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Official watch thread...... Do we have one? (1 Viewer)

Do you wear a watch?

  • Yes

    Votes: 73 60.3%
  • No

    Votes: 48 39.7%

  • Total voters
    121
Citizen, Seiko, Laco, Steinhart all have Type B Flieger variations in the $100-$600 range.  This Hamilton has a good solution to the stubby hour hand problem.

Some Aviators can get pretty big.  They tend to wear big as well because they lie flat on the wrist and the bezel is thin.  I couldn't pull off a 45mm case.  Much respect if you can. :thumbup:
I like this a lot but I’m not a fan of the “Hamilton” or the day/date markings otherwise I would have bought it already. 

 
I went to a watch store today to have a look around. Christ there are tons of options. 

I wanted to see how big a 40+mm watch felt on my wrist and it was not nearly as big as I perceived it would be given some comments in here. 

Pretty much greenlights me to buy that Stowa I have my heart set on.

The collection begins...... :bowtie:
i'm a budget watch guy in my heart. there are some fun options out there if you are, again, trying to have fun and not spend a fortune. for example, Todd Snyder is doing a re-issue of some classic Timex pieces like Marlin which is a mechanical. Timex isn't a name, I know, but it's a solid re-issue of a classic that is a beauty. Ir's solid value, imo, if you're looking for an everyday piece for the new job. Orient is chock full of nice pieces, too, that are well built and handsome. Like the Bambino version with the small seconds hand. 

when i want to go down the rabbit hole for a bit, i visit the Worn & Wound site. it's horological fap session for me.

 
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$1500 is kinda no mans land, imo. 

Either save a few dollars and find a quality piece for a few hundred, or up the budget $1k-$1500 and start looking at Omega/Tudor.

A Tudor Black Bay 41 could satisfy your Air King hankering.

One thing I have come to the realization is, if you want something, better to save for what you really want than settle. You’ll be happy for a little while, but you’ll still want what you originally wanted - at least from my experience.
I might br able to move it up to $2500-$3000. 

 
$1500 is kinda no mans land, imo. 

Either save a few dollars and find a quality piece for a few hundred, or up the budget $1k-$1500 and start looking at Omega/Tudor.

A Tudor Black Bay 41 could satisfy your Air King hankering.

One thing I have come to the realization is, if you want something, better to save for what you really want than settle. You’ll be happy for a little while, but you’ll still want what you originally wanted - at least from my experience.
I might be able to move it up to $2500-$3000. 

 
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I've read this thread on and off for a while.   I've wanted a vintage dress watch for some time, but haven't pulled the trigger.   I've got my eye on a black JLC Futurematic.   Someday I'll treat myself.  In the meantime, I got this Tissot.   

 
I like the carrera, but prefer the leather bands on it.
I think the shark move is to always buy with a bracelet.  You can swap it out for a strap if you like.  Buying a branded bracelet separately is expensive and is rarely discounted as much as the original watch purchase.

A mint condition bracelet also helps resale value if you ever want to flip your watch.

 
Where are you guys buying your watches from?
Depends really. Long Island Watches is good customer service and decent prices for most watches. Specialty brands, maybe, I go to Watchbuys.com . They do a roadshow every year and show off their collection for prospective buyers. Lots of exclusives come with them like Sinn, Nomos and a few other German brands. Really nice, respectable crew.

 
I bought most of mine used from various Internet watch nerd forums, some from Asian eBay dealers.  Never any from a brick and mortar jeweler.
Reddit is good for that too. Watchrecon is a good site for searching.

I will say that there is something about trying the watches on before buying that I appreciate. You never really know how something feels or fits until it's on the wrist. It can have the same specs as something similar you have but it can feel different once worn.

 
I will say that there is something about trying the watches on before buying that I appreciate. You never really know how something feels or fits until it's on the wrist. It can have the same specs as something similar you have but it can feel different once worn.
i agree.  i want to know how the size fits my wrist, and it's weight.

i have gotten a swiss army in zurich, a tag in interlaken, and a tag in lucerne

 
I'm not a fan of the jewelry store experience.  The whole drama is based on the false premise that I'm going to spend a grand on a watch while killing time waiting for Mrs Eephus to shop for shoes.  I know that and any smart salesman should know it as well.  Besides, watches never look quite the same in the wild compared to the bright lights of a jeweler's case.

Watch browsing is still one of the best ways to kill 20 minutes on an international layover.

 
i don't really need a dive watch as I'm pretty landlocked here in Chicago. that said, i'm a fan of the style and digging these Squale ones. Very tempting.

 
Well, that was disappointing.  Got my Tissot Visodate today.  Very nice looking.  Doesn't work.   Sending it back.  

 
I've read this thread on and off for a while.   I've wanted a vintage dress watch for some time, but haven't pulled the trigger.   I've got my eye on a black JLC Futurematic.   Someday I'll treat myself.  In the meantime, I got this Tissot.   


Well, that was disappointing.  Got my Tissot Visodate today.  Very nice looking.  Doesn't work.   Sending it back.  
ah crap.  i like the style you ordered.

wife and I got her a tissot 20 years ago in Switzerland and it is still one of her favorites.

 
ah crap.  i like the style you ordered.

wife and I got her a tissot 20 years ago in Switzerland and it is still one of her favorites.
They're going to replace it.  It's very fast shipping and free returns.  Customer service from both Jomashop and Tissot was very responsive.   Neither seemed all that surprised that I received a broken watch, which is a little disconcerting.

 
They're going to replace it.  It's very fast shipping and free returns.  Customer service from both Jomashop and Tissot was very responsive.   Neither seemed all that surprised that I received a broken watch, which is a little disconcerting.
I wouldn't look too far into that.   I work in the jewelry and watch industry and the reasons why manufacturers and dealers offer warranties is because they know that there is always a rate of error even with really good quality control.   I've seen brand new watches from Hublot, AP, Rolex and pretty much every high end brand that you can think of--that legit were not working while still wrapped in factory plastic.   A new watch not working is not like a one in a million occurrence where the person that sold you the watch or the manufacturer are going to "act surprised" or "fight you on it".  They are going to tell you to bring it (or send it in your case) back so that they can make things right for you.   I personally own a few Tissot watches and my experience with them has been very positive.   

 
Where are you guys buying your watches from?
The answer to this question will vary based on the type of buyer/collector you are.  If you are an experienced collector and know what you are looking for--and really know the ins and out of the product that you are looking to buy--taking a risk and buying from the internet might be a good option. Most experienced collectors have a trusted watchmaker that they know that they can use to authenticate/quality control/verify any concerns that they might have buying a watch online.    For a novice collector---or for somebody just getting their feet wet that don't know exactly what they want--I absolutely do think that brick and mortar shopping makes better sense.  If you buy a watch at a local brick and mortar store--you are not only buying the watch--for the most part--you are also buying into a customer service experience.  For example--if somebody buys a high end watch from our shop--I will clean and ultrasonic the bracelet of the watch for them at no charge for the lifetime of their ownership of the watch.   If they ever need the bracelet adjusted (if they need me to add their links back or or take more out.etc)--I don't charge for that. I also give customers discounts for servicing/batteries/pressure tests/water resistance maintenance on watches that have been purchased for us.  So yes--while maybe purchasing brick and mortar might cost somebody a little more upfront--by the time you value the customer service you are receiving over your lifetime--it probably saves you money.  Keep in mind--if you buy a pre-owned watch from a collector online--or from ebay--you are getting zero customer service with that purchase.   Customer service does carry some value to many.  

 
So I am seeing a pre-owned Rolex Explorer II with the white face for around $6k. It says it is from the 2000s. It looks identical from the photos to this year’s model, albeit it is 40mm rather than 42mm. Good deal?

 
So I am seeing a pre-owned Rolex Explorer II with the white face for around $6k. It says it is from the 2000s. It looks identical from the photos to this year’s model, albeit it is 40mm rather than 42mm. Good deal?
you looking to actually wear it or simply an investment?

 
The answer to this question will vary based on the type of buyer/collector you are.  If you are an experienced collector and know what you are looking for--and really know the ins and out of the product that you are looking to buy--taking a risk and buying from the internet might be a good option. Most experienced collectors have a trusted watchmaker that they know that they can use to authenticate/quality control/verify any concerns that they might have buying a watch online.    For a novice collector---or for somebody just getting their feet wet that don't know exactly what they want--I absolutely do think that brick and mortar shopping makes better sense.  If you buy a watch at a local brick and mortar store--you are not only buying the watch--for the most part--you are also buying into a customer service experience.  For example--if somebody buys a high end watch from our shop--I will clean and ultrasonic the bracelet of the watch for them at no charge for the lifetime of their ownership of the watch.   If they ever need the bracelet adjusted (if they need me to add their links back or or take more out.etc)--I don't charge for that. I also give customers discounts for servicing/batteries/pressure tests/water resistance maintenance on watches that have been purchased for us.  So yes--while maybe purchasing brick and mortar might cost somebody a little more upfront--by the time you value the customer service you are receiving over your lifetime--it probably saves you money.  Keep in mind--if you buy a pre-owned watch from a collector online--or from ebay--you are getting zero customer service with that purchase.   Customer service does carry some value to many.  
Thank you for your continued input in this thread. Where are you located? Good and fair customer service like you provide shows that you honestly care and that you are trustworthy. 

Invaluable service, IMO.

 
So I am seeing a pre-owned Rolex Explorer II with the white face for around $6k. It says it is from the 2000s. It looks identical from the photos to this year’s model, albeit it is 40mm rather than 42mm. Good deal?
From where? Is the model number 5 digits or 6 digits? 

Can you post the link and I'll give you some feedback?

 
So a few things, first and foremost, you can find a great condition and still under Rolex 5 year warranty upgraded 6 digit model (216570) with a little time and effort for close to that (low, maybe mid $6's). 

The 16570 was produced since like 1990 IIRC, so the model you're getting might be close to 30 years old. Do you know what letter is in the serial number? This will better help know production year of the watch. Is the rehaut engraved? If not, then you know it is at least 12-14 years old. Example here, it says Rolex all around on the inside of the watch and the serial number is on the inside at 6 o'clock. 

 
So a few things, first and foremost, you can find a great condition and still under Rolex 5 year warranty upgraded 6 digit model (216570) with a little time and effort for close to that (low, maybe mid $6's). 

The 16570 was produced since like 1990 IIRC, so the model you're getting might be close to 30 years old. Do you know what letter is in the serial number? This will better help know production year of the watch. Is the rehaut engraved? If not, then you know it is at least 12-14 years old. Example here, it says Rolex all around on the inside of the watch and the serial number is on the inside at 6 o'clock. 
So that probably isn’t a great price. I am a newb here just looking for a nice watch to wear and eventually pass down. I really don’t want to spend more than $5k, but I really like the Explorer II with the white face, so would payup a bit if it was a good deal. 

🧭 

 
For a 30 year old watch, you probably should factor in the cost of a servicing into what you're going to pay. 

It's a classic design; more attractive IMO than the ubiquitous Subs and Datejusts.

 
Thank you for your continued input in this thread. Where are you located? Good and fair customer service like you provide shows that you honestly care and that you are trustworthy. 

Invaluable service, IMO.
Thank you for the kind words.   I'm glad that you find my jewelry/watch posts helpful.  The world of jewelry/watches can be very intimidating for a lot of people so I like to take some of that fear out through educating consumers and being as helpful as possible.  The shop that I manage is in the Orange County area in Southern California. I prefer not to be any more specific than that as I don't want to come across as pimping my business on somebody else's platform. However--if anybody has any specific jewelry/watch questions or concerns -feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to help.  

 
For a 30 year old watch, you probably should factor in the cost of a servicing into what you're going to pay. 

It's a classic design; more attractive IMO than the ubiquitous Subs and Datejusts.
How much does servicing old pieces cost? Looking into getting an birth year Rolex ('85), but if it's not recommend could get a little younger.

 
How much does servicing old pieces cost? Looking into getting an birth year Rolex ('85), but if it's not recommend could get a little younger.
Depends on the model, but you don't want to cut corners here. Ballpark probably $700-$1,200. For a simple watch like a DJ or Sub, prob on the lower end. The more complications, the higher the price. 

 
So that probably isn’t a great price. I am a newb here just looking for a nice watch to wear and eventually pass down. I really don’t want to spend more than $5k, but I really like the Explorer II with the white face, so would payup a bit if it was a good deal. 

🧭 
I buy and sell fairly frequently as I grow tired of things quickly, it's a problem. Nonetheless, I'm good at spotting deals and always have my eyes open - I'll shoot you a PM should a nicely priced white Explorer II cross my path. 

 
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