The Watch Appreciation Thread - Page 849

I meant to ask what is Louis price range.

I'm German, so I know both the Nomos and the Stowa, but to be honest, whilst they are good looking watches, they are not my cup of tea.

The face of both is nothing near as clean as the one of the Patek, I don't like the handles of the Nomos, their housing isn't gold, also, as Waren already noticed, the Stowa is just too big, I am after a watch of very small diameter if you compare to what kind of watches are offered today, a maximum of 38mm.

How about a vintage piece?  You may be able to find a nice Swiss time only watch in your price range.  Most vintage watches would be under 38mm depending on maker.  If you want new, there are many to choose from as well.  Let us know your price range and you will have many suggestions.

I agree, vintages are a great opportunity, only I have no idea about watches aside from the aesthetics and thus am afraid to buy something which isn't worth the money that is asked for.
At this moment I'll set my limit to $1000 and am curious if there are indeed watches that will catch my eye for that price.

It does not have to be vintage, but look for used watches.... You will get soo much more value out of your money that way.

Frederique Constant, slim line range, http://www.frederique-constant.com/en/collections/103/fc-245m4s6.html You can find simple designs from their classic range too. You will be resticted to their battery model, which is not a bad thing - you get a thinner watch, it is within your budget and will get a 2 year guarantee.
If you want an automatic, Longines La Grande Classique http://www.swisswatchesdirect.co.uk/swisswatches/l4_708_4_11_2-mens_watches.html; however, not an ideal movement, difficult to repair outside of warrenty.

If you do plan to go the vintage route, you have to be careful - what is the cost of a service, how long before it needs a service, is there anything wrong with the watch is not obvious, etc. The cost of a vintage watch can add up quickly and in your position, avoid this route.

If you are looking at the 2nd hand market, an Omega Deville Prestige or Small seconds may be within yoru budget.

With your budget, you should avoid gold; if you really want a gold watch, a 2nd hand Baume and Mercier Classima.

Macallan, thank you for your advise!

To be honest, the Longines you linked me to is not my cup of tea.
While I love the idea of a minimalistic face, I don't like the height of the Roman numberals, which is just too high compared to their width.
Also I think the handles are not very elegant and the way the strap is attachted to the housing looks strange aswell.
I really like the FC-245M4S5, my favorite of the Slimline, but the handles ruin the overall look for myself.
To my eyes they look even worse than the ones of the Longines.
What I am looking for are handles with "flowing" lines like those of the Patek, the Stowa Marine or those of the Dornblüth & Sohn watches.
Regarding movement and gold, to myself a watch is jewlery, I don't need to take time with it very precisesly nor is it regarded an investment.
I just enjoy the look of a gold housing, white face, and a dark brown or black leather strap, I think it is a flattering classic design.
To achieve that look I don't need a massive gold housing, plated with gold is fine aswell.
The movement does not need to be something special, only, as you advised me earlier, it should be easy and relatively cheap to maintain.

There is also the Longines Flagship Heritage which I would guess you wouldn't like either. How stuck are you on the roman numerals? I have certainly seen vintage JLC that meet the rest of your criteria with the exception of the roman numerals.

Indeed, to myself
Roman numerals > Arabic numerals > No numerals.
Still I have seen watches with Arabic numerals in the past which I liked.

Regarding the Longines, you are right I do neither like the handles nor the numeralless face

I believe what you're referring to as handles may be called "lugs".  If you want to see some elegant versions, not cheap mind you, check out the hour lounge, VC's WIS site.

The nearest to the clean look of the PP that I am aware of was the Gentlehomme made by Jaeger LeCoultre which is no longer made. Check use watch dealers. I wish that JL did not discontinue the line, the Gentlehomme line was one of my favorite watch designs. Simple and elegant. I see that your prefer the design of Roman numerals to the baton numerals while I like the simplicity of the baton numerals to the Roman numerals. I do,however, prefer the Roman numerals to Arabic numerals. Good luck in your search. (PS that watch is my grail.)

Cross posting this with the Poor Man's Watch threak: Joma Shop has the military Seiko 5 for $60 as their deal of the day. Free shipping with code wcj50

http://www.jomashop.com/seiko-mens-watch-snk809.html


Also, going to be putting up my Archimede Pilot Chrono for sale. It'll be a day or two before I get the pics up but its in great shape. Let me know if you're interested.

Thanks a lot!
They are indeed lovely.
Not a fan of those "riffles" on the housing but apart from that, very close to perfect.
Very nice lugs, minimalistic face, great looking numerals.
How much is asked for a Gentilhomme in good condition?
Of course still interested in other recommendations.



EDIT:
Just found out about the Glashütte Original Senator Meissen.
Wow, perfect!
Unaffordable though



EDIT2:
Another nice looking watch, even if not in gold and as perfect overall as the JLC and GO, is the Sinn 1736 Klassik.
I was born in Frankfurt am Main and my father was a friend of Helmut Sinn, so even if it's not his company anymore I still have a weak spot for their watches.
http://www.sinn.de/de/Modell/1736_Klassik.htm
Edited by Louis XIV - 7/22/12 at 5:54pm

What is the name of this watch? It's stunning.