Budget of €1000 - what jeweller would offer best choice?

qb123

Hi. Have a budget of ~€1000 for a watch as present for my son's 21st. What Dublin city centre jeweller would offer best choice around this price range, and what brands of watch should I be looking for? (Apologies, I know most discussions on this forum are for significantly higher price points, but couldn't see where else to ask.)

qb123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122086664#Comment_122086664

Thank you, this is very helpful. I would say more mid-size, so around 39/40mm? Not too chunky anyway.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058349885/budget-of-1000-what-jeweller-would-offer-best-choice

The range of shops in Dublin is great, Sheerans, Breretons and Dawsons all carry plenty to suit.

A few the spring to mind, and covering a ranges of styles;

Tissot PRX 80

Hamilton Khaki field auto

Maurice Lacroix Aikon and Baume et Mercier, and perhaps Tissot all have decent offerings in that price range too.

One thing I'd ask? Is has your son given any indication as to what he might like? Or even a preferred size?

My lad is 20 and his taste in watches while good, is very much towards smaller watches. 36mm would be his limit, whereas most of mine are 40mm +.

893bet

It’s a 21st so maybe a watch he will keep forever. A “name” would be nice.

1k budget is small for something special new. Would you consider second hand? Lots of options. Below likely available at around 1k for example.

http://www.adverts.ie/31016326

http://www.adverts.ie/33107119

koutoubia

That Tag F1 is a beaut!

NIMAN

Depends a lot on his taste too.

If its not a surprise then let him pick his own?

If it is a surprise, then I'd be inclined to buy something simple, a design that ages well, and which goes as well with formal wear as jeans and a t shirt.

Something like the Hamiton Khaki 38mm, or the Stowa Ikarus, or one of the Sinn's.

DuckSlice

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122087022#Comment_122087022

The Aquaracer is class, and a bargain for an Automatic.

qb123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122087022#Comment_122087022

Thanks, but issue here would be exchanging if the watch isn't liked - not going to be possible buying second hand. Also personally find it very difficult to judge how it will look without physically seeing it.

893bet

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122088680#Comment_122088680

I guess that’s where “ruining the surprise”a little comes into it and having to bring him along to view it prior to buying it from the private seller.

There is no magical retail experience to be had in Weirs so don’t rule it out second hand with him involved where you can get a 2k plus watch for 1k!

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122088680#Comment_122088680

If you want to exchange the watch due to a change of mind?

Many jewellers might not, change of mind isn't a grounds for exchange for an item purchased in a bricks and mortar shop. Most will be ok with an exchange or a credit note but some might apply a restocking fee.

If you want to buy and are wary of potentially needing to exchange a watch? Online from a store allows 14days return.

Buying a watch as a 21st present is a lovely tradition, it will be something your son would hopefully long treasure. Rather than springing it as a surprise? I'd really, really advise involving him in the purchase and getting something that catches his eye. It'll be a far more personal gift, and save any messing about with returns or exchange.

Going pre-owned if you involve him in picking the watch? Would also really net you a lot more for the money. I appreciate that 2nd hand sometimes carries a connotation of "cheap" but with watches? Its like cars for the most part. You can slip into something lovely, that someone else has taken the depreciation hit on 😉😁

Oscar_Madison

A watch is a lovely 21st present and 1000 euro is no small money OP.lt may open the door to a lifetime of watch buying and he’ll always have it.

Whilst you can enquire in the jewellers if he could return it for a different model, if they say yes, then ensure whatever the jeweller , that they have a range of brands and styles to suit all pockets and tastes.

Secondly I’m not sure you have to spend 1000 euro.

Hamilton Kaki field for 625 here - so you could buy a lovely 21st present and maybe have something left over for say a voucher for something

https://weirandsons.ie/hamilton-38mm-khaki-field-mechanical-watch-01579721.html