The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all

I know my price range doesn't get me into the Lings but I want to tap the expert knowledge here.

My brother is turning 40 and I want to get him a automatic (non quartz) watch - preferrably Swiss. I am looking for something which will age well (no Corums, pearl faces, bling bling) and last with care.

I hope to maximize my bang for buck and am open to buying pre-owned / used. My budget is 300-500 USD which I can flex a little bit if it gets me into something much cooler / better

Just doing a quick search a couple of names have come up
1) Victornix
2) Gevril
3) Concord
4) Seiko

What do you guys think?
Are there other brand / watches I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance!

Look at Hamilton watches. They are towards the higher end of your range.

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viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2335
Breitling SuperOcean (coral)
Breitling Avenger
Corum Admiral's Cup
Rolex Sub

Hamilton might be above your price range but I'd go with the, if you can spend a few extra bucks. How about Citizen or Swiss Army?

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Oris and Steinhart are some other suggestions you may consider. Used Oris in particular.

Good luck!

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

As a daily beater I just bought a Victornix Swiss army dive master 500, It's a thick solid dive watch that rated at 1600 feet and looks great with a 3 year warranty. You can get it in SS or Titanium, the titanium is more expensive but you can get a 25% discounts on either if you look long enough, I saw one in titanium listed at 675 and the AD offered it to me for 400 I got that discount on my first effort. Google the watch and take a look. There are also some reviews on Youtube. Good luck.

Can't go wrong with Seiko.

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Mens-Watche ... B000LF8CU4

Much better quality all around at the price range you're in.

If it has to be swiss I'd agree with the others. Here's a Hamilton for sale that might fit the bill just a bit out of your price range.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/hamilt ... 87453.html


Also, Ball Watch Co. has several entry level pieces that routinely pop up for sale on WUS and TZ. The Ball Fireman is pretty classic looking watch.

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

I think you should check out longines. I really like the hydroconquest range. The best Swiss value your money can buy IMO. Do a search for it here as they been talked about a bit here. Every thing about them are top class and of a very good quality. You should be able to get a non chrono quartz, new, for your upper budget. You will have to look secondhand for the chronos in quartz or auto. If i would you i would try find a mint chrono auto. I think you or your brother would not dlsapointed if ye liked the style of the watch its self. Good luck with your decision

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Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

Hi all

First, thanks for all the good advice. You gents have put me onto some sharp looking watches...

I've narrowed the list down to the following
1) http://www.seikowatches.com/products/pr ... tic_c.html
2) http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/gents/khak ... =H64455133
3) http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Khaki-Av ... B000WMRIE2

What do you think?

The first Hamilton you posted is probably the most classic, although it has a nice twice with the 24h numbers inside the regular 12h clock numerals, which is a nice twist. The second one is more 'daring' in terms of design. The Seiko has some interesting complications. I guess it depends on what kind of guy your brother is? If he's a classic, traditional sort of guy, I say go with the first Hamilton. If he's a little bit of an envelope-pusher, go with the second one. If he's a bit nerdy/techie, the Seiko might be your best bet.

Good luck with your choice!

Sort of depends on the type of watch - more of a dress watch or sport/dive watch? If the former I'd go with something from the Hamilton Jazzmaster line or Oris Artelier. Likely you will need to get them pre-owned.

If sport/dive watch, try looking at some of the dive watch forums on sites like WUS. Deep Blue comes in right at your price point for a nice and large watch that comes with a bracelet and rubber strap. It is not technically "Swiss Made," but uses a swiss ETA movement, etc...

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SHARKMAN

I like #2 or #3, just depends on the size, 40mm vs. 44mm. Which would fit wrist best. I kinda like the small seconds/date layout on #3, but #2 gives day also. Tough call!

Sorry, not much help .

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

I'd say Steinhart all the way for that price range. Swiss made, automatic, not very common so not many about. And they make some very good watches. Take these for example -

http://www.steinhartwatches.de/index.php?id=67&Sel_ID=9

Sure they look A LOT like Rolexes but they're very good watches in their own right.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I would peruse various used watch sale posts around the net as you can find some really spankin' good deals. In particular I would check out these brands (bolded ones I'd highly recommend):

-Hamilton
-Oris
-Seiko
-Lum-Tec
-Boschett
-Halios
-Debaufre (formerly Steinhart)
-MKII
-Helson
-Resco
-Ocean7
-Prometheus
-moVas
-Bernhardt
-Deep Blue
-Artego
-Kemmner
-

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Current:
Breitling Chronomat Evolution

As well as Steinhart you should have a look at Christopher Ward. Good Swiss watches at a reasonable price. And they have a bit of a sale on at the moment on certain models.
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/