Budget is around 7k. I really want to get something cool, interesting and unique. Was looking at Cartier

Side note What is with the bracket rules?

  • dc179@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Not knowing anything about your husband… and trying to stay close to the budget:

    Omega Speedmaster Professional Sapphire sandwich (310.30.42.50.01.002) I found a whole bunch on chrono24, brand new for under 7k (you could probably haggle this down even further by contacting the dealer directly). Will go with anything, can put it on any strap although the new bracelet for it is amazing.

    IWC Pilots Chronograph Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One (IW388108). Its really loud, above 8k on chrono24, but I think its cool.

    Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic (Q1428530). Dual time zone watch for around 8k on chrono24.

  • cfutlone123@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    What’s wrong with the standard stainless Cartier santos? It is similar to the chopard though. Perhaps an Omega Speedmaster Professional?

    • bravoeverything@alien.top
      OPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Yeah I feel like he has two silver and I like the warmer tones but all the warmer tones are so much more

  • clm1859@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    FYI it would be helpful to give a bit more context. Whats his age, job, lifestyle, wardrobe, location? And does he already own one single mechanical watch, or a smartwatch or a whole collection of watches or would this be a first?

    But anyway, for that money i’d get an Omega. Well known brand, just like cartier. But not as flashy (or annoying to buy) as a rolex. Top quality. Arguably the most accurate (METAS standard) and most durable mechanical watches in their respective categories.

    The Seamaster Aquaterra for a single do it all watch. Looks great in a swimsuit or a business suit and anything in between. Yet can be worn doing anything you want in the water including scuba diving, surfing, diving etc. This is the one i got and am very happy with: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-ch/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412110001

    If you want something more sporty, you could buy a diver 300m (or a more vintage looking seamaster 300): https://www.omegawatches.com/en-ch/watches/seamaster/diver-300-m/catalog

    Or, the most iconic one, the speedmaster aka moonwatch. The watch worn by nasa astronauts on the moon: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-ch/watches/speedmaster/moonwatch-professional/catalog

    Thats all just below or around the 7k budget. And all of them come in many sizes and colours btw.

    That being said, the cartier santos is also quite cool and admittedly a bit more unique. Also has a similar level of historical signficance as the speedmaster (and more than the rest i mentioned), being the first wristwatch for men ever. So its also not a bad choice.

    But one thing i find really lacking on the cartier is the open caseback. I really like seeing the movement move, thru the back of the watch. Especially to someone new to automatic watches, this is really quite something. Fascinating and kind of romantic in a way, with how it is one of the few, life long, mechanical things in our otherwise so short lived and digital world.

    Other good brands in this price range would be Breitling, Grand seiko or Tudor. Or if you want to spend a bit less but still get excellent quality, Longines and Oris. And if you want some really unique stuff, Rado might also be worth a look.

  • Nrysis@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I would include your partner in this decision.

    If they already have an interest in watches and own a few nice pieces, they will undoubtedly have already developed their own personal likes and dislikes - we can recommend a suite of fan favourite watches, but that didn’t mean want of them will match their tastes.

    So rather than taking a punt and potentially spending a large sum on a watch they won’t like, I would involve them - an IOU may not be quite as exciting as a gift to open on the day, but it allows you the opportunity to turn the purchase into an interesting activity together and ensures you will get the perfect watch.