Why so snotty about TAGs?

[poshboyracer]

I've been lurking a bit round here because my crappy old watch is falling apart and i fancied something a bit nicer. I like watches that i knew as TAG-Heuer - purely from an aesthetic and Steve McQueen/motorsport perspective. On researching a bit more, the watches i really like also used to be just Heuer (Monaco, Camaro, Carrera, Montreal).

From looking through posts here and TZ, it seems that TAG-Heuers aren't as well regarded as Heuers, but it's not clear why. Can anyone explain the difference to a complete watch newbie (or point me in the direction of a site that can)?

[poshboyracer]

Thanks for the replies: i think i get it now. It's a bit like Bentley/Lamborghini post VAG - the cars are still impressive, but they've gained some mass produced parts and lost a little of what made them special?

I really like the Carrera reissues above. I'm not sure the little Tag badge would stop me going for one that was cheaper than a vintage, watch newbie that i am.

Is there a timepiece beginner's guide that explains other watch things like the difference between quartz, automatic and manual? At the moment, i only have aesthetics to make judgements on, but i'd like to know more....

[poshboyracer]

Brilliant article: a lot of questions answered. Thanks.