What watch for 1k?

[MikeA3]

Gents,

I'm after some more advice from you all please as my own watch knowledge is rather limited. My fiancé and I are due to get married in about 5 weeks time and she's secretly saved up just under 1k to buy me a watch as a wedding present (she's definitely a keeper).

I'm now struggling for ideas as I currently have a full size Seamaster Chronometer which I've had for the last decade or so and I'd like something a little different. I've no problem with getting a used watch (my Seamaster was and its been faultless).

I like the Speedmaster design on a leather strap although they generally appear to be out of my budget. I also wouldn't want to go any smaller than my current Seamaster so any advice / suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Mike

[Nigel_O]

Maybe this thread will give you some ideas

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[mikeveal]

Second hand, and decidedly vintage take a look at Jaeger Le Coultre.
A used Memovox from the 50's / 60's should run from £800 to £1200. A 50's Futurematic will be around £1200 and if you are lucky a used Reverso will start around £1200.

A decent Brietling TopTime should come in around £1000. Prices on these have climbed over the last few years.

A grand will buy you a Rolex Oyster, or a Cartier Santos.

World's your oysterdate really. Get on Chrono24 and have a gander.

[Moominho]

mikeveal said:

Second hand, and decidedly vintage take a look at Jaeger Le Coultre.
A used Memovox from the 50's / 60's should run from £800 to £1200. A 50's Futurematic will be around £1200 and if you are lucky a used Reverso will start around £1200.

Really? I always assumed they would be more than that. I would love a 50's Memovox.

[mikeveal]

Kinda depends if you're happy wuth the dial saying "LeCoultre" or whether you want "Jaeger LeCoultre".
I picked up a mint early 60's model on eBay for £780 including import duty & shipping a few months ago. But I am patient enough to wait for a bargain, and I hope I know enough to spot an obvious duffer.

[Dicky Knee]

Oris and Longines Heritage range would be worth a look at around £1000. Maybe look at something more formal from the Oris Big Crown range which you can wear with a suit on your wedding day.

[glazbagun]

Nigel_O said:

Maybe this thread will give you some ideas

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Best avoided as it seems to have been hijacked by trolling right from the beginning!

For £1K you could get a Rolex Oyster with a cal 1210 from the 50/60's that probably wouldn't lose much value, or an IWC Cal 89, but if you're not going to be selling it then that's hardly an issue, and they're not the most modern looking of things.

Brand new, as mentioned Oris is a very good bet- I still have mine which I bought at my ever first job! Hamilton/Longines are the Swatch Group offerings and generally good value. My Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT is the only watch I regret selling.

Second hand you could might get a decent Automatic Speedmaster- which should have enough parts out there for them to still be affordably serviced for years yet. I'd also keep an eye out for an Oris Artelier Chronograph.