Watches - Advice Please

[mistryv]

Hello, I am a 23 yr. old college student who is about to graduate with my undergraduate degree and continue on to graduate school. I need for a nice dress watch, something fitting for my position in life. Although I feel I am yet not of proper age for a Rolex, Omega, Patek, Breitling, Etc. I do feel the need to step up from my previous Skagen watch which was given to me 2 years ago. My price range is: $100-$500 The style of watch I seek is the following: -Dark Brown Leather Strap -Roman Numeral Numbering -Elegant Hands, Date is Optional -I have a small wrist (Appx. 6.5 Inches around), and I require a dial which is of smaller size. -I prefer a thin ROUND dial. For the price range, I am considering the following watch: http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Men-Stra...UTF8&s=jewelry *Note that I am replacing the band on that watch with a much nice genuine crocodile skin strap (MSRP $80)* Although the Seiko is a quality watch, I am having second thoughts as to the 'stature' of this watch. I almost feel as if I should be considering a higher end watch. Another watch I have considered is the Stowa Antea. Perhaps you could reccomend some watches of this style that would be fitting for myself. My thanks in advance.

 

[Aureus]

A 23 year old college student needs a watch of the 'stature' he can afford. If your desire is to have a quality, unique, mechanical watch... http://cgi.ebay.com/c-1960-18K-SOLID...QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/GIRARD-PERREGAUX...QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/GIRARD-PERREGAUX...QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/OMEGA-SEAMASTER-...QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/VINT-OMEGA-WHITE...QQcmdZViewItem etc... If it is to have a watch of your 'stature', the seiko sounds fine.

 

[BringingSuitsBack]

While I'm in no way an expert -- you can buy a good mid-range watch of traditional style from overstock at a 40-70% discount if you are looking to upgrade 'the name' and style from the seiko (and also to just not shop retail)

You might want to look at Hamilton, etc for trad styles in your range, Baume at the higher end (haven't looked there for a while) and more contemporary styling - but you should easily be able to find something in the sub $100 - $500 range

If over time you develop a love for the mechanics and art of watches - great, shop as appropriate.

I will say that if I interviewed a candidate coming out of college wearing a $6-10K timepiece I would probably question his priorities

 

[Lucky Strike]

Vintage, vintage, vintage.

Something like, say, a nice sixties Omega is easily within your $500 budget.

 

[Aureus]

Originally Posted by Lucky Strike

Vintage, vintage, vintage.

Something like, say, a nice sixties Omega is easily within your $500 budget.

Like this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINT-OMEGA-WHITE...QQcmdZViewItem

In fact I'd bid on it if I didn't have dues to pay...

 

[Nantucket Red]

You can just about count on at least $200 for an overhaul of a vintage watch bought on Ebay. Out of 6 watches, only my GP hasn't needed an overhaul. In any case, you should take any Ebay watch you buy to a good watchmaker and have him check that the movement and case belong together. Some unscrupulous sellers swap out cases and movements to try to snooker buyers, but fortunately it seems to be the rare exception.

An awful lot of watches are for sale in Argentina. Does anyone know why this is so? Are the sellers honest and the watches good quality? I've always had vague misgivings about it for some reason.

 

[etown883]

I would second the Hamilton. A nice Khaki Auto or mechanical would stay within your budget and also meet your requirements. Plus its a nice first piece with a bit of history if you are going to start collecting. Vintage omega's are fantastic, but you need to watch out for the scammers on eBay. So perhaps try timezone.com or a local watchmaker.

 

[edmond]

For USD 200 you could get a black and brown leather Armani wrist watch.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by edmond

For USD 200 you could get a black and brown leather Armani wrist watch.

and why would anyone want to do that?

 

[Cantabrigian]

http://www.watchbuys.com/Master/JE-022.htm

 

[SartorialSheepdog]

Originally Posted by Cantabrigian

http://www.watchbuys.com/Master/JE-022.htm


On a somewhat similar note, maybe a less expensive Limes?

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by mistryv

Another watch I have considered is the Stowa Antea.

If you like the Antea, you should definitely go for it. A nice watch in your price range, made in Germany, great value, timeless design. I would avoid a vintage watch if you are not ready to add another $100 for a movement service.

You may want to have a look at this: http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...5&postcount=34

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by gdl203

Originally Posted by edmond

For USD 200 you could get a black and brown leather Armani wrist watch.

and why would anyone want to do that?

Indeed, why?

 

[TCN]

Originally Posted by Lucky Strike

Vintage, vintage, vintage.

Something like, say, a nice sixties Omega is easily within your $500 budget.

Hear hear!!

I also second the Hamilton Khaki; great watch, just not as "dressy", but if you pair it with a nice padded leather or alligator band, it's quite sharp.

 

[SartorialSheepdog]

Also, what about the Hamilton Jazzmaster, some of these are quite good looking? When I used to frequent timezone.com, they seemed to get a decent amount of praise.