Something nice in 500-1000€ range

CantGetNoSleep · 23-07-2018 6:24pm #1

I'd like to get my first decent watch - at the moment I have a 15 year old rectangular silver d'Alton. Was planning on getting a smart watch but reading up on them now is not the time to buy with new hardware potentially on the way.

I'd like something that I can wear with a suit (usually navy, 3-4 days per week) and with a more casual shirt too. I'd tend to avoid black for this reason. I also have relatively small wrists (and I'm 30 so not something too old-man)

Been looking at Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling etc. I don't know a lot about watches but welcome any suggestions or places to look. I'm in the UK and Switzerland at least once per month if that helps.

Homer · 23-07-2018 6:51pm

You won’t get a Breitling with that budget. And any Tag watches that would fit your budget will be quartz fashion watches. Are you open to pre owned? That would open up a much bigger selection.

Ionised · 23-07-2018 6:52pm

This would be a common suggestion...but for the money is hard to beat in my opinion.

Seiko Cocktail Time

CantGetNoSleep · 23-07-2018 7:46pm

Homer wrote: »

You won’t get a Breitling with that budget. And any Tag watches that would fit your budget will be quartz fashion watches. Are you open to pre owned? That would open up a much bigger selection.

Saw a Tag Heuer F1 in that price range recently.

Definitely open to second hand and budget is just an indication.

I was looking at something like this but prefer a silver or brown strap

https://www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/0012134/Longines-Heritage-Chronograph-Mens-Watch/p?source=aw&awc=5856_1532371481_5cd597dad37292d7fe6f66a8dff79dcf&utm_source=aw&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=249371

fat bloke · 23-07-2018 7:47pm

I was in Hour Passion there in Kildare village for the first time and cripes if I had 500 to a grand there was a load of fabulous watches I could've bought. Might be worth a look.

CantGetNoSleep · 23-07-2018 7:47pm

Ionised wrote: »

This would be a common suggestion...but for the money is hard to beat in my opinion.

Seiko Cocktail Time

Thanks - looks nice

Ionised · 23-07-2018 9:06pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Thanks - looks nice

Wrist shot..

unkel · 24-07-2018 2:04am

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

I'd like something that I can wear with a suit (usually navy, 3-4 days per week) and with a more casual shirt too. I'd tend to avoid black for this reason. I also have relatively small wrists (and I'm 30 so not something too old-man)

Been looking at Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling etc. I don't know a lot about watches but welcome any suggestions or places to look.

Longines-Conquest-43-Automatic-Blue-Dial-L37784966-13412-2.jpg

At EUR899 that's not only within your budget, but it also looks and feels like a watch worth well over that kind of money

Linky

fat bloke wrote: »

I was in Hour Passion there in Kildare village for the first time and cripes if I had 500 to a grand there was a load of fabulous watches I could've bought. Might be worth a look.

I was very disappointed the last time I was there.

fat bloke · 24-07-2018 8:34am

unkel wrote: »

I was very disappointed the last time I was there.

Not to worry, they have cut price frying pans around the corner

That Longines is gorgeous. What's the lume situation on that baby?

Homer · 24-07-2018 9:16am

I heard there was a sweet looking Stowa marine original for sale on adverts within your budget

Although that Longines will be hard to beat if looking for something new. Far better investment than a quartz Tag F1.

2shea · 24-07-2018 12:20pm

Something pre owned I would advise

2shea · 24-07-2018 10:24pm

Seiko Sarb035 or 033 im like a broken record but love thrse watches.

blue5000 · 24-07-2018 11:39pm

OmegaGene wrote: »

Pick up a pre owned quartz TAG for around 600 and flip it after a few months if you want a change
You won’t lose money

I know nothing about Tag, but this might be worth keeping an eye on,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tag-Heuer-Monaco-WW2110-FC6177-Gents-Watch-37mm-Case/123269801328?hash=item1cb373e570:g:mWcAAOSwQDhbV0bU

unkel · 25-07-2018 12:04am

The Monaco will end up close enough to the buy it now price. Certainly over GBP 1000, which is well outside of the budget of the OP!

Always exciting to put in a bid and see what happens though

CantGetNoSleep · 25-07-2018 9:06am

Thank you to everyone for your helpful input.

Just as a follow-up - what should I be looking for in terms of characteristics of a new watch ? I was a bit surprised by the notion of "quartz fashion watch" - this was new to me?

For those who say to go second hand - what would you go for?

Is there any value in increasing budget a bit - is there something a bit out of my budget range (say 1500-2000) that would be a significantly better investment?

blue5000 · 25-07-2018 11:07am

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Thank you to everyone for your helpful input.

Just as a follow-up - what should I be looking for in terms of characteristics of a new watch ? I was a bit surprised by the notion of "quartz fashion watch" - this was new to me?

For those who say to go second hand - what would you go for?

Is there any value in increasing budget a bit - is there something a bit out of my budget range (say 1500-2000) that would be a significantly better investment?

Increasing the budget will get you the same watch new as you can get (with a bit of patience) used for just under €1000, IMHO. Sterling is at 89p at the moment, that's probably the best place to look.

2shea · 26-07-2018 2:07pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Thank you to everyone for your helpful input.

Just as a follow-up - what should I be looking for in terms of characteristics of a new watch ? I was a bit surprised by the notion of "quartz fashion watch" - this was new to me?

For those who say to go second hand - what would you go for?

Is there any value in increasing budget a bit - is there something a bit out of my budget range (say 1500-2000) that would be a significantly better investment?

Are you looking for Swiss or Japinese or German. I don't know about an investment piece at in this price rang.

https://youtu.be/RUKNYEi9JfE

Nice omega here that might be an investment?

Cienciano · 26-07-2018 5:52pm

I'd go for something like a Hamilton Jazzmaster day date.
https://www.harveystore.com/products/hamilton-mens-h32505731-jazzmaster-day-date-auto-watch

Or if you can go a bit more than a grand, I'd go for a Sinn 104.
https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/104_St_Sa_I.htm

The Hamilton come in a big range with different colour dials, but the sinn it's either a black or white dial. Black looks nicer imho, different versions here:
https://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Watches/104.htm

Some day I'll come home wearing one and tell the wife it cost €25 in argos.

fat bloke · 26-07-2018 7:55pm

Cienciano wrote: »

Some day I'll come home wearing one and tell the wife it cost €25 in argos.

She'd believe it too, which is what dulls my interest in such watches, personally speaking.

Cienciano · 27-07-2018 1:24pm

fat bloke wrote: »

She'd believe it too, which is what dulls my interest in such watches, personally speaking.

The Sinn? I think it looks quality, if I had a grand to get something that would probably be it.

fat bloke · 27-07-2018 1:28pm

Cienciano wrote: »

The Sinn? I think it looks quality, if I had a grand to get something that would probably be it.

No, I meant the Hamilton.

Cienciano · 27-07-2018 1:54pm

fat bloke wrote: »

No, I meant the Hamilton.

Right. Thing is, I change my mind every week on what watch I want. I'd need to win the lotto to be happy

Deep Thought · 27-07-2018 2:46pm

from my perspective, its prob better saving up a bit longer to get to maybe 1500 to 2K, alot of others come in at the level and you really get what you want.

If you wanted a great watch and bang for your buck, and want to spend it now, then pop along to Stowa or Steinhart.

Most of us on here have had one, I and many still do. I doubt anyone would complain about them.

But, you could also go for the Seiko Divers like the SKX007, forum favourite, great watch, highly regarded and would leave you plenty left over to buy something else.

DT

Deep Thought · 27-07-2018 2:48pm

Cienciano wrote: »

The Sinn? I think it looks quality, if I had a grand to get something that would probably be it.

The problem I have found with Sinn..is moving it on. I had great difficulty. not a problem if you keep em though.

Cienciano · 27-07-2018 3:51pm

Deep Thought wrote: »

The problem I have found with Sinn..is moving it on. I had great difficulty. not a problem if you keep em though.

Do you sell in Ireland only or abroad? They seem to have a bigger following outside ireland

Deep Thought · 30-07-2018 9:39am

Cienciano wrote: »

Do you sell in Ireland only or abroad? They seem to have a bigger following outside ireland

I traded it on TZ, alot of re-sellers wouldn't take it.

DT

oxocube · 01-08-2018 9:59am

OmegaGene wrote: »

The watch characteristics would really depend on what type of watch you like, chunky sports type or dress watch.
Longines hydro conquest chronograph is a nice watch and in quartz can be picked up used for around €600 and after a year or so you would get your money back

Was in a Jewelers yesterday and seen a quartz Hydroconquest for €400 with box. Looked brand new. Knew it was a bargain but didn't try it on as we were looking at wedding rings and didn't want to piss the missus off.

NIMAN · 01-08-2018 11:34am

oxocube wrote: »

Was in a Jewelers yesterday and seen a quartz Hydroconquest for €400 with box. Looked brand new. Knew it was a bargain but didn't try it on as we were looking at wedding rings and didn't want to piss the missus off.

Seems like a good price, where was that?

oxocube · 01-08-2018 11:36am

Kearns in Dublin

HDMI · 01-08-2018 9:04pm

If it was me I would go for two different watches. A Seiko Sumo in blue and then I'd make an offer on Homer's Stowa Marine, all bases covered.

CantGetNoSleep · 03-08-2018 10:35pm

HDMI wrote: »

If it was me I would go for two different watches. A Seiko Sumo in blue and then I'd make an offer on Homer's Stowa Marine, all bases covered.

Been a bit overwhelmed with the different responses on this thread, thinking of the Longines posted earlier, saving up for a Rolex, or just listening to you

CantGetNoSleep · 05-08-2018 8:03pm

So I'm going to go with something along the lines of a Longines Conquest and save for a Rolex / look for a good second hand one (so many fakes)

Is Montredo a reputable site to buy from?

Eoin · 05-08-2018 10:08pm

Longines depreciate quite a bit, so I'd look secondhand. But Montredo does appear to be legit.

unkel · 06-08-2018 1:25am

Eoin wrote: »

Longines depreciate quite a bit

That seems to be a bit of a mantra on here about Longines watches - not always true

I bought a second hand almost new, as good as new Conquest GMT automatic for less than half of the RRP of €1600. Sold it for the same I paid for it. In that case the Longines depreciated quite a bit for the first owner(s)

But buy a Conquest automatic for €899 as linked above and it doesn't really have all that much to depreciate. It's a very good price for a watch that looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is...

Eoin · 06-08-2018 7:37pm

Yep, I am sure there are exceptions. Like you, I bought my 2 Longines in as-new condition for under 50% of the RRP.

unkel · 07-08-2018 1:37am

Some people are better than others in how much depreciation they suffer

CantGetNoSleep · 31-10-2018 10:57am

Thanks for all the helpful advice on this. In the end I went for two watches to cover all bases.

Hopefully this weekend I'm picking up a new Longines HydroConquest Automatic 39mm

I also have a Seiko Classic SRP705K1 on the way to me now (this admittedly was an impulse buy but I got it around half normal rrp at 140€)

I'm also going to get a Mondaine next time I'm in the US (much cheaper there for some reason) - and know I will end up with a Rolex. Might have been an expensive OP

(sorry images won't upload for some reason)

CantGetNoSleep · 17-06-2019 8:44pm

Instead of posting another "what watch next?" thread I decided to go back to my first one on this forum less than a year ago...

In that time I've listened to the advice on this thread (and forum more generally) and built up a bit of a collection including:
Seiko Neo Classic Automatic
Longines HydroConquest Chronograph Quartz
Seiko SKX009
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
My original d'Alton
Omega Genève 1969

I've gone a bit over the original budget I set here but not massively. A mix of new and second hand, shopping around and waiting for deals on sites like HotUKDeals.

Now I'm not sure where to go next. I was about to buy a Tag Heuer Carrera with blue face but it just wasn't wow in the end. Currently thinking of an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra but don't know.

I'll ship out the first Seiko (actually planning to swap this for a Longines Master Collection or similar) and probably won't keep the Longines HydroConquest either.

Any suggestions?

CantGetNoSleep · 17-06-2019 9:34pm

OmegaGene wrote: »

which carrera was it you were looking at ?

Calibre 5 Day Date I think, blue face on bracelet

Thirdfox · 18-06-2019 9:06am

An Omega Speedmaster would be one to buy and keep forever I generally think, now that your horizons (and budget) has expanded.

If you don't like the black face of the default dial there are white face "broad arrow" versions too.

Cienciano · 18-06-2019 4:59pm

Eoin wrote: »

Longines depreciate quite a bit, so I'd look secondhand. But Montredo does appear to be legit.

OmegaGene wrote: »

Longines depreciate much less than other models in the same price range and are a better quality watch, the hydro conquest for example are making good money on the used market

Some conflicting information here!

Thirdfox · 18-06-2019 5:24pm

For some reason if I feel if I wanted a watch in the "aqua terra" style I think I'd be looking at Ball first - something like this:

https://www.watchshop.com/mens-ball-trainmaster-roman-automatic-watch-nm1058d-s4j-gy-p99962466.html

or

https://bellmans.com/products/ball-watch-fireman-enterprise

Have no idea about residuals though - I imagine pretty much anything non-Rolex takes a hit. Another reason to buy 2nd hand

edit:
or if those two dials are too plain what about this Ball moonphase - priced much cheaper than an Aqua Terra, has a beautiful dial and comes with a moonphase lit by tritium (Ball loves tritium over lume paint - it glows non-stop for 25-50 years):

micks_address · 19-06-2019 2:48am

Thirdfox wrote: »

For some reason if I feel if I wanted a watch in the "aqua terra" style I think I'd be looking at Ball first - something like this:

https://www.watchshop.com/mens-ball-trainmaster-roman-automatic-watch-nm1058d-s4j-gy-p99962466.html

or

https://bellmans.com/products/ball-watch-fireman-enterprise

Have no idea about residuals though - I imagine pretty much anything non-Rolex takes a hit. Another reason to buy 2nd hand

edit:
or if those two dials are too plain what about this Ball moonphase - priced much cheaper than an Aqua Terra, has a beautiful dial and comes with a moonphase lit by tritium (Ball loves tritium over lume paint - it glows non-stop for 25-50 years):

How about a Sinn 556?

893bet · 19-06-2019 10:25am

There is a grey face aqua terra from 2013 on TZ for 1900gbp.

It may go lower. Seems like good value if the blue face is commanding 2500+.

Something nice in 500-1000€ range

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