First proper watch

Hi again,

After reading your comments to my question, I went and research (in part) on the companies you mentioned.

I has been about 4 years that I am looking at a good watch. I tried a lot of them (Omega, Rolex, JLC, Audemar, Patek) and of course, price is a big factor.

I already own a very simple Tag Heuer Link Calibre S (was my first "good" watch), depending you compare it to what of course, you can argue that it was not the best choice but I could only afford that in that time. It will be 3 years and the watch is still perfect.

So, this time I am looking at a dressier watch (to wear with a suit or "officewear"). I have learned a lot in the last 3 years and today, I want a watch that is closely related to "horlogerie" more than "fashion and style".

JLC "speaks" to me a lot. I will investigate the cost to maintain and repair and the value of it if I sell it later in my life (as you told me, very smart of course).

Thanks!



jeff13007 said:

Since when does a reverso have to be on a leather strap?

Click to expand...

You're right, J, but Reversos should be on leather. While I'm sure the quality of the bracelet is up there with the other facets of the watch, they look bad IMO.

I think the 3227 is a great choice. Along with a no-date sub and a RO Jumbo it's probably my favourite sports watch on a metal bracelet. To me, it deserved a much longer run than the one it got from 2005-2009 (IMO there's sadly nothing IWC currently offer that they didn't make better before). And while the Speedy Pro is great, maybe even my favourite chrono, I only really like it on a strap.

When I was in a similar position as you - chosing a 'first proper watch' - I went with a no-date sub and wore it exlusively for nearly 20 years, and I could see the 3227 in such a role as well. Especially if you're looking for something less ubiquitous.



Good luck

I've seen some great pictures of the 3227-01, and ^ is up there with the best.

OP - have you tried on this watch? I'd be hesitant to purchase without feeling it on the wrist due to it's unconventional shape.

Kaplan said:

I think the 3227 is a great choice. Along with a no-date sub and a RO Jumbo it's probably my favourite sports watch on a metal bracelet. To me, it deserved a much longer run than the one it got from 2005-2009 (IMO there's sadly nothing IWC currently offer that they didn't make better before). And while the Speedy Pro is great, maybe even my favourite chrono, I only really like it on a strap.

When I was in a similar position as you - chosing a 'first proper watch' - I went with a no-date sub and wore it exlusively for nearly 20 years, and I could see the 3227 in such a role as well. Especially if you're looking for something less ubiquitous.



Good luck

Click to expand...

saysomething said:

I've seen some great pictures of the 3227-01, and ^ is up there with the best.

OP - have you tried on this watch? I'd be hesitant to purchase without feeling it on the wrist due to it's unconventional shape.

Click to expand...

Thank you both for your comments. I was thinking along the same lines as you Kaplan and funnily enough came extremely close to purchasing a no-date sub. A close friend of mine however just got one for his graduation gift and I tried it on but didn't quite fall in love, I decided I was more fond of the SD and that is something I would look to purchase in the future. Saysomething, I have not managed to try it on as I cant bloody find the damn thing . There is one for sale in a boutique in the UK and it is unfortunately a 3 hour drive AND a boat trip away on the Isle of Wight... I have however tried on multiple Ingenieur's, including very similar models such as the 3227-03, and thought they were rather nice! Therefore I feel that the 3227-01 despite an unusual shape would be fine!

I really appreciate the excellent response I have got in this thread, despite getting slightly sidetracked (by Grand Seiko's and Vintage watches ). I think I will go for the 3227-01 due to the in house movement (it is an in-house movement I discovered after doing a little research and checking with an AD) , excellent finishing, beautiful bracelet and very slight uniqueness (at least according to some forum members... )

If anyone has any experience owning the 3227-01 I would really appreciate feedback and I would also appreciate any information on a fair price to pay for a mint condition model. I have found several on Chrono 24 and set my budget to £3,200 max. Do you think this is reasonable?

many thanks,

Marco

Hi - first post in the forums! But I've been lurking since August 2012, and I basically learned as much as I can since then and overhauled all of my clothing, shoes and accessories. Long prelude to let you know that I also "started" with the Rolex Explorer I (114270) as my first "proper" watch. I love it: classic, understated, not the most obvious choice for a Rolex and built like a tank (compared to the other dressier watches I eventually ended up getting). I've put it through sand, seawater, sunscreen, etc and nary a scratch. Good stuff.

Gauss17 said:

My recommendations for your criterion:

Rolex Explorer I, 39mm, 100 M WR



IWC vintage Ingenieur, 42.5mm, 120 M WR

Click to expand...



Scabal Fanatic said:

Hi again,

After reading your comments to my question, I went and research (in part) on the companies you mentioned.

I has been about 4 years that I am looking at a good watch. I tried a lot of them (Omega, Rolex, JLC, Audemar, Patek) and of course, price is a big factor.

I already own a very simple Tag Heuer Link Calibre S (was my first "good" watch), depending you compare it to what of course, you can argue that it was not the best choice but I could only afford that in that time. It will be 3 years and the watch is still perfect.

So, this time I am looking at a dressier watch (to wear with a suit or "officewear"). I have learned a lot in the last 3 years and today, I want a watch that is closely related to "horlogerie" more than "fashion and style".

JLC "speaks" to me a lot. I will investigate the cost to maintain and repair and the value of it if I sell it later in my life (as you told me, very smart of course).

Thanks!

Click to expand...

My first "good watch" was also a Tag, no idea what model it was but i think of all the watches i have that is the one i have the most memories with and probably holds the most sentiment for me. Had it since 1997 (i remember this because i was living in the philippines at the time and i converted US dollars to buy it right before the asian economies collapsed so i lost out lol)

apropos said:

Grand Seikos are watches internet nerds who never actually purchase them work themselves up into a frenzy over - such good value they coo, but somehow no one actually puts their money where their mouth is and buys one. I find them soulless with insipid designs, and the logo design alone is dreadful enough that I would avoid the whole marque because of it.

Last thing - and only because I keep hearing it - watch snobs are usually not thoroughly impressed by Grand Seikos. Dufours, yes. FP Journes or Pateks, yes. Grand Seikos, no. Grand Seikos impress Grand Seiko owners and the aforementioned nerds who always mention but never commit to actually purchasing one.

Click to expand...

As an internet nerd who has been on a popular watch specific site for 10+ years I think you are wrong and know plenty of members with excellent taste on that forum who own Grand Seiko timepieces. GS's are not well known but they are extremely well made and in macro pictures show great attention to detail. For the most part the designs are conservative and this line of Seiko watches is relatively rare. Design is of course is highly subjective but classic and highly detailed never go out of style. There are plenty of Rolex fans that buy their very conservative and classic (some may say boring or intransigent) styled watches for that reason. I would own a GS over a Datejust 100x out of 100.



RogerP said:

Well, this internet nerd DID purchase one.  Along with many Omega, IWC, JLC, Zenith, Blancpain and the odd Rolex over the years.  I find the Grand Seiko to be the equal or better of any of those brands at anywhere near a comparable price point.  "Insipid" is in the eye of the beholder.  Whichever watch you hold dear, I can guarantee that someone out there finds it lifeless and boring.

There are several GS owners on watchuseek - easily one of the largest watch forums.  Not nearly as many as Rolex, but then again a million new Grand Seikos aren't flooding the market each year.

Click to expand...

Well said, and so did I (an sbgw035). Btw one of the worlds best experts on Rolex,James 'MrRolex' Dowling, is also a GS (and Seiko) diehard.
So put that in your pipe and smoke it, anti GS trolls!