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You have a budget of $1500 sir...  Rate Topic 
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 Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 09:12 pm
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IanM
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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  ThumbsUp02.gif

 

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 Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 09:20 pm
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Chick Hazzard
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Sinn 657

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 Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 09:20 pm
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Dookie
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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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 Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 09:51 pm
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AntFarm
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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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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 01:29 am
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murphy j
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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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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 03:20 am
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JHM
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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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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 03:49 am
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Simon_Leung
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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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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 04:59 am
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IanM
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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 subtlelaugh.gif

Cheers! IanM  

 JHM wrote:
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


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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 05:56 am
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JHM
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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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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 07:02 am
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IanM
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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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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 08:27 am
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steve6387
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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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 Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 09:45 am
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Paxman
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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!!mistake.gif

 

My gut tells me I would be trying for something pre-owned...

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