I'm going to treat myself to a watch, reccs and pointers, please?

[MrsBertMacklin]

Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier and Frederique Constant catching my eye so far. I know the latter create their products from start to finish, not sure if that makes them 'better'?

I've saved up to buy something that will be with me for life, so I want to get value for money, not just pay for a name.

Grateful for any tips (or links to tips - my searching online is coming up with unreliable sources, e.g. sales pages for watch sellers).

TIA

I have 2 Tags, Really like that they feel substantial on the wrists and look good even after being worn a lot.

I like chunky watches so have the 32mm aquaracer for everyday/work
www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/0008407/TAG-Heuer-Aquaracer-Ladies-Watch/p
Rather than the 27mm which I find to be a bit small on by wrist.
And this one as my going out watch:
www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/0001709/TAG-Heuer-Formula-1-Ceramic-Ladies-Diamond-Watch/p

Beaverbrooks can have good saving on the watches and both mine are from there and I saved approx £200 per watch thanks to they're offers.

Watching with interest as was just looking at watches online last night and thinking of asking for one for my upcoming birthday

Op whats your budget ?

I was reluctant to mention budget in my OP, knowing the parsimonious bashing that luxury bag threads get!

£2K-£3K (would prefer it to be nearer to £2K)

'Substantial' is good - something that feels like it could do damage - same principle I apply for when deciding which saucepan to buy.

I have a citizen kinetic/solar rechargeable. I love it. Mine is also waterproof to 50m and has a metal link strap. It was my had enough of buying watches investment piece. I have had it for over 5 years. Mine is fairly elegant and plain but they also come in big and flashy. No battery issues, no strap issues, no taking it off to bath the kids, silver and gold links so looks good with everything for all occasions, no maintainance costs which come with a "prestige" watch. THE BEST present I have ever bought for myself!

For £3k consider a breitling - their style is very in now but if you get one in classic colours (eg tan and gold or black and silver) they'll look good for years to come.

My dh collects watches and (in his opinion) breitlings are the Rolex of today in terms of desirability

Also breitlings are very substantial looking if that is your style. If you buy your watch in store don't forget to haggle and usually get around 10% off

Thanks mowglik, I like the Breitling Galactic but it's out of my range. Maybe worth going second hand, do you think?

Hi I have an Ebel 1971 they are not as well known as tag/brightling are very well made very comfortable too wear also, very reliable & understated.

Thanks, hadn't heard of Ebel, just looking at their history now, adding to the list :)

I've got a steel bracelet strap Cartier, which I've had for ten years - I still really love it. It's just a classic look, good with workwear and casual. I can just wear it and forget about it - I really recommend it.

I love my Ebel watch.

I'm not sure of the exact model but it has a rectangular face and diamonds round the numbers. The back is concave so it fits your wrist perfectly, it's so comfortable to wear.

I got mine from Beaverbrooks, have a look at their website.

This is similar to mine but the strap is all silver and I have diamonds for numbers rather than Roman numerals:

www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/0006780/Ebel-Brasilia-BiMetal-Ladies-Watch/p

I have a tag aquaracer and love it. Also have a classic Omega constellation. Love both. I had my Tag from outlet store. Saved a fortune.

Oh Dancegirl I have the fifty pence shsoe with 18ct edge, the most comfortable watch ever worn, love the diamond one its lovely, sorry for hi-jacking thought I was the only one who had heard of ebel.

Sorry shape

I have this one the galactic 32 steel and rose gold in tan leather and it's gorgeous, one of the watches I wear the most. Also possible to get different colour straps to change the look

If you can find it from a reputable dealer then I wouldn't hesitate but be wary of eBay and the like. I got a second hand watch from a shop on the strand that sells second hand premium watches so I could trust them (Austin Kaye) but would be careful with online sellers

I have an Omega Constellation - a small size as that fitted my wrist and with a plain face. It has a steel and gold band and gold bezel.

Importantly in the 10 years I have had it, it has been through 3 FULL wash cycles and survived unscathed. I think that's a fair recommendation!

Omega, great quality, great style, holds its value well.

I adore my Ebel wave, it's understated and classy. IMHO of course!

You lucky thing! I'm not a jewellery person at all but 2 years ago I decided to treat myself to a watch - like you I wanted a "forever" piece of jewellery that I could pass on.

I went for a Cartier ballon bleu. It's beautiful, complements formal and casual outfits and has completely held its value. The Cartier tank is also beautiful but more recognisable.

I would advise buying an automatic if you can stretch to it as they hold their value better (and I love watching the second hand sweeping round rather than ticking).

A Tag has been my main watch for many, many years now and I still love it - its always been v reliable, and servicing costs are not too bad. You might want to check out servicing costs for something like a Breitling as this can really mount up over the years! Two of my friends have Breitlings - bought new, and have had nothing but trouble with them and have gone back to their old Tags. If you looking for second hand, this store has a v good reputation (I do not work there!)
www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/

Thank you all for the help. I've got a list of about 8 models now - going to stop looking for any more options so I don't then start dithering about what to buy. Blowers looks good for a second hand deal.