First watch (bigger) purchase
Looking for advice- I have a small watch collection, but never have spent over $400 on one piece. what would be the best value for watch I could get that will have:
brand prestige
versatility
wearabiltiy for 6.5” wrist
I’m ok buying used and prefer steel and bracelets.
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lets test this forum out!
What is your budget?
I’d like to stay around $1k but would be increase it if it seemed like it was worth it
What is your budget?
See below but about $1k maybe more
Some options:
Good luck!
Some options:
Good luck!
I have a sarb033 already- would you think that it’s worth 2-3x more $ to get a Tudor bb58?
I hereby invoke the "Recommendation Rule":
I have a sarb033 already- would you think that it’s worth 2-3x more $ to get a Tudor bb58?
You know that famous saying, "Opinions are like a$$holes. Everybody's got one"? Well, okay, here's one man's opinion:
I’d like to stay around $1k but would be increase it if it seemed like it was worth it
I am not sure if you can get a Monta Atlas for under $1k but that would be a nice option.
Halios Seaforth or Fairwind could be options as well.
I just got a Seiko SPB153 well under $1k and I think that is good for what you get.
Let us know what you decide on.
Brand prestige
+ Versatility
+ Wearability
+ Reasonable cost
= John Mayer G-Shock.
Suggestion… Ignore “Brand Prestige.” So drop John Mayer.
Really though, asking for watch recommendations is kind of like asking someone else how you should get your eggs cooked at breakfast. Just get it how you like it. Ignore what the other guy is eating.
Ignore Instagram. Ignore hype. Even ignore Watchcrunch. Set a budget, then ask yourself what says, “BOOM. THAT’S ME” regardless of what someone else thinks about it.
I hereby invoke the "Recommendation Rule":
There’s the next one. Search over
I am not sure if you can get a Monta Atlas for under $1k but that would be a nice option.
Halios Seaforth or Fairwind could be options as well.
I just got a Seiko SPB153 well under $1k and I think that is good for what you get.
Let us know what you decide on.
Halios is has been on my radar, my only reservation be spending the most I’ve ever spent on a micro brand.
There’s the next one. Search over
It's a running joke. You either get an Invicta or a Hublot.
What about about a nomos?
Hear me out... Tag Formula 1 Quartz.
Prestigious name? ✅
Fits your wrists? ✅
Versatility? ✅
Plus it's quartz so you can say bye bye to servicing worries. It looks really decent on the wrist.
Little north of your budget, but a Sinn 556ib would be a nice option
I think I take that to mean they don’t want to risk a microbrand. I can put this thread to bed right now - it’s probably going to be Seiko, Citizen, Frederique Constant or Hamilton new, and if used maybe something like Longines, Tag Heuer, or Ball enters the mix. No microbrands, just something tried and tested.
I think you're probably right. There are very few brands that have a brand prestige outside of the watch community, so probably a used Tag Heuer would probably be one of the safest bets. While I think many people would recognize the design on a Longines Conquest, not that many would be aware of the brand. I think both with Longines and Hamilton you could get watches that look more expensive than they really are. (But I don't think that's the question here.)
I think you're probably right. There are very few brands that have a brand prestige outside of the watch community, so probably a used Tag Heuer would probably be one of the safest bets. While I think many people would recognize the design on a Longines Conquest, not that many would be aware of the brand. I think both with Longines and Hamilton you could get watches that look more expensive than they really are. (But I don't think that's the question here.)
That’s a good point about prestige outside of the watch community- people don’t know what they’re looking at or care.
That’s a good point about prestige outside of the watch community- people don’t know what they’re looking at or care.
At the risk of being awkward, why does it matter to you? There are a lot of good micro-brands offering you all sorts of interesting concepts within your budget so your money would go further than something more basic from an established ”named brand”. If others don’t know, its only you that you need to please - are you that difficult to satisfy that it has to be an established watch manufacturer? Unless I really dont understand watch people, surely you would relish the opportunity to find out about brands you may never have heard of at your price point? It would be sad after all this if all you will do is get a Seiko or Hamilton (no disrespect to the brands); it feels like a cop-out.
Brand prestige and 1k$?
I would look for a pre owned Breitling Colt.
Ref A17035 should be available pre owned for 800$
Ref A17350 should be available pre owned for 1200$
Depends on where you live of course.
nice thought- never really thought about that.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 (ref T137.407.11.091.00) with the green dial. At $650 USD is under your $1K budget and you get a stunner.
A few people have mentioned this one in different colors- I may wait for the 37mm to get released woth the powermatic movement.
The Baby Alpinist is an amazing option. Incredibly versatile, comfortable, and a looker! I recently got the gray dial on the steel bracelet and I'm in love with it! It was also my first purchase over 300 and I was really scared of regretting it, now my only regret is not picking it up sooner.
My recommendation would be to go to an AD and try it on, it has everything in it to be a perfect choice but in the end you have to feel it when you wear it.
did you consider or compare to a regular alpinist? I know there’s a gap in price, wondering if you thought that was the better buy or the other wasn’t worth it?
Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm you can't go wrong. Brand history, versatile, and will fit you're wrist size to a tee 👍 Also won't cost you an arm or leg to get a Swiss watch on your wrist.
Completely agree! I already have the white dial!
Hey there! I'm not sure if this is your style, but the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 has been peaking my interest lately. It's got a pretty cool watch face/dial in my opinion. It goes for around 700. What do you think?
That keeps popping onto my short list, I may try and wait for the smaller version that was just released to come out with the powermatic movement.
Would the hodinkee blue alpinist be a total cop out?
did you consider or compare to a regular alpinist? I know there’s a gap in price, wondering if you thought that was the better buy or the other wasn’t worth it?
Yeah I considered it but the gradient dial of the baby alpinist won me over, and the slightly thinner, more wearable case also pushed me towards the baby model. I was looking for something to wear everywhere so the compass bezel could have been an inconvenience.
So for me, the baby alpinist just made more sense, but I did compare it in person to be sure I was making the right choice (and my AD included the metal bracelet as an extra for free, so that also gave me extra value).
Like everyone before has said there are a lot of opinions out there. This would be my recommendation Longines Conquest VHP. You get a Swiss brand with incredible history and horological significance, a extremely accurate movement (10 sec or less a year), and beautiful finishing for $1k new or less in grey market. Longines I believe would be considered luxury by most and they make a damn fine watch.
I would throw Christopher Ward on the list. A lot of bang for the buck and they have been on a tear lately with their releases. The Sealander collection is a bright spot. They are on the cusp of releasing a new C65 line. Look around for a coupon code too. There is usually one valid every quarter for $125 off for US customers. You will have to pony up on import duty if it is over $800 but plan it in to the purchase price you will be okay. There are plenty of options below the $800 mark too.
I think within the next month or 2 you shoul be able to order the Swiss made Wicked Watch Pear Diver. I have received my NH35 version, and really love that watch. The lume is great, and I beleive those are a bang for the buck.
Includes-
Really nice leather case.
3x bands- leather, rubber and nato
A nice strap changing tool
Extra spring bars in a spring bar holder.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon 42mm should be considered. 42mm sounds big but I generally don't like oversized watches yet it wears very well on my 6.25" wrist.
If you'd like to scale up or down in price, or have other criteria, I could probably come up with more suggestions.