First nice watch

[Belle427]

Always fancied something but as I dont wear one daily thought it may be a bit of a waste.
Thinking of maybe taking a punt on something like this.
Only just started looking really but they make some lovely looking watches.
Are they a good company to deal with?
https://www.christopherward.com/watches/c60-triden...

[blue_haddock]

I've had that exact watch and sold it on not too long after getting it.

Christopher Ward build and finish are pretty good, often better than more expensive rivals BUT their customer service can often leave a lot to be desired and in the facebook watch groups many people have had issues with sticking rotors in these watches.

Dont get me wrong i loved the watch but the constant nagging of it potentially going wrong and then struggling to get it repaired meant i chose to sell it.

[vixen1700]

I have two Christopher Wards and they are nice watches and are good value. Neither feel 'special' to me though, which is something you would like in a first nice watch.

Have you looked at Stowa?

Great watches, excellent value and great customer service.

https://www.stowa.de/en/

A Flieger or Marine would make a good first watch.

[Belle427]

Thanks, some nice watches there.

[gregs656]

I've handled a few and a few friends have them and they are superbly made things.

They do have a factory store, might be worth a drive.

[ZesPak]

The CW is a good choice.
There's so much at that price point though, and if you don't wear it often, the CW might be a bit conservative?
Plenty of choice from Zodiac, Baltic, Zelos, Mido, Farer, Magrette, Marathon,... On the more conventional brands I'd say Tissot and Seiko at that price.

Wouldn't know where to start tbh.
I'd say half of the watches on this page is a good starting point:

https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/best-watche...

[Belle427]

ZesPak said:

The CW is a good choice.
There's so much at that price point though, and if you don't wear it often, the CW might be a bit conservative?
Plenty of choice from Zodiac, Baltic, Zelos, Mido, Farer, Magrette, Marathon,... On the more conventional brands I'd say Tissot and Seiko at that price.

Wouldn't know where to start tbh.
I'd say half of the watches on this page is a good starting point:

https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/best-watche...

Thanks, i like the Longines Conquest a lot from that link.

[ZesPak]

Longines is a great brand.
Definitely have a look at the Tissot Gentleman, very similar watch in that price point.

[Belle427]

ZesPak said:

Longines is a great brand.
Definitely have a look at the Tissot Gentleman, very similar watch in that price point.

Yes im a fan of the blue dial but think black looks better.
Not too bad price wise either.
https://www.houseofwatches.co.uk/tissot-mens-gentl...

[ZesPak]

Forgot to mention, the Tissot comes with quartz or automatic movement.

[SWoll]

Belle427 said:

Yes im a fan of the blue dial but think black looks better.
Not too bad price wise either.
https://www.houseofwatches.co.uk/tissot-mens-gentl...

The Longines Conquest will be a noticeable step up build wise in comparison to the Tissot, and the CW IME.

If you're looking to keep the price down then go for the VHP quartz movement in the Longines as can often find them on sale and if you aren't wearing it daily probably a better option for you than mechanical anyway.

At the minute the white faced model is £720-£895 at Goldsmiths dependent on strap or bracelet. A lot of watch for that price.



There's also a 3 month old example with everything included on eBay for £535

Edited by SWoll on Monday 16th October 18:26

[gregs656]

CW quality easily matches Longines IME. Their cases are really nice.

[Alex Z]

There’s a dedicated CW thread. I really like mine (have 5) and while they aren’t quite as good value as they were,the choice and quality has improved.

[r159]

Longines Conquests either VHP or automatic are excellent first nice watches (having got both a Hydroconquest automatic and a VHP GMT this year). Lots of choices in quartz or automatic, sizes, dial colours and strap/bracelet combinations.

Also Certina are well worth considering.

If you like a bigger watch, Victorinox Inox in auto or quartz is great too.

I’d pop into your local shopping centre or high street and have a look and try on a few I, was surprised how my views changed when they were on my wrist.

Edited by r159 on Monday 16th October 21:40

[Bob_Defly]

Personally I'd say an automatic CW as in OP's first post, is a much, much nicer watch than a quartz Longines. And I like Longines.

[Belle427]

I'd spec the CW like this.
We have a few stores in Cardiff so will take a look at other models when we go Christmas shopping!

[Louis Balfour]

gregs656 said:

CW quality easily matches Longines IME. Their cases are really nice.

Apart from the fact that Longines is a historic maker, whereas Christopher Ward isn't.

OP, take a look at the Tissot PRX. A lot of watch for the money. Like a better looking AP Royal Oak, well finished and with an accurate movement.

[ZesPak]

Louis Balfour said:

gregs656 said:

CW quality easily matches Longines IME. Their cases are really nice.

Apart from the fact that Longines is a historic maker, whereas Christopher Ward isn't.

You say that as if that undercuts his statement, which it really doesn't.

[TO73074E]

I'm a bit biased as I am a big fan of Seiko but they make some great watches. If you want to splash out a bit more they have the Grand Seiko line too.

The next watch I'm looking to buy is actually by an Italian company called Unimatic called the U1. Quite a simple design but I think it looks stunning.

[Lotobear]

If you like the 'tool watch' aesthetic Sinn are a great quality brand and 'interesting' as compared to the more mainstream offerings