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IanM 3T WIS 
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Hi all A previous thread about watches under $300 got me thinking. If You had a budget of $1500 to buy one non-vintage watch, what would you choose? For those of you who like parameters - new, any style (diver, chrono etc...), excluding postage and handling charges, include homages, leather or SS - basically a free-for-all! It could be one you don't have - or one you already have. I reckon many of us would nominate our fave watches that we already have (because that is why we bought them). There are many choices at around $1500 (with discount coupons and etc...) and then a huge gap (for me!) to the Omega range at WIS-bay prices. What say you guys? If you were lookin' UP TO that amount - what would ya buy, or what did ya buy? Just getting us thinking... Have a good weekend! IanM  |
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Chick Hazzard 3T WIS 
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Sinn 657 |
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Dookie 3T WIS
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For me it have to be the stowa prodiver. i did have one but gave it away and always wanted to get another ever since. But 1500$ we r talkin BNIB yea? if used...man there r so many options.:D:D |
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AntFarm 3T WIS 
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Dookie wrote: For me it have to be the stowa prodiver. i did have one but gave it away and always wanted to get another ever since. But 1500$ we r talkin BNIB yea? if used...man there r so many options.:D:D Agree Stowa Pro Diver teal. It's one of my grails. |
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murphy j 3T WIS 
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There's a lot of options for $1500. I was able to pick up my SMP LNIB for a hair under $1200 and my Sinn 256 for $1200 even. Wow! this is tough. I like Chick's choice, but I think I'd go for something a little dressier. I think an Oris Artelier or maybe one of the Frank Sinatra line. Or maybe a Hamilton X-Wind. I know it's not as dressy as the Oris stuff, but it is pretty cool. I'm still leaning toward Oris though. |
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JHM 3T WIS
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Hi Ian, that is a very good question. Strangely enough, when I think about it, the watches I am interested in are either twice as expensive or in the $300 to $800 range. However, the ones that come to my mind are: Stowa Prodiver NIB Seiko Marinemaster (NIB, if you can find a good deal ;)) Omega Speedmaster 3510.82 Ltd. with blue dial (used only) Oris TT1 Meistertaucher (NIB, ebay-price) all the best Jan Last edited on Sat May 3rd, 2008 03:22 am by JHM |
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Simon_Leung 3T WIS 
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For a budget of $1,500. It's the Hamilton X-Wind Chronograph, even though both the hour and hands don't illuminate in the dark,the watch itself measuring 44mm diameter is quite impressive. I've put in an order for a Hamilton X-Wind as of this afternoon. |
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IanM 3T WIS
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Hi Jan and fellow 3Ters I guess that is the crux of the issue, Jan. Half the budget or double it works for me, too!! At the $1500 mark - I hope to find one or a few watches that get the most positive reviews or feedback amongst the crew here. Up to now - the Stowa is the winner. I like it too! My decision making process would be that it had to be over 42mm, capable of being worn with all clothing styles, something which is not necessarily "rare" but that I haven't seen many of here (hey - it is Australia - that's not hard to achieve!!), it has to be easy to read, well made, and it has to get a tick of approval from at least a coupla guys here on the forum for me to be convinced that it is a well-made timekeeper with a beautiful fit and finish for a reasonable dollar. At the $1500 mark, though, my impression is that there are not so many spectacular choices available NIB from your local downtown AD. That is why I wanted to leave second-hand or ebay deals out of the equation. But maybe there is a reason to include such deals? As for the Marinemaster, Jan, I have heard all sorts of good things about them, but what elevates them above more "cooking" varieties like the Seiko Sumo SBDC001/3 and similar. Are they really that much better? I know the movement is dead accurate, they have a spectacular bracelet, and the name Marinemaster is recognised the world over (reflected in 2nd hand prices which are always quite high), but would you (by which I mean anyone) not be happier with 3 Sumos? Just a question - don't shoot me! I suppose the answer lies in the great Invicta debate (not that there is one - but I can't see myself buying one soon - and yes, I know there is a ton of beautiful shots of them in the "whatwouldyabuyfer300" topic) because I have read from some members that Invicta is great value for money, but many WISs here wouldn't buy one. The issue becomes tougher to decide when the budget rises. I expect that we would each buy many watches at the lower price - and I wondered what decision process takes place in the minds of my fellow-WISs when it comes to buying for greater money. Resale value, LE or not, brand image, chrono or not (just look at the price diff between the Omega PO45 with and without chrono functions - it will make your eyes water...), need one to fill the hole in the watch box, want to match a shirt and trousers we wear, SS or great leather strap, rarity, cleanliness of the dial, complication and intricacy of the dial, "saw it - have to have it", percieved workmanship and quality (which even the big brands get wrong some of the time...). It just makes me think that we will "play" with the cheaper ones (buying and selling, taking a risk and if we get it wrong then passing it on) but when it comes to triple the budget, the decision making process changes. Do you agree? What would push you guys over the edge to one particular watch rather than another of similar cost? Yep - the Speedy Pro blue dial is a beautiful watch, too. That Sinn is spectacular. The Hammy X-Wind - great chunk-o-watch (congrats in advance, Simon!). Don't know about the ORIS, Jan - for me, they sit too high on the wrist, though they are tough divers for sure and I have read of many happy owners! Having thought about this all - maybe the question should be - what do you look for in a watch that you would pay $1500 for? And feel free to add photos Camera_photos.gi in any responses - this is getting interesting! Hope y'all are enjoying the weekend - it is sunny but getting cooler here in Perth! Thank goodness - the Summer was crazy-long and crazy-hot! Small and thin, wide and high - I love 'em all  Cheers! IanM JHM wrote: Hi Ian, |
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JHM 3T WIS
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IanM wrote: As for the Marinemaster, Jan, I have heard all sorts of good things about them, but what elevates them above more "cooking" varieties like the Seiko Sumo SBDC001/3 and similar. Are they really that much better? I know the movement is dead accurate, they have a spectacular bracelet, and the name Marinemaster is recognised the world over (reflected in 2nd hand prices which are always quite high), but would you (by which I mean anyone) not be happier with 3 Sumos? Just a question - don't shoot me! Hi Ian, won't shoot you for sure :D; it is a legitimate question. I do own the SBDC003 and the SBDC005 Sumo and a couple of other Seikos with the 6R15 movement and they are all excellent watches and are probably the best value for money on the market IMHO. Accurancy on one on my Sumos cannot be topped as it is around +1 to-1 sec. per week. However, I still haven't bought the black dialed Sumo. Why is that? Simply because I know that sooner or later I will acquire the Marinemaster. My motivation behind that is not necessarily the better quality as I am 100% content with the Sumos, but the step up concerning the movement: it is a 8L35 which is produced in very small numbers and is related to the Seiko Flagship movement, the 9S55. Furthermore, it has a monobloc case, which adds to the "chunky" feel holding it in your hands. Most importantly for me, I simply love its design and I must admit I do like its "anti"-image ;), meaning 99% of the worlds population does not know that it is a rather expensive watch (try that with a Rolex :cool:). So, is it worth spending triple amount on a Marinemaster compared to the Sumo? Rationally I would say no, but than people buy a Rolex Seadweller for the price of three Marinemasters ;) and I have met a person owning both who prefers the Seiko anytime... In the end it should be your gut feeling which decides (and far too often your wallet, as well). Nobody should be convinced to buy a watch. However it is great to study the perception and taste of other people, as it can give you ideas :). all the best Jan |
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IanM 3T WIS
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Hiya Jan You know - I agree with every word! It is our OWN peceptions that make us decide to buy or not. Gut feelings - emotional responses, all that psychological stuff. Thanks for the lesson on the Marinemaster! All good to put in the knowledge bank! And as ever - who said buying watches was rational :D:D That was what I was after, Jan - just an idea of what motivates others to buy one watch over another in a particular price range - and maybe some photos of examples. I have a good idea of what is in your collection, and I would say that the overriding motivation for you is very simple - quality, with a bit of fun thrown in for good measure. Much the same for me! Nice talking to you good sirs - off to get some sleep now and will catch up with any opinions tomorrow (Australia time). Cheers! IanM hand6.gif |
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steve6387 3T WIS 
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I'm probably try to find an Omega SMP or a Seiko Marine Master. Not sure about their respective retails, but once my mind starts wandering over 1000 dollar range, I imediately start thinking about those 2. --Steve |
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Paxman 3T WIS 
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Interesting query, Ian. $1500 is a strange duck ndeed. A little of this alittle of that. I honestly have to say sitting here today I don't know what I would do!! My gut tells me I would be trying for something pre-owned... |
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KenC Admin 
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$1500....hmmmmmmmm....Kenzo? |
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Paxman 3T WIS
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KenC wrote: $1500....hmmmmmmmm....Kenzo? I don't $1500 is gonna do it... |
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KenC Admin
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Paxman wrote: KenC wrote:$1500....hmmmmmmmm....Kenzo? New GMT ENZO? |
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oagaspar Site Founder 
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I would buy Swiss but that's me and I would buy quick whatever you seek cause' prices are on the Rise throughout the watch industrycoyote2.gif I also agree with Pax that i would be scouring the sales forums looking for a nice deal hand6.gif |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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KenC wrote: $1500....hmmmmmmmm....Kenzo? The final 10 Kenzo's sold for $1750. each and sold out in a daywatch2.gif |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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KenC wrote: Paxman wrote:KenC wrote:$1500....hmmmmmmmm....Kenzo? I don't believe that will buy the upcoming Enzo GMTyahoo.gifbut there have been a few nice deals on Enzo's under $1000. that would garner a good look imhohand6.gif |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS 
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oagaspar wrote: I would buy Swiss but that's me and I would buy quick whatever you seek cause' prices are on the Rise throughout the watch industrycoyote2.gif I also agree with Pax that i would be scouring the sales forums looking for a nice deal hand6.gif Agree all the way. Deals are out there to be had. Find them and jump when able. ;) |
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IanM 3T WIS
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Gentlemen - thats my dilemma, too! If u look at the AD prices and then get a deal - fine, but I would be on the hunt for something "gently pre-owned" and waaaaaay under retail off-market and probably through the clubs and watch-related sites. Steve, Pax, Ken, O and Skip - your "incomings" on 3T here fan the flames of desire for a lot of WISs - your thoughts and comments on particular watches and on the industry in general are pretty spot on and always helpful to read - cos even if you had just bought something and then found that you hate it or you genuinely thought it was a dud - I think you would tell us! It has been a long time since I bought anything from an AD - I prefer these days to deal with people I know (or know of) and with the manufacturers themselves (Ocean7, ORSA). I am darned sure that if I stump up for a decent new(ish) Omega over 42mm, it won't come from ebay or from an AD. But then again - my mythical $1500 would be spent twice over, wouldn't it...  Maybe thats the point - at $1500 there are some great watches available for up to maybe $1000 that we see as worth putting the money into - and above that a huge gap to some more exotic stuff that we have to save a little longer for? Hmmm - sounds to me like not too many grails (Kenzo, Marinemaster and Swiss aside) are at about the $1500 mark - no? ;) Thanks gents! IanMhand6.gif |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS
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Also besides the forums for good deal there are a few other places to keep watch. LOL Island Watch from our great friend Marc of course and I keep my eye on these about once a week to. Now and then a real good deal pops it's head up. ;) http://watchseller.com/index.html http://www.bernardwatch.com http://www.azfinetime.com |
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zippofan 3T WIS 
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I wish I had a budget of 1500! I'd have to sell a bunch though. If I had it I would be looking for a pre-owned Marine Master for sure :) Cheers, Griff |
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Topher1556 3T WIS 
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Well...I basically was in this price range :D. I'm going for a 300m MarineMaster SBDX001. Fit/finish is far above it's price range, and yes, frankly it's worth the money above the Sumo (which I had, and only would sell to get the MM). It is a good question to see what others would get. |
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Rick5 3T WIS
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I don't have any automatics over $1000 (yet!), but if I were to spend around $1500 I would get a german watch. Limes, Stowa, Sinn, Nomos et al. all have watches in that range that I like. I've already decided that my next watch will be a Stowa Antea 365 which will be incoming this fall (gotta love a larger than expected bonus from your employer). |
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EricAldovino Guest
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Seiko MarineMaster is a quick choice. |
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abrizz 3T WIS 
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Well me I've been obsessed with Fortis watches lately. Several very nice models depending on what you like. The B-42 range has a great case design imo. And the details are also great. I was very lucky to catch a B-42 Flieger Chronograph from one of us here on 3T recently. I LOVE IT! I am still eyeing the B-42 GMT though. I guess the obsessions never ends. |
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Willieboy 3T WIS 
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Sadly, I am unsure of the prices of many of the divers I covet and I'm sure many are in the $1,500 plus zone but, i they could be had for $1,500, I'd love to own a: Kenzo Nautilus Tuna Can Stowa Ball Sinn Auto-Zilla Ocean7 I'm sure there are others I've faied to mention but those are a start. In truth though, I'm a pretty frugal guy when it comes to cars, watches, and the like. I seem to seek value in my purchases. Mr. Bill Last edited on Thu May 8th, 2008 08:55 pm by Willieboy |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS
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Willieboy wrote: Sadly, I am unsure of the prices of many of the divers I covet and I'm sure many are in the $1,500 plus zone but, i they could be had for $1,500, I'd love to own a: Nice list and all have some in the range. |
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