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Old 12 April 2021, 05:12 AM   #1
tpool
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Recommend entry level watch brand

I have a young graduate professional friend who is looking for his first entry level good watch. I’m only familiar with Rolex & he’s asked for some brand suggestions for $5k or below. A brand that is well respected & won’t be terribly devalued once he buys it. Appreciate your suggestions!


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Old 12 April 2021, 05:13 AM   #2
TswaneNguni
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Rolex .Start off right !
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:14 AM   #3
GolfJunkie
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Tudor, omega, grand seiko
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:15 AM   #4
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Omega or Tudor. Every bit as good as Rolex except for brand recognition and status.
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:18 AM   #5
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A 5-digit Rolex DJ36 would be right in that ballpark!
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:20 AM   #6
jimcameron
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Omega
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:22 AM   #7
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Omega or Omega. Either one is a perfect "first entry level good watch"
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:23 AM   #8
jc_schmidt
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I just got my self a Seiko SKX013. Kinda hard to find, so almost like Rolex. Super cool watch with great readability and tough like Rolex. Can be found in a larger 007 edition also. Easier to get and great for a bigger wrist.
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:26 AM   #9
robinmgb
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Quote:
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Omega or Tudor. Every bit as good as Rolex except for brand recognition and status.
Omega yes, Tudor are good value but certainly not every bit as good as Rolex, a level below in reality
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:28 AM   #10
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I would recommend to dive right in and get a DJ. Traditional, recognizable and good value. Something they can hold on to or trade in the future as well if they are so inclined. I made the mistake of going with other brands (Tissot/Bulova) early on... Wish I had taken my own advice then.
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:30 AM   #11
WestCoastS
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I always felt entry anything is a waste of time and cash. Whatever brand he really desires in the upper teir like Rolex, VC etc just save for that and wait
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:31 AM   #12
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Omega

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Old 12 April 2021, 05:32 AM   #13
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If he is just getting into watches I would suggest that he cut his budget a bit. I would start with Seiko or Hamilton depending on what he is into. The Hamilton Khaki Field Watch or the Seiko SPB143.
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:32 AM   #14
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rolex op 41
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:36 AM   #15
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Quote:
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Rolex .Start off right !
the budget is only good for a lady datejust!
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:39 AM   #16
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i would recommend panerai for a lady, and an IWC for a gentleman.
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:41 AM   #17
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Recommend entry level watch brand

Omega but you have to negotiate to get below $5k (which everyone does anyway).

Tudor or Tag Heuer are obvious choices.

IWC Mark XVIII Pilot is less than $5k. The blue dial version is really hot.

Also, Nomos makes great watches for under $5k too. Definitely check out Nomos.

Longines, Oris, Hamilton are other brands...


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Old 12 April 2021, 05:42 AM   #18
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Pre owned Rolex Datejust, Air-King or Oyster Perpetual. You can get a pretty nice one for 4-5k.
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:47 AM   #19
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He would be wise to take a look at German makes. Sinn is my preferred brand but there are many more good German watch brands also. I can't understand what people see in some of the tacky Swiss designs nowadays.
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:48 AM   #20
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Tudor


or a lady DJ in stock at a 50% discount


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Old 12 April 2021, 05:48 AM   #21
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My recommendation - Tissot Powermatic 80

https://monochrome-watches.com/tisso...-review-price/
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:51 AM   #22
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If he doesn’t want to go preowned Rolex for under $5k (or beg an AD for an OP) I’d say Tudor. It is incredible what you get for ~$4k. Great design, great chronometer movement, it will last forever, history, prestige etc etc

I’d go either BB58 or GMT, BB36/41 if he wants something simpler


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Old 12 April 2021, 05:52 AM   #23
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What’s wrong with an Apple Watch?


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Old 12 April 2021, 05:53 AM   #24
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Tudor or Omega
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Old 12 April 2021, 05:55 AM   #25
RaZCaL
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Omega or Tudor. Not sure about his style but two watches come to mind is the Speedmaster and Bb58 blue.
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Old 12 April 2021, 06:04 AM   #26
Theothergreg
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Tudor, Omega, Grand Seiko or Cartier would be good entry-level brands to consider. The most important thing is that he loves whatever he gets. The value will be in the reward of getting his first meaningful watch.
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Old 12 April 2021, 06:06 AM   #27
winst
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Tudor BB58.
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Old 12 April 2021, 06:09 AM   #28
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  • (new) Tudor Black bay 58, black/gilt ref 79030N
  • (new) Nomos Orion
  • (new) Cartier Santos Dumont (quartz, on strap, new can be had <5k)
  • (new) Omega Aqua Terra 41mm or 38mm (either can be <5k with discount)
  • (used) Cartier Santos, used ones (esp. older models) can be had less than 5k
  • (used) Omega Speedmaster (used)
  • (used) Vintage Rolex Datejust (proceed with caution on older models)

My personal rec. is to get the Black Bay 58, new. That is a most excellent initial entry. Either that, or pony up an extra 1,000 - 2,000 and get a used DJ36 from the 116200 series.
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Old 12 April 2021, 06:09 AM   #29
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I would suggest Rolex OP 36 silver or black dial (easier to acquire) but the price will be a bit more.
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Old 12 April 2021, 06:10 AM   #30
TswaneNguni
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Quote:
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the budget is only good for a lady datejust!
Borrow and start of right .
I borrowed money from my wife for my first Rolex in 2001.
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