Recommend me - first proper automatic watch. budget ~£1.5/8k
Discussion
Eddw86 said:
Default would be an Omega Seamaster, second hand should see you in a nice example I would have thought.
Also recommend getting in touch with Dom H from this forum when you've narrowed it down - I and lots of others have used him to source watches at good prices and very good service.
Seems to be a lot of recommendations for the Seamaster. Is there any specific reason it is so popular? I do like them too.Also recommend getting in touch with Dom H from this forum when you've narrowed it down - I and lots of others have used him to source watches at good prices and very good service.
The sinn looks great and I love their alternative designs but the strap isn't ideal. Are they all oil based too? Irrc I looked at Sinns in a shop and the ones I liked were oil based so you could see the time at extreme angles. it was very good to look at but apparently a pain when servicing?
stuart-b said:
Seems to be a lot of recommendations for the Seamaster. Is there any specific reason it is so popular? I do like them too.
The sinn looks great and I love their alternative designs but the strap isn't ideal. Are they all oil based too? Irrc I looked at Sinns in a shop and the ones I liked were oil based so you could see the time at extreme angles. it was very good to look at but apparently a pain when servicing?
No, only a few models use oil filling (which is quartz btw), servicing is about 7 years interval, same as an automatic but you have to send it to Sinn as they can refill it. They don't pull your trousers down for the privilege though.The sinn looks great and I love their alternative designs but the strap isn't ideal. Are they all oil based too? Irrc I looked at Sinns in a shop and the ones I liked were oil based so you could see the time at extreme angles. it was very good to look at but apparently a pain when servicing?
Sinns offer great value for money as the internals are pretty much the same as every other watch out there but they have lots of extra engineering as a bonus, particularly further up their range.
I don't think you can beat the 103 range for a modern automatic chronograph at a reasonable price, but all their stuff is worth considering/comparing.
stuart-b said:
Thanks for the info Andy. I also like the look of the speedmaster but they seem more expensive.l and 10+ years old.
The 'classic' Speedmaster is normally a manual winding watch, but there are auto versions too. It's a well respected model in general, can't go too far wrong.Depending on style preferred, I'd say the Fortis chronos are much underrated and often forgotten about for the more mundane offerings often suggested.
Can't really get excited by Sinn or Longines, but in lieu of a GS (which isn't happening in chronograph form for the budget) then the next best option from Seiko, are the Ananta chronos, especially the new limited edition SDGZ013 with its triple vertical clutch design.
Corum Admiral's Cup is another one to look at, as is Edox, Armand Nicolet, Wempe, and Perrelet's big date chrono.
One word to the OP, chronos are more expensive to service than a standard 3-hander – so just be aware of that come 5 or so years down the line.
At that point in time, the whole ETA supply issue will have been completed, so you may find it difficult to have an independent watch repairer obtain parts to work on it.
No-one knows exactly how it's going to pan out, but it is worth bearing in mind. Hopefully though, a service will only need to involve cleaning and replacing the oils/grease/o-rings.
Can't really get excited by Sinn or Longines, but in lieu of a GS (which isn't happening in chronograph form for the budget) then the next best option from Seiko, are the Ananta chronos, especially the new limited edition SDGZ013 with its triple vertical clutch design.
Corum Admiral's Cup is another one to look at, as is Edox, Armand Nicolet, Wempe, and Perrelet's big date chrono.
One word to the OP, chronos are more expensive to service than a standard 3-hander – so just be aware of that come 5 or so years down the line.
At that point in time, the whole ETA supply issue will have been completed, so you may find it difficult to have an independent watch repairer obtain parts to work on it.
No-one knows exactly how it's going to pan out, but it is worth bearing in mind. Hopefully though, a service will only need to involve cleaning and replacing the oils/grease/o-rings.
I had a similar budget last April and went for the Offshore Field Engineer.
My reasoning was that the small numbers (mine is #56) and personable approach from Lorne give it sentimental value from the first time you put it on. Not just 'another' second-hand Omega or similar.
Here's mine on a Hirsch strap:
My reasoning was that the small numbers (mine is #56) and personable approach from Lorne give it sentimental value from the first time you put it on. Not just 'another' second-hand Omega or similar.
Here's mine on a Hirsch strap:
PJ S said:
One word to the OP, chronos are more expensive to service than a standard 3-hander – so just be aware of that come 5 or so years down the line.
At that point in time, the whole ETA supply issue will have been completed, so you may find it difficult to have an independent watch repairer obtain parts to work on it.
No-one knows exactly how it's going to pan out, but it is worth bearing in mind. Hopefully though, a service will only need to involve cleaning and replacing the oils/grease/o-rings.
Can you tell me more about this?At that point in time, the whole ETA supply issue will have been completed, so you may find it difficult to have an independent watch repairer obtain parts to work on it.
No-one knows exactly how it's going to pan out, but it is worth bearing in mind. Hopefully though, a service will only need to involve cleaning and replacing the oils/grease/o-rings.
TimLambert7 said:
I had a similar budget last April and went for the Offshore Field Engineer.
My reasoning was that the small numbers (mine is #56) and personable approach from Lorne give it sentimental value from the first time you put it on. Not just 'another' second-hand Omega or similar.
Here's mine on a Hirsch strap:
I added one of these to my (small) collection about 9 months ago - and have barely taken it off since! Gets way more wrist-time than my Tag or any other watch, for all the reasons stated above. Can't recommend one enough - well worth a look. Oh - and the standard leather strap is silicon-impregnated so is lasting really well!My reasoning was that the small numbers (mine is #56) and personable approach from Lorne give it sentimental value from the first time you put it on. Not just 'another' second-hand Omega or similar.
Here's mine on a Hirsch strap:
andy_s said:
stuart-b said:
Seems to be a lot of recommendations for the Seamaster. Is there any specific reason it is so popular? I do like them too.
The sinn looks great and I love their alternative designs but the strap isn't ideal. Are they all oil based too? Irrc I looked at Sinns in a shop and the ones I liked were oil based so you could see the time at extreme angles. it was very good to look at but apparently a pain when servicing?
No, only a few models use oil filling (which is quartz btw), servicing is about 7 years interval, same as an automatic but you have to send it to Sinn as they can refill it. They don't pull your trousers down for the privilege though.The sinn looks great and I love their alternative designs but the strap isn't ideal. Are they all oil based too? Irrc I looked at Sinns in a shop and the ones I liked were oil based so you could see the time at extreme angles. it was very good to look at but apparently a pain when servicing?
Sinns offer great value for money as the internals are pretty much the same as every other watch out there but they have lots of extra engineering as a bonus, particularly further up their range.
I don't think you can beat the 103 range for a modern automatic chronograph at a reasonable price, but all their stuff is worth considering/comparing.
If its your first automatic, prepare to be shocked about its inaccuracy (compared to quartz). A COSC certified means -4/+6 secs per day. These are usually >1K. Its pot luck really, but you can get it regulated.
The leather strap. Just take off the original (over priced) strap and fit a similar aftermarket one. Change it after 2 years when it gets too smelly.
The leather strap. Just take off the original (over priced) strap and fit a similar aftermarket one. Change it after 2 years when it gets too smelly.
stuart-b said:
I had previously thought about second hand watches. Has anyone got any experiences good and bad?
I have bought several pre-owned watches from WofS, including 2 recently (see earlier Omega & Breitling threads/ posts).Very happy & thoroughly recommend going along this route, or at the very least, seeing what stock they have available once you are closer to deciding on the watch(s) you are after.
PS. I am in no way linked to or have any personal connection with the WofS group.
andy_s said:
stuart-b said:
Thanks for the info Andy. I also like the look of the speedmaster but they seem more expensive.l and 10+ years old.
The 'classic' Speedmaster is normally a manual winding watch, but there are auto versions too. It's a well respected model in general, can't go too far wrong.
Personally I am not a Tag fan.... Having worked in the industry I find them unreliable and expensive when needing repairs and service. Very few of expensive Swiss watches will appreciate in value...... Exceptions being certain Rolex models, Patek etc but they are all above your price point. look at the Oris range.... They have some great looking pieces which if they had any other brand name on would be quiet a bit more expensive.......
Oris is a good shout , personally i would go for a Pre owned Omega Speedmaster , or a Seamaster with the fine co axial movement.
Steinhart is under budget , albeit a very nice watch alongwith an automatic movement if im not mistaken?
If you can stretch to 2k then youve even more choice.
Absolutely nothing wrong with pre owned though , make sure papers and box are present , and you may get the balance of the warranty aswell.
Steinhart is under budget , albeit a very nice watch alongwith an automatic movement if im not mistaken?
If you can stretch to 2k then youve even more choice.
Absolutely nothing wrong with pre owned though , make sure papers and box are present , and you may get the balance of the warranty aswell.
andy_s said:
Sinns offer great value for money as the internals are pretty much the same as every other watch out there but they have lots of extra engineering as a bonus, particularly further up their range.
The same is true for Damasko watches 
Damasko also has the advantage of offering stunning build quality and a lot of engineering right across the board, e.g. ice hardened steel cases and a permanently lubricating crown system. (Unlike Sinn, which only offers clever engineering further up their range).
In terms of build quality, I found: Damasko > Longines and Oris > TAG Heuer. (I've owned each of these brands over the years.)
Edited by SVS on Tuesday 3rd February 04:15
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