Recommendations for a gents watch

Scortho

Hi all,
Would appreciate any help I can get.
Basically I was given a bit of money of relatives etc. for my 21st a few months and have decided that I'd like to buy a nice watch.
My budget is in the range of 400-600.
What is it best to spend that amount on as its not high enough for the like of tagheur or longines?
Would I be better getting two 300 euro watches or 1 600 euro one?
At the moment I've seen a nice certina ds podium. http://appleby.ie/watches/certina/gents/quartz/10060517
What are these like?
I've also seen a nice frederique constant watch: http://appleby.ie/watches/frederique-constant/gents/quartz/10063295

Personally I'd prefer a chronograph although the frederique constant one caught my eye. My everyday watch is a newbridge silverware one with brown leather strap so I think a nice chronograph with steel strap would be better.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
I would consider getting a second hand one, however I wouldn't know where to start. What should I look for if I decide to go down the second hand route and what could I possibly get with my budget?
Would there be any mechanicals in my budget or would they all be quartz?
I've read that the mechanical ones hold their value better.
I was thinking of a tissot, but they seem to have a high price for what they are.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
All help is greatly appreciated.

Eoin

Where to start!

You'll definitely get a mechanical for that budget. Seiko offer great value for money, so I'd check them out. Citizen are worth a look too.

I'm a big fan of Steinhart watches, although I don't think you'll get one of their chronographs for your budget. If you like diver style watches, this is amazing value at 350.


You'll see some nice ones crop up on adverts.ie - I've bought a couple of watches from forum members there. Homer is selling a nice Seiko diver there for 120

If you're happy to buy online, there's good value to be had at www.creationwatches.com

Maybe check out the "post pics of your watches" thread to get some inspiration.

Zagato

If you wanted a mechanical chronograph, you unfortunately missed out bya about a week one of the last of Timefactors' PRS-5's which would have been at the lower end of your budget new. If you keep an eye out in the right places you might find one second hand.



You should probably give us a better idea of what you are looking for if you want useful advice, as the two watches you linked to couldn't be more different.

Scortho

Zagato wrote: »

If you wanted a mechanical chronograph, you unfortunately missed out bya about a week one of the last of Timefactors' PRS-5's which would have been at the lower end of your budget new. If you keep an eye out in the right places you might find one second hand.



You should probably give us a better idea of what you are looking for if you want useful advice, as the two watches you linked to couldn't be more different.

That's the problem I haven't a clue what I'm looking for. Basically I want to get a nice watch that will last 20-30 years for occasional wear. I've been on the look out since January around town (weirs, Appleby fields etc) but anything that really caught my eye was over budget.

I've a max budget of 600.
I like most types of watches but the two I've got are cheap. A brown leather newbridge one and a Casio stainless steal one.
I'm thinking along the lines of a chronograph, but if something like the frederique constant one was to pop up is be swayed by it as well.

By keeping an eye out in the right places, what would they be?

I hadn't considered a divers until eoin linked me homers one, which I'm now considering. It'd allow me to get two decent ones.

I know this wont have helped at all!:(

Basically if you had 600 to drop on a watch tomorrow, what would it be? Or would you buy 2-3 second hand?

Eoin

You might find some nice Hamiltons in that price range. They're owned by the swatch group, like Tissot and Omega - and pretty much sit in-between the two. I've one which I wear as my "dress" watch, and like it quite a lot.



This Tissot Couturier is nice - I was looking at them a while ago


And I really like this Seiko Premier


I don't know if you'll get a "watch for life" at that price range, but I could be wrong.

Scortho

Eoin wrote: »

You might find some nice Hamiltons in that price range. They're owned by the swatch group, like Tissot and Omega - and pretty much sit in-between the two. I've one which I wear as my "dress" watch, and like it quite a lot.



This Tissot Couturier is nice - I was looking at them a while ago


And I really like this Seiko Premier


I don't know if you'll get a "watch for life" at that price range, but I could be wrong.

Haha true alright about the watch for life. Just something special to me that will last and won't be out of fashion in 10 years. That seiko is lovely though. As is the Hamilton.
Cheers.

blindsider

*Sigh* Nice problem to have....:-))

One watch: http://www.stowa.de/lshop,showdetail,136900084410740,en,1369000863-10860,marine,marineautdatum,6,Tshowrub--marine,.htm

Something like this from Stowa - handmade in Germany and with a very good reputation, like Steinhart. Not well-known unless you're a watch fan.

Two watches: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-5-Automatic-SNZG17J1/dp/B0033049CE/ref=sr_1_sc_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1369001377&sr=8-5-spell&keywords=seiko+snz

...maybe a bit like your Certina

and

https://fromanteel.nl/online-shop/the-generations/johannes-black/_watch_this/

again, not very well-known (and I haven't seen much about them here either) but looks nice and seems to have a good reputation.

You won't go wrong with a Seiko - the SKX007 is reckoned to be the best watch you can buy for not much money, but all the Seiko 5 range is good value, they look well and the '5' stands for:

Seiko 5 refers to:

1. Diaflex (unbreakable mainspring)
2. Diashock (Seiko's shock resistant design, equivalent to the Swiss "Incabloc" or "Kif," etc.)
3. Automatic winding
4. Date/date indication
5. Water resistant

Ah, just found this on Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Spirit-Chronograph-Sapphire-waterproof-SBPY091/dp/B00C1WOVE6/ref=sr_1_17?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1369001909&sr=1-17&keywords=seiko+spirit

Looks like a fine watch to me!

Citizen have some nice watches: this is my fave

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizen-Mens-Eco-Drive-Watch-Cb0020-50E/dp/B0047E36Q0/ref=sr_1_36?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1369002099&sr=1-36&keywords=citizen+eco+drive

www.creationwatches.com is def worth a look, but REMEMBER there's a good chance you'll get caught for Customs Duty if you buy there - CW are based in Singapore.

I'm sure you'll get lots more suggestions in the morning - let us know what you buy and enjoy the process!

Eoin

IMO the simpler the watch, the longer it's likely to look good. Also, it looks like a few manufacturers are going back to making smaller watches, so a 44mm chrono might look huge in a few years.

Have a good look at the Steinhart website; they're well made and great value. They have a few designs that aren't too subtle, but also some that are based on classics (e.g. Rolex sub) that will always look good.

You might also get a nice vintage watch for that price; but you'd have to look out for watches that have had new dials etc put in, and aren't really all that original.

Bullseye1

Mechanical Chrono and within your budget. You can thank me later.
http://www.magrette.com/the-timepieces-regattare-chronograph.php

It's also available in PVD black.

Lex Luthor

I think a mechanical watch is very possible in your budget but its limiting
A few extra hundred would push you into the Steinhart range
Plenty in the Citizen/Seiko range to look at
Some of my personal choice for a low'ish budget chronographs are
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizen-CA0255-01E-Mens-Watch/dp/B007P2UP4C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369045132&sr=8-2&keywords=CA0255

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Citizen-Chronograph-Leather-Eco-Drive-CA0335-04E/dp/B0093C69SI/ref=sr_1_2?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1369045179&sr=1-2&keywords=CA0335-04E

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-SNDA57P1-Mens-Chronograph-Watch/dp/B001EN4TJK/ref=sr_1_2?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1369045201&sr=1-2&keywords=SNDA65

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GENUINE-SEIKO-Gents-SOLAR-Chronograph/dp/B008XMYWXI/ref=sr_1_4?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1369045247&sr=1-4&keywords=SSC081P1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GENUINE-SEIKO-Gents-SOLAR-Chronograph/dp/B008XMYWXI/ref=sr_1_1?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1369045276&sr=1-1&keywords=SSC075P1

This is a nice Christopher Ward but a quartz
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/c3scs-mk2.html

Lex Luthor

here's a few from Orient that wont break the bank
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NWT-ORIENT-Sporty-Quartz-TT0X001B-TT0X002B-TT0X003W-Chronograph-Mens-Watch-/271105089462?pt=Wristwatches&var=&hash=item3f1f1f5fb6#ht_4494wt_1255

then you have a few quid to get a nice automatic dress watch

Scortho

Cheers for all the suggestions. What's buying online on the likes of eBay etc like.
How do you know your not getting fakes, or will the seller's rating be enough to go on?

Eoin

It varies quite a lot from brand to brand. I think you need to narrow your search down first, before choosing where to buy it.

waldopancakes

Scortho wrote: »

Hi all,
Would appreciate any help I can get.
Basically I was given a bit of money of relatives etc. for my 21st a few months and have decided that I'd like to buy a nice watch.
My budget is in the range of 400-600.
What is it best to spend that amount on as its not high enough for the like of tagheur or longines?
Would I be better getting two 300 euro watches or 1 600 euro one?
At the moment I've seen a nice certina ds podium. http://appleby.ie/watches/certina/gents/quartz/10060517
What are these like?
I've also seen a nice frederique constant watch: http://appleby.ie/watches/frederique-constant/gents/quartz/10063295

Personally I'd prefer a chronograph although the frederique constant one caught my eye. My everyday watch is a newbridge silverware one with brown leather strap so I think a nice chronograph with steel strap would be better.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
I would consider getting a second hand one, however I wouldn't know where to start. What should I look for if I decide to go down the second hand route and what could I possibly get with my budget?
Would there be any mechanicals in my budget or would they all be quartz?
I've read that the mechanical ones hold their value better.
I was thinking of a tissot, but they seem to have a high price for what they are.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
All help is greatly appreciated.

If you are looking for a Longines you can get one for about €550

Conquest
L36594566

A chronograph version of this is about €800.
Appleby Jeweller would have this or could order it in for you.

If you want a Chronograph and like Certina, try this model which is €455

DS Podium
C0016392705700

Certina have a concession in Arnotts.

Zagato

I think that if you are going to buy a watch that you want to be able to wear, you need to buy something that design wise has already stood the test of time. So either go for a diver or a dress watch, and maybe try and keep the size 38-42mm so it won't look ridiculously small/large in 20yrs time when fashions have changed.
If you would like an automatic, you are probably better off avoiding a chronograph, as not only will it be more expensive to buy, but more expensive to service as well.
If you are looking at a diver I would gladly recommend steinhart here is the watch I'm currently wearing now (am not really able to get wrist shots without reflections I'm afraid, so you'll have to bear my tulips )


Other divers look at Tissot Seastar, and I saw a second hand Glycine Combat Sub for sale for £320 yesterday.
I would suggest joining some watch fora, and looking at their sales corners, will give you a good idea of:

1. What you like
2. What resale values are
3. What holds its value

At that point you will realise that you can't just buy one watch, because after you buy it you will want more. Then consider using your €600 as a watch fund, allowing you to sell watches you buy, when you see another one you want, gradually try to add cash to your fund and build a small collection of watches you really like over the next 25yrs, and temporarily enjoy some of the ones that just aren't for you.

johnthemull

Get stuck into some serious research..

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f8/german-watch-manufacturers-3277.html

Eoin

Saw this for sale on tz-uk.com; they restrict access to their sales forum though

Ollech & Wajs Mirage mk3. Automatic Chronograph. Swiss Made.

I am selling this chrono due to another incoming, this has been a safe keeper for a while now. In excellent condition and on an unworn Hirsch Modena Leather strap.

Spec:
All Stainless Steel Case and Case back.
Sapphire Crystal.
Screw down Crown.
Movement. Valjoux 7750
Size 40mm Bezel.
39mm Case size.
12mm Case height
20mm Lug Width

£475

fishguy

I just found a few in your price range that might be interesting for you:

http://www.johnbreretonjewellers.ie/Watches/Tissot/Gents/T0144271603100*Tissot-PRC-200-Automatic-Chronograph-C01.211-Watch-with-White-and-Silver-Dial-and-Brown-Leather-Strap

http://www.rocks.ie/detail.php?id=a2313

http://www.rocks.ie/detail.php?id=a1208

http://www.rocks.ie/detail.php?id=a1207

http://www.fields.ie/watches/tissot/tissot-prc200-chronograph-watch.html

fg

Scortho

Guys thanks for all the suggestions. What I thought would make the process easier has actually made it harder...:rolleyes:
I want all of them now.

I think ill have to do what a few of you have suggested and do a bit of research to see what i like and what i dont and narrow it down.
Id never heard of steinhart or stowa before, but there both lovely watches.
And Zagato, nice tulips!

When i eventually buy, Ill pop back in to let yee know.
Cheers
Scortho

Scortho

Well after a long time of searching, pulling my hair out, finding a watch that I liked only to change my mind a few days later I kept coming back to stowa.
While I knew stein hart were cheaper there was something about the stowa that kept catching my eye.
Kind of like my alfa romeo love.

So I upped the budget!:)
And I didn't buy a chronograph.
I eventually went for a stowa marine automatic.
This one: http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermatt/g/MA-A10-Matt-ohne-Datum-6.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermatt&wkid=13764001848712&ls=en&nocache=1376400512-11701

Apologies it's actually the one with the date. I was getting worried there for a second.
http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermattdat/g/MA-A10-Matt-mit-Datum-6.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermattdat&wkid=13764001848712&ls=en&nocache=1376401180-17823

I don't know what it was about stowa that I liked. I think the uniqueness of them, the fact that they're hand made, the fact that they're not for sale on every street corner etc was one of the deciding factors.
I know the fliegar has a great reputation but I preferred the look of the marine.
Also it's something I can see myself wearing in 10-20 years time.
I still want a fliegar but that'll be a while in the future.


Anyway I won't have it until November. Plenty of time to change my mind, but considering I've been thinking of stowa marine or fliegar for the last month I hope I've made the right decision.

Thanks to all who gave their brilliant advice. Considering that my end purchase was a bit far away from my original ideas of what I wanted (I had my heart set on a chrono) I didn't make it easy for you.

Ill post a picture of it when it eventually arrives.

fishguy

Mighty fine choice! This is one of the the best if not the best from the whole Stowa lineup of 3 hand watches imho.

corpo3030

Congratulations, the Marine's a fine choice and very very wearable.

Scortho

corpo3030 wrote: »

Congratulations, the Marine's a fine choice and very very wearable.

Cheers.
I just have to wait until November to get it.
That added to the attractiveness of it for some reason. Feels a lot more personal.

unkel

Classy watch, great choice. I'm a fan of tan leather straps too

Deep Thought

Scortho wrote: »

Well after a long time of searching, pulling my hair out, finding a watch that I liked only to change my mind a few days later I kept coming back to stowa.
While I knew stein hart were cheaper there was something about the stowa that kept catching my eye.
Kind of like my alfa romeo love.

So I upped the budget!:)
And I didn't buy a chronograph.
I eventually went for a stowa marine automatic.
This one: http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermatt/g/MA-A10-Matt-ohne-Datum-6.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermatt&wkid=13764001848712&ls=en&nocache=1376400512-11701

Apologies it's actually the one with the date. I was getting worried there for a second.
http://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermattdat/g/MA-A10-Matt-mit-Datum-6.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermattdat&wkid=13764001848712&ls=en&nocache=1376401180-17823

I don't know what it was about stowa that I liked. I think the uniqueness of them, the fact that they're hand made, the fact that they're not for sale on every street corner etc was one of the deciding factors.
I know the fliegar has a great reputation but I preferred the look of the marine.
Also it's something I can see myself wearing in 10-20 years time.
I still want a fliegar but that'll be a while in the future.


Anyway I won't have it until. November. Plenty of time to change my mind, but considering I've been thinking of stowa marine or fliegar for the last month I hope I've made the right decision.

Thanks to all who gave their brilliant advice. Considering that my end purchase was a bit far away from my original ideas of what I wanted (I had my heart set on a chrono) I didn't make it easy for you.

Ill post a picture of it when it eventually arrives.

nice

overpronator

I have the exact same watch, got it back in March. I absolutely love it, had intended to get a cheap daily beater and save the Marine for weekends etc but I find myself wearing the Stowa every day, its just so nice. Great choice.

Scortho

So I changed my mind....

Deep thought got in touch to say that he was selling his stowa marine with a blue croco strap and I couldnt resist. Credit union got raided and my car buying has been put on hold for a while....well hopefully :pac:

Heres a wrist shot of the watch. Im absolutely thrilled with it



Appologies for the quality of the photo

corpo3030

Scortho, I don't blame you at all. That's a beauty. Congrats on a wise purchase, it will bring you a lot of satisfaction.

fishguy

Wear it in good health!

Wibbs

Very nice S. Love the dial. Great watch. Well may you wear.

unkel

They're about the cleanest, most precise reading and uncluttered dials I have seen. Nice! Classic!

Make damn sure this doesn't impact on your car buying budget though :pac:

Scortho

unkel wrote: »

They're about the cleanest, most precise reading and uncluttered dials I have seen. Nice! Classic!

Make damn sure this doesn't impact on your car buying budget though :pac:

Cheers.
It already has. I really want a gtv, but its been put on hold for a few months.....unless a good cheap one pops up! :pac:

stantheman8

Eoin wrote: »

....

And I really like this Seiko Premier


I don't know if you'll get a "watch for life" at that price range, but I could be wrong.

Really like that watch too Eoin - any ideas on where they are sold in Ireland?

Eoin

stantheman8 wrote: »

Really like that watch too Eoin - any ideas on where they are sold in Ireland?

Try fields jewellers - they tend to have a good range of seikos