[RedRaider]

Yes. Orient Star is a more upmarket sub-brand of Orient. But somehow, if you look at the overall Orient basket, the Orient brand watches are more attractive, more bang for the money than the Orient Star.

Also, the Orient Star logo is very simplistic when compared to the Orient logo. The Orient logo does stand out really well on their watch dials.

[sachit0901]

Hello Everyone! I’m looking to buy a new watch in the range of 2L - 3L and very confused. I like two pieces from Baume but confused about whether Baume as a brand is worth it? Please give your suggestions or any other watch brand you would recommend in this range. Attaching pictures of two pieces I like!

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by sachit0901

Hello Everyone! I’m looking to buy a new watch in the range of 2L - 3L and very confused. I like two pieces from Baume but confused about whether Baume as a brand is worth it? Please give your suggestions or any other watch brand you would recommend in this range. Attaching pictures of two pieces I like!

Baume and Mercier are a good brand.

Might I suggest that you also check on Oris - because they are amongst the last independent swiss watch makers who aren’t part of a conglomerate like Richemont or Swatch-Omega.

Then there are Frederique Constant and Raymond Weil and Titoni, all of whom are respected watch makers and offer very nice products at very nice prices.

Indeed you will even see some watches from the well known brands like Tissot and Tag Heuer, at these prices.

All of the above offer lovely watches in your price range.

As Ive remarked in an earlier post here, you can openly negotiate the prices with the retailers - you don't have to pay the ‘List price’ - this applies whether you go to Ethos or Zimson or whoever.

[RedRaider]

I usually like to go with metal bracelets or standard lug fittings on my watches.

Otherwise, with non-standard fittings, it becomes a little difficult to get replacement bracelets (especially for leather and to an extent, the rubber ones, which are more prone to wear and tear and subsequent breakage, needing replacement) unless you opt for the originals.

Also, one has to keep in mind that a few years down the line, if a particular model is discontinued, sourcing an original bracelet / strap may also become difficult.

So, also keep this in mind, if you do opt for the above Baume & Merciers.

[sachit0901]

Originally Posted by RedRaider

I usually like to go with metal bracelets or standard lug fittings on my watches.

Thank you for the suggestions! Actually I already have an Omega Seamaster with Silver Bracelet that is why I was leaning towards Rubber this time.

On a different note, Now that I saw some pieces from Oris I’m finding them more appealing than Baume. Like this one!

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by sachit0901

Thank you for the suggestions! Actually I already have an Omega Seamaster with Silver Bracelet that is why I was leaning towards Rubber this time.

On a different note, Now that I saw some pieces from Oris I’m finding them more appealing than Baume. Like this one!

You could talk to Ethos about Oris. And as I said before, Oris is one of the last Swiss independent watch makers left. Most of the others are part of the big conglomerates. I know for a fact that at this point in time, Ethos are offering nice strong price-offs on the Oris Brand so you can grab yourself a very good deal.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by sachit0901

I’m looking to buy a new watch in the range of 2L - 3L and very confused. I like two pieces from Baume but confused about whether Baume as a brand is worth it?

Originally Posted by sachit0901

On a different note, Now that I saw some pieces from Oris I’m finding them more appealing than Baume. Like this one!

My first and foremost suggestion is buy the watch that appeals to you and which you enjoy wearing on your wrist. Most of the watches we are talking about in this range depreciate heavily anyway (commonly available Omegas included). My Seiko post discount cost me 38,000 Rs - a fraction of what my other two watches had cost me then but I enjoy it as much on my wrist as I do my Grand Seiko and CFB.

Oris is a wonderful brand indeed. I’m personally really liking several Longines models as well in that broad price segment although I reckon Oris is perhaps a 'more premium' brand if that matters. I would recommend considering both these brands although I think when it comes to rubber straps perhaps Oris does them more than Longines. The advice on getting a more standard or common strap lug fitting is very useful so that replacement straps are easily available, more so if you're going with a rubber strap style of watch.

December is a month when Ethos pushes stronger discounts than year round so it's a good time to push them for the best deal. Do talk to your local dealer to see what best offers are possible now. Push for store manager's discretionary additional discount as well which they will usually give post a few conversations.

[shankar.balan]

Here is a brand which seems to be entirely built around the ‘Homage’ concept. The uncharitable amongst us will say ‘Copy’ or ‘Replica’ or ‘Clone’ or ‘Super-clone’, but the fact is these are ‘inspired by’ and ‘pay homage to’ the big names through their designs.

It is called Pagani Design and they seem to have lots and lots of interesting looking options.
They also seem to have received several good reviews.

Apparently the Brand is owned by Horacio Pagani of the Pagani Supercar Fame! (However, going by my experience in this space, it is very likely that he has licensed out his Brand, in exchange for Royalties.)

The main thing seems that they are made of 316 Stainless Steel and use Seiko NH35/35A/36 Automatic movements which are made in Japan (and perhaps in Malaysia/ Thailand).

The watches are made in Guangzhou, China and are available in India as imports. The prices are reasonable, considering our duty structures. And they do seem to offer discounts when a purchase is being made. The prices abroad seem very reasonable indeed.

Take a look at their websites and the screenshots.

https://www.paganidesignwatch.com/?s...rZyDiKAh2CwOY0

https://dream-watches.com/collection...xoCL5AQAvD_BwE





And here is a pretty detailed (and pretty flattering) video about one of these, the Rolex Submariner Homage Watch, if anyone is interested.

https://youtu.be/7E43zAwE2Zo?si=wGJZjKzz1u-4q1ys

Disclaimer:
I am only posting this information here in the interest of general knowledge sharing. I have nothing whatsoever to do with any of these websites or the brand itself, save for the fact that I have been researching and studying them.
And lest I be mistaken, neither am I ‘promoting’ nor ‘judging’ the whole concept of ‘Homage’ watches and/ or any copies of originals etc.

[justin.das]

Latest Addition to my Classic FL collection .Favre Leuba Duomatic Cushion Case.

[arindambasu13]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Here is a brand which seems to be entirely built around the ‘Homage’ concept. The uncharitable amongst us will say ‘Copy’ or ‘Replica’ or ‘Clone’ or ‘Super-clone’, but the fact is these are ‘inspired by’ and ‘pay homage to’ the big names through their designs.

Pagani is quite a popular brand and there are quite a few others doing this homage thing. I personally have no ill will against such homages, though I know a large section of the watch nerd populace do. That said, it is difficult to get these watches into India given the whole Chinese import embargo, so I havent experienced any of these watches in the flesh.

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Always wanted one. Finally got one. There is NOTHING that even comes close.
And yes, it is (for me at least), one of those ‘serious milestone achievements’.
Ian Fleming wore one when it came out, in the 1950’s. He IS a particularly favourite author of mine.
….
Omega Seamaster Professional. Co-axial Chronometer.

Let me post a similar story. Always wanted one. Finally got one.
Solid piece. Comfy bracelet unlike new new SMPs - Omega SMP 2531.80.00. Pre 2014 Seamaster 300 Bond watch with the Aluminium bezel instead of ceramic. 41 mm and light on hands unlike the new ones with the seahorse on the back. An 11 year old watch.

[asingh1977]

Originally Posted by justin.das

Latest Addition to my Classic FL collection .Favre Leuba Duomatic Cushion

Nice watch. It is supposed to have two mainspring barrels. How much power reserve you getting ?

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by asingh1977

Nice watch. It is supposed to have two mainspring barrels. How much power reserve you getting ?

Yes, It's Twin Power. I haven't tested the power reserve yet as its always running.

[Pancham]

These Pagani watches - how are they not classified as good quality first copies? How do we distinguish between a homage and a copy? Is it because it has a Pagani branding? Quite ridiculous in my view.

[sachit0901]

Thank you everyone!

Basis your suggestions I’m increasing my budget and going for a Cartier Dumont with a leather strap. I think in the long run I’ll enjoy cartier more.