Watch Suggestions £2-3k

[pushthebutton]

Hi,

I'm looking to get myself a new watch. I really have very little idea about watches and so I'm looking for advice from you guys. I've always admired the Omega Seamaster from the shop window and more recently the Speedmaster. I also like some of the less garish Brietlings.

My requirements are:

1) I'd prefer a slightly chunkier looking watch with metallic strap and possibly a black face.
2) It can't be too large because my wrists are quite girly.
3) I'd like it to be something that has an understated class and also a timeless design.

I've seen some special editions such as Schumacher, Apollo and Bond. Are these worthwhile buys or just a bit gimmicky?

Sorry for my complete lack of knowledge, but you have to start somewhere.

Thanks

[okgo]

42.5 MM Planet Ocean black on black

Or a Rolex sub maybe

Edited by okgo on Tuesday 22 September 16:17

[Soovy]

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 45.5mm Big Black

[okgo]

Soovy said:

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 45.5mm Big Black

I know you're keen on it Soov, but he has little wrists, and pics like that are going to scare the man into thinking these watches are too big!

[pushthebutton]

[/quote]

I know you're keen on it Soov, but he has little wrists, and pics like that are going to scare the man into thinking these watches are too big!
[/quote]

Ha ha. Brilliant!

I'll go and try them both on. I also like the look of the Breitling Blackbird as well, but it looks like it might be huge!

Does anyone know any good places that do interest free credit. I'd be a fool not to take advantage.

Thanks

[andy tims]

Several questions.

Are you dead set on buying brand new? Nothing wrong with that & of course it's safer if you're not that knowledgeable, but you could get much more for your cash buying pre-owned even if you go to s/h dealers.

How small are your wrists – what’s the circumference?

Are you set on sticking to the well known brands or open to less obvious suggestions - Sinn, Fortis, Stowa, Glycine, IWC & Bremont just being just a few possibles.

I’d suggest you take your time & have a good look on the internet, draw up a longer list of possible options then try to see as many of them as possible “in the flesh” to check how they wear on your wrists. The shape of the strap / bracelet lugs and the depth of the watch case have a massive impact on whether a watch looks or wears too big or not. It’s not just about case diameter.

Have a look at the following websites www.hackettwatches.com or www.watches.co.uk as well as the wrist check thread here and the Friday threads on TZ-UK for inspiration.

Finally for now a "metallic strap" is in fact a "bracelet". This is a bit of a hobby horse of mine so excuse my pedantry, but if you remember it, you'll have a bit more credibility when talking to dealers

Edited by andy tims on Tuesday 22 September 18:19

[pushthebutton]

Thanks

I don't have a problem with pedantry. Bracelet it is. Actually, having seen the threads on this site, there are some very nice, err, non-bracelet watches!!!??!!

My WRISTS are 18cm circumference and width is between 7 and 8cm. I'm open to any suggestions at all.

[Chairman LMAO]

Buy a fake, they are much more affordable and cheap women won't notice.

Failing that I'd take a look at an IWC spitfire, possibly secondhand.

Edited by Chairman LMAO on Tuesday 22 September 18:29

[pushthebutton]

I've just had a look at the Planet Ocean. There are a couple of different model types. I'm assuming that the difference between the 2201 and the 2210 relates to the model year?

[andy tims]

pushthebutton said:

My WRISTS are 18cm circumference

That's just just over 7" in old money so actually you're not that restricted at all. Plenty of choice even up to the Breitling Chrono Avenger, which because of the lug design and being titanium wears very small & light for such a big beast.

IWC Spitfire has just been suggested. Fine choice, but I prefer the "regular" 3717

[andy tims]

pushthebutton said:

I've just had a look at the Planet Ocean. There are a couple of different model types. I'm assuming that the difference between the 2201 and the 2210 relates to the model year?

I think you'll fund 2201 is the "regular" PO & 2210 is the Chronograph (stop watch) version, which might be slightly big for you - needs to be tried for size.

The PO is a very nice watch if just a tad "obvious" IMHO.

Edited by andy tims on Tuesday 22 September 18:56

[pushthebutton]

I've just looked at the Chrono Avenger M1 on www.watches.co.uk. Looks really nice. It seems reasonable at £1395 for a 2004 model. Looks aside, is it a wise purchase as well?

WRT to the P.O. 2210, that's almost £1200 for a stopwatch! I'd prefer a smaller one anyway. Jesus, I've just checked the prices in the states. I've found the PO at around £600 less!

Edited by pushthebutton on Tuesday 22 September 19:00

Edited by pushthebutton on Tuesday 22 September 19:10

[Stefan SRT8]

pushthebutton said:

I've just looked at the Chrono Avenger M1 on www.watches.co.uk. Looks really nice. It seems reasonable at £1395 for a 2004 model. Looks aside, is it a wise purchase as well?

WRT to the P.O. 2210, that's almost £1200 for a stopwatch! I'd prefer a smaller one anyway. Jesus, I've just checked the prices in the states. I've found the PO at around £600 less!

Edited by pushthebutton on Tuesday 22 September 19:00

Edited by pushthebutton on Tuesday 22 September 19:10

I guess the Chrono Avenger M1 depends if you are looking for an auto or quartz as the M1 models are super quartz. I like the Chrono Avenger, it's a great watch, for me though I'd be tempted to go for a black dial non M1.

Stef

[okgo]

pushthebutton said:

I've just looked at the Chrono Avenger M1 on www.watches.co.uk. Looks really nice. It seems reasonable at £1395 for a 2004 model. Looks aside, is it a wise purchase as well?

WRT to the P.O. 2210, that's almost £1200 for a stopwatch! I'd prefer a smaller one anyway. Jesus, I've just checked the prices in the states. I've found the PO at around £600 less!

Edited by pushthebutton on Tuesday 22 September 19:00

Edited by pushthebutton on Tuesday 22 September 19:10

The list price for the PO has gone up to around £2k. It used to be £1.8..

But yes, the Chrono is more expensive, and too 'busy' imo..

[pushthebutton]

I'm straying towards buying both the Avenger and the 42.5mm PO at the moment.

Thanks for all of the advice. Please keep it coming.

[okgo]

pushthebutton said:

I'm straying towards buying both the Avenger and the 42.5mm PO at the moment.

Thanks for all of the advice. Please keep it coming.

Well I know you won't regret the latter, the only people who have not got on with it have bought it in orange. Mine like the above is a lot easier to live with. Love it

[pushthebutton]

okgo said:

pushthebutton said:

I'm straying towards buying both the Avenger and the 42.5mm PO at the moment.

Thanks for all of the advice. Please keep it coming.

Well I know you won't regret the latter, the only people who have not got on with it have bought it in orange. Mine like the above is a lot easier to live with. Love it

Yours is nice. The one I've found on the internet has silver characters rather than your orange. Is that just a subtle difference in options?

[Soovy]

pushthebutton said:

okgo said:

pushthebutton said:

I'm straying towards buying both the Avenger and the 42.5mm PO at the moment.

Thanks for all of the advice. Please keep it coming.

Well I know you won't regret the latter, the only people who have not got on with it have bought it in orange. Mine like the above is a lot easier to live with. Love it

Yours is nice. The one I've found on the internet has silver characters rather than your orange. Is that just a subtle difference in options?

Buy the 45.5 Big Size.

Mine has silver numerals, black bezel and bracelet like this.

Don't buy the small one - you'll regret it.




I've owned the Rolex Submariner black 11610, the Submariner 50th 16610LV and the PO and I love the PO the most - it's just such a NICE watch.

You can get one for two grand ish with 0% finance if you want it from Goldsmiths. About 180 a month for a year. For a MUCH better deal contact DominicH on here - you'll need to pay cash though. I know he's sourced about six of these for PHers (Hackett watches)


PS my next purchase is this.




Anyone want to lend me 600 grand?

Edited by Soovy on Tuesday 22 September 20:21

[hungry_hog]

Breitling Blackbird or Navtimer? I think the Navitimer measures in at around 42mm, Blackbird is around 44mm, and is maybe a bit less "showy"

TAG Aquaracer?
Submariner 2nd hand
IWC aquatimer divey thingy

[pushthebutton]

The Blackbird is right up there as well. I love the connection to the aircraft. It's also a great looking watch. I think I'll be looking to buy in the U.S.