Post-Bonus Watch for Associate
Need the forum’s updated opinion on this extremely important and highly controversial issue.
Bonus hit recently and have had the sudden urge to fulfill my lifelong desire to purchase a decent timepiece.
Don’t want something too flashy, as I don’t want to come off as a total douche.. and don’t want something too expensive, as I’m just an Associate (not trying to blow $50k on a Royal Oak), but want something that I can wear occasionally to the office, as well as to a nice dinner with my girl. Never owned a nice watch in my life, but have wanted something decent recently.
Timepiece connoisseurs of WSO - what’s the ideal post-associate-bonus watch under $10k?
Appreciate you
in 2023? A casio (all you will be able to afford after the bonus)
luckily got bonus paid in 2022 before a lot of this mayhem, but you have a point.. maybe should just save haha
He’s in PE not IBD
is it much better in PE?
Great purchase, I still wear the watch I bought as an associate almost every day. Tons of great options in that price range depending on your tastes. I’d highly recommend visiting a bunch of stores and trying all of these on in person. You never know when something will really catch your eye.
- Rolex: may be tricky to get one with the supply shortages but a datejust or submariner is classic and will look great for decades
- Omega: Seamaster or Speedmaster are great, will run you $6-7k
- Panerai: the Luminor in 40-42mm looks great, although some of the bigger ones are too much IMO. Roughly $8k
- JLC: the Ultra thin is great if you want something more discrete and dressy. Will get you more cred from the watch bros if that matters to you
- Grand Seiko: the snowflake is gorgeous and a steal for the price. One of the few watches in this range that’s truly unique and special
- Hermes: People sleep on them because they’re viewed as a fashion brand but actually have very serious watchmaking cred. The Slim d’Hermes is dressy and classic while still being fun and a bit whimsical
- Others: Cartier, Montblanc, Chopard, and a few others make decent pieces in this range that are worth checking out.
What’s the best way to get a datejust these days? Just walk into one of the authorized dealers and hope they have one?
Be ready to offer your gf/wife for a free weekend with the AD employees to get a call back in a reasonable time frame...especially for a datejust
Used online is probably easiest but expensive.
The authorized dealer route is very annoying and fickle but there are ways to work around it. They usually won’t sell you a Rolex if you just walk in (maybe a Cellini or something if they have one laying around) and even if they have one coming in, they’ll reserve it for repeat customers of the shop. The key is to find an AD where you’re friends with a repeat customer (say your friend bought their engagement ring and wedding bands there) and have them reach out and ask about the specific watch you want. They’ll likely have a much higher hit rate than you would asking the same question — although it’s certainly not guaranteed.
The "best" way would be to go to several ADs in your area, try to build a relationship by going in every so often, potentially buying other things they sell (Tudor, non-Rolex, jewelry) to curry favor, or be patient and hope that an AD decides to allocate one to you. Easiest way to get one is just buy from a reputable grey dealer for 10-20% more.
Don’t buy in the secondary market. Watch prices are dropping and the current economic environment isn’t helping. A datejust isn’t that hard to get. Go talk to a few ADs explain what you want and wait a bit. Rolex makes a ton of watches every year, the current markups are not sustainable.
First bonus watch was an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. 38mm for my smaller wrists, basic watch that stands out as sporty/dressy. Cartier was a close runner up for that first post-bonus splurge, though. Rolex is much too difficult to get nowadays, I’d probably skip out on all that effort with the amount of luxury watches that are more accessible.
Where is Bulgari? The have the octo titanium.
Cartier tank/santos are ducking great imo
JLC is well regarded from real watch connoisseurs?
Given you are in France, buy a Rolex GMT so you can keep track of your superior U.S. PE brethren while balls deep in IC.
OP here.. no idea why it says I’m in France lol.
Rolex Milgauss. No one you know owns one. Not flashy similar to Submariner but not the rip and stick classic everyone goes with. Has a beautiful emerald green surrounding the case. Parents bought me one for graduation, and I love it. Understated and goes great with a wrist band. Good price to ~13k
Milgaus is great but not for everyone IMO. Very high quality and underrated for sure. The other Rolex that doesn’t seem to get as much love is the Yachtmaster in steel with the platinum bezel. Runs $11-12k I believe and while they’re still hard to come by they’re much easier to get than a sub or GMT.
used to be big lover for Yacht Master 2's but when I actually held one in person the thing is massive. I think its 41mm which blurs the line of gaudy for me even if it's a great piece. At that point, would rather send the Daytona with oyster strap or a vintage Royal Oak.
The first watch I bought was a Tudor BB58.....I've gotten others since then, but it is by far the best watch for the money imo, it looks fantastic, and is relatively cheap (can be had for <$5k)
I have the OG Tudor BB and while I sometimes wish it was the smaller BB58, extremely happy with it now 3 years in.
IMO a great versatile watch would be the Cartier Santos (steel, not two-tone). The leather straps that can be easily interchanged make it a great-looking piece and the steel bracelet gives you a sportier and more casual option. Also, since it comes in two sizes, you can find one that best matches your preferences. Watch "connoisseurs" will "respect" your choice, and it's subtle enough that you will not come off as a douche. Do not get skeletonized....
Supply is not an issue for the Santos and is under $10K. It's a classic piece that has withstood the design whims of the watch world
Agree and I bought one of these after my bonus a couple years ago. Its also one of the thinner automatics you can buy at this price point which is nice for wearing under a shirt sleeve.
shh about Cartier Santos, want the Rolex bro's to keep getting those, leave all the de Santos' to us!
LOOOL YES MY EXACT THOUGHT😂
A lot of really good feedback in this post and i cannot lie, i'm learning a lot about watches (all i have is my little apple watch lol).
Please pardon my ignorance here, i'm from very humble beginnings and If i'm spending $5-10k on a watch, i'd like for it to be identified. Not a in a gaudy way like some "bling bling" watch lol, but I'd rather spend it on a Rolex submariner instead of some of the other names mentioned because i know it's easy to recognize but also not gaudy. I know i'm probably alone here and the watch gods of WSO will kill me for this comment but just my 2 cent.
If you want it to be identified, purchase a Rolex with a cyclops (the little magnifying bubble over the date field). I’m your price range, a pre-owned 40mm Rolex explorer ii would be perfect. It comes in a white or black face.
you could also get a pre-owned Rolex datejust. I recommend a fluted bezel.
purchase pre-owned from a well known entity like tourneau or watches of Switzerland or hodinkee.
Under 10K you have a lot of room to play with.
Some good advice in here. I would add that you have to understand that with a few exceptions (PP, Rolex, AP Royal Oak, certain independents with very limited availability) watches do not hold their value. For something like a Cartier, IWC, Omega, Breitling, etc., you're much better off buying off of a reputable online dealer rather than a boutique. The exception to this would be if there's a watch you want from one of those brands and purchasing history at the dealer would allow you to get another watch you really want that has limited availability. I.e., you can pick up an IWC portofino in steel for sub $4,500 all day online NIB with papers. Likewise for almost anything in the omega seamaster lineup and some of the speedys.
@ OP - This thread in my opinion has been pretty well answered, it looks like all the major watch enthusiast brands are represented. I like the JLC Reversos, new for $8K it can probably be sold for like $4k in 20 years is my estimate... probably similar price deprecation for most of these brands mentioned here. However, I am not really interested in the resale of watches Rolex probably does the best for resale. OP I think providing more details on what you might like will help further responses.
Anyone feel weird wearing an expensive watch to the office in PE? For better or worse, people at my firm are extremely “humble” when it comes to clothing and accessories at my firm (large NY MF/UMM). There is an element where I don’t people would care, but you also don’t want to be known as “that guy or girl”. Obviously it’s a different story if you’re a Partner, but as a mid level professional, is it too much? It’s kind of like wearing Gucci loafers or Hermes tie. Maybe it’s just my firm, but even though I know everyone makes really good money, no one buys anything too outwardly expensive.
Key is to just do your thing and be yourself from the beginning. I feel like in these environments, it probably only goes noticed if if you start showing up with Rolexes and stuff out of no where.
Agree with the other poster, there are people at my firm who just "dress rich" (not logo-forward, but lots of quietly high end stuff) and the assumption is just that they are into fashion. Gucci loafers are $1K, anyone even a year or two into finance can buy those. An associate with a $10k watch could easily afford that. If you're wearing a $50k Patek as an associate you might get some weird comments, but otherwise let it ride imo
Do you wear them everyday - scared of bumps and scratches on subway etc?
Do you wear it for external validation.
Just curious as I've always viewed it as a waste of money - but certainly not judging one bit. We all have thins we like. Congrats on the bonus and upcoming purchase.
Yep, have worn my date just every day for 5 years since I got it. Whats the point of having a nice watch if you're not going to wear it.
Aquaterra
Apple Watch
For more of a dress watch, go with the Cartier Santos (which you can buy new for that price)
If you want a Rolex, you could get a new 41mm Oyster Perpetual, a used 36mm or 41mm Datejust, or a more vintage GMT/Submariner
I’d also consider the Omega Speedmaster or even a Tudor Black Bay if your open to something less expensive but still of high quality
Under 10k I don't think you can beat Grand Seiko. I had the chance to try on the spring drive snowflake last year and it looks amazing. The detail of the dial, the smooth sweeping seconds hand and the overall finishing are just beautiful.
I could technically afford something decent like a Submariner but I couldn’t imagine wearing it at the company I work at, especially because all the higher up guys that make double what I make come in with super casual clothes and Apple Watches.
Plus my family and friends would totally chew me out. I think if you are early 20s wearing a Rolex, in this economy, it’s hard not to get some attention. But maybe not the good kind.
Go to 47th street.
Find a watch you like.
Ask if it has box and papers.
Ask if it has full links.
Ask for the year and serial number.
Ask if it's been serviced recently and if it's been polished.
Ask if it's all original parts.
Spin the winding mechanism and listen to the watch.
Do lots of huffing and puffing
Ask "how much is this fine $x'k dollar watch?" (X being the MSRP minus 20-40%". Reply "oy vey...that's not crazy. I wasn't too far off" no matter what the reply is.
Then keep going back and forth haggling starting at 5k, 2.5k, 1k, 500, 250, 100 dollar intervals until you reach middle ground. Remember to keep asking "you want to take my lunch money too? i have to feed my kids!" (doesn't matter if you're clearly 22 and too young to have kids) when the dealer wont budget on giving you an additional $10 discount on a 5 figure watch.
Make sure to keep saying "mazal!?" After each offer.
Make sure to record everything and post it to tik tok.
Honestly Vookum is killing it.
i have 0 interest in watches but watch those videos religiously. i am starting to prefer Buckley a bit more recently though.
what's mazal?
Grand Complications
Easiest answer is 36mm steel datejust on jubilee bracelet with a fluted bezel. If you want to be even more low profile / spend less money, do oyster bracelet and domed bezel.
This. I did the latter.
I would get a pre-owned Rolex explorer, the 40mm with white face. You can get nice ones with box and papers for under $10k.
So many partners and VP's here own apple watches, i wonder how I'd look coming in with a Catier or Rolex. Maybe I'd keep my apple watch for the office and pull out the fancy watch for a nice date night or something for fancy.
Out of curiosity, which of the watches mentioned in this thread holds its value over time?
For stuff under 10k, only Rolexes.
Speedmaster or bust. $7k out the door, runs forever, bulletproof mechanism, timeless design, can tell people you wanted to be Buzz Aldrin before you took your job at Barclays
Happy with my apple watch well under $1k :)
Need to figure out what you are optimizing for. Recognizability, resale value, quality of watch, value for money, etc. Seems like you want a recognizable brand so probably looking at Rolex, Omega or Cartier. Was in a similar situation earlier this year but was more focused on quality of watch, craftsmanship and uniqueness of dial so went for Grand Seiko SBGA413 but buying GS you have to understand that many non watch people don't recognize it as a luxury watch brand (I prefer it that way) but everyone has their own taste.
Other than a classic Rolex, Grand Seiko, Cartier and whatnot. If you like a simple watch which shouldn't break your bank and will remain timeless, I'd suggest a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony you can find some older ones in excellent condition which are beautiful and can be worn casually or even with a tux!
A lot of great suggestions made above.
- I am a huge Panerai fan and the new Quarantas are fantastic - you need quite a large wrist to wear the 'standard' 44mm. If you only plan to buy one 'nice' watch I would not go Panerai though as it is not as versatile, especially if you get one with the crown guard
- If you go the Omega route I would get that on the grey market as they do trade at a discount to MSRP with the exception of limited edition releases
- Someone else mentioned Tudor and I wouldn't sleep on the new Pelagos 39; there's a bit of a wait for them but I much prefer these to the BB58
- Vacheron had released an entry model within their Fiftysix line up which trades for low teens if you want a dress watch; this model gets a bit of hate because people think this dilutes their brand but it's unwarranted IMO
- Lots of hype around stainless steel Rolex. I initially wanted to get a submariner or a GMT but I've since changed my mind because everyone has these watches and what Rolex is doing with the whole certified resale program has rubbed me the wrong way. I'd personally get a Daytona if offered one at MSRP because that watch is fucking badass but the other stuff doesn't excite me as much anymore. Can't go wrong with a Datejust, but this watch also is not as versatile IMO, especially on a jubilee bracelet
Buying on the grey market right now is like catching a falling knife. What has happened in the secondary market is quite fascinating when you think about it. During the pandemic most people who could afford luxury watches didn't lose their jobs (quite the opposite in fact) and weren't able to spend money on travel so they bought things (cars, vacation homes, other luxury goods, etc.). Crypto boiz also propped up the market so the selloff you're seeing there definitely had an impact on the watch market. Anecdotally I have heard that AD wait times are coming down so if there's something you like that trades over MSRP, you can probably get lucky with a bit of patience.
AP nothing less
Rolex is just not worth it right now. Two others that are worth considering:
- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
- Girard Perregaux Laureato (can probably find this <10K on the grey market) - gets a lot of hate for being a poor man's Nautilus but very versatile imo
Show me some lauretos under 10k please. Most lauretos I’ve seen are 12k+
surprised i haven’t seen any mention of zeniths.
Dropping some great watches for around 2k not mentioned:
-Squale
-Zodiac Seawolf
-Maurice Lacroix Aikon
-Omega Constellation
-Oris D-Divers
-Doxa
Last: Bulgari Octo
literally looks like a 100 dollar watch you bought on canal street (srs). just LOL at watchcells srs srs
they all have the hairiest arms (and fat AF diabetes looking wrists) too when they post these photos.
like I can respect buying a somewhat nicer watch like 1-3k bucks or something, but people buying 10k+ watches and having to offer up their GFs to get railed out by the local rolex AD employees to get a call back to buy a 25k submariner thats been marked up like crazy are absolute idiots. fullstop.
These look really neat. Does it feel slim on the wrist? Super unique design on this watch
buy a tag Aquaracer w the black face and stash the rest
if you already have a Pepsi, get a Batman/Batgirl or Hulk
I've never been a sports or dive watch guy, but my personal votes would be IWC, JLC, or Nomos. Seeing a lot of people mention the Cartier Santos - have heard that they scratch easily though (which you may or may not care about - certainly does add character). Personally think Cartier Tanks look much better, but that's just me.
OP - one thing to consider is the resale value of the watch you buy. Even if you’re not planning to resell them anytime soon, a popular/premium valued watch will be preserve more of its value (the price you paid). Rolex for example started its waitlist VIP thing since 2018. If you wanted a submariner back then you had to wait 2 years from AD. This marketing strategy rippled to other watch brands/models and their scarcity increase the value of these time pieces. TLDR, if you are flexible with your budget, get something that you both like and act as an asset.
Seeing more and more folks just rock an Apple Watch or a Garmin nowadays. Fitness tech is the new "show" of wealth in some respects.
Definitely not a show of wealth if the janitor is wearing the same watch. I think people who wear smart watches just don’t care about watches or are into fitness and track things throughout the day
.
If you want strong resale value and the prospect of making money in a few years (but no guarantee ofc) only ever buy from 3 brands:
Rolex, AP and Patek
Within these brands I'd only go for the 'hot' timepieces as given you're spending more serious money the point is to show off (to some extent). While having a gold Rolex might be impressive to the general public (or garish depending on the person) people in the know about watches will understand the hierarchy in terms of difficulty to get (which incidentally is not always correlated to how beautiful the watch looks).
You can only buy these ‘hot’ watches from the grey (aka second hand) market, where prices have fallen dramatically since it’s highs last year.
Within Rolex, the most 'impressive' (read: hardest to get via Rolex dealers) will all be stainless steel only (any precious metal/gems in the watch make them much less in demand).
At the top is the much coveted Rolex Daytona (white dial > black dial), submariner range (Green face is most premium), Skydwellers (blue dial most premium) and Datejusts (Wimbledon dial then blue dial most premium followed by other colours).
For $10k you should be able to get a nice steel Submariner or Datejust from Chrono24 or Moda (see below)
AP (steel Royal Oak) and Patek (Nautilus and Aquanaut) are most 'premium' within these brands but these will obv be out of your price range.
In terms of where to buy - I'd avoid second hand retailers like Watchfinder as they are rip off merchants.
Either Chrono24 (do due diligence but a lot of professional dealers are on that site) or the Moda club (community can be found on facebook) if you can get an invite there will be good options for good value from well regarded dealers (again due diligence/ask for references from the MODA community if buying from there!)
Note: By 'most premium' I mean how much you would, on average, need to spend on less desirable watches (eg solid gold/diamond dial watches) in order to be 'allocated' this piece. There is an element of luck and it's not an exact science as it does depend on your relationship with the dealer aswell, but roughly speaking you may need to spend for example up to $500k (sometimes lower ofc) to be allocated (ie given the opportunity to by at retail) a 'Panda' Rolex (white dial with ceramic black bezel Daytona) vs 'only' $100k to be allocated Skydweller.Hope this all makes sense!
Hard to beat the Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany Ref. 5711/1A-018 for a starter watch
Go to few Rolex ADs and that will humble your process a bit. Pre owned subs are now floating around $10k - that feels like a fair price for what is a timeless piece that should hold value within a 10% band. Do some research on ref numbers you think might appreciate more than others. Get box and papers.
also some cool / unique datejust colors out there for $10k.
Best to keep it simple and understated for a first piece, something classic and wearable everywhere and not flashy. Consider the below:
Don't forget as well that you can take off the strap and put on a nato strap/different leather straps, I saw a colleague who had a cartier tank but had swapped the black leather strap for a dark green crocodile strap -a subtle change but looks so nice.
For those who have Garmin's, is the fenix 6/7 worth it over 5?
Edit - considering this one. Hate Apple and this one is on massive discount it seems
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/641375/pn/010-02157-21
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