Suggestions needed for non fussy or needy watch…

[MamaBee]

I hope I’m in the right section. If not..please move me..Sorry!

I would like to replace my Raymond Weil watch which I have had for over 20 years. I’ve only had to change the battery..I wore it every day up until Covid. I never felt the need to upgrade it. I thought it would be nice now to get an upgrade. I don‘t want a large face..Smaller is better for me..I want it to last as this will probably be my last watch. I will be a OWTRTA! I’ve been doing some research..The watches I’ve been looking at all seem needy. They all seem to need watch winders, rehab after five years..etc. I want to put a pretty watch on my wrist and forget about it. I don’t need to have to baby anything else in my life. Does anyone have a suggestion? I also don’t want to spend $15k on a watch because it would be a waste on me. I don’t understand quartz, automatic, mechanical, etc..Help me please..

 

[dk168]

Forget "mechanical" if you don't want to wind the watch; quartz means powered by a battery or solar cell. Not 100% what is meant by "automatic", however, it should not need manual winding at least.

I am a big fan of Ebel Beluga for their bracelets which is unique IMHO, and I have 2 so far, and am eyeing a third.

I also like the look of Cartier Ballon Bleu and Blanc, however, not a fan of the stainless steel bracelet (the Princess of Wales in UK has one).

I also like Chopard Happy whatever with the loose diamonds encased in the dial. Again, Happy Sport watches that I have seen and liked have an interesting stainless steel bracelet that I like.

In case you have not come across this site, try searching on https://www.chrono24.com/ and apply different filters to suit your taste, need and budget. Great fun!

On a personal perspective, I like round/oval/curvy cases, MOP dials with diamonds, interesting curvy stainless steel bracelets and as many diamonds on the case as budget allows.

I prefer SS bracelet as it is low maintenance. If one wears more than one scent, then it may not be a good idea to have a leather bracelet as it will absorb the scent.

Good luck with your search.

DK

 

[whitewave]

I love my Cartier tank. I also have a Ebel Beluga that has been effortless

 

[MamaBee]

Forget "mechanical" if you don't want to wind the watch; quartz means powered by a battery or solar cell. Not 100% what is meant by "automatic", however, it should not need manual winding at least.

I am a big fan of Ebel Beluga for their bracelets which is unique IMHO, and I have 2 so far, and am eyeing a third.

I also like the look of Cartier Ballon Bleu and Blanc, however, not a fan of the stainless steel bracelet (the Princess of Wales in UK has one).

I also like Chopard Happy whatever with the loose diamonds encased in the dial. Again, Happy Sport watches that I have seen and liked have an interesting stainless steel bracelet that I like.

In case you have not come across this site, try searching on https://www.chrono24.com/ and apply different filters to suit your taste, need and budget. Great fun!

On a personal perspective, I like round/oval/curvy cases, MOP dials with diamonds, interesting curvy stainless steel bracelets and as many diamonds on the case as budget allows.

I prefer SS bracelet as it is low maintenance. If one wears more than one scent, then it may not be a good idea to have a leather bracelet as it will absorb the scent.

Good luck with your search.

DK

Thank you @dk168! I’ll check them all out!

 

[MamaBee]

I love my Cartier tank. I also have a Ebel Beluga that has been effortless

What do you have to do to maintain your tank? Please be specific as I’m a watch newbie..Which one do you have? Thanks!

 

[rainwood]

I just got a Cartier tank solar beat. You don't have to do anything. The solar battery is supposed to last 16 years. They can be hard to find, but I bought mine online from an authorized dealer. You might have to replace the vegan leather (made from apples!) band after awhile but that's probably it.

 

[whitewave]

What do you have to do to maintain your tank? Please be specific as I’m a watch newbie..Which one do you have? Thanks!

I have the stainless steel with black strap. I don’t do anything to it and it’s slimline and sleek. Goes with everything and is both dressy and casual

 

[luckygreen317]

My first watch investment was a Raymond Weil that I have had for over 30 years now. I haven’t worn in 15 years since it’s a yellow gold finish which I don’t wear anymore. The design is still a classic and a quality brand.

My 2nd watch investment was a Concord Saratoga stainless steel MOP face and diamond accents about 15 years ago. It is a substantial watch in design and weight. A classic style and a quality brand.

Both watches have needed battery replacements over the years and I have always gone to a reputable jeweler that can accommodate the “water resistant”. Neither watch has needed any sort of maintenance.

My mom has had an Ebel for over 15 years, another fine brand that has neededany maintenance other than battery replacement.

I have wanted a mixed metal watch for some time. I have been considering an Omega Constellation and Cartier Ballon Bleu. My brother (who collects watches and has over 10+ by now) always goes back to his Omega Seamaster as his favorite. He has never had any issues with it. I don‘t have any experience with the Cartier brand so I look forward to any insight.

Thank you for starting this thread, I look forward to seeing responses from others who are passionate about jewelry!

 

[secretagentlaura]

My Cartier Tank Francaise turns ten years old in the new year, and the only thing that it's needed have been battery changes, so it's been pretty low-maintenance thus far. I had no idea there is solar version of the Tank!

 

[dk168]

Personally, I believe you should start by deciding the shape of the case that you would like to have, as a Cartier Tank won't cut it if you prefer it to be round (hence I prefer the Ballon Bleu or Blanc to the Tank).

DK

 

[FL_runner]

I have a Tank and a Ballon Bleu that haven’t needed maintenance this far and are sturdy. Both on the metal watch bands.

I agree with DK, consider case shape first and we can help you go from there!

 

[whitewave]

I do love a ballon Bleu and that will be my next watch

 

[dk168]

I do love a ballon Bleu and that will be my next watch

Still not sure about a Ballon Bleu due to the bracelet being a bit dull for my own taste.

After completing my Ebel collection (a Manchette, a full size round one, and the one I am eyeing which is a Tonneau with diamonds on the case), I'd like save up for a Chopard Happy whatever!

If I were to start a branded jewellery collection it will be Chopard's Happy whatever!

My mum has a VC, White Gold strap, full diamond surround oval case, sits in a safe nearly all the time since she bought it. What a waste! Not to my taste, otherwise I might have borrowed it.

DK

 

[whitewave]

Still not sure about a Ballon Bleu due to the bracelet being a bit dull for my own taste.

After completing my Ebel collection (a Manchette, a full size round one, and the one I am eyeing which is a Tonneau with diamonds on the case), I'd like save up for a Chopard Happy whatever!

If I were to start a branded jewellery collection it will be Chopard's Happy whatever!

My mum has a VC, White Gold strap, full diamond surround oval case, sits in a safe nearly all the time since she bought it. What a waste! Not to my taste, otherwise I might have borrowed it.

DK

I do like the Chopard Happy but I’m like Op: just not going to wear one enough to make a watch more than 5k worth it for me. That is also why I liked the stainless steel tank. You get the name and a classic style for under 3k.

 

[MamaBee]

Thank you everyone! I always loved the tank…I really like the Ballon Bleu in stainless. I want to get a style that will be classic and not go out of style. I don’t want a large face as I’m older. I would love to see photos of the sizes on your wrists.
Kate Middleton’s size is..I think..a 33mm.
It didn’t look too large. Can any jewelry make the band smaller or larger? Do I need to go to Cartier?

 

[dk168]

I do like the Chopard Happy but I’m like Op: just not going to wear one enough to make a watch more than 5k worth it for me. That is also why I liked the stainless steel tank. You get the name and a classic style for under 3k.

Apologies for thread-jacking in advance, sorry!

Isn't that the same as collecting other jewellery pieces?

My nicer pieces only come out for dressier/grander events, for example, I cannot imagine the big blue-green Tourmaline I am getting from Jeff W would be worn that often even if I set it as a pendant or a brooch!

I like my Ebel Belugas and the one I am hoping to get once I have paid off my blue-green Tourmaline as they are all within reach, love their designs and low maintenance.

DK

 

[MamaBee]

I do like the Chopard Happy but I’m like Op: just not going to wear one enough to make a watch more than 5k worth it for me. That is also why I liked the stainless steel tank. You get the name and a classic style for under 3k.

Good point!

 

[dk168]

Thank you everyone! I always loved the tank..but I really like the Ballon Bleu in stainless. I want to get a style that will be classic and not go out of style. I don’t want a large face as I’m older. I would love to see photos of the sizes on your wrists.
Kate Middleton’s size is..I think..a 33mm.
It didn’t look too large. Can any jewelry make it smaller or larger? Do I need to go to Cartier?

Not sure what is the size of Catherine's watch, sorry!

Time to visit a Cartier store to try it on I'd say!

And we would love to see pics please, naturally!

DK

 

[MamaBee]

Apologies for thread-jacking in advance, sorry!

Isn't that the same as collecting other jewellery pieces?

My nicer pieces only come out for dressier/grander events, for example, I cannot imagine the big blue-green Tourmaline I am getting from Jeff W would be worn that often even if I set it as a pendant or a brooch!

DK

You’re still young @dk168..My days of going to grand events are over. We used to go to black tie events..Now it’s pajamas in front of the tv! Haha

 

[dk168]

You’re still young @dk168..My days of going to grand events are over. We used to go to black tie events..Now it’s pajamas in front of the tv! Haha

Not that young, my next big one is 60 and it is not that far away!

I am making the most of it for certain as I did not attend any black tie event since my late partner's death in 2008 except for 1 event in 2018!

DK

 

[MamaBee]

The Chopard Happy would make me crazy stressing out about the diamonds rattling in there chipping each other! Haha

 

[MamaBee]

Not that young, my next big one is 60 and it is not that far away!

I am making the most of it for certain as I did not attend any black tie event since my late partner's death in 2008 except for 1 event in 2018!

DK

I’m so sorry about your husband @dk168

 

[FL_runner]

Thank you everyone! I always loved the tank…I really like the Ballon Bleu in stainless. I want to get a style that will be classic and not go out of style. I don’t want a large face as I’m older. I would love to see photos of the sizes on your wrists.
Kate Middleton’s size is..I think..a 33mm.
It didn’t look too large. Can any jewelry make the band smaller or larger? Do I need to go to Cartier?

I had it adjusted at a watch shop- they carry Cartier, Rolex and a few other brands.

 

[dk168]

Thank you everyone! I always loved the tank…I really like the Ballon Bleu in stainless. I want to get a style that will be classic and not go out of style. I don’t want a large face as I’m older. I would love to see photos of the sizes on your wrists.
Kate Middleton’s size is..I think..a 33mm.
It didn’t look too large. Can any jewelry make the band smaller or larger? Do I need to go to Cartier?

You are right, according a blog on her style, it is a 33mm:



DK

 

[dk168]

I’m so sorry about your husband @dk168

Thanks, sh1t happens as they say, we were not married, and had 4 good years together. I kept his dog as my own after he died, until the dog died of old age naturally last year. It pleases me to think they are enjoying themselves across the rainbow bridge.

(again, apologies for the thread-jack!)

DK

 

[FL_runner]

If it helps mine is a 28. I like a smaller face. My wrist is about 6 inches. A 33 would be lovely too and not large at all.

The tank is the small size. The medium looked good too but I wanted it to be a little more bracelet-like.

 

[luckygreen317]

If it helps mine is a 28. I like a smaller face. My wrist is about 6 inches. A 33 would be lovely too and not large at all.

The tank is the small size. The medium looked good too but I wanted it to be a little more bracelet-like.

Thank you so much for posing photos of your Cartier timepieces. Do you have the store replace batteries? I wanted to know what the level of customer service can be expected.
Has anyone purchased a luxury timepiece from a reliable reseller? The RealReal or any others?

 

[FL_runner]

Thank you so much for posing photos of your Cartier timepieces. Do you have the store replace batteries? I wanted to know what the level of customer service can be expected.
Has anyone purchased a luxury timepiece from a reliable reseller? The RealReal or any others?

I bought my tank from Fashionphile actually and registered it with Cartier. I picked one that came with the box and certificate but it did make me nervous I haven’t needed a battery change yet. If you’re going for stainless you won’t save that much with resale it may be better to go with Cartier or an authorized Cartier seller. I want to add a Panthere this year (it’s going to be my one big ticket thing!) and I’m going to purchase from the boutique.

 

[MamaBee]

Thanks, sh1t happens as they say, we were not married, and had 4 good years together. I kept his dog as my own after he died, until the dog died of old age naturally last year. It pleases me to think they are enjoying themselves across the rainbow bridge.

(again, apologies for the thread-jack!)

DK

No apologies!!

 

[MamaBee]

I bought my tank from Fashionphile actually and registered it with Cartier. I picked one that came with the box and certificate but it did make me nervous I haven’t needed a battery change yet. If you’re going for stainless you won’t save that much with resale it may be better to go with Cartier or an authorized Cartier seller. I want to add a Panthere this year (it’s going to be my one big ticket thing!) and I’m going to purchase from the boutique.

With or without diamonds @FL_runner?