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

[Charlie Harper]

Are sites like chrono24 trustworthy?

 

[fantasycurse42]

Are sites like chrono24 trustworthy?

Yes/no - There are def legit sellers there, but I've also seen horror stories. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I buy and sell fairly frequently as I grow tired of things quickly, it's a problem. Nonetheless, I'm good at spotting deals and always have my eyes open - I'll shoot you a PM should a nicely priced white Explorer II cross my path. 

Thanks, man. Any advice is appreciated. 

 

[Eephus]

Are sites like chrono24 trustworthy?

I've bought a bunch of used watches from Internet sellers but nothing for >$500.  I haven't done blind purchases of higher end items.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Rolex official recommendation is every 5 years, but that is bull####, IMO. I'll only service a watch when it stops functioning as it should, and that could be 10-15 years if you're lucky. 

As a watch collector of 25+ years and a person that has been in the jewelry and watch trade for 25 years--I have to say that I firmly disagree with this statement.   Mechanical watches are finely tuned instruments that function via moving parts that rely on proper lubrication for them to run optimally and in a healthy fashion.  Watch oils are similar to any other oils that are used to lubricate things in machinery---they degrade and decompose over time, their viscosities change with age..etc.  A watch is like any other mechanical instrument--it needs to be cared for and maintained properly to avoid failures.   Look at a typical car--it's recommended that you change the oil every 3000-5000 miles .  Sure--the car will continue to run far past that--but if you wait for the car to stop working before replacing the oil--I assure you that your car will need more than just an oil change to get it working again.  Waiting for them to stop functioning generally results in far greater servicing costs and damage to parts.  It also decreases the lifespan of your major movement components--and can decrease the value of your watch.   As a watch collector--I can tell you that I absolutely would pay more for a  watch that has service records indicating that it has been serviced every 5 years.  If I see a watch that has been serviced once or twice in 20 years--I absolutely factor that into the price or avoid buying the watch completely.  Not only that--most people that own fine watches generally only have seals and gaskets checked or replaced when they service them.  No watch company offers gaskets that are guaranteed or warrantied past five years--so going much longer than 5 years without servicing can result in compromised water resistance which in turn can lead to huge problems for obvious reasons.  

My advice for anybody is this: If you are looking to buy a Rolex or any other high end watch-- you need to do so with the understanding that you are buying into a finely tuned mechanical instrument that will require regular maintenance to keep it running properly and optimally. It's no different than buying a super car--nobody buys a Ferrari or Lamborghini because they are uber reliable and have low maintenance costs.  People buy them because the user experience of driving/owning such a fine piece of machinery is worth the maintenance costs that are associated with owning and maintaining that experience.   Do not let anybody convince you that you should go 10+ years between service intervals-- it's just not healthy for your timepiece.  As time goes by and watch companies are designng watches that run in a more frictionless manner, and as watch companies make advancements in new synthetic watch oil technology the recommended years between watch servicing intervals will expand--but until then--most mechanical watches should be serviced on average of every 5-7 years.  

 

[Ron Swanson]

So I ran across what I think is a great deal today from one of my favorite sources and favorite watch brands.  It's a nice big Oris Automatic Big Crown Aviator-ish style for $579. It has the Sellita version of the ETA 2824 movement.  I can't find it anywhere else for less than 1k minimum. This is a big watch, but I like big watches, especially Aviators. I ordered one and have ordered 3-4 watches from this source in the past and it always worked out well. This is a membership site, but it costs nothing to join. If interested I've put a referral code below. If you sign up using my code you get $10 off and I get $10 credit.

Oris

Referral Code

Edited to add: I still think this is a great deal on this watch but I did find it on Jomashop for only $20 more.  So it can be had there for a little more with much faster shipping.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Thank you for the kind words.   I'm glad that you find my jewelry/watch posts helpful.  The world of jewelry/watches can be very intimidating for a lot of people so I like to take some of that fear out through educating consumers and being as helpful as possible.  The shop that I manage is in the Orange County area in Southern California. I prefer not to be any more specific than that as I don't want to come across as pimping my business on somebody else's platform. However--if anybody has any specific jewelry/watch questions or concerns -feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to help.  

So what would you recommend for a new purchase in the $4k-$5k range?  For a nice but not gaudy time piece that could be passed down someday.  

 

[jvdesigns2002]

So what would you recommend for a new purchase in the $4k-$5k range?  For a nice but not gaudy time piece that could be passed down someday.  

Honestly---it depends on what your main priorities are for passing it down.  If you want a watch that will last the test of time,  from a brand with established heritage that will be able to support the future maintenance/parts needs of your watch for decades to come, that will also hold really good resale value--I'd personally recommend bumping your budget up to the $6k range and trying to find a retailer that has a new Rolex Air King 40mm.  

https://www.rolex.com/watches/air-king/m116900-0001.html

It's a handsome watch that will hold really solid resale value over time. If you can find a new one--they come with a 5 year warranty which is really good.  

If that watch isn't your cup of tea--you can find some really nice condition Omega Speedmasters in your price range.  You can even find discounts on new Seamasters that would comfortably fit in your budge.   Omegas are very solid timepieces and they are very comparable to Rolex in regards to construction and the quality of their mechanics--they just don't hold the resale value that the Rolexes do.   

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Honestly---it depends on what your main priorities are for passing it down.  If you want a watch that will last the test of time,  from a brand with established heritage that will be able to support the future maintenance/parts needs of your watch for decades to come, that will also hold really good resale value--I'd personally recommend bumping your budget up to the $6k range and trying to find a retailer that has a new Rolex Air King 40mm.  

https://www.rolex.com/watches/air-king/m116900-0001.html

It's a handsome watch that will hold really solid resale value over time. If you can find a new one--they come with a 5 year warranty which is really good.  

If that watch isn't your cup of tea--you can find some really nice condition Omega Speedmasters in your price range.  You can even find discounts on new Seamasters that would comfortably fit in your budge.   Omegas are very solid timepieces and they are very comparable to Rolex in regards to construction and the quality of their mechanics--they just don't hold the resale value that the Rolexes do.   

That Air King and the polar explorer are my top two really. Wish I could find it below $6k. 

 

[jvdesigns2002]

That Air King and the polar explorer are my top two really. Wish I could find it below $6k. 

Honestly--don't kill yourself trying to find one to save a few hundred bucks here or there.  Just go to your local authorized dealers and give them a heads up that you are in the market for either of those two models brand new.   By waiting around and looking you are putting yourself at the market changing itself in an upward fashion.  Rolex could do a price increase any time and if that happens--you'll wish that you could get one in the $6k range.   A lot of people that wanted to get a Rolex the past couple of years made the mistake of waiting--and they effectively priced themselves out of the market by doing so.   You're talking about purchasing a watch to be in your family for generations.   Just spend slightly more--get your dream watch--get the five year warranty.  In the long run a few hundred or a grand is not going to make or break you.  

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Honestly--don't kill yourself trying to find one to save a few hundred bucks here or there.  Just go to your local authorized dealers and give them a heads up that you are in the market for either of those two models brand new.   By waiting around and looking you are putting yourself at the market changing itself in an upward fashion.  Rolex could do a price increase any time and if that happens--you'll wish that you could get one in the $6k range.   A lot of people that wanted to get a Rolex the past couple of years made the mistake of waiting--and they effectively priced themselves out of the market by doing so.   You're talking about purchasing a watch to be in your family for generations.   Just spend slightly more--get your dream watch--get the five year warranty.  In the long run a few hundred or a grand is not going to make or break you.  

Now I want that air king again. Why is it $2k+ cheaper than the explorer ii?

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Now I want that air king again. Why is it $2k+ cheaper than the explorer ii?

The explorer II is a more complicated timepiece. It features a date function as well as a second hour hand (you can off set it for GMT time or for a second time zone).   The AIr King also has a smooth bezel where the explorer has a more intricate 24 hour bezel.  I really like the clean look of the air king--and love the new 40mm size.   

 

[fantasycurse42]

Buddy got an Air King brand new from a dealer 2 months ago at like 5% off. Odds are rough that with no relationship you’ll find that, but your best bet would be hitting a few independent authorized dealers and offering that. No chance you’ll get anything off at a chain.

Most prob won’t have them in the displays, but my money says there are some air kings in the safe in the back.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Buddy got an Air King brand new from a dealer 2 months ago at like 5% off. Odds are rough that with no relationship you’ll find that, but your best bet would be hitting a few independent authorized dealers and offering that. No chance you’ll get anything off at a chain.

Most prob won’t have them in the displays, but my money says there are some air kings in the safe in the back.

Assume I am better off going to a place that is exclusively watches as opposed to a jeweler who is also a certified rolex dealer?

I have two other watches that I need something done on. 

One is a baum et mercier that is about 15 years old. Rectangular and white face. It’s crocodile leather strap needs replaced. 

Then I have a Seiko (inexpensive one) that was a gift when my first son was born. I might want it engraved. 

 

[Ron Swanson]

Assume I am better off going to a place that is exclusively watches as opposed to a jeweler who is also a certified rolex dealer?

I have two other watches that I need something done on. 

One is a baum et mercier that is about 15 years old. Rectangular and white face. It’s crocodile leather strap needs replaced. 

Then I have a Seiko (inexpensive one) that was a gift when my first son was born. I might want it engraved. 

Straps are really simple to change.  And for the money you would spend to have it done you can buy a really great strap and install yourself.  All it takes is the spring bar tool.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Assume I am better off going to a place that is exclusively watches as opposed to a jeweler who is also a certified rolex dealer?

I have two other watches that I need something done on. 

One is a baum et mercier that is about 15 years old. Rectangular and white face. It’s crocodile leather strap needs replaced. 

Then I have a Seiko (inexpensive one) that was a gift when my first son was born. I might want it engraved. 

Doesn't really matter, as long as they're an authorized Rolex dealer.

https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/dealer-locator/unitedstates#place=ChIJCzYy5IS16lQRQrfeQ5K5Oxw&location=unitedstates

 

[saintfool]

Watchmaker video from Wired

 

[RUSF18]

Just wanted to say I appreciate the talk on servicing. I've been back and forth for probably 5 years now on if I wanted to get a higher end watch, which for me I went in thinking of as about $1500. FC was 100% right a couple pages or so ago when he said that's kind of a no man's land as I felt the same when looking at options.

I recently saw a Tag (which was interesting because I wasn't really into the brand before) that retails for about $3K that I really love and was considering it for after bonus season. But in considering the service costs, which Tag recommends the maintenance care every 1-2 years and the "complete overhaul" every 4-6 years, I figure even if I push those out a bit I'm still putting about $4K into it over the next 30 or so years and I'm not sure I'm ready to sign up for that. So again, thanks, as it gave me a lot more to consider.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Just wanted to say I appreciate the talk on servicing. I've been back and forth for probably 5 years now on if I wanted to get a higher end watch, which for me I went in thinking of as about $1500. FC was 100% right a couple pages or so ago when he said that's kind of a no man's land as I felt the same when looking at options.

I recently saw a Tag (which was interesting because I wasn't really into the brand before) that retails for about $3K that I really love and was considering it for after bonus season. But in considering the service costs, which Tag recommends the maintenance care every 1-2 years and the "complete overhaul" every 4-6 years, I figure even if I push those out a bit I'm still putting about $4K into it over the next 30 or so years and I'm not sure I'm ready to sign up for that. So again, thanks, as it gave me a lot more to consider.

IMO, you either go with a nice Seiko in the under $500 category, or you move up to around $2500-$3k and get a Tudor or Omega.

The Tudor/Omega will give you a minimum of at least 5 years until they need a service.

 

[Redwes25]

Just wanted to say I appreciate the talk on servicing. I've been back and forth for probably 5 years now on if I wanted to get a higher end watch, which for me I went in thinking of as about $1500. FC was 100% right a couple pages or so ago when he said that's kind of a no man's land as I felt the same when looking at options.

I recently saw a Tag (which was interesting because I wasn't really into the brand before) that retails for about $3K that I really love and was considering it for after bonus season. But in considering the service costs, which Tag recommends the maintenance care every 1-2 years and the "complete overhaul" every 4-6 years, I figure even if I push those out a bit I'm still putting about $4K into it over the next 30 or so years and I'm not sure I'm ready to sign up for that. So again, thanks, as it gave me a lot more to consider.

If you like dresser watches Nomos have pretty good value in that range.  Very minimalist design which I like but might not be everyone's style.  Everything made entirely in house as well.  

 

[EYLive]

Do automatic watches in the Citizen, Seiko, Hamilton category need servicing every 5 or so years?

 

[Ron Swanson]

IMO, you either go with a nice Seiko in the under $500 category, or you move up to around $2500-$3k and get a Tudor or Omega.

The Tudor/Omega will give you a minimum of at least 5 years until they need a service.

Turrible advice.  Nothing wrong with either of those options but there are more great "in-between" choices than ever before.

 

[-fish-]

I appreciate everyone's input in here, but @jvdesigns2002's depth of knowledge and willingness to answer any and all questions makes this thread so valuable for me.   Thanks for taking the time to craft such thoughtful posts.

 

[Eephus]

Do automatic watches in the Citizen, Seiko, Hamilton category need servicing every 5 or so years?

Technically yes but the cost of the service exceeds the value of a movement.

I have a vintage Seiko 6309-7040 diver from the late 70s-late 80s period and it still keeps decent time.  My phone is more accurate but the Seiko is much cooler.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Turrible advice.  Nothing wrong with either of those options but there are more great "in-between" choices than ever before.

If you’re in between that range, you’re looking for a Macy’s watch

I’d rather own and enjoy a nice Seiko which is a great bang for the buck, or move up to a luxury watch. In between is a waste of money, imo. 

 

[Eephus]

If you’re in between that range, you’re looking for a Macy’s watch

I’d rather own and enjoy a nice Seiko which is a great bang for the buck, or move up to a luxury watch. In between is a waste of money, imo. 

It tells the time

 

[Ron Swanson]

If you’re in between that range, you’re looking for a Macy’s watch

I’d rather own and enjoy a nice Seiko which is a great bang for the buck, or move up to a luxury watch. In between is a waste of money, imo. 

There's a whole other world out there...

 

[Redwes25]

If you’re in between that range, you’re looking for a Macy’s watch

I’d rather own and enjoy a nice Seiko which is a great bang for the buck, or move up to a luxury watch. In between is a waste of money, imo. 

I tend to agree with FC.  I do think the $1000-2000 price is a tough point. I think over 2K you start getting into nice watches.  I think Hamilton, Seiko, etc. at a lower price then $1000 is better buy if your price range is in the 1000 to 2000 range.     

 

[Eephus]

I tend to agree with FC.  I do think the $1000-2000 price is a tough point. I think over 2K you start getting into nice watches.  I think Hamilton, Seiko, etc. at a lower price then $1000 is better buy if your price range is in the 1000 to 2000 range.     

I agree the $1-2K range is kind of a dead zone but there's not a huge difference between a $1000 Hamilton and a $5000 Omega.  They have the same basic ETA movements.  The fit and finish will be better on the more expensive piece but the differences will be very minor. 

I'd argue there's more difference mechanically between the $5000 Omega and a $15K Breguet or Blaincpain but I'd never spend that much on a watch.

 

[EYLive]

Tag and Breitling are in the $1K-$2K range, no? Those are pretty good.

 

[RUSF18]

Tag and Breitling are in the $1K-$2K range, no? Those are pretty good.

Probably would need to be in 1970s dollars for the Breitling.

 

[andyjayhawker]

I tend to agree with FC.  I do think the $1000-2000 price is a tough point. I think over 2K you start getting into nice watches.  I think Hamilton, Seiko, etc. at a lower price then $1000 is better buy if your price range is in the 1000 to 2000 range.     

I’m in total agreement as well. I think the only notable exception would be Nomos which has some unique and attractive watches with in-house movements roughly in that range. For example, the Orion retails at $2260. I assume you could negotiate that down to at or below $2K new from an AD. And probably $1500 for something used. 

I see another posted referenced Nomos above. Definitely worth considering. 

 

[Eephus]

Tag and Breitling are in the $1K-$2K range, no? Those are pretty good.

Probably would need to be in 1970s dollars for the Breitling.

It looks like some Tag Heuer models can be found for just under $2K but I'd only be interested in a chronograph from that brand.  Breitlings are in a similar price range as Omegas.

I do have an old (vintage?) Tag Heuer 4000 circa around 1995 that I bought from an Internet seller for $200.  It's a full size, white dial automatic model with ostentatious branding that you don't see nowadays.  It's kind of an ugly duckling but I always enjoy wearing it.

I also sort of own a Navitimer.  It's a Russian knockoff called a Poljot Albatros complete with Cyrillic writing on the dial and an in-house manual chronograph movement.  It's a fun timepiece with an interesting history.  When the Swiss makers switched to automatic and quartz movements in the 70s, they sold the tooling for their manual calibers to watchmakers in the old USSR for local production.  The Poljot 3133 movement is effectively a  Valjoux 7133 although parts aren't necessarily interchangeable. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So I was at a Torneau today to get my Baum Mercier strap replaced. My wife was with me. She has been anti spending $6k+ but seemed to enjoy looking today. Interestingly she did not like the new Airking — she thought it was too small on my wrist. I tried on a few pieces and she prefers something 42-44mm. 

What are your thoughts on these and their longterm values:

1. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 43.5mm https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m-omega-co-axial-master-chronometer-43-5-mm-21530442101001

2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m-omega-co-axial-master-chronometer-gmt-43-5-mm-21530442201001

3. Tudor Blackbay GMT https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/new-black-bay-gmt/m79830rb-0001

4. Tudor Blackbay Bronze https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/black-bay-bronze/m79250bm-0005

5. Tudor Heritage Chrono https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/heritage-chrono/m70330n-0006

My wife likes all of the custom Rolex  sea dwellers now. I am not spending $10k though. I want to be around $6k but I really liked that Omega GMT for $8k on my wrist ....

Thoughts?

 

[fantasycurse42]

So I was at a Torneau today to get my Baum Mercier strap replaced. My wife was with me. She has been anti spending $6k+ but seemed to enjoy looking today. Interestingly she did not like the new Airking — she thought it was too small on my wrist. I tried on a few pieces and she prefers something 42-44mm. 

What are your thoughts on these and their longterm values:

1. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 43.5mm https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m-omega-co-axial-master-chronometer-43-5-mm-21530442101001

2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m-omega-co-axial-master-chronometer-gmt-43-5-mm-21530442201001

3. Tudor Blackbay GMT https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/new-black-bay-gmt/m79830rb-0001

4. Tudor Blackbay Bronze https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/black-bay-bronze/m79250bm-0005

5. Tudor Heritage Chrono https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/heritage-chrono/m70330n-0006

My wife likes all of the custom Rolex  sea dwellers now. I am not spending $10k though. I want to be around $6k but I really liked that Omega GMT for $8k on my wrist ....

Thoughts?

Do not buy an Omega GMT for $8k, just don’t.

I like the Pelagos the most out of the Tudor line, buddy just found one for $2800, which I feel is a great value. I like BB58 too, but if you are thinking of future value, you should source it elsewhere, not Tourneau, as you can save thousands by doing so.

I have the 50th Anniversary SD 43mm, although they def didn’t have one in the case at Tourneau, or I highly doubt they did. If you have a bigger wrist, it’s such an awesome watch! It’s basically a larger Submariner, paying homage to older SDs with red text. In terms of value, I think it’ll be one to hold onto for the long haul, being the 50th and a unique Rolex due to its larger size. There is a difference in the dial though and the true 50th anniversary only had a one year production run for Rolex, which is very rare. The only difference (and unless you collect these things you’d never notice) is the original SD43 doesn’t have a coronet at the 6 o’clock marker, where they now do have them. 

The larger one is too big, the DSSD, imo. 44mm and like 17mm in depth, it’s a tank. I had one with the James Cameron dial in black/blue with the green letters bc I love the dial so much, but it’s just too large and I had to sell it due to the massive size.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Just too add:

If you are massive man with a wrist of at least 8 inches, you can find a used DSSD for like $7,500. Although it will be the older model 116660, not the newer model 126660. The 126 has a wider bracelet by the lugs, where the older one kinda looks like a fat head on stilts. It also has the newer movement giving an extra day in power reserve. 

If you rotate watches on a daily basis, that extra day of power reserve makes a difference, but if you wear the same thing everyday, it doesn’t matter.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Is it just a no-brainer to get the Air King over the Omega Seamster if you are spending $6k?

 

[Shrugs]

Is it just a no-brainer to get the Air King over the Omega Seamster if you are spending $6k?

Not if you think the Air King looks boring.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Not if you think the Air King looks boring.

My wife thought it looked small and feminine on me. What about value though?

I just don’t know enough about watches to say whether those Tudors and the Omegas are worth buying at those prices. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Honestly---it depends on what your main priorities are for passing it down.  If you want a watch that will last the test of time,  from a brand with established heritage that will be able to support the future maintenance/parts needs of your watch for decades to come, that will also hold really good resale value--I'd personally recommend bumping your budget up to the $6k range and trying to find a retailer that has a new Rolex Air King 40mm.  

https://www.rolex.com/watches/air-king/m116900-0001.html

It's a handsome watch that will hold really solid resale value over time. If you can find a new one--they come with a 5 year warranty which is really good.  

If that watch isn't your cup of tea--you can find some really nice condition Omega Speedmasters in your price range.  You can even find discounts on new Seamasters that would comfortably fit in your budge.   Omegas are very solid timepieces and they are very comparable to Rolex in regards to construction and the quality of their mechanics--they just don't hold the resale value that the Rolexes do.   

I have two boys so I am trying to be mindful of who will get what someday and I don’t want to favor one over the other. If I get an Omega now and maybe another nice piece down the line, am I screwing one of my boys? Lol

Maybr if I get a rolex in a few years, one kid gets that and the other the Omega and my law school graduation Baum Mercier?

What are your thoughts on the Tudors in my earlier post?

tia. 

 

[fantasycurse42]

The GMT is going to be the most universal of the bunch out of your Tudors. 

However, if you only have one “high end” watch, not sure the Pepsi (red/blue) makes sense and you might want something more simple (such as a Black Pelagos I referenced above). It’s similar to a Rolex Submariner, but it is larger (42mm versus a Sub at 40mm) and made of titanium, as opposed to the 904l steel in the Rolex Sub.

The Omegas can be found easily at 30-40% off MSRP with a little digging.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

So I was at a Torneau today to get my Baum Mercier strap replaced. My wife was with me. She has been anti spending $6k+ but seemed to enjoy looking today. Interestingly she did not like the new Airking — she thought it was too small on my wrist. I tried on a few pieces and she prefers something 42-44mm. 

What are your thoughts on these and their longterm values:

1. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 43.5mm https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m-omega-co-axial-master-chronometer-43-5-mm-21530442101001

fantastic watch, love the co-axial movement.  Definitely won't regret getting it. However, would not recommend paying full retail for it. Omegas are very well constructed watches that very rarely require warranty work.  I'd recommend buying a watch like this from Jomashop and getting a healthy discount to help offset any weakness with long term value retention.  Provenance of buying this watch from an authorized dealer will not be a huge value add down the road--so I have no issues with somebody buying one from a reputable unauthorized dealer like Jomashop. 

2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m-omega-co-axial-master-chronometer-gmt-43-5-mm-21530442201001

Awesome watch--but would rank dead last on this list in regards to value retention.   At $8k retail--there are too many other watches in this price range that are more sought after in the watch community.   You can find this watch for $6k at Jomashop--and even at that--I think it's a bit of a stretch.   It's a great watch to appreciate--and very much a cool watch to have on your wrist--but it's a very poor selection in regards to long term resale value.  You buy this watch for $6k even from Jomashop--if you try to sell it 5 years down the line--you maybe get $2500-2800 for it--and even that is no guarantee.  

3. Tudor Blackbay GMT https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/new-black-bay-gmt/m79830rb-0001

Absolutely love this choice.  Obviously with Tudor--you have the Rolex relationship with does help in regards to long term desireablity and value.   I personally love the "Pepsi" inspired blue/red bezel with the black dial.   I think this is a great watch at a very reasonable retail value.  I would not blame you if you just went ahead and purchased this model at retail value--as provenance from an authorized dealer would help retain value here.  This is a great watch that can pretty much be worn every day. 

4. Tudor Blackbay Bronze https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/black-bay-bronze/m79250bm-0005

Another solid choice--and i do love how the brown strap looks with the bronze case.  My only concern is this. To me--the bronze can almost be worn as if the watch was made of solid gold.  I think it's more of a cool dressy look--and might look a bit over the top as an every day watch.   I do think that the bronze aspect of it could limit the potential demographic of future buyers for it.  People will either love or hate this watch.  Put me in the category of "loving" it. With that said--make no mistake--the watch the blue/red bezel will always carry a strong value because of its resemblance to the Pepsi Rolex GMT.  There will always be a pool of buyers interested in that variation.  This model is harder to predict.  I like it--but I prefer the blue/red one to this if we are looking solely at a resale value standpoint.  

5. Tudor Heritage Chrono https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/heritage-chrono/m70330n-0006

Cool watch--and a very reasonable priced mechanical chronograph for a Rolex product.  Love the vintage styling.   This and the blue/red blackbay would probalby be my top 2 choices in regards to value retention as "sporty" Rolex products in stainless steel historically tend to keep very solid resale values.  With that said--do prepare yourself for this watch costing a bit more to maintain than the others (being less complex models).  Servicing on chronographs tends to be a bit more pricey than most other models.  I see this and the blue/red tudor being the best watches in regards to value retention.  With that said--neither of them will hold value better than a sporty steel model from the classic Rolex line. 

My wife likes all of the custom Rolex  sea dwellers now. I am not spending $10k though. I want to be around $6k but I really liked that Omega GMT for $8k on my wrist ....

Thoughts?

In regards to your post about your 2 boys--I think you need to not worry about that.  You need to get the watch that you want that will make you happy.  Both of your sons will absolutely love to get a timepiece that their father once wore proudly.   You know your sons the best--and my guess is that each of your sons has their own style. If one graduates law school--perhaps you give him a watch that you own that is a bit more on the dressy side as he might be in 3-piece suits daily.   I do a lot of estate evaluations/cataloging of jewelry/watch collections as part of my job.  I always tell people not to worry soo much about perfectly balancing equity when it comes to distributing their items--but to rather focus on distributing the items in the most thoughtful manner possible.  If you think one of your sons will like one timepiece more than the other--you give him the one that you think he likes and will wear the most.   If the disparity in equity is horribly one sided--you can do some add ons and such.   In my opinion--you shouldn't alter a decision on what watch you should get, wear and enjoy because of future distribution concerns.  That's just my 2 cents.  Get what you want and love--your boys would want that.  

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Just too add:

If you are massive man with a wrist of at least 8 inches, you can find a used DSSD for like $7,500. Although it will be the older model 116660, not the newer model 126660. The 126 has a wider bracelet by the lugs, where the older one kinda looks like a fat head on stilts. It also has the newer movement giving an extra day in power reserve. 

If you rotate watches on a daily basis, that extra day of power reserve makes a difference, but if you wear the same thing everyday, it doesn’t matter.

I am not massive but my wife thinks my arms are too big for 40mm. The Pelagos is nice. Will that hold value?

Do the Tudors that directly mimic a rolex make you look like you just couldn’t afford the Rolex?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

In regards to your post about your 2 boys--I think you need to not worry about that.  You need to get the watch that you want that will make you happy.  Both of your sons will absolutely love to get a timepiece that their father once wore proudly.   You know your sons the best--and my guess is that each of your sons has their own style. If one graduates law school--perhaps you give him a watch that you own that is a bit more on the dressy side as he might be in 3-piece suits daily.   I do a lot of estate evaluations/cataloging of jewelry/watch collections as part of my job.  I always tell people not to worry soo much about perfectly balancing equity when it comes to distributing their items--but to rather focus on distributing the items in the most thoughtful manner possible.  If you think one of your sons will like one timepiece more than the other--you give him the one that you think he likes and will wear the most.   If the disparity in equity is horribly one sided--you can do some add ons and such.   In my opinion--you shouldn't alter a decision on what watch you should get, wear and enjoy because of future distribution concerns.  That's just my 2 cents.  Get what you want and love--your boys would want that.  

This is great. Thanks so much. 

The first Omega is available on Jomashop for $4500. Good deal?

 

[fantasycurse42]

This is great. Thanks so much. 

The first Omega is available on Jomashop for $4500. Good deal?

Prob fair market value for that reference, not great/not bad. 

If you searched high and low on Omega Forums / Rolex Forums / other watch forums / maybe Ebay and found a reputable seller, I'd think the very best you'd do on that model is $3700-$4k. 

One thing to be aware of with Jomashop is that the warranty on the watch will be from them and you won't have the original manufacturer warranty card / paperwork (at least how they are with Rolex, but I'd assume the same with Omega). 

I am not massive but my wife thinks my arms are too big for 40mm. The Pelagos is nice. Will that hold value?

Do the Tudors that directly mimic a rolex make you look like you just couldn’t afford the Rolex?

I'm sure there are people who think that, but they're few and far between, imo. Most people who appreciate watches appreciate Tudors, they're excellent watches. And honestly, not many people at all notice watches. I rotate a bunch of watches, nobody has a clue. In my life, maybe 5 times has anyone noticed what was on my wrist, it's for your enjoyment. 
 

I'd recommend at least checking one out the next time you're in a store. They can be sourced easily. A buddy picked up a used but excellent condition Pelagos still under factory warranty for around $2800ish too. If your budget is around $5k, you'll find watches are addicting after acquiring a nice one, you'll either have some coin left for your next purchase or money to stash away. 

 

[fantasycurse42]

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-planet-ocean-gmt-435mm-23230442201001--id9735012.htm

Quick check on his Chrono24 & Ebay feedback, seems to deal a lot in this price range and reputation looks good. 

https://www.ebay.com/usr/aluxtrader?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

I'd ask him why the watch is unworn, yet the card is dated 12 months ago. There are a million legitimate reasons for this, but you should ask. 

Personally, I'd take a watch with 3 years remaining factory warranty over 5 or 6 or whatever Joma offers. I've heard more than one story of them butchering a repair, I would never let them touch any of my watches, so their warranty isn't worth the paper it is printed on to me. YMMV. 

ETA:

I’d also think you could offer him 36-37 and he’d accept. These people know buyers are always looking to negotiate, so more times than less there is some wiggle room in their numbers.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-planet-ocean-gmt-435mm-23230442201001--id9735012.htm

Quick check on his Chrono24 & Ebay feedback, seems to deal a lot in this price range and reputation looks good. 

https://www.ebay.com/usr/aluxtrader?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

I'd ask him why the watch is unworn, yet the card is dated 12 months ago. There are a million legitimate reasons for this, but you should ask. 

Personally, I'd take a watch with 3 years remaining factory warranty over 5 or 6 or whatever Joma offers. I've heard more than one story of them butchering a repair, I would never let them touch any of my watches, so their warranty isn't worth the paper it is printed on to me. YMMV. 

ETA:

I’d also think you could offer him 36-37 and he’d accept. These people know buyers are always looking to negotiate, so more times than less there is some wiggle room in their numbers.

I really appreciate all of your feedback. I didn’t  want to totally clog the thread so I tried to DM you but you cannot receive messages.

The watch you link is the black version of the GMT as opposed to the “regular” black Planet Ocean I had linked before (or the two tone gmt). Is this a better watch or is it identical but for the GMT rather than minutes on the ceramic bezel?  I travel frequently so the GMT functionality is actually useful

 

[fantasycurse42]

I really appreciate all of your feedback. I didn’t  want to totally clog the thread so I tried to DM you but uou cannot receive messages.

The watch you link is the black version of the GMT as opposed to the “regular” black Planet Ocean I had linked before (or the two tone gmt). Is this a better watch or is it identical but for the GMT rather than minutes on the ceramic bezel?  I travel frequently so the GMT functionality is actually useful

Sorry, just saw the Omega GMT in the link. Linked the wrong watch.

But yes, same watch, just with a GMT feature. I’m 98% sure it’s a ceramic bezel, but you could ask the seller to confirm. 

 

[jvdesigns2002]

This is great. Thanks so much. 

The first Omega is available on Jomashop for $4500. Good deal?

You're welcome.  I seemed to have forgotten to bold my answers in my post answering questions for your previous one--so hopefully you saw that I just typed my answers below where you asked your questions.   Yeah--the first Omega being on Jomashop for $4500 is a pretty solid deal.  According to my math--that comes out to something like 31-32% off retail which is a solid price from a seller with the reputation of Jomashop.  While they are not authorized dealers--the stuff they sell is authentic and they have a pretty flexible return policy.   You could probably spend a lot of time and effort trying to save a tiny bit more--but I certainly wouldn't do that at the risk of buying from a source that might be questionable compared to jomashop.   One of my buddies is a manager of an Omega boutique.  When he wants to get a watch for himself--he gets 40% off.  You'd be getting the watch for slightly more than what people in the trade can get it for.  Definitely a fair deal.  

 

[Shrugs]

I think a good option for getting gray market Omegas is chitownwatch. They are competitive with Jomashop, yet they come with an official stamped AD warranty. That's where I got my Speedmaster, and the transaction went perfectly. It was like $100 more than Jomashop but with a warranty from an AD in Sweden. Chitown is run by one guy who has relationships with ADs in Europe, and when they have extra inventory or need to get some money in he is ready to buy and resell. There's threads of people vouching for him and the site on the Omega forum. He doesn't seem to have either of the Omegas you're looking for in stock -- he has the first on the leather strap -- but if you contact him he might be able to locate one or let you know when he gets one.

I love Tudor -- my burgundy Black Bay is my favorite watch -- but I do think it's best to stick to Rolex if you're going to get the iconic pepsi GMT. The Tudor is an attractive watch for a good price, and obviously the brands are connected, but I just think Rolex when I see that look. I eventually want to get a birth year pepsi Rolex GMT. It doesn't fit your diver look, but the other GMT I like is the Grand Seiko Peacock.