We promise to invest our time and experience into understanding your needs and desires. We won’t &#8230;
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Expect you to have lots of knowledge</li>
<li>Drown you in more detail than you need</li>
<li>Try to push a sale on you</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Our aim is to make you feel relaxed and welcome, and to enjoy the Oakleigh Watches experience from start to finish.
<div></div>

insidemechanismclockworkwithworkinggears-close-updetailed-3drendering

The oakleigh promise

It began as part of the Seiko brand but since 2017 it has become an entirely separate entity.

Is Grand Seiko part of the Seiko brand?

The Grand Seiko spring drive movement is the most technologically advanced mechanical movement in the world.

Are Grand Seiko movements good quality?

Where are Grand Seiko watches made?

The quality of a Grand Seiko watch equals that of the best Rolex watch. However, it all comes down to personal preference.

Is Grand Seiko better than Rolex?

Grand Seiko watches are a genuine good value alternative to even the best Swiss luxury brands.

Is Grand Seiko a luxury watch brand?

New Grand Seiko watches tend to depreciate quite quickly but their values then hold steady. So, if bought pre-owned, they can be a sound financial decision.

Is Grand Seiko a good investment watch?

Are Zeno watches a good investment? Zeno watches are great value for money but not normally bought as investment pieces.

Are Zeno watches a good investment?

They produce many different types of watches including – sports, dress and fashion. Something for everyone, they have a great sense of creativity and fun styling.

What type of watches do Zeno produce?

View All Insights

patek-381x518-copy

patek 381x518 copy

How much is my watch worth?

160314184621-watch-testing-deep-sea-rolex-3

Best Dive Watches - 12 of our Favourites

1x1-7523

Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?

“Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?”

This is a question that I am often asked by our clients. Of course what they are referring to is whether their watch is water resistant – will it leak and ruin the movement, dial and hands?

There are usually three areas that need to be considered when the water resistance of a watch is under examination;
<ul>
 	<li>the caseback</li>
 	<li>the glass</li>
 	<li>the crown</li>
</ul>
During testing, these three components are checked for condition and damage or corrosion. Next the seals fitted between the component and the case are inspected and often replaced. The watch is then pressure tested using a purpose built piece of equipment. When it passes – voila! Your watch is waterproof.

So yes, if it passes the test, you CAN go swimming in a luxury watch. But hang on, there’s another question that needs to be asked ……

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8735" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Swim2.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

“SHOULD I go swimming in a luxury watch?”

All the watches that we sell here at Oakleigh Watches are superb examples of their type and are all of course very valuable.

I can’t imagine a more hostile environment for a luxury watch than a beach with its salt and sand, or a swimming pool full of chlorine, steel and ceramic tiles. And that’s before you even mention the water! So our advice would be – “yes you can swim in a luxury watch but NO, you probably shouldn’t.”

If you’re at the pool or the beach – relax, forget about the time! Or, if you’re like me and feel a bit lost without something stylish on your wrist, switch your luxury time piece for a much more practical G-Shock!

Oakleigh Watches works alongside local Rolex and Omega service agents <a href="https://www.michlmayr.com/?_ga=2.204148883.2033394945.1721402847-623201293.1721402847">Michlmayr &amp; Co.</a> All of our luxury pre-owned watches are tested to ensure they are water resistant and comply to COSC spec. Some of our more vintage stock will not be water resistant and this will be made clear in the description.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

the-tudor-big-block-listing

The-Tudor-Big-Block-listing

In 1970 Tudor entered the chronograph market with a watch that was very different from its Rolex Daytona brethren – The two incarnations of the ’Monte-Carlo’ were bold, bright and colourful and occupied their own place in the Rolex family lineup, as a slightly inferior model to the Daytona.

Then in 1976 there was a shift and the ‘Big Blocks’ were born. Far from establishing a point of difference from the Rolex Daytona by continuing with the ‘fun’ slightly ‘junior’ theme, Tudor made a watch that was similar to the Daytona and in one key way, actually superior….

As well as toning down the colour palette and producing monochrome chronographs (although exotic-dialed 9000-series ‘Big Block Monte Carlos’ were made), Tudor adopted the Valjoux 7750 movement, not only adding an extra chrono sub dial but also a quick set date and an automatic movement. This automatic movement made the Big Block the first self-winding chronographs from the Rolex group – it would take Rolex themselves well over ten years to make an automatic Daytona and 25 years to make one with an in house movement.

As well as an advanced set of features, the Valjoux movement brought with it the necessity for a deeper case than its predecessors to house the self-winding mechanism and rotor, hence the nickname “Big Block”.

The first Big Blocks were the 9400’s consisting of three references that gave the option of three different bezels:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">9420 with an acrylic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9421 with a 12-hour calibrated rotating bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9430 with a steel tachymeter bezel</li>
</ul>
In the late 1980’s, the 9400 series was replaced by the 79100 series of Big Blocks and again, there were three references with three bezel types:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">79160 with a black plastic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">79170 with a black graduated 12-hour rotating bezel;</li>
 	<li class="li1">79180 with a steel tachymeter bezel.</li>
</ul>
By the mid 1990’s Montres TUDOR S.A. was 50 years old and they started to made decisive moves to differentiate themselves from their Rolex brothers. As a consequence the direct references to Rolex were steadily disappearing from the cases, winding crowns and bracelets of Tudor watches to be replaced with own brand alternatives and the day of the Big Block was over.
An important watch and often overlooked, the Big Blocks are one to watch that’s for sure

The Tudor ‘Big Block’

IWC is a highly respected watchmaking brand and is known for being one of the more exclusive watch companies or even the “International Watch Company.’ An IWC really is a watch lover’s watch – their watches appeal to owners who appreciate craftmanship and individual design. Pre owned IWC watches are steeped in history and often have a story to tell.

It is also one of the most innovative luxury watchmakers today, known for pushing the boundaries, and constantly evolving with its watchmaking techniques, its designs, and its calibres.
Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned IWC watches.

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.
• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.
If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

2. Style

American President of IWC, Edouard D’Arbaumont said in a 2016 interview that “We don’t think anybody is buying our watches to tell time. It’s all about the DNA, the history of our product, and what is behind our watches. We must tell stories, like in the film industry.”

As such, IWCs watches are more about the exclusivity and sense of occasion they bring to the wearer, and while watches do tell the time, this makes perfect sense for all luxury watches, which many times are worn as a piece of jewellery, craftsmanship, and history.

IWC have several flagship collections including the Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur, Da Vinci and Portofino. However, they have been forever associated with military, particularly Pilot, style watches since their ‘Special Pilot’s Watch’ was launched in 1936.

The three main types of IWC watch are.

1) The Mark Series – these are very plain and straight forward military style watches. A historically accurate representation of the famous IWC military watches of the mid 20th Century. Case sizes tend to be relatively small and dials simple and easy to read. Usually found on leather straps, very occasionally available on a bracelet.

2) The Pilot Series – this is IWC’s modern take on the classic Pilot’s watch, made with a larger case than the Mark Series. These often have added chronograph and date functions. Again, usually found on leather straps.

3) The Dress Watches – the IWC Portugeiser and Portofino watches are some of the finest dress watches available today. Case sizes tend to be on the large side, especially with the Portugeiser. They are characterised by their beautiful clear dials often coloured matched with high quality leather straps.
Their first luxury sports watch – the Ingenieur was designed in 1976 by Gerald Genta, designer of several iconic watches, such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet.
The Ingenieur is a relatively rare sighting compared to the other models. It offers excellent value for money compared to other Gerald Genta designs, if you can find one!

3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

It all comes down to confidence and perspective. Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 46mm proudly, then a Portugeiser Chronograph will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Mark XVI.

4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness. Vintage models tend to be smaller, so if you prefer this look, then something like a 1970’s Tuning Fork would be a lovely choice (see above, it’s not literal).

On the other hand, if you want to wear your IWC every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from the older models are more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions. More modern IWC’s tend to have bracelet options if that is your preference.

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned IWC watches.

5. Fashion or Function

What do you want your pre-owned IWC watch for? Assuming of course you’re not circumnavigating the world, is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to fly?

If you do want a pilot’s watch because you are a pilot, the 3706 models are the best place to start.

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned IWC Watches

1x1-8841

IWC Aquatimer

Availability

Brand

Model

What's Included

Condition

Reference

Years

Papers

Movement Type

Movement

Diameter

Dial Colour

Case material

Bracelet/Strap

Gender

Matching Model

This IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is a very cool diver’s watch from IWC Schaffhausen, one of the most famous of all the Swiss watch manufacturers. Everything is perfect on the watch and it looks hardly worn.  Even the rubber shows virtually no signs of wear.
Serviced by IWC in 2023, it is still covered by their warranty and the movement is in the same excellent condition as the case.
The stainless steel case houses a Superluminova dial with baton indexes and with the double marker at 12 o’clock and unidirectional ceramic bezel it looks every bit the functional diver. Powered by the in house 30110 automatic movement, it has just been tested and is running perfectly with no need for attention for years yet.
This one is complete with boxes and papers as well as the books and the unused polishing cloth – a proper Full Set.  It also comes with a spare rubber IWC strap in white for a different feel.
Just tested by Rolex and Omega certified watch specialists <a href="https://www.michlmayr.com/">Michlmayr &amp; Co </a>and this IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is running within COSC spec.
For more IWC Watches visit our <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/brand/pre-owned-iwc">IWC </a>Brand page.

IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000

This IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is a very cool diver’s watch from IWC Schaffhausen.Everything is perfect on the watch and it looks hardly worn.

IWC Aquatimer | 2013 | Full Set

https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-2.jpg

Home

Oakleigh Watches

Learn More

Would You Like To Part Exchange An Existing Watch?

There are risks involved in taking out a loan and you should ensure you can make all payments on time and in full; failure to do so can lead to financial difficulties and have a negative impact on your credit score.

IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000

£3,450