Advice on first decent watch

Man007

Hi All

Been reading threads on the forum for a while now as well as WUS and feel I am in danger of getting bitten by the watch bug, every night I find something else that I want. I am new to watch collecting so am looking for some advice if anyone would be kind enough.

My dream watch is an IWC Portuguese 3714 but since this is currently out of my price range I am looking to get a used Tag Carrera 1887, a vintage Omega Seamaster deville circa 1960,s and randomly a Seiko SARB005 in orange.

I am thinking of pulling the trigger on this https://m.ebay.ie/itm/302619332177 it seems a lot cheaper than similar on chrono24 so wondering does this seem too cheap what should I be looking our for before buying and at that price if I was to flip it when I have enough for the IWC do you think it would lose much from that price.

Any advice much appreciated or if there's something else in that price range that people think is better value happy to hear.

Thanks

Wibbs

From what I gather TAG Heuer depreciate a lot from new, so bargains can be had. Problem being in your case that flipping it later on may incur a loss of value, though I'd imagine nothing like the loss the first owner suffered.

RMDrive

Hi. Firstly, enjoy every minute of your search. More than half the enjoyment is in the hunt as far as I'm concerned.

Having walked a similar path to you over the last year or so, I'll give you my tuppence worth ....

If I were to start over, I'd purchase a few cheaper pieces to get going. Seiko is your only man for this. You'll get a cheap (but good) Seiko variant of most anything you are looking for. Buy it, wear it, change your mind, flip it .... rinse and repeat. Having done that for 6-12 months, I reckon your taste will have settled a lot and you'll end up picking up a watch that you really love.

Of course, it's most important to do your own thing. Follow your heart and just make sure you enjoy the journey. :D

blue5000

RMDrive wrote: »

Hi. Firstly, enjoy every minute of your search. More than half the enjoyment is in the hunt as far as I'm concerned.

Having walked a similar path to you over the last year or so, I'll give you my tuppence worth ....

If I were to start over, I'd purchase a few cheaper pieces to get going. Seiko is your only man for this. You'll get a cheap (but good) Seiko variant of most anything you are looking for. Buy it, wear it, change your mind, flip it .... rinse and repeat. Having done that for 6-12 months, I reckon your taste will have settled a lot and you'll end up picking up a watch that you really love.

Of course, it's most important to do your own thing. Follow your heart and just make sure you enjoy the journey. :D

Came on here to say basically the same thing, When I started I set myself a limit of €200 per watch for the first year or so. I still have them but one never gets wrist time, if I flipped them I don't think I'd lose a lot on them.

That Tag could end up costing you a few hundred at least if you decide you don't actually like it in a few months. There seems to be a downward trend in watch sizes at present to <40mm so if you have bigger wrists and can wear a 42mm there are a few bargains around.

OP, asking prices are fairly inflated on chrono 24 IMHO, most people there are dealing, for a profit. Get your post count up on WUS and TZ UK to see some private sales. With vintage watches stick to one brand so you'll quickly learn what's right and what just looks wrong, if there are no movement photos just move on. A shabby original watch is usually worth more than a polished re-dial. But condition is important, a new crystal is a good thing, a lot of 1960s-70s watches have plexi glass which scratch easier than today's sapphire crystals. If you are interested in an early seamaster, have a look on omegaforum https://omegaforums.net/

Just my 2 cents, enjoy the hunt.

HDMI

Good choice on the Seiko SARB005.

These along with the other colours in the range are starting to become very collectible. If purchased at the right price you may even see a nice profit, but becareful of that crystal I'm guessing it won't be cheap to replace if you scratch/nick it.

The Omega is another safe bet, again if purchased correctly you could wear it for a while and get your money back or even make a profit.

Tag's are nice but buy low because that's all you will get when you go to sell. Tough market for selling and it's a brand that seems to divide the community.

unkel

RMDrive wrote: »

If I were to start over, I'd purchase a few cheaper pieces to get going. Seiko is your only man for this. You'll get a cheap (but good) Seiko variant of most anything you are looking for. Buy it, wear it, change your mind, flip it .... rinse and repeat. Having done that for 6-12 months, I reckon your taste will have settled a lot and you'll end up picking up a watch that you really love.

I did exactly that. Several Seikos with a few other cheapies in the mix too like a Vostok and a ridiculously cheap rebranded Swiss watch. Then I stepped up a few times and I bought a Seamaster last year second hand for a 3 figure sum that is my end game...

For now anyway

Flipped everything else along the way and only have the Omega now and a cheapo Seiko SKX007

Man007

OmegaGene wrote: »

Just checking that tag again and it sold already at Christmas so must have been returned for some reason, you may want to err on the side of caution
Even with money protected by eBay and PayPal it’s a big chunk of change but it’s up to you


https://m.ebay.ie/itm/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-Calibre-1887-Automatic-Chronograph-41mm-Black-CAR2110-BA0720/302560116188?hash=item4671fcfddc:g:7ooAAOSwZtlaJx-L

Thanks for the heads up I contacted the seller and he has told me there is a slight knock on the case he has sent me high res video and to be honest it looks very minor but enough to turn me off

Man007

Another quick question. I have seen much better value on couple of watches based on the US. Am I right in thinking I only have to pay VAT on the selling price or would I be liable to duty also.

Thanks

blue5000

Man007 wrote: »

Another quick question. I have seen much better value on couple of watches based on the US. Am I right in thinking I only have to pay VAT on the selling price or would I be liable to duty also.

Thanks

I think you pay the vat on the shipping cost as well, have a google on revenue.ie dollar-euro exchange rate is in our favour alright.

Lorddrakul

Man007 wrote: »

Another quick question. I have seen much better value on couple of watches based on the US. Am I right in thinking I only have to pay VAT on the selling price or would I be liable to duty also.

Thanks

It isn't VAT, AFAIK, it's import duty and that is calculated on sale cost plus shipping. It can be fairly hefty as a result.