Nice watch under 2k......lots of questions inside

no, not really. They are just different. An automatic is not "better" than a quartz.

Tag's are very highly regarded for quality. You are reading into the posts you see. Relatively inexpensive, widely known in and out of the watch world does not equal poor quality or poor reputation.

you keep throwing out the "coach of watches" bit... I really dont know where that is coming from.

 

Like I said, I'm simply going based on what I read when I was looking to get a Tachymeter. On the other hand, my brother has had his for 8 years without a problem. With regards to the Coach comment, basically what I meant is that if my coworkers, none of whom are watch enthusiasts, were to go out and buy a 'nice' watch, 9/10 would come back with a Tag. When I went to a watch store to look at some Breitlings, I was showing a friend of mine the Tachymeter (a friend who knows Rolex, Breitling, etc, but doesn't have a clue what Hublot, AP, etc are) and he replied with, "Oh, those are the watches that everyone has" (refering to Tags and not the Tachymeter in specific). I personally value having something rare and unique so I'll probably never own a Tag. Again, this is my personal preference.

"I think a more accurate statement is that automatic movements are more highly regarded among watch enthusiasts."

This is basically what I meant, though I was a lot more blunt about how I said it...

 

So to answer the original posters questions the only person saying anything negative about TAG on here admits he knows nothing about watches and has a brother whose TAG has been perfect for 8 years.

 

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=48653

And I don't think your stance on the matter is exactly unbiased. The Ferrari dealer told me Lambos are garbage, I swear...

 

Now THAT is a hell of a watch for $2k.

 

RE: the OP, there are a lot of great choices under $2k, and as long as you're not hung up on the name on the watch, you can go quite a bit lower than that if you want to. A very nice Laco or Stowa Airman watch can be had for $500-800 or so. Oris has several in the $500-1k range. An Omega Seamaster or Speedmaster would fit the bill nicely. Ball seems to be making very nice watches in that price point. The IWC Portofino darth posted would be a great pickup for $2k, IMO. A Marathon TSAR or JSAR would work for less than $1k. Sinn is making some nice watches right now, too.

I'm not a fan of Tags (and Rolex) just because of the brand recognition. They both make very nice watches, I just don't want to be wearing the same watch as everyone else. Both brands have worked very hard to cultivate those brands, I just don't want to be a part of it.

At the end of the day, buy what YOU like and you'll enjoy putting it on your wrist every day.

EDIT: Longines and Hamilton should be added to the list, too. Longines is making some really nice stuff right now.

 

I made her do it!

 

Bias has nothing to do with it. I've shown pictures that prove the point. You've admitted your lack of knowledge on the topic. The link you provided shows two people out of the over 500,000 TAG customers per year that were unhappy. Yes all points should be heard however the original poster deserves to hear these points. You don't have to be a watch expert to have an opinion. Please share your opinions on the watches with us but please share your reasoning behind these decisions in your posts. Instead of bad mouthing a brand you do not own why not share with us pictures of your Edox and some of your observations. A post like that would be much more beneficial to the community.

 

When I asked my wife what she'd suggest the first thing she said was "Tag" but then she OOOH'ed and told me about the IWC.

 

Not a problem.

I own an Edox Day/Date Automatic. List is $2,200, but I bought mine slightly used (at 95% condition) for $800. I am very happy with this price as the previous owner took the depreciation hit (which is more than most other watches because Edox is relatively unknown) and I can turn around and sell this watch for the price I paid. Before purchasing my Edox, I had a Hamilton Khaki Sub (quartz) that I bought on eBay. I had no concept of size and I just thought it looked cool, and the price was right ($150) so I pulled the trigger. The second I got it in the mail, I knew I was back in the market for another watch. It was ugly, uninspired, and worst of all it was 40mm which on my wrist is quite small. I did some research and realized that I wanted an automatic that was around 44mm. I had a line on a very cheap Breitling Bentley 6.75, but as cheap as it was, it would be a financially irresponsible purchase on my end, so I decided to let it pass. About a month later, while playing poker at the casino, a gentleman on my left was wearing the exact same watch. My initial reactions were that it was too large and too 'bling' for my liking. I was relieved that I didn't go through with the purchase. I then noticed the gentleman on my right was wearing a Tag Carrera Tachymeter. Wow I thought - what a gorgeous watch. Not too bling, but it had considerable wrist presence. It wasn't until I read up on the watch that I realized that it was too fragile for daily use so I passed on the idea of purchasing one.

Onto my next flavor of the month - the Hamilton X-Wind. I liked the watch because it was big, had lots of features (that are pretty much useless for me), and had considerable bang for your buck. I tried one on and I was sold! As I left the store, I passed by another watch store that sold Breitling, Omega, Oris, etc. They had this BEAUTIFUL watch in their display case, unlike any watch I had ever seen. It had a gorgeous ceramic dial (I'm a sucker for ceramic thanks to the Chanel J12) and I found myself intentionally walking by the display case on a daily basis to get a glimpse of the watch. I decided to google the brand and I discovered that they were somewhat of a rarity. There were none for sale on Timezone or Watchuseek, and there were no AD's in the United States. Hmm.. interesting. I did notice, however, that one Watchuseek member had sold his Breitling for an Edox and wrote a nice review on the watch. Although it wasn't the same watch that I purchased, this person had nothing but praise for his watch and the marque, so I was basically sold on purchasing one. (review: http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=79739). About a month later, the watch that I currently own came up for sale. I dressed up in my nicest suit (I usually wear slacks to work) and went over on my lunch break to try one on. I was instantly sold and the second I got back to work, I made the purchase. Haven't regretted it since. For $800, you'll be hard pressed to find a titanium automatic with ceramic, an amazing butterfly deployment, and the quality of Edox. The watch has lots of great details - the back case has a propeller machined into it, the retaining screws on the bezel are in the shape of the Edox logo (a propeller), and many more that escape me at the moment. The watch gets a TON of compliments (a certain pit boss in Vegas was drooling over it for about a half hour while I was playing blackjack so I let him wear it while I finished off the shoe). I like the fact that no one knows about the brand because I'm the kind of person that likes to be unique and I try and avoid purchasing stuff that is mainstream (clothes, cars - my 1975 BMW 2002, anything...). If I had my choice, I would probably go for the Chronoffshore model or one of the higher end models because I'm not exactly in love with the dial (the day feature in particular), but this watch fit my budget perfectly and I haven't regretted it. It's been on my wrist since the day I purchased it, and it's still in mint condition (and it's a desk diver don't forget that).
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Don't laugh, but I have a Swatch that is made from aluminum. I've had the watch for about 7-8 years. In that time frame i've had zero problems with it as a daily watch. I have 3 other watches but they do nothing for me even though they cost ~$400-500 each. I don't use this watch as my formal or business appointment choice.

A guy I deal with at my local bank has a beautiful Breitling. One day we were comparing watches. I ofered to trade my watch for his but he wouldn't take it. His watch was ~$4000 vs my $100 every day watch. It was funny to watch him run off with my watch to show it to other people with me holding his watch. He and the others were amazed at how LIGHT(1/3-1/2 the weight) it is vs my other watches or their watches. He really liked and i've had my primary care Dr admire it also.

I love Breitlings and I could go buy one tomorrow but I can't decide which model to get, so i'm just going to stich with what I have. So don't get hung up on having to have the biggest baddest or as most expensive model as you can afford, be daring and look at all your options, even if it's just $100.

 

So, what's the verdict?

 

Interesting thread. I have some input on the watches in your price range:

I own a Tag, first nice watch I ever bought. It died. I sent it back to the place I bought it from and they replaced it without question. Has been fine ever since, but loses about a minute a day. It's quartz. I would recommend one.

Also have an Omega Speedmaster auto. Still one of my favorite watches, but it needs an overhaul. The movement needs some cleaning. I would recommend an Omega also.

+1 on Oris. The watch I wear pretty much every day. It's indestructible. Mine is a dive watch and it just runs. I don't worry about it ever.

My next watch will be a Ball. I spotted them about a year ago, now Chris keeps posting pictures on the site where I spend most of my time. Love them.

I'd suggest that you find an Authorized Dealer that will work with you (like Ray or Chris!). A 20% discount off of retail is not uncommon, and depending on the watch, 30% can be doable. Never pay full price, but always buy from Auth Dealers.

 

Absolutely!

 

I agree. Lots of people will say that Tags, Breitlings, and others have huge depreciation because they sell used for much less than MSRP. In reality, they often sell new for much less than MSRP as well.

I also agree that if you are buying new, it should be from an AD.

 

There are lots of options out there obviously...

I've never been a Tag fan but I did just buy a Tag Monaco chronograph with black dial, black alligator strap. MSRP is $3900 and that seems to be what all the jewelers who sell them want for it. Theyr'e commonly found online for $2600-2800. I managed to find a new one for $1800 from an individual.

I'm also in the market for a Tag Carrera chronograph CV2010 or CV2016, black dial, black leather strap. Those are beautiful. MSRP is $3200 I believe, commonly available for $2200-2600. I've found a source for $1900.

I haven't owned a Tag previously so I can't really comment on quality or durablity. They are indeed more common as a brand and I always wrote them off because I saw people everywhere wearing the common series...I think it is the Link or something that has looked similar to it for 10 years that I can remember. Nothing special in my opinion looks-wise.

Back to the 2k choices...I'd recommend a Breitling chronograph like a Crosswind. I've had one for 8.5 years as a daily watch seeing all sorts of abuse and it still looks great. The style is timeless...

Or...since this is Fchat, I'll sell you one of my Girard Perregaux pour Ferrari chronographs in your 2k range.

 

Nothing wrong with Tags but to me.......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Tag (along with Rolex) seem to be the most common watches purchased by "non" watch people. For some reason when the average person thinks of a "nice" watch it's a Rolex or Tag. There are so many nice watches for under 2K. Hamilton, Sinn, Omega, Doxa, Tissot, Oris, Ball, Ocean 7, Fortis etc.

I was recently in Vegas and spent some time a the poker tables. I was shocked at how many people were wearing Rolex and Tags were a close second. It actually kind of turned me off the 2 brands. Seemed that 90% of the nice watches were 1 of the 2. Once again I have nothing against either brand but if your going to spend good money on a watch, why buy something everyone else has? To me they are bellybutton watches.........everyone has one.

It's like classic cars. If you gave 1000 random people 20K to buy a collector car I betcha 1/2 would buy a 65-70 Mustang. Great cars but boring!!

 

To say "everyone" has either a Rolex or a Tag is a gross overstatement. Of course, both are mass produced and neither brand is rare. However, I'm sure 90% (maybe more) of the buying public in North America wouldn't even think about spending $500 on a watch (forget about $1,000 or more). Truthfully, of the US watch market, what percentage does Tag or Rolex really hold? My guess is less than 5%...

 

I think he's saying, of the people that buy "nice" watches, most non-enthusiasts lean toward Tag/Rolex because of the brand recognition. I have a UN and have heard so many "I would have bought a Rolex" comments anytime someone asks about my watch it isn't even funny. I think I'll start saying "well, they make 800,000 of them a year, so you should have no problem doing that."

 

I have a TAG. I also have a Zenith (among others). I like my TAG--while I totally agree that it is brand well recognized by the non-watch savvy, it doesn't mean that those who aren watch savvy can't enjoy owning one.

 

I'm kinda diggin' the El Primero these days.

 

Yes thats exactly what I'm saying.

Within the last 6 weeks I've had 3 (non watch) buddies decide to buy what they consider nice watches. 2 Tags and a Rolex later..................................all 3 are great watches but, boring!!

 

Im surprised that no one has mentioned Tissot. I have a few Tags and absolutely love them, (2 Formula ones and a 2000 Classic series). I have had very good luck with and will continue to purchase them. Not to long ago I started to look into Tissot and what they had to offer. They, like Tag, are a swiss made, racing inspired timepiece that offers both quartz and automatic movements. I love to collect watches and if I went out and spent $2000 to $4000 on them I would only be able to have a few. So the Tags and the Tissots are a great bang for the buck, not to mention the styling is very nice. Tissot offers a great timepiece for that $500 to $1500 price range, they also carry more expensive models that can reach the $4k+ range. Check them out and maybe this way if you are looking to start a collection, get yourself a couple pieces that are a little less expensive but very nice quality.

 

Excellent suggestion. I love Tissot.

 

FTR, This is still available, as well as her other IWC's, at a great discount............