Hello guys, I am getting married in ~4 months, and I have the task of finalizing a wedding watch for myself. Since me and my partner have multiple significant expenses coming, the budget of the watch is set to be anywhere from $700-$1500. I can maybe stretch a bit more if it is an absolutely jaw-dropping watch. This will be my first Swiss watch purchase, as the other ones I have are either Japanese or quartz. I’m also open to vintage suggestions, but sourcing them might be problematic.

I’m also torn about whether I should splurge on a brand with history & heritage or go for a microbrand like Farer, Maen, or Baltic, which are making amazing timepieces but lack the history.

Some watches or brands I love :

  1. Longines (Hydroconquest, Master Collection)
  2. Alpina ( Startimer Pilot Big Date Chronograph Limited Edition)
  3. Oris (Big Pointer Date)
  4. Zodiac (Super Sea Wolf)
  5. Any watch from Farer (probably my favourite microbrand)
  6. Hamilton (Murph)

We are looking forward to your suggestions. I am excited to own a new timepiece, especially one that is going to mark such an important life milestone for me :)

  • zinterz@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I’d go with a Farer. Sounds like you love them. You’re about to make your own history with your spouse, do the same with your watch. Don’t rely on its own history.

    I’d do something totally different, but from your options, go with something YOU love… nobody else.

  • clm1859@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I would go with an Oris big crown pointer date or a longines master collection. The divers and chronos seem a bit too sporty for the occasion.

    This is assuming you can find them in budget and you’re also going to have some use for them afterwards. Like if you live on a beach in hawaii and go surfing every day, then maybe prioritise the long term use of a diver.

    Personally i have an oris aquis and am very happy with it, as well as with the brand as a whole. Its very customer friendly in my experience and has a cool vibe.

    • Mrnottoobright@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      I love the big crown pointer date, especially the 80th anniversary one with the bronze case. It’s a little bit out of my budget new, but maybe I can find a slightly used one. I agree with you that divers look a bit out of place for the occasion.

      Even the vintage Big crowns looks stunning although they are 34mm

      • clm1859@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        Yes agreed! I am also considering the big crown pointer date, specificaly the all bronze with red dial, for my next piece. But i would probably recommend the more versatile steel one for your use case.

        Depending on where you are, jomashop might be an option. They usually sell stuff significantly cheaper and new. Maybe they have a big crown in your budget.

      • jadenthesatanist@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        Also don’t hesitate to haggle with an AD for one. I was offered 20% off when I bought my Pointer Date new without even asking for a discount.