New to Watches - looking to pick up a 'daily driver'

[Daaaveee]

So the basics of it are this, I'm thinking about buying something for my wrist to wear every day, nothing too flashy or something I'll be overly precious about, just something simple. I've not really worn watches in the past but its always something I've wanted when I could afford something decent - I know this is relative but for me that would be in the region of £500-750.

My first choice would be a Rolex, but this seems out of the question for my budget so I was looking at something like this Tag Heuer:

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Tag%20Heuer/4000%20s...

Any thoughts and suggestions are welcome on this watch or an alternative. I am quite tall and thin with skinny wrists so nothing too large!

[WreckedGecko]

I am a fan of Christopher Ward for watches in the £350-750 bracket.

Have a look at the Trident 300 or similar.

Cheap enough to not worry about too much, but very good quality for the price.

[lostkiwi]

Dan Henry watches are excellent value and a little different from the run of the mill stuff.

Slightly up market are Magrette or if you want a 'brand' try looking at Tissot or Longines.

Seiko are also worth a look.

As above Christopher Ward does some nice stuff too. I picked up a nice C8 Flyer Vintage for half price yesterday (see incoming thread).

[Foliage]

Buy a watch you like, that you will enjoy having on your wrist, don't care about what other people think, or the brand, but obviously look for quality.

[thehawkswoops]

Foliage said:

Buy a watch you like, that you will enjoy having on your wrist, don't care about what other people think, or the brand, but obviously look for quality.

Well said sir, Yup have a good look around then make a choice.

I would recommend a Seiko to you, inexpensive and durable. A Solar is a good bet no need to worry about a battery and keep accurate time without the bother of winding, even an auto will stop if not worn for a few days. A Citizen eco drive is also a good bet, same thing as the Solar.

If you do want an Auto then a Seiko 5 makes a lot of sense, cheap & reliable plus should you have an accident then a replacement is inexpensive. Look good too.

Don't be fooled by brands been more expensive than others, Yes some are better made and have more reliable components. However at the end of the day they all tell the time!!

Happy hunting WHOOPS just seen the £500 to £700 spend so buy what YOU like!

Edited by thehawkswoops on Friday 6th July 11:34

[romeodelta]

Depends on the style you like, but I would look at Longines in this price bracket. Plenty of history and quality pieces.

I have a blue Hydroconquest which is great for the price.

[A common lawyer]

i'd say sit on the 500 quid, get a seiko skx007 and put it on a metal bracelet and wear it until you decide what kind of thing you want. Smart enough with a suit, pretty much indestructible, cheap as chips.

[A common lawyer]

and yes, i know this is like someone recommending an MX-5 to every single what car thread but still.

[Foliage]

https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/diver-watch/gmt...

Rolex homage with Cyclops

Not sure how they get away with using the same hour hand design.


Have a look at this, proper dive watches for divers, even if your not a diver its interesting. If a Rolex Sub was what you were after.


https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-dive-watc...


The citizen is a standout IMHO coz of the price and the common use and solar drive. I've been meaning to add one to my collection for years.

Edited by Foliage on Friday 6th July 13:28

Edited by Foliage on Friday 6th July 13:31

[seefarr]

Daaaveee said:

I am quite tall and thin with skinny wrists so nothing too large!

Given this fact I'd start looking at vintage watches (my particular peccadillo is the '70s). There wasn't the fixation with bigger-is-better back then and you can get something from a recognised brand with a unique look and a story. This will help:


chrono24 search

[thehawkswoops]

A common lawyer said:

i'd say sit on the 500 quid, get a seiko skx007 and put it on a metal bracelet and wear it until you decide what kind of thing you want. Smart enough with a suit, pretty much indestructible, cheap as chips.

and the MX5 ...fabulous advice, cant fault it.

[vixen1700]

I've only really paid £200 max for any watch in the past, but have to say I'm kind of saving up for one of these which is in your budget:

https://www.stowa.de/en/Flieger+Klassik+40+Verus.h...

https://www.stowa.de/en/Antea+Klassik+1919.htm

https://www.stowa.de/en/Antea+back+to+bauhaus+blac...

Really drawn to the Antea 1919.

Good suggestion with the SKX007 with a metal bracelet though, I do love mine and it gets worn a lot.

[lockhart flawse]

Longines Hydroconquest is great value.

Seiko 007s are great for day to day - I have 2 and am wearing one now.

[amare32]

I have been wearing my Tudor Black Bay Bronze as my daily for the past year, fantastic watch and only (slight) downside is it would be even better if it was smaller at 40mm. Love the patina that has formed and it gets loads of compliments as it's a little different.

What about a Tudor Black Bay 58?

Now Tudor offers the 58, £2,300 is a cracking little watch.

[lostkiwi]

amare32 said:

I have been wearing my Tudor Black Bay Bronze as my daily for the past year, fantastic watch and only (slight) downside is it would be even better if it was smaller at 40mm. Love the patina that has formed and it gets loads of compliments as it's a little different.

What about a Tudor Black Bay 58?

Now Tudor offers the 58, £2,300 is a cracking little watch.

And about triple his budget....

[DBRacingGod]

I paid £750 for my secondhand Oris Aquis Date. Can’t fault it.

[Brads67]

Sinn
Glycene
Seiko

not Tag lol.

[gizlaroc]

Glycine Combat Sub......

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Glycine-Combat-Sub-42-m...

Glycine Incursore...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Glycine-Incursore-Autom...

[amare32]

lostkiwi said:

amare32 said:

I have been wearing my Tudor Black Bay Bronze as my daily for the past year, fantastic watch and only (slight) downside is it would be even better if it was smaller at 40mm. Love the patina that has formed and it gets loads of compliments as it's a little different.

What about a Tudor Black Bay 58?

Now Tudor offers the 58, £2,300 is a cracking little watch.

And about triple his budget....

sorry I missed out that part first time I read OP's post. I'll make an appointment at Specsavers

[AJB88]

Steinhart for me.