HK's and watches

[99999]

It seems that lots of you collect fine timepieces as well as handguns. I am looking for one to get at somepoint what will eventually go to my son, and am wondering if I were to have about a $4,000 to $5,000 budget, what would you all suggest getting? I was figuring a rolex, but saw someones Tag, and that looked really great too. I know this isn't HK related, but I don't know were to post this and really want this forums' opinion on this, as many of you have nice watches...

[ispeed]

I am not a fan of Rolex, but I do like Panerai watches. Depending on how old your son is, he also might not like a Rolex "style" watch and prefer something more contemporary. Tag makes a good watch, just make sure it is an automatic as they make both quartz and auto's. I don't know if you can find one in your price range (used maybe) but I also like Longines and Breitling.

Good luck ... and if you decide you would like to adopt me and buy me a watch, I'm sure my original parents wouldn't mind.

[charlesfmason]

Rolex Sub or GMT Master II.
Enough said.

[P7M8]

Get a Panerai Historic (manual wind) piece. A model 000, 005, 111 or 112.

http://www.paneristi.com/archives/photo2003/entries/michael_chang_3.jpg


The one pictured is a 111 or one of the identical earlier models.

[HKCHEF]

If you up you budget you could pick one of these in this slide show.

http://www.forbes.com/2004/11/30/cx_ns_1201featslide.html?thisSpeed=20000

I personally enjoy a nice Tag.

[jmikesteen]

I have a rolex sub but I have 4 Omega's take a look at them the gold and titanium Cronograph is less than half the price of the 2 tone rolex without the crono features and keeps better time. PS you can get the 007 Model if you really believe you are a secret agent. Lol

[Sobriquet]

Avoid Tag at all costs. It isn't nearly of the same quality as comparably priced pieces.

You haven't said what TYPE of watch you're looking for. I'd assume something sporty since you mentioned a Rolex. While a Rolex isn't necessarily a bad choice, there are far finer pieces for the same money.

Take a look at an IWC Aquatimer Chronograph, Pilot's chronograph (3717), or Ingenieur. If you want something a bit more dressy but still casual, I think the IWC Portuguese is best in class. If you want something more refined, a Jaeger LeCoultre is very hard to beat in terms of value. It's 98% of a Patek Phillipe, but at a far lower price. Give them a hard look - they make some sportier pieces now, too.

An Omega is a solid choice for something like the Seamaster with coaxial escapement. Bottom line, head over to the forums at www.timezone.com and look around. Brands for you to consider are Jaeger LeCoultre, IWC, Omega, and Blancpain. Avoid Breitling, Tag Heuer, and all the "fashion" house watches. As I said, Rolex does not make a bad product, but far more refined pieces that are a better value for the money can be had.

[azpilot06]

Breitling or IWC. If you go Breitling, avoid the "my wrist has a satellite dish on it" new series. Go for something classic.

My daily wear is a Stainless Chronomat on a diver strap. Classic.

[Jenkem]

IWC's are classic. very clean and manly looking.
panerai's are great too but very LARGE.
never been a fan of rolex's. too mainstream and common for me.
the only Tag Hauers I like are the retro ones like the le man's series I think they're called.
if you've got $4-5000 to spend you've got a lot of choices.
whatever you do tho don't just go down to the mall and buy a rolex (even tho they are very well made).

[Sobriquet]

if you've got $4-5000 to spend you've got a lot of choices.

99999, you're in the sweet spot for some really great watches. Use the Timezone link I mentioned above and look around before pulling the trigger too quickly. You'll end up with something that your family will be proud to pass down through the generations that isn't a dime a dozen.

One other thing to be said for IWC: security. Every thug can recognize a Rolex, but not many know something from Schaffhausen. You can wear it in the knowledge that only other aficionados will know what it is. That said, I get more "cool watch" comments on my Aquatimer than any of my other pieces.

[Edit:] I forgot to mention pricing. Don't even think about paying retail. A discount of 15-20% (depending on brand and model) is not that hard to come by. After you decide what you want, use TimeZone to ask for a dealer recommendation to get a better price and skip the sales tax. If you're interested in an IWC after your search, send me a PM and I'll give you the name of where I go. Good hunting.

[bimmer2325]

I have an Omega Seamaster just like this.
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/4060/omegaseamasteryn8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This is what I am going to get when I finally graduate.
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1038/rolexexplorerii2fx8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Its an Explorer II. They are around 5500 but they are worth every penny. They hold their value unlike any other watch you can buy.

[Sobriquet]

They hold their value unlike any other watch you can buy.

That's not quite true. There are fine Swiss watches that actually appreciate over time. Rolex isn't one of them. Check out some of the auctions on Antiquorum.

$5500 for a steel watch without serious complications that has a movement that's on par with an ETA 2892-A2 is outrageous. You could almost get a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms for that. That's not even commenting on the quality of Rolex's case finishing or bracelets with their stamped metal and hollow end links....

[swiss_seth]

That's not quite true. There are fine Swiss watches that actually appreciate over time. Rolex isn't one of them. Check out some of the auctions on Antiquorum.

$5500 for a steel watch without serious complications that has a movement that's on par with an ETA 2892-A2 is outrageous. You could almost get a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms for that. That's not even commenting on the quality of Rolex's case finishing or bracelets with their stamped metal and hollow end links....

Actually the new models use Solid End Links and in my opinion the bands are simple and elegant in their form and function

I know you dont agree with me but I feel the ETA 2892 is nowhere near as rubust as the Rolex 3135 or any previous incarnation there of

Rolex is a great tool watch, however the price is rediculous and one would be wise to get a good condition pre-owned saving like 35%. It can be polished/overhauled to like new for 350 dollars and you have a like new Submariner, GMT et al for like 3800-4000 K USD

sorry for the rant lol

[MaD HuNGaRIaN]

I use a Luminox for Every Day Wear---can't beat it for comfort, durability, and visibility.

For occasions, I have an Omega Speedmaster Deluxe (watch worn on the moon), and it is very nice as well.

[Sobriquet]

Actually the new models use Solid End Links and in my opinion the bands are simple and elegant in their form and function

I know you dont agree with me but I feel the ETA 2892 is nowhere near as rubust as the Rolex 3135 or any previous incarnation there of

Rolex is a great tool watch, however the price is rediculous and one would be wise to get a good condition pre-owned saving like 35%. It can be polished/overhauled to like new for 350 dollars and you have a like new Submariner, GMT et al for like 3800-4000 K USD

sorry for the rant lol

Actually, Seth, I do agree that the Rolex is a very robust watch and is a superb tool watch. The problem is it doesn't have a tool watch price. For that purpose, I'll go with a Sinn.

The Rolex is really the watch world's AK. It's relatively crude with poor finishing and comparatively loose tolerances. But just like an AK - it'll keep running even under extreme conditions and neglect. Those are traits that are very admirable in a firearm, but something I just don't need or want in a fine timepiece. I can, however, respect the brand for what it is - particularly their vintage pieces.

[cueist]

Instead of deleting this thread I'm going to lock becuase it doesn't deal with HK. however you guys have give the OP some good information and links to follow so I'm going to leave this thread up but lock it.

Also I have two Omega's, a 2003 Michael Schumacher limited Speedmaster and a 2001 Seamaster 300M Ti. There are a lot of good choices the price range given by the OP.