Attempting to Learn about watches.

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

LOOKINGOOD35

LOOKINGOOD35

O.G.
Apr 25, 2006
2,718
211
#1
Hubby and I are having a watch conversation.

Can anyone tell me if watches have a ranking as far as which is the all time best then move down from there.

He is new to Hublot, I do not think I am explaining the entire watch system correctly.
He thinks they are over priced, would rather buy a Rolex. But he has a vintage Rolex from his dad. Hoping to explore more.

We are open to education and recommendations.

My husband works in the sports world and has never paid attention to watches before, but is getting older and wants one now.
 
#2
I recommend you browse the several online forums dedicated to watches and watch collecting. Just Google to find them. These forums have very knowledgeable people who hang out there, and subforums on the major brands.

There are watch brands that have long history in horology, and brands that are trend oriented. Some people want more "complications"--the technical things a watch can do, like a stopwatch feature or display the moonphase and the like. Some don't care about complications at all. Have fun exploring!
 
#3
jellyv said:
I recommend you browse the several online forums dedicated to watches and watch collecting. Just Google to find them. These forums have very knowledgeable people who hang out there, and subforums on the major brands.

There are watch brands that have long history in horology, and brands that are trend oriented. Some people want more "complications"--the technical things a watch can do, like a stopwatch feature or display the moonphase and the like. Some don't care about complications at all. Have fun exploring!
Click to expand...


Thanks I emailed my husbands fraternity brother he told me to look at Patek philippe, Bell and Ross, and Jaeger Le Coultre
 
#4
He should be clear about the function he has in mind: everyday, or dress wear once a week or less? A thin dress watch on a leather strap won't be as hardy as a metal-band Tag/Omega/Rolex that people wear to dive and play sports, for example. I think function and budget are good starting points.
 
#5
One thing for all major designers - EVERY brand has a few watches that are made to perfection, if you're willing to spend $$$. You really can't say one is better than the other because they tailor to different markets of people.
When you go past the 10K mark, it's really about what functions you want, the precious materials used, and/or the style that suits you best.

I think for those who are new to watches, like myself, Rolex is probably the best bang for your buck. I'm not saying Rolex is cheap, but I do think that with all things considered, you get the best "worth" for your money. My next watch will be more frivolous though... lol
 
#8
I liked the timezone forums for lurking and learning about major luxe watch brands, but like tPF, it is really easy to get caught up in feeling like NOW is the time to be collecting all your favorites... even though you lived your life perfectly find up till now without them.
 
#9
Try browsing timezone.com and explore the sub forums of each manufacturer to learn about the different brands. There are watch brand ranking similar to purse brand rankings and is definitely very subjective in terms of what you are looking for: style, function, material, and etc.

What is his price range?

$10,000 range: Rolex, Omega, IWC, JLC, and Panerai.

$20,000+ range AP and Vacheron

$30,000+ Patek

$50,000+ A. Lange & Sohne

$80,000+ Urwerk and Richard Mille

The above price ranges are all for base models at retail. Of course, each manufacture offers varying degrees of complication and precious metals that fluctuates prices. Your best bet is to explore the different watch forums and go try them on to see what's better fitted for him and his lifestyle. Have fun exploring.
 
Last edited:
#11
Yes, I ALSO had to educate myself about watches after my partner requested a nice watch for Christmas this year.


So, onto every forum I went. I did watch snob, watchuseek, timezone etc etc


All those forums are very helpful if you've got questions about particular watches.


You need to think about budget, quartz or automatic, in-house movements, design, vintage or new, bracelet, leather or rubber, chronograph etc.


Good luck. It's made me realize how much men like their watches! They like them almost as much as I like my shoes :)


I ended up getting my partner a gorgeous Girard Perregaux Richville watch (vintage = 2000s) for a decent price. It wasn't the 'best' I could do, but considering I'm from Canada and I need to factor in hundreds and hundreds of dollars for customs, the price I bargained for was okay.


Girard Perregaux and Jagaer LeCoultre are beautiful watches that could be had for very good prices on the 2nd hand market.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top