What's the Hamer of watches?

[Guitarseh]

Looking for something classy but not necessarily classic. Somewhere in the hundreds of dollars max, not thousands. Nice enough for working with suits, but tough enough to wear everyday.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Mark

[BubbaVO]

Buy something vintage. I have a 1970 OMEGA that looks awesome. It keeps the time with a tiny pitchfork, so it always rings in a low tone (don't know which though). One of the first battery watches ever made.

Early 70's designed watches, or late 60's usually have a very cool design to them - if they were considered "modern" at the time.

Omega f300hz steel “sandpile” case with steel bracelet.

The case is heavy and turret shaped, the glass is mineral glass and not plastic.

The f300 is a nice example of a much sort after electronic tuning fork watch. The chunky 1970’s

design gives this watch a real distinctive look.

The movement is an Omega Calibre No.1250, making it a

date display model, the same engineer that invented the

Bulova Accutrons - Max Hetzel, also designed these.

I have my dad's. It cost me quite a bit to keep it alive, but given the sentimental value it was worth it. There are very few watch servicers in the US who really know how to work on these if something goes wrong. But if you get a good one, it's pretty cool.

I just picked up a titanium Bertucci. They are based on the military field watch design. Very affordable - many are under $200. Looks like it's a quality piece for a very reasonable price. Check 'em out here: http://www.bertucciwatches.com/Bertucci/durability.html

To be the Hamer of watches, the piece should be based on a proven and well known design, with impeccable fit and finish, with the cache of being known to insiders. This is the one:

http://www.mkiiwatches.com/watch-collections/specialist-series/nassau/

Mark II watches are swiss made (with ETA movement, sapphire crystal, ) and based on the classic Rolex Submariner from the 60s - think Bond in Goldfinger. Unlike cheaper homage watches, the Nassau is a true divers watch - water proof down to 600 ft. It'll set you back about $1,000. And you'll have to wait about 6 months for it. But you can call up Bill Yao in Wayne, PA and talk to him. The big difference between these and Hamers - the resale is excellent. You won't lose money on it.

I was going to buy one, but I'm opting for a Shishkov instead.

[ptm1diver]

Rolex Submariner.

Or the Official HFC timepiece, from Debaufre. Sorry, no longer available, they are out of business I believe.

[Hamer Time]

I have one of these, Gevril, limited edition of 500, white gold and silver, automatic, Swiss made. Retailed for 2500, but you can find them for under 500 on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GV2-by-Gevril-Mens-Automatic-Limited-Edition-Swiss-Stainless-Steel-watch-4102-/251571597790?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3a92d5f1de

[LordOfTheThighs]

My daughter has started working at one of the jewelry stores, at the local mall. She can score Citizens for 70% off with her store discount.

Looks like I'll be wearing a Citizen in the not to distant future.

[jim777]

Citizen makes a great watch, no question. I have an Eco-0Drive as well, seems like half the guys in this thread have one I have the Blue Angels model. I don't wear it because it is still a little too heavy for my surgery repaired wrist, but it is an awesome watch. I wear an old Seiko automatic that was my father's that weighs about as much as 3 pennies or something.

[Armitage]

My daughter has started working at one of the jewelry stores, at the local mall. She can score Citizens for 70% off with her store discount

Shows you what the markup is on watches... Imagine what little they wholesale at.