First Big Watch Buy - Tag Carrera?

supasoumi99

Hi Guys.

Looking to make my first proper watch purchase and after a lot of searching I have pretty much settled on this Tag - https://www.tagheuer.com/en/watches/tag-heuer-carrera-calibre-1887-automatic-chronograph-43-mm-car2a10-ba0799

From my research it seems to be a pretty solid watch plus I really like the look of it, any feedback from some of the experts here would be much appreciated however!

Would people recommend this as value for money / are there other watches at around the same price range I should be considering?

893bet

If buying new then it is poor value for money IMO. Will drop 50% over night walking out the door.

Consider second hand? A watch is not like a car: 90% of the depreciation occurs in the first year (excluding a few brands); after that its level in value and may begin to increase online with retail price.

That said if you have your heart set, and plan to keep forever or 5 years plus then residual value are less of a concern.

CarltonBrowne

When do you want to buy it and do you travel much - also is it being bought for you or will you be making the purchase (i.e. will trying to play hardball for a discount take the gloss off a special present from your girlfriend/boyfriend)? If this isn't a Christmas present you might have a chance of getting a reduction in the sales. I echo everything about TAGs dropping like stones once you leave the shop.

Also, have you actually tried one on? You'd be surprised sometimes...

893bet

Consider the below from what is a trusted seller. No affiliation with seller (in fact I am blocked for trolling one of his adds previously if I recall). Sellers feedback and history on Tag watches speaks for itself.

http://www.adverts.ie/13972627


The below is well priced, looks genuine but I would want it viewed at a Weirs or similar before buying.

http://www.adverts.ie/13238611

supasoumi99

Thanks for the feedback guys - purchasing for myself so no issues there! Makes sense about second hand and I had been thinking of using Watchfinder, would people recommend?

I was thinking something along the lines of this http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Tag%20Heuer/Carrera/CAR2A10.BA0799/24736/item/101208

Have tried it on in Weirs and really like it on too!

spyderski

If you’d like a holiday I’d say you could get a week in the Canaries and buy a brand new one down there for the same price or little more than that used one on watchfinder.

CarltonBrowne

Watchfinders is fine - lots of people have used them on TZ-UK; fine to buy from but perhaps a little mixed if you're trading in. I've met the owners and can't say I'll ever be best mates though. One thing - you need to make sure you get all of the links in the bracelet as they have form for sizing them and flogging the spares separately. I'm afraid I can't tell you how many links should be on your chosen model.

893bet

Watch finder are legit. You will have no trouble with them. They are expensive. They prob bought that watch for 1700 or so from someone.

supasoumi99

Thanks guys - would anyone recommend any other good trustworthy places to get them second hand?

AmberGold

If you have to have new thats a beautiful watch. If you plan on keeping it for a long time depreciation is nothing much to worry about however a steel sports Rolex could even appreciate in the short term if you can get your hands on one.

Buying a secondhand Tag wisely nearly guarantees you will be able to sell for what you pay. You may even see some appreciation.

This Grand Carrera with the Calibre 17 movement (one of Tags best) looks like something that won’t drop any more and could even appreciate.

https://www.adverts.ie/sports/tag-heuer-grand-carrera-calibre-17/14119080

I see this seller also has an Autavia, a favourite of mine and a watch that will appreciate.

MarcusP12

supasoumi99 wrote: »

Thanks guys - would anyone recommend any other good trustworthy places to get them second hand?

Try Chrono24 for a comprehensive selection but as usual buy the seller not the watch....for the kind of money that watch is going for at retail, i'm not so sure i'd go tag to be honest.

I have a couple of tags myself so I do rate them. I've a quartz aquaracer chrono on bracelet that I picked up a couple of years ago on creation watches for around 1400 all in and I recently picked up a caliber 5 aquaracer automatic on bracelet (retails for 2k) for the equivalent of about 1350 in duty free out where I'm based in the ME. Both feel like quality watches and I think represent really good value for entry level luxury time pieces.

However, if I had the kind of money you're talking about for the tag you linked, I think i'd be looking at Breitling, IWC or Omega. I'm not a watch expert but I know what I like and from what I know, they'd be considered slightly more prestigious than tag. I think at that price point, i.e. 3k sterling, you would defo get a breitling.....

Why not go for a modest priced tag (like I did) and treat yourself down the line to something more expensive....always nice to have more than one nice watch to rotate.....

Thirdfox

MarcusP12 wrote: »

....always nice to have more than one nice watch to rotate.....

Because that's the start of the addiction - "just one more for the collection..." "I wish I had more wrists..." :pac::o:D