Watches - what would you choose - Page 4

Papa Kot...those are definitely some great suggestions, although the Tribute 1931 Reverso is probably going to be well beyond the OP's budget even if he can find a used one. 

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Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 


I still think the Hampton is a better bet than the Cartier; they are similar quality, in my opinion (though one has a more prestigious name) and you can find a better discount on a brand new B&M. Reverso still beats either, though.

Baume & Mercier is a good brand, but saying B&M is similar quality to Cartier is generalization.  B&M and Cartier really are only similar in quality of one is comparing a B&M to say a Tank Francais or a Santos, both of which use ETA movements as a base...and even then the Cartier will have better resale or trade in value if the OP wants to trade or sell the watch someday to get a different watch.  There are even some places I know that won't take anything other than high end brands such as Patek, Lange, AP, VC or well known brands such as Cartier and Rolex in trade or for purchase.

Also, if one is talking about a pre-owned or vintage manual wind classic Louis Cartier Tank, Tank XL, Tank Obus, Tank Americain, etc, its generally going to be a much finer watch than a B&M and use an F.Piguet, Piaget, or JLC base as for a movement.  Again these are going to have better resale/trade in value if the OP ever tires of the watch and wants to sell or trade them. 

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Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 


You are absolutely right. I was thinking in terms of 1) mainstream cartier pieces (SS/two-tone Tank, Santos, Pasha, Roadster) and 2) buying watches to keep, not trade. However I recognize that only Rolex and possibly Panerai maintain their value better than Cartier (when it comes to mainstream, mass-produced watches) so that is definitely worth considering.

Just a quick note with respect to the Pasha, their old time only watches used basic ETA movements.  However, most Pasha's have used some really impressive movements from F.Piguet, GP, Gerald Genta, Piaget, and JLC.  So I would say that elevates the Pashas above the level of say the Santos Galbee or the Tank Francais or many offerings from B&M.   

Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 


They're still very well made, but the styling is much gaudier than about a decade ago, when they were just about the most understated of all timepieces. Manufacture movements, decent prices and discounts, complete stealth look. Unfortunately LVMH did their thing to the brand...

Its really a shame what became of Zenith.  They really were a bargain considering what they were offering years ago in terms of designs and movements. 

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Originally Posted by Hotel Guy 


Don't beat em up too bad!

 Its not my favorite design in terms of dial, but its not even close to being one of their worst designs.

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Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 

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Originally Posted by papa kot 

JLC Reverso along with Cartier Tanks (vintage or Americaine) are excellent choices for normal folks who are not buying into the supersized diver watches that will rarely see rain, let alone deep water.

Here is a nice Tank for ya:



And if you want an understated Reverso, consider the 1931 tribute:




Of course, there are other great watches out there, but I think that these take the cake when it comes to timeless classics.  

If you want to spice things up, consider Glashuette Original. Finish is pretty close to what Patek offers, but you pay a fraction of the price. 

Of course, if you want to be a sleeper get Grand Seiko.

Personally, I would not want to touch any "tool" (as some people call them) watches if I had to wear one with a suit most of the time.

 

I still think the Hampton is a better bet than the Cartier; they are similar quality, in my opinion (though one has a more prestigious name) and you can find a better discount on a brand new B&M. Reverso still beats either, though.

The Cartier tank is a great watch and can be had for around $500.00 pre owned if you work at it and will always be worth 500-1k, alternatively if you must spend 3-4k I would throw the Cartier Roadster in the mix. You can find a Roadster with both hard and soft bands as well.

Can we get back on point and discuss watches??

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Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 


Where are you seeing a genuine Tank for under $1k, and which version?

The Tanks that are in that price range are part of Cartier's long discontinued Les Must line of watches, which had gold plated sterling silver cases and I believe most are quartz.  Its definitely NOT as high end or as finely finished as the Louis Cartier Tank and Tank XL.  Personally, I think there are far better watches from Cartier and other brands that one can buy rather than a Les Must Tank, if one has a budget of $4K, as the OP does.

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Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 

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Originally Posted by Apollotrader 

The Cartier tank is a great watch and can be had for around $500.00 pre owned if you work at it and will always be worth 500-1k, alternatively if you must spend 3-4k I would throw the Cartier Roadster in the mix. You can find a Roadster with both hard and soft bands as well.

Where are you seeing a genuine Tank for under $1k, and which version?

This is just a fantastic lower price option. It is difficult to buy something in your range that is both liquid and retains or appreciates in value. I understand you don't plan on selling it, but plans can change and I would rather be long a watch I can get rid of if I want to do something different.

I paid $150 for this.

paid $225 for this.

Just another consideration, my personal favorite in your stated range would be a Roadster or an Omega. Peace.

I just took a look at the JLC Master Compressor page and apart from the Tribute to Deep Sea they all look like cartoon watches.

I the OP's position I would choose a used IWC Portuguese or a Zenith Captain. If you want a complication which is subtle and useful go for a power reserve or dual time.