The Watch Appreciation Thread - Part two (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre,

[New Shoes1]

Thanks guys, exactly the information and encouragement I was looking for!

The only thing I'll add is that several of the German grey market dealers on chrono24 will sell you a new Orion for 25 - 30% off the retail price. I used mychrono a few weeks ago and was very pleased with the transaction. Before buying used, I would at least check out what a new version will cost you.

 

[Brian SD]

Generally I am familiar with grey market in regards to electronics, but what constitutes a grey market watch? I am looking at Chrono24 right now and there are definitely some attractive prices there, including new Orions for ~$1500, which is doable if I hold off another month or so. How do I know which ones are grey market?

 

[Joenobody0]

Brought in to the country legally, but not through the official distribution system = grey. Assuming you're in the USA, anything sent by a dealer from overseas will be grey. Anything bought from nomos directly or one of their dealers (watch buys, toppers, etc) isn't grey. It's not really a meaningful distinction, at least for nomos.

 

[Brian SD]

Ah, got it. Simple enough.

 

[tim_horton]



Hey TWAT lords, I have a few inquiries hopefully some of you can help me out with. I just recently, after so many years of being interested in clothing, decided that I really like watches too. Dipped my feet in the shallow end with a Stowa Flieger B-Uhr, which is unfortunately back in Stowa's hands because not a month after I received it, something was borked and the watch slows down and often stops when the second hand sweeps over 10-15. I'm praying for a warranty-covered exchange but if a repair will do the job then I won't complain too much.

Anyway, after reading over a lot of posts about watches here the one that caught my eye the most and fits into a reasonable price range for me is the Nomos Orion. Honestly if I could I'd buy a Tangente and Tangomat as well, but the Orion beats all to my eyes. Trying to look around for a good deal on yahoo auctions, eBay, etc. as I figure if I just buy a used watch I'll be able to get something much nicer than $1200 would get me new. Is there a certain vintage I should be looking for to get the right movement? Is there going to be a difference worth being patient for in the hunt for the best deal?

Lastly, where should I be looking to get the watch I want? Currently just checking the well known options like eBay and YHA.

Thanks boys.

The Orion is a fantastic dress watch. Not just in terms of bang for buck, just fantastic overall. It's more attractive than many watches that are far more expensive. It is a great first step into the world of nice watches and it may be the only step you'll need to take.

 

[Joenobody0]

One great thing about nomos - super cheap and quick movement service. It's an underrated aspect of ownership. Beware the larger cased watches with the old movement though, the sub-second register moves too far from the bezel. .

 

[New Shoes1]

Generally I am familiar with grey market in regards to electronics, but what constitutes a grey market watch? I am looking at Chrono24 right now and there are definitely some attractive prices there, including new Orions for ~$1500, which is doable if I hold off another month or so. How do I know which ones are grey market?

Brought in to the country legally, but not through the official distribution system = grey. Assuming you're in the USA, anything sent by a dealer from overseas will be grey. Anything bought from nomos directly or one of their dealers (watch buys, toppers, etc) isn't grey. It's not really a meaningful distinction, at least for nomos.

This. The sale is technically from an AD with a stamped warranty card that is valid, which is different from how it usually is with a grey market vendor like Jomashop.

 

[Dino944]

I think this piece has been discussed here a while ago, but anyone strong views either way on this 7day IWC Portuguese (not my pic):

I've never been a fan of the 7 Day IWC Portuguese. I just don't like its dial at all. But if it puts a smile on your face go for it.

 

[Joenobody0]

I think it's a pretty watch, but so thick for what it is. Knock the diameter down my 3mm and the height by 20%, and then we're talking.

 

[Keith T]

here's to 100 pages of the "new" thread! (just happened to notice)

 

[Texasmade]

I only have 50 pages with 40 posts a page.

 

[tigerpac]

^^^^ A dress watch that's sized like a sports watch. Kind of a weird combo. Definitely try before you buy. I think it wears a little bigger than I'd like for my 7" wrist.

This. While I think it's a pretty watch I feel like it is a better 'in theory' watch than on the wrist.

 

[ericgereghty]

Something about it just looks off to me as well, if we're talking about the one with blue numerals.

In any event, I don't think that would be my preferred IWC if I had the choice.

 

[TheTukker]



I've never been a fan of the 7 Day IWC Portuguese. I just don't like its dial at all. But if it puts a smile on your face go for it.

I like it - except I have this strong aversion to isolated date windows. So for me, I'd be happy with the (older) chronograph. I quite like the white dial with gold markers, but they're all pretty. It is an odd thing conceptually, with a 41mm case and a chronograph at that and yet really most suitable as a dress watch. And the case tapers from face to back so it tends to get caught over your cuff.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

It doesn't matter though. The style is now so distinctive I think it has a firm place in watch world. With used prices tumbling away since the new, bigger, smoother in house movement version came out, I think it's finally starting to look like a good deal. Yes please.

Thanks guys - I actually think a date window is key for me and think that the date window at 6 is probably the ideal spot. The 7 day portuguese may be too big overall, but I think it's one of those watches that got the date window down.

 

[ericgereghty]

Can't fault you. At the end of the day, you're spending your money, so it's for the best that you get what you really want!