Expensive Watches [Archive]

BeachBum

11-29-2006, 10:21 AM

My 30 birthday is coming up, and I know my husband is waiting for me to hint around for a "big" gift.

I was thinking I would like a heirloom quality watch. I'm familiar with Rolex, Tag and Omega but really that is about it.

Then I guess below that cost wise is Tiffany, and I don't really know what else.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? What do you own? What are you wishing for? What qualities/ features should I think about?

Thanks for your thoughts. :)

ysolde

11-29-2006, 10:28 AM

I have had my Cartier tank for just over 20 years. I love it, wear it every day, and just need to have the battery changed about once a year; the band about every other year. For classic elegance, it can't be beat, IMHO.

Aimee

11-29-2006, 10:38 AM

I have an Ebel in the "classic wave" style, stainless and gold. I've had it for a little over a year and I love it. Haven't even had to change the battery yet. I like that it's incredibly understated. Ebel is one of those brands that's not been overdone and I like that. Either you know what it is, or you don't, but there's nothing ubiquitous about the piece that screams "LUXURY BRAND".

I also like my watch because it's incredibly thin. My aunt has a Rolex and it's really clunky in comparison.

Sue

11-29-2006, 11:01 AM

I personally love the Concord Saratoga.

HeatherFL

11-29-2006, 11:27 AM

I don't wear a watch and go back and forth as to whether to break down and get one or not.

I love the Cartier Tank too! It's classic. Never goes out of style!

Patek Philippe (http://www.patekphilippe.com/patek-philippe.htm) is also very high end. I'm also a big Harry Winston fan-they have some beautiful pieces (but I admit you can get comparable for less because you are partially paying for the HW label.) Hermès also has beautiful watches.

~H.

PurpleRose

11-29-2006, 12:16 PM

I really like the Cartier watches. That said, I've only seen them in ads, and I've never looked at other watches like Rolex or Tag Heuer. But the Cartier design seems streamlined and feminine, and is probably what I'd go for if I were spending that kind of money. (Right now I love my Ann Klein and Michael Kors watches.)

wendalah

11-29-2006, 01:19 PM

I'd get the Cartier tank...yet another vote for it. :D

emmasart

11-29-2006, 01:34 PM

This Tag Heuer (Kirium) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002272BQ/ref=wl_it_dp/102-0768950-7194539?ie=UTF8&coliid=I32DJF6DKZSTTG&colid=3AURXZWZABXNU) is on DH's wish list.

Its more modern looking than most high end watches that I've seen, but every time we see it in a store, DH drools over it exclusively. :)

HeatherFL

11-29-2006, 02:11 PM

I agree. Todd wears Rolexes and I've looked at the ladies watches and they are just not as streamlined as the Cartiers. Pretty, don't get me wrong...but there is just something about the Cartier!

~H.

laura

11-29-2006, 02:20 PM

Cartier tank gets my vote for "investment" watch, too. However I'm entirely too careless and fickle for one myself.

jajacobsen

11-29-2006, 02:43 PM

Honestly, if a Cartier Tank was good enough for Jackie Kennedy, well it's good enough for me. I really think that is my favorite watch "dress" watch. Someday.....

Tank Francais
http://images.watchfinder.co.uk//images/Cartier/W51002Q3.jpg?thumb=Y
Tank Americain
http://images.watchfinder.co.uk//images/Cartier/W2605856.jpg?thumb=Y

And my favorite - Tank Solo, in either white or yellow gold:

http://images.watchfinder.co.uk//images/Cartier/W1018255_black.jpg

http://images.watchfinder.co.uk//images/Cartier/W1018755.jpeg?thumb=Y
There are other versions of the Tank, but the common element is the square face.

looch

11-29-2006, 03:13 PM

I am in the middle of a "watch project" as my boss calls it. He's Swiss, and is very interested in watches, the mechanics, the looks, you name it. I decided the price point, and he gave me these names: cartier, chopard and ebel. I've been looking at them on and off, but haven't decided on much beyond either a cartier or ebel. I plan to have this watch forever, so the elements I was looking for are: metal band, with matte and shiny elements and a white face.

mayiko

11-29-2006, 03:23 PM

My DH is a big watch person. I agree with everyone about the Cartier Tank watch but I also like Rolex stainless steel watches with the mother of pearl face and diamond dial.

HeatherFL

11-29-2006, 03:33 PM

I like the Cartiers with metal bands. :)

junkinmytrunk

11-29-2006, 03:51 PM

Another BIG GIANT vote for Cartier's Tank. I've coveted one for ages but alas, my current situation won't yield me one for a looooooong time. If I had my choice of all the fancy schmancy watches,this would be the one.

Littlelamb11

11-29-2006, 04:46 PM

I recently bought a Longines and I love it.
http://www.longines.com/

DH has a couple of Breitlings that he loves. his oldest one is about 12 years old and is as good as new. :)

dana b

11-29-2006, 05:10 PM

i have a baume & mercier, i like the look of their watches - simple and timeless. but if i really had my choice, i'd go with a cartier tank! definitely something you could pass on to a daughter one day.

manatee

11-29-2006, 05:44 PM

I have the Cartier Tank Francais in stainless steel and I love it. I wear it everyday and would say it's definitely worth the investment. Actually, it really wasn't too bad in terms of price compared to some of the other brands like Rolex.

amew

11-29-2006, 06:05 PM

I, too, would go for a Cartier Tank Francaise. Though I also love this Baume & Mercier. My mom has it, and it's a great looking watch.

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0006FMOQC.01-A29VPP2HAR5B51._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

cc8

11-29-2006, 07:15 PM

I have a cartier tank. Love it.

chortles

11-29-2006, 11:11 PM

I really love a watch with a date on it, and it is very rare for women's watches to have it. My dream watch is an Audemars Piguet. The below has been discontinued (sigh). i love the cartier tanks - especially when they have the date tucked into the corner - SO sexy!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/frabjous_day/Piguet.gif

tlew12778

11-30-2006, 04:35 AM

Actually, believe it or not, all the watch brands mentioned so far (other than the Patek Philippe and Cartier) are considered 2nd tier. First tier makers include Audemars Piguet, Bedat, Blancpain, Breguet, Franck Muller, Glashütte, Girard-Perregaux, Harry Winston, Hermes, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lange, Piaget, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels and of course Patek Philippe and Cartier.

The ones in bold are the brands that are the companies that go back hundreds and hundreds of years and are considered the absolute top of the top. But you probably won't find one of those for under $20k and that's on ebay.

The old diamondtalk actually has a whole forum (http://www.diamondring.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=26) on watches.

Tanya

11-30-2006, 06:27 AM

I really love a watch with a date on it, and it is very rare for women's watches to have it...

Yeah, I agree. I have this Tag with the date and rotating bezel (supposedly for diving, not that I'd dive with this!). It's fairly traditional in the men's watch sense but I like the size. The hands/number markers glow in the dark which is a helpful feature to look for. It's been a great watch; I've had it for about 7 years now. Battery changes every couple years and a couple parts replaced, that's it.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/movadobaby_1922_4018001
I have had my Cartier tank for just over 20 years. I love it, wear it every day, and just need to have the battery changed about once a year; the band about every other year. For classic elegance, it can't be beat, IMHO.
I assume you have the leather band? I can't believe it has to be changed out every other year, though! Is that just personal preference or is it in pretty bad shape?

Mrs U

11-30-2006, 08:33 AM

IWC makes great watches (best friend designs for them) if you can afford them. Personally I love my Tissot and Rado- both have sapphire crystals and handle everyday wear excellent with no scratches on the face.

HeatherFL

11-30-2006, 05:14 PM

Cr8nme

11-30-2006, 07:49 PM

I too have the Cartier Tank (in all metal band on my list)... I will probably not get that for a couple of years though...

HeatherFL

12-01-2006, 06:41 AM

I never knew Rolex was considered a 2nd tier watch! Learn something new everyday!

~H.

Reebs

12-01-2006, 07:23 AM

I have a Rolex and I love it. I don't have a diamond encrusted one (:o ) so its fairly lightweight. When I got it I thought for sure I would save it for special occasions and wear my Tag everyday, but since I have gotten it it hasn't come off my wrist. I really love it.

This is my watch
http://www.demesy.com/graphics/ftp-ebay/48350ebays.jpg

Except I have this band
http://www.demesy.com/graphics/ftp-ebay/48194ebay.jpg

princesse

12-01-2006, 07:50 AM

Oh that is beautiful!

I totally agree, this is a gorgeous watch! I have a Movado that is simple and elegant but have been looking. This one is really gorgeous..........

ysolde

12-01-2006, 10:00 AM

[QUOTE=Tanya;1084413
I assume you have the leather band? I can't believe it has to be changed out every other year, though! Is that just personal preference or is it in pretty bad shape?[/QUOTE]

Leather (right now gator) band. Change it every other year when it's leather, cause I like it to look "newish" (but not too new, kwim?). Gator band holding up REALLY well.

BeachBum

12-01-2006, 04:51 PM

Thanks for all the helpful info! I obviously have some browsing to do :)

dollface

12-01-2006, 05:44 PM

I am a big fan of the Cartier Roadster as I like a bit of a bulkier dial. Half the time I wear a diamond face Rolex lady date-just and then I have a TAG Aquaracer I wear when I am working.

HeatherFL

12-28-2006, 03:23 PM

I just came to write that I love my new Ebel (www.ebel.com). :) It was a total surprise, unexpected and I had debated on getting a watch for so long that SO made the decision for me. He didn't invest in a $20,000+ watch on his own for me since he said he'd want more feedback from me, but he did a GREAT job (and I'm thinking Ebel does make $20k+ watches if you wanted to go that high.)

Aimee It's funny because you described what Todd said he was looking for for me. Feminine, understated, elegant, but a little sporty. Not gaudy or flashy. I know Ebel and you're right...it's not an "in your face" kind of watch, but is definitely recognized with a bit of a "wow factor" (for lack of a better term) by the people who know Ebel. He was also looking at a Rolex Cellini for women and I'm so glad he went this way!

The Ebel Beluga watch:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/Christmas%202006/mywatch.jpg
~H.

Anna Low

12-29-2006, 08:46 AM

I'm a big fan of Rolex. Mine is nearly 20 years old and has required literally no maintenance whatsoever, other than the normal cleaning and inspection. It is perpetual movement, so that eliminates battery changes. My father collected watches and had a Patek Phillipe. He loved having the watch, but didn't like to wear it.

looch

02-08-2007, 06:22 PM

After much deliberation over the Baume & Mercier Diamant, Ebel Tonneau and the Cartier Santos De Cartier Galbees, I am the proud owner of the Cartier.

I wasn't planning on purchasing it today, but it was so me, I had to have it. It's a big celebration piece for me, it commemorates my 10 year anniversary with the company I have worked for since I graduated from college.

HeatherFL

02-09-2007, 06:20 AM

Congratulations!!!!! :) I bet it looks WONDERFUL!

~H.

PurpleRose

02-09-2007, 01:52 PM

betsyboop

02-14-2007, 12:51 PM

I have this Rolex only with a gold face:

http://www.demesy.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000002/48345.jpg

It was a gft from my parents for my college graduation and I've pretty much worn it everyday since I got it in May 2000.

Pros- Never needs a battery change or to be winded
goes with dressy and casual clothes

Cons- has broken twice in the almost 7 years I've had it
is ALWAYS about 5 min behind, no matter what

I love it, but I think I got a lemon- I have had to send it back to the factory to get fixed twice because the knob that adjusts the date and time keeps breaking. The first time was covered under the original warranty, but the second time, it cost me $500:mad: It's gotten to the point where I am nervous to move it even if the time is off or if the date needs to be changed (and it will have to be changed at the end of this month- eek). My dad and sister both have Rolexes as well and haven't had any problems with theirs, so I don't know if it's just mine or a typical problem with the brand.

nyclaura

03-13-2007, 02:03 PM

Heather - if you ever have time would you mind taking a pic of the Ebel on your wrist? I'm trying to gague how much of the arm it covers. My wrist is pretty small and some watches just swallow it up.

My top choice currently is the diamond Ebel Beluga pictured above. I'm going to go look in person this weekend. I love that you love it!

Thanks!!

pontmarie

03-13-2007, 03:08 PM

Yay for the Cartier - I have had one for years as well (handed down from mom), don't wear it now because of the kids but I love it. It's small and discreet and perfect :D

trishcutie

03-13-2007, 05:01 PM

I have the Cartier tank francais and I LOVE it.

BeachBum

03-25-2007, 05:49 AM

Well I'm one happy birthday girl!
DH surprised me with the Cartier Roadster. I'm delighted! Although the Tank is a fabulous watch--I think the Roadster is more me. It's classic, but sporty. It also has a date which was a no compromise feature :)
Plus, I think the "convertible" feature is the coolest. For those of you who don't know, there are titanium clips on the underside and the band snaps in and out. The watch came with the stainless band and a black satin one. I'm putting red ostrich on my wish list! :)
http://www.alanfurman.com/images/caw62016v31.jpg

HeatherFL

03-25-2007, 07:43 AM

Ooooh Beautiful BeachBum! Hubby has good taste. :D

~H.

dollface

03-26-2007, 11:48 AM

Great watch BeachBum!

Maggie8202

04-30-2007, 03:21 PM

Bump! For Opinions!!

I am going to be getting my tenure as a teacher and my DH said he wanted to buy me a nice watch.

I am drooling over this Chopard Chopard (http://www.atlantictime.com/chopard-happy-sport-watch-10185-82.html)
but DH says it is too pricey.

I love the Cartier Tank Cartier tank (http://www.tourneau.com/Tourneau/Main/Catalog/Brands/Cartier/Results/Product%20Details/Brand~Cartier/Collection~Tank/ProductId~CAR0202133.aspx) , but feel that would be at the top of his price range.

I think this Tag: TAG (http://www.atlantictime.com/tag-heuer-aquaracer-watch-18569-51.html)
is more his price range, and it does have diamonds, but it isn't a Cartier.

I keep on going back and forth between the Cartier and Tag, which do you think is the better choice for a "special/hard work" present?

Or do you have another watch I should consider?

vee05

04-30-2007, 04:21 PM

Cartier :)

I just got a Gucci for my birthday I love it!

Fenway

04-30-2007, 04:34 PM

I vote for the tag. I love mine, and I love that is doesn't seem to be as common of a name.

dollface

04-30-2007, 05:17 PM

I think it depends on the look you are going for. Obviously the Cartier is much more delicate and dressier while the TAG is chunkier and sportier. I have the TAG but without the diamonds and it's my 'work' watch.

Aimee

04-30-2007, 05:29 PM

I'd go for the Cartier. To me, it's a much more enduring name than Tag, which I think of as very trendy.

ginastorm

04-30-2007, 06:31 PM

I like the Cartier as well, although I'm drooling over the Chopard too!

Fenway

04-30-2007, 06:36 PM

I'd go for the Cartier. To me, it's a much more enduring name than Tag, which I think of as very trendy.

That's funny. Maybe it depends on the area in which you live. Most people look at my watch and have no idea what Tag is.

Tanya

05-01-2007, 01:08 PM

That's funny. Maybe it depends on the area in which you live. Most people look at my watch and have no idea what Tag is.

ITA. Well, not that lots of people look at my watch;), but that it's definitely not "trendy" here.

Maggie8202

05-02-2007, 04:08 PM

Thanks for the replies.
I am still undecided, and keep on changing my mind. I really have no clue when it comes to watches. I do currently have a plain movado that has a band very similar to the TAG, but the face is entirely different and does not have diamonds.
I may just email DH the three of them and let him pick!

HeatherFL

05-02-2007, 05:40 PM

I like the Cartier! :)

laura

05-02-2007, 05:47 PM

I like the Cartier also, but I prefer a tank style to round personally, so that strongly influences my vote. Plus Cartier tank is just classic in a way that not a lot of other watches are.