dress watch - new or vintage?

[sixtysix]

Well you can certainly buy a lot more 'watch' if you go vintage. You can buy brands, materials, or complications you would not be able to touch in a new watch for the same price. The draw backs are size (most vintages are smaller, especially dress watches), water resistance (even vintages with waterproof or high ratings are difficult to make waterproof again), age (stuff breaks when it gets old), mechanical condition (usually needs service), availibility of parts (depending on what it is). Most vintage collectors have one or two 'very good' watch makers that do work for them, the other option is to buy serviced pieces that need no work (more money), from trusted sources. The choice is yours.

Make sure you are looking at sites that sell new stuff cheaply as possible. I have bought a brand new Oris for $500 before. Many deal of the day sites sell Oris, Tag, Hamilton at 50% -80% off regularly. Figure out what brand and style you want, then ask here and hunt it down for as little $$ as possible.

[sixtysix]

I will go with my favorite brand Breitling because that brand hold vast range of watches for all age groups. They provide lot of options of watches at different price range.

Please let me know where I can pick up new or vintage (serviced) Breitlings...for under $500....I am interested...(especially Chonos).....you usually don't see them for this price.

[TroyNVie]

I will go with my favorite brand Breitling because that brand hold vast range of watches for all age groups. They provide lot of options of watches at different price range.

Including $500??

[ckot]

I've seen a few beautiful CYMA watches from the 1960's listed on the 'bay for $250-$400. Unlike most Vintage watches, these are 36-37mm, so they would work with modern fashions. I haven't seen one in person, but I hope to pick one up someday.

[curiousMan]

Well you can certainly buy a lot more 'watch' if you go vintage. You can buy brands, materials, or complications you would not be able to touch in a new watch for the same price. The draw backs are size (most vintages are smaller, especially dress watches), water resistance (even vintages with waterproof or high ratings are difficult to make waterproof again), age (stuff breaks when it gets old), mechanical condition (usually needs service), availibility of parts (depending on what it is). Most vintage collectors have one or two 'very good' watch makers that do work for them, the other option is to buy serviced pieces that need no work (more money), from trusted sources. The choice is yours.

Make sure you are looking at sites that sell new stuff cheaply as possible. I have bought a brand new Oris for $500 before. Many deal of the day sites sell Oris, Tag, Hamilton at 50% -80% off regularly. Figure out what brand and style you want, then ask here and hunt it down for as little $$ as possible.

great summary, I still have to learn a lot, I see! :)

[curiousMan]

thank you all, I just pulled trigger on eBay - Girard Perregaux Gyromatic from 1950s, automatic in excellent condition for $230 only! (when it comes I'll post more pics) I know it doesn't look dressy-dressy, but hey, it's a GP from fifties, from the era of men in suits and gorgeous ladies in dresses, what new thingy can beat that? :)

[whatmeworry]

thank you all, I just pulled trigger on eBay - Girard Perregaux Gyromatic from 1950s, automatic in excellent condition for $230 only! (when it comes I'll post more pics) I know it doesn't look dressy-dressy, but hey, it's a GP from fifties, from the era of men in suits and gorgeous ladies in dresses, what new thingy can beat that? :)

That's a nice elegant piece. Congrats.

[whatmeworry]

I love Vintage Omegas, and other brands, and I believe there are great values to be had. That said, I haven't personally pulled the trigger on one. I did, however, just vote with my dollars on a vintage inspired watch, that has a great movement, and some more modern touches like a display back and a slightly bigger 40mm size. I know I'm far from the only big fan of the Seiko SARB065. Just a hair off the high end of your $ scale, $550ish.

I flipping love that SARB. Just wish it was a shade smaller.

[curiousMan]

That's a nice elegant piece. Congrats.

thank you, I just finished some research on GP 47 GU movement, synthetic rubies, Gyrotrons, did some research on the owner whose name is engraved on the back (I traced one person through online obituaries), contacted GP, already got compliments from jealous colleagues (the best part!) - it's so much fun, I couldn't believe! There are "old" internet postings on the subject from 2003 and they are still fresh! One of advantages about talking half century old watches! :)))

[curiousMan]

very pretty, love Seiko Spirit too!