Hello fellow watch enthusiasts. I am scheduled to get married in eight months. being this my first, and hopefully only marriage, I am looking for a commemorative timepiece to not only wear on the day of the wedding, but to also cherish for future years as an important and significant piece. However, I need some help deciding on what that watch is.
I have been exploring some options like the Cartier Santis Dumont, parmigiani Tonda 1950, Vacheron Constant fifty-six, vintage Patek Calatrava, and to be honest multiple other watches. My budget is up to £10,000, and my preference is small dressy and potentially vintage.
Does anyone have any recommendations?
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I agree, it’s actually up there as top of my list. But for the points mentioned is that also a negative? Readily available, versatile and dare I say… nothing overly exciting? But great to hear a point towards one of my favourite options.
Very true. And yes the Reverso is a great option, thanks.
Time to find the closest dealer and try one on.
What about a vintage Patek Golden Ellipse? These are still very underpriced for what they are. And Keanu Reeves is kicking around in one.
Your budget would work for a standard one:
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/patekphilippe/ellipse-model-ref4226-18ct-1970--id26889363.htm
Or even a solid gold bracelet one:
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/patekphilippe/18k-golden-ellipse-mechanical-3848--id26680855.htm
Attached a pic of mine (a white gold reference from 1969.)
I humbly suggest the Cartier Tank Américaine Large. Photo stolen from Monochrome Watches.
I have the medium and it’s probably the single most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen. I think the medium really too small to be an everyday watch but the large should be perfect for anytime wear after the wedding is finished.
First of all congratulations!
Maybe consider a simple Tank! It is a little more timeless and elegant than the Santos in my opinion.
I actually would buy new in your case. The watch symbols the start of something new and one day will have its own heritage in your family. All the history of the watch will be written by you and your children/grandchildren.
What about a vintage Patek Golden Ellipse? These are still very underpriced for what they are. And Keanu Reeves is kicking around in one.
Your budget would work for a standard one:
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/patekphilippe/ellipse-model-ref4226-18ct-1970--id26889363.htm
Or even a solid gold bracelet one:
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/patekphilippe/18k-golden-ellipse-mechanical-3848--id26680855.htm
Attached a pic of mine (a white gold reference from 1969.)
Wow, not something I thought of, but now entering the rabbit hole of research and videos. I really like this option and on the wrist actually looks really good. Thank you for this recommendation. I’m adding this to the list.
I humbly suggest the Cartier Tank Américaine Large. Photo stolen from Monochrome Watches.
I have the medium and it’s probably the single most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen. I think the medium really too small to be an everyday watch but the large should be perfect for anytime wear after the wedding is finished.
This is really nice. In full gold this could be perfect! I really like the contouring curve of the case to the wrist. Great suggestion.
what about Cartier and only putting mechanical movements in the largest case sizes? I maye prfer the Medium as I have a 6.5cm wrist. Should I turn my nose up at a quartz if the size is better?
First of all congratulations!
Maybe consider a simple Tank! It is a little more timeless and elegant than the Santos in my opinion.
I actually would buy new in your case. The watch symbols the start of something new and one day will have its own heritage in your family. All the history of the watch will be written by you and your children/grandchildren.
Thank you.
You cannot go wrong with a Tank. The Louis in gold is the worthwhile option. Just pricey.
This is really nice. In full gold this could be perfect! I really like the contouring curve of the case to the wrist. Great suggestion.
what about Cartier and only putting mechanical movements in the largest case sizes? I maye prfer the Medium as I have a 6.5cm wrist. Should I turn my nose up at a quartz if the size is better?
The medium Tank Américaine has an automatic movement. My wrist is only 6.75” so not large and I find the medium quite small. My wife loves it and it looks fantastic on her 5.5” wrist.
I think the watch itself is sized well but the space between the lugs only gives it like a 14mm strap which is quite dainty.
Here is the medium on my wrist.
Not for nothing, but if you have Patek money, the Tank Cintrée is definitely within range. The Tank Cintrée is the mother of all things beautiful. Some of the discontinued Cintrée are even more gorgeous than the current model.
Thank you.
You cannot go wrong with a Tank. The Louis in gold is the worthwhile option. Just pricey.
I recently sold an 18k Louis for around £5.5k - so that would be well within budget. (Agree that the RRP for a quartz is a little steep when bought new.)
Something is also heartily recommend is a steel tank (solarbeat ideally, Quartz if not) - in the “large” (which is actually a small medium) size. Such a great watch and even buying new you would have £7.5k change!
"My budget is up to £10,000, and my preference is small dressy and potentially vintage."
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique
"My budget is up to £10,000, and my preference is small dressy and potentially vintage."
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique
That’s two for the Reverso. Just spotted a nice gold one on watchfinder nicely under the £10k budget too.
That’s two for the Reverso. Just spotted a nice gold one on watchfinder nicely under the £10k budget too.
Would also go for the gold! Nice pick.
I recently sold an 18k Louis for around £5.5k - so that would be well within budget. (Agree that the RRP for a quartz is a little steep when bought new.)
Something is also heartily recommend is a steel tank (solarbeat ideally, Quartz if not) - in the “large” (which is actually a small medium) size. Such a great watch and even buying new you would have £7.5k change!
5.5k I’m comfortable with. And to apart of the illustrious group whom have worn a tank (Ali to name one) would be pretty cool.
The medium Tank Américaine has an automatic movement. My wrist is only 6.75” so not large and I find the medium quite small. My wife loves it and it looks fantastic on her 5.5” wrist.
I think the watch itself is sized well but the space between the lugs only gives it like a 14mm strap which is quite dainty.
Here is the medium on my wrist.
Not for nothing, but if you have Patek money, the Tank Cintrée is definitely within range. The Tank Cintrée is the mother of all things beautiful. Some of the discontinued Cintrée are even more gorgeous than the current model.
For some reason I thought Cintrée were hundreds of thousands. I actually like the medium in your wrist too. I like the small classy look.
Anything with a small ball and chain attached to it, should work. lol. In all seriousness, I think the Santos is a great choice! If you want to save 9 Grand, I love the 34 mm Marlin reissue. It's elegant and understated.
Congratulations :)
What about a Cartier Santos Galbee? It has got that vintage small watch charm but is also more interesting than the current Cartier Santos.
Consider his & her Tudor 1926. Elegance, fantastic movement, and within your budget.
Congratulations :)
What about a Cartier Santos Galbee? It has got that vintage small watch charm but is also more interesting than the current Cartier Santos.
Yeah this is nice!
If you want a gorgeous classy black dial watch...
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronometre ref. PFC423-1601400-HA1441
List: $20,400 Price I paid: $10,900 (purchased a few months ago - brand new/box & papers)
If you want to step it up a bit with a silver dial...
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronometre ref. PFC422-1600100-HA1441
List: $26,400 Price I Paid: $13,600 (purchased a few months ago - brand new/box & papers)
Personally I love the Patek Calatrava, but Omega also has a few amazing vintage pieces. I love the Constellation with the pie pan dial, and my local watch maker got in a vintage rose gold Seamaster that I'm saving for. It's drop dead gorgeous.
Personally I love the Patek Calatrava, but Omega also has a few amazing vintage pieces. I love the Constellation with the pie pan dial, and my local watch maker got in a vintage rose gold Seamaster that I'm saving for. It's drop dead gorgeous.
Calatrava is a great shout. Really feeling the new Rolex 1908 but imagine the price and getting hold of that will both be a challenge.
If you want a gorgeous classy black dial watch...
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronometre ref. PFC423-1601400-HA1441
List: $20,400 Price I paid: $10,900 (purchased a few months ago - brand new/box & papers)
If you want to step it up a bit with a silver dial...
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronometre ref. PFC422-1600100-HA1441
List: $26,400 Price I Paid: $13,600 (purchased a few months ago - brand new/box & papers)
Wow. That’s hard to argue with!!! I tried the Tonda and instantly fell in love with the movement - pure beauty.
Wow. That’s hard to argue with!!! I tried the Tonda and instantly fell in love with the movement - pure beauty.
Tonda is fantastic!
I have the Parmigiani x Revolution Watch collaboration…