New Watch for Son's Graduation sub £1K

[Corpulent Tosser]

Looking for a quality watch to give my son for his graduation, thinking sub £1000, would like to spend around £800.

He likes my Omega Seamaster Chrono (but isn't getting one)

Doesn't like thick bezels, which many Tags seems to have, I don't know too much about watches and may be missing some good makes through ignorance.

Any advice appreciated

Ta

[sjg]

Sinn do lots of nice watches in that sort of price bracket.

http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/sinn.htm

[vincenz]

http://www.aatime.com/p/omega/seamaster/quartz-bla...

I have ordered from them in the past, excellent service.

[lowdrag]

As sjg says above (my choice) or alternatively look here:-

http://www.stowa.com/

You won't do better at the price than either of those. I'm sure Cyberface, Tertius and the others will be along to confirm this opinion (or else I'll smash their faces in - lol!)

[jonlwright]

personally, i would consider a used watch in top condition. There are some great deals to be had and you could get a big brand like Breitling or Omega with that budget.

[tertius]

Agree with suggestions above - Sinn or Stowa would make a great present. Assuming graduation means early 20's age-wise then I'd probably go with one of the tegimented Sinns for its ruggedness or perhaps a Damasko?

If you are willing to go used then you'd get a good condition, few years old Omega Speedmaster Professional for your budget and that's an absolute classic.

[cyberface]

lowdrag said:

As sjg says above (my choice) or alternatively look here:-

http://www.stowa.com/

You won't do better at the price than either of those. I'm sure Cyberface, Tertius and the others will be along to confirm this opinion (or else I'll smash their faces in - lol!)

Been drinking Stella?



You're right though. Sinn seem to have upped their prices, though the classic 356 range still offers a 7750-based chronograph with day and date for under a grand. The 356 range includes the 'traditional' black dial with white numerals in the aircraft instrument style, and also a stunning copper guilloche dial which looks superb (I have one ) with either brown leather strap or steel bracelet. At that age I'd probably take the steel bracelet. There are other more 'diver' oriented Sinns as well if he likes the Seamaster Chrono, but all the 'diver' watches have thicker bezels with the all-important (to divers) one-way ratchet.

Again with good automatic mechanical (Valjoux 7750) movement, this one is more like the Omega in style - actually in Sinn's 'Flieger' range (pilot rather than diver...) so has a bi-directional bezel and 200m depth rather than the extreme special-forces watches, but is not only beautifully built but also has a display back so you can see the Sinn-decorated automatic chronograph movement. Yum - I'd take it over the Omega myself (I have owned a Seamaster Chrono and it kept appalling time!!!) - only trouble is that the watch is £25 over your budget on a steel bracelet. It's £895 on a leather strap, but I reckon the watch is best on a bracelet.


Stowa are also of very high quality for the money - however most are more 'dressy' watches, whereas the Sinns are more 'military'. I think you'll easily be able to choose - my money goes on Sinn....

Neil @ Chronomaster, who sells Sinns, is a thoroughly pleasant chap to deal with too.

[Corpulent Tosser]

jonlwright said:

personally, i would consider a used watch in top condition. There are some great deals to be had and you could get a big brand like Breitling or Omega with that budget.

I suggested a used watch but he wants a new one, he could have got a better watch I know but it is his decision, I have just set the budget.

[Corpulent Tosser]

Cyberface.

I like that Sinns watch, I had never even heard of the make, will let son see that one tonight, I could be tempted to go slightly over budget if he likes it.

He has been looking at a couple of Maurice Lacroix watches, Pontos and Chronograph - any opinion on them ?

[lowdrag]

Wimp equals the range suggested................

Man equals the Sinn and Stowa............

Seriously, he'll look back in 50 years and still have either of the recommended on his wrist (limp or not) whereas I doubt the others will have survived.

[jonlwright]

Corpulent Tosser said:

jonlwright said:

personally, i would consider a used watch in top condition. There are some great deals to be had and you could get a big brand like Breitling or Omega with that budget.

I suggested a used watch but he wants a new one, he could have got a better watch I know but it is his decision, I have just set the budget.

It is a shame, I just part/ex'd a Omega Double Eagle Constallation Chrono (new price over £3K) which was only 9 months old and still had over 2 years warranty and only got £1500 for it. Might be worth him having a look at www.watches.co.uk or similar as their 10/10 condition watches are as good as new and he would get a watch with a significantly better used value for the future if he decided to upgrade.

[Corpulent Tosser]

Thanks for the advice guys, I let him see the replies but in the end it was up to him.

He got a Tag Aquaracer Quartz Chronograph, he is happy, that is what matters.

Ta
CT