What time is it? Watches and horology

Bought this in 2008. More scrapes than a fisherman's knuckles. Battery is starting to not hold charge though so I suspect it's days are numbered.

1 Attachment

BN0150, I’d look at the NY0040, but was after an Eco-Drive.

Can anyone help me with some n00b watch questions?

My fiance has suggested that she might prefer a watch to an engagement ring - what are the common pitfalls to avoid and where might be good to go and see a variety of watches in person to try on?

What is the budget?
Battery or movement powered?
New or vintage?

Most high street watch shops will probably have you covered.
Goldsmiths were good when I was shopping about, no hard sell.

Ejay is in the forum official watch seller, might be able to help out with finding something specific (doubly helpful if it is an Omega)

What is the budget?

£5-10k? This was identified as an early candidate but not hugely keen on buying sight unseen
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/datejust-31-two-tone-178243-champagne-dial-2014--id23034205.htm

Watches of Switzerland would be an obvious choice. Idk which is the biggest flagship store - probably a Westfields nowadays rather than Town.

Rolex seems like a solid, timeless choice. You'd expect ladies would be less subject to supply issues.

Also don't only look at women's watches but also at smaller watches for men...
Women's watches are quite often very small with gold and diamonds and stuff... not everyone's cup of tea

Have a look at this channel: https://youtu.be/_786wm6h-jQ

On ops today.

1 Attachment

Love it

My fiance has suggested that she might prefer a watch to an engagement ring - what are the common pitfalls to avoid

That having bought the watche she decides a ring would be nice after all!

Mrs Underuser is a JLC fan £10k would get a very nice one.

Watches of Switzerland

From what I read (here and elsewhere) one does not simply go into a watch shop and buy a watch, though. If we go into WofS on Bond Street and see something we like, will we actually be able to buy it or do you just put your name down on a list and wait indefinitely?

I'd love any tips on somewhere with a wide secondhand selection where I can review a stock list beforehand and know we can buy whatever we get shown.

New watch day (kind of)

It’s non-operational currently but I bought to see how it wears.. then I’ll investigate getting it fixed or (more likely) find another.

I wanted a 12 hour bezel for work trips on something which I’m not too precious about. I’m thinking a perforated leather strap in a very dark blue

1 Attachment

On weather watch: fingers crossed the wind keeps up, for an early bath...

1 Attachment

Tried here? https://www.burlingtonarcade.com/boutiques/vintage-watch-company/

Cheers, looks like they have a good selection. Anyone "on here" been there / bought from them? Burlington Arcade was looking a little sad last time I was there.

I've been in and talked with them and they seemed friendly enough, unlike the other watch places in BA, even the one I ended up getting a watch service with, but that's a long story.

Most watch places I've been to haven't been the most pleasant experience generally, unfortunately. Wempe was probably the best.

My fiance has suggested that she might prefer a watch to an engagement ring - what are the common pitfalls to avoid

Not getting her both an engagement ring and a watch

Bluebells are out

1 Attachment

really like that. A perforated or rally strap would probably look good.

Mrs Underuser is a JLC fan

My mum was given a Reverso by work and without wanting getting into gendered watch discussions, I've got to say that the non-bling ladies watches are excellent and timeless ladies watches.

While I think men's sized watches look good, I wonder if it's a bit too fashion oriented and whether the boyfriend look will have as much longevity as something trad sized?

Rolex Datejust / Oyster Perpetual is the classic gender-neutral "one nice watch". It’s incredibly hard to go wrong with one as long as it’s clean and legit.

Cartier probably also worth looking at, maybe a Tank LC / Francaise or a Santos, but it’s all very much subject to taste.

I thought WOS on Regent Street was a really terrible retail experience last time I was there. Bucherer is nicer IME.

For preowned you could do worse than Watchfinder. Their prices might not be the lowest but they are trustworthy, IMO. They have a few branches in the city, e.g. the Royal Exchange, and in Mayfair. If buying online I think Chronext are also ok.

New strap on this. Felt like a change. Thought the green would look better on the gilt turtle but no, looks good on this one I think so I’ve swapped the black strap over to that one.

1 Attachment

That looks great

Cheers, it's just the Zuludiver branded one made by Bonetto Cinturini that's a straight copy of the original 6309 strap. I tend to swap the buckle out on these for the chunky Seiko one from the Prospex straps though (not 'correct' at all, it's just much better quality).

Yellow trouser day.

1 Attachment