Analyst Watch
With bonus season upon us analysts I'm hoping people can help me determine an appropriate watch to celebrate my first year in the workplace, paying off my student loans, and graduating from undergrad. I have a budget of roughly ~$4.0k and am willing to go new or used (with Box/Papers from a reputable seller). While I wear a watch now, I'm planning on this next piece being my everyday wear (both professionally and socially) for the next few years as I plan to grow my collection in the future.
Ideally, I'm looking for a versatile, wearable, automatic, bracelet, and 100m of water resistance or more. For reference, I have ~6.75-inch wrists. Please see a list of finalists below along with a brief list of pros/cons for each.
- Cartier Tank (Love everything about this watch, but will likely wait to get a dress watch for down the road)
- Tudor Black Bay 36 (New Version) (Pros: in-house movement, 100m water resistance, sizing options, T-Fit Micro Adjustable Clasp; Cons: Too much of a DJ36 knockoff with the Jubliee? I'd love to eventually own a DJ36 Black Fluted/Jubliee, and I don't want this to just be a replaceable watch down the road)
- Omega AT: (Pros: movement, 150m WR, date window, design; Cons: price, thickness)
- Tudor Black Bay 58: (Pros: in-house movement, 200m WR, classic design, wearability; Cons: Too informal?)
- Tudor 1926: (Pros: price, thinness, water resistance; Cons: Non-in-house movement, too formal?)
- Omega Seamaster: (Pros: WR, Movement, Bond styling; Cons: Too informal / too large for professional wear?)
- Nomos Club Sport Neomatik: (Pros: thinness, in-house movement, WR; Cons: too colorful to be everyday wear? long lugs)
Please let me know your thoughts, thanks!
Would recommend either of the Black Bays, Omegas, or the Nomos. Cartier Tank isn’t a daily driver and I’m not a fan of the Tudor 1926 or whatever they call that thing (mass produced ultra entry level)
I know the 1926 uses an ETA (and I think the Date wheel looks cheap), but why else don't you like it?
I tried on the black bay 36 and loved it. It’s a tudor, definitely not going to be seen as a ‘knock off’ rolex. Is a good Toyota a knock off Lexus?
Agree that Tudor is far from a knock-off Rolex. I more meant that I'm not sure if I'd stay want the DJ down the road and would hence make one of the watches redundant.
Bump
Roadster
Super cool watch, but a little too flashy for my seniority. I am hoping to eventually get my hands on a Tank / Santos
Tudor Pelagos was a solid first bonus watch
Curious, what made you go with the Pelagos over the BB line? I've heard great things about the Pelagos btw
The Omega Seamaster AT was my first ever watch. I think it's an incredible "get one do all" that looks great for both sporty/dressy functions. I have 6.5 inch wrist and didn't find it to be thick at all. I would recommend getting it in rubber as ATs have a unique rubber strap with a deployment clasp.
I do have an appreciation for the Tudors (owned the BB58 before), but my problem with them are the candlestick hands that I could never fall in love with. Everything else about the watch is great, the hands look so wonky/bulky and out of place. If you do go for a Tudor, I think the 1926 is the best option.
Cartier Tank is always a good option but it likely restricts you from wearing it in sporty settings. Definitely don't have strong water resistance.
I currently wear an Omega Seamaster Diver (on a Rubber) to work every day. I do not think it's too informal/large for professional wear. I've also rocked it recently at my friend's wedding and imo it looked fine with a suit.
One piece I would recommend (if you are willing to increase your budget by ~2 extra grand) is the Rolex Explorer 36mm. I currently own the 124270 but think you can find a relatively mint condition/used 114270 or older 5 digit reference for $5-6K. If I can only ever have one watch, I'd never let go of the Explorer (even more so than my GMT Root Beer). It's a beautiful, versatile piece that flies under the radar.
Best of luck OP and happy hunting!
Do people in office really judge watches this hard? I've been seeing a ton of threads about watches. Totally cool with me that everyone is looking for a quality watch, but I'm honestly super frugal and like my tiny thrifted gold watch (I'm a girl btw). Should I not wear it to office?
You’re good. If anyone takes offense to you wearing a watch whether it be a really expensive or cheap watch that’s on them. If your concerned say it was a dead relatives
No not really, not everyone is a watch nerd or even cares what you have on your wrist. Most will not. I just wouldn't wear anything huge or gaudy in the office and you'll be fine. From what I've seen far more men are into watches then women.
I feel like recently watches have had a resurgence as a status symbol along with designer clothes, but I feel like the over arching movement is more towards people not wearing a watch at all or having an Apple watch or the like.
No. No one gives a single fuck tbh what watch you are wearing unless you're rolling in with flashy ass watch like a Hublot Big Bang or something.
Let's be honest - Rolex's are so common within the street that you'll spot 10+ people rocking a Datejust/GMT in a 1 mile radius. It's not that special.
I once got asked by someone if my VC Fifty Six is a Rolex. Everyone will know some household brands but not everyone is a watch nerd.
Omega is my choice!
You could get a used Explorer I, which I think is damn near the perfect watch, for like $5-6k.
Not sure if $4k is a hard limit, if it is and these are the only watches you’re considering then I really like Omega, they make great watches. So many colors and unique dials too, you can really get creative if you’re into that. Just be aware that they can get really sporty (depending on the size and dial) and might look a bit off in more conservative offices.
Forego the Tank and get a JLC Reverso down the road, though.
Of the ones you've listed, I would go with the Omega AT - probably the most versatile / bang for your buck. Would also second the Rolex Explorer and might be worth checking out the Omega Railmaster (less formal looking vs. the AT) and the IWC Pilot.
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