Should it stay or should it go?
Should it stay or should it go?
Author
Discussion

hardcastlephil

Original Poster:

352 posts

192 months

Monday 22nd February 2016
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Evening,

I've not frequented these parts for a quite a while! I got some great advice when looking for a watch a few years back, and now I'm back and hoping for some of the same. So...

A few years back I'd saved up and wanted a new watch. Had a brief affair with a Speedmaster reduced, but for some reason I couldn't get used to it. I think it was the metal bracelet strap (which in hindsight I could have easily changed!), bur either way it went and I bought this:



Sorry for poor pic - just took it with my phone now.

Anyway, I'm a pretty understated chap so always felt the watch suited me. Also wanted to buy something with a good name and non-quartz movement, which boxes this ticks. However, I really wanted a watch which I could wear for many many years (dream-world maybe?) and I sometimes have a niggle that the DeVille is just a little too understated. I want something which is a real part of me and little different. I can't stand flashiness, but if I spend money it's at least nice to have maybe the odd positive comment - 4 years of wearing this daily and only one!

I've been looking at bronze watches recently, but don't want to buy something which is just a fashion. Any thoughts on this? Also the Omega is very small at 35mm. I have thin (6.75") wrists, so can't manage anything huge, but I'd like a bit of weight.

Should I:

1) Just hang on to the Omega - it's reliable, and looks good with both suit and jeans

2) Sell and buy something different. I'm a bit out of touch but I guess I'd see about £850 for the Omega and would like to spend a similar amount. Lower if ideally possible.

I suppose my requirements would be:

Automatic or manual
Able to wear with suit or jeans (I can only deal with one watch - tried having more but I like to keep it easy)
Bronze (maybe?!)
On a leather strap - or can be changed
An acceptable size for my small wrist - I don't want to strap a wall clock on each day!

I'm happy to (would probably rather) buy secondhand and save on depreciation. Always hankered after a Steinhart new but they seem to big!! £500-900 price range.

All comments welcome,

Phil


critical mass

153 posts

135 months

Monday 22nd February 2016
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I've got a DeVille as well. Used to be my go-to watch but I now keep it for formal occasions and have something more casual for the rest of the time.

mikeveal

5,139 posts

280 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2016
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Not keen on the bronze ones myself.
How about a Max Bill? You'll find both of these on Chrono24 at just under a grand.


lostkiwi

4,585 posts

154 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2016
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I'd keep it and add to the collection.
I like those Junghans watches - very clean and elegant styling. Saw them at QP Salon and was quite taken.
OP - you could also look at Oris watches - probably a little over budget new but second hand something like one of these is very elegant and understated:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oris-Big-Crown-Pointer-D...

hardcastlephil

Original Poster:

352 posts

192 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2016
quotequote all

Evening - thanks for the ideas. Love the Max Bill watches and had considered one a few years back. Also own a Strela - this looks quite simple!

Can't really afford to keep the DeVille, unless I buy something cheap. In the middle of a fairly costly house renovation and justifying one decent watch isn't always easy!

Any thoughts on Steinhart for a smaller wristed chap? I thought the Marine officer chrono looked good for the money?

Cheers,

Phil

mcpiston

297 posts

199 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2016
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If it was me I would stick with the Omega. Not trying to offend but the watches you have mentioned in my opinion would not be of a standard of the one you already have. Like you I prefer understated. Might be a bit costly but a secondhand Railmaster would be really nice.