Thin and elegant under 3k...

[Roja]

I'm looking for a watch for my father.

He wouldn't be comfortable wearing:
- a heavy watch
- a watch worth more than a couple thousand $
- a sports watch
- a gold watch
- a very pre-used watch

Given the criteria, what would you suggest?

[AJMarcus]

I know this is TRF but your price point and the fact you want new rules out a Rolex Let me suggest a Tag Heuer black dial Monaco on a black alligator strap. You should be able to get for $2500 or a little less. However, you can also get a gently worn pre owned Rolex Airking that IMO will always be a classic.

[jdc]

Longines heritage range, lots of classic dress watches in the right price bracket
e.g. http://www.longines.com/watches/heri.../L4.795.4.78.2

[watchf]

So are you looking for a good watch or a watch that has to be worth more than a thousand but below $3k, then again you pointed out he won't be comfortable wearing one worth more than a couple thousand.

May I suggest Orient, good priced self winding automatic Japanese in-house movement and well below $1k. I have two.

[Widows Son]

I would buy him a restored Omega, Universal, or Hamilton from the 50's or 60's. You could find a beautiful overhauled watch for under $1,000.00. He may like the older styles anyway.

[Roja]

There was a restored Omega Constellation in the For Sale... Is that what you're referring to? I'd like it to be accurate though.

Thank you for all your suggestions.

He has a Longines at the moment. I was hoping to ease him into a little 'higher' bracket. Perhaps automatic/mechanical.

I like the idea of an Air King also.

[jdc]

Originally Posted by Roja

There was a restored Omega Constellation in the For Sale... Is that what you're referring to? I'd like it to be accurate though.

Thank you for all your suggestions.

He has a Longines at the moment. I was hoping to ease him into a little 'higher' bracket. Perhaps automatic/mechanical.

I like the idea of an Air King also.

Higher bracket would be a Omega unless going vintage a couple of thousand dollars budget will not go far only buying a new Aqua Terra quartz. If looking at an Airking would be a much older model.

[Cru Jones]

don't know if this qualifies as a "sports" model or not, but, omega aqua terra quartz?



or, any number of baume & merciers? for example, the Baume & Mercier Watches Classima Executives Automatic model 8791?

[ArcticMoose]

It sounds to me like an Oris would be the perfect fit!

Perhaps the Artelier Date?

http://www.friendsoforis.com/store/O...er-Date-1.html

Classic Date?

http://www.friendsoforis.com/store/O...ic-Date-9.html

Artelier Small Second?

http://www.friendsoforis.com/store/O...nd-Date-1.html

Artelier Complication?

http://www.friendsoforis.com/store/O...ication-1.html

Pointer Date?

http://www.friendsoforis.com/store/O...er-Date-1.html

White Dial Hand Winder?

http://www.friendsoforis.com/store/A...hite-Dial.html

They are all less than $2000, I don't think you'll find a better value for money Swiss watch.

I absolutely love my Artelier Skeleton.

[AMCK87]

I think you should look into Maurice de Mauriac out of Zurich. Its watches fit within your price range and are very well made. Although, I am a little biased towards refreshing independent watchmakers. Bremont and Xetum are other brands worth considering.

Good Luck!

-AJ

[mrbill2mrbill2]

How about a Zenith Elite ultra slim.

[Speed]

Tough constraints.

Perhaps you could consider a different gift?

Are you determined to get him an automatic watch?

[Polemic]

An old Datejust or a new Air King would be nice.

[slcbbrown]

Of all the suggestions I've seen here, I still think a pre-owned DJ trumps all. I'm not sure what you mean by "very pre-used" but a Rolex is good for 50-60 years, easy. So 10 years is barely used.