I need a sports watch - help me pick

[gusvs]

Today I have only one watch, a JLC Master Geographic. A very nice watch indeed, but too dressy for casual wear sometimes.




Now, I am looking at something more sporty. I have two candidates (my budget is up to 4000 EUR):

1. IWC Pilot's Watch Chrono-Automatic (371701) on leather strap or steel bracelet):

2. Panerai Luminor Marina Automatic 40mm (PAM 00048):

I have considered the 44mm Panerai as well, but I have small wrists, and the 44mm just looks ridiculous on my arm.

Please suggest only one of the two models mentioned above (unless you have a very very good alternative

)

 

[ArliHawk`]

I like the Panerai between those two with the cleaner dial.

Might I also suggest an Omega Planet Ocean?

 

[rick]

i have and like both iwc, and panerai. i would go for the panerai, great watch and you can change the straps quickly. if you go panerai get the 44mm the size will not be an issue once you where it. as a matter of fact my wife wears one and her wrist is very small.

 

[mdg137]

+1 for the Omega Planet Ocean.

Rugged, understated, and the most accurate mechanical watch I have ever owned.

 

[0b5cur1ty]

Of those two I would immediately pick the IWC (though I'd prefer a standard Mk XVI or XV to the chrono). Having said that, they're such different watches I'm quite surprised at the pairing - you really don't have any instinctive preference to either?

Since you left the door ajar for other suggestions, and obviously like the style of the IWC, I can't not post the Nomos Club:

The 38.5mm version of this watch (they wear a bit larger than other watches the same size) is aesthetic perfection IMHO, however there are larger (40 & 41.5mm) auto versions and a 36mm manual without date.

 

[GuidoWongolini]

Originally Posted by gusvs

1. IWC Pilot's Watch Chrono-Automatic (371701) on leather strap or steel bracelet):

Please suggest only one of the two models mentioned above (unless you have a very very good alternative

)
- minor detail, that IWC you pictured is a 3706 & it is 39 mm, the 3717 is 42mm & has a red second hand.
- of the 2, I'd go for the IWC
- the bubble date on Panerai never work as well as on the Rolex models

 

[DrZRM]

IWC, I really don't much like a Panny. I'd second (third...fifth?) the Omega PO chrono.

 

[lizmasc]

I'm not a watches expert, though from the pics you posted I'd go with your second one, the Panerai Luminor Marina Automatic, it looks the better of the two for casual purposes

 

[sfo423]

Of those mentioned, the 3717 wins hands down. An Omega Seamaster GMT w/a white face (if you can still find one) really does the trick too. Looks great on strap. Of course, nothing says "**** you" like a Submariner. Or, go a bit more understated with a GMT Master II.

 

[HRoi]

i love my Panerai, and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone, but by "sports" watch do you mean you need a chronograph? because the model you posted wont fit the bill. but it does look "sporty" so if that's what you meant then it's all good. Panerai gets kind of a bum rap because it's very trendy at the moment, but they are excellent watches and very elegant in their simplicity, imho. as far as other options, what about this?

 

[Toorman]

I'd vote Panerai as well. If you prefer 40 to 44 that's fine - it's all about what sings to you. After that I would go IWC. Frankly, I don't much care for Omega. They can be had at 40% off of retail at most any AD so they are a decent value but they aren't very inspiring to me. I want a watch I look forward to wearing in the morning not just safe and predictable.

 

[bigbjorn]

The IWC pictured is a 3706, not a 3717. You should get a 3706.

 

[agent86a]

As others mentioned, you posted a photo of the IWC 3706.

I'm a big fan of the IWC 3717, and their classic Mark XV pilot watch. I'm including photos of both:

3717

Mark XV

Good luck deciding!

 

[gusvs]

Thanks everyone for your inputs! Hmm, seems we have a draw at the moment...
Would anyone say there is any bg difference between the Panerai PAM48 and the IWC 3717 in terms of quality of the movement?

Originally Posted by 0b5cur1ty

Of those two I would immediately pick the IWC (though I'd prefer a standard Mk XVI or XV to the chrono). Having said that, they're such different watches I'm quite surprised at the pairing - you really don't have any instinctive preference to either?

I am actually leaning to the Panerai as of today.

Originally Posted by Phat Guido

- minor detail, that IWC you pictured is a 3706 & it is 39 mm, the 3717 is 42mm & has a red second hand.
- of the 2, I'd go for the IWC
- the bubble date on Panerai never work as well as on the Rolex models

Thanks for pointing out. Apprently I did not look too closely on th picture after posting.
Of the 3706 and the 3717, I do prefer the 3717 though, I really like the red second hand and the fact that it is slightly larger than the 3706.

 

[gusvs]

Originally Posted by HRoi

i love my Panerai, and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone, but by "sports" watch do you mean you need a chronograph? because the model you posted wont fit the bill. but it does look "sporty" so if that's what you meant then it's all good.

Looking "sporty" is enough for me

Originally Posted by agent86a

As others mentioned, you posted a photo of the IWC 3706.

I'm a big fan of the IWC 3717, and their classic Mark XV pilot watch. I'm including photos of both:

3717

Mark XV

Good luck deciding!

Thanks for posting the pictures!