Looking for a new watch

[hughesbryant]

So my parents just told me that they would like to purchase me a new watch for a graduation gift, which is mid-May. I've had a Movado Eliro for some time, very simple but nice... http://www.amazon.com/Movado-Eliro-S...7220241&sr=8-1

I'd like a much better watch, classier, better elements. I've been a fan of the Cartier Roadster for as long as I can remember and is my #1 at the moment. It's a classic that looks great. I've also been looking at the Rolex Submariner, just another thought.

Any ideas or comments? My parents don't want to spend a tonnnn so a good price is key.

Thanks

 

[Ich_Dien]

Cartier is Quartz, hence I wouldn't buy one.

 

[fuji]

Originally Posted by jimmyoneill

Cartier is Quartz, hence I wouldn't buy one.

Not all cartier watches are quartz. If I recall the roadster is an automatic.

 

[hughesbryant]

The roadster has a quartz movement... A few higher end models are automatic. What's wrong with a quartz movement beyond the fact that it's run on a battery, rather than automatic?

 

[Ich_Dien]

When you're paying an awful lot of money for a watch, you're investing in craftsmanship and legacy of tradition, therefore I would never buy an expensive quartz watch.

 

[SirWilliam]

I would not spend that much money on a quartz watch. People who collect high end watches are not interested in quartz because it takes no skill to make. Where a mechanical watch with a perpetual calander or minute repeater is very difficult to make requiring hundreds of parts.

For $2k you could get something like a Breitling Super Ocean or an Omega Seamaster Professional which are both really nice high quality automatic watches. If you can afford a Rolex though I would go with one of those. Every good watch collection starts with a Rolex.

 

[hughesbryant]

I just rechecked the Cartier, and there is an automatic version for just a bit more.

 

[TheFoo]

The Roadster is a very trendy design. Since this is a substantial gift that you will ostensibly want to wear for a very long time, why not consider something a little more classic?

Cartier watches at this price level typically use ETA movements. Nothing necessarily wrong with that except: (1) the price is really high for what you get, and (2) for whatever reason, run-of-the-mill Cartier watches seem to have lots of maintenance issues and quality control problems.

 

[hughesbryant]

Thanks for the advice.

Then what would you have in mind?

 

[jefe]

Pretty sure the vast majority of automatic watches other than Rolex and a select few others use either ETA or Valjoux movements. Both are manufactured by Swatch iirc...

But the point is still valid, no sense in paying double for the same movement just because it says Cartier.

 

[hughesbryant]

So what are everyone's suggestions for the best quality/ appearance within in this price range.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by jefe

Pretty sure the vast majority of automatic watches other than Rolex and a select few others use either ETA or Valjoux movements. Both are manufactured by Swatch iirc...

This may be true in general, but not amongst high end watch manufacturers over the $4k level.

Originally Posted by hughesbryant

Thanks for the advice.

Then what would you have in mind?

For something sporty, I'd recommend a Rolex Submariner or Explorer I, or an IWC Mark XV or Pilot's Chronograph. An Omega Speedmaster Professional is a nice choice, too. These watches have not changed much in decades.

For something dressier, I'd look at Jaeger LeCoultre's Master Control or Reverso.

If you must have a Cartier, pick a basic Tank on a strap with a mechanical movement.

 

[Ich_Dien]

+1 For the IWC Mark XV or JLC Reverso, my two favourite watches, barring perhaps the IWC Portuguese.

 

[JohnGalt]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

This may be true in general, but not amongst high end watch manufacturers over the $4k level.



For something sporty, I'd recommend a Rolex Submariner or Explorer I, or an IWC Mark XV or Pilot's Chronograph. An Omega Speedmaster Professional is a nice choice, too. These watches have not changed much in decades.

For something dressier, I'd look at Jaeger LeCoultre's Master Control or Reverso.

If you must have a Cartier, pick a basic Tank on a strap with an automatic movement.

I'll agree with your assessment but would recommend the OP not get a Rolex simply because every douchebag has a Rolex - they're not spectacular and a dime a dozen. Get something else and differentiate yourself.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by JohnGalt

I'll agree with your assessment but would recommend the OP not get a Rolex simply because every douchebag has a Rolex - they're not spectacular and a dime a dozen. Get something else and differentiate yourself.

Who cares who has one? They Rolex watches I suggested are good quality, timeless designs.