This isn't necessarily outdoor board related other than this is the board I read (and trust) the most. And I will wear the watch outside at times.

Looking to buy a nicer watch than anything Ive had before. Would like to stay in the $1000 range, but could go to $2500 for the perfect watch. Ive already email Chuck to see what he has available, but wanted to get some opinions here as well.

Ive looked at Breitling, Omega, and Tags. I do realize that most of the Breitlings and Omegas are out of my price range.

What do you say OB? Whats the best brands in that price range? Best places to look at buying one? Anywhere other than ebay to stay away from?

Anybody have one they are looking to offload?

TIA

I have really enjoyed my Omega Speedmaster Professional. It might appear busy at first but it fits for any occasion. Looks really nice with a suit and tie or boot and jeans.

Speedmaster is awesome. I really like the Seamaster Planet Ocean though!!

Damn, I cant afford a Timex right now...

I was feeling pretty fancy with my $100 Fossil watch

G Shock

Go to Walmart and buy 100 different ones and then you never have to wear the same one twice.

Buy Once, Cry Once

I wear a full size Maratac Pilot's watch daily. Awesome watch for $279. The trick is finding one, as it always seems that they are sold out....

http://countycomm.com/maratacpilotlarge.html

[This message has been edited by munch96 (edited 5/29/2013 9:11a).]

If you're willing to buy used, and find a reputable dealer, you might be able to come up w. something decent in the $2500 range.

Tons of gently used stuff out there. Watch people are constantly changing watches. go to a site like Watch-u-seek or TimeZone and browse the "for sale" forums.

Someday I'm going to buy a Rolex Submariner but that is outside of your price range even used.

For the price you're in, I think I would buy an Omega Seamaster, or buy a G-Shock or Ironman and save that money for my Submariner.



[This message has been edited by Skubalon (edited 5/29/2013 10:03a).]

Ball Hydrocarbon Chronograph. I bought mine in Singapore and paid about $1800. Had we bought it here, it would've run close to $3500. Ball, however, makes several different watches all at different price points. You can spend $20k on one, or you can get into one for less than a $1k.

All I know is that highly recommend Ball. I've enjoyed mine for the last 6 years I've been wearing it.



[This message has been edited by RightWingConspirator (edited 5/30/2013 7:19a).]

Just bought three new timex watches. I am to rough on watches for a nice one.

Go out and look at the watches. You will find one you like. Most watches over $1k are good watches, just need to fine one you like. You are the one that has to wear it.

I bought my wife a nice one, and I did not know what kind to get her, so i just went out and started looking at them. One finally just popped out.

PS: If buying for someone else keep reciept. Did not have to exchange but you never know?

I'm fairly certain you can get the Omega Seamaster for $2500 if you look around.

Check out Oris, Perrelet, and the Omega. Great watches in that range you are looking for. Bernard Watch Company is very reputable and has these watches at less then retail.

I have a $500 gift certificate towards any breitling watch at Montelongos. I'm personally not in the market for a watch, and considering selling the certificate if anyone is interested. It expires 12/31/13. I'm thinking $250, but open to offers. Txsodpro@yahoo.com

What style of watch do you want? Diver, dress, pilot, chronograph?

Christopher Ward




Stowa


Nomos


Certina

The other one I've had my eye on is the Capelander by Baume and Mercier

For $2500 you could get a nice Omega Seamaster. You may not get a Planet Ocean for that, but a Seamaster Pro or Aqua Terra could be had. I think I paid $1800 for my SMP in '07 from an AD.

You could also get in Ball territory for $2k, which are very nice watches. The Ball Storm Chaser is next in my list.

Hamilton is another good watchmaker who has nice models for around $1k.

I'll add my recommendations to the Ball Watch fan club... Their watches are tops in terms of fit and finish and the tritium tubes are amazing!

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Someday I'm going to buy a Rolex Submariner but that is outside of your price range even used.

For the price you're in, I think I would buy an Omega Seamaster, or buy a G-Shock or Ironman and save that money for my Submariner.

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That's what I did. Got an Omega to satisfy my itch of wanting a nice watch, but still wanted the Submariner and knew I wouldn't be happy until I got it, so I picked one up last year.

I don't like the new ceramics, so knew I would be looking at the used market and found a NIB 16610 random serial on rolexforum.com. Did a little research on the seller, had about a weeks worth of emails and phone conversation with him and then pulled the trigger when the boss gave me the OK.

I really want that Maratac pilot's watch. A little more than I want to spend and is impossible to find.

For the money, the Planet Orient is a gem. I picked up this watch off Amazon about 6 months ago for $200. There are a few different variants. I've got the one with the black bezel. Orient makes their own movements, the watch has a exhibition caseback showing off the lightly decorated movement, power reserve meter, solid end-links, logo embossed screw-down crown, very heavy and well-made watch. Not in the same ballpark as a Ball, Omega, Rolex, etc, but VERY affordable mechanical piece. Orient makes some other nice-looking models at modest prices.





[This message has been edited by FiTxAg04 (edited 5/29/2013 2:18p).]

I suggest you call Borsheim's in Nebraska when you narrow down your list. Borsheim's is the jeweler owned by Warren Buffett's company. They have less than retail pricing on high end watches and they are full dealers for all of the watches they stock. Not gray market stuff. That's where my Breitling Aerospace came from.

If you shop local, do not hesitate to bargain. The markup is substantial and I believe most jewelers will discount when pressed. Simply ask "can't you do better than that?" when you see the price.

ATL Aggie

The first pic you posted is a rip-off design of an Ebel 1911 Discovery, the second is a rip-off of a Rolex Submariner, and the third is a rip-off of the IWC Pilot. LOL

I never quite understood buying a watch in the $1000 - $3000 range. You're basically overpaying for what amounts to the same movement used in far cheaper watches.

The only "luxury" watch worth paying for is usually in the $8000-$10,000 range. If you can't afford that, then save your money and pick up a $300 watch rather than a $2500 one that isn't much better.

[This message has been edited by Sir Psycho (edited 5/29/2013 3:12p).]

^ This post makes my head swim

(huge amount of over-generalization going on..)
IMHO

[This message has been edited by nealan (edited 5/29/2013 3:54p).]

I have a Timex from Wal Mart. I like it.

quote:

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The only "luxury" watch worth paying for is usually in the $8000-$10,000 range. If you can't afford that, then save your money and pick up a $300 watch rather than a $2500 one that isn't much better.

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When people as about HK's or Sigs, do you recommend a Taurus?

I have an MTM Special Ops watch and love it. Good price for a great watch that gets tons of comments. I wear it to work and when out and about. Give them a look.

Gil '91

quote:

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ATL Aggie

The first pic you posted is a rip-off design of an Ebel 1911 Discovery, the second is a rip-off of a Rolex Submariner, and the third is a rip-off of the IWC Pilot. LOL

I never quite understood buying a watch in the $1000 - $3000 range. You're basically overpaying for what amounts to the same movement used in far cheaper watches.

The only "luxury" watch worth paying for is usually in the $8000-$10,000 range. If you can't afford that, then save your money and pick up a $300 watch rather than a $2500 one that isn't much better.

---

All of the watches I posted are sub $1,000 except for the Nomos because the OP said he would like to keep it under $1k. Actually, the Stowa is more too because I posted the Chrono version.

Secondly, Stowa was one of the original manufacturers of German Fliegler watches, IWC, and Lacos are some others. The Fliegler design isnt unique to IWC.

Christopher Ward proudly acknowledges where they get their influence. That said, show me a watch that is a truly unique design. Just about every watch out there takes influence from somewhere else. I dont see anything wrong with buying a $600 watch that was heavily influenced by a $7,000 Submariner.

There are plenty of good watches that cost more than $300 and less than $8,000.

quote:

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That said, show me a watch that is a truly unique design.

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http://www.ballwatchusa.com/

Love mine!

quote:

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Anybody have one they are looking to offload?

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I have an Omega Speedmaster auto black dial that I'm looking to offload. It is a number of years old, but it is good shape, and a new bracelet was put on several years ago. If you are interested, post your email and I will reply.

C

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by sensei john kreese (edited 5/29/2013 9:54p).]