Need new watch ideas....

[Artisan Fan]

I have been thinking about a new dress watch but want to keep it under $2K.

Any ideas as to what would be elegant, reliable, and reasonably hold its value?

What retailers, online or brick, would be worth frequenting?

Thanks for the advice. I'm not much of an expert in watches but I know we have some here.

 

[Lucky Strike]

I repeat myself: Vintage, vintage, vintage.

 

[lockey2k]

Originally Posted by Lucky Strike

I repeat myself:

Vintage, vintage, vintage.

where does one find good vintage watches at affordable prices (in NYC)? Is there a blue book for watches?

 

[Roger]

This is one I've been considering. I would have suggested it in the other current watch thread, but the OP indicated that a metal bracelet was important, and I'm not sure that B&M provide one for this watch (they might; I just don't know).

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c..._1916_67919141

For me a dress watch means one with a leather strap. In addition, it must have a diameter smaller than about 36 mm. (excluding crown). It should have a plain, narrow bezel (without, of course, numbers such as those found on diving watches, or any other quasi-functional characters), and elegant lugs--not the large mass found on some watches at the lug ends. It should have very few complications; I'd draw the line at (a) a second hand and (b) a date window--i.e., I'd allow those, but nothing beyond. Many think that a white (or light silver or champagne gold) dial is preferable for a dress watch, but I'd probably consider black too, although not a darker, colored dial. For me, the decision between quartz and automatic has no bearing on a watch's suitability for dress use--they both look the same, after all. My own preference is quartz because of the vastly superior accuracy, but watch purists go into the shakes at the idea of quartz.

The B&M Classima above is available in a number of versions, and some are smaller than the 36 mm. diameter noted above. They are available in quartz and automatic versions, and can be had for good prices on eBay or online suppliers like Joma, from whom the above link was taken, Overstock.com, and many others. You should be able to pick up a quartz Classima, in either silver color or gold, for under $1000 and an automatic to your liking for less than $1500, perhaps much less.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Roger,

That's a beautiful watch...Hopefully it can be found in a sterling or white gold color as well. I'm big on silver jewelry.

 

[LARon]

Originally Posted by lockey2k

where does one find good vintage watches at affordable prices (in NYC)? Is there a blue book for watches?

Check Tourneau; they have the widest selection of new and pre-owned watches, in a range of prices. I'm sure you can find something approximating what you're looking for, or even a suitable/preferable alternative.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by LARon

Check Tourneau

 

[lee_44106]

I would avoid Tourneau. The service and price suck.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Whatches for the fan of artisans:

http://www.jacksonsquare.com/sc-watc...eakemarin.html

Really I have no good ideas. I know nothing about watches.

 

[Hard2Fit]

I've seen vintage watches at several Polo RL locations. Expect a RL mark-up though.

 

[LARon]

Originally Posted by gdl203

? (does this mean something? if so, what? and is it helpful to Artisan Fan?)

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Any ideas as to what would be elegant, reliable, and reasonably hold its value?

I recommend a pocket watch.

 

[LARon]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

I would avoid Tourneau. The service and price suck.

Then how about offering an alternative? (Isn't that the purpose of responding, i.e., to help?)

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by LARon

? (does this mean something? if so, what? and is it helpful to Artisan Fan?)

Sorry if you do not understand the meaning of the barfie, I find it pretty clear though... Whatever it means, it is certainly far more helpful than advising him to go to Tourneau. Which is the equivalent of advising a poster asking where he can buy a nice suit to go to his closest Wal-Mart... or Men's Wearhouse...

 

[Hanseat]

Do a search on the Nomos Tangente here and on AAAC...

I have one and love it dearly.