Buying 1st Tag -- Recommendations?

newtagguy · Jun 3, 2018

I am looking to buy my first Tag. All of the watches I mention will be quartz and probably all late 1990's models.

I am looking at a 4000 series and a 6000 series at approx the same price. Both have paperwork and in at least very good condition. The 4000 series has been regularly serviced. The 6000 series is unknown as far as its service history. I really like the look of the 6000 series, but I have read that the bracelet breaks and replacement is expensive.

I also have my eye on a Kirium. It's in good condition and said to be maintained. I really like the look of it as well.

And I have the opportunity to buy a 2000 series for $250.

For any of you out there, what are your thoughts or suggestions? Would you have serious reservations purchasing the 6000 and is the bracelet issue with it a serious one or do all Tag have a similar problem>

Thanks!

OttoWilliam · Jun 4, 2018

If quartz is the only choice for me then i would go with the 2000 series.

Cheers.

Aquagraph · Jun 4, 2018

Hello newtagguy, welcome to the forum

I have owned a 2000 series, and I own a 6000 series and a Kirium.

It would depend on the model of Kirium for me, if you can stretch to £600 you could get an F1 Kirium which is a very, very cool watch that is seriously undervalued...

But if not, from what I've seen the 4000s are often scruffy and look a bit dated, especially with the logo on the bezel (I still want one though). The 6000 bracelet is definitely expensive to replace, but as to if they break? I don't really know... mine hasn't, but then I've only had it a few months. The 6000 is a bit of a marmite watch I think, to some it's also dated and a bit gaudy looking, but I kinda like it.

Some of the non digital Kiriums look really nice, a lot depends on the dial colour and whether the case is brushed or polished. I prefer the brushed finish, a lot of the polished ones are pretty scratched up I find.

The 2000 is the safe bet, and no doubt there'll be plenty of choice available, but I would advise to buy the one you like the best.

newtagguy · Jun 4, 2018

Aquagraph
Hello newtagguy, welcome to the forum

I have owned a 2000 series, and I own a 6000 series and a Kirium.

It would depend on the model of Kirium for me, if you can stretch to £600 you could get an F1 Kirium which is a very, very cool watch that is seriously undervalued...

But if not, from what I've seen the 4000s are often scruffy and look a bit dated, especially with the logo on the bezel (I still want one though). The 6000 bracelet is definitely expensive to replace, but as to if they break? I don't really know... mine hasn't, but then I've only had it a few months. The 6000 is a bit of a marmite watch I think, to some it's also dated and a bit gaudy looking, but I kinda like it.

Some of the non digital Kiriums look really nice, a lot depends on the dial colour and whether the case is brushed or polished. I prefer the brushed finish, a lot of the polished ones are pretty scratched up I find.

The 2000 is the safe bet, and no doubt there'll be plenty of choice available, but I would advise to buy the one you like the best.

Thank you for the feedback! I agree that the 4000 series looks dated. I’m not a fan of the logo on the bezel. My draw to that one is that it is in great shape, looks well taken care of, I think you can change to a leather strap on that series, and the price is affordable.

I like the 6000 series look a lot. And the Kirium is a 1997 quartz era. It looks like a little more modern version of the 4000 series. I know purchasing any watch with a bracelet involves some risk of breakage, but just trying to be responsible with the money I spend. It doesn’t do me any good to buy a nice watch, at any price, if you can’t wear it.

The 2000 series Watch I have my eye on looks to be in good shape. However, the model and serial number are very faint on the back. Would this concern anyone? I’m thinking resale value later if they happen to continue to wear and then eventually can’t be read.

I’m trying to stay under $400 US dollars with my purchase.

newtagguy · Jun 4, 2018

OttoWilliam
If quartz is the only choice for me then i would go with the 2000 series.

Cheers.

Thank you for the input. Is there a particular reason you’d go with the 2000 if quartz is the only option? Price? Reliability, look?

Aquagraph · Jun 4, 2018

N newtagguy
Thank you for the feedback! I agree that the 4000 series looks dated. I’m not a fan of the logo on the bezel. My draw to that one is that it is in great shape, looks well taken care of, I think you can change to a leather strap on that series, and the price is affordable.

I like the 6000 series look a lot. And the Kirium is a 1997 quartz era. It looks like a little more modern version of the 4000 series. I know purchasing any watch with a bracelet involves some risk of breakage, but just trying to be responsible with the money I spend. It doesn’t do me any good to buy a nice watch, at any price, if you can’t wear it.

The 2000 series Watch I have my eye on looks to be in good shape. However, the model and serial number are very faint on the back. Would this concern anyone? I’m thinking resale value later if they happen to continue to wear and then eventually can’t be read.

I’m trying to stay under $400 US dollars with my purchase.

One thing I will say about the Kirium is that is has an excellent bracelet. Bracelet don't tend to break, it's the pins that hold them together that break usually and they can be replaced. Check the bracelet isn't stretched, if not it's unlikely to be a problem. Bracelets usually let go when people wear them to tight and they flex their wrist suddenly, or they catch on something.

The Kirium isn't easy to change straps, as it has an integrated design so if you think that you might want to do that then choose a different model. I wouldn't worry too much about the markings on the back, they are often quite feint and at this price level it's not going to make or break a deal - besides I wouldn't worry too much about resale, the watches you are looking at have pretty much bottomed out anyway, just pick the one you really like, otherwise you may have regrets.

Carrera911 · Jun 4, 2018

I really like my 2001 Tag Heuer 2000 series chrono. Sturdy and elegant! I can’t remember why I bought specially this one (I had no idea about watches back then!) As a F1 fanatic, I knew the brand since the Lauda- craze and a Tag was the racing drivers watch to get!

newtagguy · Jun 4, 2018

That’s a great looking watch! Thanks for sharing!

newtagguy · Jun 9, 2018

Looking at a Kirium quartz in either the white, blue or black dial? For those of you that have the Kirium or seen it in person, which dial do you like? Can get one with some scratches on the band for around $275, and another more in a much better condition for about $340. Both prices include shipping.

I like the look of the Kirium band. Looks more modern. I’m thinking I might like to start my collection with this one. Given your experience, what would you consider a “good” price for a Kirium? Would you look for one in as best condition as possible and pay a little more for it, or accept scratches on the bracelet at a lower price?

Aquagraph · Jun 9, 2018

Personally I would go for the black or blue dial I think, but I would pay the extra for the non-scratched bracelet. I saw a F1 Kirium on eBay for under £300, I would go for that personally.

You can turn all the digital stuff off (there's about five or six screens) and have just a black dial which looks very cool. Also you can pull out the crown and press the top button to put the watch into low energy mode - although given it's your only watch you probably won't need to do that.

newtagguy · Jun 9, 2018

Initially, I was drawn to the white dial. But I really like the blue dial and I think the black dial would be a good look too.

newtagguy · Jun 21, 2018

Are the mid size Tag’s significantly smaller than the gents size? Trying to get a feel for the magnum, gents and mid size watches.

dtf · Jun 21, 2018

You really need to try them on, see what works for you, with the sort of outfit you will be wearing the watch with. Watches are very personal and something you fell in love with online can be underwhelming on the wrist (black bay bronze for me).

In general you can make some guesses based on the size of other watches you wear and how big you are. Look in the sales brochures and it will list the sizing, anything under 39mm will look small on most average size people, anything over 43mm will look big. There are plenty of exceptions due to design (rolex Explorer), and if you're particularly small or chunky you should wear something in proportion.

OttoWilliam · Jun 23, 2018

dtf
You really need to try them on, see what works for you, with the sort of outfit you will be wearing the watch with. Watches are very personal and something you fell in love with online can be underwhelming on the wrist (black bay bronze for me).

In general you can make some guesses based on the size of other watches you wear and how big you are. Look in the sales brochures and it will list the sizing, anything under 39mm will look small on most average size people, anything over 43mm will look big. There are plenty of exceptions due to design (rolex Explorer), and if you're particularly small or chunky you should wear something in proportion.

This is the 2nd time i hear the same thing about black bay bronze from 2 different person

akong71 · Jun 23, 2018

I think they are all cool watches! If it were me, I'd lean toward the 2000. I just like the "simple" yet elegant look of the 2000 series, and I think this series looks less dated than the 4000, 6000, and Kirium Series. Of the series mentioned above, the 2000 is the only series that "lives on" in the current Aquaracer series. I'm not aware of a current series in today's TAG Heuer line up with the pedigree of the other series.

The other thing I like about the 2000 series is that they have standard lugs so you can easily swap out the bracelet with a strap (e.g. nato, leather, rubber, etc.). I'm not sure you can easily do this with the other watches as their bracelets look like they've been integrated right into the case. You may be able to get specialized OEM straps, but noting the age of these watches, sourcing OEM parts may be difficult, if not expensive.

And, of course - here's my Classic 2000! It may be a bit on the small side, but it still looks great!

EDIT: The 4000 series also has standard lugs so you could use regular straps with it as well.

OttoWilliam · Jun 24, 2018

akong71
I think they are all cool watches! If it were me, I'd lean toward the 2000. I just like the "simple" yet elegant look of the 2000 series, and I think this series looks less dated than the 4000, 6000, and Kirium Series. Of the series mentioned above, the 2000 is the only series that "lives on" in the current Aquaracer series. I'm not aware of a current series in today's TAG Heuer line up with the pedigree of the other series.

The other thing I like about the 2000 series is that they have standard lugs so you can easily swap out the bracelet with a strap (e.g. nato, leather, rubber, etc.). I'm not sure you can easily do this with the other watches as their bracelets look like they've been integrated right into the case. You may be able to get specialized OEM straps, but noting the age of these watches, sourcing OEM parts may be difficult, if not expensive.

And, of course - here's my Classic 2000! It may be a bit on the small side, but it still looks great!

EDIT: The 4000 series also has standard lugs so you could use regular straps with it as well.

This one is forever favorite for most tag heuer fans. Could not go wrong with this one.

Aquagraph · Jun 24, 2018

I had one of those on a rubber strap, it was lovely but at 37mm it was too small for me.

Buying 1st Tag -- Recommendations?

newtagguy

OttoWilliam

Aquagraph

newtagguy

newtagguy

Aquagraph

Carrera911

newtagguy

newtagguy

Aquagraph

newtagguy

newtagguy

dtf

OttoWilliam

akong71

OttoWilliam

Aquagraph

Similar threads

Strap recommendations

Buying watches on eBay or Amazon

Buying first TAG Heuer