Check out Longines. I seem to recall SOME of their watches being "gold colored medal" but they definitely have some beautiful gold watches in the <4k range

omg i think i might be in love with those 2...

There's actually a non-chrono version of the first watch floating around. I'm pretty sure it's vaporware, though. I've never found an AD that has it in stock, but I haven't done TONS of research on it. The non-chrono was going for around 4k and that version there is 7-8

...which is not even close to bad when you realize a gold Daytona on leather is something like 25k.

The white face one is teh sex.

The Longines Column Wheel Heritage Chronograph is really one of the best values out there.

Longines is a very old and reputable company. I really think they are the current leaders in entry level "nice" watches as they offer near Omega level workmanship and finishing for 1/2 Omega Prices. Quality would be similar to a TAG but stylistically a bit less sporty than Tag and pricewise about 2/3 what a comparable Tag would cost.

So Longines is essentially a step up from Tissot, Hamilton, Mido, Oris, and below Omega in the grand scheme of things.

They're owned by the Swatch group and placed above Hamilton. Afaik all of their watches have double AR and the finishing on the movement is a step above.

You're not going to impress any Gyrotourbillon 2 owners with one, but they're certainly more than just a "good" brand imo.

I really hate you guys for this thread. For years, I'd been blissfully unaware of watches.

http://www.profuomoshop.nl/photodeta...586-PPJW10003A

Yep. Once you know, it is a sickness. Wife did it to me.

Welcome...

Thanks for the info. One of their watches is definitely on my shortlist

Thanks, I've also never heard of Raymond Weil, but their Freelancer collection looks amazing.


This is my favourite right now:




But I also think this one looks great. If I was going to go for a black/leather strap it would be something like this:




Another noob question but do they generally have all variations of a certain collection, meaning I really like the grey dial and bracelet design in the first picture but I think it would look kinda cool with yellow hands like in this picture. Would it be possible to find that?

@MyIronThumb - Some stylistically similar options to the Raymond Weil, though I think a couple are a step upwards in price:

http://www.authenticwatches.com/oris...6034054mb.html


http://www.authenticwatches.com/hami...h32616153.html


http://www.jomashop.com/baume-and-mercier-moa10062.html


http://www.jomashop.com/longines-les...l48034126.html


There are also about a million Tag Carerra variations.

Okay, I reneged on selling my Laguna. Not gonna do it. Love the damn thing too much.

It seems the B&M and the Oris is more and the Hamilton is less while the Longines is about the same.

I actually think that first Raymond Weil is pretty nice and if you like it, I think you should go for it.

I would probably go for the longines as at 1800 it is a really really good deal. If you look at the link that Tyresias sent, that longines has a different movement than all the other watches listed. While the others have a ETA 7750, that Longines has its own in house Column wheel chronograph movement. You can see the column wheel in the picture in Tyresias' link. Its the blue gear looking thing.

If I was buying, I would definitely go for that one bar none. I did not realize grey market prices on those have come down so low.

I have had a Freelancer for 3.5 years and have been very happy with it. My only complaint is that my variation lacks a date. Otherwise, it's been a great watch.

can't stop thinking about this one...i like it a lot more than the baroncellis i was looking at. the mesh bracelet looks really sharp imo

If my next purchase was going to be a daily wearer, I'd pull the trigger on this - http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=247404 - seller asking for $2550, NIB. So sexy at that price imo.

man Tyresias, you are coming up with some real gems. Definitely agree that $2600 for El Primero is also good deal.

Also, Jomashop has a one day deal for this 7750 based Raymond Weil at $1250

http://www.jomashop.com/raymond-weil...day%2B02120805

I like this...how much?
Also, is this too informal for a dress watch?

Crown on that is miiiiini. Love the hands and markers. You'd have to run with a pretty stuck up crowd for that to be too informal imo.

also consider the Mido All dial if you like that Commander



either one should be about $700 to $1000 depending if you are getting the Chronometer version or not.

I actually own an all dial GMT and like it quite a bit.

Something about the numerals on this dial make it look mickey mouse-ish to me.

Also - got to make sure you're a fan of the 'eater' dials.

Is it stupid to have both a black dial and the new blue dial Laguna? I love my black bezel/dial one so much but really want the new blue one, as well. Anyone else double up on their favorites in different colors?

It's that or save up for an Omega Seamaster. But i'm all about instant gratification.