Osnabrueck

I'm completely aversed by fashion-brand watches. Typically they're poor quality pieces that just trade on image. Would you buy a suit from Omega? I'd hope not.

Given all that, I have to admit, Louis Vuitton creates an absolutely gorgeous timepiece. Also, TAG Heuer and some other credible watch brands are part of the LVMH Group, to which Louis Vuitton belongs. I'm sure there's been some insourcing, so their watches are proabably well crafted.

Then again, if you were prepared to cast away $4k on a watch, why on earth would you go with a brand like LV, when there's so many other brands that have absolutely stunning models at that price point? I'm sure the LV is equipped with your standard ETA movement, found in several less expensive watches. An Omega, Rolex or Zenith could give you some very unique craftsmanship at that level.

At one point Lu, I was toying with the idea of getting of getting a Tissot. Specifically, I was eyeing the models you've posted pictures of. Ultimately I couldn't fall in love with the watch because of the markings - the overall composition is sound, but the details just haven't been cared for. (That's not just with the Tissot brand by the way. I've found tons of TAGs, Omegas, Etc. that have unforgivably poor markings) Still, the watch looks good overall, is well built and appears to have a nice metal band.

If you're shopping in the $300 range I'd encourage you to check out what's on tap from Nixon and Marc Ecko. Sure, they're "youth brands", but they also employ some very savy designers and some of their watches are downright sharp. I'd also suggest digging through Ebay for some pre-owned stuff. Every so often there's a real diamond in the rough, depending upon what you're willing to tolerate in a preowned wristwatch.

What's nice though, Tissot isn't a supercommon brand, so you can avoid appearing trendy. Sometimes owing a TAG is a bother, just because it's so common around the office. I went to lunch a couple weeks ago with 3 other guys from the office. When we sat down I realized that 3 out of 4 of us were wearing a TAG. Ugh.

How do you like your Seamaster Klier?

Curb Zone

 

warot

Hey Os, I love your Tag (the one you posted it)! That's by far my favorite in this thread. I like watches, but not to the point where I would spent 600 dollars for one... at least not now. being a college student, an expensive watch is not high up on my list.

Osnabrueck

Thanks Warot. I've gotten a great deal of enjoyment out of my TAG since I bought it one year ago. Of their entire "Link" series, this design appeared to be most well executed. The watch is able to pass itself off well when worn with a suit, but at the same time looks great with any casual wear. I especially like the band, which has lots of "large lug masculinity" to it, but doesn't go over the top.

Here's a shot of the actual watch.



What's really funny is that there was tiny teeny piece of lint under the glass that I discovered after wearing the watch for a month or so. Then - like magic, it just disappeared one day. So I have to wonder 1 - How did it get there? 2 - Where did it go? and 3 - Did my watch skid past quality control?

In any case, everything else is well with the TAG, so no complaints here.

Osnabrueck

Hey Mirage77, just curious - what's got you in love with the Carrera? Are you specifically looking for a chronograph watch, or do you just like the looks and style?

By the way, the Link series watches are by no means a "notch above" the Carrera. The Carrera is just part of TAG's classic lineup, alongside watches like the Monza and Monaco. It could legitmately be considered one of their premiere products.

notic

if you guys have around 5k to blow on a watch, how bout this one?

i know if i had the money this would be my nxt watch. this company has some very interesting history to go with their watches as well. their original radiomir collection is very coveted by watch collectors such as ralph lauren.

Osnabrueck

The Panerai would definitely be taken into consideration Notic. There's an unmistakable charm in their archaic face design and the unique way the crown is protected by the big... the big thingie, whatever it is.

I know they used to use Rolex movements in these things, but now I believe they're using ETA and/or Jaeger-LeCoultre. All in all an attractive and prestigious watch, although I'm not sure if I could swallow the $5k price tag, even if I had the money to burn.

Another thing about Panerais - They're huge! If you're a thin-wristed guy like me, this watch is simply too much. It's like wearing an alarm clock on your wrist.

warot

5k to blow on that? No thanks guys...
I can think of a few better things to waste my money on...
Flat screen plasma TV
New desktop...

I'm more on an electronics guy

notic

i like electronics too. this is ot, but here are two gadget blogs that keep me up to date with pretty much everything new in electronics

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

edit: an another thing. i like electronics, but they become worthless in a short period of time (moores law i guess). i remember paying about $650 for a camera phone about 3-4 years ago and now its worth about $3 on ebay. technology moves in leaps and bounds, watches pretty much stay at the same price all the time...unless the company decides to overproduce

Hypersonic

I really like the formality of this Raymond Weil.



I've always liked the elegance of Blancpain. The problem is, I don't know which one I like the best.




I also like some of the watches from Audemars Piguet





But my favourite is still Patek Philippe.





Ulysse Nardin make some interesring models too. They are a bit showy, but I still quite like them.

Hypersonic

Corum make some quite unusual watches.

Curb Zone