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

[stuart-b]

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

[stuart-b]

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]

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

[stuart-b]

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

[stuart-b]

dave87 said:

Some interesting thoughts here:

http://watchfinder.co.uk/Mens-Watches?fq_price=975...

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]

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!

[stuart-b]

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.

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]

Thanks for the info Andy. I also like the look of the speedmaster but they seem more expensive.l and 10+ years old.

[stuart-b]

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?

[stuart-b]

BRMMA said:

I had a similar budget and requirement recently and went for a Longines Heritage Retrograde which i got in the Ernest Jones sale well under budget, seems a lot of watch for the money

Interesting, I was thinking much the same. Saw a fantastic Longines which has really caught my eye. Seems to be a reflection of the style I am after for this particular watch (an every day automatic). The other watches mentioned are all fantastic in their own right, and if I am lucky enough to own even half of them I would be very privileged indeed! I particularly like the micro manufacturers from the UK and Germany - to have the dedication to construct your own watch is awe-inspiring.