I used to buy watch "brands" and tried to collect one of each brand, especially the Big-4 before they became the Big-5.
Then, I discovered that it was more important to know the people behind your watch.
It did not matter if it was an independent watchmaker alone at his workbench or a conglomerate.
What was important was the man (or woman) behind your watch.
I now say: Buy the people and not the just the watch".
Regards,
MTF