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**InfernoSTi** · 03-26-2010, 07:51 PM

I'm not sure about good sites for used watches but I can tell you I think that is an excellent gift. Kids (that really young under 30 group) really have changed about how they see a watch. They all have always had cell phones so they see the watch as a fashion accessory and/or status symbol much more than a time piece. Theirs is a group that seems to prefer authentic motions and/or classic design...very similar to the analog audio movement, in a way!

I have this TAG Carrera that I get a compliment on every time I wear it:

http://www.amazon.com/Heuer-Carrera-.../dp/B001GBMO0Q

Last week, a waiter stopped to talk to me about it and said he was hoping to get a nice watch from his Uncle for an upcoming birthday. My TAG was a gift and will always make that special feeling when I wear it.

If you can't find a good used watch that you like, here is a watch that I have that also gets a lot of compliments...it is more sophisticated than the sportier TAG and under $1,000 from the right dealer:

http://www.worldlux.com/cgi-bin/navi...roogle_sponsor

I hope this helps keep you moving in the right direction...again, what an excellent choice of gifts. The hope is that it will be of heritage quality and last him a lifetime.

**tako_tsubo** · 03-27-2010, 12:05 AM

Yes...I think he has been thinking of the classics lately. We had a great conversation during his spring break about....of all things, Vinyl. I have about 300 records stored in the basement...primarily late 70s to late 80's rock and jazz. Many of the late 80's played only a few times as I got into CD's. The old record player I had just needs a new rubber band....he wants to learn how to set a turntable up now.

Thanks on that wordlux site. Right now a Stowa is up on the list...tho that Weil looks so Money!

**InfernoSTi** · 03-27-2010, 01:06 AM

Which Stowa model are you looking at? Here is a nice article on Stowa Marine...

http://home.watchprosite.com/show-nblog.post/ti-541716/

**tako_tsubo** · 03-29-2010, 12:18 PM

Looking at the Fleiger...and the Marine.

In looking thru some of the sites....I personally like the smaller companies. Still being handmade. classic styling. Another watch company that looking intersting is the Xetum or the Praesto

My son may just go for Brand recognition first...but this research is probabbly something my own wallet does not need.

In the article I had to smile at the statement that the Stowa makes a nice "gateway watch"....

**InfernoSTi** · 03-29-2010, 10:41 PM

Well, I really like all four of your choices. I'm sure there are others...keep researching! Oh, and as for the "brand" thing...I would think the extra time spent selecting a watch might mean a little more to your son, particularly over the years.

Each looks and feels very unique it seems. The Stowa with lots of history, the Xetum and the Praesto modern and new. The Praesto warns of being heavy and to my eye is the most modern of these watches. I suppose the choice is very personal and based on the individual you are giving it to...but I have to say I really love the Stowa Marine. Tremendous history (seems important for a gift of this significance) and a gorgeous watch...especially with the black band with stitching!

Thank you for sharing your research...it is very enjoyable to look at these watches.

John

**SomeCiscoGuy** · 03-30-2010, 08:15 PM

Make sure to check out timezone.com - I spent a lot of time there last year when I was trying to figure out which piece to purchase.

If your son is into things vintage, there is a decent looking Omega Seamaster Chrono: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5015221&rid=0

A non-vintage Omega: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5015002&rid=0

A decent looking Tag: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5011424&rid=0

And here's a Stowa to look at as well: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5015021&rid=0

It really depends on what you think he'll appreciate - if name recognition is his thing, you should have no problem finding a used Omega or Tag in the price range your looking for. You can find new Movado in that price range as well.

**tako_tsubo** · 03-31-2010, 02:39 PM

The more I look into the forums....the more I find interesting new watch companies.

Another is the Promethius. Too bad their Flieger style is handwind only at this time.
Inferno, any comments on the Promethius?

Thanks Cisco...timezone.com is a pretty good site. I have looked at the used market....but somehow missed that Stowa! Not ready yet tho to step up to the plate...

watchuseek.com has me busy also.

**InfernoSTi** · 03-31-2010, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by tako_tsubo

Another is the Promethius. Too bad their Flieger style is handwind only at this time. Inferno, any comments on the Promethius?

I don't really know Prometheus but took a quick look at their aviator, the Recon 5. Wow, is that a great looking watch! Very solid, practical, and made for use. I didn't do enough looking to really get a feel for market acceptance, but the mechanism they are using sounds solid per the reviews (Swiss Unitas 6497-1), although as you say, not automatic.

They are a new company (2008) with a spirit not dissimilar to Tweak City Audio in that they are only on-line and have a strong forum following. Their diver was designed as a competition on their forum!

Their watches seem to not be over done, if a bit large. Obviously the concern is where they will be in five years (these are tough times, for sure). On the other hand, their quality for the money appears to be well situated and manageable.

The big question still is brand vs style vs distinction: what is the right balance for such a gift? Getting two out of three for a reasonable price seems very doable. Three out of three is out there, but quite elusive! I like it but perhaps I am a bit ambivalent for this particular gift for my taste. Just an opinion that doesn't really count, so take it with a grain of salt, please.

**InfernoSTi** · 03-31-2010, 10:21 PM

Love that vintage Omega Seamaster!

Originally posted by SomeCiscoGuy

Make sure to check out timezone.com - I spent a lot of time there last year when I was trying to figure out which piece to purchase.

If your son is into things vintage, there is a decent looking Omega Seamaster Chrono: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5015221&rid=0

A non-vintage Omega: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5015002&rid=0

A decent looking Tag: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5011424&rid=0

And here's a Stowa to look at as well: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=5015021&rid=0

It really depends on what you think he'll appreciate - if name recognition is his thing, you should have no problem finding a used Omega or Tag in the price range your looking for. You can find new Movado in that price range as well.

**tako_tsubo** · 04-01-2010, 12:50 AM

I keep going back to that Omega....but over my price limit. And I know better than to rush things. Get the research done...and I will know when 3/3 arrives.

**SomeCiscoGuy** · 04-01-2010, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by tako_tsubo

I keep going back to that Omega....but over my price limit. And I know better than to rush things. Get the research done...and I will know when 3/3 arrives.

If you really like the Omega, make an offer - in today's economy, the owner may be looking to get rid of it. A sad but stark reality, and if you have the money, take advantage of it.

Also, depending on where you live, go to some of the higher end jewelry stores - almost all of them have an "estate" section where you can purchase pre-owned watches, many of them in great shape. Remember that everything is negotiable (even new), and the store will probably give good deal since they're going to make money on the piece without having to pay the manufacturer (for the items in the "estate" section). Cash in hand is a very powerful negotiating tool.

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