First luxury watch - help

Hi everyone,

I have been recently promoted to associate and also got a generous bonus. Amateur when it comes to watches and feel lost for my first acquisition. Ideally, I would like to target a $5k-$6.5k budget. I had some options in mind, such as Omega Aquaterra (blue dial) or the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. However, I might be childish but the recent collaboration with Swatch restrained me a little bit. I also like Cartier, but the yellow gold Santos is a bit out of my budget (the one I truly like), and people told me that Cartier was more about the brand than a good watchmaker (not sure how true it is). Mid-level Rolex would be great, such as Oyster Perpetual, but let's be realistic you can't find a brand new anywhere.

Any recommendation or guidance is appreciated thanks!

 

Check out IWC and JLC in that price range

2020 Update: recounting my experiences in PE and sharing thoughts on recent deals at https://leverup.substack.com
 

Those are both good options. Speedmaster might be on the higher side of your budget (it might be around 7k if you get it new). Whichever one you buy get it on the bracelet, you'll get more bank for your buck that way. You can buy the rubber strap separate for like $300, but if you were to do it the other way around the bracelet would cost around $700. Also worth checking out the seamaster, I have one and really like it

 

Speedmaster would work. Definitely would stay away from SWATCH X omega. The retail of $260 is attractive, but it’s a ceramic watch with an omega logo. Buy something quality that you like. IWC is a nice starter watch.

 

I'd like to plug Tudor. The Black Bay series is really nice. Off the top of my head I would say they retail around $6k. There's something about them that me and my friend group love; I consider it a "if you know you know" kinda deal. 

+ap
 

What's the availability on Tudor? Are most models widely available? I have never shopped them so I have no idea. 

 

I love the design of the black bay series, but the issue I have is (1) The non-58 series are too thick / slabby, but (2) the black bay 58, which is great at <12mm thick, has a diameter that's just a bit too small for my wrist

If you don't have particularly large wrists, would highly recommend the BB58 (either the normal or blue are both great options)

If they could get the normal black bay range down to 12mm or so I would certainly pick one up. In particular I love the look of the red one

 

Some of these have been mentioned, but here are my thoughts on some watch options. My recommendation is always to get the watch you really want (within reason) and if that requires you to increase your budget, wait a bit to save some more and then buy it, then do that.

  • Tudor - if you like Rolex, this is a great option at a lower price point. They are owned by Rolex, so the watches are pretty similar and quality pieces
  • Breitling - They have a lot of pieces in that range and make nice stuff
  • Omega - you mentioned them, but one of the best options in that range
  • IWC - the Portuguese Chronograph is one of my favorites. A very simple, classic piece and in that range
  • Jaeger Lecoultre - They have some that might be just slightly above that range, but most will be more expensive. A great brand now and I believe their origin was producing components and movements for other brands, namely Patek. Then they decided to make watches themselves, so they are high quality options and a brand that is more interesting to own (in my opinion)
  • Tag - people may throw this one out there, but I personally am not a fan and think there are better options for a similar price or slight more
 

I am not a huge cartier fan, but I disagree. They are a different thing than the other brands you mentioned, but they are still a very high quality watch. The Santos design is a classic for a reason with a lot of history. Also, although not relevant to OP, Cartier's high end watches crush anything mentioned in this thread thus far from a watchmaking perspective. The Masse Mysterieuse they released recently might be the craziest movement I have seen from any brand.

 

Your instincts are spot on about Rolex. An OP would be nice and a great entry level into the Rolex family but my understanding is that a wait right now is measured in years for any OP variant. 

 
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