Your only watch, $5000 budget

[radicaldog]

What would you get? (No limitation on legal purchasing methods: white or gray market, vintage, etc.)

 

[spertia]

IWC Portuguese chrono?

 

[Ich_Dien]

JLC Reverso.

 

[Montesquieu]

In case your budget is slightly flexible, I'd suggest the JLC Reverso Grande GMT. It retails for over $12k, but I've seen several new over the years in the $6k range on eBay. That's where I purchased mine new for $6250 from a reputable but non-JLC-authorized store-based retailer.

This watch got my nod because of the double time zone functionality (I travel a lot), novelty of great watch faces on both sides, and beauty of the silver face. That said, I like this watch far more with long-sleeved shirts than short-sleeved. For the latter, I prefer round a watch face.

 

[AlonzoMosely]

Glashutte Senator or Sport Evolution, depending on whether you are looking for something more dressy or more sporty.

 

[ThinkDerm]

Originally Posted by Montesquieu

In case your budget is slightly flexible, I'd suggest the JLC Reverso Grande GMT. It retails for over $12k, but I've seen several new over the years in the $6k range on eBay. That's where I purchased mine new for $6250 from a reputable but non-JLC-authorized store-based retailer.

This watch got my nod because of the double time zone functionality (I travel a lot), novelty of great watch faces on both sides, and beauty of the silver face. That said, I like this watch far more with long-sleeved shirts than short-sleeved. For the latter, I prefer round a watch face.

which jlc reverso did you get and who on ebay sells it for 6k?

 

[Szeph el raton]

Originally Posted by spertia

IWC Portuguese chrono?
This! It's a quite versatile watch.

 

[Twotone]

I'm a big believer in gently used original owner watches -- let someone else take the big depreciation hit.

For $5,000 I'd buy two watches:

1. Omega Seamaster Professional -- easy to find for $1,000. This would be my casual everyday watch.

2. An 18k gold manual wind watch on a strap -- this would be my suit and tie dress watch. Many choices in the $4,000 range including IWC, Cartier, JLC, Zenith, Girard-Perregaux, etc. Get whatever sings to you.

Hope this helps,
Twotone

 

[norcaltransplant]

- Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust
- Ulysse Nardin 1846 Marine Chronometer
- IWC 3706 Pilot Chronograph or 3717 Port
- Jaeger Le Coultre Reverso

Pick any of the above

 

[DrZRM]

+1

Yeah, if I were starting over I'd have an Omega PO Chrono (all in black, no orange numbers or bezel for me), and an IWC Portuguese Panda. I love my current watches (Omega Broad Arrow Speedmaster, Omega Aqua Terra, IWC GST chrono, Sinn 142 and a Sinn 956 with cream face) but have more than I really need and for a lower overall cost, these two would serve all my needs (sporty and dressy).

If I could only have one of the two (remembering the $5K limit)...I don't know, I'd likely start with the Omega PO chrono because it is such a solid sporty watch you can wear it for almost any activity. But that IWC is such an eye catcher. Ah well, I'd save another $5K and get the other one as soon as I could.

Originally Posted by spertia

IWC Portuguese chrono?

 

[Invicta]

JLC Master Control Ultra Thin:

Or Glashutte Original Senator:

 

[Hany]

Grand Seiko Spring Drive

 

[Mathew J]

5k, one watch and only one watch....either a new style cal 8500 aqua terra or an hour vision, JLC is also a good choice but service costs are ouch...if you want something sporty then save some bucks and get either a speedy moon or a planet ocean. Good luck

Rolex is also a good choice but you're gonna have to go grey or used for 5k at this point.

 

[Eagle]

I would purchase a Timex Easy Reader. It keeps time as accurately as anything mentioned above and I could put the remaining $4970 in the bank!

 

[DrZRM]

It's true that the Timex keeps time better than any automatic watch, just like it's true that crocs will keep your feet covered and protected as well as a John Lobb shoe. You can wear 'em to the beach as well...enjoy!

Originally Posted by Eagle

I would purchase a Timex Easy Reader. It keeps time as accurately as anything mentioned above and I could put the remaining $4970 in the bank!