[tdaddie]

Hello hello, I am quite new to the complex world of watches and was hoping to get some help. I only own one piece at the moment and I'm pretty sure it falls under the fashion watch category. I thought I would ask all the experts here for some advice on acquiring a worthwhile timepiece. Although I am not well acquainted with the different brands in terms of quality, I do have a good idea of the type of watch I am looking for (I will try to narrow it down as much as possible… for better or for worse haha).

I am looking for a classic/dress watch; with leather straps; a simple watch face (preferably with a small second); something on the slimmer side; lastly… I was hoping to find something around $1000… but from what I’ve seen so far I don’t know how realistic that is.

I have included a few pictures for reference (most of these I think are more than double my budget range). Thanks in advance for your wisdom :001_smile:

 

[CometHunter]

Would you be open to suggestions on something Japanese such as Citizen, Seiko, or Orient?

Does it have to be mechanical? There are affordable dress quartz watches with a subdial second hand.

Does it have to already have a strap? Most bracelet bands can be removed and an after-market leather strap added later (some of us switch straps almost as often as we switch watches!)

Does it have to be brand new? You just might be able to afford one of those Nomos or Longines if you find a "previously enjoyed" example.

(I'm just trying to see if we can expand the parameters of your search for candidates. The closer we can come to what you're looking for, the happier you'll be with your purchase.)

 

[ulackfocus]

Here's my question: Does it have to be new?

If you don't mind a pre-owned watch, you can get the Nomos you've pictured pretty close to your price range. You can pick up a Zenith with a caliber from the 67x family too with a little more. These are both fantastic watches that will become heirlooms.

Better yet, you could go vintage. There will be plenty of options from Zenith, IWC, Longines, etc. IWC's watches with the caliber 88 and Longines' watches with the caliber 30L both have subdial seconds and classic looks. You should be able to find these in stainless steel for around your range. They're well respected companies and both are excellent movements. There are plenty of other brands to choose from too.

 

[OkeefenokeeJoe]

Here is a GREAT watch for the money. Dressy (but not too dressy) contemporary lines. A style that will garner plenty of attention and not get lost in the cookie-cutter style of most dress watches. $995!

Xetum Swiss automatic watches

OkeefenokeeJoe

 

[Cybotron]

This will be in your price range.

 

[ulackfocus]

This will be in your price range.

View attachment 31117

Winner! :thumbup1: We can all go home now.

 

[tdaddie]

Thank you gentlemen for all your help.

I don't necessarily have a preference in terms of brand, but being the newbie that I am... I think I have this affinity towards European watches over the Eastern ones. BUT I will try to keep an open mind to all suggestions haha. What are some staple / traditional names in the watch world?

Also, I don't have anything against preowned or vintage watches except for the fact that I wouldn't know where to start in terms of... reliable locations to purchase one, what types of vintage watches are worth buying, how to keep it well maintained. I felt like that is something I would get into later one if I do decide that watch collecting becomes a passion of mine?

I understand that there is prestige in owning a mechanical watch because it is such a complex piece of machinery... one thing I do really like about quartz watches is how accurately they keep time. What do you think? Is it just preference?

Cheers =]

 

[CometHunter]

What are some staple / traditional names in the watch world?

Check out our daily WRUW or Watch of the Day threads to get an idea. Also see what our sponsors are selling. That will also let you know what the hot items are.

I felt like that is something I would get into later on if I do decide that watch collecting becomes a passion of mine

A smart way to ease yourself into the hobby. Too much too soon can become overwhelming to the beginner!

I understand that there is prestige in owning a mechanical watch because it is such a complex piece of machinery...

I would prefer the term appreciation rather than prestige. We appreciate the mechanical engineering involved in making a watch run the way it does. And you can find prestige in owning a quartz watch like ultra-accurate Citizen Blue Angels Atomic Time Skyhawk, Omega Seamaster Pro quartz, or a Rolex Cellini, or for that matter any quartz movement housed in a solid 18k gold case.

 

[ulackfocus]

I understand that there is prestige in owning a mechanical watch because it is such a complex piece of machinery... one thing I do really like about quartz watches is how accurately they keep time. What do you think? Is it just preference?

Opinions will vary. Here's mine, worth every cent you paid for it: buy a mechanical instead of some battery powered assault on horology. Picasso could have used a camera, but would his work even be remembered if he did? A Smart Car will get you to & from work but is it drooled over like a Ferrari? Top notch mechanical watches represent a craft that puts an emphasis on form while still retaining function. If you only want a thing on your wrist that coldly measures time via a computer chip than buy quartz. Hey, it might even be snazzy looking.

 

[PaulSantori]

I agree with Dennis and would also recommend buying a manual wind or mechanical watch. While I don't fully understand all of the inner workings, I am amazed by them and enjoy a watch with a see through case back.

Once you have the first one you will be searching online for #2.

Paul