Cartier Tank vs. TAG Heur vs. Used Omega
Hey monkeys,
Got a little spending money for a watch for graduation and was wondering what you guys think of the options. I don’t want to spend over 2500, but I want a watch that’s nice but not too flashy for an analyst.
Cartier Tank- $2500 New, leather band. Nice watch but seems flashy. This is the top of my budget but it seems like an iconic piece.
TAG- Any Tag seems to be a good starter watch. I think I can get one for $1500-2000 ish. Looks nice, but seems like a poor man’s wanna be Rolex.
Omega- I’ve seen a few on Tourneau’s for $2000 used. Really nice, but again it is used and I could get a brand new Cartier for marginally more.
Personally, I’m leaning towards the Cartier. It seems like a watch that people would recognize as respectable. Again tho, don’t wanna be a douche but I want a watch that I can reward myself with that I’ll wear for a long long time.
If you are talking about the Cartier tank with the quartz movement I wouldn’t go that route. I would personally recommend the omega (depends on the model), they are more of a “pure” watchmaker as Cartier is more of a jewelry brand (especially the tank). It will hold its value better and will be a better made product. Ultimately as I’ve said many times in other threads get the watch you will enjoy.
Yea, I’m just not sure how practical a Cartier tank would look everyday. What kind of rep does a Tag get as an analyst? I get enjoying the watch, but I don’t want to look like a fuck on day one
I guess I’m heading towards a more dress watch for a good price. I don’t want to sound like a rube, but couldn’t you wear both a Tag and Omega as a “dress watch” as well? All 3 are nice. I’m a cheap MF so my mind says Tag but my heart wants a fancy watch like a Cartier or Omega. Just weighing the options here.
tissot powermatic 80 looks like an oyster perpetual, is automatic with a long power reserve, and will only cost you a K. a white face would be good for dressy and from afar people will like you have a Rolex if that’s what you want.
Although you cannot go wrong with a Tag/Omega many at your price point are not automatic/mechanical. I personally would recommend looking at watches like:
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Hamilton Intra-matic auto chrono Longines Avigation Big Eye
Just some ideas.
I’ve seen good things about Hamilton watches. Would you throw Tissot in there? I’ve heard great watches for like 800
I currently have 2 Hamilton watches and love them. I would consider the higher end Tissots to be in the same category as Hamilton. Tissot generally has a more classic design compared to the unique look of most Hamilton’s.
If you’re trying to buy something really nice, why are you limiting yourself with a budget?
If you don’t have the funds for it, suggest using the ~$2k you have now for a really good custom suit and shoes (see black lapel and alden/AE for brands to start). They’re more noticeable than a watch.
Look man, I wish I could buy shit with no budget but I’m not there yet lol. I have a few good looking suits and custom shirts already so I wanted a watch. Cheers to you for no budget tho hahah
I depends on how you see it. Do you want to buy a piece that you will keep your entire life, if so buy a new watch not a used one, so I’d go for the Cartier one but please don’t buy any quartz watch, buy a self-winding one. If you want this as a first watch and potentially sell it to upgrade it after few years, buying a used one will allow you to have better retention value if not make a profit out of your purchase.
I’ve decided I’m gonna go with the Cartier probably. I’ve never bought a watch so do you know if I can negotiate prices for a new watch? I know used is easier to get discounted.
Haven’t bought many watches in my life so take this with a pinch of salt. I wouldn’t normally negotiate the price of a watch BUT with Covid retailers will likely be desperate to sell inventory once the quarantine is over thus likely to make you a discount.
I would go on watch specific forums (ie reddit) to get a better sense for that question. Ie where to buy it, how much of a discount to ask for etc!
For a Cartier it won't hurt to try to negotiate. Not sure if you will be successful. If you tried to do that when buying a Patek 5711 or any Rolex sports watch the AD would tell you to GTFO.
I'd definitely stay away from anything quartz as said above. Mechanical preferably automatic is the way to go.
Tissot makes great entry level watches. The new Tissot Powermatic Silicum in white is an amazing value. Seiko also makes some decent pieces under $1k, specifically thinking of the Sarb 033 and Sarx 045.
If you are unsure I'd get something referenced above and take your time before throwing a couple Gs on a watch because you feel obligated to.
Thanks for the advice. Totally agree. Btw SB for the username haha
You are referring to Tag Heuer as a poor man's wanna be Rolex, but seem to neglect that a Cartier Tank is basically a poor man's JLC Reverso WITH A BATTERY. For that price range, you can find some very decent Grand Seiko's or vintage Omega's (even a Speedmaster Reduced if you're lucky)
For that price range I would try to see if you can find an Omega Speedmaster. I haven't checked in a while but I seem to remember they used to go for about 3k.
It's probably the only watch in that price range that you'll still want to wear in 10, 20, 30 years. Looks great in the summer with a NATO strap.
If not, there are a couple of interesting Tudors (Dark Black Bay 2019, Black Bay GMT...)
I'm going to go WAY below budget and ask if you've considered a Seiko SKX 007 or 009?
Hear me out here, there are two types of people out there: Watch geeks and people who care about looks.
The people who care about looks will like it because it honestly looks like a basic Rolex. The 009 even has the iconic Rolex 'Pepsi' color scheme.
The watch geeks will appreciate that it's the best entry level automatic out there. It's more 'street cred on a budget' than anything else, but that's way better than some overpriced vanity quartz watch.
The best thing is that it'll set you back less than $250.
Labore et vero error ea et aspernatur possimus. Aliquid velit perspiciatis est aut libero maxime consequuntur. Tempora explicabo laborum minus quo.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...