Discussion
Greetings, i have been lurking in this area of the forum for some time looking for information and inspiration; but not being able to find the exact answer in any of the existing topics, i thought what the heck i'll start my own!
Have got a spare couple of grand burning a hole in my pocket and one of the possible purchases is going to be a half decent watch - automatic, not quartz. Have trawled the internet for inspiration and aside from an Omega Speedmaster, ( prob have to be 2nd hand for this amount ) have come up with little else that i really like aside from the two on the following links.
If an Omega is the best for the money then so be it, as there is no denying its a quality piece. However, it just seems like a bit of an obvious choice and in truth i fancy something a little different.
Of the two below i prefer the Oris aesthetically, but is the difference in price really justified? To my untrained eye the quality of Oris isn't that much better than Tissot?
Tissot:
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/tissot-heritage-watch...
Oris:
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/oris-chron-set-d-watc...
The daily beater is a Seiko 5 like the one below. I really like the simpler, slighly retro looks of this - in truth have yet to see something that appeals a great deal more. So ideally i would like something that looks a little different, yet still in keeping with the simple / understated design style of the 5. Dont do bling / oversized, and have a couple of G-shocks for times when something a bit more robust is called for.
Have looked at CW ( amongst others ) following advice elsewhere on the forum, and whilst appreciate the value of these am not really taken with the looks of anything in the current range.
As a curve ball am also thinking of a Junghans Max Bill auto as i love the design, but not convinced by the plexi-glass screen as this reminds me a little of the Swatches i wore as a child...
Any advice greatfully received!
Have got a spare couple of grand burning a hole in my pocket and one of the possible purchases is going to be a half decent watch - automatic, not quartz. Have trawled the internet for inspiration and aside from an Omega Speedmaster, ( prob have to be 2nd hand for this amount ) have come up with little else that i really like aside from the two on the following links.
If an Omega is the best for the money then so be it, as there is no denying its a quality piece. However, it just seems like a bit of an obvious choice and in truth i fancy something a little different.
Of the two below i prefer the Oris aesthetically, but is the difference in price really justified? To my untrained eye the quality of Oris isn't that much better than Tissot?
Tissot:
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/tissot-heritage-watch...
Oris:
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/oris-chron-set-d-watc...
The daily beater is a Seiko 5 like the one below. I really like the simpler, slighly retro looks of this - in truth have yet to see something that appeals a great deal more. So ideally i would like something that looks a little different, yet still in keeping with the simple / understated design style of the 5. Dont do bling / oversized, and have a couple of G-shocks for times when something a bit more robust is called for.
Have looked at CW ( amongst others ) following advice elsewhere on the forum, and whilst appreciate the value of these am not really taken with the looks of anything in the current range.
As a curve ball am also thinking of a Junghans Max Bill auto as i love the design, but not convinced by the plexi-glass screen as this reminds me a little of the Swatches i wore as a child...
Any advice greatfully received!
Firstly, £2K gets you a lot of watch, so be sure to have a good look at your options and try a few watches on before you commit to a purchase 
However, do really want to spend £2K on one watch? You could opt for a seriously nice Max Bill and still have some cash left over for another rather nice watch later down the line ...
However if you're looking purchase just one watch, I'd have a look at a few websites like www.jurawatches.co.uk and www.precisiontime.co.uk to view a wide selection of manufacturers and styles to help you decide. If you're after something a little different, have a look at Ball, Sinn, and Fortis. Are you after a particular style? Dress? Diver? Chrono? Leather strap or bracelet?
Also, in answer to your Oris vs. Tissot, part of the additional cost is due to the Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement in the Oris, which on this model has been modified to show seconds/minutes only (30 minute chronograph). You're also paying a little more for the Oris name and the build quality will be better, but you would have to hold both watches side by side to really see the difference in quality.
If I had £2K?
New:
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/ball-watch-company-sp...
(COSC certified ETA 2836-2 movement, 333M water resistance, 7500G shock resistance, 12000A/m anti-magnetic, 4mm anti-reflect sapphire crystal, crown protection system, diver extension, tritium constant-light gas tubes ... Epic spec for the cash!
Second hand:
http://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/el-primero--id18...
Remember, if you're buying new, haggle for discount
However, do really want to spend £2K on one watch? You could opt for a seriously nice Max Bill and still have some cash left over for another rather nice watch later down the line ...However if you're looking purchase just one watch, I'd have a look at a few websites like www.jurawatches.co.uk and www.precisiontime.co.uk to view a wide selection of manufacturers and styles to help you decide. If you're after something a little different, have a look at Ball, Sinn, and Fortis. Are you after a particular style? Dress? Diver? Chrono? Leather strap or bracelet?
Also, in answer to your Oris vs. Tissot, part of the additional cost is due to the Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement in the Oris, which on this model has been modified to show seconds/minutes only (30 minute chronograph). You're also paying a little more for the Oris name and the build quality will be better, but you would have to hold both watches side by side to really see the difference in quality.
If I had £2K?
New:
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/ball-watch-company-sp...
(COSC certified ETA 2836-2 movement, 333M water resistance, 7500G shock resistance, 12000A/m anti-magnetic, 4mm anti-reflect sapphire crystal, crown protection system, diver extension, tritium constant-light gas tubes ... Epic spec for the cash!
Second hand:
http://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/el-primero--id18...
Remember, if you're buying new, haggle for discount
Cheers for the response. Hadn't thought to consider Zenith, quite liking some of the simpler designs in their range, such as the Elite - will have to have a look around at what is available from them within budget.
That Ball is undoubtably impressive, but not really what i'm looking for. However the movement it uses adds to my confusion, surely the movement is the most important part of a decent watch and this watch uses the same ETA as a Christopher Ward costing a 1/4 - 1/3 of the price. I appreciate that there is a lot more to this particular watch than that, but you get the idea.
As for what i'm looking for, haven't got a definate idea yet, but probably something closer to a dress watch in style, albeit not too "slight" and preferably on a metal strap. Not really into divers watches or anything with too fussy a face.
Also, as you pointed out i dont have to spend it all on one piece and a Max Bill would be well inside the budget - its just the slightly plasticy nature of it that i remain unconvinced by. I have no problem with something under, or indeed slightly over budget but i am of the opinion buy right, buy once!
That Ball is undoubtably impressive, but not really what i'm looking for. However the movement it uses adds to my confusion, surely the movement is the most important part of a decent watch and this watch uses the same ETA as a Christopher Ward costing a 1/4 - 1/3 of the price. I appreciate that there is a lot more to this particular watch than that, but you get the idea.
As for what i'm looking for, haven't got a definate idea yet, but probably something closer to a dress watch in style, albeit not too "slight" and preferably on a metal strap. Not really into divers watches or anything with too fussy a face.
Also, as you pointed out i dont have to spend it all on one piece and a Max Bill would be well inside the budget - its just the slightly plasticy nature of it that i remain unconvinced by. I have no problem with something under, or indeed slightly over budget but i am of the opinion buy right, buy once!
Raoul Duke said:
However the movement it uses adds to my confusion, surely the movement is the most important part of a decent watch and this watch uses the same ETA as a Christopher Ward costing a 1/4 - 1/3 of the price. I appreciate that there is a lot more to this particular watch than that, but you get the idea.
I believe the Christopher Ward watches use a mixture of ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200 movements for the majority of their 3 hand watches. The Ball Spacemaster uses a 2836, which includes a day/date complication. On top of this, there are several different 'grades' of ETA movement; Standard, Elaborated (improved), Top and Chronometer.(1)I believe Christopher Ward use elaborated movements and occasionally top movements for some of their more expensive models. The Ball Spacemaster uses a Chronometer grade of movement, which is also modified (with special oils) to withstand -40C temperatures. The Ball is worth every pound (without even mentioning build quality!), if it's the sort of watch you want though
(1)
-Standard grade is adjusted in two positions with an average rate of +/-12 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day.
-The Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-7 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day.
-The Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day.
-The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered, as that is a requirement of the certification authority. Moreover, it should be noted that the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally only an aesthetic improvement, increases as well with the grade
Jura is a good shout for flicking through and getting an idea as to what you like the look of, though IMO their photos can be lousy and fail to show off the physical aspects of some of their watches, if you see something you think you might like use google or the brands's own site for more shots.
Check out Nomos and Meistersinger if you like something with a classic look, small-medium case sized and anti-bling, Nomos are outstanding value considering that they are a true manufacturer (as in they make the movement themselves along with pretty much everything else) and the single handed Meistersingers are different from the norm.
ETA nice Oris!
Check out Nomos and Meistersinger if you like something with a classic look, small-medium case sized and anti-bling, Nomos are outstanding value considering that they are a true manufacturer (as in they make the movement themselves along with pretty much everything else) and the single handed Meistersingers are different from the norm.
ETA nice Oris!
Edited by CardShark on Sunday 8th January 22:43
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hll9YsyGQ9c&lis...
Although too large for me, AGAIN. Sinn would also be on my hit list with this budget.
Although too large for me, AGAIN. Sinn would also be on my hit list with this budget. Raoul Duke said:
As a curve ball am also thinking of a Junghans Max Bill auto as i love the design, but not convinced by the plexi-glass screen as this reminds me a little of the Swatches i wore as a child...
Any advice greatfully received!
I've got a Max Bill and it looks nothing at like a Swatch. A time-telling flying saucer from the 60s that's landed on your wrist, yes. Any advice greatfully received!
But a Swatch?
No.
CommanderJameson said:
I've got a Max Bill and it looks nothing at like a Swatch. A time-telling flying saucer from the 60s that's landed on your wrist, yes.
But a Swatch?
No.
Have seen your Max Bill on the forum and very nice it looks too - its not that it looks like a swatch, more that the screen is plexi-glass ( or whatever they call it ), like a swatch. That aside they are one of my favourite designs, regardless of price. But a Swatch?
No.
Ikemi said:
The Ball Spacemaster uses a 2836, which includes a day/date complication.
Really appreciate the explanation!This is the CW that uses a 2836 - although reading through your explanation i am starting to think that i ought to stop being swayed by mechanisms and just look for something that i like and accept that at this level its likely to have something half decent making the hands turn.
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-mens...
Raoul Duke said:
Ikemi said:
The Ball Spacemaster uses a 2836, which includes a day/date complication.
Really appreciate the explanation!This is the CW that uses a 2836 - although reading through your explanation i am starting to think that i ought to stop being swayed by mechanisms and just look for something that i like and accept that at this level its likely to have something half decent making the hands turn.
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-mens...
http://www.nomos-glashuette.com/
Seeing as they make their own movements, you're looking at a reliable German-made movement, not used by any other manufacturer. Prices start at around £900
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