Which watch is more timeless?

[Alex Cheng]

Which watch do you think will look the most timeless for a guy? I'm not one to be big on watches, and I have really never owned a watch that was even over 20$. I just never find myself needing a watch since I use my phone all the time. But anyways, I've decided to get a watch because I would like to get a more professional look when I enter the work force (I am 20 years old) and I would like some of your opinions.

Keep in mind, I want something that is truly timeless, and will never go out of style. It has to suffer many abuses from my everyday life and should be for all occasions. I'm also not sure if I should really get a luxury watch given my age, and also don't want to overshadow my employers (who may or may not have luxury watches or those sorts) so please give me insight on this matter as well.

If I were to actually buy a watch, I would want to keep it forever, and so even if its more expensive, it doesn't really matter that much. (I would rather pay more for the first time around, than to settle for any less, and buy ANOTHER watch, wasting even more money)

One more note is, I like quartz because I'm not a fussy person and I don't know if I like the whole automatic thing where you have to reset it everytime you don't use it for more than 24 hours or so. (I probably wouldn't get a watch winder either)

So,
1. Cartier tank solo
2. Cartier tank francaise
3. Cartier tank solo in gold/leather strap
4. Others

(Do any of you guys live in Canada and know if Birks offer discounts? I hear people saying AD offer discounts like 10%, but I have no idea where to start with that. I was thinking of going into the Cartier store to buy it full price, but if I could save money, please tell me what stores in Canada can offer discounts)

 

[jonathan jay]

I want something that is truly timeless, and will never go out of style. It has to suffer many abuses from my everyday life and should be for all occasions.

my husband always tells his friends this, "if you will keep only one watch in your life it should be a Rolex, its timeless, extreme tough, and can be worn with any attire for any age."

for you i would recommend a Rolex Submariner or a Rolex Datejust go to any watch stores and try them on you might like it.

of the choices you choice the 2. Cartier tank francaise is my pick, goodluck

 

[LovingDiamonds]

Hm, I would say that all these watches are more for women, however men also wear them. I just can´t imagine a men wearing a Tank Francaise.
I would recommend a nice Omega watch, maybe an Aqua Terra or a Seedmaster. Timeless and classic. You can have them with leather strap or with full metal bracelet. Will last you a lifetime, they also come in quarz and cost around 2000$.
I think they are more "manly"...but if you decided to go with one of the Cartiers, I would choose the Tank Solo with leather strap.
Oh and another note: If you don´t want to outshine someone, I don´t think a gold watch is the best. I would better go with a steel watch.
Good luck!

 

[LovingDiamonds]

After a little more thinking I have an even better idea! After what you suggested I think I have the watch for you: a Jeager LeCoultre Reverso! This is the watch I would always want to buy for my boyfriend! So classic, never goes out of style and it has such a great history! I´m sure you would love this one as it meets all of your expectations and in my opionion is a perfect men´s watch.
- classic
- timeless
- understated
- quarz
- rectangular face
- suitable for all occasions
- will last a life time because of exceptional quality and timeless design
- available in different sizes and different strap colors

http://collection.jaeger-lecoultre.com/DE/de/watches/reverso-grande-taille/2708410

sorry for the german link

 

[jonathan jay]

I agree with lovingdiamonds that the cartier looks alot more for women than men, i overlooked your preference towards quartz watches.

it will be hard as the options for men watches atleast in the horological world revolves in manual winding and self winding(automatic) movements.

i think the quartz are quite reserved for the ladies.

the JLC reverso is an amazing watch and i have one myself but there is no option of this watch for men that has a quartz movement.

the beautiful JLC watch LovingDiamonds recommended above only comes in a manual wind movement for men.

just for your info

 

[LovingDiamonds]

I agree with lovingdiamonds that the cartier looks alot more for women than men, i overlooked your preference towards quartz watches.

it will be hard as the options for men watches atleast in the horological world revolves in manual winding and self winding(automatic) movements.

i think the quartz are quite reserved for the ladies.

the JLC reverso is an amazing watch and i have one myself but there is no option of this watch for men that has a quartz movement.

the beautiful JLC watch LovingDiamonds recommended above only comes in a manual wind movement for men.

just for your info

Oh sorry I overlooked that! I only posted the link to this watch just for an image. I love the dark brown strap on the ss Reverso. This is the ultimate classic look.
And jonathan jay you are right the mens version are all mechanic movement. But I don´t know how tall or big Alex Cheng is, so maybe a big Ladies model would suit him - since he already considered relatively small watches.

 

[twin-fun]

Of the options given my vote went to the tank with leather strap. To me that's the most classical, timeless style as it has been around since people started wearing wrist watches. But if you are concerned about purchasing such a high end watch and how it may affect your relationships at work maybe you could look at something a bit less pricey. Have you checked out Raymond Weil?

 

[Florasun]

You are right you don't want to outshine your boss or even some clients, so I suggest choosing a mid-point price range for work. I think the best choice of the three is the cartier with the leather strap. But consider one of the less expensive Omegas or perhaps a Tag.

 

[chris_sd]

i like patek philippe

 

[jonathan jay]

Oh sorry I overlooked that! I only posted the link to this watch just for an image. I love the dark brown strap on the ss Reverso. This is the ultimate classic look.
And jonathan jay you are right the mens version are all mechanic movement. But I don´t know how tall or big Alex Cheng is, so maybe a big Ladies model would suit him - since he already considered relatively small watches.

No worries loving diamonds, i guess its part of being with a watch nut hubby

I haven't considered the small wrist size? hehe my bad on that side. if thats the case many options will be available for him.

 

[Carnel]

I voted for the tank solo yellow gold with leather bracelet....it's closer to the original, makes it more timeless IMO.

 

[HiromiT]

For a guy, the Tank Solo (either metal bracelet or leather strap) are good options. The Francaise is too feminine.

In fact, my hubby has the stainless Tank Solo with the metal bracelet but ordered a leather strap at the time of purchase. So, he can get two looks from one watch. He prefers the leather strap anyway cuz it looks slightly dressier. But he works in tech, so everyone is very casual anyway. I'm pretty sure his watch is nicer than what some of his directors have.

We bought it from Birks three years ago and got a 10% discount plus vouchers for free battery changes. But last year, I was told by a Birks SA that Cartier is cracking down on ADs giving discounts and so they can only offer 5%. I was looking at a two-tone Ballon Bleu at the time, so it's not a super expensive watch. Perhaps if someone were to buy a more expensive (e.g. all gold) watch, the discount might be higher?

I believe Brinkhaus also sells some Cartier but they are now owned by Birks, so I'm guessing the discounts are similar.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.