Looking for a mechanical watch in the $2,000 - $3,000 range

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]

 

[Coho]

Zeetan is an overated grey market vendor. I have asked him to send me more pictures of a few watches I wanted in the past few years and he basically ignored each one of my requests. He's a great deal if you live in Asia but I personally don't trust that guy with my money from the States. Moreover, his prices are only casually competitive for new watches, but if you exercise patience and you know exactly what you want, everything can be bought for 60% off MSRP either through a desperate AD or through another grey market vendor. $2000-3000 is a good range and there are many great watches in this ballpark. Another recommendation is the Ulysse nardin marine chronometer 1846, which is now discontinued and rated to 200M and so is very durable. I've owned this watch for more than 5 years and it's a solid piece. With a leather band, you can buy this for anywhere from $1600-$2000. On bracelet, I'd go up to $2400. This is for new or LNIB with all papers. The older square date window version is even cheaper. There's also a 36mm version which is incredibly hard to find and is the one I own.

Originally Posted by _ML_

Zeetan @ www.collectorstime.com is the greatest. There is no one more honest or professional in the gray market sector. Search posts on him on timezone.com and you'll see he has hundreds of glowing reviews/comments. I've purchased from him multiple times and every transaction has been extremely smooth and first rate.

 

[330CK]

Originally Posted by ld111134

I misquoted the guy. He didn't refer to IWC as a smaller brand but some other brand whose name escapes me.

I'll check out the Omega Coaxial and the Rolex Air King.

As a watch "newbie", I'm hesitant about buying over the net.

Just so there's no confusion, Coaxial refers to the movement, not a specific model. Coaxial movements have a more liberal service interval (4-5 years) while standard Omegas are suggested to be serviced every 2-3 years. Whatever you pick, please remember to take good care of it and have it serviced regularly.

My personal favorite of the "common" high grade watches is Omega. When you're looking at high grade watches from reputable firms, it will just come down to your personal taste. Whether it be aesthetics, complication, or a specific feature, decide what you want in a watch and buy that watch.

It being your first purchase, I would definitely hold off on buying one until you are sure of what you want.

 

[ld111134]

I got a Breitling Chrono Colt Automatic from a wonderful jewelry store in Chicago's Loop, near my office. The price was good (maybe not "internet good" but good nonetheless). I am very satisfied with my final decision and I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[LabelKing]

English lever fusee pocket-watch--completely handmade from a time when English watches were beginning to become out of date precisely because they were so labor-intensive. And this is the mid-19th century I'm referring to.

 

[ld111134]

While the idea of a pocket watch sounds cool, LK, I'd feel like I was Captain Kanagroo if I got one.

Plus, I know that my girlfriend would not want to be seen with me if I walked around with a pocket watch (she already calls me "Mr. Pretentious" and "Prof. Condescending"...lovingly, of course).