Thinking of buying a watch: Opinion(s) needed

TVR, I think it's a nice-looking watch, and it would definitely be flexible for what you are looking for. Now, if it costs a bundle, I'd pass.

My .02 on Movado watches is a result of the typical Movado buyer in my area. The only style you see around here is the black and gold version, the typical wearer of which would point to it and say something like "Now dat's class!" Hop in his 'Vette and try to go pick up some broads. But that doesn't mean it's like that everywhere.

 

That's not too crazy. Plus, it's unique. I say 'go for it'.

 

Very classy - I vote yes

 

Many if the watches posted are quite handsome. For me, I do not wear one. For fun, do what I do: If you are in China or have a friend going there, get a dozen fake Rolex watches at a time. Wear them until somebody comments on your watch. Look at them and say 'ya, its nice...Ya know, my ex-wife gave this to me and you just reminded me how much I hate her!' Take the watch off and say 'Here, it's yours'!

Only about half the people I have done this to over the last three years has called me back and said 'Good one-ya got me!', when they found out it was a fake. One friend I see once in a while still tells me how much he likes his ten thousand dollar watch! Its a hoot!

 

Even better, throw it against a brick wall. Then go to your glove caompartment and break your "spare". Gawd damn funny!

 

tvrfreak,

Well, she should have received the $1,200 watch and for you, an Annual Calendar or nice Patek chrono

Then again you have the car and with such a nice car, time (like anything in the rear view mirror) is of but little importance

Enjoy the Drive,

Enjoy Your Time,

Steven R. Rochlin

 

I have owned 2 Rolexes (datejust and a Submariner) and since I bought my Breitling Montbrillant neither of them have been worn... Seems like I need a bigger and bigger watch... BTW that watch you posted is beautiful; very clean and 'sophisticated' looking...

 

Nice looking $200 disposable watch.

As far as Rolex problems go, I have never had anything but excellent experience with my now 20 year old Datejust -- only serviced once (cleaned/oiled), about 5 years ago -- worn 24 hours a day for the first 15 years (in the ocean, shower, hot tub, working on cars, shooting, etc). If they ain't broke, or runnin' slow, don't fix 'em! Rolex is certainly rugged enough, but there are finer chronometers out there (e.g.: PP, GP, UN).

Kind Regards, Chris

 

it's nice.

these are the ones i wear.
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Anyone have any bad experiences with Baume and Mercier?

I want something with a leather band and have found a few of these that look nice for under a grand.

 

I note they go up to 31 - dates.
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Is that you in the Mc?
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If you like the Nomos, as I do - get it. It appears to be (Danger, Will Robinson! Pun!)... timeless.

 

Omega and Rolex would be my top two picks (for everyday wear).

At the moment, I'm wearing the new Omega Seamaster Professional, model 2531.80.00, I bought last December.

For anyone seriously interested in quality watches, www.timezone.com is the place to go.

 

tvrfreak,

I was referring to the watch in the survey, as being IMO a nice looking $200 (approx. dealer cost) disposable watch. Essentially, someone's works in someone else's case, neither one a fine maker. Accordingly, it would possess little or no value if/when the day came in the future that you wanted to trade-up to a fine watch.

You can check this by mentioning to a fine watch dealer that you would like to trade-in your perfect condition one year old "Nomos" towards your purchase of a fine watch, and are interested in knowing the trade-in value of your current watch to help establish your budget.

Kind Regards, Chris

 

tvrfreak, be sure to check this out

http://www.pixelp.com/watches/nomos/

I like this watch very much, but my wrist is too small, too bad......

Kjell

 

tvrfreak, be sure to check this out

http://www.pixelp.com/watches/nomos/

I like this watch very much, but my wrist is too small, too bad......

Kjell

 

With due apologies to you all, if it ain't Breitling then it ain't nothing!

I am of course talking about thier mechanical chrono's, like the old navitimer-not the electronic "video game" ones that they also sell.

 

How about a Blancpain Extra-Slim Watch?

 

My personal advice: an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph
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tvrfreak,

Suit yourself.

FYI, my 20 year old s/s Rolex Datejust cost me $800 new, and has been serviced once for $300 five years ago. It has always kept excellent time and been a handsome watch. If I were to walk into a Jewelers to buy another fine watch I would be offered around $1600 as a trade-in. I think that is better service and value than what you will experience with the Nomos, but I could be wrong.

Kind Regards, Chris

 

A question for all of you watch afficionados - what would be a good "starter" watch for a young person? Not too expensive, not too cheap (definitely not a fossil!!! haha), something that can go when I dress up (which won't be often, but it would be nice to have that option) and mainly for casual wear... I would like to be able to have a leather band and a steel band and have them interchangeable... is this possible?

Any suggestions?

I do like the nomos, and some of the tissot, also I think there were some suggestions on timezone for a Khaki something, I will have to go check again...

 

ralessi,

Your question is a very good one, as many of the watches discussed in this thread are rather expensive for a young person's budget (young is a relative term though).

If you were to shop very carefully using the Internet as a tool it should be possible to buy a GP (Girard Perregaux) GP-90, or an IWC (International Watch Company) Mark Series for around the price of the Nomos initially discussed here. I would suggest considering New Old Stock for older IWC Mark Series that have been sitting around for some time on dealers shelves, to help moderate the price. As a reference, I have seen several GP-90s go for around $1000 on Ebay from reputable sellers. The difference with buying one of these two watches at this price point is that you would actually own a fine watch, from a fine maker. Both are sporty, functional, and would last a lifetime.

If you were to walk up to a watchmaker or watch afficionado and mention GP or IWC, he/she would know the maker immediately and would likely admire their works for their long service life and accuracy. However, if you were to mention Nomos, he/she would say: "huh"?

At this price point you are not likely to receive a matching bracelet with the watch, because what you are paying for are the works. However, the great thing about a strap watch is that you can change the strap as often as you like to change the look of the watch. With sporty strap watches I would suggest one day trying a sharkskin strap, as it is very durable as well as attractive.

If you are looking for a much less expensive watch than this, that is still a step up from the commonplace you might consider a Seiko Kinetic. They are very high tech in that they are quartz but use NO battery, only a generator and a capacitor. You move your wrist and the generator makes electricity which is stored in the capacitor and used to operate a quartz crystal oscillator as an accurate time base in running the watch. This is in contrast to a tradional mechanical automatic where moving your wrist winds a mainspring allowing the escapement to beat as an accurate time base in running the watch.

By no means would I ever consider a quartz watch with a battery. To be sure, one of the cardinal rules is to never unnecessarily open a watch that is running well, as opening it then causes a need for properly re-sealing it. Periodically replacing batteries flies in the face of this concept.

Hope this helps!

Kind Regards, Chris