*UPDATED* A Swiss Watch for around AU $2,000

brotherfranciz on 15/10/2016 - 19:04
Last edited 20/10/2016 - 18:58

UPDATED

Hi all,

I would just like to give an update:

I've decided to take a cash settlement instead.

Thank you for all the comments and advice.

I'm sorry that I didn't end up getting any Swiss watch after all the great feedback I received!

Maybe in 10 years' time, I will reconsider that moonwatch…

Kind regards,
brotherrfranciz

UPDATED

Hi all,

My house was burgled back in July. Amongst other things stolen, I had AU$2,000 worth of watches stolen. (Luckily, being an Ozbargainer, I had paid a lot less than the value and also kept all receipts.)

My home insurance are paying for the replacements. I have decided rather than replacing like for like, I'd just pick 1 good Swiss watch and be done with it. I know, probably not the Ozbargain way to fork out for an overpriced watch, but I don't want the hassle of picking a bunch of cheap watches and just want to move on with my life.

The insurance rep told me to visit Watches of Switzerland and Hardy Brothers in Melbourne CBD, pick out a watch and they would buy for me.

I am a bit of a novice, so I would very much appreciate some advice about good Swiss watch brands within my AU$2,000 budget.

Also, a separate question more out of curiosity (insurance will only purchase from a brick and mortar store in Melbourne and not online): when doing my own research online, I keep coming across jomashop, which seem to offer Swiss watches at reduced prices, including the Omega moonwatch that I have taken an unhealthy fancy to (for my wallet). Any comments about reputation or first hand experience with jomashop?

Thank you!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • railspider on 15/10/2016 - 19:21
    +3

    I've never had to use my insurance, but is this how it normally works? You get $2000 in Watches stolen, so they let you spend $2000 on a new watch of your choosing? Would it work similar for electronics - get $4000 of various laptops stolen, would the insurer let you spend $4000 on buying one super good laptop as a replacement?

    I'd always been under the impression that replacement was done like-for-like by the insurer with out your input.

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 13:11
      +3

      In my case at least, I get to choose how I'd like to replace. My question was about watches so I didn't mention that I also had electronics stolen. I had the option of replacing like for like, partial replacement and partial giftcard, or everything as a giftcard (with JB Hifi, no choice there, but I would have picked them if I had the choice anyway).

      So yes, you can replace your numerous stolen laptops with 1 super good laptop (or get the giftcard and wait for a sale on the super good laptop). :)

    • [Deactivated] on 17/10/2016 - 23:10
      +1

      is this how it normally works?

      Insurance never adds up. Consider this - you buy a $5k ring (from a reputable chinatown dealer). It almost certainly comes with a 'valuation certificate' for 10k. You happily pay insurance premiums on a 10k ring. Come claim time, the insurance company sends you to tiffanys/cartier/other premium jeweler to buy a 10k replacement, which turns out to only have a 3k street value.

      Something doesn't quite add up with insurance…

      • johnno07 on 19/10/2016 - 01:26
        +1

        Something doesn't quite add up with insurance…

        You're forgetting the part where the vast majority of customers pay premiums on that "$10K" ring and never claim on it. It adds up - the insurers come out ahead.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/10/2016 - 10:10
          +1

          It adds up - the insurers come out ahead.

          I get that … I don't understand how the OP is happy about buying a watch for 2k retail!

        • snook on 20/10/2016 - 14:24

          @sp00ker: because the insurance company is getting a better deal doing like for like.

          Insurance companies will always replace goods when they can because they save more money doing deals. It's that simple.

          We got robbed once and they gave us cash because there was some other emergency going on at the same time and they didn't have the resources available to do like for like.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2016 - 19:46
    +6

    I keep coming across jomashop, which seem to offer Swiss watches at reduced prices

    If you're intending on buying a quality $2000 watch, my best advice would be to buy from an authorized dealer/ jewellery shop and not grey stock as it is with the case with Jomashop. Good chance there wouldn't be a significant difference in quality as Jomashop are a reputable grey dealer (imo) , however if you're willing to fork out $2000 for a watch, it would be best to buy local and authorized stock with manufactures warranty and servicing. And yes, it will be the more expensive option, however it's for your own peace of mind.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2016 - 20:52
      +2

      +1 I've had my Frederique Constant and Oris watches serviced under warranty seamlessly since I bought through Authorised Dealers, which would've set me back a couple hundred each at least otherwise.

      I've had good experiences with Gregory's and Hardy Bros. Going back I'd just get one really good all rounder watch rather than separate dress and casual watches.

      Of all the brands you'll see in a jewellery store Omega is probably your best bet at that price point. There are a lot of expensive other brands like Tag, Baume et Mercier, Breitling higher end Oris etc which obviously make excellent watches too but IMO nothing as timeless or recognisable. Better to bite the bullet and stretch to the one you really want now if you can, rather than get a not hugely cheaper one now and then splash out on the expensive one in the future.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2016 - 21:01
        +1

        Yep exactly what I mean :) Plus OP would be looking at a chunky tax at customs for an order of ~$2000 which would probably end up costing as much as buying from an authorised reseller anyway I'd say? I don't own a luxory watch however I would still not buy a watch without a manufacturers warranty simply because of convenience and peace of mind, even though I haven't had any warranty issues with any of the watches I own, it's still good to have it just in case :)

      • SaberX on 19/10/2016 - 01:39

        How often does one have to service higher end watches? I have a higher end watch (by that I mean not your standard few hundred dollar watch the average joe may wear, but not expensive by any imagination for anyone who seriously invests ni watches) - and am wondering how often it needs to be serviced? I got it circa 2011-2012 and it's fully automatic but from memory these watches still need to be maintained/serviced don't they if automatic? oiled or otherwise cleaned inside?

        Just wondering if anyone knows how often or 'what' to maintain or do to them? Mine is a plain Maurice Lacroix date -time.

    • antzz on 17/10/2016 - 02:00
      +2

      Jomashop is good grey. I usually got one watch when visiting US and delivered to my hotel. Some well known model can easily sell 60 to 70 pc of europe price.

      At that price you should look frederique constant, alpina, tudor or rado. If you are ok with mainstream you can go with tag or mont blanc. I would skip jeweller watch altogether

      If you are ok with japanese, some high end seiko is highly regarded in watch circles

  • niner on 15/10/2016 - 20:58
    +14

    Buy a Casio and join the cool crowd.

    • Kangal on 15/10/2016 - 21:16

      You can go psycho with a Seiko!!

    • Marcsie on 16/10/2016 - 07:30

      And buy 100 of them and give one of us each :)

    • cannedhams on 18/10/2016 - 19:13

      The cool kids these days are wearing old grand dad fob watches. The thrift stores are doing a roaring trade in them.

  • apple2016 on 15/10/2016 - 21:14
    +4

    Costco has a few. I would avoid online stores.
    As for the insurance don't they just payout the cash?

    • Kangal on 15/10/2016 - 21:19

      +1

      Be careful of the product.
      For instance, there was a certain store like Myers in USA which I heard once knowingly started selling Not-Genuine Rolex's.
      The watch is still fine… but they were charging thousands of dollars for something worth a couple hundred.

      I would ask you to goto a jeweller or watch-store/brick mortar and see the product first hand.
      Just too much unnecessary risk buying any other way for watches with such a high value.

      • LSGH on 18/10/2016 - 07:41
        +5

        A reputable store in the US knowingly selling fake rolexes??? Any link for that? Find that hard to believe

        • dbun1 on 18/10/2016 - 12:10

          Haven't heard of stores knowingly doing it, but I have heard of cases where stores have unknowingly sold fakes as someone in the chain has swapped the real stuff out for fakes that looked just the same.

        • Kangal on 18/10/2016 - 21:27

          Sorry, had to go looking for the site where I read it on:
          https://theoandharris.com/barneys-new-york-is-selling-a-fake…

          I can't be 100% sure of the details of the events, but this guy apparently knows his stuff and got pissed off when he saw it.

    • dgs on 19/10/2016 - 20:41

      Costco is a grey retailer too.

      • apple2016 on 20/10/2016 - 10:33

        I would not be worried of grey import but counterfeit products are a different story.
        Grey import is still original and you get warranty from costco as long as you are a member.

  • garetz on 15/10/2016 - 22:10
    +3

    Haggle with them to the cheapest price you can get, then get the insurance to pay for it. No point in just showing up and telling them insurance is covering the cost, as they will never let you haggle in that case.

  • PJC on 16/10/2016 - 00:27

    "(Luckily, being an Ozbargainer, I had paid a lot less than the value and also kept all receipts.)"
    I am a bit of a novice, so …"

    That confuses me.

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 12:46
      +8

      I'm a novice with expensive Swiss watches i.e. none of my stolen watches were expensive Swiss watches.

      • PJC on 16/10/2016 - 12:58

        Fair enough.

  • endotherm on 16/10/2016 - 01:28
    +5

    Often insurers will allow you to consolidate items and give you a payout figure for the lot. They will however push you towards a particular outlet/store (or insist on it) to spend the payout, which is given as store credit. You might have lost $1000, they will give you $1000 store credit on retail prices, but the insurer has done a deal with the store so that they only get say $800 in real money. In other words they are only paying wholesale (or near enough) but you are charged retail. It is worth it to the store, making next to nothing on the transaction, because the sheer quantity of insurance replacements throughout the year enables them to get incentives and kickbacks from the suppliers for selling so much of their product.

  • ahoihoi on 16/10/2016 - 02:43
    +5

    I would vouch for The Hour Glass and Watch of Switzerland. They are a good place to buy Swiss watches. They tend to not be like jewellery store and will guide you to purchase the best watch for your needs and budgets. They will also try to give you the best price first time around. Without the need for all the sales drama/acting.

    $2000 Mark is a bit of curious figure.

    Solid watch brand I can think of around that price range would be Longines and Tudor.

    But really there are two questions you really need to answer/ask yourself. Why do I want a Swiss watch? What do I want/need/look for in a watch (ie. What do I plan to use the watch for?) What do you plan to wear it with? What is my style? What do I want to communicate with he world? What brand/image do I want to associate with? Simple/minimalist/utilitarian, tough/body-building? Age? Body built? Work (current->aim)? Aspiration? lifestyle? Are you a make or female? Do you have favourite clothing brand? Hobbies?

    Personally, since the intoduction of Apple watch. I found at odd purchasing high end Swiss watches. Especially with their regulare price increases, and servicing needs (which might entails sending the watch in and the chance of it coming back not as you'd hope).

    Tissot is another good brand for entry level watch brand. The Visodate (if they still make one) is an a real watch bargain. A real handsome one at that.

    Ah also. To maximise your Swiss watch owning experience. Make sure to get mechanical model. The one that is powered by spring. Easiest way to see this is by looking at the second hand. They should move more smoothly than quartz powered watch. The mechanical watch seconds hand beats at around 6 to 8 times per second. (depending on how fast the movement's beat is… But that is whole other topic…)

    Or you could just keep the money and buy gold or something.

    Good luck!

    Also just read the comment regarding omega moonwatch and jomashop.

    1) omega and the speedmaster moonwatch is a really solid choice. Their new one with the dual barrel movement is really awesome.

    2) Best to purchase at local authorised dealer. That way you can be certain you get genuine watch with all the serial number intact. Plus you can try all the watches. No substitute than trying it in person.

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 13:31

      Thanks for your many helpful comments and advice! I appreciate your time and effort. :)

    • devpress on 16/10/2016 - 17:33
      +2

      A correction: as the owner of a Speedmaster (among others), you will not be able to purchase one brand new (from any AD or reputable seller) within the OP's budget. FYI Omega Boutique are pricing this north of $5k

      • ahoihoi on 16/10/2016 - 19:21
        +1

        Yup. He did said he took a fancy on it - to his wallet dismay <- implying that it is beyond the 2k original planned expenditure.

        I haven't check the normal Speedmaster. But my guess is that it would be close/around 10k. Omega is trying to move upmarket, and their latest offering with the 8000-series movement is quite expensive. The more interesting constricted edition version eg. Dark Side of the Moon, or Grey Side of the Moon is well north of 10k (iirc 12 or 14k).

        • ThadtheChad on 17/10/2016 - 12:22

          The normal speedmaster can be had for ~5k brand-new.

          DSOM is well past 12k. :) Absolutely love the history and looks on the Speedy.

          I would steer clear of the Omega boutique. I was after one of these and was quoted $7.2k. They were unwilling to budge on the price. Went to Schum's near Market City and was able to substantially haggle the price down to something in the $5-6k bracket.

        • driew on 19/10/2016 - 18:02
          +1

          @gearhead:

          I would also recommend Shum's. They gave a better price than Gregories and Watches of Swiss

  • zolinger on 16/10/2016 - 06:41

    OP, what type of watch are you looking for - a sport or dress watch?

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 13:14
      +1

      Dress watch.

      Also, I personally don't like the look of dive watches.

      • zolinger on 16/10/2016 - 23:52
        +3

        Have a look at Raymond Weil, Longines Masters' Collection, Frederique Constant and perhaps some of Tissot's Heritage lines. They're more dress watches than dive.

        • brotherfranciz on 17/10/2016 - 17:23

          Thanks, will check them out.

        • strinacha on 19/10/2016 - 18:57

          Am gonna say the same thing. If you stick with 2k watch I'll say go to longines hydro conquest chronograph auto retail around 3k talk to them maybe you can get it around 2k.
          Good luck

  • oscargamer on 16/10/2016 - 07:54

    i'm a big fan of this watch

    Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 2531.80

    • johnno07 on 19/10/2016 - 01:37

      Have had a 2223.80 on my wrist for the last 8-ish years. I love it.

      • oscargamer on 19/10/2016 - 17:37

        got to agree with you

  • bion83 on 16/10/2016 - 10:41

    Have a look at chrono24.com there plenty Omegas from Japanese sellers but you will probably have to pay around $3-4k to get a decent timepiece

  • havabeer on 16/10/2016 - 12:57
    +2

    Obviously some great classic watches are being suggested, I'd also look at…
    Nomos Glasshutte
    Junghans, Max Bill

    Don't just buy on brand though, quality and style first.

    • algy on 16/10/2016 - 20:03
      +1

      I really agree with these choices.

    • Pulseidon on 17/10/2016 - 13:38
      +1

      Agree 100%, not Swiss but who cares. These are brands offer excellent quality and their styling is incredible.

  • Sensiekatie on 16/10/2016 - 13:46
    +12

    As the wife of an independendent watchmaker (small one man business), more and more of these brands are not dealing with us any more. They expect their watches to go back to the factory and will do complete restorations only - at enormous prices. We had a customer with a problem in the watch itself but Rolex considered the band (18 carat) needed replacing too in their quote. She came to us at that point as the quote was more than the price of the watch. My husband took off the band and replaced it with a brand new leather band and they quoted less but wanted to return with an 18 ct band. He said she can't wear gold. The price of a new Rolex leather was ridiculous. Paul spoke directly with one of the watchmakers and just said send it back.

    He repaired the watch. A Jeweller friend repaired the band. He helped her choose and buy a refurbished plain dial. When she was next in the US she took her original diamond encrusted dial to a person he recommended. Total price was less than 1/10 of Rolex quote and it looks fabulous and goes well.

    My husband was trained by Swiss tutors and knows how to repair or make oarts etc. he had been endorsed and trained by Rolex too in NZ. We don't buy enough parts for their quota. Omega is the same and many more going that way. They also expect you to service every 12 months - batteries to include seals, crowns ect even if they are not worn.

    Hubbie can get parts for many watches through contacts overseas and at the End ofhe day, his price is so much less - and quicker - especially those that go back to Switzerland. It is to the point where it takes hours of research to track down parts which you can't charge the customer for.

    Many of these brands are no longer Swiss either - using movements from any where - even China.

    I would suggest getting a watch you like - unless you know someone you can talk to like my husband to ensure you get a model with a solid movement. This new stuff - even at that price - which seems a fortune I know - they are expecting it to last <5 years. Only the rich will pay the servicing prices they ask. So they get thrown away.

    If you want to get a decent Swiss watch - get a second hand one of the older classics - manual or automatic. We are seeing more and more automatics from our collectors.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/10/2016 - 20:15
      +2

      This is good to know. I just got my Omega Seamaster serviced for the first time in a decade, it cost me ~$900 i think. (That was at Omega in Melbourne).

      • MJ101 on 17/10/2016 - 12:18

        Yeah the service price is ridiculously high. I wanted to service my Seamaster (5 year old) and they said it will cost around $900. I can't see myself spending that much to service a watch!

        Anyone recommend a cheaper way to service these watches?

        • [Deactivated] on 17/10/2016 - 15:52
          +1

          Just do it when you have issues. I didn't service it until it stopped. It's right as rain now.

        • MJ101 on 18/10/2016 - 12:55

          @thorton82: Thanks! Will do that then.

    • JimB on 17/10/2016 - 10:25

      Hi,

      Can you PM me the details of your husband's business.

      I will keep it when I need my watches serviced.

      Thanks

      • Desailly on 18/10/2016 - 14:55

        I'd like the details too please if you don't mind.

        Cheers

    • [Deactivated] on 17/10/2016 - 17:09

      Also you should provide you husband's business details so we can go to him at a later date

  • devpress on 16/10/2016 - 17:37
    +5

    At $2k you will struggle to find what I would term a "good" Swiss watch.

    Someone mentioned Nomos earlier; they are worth checking out. It's an in-house brand, which is hard to find at their pricepoint.

    Most Swiss watches you'll buy at $2k pricepoint will have an ETAs movement or the like — basically an outsourced movement that the brand purchases and drops into their dial. Not saying there's anything wrong with ETA; they are solid, reliable movements. But still, depending on your perspective, some prefer in-house movements

    FWIW I'd suggest saving the $2k and increasing your budget for a "good" mechanical

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 19:27

      Yes, that's what I seem to have concluded as well. Not much available except the Baume & Mercier Classima for $2,250 (from Watches of Switzerland):

      http://www.baume-et-mercier.com/en/classima-10144.html

      To be honest, I feel sick spending that much money on 1 watch. :(

      In your opinion, what would be a "good" mechanical watch?

      • devpress on 17/10/2016 - 10:42
        +5

        "Good" is so subjective in so many situations … none more so than watches

        Some principles I try to follow now, after purchasing 7+ watches (cheapest of which was the Omega Speedmaster):

        • Do your research — like really do your research. Get to know the in's and out's about a watch - mechanical vs quartz, automatic vs self-winding, various aspects of the movements (escapement, hair spring, etc), etc etc. Having a good understanding of the product can help shape your thinking on what would be a good watch

        • Select a watch that sings to you. If it is above your budget, consider saving up for it. You're better off owning one really good watch - your "grail" - rather than 3 or 4 so-so watches

        Also:

        • If your budget really doesn't stretch and you really want a watch, you'd may want to consider pre-owned. A big disclaimer - you really should know what you're doing before getting into pre-owned (which harks back to my point above about knowing your product)

        • Going out on a limb here (at risk of starting a flame war), I wouldn't bother with TAGs, Tissots, Baume & Mercier, Maurice Lacroix, etc. etc. What's the difference between these watches? The logo, the case, the strap — in other words, nothing. At those price-points they are mass produced and aimed at middle management folks who don't really know much about mechanical watches.

        I can say much more - but will pause here. Happy to answer questions

        • tonsta on 19/10/2016 - 02:54
          -1

          'Good' marketing = good quality?

          How many people on this forum have worn more than different 3 Swiss watches for more than 2 hours?

          Seems the majority of contributors are basing quality on advertising spills and not real life experience.

          Personally have owned a dodgy seiko automatic since the 1990's, like Japanese cars you can go without a service and nothing seems to happen. Mines keeps time like it always has.

          So if quality = it's keeps working without service…. Then Japanese watches must be heads and shoulders above everyone.

          But if quality = style… Then just buy on the fact it looks good on you and how it makes your feel.

          Good luck.

        • devpress on 19/10/2016 - 08:29
          +1

          @tonsta:

          I don't know the other contributor to this thread, and neither do you I think, so I don't think its fair to assume about their experience with watches (or lack thereof).

          I can only speak for myself; I certainly more than meet your criteria of "3 Swiss watches for more than 2 hours"

          Your Seiko may keep ticking yes, but like all mechanical watches (or any mechanical contraption) it will start to degrade if not serviced. In this context, by degrade I mean start to lose accuracy in timekeeping, and eventually stop ticking all together due to parts being worn down.

          Quality is very subjective - no doubt.

        • tonsta on 19/10/2016 - 19:32

          @devpress: seiko still ticks, won't be repairing if it stops.

        • patinadiary on 20/10/2016 - 10:43
          +1

          I'll add my 2c here,

          1. As a general rule, I'd steer clear from buying any Swiss watches which is named after a person (Patek Phillipe aside!) viz. Tag Heuer, Maurice Lacroix, Baume & Mercier.
          2. If you want to only buy a swiss watch with reasonable price and good in house movement in a solid good looking case try Frederique Constant or my fav Tudor. If you are after something adventurous look at Nomos, Glashütte or Christopher Ward (UK) - These guys recently introduced a 5-day automatic movement absolutely gorgeous.
        • patinadiary on 20/10/2016 - 11:03

          I understand tastes vary, but here are some options to consider

          Oris Thelonious Monk Limited Edition Automatic (Ref. 733 7712 4085)
          Tudor Heritage Black Bay
          Christopher Ward C9 5 Day Automatic
          NOMOS Club White Dial

          I'll make an exception for
          Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Ultra-Slim - No in-house movement but uses a well regarded Peseaux 7001 movement.
          Longines Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph - Ref. L2.797.4.53.0 - This one is a solid monopusher, two-register, column-wheel chronograph.

    • macrocephalic on 18/10/2016 - 15:16
      -1

      Considering they're all outperformed by a $2 quartz movement, does it matter if it was in house or not?

      • devpress on 18/10/2016 - 16:52
        +1

        Would you buy a hand-woven rug or a machined rug?

        There is no right answer

        • macrocephalic on 18/10/2016 - 18:14

          Would I buy a $50 handmade rug from a local maker instead of a $20 rug from a shop? Probably. Would I pay $4000 the same rug? No.

        • devpress on 18/10/2016 - 21:28
          +4

          @macrocephalic:

          So, by your answer to my analogy, you would take a quartz over mechanical watch.

          Which is fine; it's your money, it's your life - you can buy whatever you think is better for your circumstance.

          However, just as someone would buy an antique car, rather than a brand new car with modern, reliable engines at the fraction of the price, that doesn't make their purchase any more or less rational, correct, good, or whatever.

          Assuming the OP understands the existence of quartz watches, then there really isn't the need to open up the "quartz vs mechanical" argument.

          With that, within the mechanical watch circle there are very valid points in considering in-house vs outsourced movements

        • tonsta on 19/10/2016 - 02:59
          +1

          @macrocephalic: $50 handmade?? That's a bit overpriced…. It's a lot cheaper if you choose ones where child labour is used. Is it a (profanity) Rug?:-P

    • Pacify on 19/10/2016 - 13:01
      +1

      At $2k you will struggle to find what I would term a "good" Swiss watch.

      Jesus christ, there I was thinking that $2000 for a watch was ridiculous lol

      • PJC on 19/10/2016 - 14:24

        Yes, and I was thinking I did well getting this :-
        http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/122108738491?_trksid=p2060353.m27…

        • Pacify on 19/10/2016 - 15:02
          +1

          I mean its just a watch right? Plus whats the point of a watch when people have their smartphones with them 24/7 haha

        • ThadtheChad on 19/10/2016 - 16:06
          +2

          @Pacify:

          If you're looking for something purely utilitarian, sure the $50-200 watch will do. If you're actually a watch aficionado and actually enjoy a piece of art/engineering/history on your wrist, then you're past the realms of simply telling the time. Moreover, for many people, it is an integral part of their ensemble.

          OzB spans multiple demographics, from guys looking to make "hacks to save $1.2 from Maccas" to folks keen on buying top notch kitchen appliances or (in this case) good watches. Being a bargain hunter does not mean they are frugal in all aspects of life; simply put, a lot of folk just want a good deal on things they'd buy anyway. :)

          Frugality has its place, but sometimes it's nice to revel in the finer things in life (if one can afford it ofcourse).

          Thought I'd just quote my response to someone who made a similar comment. From here

        • PJC on 19/10/2016 - 16:12
          +1

          @gearhead: Well, it is brand new, hand-assembled at Les Genevez in Switzerland. That picture doesn't really do it justice. Not bad for $40.

        • ThadtheChad on 19/10/2016 - 16:18
          +1

          @PJC:

          It is actually quite a nice looking watch. Not bad at all.

  • iwantmoney on 16/10/2016 - 18:20
    +2

    Within 2k, your best bet is probably Tissot. You could go for TAG if you want to stretch your budget a bit, but you might have to do some shopping around.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/10/2016 - 19:01
    +4

    Would you consider pre-owned watches? Although 2k might not give you a lot of choices you'll have a broader range to choose from if you don't mind looking at pre-owned watches. I've bought some watches from Melbourne brick-and-mortor stores like watchgallery.com.au and watchtime.com.au (I flew from Sydney to Melbourne with my free Amex tickets to pick up the watch). Sometimes their watches still comes with warranty. I bought a few-month-old watch from watchtime,com.au a couple of years ago and it was still under warranty and the warranty card has a stamp of Watches of Switzerland Melbourne. And sometimes they carry brand new watches as well. I bought another brand new watch from watchtime.com.au and although they are not the authorised seller, at least I know the shop has been around for quite a while and can always go back to the store if I have any issues (and the price was quite tempting).

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 19:29
      +2

      Unfortunately, I don't think my insurance will buy a pre-owned watch.

      I like your username by the way. :)

    • patinadiary on 20/10/2016 - 10:46
      +1

      A plus one, just for having my favourite watch brand as your user id.

  • Drj55 on 16/10/2016 - 19:45
    +3

    Can you spend the amount during sale? Hardy's and most high end watch stores like Gregory's go 30% off between Xmas and NYE

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 19:59
      +2

      Oh didn't know that, thanks for the tip! The burglary happened on 1st July, and it's taken this long to get to this point in the replacement process… so I'm sure my insurer won't mind waiting another few months…

  • Save Medicare on 16/10/2016 - 20:04
    +1

    Grand Seiko quartz can be had for around $2k, if you're into that

    • brotherfranciz on 16/10/2016 - 20:12

      Just thought I should say that I didn't downvote you!

      I'm looking for a Swiss watch, but from the sound of things so far, I think I might need to lower my expectations way down…

      Thanks for your reply anyway. :)

    • JimB on 17/10/2016 - 10:26
      +1

      Can you get a Grand Seiko for $2k in Australia Tony?

  • algy on 16/10/2016 - 20:08

    If the style works for you the best choice I think is a Nomos.

  • lovestorm catcher on 16/10/2016 - 22:42

    I like this Oris Big Crown Complication Moonphase.

  • pitiek on 16/10/2016 - 23:20
    +2

    How about a Swiss watch with Japanese movement?

    Check out SevenFriday…

    I have one P series and one M series from their range…

    https://www.sevenfriday.com/en-au/home

    My personal favourite is the Woody which incorporated actual wooden case…

    http://www.ablogtowatch.com/sevenfriday-p2b03-w-woody-limite…

    Well respected brand with unique design…

    • brotherfranciz on 17/10/2016 - 18:04
      +1

      Wow, really unique-looking watches! Added to my Pinterest list. Thanks. :)

      • Whodis on 17/10/2016 - 19:46

        Seven Fridays are Chinese made if I remember correctly and letters fall off the face.

      • pitiek on 17/10/2016 - 21:28

        Cheers…
        Let me know if you need any advice since I have met the distributor (MAD Australia)…

  • rave75 on 16/10/2016 - 23:22
    +3

    For 2k, I personally like Frederique Constant. For less than 1k, Tissot is good as well. Remember, you can get 20% off from brick and mortar shops. I got both my frederique and tissot at around 20% discount.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/10/2016 - 23:58
    +1

    RE: jomashop , I picked up a Tissot PRC200 about 5 years ago from them no problems. From memory I got it via amazon us - they were the seller.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/10/2016 - 00:01

      And regarding the watch itself - I love it :). The prefer the older model to the current Tissot PRC200 - still looks good though.

  • John on 17/10/2016 - 00:05
    +2

    Few months back I got burgled and lost my camera gear. Total was almost $20,000. They offered part cash replacement and part replacement item. But I just opt for all cash and they were more than happy to pay cash (note that if they could buy the item from their preferred supplier, then the replacement cash will be as much as it would cost them to buy it). Then I use my money to shop around, wait for sale, claim TRS, buy secondhand etc. I saved a lot more that way.

    Why don't you just do that? My insurance was SGIO btw and they were really good.

    • brotherfranciz on 17/10/2016 - 17:35

      Sorry to hear about your burglary, $20K wow! Mine all up including the electronics is around $6K value.

      Thanks for the advice, I actually sent my insurer an email late last night enquiring about the option for a cash payment instead, after reading through this thread and thinking about what I want…

      I think I just don't know enough about Swiss watches at this point in my life to spend $2K on something I probably won't appreciate.

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