a pick me up and an heirloom

a pick me up and an heirloom

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fin racer

Original Poster:

766 posts

227 months

Wednesday 25th February 2015
quotequote all
Most likely dozens of such posts on here but here goes.

Scenario is this, I have recently split with my wife. 2014 was a pretty rough year.
So, I want something to cheer myself up and something with significance. So the criteria are as follows:

budget £1500-2000
not a chronograph
must be stylish yet unfussy, clean simple displays work best for me
Something relatively scarce
As this will be passed to my son after my day I'd like it if not to appreciate, then at best not lose too much value

As to what I'm thinking of, I quite like the look of this: http://tiny.cc/carreracalibre-5

Thanks

geezerbutler

523 posts

141 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
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Tudor Grantour?

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/tudor-grantour-date...

or Black Bay

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/tudor-heritage-blac...

Something from Nomos:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/nomos-gla...

Ball:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/ball-watc...

Muehle Glashutte:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/muehle-gl...

And maybe Sinn/Eterna/Oris:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/sinn-watc...
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/eterna
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/oris-watc...

These are all new of course - may be able to get something nicer used, but it's a tricky budget. You're not likely to find anything Rolex for that - might just stretch to a Rolex Oyster but it will be vintage and therefore a smaller case. Plenty of choice from Omega - Seamaster and Aqua Terra. Have a quick look at the Watchfinder £0-£2000 page here to get some ideas:

http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Watches/Between/0/and...


Edited by geezerbutler on Thursday 26th February 00:22


Edited by geezerbutler on Thursday 26th February 00:31

PJ S

10,842 posts

226 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
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Sorry but your criteria are at loggerheads with your aim – it ain't going to happen, imo.

Rarity doesn't mean it'll appreciate or be highly sought after.
If you can't afford a Rolex for what you envisage doing with the watch, then just buy something, enjoy it, and pass it on irrespective of it's monetary value.
The memories it should conjure up for your offspring after you've gone, will be worth more than what it's worth in pounds, shillings, and pence.

You'll not want to look at TAGs if you're worried about residual value or reliability. Not to say they're unreliable, but that the typical experience for a lot of customers when it comes to repair and/or servicing through TAG themselves, leaves a lot of room for improvement.
And although Rolex covers the appreciation requirement, with circa 900K pieces made each year, rarity is not a word you'd associate with them – that's only the more vintage stuff, which costs big money, since everyone has jumped on that bandwagon over the years.

Truth be told, even with a £3K budget and my affinity with Grand Seiko, you're highly likely to struggle getting one of the model variants that were in limited numbers – but whatever mechanical GS you did buy, it'd be at least rarer than anything Breitling, Omega, Rolex, TAG, IWC have produced, since most of what relatively limited production is made each year, is sold in Japan, with the official export markets getting what is left.
You'd also be getting a fit and finish that at the very least, matches Rolex, if not surpasses it.
Credor would definitely give you the rarity, but the brand name would be meaningless to all but the most switched on of aficionados – but it would mean having to buy directly from Japan (various options, so not all that tall an order), and there may be a bit of a question mark over parts for service/repair in 20 years or more time.

Long story short – you haven't enough to play the full-fat heirloom game, so change the criteria or forget about how valuable it'll be in however many years time from now.

fin racer

Original Poster:

766 posts

227 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
PJ S said:
Sorry but your criteria are at loggerheads with your aim – it ain't going to happen, imo.

Rarity doesn't mean it'll appreciate or be highly sought after.
If you can't afford a Rolex for what you envisage doing with the watch, then just buy something, enjoy it, and pass it on irrespective of it's monetary value.
The memories it should conjure up for your offspring after you've gone, will be worth more than what it's worth in pounds, shillings, and pence.

You'll not want to look at TAGs if you're worried about residual value or reliability. Not to say they're unreliable, but that the typical experience for a lot of customers when it comes to repair and/or servicing through TAG themselves, leaves a lot of room for improvement.
And although Rolex covers the appreciation requirement, with circa 900K pieces made each year, rarity is not a word you'd associate with them – that's only the more vintage stuff, which costs big money, since everyone has jumped on that bandwagon over the years.

Truth be told, even with a £3K budget and my affinity with Grand Seiko, you're highly likely to struggle getting one of the model variants that were in limited numbers – but whatever mechanical GS you did buy, it'd be at least rarer than anything Breitling, Omega, Rolex, TAG, IWC have produced, since most of what relatively limited production is made each year, is sold in Japan, with the official export markets getting what is left.
You'd also be getting a fit and finish that at the very least, matches Rolex, if not surpasses it.
Credor would definitely give you the rarity, but the brand name would be meaningless to all but the most switched on of aficionados – but it would mean having to buy directly from Japan (various options, so not all that tall an order), and there may be a bit of a question mark over parts for service/repair in 20 years or more time.

Long story short – you haven't enough to play the full-fat heirloom game, so change the criteria or forget about how valuable it'll be in however many years time from now.
yes, maybe a bit naive in my aims. Basically, something that I enjoy wearing/looking at, and special enough that I can give it to my son down the line. I have only recently learned of of the reliability issues some experience with TAGs
But yes, something that has timeless, simple looks is of more importance. Thanks for your honesty and taking time to help.

fin racer

Original Poster:

766 posts

227 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
geezerbutler said:
Tudor Grantour?

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/tudor-grantour-date...

or Black Bay

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/tudor-heritage-blac...

Something from Nomos:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/nomos-gla...

Ball:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/ball-watc...

Muehle Glashutte:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/muehle-gl...

And maybe Sinn/Eterna/Oris:

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/sinn-watc...
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/eterna
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/oris-watc...

These are all new of course - may be able to get something nicer used, but it's a tricky budget. You're not likely to find anything Rolex for that - might just stretch to a Rolex Oyster but it will be vintage and therefore a smaller case. Plenty of choice from Omega - Seamaster and Aqua Terra. Have a quick look at the Watchfinder £0-£2000 page here to get some ideas:

http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Watches/Between/0/and...


Edited by geezerbutler on Thursday 26th February 00:22


Edited by geezerbutler on Thursday 26th February 00:31
thanks Geezer, shall take another look on watchfinder

annsxman

295 posts

241 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
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You would be able to buy a nearly new Omega Speedster Professional Moonwatch within your budget.

You want the "Professional" as it has a manual winding mechanism.

This is the watch that was taken by the NASA astronauts to the moon so its iconic and if you look after it will hold its value pretty well. As an example here's a 1969 example on offer for only £200 less than I paid for a brand new one 2 weeks ago:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RARE-1969-Omega-Speedmas...

PS I know it's a chronograph but it's not one of those in your face with big buttons everywhere watches so I think it's worthy of your consideration.


fin racer

Original Poster:

766 posts

227 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
annsxman said:
You would be able to buy a nearly new Omega Speedster Professional Moonwatch within your budget.

You want the "Professional" as it has a manual winding mechanism.

This is the watch that was taken by the NASA astronauts to the moon so its iconic and if you look after it will hold its value pretty well. As an example here's a 1969 example on offer for only £200 less than I paid for a brand new one 2 weeks ago:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RARE-1969-Omega-Speedmas...

PS I know it's a chronograph but it's not one of those in your face with big buttons everywhere watches so I think it's worthy of your consideration.
I do like that, and thanks for your input, but I'd still prefer a non-chronograph

annsxman

295 posts

241 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
You can get an automatic Seamster/Aqua Terra which aren't chronographs but won't hold value like a Professional Moonwatch, but which will still hold their value better than most brands other than Rolex and the more esoteric brands like Patek Philippe.

Check out some of the watch forums like Time Zone to get a better feel for the issue.

sad61t

1,100 posts

209 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
I'd look at Nomos. They've some attractive watches in that price bracket that have a clean Bauhaus design. Their watches seem reasonably put together and have they've invested in an in-house movement and escapement, so more likely to survive the forthcoming ETA crunch than other manufacturers who are rehousing off-the-shelf movements in Submariner-esque cases.

TBH, I wouldn't be that fussed about depreciation. While it would be fantastic if you happened to buy a watch that hit the headlines in 40 years, the real value to your son will be the memories behind it. I have a watch from my grandfather, with patina, and the eBay value is irrelevant.

SickFish

3,503 posts

188 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
Your prayers have been answered.... by the STOWA Marine Original.... taking full advantage of the £ Vs. € it can be your for less than £1000.00!!!






If you wanted to make it a bit more personal you can have the gear wheels engraved with text of your choice, taking advantage of that display back wink

You don't need to thank me now.... Just post pics when it is delivered

Hoofy

76,253 posts

281 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
Birthyear Rolex Oyster!

fin racer

Original Poster:

766 posts

227 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
SickFish said:
Your prayers have been answered.... by the STOWA Marine Original.... taking full advantage of the £ Vs. € it can be your for less than £1000.00!!!






If you wanted to make it a bit more personal you can have the gear wheels engraved with text of your choice, taking advantage of that display back wink

You don't need to thank me now.... Just post pics when it is delivered
its good, and I do like that style, but just not necessarily that watch, but thanks for the input!

annsxman

295 posts

241 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
Hoofy said:
Birthyear Rolex Oyster!
I checked yesterday on the price of my birth year Rolex Sub - 65,000 Euros!!!!

Hoofy

76,253 posts

281 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
annsxman said:
Hoofy said:
Birthyear Rolex Oyster!
I checked yesterday on the price of my birth year Rolex Sub - 65,000 Euros!!!!
Which is why I didn't recommend a Sub. The budget was £1.5k.

traffman

2,263 posts

208 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
quotequote all
The Oris is a fine looking piece.

Tag's ...everyone's against them? I find them rather nice.

I own a Omega Speedmaster / Moonwatch. They're fantastic value pre owned.

gvij

363 posts

123 months

Friday 27th February 2015
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Junghans max bill. Or a vintage Rolex air king.

s3pc1989

414 posts

274 months

Friday 27th February 2015
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Just got a Junghans Max Bill myself.

Really nice watch - and saved a fair bit (£150+) by sourcing it direct from Germany (check out prices on Amazon.de before you buy) as well as a favourable exchange rate.

What about the Longines Master range....?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LONGINES-MASTER-COLLECTION...

Rubbish pic on Amazon but have seen them on the high street for the same or better money and they look great in the metal.......

Nomos Orion is also one of my faves - try one on - really classy.

Craikeybaby

10,369 posts

224 months

Tuesday 3rd March 2015
quotequote all
sad61t said:
I'd look at Nomos. They've some attractive watches in that price bracket that have a clean Bauhaus design. Their watches seem reasonably put together and have they've invested in an in-house movement and escapement, so more likely to survive the forthcoming ETA crunch than other manufacturers who are rehousing off-the-shelf movements in Submariner-esque cases.

TBH, I wouldn't be that fussed about depreciation. While it would be fantastic if you happened to buy a watch that hit the headlines in 40 years, the real value to your son will be the memories behind it. I have a watch from my grandfather, with patina, and the eBay value is irrelevant.
I'm a big Nomos fan and it would certainly be my suggestion if the OP is looking for a dress watch, which the Tag linked to suggests.

I'd also suggest looking at Oris, they have got a good range of watches under the budget and they are a bit different. Sinn/Damasko are also worth a look too.

mikeveal

4,559 posts

249 months

Tuesday 3rd March 2015
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Some used & vintage options.

Cartier Santos. Well under budget.
http://www.chrono24.com/en/cartier/santos-galbee-h...

Jaeger Memovox:
http://www.chrono24.com/en/cartier/santos-galbee-h...
Warning, this 1950s watch has had a re-dial, doesn't have the right crowns and was very probably originally a LeCoultre not a JLC. I'm not suggesting this particular watch, just the type.

While we're on Jaegers, how about a Reverso?
http://www.chrono24.com/en/jaegerlecoultre/reverso...

The Hour Vision is a less popular Omega:
www.chrono24.com/en/omega/de-ville-hour-vision--id...
But it's over budget.


Ball Conductor?
www.chrono24.com/en/ball/watch-conductor-transcend...
This one has tritium numbers, it is available with out 'em.


Lastly, here's a Union Glashutte:
http://www.chrono24.com/en/unionglashuette/zeigerd...


PJS is right, you're not going to get a watch for 2K that will appreciate into a valuable heirloom over 20 years. You are firmly in the mass produced market. There's nothing wrong with that at all, just a bit of expectation management for you.

Also 'rare' does not equal valuable. And 'Valuable' does not equal good looking (search for some of MG's posts in "incoming" if you doubt me!).


Choose something you like. Vintage or new, wear it in health and do not expect your son to treasure it because of it's monetary value. The fact that it will have been your watch and it was important to you is what will make it valuable to your son, not it's sterling cash value.


ETA - stay away from the TAG. You probably want it to be still working in 20 years time.

PJ S

10,842 posts

226 months

Tuesday 3rd March 2015
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