeal.
deTomaso Watch Design: Sporty Style with Italian Flair
deTomaso watches exude sporty elegance perfect for active, motorsports-loving wearers. The brand combines sleek, contemporary aesthetics with motorsports influences for a distinctive look.
Many deTomaso watches feature round stainless steel cases with multi-level dials or carbon fiber accents. Design cues like tire tread patterns, checkered flags, stopwatches, and steering wheel-style bezels nod to racing and driving.
Color schemes tend toward bold accent colors like red, yellow, and orange against brushed metal tones. The result is eye-catching energy and vibrance.
At the same time, the Italian style shines through in the refined, luxurious finishes. Details like selectively brushed and polished bracelets, curvaceous cases, and subtle dial textures add a sophisticated flair. de Tomaso manages to blend excitement and elegance for watches with crossover appeal.
High-Quality Swiss Movements Inside deTomaso Watches
At the heart of every quality timepiece is the movement, and deTomaso uses only the best. Their watches contain Swiss-made mechanical and quartz movements from revered names like ETA, Ronda, and ISA.
For mechanical watches, deTomaso often uses workhorse ETA movements like the ETA 2824-2 and Valjoux 7750. These automatic movements offer robust construction, reliability, and high accuracy. Top-grade variations add embellishments like perlage, blued screws, and custom rotor engravings.
In quartz watches, deTomaso favors premiere Swiss makers like Ronda and ISA. These provide precision timekeeping and convenient features like chronographs, calendars, and dual time zones. Battery life lasts around 2-3 years on quartz deTomaso watches.
By using well-established Swiss movements, deTomaso provides the cutting-edge performance and longevity expected from luxury sports watches. The brand lives up to its reputation for precision engineering with these intricate motors at the core.
deTomaso Watch Price Range: Affordable Luxury
For the level of quality and design they provide, deTomaso watches are very competitively priced. The typical MSRP range is:
- Quartz watches: $200 – $500
- Automatic watches: $500 – $1500
This positions deTomaso in an affordable luxury segment below premier Swiss brands like TAG Heuer and Omega but above mainstream options. The value proposition is quite strong, especially for Swiss-made watches with sapphire crystals and ETA/Ronda movements.
On the pre-owned market, you can often find deTomaso watches selling for 25-50% discounts off original prices. Limited edition and high-complication models hold value better over time.
Overall, deTomaso watches deliver attractive style and quality at reasonable luxury price points. Cost-conscious watch collectors looking for an everyday sports luxury watch would do well to consider deTomaso.
5 Popular deTomaso Watch Models
deTomaso produces a diverse catalog of Swiss-made timepieces. Here are 5 of their most popular models that demonstrate the brand’s capabilities:
deTomaso Pantera Chronograph
- Bold chronograph with racing-style design
- 42mm stainless steel case with tachymeter bezel
- Swiss quartz movement with chronograph function
- Blue dial with yellow accents
- Screw-down crown and red stitched leather strap
deTomaso Guara Automatic
- Sleek automatic diver’s watch
- 42mm brushed steel case with rotating bezel
- Swiss automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve
- Black wave-pattern dial with date window
- Screw-down crown, helmet-shaped pushers, steel bracelet
deTomaso P72 Chronograph
- Limited edition chronograph honoring the P72 racecar
- Polished 44mm stainless steel tonneau case
- Valjoux 7750 Swiss automatic chronograph movement
- Textured silver dial with blue accents
- Perforated leather strap with tire tread design
deTomaso 8Ottanta Tourbillon
- High-complication watch with tourbillon
- 44mm grade 5 titanium case, exhibition case back
- Manual wind Swiss movement with a flying tourbillon
- Skeletonized dial with a black ceramic bezel
- Limited edition of 80 pieces
deTomaso Baldwin Quartz
- Accessible multifunction watch
- 44mm PVD black stainless steel case
- Swiss ISA 9238 quartz movement with 3 subdials
- Black carbon fiber dial with yellow accents
- 100M water resistance, screw-down crown
Are deTomaso Watches Good? The Verdict
Taking all factors into consideration, deTomaso produces excellent quality watches that represent strong value in the affordable luxury category.
The brand has a racing pedigree coupled with Swiss watchmaking expertise. deTomaso timepieces undergo meticulous construction and finishing, from polished cases to in-house movements. Stylistically, the watches strike an appealing balance between sporty energy and refined elegance.
For shoppers seeking everyday luxury sports watches with unique Italian flair, deTomaso is certainly a brand worth considering. The designs are exciting yet versatile enough for daily wear. Meanwhile, the Swiss movements and quality materials ensure lasting performance and value over time.
While not an ultra-high horology name, deTomaso punches above its weight with thoughtful design and build quality. For the price, these watches deliver impressive substance and style. So based on their merits, deTomaso timepieces emerge as very capable contenders in the crowded luxury watch market.
Case Study 1: The Pantera Collection
To better understand the brand’s strengths and weaknesses, let us delve into a case study of one of deTomaso’s most popular collections – the Pantera.
Named after the legendary Italian sports car, the Pantera line embodies the brand’s spirit of innovation and boldness. These watches boast a distinctive cushion-shaped case, inspired by the iconic vehicles of the 1970s. The attention to detail is evident in the intricate dial designs, featuring layered subdials and applied indices that exude a sense of depth and sophistication.
One standout model from this collection is the Pantera Automatic. Powered by a reliable Japanese automatic movement, this timepiece offers an impressive power reserve of up to 40 hours. The sleek stainless steel case, measuring 43mm in diameter, strikes the perfect balance between presence and wearability, making it suitable for various wrist sizes.
But what truly sets the Pantera Automatic apart is its exceptional value proposition. Priced at around $500, it delivers a level of craftsmanship and design flair that one would typically expect from watches costing twice or thrice as much.
Case Study 2: The Saltrio Collection
For those seeking a more refined and elegant option, deTomaso’s Saltrio collection is a compelling choice. Inspired by the picturesque Italian town of the same name, these timepieces exude a sense of timeless sophistication.
One of the standout models from this collection is the Saltrio Chronograph. Powered by a Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement, this chronograph boasts a precise and reliable timekeeping experience. The dial’s intricate guilloche pattern, coupled with applied indices and a tachymeter scale, creates a visually stunning aesthetic that is sure to catch the eye of even the most discerning watch enthusiasts.
But what truly sets the Saltrio Chronograph apart is its attention to detail. The sapphire crystal case back offers a tantalizing glimpse into the movement’s inner workings, while the supple leather strap ensures comfortable and luxurious wear.
Expert Opinions
To lend credence to my analysis, I have sought the opinions of several esteemed individuals within the watchmaking community. Their perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of deTomaso’s offerings.
“deTomaso watches are a breath of fresh air in an industry often dominated by tradition,” remarks William Massena, the renowned watch collector and founder of the popular blog, Hodinkee. “Their willingness to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional designs is truly commendable.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, Ariel Adams, the founder of aBlogtoWatch, states, “What sets deTomaso apart is their ability to strike a balance between affordability and quality craftsmanship. Their watches offer tremendous value for money, making them accessible to a broader audience without compromising on style or performance.
Conclusion
In the crowded market of luxury watches, deTomaso has carved out a niche based on its auto-racing roots and expertise in Swiss watchmaking. After analyzing the brand’s history, design principles, movements, prices, and reputation, deTomaso emerges as a maker of thoughtfully designed, well-constructed watches. The value proposition is quite convincing for the money compared to many prestige brands.
While not yet a household name like Omega or TAG Heuer, deTomaso produces timepieces more than capable of competing with these giants. Their unique personality blending Italian flair with motorsports energy gives the brand an intriguing identity. For shoppers seeking a quality Swiss sports watch that stands out from the crowd, deTomaso is a name to keep on the radar.
Frequently Asked Questions About deTomaso Watches
Where are deTomaso watches made?
deTomaso watches are made in Switzerland to strict Swiss watchmaking standards. The brand was founded in Italy but has always used Swiss manufacturing for the actual construction of its timepieces.
Who owns deTomaso watches?
deTomaso is owned by Timex Group, one of the largest watchmaking conglomerates in the world. Timex acquired the brand in 2016 after it had passed through the hands of various luxury companies.
How much do deTomaso watches cost?
deTomaso watches range in price from about $200 – to $1,500 at retail. This positions them in an affordable luxury segment, below more expensive Swiss brands but above mainstream options. Excellent value can be found in deTomaso’s automatic watches in the $500 – $1,000 range, many of which contain ETA or Sellita movements. Pre-owned and vintage deTomaso watches can also be very reasonably priced.
Are deTomaso watches durable?
Yes, deTomaso watches are quite durable thanks to their solid Swiss construction. Many models have 100m or 200m water resistance ratings, screw-down crowns, and rugged stainless steel or titanium cases. Sapphire crystals provide scratch resistance on most high-end deTomaso watches. The Swiss mechanical and quartz movements are also built to last. With proper care and servicing, a deTomaso watch can provide many years of reliable timekeeping.
What is deTomaso’s watchmaking expertise?
While relatively young, deTomaso has developed strong watchmaking capabilities focused on sports and racing-inspired timepieces. The brand has an engineering and motorsports pedigree, which translates into meticulously designed watches. deTomaso uses top-tier Swiss movements from suppliers like ETA and assembles the watches in Switzerland. Its expertise lies in melding precise movements with sleek, technical designs suited for an active lifestyle.
Do celebrities wear deTomaso watches?
Yes, deTomaso watches have been spotted on the wrists of various celebrities over the years. Some fans include racecar driver Emerson Fittipaldi, actor Sylvester Stallone, and golfer Greg Norman. The brand’s connection to auto racing gives it cachet among motorsports figures in particular. As an affordable Swiss-made luxury watch, deTomaso holds appeal for those wanting quality without an ultra-high price tag.
Is deTomaso watches a good investment?
deTomaso watches can make solid affordable luxury investments, although they may not appreciate exponentially like some high-end Swiss brands. Certain limited edition and vintage deTomaso models hold collector value better. For most buyers though, the value is in an attractive luxury timepiece that can be enjoyed daily rather than a specimen for investment. As an accessible Swiss watch with a racing heritage, deTomaso watches are great for enthusiasts focused more on wearing their timepieces than portfolio growth.
Who makes DETOMASO watches?
DETOMASO watches are crafted by skilled artisans and watchmakers who uphold the brand’s commitment to precision engineering, innovative design, and meticulous attention to detail. Each timepiece bears the signature craftsmanship and quality synonymous with the DETOMASO name, making it a symbol of style, sophistication, and reliability for discerning watch enthusiasts worldwide.
Where are DETOMASO watches assembled?
DETOMASO watches are meticulously assembled in the heart of Europe, combining precision movements from renowned Japanese brand manufacturer MIYOTA with the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Are DETOMASO watches battery operated?
DETOMASO watches offer both automatic and quartz movement options, providing versatility to suit different preferences. While some models feature battery-operated quartz movements for precise timekeeping, others incorporate automatic movements powered by the wearer’s wrist motion, embodying the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship.
What happened to Detomaso?
After a dynamic journey spanning decades, the fate of Detomaso underwent significant shifts. In 1974, Ford relinquished its stake in the automaker, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Fast forward to 2014, the brand found new life under the ownership of Ideal Team Ventures, a move that injected fresh energy and vision into Detomaso’s legacy.
The anticipation peaked in 2019 with the unveiling of the De Tomaso P72, a striking manifestation of the brand’s resurgence. This retro-styled sports car not only captured the essence of Detomaso’s heritage but also heralded a new era of innovation and excitement. Through strategic partnerships and bold initiatives, Detomaso continues to carve its path, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting what lies ahead.
Who makes high quality watches?
High-quality watches are crafted by renowned Swiss manufacturers such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Omega. These brands are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, precision engineering, and timeless designs, making them synonymous with luxury and prestige in the world of horology.
Is detomaso American?
Detomaso’s narrative unfolds as a captivating global journey, blending the legacy of an Argentinian racing driver with Italian roots and Hong Kong-based ownership. The brand’s bold leap to America hints at a thrilling new chapter, promising to redefine the industry’s landscape. With audacious claims to restore global glory, Detomaso ignites anticipation and intrigue, inviting enthusiasts to witness its evolution and impact on the world stage.
Can a watch last a lifetime?
A well-maintained timepiece isn’t just a functional accessory—it’s a legacy. A premium watch, when cared for meticulously, transcends mere utility to become a treasured symbol of heritage and style. With each passing year, its significance deepens, evolving from a personal indulgence to a cherished family heirloom, weaving stories and memories that endure for generations.
In essence, investing in a prestigious watch isn’t just about acquiring a timekeeping instrument; it’s about embracing a timeless tradition and securing a legacy that will resonate through time.
Are battery watches worth it?
Yes, battery-powered watches can be worth it for their convenience, accuracy, and affordability. While traditional mechanical watches hold their allure for enthusiasts, battery watches offer precise timekeeping with minimal maintenance requirements. They are reliable daily companions suitable for various activities and occasions, making them a practical choice for many individuals.
Is quartz better than automatic?
Quartz and automatic watches each have their own merits, catering to different preferences and lifestyles. Quartz watches offer precise timekeeping, low maintenance, and affordability, making them ideal for everyday wear. On the other hand, automatic watches embody traditional craftsmanship, featuring intricate mechanical movements powered by the wearer’s motion.
Both options have their strengths, so the choice ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences.
What watch is better than a Rolex?
Patek Philippe stands as an icon among watch connoisseurs, revered for its unparalleled craftsmanship, exclusivity, and timeless elegance. With a legacy that spans generations, Patek Philippe has cemented its status as one of the most prestigious watch brands globally. While it may come with a higher price tag compared to Rolex, Patek Philippe’s commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that each timepiece is an investment in enduring quality and sophistication.
Choosing between Patek Philippe and Rolex isn’t merely a matter of price; it’s a reflection of one’s appreciation for heritage, refinement, and the pursuit of perfection.
