Recommendation for a Chrono

Lex Luthor

Just wondering if you posters could help recommend a chrono for me...
Something decent, sub €2k if possible

Prefer something with a white or off white face...
This Oris is probably a little over budget but is something along the lines of what I'm after
http://www.oris.ch/collections/collections_detail.aspx?ln=en&modelid=443

I'm quite partial to this Sinn with the cowhide russia leather strap but again even with the discount I can get locally in Germany would be over budget
http://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/956_Classic.htm

Thanks

Deep Thought

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Just wondering if you posters could help recommend a chrono for me...
Something decent, sub €2k if possible

Prefer something with a white or off white face...
This Oris is probably a little over budget but is something along the lines of what I'm after
http://www.oris.ch/collections/collections_detail.aspx?ln=en&modelid=443

I'm quite partial to this Sinn with the cowhide russia leather strap but again even with the discount I can get locally in Germany would be over budget
http://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/956_Classic.htm

Thanks

Hi

Have been in the same boat recently, I feel the Sinn are too messy, far to much going on to even try and tell the time

I would advise you to look at Laco
https://shop.laco.de/de/Chronographen/Valjoux-44-blau.html

Stowa
http://www.stowa.de/Chronograph+1938+poliert,i1.htm

Steinhart
http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/MARINE-CHRONOGRAPH-BEIGE,507.html

Hamilton
http://www.bussipreziosi.com/orologi/uomo/hamilton/pan-europ/h35756755-orologio-cronografo-uomo-automatico-pan-europ-45mm-carica-60-ore.php

http://www.bussipreziosi.com/orologi/uomo/hamilton/jazzmaster-maestro/h32766513-orologio-uomo-automatico-jazzmaster-maestro-day-date-45mm.php

At a push maybe a Dornbluth - but the are pricey
http://www.dornblueth.com/flash.php?p=collection&s=refcal_990

The Laco, Stowa, Steinhart and Hammie are in your price range, Very good independent watchmakers

Also, have a look at 2nd hand world, some great deals if you look.

I had decided on the Stowa but changed my mind. Sold My Breitling Colt and bought IWC Spitfire Pilot Chrono (Pics to Follow)

DT

Anjobe

How about a Hamilton Jazzmaster - check out the "Other Models" for variations. These are quite widely available for less than €2K.

I really like this one too.

paddyh117

How about a Longines Column Wheel

http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l2_750_4_76_2-mens_watches.html

the RRP is over budget (just) but lots of Grey options like the above link

Monty Burnz

Second-hand Omega Speedmaster. One of the all-time classic watch designs. Also it will be worth what you paid for it in a decade, if that's important at all.

Lex Luthor

Thanks for all the tips
I partricularly like this Stowa, my only gripe would be the small hands and how easy they would be to read in daylight...
http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marinechrono/g/Marine_Chrono_11.jpg&artnum=marinechrono&wkid=13496944755525&ls=en&nocache=1349694631-6557

Some of those Dornbluths are gorgeous but I dont see any chronos on their site??

I'm trying to avoid any with the date offset between the 3 & 4 position...it just doesnt sit right with me

blindsider

The Stowa is lovely alright, but no date?

Monty Burnz

blindsider wrote: »

The Stowa is lovely alright, but no date?

I'm not a fan of dates on watches as I switch between a dozen of them. I've a choice of fiddling with them to set the date every time I switch, or of having the wrong date.

If I wore only one or two, I'd find the date handy enough I guess.

Lex Luthor

blindsider wrote: »

The Stowa is lovely alright, but no date?

The date is not a show stopper for me, but if it has the date, either at the 3 or 6 position only

Bullseye1

How about a beautiful pre-owned Zenith for £1300 that's about €1600.
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?236038-FS-Zenith-Prime-El-Primero-HW-420-Reduced-to-%A31300!

Bullseye1

If your not fond of dates then there is really only one choice the Speedmaster.

peasant

Why only buy one if you could buy two (or three) for your budget ?


http://www.poljot24.de/en/pd-1845167730.htm?categoryId=0


http://www.poljot24.de/en/pd199065277.htm?categoryId=1


http://www.poljot24.de/en/pd2024919667.htm?categoryId=1


http://www.poljot24.de/en/pd-138861642.htm?categoryId=1

Chuck_Norris

Those last two are cracking looking. Particularly the Buran.

peasant

you might also like .... (sorry for the mahoosive picture)



http://www.archimede-uhren.de/archimede-uhren-kollektion-pilot-deckwatch-klassik-taucher-outdoor-automatik-handaufzug-chronograph-2824-6498-7750/klassik-automatik-chronograph-2824-7750/klassik-chronograph-automatik-valjoux-eta-7750.html

Eoin

That's purdy

Lex Luthor

that Archimede is nice alright...

any thoughts on these?
http://www.longines.com/watches/the-longines-master-collection/L2.669.4.78.6
or the slightly bigger
http://www.longines.com/watches/the-longines-master-collection/L2.629.4.78.6

or
http://www.longines.com/watches/the-longines-master-collection/L2.673.4.78.6

paddyh117

I Like Longines, so like the first two, but although some moophase watches appeal to me (mainly ones I can't afford like JLC or GO), I find the dial on that third one a little busy for my taste

Chuck_Norris

Lex Luthor wrote: »

http://www.longines.com/watches/the-longines-master-collection/L2.673.4.78.6

I used to love working on that movement when I was training.

Every two years, we got the opportunity to buy watches, and I always wanted the one with that movement. But when it came to our opportunity to buy, it wasn't on the list. Gutted.

Edit: so if it was me, I'd have that one.

Edit 2: one thing though, it's quite a big movement. They tend to sit quite high on the wrist. So might be one to try on before buying.

Deep Thought

Nice Longines ok...

Tried a couple on previously, they are nice.

Nonoperational

The column wheel chrono is a cracker. I think I will get one. Exceptional value.

http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l2_749_4_52_0-mens_watches.html

paddyh117

gpf101 wrote: »

The column wheel chrono is a cracker. I think I will get one. Exceptional value.

http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l2_749_4_52_0-mens_watches.html

I agree, and am thinking of getting one as well, just can't decide on the colour option. The OP however, doesn't like the position of the date window, which is fair enough - the search goes on!

What about the Spitfire Chrono that DT got? surely over budget but beautiful!

Deep Thought

paddyh117 wrote: »

I agree, and am thinking of getting one as well, just can't decide on the colour option. The OP however, doesn't like the position of the date window, which is fair enough - the search goes on!

What about the Spitfire Chrono that DT got? surely over budget but beautiful!

Shes a beaut...no doubt

paddyh117

Where'd you source it in the end? Chrono24?

Deep Thought

got it from a Jeweller in stuttgart - Ralf Haffner

His website is www.watch.de

Lex Luthor

any thoughts?
http://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/6015_St.htm

ThebitterLemon

Not a fan of moon phase watches, so it wouldn't be my cup of tea

peasant

•Case diameter: 37.5 mm

For a watch with so much going on, that might be a bit cramped

EDIT: I'd have to see it in the flesh to be convinced.

Nonoperational

Wouldn't be for me. Lots of complications on the face.

Lex Luthor

I'm currently leaning towards the Stowa Marine after many hours of looking over the weekend
Then I saw this on their site...not the white face I was originally considering but has me thinking
http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/chrono1938schwarzpol/g/Stowa_Chrono1938_crbr.jpg&artnum=chrono1938schwarzpol&wkid=135028726520656&ls=en&nocache=1350287418-21783

Any thoughts?

Is there any Stowa stockists in Eire?

Anjobe

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Is there any Stowa stockists in Eire?

No, you have to buy directly from Stowa.

blindsider

Lex Luthor wrote: »

I'm currently leaning towards the Stowa Marine after many hours of looking over the weekend
Then I saw this on their site...not the white face I was originally considering but has me thinking
http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/chrono1938schwarzpol/g/Stowa_Chrono1938_crbr.jpg&artnum=chrono1938schwarzpol&wkid=135028726520656&ls=en&nocache=1350287418-21783

Any thoughts?

Is there any Stowa stockists in Eire?

As already answered, no. and that's one of the drawbacks for me. I'd really like to try a watch on for a few mins before I spend ca. €600.

If you don't mind me asking, do you usually use the term 'Eire'? I would have thought it's not in common usage. (I'm not trying to hijack the thread!)

Anjobe

blindsider wrote: »

As already answered, no. and that's one of the drawbacks for me. I'd really like to try a watch on for a few mins before I spend ca. €600.

That's a fair point, but they would be a lot more expensive if sold through high street retailers.

Lex Luthor

blindsider wrote: »

If you don't mind me asking, do you usually use the term 'Eire'? I would have thought it's not in common usage. (I'm not trying to hijack the thread!)

Not really...

blindsider

@Anjobe - very true - probably 30%+ more expensive.

@Lex Luthor - Wasn't being difficult...honest!

Monty Burnz

blindsider wrote: »

@Anjobe - very true - probably 30%+ more expensive.

I'd say the jeweller's margin is usually closer to 100%, but I'd be subject to correction on that.

paddyh117

Monty Burnz wrote: »

I'd say the jeweller's margin is usually closer to 100%, but I'd be subject to correction on that.

Without being pedantic- I'm think you mean 50% but yes I'm sure you're right

Monty Burnz

paddyh117 wrote: »

Without being pedantic- I'm think you mean 50% but yes I'm sure you're right

Well, I've heard that they double the price that the manufacturers charge them (so I should have said 100% 'mark-up'), but I wouldn't stand over that without some reliable confirmation. It might apply to jewellery rather than watches too.

Chuck_Norris

As an outside thought, what about something like this:

http://www.authenticwatches.com/8628.html#.UH3wHm_A_Kk

or this:

http://www.authenticwatches.com/8628.html#.UH3wHm_A_Kk

I had one of the second ones years ago, although without the rotating bezel. Nice watch. Substantial without being uncomfortable.

Lex Luthor

so far this one is a front runner...in this combo with the grey strap
http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marinechrono/g/Marine_Chrono_7.jpg&artnum=marinechrono&wkid=13504607336871&ls=en&nocache=1350460769-6927

just need to convince the missus now that its worth it...

paddyh117

That Stowa is really nice in that colour - have considered it myself, but was put off by the fact i'd imagine it sits quite high and i have very skinny wrists so couldn't take a chance without trying it on

Lex Luthor

paddyh117 wrote: »

That Stowa is really nice in that colour - have considered it myself, but was put off by the fact i'd imagine it sits quite high and i have very skinny wrists so couldn't take a chance without trying it on

Looking at the dimensions, its very similar to my Tag. Same thickness of 12mm but marginally bigger by 1mm in the case diameter which is ok by me.

paddyh117

You sure it's only 12mm high? had it in my head it was more, and just checked the site and it's 14.7mm according to this...

http://www.stowa.de/lshop,showdetail,13504665647865,en,1350466611-8023,chronograph,marinechrono,1,Tshowrub--chronograph,.htm


Either way - it's a lovely watch - not trying to put you off, but nearly 15mm would be too high for me

Lex Luthor

paddyh117 wrote: »

You sure it's only 12mm high? had it in my head it was more, and just checked the site and it's 14.7mm according to this...

http://www.stowa.de/lshop,showdetail,13504665647865,en,1350466611-8023,chronograph,marinechrono,1,Tshowrub--chronograph,.htm


Either way - it's a lovely watch - not trying to put you off, but nearly 15mm would be too high for me

I cant find any reference to 14.7mm on the site
I had a look at the pdf Stowa catalogue and my German is not great but I assumed Hohe meant height?

Edelstahl poliert oder matt, Ø: 41 mm, Höhe 12 mm, Bandbreite 22 mm

paddyh117

at the bottom of the link i posted there's a tab for Technical Data

Dimensions

Diameter: 41.00 mm

Height: 14.70 mm

Strap width: 22 mm

Lug-to-Lug size: 50.20 mm

Waterproof: up to 5 ATM

Weight: 100 gr. (leather strap), about 160 gr. (metal bracelet)

Lex Luthor

paddyh117 wrote: »

at the bottom of the link i posted there's a tab for Technical Data

Dimensions

Diameter: 41.00 mm

Height: 14.70 mm

Strap width: 22 mm

Lug-to-Lug size: 50.20 mm

Waterproof: up to 5 ATM

Weight: 100 gr. (leather strap), about 160 gr. (metal bracelet)

great, thanks

peasant

One more Russian to throw you off kilter before you buy



Currently available from the manufacturers at 35000 rubel (= roughly 860 euro)
http://www.denissov.ru/start/eng/shop/barracuda/31681_1026_w_b11.html

Wibbs

You might go vintage...



Heuer Bund from the late 60's up to the early 80's as used by the German military. If you keep an eye out you can get one under your budget. Nice watch, very solid and nicely built and 43 odd mm in size.

This message was brought to you by a vintage gimp... :D

Eoin

peasant wrote: »

One more Russian to throw you off kilter before you buy

The brown face is gorgeous.

Lex Luthor

after much soul searching, I've decided not to go for a chrono in the end...
I even tried on this Sinn (http://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/6030.htm) over the weekend and I was really impressed with the look/feel/quality of the watch (it had the metal bracelet).
But in the end I've gone back to something less cluttered and Stowa have agreed to do me one of the marine automatics like this one (http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermatt/g/MA-A10-Matt-ohne-Datum-4.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermatt&wkid=135109104326132&ls=en&nocache=1351091401-28148) but change the case for a polished one and put a grey chrono strap on it.
Hoping I'll be near area end of month and have a look and try one on

Zagato

Lex Luthor wrote: »

after much soul searching, I've decided not to go for a chrono in the end...
I even tried on this Sinn (http://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/6030.htm) over the weekend and I was really impressed with the look/feel/quality of the watch (it had the metal bracelet).
But in the end I've gone back to something less cluttered and Stowa have agreed to do me one of the marine automatics like this one (http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermatt/g/MA-A10-Matt-ohne-Datum-4.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermatt&wkid=135109104326132&ls=en&nocache=1351091401-28148) but change the case for a polished one and put a grey chrono strap on it.
Hoping I'll be near area end of month and have a look and try one on

Where did you try on the Sinn?

Lex Luthor

Zagato wrote: »

Where did you try on the Sinn?

I know somebody who has it...