Watches you wear...

[Pacem]

Originally Posted by NuclearFart

A couple of fun recent acquisitions to my collection!

A little late to the party but is the Bel Canto as cool as it appears to be? I love the look of it, I just can't bring myself to order a watch without being able to try it on.

I've been searching for a purple dial watch that I like for a number of years. I found a local watch shop had the purple Bel Canto on their website. Of course stupid work got in the way and by the time I got there on Saturday they had sold it already. So close...

Lesson learned. If you see a watch you really like just call in sick at work and make sure to check it out.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by bluejays

Thanks. 2024 was a tough year for me and I’m just trying to get a new start and something I can pass along that is quality. I’m still deciding the colour between these if I go with this model.

https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1374071135100.html
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1374071135101.html
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1374071109101.html

I do like the gradient one (the middle link). The last one pops but I’m not sure it’s for me.

Part of the fun for watches are the stories associated with it. If you get stuck on what color to choose, maybe consider luck? Flip a coin/roll a dice to decide?

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by bluejays

Thanks. 2024 was a tough year for me and I’m just trying to get a new start and something I can pass along that is quality. I’m still deciding the colour between these if I go with this model.

https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1374071135100.html
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1374071135101.html
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1374071109101.html

I do like the gradient one (the middle link). The last one pops but I’m not sure it’s for me.

I was eyeing up the gradient dial when I was on their site looking at all the different variants. Looks very sharp. Then again, the teal makes me think of ‘Tiffany’ blue. Summery, tropical look.

Design is very Gérald Genta, “an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and a Vacheron Constantin Overseas snuck away to the coat room at the Christmas party last year”, which is not a bad thing considering how much I love both of those pieces. It’s a really nice watch and the design is going to endure the test of time, especially since the size is in the sweet spot (anything 36-41mm IMO).

[speede5]

I'd go with the gradient, it seems subtle enough to wear with anything. Check with Justing, he sold me a Tissot Chrono xl for a decent price a few years ago.


I recently added a Citizen World chrono Blue Angels to my collection, nice little gift from the company for my anniversary. Mixed feelings due to my distain for the US right now but I was eyeing it up last year so I figured why not. Had no idea what the watch actually did, I thought it was just another auto but the radio control is really sweet.

Spoiler!

[CroFlames]

My 'dream' watch has always been the blue Seamaster, but recently I tried on the Tag Heuer Aquaracer and I loved it. It's considerably cheaper than a Seamaster too so there's that.

[NuclearFart]

Originally Posted by bluejays

Bumping this. I've always appreciated watches, but never thought I'd delve into a $1000. But here we are. A few of my friends were talking about watches they own and among the ones they recommended for about the $800 mark for automatics was the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. I do like the look of it. I have a relatively thin wrist so this doesn't look gaudy on me when I tried it in store. While I don't have kids, I'd like to pass it along to the next generation when eventually does happen.


All this being said, is this a good sub $1000 watch? I want something that will last a long time that I can pass on. Right now calling an official Tissot retailer here they said $780 if paid by debit. I just want something classy and timeless.

Thats a great watch for that price segment, and that particular style of watch is very on trend with the release of the new Rolex model (Land dweller). How thin are your wrists? 40 mm diameter is a good size for average wrists, but you could also look at the twelve from Christopher Ward which comes in more sizes. In my opinion, they are superior to Tissot in most metrics, and it will last much longer if you plan to pass it on to future generations, but it will cost a bit more than your stated budget.

You mention the last year has been tough, and you want a bit of an heirloom. Perhaps you want to wait a bit and save up a more for a more durable option like the Twelve? My most cherished watches are the ones I had to wait and build up for. It weaves an attachment story and sense of accomplishment, which will ultimately keep it relevant and important to you decades later.

Regardless its a personal choice, and you should ignore others opinions (like mine) if its what you really want. The PRX is solid.

[NuclearFart]

Originally Posted by Pacem

A little late to the party but is the Bel Canto as cool as it appears to be? I love the look of it, I just can't bring myself to order a watch without being able to try it on.

I've been searching for a purple dial watch that I like for a number of years. I found a local watch shop had the purple Bel Canto on their website. Of course stupid work got in the way and by the time I got there on Saturday they had sold it already. So close...

Lesson learned. If you see a watch you really like just call in sick at work and make sure to check it out.

I love it, but its certainly not for everybody. My grail watch is the MB&F legacy 101 so the styling scatches that itch. The Sonnerie au passage complication is amazing for this price and I dont think I'll ever tire of it. The chiming brings back good memories of as a kid with my first watch - Timex Iron man - which would ding every hour and drive my teachers nuts.

The only negative to me is its poor legibility. The dial is really small, the incidices lack contrast, and there is so much else going on around it which is subconsciously distracting. They have improved the readability on the newest iteration by darkening the indices.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

My 'dream' watch has always been the blue Seamaster, but recently I tried on the Tag Heuer Aquaracer and I loved it. It's considerably cheaper than a Seamaster too so there's that.

I probably sound like a broken record, but if you're considering used, check the Japanese sellers on Chrono24. If your dream watch was the older Seamaster, you might be able to get a used blue Seamaster Professional 300m (ref. 2220.80.00) for the price of a new Aquaracer. The previous generation of that Seamaster, ref. 2531.80 is even less and still comes with an automatic movement.

[stazzy33]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

I probably sound like a broken record, but if you're considering used, check the Japanese sellers on Chrono24. If your dream watch was the older Seamaster, you might be able to get a used blue Seamaster Professional 300m (ref. 2220.80.00) for the price of a new Aquaracer. The previous generation of that Seamaster, ref. 2531.80 is even less and still comes with an automatic movement.

I just bought a 2531.80 recently and absolutely love it. It's a lot more subtle than the modern Seamaster and growing up on Pierce Brosnan 007 films makes it all the more special.

[Table 5]

Buy a watch because you like it, or you appreciate it's quality...not because it would make a good candidate to "pass down". You never know what the future holds or what the potential beneficiary's tastes will be (they may not want your old crap!). Buy it for you, enjoy it, and if it works out that you pass it on...that's a nice bonus. If not, you still got to enjoy a great watch.

Either way, chances are that if you're just getting into watches and it takes a hold on you, the PRX will just be a stepping stone!

[NuclearFart]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Buy a watch because you like it, or you appreciate it's quality...not because it would make a good candidate to "pass down". You never know what the future holds or what the potential beneficiary's tastes will be (they may not want your old crap!). Buy it for you, enjoy it, and if it works out that you pass it on...that's a nice bonus. If not, you still got to enjoy a great watch.

"You never actually own a Tissot. You merely look after it for the next generation"

[bluejays]

Too many thanks to give for all who responded. I expected one or two, so quite nice to see a few more.

I may hold off a little to research more. I’m new to the watch thing and the fun part about buying anything expensive is the research and anticipation of making a purchase. That said today I went into a retailer and came across the CHEMIN DES TOURELLES line and the LE LOCLE line. I’d say both looked better by a fair margin. The Chemin one looked 3D and timeless. No idea if they have the same movement or are more reliable but they were stunning!

https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T0064072203301.html
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1394072203800.html

[NuclearFart]

Lots of research is very prudent. Nothing worse than buyers remorse on something you intend to use daily for a long time.

Those second Tissot choices are nice looking, but a couple things to consider:

1) Gold plating/PVD coating doesnt age well and the inevitable scratches/wear cant be fixed. Go with stainless steel if you plan to keep this one for a while.

2) A dress style of watch has limited use if you care about convention & fashion norms. It looks great with a suit or poking out from under the cuff of a collared shirt, but generally speaking its not really compatible with a casual t-shirt and jeans. The stainless steel sports watch (like the PRX) is way more versatile and functional as a daily wearer.

3) Getting mugged for your watch is a real and increasing problem. The flashy shiny 'gold' watches will get you targeted.

Part of your research should include evaluating your current collection, and determining how you want to use this watch.

Lastly, take a look at the Seiko presage line for similar value and style.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Buy a watch because you like it, or you appreciate it's quality...not because it would make a good candidate to "pass down". You never know what the future holds or what the potential beneficiary's tastes will be (they may not want your old crap!). Buy it for you, enjoy it, and if it works out that you pass it on...that's a nice bonus. If not, you still got to enjoy a great watch.

Either way, chances are that if you're just getting into watches and it takes a hold on you, the PRX will just be a stepping stone!

Lol don't underestimate how fast it can snowball. The rapid speed Sliver got sucked into the watch world was awesome to behold.

IIRC he went from barely understanding why someone would get nice watches, to calling a hamilton a basic bitch watch, buying multiple hamilton watches and then buying his grail watch/quitting this thread in less than a year or so?

I've talked myself out of those PRX watches a few times already. I understand the allure.

Is bluejays next?

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by bluejays

Too many thanks to give for all who responded. I expected one or two, so quite nice to see a few more.

I may hold off a little to research more. I’m new to the watch thing and the fun part about buying anything expensive is the research and anticipation of making a purchase. That said today I went into a retailer and came across the CHEMIN DES TOURELLES line and the LE LOCLE line. I’d say both looked better by a fair margin. The Chemin one looked 3D and timeless. No idea if they have the same movement or are more reliable but they were stunning!

https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T0064072203301.html
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/T1394072203800.html

Heh. I've gone down that rabbit hole too.

It's only a few hundred bucks more for a really cool watch, it's only a few hundred more for something cool, a few hundred for something unique... I think I need to triple my budget.

Those ones led me to look at Longines, then to Carl F Bucherer, and then used omega and stuff for a budget close to that new tissot...

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Lol don't underestimate how fast it can snowball. The rapid speed Sliver got sucked into the watch world was awesome to behold.

IIRC he went from barely understanding why someone would get nice watches, to calling a hamilton a basic bitch watch, buying multiple hamilton watches and then buying his grail watch/quitting this thread in less than a year or so?

I've talked myself out of those PRX watches a few times already. I understand the allure.

Is bluejays next?

Hahaha your recollection is fairly accurate. That's what happened I guess.

Wife and I have Hamiltons we got for our 20th anniversary.

Bought my daughter a Murph for high school grad.

Will be getting my son a Hamilton dive watch for his grad this year (crap...should probably get that ordered right away here).

And then, yes, bought an Omega Seamaster. I love it so much. I think I bought it in June 2023. I wear it every day. Sometimes I want to wear my Hamilton...but then I wear my Omega and tell myself I'll wear the Hamilton next week, but I never do.

I guess I'm not a collection guy. My Omega is all I need, but I'll never get rid of my Hamilton because I do love it and I love that my family all has Hamilton field watches.

A bit after I bonded with the Omega I deleted all my subscriptions to all the YouTube watch channels, unsubscribed from the subreddits and stopped looking at watches entirely. I'm a million percent happy with what I have and have zero desire for more or to expand into a full blown collection.

I did see a beautiful watch on an old guy in a restaurant in Canmore a couple months ago. I couldn't tell what it was, but on the way out I just told him I liked his watch and had been sneaking looks at it throughout dinner. He told me what it was and thanked me. I had never heard of the brand, but looked it up when I got home. $150k. Wow. Wish I could tell you guys what it was but my wife and I were pretty surprised at the price. Crazy thing is it looked worth it hah. Wasn't obnoxious or anything...just perfection.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Hahaha your recollection is fairly accurate. That's what happened I guess.

Wife and I have Hamiltons we got for our 20th anniversary.

Bought my daughter a Murph for high school grad.

Will be getting my son a Hamilton dive watch for his grad this year (crap...should probably get that ordered right away here).

And then, yes, bought an Omega Seamaster. I love it so much. I think I bought it in June 2023. I wear it every day. Sometimes I want to wear my Hamilton...but then I wear my Omega and tell myself I'll wear the Hamilton next week, but I never do.

I guess I'm not a collection guy. My Omega is all I need, but I'll never get rid of my Hamilton because I do love it and I love that my family all has Hamilton field watches.

A bit after I bonded with the Omega I deleted all my subscriptions to all the YouTube watch channels, unsubscribed from the subreddits and stopped looking at watches entirely. I'm a million percent happy with what I have and have zero desire for more or to expand into a full blown collection.

I did see a beautiful watch on an old guy in a restaurant in Canmore a couple months ago. I couldn't tell what it was, but on the way out I just told him I liked his watch and had been sneaking looks at it throughout dinner. He told me what it was and thanked me. I had never heard of the brand, but looked it up when I got home. $150k. Wow. Wish I could tell you guys what it was but my wife and I were pretty surprised at the price. Crazy thing is it looked worth it hah. Wasn't obnoxious or anything...just perfection.

Hands down though, you had a laser focused watch journey. One of my favourites to witness for sure. You went from poking your head into the room, to identifying exactly the "theme"/grail you wanted to go with and then proceeded to put it on lock down. You might not have variety in your collection, but for sure you have described that your collection boldly represents you without compromise. That's easily something to get excited about.

I am jealous you were able to find a watch to bond with. I'm still trying to find that really nice everyday grail that resonates with me. But the journey is a huge part of the fun.

I once thought I wanted something grand as a grail, but I honestly don't feel like that's truly a watch that I would bond with. I'm really enjoying the Khaki Pilot, especially that 46mm and heft. Your excitement for Hamilton led me to that one and it was an impulse purchase I do not regret. I'm also enjoying the silly "dad bling" (<$200 Crystal covered Seiko and gold Bulova with diamonds).

I'm thinking that ultimately, it may be something big that can fit in any scenario and not be out of place with some of the other final bosses, but something that can pass off as something quite innocuous as well. I don't know if something like that even exists, but we shall see.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by NuclearFart

Lots of research is very prudent. Nothing worse than buyers remorse on something you intend to use daily for a long time.

Those second Tissot choices are nice looking, but a couple things to consider:

1) Gold plating/PVD coating doesnt age well and the inevitable scratches/wear cant be fixed. Go with stainless steel if you plan to keep this one for a while.

2) A dress style of watch has limited use if you care about convention & fashion norms. It looks great with a suit or poking out from under the cuff of a collared shirt, but generally speaking its not really compatible with a casual t-shirt and jeans. The stainless steel sports watch (like the PRX) is way more versatile and functional as a daily wearer.

3) Getting mugged for your watch is a real and increasing problem. The flashy shiny 'gold' watches will get you targeted.

Part of your research should include evaluating your current collection, and determining how you want to use this watch.

Lastly, take a look at the Seiko presage line for similar value and style.

Thanks for the tips. I didn’t consider the gold scratching. That I would want to avoid, so great tip. As for the mugging piece, I feel relatively safe in Toronto to be honest. Whatever I choose won’t be overly flashy but I’m looking for an everyday watch, so note taken if it is flashy you may be targeted.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Heh. I've gone down that rabbit hole too.

It's only a few hundred bucks more for a really cool watch, it's only a few hundred more for something cool, a few hundred for something unique... I think I need to triple my budget.

Those ones led me to look at Longines, then to Carl F Bucherer, and then used omega and stuff for a budget close to that new tissot...

lol. That’s what I fear. I love quality and will pay slightly more, but I don’t think I’ll ever pay more than $2000 even if I wanted to. I’m not a baller even if the money is saved. Beyond a certain amount it doesn’t offer anything more than a conversation piece and for me I’m a lowkey person and don’t care for prestige or being part of an elite club or anything (for lack of better words to use).

[ryeguy252]

Have a TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 (grey dial), in good condition. Paid over 3k. Think new now is over $4500 (discontinued).

https://www.tagheuer.com/ca/en/timep...1C.BA0782.html

Could use a service. $2500 obo