Advice on graduation watch (~$15000)

[jaysas_63]

Hey guys,

Im not very knowledgable in the area of watches, and i was hoping you guys would be able to help me out, i understand there are numerous nice watch threads, but i was hoping for some more personal opinions!

my parents are going to be getting me a watch as a graduation present, the budget would be around 15K

I want some opinions on a timeless watch. not something too trendy that will go out of style in a few years, but at the same time something exciting.

i currently own a movado faceto, i have always loved the omega seamster 300m, but i wanted something a little more substantial. the rolex submariner is another one of my favs, but again pretty common.

I'm pretty sure my parents are going to be buying from brinkhaus, so please keep in mind the 15000k price tag, and that it will be spent in store and not online.

thanks for the help! looking forward to seeing the suggestions.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Maybe move to the First World Problem thread, more hits there?

No idea what this watch is worth: http://www.iwc.com/en-us/collection/vintage/IW3233/

That is the style I would be seeking, the trouble with watches having all the dials and whiz-bang is that they age really poorly. Understated and "timeless" have no need for pop and fizz. You could wear the watch above for the rest of your life.

[rage2]

If you're going to Brinkhaus the only 2 brands that fit your criteria and price range would be Rolex or IWC. Rolex is too Asian for my tastes, so I would look at this:

http://catalog.iwc.com/product-detail.aspx?param=IW376204&languageCode=EN&countryCode=US

New would be a little closer to 20 with discounts, used in unworn condition the pop up at around 15.

Omega and Rolex, while timeless, are too bland IMO.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Looks like rage2 and I are singing off the same song sheet. IWC is the place to be.

[jaysas_63]

Thanks for the input guys.

Rage: don't want to limit my choice of brands based on store, would deff be willing to buy from any jeweler, i just don't think my parents are comfortable with online sales.

also should have mentioned before I'm not too fond of rectangular faces!

Canmore: not too fond of roman numerals, otherwise nice looking watch. ill deff try to find an example to try on.

edit: ya looks like you're both pointing me in the same direction. never really thought about IWC, will make sure to look into more of there options

[rage2]

Just get an AP Royal Oak and call it a day. There's enough dbag watch snobs that'll keep that watch timeless for a long time. It looks more unique than your average Rolex, makes you look a little more creative in watch choice lol.

I'd recommend Hublot but that would probably be considered too trendy for your tastes. Too many rappers jacking up the prices, so it's actually quite tough to find a good one in the $15k range these days.

There's no AP dealers in Calgary so you'll have to get it shipped from Vancouver or Toronto. I can definately help you with that.

As for used shopping, I deal with a Swiss broker (think Kulu but for watches) that finds me uber rare stuff, and hard to get limited editions new from the factory. Bonus is no duty for watches shipped from Switzerland.

[rage2]

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/items/itemid_15618_Royal_Oak_Day_Date_SS__Black__SS.html

[Type_S1]

Wow...I wish I was a spoiled shit! :nut:

I saw some nice Rolex's there the other week...unlike Rage2 I like them :dunno:

I would actually go into the store without your parents and start looking at a few watches...what I have learned is what looks nice online you might hate when you go and try it on.

[rage2]

I grew up as a fob, and all I ever hear are parents, uncles and aunts talking about "gum low lick see". To me it's purely a status watch to flaunt wealth.

I like watches that nobody knows about except for other watch snobs. TBH Hublots are starting to get too flashy for me. It was cool when I first got em and nobody knew about the brand. Hopefully this rapper thing is just a short phase that'll go away.

But ya, if your goal is to show everyone that you have cash, Rolex is your best bet. Its by far the most well known luxury watch brand, even though they're kinda cheap in the grand scheme of things.

Waiting for ScCab's rebuttal. :rofl:

[jaysas_63]

Originally posted by rage2
Just get an AP Royal Oak and call it a day. There's enough dbag watch snobs that'll keep that watch timeless for a long time. It looks more unique than your average Rolex, makes you look a little more creative in watch choice lol.

I'd recommend Hublot but that would probably be considered too trendy for your tastes. Too many rappers jacking up the prices, so it's actually quite tough to find a good one in the $15k range these days.

There's no AP dealers in Calgary so you'll have to get it shipped from Vancouver or Toronto. I can definately help you with that.

As for used shopping, I deal with a Swiss broker (think Kulu but for watches) that finds me uber rare stuff, and hard to get limited editions new from the factory. Bonus is no duty for watches shipped from Switzerland.

deff going to add the royal oak on the list.

interms of the hublot, you're right, I'm just not too sure how they'll age.

i was contemplating used watches to save some money, and possibly get something a little nicer than if i were to buy new. just afraid of counterfeits. I'm sure if you've used this broker in the past he's only dealing with good merchandise. id appreciate his contact info if you could PM me it!

[rage2]

http://watches.de

He also gets new watches at pretty big discounts. Ignore his posted prices, they're 20-30% higher than actual closing prices.

[jaysas_63]

Originally posted by Type_S1

I would actually go into the store without your parents and start looking at a few watches...what I have learned is what looks nice online you might hate when you go and try it on.

most definitely! just wanted to get a sense of what to look for so i don't waste too much of a sales persons time that i won't be buying from :rofl:



Originally posted by rage2
http://watches.de

He also gets new watches at pretty big discounts. Ignore his posted prices, they're 20-30% higher than actual closing prices.

thanks for the link :thumbsup:

[rage2]

Here's a hublot that'll age well. Classy and simple.

http://www.watchesonnet.com/511-cp-1780-rx.html

I just picked one up for my gf. In case you change your mind about Hublots.

[jaysas_63]

Originally posted by rage2
Here's a hublot that'll age well. Classy and simple.

http://www.watchesonnet.com/511-cp-1780-rx.html

I just picked one up for my gf. In case you change your mind about Hublots.

i like it.

also saw this one that caught my eye:
Hublot Classic Fusion 45 mm Titanium Chronograph Watch 521.NX.1170.NX

i guess I'm going to have to try these on as well. any idea where in the city ill be able to find these?

[rage2]

Calgary Jewellery carries Hublots although I'm not sure if they have any classic fusions in stock right now. I'm sure I can line one up for you from my collection if you wanna try.

One of my favorite traits is the tough ceramic case. It's literally unscratchable. You're bound to smack the watch accidently here and there so if you want the watch to look brand new get one with a ceramic case (black). I guess that doesn't help if you don't like black watches.

Titanium is slightly tougher than Zirconium, and I was able to get a nice nick on my Zirconium Hublot from a damn bathroom door (had to shit bad lol).

[ScCab]

I would get something that has a timeless look and something that will always be a classic. Get the Rolex Sub IMO.

Don't be a trendy douche like rage2

[jaysas_63]

Originally posted by rage2
Calgary Jewellery carries Hublots although I'm not sure if they have any classic fusions in stock right now. I'm sure I can line one up for you from my collection if you wanna try.

One of my favorite traits is the tough ceramic case. It's literally unscratchable. You're bound to smack the watch accidently here and there so if you want the watch to look brand new get one with a ceramic case (black). I guess that doesn't help if you don't like black watches.

Titanium is slightly tougher than Zirconium, and I was able to get a nice nick on my Zirconium Hublot from a damn bathroom door (had to shit bad lol).

i'll go check out calgary jewelry when i get into town in a few weeks. if they can't help me out ill take you up on your offer and trouble you for a bit, thanks again!



Originally posted by ScCab
I would get something that has a timeless look and something that will always be a classic. Get the Rolex Sub IMO.

Don't be a trendy douche like rage2



:rofl: the two tone submariner with blue face/dial is still pretty high up on my list

[Kijho]

Fuck, they must have hid bricks of solid gold around the house when you were a kid for Easter!!


I worked quite a long time for mine but I love my Daytona.
Yacht-Master's are beautiful as well.

[msommers]

The Rolex Daytona is a beautiful and timeless piece. I'll have one at some point...probably not very soon though ;) How much did you end up spending? PM if you prefer.

[taemo]

Originally posted by msommers
The Rolex Daytona is a beautiful and timeless piece. I'll have one at some point...probably not very soon though ;) How much did you end up spending? PM if you prefer.

was going to recommend the same thing.
No matter how much I drool at all the other watches, the most beautiful watch I've ever seen is the Rolex Daytona
http://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/resources/1/rolex-daytona-116509-7.jpg
but then again, it's over your budget

[msommers]

Omega Speedmaster Pro/broad arrow is much cheaper and similar styling.

[Destinova403]

at 15 you are in for an entry level Patek or Vacheron... I personally LOVE the Vacheron Patrimony... Timeless classic dress watch.

[lasimmon]

id be a man and tell my parents not to waste 15k on a watch

[adamc]

Yeah, spend 5-8 and get something killer, and sock the rest away.

Buying your first nice watch and starting at that level is pretty crazy.



That said 15k is kind of a weird price point. There are a ton of great pieces 10k and under, and then the stuff that I really like is 20k+ You could probably find a pre owned AP Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad..


I would probably get an IWC Big Pilot Perp. Calendar, or maybe a Panerai Marina Militare 8 Giorni.



In the end it's still a shitload of money to spend and I would hesitate to just jump right in to the deep end of high end time pieces without working your way up, but in the end it's your decision. Go to the states and visit Tourneau and try a bunch on.

And then let us know what you end up with!

[adamc]

Just re-read the OP, if you like the look of the Omega, why not get an Omega?

Spend 5k, get something you love the look of, and then trade up or acquire nicer pieces as you go.

Watch collecting is a seriously deep dark money pit, why blow your entire load at once?

You could even pick up a Rolex Sub, or seadweller, AND an Omega, AND something a bit more formal.

[jaysas_63]

wanted to thank everybody for all the input, really appreciate the help.

adam that iwc looks amazing, unfortunately from a quick search it looks to be in the 35-40k range online. thanks for the Tourneau suggestion, turns out theres one a few blocks away from me in boston. I'm going to check it out later on today! i hope they won't be snobs.

in terms of trading up, i would definitely use that approach had i been getting something for myself, but this watch will have sentimental value for me, something to always remember my parents with, and keep in the family.

[rage2]

Check out the Hublot King Power Senna that's in stock at Torneau Boston. You might change your mind about trendy watches lol.

Full carbon fibre, flyback chrono. Well over your budget but fun to check out. Feels so light and good on the wrist for such a big watch.

[statick]

For me, it would easily be one of these...

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/items/itemid_776_50_FATHOMS_5015113071.html

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/items/itemid_3912_Master_Compressor_Diving_GMT_Q184T170.html

Though I'd consider the Master Compressor Diving in 44mm or with chronograph complication if either of those suit you better.

Happy shopping and let us know how the trip to Tourneau goes, they are a dealer of Blancpain and JLC.

[se7en]

Hublot skeleton. Big bang. Bang bang. Bang. My fave.

[rob the knob]

what does rolex daytona cost?

new?

any used for reasonable cost?

[Disoblige]

When I looked at this thread title on Main page, it said:

"Advice on graduation watch (~$150..."

Boy, I didn't expect the extra zeroes haha :D

[rage2]

Originally posted by se7en
Hublot skeleton. Big bang. Bang bang. Bang. My fave.
I've been eyeing the new Classic Fusion "Extra-Thin" Skeleton that was just announced...

http://www.hodinkee.com/storage/thumbnails/2431710-16462843-thumbnail.jpg

http://www.hodinkee.com/storage/thumbnails/2431710-16462943-thumbnail.jpg

http://www.hodinkee.com/storage/thumbnails/2431710-16462951-thumbnail.jpg

http://www.hodinkee.com/storage/thumbnails/2431710-16462959-thumbnail.jpg

http://www.hodinkee.com/storage/thumbnails/2431710-16462965-thumbnail.jpg

[CMW403]

If I was you I would tell my parents to throw the 15000 into my TFSA and start investing.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Impreza]

Originally posted by rob the knob
what does rolex daytona cost?

new?

any used for reasonable cost?

A white gold cosmograph daytona is about $30k new. I have long been dreaming of one. Saw one for a great deal a year ago and I still kick myself everyday for not buying it.

[adamc]

Daytonas are gay as hell

[adamc]

30k for a brand that makes millions of pieces a year that you can buy in any strip mall jeweler.
:barf:

[rage2]

Daytona:

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/8920/tona.jpg

hahaha ok Hublot has one too. :D

http://www.store-replica.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Hublot-Big-Bang-Leopard-41-mm-Rose-Gold-Watch.jpg

What's hilarious is there's actually a market for these things. Rich Cougars FTW.

[adamc]

The only Daytona that I like:

http://www.worldwatchreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rolex-oyster-perpetual-cosmograph-daytona-automatic-chronograph-watch.jpg

[jaysas_63]

went to to Tourneau today and took a look at a few watches. they had a few IWC pilots that caught my eye, but nothing spectacular in stock like the big pilot perpetual calendar that adam posted. I was really hoping to see a royal oak, but that also wasn't carried in store. they also didn't have any classic fusion hublots, and what hublot they did have were deff a little too trendy for my liking. the girl that helped me told me the store in NY has a lot more to offer so i might check that one out in a few weeks.

i also stopped by ross simon to take a look at some rolexs. i really liked the deep sea sea-dweller. loved the size, and feel, and the lack of the Cyclops bubble on the crystal surface. the only downs side is i was hoping to have a splash of color in the watch, as I'm pretty tired of the black/stainless steal movado I've been wearing for close to 10 years. the other rolex i was fond of was the two tone (gold/silver) submariner in blue bezel/dial. not sure if its too loud/tacky/busy, but its definitely a classic staple, and i like the splash of color, only downside is that it feels too small after wearing the deep sea! was not a fan of the daytonas at all, i don't know why but i found them to be very retro/aged in appearance. any opinions on the deep sea vs a blue two toned sub?

[tawheed]

http://ptswisswatch.com/images/TagMonacoConcept24b.jpg

http://calibre11.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Monaco-V4-12-WM.jpg

[rage2]

That Monaco 24 is a fake, and the V4 is still in the $80k range. That and both watches do not come close to the OPs criteria.

Real Monaco 24:

http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/tag/96.jpg

[adamc]

but thanks for coming out!

:rofl:

[FraserB]

Thats a horrible fake.:barf:

[CanmoreOrLess]

I have given this a think over, you cannot really expect to make a 15K choice for a watch at your age. Fuck it, just get a modest watch under say 3K, invest the rest or do something right with the remaining 12K. I know my watch tastes changed every five years or so, like I said previously I have given away all my watches other than an Omega Seamaster which sits never used to this day.

The watch you wear today will look and feel like crap in a few years, why waste a nice gift?

[rage2]

His parents are giving him a watch as a gift with a $15k budget, not a $3k watch + $12k cash. At least, that's how I would think if I was giving someone a watch as a gift.

[jaysas_63]

I could always pick a 3000 dollar watch, but as rage said i most definitely wouldn't be collecting the remaining balance from my parents, this is gift for me to have from them, not so much a chunk of money after i graduate to do what i wish with. my parents are bringing me in the loop for picking the watch so they know i pick something i like (as it would be a shame to spend money on something I'm not entirely happy with)

canmore I'm young, but I'm not that young. this isn't the first degree I'm getting, doest seem unreasonable for somebody approaching his late 20's to get a nice watch. and you are right, there are lots of watches i saw that i could tell in 5 years id be tired of. but i think some designs are rather timeless, and i could wear for the rest of my life (if they hold up mechanically).

just wanted to re-post my last post incase it got neglected for being bottom of he barrel on page 2 :rofl:


went to to Tourneau today and took a look at a few watches. they had a few IWC pilots that caught my eye, but nothing spectacular in stock like the big pilot perpetual calendar that adam posted. I was really hoping to see a royal oak, but that also wasn't carried in store. they also didn't have any classic fusion hublots, and what hublot they did have were deff a little too trendy for my liking. the girl that helped me told me the store in NY has a lot more to offer so i might check that one out in a few weeks.

i also stopped by ross simon to take a look at some rolexs. i really liked the deep sea sea-dweller. loved the size, and feel, and the lack of the Cyclops bubble on the crystal surface. the only downs side is i was hoping to have a splash of color in the watch, as I'm pretty tired of the black/stainless steal movado I've been wearing for close to 10 years. the other rolex i was fond of was the two tone (gold/silver) submariner in blue bezel/dial. not sure if its too loud/tacky/busy, but its definitely a classic staple, and i like the splash of color, only downside is that it feels too small after wearing the deep sea! was not a fan of the daytonas at all, i don't know why but i found them to be very retro/aged in appearance. any opinions on the deep sea vs a blue two toned sub?

any opinions on the deep sea vs blue sub?

[Sugarphreak]

...

[FraserB]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
Rolex Submariner, great looking watch with a history to match. Plus it is well within your parents budget.

http://damox.com/watches/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/rolex-submariner.jpg



This is the watch I would get. Blue bezel.

But unfortunately I'm poor and can only afford Tag :(

[statick]

Personally, I've always found the DeepSea-SeaDweller to be rather uncomfortable to wear due to the large case and relatively small bracelet. The new ceramic Submariner is quite a nice watch with some needed improvements (the bracelet, some would say the maxi case). That said, as I mentioned before, I think the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Sport or Jaeger LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving GMT, Chronograph or Navy Seals Automatic is what I'd be buying. These watches have equally substantial, if not better, in-house movements, amazing fit & finish and are more distinct than Rolex's divers' watch designs.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Originally posted by rage2
His parents are giving him a watch as a gift with a $15k budget, not a $3k watch + $12k cash. At least, that's how I would think if I was giving someone a watch as a gift.

I realize the situation, my point being a 15K watch is a ton of flash and as it is a very generous gift I guess you accept it in the spirit it was intended. Personally, I would not desire the attention or security concerns. And frankly in my line of work, if I rolled in with a 15K watch on my skinny wrist, the client would know I am overcharging him big time. Now if I were a doctor, Flames goaltender, F1 driver, WSOP champion, mobster, etc, who cares, wear it with pride if it gives you joy.

I've got 99 problems and selecting a 15K watch ain't one of them.

[swak]

Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess


I've got 99 problems and selecting a 15K watch ain't one of them.

:rofl: :rofl:
Sig worthy

[sneek]

For me it would be the IWC Yacht Club. IMO the look is simple and timeless.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yVDs2hqZjDc/S6pgL1wNEbI/AAAAAAAAAfc/eqHWhwfx568/s1600/IWC_390206_Portuguese_Yacht_Club_Chronograph-blog.jpg

[Cos]

.

[rage2]

Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess
I realize the situation, my point being a 15K watch is a ton of flash and as it is a very generous gift I guess you accept it in the spirit it was intended. Personally, I would not desire the attention or security concerns. And frankly in my line of work, if I rolled in with a 15K watch on my skinny wrist, the client would know I am overcharging him big time.
Well if you choose right, it won't look flashy. I'm roaming the streets of India right now with a $20k Hublot. I don't think anyone knows WTF it is. The sketchy ppl are more on a lookout for ppl walking with iPads haha.

[turbotrip]

Originally posted by sneek
For me it would be the IWC Yacht Club. IMO the look is simple and timeless.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yVDs2hqZjDc/S6pgL1wNEbI/AAAAAAAAAfc/eqHWhwfx568/s1600/IWC_390206_Portuguese_Yacht_Club_Chronograph-blog.jpg

:drool:

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Weapon_R]

http://www.gemnation.com/images/watches/IWCw/IW500109.jpg

[jaysas_63]

those trying to steer me away from a gaudy piece are going to hate me, but im leaning towards the sub.:rofl:

just not sure which colour combo. Any suggestions?

black tt
basel-2009-rolex-submariner-gold-steel-black-dial1.jpg http://cdn.ablogtoread.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/basel-2009-rolex-submariner-gold-steel-black-dial1.jpg

blue tt:
basel-2009-rolex-submariner-116613lb-97203-gold-steel-blue-dial1.jpg http://cdn.ablogtoread.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/basel-2009-rolex-submariner-116613lb-97203-gold-steel-blue-dial1.jpg

[flipstah]

Black Sub. Classy.

[rage2]

Originally posted by jaysas_63
those trying to steer me away from a gaudy piece are going to hate me, but im leaning towards the sub.:rofl:
Meh, buy what you like, that's all that matters! :thumbsup:

[Spoons]

Man do you know what I got for a grad present?

A fucking $50 dollar electric razor that I never used. White parents suck.

[SJW]

Originally posted by Spoons
Man do you know what I got for a grad present?

A fucking $50 dollar electric razor that I never used. White parents suck.

Well I couldn't even afford to go to my graduation and had to borrow cash to get my diploma.

[swak]

Originally posted by SJW


Well I couldn't even afford to go to my graduation and had to borrow cash to get my diploma.

You don't need to go to convocation to get the diploma/degree do you??

I just don't want to attend.

[Bladeh]

So what did you get? the suspense is killing me! :bigpimp:

[pinoyhero]

Please say one of the following:

AP Royal Oak
PP Aquanaut

[Dumbass17]

Wow you guys like some ugly lame watches, most of these look like timex that cost under 100 bux... Wtf?

[Dumbass17]

Originally posted by FraserB


This is the watch I would get. Blue bezel.

But unfortunately I'm poor and can only afford Tag :(
Wtf gross and plain, I wouldn't pay 30 for this

[jaysas_63]

Originally posted by Bladeh
So what did you get? the suspense is killing me! :bigpimp:

I'm sorry to disappoint most of you guys, but i went with the played out Rolex:rofl:


https://sites.google.com/a/realeyze.com/www/_/rsrc/1340648369117/test/IMG00334-20120625-1348.jpg?height=300&width=400

Thanks again for all of your help and suggestions!

[holden]

Classic timepiece.

GQ - Classic watches (http://www.gq.com/how-to/fashion/200704/gq-guide-buy-a-watch-slideshow#slide=3)

[Sugarphreak]

...

[gyu]

On the thread preview it shows ~$150...

Did not expect to see the extra 0's :eek: Beyond ballers

[msommers]

Originally posted by holden
Classic timepiece.

GQ - Classic watches (http://www.gq.com/how-to/fashion/200704/gq-guide-buy-a-watch-slideshow#slide=3)

I just might have to save up for this (http://www.gq.com/how-to/fashion/200704/gq-guide-buy-a-watch-slideshow#slide=8) beauty, damn!

[Type_S1]

Originally posted by gyu
On the thread preview it shows ~$150...

Did not expect to see the extra 0's :eek: Beyond ballers

Not a baller...a momma's boy :rolleyes:

Nice choice though OP.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by jaysas_63


I'm sorry to disappoint most of you guys, but i went with the played out Rolex:rofl:


https://sites.google.com/a/realeyze.com/www/_/rsrc/1340648369117/test/IMG00334-20120625-1348.jpg?height=300&width=400

Thanks again for all of your help and suggestions!

Black Sub... Great choice. :thumbsup:

[Dumbass17]

Originally posted by jaysas_63


I'm sorry to disappoint most of you guys, but i went with the played out Rolex:rofl:


https://sites.google.com/a/realeyze.com/www/_/rsrc/1340648369117/test/IMG00334-20120625-1348.jpg?height=300&width=400

Thanks again for all of your help and suggestions!

wow,
should have saved yourself thousands of dollars and bought a timex
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ6Vv3oIJigErhTStJUxUYAfsgwwRXgbL0B_i_ByRkCmjFI_OPI3g

[taemo]

http://5minuteswithmolly.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/jealous-again.jpg

congrats on the black sub, classic timepiece!

[KRyn]

Originally posted by Dumbass17


wow,
should have saved yourself thousands of dollars and bought a timex
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ6Vv3oIJigErhTStJUxUYAfsgwwRXgbL0B_i_ByRkCmjFI_OPI3g


You really are a dumbass!

Sick time piece, my uncle used to rock a Sub! Clean and simple nice choice.

[max_boost]

:bigpimp: :bigpimp: :bigpimp: