If you had 1k for a second hand watch?

[MrsKoala]

Just thinking about it really. My current watch is not keeping time well. It was left to me by my Nan and i really like it. It's an Omega. I've spent hundreds on having it serviced over the last 5 years and it never improves. I still wear it but then look at my phone to tell the time.

I would like a second hand everyday watch (i don't see the point of spending lots on something only for special/dressy occasions).

I don't really have a clue about where to go for a good second hand watch and i don't want to trust ordering something over the internet.

Here's mine

Mine's the same as your FN except it's all stainless steel and the mini size. I've had no issues with it at all ( touch wood.) A new battery once in 6 years. I was told by the jewellers ( very old established firm for 300 years) that they repair / service Omegas a lot less than Weil, Tag etc.

Agree Mrs K

I have a new Tag Aquaracer set with little diamonds, but very understated. I have very few pieces of jewellery but do love my watch.

I like your Omega it's a classic and lovely time piece which also has sentimental value. I do hope you can get it sorted.

Let us know if you hear back from Omega.

FN i really like that one, but i think the extra roman numerals round the sides would look too fussy on me. I prefer a really plain boring watch. Which i know begs the question why spend so much. But as i said it's a design thing that i really like. I studied various designs and history of art and design so there are things i really get 'into' and things i just don't see the fuss about (ie cars as mentioned before, but put me in a fabric shop and i will never leave).

What i like about my nan's watch is she had such a miserable life. She never had anything nice and everyone treated her like shit. My grandad was a compulsive gambler and would often gamble all their bed linen and mattresses etc. Her brother had done quite well for himself and bought this for her and it was the only nice thing she ever had - and she kept it on her wrist!

I think i am going to go for the rolex i linked earlier. It is quite a lot more than 1k but dh really wants me to have it and i do love it quite a lot . I will search out a local rolex shop so i can try on various ones and sizes.

Thank you all for your comments. Even the ones mocking me! I don't mind - i expected worse tbh

Just to defend the Constellation I've had it for 14 year that makes me feel old and have never had a problem. I've never had it serviced either!

This jeweller is great for second hand nice watches. I have no idea where you are but it might help

www.robinsonsjewellers.com/product/rolex-ladies-oyster-perpetual-3/

I think your doing the right thing by going for a rolex. ive had one of mine for 15 years now and if I decided to sell it I would get 4 times what I paid for it - they only appreciate in value. I love going in and trying them on and am always looking for others, I prefer older ones though now but some of the older ones seem over restored whereas I just want another original one...

If is actual time keeping you want, rather than a piece of jewelry, buy a new watch.

Definitely go for the Rolex. I love mine and wear it every day. It's not a flashy one and I wear a men's one as I find their ladies ones a bit dainty. As a PP said they hold their value really well. Mine is this one:

This site was recommended on a recent MN thread www.watchfinder.co.uk/info/Second-Hand-Watch.
Looks interesting...

Keep an eye on eBay; you can get decent deals from people trying to avoid the huge cut dealers take on second hand watches. If they have receipts to match as original owners of the watch, then you are generally OK.

I have a simple Longines automatic two toned watch with diamond accents, bought in 2013 following the completion of some seriously hard exams. It's not the most trendsetting piece, but lovely in the workplace and when dressed up. Longines automatic movement is rubbish so I'd recommend a battery powered watch.

I really like the Tag Heuer Carrera; if you bought it duty free you might be able to get it fairly close to your £1,000.

Agree with sgtmajor watchfinder really good site. I've got a v nice Cartier Tank Francaise which DH picked up 2nd hand for me.

MrsK the constellation comes in various colours and metals. Mine is all stainless steel and the Roman numerals are tiny, in black, and you'd be pushed to see them. I chose the mini constellation because it was the least clunky of all the metal watches I tried on and has a small face.

Hi Mrs K have a look at Ebel,I have one its understated & very comfortable & keeps excellent time, also second Tissot they make a very good watch.

Longine do lovely watches in the style of your old one.

I have a really nice Maurice Lacroix which still looks good after 15 years.

You could get a new Longines for less than £1000. They are owned by Swatch, the same as Omega are. Any high end jeweller will sell second hand ones that they have taken in part ex and you will get some sort of guarantee as well.

I forgot to mention that I've never paid for the servicing or repairs so omegas customer service is excellent

My Omega mini constellation has been through the washing machine three times and works great. 15 years old.

There is a second hand watch place in the lanes in Brighton . They have some beautiful watches in there . I'd buy a second hand nice watch too . There must be more places like this around .

Also not all watches are the same , my husband is seriously into watches and has a lot . Some have different mechanisms . He isn't here so I can't ask him but for example tag aren't ' real ' watches as he calls them whereas omega are .. Or something .. All a bit vague I know but essentially some watches you are paying for the name and not the actual superior mechanisms .

MrsKoala have you had it serviced by an official Omega jewellers?
If not, you should. It might then work.

OP, I don't understand. Your watch looks like a common or garden Timex or suchlike so while I appreciate you are attached to it, why would you spend all that money on another second hand one.

You can buy a lovely watch for £100 and change it in a couple of years time for another one when you are fed up of it.

The Rolex is a great choice op it's lovely 😍 As pp's have said a Rolex is an investment they have good resale value and are so easy to shift on if you want to. I have a gold oyster perpetual date just I got for a special birthday about 5 years ago I left it in to be cleaned and serviced a couple months ago and the jeweller (who specialises in high end watches) valued it at a good bit more than what I paid 5 years ago and that's with me wearing it every single day. My OH has one from the 80s that still looks amazing. They're a great buy imo

OP wants an heirloom. But I agree.

I'd definitely keep an eye out for a Cartier Tank Francaise as a couple of pps have said. They are about £3k new, so I'm sure you could pick up a second hand one for around your budget.

The least I expect a watch to do is to tell the bloody time. Wearing a boring-looking watch that can't keep time purely because it's a "designer" brand sounds like the ultimate in fashion victimhood.

I like Skagen watches because they're minimalist in design and show me what time it is. They're probably not pricey enough for you though.