[Jed]

Yeah, I know, I should save up and get a Rolex, IWC, Panerai, Philippe Patek, A. Lange & Söhne, etc.

Now that's out of the way...

Just wanted to get some input on some watches that are non-mainstream. Thinking about the Sinn 203 (Sinn Frankfurt Financial District Watch is also gorgeous). Doxas are a little too chunky for my taste. Also the Hamilton Khaki Chrono is something I'd consider. Debaufre has some decent offerings too.

Any experiences with watches listed above? I know Hammys are solid picks, but interested in opinions with the Sinn and Debaufre.

Please don't recommend Invictas or fashion watches like Burberry or Gucci, etc.

Just looking for a good everyday watch to mix it up and expand the collection. Only have a Tag Link, Tag Carrera Automatic Chronometre (rubber bracelet) and an Omega Seamaster 300M Pro Co-Axial.

Going to also pick up a Seiko Diver Automatic as a beater and get a NATO strap-great looking watch!

[TTexan]

Don't know if I'd say Sinn or Hamilton are non-mainstream, but I can see where you're going.

If I were to choose between the two, I'd go with the Sinn. I have friends with Sinn's, never owned one personally, but they seem to be pleased.

[Feyd]

I've owned a couple Sinns and they are rock solid.

People also usually have great things to say about Debaufre, though I've never owned one. I've owned a couple Steinhart watches in my day and supposedly they are made in the same factory as the Debaufre watches in Germany.

I like (and have owned) DOXAs, but hear what you are saying. Size is subjective, but the 1200t, etc. that use the 42mm cases really aren't that big IMO.


Might also check out Muhle Glasshutte for something not-so-common, but really nice. I'm particularly fond of the Rasmus/Marinus watches. Just look so nice and meaty.

I'd assume you've been here if you have been looking at Sinns, but just in case you haven't run across it:

http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/home.asp

They've got Muhle watches there.



Also look into Ball. Never personally owned one, but know people who do and they wear by them. The Engineer Hydrocarbon line is something I've really been liking lately.

Christopher Ward has some nice offerings. Good value for the money, but while the brand might not be so main-stream, the styles really venture that direction..

Good luck....

[Alexander]

Chase Durer! I've got one, awesome quality, low key piece.

Mine:
http://www.amazon.com/Chase-Durer-24.../dp/B001GQ1TQ6

[Chest Rockwell]

Gucci actually has a pretty good movement in them. Have you ever heard of Kobold? They make some pretty cool pieces. Don't get a Rolex, all that leads to is everyone asking you if it's real or not, and now a days there are replicas that most people couldn't tell apart.

How much are you looking to spend and what occasions are you looking to use it for? That's going to make a huge difference on what I would recommend.

Check out Ball, Bell & Ross, Anonimo (made in the factory that use to make Panerai before they moved), Corum, Cuervo y Sobrinos, DeWitt (one of my dream watches), Roger Dubuis, Girard-Perregaux, Glaschutte, Jaeger-LeCoultre (my next watch), Maurice Lacroix, Longines, Franck Muller, Ulysse Nardin, Vascheron Constantine, Zenith.

I know some of those are "main stream" but I can almost guarantee you won't run into too many other people wearing them unless you run with a very upscale crowd. I absolutely love watches!! If I didn't have someone to keep me in check I would be broke but have a great watch collection. Oh, one last one is Romain Jerome if you're looking for something truly unique.

Chest

[ZJP]

Originally Posted by Jed

Also the Hamilton Khaki Chrono is something I'd consider

Go with this.^

I'm actually buying a Hamilton Khaki X-Wind pretty soon. They're great looking watches, not many people have them and the pricing on them is pretty fair.

[Jed]

Originally Posted by Chest Rockwell

Gucci actually has a pretty good movement in them. Have you ever heard of Kobold? They make some pretty cool pieces. Don't get a Rolex, all that leads to is everyone asking you if it's real or not, and now a days there are replicas that most people couldn't tell apart.

How much are you looking to spend and what occasions are you looking to use it for? That's going to make a huge difference on what I would recommend.

Check out Ball, Bell & Ross, Anonimo (made in the factory that use to make Panerai before they moved), Corum, Cuervo y Sobrinos, DeWitt (one of my dream watches), Roger Dubuis, Girard-Perregaux, Glaschutte, Jaeger-LeCoultre (my next watch), Maurice Lacroix, Longines, Franck Muller, Ulysse Nardin, Vascheron Constantine, Zenith.

I know some of those are "main stream" but I can almost guarantee you won't run into too many other people wearing them unless you run with a very upscale crowd. I absolutely love watches!! If I didn't have someone to keep me in check I would be broke but have a great watch collection. Oh, one last one is Romain Jerome if you're looking for something truly unique.

Chest

I'm just looking for a watch in the 1K-1.5K range tops. Just something more unique than what most are wearing and build the collection and vary it. In terms of use, just everyday work use.

As for the others you mentioned, not looking right now for those. I want to appreciate some of the offerings at lower tiers as I start into this hobby, I think then I could really appreciate higher end watches-if that makes sense. The watch I really want down the road is an IWC Portuguese Yacht Club. But I think before that I'd love to get a Speedy Pro first. Always loved that watch!

Thanks for the input everyone!!!

[Jed]

Originally Posted by ZJP

Go with this.^

I'm actually buying a Hamilton Khaki X-Wind pretty soon. They're great looking watches, not many people have them and the pricing on them is pretty fair.

As I've done some research, I understand that Hammys use the same movements as some of the Tags and better constructed overall, regardless of price point.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by Chest Rockwell

. Don't get a Rolex, all that leads to is everyone asking you if it's real or not, and now a days there are replicas that most people couldn't tell apart.

Chest

I've worn a Rolex SS Submariner for years now. I think its the most counterfeited watch in the world. I have never been asked if its real. I guess it all depends on the person wearing it. Anyway, I know its authentic and dont care if someone questioned whether it is or not.

[Feyd]

Originally Posted by Jed

As I've done some research, I understand that Hammys use the same movements as some of the Tags and better constructed overall, regardless of price point.

It's because Hamiliton is part of the Swatch Group... who happens to also own ETA. So they basically don't pay the middle man for the movements because they are the middle man (hence the lower price-points). I have a Khaki X-Wind... Super nice watch and get compliments on it all the time, but it's hardly rare IMO.

You ever looked into STOWA? Their Seatime/Prodiver looks really nice and understated on it's bracelet. Seems to be under your price-point too.

[Jed]

Originally Posted by Feyd

It's because Hamiliton is part of the Swatch Group... who happens to also own ETA. So they basically don't pay the middle man for the movements because they are the middle man (hence the lower price-points). I have a Khaki X-Wind... Super nice watch and get compliments on it all the time, but it's hardly rare IMO.

You ever looked into STOWA? Their Seatime/Prodiver looks really nice and understated on it's bracelet. Seems to be under your price-point too.

Ah ok, I knew that Swatch owned ETA, but didn't know that Hamilton was a part of them. Thanks for the info! As for Hamiltons, I just don't see them that often, the guys that wear the "nice" watches at that price point wear the normal TAGs.

Yes, started looking at Stowa last night. Very nice pieces.

[Red Bread]

I wear a Sinn 856 everday. I've sold my Rolex and Minerva because they were more formal than what I really want to wear. I will probably buy a second watch fairly soon, eyeballing a Glashutte Original or possibly a Ball.

I have nothing but good things to say about Sinn and the guys at Watch Buys.

Stowa and Jorg Schaueur have some nice timepieces, a few friends have each and they're impressive pieces.

[TMNT]

What about Hublot?

I don't know if they are considered mainstream or underground, but their watches are awesome but hella expensive.

I saw one the other day on "sale" for 37k lol

[Feyd]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Stowa and Jorg Schaueur have some nice timepieces, a few friends have each and they're impressive pieces.

I ordered a Fleiger Original back in November of 2008... supposed to get it February 2012.

It will so be worth the wait though.

[Georgeair]

I'm a huge fan of the design, history and styles of the Chronoswiss line. Plus, it's almost as German as your car!

Edit; I missed your budget range in a later post. These will be more than that, but still you won't see them coming and going on ever arm!

[Jed]

This looks interesting:

http://www.xetum.com/

The Tyndall is a handsome watch.

[Trijicon]

Originally Posted by ZJP

Go with this.^

I'm actually buying a Hamilton Khaki X-Wind pretty soon. They're great looking watches, not many people have them and the pricing on them is pretty fair.

I have the Hamilton Frogman Chrono and its a great looking watch. Paired with a NATO strap and your golden. I get more compliments on this watch than my Seamaster.

[Trijicon]

Definitely look at Bell & Ross. Very unique looking watch with contemporary design. This will probably be my next watch.

[TTexan]

Originally Posted by Trijicon

Definitely look at Bell & Ross. Very unique looking watch with contemporary design. This will probably be my next watch.

Tough to find one in the $1,000-$1,500 budget.

[Wakka]

I've got a movado that I get tons of compliments on. Might be a little too 'main stream' for you, but its in the right price range.

[Chest Rockwell]

Originally Posted by Trijicon

Definitely look at Bell & Ross. Very unique looking watch with contemporary design. This will probably be my next watch.

I'm not a huge fan of them but I had a chance to pick up one of the Airborne's before they sold out and I didn't do it. I kind of regret it but I was in Afghanistan at the time and couldn't justify dropping 5K on a watch I hadn't seen in person not being a fan of the line to begin with. Definately nice watches, just not my style.

To the OP, I would say in the 1-1.5k range see if you can't find a broker you trust and see what is out there used. I know there is a great feeling associated with buying something brand new, but on a luxury item like a watch you can usually get a 30-60% savings if you pick one up used. You have to either work with someone you trust or know a lot about watches though to avoid getting scammed.

Chest

[Feyd]

Just had a thought....

Might also look into Tutima... not too common.

http://www.tutima.com/en/