Chronos The most expensive watch in the world.
- Thread starter Centurion
- Start date
Osnabrueck
G-Class Explorer
Rob said:
As a brand, I have some problems with Bell & Ross. They started about 15 years ago by a couple of guys who were like "Let's make some cool watches, attach them to 'extreme condition professions' and charge a buttload of money for 'em." Their watches are extremely pricey and feature common ETA movements - although you could say that for about a jillion other watchmakers so maybe it's redundent to even mention that.
Their BR 01 series watch, however, is marvelous and sits out as gorgeous ambassador for B&R. The look is unmistakably their own, and the aviation-style markings are absolutely spot-on. Heck, the watch even has a screw on the back that says "DO NOT UNSCREW." How cool is that?!
What I also love about B&R is the strap options they give you. They offer a bunch of straps in rubber, leather and canvas that look perfectly cool with a BR 01 and they present you with a boatload of options.
Another thing about the BR 01: It's as big as a desk-clock! If you have smaller wrists, just forget about it. The case is 46mm, and is square to boot. Heck - They even offer a deck clock mount for the damn thing!
Osnabrueck
G-Class Explorer
Luwalira said:
Lu - From what I know, 1 USD is equal to about .7 ZAR. Am I right?
Even still, the world of respectable watches that can be had, or that you could possibly rationalize, is vast. Jump on Ebay or Google "vintage watches" and you'll be mesmerized for hours on end by what's out there.
Here's a primer:
FORTIS
Fortis was founded in 1912 and has an interesting history. In 1926 they were the first to mass produce an automatic movement. Today, they produce "instrument style" watches with consistently good face design across their entire line.
The watch I'm showing you here is their Spacematic Day Date. It's comes with equipped an automatic ETA movement with display back. At 40mm it's big, but not too big for my thin wrist. These can be found brand new for as little as $550 USD, but they also surface on Ebay from time to time. I'm thinking of getting one of these pretty soon.
Who doesn't love a display back?
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ORIS
Oris is a brand that I'm not really fond of, although sometimes they come thorugh with the goods. These two fellas here can be had new for about $500 USD and come with an attractive display back. From the looks of things, the band is very well constructed and gives off a good deal of "hey I paid alot for this damnit" sheen.
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ROBERT
http://www.robert-e.com/
The world is composed of those who want a Rolex Submariner and those who secretly want a Submariner but don't want to admit it. And then there's those who fall into the 1st category, buy a fake, but keep their deep, dark secret to themselves.
Well, the aforementioned - instead of being dorks and spending $300 on a "AAA Quality" replica, should have just been man enough to buy a Robert.
Robert is what I'd call a "high quality knock-off brand." That is, they produce watches that are pretty blatent copies of popular designs, but they give you everything you'd expect in a high quality watch: 300m Water Resistance, ETA Movements, solid bands, the works! If you're willing to forego a brand name you pretty much get the whole package for a relatively low price.
Their other watches are pretty good looking and are a definite cut above other "budget premium" brands like UHR Kraft.
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OMEGA
Search "Omega Seamaster" on Ebay and you'll come up with a jillion listings and watches of every shape, size and color. The Seamaster line has been around since the late 50s and has encompassed all kinds of watches - from serious divers, to formal pieces. All of the watches I'm showing you below are in your general price range. Don't take my word for it though - check out Ebay and you'll be amazed by the sheer volume of Omegas out there.
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I got this particular Omega off of Ebay last month for only $185! It's of 70s vintage and is in great shape. I love it to death:
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There's also plenty of good watch dealers on the internet that have tons of good listings. A great place to start is here: coolvintagewatches.com (Check out their watches for under $300 pages)
Good luck Lu! Let me know when you've made up your mind.
Warning though: once you start, you're best off sticking with one watch you really love. My interest in watches has recently gone from a passing interest into a complete obsession. I'll probably have 5 or more by year's end at the rate I'm going.
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
I'm really not to fond of Bell & Ross watches. It is not like they aren't attractive but they are the type of watches which you add last to your collection. Josh, that Rolex watch seem to be a good copy but the brand name is just as despicable as wearing a fake watch. Though it isn't as sinful as sitting behind the wheel of this replica:
Anyhow I just did a quick search for watches on ebay and found some rather nice ones. The fortis watch you posted picture of seem to be a good choice but the looks are bit understated. I want a watch with more details and a chronograph.
Montre Noble 1969
I simply love it, especially the gold. On the other hand it can attract burglers and robers but it is also available with a silver bezel. It is timeless and classic, just like a primary watch should be.
Formex 4Speed GT325 Chronograph Chronograph
This one has a bit more sporty looks and also comes with two other bracelets.
Anyhow I just did a quick search for watches on ebay and found some rather nice ones. The fortis watch you posted picture of seem to be a good choice but the looks are bit understated. I want a watch with more details and a chronograph.
Montre Noble 1969
I simply love it, especially the gold. On the other hand it can attract burglers and robers but it is also available with a silver bezel. It is timeless and classic, just like a primary watch should be.
Formex 4Speed GT325 Chronograph Chronograph
This one has a bit more sporty looks and also comes with two other bracelets.
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
I just saw Jacob Arabo, owner of Jacob & Co, is in big trouble -- being accused of money laundering for organized crime.
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2006/11/jacob200611
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2006/11/jacob200611
cawimmer430
Piston Pioneer
Amazing that some people would spend so much money for a device that tells the time. 
Me, I just use my cellphone as a watch.
Me, I just use my cellphone as a watch.
D
Deleted member 25
Piaget Emperador
Piaget Altiplano Double jeu.
Piaget Altiplano XL
Piaget 1967.
The rest of Piaget Altiplano here.
http://www.piaget.com/EU/EN/altiplano-watches
Piaget Altiplano Double jeu.
Piaget Altiplano XL
Piaget 1967.
The rest of Piaget Altiplano here.
http://www.piaget.com/EU/EN/altiplano-watches
Osnabrueck
G-Class Explorer
Luwalira said:
Look at it this way Lu - There's tons of legit watches that have been "inspired" by the Submariner that have copied the Bezel and Mercedes hands to a tee. I figure, there's more sense having a high quality knock-off that delivers the goods than a wannabe watch that trys to pass itself off for something it's not.
Anyways, be careful Lu. I've had experiences with some Ebay watches that look the part in photos with chronograph registers, detals and the like, but then look very el cheapo in person. It's best to stick with brand names or brands with confirmed quality. Otherwise you may be rolling the dice. As a tiebreaker, it's always better to go vintage, because old watches don't use cheezy production methods.
notic
Autobahn Adventurer
What do you guys think of this watch? http://www.sonyericsson.com/bluetoothwatch/default.asp?lc=en&cc=ca
the site is pretty interesting as well.
the site is pretty interesting as well.
Osnabrueck
G-Class Explorer
I don't dig on techno-laden wristwatches for the simple reason that cel phones have become omnipresent techocenters that fit in our pockets. Mating features to a wristwatch doesn't really enhance more than it complicates things.
There's nothing terribly charming about a electronic tech-watch, so color me indifferent.
There's nothing terribly charming about a electronic tech-watch, so color me indifferent.
Osnabrueck
G-Class Explorer
And for those of you looking for [arguably] the ultimate in authentic diver-watch cache - look no further than the Seamaster 600 ploprof. Don't ask me why it's called the ploprof, I'm puzzled just as you are.
It's a big watch.
View attachment 0cac3eee64be0f32dab0b0c42c06a8ea.jpg
It's a big watch.
View attachment 0cac3eee64be0f32dab0b0c42c06a8ea.jpg
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
I know that pictures can be deceiving, therefor I would never buy something without me having seen it IRL. The best one can do is to look at watches in store and then try to fiend the desired watch on the net. I also found this Certina rolex copy which falls into my liking. During a watch hunt in town I was suprised to see that there are hundreds of watches inspired by Oyster Perpetual Submariner and I even took a look at one. I have never been a Rolex fan but now I feel like a want a submarinerOsnabrueck said:
Choleric
Track Technician
Wow, never knew there was so much in the world of watches, I'm impressed by you guys, you guys know your stuff and have great style.
I personally would probablly never pay more than 200 for a watch, I have a skagen right now and I love it, its light and I like the style, and it works for me in every situation.
Skagen
I personally would probablly never pay more than 200 for a watch, I have a skagen right now and I love it, its light and I like the style, and it works for me in every situation.
Skagen
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
OK, I have to admit it ....I used to be a big fan of Swatch ...I have quite a few Swatch watches actually ....I'm embarrassed to say how many exactly ...but let's just say I could wear a different watch every day of the year 
The crazy thing is, I never wear them (again)
Anyway, here are some of this seasons designs I like.
The crazy thing is, I never wear them
(again)Anyway, here are some of this seasons designs I like.
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