Another watch buying help thread

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billypilgrim

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Nov 9, 2011
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I'm looking to buy my first "nice" watch. I've owned g-shocks which are hardy, but I'm looking for the watch. By that, I mean the watch that'll stay with me for a lifetime (I just turned 17... before y'all mention anything about my age, I don't come from a rich family or anything, I save my pennies and that's why I'm able to by nice knives and hopefully a nice watch). It should be reasonably water resistant, be automatic, and hopefully carry some prestige with it. With price, I'd really like to keep it below 10,000 USD, preferably 3,000 to 6,000 although for a truly marvelous watch, I would be willing to go higher.
My current thoughts are:

Omega Ploprof (although the guy might not go well with a suit... or would it? Opinions with this guy especially)
Omega Planet Ocean (Both fancy and casual)
Rolex GMT
Rolex Explorer
Rolex Submariner

I'm really liking the Omega's except for the fact that they are a bit "common" and I kind of want to be a bit unique. However, if there's nothing better, why not join the crowd?

Thanks
 
I'd vote for a Rolex explorer II. It's a great entry into higher end watches. It has all the requirements you want and it's very prestigious. It is however somewhat common as are all the rolex watches you mentioned.
 
If you want to be unique you shouldn't buy Omega or Rolex, they are the first choice for people who wants to show off (but doesn't know a lot about watches). If I where you I would look into IWC or Jaeger LeCoultre, they are in the upper range of your budget though.
 
Rolex sells over a million watches a year. If exclusivity is a factor, I'd stay away from both Rolex and Omega. The only Rolex I like is the Milgauss, but it doesn't come with a date function so I've refrained from purchasing one.

I have an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. In fact, I'm wearing it right now. As much as I like it, if I could do it over again I'd take a Speedmaster. A Speedmaster "Moon Watch" is the definitive Omega to get, and it is lighter (and thus more comfortable over long periods).

There are a ton of quality watch brands out there with models in your price range. Take a look at Bell & Ross, Breitling, IWC, Panerai, Zenith, etc. Some are gaudy; some are elegant. Look up a German brand named Sinn. They only sell online in the US, but they have built a solid reputation. The only downside is that you can't try it on before you buy it. Good luck finding the piece that best suits you. It is a worthwhile endeavor.
 
Citizen Eco-Drive BL1256-59E

BL1256-59E_fullsize.png
 
I'm a big fan of the Marathon Automatic Diver's watch. Stainless steel, tough as nails, nice looking and doesn't need batteries. I have had mine for about 4 years with no problems and I rarely take it off. It has been down to about 100' in salt water numerous times, lots of swimming pools and lakes/rivers, worked in and still looks great.
 
the swede said:
If you want to be unique you shouldn't buy Omega or Rolex, they are the first choice for people who wants to show off (but doesn't know a lot about watches). If I where you I would look into IWC or Jaeger LeCoultre, they are in the upper range of your budget though.
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Jaeger LeCoultre Grand Reverso for sure. I was looking at one when I bought my Bell & Ross and loved it but I couldn't justify the $12000 price tag. Another great watch you could consider is the Cartier Santos XL. I think the Santos is going to be my next watch purchase and it will run you around $6000.
 
You have a great budget for a luxury watch, 10k opens many doors.

First of all, buy what speaks to YOU the most and don't be put off by what others are wearing.
In the horology WIS world Rolex and Omega are highly regarded because they are fine timepieces so don't be put off.

Panerai make some very nice watches and have a fanatical following, the many options for leather straps gives many different looks from casual to formal much like changing out the scales on my hinderer depending on my mood.
A Panerai is a great watch if it is going to be your only (unlikely) fine timepiece.

IWC have an excellent aviation range, check out the Big Pilot watch.

Another great Brand for aviation watches is Bremont. A very uncommon watch.

Go big with an Italian brand such as Anonimo or Ennebi.

For classic styling - Jaeger-LeCoultre

If you want to try a fine watch which isn't Swiss try Seiko, the Grand Seiko range have some seriously high quality horology which is more pricey then Rolex.
 
MajorLonghorn said:
Rolex sells over a million watches a year. If exclusivity is a factor, I'd stay away from both Rolex and Omega. The only Rolex I like is the Milgauss, but it doesn't come with a date function so I've refrained from purchasing one.

I have an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. In fact, I'm wearing it right now. As much as I like it, if I could do it over again I'd take a Speedmaster. A Speedmaster "Moon Watch" is the definitive Omega to get, and it is lighter (and thus more comfortable over long periods).

There are a ton of quality watch brands out there with models in your price range. Take a look at Bell & Ross, Breitling, IWC, Panerai, Zenith, etc. Some are gaudy; some are elegant. Look up a German brand named Sinn. They only sell online in the US, but they have built a solid reputation. The only downside is that you can't try it on before you buy it. Good luck finding the piece that best suits you. It is a worthwhile endeavor.
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This is mostly right on. Rolex is the one that everyone recognizes, and a lot of people wear them. They're kind of like BMW- people that don't know anything about cars buy a BMW because they think that is the one to have, people that don't know anything about watches buy Rolex because they think that is the one to have. Omega is less expensive than Rolex but IMO they have more character and at least I don't see them very often. The other brands listed are good brands that aren't seen very often. Each brand has its own character and style so you have to check them all out.
 
Sorry for asking another question. If I were to purchase a watch that is produced in larger numbers, would this help with maintenance in the future? I'm kind of scared that if I purchase a Bremont, servicing it might be a bit difficult in the future. The Bremont has an ETA movement if it helps with answering the question.
 
billypilgrim said:
Sorry for asking another question. If I were to purchase a watch that is produced in larger numbers, would this help with maintenance in the future? I'm kind of scared that if I purchase a Bremont, servicing it might be a bit difficult in the future. The Bremont has an ETA movement if it helps with answering the question.
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Any halfway decent watch shop has watchmakers on staff that can service an ETA-based movement, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Bremont is a young brand, but it's making a name for itself. On the other hand, if you want something that would make a worthwhile heirloom, you might want to consider a brand with more pedigree.
 
I will argue the mute point many of you have pointed to that Rolex is bought by clueless people. The majority of the Rolex watches sold may be to clueless consumers, but Rolex is also the manufacturer many WIS's (Watch Idiot Savants) choose to have as a shining piece in their collection because of the unique history, quality, and reliability. I have heard many of times, directly from those "clueless" owners, that their Rolex ran without issues for 15 sometimes even 20+ years.

Rolex styling has been unchanged for the past 50 years until recently where they decided to implement a heavier case, ceramic bezels, updated bracelets/clasp, etc - generally... the "looks" remain unchanged.

Omega keeps changing its designs. Look at the history of the Seamaster vs. the history of the Submariner. Omega is now an in-house manufacturer meaning everything is made under one roof now unlike a few years back. They're raising their tier level. Luckily, the original Speedmaster sees minor material and tiny design improvements while keeping the aesthetics of the watch original.

Omega wants to be in the place of Rolex. Rolex wants to be in the same place that Patek Philippe is. Omega at one point was regarded as a higher tier timepiece than Rolex. Omega is owned by Swatch group. Rolex remains in private hands.

If you choose to look beyond Omega or Rolex, take a look at Oris, Ulysse Nardin, Sinn, Blancpain (many will argue that their 50 Fathoms was the original diver's watch and not the Submariner), Ball, Bell & Ross.

Good luck!

An excellent example of Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.

287670d1274453460-ulysse-nardin-maxi-marine-diver-un6.jpg


Oris Diver. Oris, as I recall, is the only co. to have never released a quartz timepiece. Oris is also one of the few current manufacturers that offers many titanium Diver watches.

p18293571.jpg
 
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Definitely go with JLC. Dornblueth & Sohne makes some pretty nice stuff. GO is like a tribute to A Lange & Sohne. Also check out Damasko (pound for pound hi tech)

Either way I would skip the usual Rolex/Omega recommendations. Are they kickass watches? Yes. But there is a lot better things out there.

Also if your going to be dropping that kind of $$$ why would you want an ETA movement? Nothing wrong with them, but might as well go for something with full in house movement. Its all about whats inside...

I never saw much appeal in buying something that has the same relative tech value that much cheaper watches have. If you spending a lot of money, spend a lot of money on something worthwhile (in house movement, private custom makers, a maker that embraces tradition yet makes something unique and adds to the world of horology) Just IMO
 
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The OP is 17 years old. If he needs to impress the ladies or other young gents, a Rolex will mean more than Panerai ever will. I would have loved to be flashing a Rolex at that age.

When I was 17, everything I liked, wore and drove was different than my likes today.

If he becomes a life-long watch collector, then he will be able to acquire other watches throughout his life.

Of those, the GMT or Submariner are instant stand-outs.
 
Watches with ETA movements definitely shouldn't cost upwards of $5000. That's in-house movement territory. Nothing terribly wrong with ETA, but don't overpay for it.

By the way, nice Vonnegut reference, billypilgrim.
 
billypilgrim said:
Sorry for asking another question. If I were to purchase a watch that is produced in larger numbers, would this help with maintenance in the future? I'm kind of scared that if I purchase a Bremont, servicing it might be a bit difficult in the future. The Bremont has an ETA movement if it helps with answering the question.
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Personally, I would stay away from low-production or unusual brands because of service issues. I know someone who has a Porsche Turbo S chrono purchased from
a dealership when we used to sell such things; the watch was made by Eterna, a Swiss company PAG purchased at the time. It developed problems awhile ago and
he was surprised to find nobody wanted to work on it and that parts were virtually unavailable. If you think about it a watch isn't that different from a car; you're
going to find parts, seals and knowledgeable technicians for a 911 much easier than you would for a Maser or Ferrari. Exclusivity can bite you in the ass.
 
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