Best quality for first purchase: Ball, Alpina, B&M, Longines, ?

[rgito]

List,

I am looking for my first "fine" men's watch. My grail is the GO 39-41-14-22-04 panorama date, but that is just fantasy for now.

Instead I am trying to find a good first substitute that:

- has a black or gray dial
- date complication
- display back
- auto or manual
- <=$2k USD (good used is fine)

I have found the following options that might work:

- Alpina Alpiner
- Baume and Mercier Clifton
- Longines Conquest
- Ball Streamliner
- others?

Which would be the best choice in terms of reliability and quality? Thanks so much for the advice.

[little big feather]

I've looked at the Ball line, very nice watches. I'm familiar with the Longines, I don't think either of these two are a mistake.
Not familiar that much with Alpina.

[Kluber]

I also agree with little big feather. Ball & Longines both make quality watches. My wife owns a Ball, and I'm currently considering picking up a Longines Legend Diver.

I have no experience with baume & mercier or Alpina to have a comment regarding those two. I did just recently read an old review on the Alpina sunburst dial pilot watch from ABTW that was interesting. Good luck with your search.

[Watchbreath]

In this group, Baume & Mercier.

[John MS]

Oris

[AAMC]

Longines Conquest Classic L2.785.4.56.6 (base ETA 2892)



Google pics:

[ilitig8]

My choice would be the B&M Clifton, but as you can tell from the responses none of these stand particularly proud of the others. In this case get what moves you.

Another bit of "useless" advice. Buy a cheap watch for now and leave the forum, save money for your grail, buy your grail and be happy, even if it is years down the line. If you stay here you will do nothing but buy more and more watches and by the time you get the GO you will be looking for a way to justify and obtain a Patek, Vacheron etc. Obviously I haven't taken my own advice...

[crownpuller]

Of the options listed, I'd go with the Longines Conquest. Just my preference. Your money - your choice.

[inhaus]

My wife owns two Balls... She also tried a Ball watch on the other day and liked that too.

[ZORD]

Clifton for sure. No contest.