Watch Advice Needed 2k Budget (Roughly)

[Z06George]

So due to various reasons I now have 2k credit with a jeweller and they suggested spending it on a watch. I've always liked the idea of a nice watch but never been in the place to get one. So I'm just looking for recommendations of brands or models to consider or avoid. I'm currently looking at a TAG as being top choice as the Rolex I was looking at is priced a tad north of my budget! So any advice welcome!

[warren182]

That's a bit like a what car thread with no criteria! What sort of style are you after? Any colour preferences? Which jewellers (so we know which brands available).

[Z06George]

Haha sorry you're right! I like either black leather strap or steel link strap with fewer but chunkier links(haven't seen any dark steel watches), face wise I'd prefer a black or dark colour in general but with a black leather strap I'd consider a white face. Nothing too busy either. Not sure if that's too much to ask in the budget?

Edited to add it's through Equinox who have said their supplier is good enough that if I say I'd like whatever they should be able to source me one.

Edited by Z06George on Friday 3rd June 22:48

[Yell_M3]

What brands do they stock? At 2k, there's better than Tag.

[Z06George]

Yell_M3 said:

What brands do they stock? At 2k, there's better than Tag.

It's through Equinox, they said their supplier is good enough that I could suggest something and they should be able to source it. I have no brand loyalty or preference so open to anything that falls into my vague criteria. Cheers for the heads up on Tag.

[warren182]

Tag calibre 5 is nice in that price range
http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/1958038/ta...

Tudor ranger
http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/2245159/tu...


Omega de ville
http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/9561439/om...

Longines and Mont blanc also do some nice pieces. Tudor black Bay is a good option, think the new 36 would be in that range.

http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/4119215/tu...

36mm version hasn't been released yet as far as I can see.

[Z06George]

Cheers for the suggestions I like the Tag and Tudor ones, thinking the Tudor a bit more.

[Graemsay]

If I was looking at a Tudor, then I'd be after one with their new, in-house movement. The North Flag is a modern take on the Ranger, and slightly over budget, but is a nice watch.

http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/3596559/tu...

The newer versions of the Black Bay have been updated to the new movement, though the Ranger hasn't as yet. This is the older model.

http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/2244535/tu...

You can spot the new ones because they say Chronometer on the dial. See:

http://www.tudorwatch.com/magazine/article/baselwo...

So why the fuss about the in-house movement?

• It's partially snobbery. The company is building the heart of the watch, rather than buying in parts from ETA.
• The new movement is chronometer rated, whereas the old one isn't. This should mean it's more accurate.
• It's got a longer power reserve, of around 70 hours. I believe the old one is 40 hours.

The lovely Black Bay 36 still uses the ETA calibre. It's case is a bit too small to accommodate the new one.

The Black Bay in bronze is really cool. I don't think it's out yet, and it'll probably be more expensive.

http://www.tudorwatch.com/magazine/article/baselwo...

[Z06George]

Thanks for the links! So it's definitely going to be a Tudor Black Bay. Just got to decide between the black strap with red surround you linked or the steel strap with black/blue surround.

[Yell_M3]

Z06George said:

Thanks for the links! So it's definitely going to be a Tudor Black Bay. Just got to decide between the black strap with red surround you linked or the steel strap with black/blue surround.

Nice choice.

[Z06George]

Just realised I was a bit rude and never updated this thread. I've ended up with a Tag Aquaracer and I'm chuffed to bits with it! I know I said I was set on a Tudor after looking at the pictures but after trying the various ones on the Tag seemed to suit me more in real life so I went for it. Slightly cheaper than the Tudor too which is always a bonus. Phone won't let me upload a pic so I'll do that tonight.
Cheers for all the advice!