Which of the following watches do you like best?

(Pick your favorite from the picture)

Hey WSO, after some watch shopping and research, the three in the picture have caught my eye. You have to really see them in person to appreciate their beauty. My only issue is that I am torn between the 3. I want to get others' opinions in order to help break this tie.

The 3 watches are around the same size in diameter (~41mm). I am looking for something that provides versatility - looks just as good with a suit as with jeans on the weekends. Thanks!

 
Jackiesinthesun:
not a fan. but the IWC would be the least yucky if I had to choose.

Leather? really? kind of oldmanish in my op. what about a cartier tank or a breitling chrono or something....

Tank is oldmanish as they come (not a fan of the small square face). Breitling chrono is nice, but a tad chunky for my wrist. The pictures do not do the watches justice. I am looking for leather because it is more dressy, and I already have a longines, tag, and lecoultre with stainless bracelets. Need to add some leather to the collection.

 

Of the three the IWC - but that portofino is a bit 'mature' looking. I was actually considering it for myself (I don't really like most women's watches...) but decided on something else.

B&M and B&R - from what I've read, at least - are often seen as overpriced for the quality they offer.

You already have a JLC? Which one? Why not just buy a nice leather strap for that one...

 
Kanon:
Of the three the IWC - but that portofino is a bit 'mature' looking. I was actually considering it for myself (I don't really like most women's watches...) but decided on something else.

B&M and B&R - from what I've read, at least - are often seen as overpriced for the quality they offer.

You already have a JLC? Which one? Why not just buy a nice leather strap for that one...

it's a vintage master marine from the 70's. I could do that but i prefer it on stainless. I want something larger in the 40mm zone. I agree with your statement about bm and br, however, it is tough to go inhouse with my price range without combing for used pieces.

 
Best Response
Situation:
Kanon:
Of the three the IWC - but that portofino is a bit 'mature' looking. I was actually considering it for myself (I don't really like most women's watches...) but decided on something else.

B&M and B&R - from what I've read, at least - are often seen as overpriced for the quality they offer.

You already have a JLC? Which one? Why not just buy a nice leather strap for that one...

it's a vintage master marine from the 70's. I could do that but i prefer it on stainless. I want something larger in the 40mm zone. I agree with your statement about bm and br, however, it is tough to go inhouse with my price range without combing for used pieces.

I see - I had the same problem - can't find long-history, in-house watches for 4k. Well, Frederique Constant fits the bill - except the history part, as I mentioned in my 2nd post is an option. I only passed on them because for my first big watch purchase, I wanted a more household name. But you've already got a number of watches, so I think they're worth a look.

IWC also has the pilot chrono and spitfire chrono that's just a bit pricier than the portofino you're looking at. Also, I think that portofino is being discontinued; there should be a 2011 model that has been upped in quality (but also in price).

 

If you're not fussed about 'heritage' of watches - check out Frederique Constant (http://www.precisiontime.co.uk/frederique-constant-c-279.html). They are seen as a real up and comer mid-tier brand (probably like a B&M or lower). They make their movements in-house, and you get great quality for value. They have made some pretty cool pieces, you can probably get something very nice for 2-4K.

Another option is - if you don't care about getting second hand, check out Sales Corner on Timezone.com. Sometimes you can find some really good deals for 4K, and I've seen a few posters from NYC so you can do face to face transactions in such cases.

 
George87:
Of these three, IWC. For the more both dress-up and casual look, I'd check out Omega and Breitling

I like some Breitlings, but the ones in my price range are too sporty. Only Omegas I can afford are the Sea Master and Speedmaster - great watches but I am not a huge fan from an aesthetic perspective and would prefer a silver face.

 

[quote=Unforseen]Yeah IWC uses better materials, in house movements, and its a more reputable brand...but I'm not a fan of the gold contrast. Do not go with the Bell & Ross...they are notoriously known to have watches with cool designs but inferior movements.

If your budget is flexible, I would def put up an extra 1k and get this one:

http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/la/en/watches/master-control/master-ult…]

Agree with everything except the in-house movement comment. SOME IWCs use in-house movements. On the lower end/entry-levels, IWC buys movements and make their own adjustments to them.

Love that JLC.

 

[quote=Unforseen]Yeah IWC uses better materials, in house movements, and its a more reputable brand...but I'm not a fan of the gold contrast. Do not go with the Bell & Ross...they are notoriously known to have watches with cool designs but inferior movements.

If your budget is flexible, I would def put up an extra 1k and get this one:

http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/la/en/watches/master-control/master-ult…]

Budget is not flexible enough. The JLC is nice, but a bit plain and mature for my taste.

 

Well, at price point and not second-hand, other than the ones you've already looked at, I suppose you can try Omega and Rolex. A Rolex Air King is fairly classical in looks - but most Rolexes I've seen come on bracelets. They're no doubt household names, but are perhaps too common, if you care about that...

Glashutte Original is an excellent watch brand, highly recognized amongst watch enthusiasts - but general public may not know about them. Their movements are also in-house. I couldn't find GOs for 4k, but maybe I just wasn't looking hard enough - so ask the dealers about them to see what price they start at. Also remember to ask for discounts.

Try posting on TimeZone or StyleForum - a ton of people there who know watches and can give more suggestions.

 

I've been looking at BM (specifically the 8591 and 8851). My budget is 3k and I too have come across the same dilemma - it's hard to find an in house maker at this price range, especially with the classic, leather strap, bigger faced styles.

Despite all the noise with BM, it is still a solid brand. It wont crap out on you. Let's not forget that BM is part of the Richemont Group (Cartier and Piaget). Yes, the resale value may not be great but that only matters if you're looking to sell in the future.

That being said, if my budget was larger, I'd take IWC over BM.

 

Oh, forgot to mention - check out IWC Mark XVI (there's a black dial version and the 'spitfire' silver dial version). A bit more plain vs. the choices you listed, but they are probably more suitable for someone younger.

http://www.finestwatches.com/iwc-pilots-mark-xvi-11535.html and http://www.finestwatches.com/iwc-pilots-spitfire-midsize-11541.html

 

[quote=Unforseen]Ok check out Nomos Glashutte GMT.

http://www.winderz.com/?p=2192[/quote]

Very nice, I like your taste in watches Unforseen - but OP sounds like he wants a more mainstream name. Nomos is great, but not known outside of watch enthusiast circles or well in US. I'm also under the impression they're tough to find a dealer for here.

Do you have a watch collection?

 
Kanon][quote=Unforseen]Ok check out Nomos Glashutte GMT.</p> <p><a href=http://www.winderz.com/?p=2192[/quote rel=nofollow>http://www.winderz.com/?p=2192[/quote</a>:

Very nice, I like your taste in watches Unforseen - but OP sounds like he wants a more mainstream name. Nomos is great, but not known outside of watch enthusiast circles or well in US. I'm also under the impression they're tough to find a dealer for here.

Do you have a watch collection?

Sadly no...but I will someday

I own a TAG Kirium F1 Chronograph I got as a high school graduation gift and I'm currently looking for an undergrad gift. I think I might wait and get the Nomos Zurich Weltzeit next year when I go visit my sister in Geneva.

One of my goals in life is to own a Thomas Prescher masterpiece.

 

I can get the portofino for 3200 bc of a connection with my local dealer, FYI - seems like a good deal for the IWC, especially considering the new line that is coming out soon is priced at 5500.

This link ( http://www.eta911.com/IWC-Portofino-Chronograph-Valjoux-7750-Leather-20… ) shows the IWC from some better angles. It is a replica site, but the only site that had the silver faced IWC with a black band from many angles. Tell me what you think now, because the picture in the original thread makes the gold appear more yellow, but it is far more subdued in person. Thanks all for the great responses!

 

if your budget is $4k, then you can only afford the Baume & Mercier. The IWC is out of the question unless you can find a really good used deal. Bell & Ross is total garbage, they don't make their movements and you are paying for a nice case for an ETA basic movement. The B&M is actually 42MM and looks gaudy, unless you have a big wrist.

For a $4k budget here are my suggestions for you.

  • Omega Speedmaster Professional
  • Omega Ocean Planet (do not buy a 007 edition, unless you still sleep in sponge bob square pants PJs)
  • Certified used Rolex Datejust
  • Breitling Seawolf GMT edition
  • Maybe a Tag Heuer Carrera or Monaco

A good place to start would be a local Tourneau store as they have a very good certified used selection. They are an authorized retailer for almost all high end brands so you know your watch is not a fake. PM me if you need more help.

 

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