Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

Help me choose a high end watch

58 replies

FluffyLuck · 09/08/2017 13:04

For several reasons DH would like me to choose a really lovely watch.
I think I'm going to go down the second hand route. Have any of you done this?
I'm a bit worried that they might be either stolen or fakes but it seems that if you buy from a proper dealer that's unlikely.
These are in my shortlist, any opinions?

OP posts:

Thread gallery

Original poster

FluffyLuck · 09/08/2017 13:05

Or these?

OP posts:

LapinR0se · 09/08/2017 13:09

I've got a Cartier Santos tank that I got secondhand. Absolutely love it and wear it every day.

silkpyjamasallday · 09/08/2017 13:09

What a lovely dilemma to have! I have a second hand omega watch, it is a 1960s model, I've never had any problems with it only had to take it in to a shop to be serviced once in the almost ten years I have had it (because I overwound it for a long haul flight). My father collects high end watches and antique clocks and gets them mostly second hand, as long as you are going through a proper dealer you shouldn't have any issues and can take it back to them to be serviced.

I personally like the middle tank watch the best, but that is because my omega has a round face and I'd like the squareness of a tank as a change, I am saving up for a rose gold Cartier tank watch, should be able to get it in about 18 months.

MissFritton65 · 09/08/2017 13:13

I have an Omega Constellation and I absolutely love it.

Original poster

FluffyLuck · 09/08/2017 13:23

Thanks for the advice silky, it's reassuring.
Lapin and MissF you have great taste, both your watches are lovely. I've added them to the list.

OP posts:

hollygolipo · 09/08/2017 13:24

Be careful with Cartier, you can't tell from the outside if they are fake or not, it's the movement inside that counts... definitely use a proper dealer who will issue a certificate with the watch. Also look out for any engraving as often people will have them engraved then sell them on, which severely depreciates their value. I've got two and they both keep terrible time, but I love them anyway.

They do look very very nice but be warned - the cost of having them serviced at Cartier, should you choose to, is horrendous and takes weeks. Final bit of advice, avoid a leather strap as they are £300 upwards to replace at Cartier. I've made all these mistakes by the way, that's how I know!

WeDONTneedanotherhero · 09/08/2017 14:56

I also have a Cartier santo but the gents one as I like the bigger face size but I love it and wear it everyday.

needtoloseastone · 09/08/2017 16:53

I also have an omega constellation and love it

MassDebate · 09/08/2017 17:00

I have the middle one from your first post but with the pink face option. Love it and it really goes with everything. holly is right though that the service cost are eye watering - I paid over £300 for a basic service and battery change past time (full service would have been over £500!)

allfurcoatnoknickers · 09/08/2017 17:04

The Cartier Tank! They're such a classic. Beautiful watches. My next one will be a leather strapped tank watch.

I have an Hermes H-Hour and I love it. It was a gift from DH for my 30th birthday, so has great sentimental value too.

CantChoose · 09/08/2017 17:05

Personally I prefer the look of a Cartier to a Rolex and I love the 'tank' style, it's in my purchasing bucket list!
My husband love watches and says Rolex, omega and breitling are better quality timepieces in that sort of price bracket. I hope if he ever buys me one he puts that aside though

Madbengalmum · 09/08/2017 17:09

Well OP it depends what you want to do with it. If you plan on ever selling it then Rolex is the best residually. Cartier is not that good residually, and Omega even worse. Looking at what you have pictured I would go for the Rolex followed by the Cartier. Not keen on Omega ones. Be very careful what you buy, unfortunately even some of the best dealers get caught out.

Original poster

FluffyLuck · 09/08/2017 17:20

Thanks very much for the comments, you have some gorgeous watches.
I'm dithering a bit, for everyday I'd like the Cartier Tank but as a dress watch I rather fancy some bling.
But then I'm not sure how much I'd wear it, so maybe it's a waste of money.
Interesting about the resale values Mad, it's not something I've considered.

OP posts:

TSSDNCOP · 09/08/2017 17:23

I have the Cartier Tank in the men's size on a slightly looser fit than I could. I totally love it, it was my eternity gift from DH. Agree with the PP that warned about the service costs and fact a service takes several weeks.

Twinkie1 · 09/08/2017 17:32

I have the women's tank Solo, the large one. It's timeless and goes with everything. Always have lots of positive comments about it being understated although if it is why do people notice it!!

I'd like an omega and a Rolex too though.

WillowWeeping · 09/08/2017 22:54

I have a very understated men's Rolex oyster perpetual which I love so my vote would be the Rolex.

It receives a lot of quiet admiration

LadyLapsang · 09/08/2017 23:00

Try Austin Kaye, 425 Strand, London.

abbey44 · 09/08/2017 23:11

I bought myself this Longines watch for my 50th - it's got 50 little diamonds round the face and is really pretty. I also have a Rolex similar to the one pictured earlier that I use for everyday (that was my divorce watch). Both of them have a good residual value should I ever need an emergency fund.

mowglik · 09/08/2017 23:12

Lady I was just reading the thread and thinking to recommend Austin Kaye. They have hundreds of watches and service and knowledge is excellent. Got a beautiful secondhand piaget from there a few years ago, in excellent condition and was able to agree on a good price.

Looks wise I like the first cartier, good luck.

LadyFairfaxSake · 09/08/2017 23:33

Try watchfinder. co.uk or Ian Blowers for good selection & good service.

TakeMe2Insanity · 10/08/2017 00:49

I have a tissot. Had it for about 5 years very hard wearing and reliable. Looks pretty too.

thebigbluedustbin · 10/08/2017 00:55

The Rolex.

Mine has lasted for decades.

ButterflyFree · 10/08/2017 00:59

My DH bought me the Rolex Datejust 36 in stainless steel & Everose gold as a gift after I gave birth, and I wear it every single day. Absolutely love it. It's very versatile; goes with all outfits and colours, and can be dressed up or down. As PPs have said, Rolex is also the best investment in terms of holding its value.

Before he bought me the Rolex, I lived in my white Chanel J12 Chronograph every day for 7 years, which I had saved up to buy for myself for my 18th birthday as it was my dream watch then. Still keeps perfect time to this day, and I never even sent it away for servicing.

ButterflyFree · 10/08/2017 01:02

Oh and OP - I wouldn't recommend the Chopard Happy Sport. I really liked them from a distance, but when I went to the Chopard store to try some on I just felt there was something lacking... can't exactly put my finger on it, but the quality and the weight was just off somehow. I don't think they merit their price tags.

LapinR0se · 10/08/2017 07:15

The Chopard watches seem to me like jewellery rather than proper timepieces.

Flip

1 2 3

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.