The Quintessential Watch for the Travelling Businessman

[Star]

Pertinent Question: If a man had to choose a watch that would serve him in multiple scenarios as a global businessman/consultant, what would it be?

I know the simple answer would be his blackberry however I am referring to a wrist watch. Without personalising this question in my mind it would have to address the following

Aesthetic Style – Work while the man is dressed for the office, dressed for a casual stroll down any major city or going for a drink at a swanky bar.

Discretion – A bling watch may not work or draw unnecessary attention in his travels

Comfort – Must be practical say in a Scandinavian Winter as it would be in a sweaty Tropical Summer environment say in South East Asia

Waterproof – Do I need to say no more that the global traveller may decide to jump into a hotel pool or mellow out on a beach?

Aura – This is the quality of it being generally accepted as a nice watch by anyone who may wish to have a look or more importantly someone of the fairer sex, while not coming across as arrogant. (Please no G Shocks )


I know this question may appear to be more suited to a watch forum like TimeZone.com. However, I have those forums are generally but not exclusively about Cult followings of particular brands and less about some of the other qualities I have mentioned particularly the one on Aesthetic Style.

 

[GuidoWongolini]

Rolex GMT Master IIc

Period..

Or if you want something different.. Then a Panerai 233J

FWIW - I have both of the above

 

[Metlin]

My personal favorite is the Suunto Core Steel. Rugged, lots of features for the outdoor junkie, provides dual time (which is very useful when you travel a lot), looks great and has good functionality that is useful in the Scandinavian ski slopes and the tropical jungles of SE Asia. Or more simply, tells you when precipitation is likely to occur, which is useful no matter where you are.

There is a rather interesting interactive demo on their website, as well. Of course, if you are looking for something where aesthetics is more important, I've had my eye on the Tissot T-touch for some time now.

That said, I am unsure of the ruggedness of just about most watches, except maybe watches from Omega, Casio, Timex and Suunto. But then, you did say no G-shocks.

 

[Schnurretiger]

What's good enough for James Bond ist good enough for any member on SF. So either PG's Rolex or an Omega. Or a Seiko.

 

[voxsartoria]

Good suggestions above...I think I would prefer an interation of a Reverso Duo, e.g.:

...or maybe a Hometime if the waterproof aspect is essential:

- B

 

[16520Man]

 

[dopey]

U. Nardin GMT Perpeual

 

[citoyen]

for the really important gentleman...

 

[Kas]

+1 on Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster or Seiko SKX007. A classic watch suited for every occasion.

 

[oscarthewild]

Plastic swatch. Easier for airports. Little financial loss, if you get mugged in Ascencion/Nairobi/Dhaka. The Rolex sets you up as mark.

-

 

[Schnurretiger]

Originally Posted by Kas

r Seiko SKX007. A classic watch suited for every occasion.

The SBDC001 looks better!

 

[Milhouse]

A pilot showed me his watch once. I didn't remember the brand, but it was a 24 hour watch, which is set to GMT, and the bezel is adjusted to mark the timezone. No matter where he went, all he had to do was glance at the timezone info on his flight information, for example GMT -3, and twist the bezel 3 hours behind. No real hassle when traveling. I'd like to find one like it because I think it is a great watch for travel, plus a great conversation piece.

 

[bigbjorn]

IWC UTC 3251 classic dial. Watch of the year 1998.

 

[highball]

I'm a fan of Sinn's. I think the 756 or 956 would fit all of your criteria except for maybe:

Originally Posted by Star

Aura - This is the quality of it being generally accepted as a nice watch by anyone who may wish to have a look or more importantly someone of the fairer sex, while not coming across as arrogant. (Please no G Shocks )

There have been quite a few watch questions of late...

 

[swoobie]

One vote here for the original Rolex Yachtmaster in Plat/Stainless. Much less obvious than the GMT/Seadweller/Submariner and quite a bit more unique as well. While most people recognize the GMT/Seadweller/Submariner, my Yachtie flies comfortably under the radar, with very few people recognizing it as a Rolex - exactly as I like it.