Looking for a nice automatic watch?

So-Lo

So-Lo

Joined
Jun 12, 2006
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I am looking for a nice high end watch and I am a TOTAL watch noob! Would like it to be a automatic chronograph not huge but not to small either.

Leather band would be better than rubber, but will also look at other recommendations. Should have a nice scratch resistant face, a nice clasp, and keep great time.

HAS to be able to fit in at my job (Wine sales, dress/casual.. Nice dark jeans, or khaki slacks, polos, dress shirts, leather belt)

Cost? :D how about $550-$1000? Really do not want to go over that, but might for the right one. I like to buy nice things one time... Rather than crap a bunch of times.

Can I get a nice watch that will last a good 3-8 years hopefully more :D

I like a lot of the TAGs I have seen. Any deals that you know of? I don't care about "designer" brands, don't care about hype, don't care about where its made just want to buy a nice watch that will last a long time and look great doing its job.

Help :D Thanks in advance

Should I join a watch forum for more help? Are there even watch forums? Is a $1000 watch like kershaws/spydercos nice but not going to get you a Sebbie of the watch world?

Owe no's what did I just get into? :D
 
Off the top of my head the only automatic chronograph in that price range are the Hamiltons. I'm sure there are others.

Chad
 
I'd probably look at Bernard Watches, particularly the Daniel JeanRichard line. Hamilton makes a nice chrono that's in your price range as well.

So-Lo said:
Are there even watch forums? Is a $1000 watch like kershaws/spydercos nice but not going to get you a Sebbie of the watch world?
Click to expand...

There are all kinds of watch forums, Timezone being the best known. You can find links to a few others here.

A $1k watch is more like a Swiss Army knife than a Syderco price wise. :D
 
I like this
H76516533.jpg


and this
H77616533.jpg


Crap? Will it last, can I do better for the money?




BlackHills your kill'in me! But that is what I thought :cool:
 
Absintheur said:
Wouldn't hesitate to consider one of the Seikos either.
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There aren't many Seiko chronos that are automatic and most of their auto chronos are either high-end or vintage. They did come out with a new movement this year but I'm not sure if they've made it to the lower priced watches yet.
 
So-Lo said:
I like this

and this


Crap? Will it last, can I do better for the money?


BlackHills your kill'in me! But that is what I thought :cool:
Click to expand...

The Hamilitons are highly regarded. I know a few people that have owned them and they have nothing but good things to say about them.

That Carrera is nice, it's one of the few Tags I like.

You might take a look around here too. If you're willing to spend a little more he has a few nice ones.

Be careful about getting the watch bug. It's almost worse than the knife addiction.
 
I wear a Doxa Sub750T with an orange face. They come in several colors (black face, orange, yellow blue, etc) and so far it has been a really excellent watch. I know people who have had a sub 300T since the 70's and with periodic maintenance every five or so years they are still running great. The 750 might be a bit big if you are looking for low key, but the sub600 os slightly smaller and there are some other models. Usually you can get them for around 1200 on timezone or similar watch forums
 
Hamilton is owned by Swatch which also own ETA the movement company. Some of the Hamiltons probably have the same movement that is in the Carrera.

Chad
 
i have two hamilton khaki's, one is an automatic. great watches.

not as nice as the ones you are looking at, but i can speak to their quality.
 
if i was gonna spend $500 to $1K i would forget about seikos.

i would look at marathons or a sinn, for $500 or so i dont think ya can beat a marathon if ya like that style, sinns are more ~ $1K to $1200 to start but they are a great looking watch too, and marathon and sinn are rugged dependable watches.

hamiltons are ok too, but i like sinn better myself, the next watch i buy (i wear a rolex GMT now and want to get something a little different for rough wear) will be either a sinn or a marathon FWIW.
 
Hamiltons are nice, and in theory they're a company with a lot of pedigree, an old US company. They are however now owned by the Swiss, and depending on whom you ask, they are either still American or not at all. Also when you look at them keep in mind that a lot of their bracelets are now made in China, and possibly some of the watches assembled there also.

On the other hand, now could be an excellent time to be in the watch market. As the economies of the world crumble, there is less money to go around for nice stuff, and people that have nice stuff are becoming more and more overburdoned.

While I haven't been in the market recently, I've heard whispers through the grapevine of my friends that there are starting to be some great deals at pawn shops, second hand stores, etc. You might be able to pick up a used Breitling Navitimer or something along those lines for $1k if you're lucky. I snoozed on a Cartier Chrono a few months back for an amazing price, and I'm still sorry about it.

Or, here's a couple options a little higher up in the food chain:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc..._Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc..._Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=
They had the first one in my local Costco recently and it's quite stunning. Very classy, but also sporty.
 
Rado

jasper_rado.jpg



Rado Ceramica watches are completely ceramic, bezel and all. They will be scratchless after 10 straight years of EDC. Not to mention they are incredibly sophisticated looking and functional. My design drawing teacher has a Rado Ceramica his wife gave him 7 years ago, still looks completely new...

If I could get a $1000 watch, I'd choose Rado.
 
I don't know of anything "good", which I would say is at least an Omega auto. for under $2000. Most high end, which is what you asked about, are much higher than that. Rolex, Patek Philippe,IWC,Jaeger Lacoultre,etc. are pretty expensive. Omega is the least expensive of the really good watches. Joma Shops.com has the best prices I have seen.
 
if you want to get the most bang for your bucks, then buy second-hand.

you can get a CLASSIC Omega Speedmaster for under $1k...
 
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Me being a total NOOb though $1000 would buy a higher end watch but boy O boy was I wrong. :o

I am looking at all the links posted and my taste seems to be in the $2000+ range. :eek: With that said, do I save more or go for a quartz? Reading around and it seems quartz will keep better time, but autos have more soul?

Maybe I should of asked for quartz recommendations? Man I don't have a clue what the hell I am looking for. :foot:

What would you get for $1000 maybe a little more? Thanks in advance! :cool:
 
Your best bet is to go to watchuseek or some forum like that and read a bunch of posts. You should be able to get a good idea of what you like there.

Chad

P.S. What is an Omega Speedbird? Did the poster mean Speedmaster?
 
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