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

[Revs_Addiction]

You're going to have to give us a little more info regarding the types of watches you like, or we could be here a loooong time!

[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

[bikemonster]

You could get yourself a rather nice Longines for that sort of money, I expect.

Personally I like the non-chrono HydroConquest automatic, but that may not be to your taste.

[Wadeski]

you might be able to sneak a Marine Master 300 in for that budget...try the TZ-uk forums and hope for a bargain



if you like large, you'll like this...its a chunky bd! its got an exceptional movement in it as well.

[micky g]

bikemonster said:

You could get yourself a rather nice Longines for that sort of money, I expect.

Personally I like the non-chrono HydroConquest automatic, but that may not be to your taste.

+ 1

[paddyhasneeds]

Have a look at somewhere like Blowers the Jewellers, watches.co.uk or Jura Watches to get a feel for what's out there as there are loads of names that you simply won't see on the high street.

[lowdrag]

W333 said:

I quite fancy something a bit more timeless

Not much good as a watch then

On a serious note I'd seriously second the Seiko Marine Master. Look here:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Seiko-Prospex-SBDD001-Pr...

If you're not an Ebay fan then this man is tops and highly recommended. He only has the balck on sale (which I think is a passing fashion) but email him and he'll get you one. You'll note his prices are considerably cheaper.

http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SBDD003/SEIKO_...

Duty and VAT on top, but a watch for life.

Edited by lowdrag on Monday 25th May 16:33

[Stitch]

Longines Diver from the heritage range is a very nice looking watch (and to me looks more expensive than it is).

One of the Sinn pilot watches?

Or for something a bit more leftfield (no one will know what you are wearing) an Anonimo Three-Glasses

[Dracoro]

W333 said:

The budget is £1000 - £1250,,,, but I'm hoping I would be able to squeeze into an Omega within this range?

Right in the middle of the Omega Seamaster range (quartz). There's about 3/4 styles for the same-ish money to take your pick. Have a look on Earnest Jones website (or other jeweller etc.).

[Frederick]

Longines Conquest although just slightly over the 1250 budget, it's certainly something I would consider adding a bit of cash to in order to get.

You could get a Seamaster but it would be a quartz version, and £1k+ is a lot of money for a quartz watch imho.

[Wadeski]

Dracoro said:

W333 said:

The budget is £1000 - £1250,,,, but I'm hoping I would be able to squeeze into an Omega within this range?

Right in the middle of the Omega Seamaster range (quartz). There's about 3/4 styles for the same-ish money to take your pick. Have a look on Earnest Jones website (or other jeweller etc.).

a quartz Seamaster over an 8L35 Marine Master? You'd have to really not want an auto

[AlexKP]

You might just squeeze a Speedmaster Professional from a dealer on ebay for around £1250.

Job done.

[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?

[paddyhasneeds]

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.

[glazbagun]

Used Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph?

[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.

[Wadeski]

I really wouldn't spend £1000+ on a quartz watch, whatever the brand on it is. Not only is the resale pretty poor, its more likely to disappoint.

If you want an Omega, buy a top quality used automatic from a reputable dealer.

/edit: if you're in surrey, why not make a trip to london out of it? go up with your dad, have a nice lunch and a pint somewhere to celebrate the purchase etc.

Edited by Wadeski on Monday 25th May 22:02

[AndyWoodall]

To chip in, and not wishing to hyjack but hopefully add something, but where does one go looking for used watches without using the internet or forums? The last poster mentioned dealers in used stock, who are the good ones?

[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