OT: Watches for $3k-$5k

[fastlax16]

Another off topic thread for the all knowing board. My fiancee is probably getting me a watch as a wedding gift and it appears that the Green Rolex Sub I lust after will not be happening (which is fine). I've got a couple of Tags (Titanium Aquaracer, Silver Aquaracer and an old red formula one) so I'm not looking for another.

Any suggestions on where to look in the 3-5 grand range? I've looked at some "cheaper" omegas that would look great with a nato strap, but outside of that I haven't really seen much.

 

[Nitwit]

I would look into the Tudor Heritage Blue Chono, or the Tudor Black Bay. Both are every bit as good as any Rolex but several thousand cheaper, and in my opinion better looking. They share the movements and technology of the Rolex.




I would also recommend the Breitling Super Ocean

 

[TiredOldLion]

AO Alert!

Wow! Think of the good you could share with others while wearing your old watch. SMH

 

[fastlax16]

AO Alert!

Wow! Think of the good you could share with others while wearing your old watch. SMH

Or I can think about all of the people who would be out of jobs if everyone thought like that. smh.

 

[fastlax16]

I would look into the Tudor Heritage Blue Chono, or the Tudor Black Bay. Both are every bit as good as any Rolex but several thousand cheaper, and in my opinion better looking. They share the movements and technology of the Rolex.

View embedded media

View embedded media

I would also recommend the Breitling Super Ocean

View embedded media

Breitlings have never done it for me for some reason but Tudor is a brand I've never really looked at, thanks for pointing them out.

 

[Nitwit]

Breitlings have never done it for me for some reason but Tudor is a brand I've never really looked at, thanks for pointing them out.

You’re welcome. Enjoy your wrist candy. You may want to check the website public forum on watchesuseek.com for some additional ideas and opinions from watch enthusiasts. There is a lot of good information and photos there.

 

[fairgambit]

Fairgambit Worldwide Enterprises has this beauty for $4,999.99. Remember our promise. You will never pay more for less.

 

[odshowtime]

Take a zero off the end of the price and I'll be happy to chat with you about various options.

I will say, it is awesome to put really expensive watches on NATO straps.

 

[fastlax16]

Fairgambit Worldwide Enterprises has this beauty for $4,999.99. Remember our promise. You will never pay more for less.

What form of payment do you accept?

 

[psuro]

What form of payment do you accept?

He has an easy payment plan. 100% down and nothing per month for the rest of your life.

 

[fairgambit]

What form of payment do you accept?

Cash only. Small bills. Will take a 2019 Jaguar F-Type in trade.

 

[fairgambit]

He has an easy payment plan. 100% down and nothing per month for the rest of your life.

I like that.

 

[fastlax16]

Take a zero off the end of the price and I'll be happy to chat with you about various options.

I will say, it is awesome to put really expensive watches on NATO straps.

Eh, I think you get what you pay for in a sense, but I understand it isn't everyones jam. My F1 is over 15 years old and still looks good/gets compliments, my one aquaracer is 10 years old and if I sold it today would have cost me around $500 in "depreciation" (yay outlet pricing on limited edition watches). Submariners cost more used than new, meanwhile the fossil watch I got for a few hundred around the same time as the F1, discolored, stopped working and is long gone

 

[rudedude]

Gambit Enterprises best watch/clock customer. Satisfaction guaranteed, booooyyyy!

 

[fastlax16]

Cash only. Small bills. Will take a 2019 Jaguar F-Type in trade.

This 2014 seems more your speed. https://www.copart.com/lot/23052519

Where would you like it delivered?

 

[Raffycorn]

For your price range, I don’t think you can go wrong with an Omega Speedmaster - should run right around $4,000 on a gray market site like jomashop. If you push towards $5,000 you can probably get one of the special edition variants, but the classic black Speedmaster on a nice brown leather band (or its stock link bracelet) is about as quality a piece as you’ll find for a variety of situations, IMO.

 

[fairgambit]

This 2014 seems more your speed. https://www.copart.com/lot/23052519

Where would you like it delivered?

I almost died in that one!

 

[rmem]

I can't think of a better place to get advice on this than a college football message board.

 

[cvilleelkscoach]

Mickey Mouse makes some nice watches. Check them out.

 

[fastlax16]

I can't think of a better place to get advice on this than a college football message board.

I hope you've posted this message in the driveway paving thread, the mechanic didn't tighten my oil filter thread, and the polyp in my rectum thread. It's February and there can only be so many threads about Christian Hackenberg, the BOT and the transfer portal.

 

[Nitwit]

I hope you've posted this message in the driveway paving thread, the mechanic didn't tighten my oil filter thread, and the polyp in my rectum thread. It's February and there can only be so many threads about Christian Hackenberg, the BOT and the transfer portal.

And don’t forget the scrapple.

 

[katchthis]

Another off topic thread for the all knowing board. My fiancee is probably getting me a watch as a wedding gift and it appears that the Green Rolex Sub I lust after will not be happening (which is fine). I've got a couple of Tags (Titanium Aquaracer, Silver Aquaracer and an old red formula one) so I'm not looking for another.

Any suggestions on where to look in the 3-5 grand range? I've looked at some "cheaper" omegas that would look great with a nato strap, but outside of that I haven't really seen much.

Rolex service on the automatic movement runs about $700-800 every 5 years or so. Nice ,cough cough, bonus. Anyhow can get some nice pre-owned pieces via Tourneau or Govberg in Philly with warranties. Just a thought.
https://www.tourneau.com/certified-pre-owned-watches/#pmax=5,000.00&pmin=3,000.00&lastOpenedTab=4

 

[GregInPitt]

Another off topic thread for the all knowing board. My fiancee is probably getting me a watch as a wedding gift and it appears that the Green Rolex Sub I lust after will not be happening (which is fine). I've got a couple of Tags (Titanium Aquaracer, Silver Aquaracer and an old red formula one) so I'm not looking for another.

Any suggestions on where to look in the 3-5 grand range? I've looked at some "cheaper" omegas that would look great with a nato strap, but outside of that I haven't really seen much.

Other than saying Omega on the face, I don't see what attracts you to these 2 watches.

I have 7 or 8 watches, but none costing more than $1K. But my favorites to wear are my PSU watches, especially when I know I'm going to be around pitters or when I'm in oh-high-ya.

This Boss is listed at $325.

Or this Tag for $1,550.

Or any of these, all under $2K.

Or this one pricier at $2,750.

$3495 for this one.

They even have a Mavado for $1,150

Some of the other Movados

 

[Nittany_93]

Some of the Grand Seikos are in the price range you're looking at
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgr315g

 

[fastlax16]

Other than saying Omega on the face, I don't see what attracts you to these 2 watches.

I think the white face looks really clean. The black one looks awesome when you get it on a nato (not exactly the same model but similar enough).

These are my current watches so looking to get something a little different visually.

Tag actually came out with two beautiful reissues but I don't think I want a 4th one with so many other brands out there.

 

[PSU95alum]

I don’t get the expensive time piece thing. I assume it’s just the jewelry aspect that is the turn on? Kind of like how chicks dig shiny rocks? I’m not knocking it, I just don’t understand it. I assume it’s all about status to show other people that you can afford to put $3k-5k on your wrist, even though a $19.99 Timex does the same thing, functionally speaking.

For me, I have a $529 Series 4 Apple Watch. Relatively speaking (to these jewelry time pieces) it is an absolute bargain considering everything it is capable of doing.

 

[dmk228]

Looks like you’re into sports watches. In the Omega line, look at the new Diver 300m which came out late last year. Some complaints about the shape of the helium escape valve (not to mention that it exists on a dive watch period) but fairly universally positive reviews. I like the variants that come on the rubber straps.

https://www.omegawatches.com/watches/seamaster/diver-300-m/gents-collection/product

 

[fastlax16]

I don’t get the expensive time piece thing. I assume it’s just the jewelry aspect that is the turn on? Kind of like how chicks dig shiny rocks? I’m not knocking it, I just don’t understand it. I assume it’s all about status to show other people that you can afford to put $3k-5k on your wrist, even though a $19.99 Timex does the same thing, functionally speaking.

For me, I have a $529 Series 4 Apple Watch. Relatively speaking (to these jewelry time pieces) it is an absolute bargain considering everything it is capable of doing.

I have an apple watch, its disposable. I won't have it in 2-3 years because it will be replaced/obsolete. It's unlikely you'll have yours. I'll have this watch for the next 40-60 years, unless I die sooner. It's not really about status, as there are significantly more expensive ones out there than this price range. Just something I enjoy. I get them for milestones. Red watch was 18th birthday, I'm not sure what else I would have gotten then that I'd still be using and enjoying 14 years later (yes the money could have been invested). I feel a lot better about the money I spent on my last watch than I do about the money I spent on my OLED tv 2 years ago.

 

[PSU95alum]

I have an apple watch, its disposable. I won't have it in 2-3 years because it will be replaced/obsolete. It's unlikely you'll have yours. I'll have this watch for the next 40-60 years, unless I die sooner. It's not really about status, as there are significantly more expensive ones out there than this price range. Just something I enjoy. I get them for milestones. Red watch was 18th birthday, I'm not sure what else I would have gotten then that I'd still be using and enjoying 14 years later (yes the money could have been invested).

I hear ya. Again, not knocking it. It makes sense for the reason you listed. My Apple Watch Series 1 cost me $249 and it lasted 4 years. I sold it for $125. I plan on getting 3-4 years out of this one and then I’ll sell it for $125. If I get a new one every 4 years for the next 40 years, I’ll have about $3500 into them.

 

[Pinkhippo PeanutButter]

I can't think of a better place to get advice on this than a college football message board.

Exactly. A troll caught a ton of catfish.

 

[katchthis]

I don’t get the expensive time piece thing. I assume it’s just the jewelry aspect that is the turn on? Kind of like how chicks dig shiny rocks? I’m not knocking it, I just don’t understand it. I assume it’s all about status to show other people that you can afford to put $3k-5k on your wrist, even though a $19.99 Timex does the same thing, functionally speaking.

For me, I have a $529 Series 4 Apple Watch. Relatively speaking (to these jewelry time pieces) it is an absolute bargain considering everything it is capable of doing.

You can say that about most anything. If it floats your boat, and you can afford it fine. I did the watch thing for about 20 years. My friend was the President of Girard Perregaux, and then Franck Muller. I was able to pick up pieces at wholesale. I closed out most of my collection and did okay. Everyone especially the younger generation carrying phones with time component, has really hurt the watch industry. I rarely wear a watch anymore with the I phone .

 

[Nitwit]

Looks like you’re into sports watches. In the Omega line, look at the new Diver 300m which came out late last year. Some complaints about the shape of the helium escape valve (not to mention that it exists on a dive watch period) but fairly universally positive reviews. I like the variants that come on the rubber straps.

https://www.omegawatches.com/watches/seamaster/diver-300-m/gents-collection/product

Omega is owned by Swatch and that takes some of the prestige away in my opinion. I prefer the independent watch companies which produce all their own movements. FWIW when quartz watches were introduced it drove a lot if Swiss companies out of business or forced them to consolidate. There are far fewer true independent watch companies now. IWC is another one I would look at. Usually priced above $5k though but very nice - the Portuguese’s in particular is the iconic pilot watch. The Portofino is more classic without the chrono functions. For the record IWC is owned by Richemont, another large holding company . It’s all a matter of personal taste. Just buy what you like - whatever makes your heart flutter.

 

[Nittany_93]

I don’t get the expensive time piece thing. I assume it’s just the jewelry aspect that is the turn on? Kind of like how chicks dig shiny rocks? I’m not knocking it, I just don’t understand it. I assume it’s all about status to show other people that you can afford to put $3k-5k on your wrist, even though a $19.99 Timex does the same thing, functionally speaking.

For me, I have a $529 Series 4 Apple Watch. Relatively speaking (to these jewelry time pieces) it is an absolute bargain considering everything it is capable of doing.

For me it's the craftsmanship and the feats of engineering and technology, particular with the mechanical watches.

Looking at the Grand Seikos...adapting photo sensitive printing used in electronics to produce parts with tolerances within 1/1000 of a millimeter!
A movement consisting of 200 parts, hand assembled and hand calibrated, producing 8-10 beats a second keeping time within a few seconds a day.

A blend of technology, craftsmanship and aesthetics like any classic auto.

 

[katchthis]

Omega is owned by Swatch and that takes some of the prestige away in my opinion. I prefer the independent watch companies which produce all their own movements. FWIW when quartz watches were introduced it driove a lot if Swiss companies out of business or forced them to consolidate. There are far fewer true independent watch companies now. IWC is another one I would look at. Usually priced above $5k though but very nice - the Portuguese’s in particular is the iconic pilot watch. The Portofino is more classic without the chrono functions. For the record IWC is owned by Richemont, another large holding company . It’s all a matter of personal taste. Just buy what you like - whatever makes your heart flutter.

ETA powers a lot of watches. Really very few true 100% in house movements anymore.

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

Breitlings have never done it for me for some reason but Tudor is a brand I've never really looked at, thanks for pointing them out.

I certainly understand that Breitling doesn’t move the needle for you. I am a fan and have been amazed at the transformation of their offerings over the past 2 years. This Navitimer retails at $3900 on their website so it is available for a lot less retail.

 

[katchthis]

For me it's the craftsmanship and the feats of engineering and technology, particular with the mechanical watches.

Looking at the Grand Seikos...adapting photo sensitive printing used in electronics to produce parts with tolerances within 1/1000 of a millimeter!
A movement consisting of 200 parts, hand assembled and hand calibrated, producing 8-10 beats a second keeping time within a few seconds a day.

A blend of technology, craftsmanship and aesthetics like any classic auto.

Tourbillion time pieces take about a year to manufacture. Of course at about 100k and up.........

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

ETA powers a lot of watches. Really very few true 100% in house movements anymore.

Including Breitling, until recently. Breitling is moving their production in-house...
https://www.breitling.com/us-en/madeby/movement-2642/

 

[dmk228]

Omega is owned by Swatch and that takes some of the prestige away in my opinion. I prefer the independent watch companies which produce all their own movements. FWIW when quartz watches were introduced it driove a lot if Swiss companies out of business or forced them to consolidate. There are far fewer true independent watch companies now. IWC is another one I would look at. Usually priced above $5k though but very nice - the Portuguese’s in particular is the iconic pilot watch. The Portofino is more classic without the chrono functions. For the record IWC is owned by Richemont, another large holding company . It’s all a matter of personal taste. Just buy what you like - whatever makes your heart flutter.

Aside from Rolex and Patek, all the big manufacturers are part of a holding group. I’d argue Omega - as part of Swatch group - is just about as vertical a manufacturer as you’ll find (aside from Rolex). Their technology and movement innovation is also nothing to scoff at (coaxial escapement can be accurate within a second or so per day, has a > 5 year service interval and is antimagnetic).

I also like the IWC, but the OP listed all sports watches, so I went that route with my recommendation. If I were leaning dressier, I’d probably look first at a JLC master but that’s what’s interesting - a lot of choices.

 

[fastlax16]

ETA powers a lot of watches. Really very few true 100% in house movements anymore.

That’s what I like about the tag autavias I posted actually. In-house heur-02 movement. Which I’m sure youll inform me isn’t really in house lol.

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

For me it's the craftsmanship and the feats of engineering and technology, particular with the mechanical watches.

Looking at the Grand Seikos...adapting photo sensitive printing used in electronics to produce parts with tolerances within 1/1000 of a millimeter!
A movement consisting of 200 parts, hand assembled and hand calibrated, producing 8-10 beats a second keeping time within a few seconds a day.

A blend of technology, craftsmanship and aesthetics like any classic auto.

^^^^^^……THIS!!!! ^^^^^^
My Breitling Transocean 1461 (bought in 2011 with movement by ETA) provides month, day, date, hour, minute, second of the day, chronograph AND moon phase and only needs adjusted on Feb 28 of a leap year.
This means it only needs adjusted ONCE every 1461 days. Tomorrow at midnight, my watch will automatically jump from February 28 to March 1 while keeping incredible time. This is an incredible feat of engineering in such a small device.
Note: Breitling doesn’t make this movement anymore as they are making most new ones in-house and evolving their offering.