Recommendations please. Similar to

Lombardo86

Hello.

While not being familiar with what is the best brand, or where i should be looking for the best value, whether it should be first or second hand etc - i am familiar with what i like :-)

Based on that - hoping the more knowledgeable folks in here may be able to help me. Budget is up to 900EUR, preferably little lower but for the right watch ill go to that.

Watch details: i don't like too much clutter on the face of the watch, nor would i be looking for anything with a leather strap. Primarily would be looking for something similar to the

Tissot PRC 50 Automatic


I realise that is not an expensive variation (and some sites actually said discontinued) - price doesn't have to be the only driver.

Would appreciate if someone could make any interesting recommendations.

Thanks

CarltonBrowne

There are some Japan Domestic Market Seikos that might appeal. Well within budget but you'll need to factor in customs charges on arrival. Seiya San and Higuchi are amongst the more well known (and regarded) suppliers.
http://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko
http://www.higuchi-inc.com/index-e.html

The SARB033, for example.

Lombardo86

CarltonBrowne wrote: »

There are some Japan Domestic Market Seikos that might appeal. Well within budget but you'll need to factor in customs charges on arrival. Seiya San and Higuchi are amongst the more well known (and regarded) suppliers.
http://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/seiko
http://www.higuchi-inc.com/index-e.html

The SARB033, for example.

Very interesting - looks exactly the style i am looking for.

Few questions:

1. I know you say they are well regarded - but would i be better off buying here or does the price difference still make it more viable to go abroad?
2. At that price point, am i missing out on that "something" a more expensive watch might provide (Ego aside)
3. Are Seiko a well respected brand?

It is an occasion i would like to mark by getting something i will be able to look back on and remember the reason i got it - so want something that stands out.

Eoin

Lombardo86 wrote: »

1. At that price point, am i missing out on that "something" a more expensive watch might provide (Ego aside)
2. Are Seiko a well respected brand?

Seikos are very well respected, but because they have watches for pretty much every budget, some people think that means that they're not a quality brand. Their Grand Seiko versions would rival many top end mainstream Swiss brands.

You'll know you have got a really nice watch, others might not.

Also, see if there are any Longines models that might suit. This maybe? I don't know if the watch will be any better than a Seiko for the same price, but the brand probably has a slightly higher-end feel because their entry price is higher.

CarltonBrowne

Answers below

Lombardo86 wrote: »

Few questions:

1. I know you say they are well regarded - but would i be better off buying here or does the price difference still make it more viable to go abroad? The point about Japanese Domestic Market Seikos is that they are not typically available on the high street in Europe - arguably it's the unattainability that makes them more attractive and, of course, this is more than a bit irrational. However in terms of quality they are generally higher up the Seiko scale though obviously not anywhere near Grand Seiko level. Given that you are looking for a watch with a bracelet I'd think twice about a Seiko 5 on one as I've not generally been pleased with the ones that have passed through my hands. There are, however, aftermarket suppliers of bracelets for Seikos (Harold AKA Yobokies) with a good reputation for quality.
2. At that price point, am i missing out on that "something" a more expensive watch might provide (Ego aside). It's a difficult one to answer as there's so much smoke and mirrors involved with the marketing of watches. One chap wouldn't have a Seiko in case a friend or colleague assumed he was wearing a $50 watch however the man standing next to him could be wearing a £5k Grand Seiko and be secretly thrilled that nobody knows the quality/rarity/je ne sais pas of the device on his wrist
3. Are Seiko a well respected brand? Yes - at most points in the spectrum.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't look at some of the Swiss or German brands (I only have one Seiko at the moment) - I'm trusting that others will chime in.


On the subject of German brands I would start with Sinn - maybe a 556 I.



https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_I.htm

Lombardo86

Thanks for your inputs.

Really like the look of that Longines Conquest. I think the Sinn has a bit of an older feel about it.

Have some homework to do but appreciate your feedback so far!

Too far up the priceline but the Tag Heuer Carrera looks like another one that fits the bill.

893bet

There are a couple of link tag link 6 on adverts second hand.

Lovely watches IMO.

893bet

http://touch.adverts.ie/mens-watches/tag-heuer-link-calibre-6/2617219

Slightly above your budget.

There was a second one on there but can't find it now that was advertised a lot cheaper (it was older). It must be sold or withdrawn from sale.

Lombardo86

893bet wrote: »

http://touch.adverts.ie/mens-watches/tag-heuer-link-calibre-6/2617219

Slightly above your budget.

There was a second one on there but can't find it now that was advertised a lot cheaper (it was older). It must be sold or withdrawn from sale.

Thats a very nice watch - i would actually have it top of my list now. Would be a stretch to get that though, and i think id rather buy first hand also.

You've given me a serious (but good!) headache

Lex Luthor

not sure on price but Eterna have a couple that might suit you

dudara

Lombardo86 wrote: »

Too far up the priceline but the Tag Heuer Carrera looks like another one that fits the bill.

Some git recently decided to play "compare the watch" between his Tag Carrera and my Seiko 5 as my 5 was the same dial colour and style. Side by side, the Seiko stood up really well to the Tag. Not bad considering it cost me $100 to his £2k stg

Lombardo86

dudara wrote: »

Some git recently decided to play "compare the watch" between his Tag Carrera and my X

If i ever become that guy, shoot me

otnomart

Certina DS Podium has a similar look
http://www.certina.com/collection/mens-automatic-collection/ds-podium#m=5

Lex Luthor

Lombardo86 wrote: »

Thats a very nice watch - i would actually have it top of my list now. Would be a stretch to get that though, and i think id rather buy first hand also.

You've given me a serious (but good!) headache

Thats mine, I'm willing to come down a little if you want to throw me an offer

Lombardo86

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Thats mine, I'm willing to come down a little if you want to throw me an offer

Afraid not :-) If im stretching the budget - i want to own a new piece, sorry!

I am torn - the conquest seems nice but there are wild swings in price. Seems to be the same watch with only improved calibre. Would an amateur like me even notice something like that?

~660 EUR conquest watch

1000 extra - specifically called out as gents

Is it because first one is seen as unisex? Wondering how the variations are there.

Eoin

The cheaper one is quartz, the more expensive one is an automatic, so that's a fundamental difference in how the watch works. Unless they use a different sort of quartz movement than most, you are likely to notice that the second hand ticks around as opposed to more of a glide on an automatic.

There are also ceramic elements in the more expensive one, which I think makes it more scratch resistant, but potentially more likely to shatter or crack if dropped or knocked against something (as far as I know).

Mredsnapper

The quartz version will probably be more accurate will likely have lower service costs. more expensive doesn't always equate to better. Some people prefer automatic others quartz.

Hope I havent made your choice harder.

Lombardo86

Eoin wrote: »

Also, see if there are any Longines models that might suit. This maybe? I don't know if the watch will be any better than a Seiko for the same price, but the brand probably has a slightly higher-end feel because their entry price is higher.

Pulled the trigger on this one :-) Thanks for all the inputs people!

Mredsnapper

Lombardo86 wrote: »

Pulled the trigger on this one :-) Thanks for all the inputs people!

That's a beautiful watch Lombardo86

Lombardo86

Mredsnapper wrote: »

That's a beautiful watch Lombardo86

Thanks all. I feel if the tag was in budget i'd have gone for the carrera calibre 5. But i don't have that type of cash!

Really delighted with it and i can see this becoming the start of a bigger obsession now.. which has pros and cons of course!

RUK

Lombardo86 wrote: »

Pulled the trigger on this one :-) Thanks for all the inputs people!

Excellent choise. Can't go wrong with longines for under a 1000€