First decent watch
Discussion
I'm nearing a significant birthday and I've decided to treat myself to a nice watch. Ideally I'd like a Rolex Submariner but the current situation and second hand prices push one way outside of my budget.
I'm now tempted by a Tudor Black Bay 58. The price seems good for a good quality mechanism and I really like the look of it. I'd almost certainly wear it on a NATO or a leather strap but I've seen on here people recommending to get the steel bracelet with it and change to the NATO as the steel would be much more expensive to buy on its own later. Is this correct? How easy is it to change the steel for a NATO or leather strap if I wanted to change things around? Finally, are there any reasons to not go for this watch? I'm very much a novice so have no idea about potential pitfalls.
I'm now tempted by a Tudor Black Bay 58. The price seems good for a good quality mechanism and I really like the look of it. I'd almost certainly wear it on a NATO or a leather strap but I've seen on here people recommending to get the steel bracelet with it and change to the NATO as the steel would be much more expensive to buy on its own later. Is this correct? How easy is it to change the steel for a NATO or leather strap if I wanted to change things around? Finally, are there any reasons to not go for this watch? I'm very much a novice so have no idea about potential pitfalls.
In all honesty, both great watches, but paying thousands for a watch (which is obviously a big investment) that isn't really the watch you want would gnaw at me.
It's the same for example with a Porsche boxster, great sports cars in their own right and by all means get one if you want one, but I wouldn't be happy getting one and explaining it "I wanted a 911 but I couldn't afford one".
I'd get a nice "beater" watch, plenty sub 1k until I could afford what I was after in the first place.
Just my 2 cents.
It's the same for example with a Porsche boxster, great sports cars in their own right and by all means get one if you want one, but I wouldn't be happy getting one and explaining it "I wanted a 911 but I couldn't afford one".
I'd get a nice "beater" watch, plenty sub 1k until I could afford what I was after in the first place.
Just my 2 cents.
sebdangerfield said:
I'm nearing a significant birthday and I've decided to treat myself to a nice watch. Ideally I'd like a Rolex Submariner but the current situation and second hand prices push one way outside of my budget.
I'm now tempted by a Tudor Black Bay 58. The price seems good for a good quality mechanism and I really like the look of it. I'd almost certainly wear it on a NATO or a leather strap but I've seen on here people recommending to get the steel bracelet with it and change to the NATO as the steel would be much more expensive to buy on its own later. Is this correct? How easy is it to change the steel for a NATO or leather strap if I wanted to change things around? Finally, are there any reasons to not go for this watch? I'm very much a novice so have no idea about potential pitfalls.
Firstly, the Tudor is a great watch and a nice way to get into your first good piece. I have some nice watches but I'm looking at a black bay 58 myself. The watch has history and you get a lot of bang for your buck with it. I'm now tempted by a Tudor Black Bay 58. The price seems good for a good quality mechanism and I really like the look of it. I'd almost certainly wear it on a NATO or a leather strap but I've seen on here people recommending to get the steel bracelet with it and change to the NATO as the steel would be much more expensive to buy on its own later. Is this correct? How easy is it to change the steel for a NATO or leather strap if I wanted to change things around? Finally, are there any reasons to not go for this watch? I'm very much a novice so have no idea about potential pitfalls.
It is recommended to get it on the bracelet and you can always change it for a strap. I always pay a bit more for a watch with a bracelet and tend to stick a strap on them rather than paying a bit less and getting it on a strap from the start. You pay a fortune for original bracelets if you want to sell it or change the look up.
The one and only reason I can think of to not get the watch is if you really want the sub. I say that because it's advised to keep saving until you can afford the watch you REALLY want. That way you won't look at your Tudor and get envious when you bump into someone wearing a sub. I say this as a 540i owner who was stuck in traffic next to an M5
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the BB58. It's held in high regard and you need to ignore the "it's just a budget Rolex" bravado that sometimes comes from Rolex owners.
Much appreciated and really good points. I've probably oversold the amount of desire I have for a Submariner; I was just explaining my journey to get to the decision to go for a Tudor. I'd seen a Submariner and liked it then saw the difficulty in getting one and saw a Tudor Black Bay and really liked it. It's highly unlikely I'll ever be able to afford a Submariner and being entirely honest, even if I could, I'd not spend that sort of money on one, especially as I'd have to buy at many multiples of retail value as a dealer wouldn't sell me one. I'm set on a Tudor and like the fact it's a bit less well known which would suit my style better.
I already have a Mondaine which I really love and a couple of other watches with quartz movement but I'm set on something with an automatic movement. Is there definitely a case for buying one on the bracelet and is it normal for me to ask the dealer for a NATO strap to be included with the Steel bracelet?
I already have a Mondaine which I really love and a couple of other watches with quartz movement but I'm set on something with an automatic movement. Is there definitely a case for buying one on the bracelet and is it normal for me to ask the dealer for a NATO strap to be included with the Steel bracelet?
toon10 said:
Firstly, the Tudor is a great watch and a nice way to get into your first good piece. I have some nice watches but I'm looking at a black bay 58 myself. The watch has history and you get a lot of bang for your buck with it.
It is recommended to get it on the bracelet and you can always change it for a strap. I always pay a bit more for a watch with a bracelet and tend to stick a strap on them rather than paying a bit less and getting it on a strap from the start. You pay a fortune for original bracelets if you want to sell it or change the look up.
The one and only reason I can think of to not get the watch is if you really want the sub. I say that because it's advised to keep saving until you can afford the watch you REALLY want. That way you won't look at your Tudor and get envious when you bump into someone wearing a sub. I say this as a 540i owner who was stuck in traffic next to an M5
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the BB58. It's held in high regard and you need to ignore the "it's just a budget Rolex" bravado that sometimes comes from Rolex owners.
Thanks, for the advice. I'm probably the reason Tudor would get branded as a budget Rolex! My budget would be up to around £6000 so I'd be pretty far away from a Submariner. I really like the styling of the BB58 and i'd certainly not feel like I'd bought the wrong thing. I do still have my options open though so I'm going to continue looking at other watches. It is recommended to get it on the bracelet and you can always change it for a strap. I always pay a bit more for a watch with a bracelet and tend to stick a strap on them rather than paying a bit less and getting it on a strap from the start. You pay a fortune for original bracelets if you want to sell it or change the look up.
The one and only reason I can think of to not get the watch is if you really want the sub. I say that because it's advised to keep saving until you can afford the watch you REALLY want. That way you won't look at your Tudor and get envious when you bump into someone wearing a sub. I say this as a 540i owner who was stuck in traffic next to an M5
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the BB58. It's held in high regard and you need to ignore the "it's just a budget Rolex" bravado that sometimes comes from Rolex owners.
I wanted a no-date sub in 2017 but settled on a Tudor BB due to money. Fast forward 6 months and i sold the Tudor and went for a Sub as thats what i actually wanted. Wore it a few years everyday and then decided i missed my Tudor so went for a BB58 which i now wear daily and keep the sub for special. full circle basically.
The BB58 is great on a Vanguard strap, leather strap or bracelet but buy it on the bracelet for sure.
The BB58 is great on a Vanguard strap, leather strap or bracelet but buy it on the bracelet for sure.
I bought a BB58 blue the other weekend I got it on the leather/ suede strap as that is the one i'd been "lusting" after for ages. I really like it, i'm surprised by how light it is!
I probably should have bought the bracelet, but I don't intend selling (i struggle to sell anything!) some (like above) will say I did wrong but I got what I wanted.
I probably should have bought the bracelet, but I don't intend selling (i struggle to sell anything!) some (like above) will say I did wrong but I got what I wanted.
I'd get a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscape instead. Lovely watch and different enough to a sub that you won't have to sell it when you inevitably buy the Rolex in the future haha.
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/blancpain/blancpain-fif...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/blancpain/blancpain-fif...
sebdangerfield said:
I'm nearing a significant birthday and I've decided to treat myself to a nice watch. Ideally I'd like a Rolex Submariner but the current situation and second hand prices push one way outside of my budget.
I'm now tempted by a Tudor Black Bay 58. The price seems good for a good quality mechanism and I really like the look of it. I'd almost certainly wear it on a NATO or a leather strap but I've seen on here people recommending to get the steel bracelet with it and change to the NATO as the steel would be much more expensive to buy on its own later. Is this correct? How easy is it to change the steel for a NATO or leather strap if I wanted to change things around? Finally, are there any reasons to not go for this watch? I'm very much a novice so have no idea about potential pitfalls.
What is the price of a (new?) Tudor?I'm now tempted by a Tudor Black Bay 58. The price seems good for a good quality mechanism and I really like the look of it. I'd almost certainly wear it on a NATO or a leather strap but I've seen on here people recommending to get the steel bracelet with it and change to the NATO as the steel would be much more expensive to buy on its own later. Is this correct? How easy is it to change the steel for a NATO or leather strap if I wanted to change things around? Finally, are there any reasons to not go for this watch? I'm very much a novice so have no idea about potential pitfalls.
Oilleak said:
What is the price of a (new?) Tudor?
£2760https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/watches/black-bay-fi...
BB58 is a very good shout, you’re getting a lot of watch for your money. The 50 Fathoms recommendation is good too if you want to push your budget a bit. Omega Seamaster would also be worth considering.
Best thing to do is have a nobby round a few retailers with a shortlist and try a few on for size. Hopefully one watch will just really appeal. But for the money I don’t think you can beat a Black Bay
Best thing to do is have a nobby round a few retailers with a shortlist and try a few on for size. Hopefully one watch will just really appeal. But for the money I don’t think you can beat a Black Bay
dimots said:
I'd get a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscape instead. Lovely watch and different enough to a sub that you won't have to sell it when you inevitably buy the Rolex in the future haha.
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/blancpain/blancpain-fif...
Stop telling me I want the one I can’t afford! Ah shttps://www.chrono24.co.uk/blancpain/blancpain-fif...
t, I do want the one I can’t afford 
bugger! Now that Blanpain is lovely. I really like that and hadn’t seen one. Thankyou.
funinhounslow said:
BB58 is a very good shout, you’re getting a lot of watch for your money. The 50 Fathoms recommendation is good too if you want to push your budget a bit. Omega Seamaster would also be worth considering.
Best thing to do is have a nobby round a few retailers with a shortlist and try a few on for size. Hopefully one watch will just really appeal. But for the money I don’t think you can beat a Black Bay
Oh yes, I like that too. Best thing to do is have a nobby round a few retailers with a shortlist and try a few on for size. Hopefully one watch will just really appeal. But for the money I don’t think you can beat a Black Bay
I think that’s the plan. I’ll develop a shortlist and try some on. I have quite strangely thick wrists and fingers so I have the ability to make some rings and watches look like total garbage so trying them on is a definite.
Hopefully I’ll not be going in blind with the advice on here. Much appreciated everyone.
The Submariner virus. The watch has been around for so many decades; it reminds me of 1990s fashion (think Polo Ralph Lauren shirts with Timberland boots), there is so much interesting stuff as viable alternatives....but it is the 911 syndrome, probably.
A halfway decent 5 or 6 digit ref will set you back 3x as much. Buy the Tudor, it is a good watch, and not your last. Or look at Omega's dive watches range, some nice stuff in there (the one with black rubber strap and red detail on face).
Or: buy one on tick, and don't tell anybody. Scratch that itch. But it is a farily common watch, they went for "your" Tudor's money and to me they are not worth more than that.
A halfway decent 5 or 6 digit ref will set you back 3x as much. Buy the Tudor, it is a good watch, and not your last. Or look at Omega's dive watches range, some nice stuff in there (the one with black rubber strap and red detail on face).
Or: buy one on tick, and don't tell anybody. Scratch that itch. But it is a farily common watch, they went for "your" Tudor's money and to me they are not worth more than that.
Oilleak said:
The Submariner virus. The watch has been around for so many decades; it reminds me of 1990s fashion (think Polo Ralph Lauren shirts with Timberland boots), there is so much interesting stuff as viable alternatives....but it is the 911 syndrome, probably.
A halfway decent 5 or 6 digit ref will set you back 3x as much. Buy the Tudor, it is a good watch, and not your last. Or look at Omega's dive watches range, some nice stuff in there (the one with black rubber strap and red detail on face).
Or: buy one on tick, and don't tell anybody. Scratch that itch. But it is a farily common watch, they went for "your" Tudor's money and to me they are not worth more than that.
Makes sense and thanks. I'm comfortable with having something that's not as highly regarded or not as expensive as I'll appreciate whatever I get for the values I put into it. For example I like the engineering in the movement and I prefer understated to ostentatious. As long as I find a watch that suits me and what values I appreciate I'll be really happy. The Tudor BB is definitely on the list. as is the fifty fathoms. Is the watch you recommended this one?A halfway decent 5 or 6 digit ref will set you back 3x as much. Buy the Tudor, it is a good watch, and not your last. Or look at Omega's dive watches range, some nice stuff in there (the one with black rubber strap and red detail on face).
Or: buy one on tick, and don't tell anybody. Scratch that itch. But it is a farily common watch, they went for "your" Tudor's money and to me they are not worth more than that.
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-sea...
It's probably a bit too busy for me.
What does 'a halfway decent 5 or 6 digit ref' mean in your post?
sebdangerfield said:
What does 'a halfway decent 5 or 6 digit ref' mean in your post?
Sorry - I will explain. Rolex watches have model numbers, in the 1990s they had five digits (they are now seen as "neo-vintage") and later watches had/have six digit model numbers.A "Ref. 14060" (try googling it) was the entry level model in the 1990.s
A "Ref. 126610LN" is a current model, with many details changed (which can or cannot mean "improved", depending on taste).
Etc.
Oilleak said:
Sorry - I will explain. Rolex watches have model numbers, in the 1990s they had five digits (they are now seen as "neo-vintage") and later watches had/have six digit model numbers.
A "Ref. 14060" (try googling it) was the entry level model in the 1990.s
A "Ref. 126610LN" is a current model, with many details changed (which can or cannot mean "improved", depending on taste).
Etc.
Thankyou very much, understood. So an entry level Submariner in the 1990s would have been the same cost as a the Tudor I like now? But is now, after a quick google, £8000 plus? As I say, I can't afford that and not sure I'd want to if I could but I do like the style. I think I prefer the style of the BB58 though.A "Ref. 14060" (try googling it) was the entry level model in the 1990.s
A "Ref. 126610LN" is a current model, with many details changed (which can or cannot mean "improved", depending on taste).
Etc.
Re the free nato, it isn't an unreasonable request, but you might not get a choice more likely something the shop has in the back they got off a rep. I was given a lovely olive green Nato that didn't suit the watch I was buying but went beautifully on another watch.
Again, get it on the bracelet, if you end up really never using it you'll get a couple of hundred quid for it at least I think.
Work out 15% off and offer them that first. If you buy from Beaverbrooks you should get 10% off at least.
I don't know about the Sub, but it's a hell of a lot of money to spend on your first "good" watch. I think of all the other interesting watches I could buy with the money. BB is a really nice watch, I'm not knocking mondaine, I own one, but it really is a different world
Again, get it on the bracelet, if you end up really never using it you'll get a couple of hundred quid for it at least I think.
Work out 15% off and offer them that first. If you buy from Beaverbrooks you should get 10% off at least.
I don't know about the Sub, but it's a hell of a lot of money to spend on your first "good" watch. I think of all the other interesting watches I could buy with the money. BB is a really nice watch, I'm not knocking mondaine, I own one, but it really is a different world
Macneil said:
Re the free nato, it isn't an unreasonable request, but you might not get a choice more likely something the shop has in the back they got off a rep. I was given a lovely olive green Nato that didn't suit the watch I was buying but went beautifully on another watch.
Again, get it on the bracelet, if you end up really never using it you'll get a couple of hundred quid for it at least I think.
Work out 15% off and offer them that first. If you buy from Beaverbrooks you should get 10% off at least.
I don't know about the Sub, but it's a hell of a lot of money to spend on your first "good" watch. I think of all the other interesting watches I could buy with the money. BB is a really nice watch, I'm not knocking mondaine, I own one, but it really is a different world
Interesting Thankyou. I’d probably poorly written the OP but my intention wasn’t to get a free NATO but to ask if the dealer would have this stuff in stock to supply along with a bracelet. I wasn’t sure if they’d be sold separately or with a watch and not available for me to buy a watch with a bracelet and NATO. I’d not thought about a discount but that’s interesting too Thankyou. I’m really fond of my Mondaine, I go to Austria quite a lot to ski and it reminds me of the trains there. Again, get it on the bracelet, if you end up really never using it you'll get a couple of hundred quid for it at least I think.
Work out 15% off and offer them that first. If you buy from Beaverbrooks you should get 10% off at least.
I don't know about the Sub, but it's a hell of a lot of money to spend on your first "good" watch. I think of all the other interesting watches I could buy with the money. BB is a really nice watch, I'm not knocking mondaine, I own one, but it really is a different world
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