Chronograph aficionados...

[duc_fan]

Got a question for you wristwatch and chronograph nuts.

Is this crap, or a respectable watch?


http://www.watchseller.com/volovwinmid.html

I'm looking for a decent watch (read: better than the average department store watch), something not commonly seen on the street, something that I like the style of (classic styling, aviation & space oriented), and yet something my budget can handle.  The list on this Vollmer is around $1500, and they go for $1000 elsewhere.  To pick it up from an authorized reseller for under $500... sounds too good to be true, so I want to get some opinions on whether this watch is merely high-priced junk, or actually a respectable timepiece.

I'd love an Omega Speedmaster Professional (the "moonwatch"), but at $2500 for the least expensive example I found, that's simply not in my budget.

[Big Troubled Bear]

Exclusivity costs money, try U-Boat watches

[sqweak]

that's not a chronograph

never heard of the brand, I'm suspect at the cost from a no name company with a crappy website.  After finding Vollmer's website, they have 13 authorized sellers, and most of them sound pretty suspect.  I'd vote "junk".

If you want to go high end, stick with a brand name (for aviator chronos: breitling, tag hauer, etc) and stay away from deals that are too good to be true.  A nice watch is an heirloom that can be passed down, and if carefully chosen can have minimal depreciation.

[eviltwin]

Spend a little more and get one of these, you can probaly get one for $2200-2500. Pretty good deal for an automatic movement (no batteries) chronograph watch.  They also make a good selection of quartz movement watches in the low $1000 range.

Tag Heuer Carrera

[Pakhan]

Might I suggest the watch that never needs to be set or batteries replaced


or the watch that lures women of all shapes and sizes

[raulduke]

there are many fine watches in your price range...and that is NOT one of them.  You should look at an Oris (many different models will work) or a Sinn both make wonderful mechanical watches that will last a lifetime.

[Drunken Monkey]

Go to timefactors.

http://www.timefactors.com/

British guy. Makes his own watches using various movements (Just like all the big boys do)
Only because he doesn't spend $$$$ on advertising (trying to convince you of his watches' exclusivity and luxury) his watches are affordable.

High quality. I own two.

And yeah, they're low prestige. But WTFGAS about that?

[BlackHills]

I can't comment on the watch, as I've not seen a Vollmer in person.   I had considered one a few years ago but I never ended up buying one.  I can tell you that's a very respectable dealer.

If you want an inexpensive chronograph you might look at the the DJR line here http://www.bernardwatch.com/Daniel-JeanRichard   DJR is owned by Girard-Perregaux so they should be pretty decent quality, but I've not handled one.

[duc_fan]

Okay, I'll probably stay away from the Vollmer.  I can't find much info on them, other than the fact they're a German made watch using off-the-shelf movements.

I know that example is not a chronograph.     I titled the thread for chrono aficionados because I figure those who know what a "chronograph" is can give me a better-educated opinion of this watch.

I'd love a Brietling, Tag, or Omega.  Can't afford a $2500 timepiece.  I'd love the Omega Speedmaster Professional, or a Tag Carrera.  Breitling makes several models I'd enjoy...

Skyracer:


And the really desireable one... the classic Navitimer:


But again, it's simply a matter of budget (or lack thereof).  I guess it just takes money to look like money, and on my humble engineer's salary, that will take some years to acheive.

[raulduke]

you can get a simple Oris dive watch with a great movement and super overall build quality for under a grand. 

just a thought

[Dxomas]

Some of my chronographs... In no particular order...

[Bigbore4]

Try PACT Inc:

http://tinyurl.com/58wgql

Sorry, couldn't help myself, that was my first reaction when I read Chronograph!