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

Brabus420

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OK, ready to get a nice watch for myself and need some opinions. I know there is a Appreciation watch thread but it is over 200 pages long and I'm a little specific about what I am looking for but need some advice. Here is my criteria.

1. Will wear mostly going out on weekends
2. I am 30 years old - so I want a classic, sophisticated, but sporty style
3. Looking for a watch with a metal band
4. Complete silver color watch - dial and bezel color can vary
5. Not too large (I'm 5'11" but have thin wrists so I don't want to sport a dumbell on my arm)
6. Not an Omega (I have a Seamaster already which I love - from my dad), Tag, or Movado,
7. Want a reputable brand but not 'played out'
8. 5 thousand budget (MSRP)

I guess I'm pretty picky, but really looking for a watch that I will keep forever or at least a very long time.

All comments and suggestions welcome! Thanks.
 

teddieriley

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IWC Portguese Auto Chrono. But it's relatively large.
 

N.N.O.P

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check out "cuervos y sobrinos" a cuban brand, started in the 1800's with wearers such as Einstein, Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway and Clarke Gable. Now owned by a swiss co' with all original styles, excellent movements, very cool!
 

decorum

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i know you can get a rolex for that much.

i like Baume & Mercier, Longines some times, and Ebel. but for Ebel i prefer their leather bands.

good luck and let us know what you go with.
 

Brabus420

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Thanks for the recs. If you could attach a pic when replying that would be great. I do like the IWC. Do they make them with metal bands. The Ulysse Nardin is nice but a little too busy for my liking. Keep them coming. If it helps any, I am planning on buying at Torneau as I have a slight hookup discount there.
 

robinsongreen68

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rolex explorer 1- no question. sleek, simple, goes with everything, runs like a tank and does not scream rolex in the way a sub or gmt would.
i would get a used one from a reliable seller on timezone- around 3000 usd i believe.
at that price it will hold its value and may even appreciate should you ever choose to sell in future.
on this topic look at the sartorialists post around 10 days ago on what women tend to think about men with big watches- while they favour big watches on themselves they often feel the man is 'compensating' for something. funnily enough this confirmed the feeling i always had with my panerai.. felt i might as well buy a sports car.
 

ekinwang

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there are a lot of options, but if this is a sentimental first purchase, i would recommend a classic piece that will retain value. you really can't go wrong with a role as it retains value better than most. i went through the same search a couple years ago, and found for that price, there is a wide variety of choices available.

a couple brands i looked at; rolex, panerai, iwc, omega, blancpain, breitling, sinn... most of these can be had for under 5K from TZ as suggested above.

becareful though, its an addictive hobby... i ended up with a no-date submariner as my first purchase, but added a panerai 001 and breitling navitmer to the collection shortly after!

good luck!
 

Mathew J

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I'd look at something from Omega, Speedmaster, Planet Ocean, and Aqua Terra are great places to start...sorry didn't see you said no Omega, though still feel they are the best in that bracket.

Personally I would stay away from the Explorer 1 mentioned above, I had one and it was painfully boring, seemed small, and for what they charge you can get any number of better watches for alot less money

Now I own a Rolex Sub and an Omega Aqua Terra and the Omega was about a third as much and seemingly a nicer watch...

IWC is another good one to look at in that price range.

Good luck

Also if it is sentimental I wouldn't worry about value retention as you won't be selling anyway...I know I always think of selling my Rolex but because it has some sentimental value I am stuck with it.
 

daniele6

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Swatch + Anderson & Sheppard 3 piece suit.
bigstar[1].gif
 

sfo423

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Originally Posted by Cavalier
IWC Portuguese Automatic. You say no leather band, but I would reconsider.
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+1. And you'll have a few pesos left over after-wards (if you buy used)
 

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