The Watch Appreciation Thread - Part two (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre,

[New Shoes1]

Interestingly enough, I am considering the Christopher Ward C9 5 Day Auto and wearing it as a business casual/dress watch. For some reason, traditional dress watches (in my price range) really bore me. It was actually all the pictures of the GO Pano's that got me leaning this way.

 

[mimo]

The Blue GO I fancy a lot is the Senator Sixties.



But in the mean time, I have a more casual feel on my GUB Spezimatic Weltzeit.

 

[flvinny521]

Now then, @flvinny521 , my "Enabler" honour is at stake here. I will have to try harder. Here are some other options for steel all-rounders on bracelets, no smaller than your 38mm dress watch, but no bigger than 40mm to keep proportion to your wrist size and not look like you're trying too hard:

Challenge accepted!


Firstly, to reiterate @TheWraith 's suggestion, the Aqua Terra's a beauty. If it has to be new, then a perfectly sized quartz version is bang on the money. I like the grey dial. $1700ish at Jomashop.com

I would prefer automatic. Nothing against quartz necessarily, but I think I'd only have one as a gym/rugged watch like a G-Shock.

If it has to be automatic, then there is still plenty to play with. I like that Oris of yours, I really do, but I can't help sense that a more prestigious brand image might be a bonus? We'll get there. There are also a lot of well-known but more accessible brands with a wide range of steel all-rounders in this price range, with some decent looking things from Maurice Lacroix, Frederique Constant and Raymond Weil. I don't know enough about the former two but they've never excited me. The latter I respect but my friend's had a lot of service and reliability issues with his two recent ones, so I couldn't recommend them based on my own knowledge.

Ehe Swatch Group seem to have a massive showing at this point - with discounts to impress: Rado I don't like personally, Union I don't find anything special despite my love for most things German, Certina doesn't ring my bell nor Mido, and Tissot I find brilliant value at the $3-500 mark, but out-gunned here.

There are two Swatch brands worth your looking at, I think: Longines I find great value (check out previous posts on the column wheel chrono - might suit), and has too many options in this range to list. Do a quick internet search yourself, check out the main discounters like Jomashop, Amazon etc, and you'll see a lot. Here are a couple of samplers, $1300 and $1900 respectively:






So here's where it gets interesting: I have had a thing for Longines since I first started browsing for my first dress watch a few years ago. The bracelets doesn't appeal to me as much as something completely brushed and more Oyster. Also, I think I'd prefer either a black or blue dial, since I'm not sold on the very low-contrast steel bracelet and white/silver face combination. The first watch I liked with the steel/black combo was the Explorer, and I think that is somewhat inspiring this purchase, although not completely.

Also, the Longines that appeals to me most for this purchase is odd, since I always considered a diver something that I'd buy at a beater price range (which I know we ARE at that price range for many of you) and to wear literally only for beach/pool days. However, I like these from the HydroConquest line. The one I like the looks of most is quartz, though, so maybe the GMT to get away from that Sub look somewhat, or the obvious Sub clone. I like both at 41mm. Having my primary watch be a GMT might be handy if I am traveling.








To complete the Swatch Group set, there's one I'd recommend from Hamilton: they do a nice version of the Jazzmaster at not much over a K, with a clean dial and small seconds on a bracelet. I like it.

I did consider a few Hamiltons, but to me, I'd prefer this watch on black leather as a dressier nighttime watch, not so much a daily casual wearer. Ultimately, the Hamiltons I have seen didn't quite compare to the others we've been discussing.


A couple of members here have bought the JeanRichard Terrascope recently. Ashford.com have various models, some on bracelets, and rotate weekly sale offers putting many of them at about the $1k bracket. I think they're great looking, and lots of dials and configurations to choose from. This one's on offer right now.

Another interesting option. I saw this one on the Poor Man's thread and the real life pics definitely intrigued me. If I just saw a stock photo like that, I may have passed right over it. The one I liked was the one below, on the rubber strap and odd, dark looking face. It's still on my radar, but I'm not completely sold. The one you posted with the blue face checks all the boxes, too. We'll see.





A quick nod to Damasko as mentioned above, for something different: just under the limit price wise.

This is cool, but doesn't really excite me in any way. Pass.


Now, let's get stuck into the Germans. I do like a lot of the Germans in this price range. One maker we haven't mentioned for a while is Junghans. They have some very distinctive design in their Meister and Max Bill collections. Even their more expensive automatic options are around the $1500 mark. A Meister and a Max Bill chrono:






I always go back to this brand because they seem to get a lot of love, but they still don't do anything for me.

Another German independent that gets a lot of love here, and going back to your initial pilot theme, is Sinn. The classic, cleaner 556 comes in various dial options for about $1300, and the nigh-iconic 356 chronograph around the $1700 mark. Both brilliant.






Another brand I have been considering. I don't like many chronos, and this is no exception, but that first one is nice. Again, I'm not sure about the bracelet on that one. Does it come with other bracelet options? I've also seen some with 12, 3, 6, and 9, and I like that as well. Although, I think it was only 38 mm, and I'd prefer a bit larger.

There are a few contenders from the auspicious birthplace of Glashuette, too. As I said, I found the Union offerings a bit dull, and not much fun from Tutima. But I've a big soft spot for Muehle, and I like the utilitarian clarity of their Terrasport II:

Here's one I hadn't heard of. It's nice, definitely an option. A little more "true" pilot, but still seems versatile, similar to the Alpina at a more reasonable size. While the bracelet isn't Oyster, I think it matches the watch very well and looks brushed. I'll add this to the list.



Now, I said above that I've a feeling you might want a brand with a bit of recognition. That's not a criticism or an accusation of vanity by any means! It is part of the value that I think most of us recognise, especially for something that you're planning to keep as you said. And, let's get real here: this is a present from your better half, so there's got to be an advantage in its being made by someone she has heard of. How about Bulgari?

Nah. Also, my wife's not really into jewelry or fashion brands, so she's kind of adopted my taste in watches, thankfully. I don't think she'd be impressed by the name.

You won't see one of those every day. But if that's a bit too unusual, then I think there might be an obvious brand to suit your purpose here. It's not one that's always loved here, I think perhaps a little unfairly: when it comes in at under $2k new, the designs have a long history and a distinctly recognisable style, the ebauche movements and perceived ubiquity matter not a bit in my view. Here are a couple of my favourites among their offerings. These are great looking watches from the venerable house of Heuer. Or, as your beloved might know them better, TagHeuerZenithHublot-LouisVuittonMoetHennessy.

I tried one of these on with her last week. It was nice, and I like the look, but the watch and bracelet felt very light and not substantial enough for me. Also, I think the forumthink dislike for Tag has rubbed off on me, and I don't really have any special interest in the brand. I would consider them, but again, this one wasn't for me.



That's the more understated option, and various dials etc are available for all. But my personal, more sporty favourite is below. I like the blue slightly more than the black or white, but they're all so recognisable, perfectly sized at 40.5mm, sporty but not too showy with the plain steel bezel, and a steal at $1350 brand new:

I've seen this one around, but I don't like the bezel. I'd prefer the Longines diver.

Now there are a lot of choices here, and everyone one of them a good one in my book. But if you narrow it to autos and give her your short list, I bet she picks this last one!

[All pics and prices from current listings at chrono24.com, except JeanRichard from Ashford.com]

See my responses in blue. I really appreciate the time you took in preparing this, and as you see, you've added a few more options and touched on others I had already been toying with. I have some more thinking to do.

 

[mimo]

Welcome! I like that Longines GMT too. Also, I agree about the contrast thing: more contrast makes it work better as a casual watch I think - whether black or blue.

 

[tifosi]

Before I quote a wall of text, does anybody have issues wearing a black faced watch with certain outfits? Yesterday I wore dark jeans with a plaid shirt and brown shoes, and I was thinking that a blue face might be better than black with that particular combo. Is a blue face more versatile for "OneWatch?"

A black dial watch (on a bracelet) is the most versatile watch there is. It doesn't matter what else you are wearing.

 

[Dino944]

Before I quote a wall of text, does anybody have issues wearing a black faced watch with certain outfits? Yesterday I wore dark jeans with a plaid shirt and brown shoes, and I was thinking that a blue face might be better than black with that particular combo. Is a blue face more versatile for "OneWatch?"

Not sure I find it more versatile, maybe just a bit less common. It seems there are more watches available with black, white, or silver dials than blue. I own a few black dial watches, one gray, a few silver, and 1 blue. I enjoy wearing all of them. I do like wearing a blue dial watch with a blue suit. However, I think it is maybe more a matter of whether one prefers how a blue dial watch looks with one's wardrobe in general, which may depend on your sense of style and taste.

 

[Winot]

The nicest blue dial on a strap I've seen recently is the Glashutte Original Senator Sixties (no date). The open back is sublime. But it is about GBP 4000 so I guess it should be.

Edit to add: I missed the next page, and I see that Mimo has (as ever) got there first.

 

[flvinny521]

Welcome! I like that Longines GMT too. Also, I agree about the contrast thing: more contrast makes it work better as a casual watch I think - whether black or blue.

OK, so time to expand on a few more options. My last post seemed to be very blue focused, and while I think I'll have a blue faced watch soon, I'd still prefer black right now.

So, Longines. That GMT is really nice, the more I look at it, the more I like it. However, I don't like the black-faced version as much, so I'd want it in blue. I think that pushes it out of the running and maybe for consideration at a later date. Also, when I compare the HydroConquest diver to some others we've discussed, I revert back to my preference to not use a diver as a daily watch (though that may be sacrilege in this thread). Here are some on black that look great. The first is my favorite, but why so much more expensive than the second? I don't see any added complications, size differs only by 1mm, same line... what am I missing?




These are my top two for the brand.

JeanRichard I think is too unique. I may own one eventually, but not right now. Kinda like how you don't want a dramatic chalk stripe as your first suit, I don't want a Terrascope with such a small collection. Maybe later.

Now, with Sinn, you've thrown a wrench into my plans. Well, Longines as well, but Sinn is a more direct competitor to the Oris I had/have my eye on. I really like the 556A on bracelet, but I wish it was larger. I tried on a few 42 mm watches last week and actually thought that size was good in most cases: not small and dainty, but not ridiculous. I think 40mm would be great, too. At 38.5, I am not sure I'd be totally happy. Do they make this any larger?



That Terrasport II is definitely my favorite from Muhle. I'm still clinging on to the fact that I don't generally like pilot watches, and that one is kind of the epitome of a pilot watch. For some reason, I can't rule it out completely. Probably not a front-runner, though.

So, the front-runners are now all here, along with my original selection, the Oris below. Apologies to the rest of the readers for turning this thread into my personal sounding board.




I think it's going to come down to the Oris and that first Longines.

 

[New Shoes1]

The Blue GO I fancy a lot is the Senator Sixties.

The nicest blue dial on a strap I've seen recently is the Glashutte Original Senator Sixties (no date). The open back is sublime. But it is about GBP 4000 so I guess it should be.

Edit to add: I missed the next page, and I see that Mimo has (as ever) got there first.

That is my someday watch. Love it.

 

[TheWraith]



OK, so time to expand on a few more options. My last post seemed to be very blue focused, and while I think I'll have a blue faced watch soon, I'd still prefer black right now.

So, Longines. That GMT is really nice, the more I look at it, the more I like it. However, I don't like the black-faced version as much, so I'd want it in blue. I think that pushes it out of the running and maybe for consideration at a later date. Also, when I compare the HydroConquest diver to some others we've discussed, I revert back to my preference to not use a diver as a daily watch (though that may be sacrilege in this thread). Here are some on black that look great. The first is my favorite, but why so much more expensive than the second? I don't see any added complications, size differs only by 1mm, same line... what am I missing?

Get the second Longines you have pictured. $895 from Jomashop last time I checked, it's a better size for you, automatic and with 300m water resistance--you can't go wrong there. I considered it briefly myself recently.

 

[mimo]

my personal sounding board.

If you want to keep the blue GMT version for later, the Longines Conquest Classic is simpler, and I've just seen the black dial version for a shade over $1k. [Edit: see Frank's post above!] There's also the Saint Imier, a bit more dressy and $1700 maybe, but I'm not sure you'll like the bracelet. Take a look. They're both 41mm.

From Sinn, there isn't a bigger 556. The 103 is 41mm and not too expensive, about $1300. It has a bezel, but very different to the many Submariner clones. I like the display back and the case shape a lot, too.




Look up the 240 as well, though that's quite a big boy at 43mm and the 70s style case isn't everyone's taste.

Muehle has some other options if you want something less pilot-ish. Both the "City" 99, and the 29er, are a shade over 42mm and pretty clean. I particularly like the latter, with its modern case shape, Oyster-y bracelet and cool crown guards. But they're both cool.




There is also the Terrasport 1, but that's a bit big at 44mm. And if you want to go a bit off the track, look up the SAR Rescue Timer - a sensible 42mm but perhaps a little "tacticool".

[more edit: Just one thought on the Longines - if you're seriously thinking of getting a blue Conquest GMT later, maybe consider either getting it now as it does everything these do, or going with another maker this time around for variety]

 

[Belligero]

^
I've noticed that almost everyone wants oversized watches when they start getting into them, then most tastes seem to develop toward preferring more-traditional sizing.

I'm glad I held onto my 356, even though I initially thought it too small. The big watches got stale fast, and I've never missed them since they were gone.

 

[Cleav]

Linked ^

Despite my others I always seem to wear this. Perhaps the Pam 183 needs to go...

 

[TheWraith]

^ Not me, Belli, I tend to shy away from oversized watches with most of my collection.

There's that beauty again. Lovely watch, as always, Cleav

 

[TheWraith]

Part of my watch collection (the Sub is missing, as I'm wearing it when I took the photo). A mix of good and cheap: