Dress Watch for under $300; just a dream?

sorry dude. I agree, PM is a better route.

Originally Posted by whacked

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Dude stop pimping your goods here. PM seems like a more appropriate venue.

Here is a vintage Longines I acquired for well under $500 USD - and in 14k gold at that.



However, I do like the previous suggestion for vintage Omega or a new Seiko. The dressier Seikos are a bit harder to find in my experience. I also suggest looking at vintage Girard-Perregaux.

Sleek, classically proportioned dress watches are easy to find if you go vintage. Keep in mind that if you buy on eBay you will need to take it for an overhaul by your watchmaker. This should be factored in to your budget.

An example of an 18k gold vintage Girard-Perregaux: I would suggest looking for vintage Omega, Girard-Perregaux, Hamilton, or Longines in this sort of style except either gold plated or stainless steel.

Originally Posted by mafoofan

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Get yourself a Seiko Spirit. Beautiful, awesome watch. ~$300 new.

Here's a black dial version on an aftermarket strap. It normally comes on black calfskin.

+1. I bought a Spirit a few months back and get a plethora of compliments on it.

I have a Tissot Le Locle that I picked up for under $300 and I like it a lot. I think that its a bit thicker than 8mm though.

Originally Posted by blackplatano

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a vintage omega is exactly what you are looking for. Check ebay.

Originally Posted by Sator

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However, I do like the previous suggestion for vintage Omega or a new Seiko. The dressier Seikos are a bit harder to find in my experience. I also suggest looking at vintage Girard-Perregaux.

Sleek, classically proportioned dress watches are easy to find if you go vintage. Keep in mind that if you buy on eBay you will need to take it for an overhaul by your watchmaker. This should be factored in to your budget.

Originally Posted by Sator

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I would suggest looking for vintage Omega, Girard-Perregaux, Hamilton, or Longines in this sort of style except either gold plated or stainless steel.

While I'm a huge fan of vintage watches, especially vintage Omega's and would love to chime in with a big +1 here, I do think that a word of warning is in order. Vintage watches are great, but are not necessarily the cheapest way to go. I would always budget and extra $200-$300 (at least) on top of the purchase price of any vintage watch purchase to account for needed repairs and service prior to wearing. Often these watches (especially the best conditioned ones) have sat unused in someone's drawer and the oil will have congealed (sp?) and it will be in need of a cleaning and oiling. It is possible to get a vintage watch that needs nothing, but it isn't very likely.

Vintage watches can also be a bit persnickety. Older models often aren't waterproof or even water resistent (meaning you have to take them off to wash your hands in order to keep them in good order). If something breaks, like a mainspring or a (God forbid) a balance wheel, finding a replacement may be difficult and expensive.

All that said, I'm a big fan of vintage watches and believe that they are still a great value. However, given what you've said your budget is, I'm skeptical.

What do you gents think of this Seiko Spirit?



Thanks!

While not exactly within your budget this is probably the best you'll get for the buck: http://www.german-watches.com/cgi-bi...showrub--antea