The Watch Thread (4 Viewers)

[Perthmike]

+1 on the pilot. Classic and looks great. I like the JLC ulltrathin too—gorgeous dial with applied indices, in-house ultra thin movement. The reverso, too, is a classic style that only JLC does, and is lovely. Cant go wrong with any of those

Not to complicate it, but JLC makes their own movements and is just behind the big three, reputation-wise. In fact, they make movements for many other brands, including Audemars, IWC, and Vacheron. JLC is considered the “watchmaker’s watch” in that people in the industry tend to favor them.

Not to complicate things, but have you seen the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950? Exquisite movement finishing, on par with Patek at a fraction of the price. Should be in your price range in steel. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-1950-steel-hands-on

In any event, take your time...half the fun is trying on different watches. And bargain hard on price—sales are very slow and stores will make deals.

You are right about jlc. Its a brand I've long been fond of.

I love the look and feel of the pilot, but im slightly tilted by the fact that it's a sellita movement. It feels like a big step down from the jlc.

The pilot spitfire version has the iwc caliber 32110, which is an in-house modified version of an eta 2892, and has 72 reserve instead of 42 on the le petit Prince blue version.

Id go buy it tomorrow if that movement was in the blue dial version.

I do like that parmigiani, but I'm not aware of any dealers here and I expect in aud it will be closer to 13,000.

 

[gopherblue]

Well, you could buy an IWC, with a JLC movement, in a complication you previously mentioned is a grail (iirc), in gold, in your price range:

https://www.chrono24.com/iwc/novecento--mod1807.htm?dosearch=true&query=IWC+Novecento&goal_suggest=1

I have one and it is fantastic. Chrono24 has many reputable dealers.

 

[Perthmike]

Well, you could buy an IWC, with a JLC movement, in a complication you previously mentioned is a grail (iirc), in gold, in your price range:

https://www.chrono24.com/iwc/novecento--mod1807.htm?dosearch=true&query=IWC+Novecento&goal_suggest=1

I have one and it is fantastic. Chrono24 has many reputable dealers.

Those are very cool I must say.

 

[gmunny]

A little disappointed not to see any Baume et Mercier on this thread...

I’ve taken to a piece of junk watch now that I don’t have work to go to everyday and nobody to impress, but here are the two (non-pandemic) go-tos and the two I keep put away for specials occasions. If you couldn’t tell, B&M runs in the family

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I do have one! Here's my B&M Baumatic. It has an in-house movement, 5 day power reserve and COSC rated. The face is blue, but looks black depending on the light. .

 

[gmunny]

The answer @Perthmike is to buy what you like the best and don't worry about more than you want to spend just sell more chipes!

 

[gmunny]

Well, you could buy an IWC, with a JLC movement, in a complication you previously mentioned is a grail (iirc), in gold, in your price range:

https://www.chrono24.com/iwc/novecento--mod1807.htm?dosearch=true&query=IWC+Novecento&goal_suggest=1

I have one and it is fantastic. Chrono24 has many reputable dealers.

Dang you Goph... first time i am looking at this site and I can spend hours here looking at watches. Have you bought any watches from here? I like the fact they have escrow.

 

[gopherblue]

Dang you Goph... first time i am looking at this site and I can spend hours here looking at watches. Have you bought any watches from here? I like the fact they have escrow.

Haven't bought a watch, but bought deployant clasp and straps. Sold a JLC there though. Many of the US dealers are well-known. Based on other watch enthusiasts' opinions, Chrono24 is, generally, legit.

 

[Perthmike]

Now feeling like I'd rather choose a stowa over the iwc pilot les petit Prince. Its a much better value proposition imo at 1500 rrp compared to 6800 rrp, with almost the same movement. I'm not sure the iwc casing makes it worth that much more.

The search continues lol

 

[Rieguy]

Watch prices have gone nuts in the past few years

Also like Longines!

Love my Longines and would highly recommend one, but the prices are much higher now from when I bought it. Hard to capture the detailed colors today, but figured it's a pron thread so might as well.

 

[Perthmike]

Love my Longines and would highly recommend one, but the prices are much higher now from when I bought it. Hard to capture the detailed colors today, but figured it's a pron thread so might as well.



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Still a great value watch with all those complications. I've always liked that collection.

 

[Perthmike]

Another update for anyone interested in my journey (though not a long journey because I'm more of a quick decision guy).

Kept going back to the reverso, decided I liked the medium size, and my wife was actually encouraging me to go for the duo face version, but at $13,800 I just can't. (sorry @gopherblue I'm not joining the square club just yet)

Also enjoyed the omega globe master and iwc pilot spitfire. But again not quite enough.

So unfortunately I'm going to be that guy and I'm opting for a rolex oyster perpetual 36. Which for $7850 is surprisingly good value, especially with the new 3230 movement for 2020. Will have to wait a bit to get one on order, but oh well.

I thought about a sub no date, but those are unobtanium here without a long relationship with an Ad. I do have a hookup via my brother in law in England, so when borders open up in a year or so, I may consider trading up lol.

 

[joeyshin]

Another update for anyone interested in my journey (though not a long journey because I'm more of a quick decision guy).

Kept going back to the reverso, decided I liked the medium size, and my wife was actually encouraging me to go for the duo face version, but at $13,800 I just can't. (sorry @gopherblue I'm not joining the square club just yet) View attachment 616481
Also enjoyed the omega globe master and iwc pilot spitfire. But again not quite enough.
View attachment 616480View attachment 616479View attachment 616478


So unfortunately I'm going to be that guy and I'm opting for a rolex oyster perpetual 36. Which for $7850 is surprisingly good value, especially with the new 3230 movement for 2020. Will have to wait a bit to get one on order, but oh well.
View attachment 616485

I thought about a sub no date, but those are unobtanium here without a long relationship with an Ad. I do have a hookup via my brother in law in England, so when borders open up in a year or so, I may consider trading up lol.

blancpain on your radar? I’ve owned a flyback and fifty fathoms. Loved both of them. I wore them on nato straps. Sporty and dressy

 

[PocketAces]

Another update for anyone interested in my journey (though not a long journey because I'm more of a quick decision guy).

Kept going back to the reverso, decided I liked the medium size, and my wife was actually encouraging me to go for the duo face version, but at $13,800 I just can't. (sorry @gopherblue I'm not joining the square club just yet) View attachment 616481
Also enjoyed the omega globe master and iwc pilot spitfire. But again not quite enough.
View attachment 616480View attachment 616479View attachment 616478


So unfortunately I'm going to be that guy and I'm opting for a rolex oyster perpetual 36. Which for $7850 is surprisingly good value, especially with the new 3230 movement for 2020. Will have to wait a bit to get one on order, but oh well.
View attachment 616485

I thought about a sub no date, but those are unobtanium here without a long relationship with an Ad. I do have a hookup via my brother in law in England, so when borders open up in a year or so, I may consider trading up lol.

Cool watch! 36mm works well. It’s insane how any steel watch is now on waiting list. Any chance you could pick up the black dial? If you are going with a Rolex, I also like the Datejust with Roulette date and the Milgauss (more expensive though)

 

[gopherblue]

Another update for anyone interested in my journey (though not a long journey because I'm more of a quick decision guy).

Kept going back to the reverso, decided I liked the medium size, and my wife was actually encouraging me to go for the duo face version, but at $13,800 I just can't. (sorry @gopherblue I'm not joining the square club just yet) View attachment 616481
Also enjoyed the omega globe master and iwc pilot spitfire. But again not quite enough.
View attachment 616480View attachment 616479View attachment 616478


So unfortunately I'm going to be that guy and I'm opting for a rolex oyster perpetual 36. Which for $7850 is surprisingly good value, especially with the new 3230 movement for 2020. Will have to wait a bit to get one on order, but oh well.
View attachment 616485

I thought about a sub no date, but those are unobtanium here without a long relationship with an Ad. I do have a hookup via my brother in law in England, so when borders open up in a year or so, I may consider trading up lol.

Congrats! Great looking watch!

 

[jun]

Here are my two frontrunners so far.

Watch nerds assemble. What are your thoughts? Any other suggestions? @Changster @Windwalker
@gopherblue @Numerobis @PocketAces @jun @boltonguy @Pesto628

View attachment 613757View attachment 613758

Definitely the reverso for me! But I'm not sure if this is the one for work as a daily beater. Love it for a nice dressy occasion.

 

[jun]

Another update for anyone interested in my journey (though not a long journey because I'm more of a quick decision guy).

Kept going back to the reverso, decided I liked the medium size, and my wife was actually encouraging me to go for the duo face version, but at $13,800 I just can't. (sorry @gopherblue I'm not joining the square club just yet) View attachment 616481
Also enjoyed the omega globe master and iwc pilot spitfire. But again not quite enough.
View attachment 616480View attachment 616479View attachment 616478


So unfortunately I'm going to be that guy and I'm opting for a rolex oyster perpetual 36. Which for $7850 is surprisingly good value, especially with the new 3230 movement for 2020. Will have to wait a bit to get one on order, but oh well.
View attachment 616485

I thought about a sub no date, but those are unobtanium here without a long relationship with an Ad. I do have a hookup via my brother in law in England, so when borders open up in a year or so, I may consider trading up lol.

Congrats buddy! 36mm is a great size for this case shape. I went for the 36mm datejust 126234 in blue dial.

 

[realcdn]

I'm a total newb on the whole watch scene, so curious how well they hold their value over time? I imagine there are certain brands that do better than others.

@Perthmike I think we have very similar tastes in both poker chips and watches! Although, really not sure I want to follow you down the rabbit hole of the latter!

 

[Perthmike]

Congrats buddy! 36mm is a great size for this case shape. I went for the 36mm datejust 126234 in blue dial.

Thanks, but the congrats might be a bit early. I didn't realise how crazy the rolex mania has become. The op 36 is sold out all over Australia and you have to go on the dreaded waitlist lol.

I've been making lots of calls though to get on lists for the op. And my brother in law is working through an Ad friend of his in London for a sub no date for me. So we shall see what comes up first.

 

[Perthmike]

I'm a total newb on the whole watch scene, so curious how well they hold their value over time? I imagine there are certain brands that do better than others.

@Perthmike I think we have very similar tastes in both poker chips and watches! Although, really not sure I want to follow you down the rabbit hole of the latter!

Like cars, most watches will lose a chunk of value the moment you buy them. But over time as the retail price increases year after year, you will start to claw some value back.

The higher end brands can be different though, depending on how difficult a model is to find. Rolex for example seems to be more of a commodity than a watch and they are impossible to find right now and typically command a large increase on the msrp in the secondary market.

Unfortunately its who you know that matters.

It's a fun rabbit hole though. I've had my main watch for 7 years, and I still love it, so I am not a slut with watches, like I am chips lol.

 

[5aces]

I love orange chips so obviously I needed an orange watch.

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On the wrist today, but just sold it to a good friend.

Sharing some of mine too!

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Portugeiser

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A more acquired taste, is Panerai. I recommend the PAM914 or the Radiomir with white dial.

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For true sophistication, you can’t go wrong with a Breguet Marine or Classique.

Did I really miss this thread? Obviously!
Quoted some watches which I really like and will come back with some pron tomorrow.

 

[gopherblue]

Thanks, but the congrats might be a bit early. I didn't realise how crazy the rolex mania has become. The op 36 is sold out all over Australia and you have to go on the dreaded waitlist lol.

Sorry to hear that, but perhaps it's an opportunity in disguise...let's talk Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 in steel. The new version is insane: 2.6mm-thick movement, micro-rotor, Patek-level movement finishing, gorgeous dial, perfectly proportioned case, and serious horological chops in the whole package. https://www.parmigiani.com/en/watch/tonda/1950/pfc288-0000201-xa1442

 

[Darson]

I have a thing for 24hr watches - where the hour hand makes a single revolution each day.

My prize is a Breitling Cosmonaut

I'm quite fond of this Fortis Flieger

I have a couple of Glycines which are unique. The double 24:

And the Plaza Mayor

Another nice one is the Titanium Ocean 7

The sad thing is that since I got an Apple watch, I haven't worn any of these...

 

[5aces]

 

[Perthmike]

False alarm. My friend just messaged to tell me that the local dealer has agreed to order a blue op 36 for him and a silver one for me.

Going down there today to pay a deposit to initiate the order. Should get it in 1-3 months.

My other friend is going to buy an omega Aqua Terra, which is his first real purchase. The three of us are going to go collect them on the same day. Looking forward to that day.

 

[Perthmike]

Sorry to hear that, but perhaps it's an opportunity in disguise...let's talk Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 in steel. The new version is insane: 2.6mm-thick movement, micro-rotor, Patek-level movement finishing, gorgeous dial, perfectly proportioned case, and serious horological chops in the whole package. https://www.parmigiani.com/en/watch/tonda/1950/pfc288-0000201-xa1442

It is an amazing looking movement in that watch, I love the micro rotor. For a second I thought it was a manual wind lol

 

[Perthmike]

I have a thing for 24hr watches - where the hour hand makes a single revolution each day.

My prize is a Breitling Cosmonaut

I'm quite fond of this Fortis Flieger

I have a couple of Glycines which are unique. The double 24:

And the Plaza Mayor

Another nice one is the Titanium Ocean 7

The sad thing is that since I got an Apple watch, I haven't worn any of these...

You have a great collection there. Love the Breitling in particular, that's an awesome looking watch

 

[Perthmike]

My friend was torn between the Zenith El Primero and the Omega Aqua Terra. We tried to go and buy an Omega Aqua Terra for him last week (as we couldn't find any el primeros in stock in Perth) and couldn't get hardly any discount. I even called a few interstate stores and none would even offer 10%.

Luckily he found this for a great price on chrono24. It's a limited edition collaboration between Zenith and Cohiba. So he's ordered the watch and some cohibas, which we will all smoke in celebration when the watch arrives lol.

Looking forward to seeing this one in person.

 

[mike32]

False alarm. My friend just messaged to tell me that the local dealer has agreed to order a blue op 36 for him and a silver one for me.

Going down there today to pay a deposit to initiate the order. Should get it in 1-3 months. View attachment 618771

My other friend is going to buy an omega Aqua Terra, which is his first real purchase. The three of us are going to go collect them on the same day. Looking forward to that day.

So you guys are having a watch party? I think a poker game sounds like a much better time.

Also does 36 mm refer to the face size, so you are getting a Cinci Horseshoe tournament chip type of watch? You need the 44 mm bro!

 

[Perthmike]

So you guys are having a watch party? I think a poker game sounds like a much better time.

Also does 36 mm refer to the face size, so you are getting a Cinci Horseshoe tournament chip type of watch? You need the 44 mm bro!

They are both part of my tourney league, so the poker will be happening.

And yes 36mm is the face size. My other watch is 42, but 44 . That's just too big for my liking. We are talking understated class here Mike.

44 - 50 would probably be your average watch size in Michigan though lol

 

[djfayze]

Love this thread! I had a watch phase a couple of years ago and bought a handful of automatics and some quartz watches. My favorite is my Hamilton Pilot Day Date (the watch worn by Murph in Interstellar). Also love my Seiko SARB035. Nothing crazy for me yet, but I love a good watch.