Watch connoisseurs... requesting advice

[JM Aggie08]

I mean, we were talking 3k-5k watches from the start. How did the thread GET pretentious?

Several of the watch descriptions affected me physically.

 

[KeithTalent]

I personally think metal band is out, leather is in. Metal seems tacky and 90's to me.

Heh, I feel the exact opposite. I had leather bands on my watches when I was younger and now I can't stand them. To each their own of course, I know some people swear by the leather bands.

KT

 

[felang]

 

[madoka]

That is ugliest watch I have ever seen, you have to be joking.

Well now you've seen uglier:

 

[Crono]

Well now you've seen uglier:

Will I be possessed by an ancient spirit if I put that on? D:

 

[JoeyM]

http://www.prestigetime.com/ is a decent place to buy a watch.
I like Jaeger LeCoultre but they're probably out of your range. I would probably go with Omega for myself in your price range.

I researched watches for months before I chose one for myself. There are so many really nice watches that you have to really decide for yourself. I got the JLC Master Compressor Memovox in Stainless steel with a stainless band. It's the nicest watch I've ever seen and someday I'll give it to my son.

I also have a Citizen Eco drive which is what I'd recommend to someone who wants a nice watch but also has common sense (or a reasonable budget).

Joe M.

 

[Connoisseur]

As an update, I went to the nearest local Tourneau. While they didn't carry Breitlings or the Omega, I tried on a tag heuer automatic. Man it was HUGE (thick and wide) for my skinny wrist. Way too big. At some point this week, i'm going to stop by a store that sells Omega. The gentleman at the counter said that that's my best shot for a slimmer automatic. I'm a bit worried about the Breitlings too but we'll see how it goes.

 

[Shlong]

Used Rolex Submariner (look hard enough for around $5k).

 

[openwheel]

If you can still find an older generation Omega Planet Ocean. Get that!!! Maybe even a 300M Blue Seamaster Pro, but you have to really like the style. As others have pointed out, the Speedmaster is also a fantastic choice.

Or a used Vintage Rolex Submariner 16610 for slightly over $5K. You can't go wrong with this choice.

Don't bother with anything else. Been there, done that. Forget the Tissots, Hamiltons, and even Tag Heuers.

Also, at this price range you should get one with metal bracelet. You can always change to straps later. Unless you are getting a classic style Breguet, Patek...then there is no choice. Get the bracelet!!!

 

[EPCrew]

As an update, I went to the nearest local Tourneau. While they didn't carry Breitlings or the Omega, I tried on a tag heuer automatic. Man it was HUGE (thick and wide) for my skinny wrist. Way too big. At some point this week, i'm going to stop by a store that sells Omega. The gentleman at the counter said that that's my best shot for a slimmer automatic. I'm a bit worried about the Breitlings too but we'll see how it goes.

Tourneau not carrying those brands seems a bit odd. Which store did you go to? 57th street?

Maybe a bit out of your range, but have you checked out Panerai?

 

[Connoisseur]

This is resurrecting a two month old thread but I could certainly use some input. I went to a tourneau that sold both Omegas and Breitlings and was able to try a variety of brands. My two favorites at the time were the Speedmaster and the Breitling Galactic. Both were 41mm and perfectly fit my skinny wrists. Both were beautiful watches but I THINK I'm leaning more towards the Speedmasters understated looks. While the Breitling was also beautiful, it's very shiny (almost chrome-like) metal finish was a bit flashy for me. I don't remember seeing the super ocean but it also looks beautiful. Anyone have any thoughts on how those would fit? Like I said I think a 41mm bezel is the sweet spot for my hands.

EDIT: Whoops I meant "Planet Ocean" instead of the "Superocean". I like the looks of the Planet Ocean.

 

[herm0016]

hamilton is a great brand that not many people have also.

i am a big fan of iwc though.

 

[Sea Moose]

G Shock Mudman... A Mans watch

 

[Fayd]

Kaventsmann !

http://www.kaventsmann-watches.de/bathyal.html

They run about EUR1500, great quality handmade watch in Berlin.

really? you're suggesting a watch with a plastic crystal?

 

[BChico]

This is my favorite IWC.

 

[Connoisseur]

This is my favorite IWC.

If I'm looking at the right one on IWC's website (Portugese?), that's waaay out of my price range. I'd like to stick with the $3k-$5k budget and I wanted something iconic in that range.

 

[halik]

really? you're suggesting a watch with a plastic crystal?

I thought all this watches came with sapphire crystals? I was going off the Irukandji model.

Edit: You're right, on the tigerfish one it's plexi or polycarb... no go at that price point.

 

[Midwayman]

I'd buy a metal strap watch. Leather straps are much cheaper to add after the fact if you want to have a leather option.

 

[Kung Lau]

As others have suggested, I highly recommend the Omega SMP Chronometer. Especially, this version:

I have this one and I may have to get another Omega...

"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

 

[dighn]

If you can still find an older generation Omega Planet Ocean. Get that!!! Maybe even a 300M Blue Seamaster Pro, but you have to really like the style. As others have pointed out, the Speedmaster is also a fantastic choice.

why older generation PO? the 8500 movement in newer PO is great with its long service period and large power reserve. it's within OP's budget after discounts. the only downside is its thickness.

I'd get the Planet Ocean or the Aqua Terra, with the 8500 movement (newer ones have silicon balance spring - additional bragging rights)

 

[Midwayman]

As others have suggested, I highly recommend the Omega SMP Chronometer. Especially, this version:

I have this one and I may have to get another Omega...

"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

I have the chrono version of this. Was my wedding gift. Very nice watch.

 

[Connoisseur]

Yeah, the most important factor is the bezel size. I have a skinnier wrist so I realized the 41mm size of the speedmaster was perfect for my wrist. I eliminated the Breitlings from consideration since they were all too big. I would also prefer an "automatic" (self-winding) movement rather than the older manual movements. I don't think I'd appreciate having to wind the watch on a daily basis.

 

[Connoisseur]

After looking at the Omega collection, I've realized that the Speedmaster Pro (Moonwatch) is only a manual winding and it's the only watch in the collection that's 42mm. This is the one I tried and it fit perfectly. I looked at the Seamaster Planet Ocean (non-Chrono) and they have a 42mm Co-Axial movement watch which looks amazing. I think it's the same watch worn by Bond. Can anyone suggest reliable sites to price these out?

 

[jpeyton]

So I'll throw some more options out there to confuse you.

Longines just announced the Heritage 1973: http://www.longines.com/watches/heritage-collection/L2.791.4.72.0 (also available with a black dial)

The John Mayer approved Bell & Ross Vintage Chrono: http://www.bellross.com/us/collections/vintage/officer/?Vintage Chronograph#/140/

And although I'm not a huge TAG fan, their Carrera 1887 41mm is a nice looking piece: https://shop-us.tagheuer.com/en/calibre-1887-automatic-chronograph-41-mm-car2110-fc6266.html

I'm a dive watch guy, so I have no use for so many sub-dials. My next piece is coming in at the end of the week, and it's in bronze. Dat patina.

 

[Connoisseur]

So I'll throw some more options out there to confuse you.

Longines just announced the Heritage 1973: http://www.longines.com/watches/heritage-collection/L2.791.4.72.0 (also available with a black dial)

The John Mayer approved Bell & Ross Vintage Chrono: http://www.bellross.com/us/collections/vintage/officer/?Vintage Chronograph#/140/

And although I'm not a huge TAG fan, their Carrera 1887 41mm is a nice looking piece: https://shop-us.tagheuer.com/en/calibre-1887-automatic-chronograph-41-mm-car2110-fc6266.html

I'm a dive watch guy, so I have no use for so many sub-dials. My next piece is coming in at the end of the week, and it's in bronze. Dat patina.

Not a fan of the Longines but the Bell & Ross and Tag Heuer look pretty outstanding. I'm leaning towards a non-chrono watch as well. I figured that my first nice watch should be something iconic. Hard to get more iconic than a classy James Bond deal.

Anybody have any insights into maintenance frequency and maintenance cost of some of these brands? Looking at Omegas, Breitlings, Tag etc.