Hello,

I have been really wanting to start my watch collection with a vintage affordable chronograph, but 1)I am not experienced enough to know what is worth the risk and 2) anything really somewhat risk-free (such as things for sale in the forums here) are just way outside my price range.

So I am thinking I should just start off with an affordable and new watch and the only things even close to what I can afford are Hamilton chrono, and maybe a low end B&R. Does anyone have thoughts on contemporary Hamiltons? Are these just essentially assembly line watches? Can I be proud to own one?
Thanks. Love you guys.

 

Hamiltons I like. So do a lot of collectors, especially as a good example of a nice watch for under $1000.

Bell & Ross….. um…..

 

Ha! Can you say more?

 

Also, I should have said I am only looking at Hamilton automatic chronos.

 

I'm going to quote LouS from another forum because he sums it up perfectly:

They're powered by the Valjoux 7750. No complaints from me about that caliber.

 

You don't always have to buy a watch based on the manufacturers heritage and historical importance.

Buy what you like!

At the price point that you are looking at I really like the B&R's and U-Boats as well. That being said B&R's do not hold their value very well, so I would never buy one at retail. Definitely look for something second hand or on the grey market.

 

Other suggestions for going new with an auto chronograph between 1000 and 1200 USD? I'm looking for something classic with Arabic numerals...

 

Lou - I can definitely see why this would upset a consumer, it's almost like false advertising. I've only owned one B&R, I bought it simply because I liked the look. It was a military spec model, but to your point I don't know if it was every actually commissioned by the military for use. Ultimately I made my decision based on the simple fact that I liked the watch.

 

If the B & R marketing department didn't exist, I might like one or two of their watches, like the Space 2 which Sinn made for them. But the schlock campaigns they run sour me off the brand, much like Jonny Sonbul.

 

So you've met him!

 

I have to allow that Bell & Ross have done a better job adapting cockpit instruments to the wrist than Zenith has.



Any excuse to flog that photo.

 

I know this isn't the chrono you are looking for, but I also have a soft spot for Hamilton. Cost per craftsmanship , they are simply amazing.

 

So now that I have you all here, what are your thoughts on Tissot?

 

I like them almost as much as Hamilton and CW. Vintage specimens I like even more.

 

Maybe I should post something to the wanted section... I do like the vintage Tissot's also.

 

+1 for vintage Tissot