Watch recommendations

[hopkins_student]

My soon to be fiancee has requested that I compile a list of suggestions for watches that I would like to receive as an engagement/wedding gift. I know very little about watches other than that I like very simple looking dress watches (think Zip's Patek and other watch that he posted recently), and the same general preferences hold for sport watches, but they can be a little more complicated. So, would you be so kind as to make suggestions distributed through the price range from $1700-9000 of both sport watches and dress watches with automatic or mechanical movements? Is there any way to touch a new Patek at the upper end of the given price range. Thank you all for your help.

 

[gdl203]

You have all your life to get a Patek. I wouldn't worry about that...

I am of the opinion that JLC generally offers the most watch for the buck. Great classic designs, fantastic history as a manufacture, reasonable prices. + one can generally get them at decent discount

Just my $0.02

EDIT: first step for you is to get the Wristwatch Annual 2006, flip through all these pages and figure out what you like and may fit your budget. Then, ask for opinions on your top picks here and on TimeZone

 

[edmorel]

At that price range, there are about 500 mechanical watches that you can buy. You need to be a little more specific both with what you are looking for and a tighter price range. You can get a used PP Calatrava at the upper end of your price range, along with a plethora of other high end watches.

You might want to start at www.watchfinder.net

You'll find a long list of manufacturers which he has links to their websites. He also gives you a little blurb on the quality and value of each. His watch models database is dated, but it is a good starting point. Keep in mind that retail watch prices are very flexible, to the downside (unless you go Rolex or PP).

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by gdl203

You have all your life to get a Patek. I wouldn't worry about that...

I am of the opinion that JLC generally offers the most watch for the buck. Great classic designs, fantastic history as a manufacture, reasonable prices. + one can generally get them at decent discount

Just my $0.02

EDIT: first step for you is to get the Wristwatch Annual 2006, flip through all these pages andd figure out what you like and may fit your budget. Then, ask for opinions on your top picks here and on TimeZone

I am of the opinion that JLC represents the best value in the high-end market, unfortunately I am not too keen on most of their models. I do want to eventually pick up a second hand Gran Sport Chrono, as the movement is one of the best modern hand wound chronos. Guess it wasn't selling though, as they discontinued the model. Their movements are put into a lot of the other big guy's (e.g. Panerai) watches, which they in turn sell for huge sums.

 

[hopkins_student]

Yeah, I know it's a big price range, but that's what she asked about. So, I guess sport watches from $1700-4500 and dress watches from $4500-9000. Thanks for your help.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by edmorel

I am of the opinion that JLC represents the best value in the high-end market, unfortunately I am not too keen on most of their models.

Really? I love about all of JLC's designs, with the exception of the whole Compressor range. I especially love Reversos

- probably started when watching the Thomas Crown affair...

 

[zjpj83]

Originally Posted by hopkins_student

Yeah, I know it's a big price range, but that's what she asked about. So, I guess sport watches from $1700-4500 and dress watches from $4500-9000. Thanks for your help.
How about checking out RGM? They are great value too, and American-made. I love the guilloche dials on a lot of their models.

Here is an authorized dealer with some nice prices: http://www.watchseller.com/rgmwatches.html I've been eyeing the William Penn moophase with the blue alligator strap, which I think is so cool (but, please, feel free to buy it)

Good luck.

 

[gdl203]

Another idea, considering it is a meaningful gift, why not get a simple Reverso (I know...

) and have the back engraved with initials?

 

[Violinist]

The JLC Reverso Grande Date... I love it.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by gdl203

I am of the opinion that JLC generally offers the most watch for the buck.

 

[LabelKing]

Patek, etc. can be had in that range if you go vintage or pre-owned.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Patek, etc. can be had in that range if you go vintage or pre-owned.

I know that I'm preaching to the choir when any matter to do with vintage arises but............http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

They're giving them away.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

I know that I'm preaching to the choir when any matter to do with vintage arises but............http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

They're giving them away.
And even at dealers:

http://www.bogoff.com/wrist/wrist.html

 

[bebmak]

Originally Posted by Violinist

The JLC Reverso Grande Date... I love it.

I second that,I own the Grande Date and it is an incredible watch with an 8 day power reserve almost unheard of in a watch at this price point.
I paid $4750 for a very lightly used model.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

What is your wrist size? Do you prefer a round, tank, or tonneau case? Will this be an everyday watch or more of a special-occasion watch?

If I was in your position, I would ask for a Lange 1815 or Vacheron Constantin Malte Grande Classique. I think you might be able to get these watches NIB at the very end of your price range, with discount.

http://www.paladinltd.net/Lange1815.htm

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=1840403&rid=0