Recommend a watch

[ImDesigner]

I rarely venture into this sub forum because, to be blunt I'm clueless on the subject however the time has come to seek some advice. I'm looking to buy a watch as a graduation present to myself.

I don’t know what features to go for but I'd like a bracelet watch with good build quality, a dark coloured face and something with a touch of class. I'd like to avoid gold colours if possible. What can you recommend for <£400? I suspect the budget is small change amongst some of the topics I've read in this forum but it really is a maximum budget, ideally less.

New or used is fine although I'd prefer new as I'm not sure I'd know what to look for to determine a fake from genuine when buying used.

Am I likely to get something of quality with my budget?

Thanks in advance.

[ShadownINja]

I ought to be recommending some kind of automatic mechanical watch, but you're a designer?

How's this?



Runs on sunlight.

Quite slim, too.



OR

Edited by ShadownINja on Tuesday 30th November 18:13

[andy_s]

Stowa Antea maybe?



Well reputed quality German watchmaker, blued screws and display back, automatic, from about £300.

The watch is a reissue of one made by Stowa in the 1930's.

[simonej]

I'd take a look at the Precista range or a Speedbird.

[ImDesigner]

ShadownINja - I can appreciate the design of those suggestions but I think I wouldn’t suit them. They're delicately styled and I'm not so delicate

andy s - That is a beauty and had me staring at it for a while but I don’t think it's for me due to the same reason as above. I love the brand rarity (to me anyway). I've never seen another Stowa and that appeals to me.

simonej - that example you've shown looks lovely and is something I'll look into.

Thanks for the recommendations so far. I don’t think I've found the perfect watch yet so keep them coming.

Edited by ImDesigner on Saturday 4th December 21:54

[cyberface]

Someone bung up a photo of the Max Bill chrono. It's not delicate but it's not unnecessarily chunky either.

It's also not derivative or one of the 'homage' brands that look very much like other well known designs.

Get the chrono, it'll have a 7750 in it and hence it'll be reasonably fat, not 'huge' but it'll be substantial enough to not be 'delicate'. And then bung it on a mesh bracelet… Design-tastic.

[JungleJim]

its ultra main-stream and "high street", but i'm thinking of picking up a tissot prc200

[CardShark]

cyberface said:

Someone bung up a photo of the Max Bill chrono. It's not delicate but it's not unnecessarily chunky either.

It's also not derivative or one of the 'homage' brands that look very much like other well known designs.

Get the chrono, it'll have a 7750 in it and hence it'll be reasonably fat, not 'huge' but it'll be substantial enough to not be 'delicate'. And then bung it on a mesh bracelet… Design-tastic.

This one? May be within the price range pre-owned, nice looking thing.

ETA also comes with a black face as per OP's preference!

Edited by CardShark on Tuesday 30th November 19:33

[ShadownINja]

ImDesigner said:

ShadownINja - I can appreciate the design of those suggestions but I think I wouldn’t suit them. They're delicately styled and I'm not so delicate

TBH anyone who says a Rolex Sub is a tool watch doesn't know what they are talking about. All watches bar G-shocks and Reactor watches are delicate. I am still waiting for someone to take up my Watch Conkers challenge. I'll bring my climbing companion G-shock to the party. Besides, I know of one Eco-drive dress watch that's been up Everest and various other mountains and survived.

[Odie]

If you look hard enough you should be able to get a Omega Seamaster for that sort of money, perhaps a little bit more second hand.

I saw a pre-bond seamaster go for £400 the other day on ebay. My bond seamaster was £350 about 10 months ago (though it is slightly mark, but for me that adds too the charm).

I also have a traser that was £300 too, might be worth a look, but not everyones cuppa tea.

[al1991]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2296331.htm

[Vvroom]

NeMiSiS said:

al1991 said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2296331.htm

Excellent spot Al.

Done deal OP, shirley?

[Vvroom]

CardShark said:

Edited by CardShark on Tuesday 30th November 19:33

lovely

[AlexC1981]

I've read good things about these and seen them go for under £400 new a couple of times on ebay. I thought about buying one for a while.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Maurice-Lacroix-Mens-Miros-D...

[al1991]

That Maurice is very nice.

[Vvroom]

al1991 said:

That Maurice is very nice.

Are they any good? A colleague at work has a lovely looking Flieger-type, IWC looking thing. I know they can be pricey too. Always thought they were just another fashion brand

[LukeBird]

Vvroom said:

al1991 said:

That Maurice is very nice.

Are they any good? A colleague at work has a lovely looking Flieger-type, IWC looking thing. I know they can be pricey too. Always thought they were just another fashion brand

Very nice watches that are unfortunately crippled in the market due to the ease of which discounts can be achieved and hence appalling resale value.
They make some fantastic pieces though, certainly not a fashion brand IMO.

[AlexC1981]

I think they are beyond that. They even make some of their own movements and I only read good things regarding their quality when I was considering buying one. I still want one, but ended up spending my budget on a CWC instead.

[CommanderJameson]

CardShark said:

cyberface said:

Someone bung up a photo of the Max Bill chrono. It's not delicate but it's not unnecessarily chunky either.

It's also not derivative or one of the 'homage' brands that look very much like other well known designs.

Get the chrono, it'll have a 7750 in it and hence it'll be reasonably fat, not 'huge' but it'll be substantial enough to not be 'delicate'. And then bung it on a mesh bracelet… Design-tastic.

This one? May be within the price range pre-owned, nice looking thing.

ETA also comes with a black face as per OP's preference!

And is never going to come in at under £400, even used, unless it's a total beater.

I love mine, though.

That said...



Max Bill hand-wound.

£395 from Chronomaster (two thumbs up for Neil, he's a top bloke)

[ImDesigner]

Vvroom said:

NeMiSiS said:

al1991 said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2296331.htm

Excellent spot Al.

Done deal OP, shirley?

That is very nice.

Thanks for all the ideas chaps. Appreciated.