26 years old man looking for an entry level watch under CAD $2K

[Smartidiot]

Hello All,

Not until recently I have fallen in love with the craftmanship and history of watches and I am planning to get a new watch for myself before the end of this year.

While there are tons of tastefully made watches out there, I have to control my budget to strictly under CAD $2000 (including tax).

so i am just wondering what would you guys suggest for a 26 years old guy. (single if that matters...)

and please do not tell me to save up and buy one later...

here are what i am looking for....

- no used watches- must be metal band- for some reasons i do NOT like Seiko, so no Seiko here...- automatic or quartz doesn't matter. - preferably chronograph.. (i know this can be asking too much..)- preferably swiss made- it can be dressed up with a suit and shirts or dressed down so that i can also wear it on the weekend when i go out partying.. basically an all-purpose watch.

after some intial internet research, i think a Movado watch or a Gucci chrono would fall under my budget.. however, i would like to hear some experts' thoughts and opinions on these so-called "fashion watches" (obvoiusly i don't want to be laughed at by a watch collector when rocking on a fashion watch thinking that it's all nice and cool...)

also, since i am an absoutely begininer when it comes to watches...i'd highly appreciate if you can share your knowledge and reason why you'd recommend the watch to me...

any inputs are highly appreciated...

thanks in advance.

Robin

not that anyone would be interested, but I now have an Amrani watch (model AR0546) which i boguht a year ago.. and man i can tell you that watch is a trully POS....

[TeflonG35]

I love my Mavado. Sexy and professional looking.



I'm a salesman so i got this $1,000 watch for $400. I came in with street cloths and looking young so they just threw me a ridiculously low price to see if I was serious. I bit.

I'm not selling mine, just making a recommendation.

[heliochrome85]

i have a couple Swatch watches. I also have 2 Movados. Id stay away from both. you wanna good watch? Tag Heuer F1 Chrono, Raymond Weil, Rado. I love Tags, but cant afford one yet. I dont feel like dropping 950 USD on one (yet).

[heliochrome85]

be careful, they go through movements like G's go through sports tires.

[mrsmithGrider]

With 2k I would probally get a stillin exhaust, plenum spacer with a pop charger intake with z tube.....but that's just me...

[mcheddadi]

I know nothing about watches, but I got a Casio Edifice watch model EFA119D (EFA-119D-1A7V)



I'm sure Casio is garbage as far as fashion watches go lol but it's somewhat elegant and has all the functions I could ask for.

http://www.casio-intl.com/wat/....html

I like it. Now I'll run away...

*runs away*

[smockers83]

Just the word watch brings up a never-before-seen-on-NICO Macy's ad on this page haha.

If you want a watch for both formal and casual settings, your best bet is to go with something of a circular face--rectangular faces tend to be more for formal settings. I personally don't know too much about watches either, but I would never buy a Movado, that's for sure. The only reason their watches became so expensive and put in the luxury case is because they bought their own watch at a ridiculous record-setting price in an auction back in the day.

Something with a darker face, black is pretty traditional, yet can be worn both casually and formally. For a professional look, you want something not too bulky, something on the slim side. For example:http://www1.macys.com/catalog/...Green

[heliochrome85]

RWs are good. my mom has one. just get it from a jeweler, they can usually come down in price significantly. my friend got a tag f1, it was priced at 775, he paid 615 for it. just ask, you never know.

[av8or]

like the man said.... tag heuer F1 chrono... i have the red "kimi raikkonen" model ... i also have a movado, but i don't like it ( sorry teflon35)


Modified by av8or at 2:40 AM 7/25/2008

[SVTCOBRA]

With 2k I would probally get a stillin exhaust, plenum spacer with a pop charger intake with z tube.....but that's just me...

I only buy new watches when I break one.

Last one I bought was on discount at Khol's. With all of the discounts it was around $130 and I felt bad for spending that much!My Kinetic Seiko had stopped working and the jeweler said it would take a coupe weeks to get it fixed.I bought this one and he called the NEXT DAY to tell me it was ready and the charge was only $20!!! So, I felt even worse about spending the $130...Oh, and I know I'm strange, but I can not stand metal bands. Have to have leather!!!!

[Smartidiot]

like the man said.... tag heuer F1 chrono... i have the red "kimi raikkonen" model ... i also have a movado, but i don't like it ( sorry teflon35)



Modified by av8or at 2:40 AM 7/25/2008

i didn't know you can get a Tag for under CAD$2k.. do you mind telling me where you got it?? did you bargain the price at all??

thanks...

[heliochrome85]

that watch runs 795 in the US. you do the math.

[Smartidiot]

that watch runs 795 in the US. you do the math.

wow.. you American people are lucky!!!.. is there any rooms for bargaining or it was US$795 firm ? is tax included in that number??

can you also tell me what you like/dislike about your Movado watch compared to the Tag formula 1?

[G_whizz]

I know nothing about watches... but you also may want to post this in GC as well.

Single now??

[Focusedintntions]

I had a Festina Tour De France (official one from the 06 tour, not the model line) before they started retailing in the US. My ex gf had it imported at a jeweler's from spain. Very nice watch that got alot of compliments.

I also rock a Lotus watch that gets alot of compliments....you might be able to find a retailer in Canada....but I got this one in Spain for 350 euro's.....chrono on it and it gets a bunch of compliments and looks dressy....

Either one of thos brands look great, they're very reliable and not too terribly expensive compared to others.

[rn79870]

...an entry level watch under CAD $2K.

I've loved my Swiss Army watch. (It really isn't an army watch, that's just the name.) Entry level, to me, means < $300.00. Not the classiest watch, but it beats a timex.

I bought a new Rolex for $40.00 but the silly thing tarnished and the band broke. The guy I got it from had to move his cart to another location so I'm out 40 bucks.

[Smartidiot]

I know nothing about watches... but you also may want to post this in GC as well.

Single now??

lol.. single as "not married" but still dating the same girl..

[joe603]

Here's mine...its a Seiko, but I like it!

[heliochrome85]

movados are everywhere. their movements are iffy and fail alot. just go to the jewelers and try on a tag. the face is gonna be smaller than othe watches, but the weight, and build will be exceptional. also, 795 is list here. you can get it as low as 675 or 650. you just need to haggle with the jeweler.

[av8or]

wow.. you American people are lucky!!!.. is there any rooms for bargaining or it was US$795 firm ? is tax included in that number??

can you also tell me what you like/dislike about your Movado watch compared to the Tag formula 1?

try $550... .... a friend of mine bought it for me in florida... TAG Heuer outlet.... i only wear my movado when i put on a suit... too formal IMO...

both are stainless steel, have sapphire crystal which does not scratch and are swiss made... this second generation TAG has also a bigger face compared to the first F1 chrono... there's a third gen that is out right now... it's the "fernando alonso" orange face model (it also comes in red, white, and black)... but it is still over $900...



Modified by av8or at 9:12 AM 7/25/2008
Modified by av8or at 9:19 AM 7/25/2008

[RPM G35x]

I have had this Bulova (Marine Star 96G76) for a couple of years now. It can be worn all the time. Dress-up or weekend watch and at about $400 it won't break the bank.

[PGrated]

Most swiss watches do not use swiss movements. Most will use Japanese movements made specifically for their watches. There are only two swiss watch manufacturers that use their own movements. One is Rolex, and the other is Cartier. Both are high end watches starting at the $4000 mark or more, depending on what you get. But the sky is the limit with them too.

I personally like Tag Heuer for their style and their durability. I have had one for about 12 years now and only have replaced the battery once. I wear it with formal wear and go swimming with it too. The sapphire crystal can really take a beating and still unscathed. My Omega also has a quartz movement on it and is more of a dress watch. It is a bit lighter. (the constellation) Their certified chronometers are nice ("James Bond" watch). But, like every automatic, it needs to be overhauled every few years and can cost a few bucks. As a matter of fact, Rolex recommends it every 5 years and costs $500. But your watch comes back pristine; the case and wristband are polished.

My recommendation is a Tag Heuer with a quartz movement which can be had for probably around the $1000 mark or so depending on what your tastes are.

I have also learned that watches are a very personal thing. I bought my wife a Tag one christmas a few years ago and she returned it and got a Seiko instead. But she is happy with the watch. That is what is important. So, have fun and try a bunch of them on and see what appeals to you. It's kind of like shopping for a car and taking test drives.

PG

[Smartidiot]

Most swiss watches do not use swiss movements. Most will use Japanese movements made specifically for their watches. There are only two swiss watch manufacturers that use their own movements. One is Rolex, and the other is Cartier. Both are high end watches starting at the $4000 mark or more, depending on what you get. But the sky is the limit with them too.

I personally like Tag Heuer for their style and their durability. I have had one for about 12 years now and only have replaced the battery once. I wear it with formal wear and go swimming with it too. The sapphire crystal can really take a beating and still unscathed. My Omega also has a quartz movement on it and is more of a dress watch. It is a bit lighter. (the constellation) Their certified chronometers are nice ("James Bond" watch). But, like every automatic, it needs to be overhauled every few years and can cost a few bucks. As a matter of fact, Rolex recommends it every 5 years and costs $500. But your watch comes back pristine; the case and wristband are polished.

My recommendation is a Tag Heuer with a quartz movement which can be had for probably around the $1000 mark or so depending on what your tastes are.

I have also learned that watches are a very personal thing. I bought my wife a Tag one christmas a few years ago and she returned it and got a Seiko instead. But she is happy with the watch. That is what is important. So, have fun and try a bunch of them on and see what appeals to you. It's kind of like shopping for a car and taking test drives.

PG

that's some valuable information here, thanks a bunch..

so waht's your take on Gucci Chrono?? is it total crap in the eyes of real watch collectors??

i have set my eyes on either a Gucci chrono, Movado with dimaond setup, Omega reduced, or Tag F1 ....

oh and.. do you have any ideas how much a Tag Aquaracer quartz chrono would cost???..i cant seem to find the pricing on the official website...

[Smartidiot]

With 2k I would probally get a stillin exhaust, plenum spacer with a pop charger intake with z tube.....but that's just me...

to each his own i guess.. i cant seem to justify spending thoursands of dollars on car parts knowing that i will eventually sell my car and the mods will actually depreciate the value of my car even further..

[Smartidiot]

Most swiss watches do not use swiss movements. Most will use Japanese movements made specifically for their watches. There are only two swiss watch manufacturers that use their own movements. One is Rolex, and the other is Cartier. Both are high end watches starting at the $4000 mark or more, depending on what you get. But the sky is the limit with them too.

I personally like Tag Heuer for their style and their durability. I have had one for about 12 years now and only have replaced the battery once. I wear it with formal wear and go swimming with it too. The sapphire crystal can really take a beating and still unscathed. My Omega also has a quartz movement on it and is more of a dress watch. It is a bit lighter. (the constellation) Their certified chronometers are nice ("James Bond" watch). But, like every automatic, it needs to be overhauled every few years and can cost a few bucks. As a matter of fact, Rolex recommends it every 5 years and costs $500. But your watch comes back pristine; the case and wristband are polished.

My recommendation is a Tag Heuer with a quartz movement which can be had for probably around the $1000 mark or so depending on what your tastes are.

I have also learned that watches are a very personal thing. I bought my wife a Tag one christmas a few years ago and she returned it and got a Seiko instead. But she is happy with the watch. That is what is important. So, have fun and try a bunch of them on and see what appeals to you. It's kind of like shopping for a car and taking test drives.

PG

oh and one more question.. are you implying the Tag uses Japanese movement too??? i was always under the impression that Tag develops its movement in-house.. i could be wrong though....

[heliochrome85]

gucci just licensed their name just like burberry, tommy hilfiger, etc. id stay away. you wanna be a watch collector, stick with the originals -rolex-pateks-omega-rado-tag-raymond weil-ebel

[etschell]

i would never spend more than 20 bucks on a watch. but if it is your thing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUTHENTIC-...wItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Citizen-Ti...wItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/INVICTA-43...wItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-LIMITE...wItem

those are all sick watches, cant really go wrong.

[PGrated]

oh and one more question.. are you implying the Tag uses Japanese movement too??? i was always under the impression that Tag develops its movement in-house.. i could be wrong though....

Yes!!! Tag, even Omega uses Japanese movements. That way they are mass produced, cheaper to manufacture and are good quality movements. Don't get me wrong, they are still good movements. They just spend their efforts on the design and manufacturing of the watch itself.

But, like heliochrome said, stick with the ones he mentioned and you can't go wrong.

PG

[Sentientbydesign]

I used to collect watches (before I got married and when it was easier to find clothes-I'm 6'3").

My favorites for a long time were the Kenneth Coles. They had a great range of styles. Well made, batteries lasted, water resistant...etc etc.

I now only wear one watch because I'm lazy. It's a Citizen's eco-drive. Titanium band, Crystal Lens, no batteries to replace, Solar Powered.



If you want something to start off with, I'd stay away from a $2k watch. $200-$500 will do you just fine. Some of Movado's stuff is beautiful, but it's more pretige than function...or style (in some cases)

I think I have 8 or 9 watches.

[C-Kwik]

My cell phone does a great job telling the time. Watches are on my list of useless I don't need. And the people who would care what watch is on my wrist are the same people I don't care to impress. But to all their own I guess...