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5K to buy a watch - what to get?!!

thekunk07

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give me your address and times you aren't home and i will leave a note with suggestions.
 

Mathew J

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Originally Posted by Pelikan2
IMG_7525.jpg


This is awesome, and a relative bargain all things considered...
 

Mathew J

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Originally Posted by jamesbond
I know what your saying about how the Rolex feels small compared to others but the guy wants something classic and timeless. When i went to try on a Sub for the first time it felt small compared to my Ocean-7 LM1 but honestly that is a classic size. I personally would stay away from the oversized trend like Panerai and such.

Go with the Sub you won't regret it.


The Speedy is probabily more classic than any current production Rolex, virtually nothing has changed about that watch from an aesthetic standpoint, not to mention the price is pretty darn reasonable at about 2.5K USD, compare that to your run of the mill Sub Date which is what 6K now...ouch, bought mine at 4.5 and thought it was a bit much back then.
 

RSS

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Originally Posted by daniele6
Swatch + Anderson & Sheppard 3 piece suit.
Or a Timex + a Richard Anderson sport coat.

But in all seriousness ...

...you might consider looking for a very gently used Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso ... one of the simpler models in stainess having a stainless steel bracelet.

Of course, I don't really know your personal style ... and while I don't find JLC to be tired or past it's prime ... that may be different for a person at age 30. If you are looking for something with a very current feel ... perhaps a bit cutting edge ... you may find that Jaeger LeCoultre is a bit mature for you. On the other hand ... they make a first rate watch that you will grow into as you age.

As for "sportiness" ... the Reverso model was originally designed for a sport activity ... the flipping mechanism offering protection to the relatively fragile crystal of its day. Some models have single faces with a metal back that can be personalized with engraving (one's initials or a symbol having personal meaning). Others offer two faces -- making for two watches in one -- and even exhibition backs affording a nice view of a beautifully finished movement.

I have one with an exhibition back ... and that is the side I prefer to leave exposed ... performing the flip only when I need to know the time. I have a another version with metal back which has been engraved with my firm's logo sans the firm name ... the logo being quite similar to my avatar.

--RSS
 

Prince of Paisley

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I haven't read all the way through this thread, but I can guess that a high proportion of recommendations will be:

Omega
Panerai
Rolex
IWC
JLC

All the hoary chestnuts. These brands are popular for good reason, but there are over 200 watch brands based in Switzerland alone - surely we can offer the OP something 'out of the box'?

My suggestions for something different in this price range might be a Carl F Bucherer piece, or a Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece:

MP6148-SS001-120side2.jpg


CarlFBucherer00_10612_08_33_21_big.jpg
 

17 Seconds

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The guy who said Panerai.

This.

My wife bought me one for my wedding present. I wasn't a watch guy, but my Luminor turned me into one.
 

jamesbond

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Originally Posted by Mathew J
The Speedy is probabily more classic than any current production Rolex, virtually nothing has changed about that watch from an aesthetic standpoint, not to mention the price is pretty darn reasonable at about 2.5K USD, compare that to your run of the mill Sub Date which is what 6K now...ouch, bought mine at 4.5 and thought it was a bit much back then.

I was talking about size and asthetics not about how long that particular design has been around. Yes, the speedy is a classic sport watch and priced well but i still fit it into the grossly oversized category.

I think if your going to go the Omega route go with the Seamaster instead of Speedy.
 

robinsongreen68

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the speedmaster is pretty much the same size as a sub -42mm vs 40mm, plus it is flatter (no automatic movement) and no crown guard.
i agree that both are pretty much a classic size and wouldnt want to go much bigger, despite the trend
 

RSS

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Originally Posted by Prince of Paisley
I haven't read all the way through this thread, but I can guess that a high proportion of recommendations will be:

Omega
Panerai
Rolex
IWC
JLC

All the hoary chestnuts. These brands are popular for good reason, but there are over 200 watch brands based in Switzerland alone - surely we can offer the OP something 'out of the box'?

My suggestions for something different in this price range might be a Carl F Bucherer piece, or a Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece:


The two brands you recommend are appealing. I have a particular fondness for Bucherer ... as my first timepiece was of that make. But, I'm not sure I would dismiss all of the 'hoary chestnuts' just yet. Some, yes, but not all.

Your list is interesting ... and all over the map. Take JLC and IWC ... fifteen years ago ... it's unlikely either would have been mentioned ... they were a hard sell except to the most knowledgeable of buyers. I remember a time in the 70s when my watch dealer literally begged me to buy a JLC or IWC over another more popular and expensive brand. I'm glad I did. Both are relatively recent "discoveries" by the greater public ... even though both companies have made quality watches for years. As for Rolex ... I haven't looked at one in perhaps ten years ... but at that time, the movement finishing on many of its models was embarrassingly poor.

Of course, much depends upon whether the OP is looking purely at the design ... or something more ... the watch in total ... including that which is within ... and even more esoteric qualities related to the firm, its approach, its history, etc. Beauty is not limited to the surface treatment ... be it tailored clothing or watches.

What a disappointment it can be to open what appears to be a beautiful watch only to find an ill-fitting ETA movement ... or one with an in-house movement that has been given barely tolerable finishing. But what a joy it can be to open a workhorse with a beautifully modified and decorated (ETA) Valjoux 7750 ... or look at the exhibition back of another … one offering a glimpse into the world of an in-house movement in which great effort has been undertaken by its maker.

Yes, there are over 200 watch brands in Switzerland alone ... and there some great ones ... and some good ones ... but there are many that fall short. Tread with care ... and do your homework.
 

Flambeur

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Originally Posted by RSS
Or a Timex + a Richard Anderson sport coat.

But in all seriousness ...

...you might consider looking for a very gently used Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso ... one of the simpler models in stainess having a stainless steel bracelet.

Of course, I don't really know your personal style ... and while I don't find JLC to be tired or past it's prime ... that may be different for a person at age 30. If you are looking for something with a very current feel ... perhaps a bit cutting edge ... you may find that Jaeger LeCoultre is a bit mature for you. On the other hand ... they make a first rate watch that you will grow into as you age.

As for "sportiness" ... the Reverso model was originally designed for a sport activity ... the flipping mechanism offering protection to the relatively fragile crystal of it's day. Some models have single faces with a metal back that can be personalized with engraving (one's initials or a symbol having personal meaning). Others offer two faces -- making for two watches in one -- and even exhibition backs affording a nice view of a beautifully finished movement.

I have one with an exhibition back ... and that is the side I prefer to leave exposed ... performing the flip only when I need to know the time. I have a another version with metal back which has been engraved with my firm's logo sans the firm name ... the logo being quite similar to my avatar.

--RSS


I second JLC Reverso, a very cool watch, a true gentleman's watch with unique history. It wasn't just designed for sports, it was designed specifically for british officers obsessed with polo who didn't want to ruin their watches while playing. How much cooler than that does it get?
 

Flambeur

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Originally Posted by RSS
The two brands you recommend are appealing. I have a particular fondness for Bucherer ... as my first timepiece was of that make. But, I'm not sure I would dismiss all of the 'hoary chestnuts' just yet. Some, yes, but not all.

Your list is interesting ... and all over the map. Take JLC and IWC ... fifteen years ago ... it's unlikely either would have been mentioned ... they were a hard sell except to the most knowledgeable of buyers. I remember a time in the 70s when my watch dealer literally begged me to buy a JLC or IWC over another more popular and expensive brand. I'm glad I did. Both are relatively recent "discoveries" by the greater public ... even though both companies have made quality watches for years. As for Rolex ... I haven't looked at one in perhaps ten years ... but at that time, the movement finishing on many of its models was embarrassingly poor.

Of course, much depends upon whether the OP is looking purely at the design ... or something more ... the watch in total ... including that which is within ... and even more esoteric qualities related to the firm, its approach, its history, etc. Beauty is not limited to the surface treatment ... be it tailored clothing or watches.

What a disappointment it can be to open what appears to be a beautiful watch only to find an ill-fitting ETA movement ... or one with an in-house movement that has been given barely tolerable finishing. But what a joy it can be to open a workhorse with a beautifully modified and decorated (ETA) Valjoux 7750 ... or look at the exhibition back of another ... one offering a glimpse into the world of an in-house movement in which great effort has been undertaken by its maker.

Yes, there are over 200 watch brands in Switzerland alone ... and there some great ones ... and some good ones ... but there are many that fall short. Tread with care ... and do your homework.


By the way, what's your opinion on Girard Perregaux?
 

Flambeur

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Originally Posted by 17 Seconds
The guy who said Panerai.

This.

My wife bought me one for my wedding present. I wasn't a watch guy, but my Luminor turned me into one.


As much as I love panerai, they are like the hummer of watches. Every bored suburban guy with a bit of money wants one or has one.
 

Brabus420

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Gentlemen,

Thanks for the great suggestions. Here is where I am at right now. I've always wanted a Role but since Torneau doesn't sell them new (pre-owned only) I will probably not get one at this time. One day I will as it is a classic.

The Speedmaster looks beautiful and if I didn't already have one I would definitely get it, especially for the price. The JLC is also a great looking watch but a little bit my style - don't be me wrong - it looks amazing, just not a good fit for me.

That Carl F. Bucherer watch looks sweet, however it is close to 10K! I really do like the way it looks - clean, classy and functional lines. I've also looked at some IWC watches online and like it but like someone mentioned I really need to go see and try on some watches for myself. Going to Torneau today to check out what they have. Keep the ideas with pics coming. I'll report back later today when I return.

Again, looking for a timeless piece that will still be classic when I die and that I can pass down. So not looking for anything super trendy but I don't wan to wear something beyond my age of 30. Thanks for the productive responses!
 

Mathew J

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Originally Posted by jamesbond
I was talking about size and asthetics not about how long that particular design has been around. Yes, the speedy is a classic sport watch and priced well but i still fit it into the grossly oversized category.

I think if your going to go the Omega route go with the Seamaster instead of Speedy.


You're talking size and aesthetics and referencing a sub? a watch that is what a millimeter or two shy of the speedy pro? now had you said the traditional sized datejust I could understand (not the new large pimped out version they are pushing for the guys) but even that piece is pretty trendified with their new modificiations....Rolex is no longer the purveyor of classics that they once were, now they are making their former classics into trendy larger pieces with features that stand out more than in the past, but at least they have better bracelets and clasps.

For a real classic look to JLC with the Reverso or MUT....
 

zippyh

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Originally Posted by Brabus420
Gentlemen,

Thanks for the great suggestions. Here is where I am at right now. I've always wanted a Role but since Torneau doesn't sell them new (pre-owned only) I will probably not get one at this time. One day I will as it is a classic.


Other Tourneaus sell Rolex.
Tourneau is a horrible place to buy a watch.
 

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