Watches

FelixLeiter ♀FelixLeiter ♀ Staffordshire or a pubPosts: 1,286MI6 Agent
I adore my watches and feel naked without one on my wrist. I was pretty young, 3 or 4, when I learnt to tell the time and have never been without one since. I can remember them all. Unfortunately most of them have, on reflection, been crap. :))
There was the waterproof one that wasn't quite waterproof. The one with glow in the dark hands which I found surprisingly useful, but the battery and strap conked out and it never worked again. The one that fell apart at the worst possible moments and was eventually more sellotape than watch. Then the last one - the first one I bought myself because I finally had money of my own. But I started having problems with the lock on the strap just after the guarantee ran out and now it won't lock at all. Since then I've been wearing a series of very cheap watches I've picked up over the years. :(

My dad's answer to my last watch was "well you can't really expect much from a cheap watch like that" Cheap?! It cost me £40! "yeah well that's cheap for a watch" and thinking about it, I've agreed it is.

So I want a first decent watch, a proper investment (erm, up to roughly £200) and as many people here seem to know a lot about Bond's watches at the very least, I was hoping for some advice and suggestions on how to go about it. Are there any brands that are particularly reliable, any that I should steer well clear of? Anything that will help this youth along the way to a lifetime of indulging in watches as much as budget allows.
I can't stand ladies watches as they are far too delicate and small for an every day watch, so I prefer a small-medium gents watch. I've stayed away from buckle straps for my past few watches but I think I'd like one so long as it had a decent leather strap. I tend towards either silver or neutral colours rather than gold, although I don't mind gold coloured detail. I'm don't want a digital watch so I'm not fussed for 'extras' - I don't need it to be waterproof, or have a stopwatch or alarm.

I'm not exactly after specific watches (although I'm open to the posts) and I'm trying to leave this open to anything appropriate really. :)

Finally, it would seem like a good idea if this topic could be used to discuss watches in general - good/bad experiences, personal preferences etc.

EDIT: just realised this is my 2000th post, and not a bland one either, if I do say so myself!
Relax darling, I'm on top of the situation -{

Comments

  • Mr MartiniMr Martini That nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,703MI6 Agent
    Take a look at this thread. Some nice watches in it:


    http://ajb007.co.uk/topic/38202/what-watch-do-you-wear/
    Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Hello Felixleiter007,

    just realized that you are not a bloke :D

    Watches very much depend on your personal taste. For the mentioned budget, you may get an automatic watch with a very basic ETA movement (mostly 2824) like a Steinhart or similar.

    Alternatively you can get a good quartz watch, which I'd prefer personally.
    My favourite in that price region would be Tissot, have a loook at their range if you like one. They offer excellent quality for the money.

    As for "I don't need a waterresistant watch": Usually the sentence finishes with "as I don't want to go diving with it".
    Usually people expect that the watch does not get damaged when being surprised by a rain shower or after washing their hands - and that means that a watch MUST be waterresistant! Period.

    To me, there is no compromising between tab water and a casual diving or snorkeling, everybody who differentiates here is walking on very thin ice.

    Don't go compromize - get a wr watch.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    i really like the stienhart Markus suggested to me for my next watch.

    unknown to markus, he'll be buying me it pretty soon and i can't wait to get it.
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
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  • gussguss South Wales, UKPosts: 195MI6 Agent
    I have a Stienhart watch and it's very good, being in the trade an selling all types of watches for the price they are brill.
  • gussguss South Wales, UKPosts: 195MI6 Agent
    Felix have a look at G.C. Watches they are good to a good Swiss watch or marbe a Hamilton.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    minigeff wrote:
    unknown to markus, he'll be buying me it pretty soon and i can't wait to get it.

    unknown to me, that your wrist grew to the size of a grownup (pun intended) so that you are able to wear such a watch with a minimum of grace :v
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • toutbruntoutbrun Washington, USAPosts: 1,501MI6 Agent
    The truth is that below 4000-5000 USD, there is no difference between the watches. They're all automatic ETA not even truly modified in a different case, branding and marketing.

    Buy anything you like under that price as long as you don't pay too much for it, because there is no difference between a 1000$ Longines and a 4000$ Breitling.

    If you want something special, welcome to Patek, Lange, Glashutte, and all the smaller boutique brands.

    Maybe a Grand Seiko or a NOMOS.

    This is the truth. I'm not saying it's fun to hear, but it's what the industry doesn't tell you. Don't pay too much for your watch, because it's no better than a 800$ Victorinox.
    If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
  • toutbruntoutbrun Washington, USAPosts: 1,501MI6 Agent
    Just buy the newest iPhone or Blackberry if you want to know the time.
    If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    toutbrun wrote:
    Just buy the newest iPhone or Blackberry if you want to know the time.

    Or look at a clock, ask someone, gawp at the sun, ring the talking clock, buy something and look at the receipt, go to a church, turn on the tv and wait for the 6 o'clock news to come on, or just draw a watch on your wrist with a sharpie - at least it'll be right twice a day.

    Or you could post a couple of daft posts on ajb and then see what it's says in the bit above your dreary comments. Works for me every time :p
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
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  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Tout,

    Could you please keep your silly advises on watches by yourself?

    Not knowing about watches is no problem for me, but talking this kind of undifferenciated crap again and again is an insult to everyone who knows a bit about the topic.

    You certainly don't 8-)
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    Bondtoys wrote:
    Tout,

    Could you please keep your silly advises on watches by yourself?

    Not knowing about watches is no problem for me, but talking this kind of undifferenciated crap again and again is an insult to everyone who knows a bit about the topic.

    You certainly don't 8-)

    +1
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
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  • FelixLeiter ♀FelixLeiter ♀ Staffordshire or a pubPosts: 1,286MI6 Agent
    Thanks to everyone for the advice so far - that other thread was really useful, so big thanks to Mr Martini for that.

    No phone will ever replace a watch, in fact I rarely think to use my phone for a clock.

    I've been having a look around online (as well as quite a bit of time drooling at Rolex's and Omega Seamaster's!). I'm going to keep looking and thinking about it for a bit of course, but I have spotted 2 that I've taken a bit of a fancy to. I wouldn't have expected to like the latter, what with being after a leather strap originally, but I actually love it as it is.

    t033_410_16_053_01-1.jpg

    4196452_max.jpg
    Relax darling, I'm on top of the situation -{
  • Lady RoseLady Rose London,UKPosts: 2,667MI6 Agent
    Tissot was my first 'proper'watch and I loved it. :)

    I personally prefer it to the Timex you posted.

    I completely agree with Bondtoys about getting water resistant ... really is a must

    Its also worth a look at Seiko and Citizen for your price range. They have some really nice models.
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    edited September 2012
    I generally find timex bracelets to be rattly.

    I have an accurist world time and it's a bloody fantastic watch. 2 alarms, a stopwatch and countdown timer, and they can all run at the same time. For the money it's quality.

    84A64D3B-CC5C-4E0E-AD75-13B8E1F25B50-7003-00000BA4D4587F5E.jpg
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
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  • Ens007Ens007 EnglandPosts: 863MI6 Agent
    +1 for Accurist ... had one as my first 'real' watch over 25 years ago (no Mickey Mouse to be seen!) and it lasted until last year. Definitely decent value for their money.
  • FelixLeiter ♀FelixLeiter ♀ Staffordshire or a pubPosts: 1,286MI6 Agent
    I found this Citizen one, haven't had time to look over Accurist yet.

    AO9000-06B.jpg
    Relax darling, I'm on top of the situation -{
  • Lady RoseLady Rose London,UKPosts: 2,667MI6 Agent
    I found this Citizen one ...

    I like that very much ... Very clean. Always been a fan of a white dial.
  • toutbruntoutbrun Washington, USAPosts: 1,501MI6 Agent
    Bondtoys wrote:
    Tout,

    Could you please keep your silly advises on watches by yourself?

    Not knowing about watches is no problem for me, but talking this kind of undifferenciated crap again and again is an insult to everyone who knows a bit about the topic.

    You certainly don't 8-)

    I'm sorry but what I said is true, ask anyone who knows mechanical watches. Below 4000-5000 USD it's ALL the same. There are no differences.
    If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    toutbrun wrote:
    Bondtoys wrote:
    Tout,

    Could you please keep your silly advises on watches by yourself?

    Not knowing about watches is no problem for me, but talking this kind of undifferenciated crap again and again is an insult to everyone who knows a bit about the topic.

    You certainly don't 8-)

    I'm sorry but what I said is true, ask anyone who knows mechanical watches. Below 4000-5000 USD it's ALL the same. There are no differences.

    utter bollox
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Tout, I have now reported your stupid post.
    What you say is silly and not correct. You keep on trolling this thread with your stupid advise, which does not help anyone.

    If you have something constructive to say, do it, but I'll not tolerate that you are spreading nonsense here when someone seeks advise.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    edited September 2012
    Now btt:

    FelixLeiter007. I really like the shown Tissot with the black dial and the Citizen with the white dial is also nice.

    Please let me throw in my all-time personal favourite in that price range (I am having one myself), but be warned, that watch is pretty large and thick - however a phantastic rigid sports watch. Seiko does it now for more than 30 years, the mechanical movement is durable and precise, the lume is phantastic, the watch is even used by professional divers. If you are asking me, that watch is far too cheap (is costs around US$ 200,--), it would go for double of that rate easily.

    seiko-divers-mens-rubber-band-skx007j1-skx007.jpg

    The watch is very Bond-ish, even the model number: SKX 007 :D
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • thesecretagentthesecretagent CornwallPosts: 2,151MI6 Agent
    toutbrun wrote:
    The truth is that below 4000-5000 USD, there is no difference between the watches. They're all automatic ETA not even truly modified in a different case, branding and marketing.

    Buy anything you like under that price as long as you don't pay too much for it, because there is no difference between a 1000$ Longines and a 4000$ Breitling.

    If you want something special, welcome to Patek, Lange, Glashutte, and all the smaller boutique brands.

    Maybe a Grand Seiko or a NOMOS.

    This is the truth. I'm not saying it's fun to hear, but it's what the industry doesn't tell you. Don't pay too much for your watch, because it's no better than a 800$ Victorinox.

    I'm no watch expert, and clearly you aren't either! :)) I'm sorry, but I've had a few watches ranging from £40 through to £3500 . And you really can the difference between a Timex and a Tissot. Longines at £800 feel totally different to an Omega at £2000, which in turn feels very different to a £3k Rolex. I'm flabbergasted that you would not be able to tell the difference!
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