Watches: help a newbie

A few thoughts from an amateur watch collector:

Buy what you like, it doesn't matter what others think.

Don't worry about having 'skinny' wrists, mine is small too. I wear large watches (42 and 44mm) with no problems.

Look at the Swiss watches first if you're ready to move up to 'quality' watches. There are also German and Italian watches that are nice, but a Swiss movement is typically considered a quality watch.

Set a budget, stay within it. It's easy to go overboard.

Most collectors like 'automatic' watches that wind with the motion of your wrist. They cost a little more than quartz. You can frequently find the same watch in both quartz and automatic (Omega Seamaster comes to mind), the automatic watch will cost a little more.

A 'complicated' watch does more than one thing. A chrongraph, dual time zone, etc is considered complicated. I personally like the really complicated ones, but they get more expensive as the complications add up.

Start with a brand name like Tag, Omega, or Breitling for your first time out. I like the Oris watches, but they're lesser known. My favorite watch is my Oris TT1 Regulator. I have better watches, but it's still my favorite.

If you want some ideas, I can make you a list!

 

Man I'm glad you set me straight. I was just about to offer you all of your price on the watch we discussed.

But seriously, that price was fair, if you want to do a deal let's do it at your price.

 

First off I would live at www.timezone.com for a few days. There is so much info there it will make your head spin. I have 3 Panny's and an Omega Speedmaster. Either would be a good first watch. The Panny's have an ETA movement which is not complicated. I think the Panerai (PAM 111) or the Omega Speedmaster (manual wind and cool because it's the "moon" watch worn by Apollo astronauts). Either are reasonably priced for a first higher end watch.

 

It's a lot more confusing now than it was 5-10 years ago. The better watch mfrs are going crazy, introducing new models, styles, etc and there are many new brands that were not around previously.

You'll also need to set a budget. You can spend any amount from $100 to $300,000 for a mechanical wristwatch, so setting the budget would determine what brands would fit that budget.

You can basically go for something that is intentionally recognizable, in which case a Rolex Datejust, Breitling Chrono or Omega Seamaster are somewhat iconic and it's just a question of price and which model. The advantage to choosing one of the iconic models, besides recognizability, is that your choices tend to be limited (so less research is needed) and these watches are easily resold.

Or you can go for something where the priority is what pleases you, which could be any type and any brand. If the second, you'll need to figure out what you like and the only way to do that is to keep your eyes open and start browsing and noting what appeals to you. Do you like sport watches or dress watches, what type of functions would you really use (time, time-date, day-date, chronograph, or more complicated), do you like the trend to large sizes (40-50) or more traditional sizes (35-40), do you like a bracelet or strap, most mechanical watches are automatic (self-winding), but some purists still like a manual wind. Once you've got a good idea of the kind of watch that you want to wear on a regular basis, look at watch sites for specific things that you like about the watches that you see (sites like Ashford.Com have a fairly large catalog and are good for browsing, but I wouldn't necessarily buy from them) - what dialfaces do you like, what type of hands, what kind of numbers, etc.

 

For Christmas last year, after spending countless hours on eBay and watch sites researching, I finally decided on this TAG Heuer Link. It took me a long time to find one with the black face, crown bezel, and without tacky diamonds. I found it on eBay for $1600 and I think the "msrp" sticker is $1900 or so. IMO it is a GREAT looking watch for that price, looks like a Rolex at first glance but is by no means a knockoff, TAG makes great watches. I have gotten a ton of compliments, and for similar looking watches you can easily get to $5000+. The weight is great, quality is fantastic, and I think it looks better than the Omegas IMO. Anyway, I highly recommend it.
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http://www.proworth.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7506

^This was in another thread.

 

I like this one better:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Panerai-Ferrari-45mm-FER004-Chronograph-Automatic-BNIB_W0QQitemZ230057845113QQihZ013QQcategoryZ31387QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

A steel/gold Rolex Daytona is a great investment. I've owned Rolexs' through the years and it is the only watch you can wear a few years and get your money back. My last Rolex was a Steel/gold Submariner with a blue face, I wore it 6 years and sold it for $200 less than I bought it for. I currently wear a Steel/gold Rolex Daytona, I paid $8200 three years ago. I think I could probably get my money back on that one today. I only buy new Rolexs' from an authorized dealer and I don't fool around with Ebay or high end watch dealers. Buy a new watch from an authorized dealer and you won't get screwed. Just like Ferraris, there are lots of folks out there that will try and "turn back the odometer" on a Rolex. (If you know what I mean). The big hurdle is finding a dealer that will sell you below retail. I buy all my watches from a NE dealer, if you want I can let you know who the company is.

BTW, bullfigher I currently have a deposit on a '98 355B F1, hopefully I will have it by XMAS.

Richard

 

There will be the usual recommendations for a Rolex GMT or Rolex Explorer in that case. But I'd throw in one of my favorites, a Ulysse Nardin GMT +/-. It's one of the easiest travel watches to use and has a sporty but understated look.

http://www.ulysse-nardin.com/e/collection.e/watchdetail.e.jsp?ID_Group=10000D&ID_Cat=100005

 

Bullfighter, as mentioned previously, you should definitely check out timezone.com. I realize you'd like to purchase from an AD, but I think it'd be good to sift through the "classifieds" on that site. They have the Sales Corner for stuff under $5k and the Showcase for stuff over that. It'd be handy just to see what other people are selling/buying, etc. I think it's kinda nice to see other people's pictures of various watches. Plus, it might give you an idea of what some watches do on the "secondary" market vs their original list price.

Furthermore, it's a great group of people. They love to do a "WSW" or Wrist Shot Wednesday where you could get a look at what various watches actually look like on a wrist. (Sounds cheesy, but it's kinda fun if you're a watch geek like me!)

Also, WatchTime and IW (International Watch) are couple good mags to check out.

Hope this helps!

Randy

 

Here is the thread I saw that in, you could ask that guy if he ended up buying it and how the seller was.

 

Its just like cars...

a toyota celica will get you to the same place that a ferrari will, often times at the same speed with comparable handling...

is arriving in a celica the same as a ferrari? depends on your perspective.

same with watches. Any $20 timex will keep great time for years to come, but a finely crafted timepiece will give a different feel doing the same.

much is in the eye of the beholder.

My favorite watch is a $30 timex, much more useful than the more expensive ones in my meager collection. But I enjoy the others for a different reason. Some of it comes down to what others think of the watches, and the images that they shine on me. To think otherwise is to fool ones self.

Set a budget, buy watches that appeal to your sense of style. The ones you dig are going to the be the "best" watches in the world.

Have fun. Show them off to your friends.

I get the most compliments from my $199 invicta... go figure.

 

An IWC Portuguese Automatic is a great watch in the upper end of your budget:
http://www.theluxurybazaar.com/timepieces/webforms/watches/details/details.aspx?c=6963753B-DDFB-438A-8B71-D7D509771C56

Also look at brands like Ulysse Nardin, Zenith, and Jaeger LeCoultre in that price range.

I'd really try to get a watch with an in house movement if you are going to pay mid 4 figures. Why pay that much for a watch with a mass produced ETA movement you can find in a 500 dollar watch?

You can use our advanced search function to find exactly what you want by sorting through different levels of criteria. We have over 4000 watches online, I'm sure you can find something you like
http://www.theluxurybazaar.com/timepieces/webforms/watches/search/advanced_search.aspx

 

Wear whatever watch you want!
For the record, Jay was wearing a seiko at the France and Italy show last month.

Call me anytime to discuss a watch. I will help you in your decision.
And I can point you to the right dealer for whatever brand you are looking for.

Chris

 

Thankfully, the homework is easy to do. I purchased a VERY thick magazine (called the 2006 Watch Guide, or something like that) for $50 at the start of my search. Gave all manner of details, including the movement, of every type of watch you can imagine. Really helped me narrow my search. The magazine should be widely available at most jewellers.

BTW, I ended up with an Omega Planet Ocean.

Best,

Neil

 

Good suggestion. If you have a watch in mind, PM me and I'll give you my honest opinion on the brand, movement, resale, etc...

-Peter

 

and if you buy it right it should hold its value well,“Never buy a watch as an investment, buy it for the enjoyment”! Rolex builds a beautiful watch but there are so damn many of them out there and most feel they are the holly grail of the watch world (very nice watch but fairly far down the list of fine watches) I personally moved on to Panerai, IWC, AP, JLC, and others but if Rolex buillt a 44mm Sea-Dweller I would be back. First off set a price, try them on if you can (not a problem but if you go with a 40-44-47mm it will be tuff to wear smaller watches after that) if buying off the internet go onto the specific watch forum’s and ask questions before purchase. The most important items for buying off the internet “GET MANY VERIFIABLE REFERANCES BEFORE YOU PURCHASE”, always verify bank information before funds are sent and make sure you have a contact name and number for the bank and that the seller has a past with the bank.

 

Timezone is a great site, check it out. watchuseek is also great. Also I'll recommend a book which will introduce you to the history of watches and everything you need to know about models and brands: The watch by Gene Stone whom I believe was recently interviewed by timezone.

I'm an amateur also I only own a few affordable watches nothing beyond a few hundred bucks. I to have small wrists but still love giant diver watches-and I don't dive either!

 

Go to Barnes and Noble and pick the latest issue of Watch Time. It'll be about $7, but will give you hours of good toilet reading. You'll probably get a few good ideas out of it too.