What watch

[dave4959]

I am turning 21 early in the New Year and my parents have said I can have new a watch for my 21st.
Budget £3500ish
Just looking for ideas, I like mostly newer designs with metal straps and I currently have a Tag Heuer Carrera.

However I am completely lost and require some ideas.

Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated

[Animal]

IWC

[cyberface]

If there's nothing that really spins your wheel... I'd spend the money on something that does. Three and a half grand is a lot to blow on something you aren't going to really *love* - or perhaps I'm just poor

[chrisr29]

Buy something a bit vintagey, a nice classic watch that wont be worth 50% of it's value the first time you stick it on your wrist.

That's what I'd be looking for anyway.

[fluffnik]

Something from 1989?

[andy_s]

At that price maybe Rolex - I know, I know, but go Sub/SD and it'll remain timeless, retain value and has longevity.
Apart from price, are you looking for something robust and sporty or fine and dressy?
Have a look through the 'rate your 2009' thread or 'wrist pic' thread for heaps of examples of nice watches and see what interests you.

[BigAlinEmbra]

Don't get a "newer design" for your 21st, it's a watch that'll probably live with you most of your life, so something modern now will likely look dated in a decade or so.

For £3.5k I'd be looking at a Rolex Sub/GMT II, an IWC Portuguese, or a JLC.

The money would spread round a few interesting watches like a Monaco, Speedy Pro etc, but not really the point here I'd guess.

[andy tims]

Pre-loved Rolex Sea Dweller - job done or if you must buy brand new Rolex Sub or Sub ND or as said previously, look at IWC.

[funkyol]

Depends how long you're looking to keep it, but if you don't want to lose money, then a Rolex would be the safest option. They're pretty timeless too so won't go out of fashion.

IWC and Panerai are also worth a look.

When buying, also look into the servicing costs. Mate of mine has just had his Panerai serviced.... £430.

[LukeBird]

fluffnik said:

Something from 1989?

That.

Something I will do one day! Although mine will be from '87!

[dave4959]

Just been into town today to look in person

I really liked the Rolex Milgauss but having reseached it a bit more the Green glass is the one to look at.

I like the Green and am prepared to pay a bit more (but not too much more) and am not fussed if it takes a bit longer to source and I dont get it for my Birthday

Edited by dave4959 on Monday 30th November 17:33

[andy_s]

That sounds eminently sensible.

[bikemonster]

If your parents are giving you that sort of money to buy a watch, I have a question for you:

Is your dad a "watch guy"?

If he is, persuade him to give you one of his watches for your 21st on the understanding that you will pass it on to your prolly as yet unborn son on his 21st. And your dad can buy himself a new watch.

This suggestion comes courtesy of my long departed grandfather, whose 60's Constellation I received for my 21st, and which will go to son of bikemonster in 15 years.

James

[dave4959]

bikemonster said:

If your parents are giving you that sort of money to buy a watch, I have a question for you:

Is your dad a "watch guy"?

If he is, persuade him to give you one of his watches for your 21st on the understanding that you will pass it on to your prolly as yet unborn son on his 21st. And your dad can buy himself a new watch.

This suggestion comes courtesy of my long departed grandfather, whose 60's Constellation I received for my 21st, and which will go to son of bikemonster in 15 years.

James

No he is'nt a watch guy.
They are not giving me the money to buy a watch, They will be buying it from themselves and some money my grandparents left for my 21st.

I feel whatever watch I get it will have sentimnetal value as I plan to keep it forever

I just have to pick one

[mattley]

I'd love one of these.

http://www.thebrandedwatchcompany.co.uk/watchdescr...

[lowdrag]

Personally, with that kind of budget I wouldn't even consider buying new but would get a fabulous watch from someone like Dominic Gomersall here. It'll look like new, it'll have all it's papers and will have taken the first hit so you are getting much more for your money and something to treasure. There are others like watchfinder and I can't remember the others off the top of my head but someone here will come up with the names. For me, it would be an IWC Aquatimer. Lovely bracelet, able to take the knocks and timeless (if you'll excuse the unintentional pun). However, if it is something you might sell on then a Rolex Sub or Seadweller - you'll never lose on that.