Which One of These Should I Get for Under 3K
Hello everyone, this is my first post in the community. A little description about me is that I’m an indecisive person when it comes to picking out what watch to buy. I have saved up around 3K from my on campus job and before any of you say that I should save a little bit more and get this and that watch, I just can’t because I’m graduating soon and my parents would kill me if I were to spend any of my allowance on watches (so only south of 3K), but I’d like to buy a watch to basically celebrate my birthday and last year in college, so here it is. I have a very small wrist ~6.25 so I appreciate small watches. My only reference when it comes to watches is that it has to be either black or blue dial (any shade of blue but dark blue is refered), and ofc small watches like I mentioned. However if the lug to lug fits then it will be considered.
Here I have narrowed down to 3 watches and I’ll list the pros and cons of each, keep in mind that these pros and cons are completely my own point of view.
The first watch is the Longines Legend Diver 36mm black dial on milanese strap. The pros is that it’s such a perfect watch for any occasion, I can just buy another strap to use when swimming and swap back to the milanese strap for fancy events. The cons is that it’s just Longines, I have no hate for Longines at all and matter of fact, from where I am from Longines is very respectable like you can see it on the wrist of many successful businessmen and business owners, but if you compare it to my other 2 options it will kinda make sense what im trynna say. Also it’s just an average ETA movement nothing impressive, again no hate.
Second watch is the Omega Deville Prestigae 36.8mm black dial. The pros is that it’s an Omega like wow! Like i said from where I’m from Longines is popular, but Omega and Rolex and so on is ofc on another level, u get what I mean. Also the 2500 movement is incredible for me, chronometer snd everything. The con is that it’s on 30m water resistant, I mean like i don’t think I’ll ever be in a situation where I need more than 50m, I can just take it off when I go swimming. It’s also a dress watch so I’m limited to what outfit I can wear it with, but I don’t think that’ll be a problem because I always dress casual and can just take it off when exercise obviously. Another con is that I’d have to buy it from grey market like Jomashop and Idk if that would make my experience of owning the watch less memorable or not in term of like no warranty and stuff like that.
Lastly I have the Grand Seiko SBGX261. Like I know it’s a quartz watch but it’s not just an average quartz watch it’s the 9F quartz, so I don’t think I need to describe you guys probably already know all the great specs of it, so that’s one of the pros for me. Another pro is that it’s such a versatile watch like I’m talking Omega Aqua Terra and Rolex Explorer kinda versatile. The only con I feel like is that at the end of the day, it’s still a quartz watch and even though it lands perfectly on the markers every single time and it can be serviced and pass down to your child stuff like that, Idk if I will have a wearing experience like I have for an average ETA based mechanical movement or not, consider that with a mechanical movement you get to interact with it more creates a personal bond and also nothing beat the sweeping hand ofc. I can tell from experience because I have an automatic Hamilton pilot pioneer manual wind watch and a Solargraph Tag Heuer Aquaracer, and I can tell you that I enjoy winding the Hamilton, looking at the smooth sweeping hand, and also just put my ear close and hear the ticking, it’s such a personal experience. But for the Tag Heuer, I don’t have that same enjoyment, however, i wear it the most simply cuz it’s just a grab and go watch, but also the sporty look of the Aquaracer so I can wear it to gym and go swim.
So, those are my 3 watches and my personal pros and cons opinion of each. I know that this is such a complicated poll because the 3 watches are literally different categories of watches and I wish that I could just get all 3, but if I could afford all 3 I might as well get a Rolex right? But then if I can afford a Rolex I’d also consider others like a JLC, and similar. So you can see that’s my problem when it comes to watches. I just want to know if anyone out there have similar experience like me and also I appreciate all input and opinion. Thank you!
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Tony Montana
Hello I’m new to the community. A little description about me, I’m quite an indecisive person when it comes to watched like I have no reference at all. I also have a very small wrist around ~6.25 inch...
New York, NY, USA
Member since
Last active: 3 months ago
6.20” / 15.75 cm
Longines Legend Diver for me
Sometimes I just wish we were alive back in the day without no internet and social media, so if we set our eyes on a watch we’d just grind our ass off and buy it with no regret. Say now if I’m eyeing an Omega suddenly there’s a Tudor on another guy’s social media post
The world is yours Tonio Montana 😂🙌🙌🍻
I voted Longines btw.
The world is yours Tonio Montana 😂🙌🙌🍻
I voted Longines btw.
The Longines was my first consideration, but then I always tell the truth even when I lie you know what im saying
Sometimes I just wish we were alive back in the day without no internet and social media, so if we set our eyes on a watch we’d just grind our ass off and buy it with no regret. Say now if I’m eyeing an Omega suddenly there’s a Tudor on another guy’s social media post
Ahhh spoken like a true future watch addict. You’ll fit right in here 😂🙌
I own the grand Seiko. It doesn’t get much wrist time these days sadly. I would go with the Deville for classiness and uniqueness.
Sometimes I just wish we were alive back in the day without no internet and social media, so if we set our eyes on a watch we’d just grind our ass off and buy it with no regret. Say now if I’m eyeing an Omega suddenly there’s a Tudor on another guy’s social media post
That’s an interesting observation. I’m more influenced by movies than other peoples posts.
That’s an interesting observation. I’m more influenced by movies than other peoples posts.
I’m ngl I get influenced easily, i know it’s terrible, but movies and pop culture is like half of my influence, especially james bond, i see u have scaramanga as ur profile too.
I’m ngl I get influenced easily, i know it’s terrible, but movies and pop culture is like half of my influence, especially james bond, i see u have scaramanga as ur profile too.
The funny thing is, I’m not a huge James Bond fan and even didn’t like the Man with the golden gun movie that much. However I thought the character and style of Scaramanga was so cool and suave. I’m also influenced by Miami Vice, Sopranos, Scarface, American Psycho, and much more.
Tudor bb36 in blue would be my choice. Another grand seiko is sbgw 36mm series. Have you tried any in the stores yet? I suggest to try it out in person first. I used to not like going to the store but lot of grand seikos dont impress me in person. U want to wear it and feel awesome having it on 🙂 like a fav sweater. Congrats on the graduation soon!! When i graduated my sister gifted me a fashion quartz watch, still works till today. U def has some great taste.
https://www.jomashop.com/preowned-1-tudor-watch-m79500-0004.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%3A%20%28ROI%29%20Smart%20Shopping%20%28CAN%29%20-%20Watches%20%241000%20-%206000utm_id=18335765891&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA1fqrBhA1EiwAMU5m_y3HMJ8sxMs3pmOAS_zrVuYhwLSICv4pHe_AMGkNKWj2aFxYTxH40RoCsuwQAvD_BwE Or go brand new for 2.9k
Have you considered Spring Drive? It gets around the quartz issue if you’re like GS and don’t like quartz. I feel Spring Drive will stay in a collection longer because there’s nothing else like it in the world.
If you go used they can be purchased for under $3k. But they tend to be a bit larger and mostly start at 39mm like the SBGA227. I also have 6.2” wrists and the 40mm SBGA443 fits well on my wrist. You might want to think about it.
GS spring drive on Chrono24: https://www.chrono24.com/search/index.htm?accessoryTypes=&dosearch=true&goal_suggest=1&query=Grand+Seiko+Spring+Drive&searchexplain=true&sortorder=1&watchTypes=U
SBGA227: https://www.chrono24.com/grandseiko/grand-seiko-heritage-collection-refsbga2279r65-0ag1-spring-drive-power-reserve-black-dial--id30986328.htm
Tudor bb36 in blue would be my choice. Another grand seiko is sbgw 36mm series. Have you tried any in the stores yet? I suggest to try it out in person first. I used to not like going to the store but lot of grand seikos dont impress me in person. U want to wear it and feel awesome having it on 🙂 like a fav sweater. Congrats on the graduation soon!! When i graduated my sister gifted me a fashion quartz watch, still works till today. U def has some great taste.
I absolutely love the bb36 tho, I actually refer that older smiley version than the newer version that came out tbh. However I feel like it’s kinda difficult to find the bb36 new these days like the listing prolly be gon before i’m gonna be able to purchase it. Or they gonna be preowns or north of 3K
Have you considered Spring Drive? It gets around the quartz issue if you’re like GS and don’t like quartz. I feel Spring Drive will stay in a collection longer because there’s nothing else like it in the world.
If you go used they can be purchased for under $3k. But they tend to be a bit larger and mostly start at 39mm like the SBGA227. I also have 6.2” wrists and the 40mm SBGA443 fits well on my wrist. You might want to think about it.
GS spring drive on Chrono24: https://www.chrono24.com/search/index.htm?accessoryTypes=&dosearch=true&goal_suggest=1&query=Grand+Seiko+Spring+Drive&searchexplain=true&sortorder=1&watchTypes=U
SBGA227: https://www.chrono24.com/grandseiko/grand-seiko-heritage-collection-refsbga2279r65-0ag1-spring-drive-power-reserve-black-dial--id30986328.htm
Spring Drive is a dream for me like I’d choose that over literally any watch. But at the same time I’m looking to buy new watches and new Spring Drive even at grey markets are still out of my budget🥲. Tho I gotta look more into that SBGA227, that looks promising, hopefully the listing will still be there
I'm biased, but GS gets my vote 😄
Looking from all the dimension of the watch, let me guess, is your wrist 6.5inch ??
Sounds like you really want the Omega! I have a 35mm Constellation with the same cal. 2500 movement, it's so thin and pleasant to wear. The DeVille's simple white dial makes it easy to pair with straps. A simple, classy round watch is a style essential for both casual and formal wear. You should get the Omega.
Of these 3 only, I would go GS. This Omega is too dressy for such a young man IMHO. Longines legend diver 36 has a size to lug length ratio that doesn't work for me.
Definitely the Longines! Such a versatile watch! And stunning!
Longines for sure! Longine does have the heritage, and the legend diver has a good pedigree, I agree that longine's modern incarnation is a bit boring hahahah, but omega that you'll have to baby (low water resistance) might not be as fun to have as a first luxury watch? Also you still have a lot of milestones ahead to buy a special high-end brand in future if u like :) no comment on the 9F GS, I've not handled one before
Longines for sure! Longine does have the heritage, and the legend diver has a good pedigree, I agree that longine's modern incarnation is a bit boring hahahah, but omega that you'll have to baby (low water resistance) might not be as fun to have as a first luxury watch? Also you still have a lot of milestones ahead to buy a special high-end brand in future if u like :) no comment on the 9F GS, I've not handled one before
Also, nice u see u like small watches. Cue my username
Get a used Aqua Terra.
Dont buy new, you'll get better options 👍
Looking from all the dimension of the watch, let me guess, is your wrist 6.5inch ??
I thing it depends on the weather, but I’d say around ~6.2 inch to be safe
Sounds like you really want the Omega! I have a 35mm Constellation with the same cal. 2500 movement, it's so thin and pleasant to wear. The DeVille's simple white dial makes it easy to pair with straps. A simple, classy round watch is a style essential for both casual and formal wear. You should get the Omega.
I’m honestly like ~65% want the Omega that’s my dream brand to own. My mom has a Constellation also and my grandpa also had a Constellation quartz, so in away I’m biased toward Omega, but other watches are also incredible so that had me debating
Also, nice u see u like small watches. Cue my username
What’s your wrist size may I ask? That Oris of yours looking good!
I’ve really been considering the Longines. It ticks so many boxes.
For real it really does!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REF3GLJ6J2s
Did you watch this? If yes than that questions do you have? If not watch first :)
And seriously this GS will give you more versatile and value for that budget when two other competitors...and will save you a lot of money in future by reducing not necessary watch purchases that you deffenetly will be comparing with GS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REF3GLJ6J2s
Did you watch this? If yes than that questions do you have? If not watch first :)
And seriously this GS will give you more versatile and value for that budget when two other competitors...and will save you a lot of money in future by reducing not necessary watch purchases that you deffenetly will be comparing with GS.
I saw a lot video abt gs 9f and I am still considering it rn, along with the gmt version no doubt
GS>Longines>Omega
I saw a lot video abt gs 9f and I am still considering it rn, along with the gmt version no doubt
9F is 😍, I will compete with them who will last longer... me or them :)
There is a few little options for GMT like SBGN003, SBGN027 (probably is same budget). I own and love SBGN003 but with the time I start realize that lume doesn't work on GS (may be just for me) and I will prefer (after own SBGA407G) their standart brilliant dofin arrows.
But SBGX261 looks like I a perfect candidat to fall in love to GS.
Good Luck 👍