GC8

You learn something new every day. Ive never liked the Daytona, so I know little about it (as you can see). Original Daytonas had a Valjoux 7750 in them then? You have to wonder where the money actually goes in that case (accepting that a Datejust offers value for money)?

Bigandy

I have had several of these type watches, Rolex Submariner is nice, but my favourite and I think best looking of the lot is the Omega Seamaster or Bond watch. It feels really good quality and the links are so well made it is very comfortable to wear. The Breitling B1 or B2 are well worth a look but it depends on your budget really.
2nd hand Seamaster should be around £400 - £500 depending on age and quality. The Chronographs fetch more but remember a battery and re-seal from Goldsmiths is circa £100....... every 3 - 4 years.

GC8

I wouldnt entertain a non-mechanical watch at this price point. Further to that I wouldnt pay more than Omega money for anything that used an ETA group ebauche either (as well as many over-priced nasty Breitlings: one such piece is a £10,000 IWC!).

[Davey]

So many anti-replica people I own genuines and replicas but the genuines just sit in a safe and to be honest some times I think "why bother?"...

GC8

They arent replicas, they are cheap fakes: stop kidding yourself.

fatscoobfella1

iTrader: (1)

Many of your "cheap fakes" use the ETA movement..Still a good movement whichever way you look at it..

GC8

Many use a cheap fake ETA movement. Ive never seen a genuine ETA of any grade in a fake.

fatscoobfella1

iTrader: (1)

Aint you..??

I have seen a few..

My friend who is a Rolex accredited watchmaker has had quite a few replica's in bits over the years.

They have ranged from Crap to excellent..

olliecampbell

iTrader: (3)

So how would you guarantee a 2nd hand watches authenticity? Buying from a reputable dealer I guess.......?

fatscoobfella1

iTrader: (1)

Make sure it has all it authenticity stamps,boxes and paperwork..

Original bill of sale too..

A seller who has nothing to hide will acompany you to a jewellers to guarantee its genuine..

gingerboy

Have a look over here

:: Index

You'll have to become a member to view the sales corner but if you buy from a trusted member their are some great savings to be had, be patient and the watch you are looking for more often than not will appear.

Alternatively post a "WTB" thread, with details of what you want. My username is the same over their as well. Have probably traded / bought in excess of 25 high end watches and never had any prob's. They have a heroes and villains corner where you can check out feedback on deals that have taken place and everyone knows who the regulars are.

More importantly they know their stuff, thats not to say peeps on here don't, just think how obsessive some of the scoob owners are on here and translate to watches and you'll understand where I am coming from.

Personally I would not go for the mont blanc unless you intend keeping it for a long time. You could get a nice omega speedmaster, omega planet ocean etc in excellent condition for the same money.

It's worth checking out some of the lesser known german and swiss brands that have, as already mentioned Valjoux, ETA etc movements and are often COSC certified.

Heres my current favourite thats never off my wrist





regards

Paul

abbott

what is that mate its stunning more than likely out my range but still !!

Fuzz

Edox Class 1 Spirit of Norway Limited Edition II - Timeway Europe

1,839.24 GBP to you sir !!

Freak

Here are three of mine.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...4022008104.jpg

Breitling Long player ref #815 (for sale shortly this one..)
Heuer Carrera (not a TAG logo in sight....)
Breitling top time ref #2002 (took a long time to track one of these down..)

All manual wind- I dont do autos. or date windows on watches! the two breitlings date to the 60s.

Nothing wrong with buying a pre owned watch- plenty of very good ones about with big savings on lots. Once you have decided on the one you want, read up on it- forums will be helpful- so you know what to look for.
Failing that, if you really are worried, go with the seller to a jeweller and get them to inspect it to tell you if its kocha or not. Check for papers and receipt. You do find vintage pieces with no papers, but thats par for the course when you get some that are quite old.

oh..and be warned...its a slippery slope from buying one to buying 'just one more'.....

gingerboy

Correct sir

Here is a review I pulled together of the watch and how I cam to own it:-

Well here goes with some better pic's, some more detailed information and the story behind why I chose the Edox Chrono..........

In the beginning

As many of you will know I had, up until recently a Breitling Chrono Avenger M1 on a PRO2 titanium bracelet, yellow face limited edition Team SEB which I liked a lot and still do.

However, said watch has been sold and is now with it's new owner.

Quick picture of the SEB:



In my opinion a fine "tool" watch, great wrist presence and some very unique features such as magnetic pushers which can be operated down to 1000 meters :shock: not that I would ever reach 1000m.

In terms of size the Breitling was a bit of a brute, 17mm case depth and 46mm including the crown. I like my watches big though so no issues their .

Weight was an impressive 150 grammes, quite a heft for a titanium watch.
Build quality was superb, functionality also great and time keeping due the thermo compansated breitling quartz movement excellent!

[/b]How do you follow a Breitling CA?

Filling the boots of the Breitling was going to take some doing and I had the following must haves on my list:

1. Must be titanium
2. Must have a bracelet available
3. Must be a chrono - quartz or mechanical
4. Something different i.e. manufacturer
5. Budget approx £1500
6. Black dial / carbon fibre dial
7. Must be 43mm diameter or bigger
8. Something that I could wear with a suit or casual clothing

Now my search began about 4-5 weeks ago after seeing a few links to chronos posted on this very site and getting that feeling of leaning towards a black faced chrono again..........

Somebody and I can't remember who posted a picture of an Edox and I had also tried on an Omega planet ocean chrono, a very nice watch but very, very heavy and also just outside my budget even on the second hand market.

Anyway after weeks of searching and trawling of the internet, various jewellers windows, trying the odd watch on, reading reviews etc etc I was still drawn back to the Edox.

[b]The Edox experience

Making the decision that you want to buy a specific watch is one thing, finding an authorised dealer for some of the lesser known swiss brands is a different matter altogether.

Edox does not have a UK distributor or dealer network, so actually seeing and handling the watch I had chosen was going to be impossible without the cost of a flight abroad. As with most people I lead a busy life both at home and at work, infact work takes up a lot of time and many an hour is spent working late most nights.

However after trawling the net in the search for reviews and pictures the watch grew on me more and more. Why wouldn't it



I know it will not be to everyones taste and hey thats fine, each to their own, we all have different wants and needs. The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things in life.

Edox, we have contact

So I have a problem, I know what I want but can only find about 2 watch dealers based in europe stocking the watch.

The decision is made to contact Edox directly, an e-mail is sent and a response received back swiftly and efficently! My query was where could I buy one? Where would they recommend? The response was that as the UK does not have any AD's they were happy for me to deal direct .

Did I have any futher questions................... who, me? You bet I did
Further e-mails were passed back and forth, as per usual Alexandre at Edox responded very swiftly, with all the information and confirmation requested.

Right, we have the funds, lets order the watch. On Monday 13th August at approx 16.20 I sent my order to Edox along with payment details etc.
Tuesday 14th August AM I receive confirmation of my order, followed by a further e-mail from Cindy, with a invoice and confirmation that my watch was being despatched that day by speed post and should be with me within 2-3 days.

Wednesday 15th August I arrive home after being out all day, Mrs Gingerboy has received a delivery addressed to me which was signed for @ 15:00!



A very sturdy and plain outer box is opened after the usual quick and dirty WIS pics

This reveals yet another box a tiny bit smaller



As can be seen it is packed with foam and polystyrene to protect the precious cargo.





The presentation case is very nice and already I am smiling like a child on Christmas morning



At this point I am already really impressed with my Edox experience, the staff at Edox have answered my endless stream of questions and have bowled me over with the speed of delivery.

The outer carton and presentation case are all of a high standard, lets hope the watch can live up to the high standards set!

Edox Class 1 Chronograph Titanium Spirit of Norway LE - the watch package

This is still a quick and dirty pic of the watch and various bits and bobs



At last a watch on rubber strap with Edox deployment fitted, a spare set of spring bars, a titanium bracelet, end links and a strap changing and bracelet sizing tool :shock: thats a nice package!



The first thing that strikes me once I get the protective film of the watch is the heft and size of it



The next thing is some of the really nice attention to detail and finishing touches







The above pic;s showing the case back detail, machine finish to the deployment clasp and the bracelet clasp 8) .......................... I'm a happy, happy man!

Now the actual face of the watch will probably divide the majority of watch lovers, you will love it or hate it. Some will say it's too busy, some will want more lume, don't like carbon fibre etc and again thats fine.

The purpose is to provide anyone considering this watch a detailed overview of the watch with enough information to allow an informed decision.

The carbon fibre dial



again in the above pic, note the stainless steel retaining screws that secure the Ceramic bezel to the watch........ yes thats right they are shaped the same as the Edox logo.

The ceramic bezel has a lovely sheen to it, not too glossy but not to satin a finish either



The case and bracelet finish are a mix of brushed and polished surfaces







Overall I am really liking the watch



Facts and figures

No doubt you will want to know some facts and figures, so here they are:

Whats in the box

1. Edox titanium chrono limited edition with rubber strap and deployment fitted
2. Titanium bracelet with solid end links
3. spare set of spring bars
4. Bracelet / strap changing and sizing tool
5. Limited edition literature
6. Warranty card
7. Instruction manual

Specifications

Basics

1. Titanium Case, bracelet and deployment
2. Ceramic uni-directional bezel
3. Carbon fibre dial with silver sub dials
4. Sapphire crystal, 2.8mm thick, internal anti-reflective coating
5. Case diameter - 46.50 mm
6. Case depth - 18mm
7. weight 193 grammes when ti bracelet is fitted :shock:

Technical

1. Movement - Edox 011 automatic movement, based on Valjoux 7750
2. Frequency - 28,800 A/h
3. Jewels 25
4. Edox decorated
5. Day and date function
6. 42hour power reserve
7. 7.90mm movement heght

Face and hands

1. Hand finished Carbon fibre dial
2. Tachymetre scale
3. Hands partially coated with Superluminova
4. 3 seperate sub dials, constant seconds, minuts, hours for chrono
5. Hour indices superluminova coated

Other

HE valve at 10 O'clock position
500 meters water resistant
Divers wet suit extension on bracelet
Bracelet 22mm tapering to 20mm at the clasp
Case, 51mm lug to lug
Crown 7mm diameter
Bezel diameter 43.5mm excluding crown and HE, 60 clicks

First Impressions

First impressions are very good. The Breilting Chrono Avenger may have left some big boots to fill but the EDOX has stepped upto the mark and is quite capable of filling those boots. Throw in some unique materials and superb attention to deail and I'm confident Edox are onto a winning combination.

Service from Edox thus far has been superb! So congratulations to Edox for a first class team.

The package and watch.

The presentation of the the overall package is of a high quality, some nice attention to detail making just opening the presentation case a joy.

The watch.

I did read a thread elsewhere, someone was comparing Edox to Tissot :shock:, all I can say is that they have without doubt never handled an Edox class 1 watch. Furthermore they should seek medical help from their doctor and take more tablets :wink: .

Having owned Tudor, Omega, Tissot, Oris, Tag Heur, Breitling, Sinn, Timefactors dreadnaught etc I can catergorically confirm that in the case of the Edox Chrongraph Titanium Spirit of Norway Limited Edition it can comfortably hold it's own up against the likes of Breitling, Omega and Oris!

I have owned few, if any watches with the same finishing touches, that make this watch feel special. The case back itself is a work of art, the bracelet comfortable. If I were to compare the bracelet to anything, in terms of heft / size / finish it is up their with the Breitling PRO2.
The strap is superb and the deployment is of the highest standards.

Negatives

The lume is not great, think Oris TT2 divers and your their. It needs a good charge for it to be easy to read.

Polished outer links of the bracelet........... everyday I find something that makes me think that I made the right decision so who knows maybe they will grow on me, if not, it's off to Bry for a bit of fettling :wink: .

The sheer size of the watch may not suit everybody, if you like your watches big you'll love it, if you don't steer clear, this particular model is not for you

Currently no AD / distributor network in the UK, however don't let that put you off.

Summary

This was a bit of a gamble for me, but one that has paid off.
I have a watch that I like the look and design of.

Edox as a manufacturer could not have gone much further in terms of ensuring customer satisfaction during the ordering process. Despatch of the product was beyond expectations.

The package as a whole represents excellent value when compared to comparable products. Factor in the use of some high tech materials, great attention to detail and you have a watch that delivers and has you looking at your wrist far too often and for far longer than you really should, if you wish to avoid walking into lamp posts, door frames or walls .

If you are on the edge in terms of purchasing an Edox, stop messing about, you might just be pleasently surprised .

Kind regards

Paul

gingerboy

Hope the above helps provide more info about the watch, I still love it to bits and am asked on a regular basis by people what it is and recevie positive comments on a regular basis.

Drop me a PM if you want further info.

In terms of costs including import taxes you are looking circa £1450 - £1500.

Paul

gingerboy

Some very nice watches / pieces of history you have their

GenericUser

That's a great write up on the EDOX. Did you push them for a discount on purchase or did you pay list price?

For my tastes the dial is a little too busy as you said you thought it might be for some. Really great attention to detail and it looks to be a fantastic quality piece based on a proven movement. It's good to see someone going for something other than the boring, obvious choices.

[Davey]

Maybe if they are such cheap fakes you could tell me which ones are genuine and which are fake

[Davey]

Many use lose pack 2824-2/2836-2 movements and SW200 'ETA' copies but you can source replicas with the Nickel swiss built/assembled movements.. I have many

Why would they not use genuine ETA's they are not exactly EXPENSIVE.. How ever the ETA/Valjoux 7750 is a different kettle of fish, most are copies.

GenericUser

Agree with Davey that GC8 is incorrect. I could also name the fakes but I'm not going to, I'll leave it to GC8 to do that.

On the subject of fakes/replicas I prefer to call them fakes, it sounds cooler. Also it is perfectly possible to get very high quality fakes with genuine ETA movements in them that could fool all but an expert not just in terms of looks but in quality.

ChefDude

the explorer II doesn't look quite right - it has been 8 years since i had both of mine tho.

gingerboy

No, not at all, spoke to the MD @ Edox and he gave me the price excluding customs charges of approx £1200. Bloody customs caught up with me about 4 weeks later, or should I say TNT sent an invoice on their behalf to the tune of £270 ish from memory.

I have had all sorts of "main stream" brands, so the Edox is a refreshing change and something you don't see everyday!

Still fancy a sea dweller but funds don't permit currently............. ah well, " all good things come to he who waits" and all that.

GenericUser

Only problem with waiting for a Rolex is that the list price just keeps going up and up. Consider I bought mine used mint for £1400 not that long ago and that the same watch will cost £2200 minimum these days. SD is a great design and holds value well but I reckon you'll be dismayed with it's flimsy build quality compared to something like your EDOX.

[Davey]

Rolex Bands feel like ****.. But they are not built badly, they are just not HEAVY.. Its rather ironic because the bad fakes actually feel better than the originals

When the new GMT came out I was looking at one in a shop and I thought it was a fake as it had a solid band.. Seems they are going that way now because people dont like the hollow bands but IMHO the hollow bands are a mark of quality because they are harder to produce than solid ones.

GenericUser

Rolex also use a different grade of steel than that found on fakes but I'm buggered if I can tell the difference from looking and feeling it.
As far as them not being badly built goes I had 2 different clasps fitted to mine in an attempt to get one that didn't flip up all the time!

[Davey]

I think its down to the fact the clasps are all pressed steel, keeps them simple but if they are not mm perfect they dont work

GenericUser

It's a poor design as well IMO. I think it's easy to forget that Rolex sports watches were originally fairly cheap tool watches rather than the tacky status symbol they've become today.

olliecampbell

iTrader: (3)

Thanks guys, some good info coming out of this one. I think ive found the watch for me now:

Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Omega Speedmaster - Banks Lyon

Just need to start saving for the £2k price tag!

As for second hand watches, is there anything that I should look out for? Obviously the general quality of the item and all the bits are there.....but if its been serviced etc?

I think I might go and have a look around that forum now

GenericUser

The 50th Anniversary Speedmaster 'Patch' is a great watch, a true design classic.

Did you know they also did a much more limited version with an enamel dial?

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Co-Axial Limited Series - New models - Media - Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

It comes in a really nice package with tools.