~$3,000 for a decent watch, need opinions please.

[wj4]

Hi MC gang, I know this topic has been posted in a repetitive cycle...so here's another one.

I'm looking to buy a first nice watch at around the $3,000 mark. My first choice is the IWC Portofino. I'm not really into busy looking chronos. I suppose a popular 2nd choice would be Omega Seamaster. Oh, and I'm only considering new watches at the moment. Also, would you pros recommend to buy from a brick and mortar establishment or online? The only watch I've bought online was a $600 Oris watch from Authenticwatches.com and I had to meet up with them to pay cash to avoid the sales tax since we're in the same state. If anyone has any recommendations of quality shops around the Southern California area, I would appreciate that. Edit: Just wanted to give an update. I went with IWC IW371401. The white/gold combination is too killer. I originally wanted IW500114 since it has a date box, but the watch is just too big for my wrist. It was more than $3,000 but I am content with it. Got a nice deal on it from an AD.

 

[cioni2k]

Originally Posted by wj4

Hi MC gang,

I know this topic has been posted in a repetitive cycle...so here's another one.

I'm looking to buy a first nice watch at around the $3,000 mark. My first choice is the IWC Portofino. I'm not really into busy looking chronos. I suppose a popular 2nd choice would be Omega Seamaster. Oh, and I'm only considering new watches at the moment.

Also, would you pros recommend to buy from a brick and mortar establishment or online?

The only watch I've bought online was a $600 Oris watch from Authenticwatches.com and I had to meet up with them to pay cash to avoid the sales tax since we're in the same state.

If anyone has any recommendations of quality shops around the Southern California area, I would appreciate that.

I was going to recommend the Omega as well. Maybe a lightly used Rolex?

 

[wj4]

I'm going to work my way up to a Rolex. But not now, haha.

Over the course of the upcoming years I plan on adding a Breitling, Rolex, & Panerai. I really like the PAM 000 and would try to acquire that by my birthday in November. The Breitling and Rolex...those are probably years away.

I plan on keeping my watches forever and not selling them as I see them as bookmarks in my life. I still have the crappy Swatch watch I got in the 7th grade. Had to maintain a 4.0 GPA for the whole year to get it, haha.

 

[fss]

With a $3k budget I wouldn't consider online buying. I'd rather pay a little extra for service and safety. I'd take a Portuguese over a Portofino, but you can't go wrong either way.

Too bad you only consider new. Lightly used more rare watches like Dornblüth & Sohn might come in reach - http://horologyclub.com/forum/viewto...&sd=a#p1687527

 

[Alan B.]

It's a trick question. There really is nothing in between the $500 and $5K+ watches. Decide if you want to really man up to the big leagues.

 

[fss]

Originally Posted by Alan B.

It's a trick question. There really is nothing in between the $500 and $5K+ watches. Decide if you want to really man up to the big leagues.

BS.

 

[wqvong]

What about IWC Pilot?

 

[changy]

I wont get the portofino, its really not that interesting.

 

[wj4]

Originally Posted by Alan B.

It's a trick question. There really is nothing in between the $500 and $5K+ watches. Decide if you want to really man up to the big leagues.
I don't really have a problem 'manning' up...collecting watches certainly wouldn't be the most expensive hobby of mine. But why rush? It should be hobby, something that is enjoyable. If I went out and dropped $30,000 on several watches in a day, that certainly will not make the process worth while.

To those that stated the Portofino is bland, is it because it is a lower tier IWC?

 

[zippyh]

Originally Posted by wj4

I'm going to work my way up to a Rolex. But not now, haha.

Over the course of the upcoming years I plan on adding a Breitling, Rolex, & Panerai. I really like the PAM 000 and would try to acquire that by my birthday in November. The Breitling and Rolex...those are probably years away.

Beware. This path leads to madness. Stick with shoes; it's so much less money.

But seriously, skip Breitling. I still own a few that I like and wear, but there are a few that I look at and wonder wtf I was thinking.

Also, don't work your way up the chain. You're just spending money. If you want a PAM000, just get a PAM000 or save until you can afford one. Same with a Rolex. I've got lots of watches but I probably end up wearing my Sea Dweller or GMT IIc about 80% of the time.

 

[Akeem]

I agree with saving for the PAM or the one you really want. You can find a 000 new for under 4K if you search. Lots of grey market dealers out there. I wouldn't drop 3k on a stopgap watch.

 

[Eli]

If you really want to stick to the 3000$ price point.
IWC Spitfire Chronograph on brown leather band.

If you can wait it out, get what you really want... it's not that far out of reach. Just trim here and there in your budget.

Edit: Oh and I too would skip on Breitling. Had them all, literaly and I only kept one. I barely wear it. Breitling Chrono-Matic which is actually beautiful on a light blue crocodile band.
FYI off topic - did you know crocodiles don't die from old age? I just found that out and I find it astonishing.

 

[Macallan]

Zenith Ultra-Thin Sunray

http://www.thewatchgallery.co.uk/Zen...-%28ZEN-993%29

 

[wj4]

Originally Posted by Akeem

I agree with saving for the PAM or the one you really want. You can find a 000 new for under 4K if you search. Lots of grey market dealers out there. I wouldn't drop 3k on a stopgap watch.

FYI I'm not settling or anything. For some reason the simplicity of the IWC just really calls me. I don't want any chronographs since they're too busy for my taste. It's not like I'm going to get this watch first because I can't afford the PAM. At one point, I want to have a nice rotation with quality watches.

I'm not familar with the lingo, my friend.

stopgap? grey market? I'm holding myself from joinning watch forum because I know I will become an addict and spend countless hours on that site.

 

[wj4]

Originally Posted by zippyh

Beware. This path leads to madness. Stick with shoes; it's so much less money.

But seriously, skip Breitling. I still own a few that I like and wear, but there are a few that I look at and wonder wtf I was thinking.

Also, don't work your way up the chain. You're just spending money. If you want a PAM000, just get a PAM000 or save until you can afford one. Same with a Rolex. I've got lots of watches but I probably end up wearing my Sea Dweller or GMT IIc about 80% of the time.
The Aldens were childs play. The real madness was when I was into cars, zippyh.

I posted this on another thread, but I saw a really nice IWC at Costco last week or so for around $10,000. I stood there for 10 minutes actually considering it, mind you I'm very enlightened when it comes to watches.

You guys are making me feel like the IWC I want is crap. So if I should get a PAM 000, do I get it online? Or just walk into a mall and buy one?