My journey into the world of watches

[xwalker4]

Hello all! I've been reading these message boards for several months now and have finally decided to make my introductory post. A little background: like so many of you, I've worn a watch the majority of my life and have had an appreciation for watches, even if it's only been mild over the years. About 4.5 years ago, as a gift for my graduation, my parents got me a nice Hamilton H64455133 Khaki King 40. I really have enjoyed the watch and it's still what I wear on a daily basis. I'm not sure what motivated me to do some research on it, but several months ago, I did just that. And then, like probably all of you, I caught the bug. I realized/discovered that I love watches. All aspects, really. The look, the feel, the history, the mechanics, etc. I've become obsessed!

Along the way, I've decided to upgrade my watch and begin a collection. Months of research had led me to narrow down my search to pretty typical choices for first time watch buyers such as myself: the Rolex Submariner 114060 and some version of an Omega Speedmaster (likely 311.30.42.30.01.005).

About 2 weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking my research to an in person level, as I visited my local jewelry store/AD as well as the local Omega boutique. I can't even describe how much fun I had!! The gentleman at the Omega boutique in particular spent quite a bit of time with me and we had a great conversation. This process has been more fun than I could have ever imagined and I KNOW it will become a lifelong passion of mine.

Now, a question or two for the wise members of this board and veterans of the watch world:

1) Any absolutely vital advice for a first timer?
2) It's easy to find, with minimal research, several trusted sellers on these forums with fantastic deals on BNIB versions of the watches I have honed in on. We're talking significant cost differences. So, my question is, what would I be receiving from an AD or boutique to justify the added cost? Are there benefits down the road? Is there any reason to go that route? Basically I would value your opinions on this. Of course, I seek a good deal, but not at the risk of anything that I might bit foresee. So, any direction on what I imagine is a common query would be very helpful.

Thank you!!

[U5512]

Welcome to the Forum!!!

[boogiebot]

Originally Posted by xwalker4

Hello all! I've been reading these message boards for several months now and have finally decided to make my introductory post. A little background: like so many of you, I've worn a watch the majority of my life and have had an appreciation for watches, even if it's only been mild over the years. About 4.5 years ago, as a gift for my graduation, my parents got me a nice Hamilton H64455133 Khaki King 40. I really have enjoyed the watch and it's still what I wear on a daily basis. I'm not sure what motivated me to do some research on it, but several months ago, I did just that. And then, like probably all of you, I caught the bug. I realized/discovered that I love watches. All aspects, really. The look, the feel, the history, the mechanics, etc. I've become obsessed!

Along the way, I've decided to upgrade my watch and begin a collection. Months of research had led me to narrow down my search to pretty typical choices for first time watch buyers such as myself: the Rolex Submariner 114060 and some version of an Omega Speedmaster (likely 311.30.42.30.01.005).

About 2 weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking my research to an in person level, as I visited my local jewelry store/AD as well as the local Omega boutique. I can't even describe how much fun I had!! The gentleman at the Omega boutique in particular spent quite a bit of time with me and we had a great conversation. This process has been more fun than I could have ever imagined and I KNOW it will become a lifelong passion of mine.

Now, a question or two for the wise members of this board and veterans of the watch world:

1) Any absolutely vital advice for a first timer?
2) It's easy to find, with minimal research, several trusted sellers on these forums with fantastic deals on BNIB versions of the watches I have honed in on. We're talking significant cost differences. So, my question is, what would I be receiving from an AD or boutique to justify the added cost? Are there benefits down the road? Is there any reason to go that route? Basically I would value your opinions on this. Of course, I seek a good deal, but not at the risk of anything that I might bit foresee. So, any direction on what I imagine is a common query would be very helpful.

Thank you!!

First of welcome to the crazy world of watch collecting. The only real advice I can think of is to buy pieces that have value to you and hold value on the secondary market. When I first got into watches I went breitling crazy and owned almost every piece in the modern collection. I soon realized that the sizing of most of their pieces aren't really me and started to move them at significant losses.

In terms of a trusted seller on here, there are tons of members that have dealt with them and from what I have read and ones I have chatted with offline it all seems to be worth it. I personally have never bought from a trusted seller on here as I have managed to get pretty good deals locally from the AD.

Hope this helps. And remember when you get your watch post some pics!

[sparksgmt]

Don't stress about saving money on your first "expensive" watch. Odds are you'll keep it forever. I bought my first and only (for now) from an AD 7 years ago and don't regret it, even enjoy having sales receipt in my name. Maybe that doesn't matter to some, but watches don't matter to most. So it's whatever

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[yannis]

Welcome to TRF!

[jagwap]

Run.

Run now. Fast.

This place is friendly, helpful and expensive

Seriously, if you feel this way already, in a few years you may have blown the deposit on an apartment on watches...

I did. No regrets. Love every piece. But then I can afford it (I tell myself)

[hambone1983]

if you're not going to take jagwap's very sound advice to run away, I would say take your time selecting what you buy, and be prepared to be unsure and even confused at times. When the find the right piece, you'll know. And it almost certainly will not be what you thought it would be at the beginning.

[jagwap]

Originally Posted by hambone1983

if you're not going to take jagwap's very sound advice to run away, I would say take your time selecting what you buy, and be prepared to be unsure and even confused at times. When the find the right piece, you'll know. And it almost certainly will not be what you thought it would be at the beginning.

^True dat...

[mick121212]

I've only got 2 decent watches, first one was an Omega orange planet ocean (Boutique) and I've just bought a Rolex bluesy (AD).

I was wondering which route to go with for the bluesy but what swung it for me was the AD offering me a 5% reduction when another store wouldn't knock anything off. Also, the warranty on the Omega had expired by 2 years and it was due the 5 year service, so when I complained about a fault with one of the buttons on the chronograph, they offered to repair, service and polish F.O.C.., would they have done that if it was a grey? So, a lot of it comes down to luck, if I hadn't had problems with my Omega, I would have gone down the grey route for the bluesy.. I've heard stories of the Bezels not lining up, etc with the greys, it's a case of do you want the hassle?

Only you can decide... Over to you..

[Camel]

You must be very careful. The following can happen to you.

[xwalker4]

Thank you for the kind responses! Unfortunately (or fortunately haha), there will be no running! But I think I'll be able to gradually and slowly add to my collection as my means dictate. Of course, I don't have a wife or kids so that will dictate a lot of things should that ever change!

Oh, and here's a camera phone pic of the only watch currently in my rotation (for now):

image.jpg

(No idea why my picture was flipped or why I couldn't orient it the correct way - sorry guys!)

[cop414]

Fixed your pic Ron. A warm TRF welcome to you. You're quite passionate, we all are here. Do your due diligence and you'll be fine with your purchase. There's nothing wrong with going the AD route especially for your first purchase. That being said there's nothing wrong with the trusted seller route either with the emphasis being on trusted, always buy the seller before buying the timepiece. With an AD you don't have to worry about that.
Please post pics when your acquire your first and no matter what never get rid of that Hamilton!

[mailman]

Originally Posted by xwalker4

Thank you for the kind responses! Unfortunately (or fortunately haha), there will be no running! But I think I'll be able to gradually and slowly add to my collection as my means dictate. Of course, I don't have a wife or kids so that will dictate a lot of things should that ever change!

Oh, and here's a camera phone pic of the only watch currently in my rotation (for now):

Attachment 828566

(No idea why my picture was flipped or why I couldn't orient it the correct way - sorry guys!)

I love Hamilton Owned two Khaki Field Automatics with date only. One 38mm and another when they went up to 41mm. Great watches

[BomB#Frog]

The best thing I have learned is patience.

[gossbeau]

(No idea why my picture was flipped or why I couldn't orient it the correct way - sorry guys!)[/QUOTE]

Try editing the pic and resize it to a smaller % before uploading it.
Had the same problem before

[Alexwwjd]

Ron, welcome to the forum. I'd go to an AD, one that makes you feel comfortable and has patience. Enjoy the wait, try all the watches you can, check this forum. Don't buy a watch as an impulse but when you like one be firm in you decision.




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[Rags]

Welcome to TRF as some have said buy the seller if you're going to buy from the forum. There's nothing wrong with buying preowned and saving lots of $$$$$.

[Hairdude1]

Welcome

[TM28]

Originally Posted by sparksgmt

Don't stress about saving money on your first "expensive" watch. Odds are you'll keep it forever. I bought my first and only (for now) from an AD 7 years ago and don't regret it, even enjoy having sales receipt in my name. Maybe that doesn't matter to some, but watches don't matter to most. So it's whatever

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I feel the same way. There is nothing like seeing your name on that green warrantee card and knowing that the watch will be with you forever. Can't go wrong with the SubC no date!

[Rock]

Welcome Ron. Nice Hamilton.
A mate of mine with a few watches says every WIS deserves to buy a new Rolex from the AD and get the "royal treatment" at least once.
Doesn't really bother me so any watches I buy will probably be from a "Trusted Seller".
Likewise my name on the Warranty also doesn't bother me.
I will always deal directly with the RSC for servicing so again the AD isn't a key link in the process for me.
Good luck with your decision.

[kilyung]

Don't skimp because you'll regret it later. If I could do it all over again, I'd go straight to the watch I liked most within the range of my savings ability.

[Kostas]

take your time , research the models you're interested in thoroughly , and beware of deals that sound too good to be true.

Oh and welcome !

[sea-dweller]

Welcome to TRF!

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Welcome to TRF Ron

There is lots to learn around here...soak it up!

[Psmith]

Welcome Ron

[xwalker4]

Thanks for the warm welcome!! I look forward to a lifetime of great watches, conversation, and camaraderie!!

[georgy.r]

Originally Posted by xwalker4

Hello all! I've been reading these message boards for several months now and have finally decided to make my introductory post. A little background: like so many of you, I've worn a watch the majority of my life and have had an appreciation for watches, even if it's only been mild over the years. About 4.5 years ago, as a gift for my graduation, my parents got me a nice Hamilton H64455133 Khaki King 40. I really have enjoyed the watch and it's still what I wear on a daily basis. I'm not sure what motivated me to do some research on it, but several months ago, I did just that. And then, like probably all of you, I caught the bug. I realized/discovered that I love watches. All aspects, really. The look, the feel, the history, the mechanics, etc. I've become obsessed!

Along the way, I've decided to upgrade my watch and begin a collection. Months of research had led me to narrow down my search to pretty typical choices for first time watch buyers such as myself: the Rolex Submariner 114060 and some version of an Omega Speedmaster (likely 311.30.42.30.01.005).

About 2 weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking my research to an in person level, as I visited my local jewelry store/AD as well as the local Omega boutique. I can't even describe how much fun I had!! The gentleman at the Omega boutique in particular spent quite a bit of time with me and we had a great conversation. This process has been more fun than I could have ever imagined and I KNOW it will become a lifelong passion of mine.

Now, a question or two for the wise members of this board and veterans of the watch world:

1) Any absolutely vital advice for a first timer?
2) It's easy to find, with minimal research, several trusted sellers on these forums with fantastic deals on BNIB versions of the watches I have honed in on. We're talking significant cost differences. So, my question is, what would I be receiving from an AD or boutique to justify the added cost? Are there benefits down the road? Is there any reason to go that route? Basically I would value your opinions on this. Of course, I seek a good deal, but not at the risk of anything that I might bit foresee. So, any direction on what I imagine is a common query would be very helpful.

Thank you!!

Welcome to TRF

[OmegaJJH]

Welcome.

Take your time. Half the fun is in the hunt!

[Daryl]

Welcome anD enjoy

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[Goin2drt]

Welcome and be patient.

I will answer your questions and only one mans opinion.

1. Be patient, ask lots of questions, do a lot of research, be leery and that "great deal" - totally applies to watches if it is too good to be true, it is.
2. Trusted sellers are great and there are a few here. You may or may not get a factory warranty. You can buy with confidence and it is a pretty sterile transaction and you get what you get. There are gray market dealers (Jomashop etc) that are also very trusted. You will get "their" warranty and no factory warranty. Again buy with confidence and many have been around for a very long time so if you needed warranty service, no problem. Again they are a sterile transaction. The above you will get the best discount traditionally. Now go to AD and you pay for the experience and factory warranty. It is an experience usually that you will remember forever.

I personally have bought from all three; trusted seller (Takuya and sohail), gray market (Jomashop and authenticwatches) as well as AD's Rolex (Ben Bridge and Rolex themselves), Tourrneau, Omega. They are all great experiences and served a purpose.

Having said all that nothing comes close to buying a couple Rollie's in Grand Cayman from Karen at Kirk Freeport. I gladly paid more than any of the above and my wife and I will remember that experience for a lifetime.

Good luck on your journey, it only ends when you are 6ft under.