Looking to get my first nice (nicer) timepiece and I am looking for an all around everyday watch I can dress up or dress down for around 1200. I work in an office so it's understood what my everyday is like. New used.. Doesn't matter. Just looking for all suggestions. Thanks everyone!
magnanoa
Sinn 556i - I had similar criteria and ended up choosing that. It dresses up well on leather (just wore it with my Tux for my wedding) and wears great with jeans for everyday weekend wear. It definitely isn't a "dress" watch but works perfectly for everything I've thrown at it so far.
If you wear tight-fitting cuffs beware of any thicker watches. The 556 doesn't fit under the cuff of one of my shirts but works perfectly with all the rest.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
If you wear tight-fitting cuffs beware of any thicker watches. The 556 doesn't fit under the cuff of one of my shirts but works perfectly with all the rest.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
+1 on the Sinn 556i, that was going to be my suggestion! Excellent all-rounder, and a great first "nice" watch!
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk
You really can't go wrong with the afore mentioned Sinn. You could also have a look at Longines Conquest line, which has some Rolex Explorer I - vibe going on. MSRP might exceed your budget somewhat, but at least over here the AD's readily offer some 25 to 30 % discounts over that.
![]()
Edit: forgot to say that this particular model houses the ETA 2892-2 movement. I can't recall which grade it was, but if I'm not mistaken there aren't that many choices around there around 1000 € / 1200 $ mark with that movement. So purely technically the Longines might be hard to beat. Sinn build quality is without a doubt on par with Longines.
Edit: forgot to say that this particular model houses the ETA 2892-2 movement. I can't recall which grade it was, but if I'm not mistaken there aren't that many choices around there around 1000 € / 1200 $ mark with that movement. So purely technically the Longines might be hard to beat. Sinn build quality is without a doubt on par with Longines.
Perhaps Mido Multifort could be interesting.
M005.430.11.031.00 | MIDO
I have white one and it is really nice. Goes well with the suit as with more casual clothes.
(it's VERY difficult to capture the dial properly in the photos)
![]()
You can also get grey or black dialled one as more casual looking.
![]()
![]()
M005.430.11.031.00 | MIDO
I have white one and it is really nice. Goes well with the suit as with more casual clothes.
(it's VERY difficult to capture the dial properly in the photos)
You can also get grey or black dialled one as more casual looking.
Oris Aquis. Outstanding watch in the office, on the beach, or in the mountains.
![Image]()
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I would echo the Shogun suggestion, so well-made, comfortable, and a beauty to look at. Not very dressy though, but I use it for wearing around the house and working on projects mostly.
For something a bit dressier, an interesting option might be the now discontinued Grand Seiko SBGF series. I have the SBGF017 on the way to me (via Japanese auction) and I think it will fit the bill quite nicely for a dressier, super-accurate, every-day and travel watch. They house the HAQ 8J56 quartz movements that should be accurate to within +-10 sec/yr and have an independently settable hour hand for timezone/DST changes. You should be able to get very nice used ones for under $1000, I would recommend the blue or black dialed ones for versatility (SBGF019 and SBGF021):
![]()
![]()
For something a bit dressier, an interesting option might be the now discontinued Grand Seiko SBGF series. I have the SBGF017 on the way to me (via Japanese auction) and I think it will fit the bill quite nicely for a dressier, super-accurate, every-day and travel watch. They house the HAQ 8J56 quartz movements that should be accurate to within +-10 sec/yr and have an independently settable hour hand for timezone/DST changes. You should be able to get very nice used ones for under $1000, I would recommend the blue or black dialed ones for versatility (SBGF019 and SBGF021):
For an every-day wear watch in that price range, a Nomos club would be my choice. You can find them used for sub $1200.
![Image]()
Currently rocking a Damasko DA37. Watchmann has it for 1200. I think it's a little more toolish, but because of the white face, it can do work as a dress watch with some nice leather. 40mm diameter case, so it's at that sweet spot.
![]()
![]()
I also love that it's case hardened throughought. This watch is near impervious to desk diving scratches. Just banged mine against the wall while rushing out to work. Made an awful scraping sound. Looked at my watch and the case was fine. It marked paint off the poor wall though.
The white dial also makes it pop off the wrist despite the conservative size. Awesome piece. I wish I had gotten one sooner.
I also love that it's case hardened throughought. This watch is near impervious to desk diving scratches. Just banged mine against the wall while rushing out to work. Made an awful scraping sound. Looked at my watch and the case was fine. It marked paint off the poor wall though.
The white dial also makes it pop off the wrist despite the conservative size. Awesome piece. I wish I had gotten one sooner.
I personally don't believe tool/dive/military watches work as dress watches. Maybe only watch nerds think/notice these things, but that's how I feel...
Anyways, here are some images of the Frederique Constant Classics Index - $1,100 new on leather, a bargain IMHO with its in-house manufacture automatic movement and great finish - things that you typically find in 5x more expensive watches. Also very cool modern, timeless, clean design:
![]()
![]()
I personally would get the Classics Index on a metal bracelet ($1,225), which makes it more casual/sporty - and then just get a leather strap when you need a dressier option:
![]()
Anyways, here are some images of the Frederique Constant Classics Index - $1,100 new on leather, a bargain IMHO with its in-house manufacture automatic movement and great finish - things that you typically find in 5x more expensive watches. Also very cool modern, timeless, clean design:
I personally would get the Classics Index on a metal bracelet ($1,225), which makes it more casual/sporty - and then just get a leather strap when you need a dressier option:
The FC-303 Automatic movement in that FC isn't actually in house (it's a 2824-2 base), but a great all around watch none the less. You can't fault an eta movement.
Nothing beats the value (quality & versatility) of a brand new 556i at this price point IMO.
But this comes pretty close for me:
![]()
Your budget allows you to obtain really good brand new watches within this range, so I don't really see a point in resorting to used.
But this comes pretty close for me:
Your budget allows you to obtain really good brand new watches within this range, so I don't really see a point in resorting to used.
Can't go wrong with a dressy dive watch - they're the most versatile kind of watch to have and probably explains the popularity of the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster models.
As mentioned above, I would also recommend the Longines Conquest range, this one below is classy enough for the office and rugged enough for the beach what with its 300m water resistance: -
![]()
As mentioned above, I would also recommend the Longines Conquest range, this one below is classy enough for the office and rugged enough for the beach what with its 300m water resistance: -
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
