30th bday / wedding watch. New or used?

[Andrejb]

Posted a few weeks ago about how I was trying to decide between a Tudor BB GMT or a OP 39 as a second watch to the personal collection. Second to my SubC date

As a 30th bday gift to myself (July) , also Commemorating my wedding in September.

I’d like to also get the watch engraved with something special. (Maybe initials, DOB, etc) I plan to keep this forever as it will have strong sentimental value

My budget is about $7,000 CAD this budget cannot change so please no (save up and buy a better watch new) comments! Wish I could but it will be a gift from the fiancé / family and they have requested to stay within budget!

here is my question.

Do I buy a lesser watch new within my budget, OP39 for example) be the first and only owner with my name on card?

Or do I use the same budget to buy a better watch pre owned and still get it engraved? (16570 polar, airking, explorer I) so many options.

I’m afraid the watch won’t be as personal of a momento if it has been owned by multiple people? But at the same time I can get a much better watch for similar value on the grey market? Maybe I’m being crazy.

What would you do?


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[mas12]

I would assess all options - new and used - within your price range. If you can get a "better" watch slightly used with box and papers (if that's important to you) then it definitely warrants consideration.

Take a bit to think about what's important to you. Will it bother you that you weren't the first owner of the watch (seems like it might)? Will a preowned watch detract from the "specialness" that goes along with its purpose (to commemorate your bday and wedding)?

If you can be honest with yourself about those questions then you'll know which way to go.

My .02 - don't buy the Tudor if it's going to be a lifer. A Rolex is more special. The OP39 and explorer I make great lifetime watches. Classic, simple, beautiful.

Good luck, keep us posted!

[ltmgeller]

I believe you meant to say lesser model instead of brand. You can get a deal on a new old stock watch so it’s still new and you get more watch. First you need to decide which watch you really want that you’ll want to keep for the rest of your life. I’d recommend something timeless like a sub.

[Ekornfeld21]

Originally Posted by mas12

I would assess all options - new and used - within your price range. If you can get a "better" watch slightly used with box and papers (if that's important to you) then it definitely warrants consideration.

Take a bit to think about what's important to you. Will it bother you that you weren't the first owner of the watch (seems like it might)? Will a preowned watch detract from the "specialness" that goes along with its purpose (to commemorate your bday and wedding)?

If you can be honest with yourself about those questions then you'll know which way to go.

My .02 - don't buy the Tudor if it's going to be a lifer. A Rolex is more special. The OP39 and explorer I make great lifetime watches. Classic, simple, beautiful.

Good luck, keep us posted!

I would go with a pre-owned, after all it is still new (to you.)


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[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

I believe you meant to say lesser model instead of brand. You can get a deal on a new old stock watch so it’s still new and you get more watch. First you need to decide which watch you really want that you’ll want to keep for the rest of your life. I’d recommend something timeless like a sub.

I meant lesser watch “brand new”


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[Sandpit]

For such big occasions I’d only buy new. But then I’d only buy new regardless as that’s just me. A white OP39 would be very nice. Could you get close to a DJ41 or 36 for the money?

[Dr. Robert]

I vote for the new OP 39mm, white or black dial. Personally, I would not do engraving..

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I vote for the new OP 39mm, white or black dial. Personally, I would not do engraving..

Thanks for the response! My AD sells parts. I’d be willing to get a second case back and engrave one. Would just make it a little more special. Cheers!


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[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

Thanks for the response! My AD sells parts. I’d be willing to get a second case back and engrave one. Would just make it a little more special. Cheers!


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Very cool, then do it.quickly.....in a day or two Rolex may increase price or perform the magic act of disappearing Rolex

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Very cool, then do it.quickly.....in a day or two Rolex may increase price or perform the magic act of disappearing Rolex

Haha!

[mui.richard]

I'd go with brand new definitely. Never liked the idea of a special occasion watch that I know for certain someone else had it. Would the bride go with a used wedding dress unless it's a family heirloom? Same thing here.

My suggestion would be a 36mm Oyster Perpetual 116000. It's the perfect everyday watch and it's easily available for around USD4k and up and has six dial colors (including Black or white) to suit your fancy. Plus it's as timeless as design goes so it would never go out of style.

Some call it boring, I call it classic.

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[mosanman]

For a special occasion I think it seems more appropriate to buy new and from an AD, would make the piece more sentimental

[AEC]

I would go with the OP39: it's a timeless classic, and its case-back is perfect for engraving.

[timeldn]

I would buy NEW for that special occasion. You can purchase within budget (OP, DJ) or you can purchase a different brand.

[Chilly Coconut]

A birth year Polar would be super awesome and within budget.

[macrowatch]

For those two models, NIB from second hand dealer.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by mosanman

For a special occasion I think it seems more appropriate to buy new and from an AD, would make the piece more sentimental

Yes. Looking back in the future you may be glad to have done this, along with the associated fond memories.

This was personally a good decision on MY part back in 1987.

[The Libertine]

For special occasions, I vote new as well.

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by mui.richard

I'd go with brand new definitely. Never liked the idea of a special occasion watch that I know for certain someone else had it. Would the bride go with a used wedding dress unless it's a family heirloom? Same thing here.

My suggestion would be a 36mm Oyster Perpetual 116000. It's the perfect everyday watch and it's easily available for around USD4k and up and has six dial colors (including Black or white) to suit your fancy. Plus it's as timeless as design goes so it would never go out of style.

Some call it boring, I call it classic.

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Great suggestion! 36mm tents to fall short on my 7 inch wrist.


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[PLNYC]

I’d buy new. Any thoughts on the 214270? Not sure of the CAD but it’s about 6500USD. Great simple watch and amazing lume

[envuks]

I would scrounge up a few more bucks and try to lay up into a new sub no date, but that’s just me.

My vote would be stick to new for such a momentum

[opawlows]

Originally Posted by envuks

I would scrounge up a few more bucks and try to lay up into a new sub no date, but that’s just me.

My vote would be stick to new for such a momentum

He already has the SubC Date.

My vote goes to the Tudor GMT, would pair nicely with the SubC.

[jason042779]

For a special occasion, and especially since you want to engrave, I'd go new. I did a 36mm OP for my wife and engraved the back. My AD said engraving doesn't void the warranty, btw.

[kungpow]

I buy preowned all the time - for my birthday, holidays, etc.

But as wedding watch, no way would I consider used - new only. You’re starting a new life together with someone, building new memories, and I wouldn’t want to do that with a used watch.

[Spoonage]

For an occasion(s) like that... You are obviously buying specific for it so I would say new. If just adding because you want another great watch, pre-loved would be fine...

[denmanproject]

Definitely new, the OP is no slouch either!

[datejust24]

If you’re considering the 114300, I’d go with the rhodium dial without question...that’s if you’re absolutely set on buying another Rolex....if it were me, I’d get a brand new Speedy Pro from a trusted member right here and pocket the rest...

[SemperFi]

I only buy new so you know where I’m leaning.
The OP 39 is a fantastic watch and well within your budget. You really can’t go wrong with that one and all of the adventures the watch accumulates will be yours alone.
Good luck with your decision.

[mui.richard]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

Great suggestion! 36mm tents to fall short on my 7 inch wrist.


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I wanted to suggest the 114300 39mm, but alas that one is a few hundred bucks outside your budget even when purchased through grey dealers on Chrono24...unless you're willing to go with the colored dials. The cheapest one with a white dial is ~ usd5.5k, and the black dial starts at around 5.4k.

I didn't set the rules...

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[ace12]

Tudor GMT go new for such a big occasion.