Watch Newbie seeks advice

K

Kimper

Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
57
Time has come to get a nice watch. I know very little about them, but have been reading the watch threads here and learning alot:0

I have a few requirements:

1. I want a metal bracelet, but it can not be shiny silver. I am looking at titaniuim, matte finishes (tungsten carbide would be great). I haev a kenneth cole watch with a "gun metal" finish now that I really like, but that "finish" is wearing off.. cheap watch.

2. not a dress watch

3. Waterproof

4. Don't want to pay above 3k

I have found a couple on the internet I like:

Favorite so far:
IWC
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=613945#moreinfo
but, I can't find any info on this watch from anywhere else at all, not even at IWC's website... that confuses me

Others I liked:
Omega
http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id=286&ref=22935000&no_cache=1
Not my favorite, seems too common

Rado
http://jewelswarehouse.com/DS_DP_Watches.asp?ID=1154&Brand=Rado&Series=DiaMaster
Again, its like this watch only exists on this site, odd...
I think this one might be tungsten carbide, anyone know?

Sinn
http://www.watchbuys.com/Master/SI-132.htm
My wife thinks it is too casual...

Thanks for any advice and/or opinions

Any other watches that look like these that I should check out?

Thanks!
 
I don't think you'll have any problems getting exactly what you want with that kind of money. Why don't you have a look at a Citizen titanium Skyhawk and pocket the rest of the money? Not trying to dwell on it but I can't believe you're wearing a Fossil (KC same brand) and have $3000 to spend!
Anyway, there are a lot of Omega Seamaster Pro enthusiasts here (somewhere), and although pricey and still not as accurate and higher maintenance than the Citizens, they do look like cool watches.


Paul
 
Hi Kimper-

Do a search on BladeForums using "watch" as the term and you'll find hundreds of threads with many that precisely match your needs. You can also visit the wonderful and informative TimeZone site and view many watches there.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Wow, lots of choices with that kind of bank! As to your given choices, my selection would be as follows:

1. Sinn (although I'd like the 656- and have you seen the U1?)

2. IWC

3. Omega (although, the Planet Ocean, and regular Seamasters I like)

4. Rado

I'd do it that way because Sinn is almost unknown in this country, and is STILL a kick-butt watch company. IWC is in the same league as Omega, but still somewhat "Under the Radar" with most people. I read a very enlightening- though admitedly controversial- article comparing the level of finishing done to an IWC and a Rolex which found the level of finish on an IWC to be superior. Omega is a favorite of mine- especially the vintage Seamasters, but they are dressy- but I have to admit I find a lot of their chronographs to be a bit on the ugly side. Rado has no attraction for me whatsoever.

As to watches not on your list, I'd suggest Breitling might be worth checking out. Their Superocean and Seawolf Avenger models in particular are favorites of mine. A Ti Seiko would also be something worth checking out. Seiko uses completely in-house movements, can obtain a STUNNING level of accuracy, and was the first company to use Ti in their watches as I understand it.

I should also mention that if you're not opposed to buying Used your choices grow even bigger. A Used PAM maybe (though that'd be stretching your budget)? You could also probably find something from Rolex as well.

Good luck, and PLEASE let us know what you end up with!
 
Not trying to dwell on it but I can't believe you're wearing a Fossil (KC same brand) and have $3000 to spend!
Click to expand...

Hehe, well when I got the KC I didn't have the money. I have had it about 6 years.

Do a search on BladeForums using "watch" as the term and you'll find hundreds of threads with many that precisely match your needs. You can also visit the wonderful and informative TimeZone site and view many watches there.
Click to expand...

I did, that is how I came up with that list. The only "nice" watch I knew about before my reading was Rolex. Really hunting more suggestions for watches that do not have that shiny silver bracelet. I mean I would like a watch bracelet to be made out of the same blued steel on my gun.. sorta hard to find.

SpyderJon,

Good suggestions. I will look into them once I get a better net connection than here at work.
I do not want a Rolex.. It is too much "Hey look at me I am wearing a Rolex!" and I don't see anything from them that matches the dark metal or matte look I am after.

You ranked Rado low..
Are there any watches made from tungsten carbide?
I'm not sure if that one is, but a prior poster here was talking about it.

Good luck, and PLEASE let us know what you end up with!
Click to expand...

Thanks, I will keep you posted. I will probably look for a long time. I mean I lived with the KC this long!
 
I'd go with an IWC myself.

You are right about Omegas being more common. I still want a Speedmaster.
 
I have a Sinn 142ti which is awesome. I have been wearing it for two years now.

Right now I'm considering a Sinn U1.

IWC has an excellent reputation as well.
 
Kimper, I'm just trying to help :D ! I'm not sure if there are any watches made from Tungsten. You'd have to be careful that its not a "Tungsten coating," though. If you'd like a "tough" watch, then the Sinn is it. Especially their specially hardened, PVC coated watches.

Far as the Rolex, I agree with you for the most part on it. You run the risk of being robbed or mistaken for some kind of Yuppie "poser" with a Rolex. I should mention that I HAVE seen some Panerais coming up in your price range for what its worth!

Oh, and I ranked Rado low because they just don't do ANYTHING for me. I find them to be somewhat homely, personally. I mean, not all Omegas do it for me, nor even all IWCs, but the Rado line is just fugly IMHO.

Interestingly enough, in case you're not aware, IWC was started by a Boston native, and is the only major Swiss watch house to be started by an American! I Just find their stuff Groovy!!!

Anyhoo, enough of my rambling, PLEASE let us know what you get, AND be sure to post pics!!! :D
 
IWC
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2....13945#moreinfo
but, I can't find any info on this watch from anywhere else at all, not even at IWC's website... that confuses me
Click to expand...

What do you guys make of the fact that this watch only seems to exist on overstock.com... I find that weird. Would you trust a purchase like this from an internet site like Overstock? Any other places to look to find more info on that specific model?

meh, link changed http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=613945

Well nevermind, here it is on another site http://www.atlantictime.com/iwc-gst-watch-10500-4757.html
It looks more shiny there. I need to see them in real life I suppose...
 
When you say shiny silver, do you mean polished? Would a brushed or satin finish be ok?

Another detail you will need to think about is quartz vs mechanical. If you desire a higher level of accuracy or don't want to deal with winding/watchwinders you will want to go with quartz.

What kinds of activities will you be using this watch for? What kinds of activities would you expect to take the watch off for?

Do you like a rotating (diver's) bezel? What kind of indices do you want? Numeric or symbols?

Lots of things to think about.

Mark
 
I've bought from Overstock before, albeit it was only a $150 watch. I've had good luck with them. They also have a good return policy IF, and this is PARAMOUNT: you must retain very bit of boxing, all plastic that came with it, string that came with it, tags, protective backing/tape on the watch, etc. And the box must be completely intact (no rips, half assed opening allowed).

Basically if you open the box with a knife, and keep your removal of materials all in one place, you can return it within 30 days and get your money back or credit, or whatnot.

But they're damn particular aren't they?



As for some of the watches only being on Overstock... I've talked around and it appears that some of the brands are only made to be competitors with the Rolexs, Omegas, etc, with the sole purpose of being a cheaper knockoff to sell on discount websites. I believe that Invicta falls under this category, as almost nothing is evident about their company online, albeit a few small sites, that really don't provide much substantive feedback.

If you aren't familiar with the company name, and you find that noone on the forums is really either, I'd probably stay away from them for that reason alone, unless you trust their return policy.
 
I am a big fan of the SMP. I got my Omega used when I graduated, a little gift to myself, and haven't stopped wearing it since. It is a great watch, keeps good time, and I always get compliments on it. If you like it go for one, to me the most important factor is how I feel about it. Whether or not it is popular or not doesn't matter much, why settle for something to follow the crowd, or to avoid following? You like what you like, and that is the reason to buy.

As for the Chrono version, I am not a big fan. To me it makes the face look more cluttered and complex, I don't dislike it but I am not overly fond of it either. To me the real killer on a chrono is that I would never use any of the features. They are more expensive up front, and more expensive should they need repair. So why would I pay for it? If you think you would make use of the features, or really like the look then by all means go for it.

I used to own a Seiko Ti Kinetic watch. It was nice for what it was, but it ahd gold accents and I found it to be too dressy so I decided to sell it off. Never had any other problems with it in the couple of years I wore it though, and wouldn't have a problem looking at them for a nice Ti watch again.

Type of movement is an important consideration too. Will you wear an automatic watch enough to keep it wound up properly? Might you want to consider a nice watch and a beater watch? I love my SMP, but have to always take it off on weekends when I am doing certain types of rough work around the hosue. I have been looking to get a beater for that reason.
 
Sinn657Bracelet.jpg


sinn 657 on bracelet for 1/3 your limit
 
Ok here are the four top contenders!

Omega Seamaster 300 M Chrono:
seamaster300mchronoalltitanium.jpg


IWC GST in Titanium
watch7no.jpg

This one is probaly my favorite looking one, but it is discontinued and only available on the Grey Market (I have learned alot about the watch world and wil post more details about dealers and sources later if anyone is interested)

Sinn 103 TI AR on Titanium Bracelet
sinn103tiaronbracelet1mz.jpg


IWC Aquatimer Chrono in Titanium (shown in stainless here)
iwcaquatimerchrononotshowninti.jpg

Beautiful watch but a little out of my price range even with a backdoor Authorized Dealer.. (its around 4k)

Ok let the opinions fly!
 
If you like these watches, then you will like Breitling and Fortis watches.

Do take a look, and try to find a real shop to see them up close.
For example, the Fortis B42 is a large, beatiful watch, but you cannot appreciate this from an internet photo. A friend of mine wears the white-faced B42 and the first time I saw it I said "wow!", although I had seen photos of it before and never paid enough attention.
At least Breitling has a great website (www.breitling.com) with 3D views and large photos, so you will get a better idea.
 
Costas said:
If you like these watches, then you will like Breitling and Fortis watches.

Do take a look, and try to find a real shop to see them up close.
For example, the Fortis B42 is a large, beatiful watch, but you cannot appreciate this from an internet photo. A friend of mine wears the white-faced B42 and the first time I saw it I said "wow!", although I had seen photos of it before and never paid enough attention.
At least Breitling has a great website (www.breitling.com) with 3D views and large photos, so you will get a better idea.
Click to expand...

I did last night. I went down to Tourneau and tried the Seamaster and IWC Aquatimer. I did not care for the Breitlings' appearnace. Don't know why. I know lots of folks love them, they were just so damn shiny and large. Maybe something shiny scared me as a child?

I will check out Fortis..
 
I LOVE that Sinn chrono. It's so readable considering all its compications. I also like that the rotating bezel is designed to count down (as they are used) and not count up like all other bezels.
 
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