30th Birthday Gift - Vintage Watch Ideas / Advice Needed

[MEames]

Hello

I'm fast approaching this milestone (March) and am looking for a dress style watch as a gift from friends and family - Budget is not set in stone but not massive @ £500 - £600 or thereabouts I think although for the right thing there is movement here... Due to get married next year so it would be nice to have something a bit special for that.

I appreciate this is small change in watch circles and originally I'd thought of a Stowa Marine Original but aside from the cost they are too large for my wrists really as i've a slim build - this along with the budget has led me to vintage options as they are generally smaller and suit me better... 36-38mm or thereabouts is good, certainly don't want to go much above 40mm.

For reference I've currently got the following:

Seiko SNA555 Titanium Chronograph: Had since I was 18, daily worn and a little scuffed up now and in need of polish and new glass... chose this because it looks a bit like a Porsche Design watch and also liked the lightness of Ti. Don't think these were sold in the UK.


Seiko SNK809 Modified By Yobokies: Picked this up last year, A nice automatic on a custom Pilot style Brown leather strap, inexpensive but really nice, if a little casual for more formal occasions.


Casio G Shock 7800-1: Worn for cycling, swimming etc or to save damage on the others.


I've always liked the idea of an Omega (Seamaster 30) but have been advised that a Longines would offer more value and perhaps better quality, I like both and have (loosely) set the following criteria - essentially just a classic dress watch:

Stainless Case
White or Silver Dial
Manual Wind
No Date
Hour Markers Rather Than Numerals
Standard Or Sub-Seconds Dial
Black Leather Strap (Easily Sorted Afterwards)

I'd consider an automatic but thought that the simpler the better for something of this age, and also like the idea of having one without any complications. I've seen a number of watches on eBay ranging in price, some which look really good and others that just don't have anything of interest... I really like the larger 'Sword' Hands and am not overly fussed about originality in the sense that a nicely refurbished watch with a little warranty would be preferred over something that's got lots of patina.

Where should I be looking? Any Tips and Suggestions Welcome.

Thanks

[Dicky Knee]

Chrono24 is a good place to start. You can search by case size and price. I would also take a look at Junghans Max Bill and Hamilton Intramatic and JazzMaster ranges which have some nice classic designs which you may be able to get around your budget with some careful buying.

[h0b0]

I have just used Chrono24 to see a watch. They tend to be higher priced than my expectation of value but do barter. The winner of my watch paid $800 less than my list price but $200 more than my lowest price.

Watch out for customs if buying from abroad.

[MEames]

These look nice - reasonable value?

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-471-autom...

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-30-windin...

[996Type]

Apologies for hijack, any watchmakers in UK that can modify Seikos as per that image above?

[MEames]

Not that i’m aware of - cheap and easy to buy from Harold direct and there are a few options to choose from - I didn’t want the date window.