Respectable Watch for around 1500?

[Kringkily]

Hello,

I am new to this forum but have been an avid reader. I was wondering what watch that I could realistically get for around 1500 and be of a respectable yet quality nature. Just having moved to NYC and having put down a lot of rent, furniture, etc. I don't have much saved up till Christmas when I'm supposed to get a decent bonus..crossing finger as I work in Finance and the economy looks grim...

I was looking at some vintage Rolex for 1500-2000 but they usually come in the Frankenstein category or fairly beat up. Then I looked at Omega in their Speedmaster and Seamaster lines. I'm also trying to learn as much about fakes and how to spot them making Ebay a not so friendly place. So waiting in the for sale forum is a long yet, informational process.

What's are some of your thoughts and suggestions for someone in my position? Thanks!

[Fearsome Puppy]

Seiko MM 300m

[blackmsport]

Omega 2254.50
Or tag heuer Monza
Or breitling superocean
Or ball
Or valjoux based Swiss watch
2nd hand

[SWIMPRUF]

Used Rolex Date or Datejust

[Cabaiguan]

For a bit under 2000, you can pick up a used Speedmaster Pro. One of the sweetest watches in ANY price range, IMO.

[Naples09]

If you want a new watch, I would look at Stowa. If you want used then look for a Rolex DJ. However, I would recommend waiting until you have the extra money and you find the watch you really want.

[SWIMPRUF]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

For a bit under 2000, you can pick up a used Speedmaster Pro. One of the sweetest watches in ANY price range, IMO.

+1

[Submarino]

First of all welcome to TRF!!!

In that range you can pick up a Tudor, Rolex Date, Rolex Oysterquartz, Omega Dynamic (discountinued beautiful model in SS with a 30 min. Chrono with yellow hands), Breitling SuperOcean or perhaps a TAG Heuer Aquagraph (beautiful diver's chrono in SS with Lemania Chrono Module and really sharp). Try to avoid the Bay if you can as there are a ton of "risky" pieces out there. Check the For Sale section of our forum.

[Submarino]

Here's the TAG Heuer Aquagraph which for a pre-owned with box and papers shouldn't be more than $1500.00 It's a great watch, quite sturdy and nice looking. I owned the one in the picture but sold it a couple of years ago.

[Numismatist]

This fits the bill for a dress watch in that price range!

[wyattearp]

For that range I'd definitely stick to omega. As someone has said, a speedy pro for just under 2k, OR an omega 2254.50 - almost perfectly fits your budget and is a stunning piece.. Owned one, traded it away and I miss the quality and classic look. Not to mention it's discontinued.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by wyattearp

for that range i'd definitely stick to omega. As someone has said, a speedy pro for just under 2k, or an omega 2254.50 - almost perfectly fits your budget and is a stunning piece.. Owned one, traded it away and i miss the quality and classic look. Not to mention it's discontinued.

x2

[JEC]

Hamilton is one of the best for under 1500$ new. Frederique Constant is very good too (but very classic, Hamilton has some more modern designs and sporty stuff).

[capote]

You should check out Sinn. Really cool tool watches, I haven't owned one myself but heard alot of good of them, and they are in the $1500 range.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

For a bit under 2000, you can pick up a used Speedmaster Pro. One of the sweetest watches in ANY price range, IMO.

[kilyung]

Id start with used Omega. You can find some nice deals on SMP300.

[Kringkily]

hmmm alright thanks for all the suggestions people I'll will begin my search now :) the speedy pro does look great tho

[Maxtor]

A used Omega Seamaster GMT is another thought. Keep watching the For Sale section of this site and buy from a Trusted Seller. Ebay is a bit scary.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by wyattearp

For that range I'd definitely stick to omega. As someone has said, a speedy pro for just under 2k, OR an omega 2254.50 - almost perfectly fits your budget and is a stunning piece.. Owned one, traded it away and I miss the quality and classic look. Not to mention it's discontinued.

My vote goes to Omega.

[travisb]

From the 80's or early 90's.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by Submarino

Here's the TAG Heuer Aquagraph which for a pre-owned with box and papers shouldn't be more than $1500.00 It's a great watch, quite sturdy and nice looking. I owned the one in the picture but sold it a couple of years ago.

I hadnt thought about it in a while but this TAG is very nice.

[vukotab]

There are many watches in used watch market that could be found in 1500-2000 $ range.
My first choice would be Tudor, the watch with same genes as our favorite Rolex. I think that used Tiger and post-Tiger chronos could fit in this price range. Also, brand new Hydronaut II is around same price...
Also, check out used Rolex Datejust, Date or Air-King.
And Breitling Superocean is also great choice and it`s easily found within 1500$ range...

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Kringkily

Hello,

I am new to this forum but have been an avid reader. I was wondering what watch that I could realistically get for around 1500 and be of a respectable yet quality nature. Just having moved to NYC and having put down a lot of rent, furniture, etc. I don't have much saved up till Christmas when I'm supposed to get a decent bonus..crossing finger as I work in Finance and the economy looks grim...

I was looking at some vintage Rolex for 1500-2000 but they usually come in the Frankenstein category or fairly beat up. Then I looked at Omega in their Speedmaster and Seamaster lines. I'm also trying to learn as much about fakes and how to spot them making Ebay a not so friendly place. So waiting in the for sale forum is a long yet, informational process.

What's are some of your thoughts and suggestions for someone in my position? Thanks!

I'm a believer in pre-owned watches, if you want quality for your budget. $1,000 to $2,000 will often get you pretty crappy, brand new watches for the money. My preference is to go really cheap (quartz, Seiko, or G Shock) and save your money, or buy used. If you are a little patient and study a couple brands, you can find some very nice watches that can be a source pleasure for a lifetime.

$1,500 is close to buying some very nice watches. Rolex is not completely out of the question and Omega could definitely be had. However, service costs for a basic Rolex is $500, so make sure you understand the situation before jumping on a "bargain". Maurice Lacroix Masterpieces can also be super bargains for the money.