Okay, you automatic watch mavens...

Blues

Blues

hovering overhead
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...I've read several of the threads now and other than pretty much sinking the hook (thanks?) my head is essentially spinning from the breadth of opinions presented.

So, rather than me ask what's the best watch (as bad as what's the best knife), I'd like opinions on recommended automatic watches (for everyday wear as opposed to dress up) in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. Would you recommend new only or is pre-owned a viable, reliable option? (Don't everyone go high end on me now. ;))

Thanks in advance for the advice. (Oh yeah, take me up on a couple of my knives for sale or trade so I can get one of these darned things. :cool: )
 
"Would you recommend new only or is pre-owned a viable, reliable option?"

Buying pre-owned is definitely a viable option. One of these days, I plan to buy either an Omega Spedmaster Pro (Moon watch) or a X-33 pre-owned. BTW, you might want to check this guy out:

http://www.bernardwatch.com/
 
Thanks, Lynn.

I have visited that site via a link I found on chronocentric.com

Appreciate the heads up.
 
Any particular brand/model you're looking for? I have a full size Omega black/black SMP that I absolutely love. The only bad thing about it is that it gives me no excuse to upgrade...
 
Blues,
I got a mint pre-owned Omega Seamaster from Bladeart 2 weeks ago and I'm loving it. Right in your price range too.
 
Yeah, Dave, I know. Your enthusiasm is responsible in large part for my problem. :D :p

The Seamaster is one of the watches seriously under consideration. (I've seen a couple of Sinn's and others that look good too.)

Matter of fact, I paid a visit to our mutual friend Larry on Thursday. (I didn't fail to bring up your name during our chat. :cool: )

Again, thanks to you both. The Omega is definitely a front runner.
 
Thanks, Dennis. watchseller.com is another site I found via chronocentric.com

The more you learn the more you realize how little you know.
 
Watches are such a matter of personal taste that it's tough to make recommendations on a particular model to somebody you don't really know.

With that said, if I was looking for an auto in your stated price range I would get a Baume and Mercier Capeland Chrono. It's simply a stunning watch from a well respected manufacturer.

I would also recommend going with a pre-owned watch. While you will end up paying less for the same watch this way; it also has another important advantage.

Say you got the watch, wore it for a week, and then decided that it just wasn't right for you.

A pre-owned watch (Omega in particular) could likely be sold for very near to what was paid for it, perhaps more. Something bought new will lose a considerable amount of value as soon as you walk out of the store.

Pre-owned will allow you to find the perfect watch with considerably less risk.
 
Blues,

I love my Omega SMP and really feel you can't go wrong with that choice. Fishbulbs advice is very sound. I purchased a SMP GMT on the secondary market, wore it for a while and got my money back. I would advice buying watches with intact serial numbers so that warranty doesn't become an issue.
I'm sure you've been to www.timezone.com, dangerous place.;)
If I buy another watch it will probably be an IWC model XV, I think. Classic, simple and about $1500.00.
If you decide on a new Omega, E-mail me for the phone number of a very respected dealer who discounts. I got his number from a moderator at Timezone.

Good luck,
Win
 
Great info so far, gents. Truly appreciated. Hope we'll hear from some more of the guys.
 
I would highly recommend an Omega SMP (especially on in titanium), ref. 2031.50.00:
orig.jpg

I replaced the titanium bracelet with an Omega ridged rubber strap. If you post asking about the best authorized dealer price in Timezone.com's Omega Forum , I'm sure someone will reply. It's entirely possible to get a titanium SMP just a little bit about your price range from an authorized dealer even.
 
Originally posted by Blues
Yeah, Dave, I know. Your enthusiasm is responsible in large part for my problem. :D :p

The Seamaster is one of the watches seriously under consideration. (I've seen a couple of Sinn's and others that look good too.)

Matter of fact, I paid a visit to our mutual friend Larry on Thursday. (I didn't fail to bring up your name during our chat. :cool: )

Again, thanks to you both. The Omega is definitely a front runner.
Click to expand...

COOL!
This is the first watch I ever owned that cost more than about $50-75 and I cant stop looking at it.:D I started checking out watch websites and couldnt believe there is so much to learn.
 

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Blues, I echo what Dennis said. You really can't beat the Tudor for the price. If you get lucky, you may even find a used Rolex airking in that range. If $$ were a bit higher I would reccomend the Explorer II, I've had one for 20 years of daily wear and it still keeps time to better than a minute a month (and I've been MUCH less than meticulous about maintenance than I should be:rolleyes: ). The key to any automatic watch is wearing it 24/7, unless you have one of those fancy winders. Don't worry, women get used to it after awhile:D !
 
I bought my SeMP Auto 2nd hand for about $900, and you can probably find similar bargains online at the TimeZone SC.

That's if you want the ETA 2892A2, which is in the SeMP.

If you're willing to go down to the 2824-2, don't forget the Sinn EZM3 ($1200 new) and the MarcelloC Nettuno3 ($460 new). Mind you, the Tudor Submariner uses the 2824-2 as well, and the price, isn't necessarily (I must beg to differ, with the utmost respect) the best bargain around.

The IWC Mk XV can probably be found 2nd in your range as well, and it's a modified 2892A2 as well.

-j
 
Would be also a SMP or SMP GMT (I have one of the latter on order and can't wait to get it.)

Also try looking into a vintage Rose Tudor. Absolutely beautiful watch with a Rolex case and I believe a Rolex derived cal. 390 movement (although there is some debate about the latter point).
 
ya gotta look but ya can find a rolex datejust SS in the $1500 range($1700 new, $12-1500 used in good /excellent shape), ya just gotta look.


greg
 
and most important, MOVE FAST when ya find a deal,2 yrs ago i lost a GMT11 in the 1 hour it took me to get to the store selling it, i coulda screamed, a GREAT deal by the way($2000 in like new shape).


greg
 
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