Help for a terminally indecisive watch fan

Help for a terminally indecisive watch fan

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Discussion

Framtek

Original Poster:

9 posts

124 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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Hello everyone, I was wondering if you might fancy sharing some of your encyclopedic knowledge and maybe point me in the right direction regarding a potential new watch purchase.

In the first week of July I graduated, had my 22nd birthday and started full time, proper work. I have been paid for the first time, and I was thinking I probably deserve a present from me to me.

My parents very generously gifted me with a lovely pen and a holiday, so I have decided I'm probably allowed to buy myself another watch. Unfortunately this now begins the whole which watch gauntlet, compounded by the fact my budget is not as big as I would like it to be and I am one of the least decisive people you will ever meet, especially when it comes to spending my own money.

This is where you can help - what might you do in my situation and where should I look that I might not have previously? My budget is around £300 and my only criteria are that it must be mechanical (automatic is preferable but I'm not too bothered about winding by hand) and not too similar to my current watches. I would prefer bracelet to leather/rubber as well but obviously there is normally a choice.

For reference, my current watches are pictured. Can you tell I'm a fan of solar power?




So far I'm leaning towards Steinhart's Ocean 1, but there's a part of me that thinks I'll be a little disappointed that it's not a real Rolex - which is strange because if I were to spend sub money it's not what I would buy. I also quite like their Nav B-Uhr pilots watches, and their Marine Chronometer 44. Can you see where the indecisiveness is a problem?

I've also had a look at Seiko, but I'm not sure about most of what I've seen. I'm thinking about buying myself a monster for Christmas though...

The three Steinhart watches hopefully give you some idea of what I like, and if I had a significantly larger budget I would be looking for something like a Zenith Striking 10th and I am also a big fan of the Tudor Pelagos - perhaps these might help spark some ideas?

One final point of consideration - I have tiny girl like wrists. You can see I had to punch an extra hole in the strap of my watch above, and the bracelet on the right is still loose despite not being able to close with any more links removed. Despite this, the two watches on the right claim to have 44mm cases and the G claims 55mm, and none of those look particularly out of place on my wrist (to my eyes) so perhaps it's less of a concern than I think.

Anyway I think I've waffled more than enough, and I will now hand over to you. Any suggestions gratefully received and I am of course able to answer questions if it will help.

TimLambert7

642 posts

124 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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I know it might not be what you want to hear, but for £300 you really can't do much better than a Steinhart. A proper Auto movement, great case quality (So i've heard) and will fit very nicely in to your little collection; I say this with particular reference to the Divers' they do.

I would also suggest a Tissot Visodate but it's so similar to your Citizen there's little point.

Honestly, Steinhart is your best bet.

If you're feeling a little left-field, take a look at the Autodromo Veloce: http://www.pageandcooper.com/autodromo-veloce-stai...
Note that taxes aren't included in the list price.

Also cast your eyes over Larsson and Jennings.

Edited by TimLambert7 on Thursday 31st July 19:53

benny.c

3,472 posts

206 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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I know it's easy for some budget creep when recommending rather than buying, but is it worth maybe waiting for the second pay packet and upping the budget to £500. I only say that because £500 seems to open up such a vast array of options that don't seem to exist at £300. Buying used at that price you can get in to Sinn, Damasko, Fortis, Longines, vintage Omega, Stowa, Glycine, TAG Heuer, etc.

If the £300 is the absolute tops then Timefactors is worth a look and there are some great looking vintage Seikos too at that price, especially the Chronos.

Edited by benny.c on Thursday 31st July 20:57

benny.c

3,472 posts

206 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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Further to the above, all these watches cost me around £500 or less....





















































Edited by benny.c on Thursday 31st July 22:01

TimLambert7

642 posts

124 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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I want that Heuer!!

And that Damasko

And the Sinn


yeti

10,523 posts

274 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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That is an awesome collection at any price! Loving the B-42.

Framtek

Original Poster:

9 posts

124 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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Thank you very much both, I was hoping to avoid budget creep as there are other things I'd like to spend money on as well (but probably never will), but then you showed me all of those fantastic watches and I'm thinking if it's just the once...

Benny, may I ask where you found them? I've looked on Chrono24 but I'm slightly apprehensive about ordering second hand from the continent even they do seem to have the best watches at the best prices, and also I didn't see anything like that available under £500. Also what Tim and Yeti said.

Tim, I suspected someone would say that about Steinhart - it's probably a good thing though as it might make committing easier. I'm not a fan of the L&J watches, the Autodromo is certainly interesting but fails by being quartz

benny.c

3,472 posts

206 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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Sadly not a collection as most have been and gone, but it shows what a huge varied selection is out there. Most have come from Forums, eBay and the odd one from Chrono24. There's some risk in all avenues but with a bit of research I think you can eliminate a lot of the risk.

Love the B-42 too Yeti,, it's my current favourite holiday/pub watch smile



Edited by benny.c on Thursday 31st July 22:09

Hoofy

76,253 posts

281 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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Auto, £300? Tissot - http://amzn.to/1qtYOA8

benny.c

3,472 posts

206 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
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If you like pilot style then Archimede may be worth a shout. They do some traditional styled fliegers and in smaller sizes too.

http://www.archimede-watches.com/

RicksAlfas

13,354 posts

243 months

Friday 1st August 2014
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I would keep an eye on this. It'll go for around £300 I would think, and the seller is very helpful:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RARE-VINTAGE-SEIKO-6139-...
First automatic watch in space, the reliability and accuracy is great plus it's a stunning watch.

If you don't want old, how about a new (quartz) bullhead?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEIKO-BULLHEAD-CHRONOGRA...

Pesty

42,655 posts

255 months

Friday 1st August 2014
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Last time I looked into buying an orfina they were 1500 for ropey looking ones.

Framtek

Original Poster:

9 posts

124 months

Sunday 17th August 2014
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Should anyone be seeking closure on this, I've just bought (I think - ordering process isn't the best) an Ocean 1 Vintage Red from Steinhart. I've also already started thinking about strap options.

Thanks for the help all!

gbbird

5,186 posts

243 months

Tuesday 19th August 2014
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Good choice sir

Mr Daytona

221 posts

115 months

Tuesday 19th August 2014
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Its a long slippery slope this horology lark. But you'll enjoy every step. Am looking forward to adding either a Speedie or a Heuer Monaco/Autavia to my Seamaster chrono. Suspect SWMBA will have something to say about my intentions though.....lol.

Happy hunting.