"My First Automatic"
Discussion
So, mate works for a jewellery store in the Caymans, and has promised me a nice watch as a wedding present. He bought my mate a TW Steel, but it looks like something Flava Flav would wear around his neck.
I've asked for something automatic (only recently made the jump from a Casio to a couple of Seikos and a Citizen) and I think he has some stuff in mind, but from brands I've never heard of. What is a good entry level automatic to aim for? I'd like something that's well respected in the world of watches, but not necessarily a brand name that the t
ts at work will recognise. One was flashing his Seamaster in my face the other day - "it's what James Bond wears you know". As if that's a reason to buy something. He also wears tuxedos to every party he goes to and can't outrun an Alfa saloon in a supercar.
So, advice please. It'll be for "special everyday" if that makes sense. Don't want a dress watch (already have a nice Raymond Weil for that) and my current everyday is a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph, Casio G-Shock for sports.
Cheers,
The Moose
I've asked for something automatic (only recently made the jump from a Casio to a couple of Seikos and a Citizen) and I think he has some stuff in mind, but from brands I've never heard of. What is a good entry level automatic to aim for? I'd like something that's well respected in the world of watches, but not necessarily a brand name that the t
ts at work will recognise. One was flashing his Seamaster in my face the other day - "it's what James Bond wears you know". As if that's a reason to buy something. He also wears tuxedos to every party he goes to and can't outrun an Alfa saloon in a supercar.So, advice please. It'll be for "special everyday" if that makes sense. Don't want a dress watch (already have a nice Raymond Weil for that) and my current everyday is a Citizen Eco-Drive chronograph, Casio G-Shock for sports.
Cheers,
The Moose
Edited by HereBeMonsters on Wednesday 24th June 19:27
Some that I like, in ascending spendiness....
Seiko Monster. Default is 'orange monster' but there are other colours available. It's the default PH watch, much as the MX5 is the default PH car. Much more comfortable on the wrist then its bulk would lead you to expect.
Longines Hydro Conquest (non chrono). S/steel with navy or black face. I've tried it on and really like it. If it hadn't been for a recent bout of acquisition - Monster, Seiko 5, Somethingfor the weekend from Werner's - I would prolly have bought one by now. Quite classy (IMO) and nicely non-obvious.
Omega Speedmaster. Classic sporty chrono. I think there are different versions...somebody will be along in a minute to explain more.
Breitling Superocean. I looked at this a year ago. At the time it was more than I was prepared to spend on a watch, but I really liked it.
Seiko Monster. Default is 'orange monster' but there are other colours available. It's the default PH watch, much as the MX5 is the default PH car. Much more comfortable on the wrist then its bulk would lead you to expect.
Longines Hydro Conquest (non chrono). S/steel with navy or black face. I've tried it on and really like it. If it hadn't been for a recent bout of acquisition - Monster, Seiko 5, Something
Omega Speedmaster. Classic sporty chrono. I think there are different versions...somebody will be along in a minute to explain more.
Breitling Superocean. I looked at this a year ago. At the time it was more than I was prepared to spend on a watch, but I really liked it.
Why the non-chrono? I've always been a fan of chronographs - I like me gadgets. Reason I bought the Citizen when I had a perfectly good Seiko (well that and the Eco Drive). I think my dream watch would be one of those Breitling Skyracers...
I do like the Longines though, are there any Breitlings around that price range? I think sub £500 rrp would be the most he'd be willing to spend, though he does owe me for a lot of mates rate flights and computer consultancy...
Are Tag Heuer any good, or just a poser's brand? I've been warned off Rolex for this reason.
I do like the Longines though, are there any Breitlings around that price range? I think sub £500 rrp would be the most he'd be willing to spend, though he does owe me for a lot of mates rate flights and computer consultancy...
Are Tag Heuer any good, or just a poser's brand? I've been warned off Rolex for this reason.
Rolex are way out of the price range you are talking!
When I was contemplating the Breitling last year I was also interested in the TAG Heuer Carrera (auto chrono) and Omega Oceanmaster. To me there seemed to be a large step up in "feel" from the TAG to the other two, but not much of a step up in terms of budget (if any).
Not slagging the TAG Heuer but it just did not float my boat like the other two did, and I had really liked the look of it.
Non chrono because I have a Seiko chrono that Mrs Bikemonster gave me as an engagement prezzie towards the end of the field trials. That and the chrono version of the Hydro Conquest look a little fussy to me.
Pretty much any watch brand will have people who don't like it for what they feel it represents; choose only for yourself and you won't go too far wrong.
James
When I was contemplating the Breitling last year I was also interested in the TAG Heuer Carrera (auto chrono) and Omega Oceanmaster. To me there seemed to be a large step up in "feel" from the TAG to the other two, but not much of a step up in terms of budget (if any).
Not slagging the TAG Heuer but it just did not float my boat like the other two did, and I had really liked the look of it.
Non chrono because I have a Seiko chrono that Mrs Bikemonster gave me as an engagement prezzie towards the end of the field trials. That and the chrono version of the Hydro Conquest look a little fussy to me.
Pretty much any watch brand will have people who don't like it for what they feel it represents; choose only for yourself and you won't go too far wrong.
James
bikemonster said:
Rolex are way out of the price range you are talking!
Well yes, mate told me that if they spent half as much on engineering and innovation as do on marketing then they'd probably justify their prices against the competition. I do not want, and have never aspired to, a Rolex. Just wondered if Tag were in the same vein.I will drop hints about the Longines I think. Looks ace in both chrono and non-chrono I think. TBH as long as he doesn't get me a wall clock with a strap (as per my mate's watch - it looks properly comedy on him) I'll be happy. "Everyone's wearing bigger watches now. It's the fashion." He says. "Your size watch would be a ladies' size.."
Here are a couple of suggestions -
Omega Seamaster 2254.50 - these are now discontinued, but there are a few still in AD's dotted around the country. Regarded by the majority of people who know watches to be one of the smartest and most versatile Seamasters you can get. Here is a picture of mine
Or if you don't want to spend four figures on one of those, how about a Sinn 556. Well respected German brand and have a loyal following in the watch world.
Also, if you want something from a non-mainstream brand, would recommend having a look at Glycine and Fortis watches.
Omega Seamaster 2254.50 - these are now discontinued, but there are a few still in AD's dotted around the country. Regarded by the majority of people who know watches to be one of the smartest and most versatile Seamasters you can get. Here is a picture of mine
Or if you don't want to spend four figures on one of those, how about a Sinn 556. Well respected German brand and have a loyal following in the watch world.
Also, if you want something from a non-mainstream brand, would recommend having a look at Glycine and Fortis watches.
I went out researching today, and came across an amazing sale in Ernest Jones. Couldn't resist and bought this:
Reduced from £249 to £109 - not bad for a Swiss automatic movement, sapphire glass, waterproof, and open back...
Still on the look out for a £500-ish watch. Dropping many hints about the Longines - never considered one before but saw a few today and they looked gorgeous. Definitely my kind of thing, thanks for the recommendation.
Reduced from £249 to £109 - not bad for a Swiss automatic movement, sapphire glass, waterproof, and open back...
Still on the look out for a £500-ish watch. Dropping many hints about the Longines - never considered one before but saw a few today and they looked gorgeous. Definitely my kind of thing, thanks for the recommendation.
Quinny said:
Very nice
And if its anything like my old Rotary will last a lifetime..
Cheers, I am very chuffed. Not sure how I break it to the missus though. We're saving for our wedding, honeymoon and house purchase and she was a bit sheepish about spending £60 on a dress for our best friends' wedding a couple of weeks ago. She won't understand just how much of a bargain it was! And if its anything like my old Rotary will last a lifetime.. Speaking of Rotary - I had one yonks ago, a present for when I won a scholarship to "big school" when I was 13. I wore it every day until I was 18 and I was given a Casio G-Shock for my birthday. I recall the silver of the case wearing down to brass on one edge, and the leather strap gave way after a year or so. I still have it somewhere, one of the Swiss Army range. Worth keeping?
Right, this is a list of watches that his place carry - any I should check out? Only ones that interest me are Oris and Raymond Weil, but I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to timepieces...
Alfex
Alpina
Anne Klein
Anonimo
Ball
Breil
Bulova
Chase-Durer
Coach
Concord
Cuervo Y Sobrinos
Doxa
Dubey and Schaldenbrand
Edox
Ernst Benz
ESQ
Faconnable
Festina
Festina Gold
Formex
Frederique Constant
Hamilton
Honora
Kenneth Cole
Krieger
Luminox
Maurice Lacroix
Michele
Mido
Movado
Nautica
Officina Del Tempo
Oris
Philip Stein
Pippo
Raymond Weil
Ritmo Mundo
Seiko
Skagen
Suunto
Toy
Tutima
TWSteel
TX
Ulysse Nardin
Wittnauer
Zodiac
Alfex
Alpina
Anne Klein
Anonimo
Ball
Breil
Bulova
Chase-Durer
Coach
Concord
Cuervo Y Sobrinos
Doxa
Dubey and Schaldenbrand
Edox
Ernst Benz
ESQ
Faconnable
Festina
Festina Gold
Formex
Frederique Constant
Hamilton
Honora
Kenneth Cole
Krieger
Luminox
Maurice Lacroix
Michele
Mido
Movado
Nautica
Officina Del Tempo
Oris
Philip Stein
Pippo
Raymond Weil
Ritmo Mundo
Seiko
Skagen
Suunto
Toy
Tutima
TWSteel
TX
Ulysse Nardin
Wittnauer
Zodiac
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