(Another) which watch thread - budget ~£1500

[Schiehallion]

I'm relatively new to this section of PH (and as you'll see from my post count, posting in general) but I recognise the vast knowledge of posters here, which I was hoping to tap into please.

I've been left some money by a relative and would like to buy a watch with it. I'd really like something with a NATO / fabric strap (I don't have one) and my first thought was an older Speedmaster, or perhaps an Oris - but I'd like to consider some watches I've no doubt I'm simply not aware of. My dream watch is a Submariner with NATO strap, so half of me wants to try and get something similar. My daily wear is a Seamaster and I also occasionally wear a Tag Kirium and a Longines Flagship - so plenty of shiny metal already in the drawer.

This purchase doesn't have to be new and there's scope for a bit of budget flex. Would really appreciate some suggestions from the more knowledgeable please.

Thanks in advance,

~S

[anonymous-user]

Schiehallion said:

I'm relatively new to this section of PH (and as you'll see from my post count, posting in general) but I recognise the vast knowledge of posters here, which I was hoping to tap into please.

I've been left some money by a relative and would like to buy a watch with it. I'd really like something with a NATO / fabric strap (I don't have one) and my first thought was an older Speedmaster, or perhaps an Oris - but I'd like to consider some watches I've no doubt I'm simply not aware of. My dream watch is a Submariner with NATO strap, so half of me wants to try and get something similar. My daily wear is a Seamaster and I also occasionally wear a Tag Kirium and a Longines Flagship - so plenty of shiny metal already in the drawer.

This purchase doesn't have to be new and there's scope for a bit of budget flex. Would really appreciate some suggestions from the more knowledgeable please.

Thanks in advance,

~S

For 1.5k you could pick up a nice Speedmaster Reduced however I used to have one and found it a bit small tbh! The Speedmaster Professionals are closer to 3k.

With your kind of budget I'd probably look at a Tag Carrera (I've got one in my collection). They've hit the bottom of their depreciation used so if you need to sell in the future you should get your money back. For example - https://www.chrono24.co.uk/tagheuer/carrera-chrono...

Edited to add - they look great on a black sports leather strap.

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 9th February 20:24

[nikaiyo2]

Tudor Blackbay?

[Schiehallion]

ruprechtmonkeyboy said:

For 1.5k you could pick up a nice Speedmaster Reduced however I used to have one and found it a bit small tbh! The Speedmaster Professionals are closer to 3k.

With your kind of budget I'd probably look at a Tag Carrera (I've got one in my collection). They've hit the bottom of their depreciation used so if you need to sell in the future you should get your money back. For example - https://www.chrono24.co.uk/tagheuer/carrera-chrono...

Edited to add - they look great on a black sports leather strap.

Edited by ruprechtmonkeyboy on Friday 9th February 20:24

I hadn't looked at any Tags, but do actually like that. Am off to look at pics with various straps.

nikaiyo2 said:

Tudor Blackbay?

I've been reading this / similar forums a lot today and saw these discussed a lot, but I don't love them. I feel like I'm a bad person for saying that!

Edited by Schiehallion on Friday 9th February 21:08

[andy tims]

You will struggle to get a good vintage Speedy for £1,500

Spend some time on Chrono24 and Watchfinder to get some inspiration.

[Dicky Knee]

A bit over £1500 but I'd be looking at a Breitling Superocean Heritage second hand.

[Schiehallion]

Dicky Knee said:

A bit over £1500 but I'd be looking at a Breitling Superocean Heritage second hand.

My wife gave the thumbs up on one of these a few minutes ago, having screwed her face up at every other watch I've shown her.

Leading contender so far

[Lorne]

Schiehallion said:

Dicky Knee said:

A bit over £1500 but I'd be looking at a Breitling Superocean Heritage second hand.

My wife gave the thumbs up on one of these a few minutes ago, having screwed her face up at every other watch I've shown her.

Leading contender so far

[Schiehallion]

Lorne said:

Do you know if it's possible to have a different face colour on that?

ETA - I've just been reading about these and see you make them. Very nice indeed!

Edited by Schiehallion on Saturday 10th February 15:09

[Lorne]

Schiehallion said:

Lorne said:

Do you know if it's possible to have a different face colour on that?

ETA - I've just been reading about these and see you make them. Very nice indeed!

Edited by Schiehallion on Saturday 10th February 15:09

It doesn't look good with a dark face, so just the as-is colours. You can though, have a rather good metal bracelet as that comes included, or for a little more a strap custom made from the leg of an ostrich, teju lizard or a variety of other exotic (but not endangered, banned or unethically sourced) skins. The new straps will be made in Germany by John at dangerous9straps.

I used to bump into the odd gekko or crocodile (or it could be alligator, I didn't hang around to ask), but peeling them always represented a bit of an issue...

[Schiehallion]

By way of update / conclusion, I've settled on a Speedmaster Reduced. Ticks the most boxes but leaves my mid-term desire for the Sub intact.

Appreciate all the input.

Cheers
~S

[anonymous-user]

Schiehallion said:

By way of update / conclusion, I've settled on a Speedmaster Reduced. Ticks the most boxes but leaves my mid-term desire for the Sub intact.

Appreciate all the input.

Cheers
~S

Just make sure you see one/try it on before buying (I didn't!). They do wear pretty small for a man's watch.

[sandman77]

ruprechtmonkeyboy said:

Just make sure you see one/try it on before buying (I didn't!). They do wear pretty small for a man's watch.

I disagree. Unless you are used to 42mm+ dive watches or have unusually large wrists the reduced will probably be fine. I wear mine in rotation with a 41mm diver and have a 7” wrist and have never thought it too small.
I think it is the perfect watch for wearing with a long sleeved shirt.

[sandman77]

[Schiehallion]

sandman77 said:

ruprechtmonkeyboy said:

Just make sure you see one/try it on before buying (I didn't!). They do wear pretty small for a man's watch.

I disagree. Unless you are used to 42mm+ dive watches or have unusually large wrists the reduced will probably be fine. I wear mine in rotation with a 41mm diver and have a 7” wrist and have never thought it too small.
I think it is the perfect watch for wearing with a long sleeved shirt.

I'll bear the point in mind as it's a frequent comment.

I've generally been more worried about a watch looking too big but I guess I'll see how it feels / looks when I try it on.

[sandman77]

Schiehallion said:

I'll bear the point in mind as it's a frequent comment.

I've generally been more worried about a watch looking too big but I guess I'll see how it feels / looks when I try it on.

The good thing is these watches probably won’t depreciate any further so you are unlikely to loose much money if it isn’t for you.

[Schiehallion]

But... in the event I find myself thinking the Reduced is too small and I want the Pro... are any sellers particularly recommended? I see Hackett has a very good reputation but I see a few (seemingly reputable) places offering c. 15% discount. Anything to be wary of?

[catso]

Schiehallion said:

But... in the event I find myself thinking the Reduced is too small and I want the Pro... are any sellers particularly recommended? I see Hackett has a very good reputation but I see a few (seemingly reputable) places offering c. 15% discount. Anything to be wary of?

Take a look on Hackett Watches website; new Speedy Pro in stock at that sort of price.

I'm very tempted myself...

[sandman77]

catso said:

Take a look on Hackett Watches website; new Speedy Pro in stock at that sort of price.

I'm very tempted myself...

https://www.hackettwatches.com/hw/items/JWEBA48NDJ

That is a good price. Makes you wonder how all the sellers on ebay think they can get £2800 for a used one. Also I wonder if anyone walks in to an AD ad pays the RRP of £3520?

I just bought a used one for £2400. It should be with me tomorrow.

[anonymous-user]

sandman77 said:

The good thing is these watches probably won’t depreciate any further so you are unlikely to loose much money if it isn’t for you.

Good point. I managed to sell my Reduced for £100 more than I paid and I only had it for a few months.