Help me pick a watch!

Shane732

I wasn't sure about starting this thread but I've decided to give it a go.

Basically I'm considering buying a new watch but I'm a little bit unsure about what to go for. I'm not well versed on the quality of various different brands but I do like watches and am somewhat interested in honing my watch knowledge!

I'm currently wearing a Rado Ceramic watch and while I do like it I'll to try something else.

So to give you guys an idea of what I am generally looking for:

New or Used: Either new or a good quality used watch,

Price Range: Probably up to about €3,000,

Size: I've quite small wrists so anything oversized or very big won't suit me,

Strap: Probably silver as I'm not overly keen on leather straps

Examples of watches I like:

Omega Seamaster (although I think the case size might be a little too big)



Rolex Submariner



Tag Heuer Mikrogirder



Zenith El Primero



The above are picked based on what I like, not price they may be way out of my range.

Nonoperational

The seamaster is a real classic in my opinion, and the case is actually quite small in reality.

The submariner is also a classic and probably one of the most instantly recognisable watches on the planet. Also suitable for small wrists.

I'm a big fan of IWC and think the Mark VXI and 3717 or 3778 are real nice.

To be honest there are so many options it's very much down to personal preference.

My wishlist is: IWC 3771, Omega planet ocean orange bezel, Breitling Navitimer, IWC 3717, Rolex submariner, A Hublot Big Bang (something like the ice bang).

Just be careful if not buying from a trusted source, there are fakes out there that would take a brand expert to pick out. That Rolex you have a pic of is a fake for example, and quite a poor one at that.

Shane732

gpf101 wrote: »

The seamaster is a real classic in my opinion, and the case is actually quite small in reality.

The submariner is also a classic and probably one of the most instantly recognisable watches on the planet. Also suitable for small wrists.

I'm a big fan of IWC and think the Mark VXI and 3717 or 3778 are real nice.

To be honest there are so many options it's very much down to personal preference.

My wishlist is: IWC 3771, Omega planet ocean orange bezel, Breitling Navitimer, IWC 3717, Rolex submariner, A Hublot Big Bang (something like the ice bang).

Just be careful if not buying from a trusted source, there are fakes out there that would take a brand expert to pick out. That Rolex you have a pic of is a fake for example, and quite a poor one at that.

Cheers,

Where would you recommend buying from?

Nonoperational

Short of a highstreet place like Weirs or Keanes there are a few online options like tz-uk.

Deep Thought

Great watches..

But they are expensive, the Zenith is a striking 10 and you wont get one for prob less that 4.5 to 5K

Likewise with the Rolex....maybe 3.5 to 4k

Sunster on this forum was selling his Rolex 16610 for 3.5k (nor sure if he still is - have a look at the stickies on selling watches )

Omega are good watch - you could pick up a second hand Sea master Quartz for about 1200, or buy it new for about 1800-2k

I have a Seamaster Planet Ocean (45mm) and love it

Also, look at independent companies like Steinhart, Stowa, Laco, Sinn etc...

Good places online with good reputation a TZ-UK.co.uk and WUS (Watchuseek.com), www.watchfinder.co.uk

and of course HERE..we do buy and sell watches from each other on a regular basis

Cyrus

Shane732 wrote: »

I wasn't sure about starting this thread but I've decided to give it a go.

Basically I'm considering buying a new watch but I'm a little bit unsure about what to go for. I'm not well versed on the quality of various different brands but I do like watches and am somewhat interested in honing my watch knowledge!

I'm currently wearing a Rado Ceramic watch and while I do like it I'll to try something else.

So to give you guys an idea of what I am generally looking for:

New or Used: Either new or a good quality used watch,

Price Range: Probably up to about €3,000,

Size: I've quite small wrists so anything oversized or very big won't suit me,

Strap: Probably silver as I'm not overly keen on leather straps

Examples of watches I like:

Omega Seamaster (although I think the case size might be a little too big)

Rolex Submariner

Tag Heuer Mikrogirder

Zenith El Primero


The above are picked based on what I like, not price they may be way out of my range.

Hi Shane

Everything you picked bar the seamaster is going to cost more (in some cases multiples of) €3k.

The seamaster is a nice watch, and iconic, also at 41mm and relatively low profile, it isnt a big watch even on smaller wrists.

Rolex sub, for the new model retail is now over 7k (SS, the one you pictured is ****e gold), also imo its the one to have, upgrade clasp and bracelet and ceramic bracelet, bad news, unlikely to get one for much less than €6k.

However a 36mm datejust should fit you very well and be achievable pre owned in the price bracket.

That tag costs $100k, moving on

The zenith also carrys a RRP over €7k i think and isnt widely available pre owned so scrap that.

Some suggestions based on what you seem to like:

Omega Speedmaster
Rolex Datejust
Stowa 1938 Chronograph (if you are looking for people to recognise that you have spent a few quid on a watch this wont do it unless they are enthusiasts, but lovely pieces)
Breitling navitimer (pre owned) or a colt 2 or the new super ocean
tag aquaracer (maybe a little big)
Tag monaco pre owned
Tag carrera 1887 pre owned

Marcusm

Deep Thought wrote: »

Great watches..


Likewise with the Rolex....maybe 3.5 to 4k

sis[/B]

If you can get that Rolex for 3.5 to4k, I'll have 10 (that's the white gold model).

My first quality watch was an Omega Seamaster identical to the one you've quoted (ie pre co-ax version). They're also available mid size which might suit you. Don't buy a quartz (IMO).

Think about whether you want a sports or dress watch and whether ou need functions (date, stopwatch etc).

Once you start buying, you won't stop. To cover all the bases, think 7-10 watches!!!

foxyboxer

A budget of 3k would put you in the range of the latest Seamaster 300m if you're looking for a brand new watch.

http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/seamaster/300-m-diver-chronometer/21230412001003

Tag are also releasing an updated ceramic bezeled Aqua Racer which look very nice and worth considering. No idea on price at the moment but surely below the 3k mark.

If you're keen on a Rolex then a little patience could yield a pre-owned 14060 no-date Submariner which should meet the budget.

Cyrus

foxyboxer wrote: »

Tag are also releasing an updated ceramic bezeled Aqua Racer which look very nice and worth considering. No idea on price at the moment but surely below the 3k mark.

wouldnt be sure about anything

Deep Thought

Marcusm wrote: »

If you can get that Rolex for 3.5 to4k, I'll have 10 (that's the white gold model).

was really referring to a SUB...

Nonoperational

Marcusm wrote: »

If you can get that Rolex for 3.5 to4k, I'll have 10 (that's the white gold model).

/QUOTE]

We'll at least do it justice with a proper pic so not a poor fake!

Shane732

Cyrus wrote: »

Hi Shane

Everything you picked bar the seamaster is going to cost more (in some cases multiples of) €3k.

The seamaster is a nice watch, and iconic, also at 41mm and relatively low profile, it isnt a big watch even on smaller wrists.

Rolex sub, for the new model retail is now over 7k (SS, the one you pictured is ****e gold), also imo its the one to have, upgrade clasp and bracelet and ceramic bracelet, bad news, unlikely to get one for much less than €6k.

However a 36mm datejust should fit you very well and be achievable pre owned in the price bracket.

That tag costs $100k, moving on

The zenith also carrys a RRP over €7k i think and isnt widely available pre owned so scrap that.

Some suggestions based on what you seem to like:

Omega Speedmaster
Rolex Datejust
Stowa 1938 Chronograph (if you are looking for people to recognise that you have spent a few quid on a watch this wont do it unless they are enthusiasts, but lovely pieces)
Breitling navitimer (pre owned) or a colt 2 or the new super ocean
tag aquaracer (maybe a little big)
Tag monaco pre owned
Tag carrera 1887 pre owned

Cheers for all the replies lads.

That tag is $100k?! Wow!

The datejust looks nice all right and is probably the size I'm looking for. The Tag carrera 1887 looks nice as well.

Cyrus

Shane732 wrote: »

Cheers for all the replies lads.

That tag is $100k?! Wow!

The datejust looks nice all right and is probably the size I'm looking for. The Tag carrera 1887 looks nice as well.

yep the mikro girder and mikro graph are proof of concepts more than anything, not your usual tag

Shane732

Cyrus wrote: »

yep the mikro girder and mikro graph are proof of concepts more than anything, not your usual tag

How much is the Jack Heuer 80th Carrera? Looks class!

Cyrus

Shane732 wrote: »

How much is the Jack Heuer 80th Carrera? Looks class!

thats a lovely watch, was looking at one in selfridges in manchester last week,

i think its £3,295 but from what ive heard no discount on these

Shane732

Cyrus wrote: »

thats a lovely watch, was looking at one in selfridges in manchester last week,

i think its £3,295 but from what ive heard no discount on these

Discount? Is there much room for negotiating price on new high end watches?

I think it's a class looking watch, what size is the case?

Bullseye1

Rolex Sub for a steal no braclet not sure about papers £2250. Read the small print though.
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?229766-FS-ROLEX-14060-TRITIUM-DIAL-T-SERIAL

Bullseye1

Stunning 70's Heuer Autavia £1750.
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?223557-Now-for-sale-only-Heuer-Autavia-1163MH-%A31700-reduction

Cyrus

Shane732 wrote: »

Cyrus wrote: »

thats a lovely watch, was looking at one in selfridges in manchester last week,

i think its £3,295 but from what ive heard no discount on these

Discount? Is there much room for negotiating price on new high end watches?

I think it's a class looking watch, what size is the case?

Oh yeah, rolex very little maybe 5 percent but tag, breitling or omega 10 to 20 depending on the model,

That carrera is 41mm I believe

Bullseye1

Omega aqua terra 8500 (38.5mm) for £1950.
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?229692-FS-Omega-Seamaster-Aqua-Terra-8500-38-5mm-White-Dial

Bullseye1

Monaco calibre 12 almost new blue face. £2800.
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?229655-FS-Tag-Heuer-Monaco-Calibre-12-CAW2111

Bullseye1

I think this is a winner Zenith El Primo Chrono black face for £2200.
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?229431-FSOT-Zenith-El-Primiro-Rainbow-Flyback

Marcusm

Cyrus wrote: »

thats a lovely watch, was looking at one in selfridges in manchester last week,

i think its £3,295 but from what ive heard no discount on these

These guys seem to be willing to offer 17% off; in the past, I've found Selfridges fairly unwilling to discount (London) so not sure if that's just my experience.

http://swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/cv2119_fc6310*-special_edition_watches.html

Marcusm

Shane732 wrote: »

Discount? Is there much room for negotiating price on new high end watches?

I think it's a class looking watch, what size is the case?

I would suggest that paying full retail price is the exception rather than the norm. Some watches (esp precious metals) go for massive discounts whie soe (eg steel Daytonas) will sell for a premium. Discounts will be available at authorised dealers (ADs) but also through grey market sources - see my link re the Heuer you mentioned.

Omega is trying to substantially change the model and enforce a no discount policy. It's having some success in that the discount is down from minimum 25% but even in it's own boutiques it is offering non cash discounts (straps, deployants, services) as much as it can to keep the headline rice. Others (eg TAG Heuer) actually have their own branded discount shops in Kildare Village style outlets.

Shane732

Bullseye1 wrote: »

I think this is a winner Zenith El Primo Chrono black face for £2200.
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?229431-FSOT-Zenith-El-Primiro-Rainbow-Flyback

Only getting to look at these now.... Well trying to look at them, I can't access them :mad:

Bullseye1

Here is the post:

ghosty wrote: »

Hey There!

I've been trying to bond with this, but it's just not happening, my loss is your gain!! With the chrono running, it's the smoothest thing i've ever seen, I haven't worn it as i'm not that refined! This is a great way of trying the movement before buying a daytona, I'm glad i gave it a go.

Boxed with the AD card and the instructions (bought in europe as there is no english instructions and its a full set, there is several the same on chronomaster, i dont get that?) i'm putting up pics now, i'll take some more later.

The watch is in great condition, the only thing i would say is be aware that it is push pin only bracelet, it attaches to the head by them as well. I have got 2 universal springbars put in, if you want to wear with a leather or nato ( it would look amazing) you'll need to source some thin shouldered springbars, otherwise no issue!

I bought it for £2200 2 weeks ago, so it's up for that, inc RMSD, outside the UK we'll have to sort something else. The ones on chrono24 and chronomaster are up for way more.

I'll trade for something, WHY? i'll also trade for cash . here's my H&V http://forum.tz-uk.com/search.php?searchid=139067

on to a couple of quickies off the iphone (excuse the unaligned bezel, ocd freaks!);

Shane732

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Here is the post:

Thanks!

How I do get into the classifieds on the site? Is it a minimum post count?

Mitch Buchannon

Shane732 wrote: »

Thanks!

How I do get into the classifieds on the site? Is it a minimum post count?

Yeah , you need 50 posts to enter sales corner and 250 posts to reply to a thread in sales corner. You can send a PM to the seller though and try and do business that way.

Shane732

Ok I never went through with the purchase when I was posting here last.

However, I'm back on the lookout again and would be very interested in anything you guys could recommend.

I still love the look of the Jack Heuer 80th anniversary carrera but they seem to be difficult to get your hands on. A couple of Tag store I was it didn't have them and were telling me it would be difficult to get in.

Cyrus

did you try sheerans? they had one, i tried it on

Bullseye1

Some of the new Tags have the El Primo movement. Might be worth your while looking at some of those.

fishguy

Nonoperational wrote: »

Marcusm wrote: »

If you can get that Rolex for 3.5 to4k, I'll have 10 (that's the white gold model).

/QUOTE]

We'll at least do it justice with a proper pic so not a poor fake!

Correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I know the Smurf (all blue Sub) is only available in white gold so it's in the range of €30.000 +/- a few thousand..


fg.

Shane732

Would appreciate any other comments you might have?

Cyrus

Shane732 wrote: »

Would appreciate any other comments you might have?

if the Carrera is what you want why not just get that?

Shane732

Cyrus wrote: »

if the Carrera is what you want why not just get that?

I suppose I'm just wondering if there was a nice secondhand Zenith or Rolex I would be interested. The only problem is that I don't actually have access to the tz classified forum.

In terms of buying a new Tag Heuer where would you buy same? I know I could buy of Weirs or Sherrians but I'm wondering if there are other jewellers (possibly online) who would offer better value?

Thanks.

MiCr0

i'm not sure if you're aware, but there's a good few sites where you can buy second hand watches.

two that come to mind are in the uk
http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/
http://watchfinder.co.uk/

both do zenith and rolex.

best guess is to find a style that you like and ask some questions

Cyrus

Shane732 wrote: »

I suppose I'm just wondering if there was a nice secondhand Zenith or Rolex I would be interested. The only problem is that I don't actually have access to the tz classified forum.

In terms of buying a new Tag Heuer where would you buy same? I know I could buy of Weirs or Sherrians but I'm wondering if there are other jewellers (possibly online) who would offer better value?

Thanks.

for a limited edition its more tricky, sheerans offered me 10% off the jack heuer that you like though

id also contact the likes of watchfinder.co.uk

If you want a s/h rolex what about the brand new explorer 2 on adverts or a sub c, you are looking at circa €5k for either

beertons

I got my Tag off a jeweller in Malaga. Granted i was on holidays and i had already been to him before to pick it out, but i saved about a grand compared to prices here.

Shane732

Cyrus wrote: »

for a limited edition its more tricky, sheerans offered me 10% off the jack heuer that you like though

id also contact the likes of watchfinder.co.uk

If you want a s/h rolex what about the brand new explorer 2 on adverts or a sub c, you are looking at circa €5k for either

Did you buy the Jack Heuer in the end?

Cyrus

Shane732 wrote: »

Did you buy the Jack Heuer in the end?

nope, i liked it but decided against it at the time, bought a omega speedmaster coaxial instead

Marcusm

Shane732 wrote: »

Did you buy the Jack Heuer in the end?

Buy this Verona, scratch the itch and add a few more for the price of the 80th anniversary. Also try watches.co.uk or watchfinder as advised. They may not have it in stock but can source through their netowrk of ADs. It's a 3,000 piece edition so not very limited and I doubt it will sell well through the AD network.

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20746/lot/191/?page_anchor=r1%3D343%26m1%3D1