recommend me a forever watch please

IrishHomer

Hi,

I would love to get recommendations for all you watch experts on a forever watch to purchase.

I'm a 54 year old man.

I love watches I only own one it's a Tissot Chronogph for the past 7 yrs I love it except every time it requires a battery it has to go to Tissot Uk and since Brexit it is more expensive and takes forever

I'm willing to pay up to approximately €1,600.

It must not have a battery.

I love classic simple watch styles.

Must be a do it all watch, dress watch, everyday watch.

TIA

IrishHomer

P.s. im aso willing to purchase 2nd hand once it's quality and will last.

blue5000

Do you want a bezel or not?

IrishHomer

I don't mind a bezel I like the appeaace of quality divers

Fitz II

I would push the budget a little and go for a second hand Omega Seamaster....excellent watch, classic good looks and easy to flip of you need to...

IrishHomer

Thanks I like Omega.

Where could I source genuine 2nd hand Omegas please

Cienciano

You should have said your budget is €1000

Take a look at Chrono24 and put in filters of what you like and see what comes up

deandean

Have a look at the Tissot Seastar range. I've had one for over a year. Cost about €1100. It looks great, but it's BIG. I can't believe the accuracy for a mechanical watch - within 15s per month.

griffin100

Classic and simple ?

Nomos Glashutte Tangente of some sort.....this is my one

IrishHomer

Why should I have said budget is €1000 instead of €1,600? Don't understand

IrishHomer

I stated budget €1,600

Have you looked at Hamilton?

T-Maxx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121049781#Comment_121049781

Because when you say your budget is x you'll get recommendations >x, anything up to 2x.😁

T-Maxx

I think you need to decide yourself what type of watch you're after, diver, sport, dress, etc. Do you want a simple 3 hander, a chrono, do you like/dislike square/rectangular faces, small seconds, black pvd or gold or rose gold, etc. Your question just has too many variables and hence answers.

T-Maxx

Also I wouldn't discount quartz altogether either. Mechanical and automatic watches need servicing every few years which is way more expensive than getting a battery changed. BTW there are cheaper and quicker ways than to send your Tissot off to the UK.

Fitz II

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121049451#Comment_121049451

https://www.adverts.ie/sports/omega-seamaster-300-blue/30180548 thats a well known seller with a good reputation. Little over budget....but its got to hurt.

cnocbui

Don't go for an Omega Seamaster or any other expensive mechanical watch. These require regular servicing at a cost each time that exceeds the cost of most 'normal' watches. This means you part with your watch for far longer and with greater inconveniance and cost than a simple battery change.

Get a Citizen Ecodrive, preferably a perpetual calendar one. They don't need replacement batteries, or winding or an expensive specialised box to shake them to keep them running, like automatics. I have one that has run continuously, bar a few days, for 30 years without a penny having to be spent on it.

That is a forever watch. A perpetual would only need the date setting once and the time whenever those daylight saving idiocies happen, or if you move time zones.

micks_address

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121049845#Comment_121049845

you can get quartz seamasters which obviously have a battery - classic 'goldeneye' reference.. from around 1996.. i bought one two year ago from chrono24 for a really good price of 1400 and sold it for less to a local here :) might be hard to get them at that money now.. was boxed.. with cards as well.. i wouldnt discount it due to it having a battery.. friend has one and battery change costs him 30 euro recently... a service on an automatic won't be that cheap.. once you get into this kind of watch the orginal box and purchase cards add value... of course you can buy cheaper without.. but its nice to have a 'full set'

IrishHomer

Forgot to mention I would also like the idea of swapping straps from a metal strap to a canvas or leather. I saw Hamilton watches promote that a bit.

o1s1n

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121049858#Comment_121049858

Plenty of mechanical watches have run for years and years without servicing absolutely fine. I've read reports of people running Omegas and Rolexes for 20-30 years and counting without services and they're still good. Bit crazy to say not to buy one because of this.

OP I'd be another one for nabbing a second hand Omega. You can get them for a little over your price range If you can save up a few more shillings.

T-Maxx

Or perhaps 2 or 3 different style cheaper watches, I'm thinking a Hamilton Khaki, Steinhart, Seiko, etc. All together within budget.

IrishHomer

Wife goes nuts seeing lots of watches so has to be a one watch lol :)

IrishHomer

I'm 54 years old I'd like to last me for the rest of my life.

Maybe I need to save more for a quality piece that can last two more decades

TheAnalyst_

Get an Omega. Don't bother with Tissots, Hamiltons or any crap like that which will be worthless after you buy it.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/155742375460?hash=item2442f80e24:g:E1wAAOSw8jBk35O5&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwAWdiFNDy7gdACW9k7FlX9h8RiISRGR2O%2BG8dbznbZsgKGWamfTQZaljDBruJxR7qW%2BihaBNtyrZPP92uiGebo2%2FZh3LZwkx2qbfae5ldExkXdYtqggRPkOlK7bED4IDUR1tag0EBL1JaR%2FZkELpZ0OqxoqynoLadvVekGwk81rdeC01ldrbjYI1AvJPi4Vy29hIZWg0DLj%2FCzmojsUgGN12rvilkFgMjn%2FDPCPb62c2paUf%2FOkbyNB0QAowyUzkkQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6TP8anJYg

cnocbui

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121049878#Comment_121049878

While this is true, it's contrary to what Omega say. So buy an Omega, but don't believe what they say... Buy a Porsche, but ignore their service schedules, because what would they know...

Your OMEGA watch was designed to reliably accompany you throughout life if it regularly receives the best care. In addition to the yearly water resistance check and the complete service every 5-8 years, the following tips will help you preserve your timepiece over the years.

Fitz II

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050063#Comment_121050063

I am sure that every watch has a service schedule, its just whether pride of ownership is sufficient to justify the expense, personally if the watch is not worth servicing occasionally its not worth wearing,, its Clare's jewellery.

cnocbui

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050079#Comment_121050079

All of my watches are worth wearing when I want to be able to tell the time by looking at my wrist. I don't have any interest in using watches to signal things to other people.

sparrowcar

Lots of options at that price range with Sinn. Quality brand with heritage.

micks_address

if you havent bought secondhand watches before there's a few things to keep an eye on, obviously there are some incredibly convincing fakes out there, so make sure you buy from someone that is either a shop or a lot of feedback on adverts etc.. also if its not obvious might be worth getting any potential watch checked at a jewelers for authenticity.. old saying buy the seller.. a few things like a mentioned like the original box/cards with the watch are good to have.. some sellers might add a box after.. if they bought the watch without one.. the box on a rolex and cards could be worth as much as 1k to a seller.. on an omega in the 2k budget probably a 100 euro or so.. service history also important.. or most recent service.. if it has one could be worth 3 to 500 to you.. someone should really do a stick thread on what to look for when buying second hand :)

OmegaGene

jesus lads there's some anger in this thread

i won't tell anyone what to get to what not to get but if i didn't have a watch or any watch knowledge then @Fitz II or @893bet would be a good source of information

if you like a divers style then i don't think you can go far wrong with an omega seamaster they are a nice looking solid watch t

when buying on the second hand market take your time and buy the seller not just the watch, try on a few watches to see what size suits you best as it is not always just based on wrist size as some may think, my wrist is less than 6 3/4 inches but being 6ft 4 and stocky i would look ridiculous with a mid size seamster for example

do not rush into anything and the final decision should be yours and service costs should not put you off imo

Fitz II

Good advice Omega and Mick. i am certainly not here to tell anyone what to do only to offer advice within the parameters of the original question. 1600 euro is a good budget for a watch, and its easy to infer the OP want something of quality and long term value. I would think the option of a 200 euro ecodrive would not appeal to him although it may to many, I am only working with the information given. And the default answer in this price catigory is an Omega Seamaster, and a lot of people dont realise they can get one close to that price.

o1s1n

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050063#Comment_121050063

Apples and oranges. Ignore a Porsche service schedule, something catastrophic happens, you're potentially dead.

Ignore the Omega service schedule, your watch stops and ... you're late for a meeting?

The OP clearly wants a nice higher end watch with his budget. He'll get far more joy from a second hand luxury watch which will feel like 'the watch', than something he can buy in Argos.

mailforkev

Another vote for a Seamaster here as an affordable one-and-done watch in that budget ballpark.

As a one-and-done, you want something where you can look at your wrist forever more and feel some sense of pride and achievement. As Fitz said above it's got to hurt a little bit financially, even just a tiny bit, that's part of the achievement.

Nobody has ever looked at their Tissot or Citizen, etc and thought that they've finally made it. Many many have with an Omega (me included when I bought my first one back in the day when I hit 30 and found myself in a position to reward my hard work up to that point).

Fitz II

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050957#Comment_121050957

Good point. Its ok to want nice things if they make you happy and its not a silly decision. I dont think anyones personality or motivations should be disparaged at the suggestion or recommendation.

H_Lime

Op, why not suggest more of who you are and what you embody in terms of what watch might suit you?

Bear with me as what I mean is are/were you part of any sporting associations or hobby persuits? Did/do you dive, swim, skydive, climbing, fly, drive, ride, are you an art lover, do you dress formally much or casual etc etc.

All these factors could point us in the right direction. It's not a hard and fast rule, I don't dive but I do sea swim so I like seiko divers and have a long standing affinity for them so I'm a seiko diver guy.

fat bloke

The nice thing about a forever watch is that resale and depreciation aren't a consideration, so you can truly but what you like and not what you think you can sell on.

Mind you, there's no shortage of lads who have a different forever watch every 3 weeks... 😁

FWIW I'd really like the omega if I was in your position.

micks_address

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052064#Comment_121052064

yeah thats also a danger.. ive had quite a few forever watches.. its a slippery slope

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052064#Comment_121052064

Yeah I'd go something like that too. Something timeless.

For me a forever watch would have to have the following

1/ SDC, min 100m water resist. Actual.

2/ high beat 4 HZ ideally with good shock/anti mag protection, min 50 hr res

3/ sub 12mm thick, no more than 42 wide and 49 long

4/ date complication

5/ good lume with sec and min hand out to a minute track

6/ sapphire with multiple coats ar on underside

7/ numbers not numerals

I don't ask for much....

DuckSlice

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050459#Comment_121050459

I'm guessing you are talking about a Quartz version close to OP's budget or are the automatic ones close to that?

micks_address

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052248#Comment_121052248

quartz are cheaper by maybe 3/400 euro.. i wouldn't discount a quartz one.. they look exactly the same.. and feel exactly the same (might actually be thinner).. and much cheaper to run long term

DuckSlice

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052277#Comment_121052277

Yea I understand that they look and feel the same, was just wondering which type he was referring to.

Fitz II

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052329#Comment_121052329

The one I linked to is a Quartz but an automatic can be had for a few hundred more. My preference is always and automatic, but I would prefer a Quartz Omega than a automatic of lesser merit. Automatics have a little more "soul" if a watch can have such a thing, they are more alive, but they are thicker, less robust to shocks and knocks and need more servicing to keep them running to spec.

Stick to the classics, they are never out of fashion and if you want to move it on later there is always somebody who will want it. (maybe this is the start of a big collection and you will trade up over time...who knows) Also classics are tried and tested, they need no explanation, they need no backstory they are just lovely objects.

Unfortunately watches are an addiction and I do envy somebody that just has "one good watch", I aspire to that myself.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121049987#Comment_121049987

Don't take advice from this guy.

scwazrh

Have to laugh at your posts @Fitz II .Op comes in and says I want a watch for €1600 budget and definitely not quartz .Fitz’s response ?Here’s a lovely quartz seamaster for 50% over your budget :)

You’d be great in an AD - customers would ask for a sub and you’d say of course have this lovely Cartier. Which tbf is pretty much what happens.

scwazrh

I think the €1k to 2k price point is an awkward one .Very little in that price range that’s better than a €600 seiko and even at that a €450 steinhart is better quality again .Maybe a Tudor royal ?There’s one on adverts for €2000 , surely be got for around €1600

micks_address

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052723#Comment_121052723

If buying new, probably a longines hydro conquest?

https://www.keanes.ie/products/longines-hydroconquest-watch-l37424966

banie01

I can't believe this thread has gone straight to Seamasters without suggesting Sinn? I'm very biased as I currently own 4, but? I'd suggest a Sinn 104, perhaps the green or blue(which also has the cachet of being an LE) dialled version? I have the white version myself and I love it.

I've shown the choices all on leather which, in a 1st for this corner...

Means that a suggestion of a watch that's under budget has been made 🤣

Fitz II

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052723#Comment_121052723

See you understand me perfectly, 1-2k is the danger money amount in watches all sorts of undesirables in that range and only a few good ones. Push the budget is the only answer.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052775#Comment_121052775

Gosh how on earth did that happen 🤔

sparrowcar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052775#Comment_121052775

I suggested Sinn earlier in the thread.. serious watch : money ratio.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121052885#Comment_121052885

I missed it, sorry 😟 but you are right. They are very good and do tend to hold their value better than others in their price range, on reselling usually too.

893bet

OP has given limited info. He likes a chrono, and like a quality diver, wants a one and done.

Maintenance is unavoidable. Be it changing battery or servicing. Your current watch being send to the UK is down to where you are taking it. I am sure there are loads of people out there that would change the battery on the spot for 50 or less.

If it’s a one and done with a limited budget then

1) You want a name the common man would know.

2) Sometime you can hand down

3) something to hold its value.

4) something that feels quality

That means no Sinn, Nomos, hamiltons etc. IMO

It really is hard to look past a seamaster. One below from a dealer with 5000 feedback!! Chrono and automatic.

https://chrono24.app/omega/seamaster-300m-chrono-diver-chronograph-automatik-stahl-ref-22988000--id30286981.htm?SETLANG=en_IE&SETCURR=EUR