Recommend me a watch brand

[youarethequarry]

I'm looking for some help finding a watch. I have never had a decent watch and since my 30th is fast approaching I would now like to.

A Rolex is out of the question unfortunately! I am also keen to avoid the Michael Kors ones (even though I really like them) because so many of my friends have them.

I am looking for something classic, a 'good' brand, round face, suitable for every day wear. I think the budget is around £500.

I don't really know much about brands or who the big names are in watches so all help welcome!

TIA

I dunno about watches anymore. I have an Omega which now languishes in my top drawer as I use my phone all the time for the time
If you want a Rolex buy one second hand...there are always good deals and dealers around

otherwise gucci have lots in your price bracket
tag are nice but a bit more

Tissot.
DH has had his 25 years and I've had mine 17.

I like the citizen Eco range.

If you could add a couple of hundred quid you'd get a pre-owned Cartier, tag or omega (basic model)

I have a Longines Dolce Vita stainless steel watch, which still looks new, even though it's coming up to 10 years' old. If I had my time over, I'd have spent a bit more and bought a Baume & Mercier Hampton watch, though - I know a few people w the Longines, and the B&M is also that bit sleeker. Next time...

Else, maybe I'd jump in and buy a vintage Rolex (I buy drugstore beauty products, and high St clothes, I do think it's worth spending as much as you can on watches and jewellery)

agree with tissot, longines, tag, also rado. Gucci is nice but more designer than a proper watch brand

Victorinox are good if you like less bling and more simple/classic.

£500???? There me chuffed with my Next one £15!!!! What I liked is it was smaller and slimmer than my usual ones, was gold in colour (after 2 silver ones) and only had a watch face, not those stupid dials things - what the hell are they anyway???

I just bought a Daniel Wellington watch - never heard of them before, but kept seeing them on Pinterest so ordered one & I looooooooove it! Mine is rose gold face with a tan leather strap & also have a pink & navy ribbon strap (you can buy different straps & swap them). It was I think £159

Definitely Omega, good looking, reliable, hold their value & they're not Rolex which is a bonus. Omega shows you have taste & imagination, not just money...

It's possible to have a Rolex, money, taste, and imagination, LadyFairfax.

do you want steel or gold plated

worth getting a bit of finance/ saving a bit more to get a Tag IMO

500 is an inbetweeny price in the watch world - more than lots brands, less than the swiss brands

the 3 small inner dials are usually a stopwatch feature, a 'chronograph' sometimes a day/date -

In 2001 my DH bought me a vintage Tag ladies watch - Link.
(Not half as blingy as they have recently become)
It cost around £600. But would have been thrice that if bought new and I have worn it every day since.
I don't look after it but it still looks new like the day I got it.

Ps - when I look at watches to buy I sometimes brows the Christopher Ward website.

They have become more expensive in recent years but I have bought a few as presents for different people and they are fantastic quality. Swiss movement built in England.

My advice is go for a proper watch makers watch.
My friend has a gucci and it is lovely but is dated and she has had nothing but problems with it.
I'd go the second-hand route too as with £500 you can pick up a good classic piece.
Or try and stretch the budget :)
I have Rado as I love them, ceramic and really thin so I can wear it to bed.

Love my daniel Wellington one.

Belinda,
Indeed it is. However, I work in the City of London & Rolexes seem to be ubiquitous as a sign of wealth. I'm fed up of seeing them being paraded by people with lots of money but without the imagination to consider less widely recognised brands.
Additionally, I looked at Rolexes when I was looking for a watch & none of the models I tried "spoke" to me, the Omega Seamaster did, it was technically equal to the Rolex, better looking (in my subjective opinion) & a third of the price, so it was an easy decision to make.
I wear it every day & I love it - & I don't see them wherever I look, unlike the Rolex.
Not a criticism of every Rolex owner, just based on my observations & experience.

This is the wrong forum - spend a little time on Watchuseek.com and you'll make the most of your money. Great advice and lots of watch porn, new and vintage. And they always have threads where they help out newbies and recommend midprice watches.

I gave in and finally got a moonphase - the guys there helped to narrow down the choices.

And yes, a Rolex is a tad boring.

Another one recommending the Christopher Ward website . ( If money was no object , I would always go for a Hermes Cape Cod watch with a double leather strap ! A girl can dream....)

Skagen watches are gorgeous.

I love my ebel watch

Thanks for all the great advice. A lot more research to do but good to have an idea of what brands to look for!

Some people might think you've gone for an Omega Lady because you can't afford a Rolex! ??

I like Omega styling - I have a Cartier Ballon and Tank but prefer the Omega - personal taste and not price

Still only use my phone now...aren't watches a thing of the past?

Not at all! I love wearing a watch and feel naked without one.
I also do actually use it for the time rather than digging through my handbag for my phone which inevitably takes far too long which is why I never make it to any phone calls now.

Reminds me I must clean out my bag!