Older watches

[jshnks]

Hey all, I've been wanting to get a new watch lately right now I have the Orient Goldeneye it's a lovely watch but I was interested in a chronograph with a bigger diameter.
I haven't the money for a real fancy watch (about 300) so I was wondering if maybe getting an older watch off Ebay would be a good idea, and which brands/models to look for?

Thanks in advance!

Joshua

 

[Nomad1600]

Try here: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=threadt&frm_id=32

Or here: http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/index.php?3

Or here: http://www.watchuseek.com/home

 

[dsmdylan]

Watches don't really depreciate, you won't get a good deal by buying used. I would just buy new unless you're specifically after a vintage look, then I'd look at vintage Seikos or Hamiltons given your price range.

 

[plato]

Watches don't really depreciate, you won't get a good deal by buying used.

False.

 

[jkingrph]

I what I call a couple of older watches. Two Wyler manual wind models that my Dad and I had back in the late 50's to early 60's tht still work and probably have not been serviced in over 40 years. I also have one, a brand I have never heard of, Elgor. My wife found it back in the spring of 1974. We were on a tour to Israel while I was stationed in Turkey with the USAF. That day we visited the Dead Sea and she felt it under her foot in the shallows and reached down and pulled it out. No. one claimed it so I rinsed it off and we brought it home. It's nothing special as watches go, chrome or polished stainless case, manual wind with a date function. It has never been serviced by us and I recently put a band on it and wear it occasionally

 

[edgerunner]

I'm a big fan of affordable Orient watches.
If you insist on buying a chronograph, there are plenty of great choices from Citizen, Seiko and Casio in your price range.

But here's an alternative I'd like to suggest which in your budget:

Case diameter: 46 (crown) x 42 x 12 mm (thickness)
Lug Width: 21 mm
Max Length: 260 mm Circumference
Water Resistant: 100 Meter 10Bar
Japan Citizen Movement: 8730 Eco-Drive
Day, Date and Month Display
Eco-Drive (recharged by any light source, no need to change battery)
Insufficient Charge Warning Function
Made in Japan
Moon Phase
Overcharge Prevention Function
Stainless Steel Case
Sapphire Crystal
Weight: 86g

 

[California Cajun]

I like older watches because they're smaller.



I got this remake of a WWII Benrus watch a couple of years ago and just love it. The biggest reason is because it's about 31" case diameter. I have a small wrist. Tried to order another one but it was no longer being made. I ordered a Timex "Weekender" with the Indiglo light for knock about and was so disappointed with the 38" case diameter. What's funny is that WalMart just got in Weekender watches and the LADIES watch is the same size as my Benrus.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

I've got the golden eye. It's a great watch. Mid size, sapphire crystal, and great price. I wrote a quick review on it.

 

[stres]

http://www.nixon.com/mens/watches/

You Might like nixon, they seem to have a wide variety of Chronographs with larger faces that you might like. Just use the search filters to select chronograph and find one you like (all styles come in various colors and band options), don't worry about the price on that website just go to amazon.com they always seem to be much cheaper.
size starts around +/-42mm diameter and goes up to +/-51mm
42-20 (42mm)

51-30 with leather band
there are many more colors and band options on the site
Good luck!

 

[dsmdylan]

False.

Demonstrate?

Used sub without paperwork, $7200: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolex-Subma...263999509?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3f28982615

Brand new, they're ~$8000. I would not call that a good deal comparable to the depreciation on a car or clothing or such.

 

[Nomad1600]

Demonstrate?

Used sub without paperwork, $7200: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolex-Subma...263999509?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3f28982615

Brand new, they're ~$8000. I would not call that a good deal comparable to the depreciation on a car or clothing or such.

Perhaps ebay isn't the best place to buy used watches (as it is also often not a good place to buy used razors), since people occasionally over-price things and the auction nature of ebay often drives prices higher than what's reasonable (how's that for diplomacy? ). Just like B&B's B/S/T is a preferred place to buy used razors at reasonable prices, there are watch enthusiast web sites with "for sale" sections that I'd recommend (three I listed early in this thread). I have purchased a number of "previously-owned" watches through such sites and not only were the prices reasonable but I also had greater confidence in the condition of the watch. For example, I purchased a used Kobold Spirit of America in perfect condition for $1,100 (with original wood box, two straps, commemorative patch and baseball cap). New... they are now going for $3995. I have purchased a Monster, a Limes Cartouche, and a Citizen minute repeater for similar discounts from new. Sure, some brands and models hold their value better than others (Rolex and Omega, for example), but I'd still look at WUS or TZ for one with confidence.