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 :)

Omega watches are lovely. Very timeless

Like this

I bought dh an omega deville, it was repaired four times in the first year. I refused to keep sending it back anymore and got a refund, he wears a £19 one from Argos now.
I researched it for ages and went on lots of nerdy watch forums, it had very good reviews so maybe this one was just a Friday afternoon dud.

I have an Omega.
It looks smart and is often commented on.

I have a Rolex steel and white gold date just, but it is the most infuriating watch in the world. It is self winding brilliant if you can wear it all the time, but if you need to remove if for sections of the day as I do it rapidly starts losing time.
About 6 weeks ago I finally had enough and replaced it with ...... A Fitbit Alta it tells the time perfectly and measures my activity. I put it in my sock when I have take it off my wrist - works fine.

My Ex gave me the Rolex I will give it to DD on her 18th Birthday and hope it brings her more happiness.

My sister on the other hand has a truly gorgeous Patek Phillipe.

Tag all the way, more reasonable and understated than a Rolex. This would be in your budget. It's similar to the one I have. But my husband bought mine back from the states and you can't get it in the uk. Mother of pearl face, mine has numerals instead of the diamonds and it is just enough sparkle without being too bling! Happy shopping!

Ladies (and maybe men) thank you very much for all the recommendations! Just came back from afternoon out. Much thread to catch up on!!

I have a 40 year old cartier tank - still going strong and doesn't look dated. Have had the strap replaced but not much else

I have a love Tag Watch with a pearl/pink face with tiny diamonds all around. Love it. My husband and brought it for me about 8 years ago.

Sorry, just very amused by people thinking that a good watch should be "timeless". I know what you mean but the double meaning is funny in this context

I have a Tissot, a Raymond Weil and an omega constellation. They're all wildly different price brackets but all classic and reliable.

Another vote for Ebel here. Mine was greatly reduced as end of a line but their styles are mostly quite similar and certainly meet your brief.

I also have a Geog Jensen watch which is beautiful but it has quite sharp edges so not totally comfortable,mi keep this for best. It also turns my skin black if I get warm which isn't entirely attractive .

Lastly, if you want a Rolex do consider going down the reconditioned route. That is far more affordable. Be wary though. My friend did this and later it transpired that the bevel had been replaced with a non Rolex piece and they refused to touch it. She sent it back and got a refund.

JessieMc - the irony was lost on me until you pointed it out!

Re. the Rolex. A PP said hers keeps losing time, now you mention it i had an ex who was given one for his 21st and it used to drive him batty for that reason.

I'll ask my fiance for the P Patek for my 'pushing present' :p

I love the Tag Heuer carrera but that's a little more than i imagined i might spend. But something that looks just like that would be spiffing.

Re Rolexes not keeping good time, I find mine reliable if I wear it most days. Be careful how you position it when it's off your wrist. The sales assistant told me if you lay it on it's side, winder down, it will gain time and if you lay it on it's side, winder up it'll lose time. You should always lay it flat apparently. This I did not know!

Maybe consider Oris.
The Artelier diamond is lovely, classic and prices aren't astronomical.

The ladies Tag Heuer diamond aquaracer would be my choice every day of the week.

Expensive enough to be a statement but not enough to make you afraid to wear it.

I love Skagen watches. Just great, simple stylish scandinavian design

I have an omega from the constellation range, it's stunning and timeless, and will become a family heirloom

Certainly not Kors or Gucci, these are fashion watches as are Chanel. Omega/Rolex are the main players there are others. Consider a pre-owned one and you may get one within your budget. Dealers such as Miltons in Liverpool (you would have to go there, they don't post), Mark Worthington and The Old Watch Shop in Southport do ladies pre-owned as do Blowers in Hull. Christopher Ward are a nice watch particularly in their sales. You could go brand new and go to an authorized dealer eg Watches of Switzerland or Mappin and Webb and you can get 3 yrs interest free for 20% down. So a £3k watch would make that watch more affordable (2400/36). Breitling are nice but they drop in value. All my watches except for my Christopher Ward have been preowned - it makes them much more affordable

Hi Op just came in to recommend Ebel watches, I have a '1911' model very comfortable to wear & beautifully crafted time piece, worth having a look at.

Swiss handmade Dreyfus & Co? Mine always gets gushed over at the

Whoops...at the Watch shop

My husband brought me a Tag Heuer 10 yrs ago - it's an aquaracer. It's lovely and I wear it everyday without fail!

My parents bought me a Tag for my graduation when I was 21, I am 40 this year and I have worn it every day since then and I love it. It still looks classic.

I'm lucky living in Birmingham that I can pop to Jewellery Quarter for it to be serviced and get battery changed and they can do on spot and doesn't cost arm and a leg.

I get married this year and am buying my DH to be a Tag Heuer Carrera as a wedding day gift

I have a Gucci and an Omega. The Omega is the 'better' watch from a watch snobbery pov but the Gucci is prettier.

I would love a vintage Patek Phillipe.