Hi all,
I have been getting more and more interested in watches over the past few years, starting with a classic Rolex Datejust that belonged to my late father-in-law. I have a very small collection, including a vintage dress IWC (same source as the Rolex) and a Revue Thommen pointer date.
Along the way, JLC has caught my attention like no other watch has quite managed to do, but my budget is a little more modest than my desires :-( I've been browsing the pre-owned markets, specifically Govberg in Philadelphia (close to me geographically), Crown and Caliber (which seems to have a good reputation), and Tourneau (which I've always thought of as overpriced for new watches, but does seem to have a reasonable selection of pre-owned at realistic prices).
Even though I like JLC, I'm not married to a Reverso. But, my eye has been caught by the Reverso Sun/Moon. The few I've seen in the pre-owned market start at around $7500, and I'm realistically looking at $5000 as my budget.
So my question is, what might fulfill my passion? I think the reason I like JLC so much is (1) it's a storied brand, with history and reputation behind it; and (2) their dials are elegant and clean, even those which have complications. They don't scream "look at me", and I like that.
Is a budget of $5000 just unrealistic for a decent pre-owned JLC? Am I looking in the wrong places? Or should I accept that, unless I can increase my budget, I'd need to look at a different and more affordable brand?
Thanks!
I have been getting more and more interested in watches over the past few years, starting with a classic Rolex Datejust that belonged to my late father-in-law. I have a very small collection, including a vintage dress IWC (same source as the Rolex) and a Revue Thommen pointer date.
Along the way, JLC has caught my attention like no other watch has quite managed to do, but my budget is a little more modest than my desires :-( I've been browsing the pre-owned markets, specifically Govberg in Philadelphia (close to me geographically), Crown and Caliber (which seems to have a good reputation), and Tourneau (which I've always thought of as overpriced for new watches, but does seem to have a reasonable selection of pre-owned at realistic prices).
Even though I like JLC, I'm not married to a Reverso. But, my eye has been caught by the Reverso Sun/Moon. The few I've seen in the pre-owned market start at around $7500, and I'm realistically looking at $5000 as my budget.
So my question is, what might fulfill my passion? I think the reason I like JLC so much is (1) it's a storied brand, with history and reputation behind it; and (2) their dials are elegant and clean, even those which have complications. They don't scream "look at me", and I like that.
- I would prefer a complication such as triple date or reserve de marche.
- Moon phase isn't important to me, even though I love the appearance of the Reverso Sun/Moon.
- It doesn't have to be a Reverso.
Is a budget of $5000 just unrealistic for a decent pre-owned JLC? Am I looking in the wrong places? Or should I accept that, unless I can increase my budget, I'd need to look at a different and more affordable brand?
Thanks!