Which watch for £1.5k?

[Easty-5]

Basically just after some suggestions here. I am looking to buy my first "decent" watch. Just turned 21 so looking to buy a watch that I can keep. It won't be an everyday watch. £1.5k is a hell of a lot of money to me and I want the watch to feel special, not just be an everyday thing. I know it's not going to be a very special watch in the grand scheme of things but it will be to me.

At the minute the two brands which interest me are Tag (Obviously) and Longines. I don't really know of any other prestige (matter of opinion here) brands that are in my price range.

What other watches are out there, in my budget of 1.5k (I could stretch to 1.7k - 1.8k)? No Seamaster's though as I don't particularly like them.

Here's a selection of ones that have caught my eye so far:


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c... (Poss. out of budget)


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/c...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l...


http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l...

Cheers,
Jamie

[phil1979]

My Longines! I love it, and feel it has a little more style than a similar-specced Tag:





I got a nice deal from watchfinder.co.uk too.

[worsy]

http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/a...



Breitling Superocean II (bracelet available but slightly more expensive)

My personal fave at that price

http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/Ball-Watch-Company/Fi...



Ball Storm Chaser

Edited by worsy on Monday 2nd August 13:16

[chriis]

Slightly over budget but i love this

http://www.chrono24.com/en/breitling/1323860.htm?S...

Breitling Super Ocean Heritage

[Podie]

First off, when you've decided, speak to "Dominic H" here on PH and get a quote.

How about a Railmaster... (2803.52.37)

[Easty-5]

Thanks for the suggestions so far folks. Much appreciated.

I think I would prefer a watch with a bracelet, not too found of straps, however, I really like that Ball Storm Chaser.

Who is Dominic H? Is he a watch dealer?

[Podie]

Easty-5 said:

Who is Dominic H? Is he a watch dealer?

and thoroughly nice bloke too. I've bought from him, as have many other PHers.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?mem...

[worsy]

Easty-5 said:

I think I would prefer a watch with a bracelet, not too found of straps, however, I really like that Ball Storm Chaser.

you may be able to get that on a bracelet, the Ball Skylab comes on a bracelet for example:



http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/Ball-Watch-Company/Fi...

[Ikemi]

The Ball Storm Chaser does indeed come with the option of a stainless steel bracelet, so that might still be a consideration for you

Also, the other party trick that a Ball can offer you is the use of H3 Tritium tubes, which emit light through chemical reaction for 15-20 years. The tubes themselves are applied to the hour markers and hands, which in turn enables you to see the time at light, unlike (super)luminova that fades in a few hours. Here is my EHC I at night - Note the bezel is actually a luminova insert, so the bright blue is a result of some help from a UV light!



The first link in your post (TAG Link Calibre S) was my first serious watch that I purchased - It is an absolutely fantastic piece and very well made. In all honestly, the bracelet on the Link is a lot more comfortable in comparison to other watches that are double the price.

However I sold mine due to the fact that it uses a quartz movement, which after delving deeper into this 'addiction', proved to be somewhat uninteresting - An automatic watch relies on your movement to live Therefore I'd suggest the second hyperlink down and go for the Tag Link Chrono!

The Carrera utilizes the same movement as the Link, so really you'd be choosing between the difference in case, face and bracelet design. However I'd also be looking at the Breitling Superocean II mentioned above - It looks bloody fantastic, especially with the yellow chapter ring!



RRP £2300 on bracelet, but you should be able to get below £2K with some discount/bartering.

[dozen]

Not wishing to sound like a broken record, but I love my Omega Speedmaster Date:



Should be easy to get within budget.

Dozen

Edited by dozen on Monday 2nd August 15:40

[Dr JonboyG]

I'd be thinking about a Sinn or Damasko at that price.

[ShadownINja]

Out of that selection, the Longines with the 7751 movement. I prefer the white face with a brown alligator strap, though.



<goes for a lie down>

Edited by ShadownINja on Monday 2nd August 18:19

[speedtwelve]

Here's where my money would be going:


Anonimo Millemetri



Damasko DC66 (Alternatively, the Sinn 757 is similar in design)



Fortis B42 Pilot Chrono



Omega Speedmaster Pro


Some good suggestions from previous posters. I really like the yellow Superocean II and most of the Ball models. I'd also go used, particularly if you want something like the Speedmaster to be within your budget. Let someone else take the initial depreciation hit, and there'll be a lot of options for you.

Edited by speedtwelve on Tuesday 3rd August 00:46

[davidball]

I bought a TAG chronometer nine years ago. I wear it every day and it is still in pristine condition. The crystal glass does not have a mark on it. It costs about 50 Euro per year for servicing. Go for a TAG and enjoy understated excellence! No, I do not work for them.

Edited by davidball on Friday 6th August 15:08