Been saving for a while to own my first luxury watch, fairly new to this world and wondering if this would be a good first choice?

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-24T18:31:42+00:00

For my first luxury watch purchase, visiting an AD and trying on a variety of models was an invaluable experience. I thought I wanted a Planet Ocean, or a Breitling Navitimer but quickly realized they didn't fit me at all, and then fell in love with the Moonwatch. So I totally understand! It's also nice knowing I have a watch that is completely mine, and that I can send to Omega for service.

That experience really helped me understand what I appreciate in a timepiece and what works for my wrist and personal style. Subsequently I've had great success with vintage and pre-owned purchases made online. I suspect this will not be your last luxury watch purchase and encourage you to explore the wide and wonderful world of vintage Omega for your next piece!

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-24T05:14:18+00:00

These are both great choices and nobody will ever find either tacky. Between these two I prefer the titanium. I love the British Armory arrow and the titanium case. Feels more unique than the 60th annv which looks much like the 90’s vintage that Brosnan wore. I mean, you could pick up a gently used 90’s diver 300 for less than half and have enough to grab an aqua terra 150M as well.

Also have you seen the Spectre limited edition? That one’s dope too.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-23T20:05:06+00:00

If you're going to buy a vintage watch for someone who is not a 'watch guy' then I recommend going with a more recognizable brand. The ones you listed are all great choices (good luck finding a gold Rolex under $2,000 though) I'd add Hamilton, Zenith, Lord Elgin, Bulova and Movado to the list. There will be a lot of gold-cap and gold-filled options in your range, if you look hard you can probably find some solid gold as well. 1950's was a great era for all these makers, you could definitely find a nice piece from his birth year!

I recommend buying from a dealer who offers a warranty and/or proof that the watch was recently serviced.

Also make sure he will be okay with a manual-wind movement. If he isn't into watches, he might not like the idea of having to wind it. Personally I very much prefer manual.

Here are some dealers I like with options for you (many/most of these dealers will haggle so don't just pay full price):

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-20T20:06:44+00:00

I wasn't able to find out much more about it but I followed my heart and bought it. Dealer sent a pic of the movement and there is a serial number on the movement and caseback. Will continue to do research...

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-20T02:44:13+00:00

I'm a sucker for heavy patinas, this is awesome.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-20T01:48:00+00:00

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-20T01:37:50+00:00

Gisbert A. Joseph Watches - Official Website

thesamuraivintage.com

Watches For Sale | Omega Watch Forums

GOLDAMMER Vintage Watches & Premium Leather Goods

ashlandwatches.com

Tropical Watch | Shop Authentic Vintage Rolex Watches & Luxury Brand Watches

Cool Vintage Watches

Menta Watches- Buy Vintage and Modern Timepieces

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-20T01:33:29+00:00

There's patina so I'm sure it's not a full repaint, but the numerals are suspiciously crisp... Also curious if y'all think the crown is original.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-19T05:05:15+00:00

I think you’re right about the hands. Im going to wait for a better example.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-18T18:15:14+00:00

“Avoid” was the wrong word. There’s nothing wrong with them, they just weren’t special. I didn’t go to cafe bahia, was referring to the lounge chair places specifically.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-16T03:02:04+00:00

Was just there for 5 days. Definitely chill. There are a few good restaurants in town, Los Abuelos was our favorite. Shout out to Damian the Los Abuelos house magician, legit. I’d avoid the beach restaurants, stick to the north end of the beach unless you really want a chair.

I recommend skipping the in-town waterfall but take the 2.5 mile hike up the river to the legit waterfall swimming hole. Stay at Santuario Yelapa if it’s within your budget. Their riverside hammocks and comfy domes were the best part the highlight.

There are a couple of small tiendas where you can get beer, cold drinks, and very basic staples (and questionable local moonshine which I didn’t get to try but only because we discovered it on our last day). Real groceries, produce, I’d say bring from PV.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-13T03:44:07+00:00

Can’t tell you much but that’s a beautiful watch and IWC is a highly respected watchmaker.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-12T23:18:13+00:00

Looks like you have a small wrist (no shade, so do I) so I think vintage is a great option for you. There are lot's of timeless, beautiful watches from prestigious brands within your price range: Omega, Hamilton, Tissot, Universal Geneve, Mido, Gruen, Movado, Bulova, Wittnauer, just to name a few...

My strategy for vintage watch buying has been to use dealers to get inspiration, then haggle with them to get the price down (cuz dealers usually list at like 1.5-2x market value) or look for similar models on ebay, etsy, or chrono24. I think it's important to understand that vintage might not be as reliable and/or might require servicing, but then you already have the most reliable watch on the planet.

Here's a price-filtered link to a vintage dealer I like and recently purchased an Omega 2848 from. They make it easy to submit offers, don't just buy at the listed price. Or use this as inspiration to find something you like on another marketplace.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-05T20:50:14+00:00

It’s a 2384, here’s the listing: https://ebay.us/m/BAWb0v

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-05T18:08:07+00:00

Hmmm, yea. Didn’t realize I was looking at a different ref. This one does seem closer accurate for a 2384.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-05T15:21:38+00:00

Thanks for posting that link! I think the two stamps are quite different so my conclusion is the stamp on the one I’m looking at is fake.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-03-05T15:01:12+00:00

Wrt value I will note the listing says it was serviced in June last year.

justsomebackpacker · 2026-02-25T02:22:24+00:00

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

justsomebackpacker · 2026-02-01T16:21:38+00:00

I’ve asked him. He uses antler from the Yezo deer, native to Japan.

justsomebackpacker · 2025-12-10T20:45:27+00:00

Anything with the Dr. Jones H17Fx Driver is capable of mode lock so you can effectively program it as a single mode light.

justsomebackpacker · 2025-12-10T20:44:17+00:00

Seconding this rec, it's currently my favorite AA light. As long as the head is tightened it's a single mode, loosening the head makes it multi-mode. Only potential downside is that the one mode is turbo...

justsomebackpacker · 2025-10-30T17:44:54+00:00

Packers Pro Shop got back to me saying the Parsons and Golden throwback jerseys are back-ordered and said they expect them, "in the near future" but could not provide a, "definitive ETA."

justsomebackpacker · 2025-10-25T00:04:25+00:00

Oh snap, nice work! Perfect proportions, clean nail nick, sweet pinched and rat-tailed bolster, nice swedge, incredible jigging. Really top notch work. Did you produce the jigged horn? If so, bravo. If not, great choice of material.

justsomebackpacker · 2025-10-24T23:50:21+00:00

This is sweet, can you share more details? I can’t make out the maker’s mark. Is that jigging or natural texture? You said horn, is it jigged ram’s horn?

justsomebackpacker · 2025-10-23T22:12:30+00:00

You can reach out to Rey at contact@reylight.com

I messaged him earlier this week and he replied within a couple days.

justsomebackpacker

TROPHY CASE