Watch advice

[BartSimpson]

I'm looking for a watch upto a maximum of 800GBP. So far I've been looking at MONDAINE and WELDER. I really like the simplicity of the MONDAINE watches but they're just missing a certain something.

I don't mind leather strap or bracelet, just not rubber.

Over to your superior knowledge.

[AndrewWF]

Good brands to look at for around £1000 are Oris, Tissot, Longines, Raymond Weil, Rado, Hamilton, and if you want something chunky, TW Steel.

If you like Mondaine and can stretch the budget, Nomos Glashutte are superb too.

[bobbybee]

AndrewWF said:

Good brands to look at for around £1000 are Oris, Tissot, Longines, Raymond Weil, Rado, Hamilton, and if you want something chunky, TW Steel.

If you like Mondaine and can stretch the budget, Nomos Glashutte are superb too.

I have to agree with the list there, I would put Longines at the top, very well priced and made, highly underrated, but I would discount TW Steel as they are just fashion POS in my mind.

[BartSimpson]

I wouldn't touch a TW Steel.

I did have a quick look at Tissot but they looked quite fussy.

What I'm after is a jack of all trades watch, nothing too delicate or dressy, but something that wouldn't look out of place in most situations.

[Hoofy]

If new:


or


Putting Mondaine and Welder side by side is a bit of an insult to Mondaine. Welders seem to be oversized watches with Japanese movements. Reliable but overpriced by several hundred. They're probably better compared to TW Steele for similar reasons. Actually, why would you not touch a TW Steele, yet consider a Welder?

Edited by Hoofy on Tuesday 17th July 15:24

[Shaw Tarse]

Brand new or would you consider 2nd hand?

[BartSimpson]

I would for sure consider 2nd hand if the condition was excellent.

I love that ORIS pictured, what's the model and cost for that?

The reason I mention WELDER is purely because one of the designs caught my eye. I wasn't comparing with the MONDAINE, in my eyes the Welder is too large and council, and my money would definitely not be going there.

I quite like watches with blue hands similar to an Omega Broad Arrow.

[RobCh]

Some Glycine watches are around your price point. They may not be what you're after but Glycine are well regarded and good value. Worth a look at least.

[Hoofy]

Re the Oris, just google "Oris" and you'll find various suppliers in the shopping section depending on your specific model.

RobCh said:

Some Glycine watches are around your price point. They may not be what you're after but Glycine are well regarded and good value. Worth a look at least.

Good call with Glycine. I hear their customer service is very good, too.

[CardShark]

The Oris pictured is a great chunk of steel for the money, my local independent has one in their window for a shade under £1k.
For something a bit different have a look at Meistersinger, and if you like the look of blue'd steel hands then maybe Stowa. More casual alternatives to the divers already mentioned I've a Rado D-Star which I'm incredibly happy with, though they're not to everyones taste.

ETA that you should be aiming for an absolute minimum of a 10% discount on full retail price, worth baring in mind.

Edited by CardShark on Tuesday 17th July 19:16

[War Pig]

I like simple looking watches too.

About £800 on a bracelet, bit less on leather.

£232 inc delivery. Put the rest towards a holiday?

Bit more dressy, got mine for £340

[Laser Sag]

If you like simple good looks then worth having a look at Junghans Max Bill watches, simple classic styling.

http://www.junghanswatches.co.uk/maxbillwatch.htm

[CrabDan]

Why the hell would you spend all that money on a watch when you can buy a £20 Timex and pretend you're in the SAS?

Only joking.

Thing is, I struggle to find watches I really like that don't cost at least £2500.

Edited by CrabDan on Tuesday 17th July 19:34

[BartSimpson]

Right now I'm really tempted by that ORIS. My plan is to buy it when we fly to Thailand to go shopping in Bangkok, so I can ask for discount in the store plus get the tax back at the airport.

I did notice Glycine were in budget.

One poster mentioned second hand, what do you have in mind?

[carter711]

Stowa.

[deejuic]

I agree with every suggestion except for TW Steel. They are not worth the money.

Sinn, Longines, Oris, Glycine, and the others suggested are really well built and something that you'll be happy with 3,4,5 or 10 years from now. TW Steel...you won't.

[BartSimpson]

Really happy a Sinn is available in my budget.

So out of ORIS, Mondaine and Sinn, what would be your pick and why?

[RobCh]

I would go for the Sinn. The Mondaine seems more like a fashion watch to me, even though I like the look. Oris are building a solid reputation and that diver watch looks great, but a tad too big for my wrist. Sinn aren't known by everybody, which is quite satisfying in itself, but the people who do know them respect them. They have great pedigree. I don't think you'd ever tire of looking at the Sinn, it's totally functional, will never go out of fashion, and it suits just about every situation.

[BartSimpson]

The Max Bill watches are lovely, it's just a shame the one I like is well over budget.

What about BALL

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/mens-251-...

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/mens-251-...

Georg Jenson

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/mens-251-...

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/mens-251-...

MeisterSinger

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/mens-251-...

Muehle Glashuette

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/mens-251-...

TAG

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/mens-251-...

[daveenty]

Some pretty nice Hamiltons available for that sort of figure.

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/hamilton-...

I put the Jura link in out of idleness as it was posted above, but other retailers are available.

The Thinomatic is a nice looking watch, as is the American Classic.