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Thread: Got £1k to spend,what to buy

  1. #1
    Journeyman
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    Got £1k to spend,what to buy

    So I’m in the market for a new watch with a maximum of £1000 to spend

    I’d like some recommendations from you guys if that’s ok?

    I don’t have a lot of watches currently and this will be my watch biggest purchase to date.

    I have 4 watches presently and all are quartz.

    Here are is my small collection.


    I definitely want this watch to be automatic, I also want a metal strap, I don’t think I want another Chronograph watch as I have 3 already.

    If I had the money I’d buy a Rolex submariner (but I don’t!)

    Also I’m in the UK.

    Any help in deciding brands etc is appreciated

  2. #2
    Master
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    It'll take some searching but I think the Omega SMP300 should be in reach?
    Failing that, the iconic MM300 will be slightly over budget.
    Both great, classic watches.

    Edit: google Seiko Spork. A great, great watch that should leave you with some change.
    Last edited by Dave O'Sullivan; 30th September 2019 at 23:03.

  3. #3
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    I'm on a similar budget......currently looking at used sinn watches.

  4. #4
    Master
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    Also, what the Hell have you done to that Lorus in the last photo?!
    Looks like it's gone through a cement mixer!

  5. #5
    Seamaster SMP quartz maybe - or a Tudor Ranger would be my choice.
    It's just a matter of time...

  6. #6
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Could look at the MM300 for about £300 extra or really the new green Seiko Sumo which will be well within budget. The "MM200" is also good for the money and within budget.

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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    Seamaster SMP quartz
    Quote Originally Posted by fraz101 View Post
    I definitely want this watch to be automatic
    Last edited by Benji053; 30th September 2019 at 23:07.

  8. #8
    Automatic and £1k to spend still leaves a pretty big world to choose from. Are you able to narrow it down further? Do you want to buy new or are you open to buying pre-owned? Not a chronograph, so dress watch, diver, other?

    Your collection so far is very orientally based. Do you want to stick with this as a theme or looking for/open to a change.

    Also any size limitations?

    As Wileeeeeey said a Sumo might be a good addition or an MM200.

    Last edited by Onespeed; 30th September 2019 at 23:09.

  9. #9
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by magpie215 View Post
    I'm on a similar budget......currently looking at used sinn watches.
    That was my thought.

    M

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    Breitling Cosmonaute 809 - What's not to like?

  10. #10
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    Sinn or Oris.

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  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by zenius View Post
    Sinn or Oris.

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    I’d second this. The Sinn 556 I or A are great watches. I love the Oris Divers and the Big Crown Pointer Dates too. I’d be happy with either of these.
    Good luck and enjoy the hunt.


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  12. #12
    With that budget I would be looking at a Longines Hydroconquest.

  13. #13
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    Surely a used automatic Tag Carrera would be in reach for £1000?

  14. #14
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    There's quite a lot in budget from our host's company, http://timefactors.com/. Lovely watches, all of them.

    Some examples:-


    (yeah, I know it's a chrono but it looks good)


  15. #15
    Master sweets's Avatar
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    Mark, you missed the main Timefactors contender in the sub £1k bracket, the Dreadnought Voyager, a great GMT for under £900


  16. #16
    Grand Master ryanb741's Avatar
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    Yema Superman Heritage

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  17. #17
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sweets View Post
    Mark, you missed the main Timefactors contender in the sub £1k bracket, the Dreadnought Voyager, a great GMT for under £900

    It is, but it's a big watch and, I suspect, not for everyone - Used it's even more of a bargain!

    M

  18. #18
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    SARX055 gets my vote

    A lot of watch for the money, if you don't want a diver. Looks lovely on a leather strap too.







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    Last edited by amnesia; 1st October 2019 at 11:19.

  19. #19
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    Secondhand Junghans offer a lot of bang for buck. Check out the Max Bill range, classic Bauhaus design.

  20. #20
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    There's a CWC 1980 Automatic reissue on SC at present for £1k, that's is a bargain as these retail at double that.

  21. #21
    id look at a Longines Hydroconquest as a good all rounder

    - - - Updated - - -

    id look at a Longines Hydroconquest as a good all rounder

  22. #22
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sweets View Post
    Mark, you missed the main Timefactors contender in the sub £1k bracket, the Dreadnought Voyager, a great GMT for under £900
    Oops yes, you're right! I think I thought it was priced at over £1000. It's certainly a watch that, from any other manufacturer, would be priced well over £1000.

  23. #23
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by amnesia View Post
    SARX055 gets my vote

    A lot of watch for the money, if you don't want a diver. Looks lovely on a leather strap too.
    Oh yes, a very good. A kind of GS-lite.

  24. #24
    Craftsman marcus.furius's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sweepinghand View Post
    id look at a Longines Hydroconquest as a good all rounder

    - - - Updated - - -

    id look at a Longines Hydroconquest as a good all rounder
    I second this. I'd go for the newer ceramic version. RRP is £1160 but you can easily get this down to sub 1k using voucher cloud. Currently this code gets you a quick 15% off at Ernest Jones: EJVCLOUD15



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  25. #25
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    Thanks for all replies.

    To be more specific

    I’d like a diver,has to be NEW.

  26. #26
    Master paneristi372's Avatar
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    Surely the Longines Hydroconquest ticks all the boxes above?

  27. #27
    Apprentice FinnBurden's Avatar
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    Strongly advise checking out Hamilton, have such a good range and target a load of price points. I have a Dive style watch and a field watch from them. Definitely check them out!


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  28. #28
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by fraz101 View Post
    Thanks for all replies.

    To be more specific

    I’d like a diver,has to be NEW.
    Lots from Timefactors as above, in that case. :-)

  29. #29
    Master OldHooky's Avatar
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    Davosa Ternos - they make a nice “Batman” GMT
    Squale
    Farer

    Massive amount of choice out there




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  30. #30
    Master
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    Longines ceramic might be a good bet, given how you treat your watches ;-) It comes in either 41mm or 43mm sizes I think?

    Hard to go wrong with the Hamilton for 600 quid (40mm, sapphire crystal)



    Yema is also a good shout (also 40mm, sapphire)



    Or how about a Doxa sub 200? 42mm, sapphire crystal.



    If you want something cool that none of your mates have, I’d go Doxa or Yema, but maybe drag your other arm along the wall :-)

  31. #31
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    The wrecked lorus is my work watch.

    It’s definitely stood the test of time

  32. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by fraz101 View Post
    Thanks for all replies.

    To be more specific

    I’d like a diver,has to be NEW.

    a Steinhart and more than £500 change to put towards your Rolex ;-)

    https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/o...amik-1231.html

  33. #33
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by fraz101 View Post
    Thanks for all replies.

    To be more specific

    I’d like a diver,has to be NEW.
    Any min or max case sizes?

    Any examples of watches over £1k which you like and would buy if funds would allow?

    DIVER. BRAND SPANKING NEW. FOR A GRAND. TAWK TA MEH.

    Helpful.

  34. #34
    Master PreacherCain's Avatar
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    As I’ve said on another thread: MM200 (aka SRP077, SRP079, SRP083 or SRP105 depending on what colour you want). Auto, costs less than a bag, looks great, what more can one want from a diver?

  35. #35
    Apprentice FinnBurden's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PhilT View Post
    Longines ceramic might be a good bet, given how you treat your watches ;-) It comes in either 41mm or 43mm sizes I think?

    Hard to go wrong with the Hamilton for 600 quid (40mm, sapphire crystal)



    Yema is also a good shout (also 40mm, sapphire)



    Or how about a Doxa sub 200? 42mm, sapphire crystal.



    If you want something cool that none of your mates have, I’d go Doxa or Yema, but maybe drag your other arm along the wall :-)
    Hi Phil,

    I have the Hamilton Diver, and used it as a daily watch, holds up so well!


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  36. #36
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    There's a CWC 1980 Automatic reissue on SC at present for £1k, that's is a bargain as these retail at double that.
    Yes it retails at double but it's yet to sell at 1k.It is nice but not so sure I see 1k in it,£800 ish perhaps.

    Just my opinion on value.

    And if "Sinn" is something you'd consider.I have a very nice indeed U1 full set.
    Last edited by P9CLY; 1st October 2019 at 16:16.


  37. #37
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PreacherCain View Post
    As I’ve said on another thread: MM200 (aka SRP077, SRP079, SRP083 or SRP105 depending on what colour you want). Auto, costs less than a bag, looks great, what more can one want from a diver?
    The SRP079 on a bracelet from stock. Just put one on mine and love it. It's my now work watch.

  38. #38
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    Got £1k to spend,what to buy

    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    Any min or max case sizes?

    Any examples of watches over £1k which you like and would buy if funds would allow?

    DIVER. BRAND SPANKING NEW. FOR A GRAND. TAWK TA MEH.

    Helpful.
    Examples of watches I like but are out my price range....

    I wonder what I could get the tag for?

    https://www.tagheuer.com/en-gb/watch...way211a-ba0928

    https://m.rolex.com/watches/submarin...10ln-0001.html

    https://www.mappinandwebb.com/Omega-...ch/p/17330822/

    Min 41mm case size,Automatic,divers,new.
    Last edited by fraz101; 1st October 2019 at 17:24.

  39. #39
    Craftsman RS404's Avatar
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    My first 'proper' watch was a Longines Hydro Conquest, blue, automatic, 41mm. Excellent watch and I could have stopped right there, but I didn't!

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  40. #40
    You might get a nice used auto Tag for under £1k. Unfortunately an Omega Seamaster Auto is most likely out of reach, and used the one you link to his around £2k. The Rolex is ultimately out of budget, and unlikely to fall at any stage.

    The newer Tag aquaracer is a nice watch, I've owned a few, and all were no but under or just over £1k in the annual sales.
    It's just a matter of time...

  41. #41
    Master mycroft's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    You might get a nice used auto Tag for under £1k. Unfortunately an Omega Seamaster Auto is most likely out of reach, and used the one you link to his around £2k. The Rolex is ultimately out of budget, and unlikely to fall at any stage.

    The newer Tag aquaracer is a nice watch, I've owned a few, and all were no but under or just over £1k in the annual sales.
    He did say it had to be new...

    Simon

  42. #42
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    The steinhart isn't a bad shout for a sub lookalike.

    Personally I'd go for the Longines.

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  43. #43
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    A Sinn 104 might be a good shout?

  44. #44
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dan1981 View Post
    The steinhart isn't a bad shout for a sub lookalike.

    Personally I'd go for the Longines.

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    Maybe get one for the other half too... you'd still have change leftover !




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  45. #45
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    Quote Originally Posted by RS404 View Post
    My first 'proper' watch was a Longines Hydro Conquest, blue, automatic, 41mm. Excellent watch and I could have stopped right there, but I didn't!

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    Whats the definition of "proper" out of curiosity?


    OP: Stowa are outstanding watches, with many well under the 1k mark and being outstanding quality.
    As mentioned Sinn are highly prized in WIS circles also, but all above 1k new, but occasionally a 556 comes up for sale on the forum for less.
    Steinhart are also great quality, but some have an issue with the blurred line between "homage" and "copy" of famous brands. If its not an issue, you wont get a better watch for the money, assuming the styling and features are what you want.
    Last edited by Wilson_smyth; 1st October 2019 at 20:16.

  46. #46
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    If, and it’s a sizeable if, you can get your name down for a Halios Seaforth then get one and chuck it on a bracelet. One of the best sub-£1k divers going. But tricky to get hold of.


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  47. #47
    Quote Originally Posted by mycroft View Post
    He did say it had to be new...

    Simon
    & I did say all the Tag Aquaracers I bought new were under £1k or just over - albeit in sales...
    It's just a matter of time...

  48. #48
    I just stumbled upon this - Doxa 200 Sharkhunter. It's not out yet, but can be pre-ordered for £950. A lot less than the classic Doxa Sub, but seems good if you don't want to go the homage route:

    https://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collec...-799-10-101-10

    Just out of budget is the Oris 65 - I like this version with the simple, clean dial:

    https://www.jurawatches.co.uk/produc...054-07-8-21-18

    IIRC Jura had these on sale for around £1,000 at new year. I found one listing of a rubber strap version for £1080 so I'm sure with a bit of shopping around, haggling and/or waiting, an offer could be found in budget or close enough. The version with the blocked-out numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 seems to cost slightly less as well, if you like that style.

    Personally, I've always fancied a Glycine Combat Sub, but could never decide on the best variation to get. I think this might be it, but I need to have a bit of a cull before I buy any more watches:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F2J4B1S/

    This is well under budget at just under £500. The same one is listed for £825 at Jura, which seems optimistic. I have no idea about this seller though and the listing has the wrong title. I haven't seen that particular variant on a bracelet either, although I'm pretty sure it does exist.

  49. #49
    Master Lampoc's Avatar
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    I'll suggest the weird stuff:


    Titoni Seascoper - bit hard to get hold of but there's one brand new in Australia (from a decent dealer I've bought from myself) for the bargain price of £560 plus about another £100 when you get stung by customs.



    Eterna Kontiki 1973 - RRPs are well over £1k and they haven't been made for a number of years but it's pretty easy to still find them brand new in box on eBay for £900ish:



    Go Russian - buy 20 Vostok Amphibias or one Raketa Amphibia:

  50. #50
    Master Gullers's Avatar
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    I had a similar dilemma and went for a used Oris Aquis and I’ve never looked back.

    The quality is phonominal, the bracelet amazing and it has a ceramic bezel...

    I wouldn’t get hung up on new personally

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