Another option, for a classic pilot's watch, might be a pre-owned IWC. That would be at the upper end of the OP's price range, but it would be exactly what he's after.
The two brands I would look at for a neat chronograph are Ball Watch and Steinhart.
Ball watch is quickly becoming my favorite watch brand. Once you experience one of their tritium encrusted dials it’s hard to get excited again about lume paint. I have a Ball Fireman Storm Chaser Chronograph that has been a fantastic watch. Ball can be expensive but there are certainly great deals to be had if you look around.
On the more affordable side is Steinhart. They punch waaaay above their price tag in my experience. Steinhart just released two new titanium flieger style chronographs that are interesting. Both have a Valjoux 7750 automatic movement with a display case back and all for just barely over a grand. Steinhart offers a tremendous bang for your buck that is hard to beat when you look at the cost of other titanium cased watches.
Originally posted by YellowJacket: When I think pilot watch I think Breitling Navitimer. Not necessarily my cup of tea, but sort of iconic. I also like the IWC Big Pilot and the Fortis Flieger Professional Chrono.
PLEASE find me a Breitling Navitimer for $3K.
My 1970 806 Navitimer will set you back around $4.5K now.
Posts: 11494 | Location: UK, OR, ONT | Registered: July 10, 2003
I am a Seiko guy. I have (12). All automatics. Mechanically sound, complements all the time. I have 1 chrono. I like color in my watches. Orange, yellow, blue etc. I am very partial to the Turtles and Monsters. Pickle Rick.
______________________________ " Formally known as GotDogs "
I have a Kobold Professional A that was bought in 1994 for $650. It was made by Sinn as were some of the Bell and Ross chronographs of the day. Mine looks identical to the Sinn watches currently on their website which now go for $2000-$2500. Mine has perfomed well for the past 26 years. It has a very technical look, which I like. I have also been looking at the various classic used Omega Speedmaster watches on sites like www.crownandcaliber.com and www.swisswatchexpo.com both have good reputations and I can vouch for Crown and Caliber, having dealt with them. If you want to save some money, check out the Alpina Startimer on Amazon. It's a $350 quartz chronograph that reminds me of an IWC. I bought the black case version. I've had mine for two days now and am impressed.
Posts: 2561 | Location: Central Virginia | Registered: July 20, 2015
Originally posted by ElToro: no offense to any of these brands and I'm sure they are all nice timepieces and will give good service l, But take a look at the used prices of any of them first. Then take a look at used Rolex, omega, or Patek prices.
THIS!
For $3k, I think you'd do very well to buy yourself a nice pre-owned Rolex Datejust or similar, or an Omega. You can swing a pre-owned Omega Speedmaster with that money.
This one particular seller. I just filtered it because I know he does a nice trade in this range.
I really felt like I was spending too much when I got my Rolex Explorer II a few mos. ago. But damn, that watch has been appreciating more than I'd ever earn with that money in the bank. I might as well enjoy it while it earns for me.
Posts: 3821 | Location: Cave Creek, AZ | Registered: October 24, 2005
Originally posted by Rick Lee: I really felt like I was spending too much when I got my Rolex Explorer II a few mos. ago. But damn, that watch has been appreciating more than I'd ever earn with that money in the bank. I might as well enjoy it while it earns for me.
My former wife bought me a stainless Rolex Daytona brand new in 1974 for $475. When she left some 20 years later, I decided the watch should go as well. Sold it to a local jeweler for $3500 and bought a pre-owned Rolex GMT II for $1600. The Daytona is now worth about $20,000 and I thought I had made some bad gun deals! Then again, the GMT II is now worth about $11,000 so I can't complain too much.
Posts: 2561 | Location: Central Virginia | Registered: July 20, 2015
Stainless steel Rolex sport watches are unobtanium at dealers now. If you can get a dealer to call you when he gets one in (good luck!) and you only pay retail, no matter what it is, you will never lose money and you will probably make a lot if you ever decide to sell. I like my Rolex, but I like my IWCs more. Thing is, IWCs don't retain value and Rolexes do.
Posts: 3821 | Location: Cave Creek, AZ | Registered: October 24, 2005
I love Rolex or Omega. Whichever you choose, talk to Dave Truong. I have had many transactions with him and cannot recommend him more highly. An absolute gentleman.
