Thinking about a watch
Discussion
Hi, well new to this part of the forum. Been left small sum of money by my departed grandmother. I wanted to get something to remind me of her and have decided on a watch. Very interested in Oris watches and have a budget of £1200 ish to get one. I live in Berkshire and would like to know of anywhere someone could recommend to look at them. Also, although not 100% sure an Oris is the way,until I see them, any other watches anyone could recommend? I dont want a divers style watch or a watch which weighs a ton on my wrist. Tags are too common ( 4 blokes in the office have them !!) So any ideas please?
With that sum being directed at a sentimental keepsake, I'd recommend you take you time before rushing to just buying the first thing you like the look of.
There are many brands as good or better than Oris, and pre-owned gets you more for the money, since they've taken the initial depreciation.
What type of watch are you looking for?
Diver's, chronograph, elegant/classy, etc?
There are many brands as good or better than Oris, and pre-owned gets you more for the money, since they've taken the initial depreciation.
What type of watch are you looking for?
Diver's, chronograph, elegant/classy, etc?
I am in no rush for a watch. I wanted a new one rather than a used one. It was to wear in the office, evenings out etc. I have a sports watch for doing chores, sports, gardening etc. I have spent the weekend looking at watch shops on line and I realise I need to see them in the metal to appreciate if it is for me. So open to any ideas to this and thoguht the Pistonheads collective may help in this advice. Money was due last week, so currently just in the browsing stage, although did think i may get a better deal in January etc.
So something with a leather strap and more elegant/dressy style than one with a whole host of useless complications?
The problem with buying new, you don't get as much for your money.
The problem with only buying after physical contact is you'll miss out on some brands no High Street presence, or being only viewable in a couple of locations around the entire country, aside from London obviously.
Even if you restricted yourself to safe brands only, there's no guarantee a local Goldsmiths or Ernest Jones will actually have the model you like, so you may be expected to order based off the catalogue.
Bear in mind pre-owned doesn't mean vintage – it could be something that's a couple of years old, and since discontinued, but could be the one you really like the look of the most. So don't be so keen to cut off your nose to spite your face, just yet.
Here's a few examples you won't see, bar one AD in London, and at much higher price!
https://www.chrono24.com/en/perrelet/mens-specialt... – that is a steal for that watch.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-perrelet-a1002... – the rear decoration is tremendous on these two, and this seller is a mod on another watch forum.
And this, you won't see in the UK or Europe at all – http://www.azfinetime.com/citizen-signature-grand-...
There's many more I could wax lyrical over, that IMO, are better value/nicer to look at than what every high street jeweller is flogging.
Don't get me wrong, Oris, Longines, Hamilton, etc all make nice watches, but they can be as boring as hell when seen enough times on a walk around most towns/cities.
The problem with buying new, you don't get as much for your money.
The problem with only buying after physical contact is you'll miss out on some brands no High Street presence, or being only viewable in a couple of locations around the entire country, aside from London obviously.
Even if you restricted yourself to safe brands only, there's no guarantee a local Goldsmiths or Ernest Jones will actually have the model you like, so you may be expected to order based off the catalogue.
Bear in mind pre-owned doesn't mean vintage – it could be something that's a couple of years old, and since discontinued, but could be the one you really like the look of the most. So don't be so keen to cut off your nose to spite your face, just yet.
Here's a few examples you won't see, bar one AD in London, and at much higher price!
https://www.chrono24.com/en/perrelet/mens-specialt... – that is a steal for that watch.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-perrelet-a1002... – the rear decoration is tremendous on these two, and this seller is a mod on another watch forum.
And this, you won't see in the UK or Europe at all – http://www.azfinetime.com/citizen-signature-grand-...
There's many more I could wax lyrical over, that IMO, are better value/nicer to look at than what every high street jeweller is flogging.
Don't get me wrong, Oris, Longines, Hamilton, etc all make nice watches, but they can be as boring as hell when seen enough times on a walk around most towns/cities.
PJ S said:
Here's a few examples you won't see, bar one AD in London, and at much higher price!
https://www.chrono24.com/en/perrelet/mens-specialt... – that is a steal for that watch.
That's a great price - but in the US so 20% import tax https://www.chrono24.com/en/perrelet/mens-specialt... – that is a steal for that watch.
Good find though!
if you want to go new at that price bracket then it might be worth looking at Nomos; great value and very nicely put together.
less obvious than some of the other brands mentioned and very good for the money. some are IWCish for a around a quarter of the price.
the Tag wearers won't understand though
less obvious than some of the other brands mentioned and very good for the money. some are IWCish for a around a quarter of the price.
the Tag wearers won't understand though
£1200 will buy you a very decent Longines watch. There will be plenty of choice at that price, you should be able to find something that appeals. I'd have a look at Goldsmiths website to get a feel for prices and styles and see if anything appeals.
It's worth having a look at them in the flesh, pictures don't do them justice.
They are excellent value from a Swiss brand with a bit of history and heritage.
It's worth having a look at them in the flesh, pictures don't do them justice.
They are excellent value from a Swiss brand with a bit of history and heritage.
Thanks for the replies. I could spend a hell of a lot more, but I have set my figure as a realistic sensible one in my eyes ( daughter at uni etc). I am not sold on second hand, although my work colleague has a Tag he bought from a dealer in London with all paperwork etc. I 'really' need to see them in the flesh, as such, although working this weekend, scuppers that, hence why i am currently looking online for ideas. Thanks for the recommendation on other brands, i will have a look later on tonight. I am off between Christmas and New Year, which allows me to go window shopping then.
Have to go with the second-hand devotees as well. I have a F1 Tag Heuer which I bought from new and a Breitling of the same age which I bought used. Nearly always wear my cheapy Tag and glad I didn't splash out on a new watch that will sit in the drawer most of the year, but occasionally wear it for bling occasions.
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