BLAUGRANA
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2012
- Messages
- 1,708
- Reaction score
- 554
Alright guys, I need some advice. Looking to buy my first nicer watch and need some suggestions. Budget is around $1200. I've looked at the Tag Formula 1, different Shinola's, and a few Tissot. I'm only a few years removed from college and work for a medical tech company so it's pretty casual. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
There are others in this thread with more experience and knowledge than I have, so take this for what it's worth. However based on what your'e saying I would suggest two things:
1) Take your time and really look and see what's out there. Don't just look around your budget but also somewhat higher. Either way, if you're asking for a suggestion I think that's fine, but I also think if you need to ask that maybe you haven't done enough of your own research. I looked at various watches for over a year and continue to do so and I still feel as though there are some watches that I'm not yet 100% familiar with. More important than that though, I changed my mind somewhat during that time as far as what I liked and how I prioritized my money. Fortunately I didn't buy anything as I discovered other watches that I loved and had I bought something else it would have only held me back from getting something that at the end of the day I loved more. I was re-watching the Talking Watches episode featuring John Mayer (who I'm not necessarily a fan of in terms of horology much less music) and he noted how the first ten watches or so he regretted buying. Knowing that I wanted a couple of watches like the Tudor Black Bay I actually came across the chance to get a number of Shinolas for about 40% off. While I liked the prices and thought I'd appreciate the Shinola (a brand that is too much maligned in my opinion), I didn't get one because I knew it'd just cut into my budget or delay me from getting a "better" watch that I loved more. I'd also suggest considering what you think you'll still like in say five years or even twenty years. I'm a bit older than you are and I try and buy things that I think I'll still appreciate for many years to come. Sure you can always offload a watch, but I'd rather get something that I'll wear and live with for years to come.
2) In the meantime save your money. If you can double the budget, you open yourself up to the possibility of some nicer watches for the money. At that price you can get a nice like a slightly used Tudor Black Bay or Tudor Ranger and still have some money left over for a nice strap. Or if your'e so inclined you could get a Nomos, Longines Heritage or a Montblanc Heritage piece. Personally I'd go Tudor in that range off the top of my head. Otherwise, if you can triple your budget you open yourself up even further. Tripling your budget would get you my favorite modern Speedmaster brand new and still leave money left over for a great strap, and that's not to mention other options. And while doubling your budget or even tripling your budget may seem like a lot, if you do the math and just put money away every month or every check it isn't as daunting.
Sorry I didn't recommend anything in the price range you're considering. I'm just not as familiar with watches in that range. Maybe a Junghans?
Last edited: