[dillon733]

Originally Posted by radix

I've heard it also varies by model, but I have no data to corroborate that.

yea it does. I think the more common sellers are the toughest to discount like when buying anything. For example i know it is very tough to get a good discount on a sub or gmt

[NYC6]

Heres tha watch I always wanted since I was a kid reading and watching James Bond books and movies. Also a long time admirer of Jaques Cousteau. The Rolex Submariner needed to find its way on my wrist. Bought it new over a year ago. I look at my wrist, sometimes not even to see the time.

This classic Rolex fits all of your criteria and is a timeless watch that holds its value and is instantly recognizable without screaming look at me like so many of todays fad watches and as another plus it will easily last a lifetime and then some to be handed down to a loved one.

Contrary to what was said earlier AD's do negotiate. The going rate is usually 10% off retail on SS Rolexs. Precious metal pieces can get more of a discount. If your a better haggler and are well informed you can do better. I got 15% off on my brand new Sub from an AD here in NY. My Sub came it at a shade under $5K. There are very good grey dealers that can do even better. DavidSW on Rolexforums is one that I would deal with anytime.

[radix]

^You can never go wrong with a sub. I too prefer the sub without the cyclops. Depending on discounts and taxes it might be a bit above the OPs limit though.

[NYC6]

The real Bond (Connery) didnt need an ugly cyclops and neither do I.

Prices went up a bit since I got mine but if its over it wouldnt be by much and worth the price of admission.IMO

[PunjabiM3]

Well here are the watches that I am considering after doing some research. BTW, any thoughts of buying a watch online from a retailer such as jomashop versus an authorized dealer? Anyhow, here are some that I am considering:

IWC:
http://www.jomashop.com/iwc-3717-01.html

http://www.jomashop.com/iwc-3255-05.html

***I think the IWC with the leather strap looks better than the metal stap...thoughts?

Panerai:
http://www.jomashop.com/panerai-mens...-fer00002.html

http://www.jomashop.com/panerai-ferr...-fer00001.html

***I like the Panerai watches...leather strap seems to be the only way to go on these. I am looking at the Ferrari ones since the normal ones are so much more expensive. Are these Ferrari ones manufactured in the same way and have the same movements?

Omega:
http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/se...23110392106001

http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/se...meter/25045000

http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/se...meter/25043000

Tag:
http://www.authenticwatches.com/tag-...10-ba0796.html



Would love some feedback on these watches, though I know they are quite different from one another. I think my final price range is $4k or less.

[BTM]

From a non-collector non-history buff type view (mine- I know nothing other than reputable brands and what I personally think looks cool) I like the first IWC, or the Tag. They are both very different so I guess it depends on how in what situations you plan to wear it. The IWC looks more formal, IMO, and the Tag sportier, easier to pull off with shorts/and t shirt or polo.

[SchnellM3]

Urwerk HANDS DOWN!!!!


Extremely pricey but once you see them every other watch seems ordinary

[wwjbd24]

if you're not worried about resale, i would go for the TAG or the Omega speedmaster!

[san~man]

If I were to buy a Rolex, it'd be a Daytona in black or black/red. Seems to be the only one that appeals to me, and although I can afford it, I'm not quite fond / nor ready to drop 10g's on a watch.

[ZJP]

^I saw this watch today in my GQ magazine, gorgeous piece for sure.

[Bimmer-Pilot]

Originally Posted by scollins

That just looks busy as hell on the face. I know, it supposed to be an E6B, but come on! Who is really going to use it that way? Small, hard to read, and then add in cockpit vibrations and distractions, and no way are you using that thing as an E6B, except in an emergency.

And, I'd say if you have no idea what an E6B is, then maybe you don't need the Navitimer. (I'm sure YOU know what one is, based on your screen name...)

I've got a TAG, and I've been somewhat happy with it. After the $350 repair bill after 4 years of having it, I was less thrilled with it. But I do love the look of Carreras....


Hell Jay, you live in Arizona now, buy a machine gun!

Of course, you aren't going to get much of an MG for $5,000 these days....

LOL..I know what E6B is. I had to use them in flight school but now we have coms That do all that work for us..I hear yea its is a lot going on..I just always wanted that watch.

[JasonCSU]

I like the Omegas in that list. Maybe also check out the Omega Speedmasters.

[PunjabiM3]

Update on my list: I like the Panerai watches but I think they will be WAY too large for my wrist. I went and tried on some Omega and Tag watches today at a local store and I think the largest I can probably do is 42mm, with the ideal being more around 39-40mm. The Panerai watches are all like 44-45mm...too big for me unless they make smaller watches.

[Mr.RT]

Panerai Ftw!!!

[Andrew@ET]

movado 800 series are really nice and wont break the bank ..

[san~man]

Originally Posted by PunjabiM3

Update on my list: I like the Panerai watches but I think they will be WAY too large for my wrist. I went and tried on some Omega and Tag watches today at a local store and I think the largest I can probably do is 42mm, with the ideal being more around 39-40mm. The Panerai watches are all like 44-45mm...too big for me unless they make smaller watches.

I love my Omega. Only needed service once in almost 10 years and IMO it's a timeless design (like the subs).

[radix]

Originally Posted by san~man

I love my Omega. Only needed service once in almost 10 years and IMO it's a timeless design (like the subs).

I love that watch, but I believe that model has been discontinued.

[PunjabiM3]

Update: Well here are my finalists for the watches (in no particular order):

1. Panerai Luminor Marina Automatic: love the watch, but it is definitely expensive. I have the money for it, but I have a tough time spending $5500 on a watch.

2. Omega Planet Ocean 45mm steel on steel: great looking watch, simpler than the others (no chrono), but Omegas are a dime a dozen. Less than $3k = beautiful watch for a fair price.

3. IWC classic pilot's chrono: definitely a unique watch, IWC is great, but not 100% sold on the looks. I prefer the looks of the Omega to this watch, though I like the rarity of the IWC and the (?)more prestigious(?) name. $3600.

So what are your thoughts based on what I have stated?

[BMW F22]

I like Omega so I'm biased. I've been thinking about picking up a 300M or a Planet Ocean as well. Omega watches look young/sporty yet elegant. I've looked at countless other brands and watches but kept coming back to Omega (not to mention it's more affordable than the Jaeger LeCoultre Geographic that I really, really want). Hopefully I will be able to pick up an Omega soon. Ultimately, you should go for a watch that you feel like you could spend the cash on as well as one that looks good.

Don't worry about the brand/prestigious because that will only get you so far.

PS- where are you getting the Planet Ocean for under $3k?? It's not from an unauthorized seller is it?

[PunjabiM3]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

I like Omega so I'm biased. I've been thinking about picking up a 300M or a Planet Ocean as well. Omega watches look young/sporty yet elegant. I've looked at countless other brands and watches but kept coming back to Omega (not to mention it's more affordable than the Jaeger LeCoultre Geographic that I really, really want). Hopefully I will be able to pick up an Omega soon. Ultimately, you should go for a watch that you feel like you could spend the cash on as well as one that looks good.

Don't worry about the brand/prestigious because that will only get you so far.

PS- where are you getting the Planet Ocean for under $3k?? It's not from an unauthorized seller is it?

On the planet ocean 45mm...Ben Bridge Jewelers (an authorized dealer) is selling all Omega for 25% off. Retail is $3950 and the sale price is $2962 plus tax. They only had two left in the entire company as of today (the one I am looking at is the 2200.50.00) and he ordered one of them for me to look at. Otherwise, you can get them online from non-authorized dealers for $2800 and they guarantee authenticity as well as exceed Omega's own warranty. What is everyone's thought on buying an Omega from an authorized vs non-authorized dealer given the non-authorized one guarantees authenticity, all papers, and packaging?

[BTM]

I like the IWC out of those 3

[wwjbd24]