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

[Keith T]

Whenever BlancpaiN finally downsizes this bad boy to something a little more reasonable (like 42mm), I'd be sorely tempted to get one.

Hell, I'm actually *somewhat* tempted at 45mm... but with those proportions it would just compete with my Radiomir for wrist time.

Black-dialed sport watches will be the death of me

This is an old pic from a tyre-kicking excursion that I've posted before...just always loved the history behind the 50 Fathoms, and I do especially like that sapphire bezel.

Having said that-- as it stands right now, I would probably prefer a 114060 as a modern diver classic. And this is the rare case where the Rolex is actually a less-expensive option.

 

[OzWino]

Thanks for those sites @Journeyman. I'll add those to my reading list. Once you start down this path you realise how much there is to learn, but therein lies the pleasure also.

 

[Texasmade]



Get BLNR, it's freaking incredible.

I'm not a Rolex guy but this is the one I would definitely get.

 

[tigerpac]

Should always take a look at the latest Planet Oceans when lurking in the dive watch waters.

As for the Blancpain: Wish they would downsize the FF as well. Loved the Tribute to the Aqua Lung version they did a few years ago but still 45mm.

 

[firenze_rob]

With respect to a smaller FF, there is the 43mm bathyscaphe. I actually prefer the looks of this version more. The case is pretty sweet, but the dial may put people off. I think if you can find one for 5-6k, not a bad deal.

 

[Belligero]

I much prefer the normal FF to the Bathyscaphe version, which looks like something from one of those fly-by-night "microbrands". I just don't find the design is very coherent, and the bold Arial on the bezel is pure lame-o. :|

 

[firenze_rob]

good points. i do like the syringe hands of the brachyscaphe...but let's be honest, not too many people are running to their AD and saying, I need to have a Blancpain.

 

[Belligero]

^
Agreed.

A few elements are nice, but take "Blancpain" off the dial and there's not much to distinguish the overall look from the made-in-China catalogue-component stuff the off-brands that flog their wares on noob-heavy watch forums put out.

To be fair, at least the movement looks the part.

 

[firenze_rob]

A quick look at ebay this morning yielded a Camaro with an asking price of $4,500 USD. Oh the humanity.

 

[mimo]

I always liked the simplicity and difference of the Bathyscaphe. But two things have ruined it for me: first, when I got to try it on it sat very high and awkwardly on my wrist, making it wear even bigger than 43mm, and that rather goes against its understated charms. And second, not for the first time, Belligero has ruined it with his Arial observation. ******.

 

[rnguy001]

I like the Bathyscape more than the original FF personally. Could never get the "toilet seat cover" picture out of my mind once someone brought it up.. But either watch is superbly made, aesthetics aside. I like the simplicity of the new Bathyscape, but don't like the date position. Plus it's in a rather expensive tier if bought new and has plenty of great competitors in that range.

I also think you can't go wrong with Rolex for a dive watch, but some of the things the OP was asking has me wondering, if he truly wants one because of the reputation? Buying something hoping to fall in love with it (regardless of its outstanding reputation and TWAT affection), is a risky move IMO.

But again, there's nothing wrong with getting a bit of first hand perspective from Rolex owners about what makes Rolex so.. Rolex.. I have to admit I came around a bit after spending years on here. PS - THANKS

R

sorry for the crappy ol' pic.

 

[dopey]

I have been wearing a quartz TAG-Hueur Profesional 1000 for decades. Apart from being the current President's watch, it is pretty much a direct copy of the Rolex Submariner. It is also, as far as I can tell, the perfect dive watch design and there is nothing I would change about it other than getting rid of the stupid date counter.
If I were looking to buy a new dive watch, I would likely start and end my search with a Submariner, though I would also certainly consider a Seamaster. That seems to be the sweet spot for a pretend tool watch. Going up the price scale seems profligate and down the scale makes the most sense only if you intend to actually use it.

 

[Keith T]

My biggest gripe on the Bathyscaphe would be the smallish hour markers. Just seems like too much dial space on that watch to me.

(All personal preference).



Nice Sea-Dweller, rnguy001! You're welcome LOL.

tigerpac- Should always take a look at the latest Planet Oceans when lurking in the dive watch waters.

As for the Blancpain: Wish they would downsize the FF as well. Loved the Tribute to the Aqua Lung version they did a few years ago but still 45mm.

^^^And +1 to all of this. ^^^

 

[mimo]

Back to the original question of suitable desk divers, some good suggestions so far. But given the consensus (and I do not dissent) on the perfection of the Rolex Submariner, I thought I'd come at it from a different angle: some people, maybe a lot of people, feel that a Rolex is just too recognisable to ever be subtle. So what is like a Submariner, but not a Submariner?

- More than $5k new but easy to find cheaper than a Sub
- 40mm case size
- 300ATM depth rating ("proper" dive watch!)


I give you: Blancpain Specialities GMT (smaller than the Bathy, bigger hour markers, different). Breitling Montbrilliant (technically for flying not diving, but also flies at the correct depth rating). Panerai 48 (or white dial 49, or 241; apparently Panerais are dive watches - who knew?)

Wild card: 42mm case size exception brings you the Girard Perregaux Seahawk.


There are plenty of others if you want a big beast, and plenty that are cheaper, but sometimes it's fun to compare like for like. I still think the Sub would win against any of those, and Breitling and Panerai are pretty recognisable. But, you know, just in case. In the mean time, I wear a Seiko Orange Monster to the beach.

 

[bkotsko]

Back to the original question of suitable desk divers, some good suggestions so far. But given the consensus (and I do not dissent) on the perfection of the Rolex Submariner, I thought I'd come at it from a different angle: some people, maybe a lot of people, feel that a Rolex is just too recognisable to ever be subtle. So what is like a Submariner, but not a Submariner?

- More than $5k new but easy to find cheaper than a Sub
- 40mm case size
- 300ATM depth rating ("proper" dive watch!)


I give you: Blancpain Specialities GMT (smaller than the Bathy, bigger hour markers, different). Breitling Montbrilliant (technically for flying not diving, but also flies at the correct depth rating). Panerai 48 (or white dial 49, or 241; apparently Panerais are dive watches - who knew?)

Wild card: 42mm case size exception brings you the Girard Perregaux Seahawk.


There are plenty of others if you want a big beast, and plenty that are cheaper, but sometimes it's fun to compare like for like. I still think the Sub would win against any of those, and Breitling and Panerai are pretty recognisable. But, you know, just in case. In the mean time, I wear a Seiko Orange Monster to the beach.

I would have to throw in the Tudor BB and Pelagos as 2 options that would be viable. (Yes, bigger than 40mm)