Looking for recommendations on a new daily watch

[clubbyjones]

Hello SFers-

I'm looking into a new daily watch. I have two watches at the moment, a Rolex 116713 and a Casio G-Shock (for the gym and the trail). I've been wearing the 116713 daily for two years now, and while I enjoyed it in my small college town I'm not too fond of wearing it daily in a large urban city with scrubs everyday. Tallest nail is the first to be hammered in and all that.

I'd like to tone it down, at the same time have something nice to appreciate when work gets tiring. I'd like something that I beat around, travel with in Europe next summer, yet won't have all the gold and flash that catches eyes...something I can wear with swimtrunks and a suit. The reason I bought this watch in the beginning is because I have a special gold ring that I wanted to match. Here are the alternatives I'm looking into:

Rolex 11610LV
IWC Ingenieur 3227
Omega Planet Ocean
Rolex Explorer II


I'd love to see other recommendations. I've owned 25-30 different watches, and have only been happy with IWC, AP, and Rolex. Never could become a fan of a Panerai (I have a 6.5" skinny ***** wrist and Breitling's are too polished) Although the Rolex's I named have a stigma, I'd like to show a picture from the Sartorialist of a man wearing a 11610LV to show its lack of flash: http://www.thesartorialist.com/photo...VNADRGCWeb.jpg. Compare to what I wear now: http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r...=12082008a.jpg

Would love to hear some input from you all. Thanks in advance!

 

[whymakemedothis]

that man's companion came straight out of a Beatles cover...

 

[ArliHawk`]

I'm looking at the Planet Ocean as well, so that might be my choice. The black bezel with orange numerals model is my favorite. But if the price differential wasn't so great, I'd be inclined to go with the Explorer II (white face). There's something about the GMT function that I like.

 

[unjung]

What about something from Bell & Ross's professional series? Or a Stowa?

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Breitlings on a leather or gator strap are much more subdued.

My recommendation:

rolex datejust

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Blancpain Aqualung. A beautiful stealth watch. Get it on the X-71 bracelet.

 

[acidboy]

don't think the 2 Rolexes you mentioned have a 'toned down' look... if I'd choose between Rolexes I'd probably get the Sea Dweller or the Daytona, both in SS. Another suggestion you could also consider is the AP Royal Oak or if you have the means, a PP Nautilus 5711/1A.

 

[Twotone]

I'd go with the Omega Railmaster. Available in mid, regular or XXL on bracelet or strap. Coaxial movement. Nice balanced look between dress and sport and very reasonably priced.

Twotone

 

[Petyot]

Originally Posted by acidicboy

don't think the 2 Rolexes you mentioned have a 'toned down' look... if I'd choose between Rolexes I'd probably get the Sea Dweller or the Daytona, both in SS. Another suggestion you could also consider is the AP Royal Oak or if you have the means, a PP Nautilus 5711/1A.
Very good recommendation, but not exactly in the same price range as the one mentioned by the OP... I would go with a Rolex : Milgauss, Submariner or a GMT

 

[cipofan]

How about a vintage Omega Seamaster? You can get them from reputable dealers for $400-900. I put mine on a colorful NATO strap and it's perfect for travel or just as a beater. Doesn't attract the wrong kind of attention and it's nice to have a watch that has a history

 

[lpsunburst]

I have an Oris regulator that I wear from time to time, its interesting enough that people ask about it but with the black dial its not overly flashy.

 

[InPa]

Explorer II Black face is my daily wearer. Understated, reliable and nobody but me has any clue what it is.

 

[whymakemedothis]

Originally Posted by unjung

Or a Stowa?

Mine arrived today. I cannot think of a watch that is MORE overrated.

 

[spertia]

Originally Posted by whymakemedothis

Mine arrived today. I cannot think of a watch that is MORE overrated.

Which model, and why are you not pleased with it?

 

[NOLA1]

Why not trade it in/sell it and get the SS GMT IIc? Essentially your watch without the gold. It is still a little flashy with the polished center links but I have seen some guys have the links brushed to give it a more subdued appearance.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of the watches you listed. The Explorer II (white face is the better look imo), Sub LV (and buy a black bezel for approx. $100 so you could switch between black and green) and 42mm PO blk/white would all be understated and great for everyday wear.

If it were me, I would go with a Sea Dweller (while you can still get them new from an AD if you require new). I have one and think it's the best watch I have owned. The added height, weight, lack of cyclops (doesn't scream Rolex), classic styling, etc make it the perfect daily watch for me.