Less Flashy watches?

[callire]

I posted a thread a little while ago about Cartier/Tag watches, but the more I think about it, especially in this economic climate, I don't think it's really a great idea to have a very recognizable, high-end looking watch. I think I'm also a little concerned because I'm going to be moving to a new city, and maybe as a young female student, having 2k-3k on my wrist isn't the best idea ever.

So, what brands would you recommend that aren't as recognizable. I think I'm scaling back my budget to $1500ish, but what are some good options? I'd love an automatic, if that's possible.

[chanel-girl]

Well if Tag and Cartier are def not, what about Movado? I had one for years and it held up amazingly. You can also get one for less then your budget.

[callire]

I would, but I need the numbers on the watch. I'd still love to get one, you know, but I just don't think that I would feel "safe" with one.

[mas2388]

^how about a Michele or Longines watch? They can be as muted or as blingy as you want.

[couturequeen]

I really like Longines and Baume & Mercier. Lots of classic styles.

[starbucksqueen]

Hi
I share your concern also. What kind of watch are you looking for? A basic classic? Stainless steel or leather? I have suggestions for watches that fall into that price bracket. For that price, you could get a knockaround and a very good one. May I suggest Raymond Weil for a classic, dependable Swiss Made piece? Something from the Tango line. Note that those are smaller, but are true classics. How about a Victorinox Swiss Army? There are different lines to chose from...the Alliance, for example and well under 1K. . But those are not as blingy and are perfectly good. You could also check and see what Michele has to offer. They also have watches within that price range. Would you prefer a woman's or man's size. I agree that Longines and Baume and Mercier are great brands. There are a lot of things to consider. It depends on your needs and preferences. Hope I was able to help. Good luck.

[callire]

Thanks everyone for the responses...

I'm looking for a stainless steel bracelet watch with a round face with at least some numbers (12, 3, 6, 9) and markers. I checked out Michelle, but there were some discussions about the poor quality of the watches in another thread, and that sort of turned me off to them. I do want a women's size, or a smaller face, but it's a bit tricky to find something that's really good quality (if I'm paying 1k I want it to be excellent) but still classy and timeless.

[mistikat]

I have a stainless steel La Dona and no one has ever looked twice at it. Ditto when I had a Tank Francaise. I take public transit all the time (no car) and have never felt unsafe wearing it. I think if you are going to spend $1500 on a "starter" watch, that's $1500 not quite well spent if you really want a more expensive brand. At that point, I would buy a nice Swatch or Timex or Bulova and spend under $150 and save your money for the watch you really want.

[callire]

Originally Posted by mistikat

I have a stainless steel La Dona and no one has ever looked twice at it. Ditto when I had a Tank Francaise. I take public transit all the time (no car) and have never felt unsafe wearing it. I think if you are going to spend $1500 on a "starter" watch, that's $1500 not quite well spent if you really want a more expensive brand. At that point, I would buy a nice Swatch or Timex or Bulova and spend under $150 and save your money for the watch you really want.

I think I thought I wanted one, but the more I consider it, I think I'd be more uncomfortable with one, especially now (whew, that was an odd sentence). Maybe I'll get one farther along the line, but it seems impractical. I also want an automatic, and there aren't any cartiers or tags that I like, in my budget, that would work, anyway.

But, besides that, I think I'm pretty close.

Which one do you all like more?

[neenabengals]

Both of these are lovely but I think I like the one with the black face more... but saying that, I think the one with the white face is the most classic. Do you mind me asking, what are the prices of these? I quite like them myself! ; )

I am just starting to save for a chopard happy sport square which has floating diamonds, I tried it on today and it is gorgeous, very classic face but a bit of bling too..... but I do know what you mean, in the back of my mind, I am conscious of the price of this watch in this economic climate.... but then again, those diamonds are so gorge.....

[callire]

Originally Posted by neenabengals

Both of these are lovely but I think I like the one with the black face more... but saying that, I think the one with the white face is the most classic. Do you mind me asking, what are the prices of these? I quite like them myself! ; ) I am just starting to save for a chopard happy sport square which has floating diamonds, I tried it on today and it is gorgeous, very classic face but a bit of bling too..... but I do know what you mean, in the back of my mind, I am conscious of the price of this watch in this economic climate.... but then again, those diamonds are so gorge.....

I love the chopard! I know what you mean... I know I'm going to have to sell all my LVs too within the next year or so for my move. Especially as a student, I just don't think it's wise.

I'm leaning towards the black too! It's actually cheaper than the white one
(SHOCKING! I actually like the less expensive one more!) The black is $925 ($1400 retail) and the white is $1175 ($1600 retail)

[NurseAnn]

I'm going to go against the grain and say that I like the white face more....enough so that I would buy it for myself. Actually, I love it. It looks more classic and feminine to me. With that said, I do like both of them a lot. I think I even agree with you in regards to most things (I LOOOVE the Chopard Happy Sport that was mentioned earlier). I don't think now is a good time to spend a lot of money on a watch unless you don't know what to do with all your money. If I'm going to spend more than $1K on anything that I wear, it had better be gold, platinum, or diamond. Good luck choosing and please post pictures because those are beautiful watches!

[coachlover1000]

How about Bulova? That's a good brand, and it's very cheap. I have a Bulova that's stainless steel, it has a mother of pearl face with diamonds(it's also 300 feet water resistant) that's gorgeous but not too overboard, and it only cost $395. Hope you find what you're looking for.
xx

[starbucksqueen]

Do you still want to spend $1500? I like both the Longines, but lean towards the white. It will go with more. Of course, if you wear tons of black, then the get the black.
Automatics may not require batteries, but they are pricier to maintain.....just a thought, if you're budget-conscious.
Quartz are very easy to maintain, on the other hand.

[neenabengals]

Originally Posted by callire

I love the chopard! I know what you mean... I know I'm going to have to sell all my LVs too within the next year or so for my move. Especially as a student, I just don't think it's wise. I'm leaning towards the black too! It's actually cheaper than the white one (SHOCKING! I actually like the less expensive one more!) The black is $925 ($1400 retail) and the white is $1175 ($1600 retail)

Re: not having an expensive watch whilst being a student - Very sensible outlook. I approve!

Re: liking the less expensive one - Cool - dont you just love it when that happens!! I like the black one but the white one is nice too. I dont think you can go wrong with either. They're both really lovely choices.