[jibaholic101]

oh, and be sure OP to get an automatic. you will hate life if you dont

[S_M]

Originally Posted by L8Apex

True, just making a point about German build quality. I don't buy the whole Swiss only policy when buying a great watch. Although, I have inherited one- Patek Officers Watch..Very nice but damn expensive. Honestly the U1 is on my wrist majority of the time over the past 3 years and it is by far the most overbuilt watch on the market for the money and I love it. I own 2 more Germans and 1 Italian all north of $5k

For the $1500-2k market Sinn should be on the list. No?

I won't say their not built like tanks, and the German quality is there on the outside, but inside of them is a base Swiss ETA 2824 or 7750, which falls short of a Breitling B13 or an Omega 2500 or the like...

Either way, I like Sinn's and for the price its a great watch, I know I'd love a U1 PVD.

[hl0m4n]

the oris skeleton catches my eye the most:

i like a big thick style watch like 42mm+ perhaps, automatic, see through on other side and possibly front as well like the skeleton. as far as dials nothing too fany as long as it looks clean. strap a good looking leather or silver one will do.

any suggestions based on my new criteria?

[L8Apex]

Originally Posted by reallyslow

I won't say their not built like tanks, and the German quality is there on the outside, but inside of them is a base Swiss ETA 2824 or 7750, which falls short of a Breitling B13 or an Omega 2500 or the like...

Either way, I like Sinn's and for the price its a great watch, I know I'd love a U1 PVD.

I thought the B13 is the Valjoux 7750 which can be found in the Sinn 903. +1 on the PVD.

[Searcher821]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

Another thing great (for you) about Breitling is, they have HORRIBLE resale value and if you buy used, is beneficial to your side.

A Navitimer for instance will keep its value better than most.
But you're right about their newer models (SuperOcean, Aerospace etc) won't keep value to the same extent.

Reason I say go Swiss is that they generally keep their value.

The Rolex Sub 14060 I bought second hand, sold for the same as I paid for it a couple of yrs later, so in fact it cost me nothing to own

[S_M]

Originally Posted by L8Apex

I thought the B13 is the Valjoux 7750 which can be found in the Sinn 903. +1 on the PVD.

The 7750 is the base movement but its modified by Breitling to COSC standards and beefed up alot.

OP - If you want a display back that knocks out alot of choices. In that price range with a display back I'd say Ebel 1911, any Oris, a Tag Carrera, or a Sinn 903

[zke36]

omega

[JCtx]

Hey guys, not a watch guy either, but want to buy one for those occasions where pulling out your cell phone just doesn't cut it . First and last watch I bought was a Movado, over 20 years ago. It's been in my closet for over a decade. Don't like to wear any jewelry or watches. Plus that watch pulls my hairs, so will have to be a leather strap (although I like bracelet better ).

I'm on the OPs boat, hence jumping on this thread, but have questions on movement:

-How long does an automatic keeps time after use? I'd use it rarely. How less reliable is an automatic than a quartz (excluding hits, which shouldn't be an issue)? I don't want a nice watch to get scratched with battery replacement, so I guess it's better to put up with having to set the time constantly on an automatic than a quartz, right? And an automatic is always nicer for a mechanical freak, I guess . But I rather change a battery than the watch giving me trouble. I understand maybe you need to spend more for a nice automatic movement, in which case a quartz movement would do fine.

I liked that Oris Skeleton. Seems to fit my small wrist, has a leather strap that won't pull my hairs, and it's relatively cheap and classy. I could afford a more expensive one, but I have nobody to impress. Plus I'm going to buy it mostly as a necessity, rather than self indulgence (I bought my M3 for that ). Comments welcome. Thanks gang.

[xtac]

I want the equivalent of the M sport 335i coupe symbolizes watch for 4k, which watch do I buy?

[chungdae]

Originally Posted by xtac

I want the equivalent of the M sport 335i coupe symbolizes watch for 4k, which watch do I buy?

Rolex Submariner.

[addy85]

Movado son

[mpimping]

Originally Posted by xtac

I want the equivalent of the M sport 335i coupe symbolizes watch for 4k, which watch do I buy?

cartier,rolex or pan..

[jordanm3]

You can find a quality used IWC for about $3000-3500 (entry-level)....Aquatimer or Pilot's chrono. Far better build quality and resale value than any TAG or Breitling. I have owned 7 or 8 over the past few years and they are solid, wonderful pieces. Even have a Big Pilot coming next week.

Timezone.com is probably the best watch site on the web. Lots of great people and information.

[Wonka]

To the OP, consider Omega Seamaster. I really don't have a good opinion on trying to find a used version of the suggestion I make below.

Originally Posted by xtac

I want the equivalent of the M sport 335i coupe symbolizes watch for 4k, which watch do I buy?

If you can find a blue-faced Tag Heuer Monaco (not the limited-to-1000 "Heuer Monaco" but the version labeled "Tag Heuer"), consider it. It was inspired by the watch worn by Steve McQueen in "Le Mans". After searching for a few months, I was lucky to find one at a local Littman Jewelers. Barring any significant damage, it'll be my life's watch.

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by san~man

My seamaster, new, was well within your budget range

Must have been a long time ago. A new Seamaster is way more than $2K.

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

Another thing great (for you) about Breitling is, they have HORRIBLE resale value and if you buy used, is beneficial to your side.

IMO, Breitling is the ultimate in bad taste. They are are so huge and gaudy...kinda like the Hummer H2 of watches.

[BSME90]

Originally Posted by Ti335

IMO, Breitling is the ultimate in bad taste. They are are so huge and gaudy...kinda like the Hummer H2 of watches.

+1. I hate Breitlings, it's a watch that screams "HEY! YOU!! LOOK HOW IMPRESSIVE I AM WITH THIS WATCH!!"

I have a Tudor Prince Hydronaut and I love it. Nice and simple is where it's at.

[san~man]

Originally Posted by Ti335

Must have been a long time ago. A new Seamaster is way more than $2K.

hmm, it was back in '01 when I bought it. If it's not within the OP's price range, I apologize as I haven't had any reason to check the new prices

[RonJon]

Originally Posted by AtoB

Baume & Mercier Capeland Chrono, the older design, can find them still on ebay.
bought mine used 1/3 the retail... no issues. well made, heavy watch.

I second the Baume & Mercier

I love my Maurice Lacroix

[Georgeair]

The more I have looked at watches the last year, the more I keep liking ones made by German shops, usually with Swiss components. Many on the Watchbuys link earlier, and one of the greatest bargains out there (plus you won't look like the me-too-ers with Pan.) is Chronoswiss. A HUGE range of choices and price, but a couple very nice ones available near the top of your range if you look hard enough. Of course, you can spend $20-$50K too.....

[xtac]

Originally Posted by chungdae

Rolex Submariner.

Cool, will check

Originally Posted by mpimping

cartier,rolex or pan..

Which models?

Originally Posted by Wonka

To the OP, consider Omega Seamaster. I really don't have a good opinion on trying to find a used version of the suggestion I make below.



If you can find a blue-faced Tag Heuer Monaco (not the limited-to-1000 "Heuer Monaco" but the version labeled "Tag Heuer"), consider it. It was inspired by the watch worn by Steve McQueen in "Le Mans". After searching for a few months, I was lucky to find one at a local Littman Jewelers. Barring any significant damage, it'll be my life's watch.

Looks very nice, don't like blue tho, I mean how many things can you match with this, or does noone even care about matching anymore?

[ZJP]

TAG and Oris