If you can find a modern Tudor, which is own by Rolex, I'll say go for it. Beside that a well preserved Omega I think will fit the bill at that price point. I'm pretty sure the Omega of today will be in a few decades what vintage Rolex value is right now on the used market.

 

It's nearly impossible to find a $1500 Tudor dive watch second hand.

 

To me, this is a tough price point. I feel like you're not going to see a huge qualitative difference in what you would pick up for under $1000, as opposed to what you would get for $1500-$2000. If you can stretch to $2500, you start to get into used Speedmaster territory.

For $1500-$2000, you could get some Nomos models (not sure how big your wrist is, but most of 36mm models go for this, and some of the 39mm models depending on condition). You'd see some Sinn models in this neighborhood too. But for less than $1000 you could get into affordable champions like Hamilton, Stowa, Oris, Seiko, etc. and have money left over for a second watch.

 

To me, this is a tough price point. I feel like you're not going to see a huge qualitative difference in what you would pick up for under $1000, as opposed to what you would get for $1500-$2000. If you can stretch to $2500, you start to get into used Speedmaster territory.

For $1500-$2000, you could get some Nomos models (not sure how big your wrist is, but most of 36mm models go for this, and some of the 39mm models depending on condition). You'd see some Sinn models in this neighborhood too. But for less than $1000 you could get into affordable champions like Hamilton, Stowa, Oris, Seiko, etc. and have money left over for a second watch.

OP wants a dive watch

 

Omega 2254

 

Omega 2254
View attachment 11614634

Oh my! That is beautiful. I would like to keep it under $1500 since my original budget was $800, then $1000, then, $1200, now $1500. But, wow, if I could snag this one at $1600 my decision would be much easier.

 

For me at that price point it would have to be a seiko marinemaster SBDX017 or sbdx001.

Oris aquis is a watch that provides great bang for your buck and well within your price point. Sapphire, ceramic bezel, caseback, great bracelet and clasp and well within budget

Sinn make great watches. Easily can get a prepwned U1 within your budget. Depends on how you view the hands and the size of the watch

Omega seamaster professional black dial full size automatic for around 1800bucks the only thing is it will be due a service so you have to factor in a few hundred for that.
Further towards the upper end of your budget you could pick up a Tudor black bay. I only like the blue model as I don't like the yellow gold in the black and red bezel versions. The ETA model is cheaper and thinner and will cost less to service in the future which may appeal to you.

If I had 1500 bucks to spend on a diver my list would look like

1. Seiko marinemaster 300
2. Omega seamaster professional full size automatic
3. Oris aquis and enjoy the change

 

For me at that price point it would have to be a seiko marinemaster SBDX017 or sbdx001.

Oris aquis is a watch that provides great bang for your buck and well within your price point. Sapphire, ceramic bezel, caseback, great bracelet and clasp and well within budget

Sinn make great watches. Easily can get a prepwned U1 within your budget. Depends on how you view the hands and the size of the watch

Omega seamaster professional black dial full size automatic for around 1800bucks the only thing is it will be due a service so you have to factor in a few hundred for that.
Further towards the upper end of your budget you could pick up a Tudor black bay. I only like the blue model as I don't like the yellow gold in the black and red bezel versions. The ETA model is cheaper and thinner and will cost less to service in the future which may appeal to you.

If I had 1500 bucks to spend on a diver my list would look like

1. Seiko marinemaster 300
2. Omega seamaster professional full size automatic
3. Oris aquis and enjoy the change

I would only buy an SMP that has been recently serviced as that service costs 1/3 of the price of the watch! Thank you for the suggestions.

 

I doubt you'd find the blue in the SMP to be overwhelming. The dial is a very dark navy blue, appropriate for the wave motif.

 

I doubt you'd find the blue in the SMP to be overwhelming. The dial is a very dark navy blue, appropriate for the wave motif.

View attachment 11614722

I had thought about that. In certain light, the dial almost looks black. This is why I keep gravitating toward this one. Looks so classic.

 

https://www.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-omega-seamaster-professional-4206690.html#/topics/4206690?page=1

Or

https://www.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-b...-marinemaster-sbdx017-mm300-brand-new-$1800-4067370.html#/topics/4067370?page=7

 

Thank you for the replies so far. Great info.

 

You haven't really talked about what you'd like in a watch. Are you looking for auto or quartz? Big or small? That sort of stuff.

That Omega 2254 is a GREAT watch and considered a modern classic. You can sometimes find them second hand for 1500 without box/papers. Otherwise the quartz version can sometimes be a little cheaper.

You could have a look at Longines (personally, I like the Legend Diver which is right on budget).

Since you mention the importance of being able to resell, then I would strongly advise against getting anything new like the Tag GMT you mention. Maybe you could find a used Tag batman for under budget?

Some options from Ball might fit your needs. The suggestion of Nomos would be great for a dress watch. I also think that Sinn or Damasko are worth a look in the ~$1000 range. Christopher Ward has some nice stuff in the 600 range as well. A Helson would also fit the bill and come in around 500-1000.

 

Thank you. Great suggestions. I'd really like a nice dive watch. No quartz. I like the Omega simply because it's a classic as you say, and the blue dial is right in my price range. Although, i would really like the black dial. However, that extra $4-500 for the black dial/bezel could buy me another decent watch. Some of the other brands just don't speak to me. For some reason, I really like the Tag batman. It just looks really well executed, except for that cheesy clasp. But you're right, I don't want to pay "full" price for it, even though I still think $1200 is quite a steal. It would probably lose $300 as soon as I put it on. :-(

 

I haven't looked too closely at some of the offerings mentioned here so I will make sure to do that.

 

watchrecon.com is a great place to look for second hand watches.

 

100% on this. Just enter your price parameters and go from there. Easy.

 

I agree with some others in that this price point is kind of a no man's land. You can get great stuff for sub-$1k pre owned, but you may have to jump up to $2k+ to get something which is really in the next tier up in terms of build quality, finishing, etc.
The Seamaster you mentioned is probably the one to bridge that gap if it suits you.
I wouldn't get hung up on spending your whole budget, just buy what you like. You'll always want another watch, so if you have money leftover, it's just the start of your next watch fund.
I'd recommend, from experience, an Oris Aquis which can be had well under $1k.

 

Why has your budget doubled? I would keep looking for a while. There are many options in the $800 - $1,000 dollar range including the Oris Aquis.

 

I second both Sinn and Damasko and Stowa.
Stowa makes beautiful divers and they can be purchased new for less than your upper budget limit.
Heck even the Sinn 104s have 200 meter WR so are useable as divers and they run about $1300.00 new.
Damaskos are a little harder to find used in your price range but you never know.
Not that there is anything wrong with Omegas, I just prefer a less commonly seen watch, (among WIS), myself.
Good luck in the hunt!

 

True. That's partially why I bought a Squale diver. I had never seen one in person and it's a beautifully made watch and the price was right. I was going to buy another Tissot before I decided to expand my horizon.

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In a vintage 1967 Omega Constellation with C Case or in a Lemania 5100 powered Chrono

 

definitely this specific one

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https://www.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-omega-seamaster-pro-300m-bond-41mm-automatic-4255290.html

How many talks would a Tapatalk tap if a Tapatalk could tap talks?

 

How many talks would a Tapatalk tap if a Tapatalk could tap talks?

That's one I'm looking at but a bit apprehensive as I've never bought a (used) watch sight unseen.

 

If you can't find an Omega SMP to your liking in your price range, you should be able to find a Seiko Marinemaster 300m, especially the older model, the SBDX001 (which is pretty much the same as the newer model). You might also be able to find a Sinn U1.

 

I'd look at Doxa and Squale. Both will generally be at the lower end of your price range. The former offers retro-inspired dials with funky colors and case designs, while the latter goes in a more modern direction with watches that easily blend style with performance.


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I'd look at Doxa and Squale. Both will generally be at the lower end of your price range. The former offers retro-inspired dials with funky colors and case designs, while the latter goes in a more modern direction with watches that easily blend style with performance.

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I actually just bought a Squale 1545 Militaire a couple of weeks ago that I may sell to fund whatever I get next. It's a fine piece and I love it but I just wish I had spent more to begin with rather than "settling".

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I love my Seamaster. I bought a buddy of mine one as a gift for his first child and he is enjoying his as well. Can't go wrong!

 

Sinn is a great choice and could be resold easily. I would also say an Omega Speedmaster. I think there is a good range that can be bought at your price point.

 

A really good read on this thread.... Thanks my friends . Tremendous suggestions all the way. Unless we toss a few micros in...it wouldn't be sporting .

I own a couple of Deep Blues that are enjoyable- most well below budget brand new...they have 40% codes frequently . I feel they are excellent quality...nice auto mvmnts (I prefer) and real strong lume. Of coursed based on my 2 personal purchases. Plus great customer service . I have recommended this brand before. Used available on E-Bay.

Another seller has been moving a few stashed Borealis's... most brand new on E-bay....a few times Batial models (bronze) pop up....but will only put another one out after he sells one . I grabbed the green dial version Batial...I feel the nicest color. Blue a close 2nd, also made in Black,Brown . A bronze watch delivered for just over $500 is a steal !Out of the 10 currently available on E-bay 7 of them are from the same seller I dealt w/from Portugal . There is 1 Batial like mine from him and has no date. I wish he tossed that one on 1st, I prefer no date. I have had mine a few months and I'm extremely happy and no issues.. The owner of the company is Maria and is very accessible.

Doxa will be my last comment. Mostly because my grail came in 4 days ago and wanna show you !! I won't take it off. So far I love it...nice balanced weight. I never had or tried a cushion case before....real comfy . Comfotable BOR . Extremely well made. I'll let a couple of pics add a few words. I never thought i'd see one for sale...let alone mint. Couldn't pass it up Only 100 made in 2007. Doxa SUB 1000t Divingstar . Many others are available in your range on E-bay...even new ones on their website. Have a sale going right now too. My coin is in -Thanx

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I bought a Fortis B 42 Cosmonaut for $1,100 and it's built like a tank (if you like the styling) in the 2nd hand market in Thailand and am very happy with it.

 

These are my list with in target range:

1. Breitling Steelfish
2. Doxa Sub 1200t
3. Sinn U1
4. Nomos Orion
5. Oris Diver

 

I'm really liking the Oris Aquis. Looks like a nicely made watch and used prices are almost half that of the Seamaster!


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At 1500-2000 preowned my picks would be:

1. Smpc (occasionally get down to 2k used)
2. Tudor BB (ditto)
3. Longines Legend diver (make sure your wrists can handle the lugs)
4. Bond Smp (classic)
5. Oris 65 Diver
6. Breitling SoH

Lots of great pieces in that price range.