Watches?

[Thisismorethanasniffle]

Looking for some help please!
I’m looking for a new watch and eager to see what others might be able to suggest?

For context, I have about £5-£10k saved for a special birthday gift to myself (big birthday) and I have been thinking about getting a watch as a treat but also an investment.

Where would you start?

There are all sorts of questions to ask yourself at the outset -

Do you have any preference re. brand.

Leather strap or bracelet?

Gold or silver?

What shape face? What size?

Etc. etc.

Buying a watch really isn't rocket science, and with your budget, there is a lot of scope.

A good place to start is to go look in person and try some things on and see what you like and don't like. Once you get a better idea, then you can start to narrow down the options.

Do you plan on wearing it regularly? Do you want to be really precious about protecting it from scratches every time you go out? DP has a large watch collection that he’s mostly bought secondhand - he won’t touch anything that looks scratched (and if he scratches one himself, you would think the world had caved in!)

If I want something that I may be able to sell at a profit in years to come, I’d not be planning on wearing it very often, but I prefer to wear the Rolex and diamonds and take pleasure from them every day.

Thanks both,

More looking at recommendations of brands really that are investment worthy but also nice to look at!

I tend to look at chunkier watches, rather than slimline.

For instance I really do not like the reverso from JLC so nothing like that

I like mens watches ,in your price bracket I would look for Piaget ,IWC and Rolex.
I have a Tag Carrera which I love. I wear it everyday and I am not too precious about it but it is not an investment piece. I probably would have to be a bit more careful if I was wearing a £10K watch .😉

Ooh my favourite subject!
Loads of options available with those figures.

The only watches that can be considered investment pieces at the moment are Rolex, AP, and Patek. And due to restricted sales they're out of most leagues new and inflated to silly prices pre owned.

Rolex if you can buy from an AD (authorised dealer) at RRP you'll be fine.
Even if you pay slightly over the odds for something like a Datejust 36 from a grey dealer which is an excellent choice for the female wrist - you'll be fine.

If you buy the following brands new at retail, you'll lose money fairly instantly
JLC
Omega
Panerai
IWC

But, if you buy those brands well and you buy pre-owned - your money is likely to be safe as they will have taken the initial "hit" from RRP.

To be honest, with your budget I would hands down be looking at "5 digit" Rolex sports pieces.
Rolex GMT Master II ref 16710
Rolex Submariner Date ref 16610
Rolex Submariner 14060 or 14060M
All of the above offer the chunk without being overbearing, and all of them are stable to invest in, but they're also all likely to be at the top end of budget or just over UNLESS you buy privately.

If you like proper chunk, then you cant go wrong with an older Panerai, either Radiomir or Luminor. The Radiomir has a 45mm case but is cushion shaped so doesnt look ridiculous and is popular with women.
You an also buy them new in 40mm which is the same size as the above Rolex I mentioned.
Image attached is of a 45mm Radiomir, you can see it's big but not obnoxious because of its shape.

If you like them (and they are marmite) see if you can hunt down a Panerai Radiomir 8 Days PAM00190 - it's an old model from when they were serious, but has an 8 day Jaeger Lecoultre movement in it so a top end movement in a chunky steel case that you can change straps on to suit any outfit.
It's also very good at keeping its value and can be had for 6-8k depending on condition.

If you give me a clue about what you like then i'm happy to make more suggestions! These ones are only based on my tastes.

Go to a jewellers that sells a couple of the big brands: omega, rolex PP etc

you might need to book an appointment but they can talk you through options and you’ll be able to try plenty on.

I often find that what I like in the window isn’t as great on my wrist.

I had a Rolex datejust with a silver coloured jubilee strap (sorry don't know what metal it was it was a gift!) It was quite a large face with diamonds for Numerals. It was gorgeous. I had to sell it when I got divorced but I did make money on it!

Big Watch Buyers is a USA company, so if you're in UK you'd be stung for +20% VAT on import. (regardless of whether or not the watch is pre-owned)

I treated myself to a Cartier tank Francais last year and have never regretted it.

I'd second thinking about when you want to wear it. Is it for every day or special occasions only?

I was I a similar position last year, although smaller budget.

I wanted a watch that I could wear to the beach, foe watersports and swimming, and then to a nice restaurant.

I choose a longines and love it, but it's because it's a watch that's perfect for me. I had a lot of fun choosing so enjoy😊

Cartier would be my preference!

I have a longines but I love the Hermes watches too.

Rolex are nice but i couldn't justify the cost and they're just too ostentatious for me.

You would be lucky to get a Rolex at the moment. Most in the shops are for display. Second hand is the only way.

I also have the Cartier Tank Francais and love it. Wear it every day. But it's quite a slim watch and definitely not one to consider if you prefer a chunkier style.

If you can get one, there’s nothing nicer than a Rolex. You don’t have to get a blingy one - a stainless steel one with a plain dial and bezel is quite unostentatious, and falls within your budget.

My favourite watch at the moment is the Cartier Ballon Bleu. I think they're stunning.

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/c/Brands/Cartier/Ballon-Bleu?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G%20-%20GS%20-%20Search%20-%20Brands%20-%20W%20-%20LW%20-%20Cartier&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH0sJZwfmO7uzRr_cPX4Ke5JJjFMDVkb6PusomJ_0OXZtvuV0mxibSUaAq94EALw_wcB

I've never liked Rolex, I think they're ugly.

@beguilingeyes All of them? Every single one?

Rolex are stone cold classics, particularly the Submariners and Datejusts.
I dont know how anyone can call them ostentatious when some of the designs have barely changed since the 40s (datejust) and 50s. (submariner)

Yes, some of the jewelled models like the GMT SARU and the Leopard/Rainbow Daytonas are OTT, but the likes of the 14060M Submariner is an iconic tool watch with zero frills.

'fraid so..I just don't like the look of them. I quite like an Omega.

I have a lovely vintage 1979 - my birth year - Rolex date just yellow gold and steel. Understated and simple but beautiful in my view!

I have an Omega Speedmaster 'Moon Watch'.
I paid £900 for it about 30 years ago. Current retail is about £6k. Used price is about £4k.

So it looks like a fair investment, except that it needs servicing every 5 years and the price of a service is > 10% of the retail price. I've just paid £650 for a service. Any appreciation in value will be eaten up by maintenance costs unless you are buying it to be kept in a box forever and never worn.

Cartier Tank. Have had it for over 20 years and it doesnt appear to have changed. Servicing is ££ and I always send straight to Cartier. Its circa £4500 now but consider buying at the airport when its Duty Free (check in advance its in stock!)

Sounds like a fun birthday splurge! I'd recommend checking out some luxury watch brands like Rolex, Omega, or Tag Heuer. I personally went for a Rolex for my milestone birthday, and it's been a fantastic investment piece. Go try on a few at a local dealer and see which one speaks to you. If you're on a tight budget but want something luxurious, consider a replica patek philippe watch. Happy watch hunting!

Whatever you do ...Please don't consider a replica watch🙄as the above post suggested.