Here are two that i really like right now and are very "younger" than a rolex. And only between 2k-4k so it will save you some money and H2O won't be on you so much. The Oris "Great Barrier Reef" Limited Edition and the Oris tt3 Chronograph Black

 

if you do oris you gotta do the ruf

 

Like TAGs, Oris watches depreciate 50% (or more) the minute they leave the dealer. That should tell you something.....

 

Something tells me you like the sub

 

Rather than just asking us for ideas, why not spend a few days at different authorized dealers. Just walk around and glimpse. See what catches your eye the best, disregard brand and price. Then when you see something that you really love, ask a salesman to see it. If it's out of your range, then decide whether or not its something that you like SO much that you should save money for, or if you should just continue looking for something cheaper.

There are a million watches out there and we can only recommend what WE like or feel is reasonable/good. We don't know what suits your style. Once you have a few in mind, then come back here and seek out recommendations and expertise.

Also, you shouldn't think of watches as something you're going to turn profit on. If that were the case, nearly all brands would be out of question with the exception to PP and Rolex. I personally am not a fan of Rolex as I've mentioned in other threads, but it's hard to argue the fact that it's going to retain its value much better than most other brands. Then again, why are you even thinking about possibly selling a watch that you don't even own yet. If those thoughts are crossing your mind, then you're probably not looking at the right timepiece. I personally can never see myself EVER selling any of my watches, regardless of whether or not I wear them anymore.

Hope that my advice can help you a bit.

 

^Actually, I really like this Oris. Looks like a great deal.

ORIS TT1 DIVERS TITANIUM 1000M WATCH 64975417164RS - eBay (item 370357006363 end time Sep-24-10 18:47:06 PDT)

 

I've done that a little bit but the problem is here in Des Moines we don't have too many nice watch stores. Our nicest store is Josephs and all they carry is Breitling and Rolex. I personally am not a big Breitling fan so all i've seen on my wrist that I like so far is Rolex. I am thinking about planning a day trip to Chicago though to try on some watches to see how they fit on my wrist.

 

I think that would be a good start. The last thing you wanna do is jump into a purchase without knowing the market well, and what's available for your monies. Keep in mind, Rolex's are pretty much close to non-negotiable depending on what model, whereas other watches you can expect to get up to 40% off. That being said, spending ~5K could nab you a watch that retails for close to ~10K.

Make sure you go to several stores. Not all stores carry the same brands, nor do they have every model. Buy something you love and can see yourself wearing for years and years.

Again, do not rush into your purchase. I wanted to buy a watch well over a year ago, and I'm glad I didn't. Over that period of time I was able to find out which watch I drooled over and wanted for a lengthy period of time; one that I didn't get over quickly. Let yourself sleep on it for a while.

 

GLN, I like your advice a lot. I do not plan on rushing into this purchase at all because I don't want to buy something just because I can, I want to buy it because I love it.

 

take a look at the Omega PO or Cartier Roadster. B&R are eye-catching, but no heritage all gimmick