FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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GoldenIP, why don't you share with the class, turn this trainwreck into the watch faq or something like that.

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Okay guys, this is a cross post from another BBV post "I bought myself something!!!"

It seems like every once in a while the topic of watches comes up. I'm a bit of watch enthusiast and based on a post I made in the aforementioned thread, a few people have been in touch and asked me to start up a FAQ type thread on the subject. Most people sound like they want to learn something and one slated me for not contributing very well.

So, here it is. My contribution. Feel free to ask me anything about watches. I do work but I will do my best to respond to all sensible questions.

Let's hear it...

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

what would u rather buy, a Movado or Monte Blanc? plz give reasons. (bankroll doesnt matter, and plz show pics of a watch u wud pic from each company)

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

Are Rolexes worth the money from a horological perspective?

From a baller perspective?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

was looking at buying my parents watches for xmas. dont want to spend over $5k combined. any suggestions?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

Is it possible to get the look of a luxury watch for less than a 1000? FWIW i like the look of breitlings. Big face, without a thick bezel. Like this:

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/...113024239_.jpg

Is it possible to get good deals on ebay, or are you going to pay retail? Best places to buy online?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

How would you rank Rotary's range?

How many watches do you own?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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what would u rather buy, a Movado or Monte Blanc? plz give reasons. (bankroll doesnt matter, and plz show pics of a watch u wud pic from each company)

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First thing - if "bankroll doesn't matter," you wouldn't catch me buying either watch I'm afraid. But, in the spirit of the question, I will answer accordingly.

My personal style and preference leans heavily towards the watches of Mont Blanc over Movado. In fact, looking through the Movado site, there isn't a single watch that I like particularly.

What you've all got to remember, and I told someone this in a PM, a watch is the single accessory you will wear the most throughout your life other than maybe a wedding band. Personally, I think you should put a lot of thought into the type of watch you wear. A watch says a lot about a guy/girl. I find Movado delicate un-masculine watches.

FYI I don't know how to put an image in a post so I'm going to have to give links until someone helps me out [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Here is the link to the Mont Blanc I'd get:

http://www.montblanc.com/products/gm...atic.36065.php

It's a classic looking yet modern timepiece. The arms/hands are slightly unusual and the black wrist band and silver make it a versatile watch. You can wear it with just about anything.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

Zenith or Breitling?

Quality and resale

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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Are Rolexes worth the money from a horological perspective?

From a baller perspective?

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LOL. Some of the more subtle less ostentatious Rolex's are pretty good buys but any of their watches that includes jewel's is purely for ballering.

I steer clear of Rolex's just because so many people have them.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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was looking at buying my parents watches for xmas. dont want to spend over $5k combined. any suggestions?

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jfish - I'm going to have to get back to this one later. It's a good question and demands some good research. I won't forget. Let me just handle the quicker easier questions first.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

given no bankroll questions, give us ur top 3 watches and why. pics included plz (or links cuz u cant post em). (ps...i almost bought that same Monte Blanc last time i went watch shoppin...good choice. tho ima silver band kind of guy myself...my wrist is too small for leather and a big face like MBs)

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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Is it possible to get the look of a luxury watch for less than a 1000? FWIW i like the look of breitlings. Big face, without a thick bezel. Like this:

Is it possible to get good deals on ebay, or are you going to pay retail? Best places to buy online?

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I guess it depends on how you define luxury. Remember, luxury isn't necessarily a blingin' watch that you can see from space. But to answer your question, yes, I think there are certainly some good watches for under a $1k.

I actually own a breitling myself and to get a watch that is similar to the one you included maybe tough for under 1k.

I'm not a real big eBayer so I wouldn't know.

Best places online?

I haven't bought a watch online before but even so, I think your best bet is visiting the watchmaker's website first and then googling the watch and see what you come up with.

However, I will look into that further. I can find out where are good places for the US (as I'm from the UK).

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

I'm actually in Ireland, so sites that deliver internationally would be a huge plus. And i'm not particularly a flashy watch guy myself, i'm looking for something classy.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

I just got a kickin rad kinetic Seiko watch. Got a great price at a local store. Watches are pretty.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

OP,

My friend has a relative that is a watchmaker/jeweler/something. He got a watch that doesn't have a second hand, but instead has a second watch-face that moves every second. The underlying face is white (or black) and the overlying is black (or white). So, if the two are aligned, the face is totally white or totally black. As the first second ticks by, there's a sliver of black (or white). That sliver expands so the face is progressively more white, until enough seconds have ticked by that the face is all black (or white).

How baller is this watch? Here's some MS Paint to help.

The basic setup:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7...emplatent9.png

When its all black (or white):
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9...llblackcl6.png

The next tick:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5...tickoneyj1.png

The tick after that:
http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/3...ticktwoaw0.png

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

What time is it?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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What time is it?

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time to get a new watch

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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What time is it?

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time to unpimp the auto?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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How would you rank Rotary's range?

How many watches do you own? 5

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Personally, I'd say spend more time saving than going out to buy a Rotary. Rotary are a good cheap watch. It's as simple as that. They tell the time...blah

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Zenith or Breitling?

Quality and resale

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Breitling - Don't even have to think about that. Breitling is my primary everyday watch.

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give us ur top 3 watches and why

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Top 3 watchmakers that you'll be able to find in a decent amount of stores:

1) IWC (IMO best watchmaker in the world)
2) Breitling
3) and probably Tag Heuer

There are tonnes of other good watches such as A. Lange & Sohne, Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, Rolex etc but 1) and 2) just make damn good watches and 3) is just affordable for the masses.

Here are the watches on my current wish list:

IWC
https://www.iwc.com/collection/_img/...3717_001_m.jpg

https://www.iwc.com/collection/_img/...3723_001_m.jpg

Breitling
1)
http://breitling.com/en/models/navit...imer_heritage/

Tag Heuer
1)
http://www.tagheuer.com/watchredirec...=CV2010.BA0786

There's a few more but that's enough for now. Why?

IWC are simply the best and I really like 1). 2) is just kinda fun but a great quality watch at the same time.

The Tag (Carrera) - Tag just got it right with this watch despite it's popularity, I just like it.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

[ QUOTE ]
OP,

My friend has a relative that is a watchmaker/jeweler/something. He got a watch that doesn't have a second hand, but instead has a second watch-face that moves every second. The underlying face is white (or black) and the overlying is black (or white). So, if the two are aligned, the face is totally white or totally black. As the first second ticks by, there's a sliver of black (or white). That sliver expands so the face is progressively more white, until enough seconds have ticked by that the face is all black (or white).

How baller is this watch? Here's some MS Paint to help.

[/ QUOTE ]

definitely interesting haha

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

I'll be back later guys. Leave a question and I'll respond as soon as I can.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

you like?

http://www.amazon.com/Gianni-Versace-ULQ...8&s=jewelry

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

Thanks for this sweet thread.

2 questions:

Panerai: timeless classics or played out?

What do you feel about "exhibition" watches with all or part of the face serving as a window to the movement?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

I recently inherited an Omega Constellation 18k? Do I wear it or sell it for something more ballah

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

I got a similar watch to this. It features Mao Zedong and the face goes from black to grey, it's cool.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

What do you think about Cartier?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

got a picture or where you got it? i'd sport a mao watch in a heartbeat

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

What is a tachymetre for?

Also what do you think of:

Planet Ocean

Apnea

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

The Tag Carrera really is the sexiest thing on earth, isn't it?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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got a picture or where you got it? i'd sport a mao watch in a heartbeat

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I got it from my uncle from China [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I will post pictures when I've woken up, it's 3 AM. The battery has ran out on the watch though :/

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

nice thread so far...
I'm planning on buying a relatively nice watch in the range of $200-$300. The other OOT threads seemed to recommend Nixon..
so, do you know anything about Nixon watches?
Do you have any recommendations for my price range?
I'm leaning towards this one as of now http://image.nixonnow.com/image/prod...er-ss-hero.jpg ... thoughts?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

What brand do you feel is best quality overall? Patek?

What size is appropriate for wearing w/ button shirt/in non very dressy work setting? Casual? Combo? I just bought new watch and debated between 38.0 vs. 40.5, but chose 40.5, will mainly be used casually but also plan on wearing to work when I start.

What do you think of Oris? I am currently switching my Sub for http://www.oris.ch/english/watches_new/artelier/artelier_complication.htm. Thoughts?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

didn't read the thread cuz i don't wear wrist watches, but do you know anything about pocket watches? not necessarily for black tie super fancy, but nice watches that can be worn casually....

thanks...

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

OP,

I'm looking for a watch around $300, preferably blue, analog, and with roman numerals. I like compact designs and hate huge watches. I don't want a gold bracelet (or whatever it's calleD). Suggestions?

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

Doesn't this belong in OTT? The two fourms should be merged since there is no distinction anymore. BBV used to be the best [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

I also don't like the look of most of Movado's watches. I do like the new Series 800 Chronograph though, I just don't know if it's worth $1,400.

http://www.series800.com/

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

jfish,
i would seriously look at Tag's for your parents. you could easily by 2 watches for under 5k. i own a Tag professional auomatic, which is around 2k. its a great looking watch at an affordable price. go to ebay to take a look at them, although i don't recommend buying it there

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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Zenith or Breitling?

Quality and resale

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breitling hasn't made an in house movement since the 50s. quality is good on any 3rd party movement since they're so generic and ubiquitous.. too bad it's a watch with no soul. breitling had brand recognition amongst the public.

zenith movements are in-house and fantastic. the el-primero was the last 3rd party movement used by rolex in the prior generation daytona (the entire rolex line is now 100% in house). 99% of people who ask you what type of watch you're wearing won't know what zenith is though (if you care about that).

resale sucks on both really (if you're paying retail).. ps. never pay retail.. check timezone.com's used ads to get an idea of what kinda depreciation hit you're gonna get stuck with.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

I just bought a black watch from Relic that looks pretty nice. It also tells time. It was $40. I am unballer.

Re: FAQ on WATCHES (x-post from \"I bought myself something\")
 

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you like?

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Versace are in the business for making clothes, not watches.

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Panerai: timeless classics or played out?

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I like them.

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I recently inherited an Omega Constellation 18k? Do I wear it or sell it for something more ballah

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The constellation is certainly a classic but I don't like the design personally. It really depends on what this watch means to you? What is the sentimental value? If it's not high then get a valuation on it from 2 or 3 different jeweler/watch shops. That's a tough one to answer...

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What do you think about Cartier?

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I think very little personally. A watch made my Cartier is jewelry, not a timepiece.

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What is a tachymetre for?

Also what do you think of:

Planet Ocean

Apnea

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A tachymetre is a scale on the dial or bezel of a chronograph that may be used to measure the speed of a moving object. It can take a value determined in less than a minute and convert it into mph. It's a bit complicated really but look it up on line for a proper explanation.

I like the planet ocean better than the apnea. They may have it as an option but I'd like to see the Planet Ocean in a sharkskin or hard rubber band.

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The Tag Carrera really is the sexiest thing on earth, isn't it?

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Yes, it's a well made good looking watch.

***************
Shermanesh - I'm afraid I don't know too much about Nixon but if that watch is within your pricerange, it looks like a good pick. Just find out out the movement works, "what makes it tick", power source etc.

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What brand do you feel is best quality overall?

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As stated in a previous post, I think IWC make the finest watches money can buy. Some would argue Patek but IWC is more affordable and, I think, better looking.

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What size is appropriate for wearing w/ button shirt/in non very dressy work setting? Casual? Combo?

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The shirt shouldn't dictate the watch to an extent. I've always like versatile watches - watches you can wear 24/7. I've always believed a watch should go largely unnoticed so you'll never see me blingin' it with a watch unless it's something like the Breitling for Bentley watch. Back to the shirt - always make sure that when you do up the double/single cuff shirt that it fits over the watch and conceals it. A really good shirtmaker will make different sized cuffs depending on what wrist you wear your watch.

If you want everyday ultra casual, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a lot of Tag's. If you can spend a little more money then obviously Breitling/IWC/Omega/Rolex are other good watches that aren't ostentatious generally speaking.

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What do you think of Oris? I am currently switching my Sub for http://www.oris.ch/english/watches_n...plication.htm. Thoughts?

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I'm very familiar with Oris but I'm not a world of knowledge on them. That link shows what looks like a good series. My preference is the black strap/silver watch.

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do you know anything about pocket watches?

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I'm afraid not [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I'll get to more questions in a bit...