What kind of watch to buy...

thespeakerbox

Platinum Member
Nov 19, 2004
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I really like the classic style watches. I'm looking for something to wear everyday with a brown leather band and a clean face. Anyone know of any quality brands in the 200-1K price range.

I've had seiko, but find them to be really large, gaudy and heavy. Definately not something id wear everyday.
 

krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
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I love my Bulova Automatic. If I had $1000 to spend on a new watch, I'd get an Omega, Tag, Oris, or a Tissot.

And before anyone starts flaming me about how you can't buy a new Omega, Tag, or Oris for $1000....you can, if you search well for them. Of course, you fid find the top the the line Omega or Tag, but you can find a decent one.
 

PowerMacG5

Diamond Member
Apr 14, 2002
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If you want a classic watch, similar to a Patek, Philippe (why did you yell Patek?), then you need to be willing to shell out more than 1000 dollars (for a non-used). There are plently of watchmakers that make "classic" watches.

Also, what do you define classic as? As in dressy, or sporty classic like a Rolex Submariner?
 

EngenZerO

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2001
5,099
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omega or tag ftw!!!

if i could get any watch right now... it would be a tag carrera.
 

thespeakerbox

Platinum Member
Nov 19, 2004
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Originally posted by: PowerMacG5
If you want a classic watch, similar to a Patek, Philippe (why did you yell Patek?), then you need to be willing to shell out more than 1000 dollars (for a non-used). There are plently of watchmakers that make "classic" watches.

Also, what do you define classic as? As in dressy, or sporty classic like a Rolex Submariner?



Im sorry for yelling, lol. I just copy/pasted from wikipedia.

Classic/ Simple would be a better description. The skagen watch is ok. I tried skagen, but didnt like their build or feel. I've heard alot of negative review about them too.

I know i mentioned not too heavy, but with a skagen , its like wearing a paperclip,not a watch.
 

DnetMHZ

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2001
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My Tag is on it's way to Switzerland for service for the second time in 2 years because it just stopped running.
:(
 

EngenZerO

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2001
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Originally posted by: DnetMHZ
My Tag is on it's way to Switzerland for service for the second time in 2 years because it just stopped running.
:(

ouch, what type of tag do u have?
 

thirdeye

Platinum Member
Jun 19, 2001
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www.davewalter.net
I loved my Bulova, but after a while (2 years or so) the clasp started to wear to the point where if I bent my wrist the clasp would pop open. My wife bought me a Fossil for Xmas and I've been quite happy with that. It also has a significantly better clasp.
 

junkerman123

Golden Member
Jul 4, 2003
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Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Originally posted by: junkerman123
tag will run you 800 bucks but its worth it

edit: now with linkage

Text

How is it worth it?

I've had mine (a different model) forever. It's worked perfectly (besides 2 battery changes), although I always wear my watch. It's been dropped, thrown, submerged in water. Girls notice it at clubs, so that doesn't hurt. To me, it was worth it for the amount of time I've used it.
 

DnetMHZ

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2001
9,826
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Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: DnetMHZ
My Tag is on it's way to Switzerland for service for the second time in 2 years because it just stopped running.
:(

ouch, what type of tag do u have?

It's a Kirium Automatic - black face
 

DnetMHZ

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2001
9,826
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It's very similar to this one but it's about 5 years old so the face is changed. Band and case are the same though. Mine has the chronograph dials on the face.

LINK
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
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There are many wonderful choices in that price range. Although you say you aren't interested in Seikos, Seiko is one of the few manufacturers who can provide a nice in-house automatic movement in that price range. The new Seiko Spirits are a wonderful value at less than $300 - they are also available with leather straps and light-colored faces if that's your preference - see this one for example.

I also really like Hamilton watches for the money - they are powered by the same Swiss ETA movements used in Heuers and many costlier watches, and they make some lovely, understated designs. I recently bought my dad a Hamilton King Khaki, which is a nice dress watch for less than $400.

If you are willing to look at the higher end of your price range, you can get into a wide array of nice watches, including used Tudors, quartz Omegas, or literally dozens of other choices.

 

Descartes

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
13,968
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IMO, you won't find a classic for < $1k unless you get lucky in the used market. You can check TimeZone Sales Corner for reliable sellers. I personally would not buy one off eBay.

I think my Rolex Explorer is clean and classic. I have the stainless band with it obviously, but it looks great with various leather bands. I've had ESQ, Tag, Citizen, Seiko, and Swiss Army watches, but they were uninspired. The only other watch I think I'd ever buy is a Lange. The Lange 1 is an incredible watch but incredibly expensive. The 1815 can be found for cheaper, but still very expensive by most standards.

 

Descartes

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
13,968
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Originally posted by: DonVito
There are many wonderful choices in that price range. Although you say you aren't interested in Seikos, Seiko is one of the few manufacturers who can provide a nice in-house automatic movement in that price range. The new Seiko Spirits are a wonderful value at less than $300 - they are also available with leather straps and light-colored faces if that's your preference - see this one for example.

I also really like Hamilton watches for the money - they are powered by the same Swiss ETA movements used in Heuers and many costlier watches, and they make some lovely, understated designs. I recently bought my dad a Hamilton King Khaki, which is a nice dress watch for less than $400.

If you are willing to look at the higher end of your price range, you can get into a wide array of nice watches, including used Tudors, quartz Omegas, or literally dozens of other choices.

Nice options. That's a nice Seiko as well. Has a lot of vintage character.
 

Eltano1

Golden Member
Aug 6, 2000
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I have a Tag Aquaracer (for over 4 years), a Bulova Marine Star (over 8 years). 4 Seikos, 1 Casio and 1 Fossil. I love the first 2, never have a problem, just batteries.
My next watch will be something like a Baume & Mercier, the Riviera Model, I love watches with Roman numbers and a white face.

Eltano
 

thespeakerbox

Platinum Member
Nov 19, 2004
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The new sieko spirits look pretty slick for the price. Too bad i couldnt find any place to buy them. The only site seems to be down.
 
Feb 10, 2000
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If you're interested I am selling one of these, also a great dress watch for the money. I have three straps and a deployant for it, and it includes the boxes, papers, and a polish cloth. It's in excellent shape. I'd like $190, which is what I paid for it secondhand. I've realized I just don't wear dress watches. This is maybe the best dress watch on the market for the money IMO. They're currently selling for $275 with one strap.
 

sygyzy

Lifer
Oct 21, 2000
14,001
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If you didn't know Patek's were expensive, I don't think a $200-1000 is appropriate for you. Stick with $200 Seiko, Citizen, Hamilton, dare I say Movado, Nixon.
 

bigfil

Golden Member
Dec 2, 2004
1,651
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rolex oyster perpetual date
gmt-master II
watch
but man they cost $$$
my wife bought me one for our 10th year anniversary and i have to say its nice

for around 1k you could get a used one
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
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If I had $1000 to spend on a watch, I'd still just get a Fossil. If I was forced to spend $1000 on a watch, I'd just get 20 Fossils. I already have 2.