The watch DISCUSSION thread

[zippyh]

There sure are a lot of people who don't care about Rolex talking about Rolex. This thread is kind of a microcosm of why I don't really follow wristwatches anymore. Wristwatch threads always seem to cover why Rolex is meh and if you must get one you need to get a vintage sub or at least one before they were ruined by changing something or other. Followed by "Omega is more better". Also the "Tudor is better than Rolex" refrain. Pretty soon, someone will start likening watch brands to car brands.

At this point, I wear my 16600 Sea Dweller or GMT IIC about 90% of the time because those are the ones I like most. Sometimes I'll wear my Speedmaster or IWC Flieger Chrono for a while. But I haven't worn a dress watch for a couple years other than to pull one out of storage and make sure it still runs. I should probably pare my collection down but I still like to pull them out of storage and play with them.

 

[smittycl]

Rolex rocks.

 

[Dino944]

Yes, I am the guy with the Bvlgari. For me, there is a big difference between showing off visually vs verbally. I have other watches I am sure people consider flashy. I am aware how watch enthusiasts look down at fashion/jewelry brand watches. I don't really care about stuff like that. I buy what I like and you will never hear me talk down to someone or talk up myself due to the watch we are wearing.

If I chose to buy and wear a watch as a statement, I want the statement to be about my style, not my bank account.

Agreed, the issue is not the watch, but the obnoxious people. I find most Rolex watches visually uninteresting and prefer to wear something less mass produced, less well known. So add in my experiences with obnoxious people wearing Rolex, makes the brand even less appealing to me when choosing what to buy. I have good friends and relatives that own and like Rolex. The brand is just not for me.

I can completely understand that Rolex isn't the brand for everyone, and that you find them visually uninteresting. I can also understand wanting something that is as you said less, mass produced and less well known.

Perhaps Rolex ends up on the wrists of some obnoxious people because the brand is so well known, and they produce so many watches each year. Still, I know a lot of people that wear them who are really nice people.

People show off verbally about lots of things they own- cars, boats, watches, clothes etc. Talking down to others because of their choice of car, watch, clothes, etc...is a deficiency in the person talking down to others, not really something to do with the brand.

 

[TheChihuahua]

I like the look of vintage watches. (Often prefer vintage for many things, but don't always have the opportunity or ability to buy depending on the item).

i like vintage, and have had good luck with my vintage omega. But you have tk be a bit more careful/do your research on vintage pieces. Lots can go wrong there. Purchase from a reputable dealer even if it costs 20-30% more.

 

[bdavro23]

I like the look of vintage watches. (Often prefer vintage for many things, but don't always have the opportunity or ability to buy depending on the item).

I have been a watch collector for about 15 years, and over that time, I acquired some nice watches and pieces I loved. Our house was burgaled a few years ago and we were relieved of our watches and jewelry. I was wearing the Rolex Explorer (vintage) I bought when my daughter was born, so I still have that. The only watch they didnt take, was this:

Khaki Field Auto | H70455533

When you're planning an expedition, your essential equipment is reliable, resilient, functional and compact. At 38mm, this watch is punching above its weight when it comes to military inspired features. Bold looks, a rugged and robust case and strap and a movement that won't let you down. With...

www.hamiltonwatch.com

I bought this watch in 2008 to celebrate a new job. It isnt very expensive, and has a work horse ETA movement in it that is basic and reliable. There is nothing to highlight in the marketing materials and they are readily available for purchase at many retailers. With that said, I think this watch might have the best looking dial I have ever seen. The Speedmaster Pro is certainly up there for best dial layout, but this watch is just beautiful to me.

While they make it in a larger size, the 38 mm is perfect for a field watch, and this one wouldnt look out of place with tailoring or knitwear and denim. I think this would be a great companion for your dad's Datejust if you're in the market.

When I saw that the thieves had left this watch for me, I was really relieved. It would have been the most easily replaceable watch in my collection, but it was somehow comforting to still have it. Good luck with your search.

 

[mhip]

I have been a watch collector for about 15 years, and over that time, I acquired some nice watches and pieces I loved. Our house was burgaled a few years ago and we were relieved of our watches and jewelry. I was wearing the Rolex Explorer (vintage) I bought when my daughter was born, so I still have that. The only watch they didnt take, was this:

Khaki Field Auto | H70455533

When you're planning an expedition, your essential equipment is reliable, resilient, functional and compact. At 38mm, this watch is punching above its weight when it comes to military inspired features. Bold looks, a rugged and robust case and strap and a movement that won't let you down. With...

www.hamiltonwatch.com

View attachment 1596450

I bought this watch in 2008 to celebrate a new job. It isnt very expensive, and has a work horse ETA movement in it that is basic and reliable. There is nothing to highlight in the marketing materials and they are readily available for purchase at many retailers. With that said, I think this watch might have the best looking dial I have ever seen. The Speedmaster Pro is certainly up there for best dial layout, but this watch is just beautiful to me.

While they make it in a larger size, the 38 mm is perfect for a field watch, and this one wouldnt look out of place with tailoring or knitwear and denim. I think this would be a great companion for your dad's Datejust if you're in the market.

When I saw that the thieves had left this watch for me, I was really relieved. It would have been the most easily replaceable watch in my collection, but it was somehow comforting to still have it. Good luck with your search.

A long time vendor rep that services my company told me he wanted to get a nice watch and asked me for advice, as he has no watch knowledge.
I told him Hamilton was a perfect gateway drug.
In particular, I really like the Khaki King.

 

[mak1277]

A long time vendor rep that services my company told me he wanted to get a nice watch and asked me for advice, as he has no watch knowledge.
I told him Hamilton was a perfect gateway drug.
In particular, I really like the Khaki King.
View attachment 1596457

I wore a khaki king for a decade as my only watch. It was perfectly good enough.

as far as Rolex goes, if you think you’re better than someone because you have a Rolex, you’re an asshole.

if you think you’re better than someone because you don’t buy Rolex, you’re also an asshole.

 

[smittycl]

This is my go-to summer watch. I've always thought Hamilton was a great brand.

 

[Kaplan]

Been thinking about buying a Rolex Submariner

That's a splendid idea. For your use, I'd definitely pick one of the pre maxi case and maxi dial iterations, like the 14060 recommended by @9thsymph.

Incidentally, I'm coming up on 30 years of ownership of mine. Five years ago I wrote a bit about how I chose it - it's over here.

Alternatively, I would be happy to recommend this one as well:

 

[Phileas Fogg]

When you strip away all of the perceived baggage of owning a Rolex, the submariner is a pretty austere watch.

 

[bluejazzmonkey]

For my wrist, this is the most comfortable piece.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

For my wrist, this is the most comfortable piece.

View attachment 1596496

that explorer is an incredibly appealing watch.

 

[ronscuba]

When you strip away all of the perceived baggage of owning a Rolex, the submariner is a pretty austere watch.

I think you could say that about a lot of watches and brands. I tend towards a little more style/flash even with dress watches. I'd buy a Breguet Classique before a Patek or Vacheron.

 

[venessian]

That's a splendid idea. For your use, I'd definitely pick one of the pre maxi case and maxi dial iterations, like the 14060 recommended by @9thsymph.

Incidentally, I'm coming up on 30 years of ownership of mine. Five years ago I wrote a bit about how I chose it - it's over here.

Alternatively, I would be happy to recommend this one as well:

View attachment 1596495

That photograph wears as well as that watch does. ?

 

[venessian]

that explorer is an incredibly appealing watch.

Sure is, such a great design. If I were ever buying a Rolex I think I would stop right there and be perfectly content.