What makes a good watch?

[raf_gti]

Hi

Hopefully in the near future I will be having a watch bought for me as a present, due to being a fussy bugger the choice will be left up to me!

The budget will be around the 3K mark and apart from the obvious look in Goldsmiths window and see what I fancy I really do not know where to start.

I don't want a watch that shouts out LOOK AT ME but nor do I want a shrinking violet, I also tend to gravitate towards slighty unusual things, whatever I may be buying.

I had been looking at various Breiting models but they strike me as being perhaps a bit showy, the Rolex submariner caught my eye but I'm perhaps thinking a lot of the Rolex cost is for the name alone?

Or perhaps I am looking way to deep into this and should simply pick what looks/feels based on what I can afford?!

Steve

[Twit]

Really simple answer to this, a good watch is one you like, doesn't matter how much it costs or what anyone else thinks of it.

As far as your budget etc you could consider used watches and vintage watches as they will give you something with character and your budget will get you something nice. Loads of people will go into movements etc but to in the end it comes down to looks for 99% of people.

For what its worth I agree with you about Breitlings - can't stand them, really way too blingy and in the most part just horrible. Rolex's are are bit naff in my view, with your budget I'd take a trip to vintage shops or maybe consider bell and Ross, Panarai's (may need to go used) etc etc.

[raf_gti]

The used idea I would have to say I am 50/50 on at the moment. As the watch, for me anyway, would be parting with a considerable sum of cash perhaps lose a certain 'specialness' as opposed to buying new. Perhaps as a second watch or I if Ibecome more 'into' watches second hand is the way to go but for now, I think new it will be.

Steve

[Twit]

If looking new, how about something like these:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/watch.asp?productid=1...
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/watch.asp?productid=1...

Bell & Ross's are really nice but they are quite big so for people with little wrists they can look silly! But for the rest of us I think they are really nice and not too common!

[Animal]

Your biggest problem is going to be too much choice! Three grand would buy you something very special.

If you want some suggestions for brands other than Rolex or Breitling then how about these:

IWC
Zenith
Omega
Jaeger-LeCoultre
TAG Heuer
Cartier
Chopard
Panerai
Ulysse Nardin

Each of these have their own claim to fame and their own following and all make excellent watches (I can personally vouch for the top three!).

As far as second-hand watches go, think of them like cars: if you can find the one you want and it's been looked after they why not buy used? You can also get the benefit of getting a bit more for your money...

The best advice I could give you would be to do a bit of research (i.e. window shopping) and try and narrow down the style you want (sports watch, dress watch, strap or bracelet, etc, etc) and then go shopping. You might try on all of your choices and hate them all but find something completely different that you fall in love with, be it a £3k Rolex or a £300 Seiko.

At the end of the day, you're the one that's paying for it and you're probably going to look at it 20 times a day so may sure you like it, whatever it is!

Oh, and make sure you post some pics after you've bought it!

Cheers, Animal

[marlinmunro]

Bought a Omega seamaster in 1991 for wait for it, £450 in a high class jewelers sale. I have worn it every day since, 3 years in the Bahamas (most of that in the sea). Wore it for work (manual heavy stuff). Gave it a full service 2 years ago came back like brand new. So with out doubt the cheapest and best watch I have ever owned. Don't look at new watches as this one is part of me. May get buried or burnt in it

[CmdrBond]

With your budget, you will have to narrow down what exactly you want from the watch, as the choice is big.

My personal choice for the money would be -

Tag Heuer Grand Carrera 17RS - Black face on steel bracelet

Brietling Skyracer - either Grey or blue face with steel bracelet



or


IWC Pilot's Watch Chrono-Automatic

[dbroughton]

Not sure where you are based but Goldsmiths is a high end high street jeweler. You need a proper watch shop. Find one and try on as many watches as you can. Buy an automatic movement and don't think you need gold for £3k. At this price a stainless steel watch is about right (strap not included). Every thing else is down to personal taste.

[tertius]

Twit said:

Really simple answer to this, a good watch is one you like, doesn't matter how much it costs or what anyone else thinks of it.

This is so true.

The problem with questions like this is that really the only way to answer it is to say what would I buy with £3K and this is so personal that it may or may not be relevant for you.

Normally I wouldn't buy new, but would definitely look for second-hand as the savings are so significant, however in the situation you describe (a present) I think new is more appropriate.

So, what makes a good watch, well for me assuming of course that you actually like the style/design/etc. then first and foremost is the movement - at this price point I'd be looking for an in-house movement - I'd like to think that there is something special about the beating heart of the watch and the maker hasn't simply bought in a stock movement that can be found in dozens of other watches.

Second I'd like there to be some history, some romance to the maker - I'm not a fan of the many new watchmakers, with no track record, selling watches in the multi thousand pound price range.

Finally I'd look for something slightly unusual, something you don't see every day of the week.

And in your specific case I'm assuming from your post that this will be marking some significant occasion and that this is probably a watch for the long term, so I'd also be looking at a classic, versatile design that can be worn in many situations for years to come.

So, my suggestion: JLC master Control in steel, with leather strap, absolutely classic desing, with an in-house movement, from a fine manufacture, and well within budget:

[Asterix]

I agree with most of the comments.

Don't discount Rolex though - I had until I had a play with a Sea Dweller (again, within your budget).

It does feel absolutely nuke proof! Very sturdy feeling and finished very well. I'm over the moon with mine and its really not bling either.

I was speaking with a friend of mine and he has a Sub date - 13yrs old and looks as good as the day it was purchased - he makes sure its serviced regularly and it hasn't skipped a beat.

But, as has been said, for 3k there's a huge choice.

Best of luck - I'm sure you will get something stunning.

Edited by Asterix on Sunday 30th March 08:58

[andy_s]

Rolex GMT or Explorer II? Not bling, fairly unusual (although still have a 'rolex' look, for better or worse).

[sparkyhx]

Like Asterix said don't discount Rolex. I don't consider them to be overpriced really. Try to find an 'in house' movement for Rolex money and you will struggle.

However there is a point of view that says they are overpriced cos they are milking 30 year old designs and producing movements by the bucket full so their economies of scale are massive compared with smaller manufacturers and therefore their prices could be lower still.

[raf_gti]

Thanks for all the replies

All the watches on this thread are gorgeous, I really do like the TAG. The Jaegar looks amazing but is really not the style I have in mind.

Omega Speedmasters really appeal to me, I think I will be taking a trip down to the local stockist soon to have a wee try on.

Steve