Watch ideas up to £1,000

[missing the VR6]

Hello all,

I'm turning 40 this month and my parents would like to get me something special/memorable. I've got nice cuff links, Mont Blanc etc, but have never bought a nice watch, as I haven't worn one since I was 18/19. I've always lusted after a Breitling but never had the balls to buy one, so now is my opportunity to get something nice for very occasional use. (I appreciate I won't be getting a Breitling)

I'm familiar with all the brands I can't afford, but not so much with the ones I can. I know about Christopher Ward (probably favourite so far) and entry level TAG but I'm looking for other idea's?

What I don't want, Armani, Boss DKNY Michael Korrs etc. Ideally something from a proper watch brand rather than a fashion brand, nothing against designer brands (most of my clothing is) I jut don't see them as watch brands.

Any advice greatly appreciated, thank you.

[Doofus]

What sort of style do you like?

[Joey Ramone]

Depending upon your preferred style of watch, respected manufacturers at this price point are:

Longines
CW
Tissot
Baume and Mercier
Seiko’s ‘Prospex’ range

[devnull]

I'd be thinking along something along the lines of a mid range seiko, possibly a prospex or a presage.

Or perhaps a Hamilton - lots of different styles of automatic available from them for under a grand. I have an intramatic for example.

[vixen1700]

https://www.stowa.de/en/Antea+Klassik+390.htm

https://www.stowa.de/en/Flieger+Classic+40.htm

https://www.stowa.de/en/Marine+Classic+40+white+wi...

Something from Stowa?

Great German quality watches with fantastic customer-service and not something you'll see everyday as you can only buy from the factory in the Black Forest.

[bristolbaron]

Depending what sort of Breitling you’re after it’s not impossible to find a used one in/near budget.
I’d take the opportunity to add some extra cash and get the watch you’ve always wanted rather than settle. Of course there will be a lot out of your budget but colt/super oceans and possibly chronomats are achievable at £1500..

[magpie215]

Anything from Sinn or Damasko take your fancy?

[robwilk]

https://theposhwatchshop.com/product/breitling-col...

[funinhounslow]

Joey Ramone said:

Depending upon your preferred style of watch, respected manufacturers at this price point are:

Longines
CW
Tissot
Baume and Mercier
Seiko’s ‘Prospex’ range

Longines would be top of my list too with your budget and requirements

A respected brand with a wide range of styles from dressy to sports.

I have a Hydroconquest and it’s wonderful and right on budget. For another £300 you can have one with a ceramic bezel...




https://www.longines.com/en-gb/watch-hydroconquest...

[Comacchio]

I'd get this in a heartbeat if I had a spare £1000 sitting about.

https://www.midowatches.com/uk/swiss-watches-colle...

[J.R.B.]

Another vote for Longines. Had my hydroconquest for years and still wear it regularly.

[missing the VR6]

Doofus said:

What sort of style do you like?

Good question, should have mentioned that. I like watches with the divers bezel, not too worried about a chronograph or plain face. (I think that's what it's called)

Thank you for some excellent suggestions, some lovely looking watches and brands I'd never heard of. Luckily works pretty quiet today so a good afternoon of browsing awaits!

[Doofus]

If I was after a diver's bezel (I already have too many of those), I'd be putting an Hamilton Pan Europ on my shortlist.

www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-gb/h35405741-american-cla...

[vixen1700]

Good tips with Longines.

I do like something a little different though, so here's another small German manfacturer making quality watches within budget:

https://www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/muhle-glashutt...

[r159]

Certina or Glycine is another option.

[vixen1700]

Doofus said:

If I was after a diver's bezel (I already have too many of those), I'd be putting an Hamilton Pan Europ on my shortlist.

www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-gb/h35405741-american-cla...

Looked at these in the past and they're still on my 'want-list'. Looks great with that black rally strap.

[Barchettaman]

Another vote for the Mido Ocean Star GMT posted above. They look really good.

At a touch over budget, the Stowa Bronze Flieger is a lovely and slightly different thing:

[trickywoo]

missing the VR6 said:

Good question, should have mentioned that. I like watches with the divers bezel, not too worried about a chronograph or plain face. (I think that's what it's called)

Thank you for some excellent suggestions, some lovely looking watches and brands I'd never heard of. Luckily works pretty quiet today so a good afternoon of browsing awaits!

Oris Aquis is a nice diver.

[M22s]

Christopher Ward should be on your list - fantastic watches!

[andy tims]

Have a look on Chrono24 to get some ideas