Educate me on watch brands under EUR1000

[Deleted User] · 16-01-2020 10:28pm #1

I'd prefer not to state what I like, what I don't like for the moment but I'm in the market to purchase a mens watch for under EUR1000.

As the thread progresses and my search progresses I'll start to share some examples for critique- and indeed, I mean critique- give me your worst/best on my suggestion which will help me decide.

I"m looking for a watch with longevity- i.e. that it will last a long time.

I'd like maybe, if possible to start with terminology (Chronograph, Quartz etc) coupled with brands- Seiko, Raymond Weil, Hamilton, Tissot, TAG Heuer etc- and get your great knowledge on these- I respect those who regularly post here so I'll certainly listen to what you have to say.

Obviously I'm not in Rolex territory here with my price range - and even some of the brands i've quoted have choices mostly over 1K rather than under 1K- and that's Euro btw.

OK- let's see how this goes.

thanks.

Cmar-Ireland · 16-01-2020 10:51pm

First thing I would suggest is to buy pre-owned.

1k will get some decent 2nd hand watches.

banie01 · 16-01-2020 11:07pm

I'd second Cmar.

Omega-gene could probably offer great advice on whats available too, as can a few ohers.

Apart from Rolex SS, most watches take a dump on depreciation as soon as they are bought.
I'd rather avoid that "loss" and buy 2nd hand if I can.

if you are going to buy new, ask for a cash discount.

Chronograph- Multi Dialled, Usually 1 main dial that tells time and 2 or 3 sub dials for seconds, elapsed minutes and hrs
Quartz- Time elapsed is calculated by the resonant frequency of a quartz crystal vibration and translated into timing either digital, electronic or electro-mechanical.

I may be wromg on the above, no doubt if i am someone will advise, its one of the great things about this sub, the lack of patronisation when correcting.
its always a learning day.

[Deleted User] · 16-01-2020 11:20pm

Thank you all for your posts so far- I'm learning already

All opinions will be gratefully accepted and as the thread gets going and as I post and learn more, I'll open up a little around where my preference is in terms of what I think would look well taking into account what you people are saying- it's just a bit early yet and I don't want to close down the conversation or lock myself down too much, too early- it's more a marathon than a race- purchase will probably be a good 4 weeks away if not 6-8, so a little time here (pardon the pun :P)

Second hand? I certainly won't rule it out- but longevity does mean a lot to me, so reputable vendors/sellers is a must with whatever paperwork needs to be in place- and of course, it needs to be the right watch. But then again, depreciation of a new watch needs to be balanced with longevity of course along with enjoyment/features.

I won't be going with a watch that says "Boss"- just because it says "Boss"- but yeah, "swiss made" or "Geneve" or whatever does attract me right now- but hay, persuade me otherwise- see where the thread is going now?

thanks.

hitemfrank · 17-01-2020 9:20am

Without saying what you like, it's difficult to suggest something.

So I'll throw out a suggestion for your under your budget from a reputable maker to try get more information from you about what you like or not about it.

Sinn 556 on leather strap comes in at €960.

Anjobe · 17-01-2020 12:02pm

+1 for Sinn, and don't get too caught up in the whole "Swiss Made" thing (Sinn are German), it really doesn't mean very much.

MrMiata · 17-01-2020 12:38pm

It's hard to say without knowing what you're after.

Do want a diver, pilots or dress watch?
Do you want automatic, mechanical or quarts?
A metal, nato, rubber or leather strap?

I'd stay away from fashion brands to begin with.

You can get a lovely Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical for less than €500.

Omega have some great (but less sophisticated offerings) at that price point too.

pjdarcy · 17-01-2020 12:38pm

Here's a glossary of watch terms that you might find helpful

https://www.chrono24.com/info/lexikon.htm

Ryath · 17-01-2020 3:27pm

Stowa would be number one choice in that price range.

Plenty of other options too. Higher end Seiko's, Longines are good value for their price point you're not paying for extra for the brand in the same way as other high end marques.

Main thing is what type of watch you like and when you will be wearing it?

blue5000 · 17-01-2020 4:05pm

MrMiata wrote: »

It's hard to say without knowing what you're after.

Do want a diver, pilots or dress watch?
Do you want automatic, mechanical or quarts?
A metal, nato, rubber or leather strap?

I'd stay away from fashion brands to begin with.

You can get a lovely Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical for less than €500.

Omega have some great (but less sophisticated offerings) at that price point too.

I have to agree with this, at least narrow it down to either a dress watch or a tool/diver type watch. Do you want a day/date or moonphase as well

It's probably better to buy the bracelet with the watch, it's easier get a leather strap afterwards and can be expensive or at least difficult to get the correct bracelet later.

I've only bought one watch in this price band, a used Damasko which I wear nearly 6 days a week.

Do a bit of research on the watch movement as well, all part of the fun if you are mechanically minded.

Another thing to consider is the size of the watch face, there is a downward trend from 42 to perhaps 38mm. Vintage watches are smaller but that's a whole different rabbit hole, there are nice, good quality swiss made vintage watches which make good dress watches, but I wouldn't recommend them as a daily driver. Longines or Omega would be a good place to start.

Enjoy the hunt.

Cmar-Ireland · 17-01-2020 9:01pm

Just to throw up a suggestion, here is a Seiko that you would find pre-owned within budget.

The Marinemaster 200.

[Deleted User] · 18-01-2020 12:54pm

Thanks all- don’t have time to reply today but will get back to all tomorrow- some great info posted and yes I’ll be more specific tomorrow in my reply.

Darwin · 18-01-2020 2:45pm

Just to throw another brand into the mix, have a look at some of Christopher Ward's watches. Some of their newer dive watches are quite nice (C60, C65), but I don't own any of them (yet!). I kind of see them as positioned between Tissot and Oris, but in many cases the use the same Sellita movements as Oris. They have a clearance sale at the moment, some watches half price, others have 30% off. Might be something in there that you like.

https://www.christopherward.eu

[Deleted User] · 19-01-2020 10:10pm

Darwin wrote: »

Just to throw another brand into the mix, have a look at some of Christopher Ward's watches. Some of their newer dive watches are quite nice (C60, C65), but I don't own any of them (yet!). I kind of see them as positioned between Tissot and Oris, but in many cases the use the same Sellita movements as Oris. They have a clearance sale at the moment, some watches half price, others have 30% off. Might be something in there that you like.

https://www.christopherward.eu

Ok so I think this will help everyone - thanks for posting that link. Now tell me what Im looking at and why they are more expensive than say Seiko watches?
Some gorgeous watches here IMHO but I haven’t a clue in terms of innards, quality etc and how they differ from cheaper brands than say Seiko.

So I’m loving Moon glow but it’s twice my budget- anything else similar to this under 1000?
Trident automatic is “ok”

CT grand tourer looks good-

C65 black gold is nice but I don’t like the strap

Can you buy this brand in an Irish stockist?

[Deleted User] · 19-01-2020 10:25pm

hitemfrank wrote: »

Without saying what you like, it's difficult to suggest something.

So I'll throw out a suggestion for your under your budget from a reputable maker to try get more information from you about what you like or not about it.

Sinn 556 on leather strap comes in at €960.

Thanks but I wasn’t mad on that particular watch but I’ll study the brand in more detail as obviously I haven’t heard of that before.

MrMiata wrote: »

It's hard to say without knowing what you're after.

Do want a diver, pilots or dress watch?
Do you want automatic, mechanical or quarts?
A metal, nato, rubber or leather strap?

I'd stay away from fashion brands to begin with.

You can get a lovely Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical for less than €500.

Omega have some great (but less sophisticated offerings) at that price point too.

Thanks- it’s a smart watch for sure- I’m also exploring other Hamilton’s now on that website as they’res quite a selection. Thanks- maybe ones with more dials on them? Chronograph? Is there an Irish stockist?

Cmar-Ireland wrote: »

Just to throw up a suggestion, here is a Seiko that you would find pre-owned within budget.

The Marinemaster 200.

I had a Seiko kinetic - loved it. The watch strap went and I could not get anyone to repair it even the reputable jeweler I brought it from- I think Seiko said they didn’t have the strap anymore. Was that Seiko about 2k new or something?

appledrop · 19-01-2020 10:31pm

Dont have a clue about watches but I wouldn't buy a Tissot. Shockingly bad value. I brought one for my husband + it stopped working. Luckily still under warranty so they replaced it with another one. That stopped working aswell but was out of warranty so no replacement.

Madness. This was what I would consider an expensive watch + yet a cheap watch for €80 would have lasted longer!

[Deleted User] · 19-01-2020 11:28pm

OK so, I’m becoming a watch nerd and it’s only taken a few days

Off topic and completely off budget but my god, Jaquet droz are works of art but way out of my price range

https://www.jaquet-droz.com/

Back to reality and I’m considering Stowa and Hamilton and Christopher Ward as brands - anyone know if there are stockists in Ireland as I’d like to see before buy if at all possible.

Any other suggestions for brands do let me know but I’m grateful to date for what you all posted.

Will rule out second hand for the moment .

https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-ie/

https://www.stowa.de/en/

https://www.christopherward.eu/watches/dress

Frankie5Angels · 20-01-2020 12:01am

appledrop wrote: »

Dont have a clue about watches but I wouldn't buy a Tissot. Shockingly bad value. I brought one for my husband + it stopped working. Luckily still under warranty so they replaced it with another one. That stopped working aswell but was out of warranty so no replacement.

Madness. This was what I would consider an expensive watch + yet a cheap watch for €80 would have lasted longer!

Conversely, I've had one for 4 years now. Never an ounce of trouble has it given me and still keeps great time.

Cmar-Ireland · 20-01-2020 12:15am

Great selection of Hamilton watches in Kildare Village.

blindsider · 20-01-2020 12:29am

Stowa are online only - unless you fancy a trip to the Black Forest.

I have a Marine auto with date on a brown leather strap and I absolutely love it. No hesitation in recommending them and they are very good to deal with. Delivery within the week AFAIR.

Hamilton look decent, and I can't comment on C Ward.

I'm sure it's been mentioned, but look at Steinhart also - another boutique German brand.

Would you consider a Bulova Lunar Pilot?

[Deleted User] · 20-01-2020 8:30am

blindsider wrote: »

Stowa are online only - unless you fancy a trip to the Black Forest.

I have a Marine auto with date on a brown leather strap and I absolutely love it. No hesitation in recommending them and they are very good to deal with. Delivery within the week AFAIR.

Hamilton look decent, and I can't comment on C Ward.

I'm sure it's been mentioned, but look at Steinhart also - another boutique German brand.

Would you consider a Bulova Lunar Pilot?

Haven’t heard of steinhart so will research this week. I do like Stowa a lot but most of the watches from them that I like are well beyond my stated budget.
By the way, when I do determine my watch, how do I know what watch strap size to get as quite possibly I’ll have to buy online if there’s no stockiest in Ireland?

NIMAN · 20-01-2020 8:31am

Cmar-Ireland wrote: »

Great selection of Hamilton watches in Kildare Village.

Are they discounted much there?
Or would I pick up one online cheaper?

[Deleted User] · 20-01-2020 8:51am

@blindsider- you’ve made my life more difficult now- an awful lot of choice there at the high end of my budget:P

So at some point this week I might select a few watches from different brands to get peoples views here around what exactly I’m getting for my money- I think that will be the most interesting part for me.

Thanks again all, a great education.

oxocube · 20-01-2020 11:47am

blindsider wrote: »

I'm sure it's been mentioned, but look at Steinhart also - another boutique German brand.

Steinhart was my first "good" watch. The quality of these watches can't be beaten at their price point. Most of their styles are homages, by which I mean the same style as Rolex and other brands. If this puts you off then look elsewhere. Otherwise they're excellent quality for the money

I sold it a while ago and they hold value on the used market.

Frankie5Angels · 20-01-2020 12:03pm

NIMAN wrote: »

Are they discounted much there?
Or would I pick up one online cheaper?

I believe it's up to 33%, but it's a bit of a lottery as to what's down there at a certain time. They do have a good selection at all times, though. In my view the only way you'd do better price-wise on the models they have is if you go pre-worn but open to correction.

Darwin · 20-01-2020 8:22pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Ok so I think this will help everyone - thanks for posting that link. Now tell me what Im looking at and why they are more expensive than say Seiko watches?
Some gorgeous watches here IMHO but I haven’t a clue in terms of innards, quality etc and how they differ from cheaper brands than say Seiko.

So I’m loving Moon glow but it’s twice my budget- anything else similar to this under 1000?
Trident automatic is “ok”

CT grand tourer looks good-

C65 black gold is nice but I don’t like the strap

Can you buy this brand in an Irish stockist?

Seiko are mass produced while Christoper Ward is more of a boutique brand, so Seiko have efficiencies of scale that CW does not have which would account for some of the price difference. That is not to say there is anything wrong with Seiko, they have some fantastic reliable movements and great build quality.
If you buy CW, I suppose you are getting some form of exclusivity as their watches are only available online. Something to keep in mind is the arrival of Brexit and whether you will have trouble returning something under warranty.
Buying a watch really all comes down to personal preferences and taste. I think you should go and have a good look at what's on offer in Hour Passion in Kildare Village as they would stock a lot of options within your price range, looking is 90% of the fun!

blindsider · 20-01-2020 8:45pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Haven’t heard of steinhart so will research this week. I do like Stowa a lot but most of the watches from them that I like are well beyond my stated budget.
By the way, when I do determine my watch, how do I know what watch strap size to get as quite possibly I’ll have to buy online if there’s no stockiest in Ireland?

The watch strap size should be listed on the Fact Sheet e.g. 22mm

[Deleted User] · 23-01-2020 9:33pm

Frankie5Angels wrote: »

I believe it's up to 33%, but it's a bit of a lottery as to what's down there at a certain time. They do have a good selection at all times, though. In my view the only way you'd do better price-wise on the models they have is if you go pre-worn but open to correction.

I’ll make a journey there over coming week.

[Deleted User] · 25-01-2020 5:35pm

So guys, the deed is done.

I purchased the following for under 1000 euro and received a voucher for the outlet store (which I would absolutely use) bringing the net price down to about eur 870.

I’m beyond thrilled. Outlet store giving 20% off anything over eur1000 till end of January. I never even considered this particular model when researching online as it was well above budget- in one uk online jewellery store this watch is listed for £1,550.
Many thanks for all the advice and guidance- as someone said, the search is nearly exciting as the purchase itself.

http://www.watchpaper.com/2016/12/23/hamilton-broadway-chronograph-a-week-on-the-wrist/

893bet · 25-01-2020 6:47pm

Nice. Can’t go wrong with a Hamilton!

(I bet my life you will buy another watch around the same budget before the year end and by 2021 you will be talking about a speedmaster or seamaster).

oxocube · 25-01-2020 6:58pm

Deleted User wrote: »

So guys, the deed is done.

I purchased the following for under 1000 euro

http://www.watchpaper.com/2016/12/23/hamilton-broadway-chronograph-a-week-on-the-wrist/

Where did you get this?

Educate me on watch brands under EUR1000

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