High-end watches...help me decide!

[gvibes]

Originally Posted by brosnan6

Would you buy a Cartier at all if it was another collection? They aren't my only two options, just two that I have in mind right now...I welcome your suggestions!
Oops - sorry I stepped away from the forum. Others have covered it, but basically, if you get a Cartier, it should be a tank, which you would probably rarely wear, as they seem dressy (to me, at least). So get the Rolex, or one of a huge number of other awesome watches out there. For instance, after seeing photos here, I'm kind of obsessing over the Glashutte Original Power Reserve, and basically any IWC Portugese. I would look through the watch Appreciation thread here, and see if something else captures your eye. Otherwise, I'm sure you'll be happy with a Rolex. Personally, I just kind of dislike when everyone else has the same brand as me.

 

[leon12]

Forgot to mention, if you're set on a chrono..
The El Primero movement from Zenith is considered by many to be the most elegant ever.
http://www.zenith-watches.com/script...d=0_0&langid=0
I don't really like where the brand is heading, but you may..

The Blancpain Flyback is a favorite.. bracelet and movement are both top notch.
http://www.blancpain.ch/e/collection...2885f_1130_53b

Speedmaster is well below your range, but it's an iconic chrono, first on the moon..
http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id=303
I like the broad arrow as well, comes in GMT and Rattrapante as well..
http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id=300

And my choice in your range.. the IWC Ceramic Doppel..
https://www.iwc.com/index-en.asp

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

The movement in the Breguet XX and XXI is based on the Lemania 1372, which in turn is a Lemania 1350 with the addition of a flyback function. Technically, the movement is 'in-house' since Breguet bought Lemania a few years ago. However, the 1350 predates Breguet's takeover by decades. The 1350 started production in 1972 as the 1340 and was designed to be an inexpensive, relatively low-end movement (it was most frequently used in Ebel watches). It does not use a column-wheel mechanism to operate the chronograph functions, but uses a cam system instead (easier to implement, but less refined in operation).

Breguet adopted the movement because they needed to revamp their watch line in the mid-90's with an affordable sport watch, and did not have the capacity to develop their own movement for it. It's just not a particularly pretty or fine movement--particularly given the price.

Hmmm... interesting. Thanks, M. I've been looking out for my next future purchase, too... and the XXI is one of the candidates.

 

[Bradford]

I'd go for the Rolex and I know plenty of people who wear one on a daily basis, so I see no reason why you shouldn't make it your workhorse watch.

 

[c3cubed]

I wouldn't part with my platinum Patek Philippe. Simple face design, completely understated and incredibly lightweight. It's a nice no-nonsense piece.

I have a Rolex and have worn it maybe three times. It's chunky and they weigh too much. It smashes into everything and is nasty on the glass of my desktop.

Therefore - best use for Rolex is in the kitchen: it's perfect as an egg timer.