Is brand heritage more important than movement quality?

Heritage matters to me only if it shows in the watch. A famous name on a medi ocre movement is just paying for a logo. Skeleton watches put everything on display, so you can't hide behind history.

Eh, I think heritage is overrated. Half these 'historic' brands are owned by the same conglomerates now anyway. Movement quality is what you actually wear.

Disagree. Heritage often means they've had time to refine their skeletonization techniques. A brand that's been cutting bridges for 80 years probably knows what looks good and what holds up. Newer brands can be hit or miss. I've seen some skeleton dials that look like a CNC machine threw up.

Both matter but fpr different reasons. Heritage is emotional—it's the story you tell yourself when you look at your wrist. Movement quality is practical. Skeleton watches are kind of the worst place to skimp on movement because you literally see it all day.

Yeah but 'story you tell yourself' is a nice way of saying you overpaid.

i'd argue the opposite: a great movement can make a brand's heritage. Heritage isn't static. Some of these 'new' microbrands are going to be the heritage brands in 40 years if they keep doing good work. That said, I've handled a skeleton from a no-name brand that had beautiful anglage and a garbage mainspring. So it cuts both ways. For me the movement wins, but only if I can actually see the finishing. Skeleton watches are basically a finishing contest. Heritage brands usually win that contest, but not always.

heritage = resale value though. try selling a no-name skeleton and see how that goes

Resale is a fair point. Skeleton watches are already niche, so a known name helps move it later. Doesn't make it a better watch, just a better asset. Different question.

Honestly, at this point I mostly buy what makes me smile. Heritage and specs both get me there sometimes. Not everything needs to be a spreadsheet.

Spoken like someone who's never tried to explain a five-figure watch purchase to their spouse.

Ha. My spouse just asks 'does it tell time' and moves on. Blessed.

To actually answer the OP: I'd take a well-finished movement from a lesser-known brand over a name with a lazy skeleton any day. But if the prices are similar and the finishing is comparable? I'll take the heritage brannd every time. Call it insurance.

Insurance for what, your ego?

Didn't expect the spouse angle, but honestly that might be the real deciding factor for most of us.