Watch recommendations up to €2k

One More Toy

Hi there

I currently have a Seiko kinetic as a daily, I was thinking of treating myself to a timepiece up to 2 grand. Anyone have any recommendations?

Tia
Omt

Fitz II

Original Brosnan James Bond Seamaster Automatic

One More Toy

Fitz II wrote: »

Original Brosnan James Bond Seamaster Automatic

That is actually beautiful

Jacob13

That's good to hear, you'll pick up some nice stuff for that price range. Tudor 1926, Tudor north flag or black bay. The latter 2 are a small bit over 2k but very good quality, rolex company. I've a longines hydro conquest and a north flag. I love them, the longines was only 450€. Lucky you and enjoy your purchase 😀

Homer

One More Toy wrote: »

That is actually beautiful

You’re looking at second hand and probably quartz though but if you’re not in a rush you might find an auto in and around your budget

One More Toy

Homer wrote: »

You’re looking at second hand and probably quartz though but if you’re not in a rush you might find an auto in and around your budget

Could push a little higher if needed

893bet

One More Toy wrote: »

Could push a little higher if needed

You are gonna fit in here .....

emo72

There is no way I'd buy a new watch though. Let someone else take the depreciation. 2nd hand tudor pelagos, I know that's out of your budget but id save a bit more and get that.

fat bloke

Fitz II wrote: »

Original Brosnan James Bond Seamaster Automatic

Would 2g's get you one of those?

davmigil

www.sinn.de have some nice watches in that price range.
U50 856utc and many others

Fitz II

fat bloke wrote: »

Would 2g's get you one of those?

Might on a private sale. I got one a year back for 1600.

emo72 wrote: »

There is no way I'd buy a new watch though. Let someone else take the depreciation. 2nd hand tudor pelagos, I know that's out of your budget but id save a bit more and get that.

Pelagos is a very specific watch, pretty thick, titanium is very light Defo not a first good watch for me. Good watch but one to get once you know what you like.

redlead

2k is kind of a sticky in-between amount. There is tonnes of stuff you can get in the upper end of affordable to very bottom of entry luxury. At 3k you really open up options to more luxury pieces used.

Seamaster wise you'd definitely only be looking at quartz at under 2k unless you will accept a really banged up one. I've come to the conclusion that seamaster owners are the most abusive watch wearers known to man. There's some load of them in absolute bits floating around the place.

Presuming that you want a sports watch check out longines hydroconquest, Tag Heur Aquaracer, Oris Aquis - all can be got new within budget and are cool watches. Something left field from a micro brand is a formex reef. Looks to have a fantastic level of finishing and is COSC certified. For dress watches, Nomos are fantastic value and have great in house movements.

All the above are very good options within budget but as I say if you go up towards 3k you'd be within Omega, Tudor, Breitling territory depending on what you go for.

One More Toy

redlead wrote: »

2k is kind of a sticky in-between amount. There is tonnes of stuff you can get in the upper end of affordable to very bottom of entry luxury. At 3k you really open up options to more luxury pieces used.

Seamaster wise you'd definitely only be looking at quartz at under 2k unless you will accept a really banged up one. I've come to the conclusion that seamaster owners are the most abusive watch wearers known to man. There's some load of them in absolute bits floating around the place.

Presuming that you want a sports watch check out longines hydroconquest, Tag Heur Aquaracer, Oris Aquis - all can be got new within budget and are cool watches. Something left field from a micro brand is a formex reef. Looks to have a fantastic level of finishing and is COSC certified. For dress watches, Nomos are fantastic value and have great in house movements.

All the above are very good options within budget but as I say if you go up towards 3k you'd be within Omega, Tudor, Breitling territory depending on what you go for.

I could do 3k if the watch caught my eye. My only problem with budget is that I couldn't be comfortable with a hugely expensive watch on eg. Fear of losing it, getting mugged etc

Fitz II

One More Toy wrote: »

I could do 3k if the watch caught my eye. My only problem with budget is that I couldn't be comfortable with a hugely expensive watch on eg. Fear of losing it, getting mugged etc

For 3k there is the Tudor Balck Bay 58.



Here is a seamaster chrono for 2600 (I would say 2300 would get it)
https://www.adverts.ie/sports/omega-seamaster-chronograph/23595992

Automatic here need a bezel (80 euro)
https://www.chrono24.com/omega/omega-seamaster-300-vintage-james-bond--id17876567.htm

Another auto here €2300
https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-diver-300-m-automatic--id19257917.htm

Dont worry about wearing an expensive watch live your life as you like and not in fear of bad things happening. Stick it on the house insurance and you are away in a hack.

C0N0R

Is it a one watch purchase for the long term or do you see yourself wanting to upgrade again in the future?

One More Toy

C0N0R wrote: »

Is it a one watch purchase for the long term or do you see yourself wanting to upgrade again in the future?

Probably for the long term!

Fitz II

I never sold a watch I didnt by for the long term

Thirdfox

Well there's a 36mm Seamaster on adverts for less than 2k right now... (gold/steel rather than Bond's seamaster) - I know it's less than 2k since I'm the one that's selling it :P

https://touch.adverts.ie/sports/omega-seamaster-300m-mid-size-2352-80-00-18k-gold-and-stainless-steel-watch/22786725

So yes - I think in general once you go 2nd hand you'll get automatic Seamasters for less than 2k at private sales.

One More Toy

Thirdfox wrote: »

Well there's a 36mm Seamaster on adverts for less than 2k right now... (gold/steel rather than Bond's seamaster) - I know it's less than 2k since I'm the one that's selling it :P

https://touch.adverts.ie/sports/omega-seamaster-300m-mid-size-2352-80-00-18k-gold-and-stainless-steel-watch/22786725

So yes - I think in general once you go 2nd hand you'll get automatic Seamasters for less than 2k at private sales.

Nice watch! Gold wouldn't be for me though, good luck with the sale

Lorddrakul

One More Toy wrote: »

Nice watch! Gold wouldn't be for me though, good luck with the sale

Do you have a bit more to narrow things down?

New versus vintage, sports or tool, dress or casual?

Mainstream, classic, offbeat?

Are you interested in movements, technologies etc?

Any particular brand loyalty, leaning or preference?

One More Toy

Lorddrakul wrote: »

Do you have a bit more to narrow things down?

New versus vintage, sports or tool, dress or casual?

Mainstream, classic, offbeat?

Are you interested in movements, technologies etc?

Any particular brand loyalty, leaning or preference?

Mainly leaning to an Omega having looked at others suggestions!

Lorddrakul

One More Toy wrote: »

Mainly leaning to an Omega having looked at others suggestions!

In that case, second hand is definitely the way to go.

Unless you have a specific grá for the 70s, start with the 80s. Omega bracelets from the 70s varied shockingly in quality and all will have been worn to death by now.

Also, check out some of references for independent service people and see what a full service and reseal would be and factor that into your costs. Omega is particularly good brand to go for in this respect as NOS and independent parts suppliers are numerous.

There are Seamaster 300m autos for in or around the 2k mark, such as here, and most dealers are willing to negotiate.

Tool watches are good because a bit of wear and tear is expected and adds character, as opposed to actual damage.

However, at this price range and condition combination, it is not something you'll flip in six months if you don't like it and lose nothing.

Just a thought.

wanderer 22

I love the Longines Master range myself - https://www.lunns.com/watches/For-Him/Longines/Families/2500/0520220061?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1a6EBhC0ARIsAOiTkrHpRcDMK0bGBS8NhxpYZ_G8uBjM4Yvxfl6yjHHrT9zVN8xk-QA0IYEaAiizEALw_wcB

One More Toy

colm18 wrote: »

I love the Longines Master range myself - https://www.lunns.com/watches/For-Him/Longines/Families/2500/0520220061?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1a6EBhC0ARIsAOiTkrHpRcDMK0bGBS8NhxpYZ_G8uBjM4Yvxfl6yjHHrT9zVN8xk-QA0IYEaAiizEALw_wcB

Quite nice indeed!

Really leaning towards an Omega, I may even bump the budget

Birneybau

People here have opinions on the Speedmaster (which we sure as fcuk are not getting into again) but top class and a range of styles. Have the Moonwatch Pro myself. Don't go near the reduced.

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/speedmaster--mod74.htm#gref

One More Toy

If you guys keep posting the beautiful watches that you do, I'm gonna completely blow my budget

mailforkev

As has been said above, a classic Seamaster 300 is a good choice, should get a nice one for around the 2k mark. Here’s mine for some weekend inspiration. Be warned that you’ll prob end up looking for your next one once you’ve found your first.

Thirdfox

One thing I recommend is to look at Chrono24 and at say 2.2k to see what options are available - you can filter depending on whether you like diver style, chronograph, any particular brands etc.

Sinn make some lovely pieces at the 2k mark too even new (German brand):
https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/U1_TEGIMENT.htm (44mm)
https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/U50_TEGIMENT.htm (41mm)

With tegimented steel it is particularly hard to scratch and isn't a coating that can wear off. 2nd hand it would definitely be less than 2k (and maybe if you get a tegimented version it won't have too many scratches either).

Wibbs

I do like a bit of SINN action I have to say.

One More Toy

mailforkev wrote: »

As has been said above, a classic Seamaster 300 is a good choice, should get a nice one for around the 2k mark. Here’s mine for some weekend inspiration. Be warned that you’ll prob end up looking for your next one once you’ve found your first.

That is actually beautiful, really swaying towards one

dinorebel

Under budget(spend the difference on another watch)



https://www.stowa.de/en/Prodiver+Titanium+black.htm

One More Toy

Think I really want an Omega, I'll bump the budget to 3k

Thirdfox

Hehehe - we ensnared another one... join us brother

One More Toy

Thirdfox wrote: »

Hehehe - we ensnared another one... join us brother

Is there an initiation ceremony??

Lorddrakul

One More Toy wrote: »

Is there an initiation ceremony??

banie01

Lorddrakul wrote: »

We really are a bad influence in here lads! :pac:
Good luck with your hunt OMT

Fitz II

One More Toy wrote: »

Think I really want an Omega, I'll bump the budget to 3k

Well done this man, you have passed the first test, "the temptation of the lower tier brand". This is a slippery slope, but an enjoyable and harmless hobby. Welcome.

One More Toy

mailforkev wrote: »

As has been said above, a classic Seamaster 300 is a good choice, should get a nice one for around the 2k mark. Here’s mine for some weekend inspiration. Be warned that you’ll prob end up looking for your next one once you’ve found your first.

Think I'm gonna go for one of these, I'm in no rush and willing to spend 3 grand on one

Any tips or advice on what I should look out for?

Ideally I'd get one with original box and papers

One More Toy

Looking at the 2531.80, anyone have one?

Fitz II

One More Toy wrote: »

Looking at the 2531.80, anyone have one?

I had one, great watch. Stellar comfy bracelet, good workhorse movement, cheap to service and repair. Bezels are cheap. Strong collector community and easy resale. Cool looks IMHO and easy to wear being quite thin (more modern seamasters got thicker). I have rarely met a watch enthusiast that didn't like this watch. 100% solid decision if you ask me.

Neilw

One More Toy wrote: »

Looking at the 2531.80, anyone have one?

I have one, if you can get me a submariner at retail I’ll give you a good deal on it

bbbbb

if you’re looking at seamasters of that vintage id also consider
https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-300-m-chronometer-22545000
https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-300-m-chronometer-22558000

One More Toy

bbbbb wrote: »

if you’re looking at seamasters of that vintage id also consider
https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-300-m-chronometer-22545000
https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-300-m-chronometer-22558000

Very nice indeed! I'm fond of the blue!

One More Toy

Fitz II wrote: »

I had one, great watch. Stellar comfy bracelet, good workhorse movement, cheap to service and repair. Bezels are cheap. Strong collector community and easy resale. Cool looks IMHO and easy to wear being quite thin (more modern seamasters got thicker). I have rarely met a watch enthusiast that didn't like this watch. 100% solid decision if you ask me.

How often is a service required? And how much is it usually?

mailforkev

One More Toy wrote: »

How often is a service required? And how much is it usually?

Somewhere in the every 6/7/8 year ballpark. Dawson jewellers did mine a few years back for €150. Obviously sending off to Omega will be much more. Try and find one with recent-ish service history.

One More Toy

Guys and girls, looking at chrono24, how important is it to have original box and papers?

david

One More Toy wrote: »

Guys and girls, looking at chrono24, how important is it to have original box and papers?

I'd focus on condition more at that age, service papers being more important than actual papers. Wouldn't pay the premium for the box, you can get them pretty cheap on ebay.

If I was in your position, I'd be getting the one that's least polished to death. The sharpness of the engraving on the clasp and case edges/lugs being the main areas to look at.

Back in the 90's, people valued the original boxes/manuals/papers etc a lot less than they do now. When I get a new watch, the box goes straight into another box never to be seen again unless I need the warranty card/spare links/flip it.

One More Toy

Great stuff thanks

With regards to links, I did my own for my Seiko 7 years ago with a cheap Chinese tool (which I have since lost!). Do you reckon I should try it myself or let the jewellers do it?

david

One More Toy wrote: »

Great stuff thanks

With regards to links, I did my own for my Seiko 7 years ago with a cheap Chinese tool (which I have since lost!). Do you reckon I should try it myself or let the jewellers do it?

I'd say go for it, have sized all my Seiko's myself with zero experience and a bargain bin pin pusher. You can tape the links if you're worried about slippage/scratching. Pin and collar on those SMP 300's too I think?

What I will say is be sure you use the right sized pin insert (most sets come with different sizes). I split a collar on my Dad's 1993 Seiko by using the default one I use for modern Seiko Divers. Brain fart moment didn't think to check the size. No big deal just a pain sourcing another set. I'd imagine the Omega ones are a lot more robust.

One More Toy

david wrote: »

I'd say go for it, have sized all my Seiko's myself with zero experience and a bargain bin pin pusher. You can tape the links if you're worried about slippage/scratching. Pin and collar on those SMP 300's too I think?

What I will say is be sure you use the right sized pin insert (most sets come with different sizes). I split a collar on my Dad's 1993 Seiko by using the default one I use for modern Seiko Divers. Brain fart moment didn't think to check the size. No big deal just a pain sourcing another set. I'd imagine the Omega ones are a lot more robust.

Could you recommend a set for resizing the links?

Also if you could come up with a good excuse for my missus and my parents that would be great also

david

I'd probably get the cheapest one, the one I have came in one of those chinese €20 1001pc watchmakers toolkits on eBay. You certainly get what you pay for, most of the kit is absolute junk but served it's purpose modding 2 Seikos with no issues. I understand the oddly skinny spring bar set included got Banie out of a scrape with his coffin link bracelet too! I'd say it's been excellent value all things considered.

Something like this should work ok

If you intend on changing out straps, don't scrimp on a quality strap tool. Make's a huge difference especially when you have a bracelet with tight solid end links. Something like the Bergeon 6767F is the bee's knees.