Turning 40 in January and I've got everything I want in life, no, really. Very content. But, I want something to mark the occasion. I don't want an 'experience' or a few nights away in a swanky hotel etc done all that. I love watches and will cherish the eventual one for the rest of my days.

Dad got me a Tissot when I was 18, I love it because it reminds me of him but it's not great in terms of quality/reliability.

So, I am considering a sports-style piece from the following brands:

1) Breitling
2) Tag
3) Seiko

Seiko, to me, is the Lexus choice. Clever, refined and technically very good. If not a tad boring, but with undeniable pedigree. Tag, also very good but I'm just not sure...

I'd love love love a Breitling automatic and would love to hear from anyone here who has had one or has one and what they think of it. Quality, reliability etc. Also, open to suggestions from other brands. Just not Rolex lol

Thanks,
Tom 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

Omega, they are up there with the best. The trouble with a Rolex is everyone assumes it’s a fake your wearing as it’s the most copied brand ever. 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

I treated myself when I retired early in 2009 to a TAG F1 Chronograph GTS Stainless and its worn every day.

It gets a full service every 3 years, new seals, battery and a clean. When the case got damaged it was replaced free of charge. The after sales service is great no complaints.

I guess watches are like cars, decide what you want it for, how it looks and go for it, never mind what anyone else says.

Looking for a watch is always personal, and the cost is a factor 20% tax is a factor that hurts? you can get some nice choices by looking at secondhand.
Try giving Watchfinder a look? at nearly new 2yr warranty some are still under manufacture warranty.
There are other sites that may be of interest.

I have a rather unhealthy (to my wallet) habit for watches.

The current issue with Rolex is that they are artificially limiting supply, which is causing the grey market to go ballistic.

I've been very lucky to have secured 3 of the most desirable models at RRP over the years but now is really not a time to get into that market.

The other issue with Rolex is the fact that you will be seen with it on your wrist (fake or real) and could be ripe for mugging. A quick Google search will scare you silly.

Watches are like cars, some you like, some you detest, it's all down to personal taste in the end.

I also have an Omega Speedmaster which is probably a far better engineered watch that a Rolex but you can actually go into a AD and actually try and buy (sometimes maybe with a discount) Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

I can recommend watchfinder which gives plenty of choices and are easy to deal with

And expensive.

They've started taking the proverbial since Richemont took them over.

Buy low, sell high seems to be their mantra these days. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

As above, go on to watchfinder and have a good look, you can search by brand.

I like Omegas and have 3, the most expensive of which came in at £6k, but it was an indulgence after a pretty good bonus. For our Silver Wedding anniversary my wife and i got each other an Omega watch and i bought an ex display Seamaster years ago for a big discount (about 30% off because the clasp was scratched). All work beautifully and keep good time. You do have to get them serviced regularly though.

If you're buying a preowned one make sure it has all its certificates. If you look carefully you can get what you want, just keep a budget in mind.

Good hunting!

Andy you’re completely right, I also like the fact that you can access a greater variety of watches including those limited edition ones which you can’t get anywhere else. Rather tempted by a Tudor Pelagos LH at the moment!

I've used WF for years and know them well.

In days gone by, their sales model was to offer a grand less than a watch was worth (retail) and then add a grand onto the sell price.
Nowadays it seems they offer 3-4k less and inflate by the same, so their margin is huge now. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

the day i bought an iPhone I threw all my watches in the top draw why would you need a watch? 2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue

Same reason you have a FF rather than a Toyota Aygo I suspect  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Try iconic watches, mark worthington jewellers and chrono24.
I too have an expensive watch habit.
2 Rolexes, 1 bristling, 1 tag, 1 jlc, 1 iwc.
Chopard do some nice motoring related sports watches.
Omega speedmaster also nice.
Enjoy!

I bought the planet ocean, James Bond Spectre watch from Omega new, cost a bit just before the film came out, I was treated by Omega to a special viewing in London all paid for including drinks, shaken not stirred of course.

Yup, have a few too, started a long time ago, my old man’s best mate was a Rolex & breitling AD. have a colt superocean & chromomat evo, which desperately needs a service, just turned 50 & bought this , always like the dark side of the moon speedys, this was at a price I couldn’t refuse ;