FabSwingers.com forum: Watches

By *arctegg OP Man
over a year ago

grays

So … I lost my mum last year and looking for something I can feel close to her by . I’ve only just started finding the beauty of watches.

But they feel like a minefield!

Patek Phillipe designs have caught my eye big time - but they are about 20k plus out my range lol..

Gucci - Tissot and Tudor entry level seem

My level ..

Any suggestions on this , or what to avoid etc ..

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Look at Rado watches.

Classic and classy.

Think it is a lovely wat to remember your Mum.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ed-monkeyCouple
over a year ago

Hailsham

Go for the best you can afford

Aim for a known watch brand rather than fashion watches

Swiss movement and try and make it an automatic rather than battery and quartz

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

..i like vostok scuba dude.

will will take a lot of punishment and last.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Go for the best you can afford

Aim for a known watch brand rather than fashion watches

Swiss movement and try and make it an automatic rather than battery and quartz"

Great tip and second hand ones can really open the market for you - just buy from a reputable dealer!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Take a look a Christopher Ward. British brand with Swiss movements. Designs are influenced by classics but with a twist. I have a Sealander C63 GMT - love it. Lots of micro brands out there nowadays. I bought an Omega (Diver 300 Professional) as a 50th bday pressie to myself as no bugger was ever going to buy one for me! Oh, and avoid homages. Good luck.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *lephantisMan
over a year ago

Oxford

I agree that Patek Philippe are utterly perfect. No one has ever made a better simple men's watch than the Calatrava.

Depending on your budget, Longines and Rotary make beautiful, well-made watches for a few hundred down to around one hundred fir Rotary.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ou only live onceMan
over a year ago

London

As with all things, go with what you like, OP. You've got to wear it after all, no matter what.

But, and I'm no watch guru, I have always loved the vintage Omega Seamasters and Speedmasters. If not too cheesy, could always get one from the year your Mum was born?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I realize this is a pointless suggestion but have you looked at Jaquet Droz watches. Horrendously expensive but oh so beautiful.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *iberius61Man
over a year ago

Pontefract

Brietling sponsor ironman and they do a celebratory watch. I'm kinda tempted by it, but I don't really wear watches, other than my garmin to record training.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arctegg OP Man
over a year ago

grays

Thanks for the replies,

I’m really after a dress watch , I use a garmin for running and general )

I quite like the brown leather strap , blue faced designs -

I do own a ( handed down) very old Rolex watch which is very simple design but very elegant . Never worn it and I only wound it up last month , first time in about 40 years ! And it worked perfect .

£600-800 to service it though .. so I’m not going to wear thst to often .

Hardest thing is knowing what is the best you can get for around £1200

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arctegg OP Man
over a year ago

grays

"Take a look a Christopher Ward. British brand with Swiss movements. Designs are influenced by classics but with a twist. I have a Sealander C63 GMT - love it. Lots of micro brands out there nowadays. I bought an Omega (Diver 300 Professional) as a 50th bday pressie to myself as no bugger was ever going to buy one for me! Oh, and avoid homages. Good luck. "

Oh wow , these are awesome ! ??

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You can get some bargain watches from ebay. Gents getting divorced are normally getting rid. You can pick up some nice 1950s omega watches for under 2k sometimes.

Always wear your watches. I love to enjoy it, rather than keep them in a box.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *asycouple1971Couple
over a year ago

midlands

I have an Omega moon watch.

Was after a Rolex Air King but the wait is stupid.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *viatrixWoman
over a year ago

Redhill

I’m planning to get a Cartier watch in NYC this Thursday.

I am sorry for your loss. I too lost my mum recently. Been wanting to get a nice watch for a while. I’ve gone through different Fitbits, Garmins, and I will never really get an Apple Watch.

I’ll go for a simple Tank Must model. I’d love a vintage one but don’t have the patience to trawl through pages and pages… maybe in the future.

Enjoy your watch-hunting!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rMonkeyMan
over a year ago

Somewhere

At that price point there's a lot to choose from. Tissot and Hamilton have quality offerings.

Seiko do some very nice watches well below that price point. Can also pick up some vintage Omega in that range. As mentioned above CW watches are a decent piece.

If you like the Omega moon watch Bulova also do a Lunar Pilot watch, worn on Appollo 15, good price too.

If it were me I would go with a Longines from the Hydrononquest range. Great watches for the price.

I'd steer clear of Tag, shocking build quality.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

I have a really nice Tag Heuer McLaren Mercedes SLR watch.

Not the ordinary retail ones. The one they gave away with the original release of the car. Looks great but I rarely wear it as it doesn't match the Vauxhall I actually drive.

It's a copy obviously and cost me a whacking £20 in Turkey but its a bloody good copy and hasn't stopped ticking and still shows the right time after 7 years.

I'd be too shit scared to wear a genuine watch costing thousands so is perfect for me.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *obajxMan
over a year ago

Cheshire

Have a look at Raymond Weil. They can come with a relatively simple design, blue, black, silver or white face, and metal and leather straps

I picked up one which was a £900 retail, unused retirement present on ebay for £180

However, if it's an investment piece you're after, get your Rolex valued. You may want to pay for that service after speaking with a dealer

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *atriciayoiditTV/TS
over a year ago

hatfield

"So … I lost my mum last year and looking for something I can feel close to her by . I’ve only just started finding the beauty of watches.

But they feel like a minefield!

Patek Phillipe designs have caught my eye big time - but they are about 20k plus out my range lol..

Gucci - Tissot and Tudor entry level seem

My level ..

Any suggestions on this , or what to avoid etc ..

"
type in on yt.paul newmans rolex daytona...???

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arctegg OP Man
over a year ago

grays

"So … I lost my mum last year and looking for something I can feel close to her by . I’ve only just started finding the beauty of watches.

But they feel like a minefield!

Patek Phillipe designs have caught my eye big time - but they are about 20k plus out my range lol..

Gucci - Tissot and Tudor entry level seem

My level ..

Any suggestions on this , or what to avoid etc ..

type in on yt.paul newmans rolex daytona...???

17.8 million bargain

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Watches are a total minefield as I'm guessing your discovering.

Stripping and rebuilding watches has been a hobby of mine for quite a few years and if I was looking at a keepsake I'd avoid any of the fashion brands gucci etc

Choice is yours of course but like others I'd like to recommend a seiko

Personally I prefer the older ones but any seiko are brilliant in my opinion

The movements are second to none

And I'm currently wearing one that was new in 1971 and still keeping perfect time.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arctegg OP Man
over a year ago

grays

"As with all things, go with what you like, OP. You've got to wear it after all, no matter what.

But, and I'm no watch guru, I have always loved the vintage Omega Seamasters and Speedmasters. If not too cheesy, could always get one from the year your Mum was born?"

That would be a nice touch actually

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arctegg OP Man
over a year ago

grays

Funny enough I was avoiding these in jewellers as I naively thought these were cheap rubbish .. obviously after a month of studying a bit I realise I’m wrong .

Definitely right about fashion watches , sone look fantastic, but definitely avoid. I was told Gucci is Swiss made though ? This then puts them in a better position . However , they do come across as an ‘ obvious’ statement.

It is a minefield , but the more I look into it the more you learn and seem to appreciate. There’s no rush

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *anielpiercedMan
over a year ago

by the seaside

Can't go wrong with a nice Breitling

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arctegg OP Man
over a year ago

grays

I’m looking at the presage range. Stunning way he’s tbh

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I started with a Gucci and had the money aside to upgrade about a year ago but I love this watch so much and I just don’t want to change

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So … I lost my mum last year and looking for something I can feel close to her by . I’ve only just started finding the beauty of watches.

But they feel like a minefield!

Patek Phillipe designs have caught my eye big time - but they are about 20k plus out my range lol..

Gucci - Tissot and Tudor entry level seem

My level ..

Any suggestions on this , or what to avoid etc ..

You could try something vintage, maybe from the time she was born. I'm sure there must be some vintage rolex for a reasonable price.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Tissot.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ornucopiaMan
over a year ago

Bexley

...

Seiko do some very nice watches well below that price point.

...

Alfred Hitchcock's favourite!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *agneto.Man
over a year ago

Bham

If that's your budget, I'd advise a Christopher ward. I like the Tiffany dial they brought out recently.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

...

Seiko do some very nice watches well below that price point.

...

Actually, Citizen and Casio are a really safe Low budget watch that Won’t fail you.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *eroLondonMan
over a year ago

Mayfair

I would love to own a Gérald Genta watch.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ordo320Man
over a year ago

Gatwick

Patek’a are really difficult to get your hands on at the moment. Some of the Calatravas aren’t too bad though.

If you’re at this price point, have a look at

A Lange and sohne

Vacheron constantin, I like the patrimony. I think it’s really well proportioned, trying to save for one. Then justify it!

Audemars piguet make some really nice dress watches too.

Grand seiko make some fabulous watches for a lot less.

Another under the radar manufacturer is d dornblueth and sohn. I am sorely tempted to put my name down and get them to make me one to my own specifications. They’ll engrave the movement for you too so you can commemorate a moment of you wish. Something I’m really liking at the moment.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *2000ManMan
over a year ago

Worthing

I have a Lorus Sports. Subtle in design and classic.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ordo320Man
over a year ago

Gatwick

"Patek’a are really difficult to get your hands on at the moment. Some of the Calatravas aren’t too bad though.

If you’re at this price point, have a look at

A Lange and sohne

Vacheron constantin, I like the patrimony. I think it’s really well proportioned, trying to save for one. Then justify it!

Audemars piguet make some really nice dress watches too.

Grand seiko make some fabulous watches for a lot less.

Ps, I should also have said to look on Chrono24 for used prices. A lot of watches can depreciate heavily, others appreciate. But they can be difficult to buy new, hence the price rise second hand! Sometimes older vintage pieces make a lot of sense. Maybe something from your birth year, which is quite a common thing to do

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

Depending on your price range - second hand or a tax free zone you really don’t want to be paying 20% UK tax on valuables

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *elvet RopeMan
over a year ago

by the big field

Another shout out for Christopher Ward here. Been collecting watches for a fair few years and have had numerous CW's- currently own five of them. The Tridents on a bracelet are great as an all rounder as they look good with jeans or a suit.

The last 2-3 years they have also really upped their quality to the point that they're matching some of the long established Swiss names but at a lower price (as you buy direct from CW- so no AD markup to deal with). The standard 5 year guarantee and 60 day buy it or return it is also a bonus...the customer service is usually excellent.

If you like your British brands, i'd also recommend looking at Marloe. A lot less choice but some interesting and eye catching models, such as the Astro.

Someone mentioned the Grand Seiko's earlier. Another fine choice, but you'd be really lucky to find one new within your budget, but used ones tend to be very well cared for.

If you want a real classic dress watch and are happy to go for something used, the Cartier Tank is about as good as it gets and you can just about squeeze one in at that budget.

If none of the above appeal, you mentioned Tudor in your OP- can't go wrong with a Black Bay! quite a few of my watch head friends love theirs.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *icolerobbieCouple
over a year ago

walsall

"Depending on your price range - second hand or a tax free zone you really don’t want to be paying 20% UK tax on valuables "

Where are tax free zones?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ichaelsmyMan
over a year ago

douglas

"I agree that Patek Philippe are utterly perfect. No one has ever made a better simple men's watch than the Calatrava.

Depending on your budget, Longines and Rotary make beautiful, well-made watches for a few hundred down to around one hundred fir Rotary."

Roger w smith watches

Dr George daniels

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *elvet RopeMan
over a year ago

by the big field

"I agree that Patek Philippe are utterly perfect. No one has ever made a better simple men's watch than the Calatrava.

Depending on your budget, Longines and Rotary make beautiful, well-made watches for a few hundred down to around one hundred fir Rotary.

Roger w smith watches

Dr George daniels"

Not sure he’ll be rushing out for a Roger Smith, as his prices are usually north of half a million- if you can get on the list for the half dozen or so made each year

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rispyDuckMan
over a year ago

Chinese Takeaway near you

Stay away from fashion watches (Gucci, Boss etc) they are not proper watches.

Tissot, Seiko, Breitling, Tudor etc make great watches. Have a look at Watchfinder channel on YouTube

. Just got Studio Underd0g watch & it's a stunner

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Watches of Switzerland have a good selection of top makes on offer on their website, priced from reasonable up to big bucks..they also do them on finance if one you fancy is a little out of your price range. Whack down a decent deposit and pay off the balance over 2,3 or 4yrs..just a little option for you

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Bought a Tissot 5 years ago. Annoyingly it sporadically will lose time for about a week and then be ok again. Had it serviced and several manufacturer’s recommended batteries! But still the same..but looks and feels quality.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ornucopiaMan
over a year ago

Bexley

I don't regard any watch which uses batteries as a proper watch.

I like self winders. there's something romantic about knowing that if you were overcome by fever for several days on a desert island, you would no longer know the correct date and time!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *atriciayoiditTV/TS
over a year ago

hatfield

"So … I lost my mum last year and looking for something I can feel close to her by . I’ve only just started finding the beauty of watches.

But they feel like a minefield!

Patek Phillipe designs have caught my eye big time - but they are about 20k plus out my range lol..

Gucci - Tissot and Tudor entry level seem

My level ..

Any suggestions on this , or what to avoid etc ..

"
you only have one wrist...so dont get carried away...lol....like me..

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *elvet RopeMan
over a year ago

by the big field

"So … I lost my mum last year and looking for something I can feel close to her by . I’ve only just started finding the beauty of watches.

But they feel like a minefield!

Patek Phillipe designs have caught my eye big time - but they are about 20k plus out my range lol..

Gucci - Tissot and Tudor entry level seem

My level ..

Any suggestions on this , or what to avoid etc ..

you only have one wrist...so dont get carried away...lol....like me.."

I've got two...did you have an accident?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *imbo59seMan
over a year ago

North Norfolk area

I have an old Seiko (square) automatic that I bought for my father, don't wear it for sentimental reasons.

For day to day I wear a Seiko Kinetic, nice big watch, looks good.

My favourite is an Omega Flightmaster, same action as the Speedmaster moon watches, but a lot chunkier. Bought it as a reconditioned one over 40 years ago.....horrendously expensive to have serviced unfortunately

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Look at Rado watches.

Classic and classy.

Think it is a lovely wat to remember your Mum."

Rado are lovely

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

Nice watches are quite personal , I have a Rolex that was a gift for a deal I did from my old boss and a gold watch that was my fathers, but I wear a cheap Diesel , Armani or fitbit most the time!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

"I don't regard any watch which uses batteries as a proper watch.

I like self winders. there's something romantic about knowing that if you were overcome by fever for several days on a desert island, you would no longer know the correct date and time!"

Good watches self wind these days with motion or solar

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ormerWelshcouple2020Man
over a year ago

Stourbridge

Omega Chronograph professional watch

Beautifully under stated but real quality.

Bought mine as a present to me.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *spookie666Man
over a year ago

newmarket

I'm an Omega seamaster person, love it.

Would some day want to have a Grand Seiko and Richard Mille

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ustme2.0Man
over a year ago

scotch land

[Removed by poster at 06/05/23 12:29:55]

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

"I agree that Patek Philippe are utterly perfect. No one has ever made a better simple men's watch than the Calatrava.

Depending on your budget, Longines and Rotary make beautiful, well-made watches for a few hundred down to around one hundred fir Rotary."

I have a Rotary watch, I can recommend them.

It got a compliment the other day, a young lad working in Costa said that he liked it a lot.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *k98765Couple
over a year ago

birmingham

Go Tudor made by Rolex and are increasing in value so a good investment too, it will be my next 1

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rMonkeyMan
over a year ago

Somewhere

Did you buy a watch OP?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Highly recommend that you pick up a Tudor watch. I regret not making a purchase as the value has gone both retail and more so private sellers.

Do not buy designer watches. Value will depreciate overtime. You're most likely to make a loss from the get go.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ichaelsmyMan
over a year ago

douglas

when i buy a watch i look at and try on lots of them.

if it doesnt immediately take my eye i look elsewhere till i find one that does.

i dont go out looking for a particular style/shape etc.

just one that i like.

if you are not sure about the watch then you will always remain unsure

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A lot depends on your personal taste, but if you want some simple elegance, you should check out the 'Max Bill' watches by Junghans.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *athuilMan
over a year ago

up north

I do collector watches, started with Swatch way back in the 80s and now I’ve got about 50 different models, some low and some high end makes.

The best advice I’d give anyone is forget about the brand and just buy something you love. Look at pawn shops, resellers and not just the high street and you’ll find the one for you

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *olf4piggyCouple
over a year ago

leicester

I love my watches and I buy them from watchfinder where they sell 2nd great quality watches.

I personally think a unique watch rather than a popular one is best to think of your late mother. Something like a IWC pilot is great. You don’t see many of them about and a IWC is ?? and people who know their watches will compliment you. Take alook on watchfinder….

Good luck

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *aggonerMan
over a year ago

for a penny

"..i like vostok scuba dude.

will will take a lot of punishment and last."

Is that likely to remind him of his mum?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ddie1966Man
over a year ago

Paper Town Central, Essex.

Bulova make some awesome timepieces.

Gerrard make good 9ct Automatic watches. Watchmakers to the queen.

On the cheap every day side that are simply a classic, Boccia. British made titanium watches.

And last but not least limit. Excellent value.

My rules for watches is very simple.

Accurate.. light weight.. slim .. doesn't scream mug me (understated).. must be analogue.. waterproof to 100m (10atm)

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ddie1966Man
over a year ago

Paper Town Central, Essex.

Add to that list Doxa.

I have the Clive Cussler model but don't wear it often. It's more a statement time piece and a little bulky for me.

My Raymond Weil is my dress watch though. Super slim and doesn't snag on my cuffs.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ax19862002Man
over a year ago

Ayrshire

If spending decent money buy one you will wear watches are to be worn not kept in drawers in boxes

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *oubleswing2019Man
over a year ago

Colchester

My heartfelt consolation to the OP.

I'm a bit confused (ok, very confused) as to the relevance of a watch for remembering your late mother however. Were watches important to her ? Did she have a favourite watch, for example ?

If so, then would it possible to perhaps take the face of the watch and get it implanted in to a watch design you like (this is assuming her watch design is perhaps not suitable for your own aesthetic ?)

Whilst some might consider it sacrosanct to defile a treasured possession of hers, for me personally at least, if it was my mother, then every time I looked at the watch, it'd be a memory of her. I would ponder how many times she must have looked at it, like I do now, and in that moment, a "connection" to her is made, for she will be with me for all the time that I have left, at least.

I hope you find what you are looking for.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ornucopiaMan
over a year ago

Bexley

"Did you buy a watch OP? "

That was six weeks ago. No reply. Looks like the OP is lost in time!

Meanwhile, the thread ticks over, like a timeless watch...

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *icolerobbieCouple
over a year ago

walsall

"Did you buy a watch OP?

That was six weeks ago. No reply. Looks like the OP is lost in time!

Meanwhile, the thread ticks over, like a timeless watch..."

That hasn’t been wound….

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread