£5k wedding watch

[tredd]

Hello,

I’m looking to purchase my first watch which I want to wear for my wedding day in April this year.

I have a budget of 5k +\- and have come to the conclusion that the Omega seamaster aqua terra 150m black is probably the right watch.

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Omega-Seamaster-Aqua-...

I really like the Rolex datejust with fluted bezel and also the Rolex explorer however I’m struggling to find them and also believe they are out of my budget too.

Being my first time I thought I would turn to the wealth of knowledge here on Pistonheads, to see if there was any other recommendations of watches, retailers or general advice!

Many thanks

[T6 vanman]

Omega is a great brand and you can't go wrong with that ..........

However

Zenith ??
https://www.chrono24.com/zenith/zenith-defy-classi...

Blancpain ??
https://www.chrono24.com/blancpain/blancpain-fifty...

[WhisperingWasp]

Being as this will be your first watch I don't think you can go far wrong with the AT. It is dressy enough for your wedding day and sporty enough to wear casually afterwards (maybe try and negotiate one of the rubber straps in the deal?).

I'm getting married in August next year and have decided my wedding watch should be a Cartier Santos but this is arguably bit more of an acquired taste.

Some other considerations for your budget from me would be:
- Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
- Omega Constellation Globemaster (*think* they are still current)
- Tudor Black Bay 58
- Breitling Navitimer 8
- Breitling Superocean 57

However I do think you've got this right first time!

All the best.

[tredd]

T6 vanman said:

Omega is a great brand and you can't go wrong with that ..........

However

Zenith ??
https://www.chrono24.com/zenith/zenith-defy-classi...

Blancpain ??
https://www.chrono24.com/blancpain/blancpain-fifty...

Thanks, they are a little too fancy for me however it’s interesting to see alternatives I hadn’t heard of!

[tredd]

WhisperingWasp said:

Being as this will be your first watch I don't think you can go far wrong with the AT. It is dressy enough for your wedding day and sporty enough to wear casually afterwards (maybe try and negotiate one of the rubber straps in the deal?).

I'm getting married in August next year and have decided my wedding watch should be a Cartier Santos but this is arguably bit more of an acquired taste.

Some other considerations for your budget from me would be:
- Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
- Omega Constellation Globemaster (*think* they are still current)
- Tudor Black Bay 58
- Breitling Navitimer 8
- Breitling Superocean 57

However I do think you've got this right first time!

All the best.

Thank you, great options and I think the Omega Constellation Globemaster is definitely an alternative so I shall be taking a look into that one too!

[AJB88]

I'd take an Omega Speedmaster or Tudor Chrono (Panda)

[WhisperingWasp]

tredd said:

Thank you, great options and I think the Omega Constellation Globemaster is definitely an alternative so I shall be taking a look into that one too!

I tried one on a few years ago when it was in the sale at £3,900. Still regret not buying it!

On my 7” wrist for reference:

[EX51GE R]

A cartier Santos.

[minipower]

I’ve been really impressed with my Aqua Terra and would highly recommend it. I bought it as a tough everyday watch. It shows minimal wear despite using it when messing about with power/sailing boats and diving amongst other things.

I had an initial problem with it losing time but the warranty covered it and I’ve had no problems since.

[BrokenSkunk]

Easy.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/ddornbluethsohn/992-wer...

[Gary C]

tredd said:

Hello,

I’m looking to purchase my first watch which I want to wear for my wedding day in April this year.

I have a budget of 5k +\- and have come to the conclusion that the Omega seamaster aqua terra 150m black is probably the right watch.

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Omega-Seamaster-Aqua-...


Many thanks

I have one of those with a dark blue face and its nice. Comfortable and the case isn't stupidly large.

Strap is good, and the clasp is secure and has never come undone.

Face hasn't shown a single scratch (but I do try to remember to take it off when working on the car)

Go for it.

[Deckert]

Aquaterra would get my vote

[Mr Pointy]

The Dornblüth would be a much more special watch.

[richthebike]

tredd said:

Hello,

I’m looking to purchase my first watch which I want to wear for my wedding day in April this year.

I have a budget of 5k +\- and have come to the conclusion that the Omega seamaster aqua terra 150m black is probably the right watch.

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Omega-Seamaster-Aqua-...

I really like the Rolex datejust with fluted bezel and also the Rolex explorer however I’m struggling to find them and also believe they are out of my budget too.

Being my first time I thought I would turn to the wealth of knowledge here on Pistonheads, to see if there was any other recommendations of watches, retailers or general advice!

Many thanks

If you go to a friendly Rolex dealer, ask for an Explorer and tell them you're after it as a wedding watch for April then it'll probably show up.

The 36mm isn't as popular as other 'sports' watches and they're available with a little wait. I got one a few weeks ago.

Obviously the dealers are inundated with requests and people acting like total trumpets towards them, but in my experience if you're friendly, decent, polite and tell them what you're after then something like an Explorer will show up.

Definitely worth asking.

[Maxym]

Mr Pointy said:

The Dornblüth would be a much more special watch.

Agreed.

[Murph7355]

tredd said:

T6 vanman said:

Omega is a great brand and you can't go wrong with that ..........

However

Zenith ??
https://www.chrono24.com/zenith/zenith-defy-classi...

Blancpain ??
https://www.chrono24.com/blancpain/blancpain-fifty...

Thanks, they are a little too fancy for me however it’s interesting to see alternatives I hadn’t heard of!

Depends what you want for a watch...all 3 brands above are good. My take:

- Zenith : technically "superior" in terms of movement and execution (older Rolexes - and not that much older - used their movements). So more "special" from that perspective. Different models offer different styles, but lately they've gone a bit too "fussy" IMO. Used you have more choice....e.g.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/zenith/elite-ultra-thin...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/zenith/zenith-el-prime-...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/zenith/zenith-el-primer...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/zenith/el-primero-chron...

- Blancpain : much better made than either of the other two and hence feel like a higher quality watch (and so they should as original prices are higher).

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/blancpain/leman-flyback...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/blancpain/villeret-ultr...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/blancpain/leman-slim-au...


If you haven't seen these watches in the metal before, I would strongly recommend trying to (the dealers in Bond St in London will have all of them I think).

Omega make lovely watches (got my wife one for our wedding day)...but for a watch for yourself for a special occasion, I'd be inclined to look for something with that bit extra

(A Rolex would also fit that bill...albeit perhaps a bit "obvious" ).

[tertius]

BrokenSkunk said:

Easy.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/ddornbluethsohn/992-wer...

Dornbluth would be my choice as well, certainly (IMHO) far more special than the Omega, but I don’t think it’s really an every day wearer, so I think less versatile than an AT.

Also I’d really want the engraved silver so would have to be a new one and thus take too long!

[troc]

Are you looking for a dressy watch for weddings and things specifically, in which case the Dornbluth is a great shout in this price range or a cartier Santos, if you want a smart sportier watch for daily use which you will also (or first) wear on your wedding, then I’d be looking at either the Omega AT you suggested with a rubber strap for daily use (honeymoon….) or a Tudor black bay (again with rubber strap as well as bracelet). You could also consider something like the Omega speedmaster or breitling navitimer as watches which can do smart and casual.

Or IWC pilots watch. Also perfectly capable as a smart wedding piece but awesome daily.

[TC7]

I used our wedding day last September as a reason to buy my first proper watch as well, after all the mrs got her diamond rings for the big day.

Id always wanted a Planet Ocean so went to Goldsmiths Omega AD to try one as id never set foot in the door of a retailer knowing i didn't have the money set aside for one before.

After trying a few versions and looking at different bracelet options i went for this Omega Diver 300m Sedna gold version as it felt a bit more unique.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-sea...

Over your budget slightly and iv noticed its price has increased by £350 since i bought it, however Goldsmiths offer 0% so budgets could always be stretched a bit

Being able to walk into an AD to pick one out and buy it there and then and being treated brilliantly by the staff for what they understood was a big purchase for a special occasion and a lot of my savings made the experience as good as it could be. No searching around and having to prove you deserved the chance to buy one like the Rolex models.
Saving up for a Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon now, just need to come up with an excuse for it so the wife doesn't expect more diamonds

[PeteinSQ]

There are endless watches to choose from. I have one of these which is under budget and I think pretty fab

https://www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/sinn-6099-f...