What watch, budget £1000 - £1250

[W333]

Hi guys,
I've been offered the chance of getting a watch as a graduation gift this year. The budget is £1000 - £1250 and I don't really have a clue where to start. I appreciate that I won't get a Rolex or a Brietling for this cost, but I'm hoping I would be able to squeeze into an Omega within this range? The buyer would prefer to go to a dealer rather than buy online.

Thanks for any help

[W333]

Good shout. I quite like large faced watches, and I've currently got one with a white face and stainless steel strap and a chronograph.

I quite fancy something a bit more timeless this time around so I quite like the idea of a leather strap as opposed to a stainless steel bracelet, I also like watches with quite busy faces. I think a date function is pretty important also. My problem is I just don't know where to start/look/etc

Edited by W333 on Monday 25th May 14:36

[W333]

Thanks for all your help guys. I know that movements make a big difference in the watch world but I am really unsure as to the difference between a quartz and an automatic, apart from around £600 in the Omega range!

Longines/Seiko watches look pretty good but if they are fully automatic motion at ~£1250 then why are the Omega ones £1800 for an automatic motion?

[W333]

paddyhasneeds said:

W333 said:

Longines/Seiko watches look pretty good but if they are fully automatic motion at ~£1250 then why are the Omega ones £1800 for an automatic motion?

Branding and marketing and paying for "ambassadors" all costs money.

Obviously fit and finish come into the picture as something you can measure, but broadly speaking unless you're spending a few grand (and perversely, with the exception of the lower priced Japanese brands such as Seiko) you're going to be getting a fairly generic ETA/Unitas/Someone movement regardless of the brand.

Ahh ok. It all makes sense. I think it would be best if I stuck with Omega because my Dad is buying it for me, and even though he will obviously buy the one I choose and not question what I like, I imagine he would be pretty confused as to why I would choose something other than an Omega when there is the possibility of having one - if you see what I mean .

I will see about the Grand Carreras, they really are a nice looking watch. I don't know of many retailers in my area that sell used though, but I dare say if one appears within budget then I will be very prepared to travel!

Thanks for all your help so far chaps, I appreciate it.

[W333]

As this is a gift I don't really think that resale is top of the list for purchasing reasons, as its not really an investment. I do see your point though. Perhaps the dealers in London will have some decent "already enjoyed" Automatics

With regards to used models, I seem to be getting some joy with www.watches.co.uk

Edited by W333 on Monday 25th May 23:07