I think the Japanese machines are just as good, if not better, and have a much more attractive price. Bernina rely heavily on their reputation; historically their machines were Swiss manufactured and regarded as bombproof, but the majority are manufactured elsewhere now - whilst still charging the earth for them!
I'd go for a Juki any time.
Ditto, Ditto, Ditto
Trading on past reputation and charging through the nose to do it.
There are just 2 older/vintage Bernina models I'd be interested in owning but having tried three different modern Berninas (1 electric and 2 high end computerised) last October, compared with the Janome and Juki machines I tried at the same time, I really could not find anything that could justify the fuss and definitely nothing that could explain the hike in cost. I was pleased the Bernina's didn't stack up against the others I tried because my Bernina service centre would be a place in Manchester and the turnaround time and standard of service doesn't meet what I expect. This is based on the experience of 2 friends who owned Berninas, one of whom sold off her Bernina 740 and now uses a computerised Pfaff.
My choices came down to Juki or Janome, both of which I find very intuitive to use. In the end I chose the Janome because I can drive to the main Janome service centre at Stockport. I have always had excellent help, advice and service from Peter and others at the service centre.
For a long, long time, I really rated the Bernina 1150MDA overlocker and still do, it's an excellent machine (and was made by Juki).
However, if I ever need to replace the BL Evolution I use currently, it will be with one of the Juki overlockers.
Bernina machines are good, but there is an awful lot of hype. A good dose of realism is healthy.
Any of the higher end machines across all the brands (except perhaps for 1) have a similar high level of performance. Machines made by different brands do feel different to use and at that level, it's all about how the machine feels and responds under your fingers. That's what matters more than the 'Brand' and the marketing hype.