Recommend me - first proper automatic watch. budget ~£1.5/8k

Recommend me - first proper automatic watch. budget ~£1.5/8k

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stuart-b

Original Poster:

3,643 posts

225 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
Hi all, looking for some advice as I'm no watch expert.

It's my 30th next month and I'm looking to finally get myself a usable automatic watch up to ~1.5/1.8k

As I know nothing about mechanisms my criteria is mostly around reliability, serviceability and longevity. I am not too fond of the "bling" or buying a brand for the sake of it - I'm after a classic watch which will still look good in 30 years. I'm also looking to avoid leather straps, as they look great but I knacker them pretty quickly. But I wouldn't turn down the right watch if it came with a leather strap.

I've found a few ideas but I wondered if anyone can point me in the direction of a good supplier and what brands to look out for?

http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/TAG-Heuer-Gents-Carre...



http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/Victorinox-Swiss-Army...

http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/Oris-Gents-Artix-Silv...

http://www.watchexclusive.eu/product/3407/junkers-...

http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/TAG-Heuer-Gents-Link-...

I'm also unsure as to why this Raymond Weil is 50% off? http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/Raymond-Weil-Gents-Ge...

As you can see my tastes vary - If I could I'd have all of them hehe





ianreeves

255 posts

203 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
I know nothing about watches, but had the same dilemma a month or so ago.

My initial desire was a TAG but that thread turned into a disaster, plus I just couldn't find one I liked.

In the end I went for a Ball www.ballwatch.com. I have to admit I'm more than happy, plus its thing of wonder in the dark

pattyg

1,329 posts

226 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
Forget the watch snobs. Buy whatever feels and looks good on your wrist.

RobinBanks

17,540 posts

178 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
Raymond Weil is a brand that tends to sell by discount. That's the reason it's being offered that way.

stuart-b

Original Poster:

3,643 posts

225 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
pattyg said:
Forget the watch snobs. Buy whatever feels and looks good on your wrist.
I understand but im just wondering what people with automatic movement knowledge can tell me so I can buy a great quality watch which might not be a mainstream brand.

stuart-b

Original Poster:

3,643 posts

225 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
RobinBanks said:
Raymond Weil is a brand that tends to sell by discount. That's the reason it's being offered that way.
Thanks for that info; makes sense

NDA

21,488 posts

224 months

Janesy B

2,625 posts

185 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
Junghans Meister Chronoscope perhaps?

http://www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk/brands/jun...

yellowtang

1,772 posts

137 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
NDA said:
Isn't that a Quartz movement rather than automatic?

stuart-b

Original Poster:

3,643 posts

225 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
ianreeves said:
I know nothing about watches, but had the same dilemma a month or so ago.

My initial desire was a TAG but that thread turned into a disaster, plus I just couldn't find one I liked.

In the end I went for a Ball www.ballwatch.com. I have to admit I'm more than happy, plus its thing of wonder in the dark
Some very nice ones there. Although my favourite was $9000 frown

don logan

3,511 posts

221 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
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Moominho

893 posts

139 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
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NDA said:
I really like the Aqua Terra, it's a beautiful yet understated watch. That one is a quartz though.

dave87

525 posts

202 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
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Eddw86

742 posts

186 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
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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.

rat840771

2,023 posts

164 months

Saturday 31st January 2015
quotequote all
Omega Seamaster chrono ( 2nd hand )

or how about a Sinn

http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/sinn/watches/sinn-fl...





NDA

21,488 posts

224 months

Sunday 1st February 2015
quotequote all
Moominho said:
I really like the Aqua Terra, it's a beautiful yet understated watch. That one is a quartz though.
I didn't check... sorry. smile

Mr_C

2,441 posts

228 months

Sunday 1st February 2015
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Debaser

5,665 posts

260 months

Sunday 1st February 2015
quotequote all
Might be worth seeing if your budget will stretch to a second hand Grand Seiko?

stuart-b

Original Poster:

3,643 posts

225 months

Sunday 1st February 2015
quotequote all
dave87 said:
fantastic link and nearly all my style as well. The decision became very difficult now!

I had previously thought about second hand watches. Has anyone got any experiences good and bad?

stuart-b

Original Poster:

3,643 posts

225 months

Sunday 1st February 2015
quotequote all
Debaser said:
Might be worth seeing if your budget will stretch to a second hand Grand Seiko?
Interesting, although I have two nice Seiko's already. Not automatic, but they are mid/high( for seiko) end sapphire chrono and leather strap plain design. I also have a very plain but classic black bevel tissot - although from a technical view point these look great!