Test drive a lower-cost alternative before a big purchase?

[Wiseguy724]

Has anyone picked up watch at lower price point to see if a style or colorway "jives" with them before making a move on something more expensive? Eventually trading/selling the first one towards the higher end piece?

I am currently very interested in a Hublot Black magic classic fusion, however I've never had a triple black watch before, so making my first one such a big ticket item had me thinking a bit.

In the meantime I thought about getting the full ceramic Longines hydroconquest, it's a similar colorway, has a rubber strap that integrates to the case nicely, and a similar folding clasp. I do like it in isolation so it's not like it was only on my radar b/c of it's similarity to the Hublot. It may be a keeper by itself

I know a majority of people here have the income to buy what they like for the most part, but maybe someone has done something similar and has a story to share.

Edit: forgot to mention I have tried on the Hublot in person and loved it while I was in the store, haven't tried the Longines yet.

[rolexfanforlife]

I don’t think you should buy the longines- that isn’t what you actually want, and if/when you get the hublot, you won’t wear the longines much (and you will get very poor resale value). Save up and get the hublot- it’s a great piece

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by rolexfanforlife

I don’t think you should buy the longines- that isn’t what you actually want, and if/when you get the hublot, you won’t wear the longines much (and you will get very poor resale value). Save up and get the hublot- it’s a great piece

I agree with this.
Would buy secondhand if possible then enjoy the heck out of it.

[flyguy33]

The concern that I have with this approach is that a lot of the things that make the more expensive alternative really great are not going to be there in the lower cost model. The fit, finish, proportionality, etc. may all be very different between the two watches. I know from my experience it would be hard to separate those items in my mind if I took the approach that you are talking about.

Especially if you have been able to try the actual watch on and know that it suits your eye I would encourage you to focus on that like the others have noted.

[MILGAUSS88]

They may both be black, but I don't think the two are going to wear the same way at all.
So, I don't really see the point of buying the Longines.

[charger_vital]

I have to agree with the sentiment so far. Go big or go home. If you want to try an all black watch, just to see what a black watch is all about, get a cheap Casio. You'll do ok with the high-end, you'll do ok with the low end... but you get crushed in the middle.

[2loaded]

Buy and wear what intrigues you. Disregard all the noise.

[rootbeer7]

Longines is more attractive to me

[DoraTheExplorerII]

At least try on the longines before making the decision too

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

longines is more attractive to me

+1

[srvrf]

I think this is reasonable if you actually like the Longines in person. Yes you like the Hublot, and the other advice is sound, but watch collecting is also a journey. We’ve all bought watches we loved at the time but later sell when something else caught our eyes. If an all black watch doesn’t work out when you actually wear it everyday, you’ll lose a lot less on a Longines than a Hublot.


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[1William]

I would not buy a alternative to the watch I want. Worlds of difference between the Longines and the Hublot. Discounts should be easy on the Hublot with a little work. Look at the secondary market and become an informed customer. Hublot values typically sink like a rock unless it is on a super limited piece and even then the price would eliminate 99% of buyers. If the Hublot is the one get your best price and step up and get the watch. Wear it and enjoy it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Jay (Eire)]

A long time ago I bought a Steinhart Pilot to see if the size worked for me before I plunged on a Big Pilot. It was a worthy exercise but the Steinhart was maybe $200 and so the trial was fairly inexpensive.

[Wiseguy724]

Lots of great points here, I will most likely just hold off and save until I'm ready for the Hublot. When the time come's I'll weigh pre-owned vs discounted new.

I guess the main takeaway here is that it could be a good idea if the lower cost watch is MUCH more affordable than my example, and much more similarly styled to the desired end-item.

Thanks to all those who responded!

[eonflux]

No

That’s like test driving a Seamaster to determine whether or not to get a Sub

[eonflux]

… or dating one woman before another

[Wiseguy724]

Wound up going with something unexpected. I was looking at the Hublot above as well as the black ceramic Bathyscaphe at the same jeweler. They were both a lot of money so I had to go home and "cool off".

Few weeks later I went to a local jeweler purely to just BS with one of the sales guys about shooting/hunting and whatnot like I do every month or so, and this was sitting in the case. I honestly forgot Tudor made this model since I had never seen one in the wild. I tried it on and I was instantly in love.

I was wearing a Tag aquaracer that I was actually about to list on chrono24, and they offered me nearly what I was expecting to net after fees so it was a no-brainer trade.

The Hublot msrp was double, and the bathyscaphe was about 2.6x more expensive, I'm so glad I waited, There's a lot about this one that I like more than those others and at a much better price point!

Pictures don't do it justice but I'll post a few anyway!

[Wiseguy724]

Dial is a nice subtle sunray metallic black. Brushed bezel, polished bevel on the case, rest is matte, love the variety of finishes, makes it interesting.

[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by dj2020

+1

+2
Edit: Just saw that you picked up the Tudor. Great choice. Nice looking watch

[rolexfanforlife]

Congrats on the Tudor!! very cool