The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

[Kaplan]

I don't know a lot about pricing and collectability of these watches, but isn't about $3500 for Watchco's NOS SM 300 pretty decent?

I agree that the PO is nicer looking than any of the other current SM offerings.

 

[gdl203]

You mean "NOS". There's been a lot written about these watches being assemblages of (mainly original) Omega parts, with a few fake parts (bezels) thrown in the mix

 

[Kaplan]

You're right. Should've put that in quotation marks. That said, are vintage SM 300's very expensive or hard to come by? When looking for the pics above I came across a listing for what looked like a very nice one for $1600 IIRC. I believe the listing was about 3 years old...

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]



You're right. Should've put that in quotation marks. That said, are vintage SM 300's very expensive or hard to come by? When looking for the pics above I came across a listing for what looked like a very nice one for $1600 IIRC. I believe the listing was about 3 years old...

I believe the Watchco ones usually are under 2.5k and if all original, probably around 3k or so. Not sure what the group think is on Watchco. There are mixed claims as to whether Omega will service them. That said I love the look of the SM300 but the a modern PO is probably a safer purchase if you don't have a good watch guy for repairs. Given your size constraints maybe you should veer away from divers other than vintage.

 

[lagsun]

I originally looked for the blue Seamaster Pro but instead jumped on a 2298.80.00 300m Titanium Chrono diver since I'm a big chronograph fan. I considered the current stainless version from an AD (with almost 30% off list) but decided to save $1K, buying it used without cards from a very reputable seller on TZ. It's bigger than my other watch but I'm already getting use to it. The below pic is my Breitling Navitimer Premier (36.7mm - about 39mm including crown) next to the Seamaster Chrono (41.5mm). Now I need to get the bracelet sized and perhaps find a cordovan strap for the Omega.

BTW, I've seen a number of SMPs on TZ in the $1500 range recently.

 

[Kaplan]

^ Nice Speedbird strap

 

[Kai]

Baume and Mercier Chrono

 

[TheWraith]

Never had a problem with the skeleton hands on my Omega Seamaster.

 

[CalTex]



^ Nice Speedbird strap

IWC,

 

[Newcomer]

Question for you guys:

So my dad wants to buy a watch for my mother, in or around $10,000 (although I am sure preferably less than more). She wants something that can withstand some abuse, that she can wear daily, and that has enough water resistance that it could withstand daily water-based activities. Something more on casual lines is definitely what she is going for.

My suggestions:

Cartier Pasha
Chopard Imperiale
Bvlgari (something?)
Rolex Datejust
Perhaps Piaget?

It has been difficult to find something with about 100m of water resistance. I don't think quartz or automatic matters. But I am sure she does not want a "fragile" automatic.

Any other suggestions? I am not too well versed in the world of teh womenz watches. I think as of now, Chopard and Cartier are what I think of as the best options. The Datejust is a nice back-up.

Josh

 

[Kaplan]

My sis has one of these

nice, but rather small. If it doesn't have to be small and dressy, I always thought the older, 36mm Explorer could make a nice lady's watch. It'll certainly be rugged enough for pretty much anything she can throw at it.

 

[PartagasIV]

For the SMP midsize/PO debate, here's a pic:

I wore the midsize SMP for years with a 6.5" wrist and thought it fit just about right. I gave it to a sibling after I got a 42mm PO. The PO was initially, I thought, gigantically too big in comparison. It grew on me gradually, the more I tried on larger diameter watches. However, I still like the size of a vintage Calatrava or Reverso Duo--I can't conceptualize wearing anything bigger than 42mm.

edit: I like the suggestion of the 36mm Explorer I. Much more classic and hardy of a watch. Cartier and water are like oil and water in my head.

 

[Newcomer]

I should possibly elaborate: although the explorer would be an excellent suggestion for ruggedness, ruggedness is definitely relative. My mother is not leading the most rugged of lifestyles, and something on the effeminate side of the spectrum is more desirable. By water, I mean water from dishes, and the odd shower, swim in the pool, etc.

 

[yywwyy]



For the SMP midsize/PO debate, here's a pic:
I wore the midsize SMP for years with a 6.5" wrist and thought it fit just about right. I gave it to a sibling after I got a 42mm PO. The PO was initially, I thought, gigantically too big in comparison. It grew on me gradually, the more I tried on larger diameter watches. However, I still like the size of a vintage Calatrava or Reverso Duo--I can't conceptualize wearing anything bigger than 42mm.
edit: I like the suggestion of the 36mm Explorer I. Much more classic and hardy of a watch. Cartier and water are like oil and water in my head.

Wow. I've been looking everywhere for a photo comparison of the SMP full-size vs mid-size, but wasn't able to find one, surprisingly. This really helps. The lugs of the 41mm sit smaller than the width of my 6'' wrist, so that not much of the links are visible from the top view. I thought it looked humongous. The mid-size looks a bit smaller than I'd like because the actual face looks tiny. Still thinking about it...

 

[Kaplan]

Newcomer, I was mostly suggesting the 36mm Explorer on account of it's great looks (wouldn't mind having one myself), the ruggednes is just an added bonus

Anyway, for a more elegant watch, the recommendation for the Oyster Perpetual Lady in the pic above still stands (it's 25mm). It should hold up nicely to your requirements. Sorry, but I've no experience with lady's watches from any of the other brands listed (exept Cartier Tank on a leather band, but that will obviously not do). Hopefully someone else can chime in...