I'm currently in the market for a new watch but I think I have some problem picking one this time. I like Monaco series from Tag Heuer a lot but the diamond with Nyphon trap does not have Automatic and somehow managed to be one of the cheapest watch from Tag Heuer (MSRP is around 2800 but my local watch store is willing to do for 2300, another dealer from CA is willing to do $1700). I looked around for other brand including Cartier, Panerai and Breitling but there isn't one that I really like. Do you guys have any recommendation? Also, I stopped by Louis Vuitton store last week and saw their watches. They are very nice. The fit is nice for people with skinny arm like me. I'm trying to resist from making the purchase with them since I haven't heard anyone raving about having an LV watch. What is you guys' opinion/experience on this?
Best regards,

 

We can help with the piece you want. Call if interested.

 

lol

 

Are the prices you mentioned above the budget you are working in.

If it was me I would stick to a brand that just made watches, but that's just me. If I see someone sporting a Louis Vuiton watch it wouldnt really impress me to be honest.

I think for that price range you could get a nice Tag, or Breitling.

There's a nice Planet Ocean Bond Edition in the for sale section. A little higher than what you listed, but still affordable.

 

I'm sorry what - you didn't find a Panerai, Breitling or Cartier you like, but you fancy a Louis Vuitton watch because they match your size wrists? Can I hit you in the head again to bring you back to normal?

That's like saying "Nah, I didn't really fancy the French Riviera, Portofino or Lago Di Garda, but Poland is really nice because all their Soviet gas stations carry my favorite brand marshmallows, so I'm gonna move there!".

 

I'll be the weird one and recommend looking into a Grand Seiko, they will be sold in America starting around christmas time. Very fine watches.

For something more traditional, and made by brand infinitely more respected by WIS than LV, check out the new Chrono by Stowa, which will hopefully start shipping in September. Another great brand making a lot of waves of late is Linde Werdelin, might be worth checking out.

 

didn't expect you guys will react this way toward LV. I know it's not exactly a watch company but Tag Heuer, Zant. are all part of the LV family. I just love the details and thought that was invested in their watch. The price isn't a big deal to me, as long as I like the watch. Panerai and Breitling both make beautiful watch but they just aren't for me. I tried many out and all are way too big.

Anyways, I took a look the Tag Heuer website last night and YESSSS, they are making Automatic Monaco with diamond available now (WW2117.FC6216, dislike the diamond bands since they are way too flashy but tiny diamonds instead of numbers are great) and Yes, with clear crystal back also. I called a few places but they don't have them yet. My trusted store in CA said they don't have them yet in the color I want but the price they are giving is irresistable (almost 35% off MSRP).

 

Talk to Stryke, he'll help you out.

 

Not sure what an LV watch is worth but for sure you are only buying a name and not a watch. Who makes the movement? I'm pretty sure TAG doesn't even make their own anymore(I could be wrong)
I agree that in that price range of the TAG I'd look at the Omega Planet Ocean Bond Watch.

Panerais, Breitlings etc are more than double the price.
BUT at the end of the day you have to get what you like.

 

It's not snobbery (I know you didn't say that, but it's worth making explicit). Typically, when a brand with equity in one area (i.e. LV) tries to leverage that name recognition into another area (i.e. watches), you wind up with something that uses lower quality materials and internals than other 'proper' watch brands in the same price point. In terms of value retention, the LV will lose value like a stone, whereas the better watch brands will hold value better. If you're shopping in the $2k price range, there are a lot of options that will be much more satisfying in the long-term than what is, in essence, a fashion watch.