Watch for 21st birthday
Discussion
Hello!
This is my first post on PH although I have been watching from afar for a while.
Very soon is my 21st birthday and my parents have kindly agreed to purchase me a watch as we believe it is a meaningful present that will last a long time.
Below are some of my options; bearing in mind this watch is to be worn on a day to day basis (i'm at University at the moment but working in London next year). So it would be nice to be able to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Obviously with the watch being a 21st present from my parents I would like the design to date nicely. Firstly is a Tag Heuer that has caught my eye, followed by 2 Omega's.
Tag Carrera Day Date:
This looks a lot nicer in real life than it does here and I really do like it, but i'm not sure how well the design will age (it's also quite chunky).
Omega Speedmaster Date:
I think I prefer the simplicity of this to the following but am undecided.
Omega Speedmaster Day Date:
I like the classic design and it feels nice on the wrist (same as the above).
Baring in mind I would like to purchase from new so no suggestions of 2nd hand; what are peoples opinions?
Many thanks
PS: I will most likely be buying from a High Street dealer but it's hard not to be tempted by online retailers such as Swiss Watches Direct who offer 20% discount or so, has anyone purchased from these companies that source watches from Authorised Dealers?
This is my first post on PH although I have been watching from afar for a while.
Very soon is my 21st birthday and my parents have kindly agreed to purchase me a watch as we believe it is a meaningful present that will last a long time.
Below are some of my options; bearing in mind this watch is to be worn on a day to day basis (i'm at University at the moment but working in London next year). So it would be nice to be able to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Obviously with the watch being a 21st present from my parents I would like the design to date nicely. Firstly is a Tag Heuer that has caught my eye, followed by 2 Omega's.
Tag Carrera Day Date:
This looks a lot nicer in real life than it does here and I really do like it, but i'm not sure how well the design will age (it's also quite chunky).
Omega Speedmaster Date:
I think I prefer the simplicity of this to the following but am undecided.
Omega Speedmaster Day Date:
I like the classic design and it feels nice on the wrist (same as the above).
Baring in mind I would like to purchase from new so no suggestions of 2nd hand; what are peoples opinions?
Many thanks
PS: I will most likely be buying from a High Street dealer but it's hard not to be tempted by online retailers such as Swiss Watches Direct who offer 20% discount or so, has anyone purchased from these companies that source watches from Authorised Dealers?
Edited by Markw88 on Monday 20th April 22:12
I've seen the Professional and quite like it. I think I prefer the anti-reflective sapphire crystal to the plexi-glass and also the extra water resistance with the automatics though. Is there any reason against the automatics? Is the movement ok? I'm a bit new to this scene!
What do you think of the Tag?
What do you think of the Tag?
Edited by Markw88 on Monday 20th April 22:28
Don't want to slate the brand or anything, but two mates have bought TAGs and both have had them fixed and in one case eventually replaced.
I'd get the Moonwatch if I were you, I have one and it's fantastic!
Also if you go for the Speedy Pro 3573.50.00 then you get sapphire crystal on both the front and on the exhibition case-back.
I'd get the Moonwatch if I were you, I have one and it's fantastic!
Also if you go for the Speedy Pro 3573.50.00 then you get sapphire crystal on both the front and on the exhibition case-back.
mcgus said:
Peter G said:
Also if you go for the Speedy Pro 3573.50.00 then you get sapphire crystal on both the front and on the exhibition case-back.
+1no contest!
Of all the watches I have owned over the years, this is the one and only I would never part with.
Markw88 said:
Omega Speedmaster Date:
Funnily enough, I was in the same position as yourself last August when I turned 21. I looked at all 3 of the watches you mentioned plus an Oris t3 and went with that Speedmaster Date you have pictured. It's my daily watch and has proven to be very tough and durable and is extremely scratch resistant. It's also very comfortable to wear. One of the PHers here is a watch dealer and got me a good price on the watch. Good luck with whatever you decide to go for.Baffled Spoon said:
Markw88 said:
Omega Speedmaster Date:
Funnily enough, I was in the same position as yourself last August when I turned 21. I looked at all 3 of the watches you mentioned plus an Oris t3 and went with that Speedmaster Date you have pictured. It's my daily watch and has proven to be very tough and durable and is extremely scratch resistant. It's also very comfortable to wear. One of the PHers here is a watch dealer and got me a good price on the watch. Good luck with whatever you decide to go for.Another model that has now confused the issue is this:
Would I be correct on thinking that it has an improved movement over the speedy?
Was it Dominic_H that you dealt with? I'd like to be able to go with someone recommended by others!
Edited by Markw88 on Wednesday 22 April 12:39
JDH1 said:
Got to recommend the Moonwatch. Why? Because this is a long term purchase and it will never date or go out of fashion. It's an iconic item.
I totally, utterly agree. When I was 21 I was given a fandango Seiko (should have bullied my parents more) - you are a lucky chap to have this choice and wise to seek counsel with us lot..kind of!! In short, if you went for the original moonwatch I reckon that would be a fantastic choice.Before you read below I have to admit I am biased because I sought out an original from 1966 of the exact type that went to the moon.
You will see it hardly looks any different today.
When you learn about the history of the moonwatch you will realise there is nothing out there that touches it for the kudos its' history invokes, and the classic design. I mean, it went to the moon with Armstrong and Aldrin and countless others, and timed the Apollo 13 capsule blast back to earth.
Check out the mini website on Omegas website, it's fantastic.
Paste this into your browser and click on the "Launch the Speedmaster website".
http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id=439
It is about as date-proof as it's possible to get, they've made it in various forms fairly unchanged since 1957 and it's just as popular as ever.
If you ever change your mind it is likely to retain its value much better than a TAG would.
A lot of us would certainly put an Omega in a tier above TAG
I'd say to enjoy it get the display back. But....my personal preference favours the solid back and hesalite crystal because this is the pukka version that had NASA approval. I get a kick from knowing mine is exactly the version which Armstrong wore, yours will be damn close and has the advantage of a guarantee!
As far as manual vs auto watches are concerned I have a good selection of both, but find the daily wind very thereputic, and I'm not alone.
And of course if you leave an auto off for a while you have to wind it anyway unless you have a winder and then...you can see the slippery slope that is watch enthusiam!
Captain Chaos said:
As far as manual vs auto watches are concerned I have a good selection of both, but find the daily wind very thereputic, and I'm not alone.
And of course if you leave an auto off for a while you have to wind it anyway unless you have a winder and then...you can see the slippery slope that is watch enthusiam!
And of course the manual is perfect if you wish to show it off without being too flash, just take it off to wind it while your in a meeting. Haha!And of course if you leave an auto off for a while you have to wind it anyway unless you have a winder and then...you can see the slippery slope that is watch enthusiam!
Markw88 said:
Baffled Spoon said:
Markw88 said:
Omega Speedmaster Date:
Funnily enough, I was in the same position as yourself last August when I turned 21. I looked at all 3 of the watches you mentioned plus an Oris t3 and went with that Speedmaster Date you have pictured. It's my daily watch and has proven to be very tough and durable and is extremely scratch resistant. It's also very comfortable to wear. One of the PHers here is a watch dealer and got me a good price on the watch. Good luck with whatever you decide to go for.Another model that has now confused the issue is this:
Would I be correct on thinking that it has an improved movement over the speedy?
Was it Dominic_H that you dealt with? I'd like to be able to go with someone recommended by others!
Edited by Markw88 on Wednesday 22 April 12:39
Thoroughly recommended on all fronts, but if not, I would go speedy, Tag do nothing for me.
I have both a speedmaster moon watch (on my wrist as I type this) and a seamaster planet ocean.
Bear in mind that the speedmaster is not a large watch by today's standards/fashions.
I love both watches for different reasons - the speedie because of its history, links to the NASA space programme and the fact that as a manual watch it is a piece that you have to 'manage'
The PO is pretty much unburstable, mine goes from the boardroom, to casual at the weekend and never left my wrist on a recent holiday in the West Indies.
Like others, I would only have a speedie that was as close to the moon watch as possible. Given that you (very sensibly) want something with some scratch and water proofing I would go for the PO.
This watch is a present from your parents and something you will want to keep hold of all of your life (my mum bought me a dive watch for my 18th, didn't cost 10% of the cheapest watch I have today and it is tiny by today's standards. But she scrimped to buy it for me and it sits in my watch box alongside my Omegas, Bremont, Anonimo etc and when it comes down to it, they could all go but I will never get rid of it) so you want something that is robust = PO.
Plenty of time to get a speedie and loads of others as you win promotions at work!
On the point of price and discounts - all jewelry is subject to massive mark ups and discounts are available for high street jewelers - just ask. I would say to aim for 18% or so. Standard bargaining rules apply - ask them for their best price and when they come back with something, ask for it to be rounded down.
Given that discounts are available on the high st from authorised dealers, an internet offer would have to be very attractive for me to take the risk (even if it is tiny). If you have any problems the high st guy should sort it for you and will adjust the bracelet for you etc.
Let us know how you get on and post some pictures when you have bought one.
Bear in mind that the speedmaster is not a large watch by today's standards/fashions.
I love both watches for different reasons - the speedie because of its history, links to the NASA space programme and the fact that as a manual watch it is a piece that you have to 'manage'
The PO is pretty much unburstable, mine goes from the boardroom, to casual at the weekend and never left my wrist on a recent holiday in the West Indies.
Like others, I would only have a speedie that was as close to the moon watch as possible. Given that you (very sensibly) want something with some scratch and water proofing I would go for the PO.
This watch is a present from your parents and something you will want to keep hold of all of your life (my mum bought me a dive watch for my 18th, didn't cost 10% of the cheapest watch I have today and it is tiny by today's standards. But she scrimped to buy it for me and it sits in my watch box alongside my Omegas, Bremont, Anonimo etc and when it comes down to it, they could all go but I will never get rid of it) so you want something that is robust = PO.
Plenty of time to get a speedie and loads of others as you win promotions at work!
On the point of price and discounts - all jewelry is subject to massive mark ups and discounts are available for high street jewelers - just ask. I would say to aim for 18% or so. Standard bargaining rules apply - ask them for their best price and when they come back with something, ask for it to be rounded down.
Given that discounts are available on the high st from authorised dealers, an internet offer would have to be very attractive for me to take the risk (even if it is tiny). If you have any problems the high st guy should sort it for you and will adjust the bracelet for you etc.
Let us know how you get on and post some pictures when you have bought one.
Edited by Stitch on Friday 24th April 10:21
I'd personally go for the Omega PO ... Actually mine is on order with Dominic H 
Give him a bell in regards to your choice of watch and I'm sure he'll help you out - Top bloke 
However you do realise that if you go for a PO you'll have the incredibly hard decision of choosing which size you want and colour combination
I started with a desire for an orange bezel/numeral 42mm, but later opted for a 45.5mm black bezel/white numeral variant.
There are certainly a lot of watches to consider in your price range. All I'd say is choose something that really takes your interest, something you can see yourself wearing in 10 years time, something built by a manufacturer/brand that you admire or like. The Speedie Pro Moon watch would be on my list too ...
You know you want one!
Give him a bell in regards to your choice of watch and I'm sure he'll help you out - Top bloke However you do realise that if you go for a PO you'll have the incredibly hard decision of choosing which size you want and colour combination
I started with a desire for an orange bezel/numeral 42mm, but later opted for a 45.5mm black bezel/white numeral variant.There are certainly a lot of watches to consider in your price range. All I'd say is choose something that really takes your interest, something you can see yourself wearing in 10 years time, something built by a manufacturer/brand that you admire or like. The Speedie Pro Moon watch would be on my list too ...
You know you want one!
Edited by Ikemi on Friday 24th April 13:20
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff