Affordable wedding watch
So, I'm getting married in May and I'm looking for an appropriate watch for the occasion:
1. It's an informal wedding, civil ceremony on a cliff in the north of Spain, celebration in a rural house with barbecue.
2. I am looking for a dress watch, so I can add it to my collection which I don't have yet.
3. The budget is around 500€, we can go to 1000€ if I do well in the first quarter.
4. I put the Le Locle as a reference of something I like but I am open to any suggestions.
5. I don't mind if it's quartz.
Of course I haven't ruled out Bambinos and Seikos, but it's possible I'm missing brands and models I don't know.
(Also open to any vintage watch if you know a good place to buy one in Europe).
Building my collection. To date, Casio, Seiko and Tissot.
This may be splitting hairs, but it’s cheaper than the Le Locle (it’s quartz) and I actually like it better because the face has less text (I wish it didn’t have the date window):
This may be splitting hairs, but it’s cheaper than the Le Locle (it’s quartz) and I actually like it better because the face has less text (I wish it didn’t have the date window):
Love it!
If you consider going vintage you could get yourself something elegant in that range. (Also, ask your partner! They are the one who is going to be looking at you.) Congratulations.
If you consider going vintage you could get yourself something elegant in that range. (Also, ask your partner! They are the one who is going to be looking at you.) Congratulations.
I have never bought a second hand watch before, any recommendations to consider?
Hola fellow enthusiast,
first of all congratulations for your upcomming wedding.
To consider quartz is a good decission. It opens a wider range for great watches with higher complications but less money.
What you should definatly consider is Frederique Constant. They make high quality pieces for reasonable prices, Automatic and Quartz.
Here are two automatics for around 900 euros:
The Quarree was just published few months ago. It gaves a kind of Cartier vibes.
The Classic Automatic is obviously influnced by Breguet.
Here are few Quartz alternatives between 800 and 995 euros:
Another honorable mention is Junghans.
The handwind models starts actually quite cheap.
Handwind less than 900:
Quartz for even less than 500:
And last but not least Mido Baroncelli. It uses actually the same movement as Tissot Le Locle as they are both sisters under the Swatch Group.
These are just some Ideas. But I think the Tissot is also a great choise which I slso really like.
In my personal opinion if the price wouldn't care I would go for the Frederique Constant Carree or the Classic Automatic.
But as a already married guy I would gace you another tip:
I don't know your financial situation and your upcomming families budget. But try to save money as much as possible. Keep the wedding as cheap and simple as possible. You both will need it in the future:
New home, new furnitures, maybe saving for buying a house, a car, (expensive) children which means also that you will earn alone money for a long time. Try to wait with watches till everything is settled.
Every Euro counts.
In such case: If you got already a dresswatch, use what you got.
If not, buy a Orient Bambino 38.
But first of all enjoy your lovely wife as a couple. 😊
I already gave my two cents today here for a wedding recommendation 😁
It really depends on your style, esthetic inclinations, if you want this to become a meaningful piece to you long term or just an adornment for the occasion.
Here’s a fun suggestion
My point is, you got to narrow it down 😉
Good luck!
Hola fellow enthusiast,
first of all congratulations for your upcomming wedding.
To consider quartz is a good decission. It opens a wider range for great watches with higher complications but less money.
What you should definatly consider is Frederique Constant. They make high quality pieces for reasonable prices, Automatic and Quartz.
Here are two automatics for around 900 euros:
The Quarree was just published few months ago. It gaves a kind of Cartier vibes.
The Classic Automatic is obviously influnced by Breguet.
Here are few Quartz alternatives between 800 and 995 euros:
Another honorable mention is Junghans.
The handwind models starts actually quite cheap.
Handwind less than 900:
Quartz for even less than 500:
And last but not least Mido Baroncelli. It uses actually the same movement as Tissot Le Locle as they are both sisters under the Swatch Group.
These are just some Ideas. But I think the Tissot is also a great choise which I slso really like.
In my personal opinion if the price wouldn't care I would go for the Frederique Constant Carree or the Classic Automatic.
But as a already married guy I would gace you another tip:
I don't know your financial situation and your upcomming families budget. But try to save money as much as possible. Keep the wedding as cheap and simple as possible. You both will need it in the future:
New home, new furnitures, maybe saving for buying a house, a car, (expensive) children which means also that you will earn alone money for a long time. Try to wait with watches till everything is settled.
Every Euro counts.
In such case: If you got already a dresswatch, use what you got.
If not, buy a Orient Bambino 38.
But first of all enjoy your lovely wife as a couple. 😊
Thank you very much, great recommendations!
In my personal taste, I love the Frederique Constant Classic Automatic (beautiful and from today on my wish list) and also the Mido (although I'm not convinced by the date window in that position).
You also hit the nail with Junghans, as my future wife, being a true German, fell in love with the Max Bill as soon as she saw how minimalist it is. Also on my wish list, of course.
I'm very grateful for the list you've prepared for me, as well as the advice.
The truth is that we are going to keep the wedding as simple as possible (about 3k-5k) and we already have a daughter together who is only 17 months old. As you say, every euro counts and if in the end it has to be a Bambino, I will wear it proudly on my wedding day ;)
I have never bought a second hand watch before, any recommendations to consider?
Oh there's so much! (that also might be too much for you to research in this busy time.) Vintage Hamilton, Longines, Elgin, even Omega Seamasters have a natural elegance because they are from a different age. The trend was towards smaller, more simple watches pre-1970s-ish. I think the Bambino is a handsome watch and great value, I think the only thing you want to consider is this, like your ring, is going to be an object you want to keep / maintain for years, so ask whether what you end up considering will be something that you want to have that relationship with.
... but mostly, have fun! Weddings are stressful, enjoy it.
First thought that came to me is to look into the seiko cocktail time line.
Hi there, i personally own a Lelocle white dail and i can definitivly recommend it.
Have you see it in person before?
Because the dial and the handset really pop in real life.
If you already pick it as a reference and like it,then go for it😉
It's really a great great one.
Hope my comment was helpful🙏🏼
Congratulations!
+1 for vintage! Found this 1957 Seiko Marvel, 31mm (very small, I know. trust me, it looks fantastic on my 6.5” wrist) for right at about $200! Although I did order an expensive custom strap from Delugs for $133 including shipping. So $333 all in, not bad! Vintage Seiko is wonderful for under $700. Try looking up hashtags of watches you like such as #vintageseiko, #seikomarvel, #kingseiko, #45KS, etc on Instagram and you’ll find some good sellers. Better photos usually indicate a better quality seller. Also look to see if the page has a good following (Lots of legit followers, followed by other watch Instagram pages, good feedback in comments).
I got my ‘57 Seiko Marvel and ‘71 King Seiko 45 from @chriseichstaedt on Instagram.
Some other good sellers (note: I have not purchased from these sellers, so I cannot vouch for their customer service, but their storefronts seem legit to me, and their prices seem fair) to follow on Instagram are:
Edit: I must also add that I much prefer vintage styles because of the thinner cases, smaller diameters, and overall better looks in my opinion. For example: date windows were actually well thought out unlike today’s watches. Many today are undecorated, look like a random hole punched out in the dial with small and mismatched font, not aligned in a pleasant way on the dial. A dress watch shouldn’t be 40mm+ in my opinion. Around 34mm is ideal in my eyes, so it’ll look properly sized on the wrist and eliminate wasted empty space on the dial. Heck, I think a date window looks less dressy, so I prefer no date window at all. I also prefer manual wind dress watches to make the case slimmer. I love a good domed acrylic crystal that defeats glare better than any anti reflective coating could. To me, a dress watch should make the wearer feel special, like a king. Vintage watches do that for me way more than 90%+ of modern watches.
Congratulations!
+1 for vintage! Found this 1957 Seiko Marvel, 31mm (very small, I know. trust me, it looks fantastic on my 6.5” wrist) for right at about $200! Although I did order an expensive custom strap from Delugs for $133 including shipping. So $333 all in, not bad! Vintage Seiko is wonderful for under $700. Try looking up hashtags of watches you like such as #vintageseiko, #seikomarvel, #kingseiko, #45KS, etc on Instagram and you’ll find some good sellers. Better photos usually indicate a better quality seller. Also look to see if the page has a good following (Lots of legit followers, followed by other watch Instagram pages, good feedback in comments).
I got my ‘57 Seiko Marvel and ‘71 King Seiko 45 from @chriseichstaedt on Instagram.
Some other good sellers (note: I have not purchased from these sellers, so I cannot vouch for their customer service, but their storefronts seem legit to me, and their prices seem fair) to follow on Instagram are:
Edit: I must also add that I much prefer vintage styles because of the thinner cases, smaller diameters, and overall better looks in my opinion. For example: date windows were actually well thought out unlike today’s watches. Many today are undecorated, look like a random hole punched out in the dial with small and mismatched font, not aligned in a pleasant way on the dial. A dress watch shouldn’t be 40mm+ in my opinion. Around 34mm is ideal in my eyes, so it’ll look properly sized on the wrist and eliminate wasted empty space on the dial. Heck, I think a date window looks less dressy, so I prefer no date window at all. I also prefer manual wind dress watches to make the case slimmer. I love a good domed acrylic crystal that defeats glare better than any anti reflective coating could. To me, a dress watch should make the wearer feel special, like a king. Vintage watches do that for me way more than 90%+ of modern watches.
Dang I love Seiko and had no idea about this classic look 50's stuff. I might have to get one of these. Thanks.
Gonna be honest, the Le Locles are beautiful in person. Only reason I sold mine was because my taste got to smaller, but it really is beautiful. Not a bad choice at all.
Orient Bambino worth a look. However, I love the le locle. On top of appearance you also get a good auto movement and it still seems relatively slim. Tissot are a great brand at that price point in my opinion. Whether a mechanical watch important will depend on what you're looking for in a watch.
Hi OP,
congrats on getting married! If you really wanna stretch the budget to the 1000€ mark, I highly recommend to take NOMOS into consideration as well.
In Chrono24, their Ludwig and Ludwig Duo models at 33mm can be found below 1K incl. shipping to Spain. These wear rather like true 35mm watches due to the long lugs (there are also other sizes available albeit more expensive).
Like your wife, I am German (actually living in Barcelona!) and am naturally drawn to the clean and minimalist Bauhaus design. Am a proud owner of a Nomos Tangente 33mm (absolutely stunning) and Junghans Max Bill Kleine automatic 34mm with Sapphire crystal (love it).
In the past, I’ve owned the beautiful Mido Baroncelli Heritage III 34mm (there is a 40mm) version as well that I ultimately sold but kinda regret it.
Hope this helps in the process of selecting the perfect watch for your special occasion!
Un saludo,
smallwristkid
If you are into Tissot then the Prx quartz will be an excellent option.
Also the Tissot Ballade COSC certified and less than US $400 on Amazon.
You can dress it up or down. More versatile than the Le Locle in my opinion.
And congrats 🎉🥳
I have a PXR Automatic 😉
Although I have to tell you that the green quartz one blew me away when I saw it.
Settle for a rotary Sherlock and spend that cash on your honey moon 😆
Excellent watch. I don't know much about Rotary but this piece is beautiful and affordable.
How about a timex merlin
Or if it’s goes well in the first quater how about a DS-1
Merlin line has been tempting me for a long time.
I didn't know the DS-1 and I think it's going to be one of my favourites. I'll try to see it in person because on the website it looks beautiful. But yes, with the pearl dial.
Oh yeah...don't forget, post pics when you make your choice!
Oh yeah...don't forget, post pics when you make your choice!
Count on it!
Which model is that? It seems a bit out of budget, doesn't it?
On sale in the U.K. I would imagine you could pick up in Spain similar price just after Xmas https://www.mappinandwebb.com/Longines-Conquest-VHP-43mm-Mens-Watch-L37284766/p/17351002
Merlin line has been tempting me for a long time.
I didn't know the DS-1 and I think it's going to be one of my favourites. I'll try to see it in person because on the website it looks beautiful. But yes, with the pearl dial.
It looks even better in person 😀
First thing that came to
mind is this jeweler by me selling an old LeCoutre white gold, Diamond markers, $450. I keep telling myself to go buy it but it’s just not me, it would be having it to have it.
the Aveg Thor
Bulova
If you're fine with homage watches, there's the Seiko SUP880 which is a solar-powered Cartier Tank homage.
I have a PXR Automatic 😉
Although I have to tell you that the green quartz one blew me away when I saw it.
Same.. I have the blue auto..
But I'm eyeing the baby blue or white quartz 😉
Here some seiko wedding style options I like :
The Tissot Le Locle is an excellent choice. I have the same watch and it wears well with most attire, even jeans and t-shirt. Alternatively you can consider the Seiko Cocktail time series. I own the red dial version and pairs well with my wardrobe. I suggest a safer colour of a blue dial which suits even more types of wardrobe. Good luck!
On sale in the U.K. I would imagine you could pick up in Spain similar price just after Xmas https://www.mappinandwebb.com/Longines-Conquest-VHP-43mm-Mens-Watch-L37284766/p/17351002
OMG!! That's around 800€...
I need to sell things quickly to have my bonus!
First thing that came to
mind is this jeweler by me selling an old LeCoutre white gold, Diamond markers, $450. I keep telling myself to go buy it but it’s just not me, it would be having it to have it.
the Aveg Thor
Bulova
Didn't know about Aevig. Very interesting brand ;)
Thank you very much, great recommendations!
In my personal taste, I love the Frederique Constant Classic Automatic (beautiful and from today on my wish list) and also the Mido (although I'm not convinced by the date window in that position).
You also hit the nail with Junghans, as my future wife, being a true German, fell in love with the Max Bill as soon as she saw how minimalist it is. Also on my wish list, of course.
I'm very grateful for the list you've prepared for me, as well as the advice.
The truth is that we are going to keep the wedding as simple as possible (about 3k-5k) and we already have a daughter together who is only 17 months old. As you say, every euro counts and if in the end it has to be a Bambino, I will wear it proudly on my wedding day ;)
Hey...it's me again. I've write today an article about afordable german watch brands and listed them. Maybe it could help you in future when you are searching for a watch.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/Uhrologe/posts/affordable-german-watch-brands-22430