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Best dressy watch under 15k (new/used)?

  1. catholicblock Feb 14, 2019

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    Please share your favorites! To me this seems like such a great price range for getting into the very high end (especially used) when you don't necessarily want the most complicated watch.

    Don't get me wrong, I'd love the hell out of a Lange Datograph or a Patek perpetual.... but that's not going to happen. I can rock this budget, and a Calitrava, Saxonia or 1815 is nothing to sneeze at.

    Of course, you can also keep it complicated and go for something like a used JLC Perpetual Calendar. But I would probably sacrifice complications and aim for the very high end with previous materials instead.

    Used seems like the way to go unless you're buying a Saxonia Thin. What's your favorites? What off-beat brands or lesser known vintage options should be considered?

    Right now my top consideration is a ALS 1815 in 38,5mm (up/down is cool but probably a stretch), but I would love to broaden my horizon
     
  2. 3nicewatches $100 well spent Feb 14, 2019

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    This is my only dress watch (although because I like it so much, I wear it frequently, not just for dress). It's far from vintage (announced at Basel 2018), and it's not precious metal (steel - although there is a red gold version) but it is under $15k even if you pay full MSRP (which I didn't)
    IMG_0728.JPG
    Many don't like the asymmetry of the dial but I love everything about it.
     
    Edited Oct 10, 2019
    mnf67, Eve, Waxtactic and 9 others like this.
  3. corn18 Feb 14, 2019

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    This is my only dress watch:

    TW2R94800.png

    I have owned these, but they aren't < $15k:

    Lange 1 in front of box.JPG

    IMG_2966.JPG

    A serious answer would be a Reverso.

    IMG_3109.JPG
     
  4. Kelly Feb 14, 2019

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  5. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Feb 14, 2019

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    @Kelly bang on! I was just tapping the same answer! This or the 1815.
     
    DRjre086 likes this.
  6. Wetworks Feb 14, 2019

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    Eventually I would like to get a GO Sixties with panorama date, retails for just under $15K
    [​IMG]

    For now, my vintage Seamaster cleans up nicely:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Cozmopak, kkt, NYCwatchgal and 14 others like this.
  7. 3nicewatches $100 well spent Feb 14, 2019

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    I second the GO sixties with panorama date. That one is on my watch list...but the blue dial version. I have decided that my next watch will have a blue dial, largely because the fact that I don't already have a blue dial watch justifies the future purchase. I have not yet tested that justification in the field - in other words, tried it on my wife!
     
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  8. MikiJ Likes songs about Purple spices Feb 14, 2019

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    Without question it would be the original ALS 1815.
    ALS finishes their watches on the same level as Patek.
    I wish I would have never sold either one of mine, especially the Up & Down.
     
    Edited Feb 16, 2019
    Jfullm42, NT931 and kkt like this.
  9. Kasei Feb 19, 2019

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    Got the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon (in steel) and wear it daily. The dial has such a depth under natural light, I can't stop staring at it. :)
    9300 CHF new (probably similar USD price), classical design and beautiful movement from JLC, what's not to love? :)
     
    denkazd and Pun like this.
  10. Spruce Sunburst dial fan Feb 19, 2019

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    How come no gold, diamonds etc?
    Why are we all so restrained?
     
    frederico likes this.
  11. hungdangnguyen23 Feb 19, 2019

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    Totally agree. If you're ever in Los Angeles, you should visit their store. I got to handle and try on numerous different Langes, it was an incredible experience.
     
  12. DRjre086 Feb 20, 2019

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    I second both JLC and GO. However, my model choices would be the Master Calendar with moon phase from JLC or the Panomatic Lunar from GO. Both stunning IMO on front and back. Both can be had for under $10K.

    3771F870-D8E3-4F75-86CA-7FF172404CFE.png 4913B0EB-6228-422E-A3C5-C41D8A9EF35F.jpeg
     
  13. Wetworks Feb 21, 2019

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    One poster offered a gold JLC, I suggested a gold GO, and numerous posters have suggested an ALS, all of which are constructed in precious metals IIRC.
     
    kkt likes this.
  14. rcs914 Feb 21, 2019

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    Panomatic Lunar would definitely be my choice if shopping in that price range.
     
  15. 3nicewatches $100 well spent Feb 21, 2019

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    The Panomatic Lunar is very nice, but I slightly prefer the PanoReserve - mostly because the power reserve complication is far more useful than the moonphase. Let's face it, the moonphase is a pretty useless complication. Then again, it sure does look nice - and we are talking dress watches here. Oh hell, now I don't know what I prefer! Anyway, here it is:
    1-65-01-26-12-35_WDV.jpg
     
    mnf67 and George.A like this.
  16. gbesq Feb 21, 2019

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    The post with the photo of the Snoopy WWII Flying Ace Timex made my day. You, sir, are a steely eyed missile man.
     
    Als 27 and merchandiser like this.
  17. JPE.88305 Feb 21, 2019

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    My meager vote based on looks alone, though I don't own either --YET, would be the classic large reverso on an ostrich strap-- well below 15k, and at some point when the kids' 529s are adequately funded an ALS 1815.
     
  18. zrleopold Feb 21, 2019

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    I find the JLC Mut Moon to wear much nicer than the GO Pano. The Pano is quite large and thick. Lovely movement though!
     
    Foo2rama likes this.
  19. SohAIS Feb 23, 2019

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    JLC Ultra thin Moon Ivory dial and rose gold.
     
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  20. Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Feb 23, 2019

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    any old 18k Omega...
    P1010081.JPG

    any Howard...
    P1010563.JPG
     
    Kafue, 03Hemi, Deafboy and 3 others like this.