Graduation Watch - £1,000 Budget

[Progressive]

I am looking to treat myself to a watch for my graduation (6 months time). Budget of around £1,000. Open to suggestions but nothing too 'off the wall'. To be worn daily, generally in a professional environment. I am willing to consider 'nearly new'.

Additional information: I have seriously skinny wrists. I like the 'casual' look as oppose to a dress watch. I was dedicated to finding an in-budget Seamaster and still am not against the idea. Not sure I would settle for a quartz, although at this budget, I may not have an option.

Any suggestions?

Edited by Progressive on Tuesday 21st December 10:43

[AJRH]

I was in a similar position recently and considered lots, ended up buying two for a similar budget to yours:

One the ubiquitous Sinn 556:



The other a 60's Girard Perregaux wrist alarm:



They covered all bases for me, give me two to play with and I'm really pleased.

Both were sourced from Neil at Chronomaster who did a great job sending them abroad.

Edited by AJRH on Tuesday 21st December 10:50

[Slagathore]

I'd be looking at Sinn, Fortis, Glycine, Nomos. Not really available in most hight street jewellers, but worth a shout if you want something a bit different.

There's soo much available in that price range. I went for Sinn, just 'cause they're a bit different, and from what I'd read, they are excellent value for money. After owning a couple for a while now, they really are great watches for the money.

[Slagathore]

Oh, and Stowa! Forgot about them.

[LukeBird]

You'd get a mid-size auto Seamaster within budget if you wanted to hunt one out.
Other than that, the brands mentioned (particularly Sinn and the lovely 556; I need one of those!) would be where I would be looking.

[FreeLitres]

Omega Seamaster Professional 300m 2254.50

[Debaser]

Can you get a second hand Speedmaster Professional for £1000?

[HereBeMonsters]

AJRH said:

I was in a similar position recently and considered lots, ended up buying two for a similar budget to yours:

One the ubiquitous Sinn 556:



Both were sourced from Neil at Chronomaster who did a great job sending them abroad.

How much did you pay for the Sinn, if you don't mind me asking? I'm considering a 556 or 656 in the New Year, but not sure where to buy.

[LukeBird]

Debaser said:

Can you get a second hand Speedmaster Professional for £1000?

Yes.
If you're happy with quartz and an older model you could get one for half of that.

[andy_s]

AJRH said:

I was in a similar position recently and considered lots, ended up buying two for a similar budget to yours:

One the ubiquitous Sinn 556:



The other a 60's Girard Perregaux wrist alarm:



They covered all bases for me, give me two to play with and I'm really pleased.

Both were sourced from Neil at Chronomaster who did a great job sending them abroad.

Good choices by the way - they make a good set! The GP is unusual too, Neils got a good selection of older stuff.

[ian964]

Slagathore said:

I'd be looking at Sinn, Fortis, Glycine, Nomos.

As well as those I'd look at Damasko - http://www.timefactors.com/damasko.htm.

The DA46 is right on your budget:

[HOGEPH]

I tried a Sinn 656, found it to be on the small side, so went for a Damasko DA36 instead.

[GC8]

Oris should have something in-budget and certainly better than Sinn (in my opinion), an old G-P or a billy-no-mates Seamaster. A Longines Hydroconquest automatic will come in well under budget too, whlst being an excellent watch from a long-respected maker.

[speedtwelve]

Another vote for the Hydroconquest. I've got one, 41mm, auto movement, very well made. Much less common than a Seamaster to boot, and £600-700 new.





Tried one of these on recently, Sinn 857UTC. The build quality is impressive, it's like a mini aircraft instument that sits on your wrist. Tegimented steel, AR coating on the crystal.





And another vote for the DA46. As per the Sinn, but ice hardened steel and pretty much hand-made by Herr Damasko himself.

Edited by speedtwelve on Wednesday 22 December 15:09

[Slagathore]

ian964 said:

Slagathore said:

I'd be looking at Sinn, Fortis, Glycine, Nomos.

As well as those I'd look at Damasko - http://www.timefactors.com/damasko.htm.

The DA46 is right on your budget:

Forgot about them aswell.

Yeah, very nice watches. I see that's the model thats replaying the DA37 ones.

[OllyHill]

FreeLitres said:

Omega Seamaster Professional 300m 2254.50

Seconded - bought mine almost 3 years ago as a present to myself for getting promoted at work and wouldn't get rid of it. Wear it as an everyday watch and works well as an evening watch too. I wanted a watch with a large face so I can see it easily when flying (working) so this suits my needs perfectly.
Enjoy your search!

[Nice But Dim]

Delighted with my Damasko DC57

[AJRH]

HereBeMonsters said:

AJRH said:

I was in a similar position recently and considered lots, ended up buying two for a similar budget to yours:

One the ubiquitous Sinn 556:



Both were sourced from Neil at Chronomaster who did a great job sending them abroad.

How much did you pay for the Sinn, if you don't mind me asking? I'm considering a 556 or 656 in the New Year, but not sure where to buy.

£425 I think, as per the prices on the Chronomaster website. There aren't many stockists (if any others in the UK?), and I recommend Neil.

[LukeBird]

^^ £495 now.
Neil just had new stock in and said the price rise would be at the same point.

[HereBeMonsters]

AJRH said:

HereBeMonsters said:

AJRH said:

I was in a similar position recently and considered lots, ended up buying two for a similar budget to yours:

One the ubiquitous Sinn 556:



Both were sourced from Neil at Chronomaster who did a great job sending them abroad.

How much did you pay for the Sinn, if you don't mind me asking? I'm considering a 556 or 656 in the New Year, but not sure where to buy.

£425 I think, as per the prices on the Chronomaster website. There aren't many stockists (if any others in the UK?), and I recommend Neil.

So still cheaper than Jura then. Does it come with that daft perforated strap?