£1000 to spend..

[okgo]

Hello guys,

An important birthday is round the corner and I have been asked whether I would like a 'decent' watch to mark this.

I like the idea, and have come close to buying a nice one before..

Now the question I ask is where is my money best spent for terms of quality.

They are looking at things from Raymond Weil, which I don't know anything about..

I love the Rolex Sub and would probably be happy to put some money towards that, but I see that they really are 2k upwards..

I don't mind second hand, I do like a pretty watch though..I love the Sinn 556, the sub as I said. But I don't want something that has poor components or over overpriced for a name, which I think Raymond Weil may be??

What ideas have you got?

p.s the watch will probably be for daily use, in an office environment so wont be taking a battering..

[V8 villan]

hi

honestly put some more to towards a watch and go for a Breitling SuperOcean.

they are stunning!

try somewhere like www.watchfinder.co.uk

[okgo]

V8 villan said:

hi

honestly put some more to towards a watch and go for a Breitling SuperOcean.

they are stunning!

try somewhere like www.watchfinder.co.uk

Thanks, good site..

Would the same amount not be better spent on a rolex submariner? like this one..

http://www.watches.co.uk/watch.php?wid=6766S

[Cpt Stirling]

May I suggest an Omega Seamaster, you should be able to get a second hand automatic for your budget, try watches.co.uk or Ian Blowers (I recently used the latter; the service was excellent).

[Fittster]

This is a job for Heuer Boy!

I'd go for:



1977/8.Automatic calibre 15 movement. All original dial andmarkers. Case has been re-PVD coated. Serviced £950,

Or maybe a modern re-release:

Edited by Fittster on Friday 27th June 22:28

[lowdrag]

New, at this price Sinn. Secondhand, look at Omega. That of course is if you want an automatic, otherwise a TAG but a Superocean (which I have) I now find somewhat underwhelming. I prefer Sinn at the price. More honest engineering.

[cyberface]

New - Sinn.

Second hand - loads of choice. Diver-style watch? Pilot chrono style watch? How important is the movement to you - automatic, quartz? You'll struggle to get an in-house manufacture (other than Seiko's best movements) but you'll get an ETA or Lemania ebauche with in-house complications second hand at that price.

Interesting stuff on www.watchguru.co.uk (couple of automatic Cartiers) and www.watches.co.uk - both top businesses to deal with.

And Dom H here may have something for you.

Brand new though - lowdrag is the Man - Sinn all the way. I have the 356 II with additional deployant clasp, but didn't stretch to the sapphire crystal (which means I get scratches on the acrylic which need polishing out occasionally) - that was around £800 so with the sapphire crystal (another £175 IIRC) you're in luck.

It looks like this:

[WTD]

Omega Seamaster, I bought one about 5 years ago, it's an excellent watch - keeps superb time, tough as old boots, feels quality (unlike the rolex sub's 'tinny' strap and clasp), is available under your budget and looks superb when worn if you're suited and booted, or with boardies and a t-shirt.

Well worth the money IMHO

[Maxf]

I have seen non-date subs in greys arcade for about £1600 - no box or papers but came from one of the decent dealers.

[okgo]

Thanks fo far guys, I was looking at an omega also. I know they are highly regarded. Also the Sinn offerings look very good.

In terms of the sub, you say tinny strap? Are they any better engineered that say a omega at that price?

[WTD]

I found that looking at the rolex's the strap and clasp felt poor quality due to the hollow links and 'pressed' clasp, which to close you just 'click' it together and fold over the little security thing, the omega has a solid bracelet and a really nice folding, locking clasp which imho makes the omega feel loads nicer and more solid (even though I beleive that the sub strap is plenty strong enough).

The omega also has the wetsuit extension which when the clasp is open you can pop it open about 1cm more to accomodate wearing the watch over a dry/wetsuit..

[okgo]

How big would you say the gap on qaulity would be between an entry level sub non date at around 1800-2k, to a omega offering?

[WTD]

i looked at both, and prefer the looks of the sub, but walked out with the omega.. honestly best advice pop into a dealers and try them on, and feel them in the flesh!

[lowdrag]

As a comment we seem to have either doubled or tripled the budget which opens up a whole new ball game. Are we to reconsider our suggestions?

[okgo]

lowdrag said:

As a comment we seem to have either doubled or tripled the budget which opens up a whole new ball game. Are we to reconsider our suggestions?

That's the problem with me.

I would like to say I would say its going to be circa £1500 give or a take a bit. I can't go to the upper reaches though.

Thanks for your help.

[Cpt Stirling]

WTD is spot on. I have both and the clasp/strap is imo the weakest point of the Rolex offering (the new design e.g. GMTIIc is much improved), the sub however, is iconic. Beware...if you are hankering for a sub, and you go for an alternative, you may be revisiting the dilemma again. Good luck with it, enjoy the process.

[okgo]

Cpt Stirling said:

WTD is spot on. I have both and the clasp/strap is imo the weakest point of the Rolex offering (the new design e.g. GMTIIc is much improved), the sub however, is iconic. Beware...if you are hankering for a sub, and you go for an alternative, you may be revisiting the dilemma again. Good luck with it, enjoy the process.

I am just thinking whether it would look to crass on my arm, I am a sales based guy and dont want to give off the wrong impression to clients and such..

[Cpt Stirling]

Only you can decide that one I'm afraid. I had similar reservations (some time ago) and TBH nobody really notices. The sub isn't a 'bling' model, it's often referred to as a 'tool watch' and quite subtle.

[Fittster]

Cpt Stirling said:

Only you can decide that one I'm afraid. I had similar reservations (some time ago) and TBH nobody really notices. The sub isn't a 'bling' model, it's often referred to as a 'tool watch' and quite subtle.

It's the owners that are being referred to not the watch.

Joke , just a joke before the flaming starts.

[okgo]

Right after doing some searching I have come to the conclusion I love the omega PO with the orange bezel ( Like the rest of the world I know I know they are common)

I have searched here and seems the opinion is its a good watch, I am led to belive from someone on TZ that Ernest Jones are banging them out at half price £1000.. seems very good..

Even if they are not, there seems to be lots of choice under 1500.

Any opinions on this watch? 42mm? 45mm??

Thanks guys

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 2nd July 21:54