Please recommend a watch for my law school graduation present

[kachesle]

My parents would like to buy me a nice watch as a graduation present, probably spending no more than $2k (although I'm opened to buying something used or on sale). I'd like it to be all silver, and something I can wear to work every day... but other than that, I don't know where to start!

I like the look of Ebel and Cartier; is Cartier appreciably better? What other brands should I look at? Thanks!

[jan228]

I think the Baume & Mercier Hampton is a fantastic everyday watch for work. It fits nicely under a suit and has a very elegant yet subtle look. I wear the men's size.

I'm not certain that a Cartier will fit into your price range, possibly a few of the entry level ones. Personally, there's not one Cartier watch that I think is the least bit attractive. (And I'm pretty sure some of the parts are made in Thailand.)

[kachesle]

Originally Posted by jan228

I think the Baume & Mercier Hampton is a fantastic everyday watch for work. It fits nicely under a suit and has a very elegant yet subtle look. I wear the men's size. I'm not certain that a Cartier will fit into your price range, possibly a few of the entry level ones. Personally, there's not one Cartier watch that I think is the least bit attractive. (And I'm pretty sure some of the parts are made in Thailand.)

ooh, i love it!

there was a really basic cartier that was just a tad over $2k... i liked it, but wasn't sure it was worth the money. i need help! which brands are the best as far as quality of materials/inner mechanics go? i know my parents want this to last a lifetime.

[elle tee]

Personally, and this might not appeal to you, but I would look for a pre-owned Rolex. It would absolutely last you a lifetime. Plus, I swear, they are the official watch of lawyers. I'm doing a trial techniques program and attorneys from all over the country are coming in to teach, and they are all wearing Rolex. It's like some sort of club, lol.

[jan228]

Originally Posted by kachesle

ooh, i love it! there was a really basic cartier that was just a tad over $2k... i liked it, but wasn't sure it was worth the money. i need help! which brands are the best as far as quality of materials/inner mechanics go? i know my parents want this to last a lifetime.

If you have any doubts, I would keep looking. You want your money to go into something you'll love 100%.

Baume & Mercier is a very prestigious brand. My FIL seriously considered that brand before deciding on a Rolex instead. I own two-- the men's Hampton and the women's Hampton 10 on a leather strap. I think the style is classic and won't ever go out of fashion.

A used Rolex is also a good option. Stores like Tourneau will sell pre-owned Rolexes a lot of the time, so you're buying it from an AD. Keep in mind that if you get a Rolex, the automatic movement needs to be serviced every 3-5 years, which is around $500 a pop not including replacement parts if you need any.

That's another reason I like my B&Ms-- no maintenance, just slap a new battery in and it's brand new.

[jayjay77]

Personally I love Cartier watches, but most of the stainless steel ones with stainless steel braclet are in the $3600-$3900 range for classic styles like the Tanks. I would go for a pre-owned Cartier or Rolex if it was me from a reputable dealer like Tourneau. You can get some great deals today.

[gabz]

Tessler is nice

[kachesle]

Based only on pics--I haven't seen anything IRL--I think this Ebel is my fave. It's cheap if you buy it from Amazon, but I'm not sure I feel safe doing so.

http://www.amazon.com/Ebel-Womens-Be...57487&sr=1-189

If I start looking for a used Rolex, where can I search besides Tourneau? Also, have other people found that they need to be serviced every five years for $500? That's not an insignificant amount of money (even for a lawyer)!

[jan228]

Originally Posted by kachesle

Based only on pics--I haven't seen anything IRL--I think this Ebel is my fave. It's cheap if you buy it from Amazon, but I'm not sure I feel safe doing so. http://www.amazon.com/Ebel-Womens-Be...57487&sr=1-189 If I start looking for a used Rolex, where can I search besides Tourneau? Also, have other people found that they need to be serviced every five years for $500? That's not an insignificant amount of money (even for a lawyer)!

The reason why you need to spend the money to service them every few years is to keep them in top working condition. If they don't get serviced. the movement could break-- the oils could dry up and cause friction. The cost to fix broken parts would be significantly higher than the cost to maintain the watch. That's one of the reasons I pretty much shy away from automatic movements.

You might find used Rolexes at a local jewelers. Just find out what year they were made. The look hasn't changed very much, so a watch made in 1976 could look similar to one made in 2006.

I would feel great about buying a watch from Amazon. I'd just make sure the seller was "Amazon" and not an independent seller. I've bought a few high end watches from Amazon, which I've successfully traded in for store credit at Tourneau for more than I paid for them.

Also check out www.thewatchery.com, I highly recommend them! They're selling this diamond Ebel for $1001.

Do you have a set budget for the watch?

[kachesle]

Originally Posted by jan228

Do you have a set budget for the watch?

When my sis got her Phd, she thinks the watch budget was $2k... I'm just assuming that I will get the same. My parents will also be paying for my Barbri course, and my wedding in a year or two, though, so I don't want to go that high if I can help if.

Oooh, I was looking at The Watchery because they had such cheap prices for Ebel! I thought it must be too good to be true... I've heard that some unscrupulous websites will basically have watches with genuine "outsides" but that the "insides" are cheap replacements... but you've had good luck with them? If so, maybe I'll go for more bling!

[missD]

Bedat & Co No.3 watch is exquisite! It's like this below but without diamonds. Retails about $2200 at Neimans I believe.

[kachesle]

Originally Posted by missD

Bedat & Co No.3 watch is exquisite! It's like this below but without diamonds. Retails about $2200 at Neimans I believe.

Pretty! Probably a little too much bling for daytime use, though.

[claireZk]

What about a Movado with small diamonds? They're professional and unpretentious, but still very nice watches...

[jan228]

Originally Posted by kachesle

When my sis got her Phd, she thinks the watch budget was $2k... I'm just assuming that I will get the same. My parents will also be paying for my Barbri course, and my wedding in a year or two, though, so I don't want to go that high if I can help if. Oooh, I was looking at The Watchery because they had such cheap prices for Ebel! I thought it must be too good to be true... I've heard that some unscrupulous websites will basically have watches with genuine "outsides" but that the "insides" are cheap replacements... but you've had good luck with them? If so, maybe I'll go for more bling!

I recently ordered a Baume & Mercier from them. The watch was great, it came new with tags on it and I've had no problem with it. The customer service was also really nice on the phone. Keep in mind online retailers like The Watchery sell gray goods, they're usually not an AD for the watches they sell.

This doesn't mean they're not real, it just means that they won't come with all the papers, etc. Mine came in a broken box with the wrong instruction book. The box was easily glued, but buying it from a gray goods site won't be the same as buying it brand new at retail value. You do sacrifice some things for an unbeatable price.

Hope that helps in your decision.

[urologist]

You should definitely look at grey market dealers, but as pointed out above, of course you should be sure they are reputable. I have a B&M as well as a Cartier Santos, both of which I love. The B&M was purchased at a liquidation sale for a luxury jewelry store and the Cartier was purchased at Filene's Basement! You could also look at the Movado Factory stores (I think that is what they are called--in any event, essentially the Movado "outlet"). They also carry Ebel, and often have coupons. I got a Movado at 75% of retail there once.