To ask what you think is a "good" watch?

[MidnightDexy]

I will be celebrating a milestone birthday soon and have decided I'm going to use my bonus to buy myself a 'proper' watch as a momento. I don't want a (e.g.) Michael Kors / Gucci (for myself - not saying they're not lovely pieces), I have it in my head that I want a solid, proper, swiss-type watch. So can I ask what you consider to be 'good' watch brands? I want something that will still be a beautiful watch in 20 years.

The AIBU is I know I shouldn't be hung up on 'brands' and should buy what i can afford and what i like, but indulge me, please :)

I think you should buy what you like. However if you are looking for recommendations I have a lovely Longines watch which still looks gorgeous after 10 years.

it's a nice classic, elegant style.

I had a Tag Heuer for my last big birthday. I will love it forever

I don't know what your budget is but Rolex make classic watches that stand the test of time. They are also very robust. Have a look at the website for an idea of the range of choice, or even better go and try some on. There are also many available on the second hand market if you want to keep the budget down.

Omega, Rolex, Cartier are all timeless.

Christopher Ward is a British brand, not sold in stores, who do a really quality product. The last time I took my watch for a service, at our local watchmakers, he was VERY impressed with the mechanism and said it was like a Rolex without the price tag! I have the Automatic C5 Malvern in steel with a black alligator strap - technically a mans watch but it looks amazing on, and in always getting compliments! Google and see if you like their stuff.

Omega. I have one that's over 30 years old. Looks good and never had any problems. Happy birthday!

I don't think i can stretch to a Rolex, it would need to be a plain entry level model and I think I'm after something with a little sparkle (mother of pearl face and/or diamonds).

I've seen a few pretty Longines and Tag Heuers. I am glad you are both pleased with yours.

Ooh definitely buy what you love! My husband gave me a Dior Christal watch when we got married ten years ago and it is still beautiful now. Whenever I get the battery replaced the jeweller always comments about what a beautifully made timepiece it is. Having said that if I was treating myself I would love a Rolex, so incredibly classic and a real heirloom piece for future generations.

Cartier also gorgeous but more stylised than Rolex and hence perhaps not quite so timeless if you want one special watch to last for years.

I have a Rolex which I bought with some money my mum left me when she died. I never take it off, and love it. It is classic. Hopefully will be passed on to one of my dils.

Sorry I didn't see your last post. Perhaps Omega then? The Constellation style has mother of pearl and diamond set options with steel. What an exciting time. Happy shopping and happy birthday!

My DH bought me a Rado many years ago and it still looks like new - I love it.

Interesting about Cartier being a bit less timeless, thank you.

Neeanewjob i had a sneaky google of Dior Christal, that's gorgeous, you are very lucky.

Just because they introduce new models and discontinue old ones all the time. Their styles are gorgeous, don't get me wrong, just personally I think Rolex stands the test of time style wise better.

My DH has a Breitling that has been going strong for 20 years. Their ladies watches aren't my style but they are very nice looking.

One thing to bear in mind with a very expensive watch is that they can need servicing. My DH's watch is serviced every year or so and it's over £100.

Oh i see, noted Ells, thanks.

Anyone have any thoughts on Raymond Weil and/or Ebel watches? Their respective websites make them sound like timeless swiss watches but are they really?

What's your budget?

The general rule is to buy from a watchmaker, not a jeweller who makes watches, IYSWIM. So perhaps not Cartier, but Omega, Tag, Rolex etc.

I have an omega watch - I've had it for at least 25 years and it still gives me pleasure wearing it

Of course Cartier are timeless
They're classic
And classy, more elegant I think

I know this sounds a bit daft but i don't have a budget yet because i don't know what a good watch should cost, not having done any research yet. In truth i think my budget can be flexible for something that i love and ticks all the boxes. Having said that i have had a little look at Rolexes (the first thing that popped to mind when i decided to get a watch) and i think that for what i want a rolex might be about 4k, which is too much. I had hoped to get something for max 2 / 2.5k. I think you can get certain longines and tag heuers for that kind of money. I will keep looking.

Remember that they cost a fortune to get serviced and to have the batteries replaced. My Tag got a bit damaged and it cost over £300 to get mended.

I have a Raymond Weil and I love it. I've had it for 12 years and I still think it looks good. That said, I'm not someone who buys a watch as an "investment" for the future or expects to wear it for the rest of my life. My watch was around £1K I believe, and the fact that I've worn it this long means to me that it has been more than worth it. Sooner or later I will get a different one and I won't feel bad about it.

Checking in

Thanks Alan i am pleased yours has served you well. i think they're very pretty, I've seen some nice Raymond Weil ones.

DH has a Raymond Weil watch which he has had for around 35 years. It is a very plain, classic style so won't ever look dated.