Need ideas for £500ish watch

[Harmitans]

I've been given £500 as a birthday present to buy myself a watch. I could potentially add to this up to a total of about £700.

So I'm looking for suggestions for a watch around this price. I'm not a fan of very large watches and don't want anything too bling. I like the new Rolex Explorer but it's obviously way over budget.

So, please suggest me some options. I tempted to stay away from the high street brands (e.g. Tag) and try something less well known.

Thanks in advance.

[Pesty]

how about these well within budget


http://www.helson-watches.com/skindiver/


http://www.helson-watches.com/shark-diver-42mm/

http://www.helson-watches.com/blackbeard/

[Harmitans]

Thanks for the suggestion Pesty, but not that keen on any of them. Should have said that I don't really like the Diver style watch.

[Mattt]

Consider preowned? Opens up a lot more options...

[Harmitans]

I'm a bit wary of pre-owned. I'm a complete novice when it comes to watches so am unsure about values and originality. Does it give a lot more options going pre-owned?

[Pesty]

Ok then how about this

http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/Ocean-vintage-GM...

[philip600]

Hi,
I'm no expert but have just bought a DBR01 COSC from Christopher Ward. It's a fantastic looking watch, not too large & the prices seems reasonable as well.
Not one of the better known makes but I like it for that, although they seem to be getting quite a following.
Most of their watches are in you price range.
Happy hunting.
Regards, Phil.

[Harmitans]

Pesty, again I'm not keen. Rotating bezels and extra hands are something I will never use so don't see the point in them. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Phil, will look at Chris Ward definitely within budget.

[Pesty]

No worries I thought that was a bit more rolex expolrerish.

For that money my stock answer is Sinn 556

[PaulHogan]

Hamilton

[Laser Sag]

philip600 said:

Hi,
I'm no expert but have just bought a DBR01 COSC from Christopher Ward. It's a fantastic looking watch, not too large & the prices seems reasonable as well.
Not one of the better known makes but I like it for that, although they seem to be getting quite a following.
Most of their watches are in you price range.
Happy hunting.
Regards, Phil.

Would second Phils comments on Christopher Ward, something like a C20 with bracelet and a leather strap to swap between would possibly be an idea or a C60 on the all metal bracelet, one of the most comfortable watches I have.
Despite being mail order you do have the option of returning for a refund or to swap for a different model within 60 days of purchase.
As has been said buying used does open up a lot more options and if you see something you like then put a link to it on here and I am sure some of the knowledgeable posters will give you plenty of info and advice.
May also be an idea to go into a few of the better jewellers and have a try of some you like the look of and then investigate those on the used market.
Kev

[Mattt]

There happens to be a nice CW in the PH Classifieds too :cough:

[Hoofy]

Re CW, is a £500 CW worth £500?

Pesty said:

For that money my stock answer is Sinn 556

Agreed!

I mean +1/this/like/slashthread.

[LukeBird]

Pesty said:

For that money my stock answer is Sinn 556

+1

That was my first thought as well.
I keep meaning to buy one and never get around to it!

This is what one looks like OP-

[CardShark]

Hamilton is a good shout, this one's within range -

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/hamilton-khaki-navy-g...



The 556 is a great choice, up the budget and you have the Domasko DA36

http://www.timefactors.com/damasko.htm



Others to take a look at include Stowa, Meistersinger and Glycine, though you may have to stretch slightly above £700 for some of those.

[retrorider]

With some discount this should come within £700.Longines as per link.

http://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/product/longines-sport...

[CommanderJameson]

Tissot Visodate.

£350ish.

Drink the change.

You know it makes sense.

[aircooledforever]

Junghans Max Bill, e.g.

http://www.stewartswatches.co.uk/ViewProduct.aspx?...

I think that these look splendid, and represent great value. Certainly less well known or obvious than most. Classy looking and restrained, it seems to fit the, er, Bill perfectly!

[CommanderJameson]

I have both a Max Bill (chronoscope, although same size and overall design as the one above) and a Visodate. Both are elegant, readable, unusual watches.

[aircooledforever]

Man of taste, Commander.