Gold dress watch for about $2,000

[latkaguy]

I am beginning the search for a gold men's dress watch for about $2,000. I tend to prefer a leather to a metal band, and like something with more of a classic, traditional look - yearn for a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso, but even a used one is way beyond my means. Is a new, quality gold watch available at this price point? Would like some input from mavens here before I start my search in earnest.

 

[clubbyjones]

Look on eBay for a good used Baume.

 

[longskate88]

Originally Posted by latkaguy

I am beginning the search for a gold men's dress watch for about $2,000. I tend to prefer a leather to a metal band, and like something with more of a classic, traditional look - yearn for a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso, but even a used one is way beyond my means. Is a new, quality gold watch available at this price point? Would like some input from mavens here before I start my search in earnest.

Solid gold or plated? Hamilton makes many dressy watches in rose or yellow plate gold for $500-$2000. I believe the plating these days is thick enough that you don't have to worry about it wearing out anytime soon. Look up the Jazzmaster line.

 

[Frihed89]

Baume Mercier, Maurice laCroix, and Frederique Constant have a wide range of classic watches in a variety of price ranges, starting under $1000 for quartz watches. The quartz Phase du Lune Chrono in their Cllasiques line (LC1148 SS001-130) is among my favorites, and it looks evry bit like a watch priced twice as much

 

[Twotone]

Longines Flagship re-issue (ref: L4.746.8.72.0). A classic dress watch from a classic company. A few hundred over your price point, but well worth the few extra bucks.

 

[Captain Winky]

At any given price range for watches, you have to keep the following in mind: every dollar you spend for precious metals/stones is a dollar less you are spending on the quality of the movement.

In the all-gold category there is the Tissot Helvetia and Baume Hampton Classic can be had new for under $2k but it's quartz. Probably wouldn't spend that on quartz, though it may be the look you're going for.

The Baume Mercier Classima can be had for about $2k, it's a gold automatic but it's round.

http://www.authenticwatches.com/baum...ives-8659.html

Stay away from plated watches, they'll look like **** after a short time.

Others I'd consider at the Baume Hampton and IWC Portofino in stainless with mechanical movements. I'd always opt to spend my money on better mechanics/construction but you and I may have different priorities.

 

[scurvyfreedman]

At any given price range for watches, you have to keep the following in mind: every dollar you spend for precious metals/stones is a dollar less you are spending on the quality of the movement.
/QUOTE]

+1

I'd go for a fine movement in a steel case over a standard unadorned ETA in a gold case.

At that price in gold I'd definitely go vintage 1940s-70s. You should be able to get a much finer movement for that price point. You might even be able to get one of the finer makers too. I haven't priced vintage pieces in a long time, so I can't comment on particular brands, but Omega from the 50s can be found under $1000 and Longines under $500. They may be gold filled, though. You might be able to find an IWC or JLC at the $2000 price point if you search enough.

 

[JRSmithson]

I just lost out on a mint 14k GP (1960s) on EBay...it went for below $1000....a gift at this price IMO.
I would check there.

 

[Twotone]

Vintage is a good way to go. Be careful on ebay, however. I've seen a lot of "frankenwatches" made from mismatched movements, cases, crowns, dials and hands. If you don't know what you are buying and the seller, stay away.

 

[GBear]

Just throwing out food for thought. Are you determined on gold or have you considered pink gold. IMHO, pink gold looks much better and a bit less old fashioned.

 

[TheTukker]

Originally Posted by Captain Winky

At any given price range for watches, you have to keep the following in mind: every dollar you spend for precious metals/stones is a dollar less you are spending on the quality of the movement.

+27

 

[jblazing]

Originally Posted by Lonneker

+27

Sure, but that's OK, because with a $150 Seiko Auto, you are getting a pretty solid movement and for $10, you can get a Japanese Quartz.

If the OP prefers gold > fancier auto, that's fine and his watch will still be very (quartz) or decently (auto) accurate.

 

[Kappelan]

Used can be something like Omega DeVille. Longines Heritage is very good example also. I really appreciate vintage it could be a good deal on Timezone. Or something like: http://www.authenticwatches.com/baum...r-8070-nd.html http://www.authenticwatches.com/baum...ives-8073.html http://www.authenticwatches.com/l46916110.html

 

[NYCESQ]

I would recommend that you take a look at the Concord Deliriums. They are being closed-out all over the internet for very substantial savings off of the MSRP. For under $2,000, you can purchase a very nice looking gold watch with Swiss quartz movement. For an extra few hundred, you can get yourself an automatic or mechanical model which also happens to be slightly larger than the quartz model. Last year I purchased a delirium complication and I am very happy with it.

 

[Metlin]

Have you looked at Raymond Weil? Their Don Giovanni Cosi Grande looks similar to the JLC Reverso. Here are a couple of examples -- I believe their Tango collection also has similar looking watches, but those are usually quartz (not sure if you had a preference).