Wristwatch collectors out there?

[eber]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Paying for the name.

however I have not done much research on them, are you looking for automatic only? or would you consider quartz?

[bonjing]

Originally Posted by eber

however I have not done much research on them, are you looking for automatic only? or would you consider quartz?

I don't know squat about watches, all I know is that my g-shock works and it works well . Honestly I'm not into watches and prefer inexpensive ones because I'm pretty rough on them. But my gf has been on a watch kick lately, and liked the look of the burberry and honestly so do I, but if i'm going to pay that much for it, I'd want something with a little quality in it.

If you're referring to automatic, as in self winding, i don't think it really matters to me, but would be a nice option. The watch she would like me to get would be primarily for evenings out, or when she would like me to be dressed nicely . So I'm just looking at other options.

[gettysburgfreak]

I have a sweet Bulova that was around $360 and I love it.

[TheRiddick]

Originally Posted by gettysburgfreak

I have a sweet Bulova that was around $360 and I love it.

All quartz watches are about in the same ballpark, you may as well buy a Timex for $50 and it will keep time as accurately. I was simply trying to steer the guy towards a quality piece (Oris, really good and still undervalued craftmenship) that may be in his price range or stay with something like Oceanus that combines leading edge technology with quality and good looks.

Quartz wise, a $50 watch is no different than one selling for $2K or more sometimes, save for "name" on the dial and design there is nothing to differentiate them to a large degree.

Some Costco stores in Bay Area carry Oris watches, I'd check them out.

[larryinlc]

If you don't mind buying from a non authorized dealer, you might want to check out Ashford. I've purchased many fine watches from them at great prices. they have a super sale now just before Christmas.

http://www.ashford.com/ashford/index.jsp

Larry

[T.G]

Originally Posted by bonjing

any recommendations for a quality watch in that price range, under $600?

Originally Posted by bonjing

I don't know squat about watches, all I know is that my g-shock works and it works well . Honestly I'm not into watches and prefer inexpensive ones because I'm pretty rough on them. But my gf has been on a watch kick lately, and liked the look of the burberry and honestly so do I, but if i'm going to pay that much for it, I'd want something with a little quality in it.

I hear that watchwoot.com has some nice Breitlings for under three bills.

[bobarian]

Originally Posted by T.G

I hear that watchwoot.com has some nice Breitlings for under three bills.

You betcha! Under $300 for a "Rolex" too!
http://watchwoot.com/magento/index.php

[TheRiddick]

They look great in real life.

[smitdavi]

IMO Citizen has the best bang for the buck. I got both of my watches for under 500 and just love em to death.

[TheRiddick]

Moses, a quartz is a quartz is a quartz. Sure, some have better looking finish, at a steep price bump, but no one wears a watch upside down with mechanism exposed. People traditionally paid more for a name since it implied quality, but quartz simply implies accuracy (and a much better one than any mechanical movement), I really don't see how a nicely finished Rolex quartz keeps any better time than a $50 Casio quartz, so why pay more save for "name"?

Let me put it to you another way. Someone wants to gift you a watch, the choice is up to you. One is a Rolex with a quartz movement and the other one is with a mechanical movement (automatic). Which one would YOU pick? :-)
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Bob, there is a bunch of watch sites where you simply select your price range and then are presented with a number of choices. Let me know what you are looking for, I'll be able to better steer you around. I'd say google Orient and Invicta and see what comes up, they are the best deals to be had these days, IMO. Orient for automatic (mechanical) movement, decades of proven ruggedness, and Invicta for rugged quartz models. Orient should run in the $250-300 range and Invicta anywhere from $80 to $400 depending on model, some may even be automatic movement.

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Moses, a quartz is a quartz is a quartz. Sure, some have better looking finish, at a steep price bump, but no one wears a watch upside down with mechanism exposed. People traditionally paid more for a name since it implied quality, but quartz simply implies accuracy (and a much better one than any mechanical movement), I really don't see how a nicely finished Rolex quartz keeps any better time than a $50 Casio quartz, so why pay more save for "name"?

The issue is in house movement vs Asian movement most of the time. There are things which some of the leading watch makers have done in quartz movements that make them run better and last longer. The quality of steel, the finishing of gears, etc, etc.

If I was gifted a Rolex, I wouldn't care what it had in it. If they gave me a choice, I would choose automatic, only because the resale value is higher. However quartz has it's advantages as well. No need to wear it all the time or have a watch winder comes to mind first.

That all said, I would go with either of your recommendations. As well as adding Citizens, Seiko (again the spring drive is phenomenal) and possibly Fortis.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Let me put it to you another way. Someone wants to gift you a watch, the choice is up to you. One is a Rolex with a quartz movement and the other one is with a mechanical movement (automatic). Which one would YOU pick? :-)

I see your point, but actually I am a fan of the Oyster Quartz. One of my favorite watches is the Omega X/33 which uses a quartz movement.


If you want the look and prestige at value price, or you want speicalized features, a quartz if a great way to go. Yes, automatics are more of a timepiece than a quartz, but most people wear a watch for its look and percieved value of branding.

[TheRiddick]

All I can tell you is you should visit 47th Street in NYC sometime and spend some time observing what they wear, these are people who can afford any watch out there. Not to pan Rolex, but along with Cartier and a couple more big names they are considered "jewelry", not watches. What people wear on 47th are AP, G-P, Vacheron Constantin, Patek, Breguet and some others, rarely do you see a Rolex and definitely not a quartz one if it happens. Again, not to pick on Rolex in any way, but its the last "big" name I think about when it comes to buying an expensive watch. Just my opinion, of course, with a couple of exceptions, one being the older Daytona with Primero movement (Zenith).

One advantage that Rolex does offer is the resale value since the general public knows little of the brands I listed above and Rolex does have a great marketing dept. If I had unlimited finds my list would be a short one, certain models from G-P, Ulysse Nardin and Jaeger le Coultre, and a couple from Patek and Lange (German). No Rolex.

As for quartz movement, you actually hit the nail on the head. Japanese are decades into quartz development and refinement and if anything, are heads and shoulders above when it comes to the technology. Don't forget that it is the move to quartz that almost killed Swiss watch industry in recent times. If one is buying a quality quartz piece I'd say the choice is between the Big 3: Seiko, Citizen and Casio and definitely not a Swiss one (although I do buy Invictas for the QPR).

Seiko developed an incredible movement recently, Spring Drive, it combines the best qualities of both worlds: accuracy of quartz and complication/refinement of mechanical. Pricey, but great looking watches with serious accuracy to boot.

[s15driftking]

Just came yesterday!

I love the nine-eater!!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by s15driftking

Just came yesterday!

I love the nine-eater!!

So, how is it? Is it a sapphire crystal? How's the quality of the the strap? This model looks the most unique out of Robert's site.

[s15driftking]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

So, how is it? Is it a sapphire crystal? How's the quality of the the strap? This model looks the most unique out of Robert's site.

Sapphire crystal to the best of my knowledge. It sure as heck looks like a sapphire crystal.

The strap is decent quality. nothing to write home about, but still decent quality.

the watch is very unique to me.

[Pilon]

Valjoux 7750 for $500 shipped. Got one for myself.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26399

[s15driftking]

Originally Posted by Pilon

Valjoux 7750 for $500 shipped. Got one for myself.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26399

that watch can be had on random daily deal sites for 250.00 - 300.00 about once a week.... Not to burst your bubble... but I'm more concerned if you are attempting to profiteer from buying something a month or so back (so people forget) on a daily deal site and then attempting to sell it for a profit.

Regardless, 500.00 for 7750 movement isn't a bad deal.

[e-man67]

Valjoux 7750 if you want a chrono, Eta 2824 or Eta 2836 for any other watch.

[Pilon]

Originally Posted by s15driftking

that watch can be had on random daily deal sites for 250.00 - 300.00 about once a week.... Not to burst your bubble... but I'm more concerned if you are attempting to profiteer from buying something a month or so back (so people forget) on a daily deal site and then attempting to sell it for a profit.

Regardless, 500.00 for 7750 movement isn't a bad deal.

My manager told me about it, he said he was getting it somewhere online. I wouldn't think he would pork me, but you never know I guess. I'll see if he can show me where online.