+1 on the Allen Edmonds comments. I love mine and consider them underrated.
While no one outside a few European countries will recognise it (and those that do may sneer), I have to mention WE - while you should steer clear of their 'business' clothing and any accessories whatsoever, they offer many good quality basics that are often very well cut and designed - at prices barely above H&M level. The same comment applies to Muji, at a slightly higher price and quality level.
My no. 1 example, however, has to be Seiko: While the reputation among WIS is appropriate to the quality (and diversity) of the product, consumers in the West generally regard Seiko as a low (in the US) or mid (in Europe) tier watch brand producing unexciting quartz watches. This, regarding a watch company of enormous horological significance that is the truest in-house manufacturer in existence and that produces both mechanical and quartz timepieces to rival the finest anywhere in the world.
While no one outside a few European countries will recognise it (and those that do may sneer), I have to mention WE - while you should steer clear of their 'business' clothing and any accessories whatsoever, they offer many good quality basics that are often very well cut and designed - at prices barely above H&M level. The same comment applies to Muji, at a slightly higher price and quality level.
My no. 1 example, however, has to be Seiko: While the reputation among WIS is appropriate to the quality (and diversity) of the product, consumers in the West generally regard Seiko as a low (in the US) or mid (in Europe) tier watch brand producing unexciting quartz watches. This, regarding a watch company of enormous horological significance that is the truest in-house manufacturer in existence and that produces both mechanical and quartz timepieces to rival the finest anywhere in the world.
