The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Ive not bought something for friends since bumping into a couple we knew who had a stall at a car boot sale....we had recently bought them a special something for their anniversary, and yup, our present was displayed on their table at less than 25% of what we'd paid. Cue awkward moment of the year. But, as we are all of childbearing age these days, presents for our friends children at birthdays and Christmas continue, and are far more appreciated I'd like to think.
If I was to buy a friend who wanted a watch a watch, after a bit of thought I thunk Steinhart. A bit over $500, but the only friend I can think of who would possibly warrant a present from me warrants more. Slightly left of field too.

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"Per Ardua Ad Lingi"

I can see the akward moment in that.

I also make custom pool cues in my spare time as a hobby, I gave a friend a cue that if I had sold it to anyone else would have cost about $1800.00 He played with it for about 6 months and his wife became ill. He asked me if it was ok for him to sell it, I told him that the cue is his to do with as he pleased and I would not be upset at all. he sold it for $1800.

To me, if I give a gift to a friend, I am picky who I give gifts to, and the people I give a particular gift to I know they will truley appreciate it. But, once its in their hands, its theirs to do with as they please the way I look at it.

My friend has always been interested in watches, just never bought a nice watch. Well, this wont be a super expensive watch, but I know whatever I choose to buy him he will most definately appreciate.!

Like the Hamilton suggestion. They make some really nice pieces, and Swatch Group seems to be slotting them in just under Omega. Might be on the high end for an Auto, though.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

A lot of good advice here on this topic. At that price point, I would go Victorinox. I've always liked those. If you went automatic, I would go Hamilton. they seem to be good quality for the price. If your friend is not a "watch guy" you may want to shy away from an automatic. Those without our passion may not want to deal with the winding, maintenance, and accuracy that are not an issue with a quartz. Just my opinion. Either way, let us know what you get. good luck in the search!

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Rob
Breitling SO Steelfish, silver
Breitling SO Abyss, silver
Rolex Submariner, no date

Our friends were mortified and embarrassed to see us, my wife deeply hurt, but you are right...once given, its theirs to do with as they wish.
I re-read my post and my comment re price point could be considered crass....not intended, more an insight into how few my watch admiring friends are. Theres only one I can think of, and I'm convinced that sub $800 he'd not wear it, and above $1500 he'd probably sell it

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"Per Ardua Ad Lingi"

I like Luminox in your price range they offer a few cool units you won't see on everyone.

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Veni, vidi, vici

We must have the same friends

I like Luminox also..but I bought my son his 2nd Luminox for his 11th birthday last month. They make nice watches for sure.

Me and my son collect old US coins together and he said he wants to start collecting watches so I have bought him a couple, nothing too expensive...well, some people say a $350.00 watch for a 11yr old is stupid but he has been very careful with them and responsible. So, I think it is actually working out. I do have 3 Luminox watches though.

here is a pic of my sons Luminox we bought him for his 11th bday Jan 27th.

Nice Luminox Color mark I have the green chrono its one of 2 quartz watches I own. When I was 14 my Dad bought me a Tutor . I still own that one ,that was 38 years ago.

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Veni, vidi, vici

Being from Switzerland I'd say go Swiss Tissot and Certina sure are the most traditional and prestige-intensive brands in that regard. Aside from that, Hamiltons are nice indeed, although with less rich a history. Victorinox and Swiss Army are nothing but PR exercises aimed on tourists by brands that really produce different stuff. Victorinox is known for the Swiss army knife, but does not really have a record of making proper, or for that matter any, watches. Swiss Army in turn is a fashion brand that does all kind of picturesque Swiss stuff, among which is renaming no-name watches. I would not head into the latter to. I'm not saying they make bad watches, but they haven't been making them for more than a couple of years and none of the two brands could truly be called a watch company like Tissot, Certina or Festina could. Be advised though that Festinas, although they'be been made in Switzerland for over a century, are currently produced in Spain.

As for the Japanese, you can't go wrong with Seiko or Citizen.

Hope that helps!

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

Many consider Orient the best Japanese watch.

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"In the end there can be but one"

"Being from Switzerland I'd say go Swiss Tissot and Certina sure are the most traditional and prestige-intensive brands in that regard. Aside from that, Hamilton's are nice indeed, although with less rich a history"

While likeing Tissot founded in 1853 and Certina founded 1888 ,your right Hamilton while producing watches since 1892 is the youngster on the block its history is very rich in the tradition of Railroad watches and other outstanding time pieces as well.

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Veni, vidi, vici

While I do not negate the fact that they have a good history of making quality watches, they have never been a name quite as familiar as the other two, at least to the uninitiated. They may well have their history, but that is as a manufacturer, not as a pillar of the industry like Tissot. But rest assured, my comment was in no way intended to be diminutive regarding the value of Hamilton as a brand.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

Its all about advertising in north America Hamilton has a large advertising budget . A little bit about Hamilton

Hamilton Watch Company is named for Andrew Hamilton, founder of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Hamilton Watch Co. was founded in 1892. Andrew Hamilton was a prominent lawyer in colonial America who served as attorney general of Pennsylvania. He was also an architect, designing Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

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Veni, vidi, vici

I suppose it is an old and traditional American, but a younger and somewhat foreign Swiss brand then.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred