Looking for Watch Advice

[Joey D]

First off let me start off by saying, yes I do work in a jewellery store and no we do not carry watches.

With that said I'm in need of a watch, a nice one. I told myself once I got a new job I would be buying myself a nice watch to go along with the business attire I will have to wear. The only problem is I don't know much about high end watches as I've lived most of my life with a Casio. I do have a couple Rolex's and have owned probably 5 since I was 16, but I don't like Rolex's and don't wish to wear one on a daily basis. My Rolex buying habit is a tough one to explain, but they've always been a good deal and no, they have never been stolen. I just buy them and flip them for a profit. I still have two in my safety deposit box which my grandfather gave to me.

My budget for a watch is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1,000 - $1,500. I'd like something more along the lines of a sports watch over a classic design. Really I'd like a Omega Seamaster but they are $2,500+ so I'm not ready to step up to that yet. So far all I've really come up with is a TAG Heuer, but I'd like to here input on other brands if anyone has them.

Material doesn't really matter although I am unable to wear anything with silver touching my skin. A rubber band is kind of lame too, really all metal would be ideal.

And before someone asks, the reason for wanting a nice watch is because I would look like a fool if I showed up wearing a $700 business suit wearing a $60 Casio. A watch makes a huge statement for a guy (official jewellery line there!).

 

[magicalgin]

How about Pequignet or Maurice Lacroix?

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

How about a Movado?

 

[Joey D]

How about Pequignet or Maurice Lacroix?

I don't know much about Pequignet so I'll have to look into them.

Maurice Lacroix's are nice but way to expensive.

How about a Movado?

Movado's are out of style.

 

[TB]

Really I'd like a Omega Seamaster but they are $2,500+ so I'm not ready to step up to that yet.

Omega Seamaster - $1680

How about Breitling?

Edit: Scratch that - they clock in around $4500!

 

[Eric.]

Just my opinion but that Seamaster looks about like any watch you can pick up at WalMart for $15.95.

 

[Omnis]

Just my opinion but that Seamaster looks about like any watch you can pick up at WalMart for $15.95.

Not on the inside. Horology: It's complicated.

Joey, are you down for sniping things on ebay? You might be able to get a nice used watch in your budget. Just don't go looking at tourbillons or minute repeaters.

Omega, Baume & Mercier, Longines, Tag, and Oris are probably good bets.

 

[Northstar]

Just my opinion but that Seamaster looks about like any watch you can pick up at WalMart for $15.95.

It's a watch, they pretty much all look the same. However there are subtle differences visually and major differences internally.

 

[LSX]

Looked at the Tag F1 watches? Carbon face, multiple colors. rubber or metal band. There are actually a few different models of the F1 watch. I'm pretty set on one of those myself. 650.00-1,000 range. I've yet to check them out in person, but provided they aren't as big as something 50 cent would wear, I think one would be great.

You did ask about other options, but Tag is all I've really looked into...

Edit: And Reactor watches. Thick, sturdy, relatively cheap. But more sport than business I suppose. I think they're nice as well, maybe not 700$ suit nice.

 

[Omnis]

Tag is the one watchmaker that has really benefited from sports associations. The brilliant minds at their marketing department have figured out that every man in their target demographic is either a golf fan or a F1 fan. So everyone knows about Tag Heuer.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

How about a Seiko?

 

[Joey D]

Thanks for the replies!

Omega Seamaster - $1680

How about Breitling?

Edit: Scratch that - they clock in around $4500!

$1,680 is still on the upper end of what I really want to pay though. I'd like to keep it around $1,000. Although it looks like dress cloths are far cheaper then I had imagined so maybe I can raise my budget.

And Breitlings are amazing watches, I almost bought one a year ago but couldn't scrap together the $3,000 to get it.

Joey, are you down for sniping things on ebay? You might be able to get a nice used watch in your budget. Just don't go looking at tourbillons or minute repeaters.

Omega, Baume & Mercier, Longines, Tag, and Oris are probably good bets.

eBay, it's real hit or miss. I buy watches for the store I work at (but not for much longer, zing!) all the time on eBay and we get some good deals. I might look into it but there is just something about going to a jewellery store and buying a high end watch.

And the mentioned brands are all ones I have started to consider.

Looked at the Tag F1 watches? Carbon face, multiple colors. rubber or metal band. There are actually a few different models of the F1 watch. I'm pretty set on one of those myself. 650.00-1,000 range. I've yet to check them out in person, but provided they aren't as big as something 50 cent would wear, I think one would be great.

You did ask about other options, but Tag is all I've really looked into...

Edit: And Reactor watches. Thick, sturdy, relatively cheap. But more sport than business I suppose. I think they're nice as well, maybe not 700$ suit nice.

Yes, the Tag F1 line was what I was actually considering.

The Reactor looks nice but like you said not really business oriented. I could see myself getting something like that for a travel watch though.

How about a Seiko?

They aren't high end enough.

 

[Gil]

Have a look at the Seiko Sportura. It retails under a grand. Mine has kept great time, and after years of abuse, (It's my everyday watch) It's band is lightly "savaged" but the crystal is pristine.

You could give the higher end Chase-Durer's a look.
I might also suggest a Ball. They are high end, and somewhat rarer than your "garden variety Tag.
Don't get me wrong I love Tags It just seems that everyone with a "high end" watch starts with a Tag.
You might also check www.overstock.com for reduced prices on timepieces...

And for "recognizable" higher end, plain cool, I suggest the Hamilton Ventura. Guaranteed to start conversations.

 

[niky]

Not on the inside. Horology: It's complicated.

Someone should sig that.

----

I love Seikos. Kinetics are uber-geeky. I think they've also got a premium line coming out, with some high end chronometers with a multi-jeweled movement... forgot what it was called...

Of course, if you're looking for something really fancy, it might pay to hunt through eBay for a slightly used higher end watch. Consider it an investment.

 

[Omnis]

Someone should sig that.

I've always thought to myself that when I have access to shirt-making services, it will be one of the first ones I make.

 

[Blitz187]

What about Rado watches? Always thought they were elegant... but theyre not very sporty like you want... I think a TAG watch will suit you very well for what youre looking for...

 

[daan]

And before someone asks, the reason for wanting a nice watch is because I would look like a fool if I showed up wearing a $700 business suit wearing a $60 Casio.

This statement would indicate that you'd just be wearing it for the appearance, so why not wear a Rolex? You can't get much more high end, and you already have 2...

 

[Azuremen]

Well no where near what you suggested initially, I have always thought the minimal look to Skagen watches worked quite well with suits.

Sadly, they have quartz movements and nothing near high end. But as far as a distinct style that is different than most sports watches, they work.

As an aside, anyone know of a minimal style watch with proper, mechanical movements?

 

[Omnis]

This statement would indicate that you'd just be wearing it for the appearance, so why not wear a Rolex? You can't get much more high end, and you already have 2...

Oh yes you can.

Got a million bucks? Because the hand-made ultra-complicated stuff will cost you more than that.

Well no where near what you suggested initially, I have always thought the minimal look to Skagen watches worked quite well with suits.

Sadly, they have quartz movements and nothing near high end. But as far as a distinct style that is different than most sports watches, they work.

As an aside, anyone know of a minimal style watch with proper, mechanical movements?

For how much? I like Baume and Mercier's simple style for a watch around 1500.

I don't even wear watches though. I use my phone for time. I might get a good one if I ever have to don a monkey suit, but otherwise I just have my dead Citizen eco-drive in its box. Poor thing never gets any sunlight... it's been 4:38 for years.

 

[ripping_silk]

I've been buying watches for maybe 5 or 6 years, just cos I like them. (great photography subjects too!)
Along the way I did get an Omega Seamaster as well as a Speedmaster.

The Seamaster is a great watch. One of my favourites. Very tough and hugely comfortable to wear. You can pick up one for a lot less than retail price, mine was around $US600 (secondhand but mint).
I like a lot of the Seiko line too, especially the 'monster's. I have 4 of those, an orange, a black plus two customs.
This one is a Bill Yao custom version. Modified to my specs. 400 odd bucks:

I'd say you don't need an especially expensive watch, just a good one, thats a little unique. Those who know watches, will know.

head over to The Poor Mans Watch Forum, you'll get plenty of ideas there. 👍

 

[Peterram430]

Tag Heuer Monaco or Monza

 

[Captain Roh]

My budget for a watch is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1,000 - $1,500. I'd like something more along the lines of a sports watch

For my money the nixon 51-30 looks superb:

You may even have money left over for sweets

Anyway if its a sports watch you're after, forget the jewellers, hit the skate, surf and snowboard shops. Uber cool and way more original than a tag. 👍

 

[Sturdy]

Maybe consider Rado as someone else said, I personally love the Ceramica, but might not be to your sporty taste. In my opinion it looks like much more of a restrained classy watch than the typical huge hunk of sparkling chrome people in their power suits tend to go for...

 

[Omnis]

For my money the nixon 51-30 looks superb:

You may even have money left over for sweets

Anyway if its a sports watch you're after, forget the jewellers, hit the skate, surf and snowboard shops. Uber cool and way more original than a tag. 👍

Sorry but that doesn't work with a suit. Barely works with a t-shirt and shorts.

 

[Captain Roh]

Sorry but that doesn't work with a suit. Barely works with a t-shirt and shorts.

I just imagined Joey D trying to sell jewellery in shorts and T!
But that watch works with everything trust me. You can mix and match anything, so long as you have style Black or charcoal suit on nixon 51-30 = pure cool!

 

[Blitz187]

Maybe consider Rado as someone else said, I personally love the Ceramica, but might not be to your sporty taste. In my opinion it looks like much more of a restrained classy watch than the typical huge hunk of sparkling chrome people in their power suits tend to go for...

Yep, I always found them elegent... and next to that with the Ceramica they are TOTALLY scratch free... Should also be a plus if its going to be a daily used watch.

 

[Sturdy]

Yep, I always found them elegent... and next to that with the Ceramica they are TOTALLY scratch free... Should also be a plus if its going to be a daily used watch.

Definitely, after 16 months of constant wear (take it off only for swimming), it still looks as new, and I've every faith it'll look the same after 10 years 👍

 

[Captain Roh]

 

[Blitz187]

^^^^ Patek Philippe are nice watches as well... My dad has one which is really nice.. This one is nice as well imo 👍

 

[Joey D]

You could give the higher end Chase-Durer's a look.
I might also suggest a Ball. They are high end, and somewhat rarer than your "garden variety Tag.
Don't get me wrong I love Tags It just seems that everyone with a "high end" watch starts with a Tag.
You might also check www.overstock.com for reduced prices on timepieces...

And for "recognizable" higher end, plain cool, I suggest the Hamilton Ventura. Guaranteed to start conversations.

I have looked at some Chase-Durer's, they are quite nice. I need to feel one though to see if they feel cheap or not. That's my biggest problem with a watch. If it doesn't feel like a $1,000 then what's the point?

And ya I know everyone starts with Tag's, its a good starting point though.

The Hamilton Ventura is awesome looking! I might have to try one on to see how I like it. It's got a cool Art Deco look to it and I can get for under $700 it seems.

What about Rado watches? Always thought they were elegant... but theyre not very sporty like you want... I think a TAG watch will suit you very well for what youre looking for...

I forgot about Rado (I don't know why), I'll have to flip through their site.

This statement would indicate that you'd just be wearing it for the appearance, so why not wear a Rolex? You can't get much more high end, and you already have 2...

Yes I'm wearing it for appearance which is why I can't wear a Rolex. Rolex's are associated with older people and wouldn't really give me the "young gun" image that I want to present to the business world. If you dress successful you'll go a lot further. A Rolex just says "hey look at me! I have money and no taste!" I don't want that. Plus the Rolex's are in almost pristine condition, that makes them worth money when I decide to sell them.

Well no where near what you suggested initially, I have always thought the minimal look to Skagen watches worked quite well with suits.

Skagen's look nice, they aren't high end though for business use. That's not to say I won't get one though. Apparently once you start buying watches they because addictive. I do need a replacement for my everyday watch so something from Skagen just might fit the bill on that one.

The Seamaster is a great watch. One of my favourites. Very tough and hugely comfortable to wear. You can pick up one for a lot less than retail price, mine was around $US600 (secondhand but mint).

Wow, maybe I should look into the used watch market. If I could get a Seamaster for $600 I'd be happy as a clam.

I'd say you don't need an especially expensive watch, just a good one, thats a little unique. Those who know watches, will know.

head over to The Poor Mans Watch Forum, you'll get plenty of ideas there. 👍

That's a good point, and thanks for the forum link, I'll check it out 👍!

For my money the nixon 51-30 looks superb:

You may even have money left over for sweets

Anyway if its a sports watch you're after, forget the jewellers, hit the skate, surf and snowboard shops. Uber cool and way more original than a tag. 👍

I don't know much about Nixon watches so I'll have to look into them.

And if I buy a watch it has to be from a jewellers because that way when it breaks I can get it serviced properly. Plus I live in Michigan, we have no skate, surf or snowboard shops.

I just imagined Joey D trying to sell jewellery in shorts and T!
But that watch works with everything trust me. You can mix and match anything, so long as you have style Black or charcoal suit on nixon 51-30 = pure cool!

I'm no longer doing jewellery sales, I accept a job more or less being a systems administrator without getting into all the details.