So, the short of it is that my grandmother had a stroke at the weekend, and died peacefully in hospital yesterday. I stand to receive a bit of inheritance, and have been told that if there's anything I would like to have from her estate to remember her by, it's OK to ask. I don't really have any need for old ladies dresses, and there's nothing really that I'd be comfortable taking from her home.
As such, I thought why not finally get "THE watch". One that unless I ever ended up receiving a large chunk of money, I'd never otherwise buy. That way I'll have something that's always with me that I'll be able to remember her by.
So, I'm curious what people would get in the price range of £500-£1200. I'm limiting myself from going mad as:
It'd be an everyday watch, worn wherever (except fieldwork)
My dad has an Omega and it costs £500 to service, and it NEEDS the service. Can't justify having an expensive watch that costs the same as a decent watch every couple of years to maintain it.
My current watch is this, but with a leather strap:
(http://glennmoller.com/gpics/citizen_titanium_BL5250_2.jpg)
Ideally I'd like something in the same vein as the above. I'd like a date function, and preferably alarm. I rarely ever use the stopwatch, but sometimes will use my alarm on the watch if I don't have anything else around. I'm not too keen on plain watchfaces where it's a watch that costs £1000 and it's just got an hour and minute hand and maybe the date. But at the same time, I'm not keen on over-designed watches either where fake bolts and gears are attached to add to the style.
I had thought of getting a "Ball" watch, I've seen some in jewelers windows which looked nice, prbably a bit out of my price range. I often struggle as they look awesome in the windows and then on the internet they look hideous in the photos!
Thoughts?
£500 service on watch indicates more money than sense. There isn't enough goodies in a watch to warrant any servicing beyond a battery change.
Unless it has something special like a solid gold case I wouldn't spend more than £50 on a watch, although I understand why you want this. Try putting her picture up on the wall to remember her.
My dads service was something to do with the watch having fancy super-duper O-ring seals that are excellent, but perish after a few years. End result was that he didn't know about the recommended annual servicing until the seals went and he got condensation in his £2500 watch...
Picture would be great, we just don't have (m)any that are recent and good as she was so ill for the last 10 years. Also we're going to be doing a fair bit of travelling and likely to emigrate so it'd be nice to not have to carry things like that around.
If I had the money I'd have an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, it's the only watch I've ever truly desired and I always have to stop and look when I see them in a shop window. I think unless you have your heart set on something very special then it isn't worth the investment, but if you do then go for it. I'd never accept a substitute, and if I was going to go cheaper I'd probably buy a Christopher Ward. However, despite the talk of servicing costs (I'm pretty sure most aren't as bad as that) you'll find a well looked after watch like an Omega will hold it's value well (or for limited lines might noticably appreciate in value) and still look the business in 20 years time. Small price to pay for a cherished and sentimental item I personally feel.
Quote from: zpyder on January 23, 2013, 11:18:18 AM
My dads service was something to do with the watch having fancy super-duper O-ring seals that are excellent, but perish after a few years. End result was that he didn't know about the recommended annual servicing until the seals went and he got condensation in his £2500 watch...
Few years back when I was short I bought a £1 watch, surprisingly it didn't leak in the year I had that although eventually the battery ran out. Neither have any of the Casio watches, even though I wore one for over ten years.
If a company can't manufacture seals out of material that will last and still be waterproof then that company doesn't deserve surviving in business.
I got this coming any day now:
(http://i.imgur.com/0KsUO6D.jpg)
Quote from: Serious on January 24, 2013, 11:16:53 AM
Few years back when I was short I bought a £1 watch
Have you grown since then? ;)
I'm sure the likes of Omega, Tag, Breitling, Rolex, etc are all struggling to keep up with the rampant technological pace of Casio, they must be paying them to fit their scratch resistant sapphire crystal and helium escape valves.
I had a casio watch, the calculator one, that lasted forever, despite me wishing it would die.
My old adidas watch ate its 3rd battery and is showing some scars after around 7 years use so its being retired.
Just ordered a Tissot (http://www.watchshop.com/mens-tissot-pr100-chronograph-watch-t0494171105700-p99939936.html) on special offer, hope it lasts as long.
I am right handed and wear my watch mainly on my right hand. I am told this is odd :)
Quote from: Serious on January 23, 2013, 10:32:31 AM
£500 service on watch indicates more money than sense. There isn't enough goodies in a watch to warrant any servicing beyond a battery change.
The sort of watches that require servicing don't have batteries... in fact the lack of a battery is the reason they require servicing in the first place.
Still, I agree, it is a lot of money... I don't think I'd be buying anything requiring that sort of fee for servicing any time soon.
Quote from: neXus on January 24, 2013, 23:14:11 PM
I am right handed and wear my watch mainly on my right hand. I am told this is odd :)
Same as me then..
This thread is just plain wrong without paying homage to the legendary http://www.skywatches.com.sg/ alas their website is 'slightly less sh*t' now :lol: :thumbup:
Quote from: Dave on January 24, 2013, 23:21:29 PM
Quote from: Serious on January 23, 2013, 10:32:31 AM
£500 service on watch indicates more money than sense. There isn't enough goodies in a watch to warrant any servicing beyond a battery change.
The sort of watches that require servicing don't have batteries... in fact the lack of a battery is the reason they require servicing in the first place.
Still, I agree, it is a lot of money... I don't think I'd be buying anything requiring that sort of fee for servicing any time soon.
There is very little reason not to go for a battery watch, mine generally last several years without any problems or needing a replacement battery. The longest went seven years before the battery ran out, the strap broke before a second replacement was needed. Environmental cost is minimal. I have one which uses a radio time signal to keep accurate to a fraction of a second, although it isn't the one I normally use. Still it means that accuracy is no longer a reason to buy an expensive watch, the only reason to do that is having too much money and wanting to show off. Then they attract thieves too.
My every day watch is one that speaks the time or date when I press the button. Waking up in the middle of the night no longer requires a light on to find out the time.
Quote from: Binary Shadow on January 25, 2013, 12:01:09 PM
Quote from: neXus on January 24, 2013, 23:14:11 PM
I am right handed and wear my watch mainly on my right hand. I am told this is odd :)
Same as me then..
Me too, though it varies now on what I'm doing and which watch I'm wearing.
Quote from: Serious on January 25, 2013, 13:32:59 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 24, 2013, 23:21:29 PM
Quote from: Serious on January 23, 2013, 10:32:31 AM
£500 service on watch indicates more money than sense. There isn't enough goodies in a watch to warrant any servicing beyond a battery change.
The sort of watches that require servicing don't have batteries... in fact the lack of a battery is the reason they require servicing in the first place.
Still, I agree, it is a lot of money... I don't think I'd be buying anything requiring that sort of fee for servicing any time soon.
There is very little reason not to go for a battery watch, mine generally last several years without any problems or needing a replacement battery. The longest went seven years before the battery ran out, the strap broke before a second replacement was needed. Environmental cost is minimal. I have one which uses a radio time signal to keep accurate to a fraction of a second, although it isn't the one I normally use. Still it means that accuracy is no longer a reason to buy an expensive watch, the only reason to do that is having too much money and wanting to show off. Then they attract thieves too.
My every day watch is one that speaks the time or date when I press the button. Waking up in the middle of the night no longer requires a light on to find out the time.
Or because they like to look good.
Rocking up to a black tie dinner with the terrorists fave Casio vs rocking up to a black tie dinner with a Rolex.
Not showing off its just fashion.
As for needing a light on, since the invention of glow in the dark materials, this hasn't been an issue.
Zpyder if you like quirky watches, check out kisai watches http://www.tokyoflash.com/en/watches/1/
Quote from: Dave on January 24, 2013, 23:21:29 PM
Quote from: Serious on January 23, 2013, 10:32:31 AM
£500 service on watch indicates more money than sense. There isn't enough goodies in a watch to warrant any servicing beyond a battery change.
The sort of watches that require servicing don't have batteries... in fact the lack of a battery is the reason they require servicing in the first place.
Still, I agree, it is a lot of money... I don't think I'd be buying anything requiring that sort of fee for servicing any time soon.
http://youtu.be/6f5MOHOQc6g
The above details a service. Can understand the cost now.
Yeah I've heard plenty of people say they pretty much restore your watch to the condition it was when it left the factory. Considering the costs of servicing a car properly I'd say it's not bad at all.
Quote from: Serious on January 25, 2013, 13:32:59 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 24, 2013, 23:21:29 PM
Quote from: Serious on January 23, 2013, 10:32:31 AM
£500 service on watch indicates more money than sense. There isn't enough goodies in a watch to warrant any servicing beyond a battery change.
The sort of watches that require servicing don't have batteries... in fact the lack of a battery is the reason they require servicing in the first place.
Still, I agree, it is a lot of money... I don't think I'd be buying anything requiring that sort of fee for servicing any time soon.
There is very little reason not to go for a battery watch, mine generally last several years without any problems or needing a replacement battery. The longest went seven years before the battery ran out, the strap broke before a second replacement was needed. Environmental cost is minimal. I have one which uses a radio time signal to keep accurate to a fraction of a second, although it isn't the one I normally use. Still it means that accuracy is no longer a reason to buy an expensive watch, the only reason to do that is having too much money and wanting to show off.
Absolutely, accuracy hasn't been a reason to buy an expensive watch since the 1980s... inexpensive quartz watches will be more accurate/keep time better than mechanical watches. I agree too that plenty of people who buy expensive watches will do it as a status thing, to try and show off etc.. and brand names will play a part too and some brands (especially TAG... will play into this)
There are however people who appreciate them though... not so much for the bling factor but rather for the craftsmanship that's gone into them. If someone has the disposable income to spend on one then why not... tis like having a portrait painted (minus the narcissism factor that would take)... a painting tend to be a much less accurate reflection of reality than a photo... and is essentially using a out-dated method for reflecting reality - much like a mechanical watch used an out of date method for keeping time. People still appreciate the art, craftsmanship that's gone into a painting - its probably better to think of a mechanical watch as jewelry/art than a device for telling time.
Quote from: M3ta7h3ad on January 26, 2013, 07:34:32 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 24, 2013, 23:21:29 PM
Quote from: Serious on January 23, 2013, 10:32:31 AM
£500 service on watch indicates more money than sense. There isn't enough goodies in a watch to warrant any servicing beyond a battery change.
The sort of watches that require servicing don't have batteries... in fact the lack of a battery is the reason they require servicing in the first place.
Still, I agree, it is a lot of money... I don't think I'd be buying anything requiring that sort of fee for servicing any time soon.
http://youtu.be/6f5MOHOQc6g
The above details a service. Can understand the cost now.
Bearing in mind that's a marketing video - for most models they just use ETA movements bought from swatch group... which aren't expensive at all... in fact they could simply replace the whole movement relatively inexpensively. Even when the brand has its name on the movement and it looks more polished than a standard ETA movement... those are just options that ETA offered the brand... for most TAGs and Breitlings the expensive looking case is the bit they've manufactured - the watch itself is from swatch group... see the below link
http://www.watchtalkforums.info/forums/general-discussion-forum/49600.htm
@Zpyder... I'm actually in a very similar situation to you - gran passed away last year and I'm considering spending the £1k I've been left with on a watch... have been reading rather a lot and still haven't made my mind up.
one that I'm considering is a Nomos
(http://s14.postimage.org/5f60s7gn5/Nomos_Tangente.jpg)
face is a bit simple/plain so probably isn't what you're after... it is a watch they essentially manufacture themselves though and they don't spend loads on marketing etc... so you get a bit more watch for your money.
I'd also looked at Stowa... these are made to order - they do buy in the movements but do spend a lot of time finishing them etc.. Though this brand used to make watches for the Germans in ww2 so prob best not use Gran's money buying one of their watches... (as worn by Luftwaffe pilots etc.. )...
Perhpas look at something by Longines (obviously uses ETA movements as its part of swatch group)... since swatch is hiking prices and turning Omega into a rival to Rolex I guess Longines is going to fill that gap...
the Longines legend diver looks pretty awesome IMO:
(http://s2.postimage.org/cce3x7cjd/longines_legend_diver.jpg)
alternatively they also offer this diver:
(http://s8.postimage.org/jvxgonofp/hydroconquest.jpg)
Could also look at Christopher Ward or Steinhart, both use swatch/eta or Sellita movements albeit at a more reasonable price than most...
And swatch group's own Tissot and Hamilton brands have a few nice watches in them. - Hamilton Jazzmaster looks nice
There are a lot that don't use their own movements but some of the premium brands still do or tweak them a bit (so naturally some are rated much better than others) but you have to bear in mind that in many cases that's akin to recreating the wheel. If something works well with little room for improvement there is no point changing the movement or replicating it yourself, so unless you're a real aficionado its not really a priority as the movement cost is never reflected in the end product (the same way car manufacturers will use engines from other brand marques and reshell/rebadge I guess). As you pointed out though Dave, most watches of this value aren't sold on the movement except maybe to the collector's but more on their demand for brand, availability and aesthetics/craftsmanship.
That Longines diver watch looks lovely :)
Probably still my fave CW watch which I think represents better value than most http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-mens-watches/c600ipk.html (http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-mens-watches/c600ipk.html)
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0125/7792/products/hm-254.jpg?4728) (http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/hamilton-jazzmaster-maestro-watch-h32716859-hm-253)
One thing I really do like is being able to see the mechanism. I've seen a few watches with a crystal back so you can see everything. Sadly I imagine they're at both ends of the spectrum, either really expensive, or very cheap chinese products.
As to cost and it being showing off, I don't know. Maybe I just have "expensive tastes" but if you were to present me with a selection of watches of different price brackets, without any makers marks on them, I'm pretty sure I'd pick out the more expensive models as being my favourites.
I don't know what it is, cheap products often try and copy expensive ones, but 9/10 times they just lack something, be it in the feel of the material or the finish.
It's weird, I don't know why, but plain watch faces with just time and date on just seem really old fashioned and basic, yet I find the over engineered and funky watches like those tokyo ones worse!
Quote from: addictweb on January 26, 2013, 17:28:48 PM
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0125/7792/products/hm-254.jpg?4728) (http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/hamilton-jazzmaster-maestro-watch-h32716859-hm-253)
Wasn't too keen on that, till I saw it had a clear back.
Then I saw it comes in black, picture is funnily enough from a "If you had 1k to spend" thread:
(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f2/499840d1314253080-if-you-had-$1k-spend-hamilton-jazzmaster-maestro-watch-h32716839-large.jpg)
I've realised the Hamilton is a bit of a beast in terms of size. Popped into a jewellers today and had a bit of a browse, was quite good fun being able to drool over the watches that I've only been able to look at from the window.
I'm slowly closing in on a watch. I agree Stowa look quite nice:
(http://www.stowa.de/cosmoshop/pix/a/z/fliegerdatum/g/Flieger_m_Logo_m_Datum_1.jpg)
But in the jewellers I was shown some ORIS watches. Not a brand I've heard of before really so was a bit dubious. Some of them looked quite ugly, but one looked quite nice, and was quite a good shape too. I've ended up looking up ORIS on the net to see what the brand is like and it does seem to be a good value, high quality brand, just not well known.
These all look quite nice:
(This is the one that I liked in the shop)
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0125/7792/products/or-564_large.jpg?4728)
These divers look nice too, not sure which face I prefer
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0125/7792/products/or-133_large.jpg?4728)
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0125/7792/products/OR-733_large.jpg?4728)
Sinn could be worth a look too if you like the pilot style watches as per that stowa one
http://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Watches.htm
also the guy who bought Stowa has his own line of watches - though they cost a bit more AFAIK:
(http://s7.postimage.org/69rk0rotn/chrono.jpg)
Quote from: addictweb on January 26, 2013, 17:28:48 PM
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0125/7792/products/hm-254.jpg?4728) (http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/hamilton-jazzmaster-maestro-watch-h32716859-hm-253)
that is a beautiful watch.
It's huge though, 48mm diameter I think. There's no way I could get away with wearing it on my smallish wrists. If they made a version that was 42mm it would ideal.
Though I'm moving away from chronographs as having the big second hand not move in "normal time" bugs me. I'd much rather they did what my citizen does, and have it move to 0 if you want to time something, and then work normally the rest of the time.
Quote from: zpyder on January 28, 2013, 08:52:51 AM
It's huge though, 48mm diameter I think. There's no way I could get away with wearing it on my smallish wrists. If they made a version that was 42mm it would ideal.
Though I'm moving away from chronographs as having the big second hand not move in "normal time" bugs me. I'd much rather they did what my citizen does, and have it move to 0 if you want to time something, and then work normally the rest of the time.
Second hands are dependent on the movement. Mechanicals can have constant or a stepping seconds movement, quartz have the stepping seconds.
So it's not just chronographs you have to look out for.
(http://www.mrporter.com/images/products/327396/327396_mrp_in_l.jpg)
Does anyone have any recommendations for watch websites?
watchhut, watchshop, ernest jones, h samuel, r hinds, goldsmiths I've browsed through already, and a few others.
If you don't mind looking at used premium watches as well take a look at these:
http://www.watches.co.uk/ (http://www.watches.co.uk/)
Ignore how rubbish the second website is, apparently they are very reputable
http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/ (http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/)
Ended up going for a Stowa flieger. The GF made an annoying, but strong case, for not spending an excessive amount on a watch, not that £1000 is exactly a lot in the watch world.
Having said that, The Stowa ordering process and background makes the watch seem more personal, as it'll likely be a 3 month wait till it's made now. The company as well was set up the same year my grandmother was born, which is a nice touch.
Maybe when I'm older, and have kids (maybe) and more money, I can opt to pass the Stowa down and then get the more expensive watch of my dreams...
Am sure the wait will be worth it... from what I've read on various watch forums pretty much everyone who's purchased one has been happy with it. Supposed to have a really nice finish and I guess its a little bit more special than something that has been mass produced.
Almost 3 months on, just got the request for payment, the watch will be ready in a couple of weeks :D
(http://i.imgur.com/tKF6cy0l.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qLPoopSl.jpg)
It finally arrived today:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/8870472914_905429e45f_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zpyder/8870472914/)
Back (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zpyder/8870472914/) by Chris_Moody (http://www.flickr.com/people/zpyder/), on Flickr
Don't have a photo of the front as I was using my entomological focus stacking set up, so it wouldn't have worked well with a moving seconds hand :D
nice :D
Yeah, I bet the front is even nicer in the flesh!
I want it to have my babies. Very nice indeed
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I'm now going to be paranoid about it getting wet etc. It's only 5atm/50m WR, and given that all my past watches have been 200m rated, I'm not entirely sure just how wet is safe. Obviously don't intentionally get it wet, but what about hot and humid rooms/environments, or very heavy rain?
I guess I'll just have to wear it and enjoy it and wait for the day, if it ever comes, that it needs repairing. Will likely get it serviced every 3 years or so anyway.
50mtr is splash proof basically. Probably fine in a shower but wouldn't swim with it as the dynamic stresses are probably greater than 5atm static.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Front:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/8923867923_11fc1c3a5d_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zpyder/8923867923/)
Face (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zpyder/8923867923/) by Chris_Moody (http://www.flickr.com/people/zpyder/), on Flickr
Man that's a nice watch :D
I was right, that is damn classy. 8) :thumbup: