Suggestions for casual watch

MarcusP12

Hi folks....getting an itch for a new piece and looking to do research early...basically I'm building a nice collection and I like rotating watches and wearing certain watches for certain occasions. Here's the inventory so far:

Tissot PRC200 Auto Chronograph - tend to wear this for formal occasions and important work meetings
Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300m Chrono Quartz - Tend to wear this the odd time in the office or if I'm heading out for pints or dinner. The jewel in the collection at the moment.
Seiko Kinetic - More of a dress watch as black leather strap so its my everyday watch for the office.
Seiko 5 Divers - Wear this to work if I'm on site as don't mind if it gets the odd nick here and there. Wear it casually out and about.
Casio G-Shock Mudman - My ultimate hacking around in watch at the weekend or around the house. Wear it when out and about with the kids, e.g. playgrounds and beach (recently relocated to the middle east!).

I really like all of these watches but I think there's a gap. I'd like a really good watch for casual nights out, e.g jeans and t-shirt (which is often the case here in the ME). Wore the Tissot and it just didn't feel right in short sleeves. Tag isn't with me yet and possibly too bulky. I want a good one as fashion watches are a waste and don't last....will have this for a long time!

So I'm looking for a recommendation....budget around 1500-2000....I'm a sucker for the main brands (tag, omega, breitling) so whilst I like the look of them, not sure I'd ever feel the same about Steinharths or Stowa's as you guys do. Current thinking is Breitling Aerospace...maybe something on a rubber strap....don't mind second hand (probably have to with the budget) from reputable place on say chrono24 but never used them so opinions on that also. I'm mad for an avenger II seawolf but I think i'll wait a while for that and probably too big and chunky for what I'm looking for...

I also like hamiltons so if I wanted to cut down on the budget significantly I was thinking of a kahki pilot (less than 400 in quartz on creation) maybe....

So what do you guys think?

Anjobe

I really like Tudor's range at the moment - this Grantour is a fine looking watch and would fit your brief nicely.

blue5000

I bought a used Damasko for a bit less than your budget, not everyone's cup of tea though. http://www.damasko.de/en/da36

But it's going to be a PIA setting day and date if you are only wearing it occasionally.

Grand Seiko might be an option, not sure what price they are, but you seem to have lots of them already.

Nomos worth a look too. At that price range if you are based in middle east, and buying in EU you'll get the vat back, this will give you more buying power.

Best of luck in your search.

MarcusP12

Thanks for the replies to date....as I said, I'm into my more conventional premium makers as I'm not really a watch buff....probably sounds shallow but I'd like people who aren't really into watches to look at it and be impressed and "know" that its a pricey watch. I like the feel good factor and not sure I'd get that from being the only one that knows its a really good watch as I'm sure those suggestions are.

has anyone ever owned an aerospace? whats people's opinions on their look? do people thing the digital element "cheapens" it? to me it makes it more versatile. as in it wouldn't look out of place with jeans and a t-shirt but would also be classy enough for semi-formal...kind of why it caught my eye...

Wibbs

I like the Breitling Aerospace myself TBH. Like you I reckon the digital adds to it. They also remind me of the 80's when such dual timekeepers were big and the very cutting edge, so there may be an element of nostalgia for me. I like that Breitling are keeping that model on and improving it as they go. Long history behind it. Well longer than many that claim spurious "tradition". They remind me of the Emergency's slimmer less obvious brother.

I'd go for one of those, though in the black or dark blue dial, IMHO the yellow dial looks very tacky, like a middle aged american golfers watch or something.

As for "shallow" and all that. It's you buying the watch so buy what makes you feel good and yeah, generally non watch nerds will only recognise a few brands; Rolex, TAG, Omega, Seiko, IWC, Breitling and probably Casio. Maybe among people in offices that are more American Psycho you might have a couple that would know Patek and AP, but generally even "fashion" brands like Michael Kors, Armani etc will have way more recognition than something like an FP Journe. Years back I was in an office of tailored suits and expensive cufflinks and one of the lads enquired after the watch I was wearing, a late 60's Heuer chronograph and he actually said "oh, so it's not a TAG then?" in a disappointed way. I was…

MarcusP12

Wibbs wrote: »

I like the Breitling Aerospace myself TBH. Like you I reckon the digital adds to it. They also remind me of the 80's when such dual timekeepers were big and the very cutting edge, so there may be an element of nostalgia for me. I like that Breitling are keeping that model on and improving it as they go. Long history behind it. Well longer than many that claim spurious "tradition". They remind me of the Emergency's slimmer less obvious brother.

I'd go for one of those, though in the black or dark blue dial, IMHO the yellow dial looks very tacky, like a middle aged american golfers watch or something.

As for "shallow" and all that. It's you buying the watch so buy what makes you feel good and yeah, generally non watch nerds will only recognise a few brands; Rolex, TAG, Omega, Seiko, IWC, Breitling and probably Casio. Maybe among people in offices that are more American Psycho you might have a couple that would know Patek and AP, but generally even "fashion" brands like Michael Kors, Armani etc will have way more recognition than something like an FP Journe. Years back I was in an office of tailored suits and expensive cufflinks and one of the lads enquired after the watch I was wearing, a late 60's Heuer chronograph and he actually said "oh, so it's not a TAG then?" in a disappointed way. I was…

Thanks for the feedback....an endorsement from wibbs on the breitling is encouraging!

Anyone else got opinions on it or anything else that would be casual in the breitling,tag,omega,Hamilton range?

peasant

Hamilton Pan Europ perhaps?

Anjobe

peasant wrote: »

Hamilton Pan Europ perhaps?

The silver dial chrono is really nice.

TedR

Mebbe have a look at the re issue Oris Divers Sixty Five? I think the blue highlighted dial version is gorgeous. Not sure if Oris has enough recognition for you, but I think they got their heritage/modern balance spot on, I really like this watch
Its not mad expensive either. I would buy one.
I sought out a Hamilton pan Europ, in the blue face, for a look. I didnt like it in the flesh myself.

pm.

What about Longines? Some lovely watches... Sorry can't post links from my phone

CarltonBrowne

How about a Tudor Hydronaut



Or a Seamaster - preferably with a slightly faded blue bezel.

Deep Thought

How about a lovely Laco Spirit Of St Louis

Bargain to be had...!!!! :eek::eek::eek:

MarcusP12

Thanks again for the suggestions....always interested in people's taste in watches.....the Hamilton, I've seen it in the flesh and nice as it is, not sure its my style.....oris I know alright but I'm afraid you could be right on the brand recognition, less so for myself but more so others....the omega is a nice unit alright but a couple of work friends of mine bought similar ones on a previous tour of duty so I think i'll steer clear of that particular style.....tudor? only actually picked up the name through this forum...I'm sure they are high and lovely quality but not gone on them....

what do people think of the Breitling B1? was browsing on chrono24 and they caught my eye.....bit more going on than the aerospace and I love the turbine blade affect detail on the back case...seems like a chunky unit though at 15mm thick which is 5 more than the aero...would love to hear from anyone who has owned or lusted after one before!

Anjobe

TedR wrote: »

Mebbe have a look at the re issue Oris Divers Sixty Five? I think the blue highlighted dial version is gorgeous. Not sure if Oris has enough recognition for you, but I think they got their heritage/modern balance spot on, I really like this watch
Its not mad expensive either. I would buy one.
I sought out a Hamilton pan Europ, in the blue face, for a look. I didnt like it in the flesh myself.

If Oris is on the table, I would include a shout out for their ProPilot range too. If you like the Divers 65 then I would also look at the new (old) Zodiac Sea Wolf 53 range too (reviewed recently on ABlogToWatch)

mynameis905

The problem is that you don't really have the funds (1500-2000 I think you mentioned?) to get you into the big brand names that non-watch people recognise. Would you consider flogging the Aquaracer and the Tissot, put the proceeds with your 2k budget so that you have enough for something like a used Submariner and call it a day? You still have the Casio and Seiko for knocking around in.

MarcusP12

mynameis905 wrote: »

The problem is that you don't really have the funds (1500-2000 I think you mentioned?) to get you into the big brand names that non-watch people recognise. Would you consider flogging the Aquaracer and the Tissot, put the proceeds with your 2k budget so that you have enough for something like a used Submariner and call it a day? You still have the Casio and Seiko for knocking around in.

Thanks...don't think I need to sell to be honest and haven't had either long enough anyway....I'm happy to go 2nd hand from somewhere reliable and from my research there's plenty of options for near 2k...I assume you were thinking new when u thought I was out of budget....

Lex Luthor

Stowa Marine Automatic with sterling silver dial and grey croco strap

https://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermatt/g/MarineAutSilber_LBschw_800.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermatt&wkid=145702036510949&ls=en&nocache=1457020397-11125

I know I ignored the brief, but how can you ignore this.....

Wibbs

Aye LL it's a beauty, but it doesn't have the name recognition and that's important to many, if not most people out there, including many watch nutters. It's why the companies spend so much on marketing. Rolex spend tens of millions per year in the US market alone. It's part and parcel of the luxury good market. 40 years ago something like a Submariner was a tool watch and priced accordingly(about equivalent to modern Stowa or Longines), today it's a desk diver, not far off a dress watch and priced accordingly*. Mad oul game this is.





*to be fair to Rolex and a couple of others, they can at least back up the heritage and hold their values. A crowd like Breguet have as much connection with the original company as I have, but the name still sells. In vintage circles their Type 20's go for many times that of the VIxa's et al, yet are basically the exact same watches. The Dodane version IIRC has the far nicer movement and is still owned by the same French family today.

Eoin

Would Tudor be too under the radar? I think their North Flag looks really nice, and a very versatile watch. Might be over budget, even 2nd hand though.

MarcusP12

MarcusP12 wrote: »

... I'd like a really good watch for casual nights out, e.g jeans and t-shirt......budget around 1500-2000............

Not really good admittedly but I love these....

trashcan

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Stowa Marine Automatic with sterling silver dial and grey croco strap

https://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermatt/g/MarineAutSilber_LBschw_800.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermatt&wkid=145702036510949&ls=en&nocache=1457020397-11125

I know I ignored the brief, but how can you ignore this.....

That's nice, but I prefer this:

https://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/ikarus/g/Ikarus_neues_Logo_LBmNBr_1.jpg&artnum=ikarus&wkid=14580720883274&ls=en&nocache=1458074009-13776

Not a watch nerd at all, but was talking watches to a couple of lads in work last week and got me thinking. Seriously considering this watch. I like them plain but classy and I reckon this fits the bill.

sparrowcar

Fixed that for you below...
:rolleyes:

trashcan wrote: »

That's nice, but I prefer this:

https://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/ikarus/g/Ikarus_neues_Logo_LBmNBr_1.jpg&artnum=ikarus&wkid=14580720883274&ls=en&nocache=1458074009-13776

Not a watch nerd sound chap at all, but was talking watches to a couple of lads in work last week and got me thinking. Seriously considering this watch. I like them plain but classy and I reckon this fits the bill.

MarcusP12

thanks for the posts guys....like the breitlings at the moment....B1 is nice, really like the airwolf with the sundial affect in blue....kind of like the superocean also....problem with B1 and airwolf is getting to try it on before purchase as only real option is on line (do see one up on adverts.ie but no good to me here in the ME)...aerospace might be a bit light but I can try that on at least to see how it sits...same with superocean......will see....hmmm...

Lex Luthor

trashcan wrote: »

That's nice, but I prefer this:

https://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/ikarus/g/Ikarus_neues_Logo_LBmNBr_1.jpg&artnum=ikarus&wkid=14580720883274&ls=en&nocache=1458074009-13776

Not a watch nerd at all, but was talking watches to a couple of lads in work last week and got me thinking. Seriously considering this watch. I like them plain but classy and I reckon this fits the bill.

I have one of those, if you do consider one, I would suggest getting the blued hands...

what about one of these?

http://www.archimede-watches.com/watches/pilot/automatic-42h.html
No need to worry about brand, they remove the logo

or

http://www.archimede-watches.com/watches/automatic-sporttaucher/gmt.html

I've gone off the brief, I know

MarcusP12

Lex Luthor wrote: »

I have one of those, if you do consider one, I would suggest getting the blued hands...

what about one of these?

http://www.archimede-watches.com/watches/pilot/automatic-42h.html
No need to worry about brand, they remove the logo

or

http://www.archimede-watches.com/watches/automatic-sporttaucher/gmt.html

I've gone off the brief, I know

Nice watches but as I've alluded to before, I'm shallow where watch makers are concerned. I need to know that the person noticing the watch knows it cost a few quid....the one exception would be Hamilton....they're kind of in the grey area....I like them and their heritage and it bothers me less that a lot of punters might not have heard of them. don't mind that as wouldn't shell out much more than say 500 for one...Hamilton do a similar style pilot watch which is about 330 odd in quartz on creation watches that has caught my eye for example....so many nice watches out there especially when you have the likes of chrono24 to view....ranges in shops are very limited....

Cona

I'm in same boat as you OP...want a new watch but can't decide what to go for...want something with a silver bracelet for a change. Let me know what u decide on

jh79

Cona wrote: »

I'm in same boat as you OP...want a new watch but can't decide what to go for...want something with a silver bracelet for a change. Let me know what u decide on

How about a Seiko "Turtle"

http://wornandwound.com/2015/12/18/the-return-of-the-turtle-seiko-brings-back-a-classic/

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-prospex-299/seiko-prospex-turtle-automatic-divers-200m-srp773k1-srp773k-mens-watch-8367.html

Cona

This is gorgeous but a bit out of price range

td2008

Looking for a casual watch myself - think I'll go for a carrera eventually

MarcusP12

td2008 wrote: »

Looking for a casual watch myself - think I'll go for a carrera eventually

Lovely watch but personally I wouldnt call that one "casual", at least in the sense that I'm searching for...carrera chrono was my first love where pricey watches are concerned but Ive kicked that to touch for a while after picking up a more modest priced aquaracer chrono quartz which I really like! Check out the carrera calibre s...bit more casual....I've always liked them myself...

blue5000

MarcusP12 wrote: »

Nice watches but as I've alluded to before, I'm shallow where watch makers are concerned. I need to know that the person noticing the watch knows it cost a few quid....the one exception would be Hamilton....they're kind of in the grey area....I like them and their heritage and it bothers me less that a lot of punters might not have heard of them. don't mind that as wouldn't shell out much more than say 500 for one...Hamilton do a similar style pilot watch which is about 330 odd in quartz on creation watches that has caught my eye for example....so many nice watches out there especially when you have the likes of chrono24 to view....ranges in shops are very limited....

The swatch shop (Hour time?) in Kildare village has a fairly good selection of Hamilton, prices are lower than normal retail too. Might be worth a look.

Sorry it's Hour passion

blue5000

blue5000 wrote: »

The swatch shop (Hour time?) in Kildare village............
Sorry it's Hour passion

Do these folks stock Longines?

Last time I was in Kildare Village (late January) I must have missed this place, the watch shop I went into was essentially a Michael Korrs outlet :rolleyes:

WatchStation I think it was.

scwazrh

Augeo wrote: »

Do these folks stock Longines?

Last time I was in Kildare Village (late January) I must have missed this place, the watch shop I went into was essentially a Michael Korrs outlet :rolleyes:

WatchStation I think it was.

Yes they do , I was there yesterday and they have a good selection.Prices seem a good bit lower than other authorised dealers , not sure if there is any discounts to be had.
There is another shop that sells michael korrs and similar brands as well

blue5000

Augeo wrote: »

Do these folks stock Longines?

Last time I was in Kildare Village (late January) I must have missed this place, the watch shop I went into was essentially a Michael Korrs outlet :rolleyes:

WatchStation I think it was.

Yes there are 2 shops, maybe more designer/fashion brands like gucci etc. The swatch one is down a few doors from ralph lauren, the other one is in the new extension, all quartz there though, only brand I'd look at in there is skagen. Longines is the top brand in hour passion. But as I said in another post it's pot luck with what Longines stock they have, last time I was there, there was only quartz hydroconquests there, but they had a good selection of hamiltons.

MarcusP12

blue5000 wrote: »

Yes there are 2 shops, maybe more designer/fashion brands like gucci etc. The swatch one is down a few doors from ralph lauren, the other one is in the new extension, all quartz there though, only brand I'd look at in there is skagen. Longines is the top brand in hour passion. But as I said in another post it's pot luck with what Longines stock they have, last time I was there, there was only quartz hydroconquests there, but they had a good selection of hamiltons.

This is interesting....how would the selection and prices compare to say creation watches on line....I'm slightly interested in the khaki aviation pilot on leather in quartz which is about 350 odd....is it older obscure models? Longines would interest me also if there was anything decent....not gone on a lot of their stuff though....

blue5000

blue5000 wrote: »

...... last time I was there, there was only quartz hydroconquests there, but they had a good selection of hamiltons.

Thanks for the info, I was hoping they'd stock the auto hydroconquests, I have a major hankering for one. I have a non-cash gift of €500 Kildare Village voucher for 2015 and I could give myself the 2016 one anytime that suits.

Buying one like that would really take the sting out of it :pac:

I have nothing against Quartz (have an eco drive and 2 cheap fashion yokes) but if spending a few € would have to go auto.

blue5000

MarcusP12 wrote: »

This is interesting....how would the selection and prices compare to say creation watches on line....I'm slightly interested in the khaki aviation pilot on leather in quartz which is about 350 odd....is it older obscure models? Longines would interest me also if there was anything decent....not gone on a lot of their stuff though....

I don't think anywhere will be cheaper than creation, but you could be paying duty. They had a couple of the Lindburgh hour angle limited editions when I was there, bit big >45mm and a big price too:) I wasn't really interested in the hammys but there was a good selection there. They were finding the quartz Longines to be a good seller because non wus ppl wanted the Longines name without paying too much for them, €500 approx.

Augeo, they get new stock in every week, might be worth ringing them before you call in to see if they have any auto conquests there, staff (Mary?) very helpful when I was there.

blue5000

blue5000 wrote: »

....... They were finding the quartz Longines to be a good seller because non wus ppl wanted the Longines name without paying too much for them, €500 approx........

That's very decent for a Quartz Hydro Con'
http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/watch/l3.688.4.59.6_longines_mens_watches_hydro_conquest

blue5000

Augeo wrote: »

That's very decent for a Quartz Hydro Con'
http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/watch/l3.688.4.59.6_longines_mens_watches_hydro_conquest

39mm not 41mm, about 30% off normal retail price. Might have been €560, if you are passing and have half an hour to spare, well worth a look. The Lindburgh were good value around 2.5k. I don't know if they had been bought somewhere else and a customer changed their mind and swatch decided to let it off at a discount or what, maybe they were display items abroad, I simply don't know.

Anjobe

blue5000 wrote: »

I don't think anywhere will be cheaper than creation, but you could be paying duty. They had a couple of the Lindburgh hour angle limited editions when I was there, bit big >45mm and a big price too:) I wasn't really interested in the hammys but there was a good selection there. They were finding the quartz Longines to be a good seller because non wus ppl wanted the Longines name without paying too much for them, €500 approx.

Augeo, they get new stock in every week, might be worth ringing them before you call in to see if they have any auto conquests there, staff (Mary?) very helpful when I was there.

I tried on an auto HydroConquest chrono there a couple of weeks ago (also assisted by Mary!). Price was €1340, which is very good (vs €2G in Weirs), but the watch looked a little out of proportion to me - a touch too small and very thick.

MarcusP12

Right so I decided to do a reccie with the wife over to the mall....tried on the following (Breitlings are the longer term plan)

- breitling aerospace - lovely looking but bit light
- ..... superocean 42 - lovely watch, nice feel to it
- .....superocean II - nice but face bit busy compared to superocean
- ...avenger II seawolf - very impressive looking but MASSIVE!!!not sure I could handle something that awesomely big all day!! (second hand titanium chrono's might be worth a look though....)
-....colt 44 auto/quartz - nice but prefer superocean

then tried the longines hydroconquest 41mm (quartz/auto) - nice alright but didn't do much for the wife and not a patch on the breitlings (but this is reflected in the price difference obviously)....

then tried Hamilton khaki pilot auto....really nice watch...wife actually liked it a lot...didn't have it in quartz though only auto....liked the look of it on the wrist so if I was going for it I'd go quartz....

So that's the latest....looks like it'll be Hamilton khaki pilot for a casual number....of the breitlings, aerospace or superocean are the leading contenders....

in all cases, I'd say i'll be looking on line....prices here even after discount are a joke. Nearly a grand for the hydro conquest in quartz!! Hamilton is about 750 in auto which is about a ton more than you'd get on line....

MarcusP12

Ok...an update....as a test case for something more extravagant in the future, I pulled the trigger on a Hamilton khaki pilot Quartz off jomashop...went for white face on brown strap as have enough black faced ones...testing their service and customs on a modest watch...

Jude13

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Stowa Marine Automatic with sterling silver dial and grey croco strap

https://www.stowa.de/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=largepic&pic=/z/marineautsilbermatt/g/MarineAutSilber_LBschw_800.jpg&artnum=marineautsilbermatt&wkid=145702036510949&ls=en&nocache=1457020397-11125

I know I ignored the brief, but how can you ignore this.....

Flipping hell thats a nice watch, the date one only comes with a black strap. Thats going on my wish list though.

Anjobe

Anjobe wrote: »

I tried on an auto HydroConquest chrono there a couple of weeks ago (also assisted by Mary!). Price was €1340, which is very good (vs €2G in Weirs), but the watch looked a little out of proportion to me - a touch too small and very thick.

I bought one during the week, assisted by Sarah.

I have quite narrow wrists so the diameter is fine, I think the HydroConquest chrono looks thicker than it is as the rotating bezel is quite narrow compared to the actual watch body

I love it, was months and months thinking of getting one, when Sterling took a small dive (:pac:) recently against € I was ever so close to getting one off SwissWatchesdirect online but buying in Kildare Village made huge appeal to me for 3 or 4 reasons so went with Hour Passion

Apologies for slight off topic and many thanks to all who helped me with Hour Passion queries lately