mdonline

either that or the Rolex Sea Dweller. I have a very small wrist and it actually makes my wrist look bigger. The Sea Dweller is bulkier and heavier than the Submariner and it feels great on my wrist. I pretty much wear it 24/7 and hardly notice it (except when I check the time). It is great for the gym as well as $1000 a plate fundraiser. Not too flashy in the gym (most people think it's fake). It is hip, young, sporty with suit and tie.

You can get a used one for around 3k. It will last forever and will never go down in value.

nielsll

Check out a Sinn. High quality German watches at reasonable prices. Read about them on TimeZone.com

Preeble

I have both a Seamaster Pro (titanium/gold) and a GMT II (Stainless steel). They cost about the same, but you get a lot more watch with the Omega. I like wearing the Omega better, but I'm also very fond of the Rolex. Both would be slightly higher than your price range, but you would be very happy with either.

If you like watches and are massing a collection, you need to have a Rolex. Yeah, people knock Rolexes (or Roli ??) because they are so publicized, but guess what - there aren't many watches out there that hold their value like Rolexes do. In many cases, you can generally sell your Rolex that is ~ 10 years old for roughly the same price you bought it at. You can't do this for many other watches.

Stay away from Tag (I have one too). It is a 'lower-end' watch that isn't as timeless as some of the other brands that have been discussed here.

Just my two cents...

timnitti

I agree. I just picked one up a few months ago and it's a very nice everyday watch - pretty cheap for an automatic too. I didn't have to push the store too hard to get well below $2,200.

Temple

Go browse the "sales corner" (under the community tab) on www.timezone.com. Everything will be under $5000, many in your price range, and you can get more bang for your buck.

gmoney99

Breitling IMO. Plenty of dealers will give you 25% off when you ask which for $3k covers a lot of watches. Its a classic watch, great movements, fantastic bracelets and leather straps. Good value for money.

Avoid Rolex. Its the watch for people who want a nice one and one only, they are a dime a dozen, or its for corporate 25 year anniversary handout. Not many multiple Rollie owners unless they are Daytona enthusiasts.

Specifically I would suggest the Cronomat Evolution. I have referred two persons to this watch as their first watch and they have fell in love with them. Blue dial is a looker.

But as for spending the money? I think a watch is a great idea, it can be handed down in your aunts name generations to come.

gmoney99

oh, Kenjo in NYC, they have two locations. Call and ask for Sec Diaz, tell him you were referred to by a timezone member and ask him for his best price on the model you desire. They carry many high end brands starting with Breitling. Buying out of state saves you tax also. He is an authorized dealer.

gmoney99

2nd that. Been kicking tires on a Sinn watch to add to my collection. Relatively cheap.

LVDell

Lower End? Not sure I would call a TAG a lower end watch. I have had my S/EL for over 10 years now and it is worn everyday. Not a single scratch on the sapphire crystal face and I am very rough with it. For roughly $1500 it is a great watch and have NEVER in 10+ years had a problem with it.

gmoney99

Tag is definately not lower end, but perhaps lower end of the luxury watch line. Its the result of a marketing driven brand unfortunately and over produced and sold in every corner of the mall. My first watch was a Tag, still have it. Never wear it.

I see your looking for a GT3. McKenna has a 996, 5k miles, roll cage, asking 90k. Drove it yesterday. Paint protection installed also all around. Just an FYI. They will more than likley deal on it.

Preeble

I meant to say that Tag Heuer is a lower end watch than a Rolex, Omega, Breitling or Panerai and I think that you will have a tough time finding anyone that would state otherwise. Tags are very nice watches, but are definitely not in the same league as those other brands (and the pricing reflects that).

And the comment of Rolexes being a dime a dozen? Perhaps, but so are boxsters and 996s. Would that stop me from getting one? No.

LVDell

Where is McKenna?

gmoney99

SoCal

LVDell

geez! could it BE and further from me? I will proably stick to east coast dealers. I plan to drive home whatever I buy and I will NEVER EVER make that cross country trip again. I did Vegas to Carolina and that sucked bad.

gmoney99

There are many, many great choices in watches some with better movements, better looks for a lot less money vs. offerings from Rolex.

Cant say that about the 911 or Boxster when it comes to shopping for a mid or rear engine car.