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Official watch thread...... Do we have one? (1 Viewer)

Do you wear a watch?

  • Yes

    Votes: 73 60.3%
  • No

    Votes: 48 39.7%

  • Total voters
    121
I like Omega Speadmasters at the below 5k price point. 
This x1000. 
I own the smaller automatic model and it's one of my favorites.  The Speedie is an iconic design that still looks modern after a half century.  It dresses up or down equally well.

Omega has changed the look of the Seamaster several times but have kept the basic Speedmaster line pretty much intact.

 
Turning 40 this year and want to buy myself a nice watch.  I probably cannot justify anything over like $5000. I saw that an entry level Rolex is around this price, but then do you just look like a guy who wanted the name Rolex but couldn’t “really” afford one?

I currently have a Baum & Mercier with a black crocodile leather band that was a law school graduation present. This is 14 years old now and I only wear it when I need to be “dressy” but I hate wearing it when it is hot. 

I also have a Seiko thatis stainlees steel and more casual. 

What would be nice entry piece into the more luxury lines?
If you're patient, prob can find a 5 digit Rolex Submariner near $5k, maybe a little higher (5 digit models 14060 are the older ones, 6 digits are the newer ones 114060). If I see anything that looks promising, I'll send you a PM.

Avoid Breitlings unless you're getting a substantial discount, the brand is a disaster and resale is atrocious. Omega hasn't been doing well either, but if you buy a used one and someone else has taken a chunk of the depreciation themself, then you'll prob be fine. Like others in here, I like Omega. Honestly, one of my 3 favorite watches ever made is the Silver Snoopy Award (although it is impossible to find at anything close to MSRP, unfortunately)

One thing about Rolex compared to a lot of other watches mentioned here; they'll hold their value much better than almost any other watch brand (super high end brands excluded, PP, Mille, etc.).

 
If you're patient, prob can find a 5 digit Rolex Submariner near $5k, maybe a little higher (5 digit models 14060 are the older ones, 6 digits are the newer ones 114060). If I see anything that looks promising, I'll send you a PM.

Avoid Breitlings unless you're getting a substantial discount, the brand is a disaster and resale is atrocious. Omega hasn't been doing well either, but if you buy a used one and someone else has taken a chunk of the depreciation themself, then you'll prob be fine. Like others in here, I like Omega. Honestly, one of my 3 favorite watches ever made is the Silver Snoopy Award (although it is impossible to find at anything close to MSRP, unfortunately)

One thing about Rolex compared to a lot of other watches mentioned here; they'll hold their value much better than almost any other watch brand (super high end brands excluded, PP, Mille, etc.).
I love watches and own a few but don't think anyone should go in to watches and thinking of them as anything that is an investment or retains its value.  They are lot like cars and you are going to take a hit the moment you buy one.  Down the road some watches may have value (and some can have significant value) but if you are buying anything new or near new I would not think about depreciation that much in making that purchase.

If you are getting into vintage watch arena that is a totally different discussion but even then I don't love buying watches for investments.  It is much like buying a classic car.  You buy one because you love it not because you think of it as an investment.  

 
I like Hamilton, and the odds of me owning one are much higher than the JLC, but it's like comparing a Kia and a BMW. I tried on the JLC today and it's a fantastic watch. I was wrong about the price though, $9500cad. 
i don't know that i'd characterize Hamilton as a Kia - it's not a quartz after all - but i think the price makes it much more approachable. not many Kia look so close to their BMW counterparts after all. 

 
Turning 40 this year and want to buy myself a nice watch.  I probably cannot justify anything over like $5000. I saw that an entry level Rolex is around this price, but then do you just look like a guy who wanted the name Rolex but couldn’t “really” afford one?

I currently have a Baum & Mercier with a black crocodile leather band that was a law school graduation present. This is 14 years old now and I only wear it when I need to be “dressy” but I hate wearing it when it is hot. 

I also have a Seiko thatis stainlees steel and more casual. 

What would be nice entry piece into the more luxury lines?
If you like your Seiko, check out Grand Seiko their luxury line. Supposedly they're amazing value for the price you pay. I think they're underrated because if the name (equated to the $100 quartz watches) and that they're not Swiss.

 
It's interesting that the very first post in this thread by @ragincajun mentioned the possibility of getting an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch for a 40th birthday, and then yesterday @Leeroy Jenkins mentioned getting one for his 40th birthday. Last month for my 40th birthday, my mother bought me the Moonwatch: https://i.imgur.com/4nXvcsK.jpg. She said she thought it appropriate to mark the passing of time with a nice watch, which I appreciated given that I've got into watches the past six years. I have a post earlier in this thread with watches I bought for myself. She made it the Speedy because her husband has one and wears it almost exclusively, even though he has another 25 watches including a a Daytona.

It's really the perfect watch to mark a milestone birthday. For those unaware of the extent to its history in space travel, it was first worn into space in 1962 by astronaut Wally Schirra, wearing his personal watch. Later that year, NASA took bids and tested watches to qualify for the rigors of space travel in preparation for the Gemini and Apollo programs. The three finalists were a Rolex, Longines and Omega, and the Speedmaster was the only one to pass all the tests of extreme temperatures, humidity, pressure, vibration, shock, etc. Then Ed White wore one during the first American spacewalk in 1965. In 1969, Buzz Aldrin made it the first watch worn on the moon, earning its Moonwatch moniker. In Apollo XIII, when all power was lost in the Command Module, the astronauts used their Speedmasters to time the critical fuel burns needed to make their trajectory back to Earth, including the final burn that needed to be a precise 14 seconds. It's still the only watch qualified by NASA to be outside vehicles in space. Here are a bunch of photos of the Speedmaster on astronauts in space. It's also just a classic, timeless watch with the cleanest chronograph design and the versatility to go with any outfit for any occasion. And it will make a good conversation piece with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing coming up next year! In October, there's a movie coming out on Apollo XI starring Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong. Corey Stoll from House of Cards and The Strain is playing Buzz Aldrin.

 
If you like your Seiko, check out Grand Seiko their luxury line. Supposedly they're amazing value for the price you pay. I think they're underrated because if the name (equated to the $100 quartz watches) and that they're not Swiss.
Don’t love the Seiko. 

What about the Rolex Explorer?  

 
It's interesting that the very first post in this thread by @ragincajun mentioned the possibility of getting an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch for a 40th birthday, and then yesterday @Leeroy Jenkins mentioned getting one for his 40th birthday. Last month for my 40th birthday, my mother bought me the Moonwatch: https://i.imgur.com/4nXvcsK.jpg. She said she thought it appropriate to mark the passing of time with a nice watch, which I appreciated given that I've got into watches the past six years. I have a post earlier in this thread with watches I bought for myself. She made it the Speedy because her husband has one and wears it almost exclusively, even though he has another 25 watches including a a Daytona.

It's really the perfect watch to mark a milestone birthday. For those unaware of the extent to its history in space travel, it was first worn into space in 1962 by astronaut Wally Schirra, wearing his personal watch. Later that year, NASA took bids and tested watches to qualify for the rigors of space travel in preparation for the Gemini and Apollo programs. The three finalists were a Rolex, Longines and Omega, and the Speedmaster was the only one to pass all the tests of extreme temperatures, humidity, pressure, vibration, shock, etc. Then Ed White wore one during the first American spacewalk in 1965. In 1969, Buzz Aldrin made it the first watch worn on the moon, earning its Moonwatch moniker. In Apollo XIII, when all power was lost in the Command Module, the astronauts used their Speedmasters to time the critical fuel burns needed to make their trajectory back to Earth, including the final burn that needed to be a precise 14 seconds. It's still the only watch qualified by NASA to be outside vehicles in space. Here are a bunch of photos of the Speedmaster on astronauts in space. It's also just a classic, timeless watch with the cleanest chronograph design and the versatility to go with any outfit for any occasion. And it will make a good conversation piece with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing coming up next year! In October, there's a movie coming out on Apollo XI starring Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong. Corey Stoll from House of Cards and The Strain is playing Buzz Aldrin.
Great info!

 
I like Hamilton, and the odds of me owning one are much higher than the JLC, but it's like comparing a Kia and a BMW. I tried on the JLC today and it's a fantastic watch. I was wrong about the price though, $9500cad. 
I always wanted a JLC Reverso.  One of these days...

 
Don’t love the Seiko. 

What about the Rolex Explorer?  
The Explorer is dope. I would definitely consider that over a grand Seiko, however price is likely an issue.

You could also look into Their, they are the sister company of Rolex and are at a more affordable luxury price point.

 
The Explorer is dope. I would definitely consider that over a grand Seiko, however price is likely an issue.

You could also look into Their, they are the sister company of Rolex and are at a more affordable luxury price point.
I think you meant to say Tudor watches.   They are Rolex's sub-brand. 

 
I know watches are very much a personal choice, but among others who have affinity for nice watches, I figured I might get a good suggestion or two.

I've had an Oris Artix Complication (like this, but with a metal band: https://www.oris.ch/en/watch/oris-artix-complication/01-915-7643-4051-07-5-21-81fc) for a few years now as my "goes with anything" daily wearer. I don't dislike it, but I've never love-loved it.

I'd be curious if anyone had recommendations for something similar that you love (i.e. silver/white face, silver band) that is a "goes with anything" daily wearer?

 
I'm putting the Hamilton Khaki Field King on my Christmas list ($339). Anyone own one? If so, what's your experience?
Had the craziest experience with this one

was waiting for my sons Daycare to open. You see, it opens at 7:30, but often I get there more like 7:25

so there I was waiting for it to open, and wouldn’t you know it, I looked down at my  Hamilton Khaki Field King and God as my witness it clicked from 7:29 to 7:30 and I’ll be damned if that door didn’t click to open (you see the door has a remote operating switch the Daycare personnel can hit). 

As you can gather this is a clear recommendation, but with confidence 

 
So I have this crazy idea of buying some broken watches and starting to learn watchmaking.  Once I feel comfortable cleaning and doing basic maintenance maybe I can start flipping them on the side.

 
I have a GMT II that crapped out on me last week after over 25 years of usage.  Just stopped ticking.  I only had it serviced once, which wasn't enough.  Took it to an authorized dealer and they are calling me this week with the prognosis.  The service alone will be around $800 they said.  Is that about right (normal service cost)?  Last time, about 10 years ago, it cost me like $500.  The guy said that since Rolex no longer sells their parts to third parties, it allows them to charge a bit more.  I'll say.

So is that true?  To fix a Rolex, you can only go through Rolex?  TBH, I would only go through an authorized dealer anyway, but curious nonetheless.

 
@Rodrigo Duterte   I work in the jewelry and watch business and the vast majority of what you have been told is true.   Rolex started slashing parts accounts a few years ago and my guess is that eventually there will be no third party parts accounts.  Even the parts accounts that still exist have some limitations to them.  For example--most of the newest models (like the Skydweller) have single use gaskets and these gaskets are not eligible to be ordered even with a parts account.   However, the parts for most of the classic older models (Subs, GMT's, Dates,Datejust, Day-Date) models are still "orderable" if you know a good watchmaker that is lucky enough to still have a Rolex parts account.   We luckily have a watchmaker that still maintains a parts account--but my guess is that even that could change in a few years with the way that Rolex is running things.   I believe that a basic service/overhaul runs $825+shipping  from Rolex. Because your watch is out of warranty--there is zero reason for you to take it to the authorized dealer if you are going to send it Dallas (Rolex USA) for service.  The authorized dealer will basically get the estimate to repair your watch from Rolex, mark it up as they need to make some profit, and give you an inflated estimate.  Unless you don't have time and are willing to pay extra for the convenience of somebody sending the watch into Rolex for you--you can save yourself money by doing it yourself. 

Also--in the future--do not go 25 years without servicing a Rolex. As a watch collector--this is really a pet peeve of mine.   There is so much misinformation online that says that if your watch is still working to not bother servicing it.  Your watch is comprised of a massive series of moving parts with critical friction points.  Typical watch oils start to break down and decompose after 4-5 years--and even some of the new synthetic watch oils that are being used maybe last 7-10 years.   Yes--your watch might still run even with decomposed watch oils--but the watch is running with far more friction and drag than it is supposed to be going through.   This friction causes integral parts to wear down and is bad for the movement.  I wouldn't be surprised if your watch ends up needing some additional parts on top of the service because of this.   A 20 year old GMT should be serviced every 4-5 years--and definitely do not go more than 6-7 without having it done. 

The last part of your question is that no--you don't have to send a Rolex into Rolex to fix it on models where parts are available like yours.  There are a few watchmakers that still have parts accounts where they can repair them. Also, keep in mind that there are lots of watchmakers that still have parts available from when Rolex actually used to sell parts to their account holders in a fashion that wasn't soo monitored.  Many years ago--watchmakers with accounts could order dozens of gasket sets, crystals, crystal gaskets, stem and crowns, and other main components with virtually no limitations.  There are watchmakers that still have caches of original parts because of that. However, unless you have a good relationship with a good watchmaker--I'd recommend sending it in.  Also--when you get your watch back from Rolex--do keep the servicing paperwork and store it somewhere safe.    Factory servicing records will actually help your watch's future resale value.  

 
I have a GMT II that crapped out on me last week after over 25 years of usage.  Just stopped ticking.  I only had it serviced once, which wasn't enough.  Took it to an authorized dealer and they are calling me this week with the prognosis.  The service alone will be around $800 they said.  Is that about right (normal service cost)?  Last time, about 10 years ago, it cost me like $500.  The guy said that since Rolex no longer sells their parts to third parties, it allows them to charge a bit more.  I'll say.

So is that true?  To fix a Rolex, you can only go through Rolex?  TBH, I would only go through an authorized dealer anyway, but curious nonetheless.
What is the model? Is it a 16710BLRO or 16750BLRO?

This is my latest addition, and tbh, possibly my favorite watch ever.

 
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Also, if it is a 16710, some of them have a 3186 movement in them which basically triples the value, based on the info you provided, yours prob is a little early for that, but worth being aware of, bc you would def want that serviced by Rolex if it isn't the 3185 movement. 

The earliest I think any have been found with a 3186 movement is an Z Serial, if it is an M serial, good likelihood it has that movement.

 
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So I’ve changed jobs from blue collar to white collar and I’m ready to increase my pretentious to the next level...

I’ve read through much of this thread and I never knew watches needed to be serviced nor were there that many people out there buying $5k+ watches.

I’m the type that gets crippled by too many options so for once I’m not going to become a certified expert on my purchase.

What’s a good, durable and attractive watch in the $200-$500ish range that I can wear until I learn more? 

What brands should I stay away from? 

I’d love to grab a WWII era watch (because I’m a giant WW2/nostalgic nerd,) anything I need to know there? 

As usual, thanks in advance! 

 
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Stowa makes beautiful watches.  Also look at Sinn.

If I recall the forum I posted may have sections dedicated to both brands.  If you keep your eyes peeled on their Sale forums you can stumble across deals.

 
So it appears most of these watch manufactures make a limited run of watches? 

I guess that creates urgency and sets the market higher for them. 

Crazy. I never knew how much of a niche hobby this was. 

 
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
The Type B Flieger dial is a classic design dating back to WWII.  There are a lot of companies that sell Aviator watches at a wide variety of price points.  See https://www.watchuseek.com/flieger-friday-fundamentals-flieger-watch/ for history and some of the better known brands.

I think it's a great watch if your job is patrolling over the Ruhr in your FW-190 but I think I prefer the more traditional looking Type A dial.  I downloaded a Type B Flieger face for my Samsung smart watch but I had two problems with the dial.  The hour hand is really short and stubby and the dial is too busy with minute registers, 5 minute and hour numerals.

 
The Type B Flieger dial is a classic design dating back to WWII.  There are a lot of companies that sell Aviator watches at a wide variety of price points.  See https://www.watchuseek.com/flieger-friday-fundamentals-flieger-watch/ for history and some of the better known brands.

I think it's a great watch if your job is patrolling over the Ruhr in your FW-190 but I think I prefer the more traditional looking Type A dial.  I downloaded a Type B Flieger face for my Samsung smart watch but I had two problems with the dial.  The hour hand is really short and stubby and the dial is too busy with minute registers, 5 minute and hour numerals.
:lmao:

Fair point but I havent seen a watch I like better. Not yet anyway.

 
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So I really like both Rolex Explorers and the Air King.  But now I am questioning spending $5-7k. 

What is something that is similar under $1500 ish?

 
$1500 is kinda no mans land, imo. 

Either save a few dollars and find a quality piece for a few hundred, or up the budget $1k-$1500 and start looking at Omega/Tudor.

A Tudor Black Bay 41 could satisfy your Air King hankering.

One thing I have come to the realization is, if you want something, better to save for what you really want than settle. You’ll be happy for a little while, but you’ll still want what you originally wanted - at least from my experience.

 
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So it appears most of these watch manufactures make a limited run of watches? 

I guess that creates urgency and sets the market higher for them. 

Crazy. I never knew how much of a niche hobby this was. 
The watch market in general is in a current state of flux.  The problem is that there are effectively too many nice watches out there--so brands are doing what they can to differentiate themselves.  For example--Rolex (which is by far and away the hottest and most relevant fine brand on the planet right now) started limiting the supply of their "professional" or "sports" models.  Now those models are selling for well over retail and the buzz around them is crazy.   Smaller boutique brands are also doing limited production runs. 

If you do go for a limited production watch from one of these smaller brands--do understand the potential future reprocussions.  All watches will require a certain amount of maintenance.  This maintenance will often require parts that are proprietary (seal and gasket kits, stem and crowns, and other various parts).  One nice thing about purchasing a watch from a larger and more established brand is that they will generally support their models for many years in regards to stocking parts for them.   Some of these smaller brands do not do that.  You might own a watch for 5-6 years and say a part wears out--or you drop the watch and damage the dial--there is no guarantee that a smaller boutique brand might even have parts to support your watch and the situation that you are in.   It's just a risk you take for opting to go for a more unique watch.  

I saw that you are thinking about stepping into a watch in the $500 or less range--and you tend to like the instrument-like styling of pilot/military inspired watches.   One genre that you might want to consider is a modified Seiko (known as a Seiko mod).   The beauty of these are that you get the styling that you are looking for--but with the peace of mind knowing that you will never have any issues getting parts for it mechanically. Seiko's are very well built timepieces and they are like workhorses.  Here are a couple examples of cool ones that I found on ebay.   With that said--if you do go this route--read through the sellers feedback as I'm not recommending any particular sellers. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Seiko-Dagaz-Mod-Sinn-Style-Explorer-Dial-Custom-Modded-Retro-Automatic-Watch/232958765837?hash=item363d6cab0d:g:pqoAAOSwi1BZefDn

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Muller-Son-Seiko-SKX-Fifty-Five-Fathoms-H3-Watch-Mod-Horween-Leather-Strap/322879591364?hash=item4b2d1f93c4:g:6tsAAOSwrklVcUa4

 
So I’ve changed jobs from blue collar to white collar and I’m ready to increase my pretentious to the next level...

I’ve read through much of this thread and I never knew watches needed to be serviced nor were there that many people out there buying $5k+ watches.

I’m the type that gets crippled by too many options so for once I’m not going to become a certified expert on my purchase.

What’s a good, durable and attractive watch in the $200-$500ish range that I can wear until I learn more? 

What brands should I stay away from? 

I’d love to grab a WWII era watch (because I’m a giant WW2/nostalgic nerd,) anything I need to know there? 

As usual, thanks in advance! 
at that price point, i think you can find a quartz watch that will look good and not hurt your wallet. it can serve as your intro to the watch world. 

 
Citizen, Seiko, Laco, Steinhart all have Type B Flieger variations in the $100-$600 range.  This Hamilton has a good solution to the stubby hour hand problem.

Some Aviators can get pretty big.  They tend to wear big as well because they lie flat on the wrist and the bezel is thin.  I couldn't pull off a 45mm case.  Much respect if you can. :thumbup:

 
I went to a watch store today to have a look around. Christ there are tons of options. 

I wanted to see how big a 40+mm watch felt on my wrist and it was not nearly as big as I perceived it would be given some comments in here. 

Pretty much greenlights me to buy that Stowa I have my heart set on.

The collection begins...... :bowtie:

 

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