Automatic vs. Quartz Movement

Joined
Feb 2, 2002
Messages
2,286
I am in the market for a nice watch between $800 - $1000 for my 40th birthday but don't have a lot of knowledge of watches in this price range. What are my chances of finding a watch in this range with automatic movement, and might it be worthwhile to upgrade the case and/or bracelet to maybe get a little 18k gold in there and downgrade the movement to quartz? Is there anything out there that might give me both? Any feedback would be appreciated. I went to www.watchseller.com and am quite impressed with their pre-owned selection.
 
I got a TAG Kirium Auto in that range about 1 1/2 years ago online. Not sure if they're discounted as deeply now. Great watch. I find that I have to wear mine just about every day or it will stop, though. Not sure if that matters to you. I think they're supposed to run for 36+ hours sitting, but mine never has...more like 24.
 
Ed Loebl is a fantastic gentleman to do business with.
I've been into fine wristwatches for a long time and frequent TimeZone quite often. Never read a bad word about him or his dealings. I once purchased a Rolex from him and it was exactly as described, and a great price.
As for the Automatic vs quartz question, I'm sure you know the mechanical advantages of one over the other.
If you just want to tell time, and have the watch be dead accurate all the time, go quartz.
If you appreciate finely made micro machines, buy an automatic. Many people call the movement in a fine automatic watch its soul. Quartz has a battery operated machine inside. Neither is good or bad, just depends what you like and/or need. Quartz needs battery replacement every few years at which time the water resistence of the watch should also be checked since it was opened to replace the battery. Auto watches can go for 5 or more years before they need to be opened for service. However, they should be checked every year or so for water resistence if you swim or shower with it.
You should be able to get a fine watch in your price range. Also check TimeZone.com's sales forum for good deals. Take your time and learn exactly what you want before taking the plunge.
Good luck and let us know what you choose.
Lenny
 
Hello,
If you are here in the Gadgets section, how could you possibly consider a quartz watch :)

For the 1k get a second hand Rolex and enjoy it for the rest of your life, then give it to one of your kids then let them enjoy it for the rest of their life and then they can give it to their kids, see a pattern forming here?

I have 2 (not bragging, both are cherished gifts, one for my 21st one from my wife) I wore the Explorer II for 10 years and it still gives me pleasure just to hold or listen to the movement, as for maintainance, nary a cent (or penny) spent.

Just my 2c worth (and thars 2x what I spent on maintainance :)


Bob
 
If I were in the market for an $800-1000 watch, I would either head on over to www.watchseller.com or http://bernardwatch.com/ and look for an Omega Seamaster Pro on a steel bracelet. Both of these guys have impeccable reputations, and offer a lot of watch for your money. BernardWatch almost always has a great selection of steel SMP's (except, of course, at this time. :rolleyes: ) He regularly updates his site with new stock.

Ed's got one that I'd love to have:

http://www.watchseller.com/omseamprofbl1.html

I'd also love to have any of the Sinn's here:

http://www.watchseller.com/wat500to101.html
 
Kelly,

I kind of had my eye on the Seamaster 120 with SS/18k. My wife doesn't want to get me a "used" watch for my birthday, though. :)

By the way, I live in the same town where Bernardwatch.com is located, so I might drop by to see them.
 
Used watches are unlike most other used commodities.
I purchased a 5 month old IWC Fliegerchrono for a hair over $2K. This was a good $1000 less than a brand new one. And there wasn't a scratch on it.
Like knives, many watches are purchased in impulse by folks with a lot of $ and an itch for a new watch. When they get it, often times they don't like it for one reason or another and usually end up selling it for a big loss.
These watches are sometimes better than new as the movement has had time to settle in and become more accurate.
Doesn't make sense to pay full price for a fine new wristwatch when a pre-owned one is just as good, and sometimes, better.
Look around for a while till you find one at a good price.
Lenny
 
imho if i was gonna spend 1000 dlrs or so i would save a little more up and get a rolex datejust, i9 have seen theses new for about $1700, EM me if ya want some info on them, a rolex, if ya take care of it, will, if anything, appreciate in value - example, years (about 1970) my dad bought a used rolex daytona for $400, a lot of $$ in those days, he wore the watch a whole lot, passed it down to me, i wore it a lot, i recently had it serviced (the first time i know of) and buffed out for scratches, new crystal, etc, cost about $300, but the watch looks like almost brand new, and is worth a dollar or 2 let me tell you(a daytona stainless w/a oyster band is worth i would venture at least 5K, probably more, maybe a lot more.....it isnt for sale though...), much more than i have in it..

rolex is a good investment imho, as long as ya dont lose/scratch up/etc your stuff

sifu
 
SIFU, I'd like to email you but your email address is restricted. Yes, I am interested in learning more about Rolexes, and also the good people to deal with for Rolex/Omega here in Austin. Thanks!
 
SIFU,
you lucky devil you!:mad:

That ticker is probably worth more than $10,000 now. Its a classic. The newer (and not as cool IMHO) is around $9000

Still wouldnt sell my Explorer II or Sea Sweller but I sure would like to get them a new 'friend' ;)

Enviously!

Bob :D
 
Here's an update on the watch decision:

Brand: Gevril Swiss Generation I chronograph
Water Resistant: 100 meters
Crystal: Sapphire
Price: $1,190
Movement: Automatic stock movement
Hardware: 18K Case and Stainless and 18K Band
Dial: Silver and Oyster Dial with gold numbering and minute markers

A real beauty!!
 
Good information guys...thanks! I need a good watch...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Back
Top