Discussion
I love watches but literally have not worn one for 20 years. Maybe more.
I had a spare half hour today so popped into Covent Garden and walked into a load of shops. Tag and Omega too expensive unfortunately. No real budget but was thinking 400 - 800. Tissot was recommended and I found an automatic watch of theirs, 20th anni Le Lade with a green face and steel strap. I don't know much about Tissot, I almost bought it at 640 bur decided to walk away and ask on here.
What should I be looking at for my budget and is Tissot decent in the grand scheme of manufacturers? I didn't go into Longines but guessed they would be too much too.
The watch is linked:
https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Tissot-T+Classic-Le-L..._adty__pla___prch__online___stco_____prid17361835&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20989927640&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIubDD7cKMjgMV4ZxQBh3P0AriEAQYDCABEgIoFPD_BwE
I had a spare half hour today so popped into Covent Garden and walked into a load of shops. Tag and Omega too expensive unfortunately. No real budget but was thinking 400 - 800. Tissot was recommended and I found an automatic watch of theirs, 20th anni Le Lade with a green face and steel strap. I don't know much about Tissot, I almost bought it at 640 bur decided to walk away and ask on here.
What should I be looking at for my budget and is Tissot decent in the grand scheme of manufacturers? I didn't go into Longines but guessed they would be too much too.
The watch is linked:
https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Tissot-T+Classic-Le-L..._adty__pla___prch__online___stco_____prid17361835&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20989927640&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIubDD7cKMjgMV4ZxQBh3P0AriEAQYDCABEgIoFPD_BwE
Decent watch from a decent brand, I like them (though I don't tend to wear dress watches). Longines are somewhat more premium, but will cost more than double, and so if you're happy with Tissot, I'd stick with them.
Price is fair enough, though you may get it a bit cheaper shopping about.
My recommended alternatives in the price range and style you're looking at would likely be from the Seiko Presage range.
Price is fair enough, though you may get it a bit cheaper shopping about.
My recommended alternatives in the price range and style you're looking at would likely be from the Seiko Presage range.
Looks lovely, for the money they are very good watches with a solid, reliable and accurate movement (in my experience).
I have a Tissot PRX with a green waffle dial and a Hamilton Khaki Field, both which use the Powermatic 80 movement. The Hamilton runs at +2, the Tissot +5, both a few year old now and given me no trouble.
I can't see any reason why you'd be disappointed if that's your budget, you'll love it.
I have a Tissot PRX with a green waffle dial and a Hamilton Khaki Field, both which use the Powermatic 80 movement. The Hamilton runs at +2, the Tissot +5, both a few year old now and given me no trouble.
I can't see any reason why you'd be disappointed if that's your budget, you'll love it.
Up vote for Certina, I have an automatic chronograph (2nd hand) lovely watch. I think the are generally a more ‘sporty’ brand than Tissot (although both do Diver’s watches). Certina do very good quartz - Precidrive.
I have a quartz PRX which is nice too.
Something different Certina offer is a kit with 5 cases, three straps/bracelets and an automatic dial/movement which you can swap about. With a discount might be in your budget
https://www.certina.co.uk/watch/ds/c0414073905100
I have a quartz PRX which is nice too.
Something different Certina offer is a kit with 5 cases, three straps/bracelets and an automatic dial/movement which you can swap about. With a discount might be in your budget
https://www.certina.co.uk/watch/ds/c0414073905100
I've got a few watches. They are more personal taste than cars imo. I do have a Tissot. Also have Seiko/citizen/Casio/Swatch/timex and owned many other budget to mid range brands. Also own some other nice stuff but that's not relevant here, I'm not bragging here, just trying to demonstrate I'm not wedded to a brand and have varied tastes.
My experience has taught me that if you want a watch to tell the time. Buy Casio. They are simply fantastic. Tough, reliable, long battery life and so cheap.
Timex are ok, my wife loves them because they do snoopy watches. Quality wise they are cheap watches but aren't bad quality. I don't like them much, but decent watches.
Seiko and citizen. Grouped them because I like dive watches and they do a particular model each that I own one of each and they are very similar watches. Honestly, I think Seiko may be one of the best watch manufacturers in the world. Despite owning "nicer" watches, it's hard to justify the price difference between a Seiko diver like the skx series and something like a submariner, ignore brand snobbery and they are great watches.
Which brings me to Tissot. I'm really sorry but they feel cheap to me. They remind me of the Argos watches you would get for Xmas as a teenager, accurist etc. absolutely fine but the don't feel like something that will last forever. Edges are a bit sharp, the model I have is a bit "shiny". It's tricky as mine was a present and I tend to be a bit sentimental, but I should sell it really.
With your budget I'd be tempted to look at either a nice Seiko or a used semi premium watch, obviously not suggesting a Rolex, but you might well get in to a non super desirable tag or perhaps something more left field. Don't know if parkers jewellers have anything you fancy but they sometimes have interesting stuff at the lower end of the market and I've bought a couple from them with no issues.
My experience has taught me that if you want a watch to tell the time. Buy Casio. They are simply fantastic. Tough, reliable, long battery life and so cheap.
Timex are ok, my wife loves them because they do snoopy watches. Quality wise they are cheap watches but aren't bad quality. I don't like them much, but decent watches.
Seiko and citizen. Grouped them because I like dive watches and they do a particular model each that I own one of each and they are very similar watches. Honestly, I think Seiko may be one of the best watch manufacturers in the world. Despite owning "nicer" watches, it's hard to justify the price difference between a Seiko diver like the skx series and something like a submariner, ignore brand snobbery and they are great watches.
Which brings me to Tissot. I'm really sorry but they feel cheap to me. They remind me of the Argos watches you would get for Xmas as a teenager, accurist etc. absolutely fine but the don't feel like something that will last forever. Edges are a bit sharp, the model I have is a bit "shiny". It's tricky as mine was a present and I tend to be a bit sentimental, but I should sell it really.
With your budget I'd be tempted to look at either a nice Seiko or a used semi premium watch, obviously not suggesting a Rolex, but you might well get in to a non super desirable tag or perhaps something more left field. Don't know if parkers jewellers have anything you fancy but they sometimes have interesting stuff at the lower end of the market and I've bought a couple from them with no issues.
I do have a tissot touch solar with a titanium strap. Very solid watch that I think is ten years old. The battery is the original and it’s had a hard life and remains mark free.
I think the Swissmatic 72 is a better movement which seams pretty cool. It just a case of finding one you like the look of.
I think the Swissmatic 72 is a better movement which seams pretty cool. It just a case of finding one you like the look of.
They have pedigree and is owned by the Swatch group which also owns many other Swiss watch brands like Omega. They've been around for a while but are on the lower end. I have a Seastar 1000 and a couple of Heritage chronos. The PRX is a great looking watch. Go on youtube and you'll find a million reviews on them. They do have plastic components in the automatic movements. People say that this makes them not worth while servicing but you can probably put in a new movement for less or just opt for the quartz version which will not need servicing for 30 years.
It is nice to have new things...but remember...there are lots of used watches, often in pristine condition, as new, from reputable sellers, with a warranty, that will hold their value better than a Tissot that will not depreciate 50% as soon as you bring them home.
Bet you can get a nice used Oris etc for that price or a Tissot for less than the new price.
Bet you can get a nice used Oris etc for that price or a Tissot for less than the new price.
Where is the go to for second hand watches |(not fleabay or scambook)? Like the Seikos and feel pretty close to pressing the button on a Prospex. This is one of around 3 that particularly caught my eye:
https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Prospex-Prospex..._adty__pla___prch__online___stco_____prid18280221&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20995450963&gbraid=0AAAAADmjqHtQFOAyZL06BzRYh6kFEDHb0&gclid=CjwKCAjw3_PCBhA2EiwAkH_j4o-BE24NjB8ZpqALL5OSNIYJrkgCzRWPF_7tJg3roabryhXDlUmB5xoC0VQQAvD_BwE
https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Seiko-Prospex-Prospex..._adty__pla___prch__online___stco_____prid18280221&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20995450963&gbraid=0AAAAADmjqHtQFOAyZL06BzRYh6kFEDHb0&gclid=CjwKCAjw3_PCBhA2EiwAkH_j4o-BE24NjB8ZpqALL5OSNIYJrkgCzRWPF_7tJg3roabryhXDlUmB5xoC0VQQAvD_BwE
A little over the top end of your suggested budget but this Longines a lovely bit of kit. Not an automatic (if you care about that)as they're £1100+ but from a fit and finish perspective an obvious step up.from Tissot/Certina/Seiko.
https://www.mappinandwebb.com/Longines-Conquest-V....
https://www.mappinandwebb.com/Longines-Conquest-V....
Ubiquitous2024 said:
Where is the go to for 2nd hand watches?
I've bought a few from H&T watches.Got a lovely, barely worn, Tag F1 from them recently, £750
Current price £2000 in Tag shops.
But as always, buy what you like the look of.
One of my favourite watches is a Rado bought used for £450
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