Raymond Weil vs Frederique constant

[Roma315]

Hello everyone I am relatively new to the watch game. I will be 27 years old later this month and my first watch was purchased in 2009/10. I currently own two Tag Heuer Aquaracers (two/tone & stainless steel black face with VVS diamonds) and one Tag Link Day/Date Calibre 5. Looking to buy a Raymond Weil or Frederique Constant. I really like both moon phases but which brand is better? Both are $2500 or less. I understand these aren't the "Best" watch brands out there but I am not yet to a point where I can buy $10k watches. So if you could help me out I would appreciate it. Also any similar watches in the same price range I am open to look at.

-Which company has a better reputation?
-Which companies watch is of higher quality?

[Roma315]

Also throw oris in the mix

[McLovin]

Frederique Constant certainly is getting a lot more attention these days as an up and coming manufacture with solid leadership. That would be my pick.

[ducatidoc]

I have seen quite a few Frederique Constant watches that I have really been impressed with.

[Roma315]

Yes I'm looking at the open heart/moon phase, it is very nice! The AD i'm looking at will not budge on the price $2095 + tax but will bump the warrenty to 4 years and do the first service for free. I've recently found out about oris and will see one in person but FC's look much better online. Is Oris a quality brand? I saw they have been around much longer than FC

[Young Connoisseur]

Oris is a quality brand but FC has a few models with their own movements. Oris doesn't have their own movement afaik.

[unknown]

For 2.5K Longines offers the most beautifull watches
and the brand has quite some history

[Cuts33]

I actually own both and you really cannot go wrong with either.

RW seems to get a bad wrap on a lot of forums but I don't think most of it is from anyone who has actually owned one. I have the black freelancer with day/date. It's a beautiful watch and retails for $1900 but did not pay anywhere close to that. The finishing is great and the jubilee bracelet is superb. I just did a quick google search and you can find it from reputable grey sellers for $1100. Yes it uses a stock ETA movement that is just finished by RW but all in all, you are getting a lot of watch for $1100.

With FC, I think I have the open heart moon phase you are talking about but in rose gold. They do not make that model any more. Again, a beautiful watch. It retailed for $3250 but was able to get it for significantly less from a motivated AD looking to clear inventory. It is a heavily modified Selita movement but has been very consistent and I have no issues with it. If I had to buy a FC again, I would look at their in house movement models that start in the $3K range but I am sure you can get them for less.

If you are just looking for something to enjoy, get what "sings to you" as people like to say. But with both brands, if resale is potentially important you, just buy "smart." Shop around, there are deals to be had with both brands and if you pay retail, you are going to get killed on resale. I don't think either brand is worth forking over full asking price for. But they are both worth it to me at a nice discount.

To answer your two questions directly, in terms of quality, I think they are in the same ballpark.

In terms of reputation, FC still seems relatively unknown but if they can keep up the production of their own in-house movements and move away from the stock movements all together and eliminate some of their quartz lines, I think they could become a big name in the $3,000 - $5,000 watch segment that most other "known" brands have seemed to abandon.

Conversely, RW seems to be in a stand still and happy flooding the grey market and jewelry counters at Macy's.

I will send a PM for 2 FC dealers I have used.

[Cuts33]

OK I was mistaken, the FC models with in-house movement can be had for under $2K. If a moon phase is all that important to you, who I am to tell you what to buy. They do have in-house models with a moon phase but those are in the $5K range.

Given your stated budget, if you can get past the moon phase, my vote would definitely have to be for an in-house FC.

[Roma315]

Originally Posted by Cuts33

OK I was mistaken, the FC models with in-house movement can be had for under $2K. If a moon phase is all that important to you, who I am to tell you what to buy. They do have in-house models with a moon phase but those are in the $5K range.

Given your stated budget, if you can get past the moon phase, my vote would definitely have to be for an in-house FC.

Yes I think I will get the moonphase/open-heart since it is a sharp watch. They had a in house movement watch there for 5k and it was simply stunning but for a little more I could buy my rolex datejust. In December I am getting my first Rolex posted in the Rolex section.

[Roma315]

Here is the FC and my Future Rolex (Still researching to find the perfect one)

[tigerpac]

FC all the way - really up and coming. I had a Raymond Weil - it was fine but was just another me too watch.

[Watchcraze007]

U must buy new? (I bought new twice :)) but a used piece might get u higher names. Not that FC is not. They have an interesting start-up story!

[Watchcraze007]

Originally Posted by Roma315

Here is the FC and my Future Rolex (Still researching to find the perfect one)

Yeah, u'll need help finding the right Rolex! I haven't!

[Roma315]

Originally Posted by Watchcraze007

Yeah, u'll need help finding the right Rolex! I haven't!

Research rolex everyday so I can find my perfect one

[Mosco]

Skip both, look to Oris, Ball, or used Omega

[jsharp1017]

don't waste your time with Oris or Raymond Weil. Get something with an in-house movement like a Frederique Constant Maxime Manufacture!

[tigerpac]

I had a RW - the fit and finish were actually much better than the comparably priced watches I found at the time (about 2k)

But feel the designs are little too 'me too' and as somebody said before, not special.

But I also agree that they get a bad wrap vs. what you get.

[Roma315]

I ended up with an FC and LOVE IT!! Everyone compliments me on this and if its not a rolex, tag heuer, ect... the everyday person doesn't know the difference between a $100 watch and $10,000 watch IMO

[tigerpac]

Congrats - excellent choice!

[Maxfli]

FC over RW . . . way over.

And as someone else suggested, Longines has some nice offerings in similar styles and price ranges, and has a great history, too.

Edit: Oops! Didn't read all the posts. Congrats on the FC. Excellent choice!

[jsharp1017]

congrats on a wise decision!!

[Roma315]

This may help you choose as well...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6JOoq0xJrA