If you had 6k to buy a watch for your 40s, what watch would it be?

Would have to be something timeless / classic - I am already very well into my 40s so beyond this question! Very obvious answers perhaps but Speedmaster / Santos / Reverso come to mind immediately at that budget. For me it would be something from IWC though...

I am in my 40s and had about 6k so I bought this over a year ago. Never gonna let it go. 

jlc reverso mono or omega speedmaster

Awesome choice. 😎

For it me, it would probably be a BB58, but there are a few Grand Seikos in that price range that are real contenders (although GS is getting more and more expensive!).  At retail an Oyster Perpetual 36 is $5800, and it's basically a perfect watch, so that's another option.  An Omega Speedmaster is historically significant, timeless, handsome, and versatile (dresses up and down for any occasion).   

Yeah, I'm with @Speedy77 .  I'm probably buying the Speedmaster.      

Black Aqua Terra, or a Speedmaster Pro

So for my 40th this is what I got:

I love it and will keep it always. That said, I am now slightly more knowledgable about the world of watches and different brands, so given a second round at this exercise, but knowing what I know today, it would very likely be this lovely piece that I bought just recently. 

Why?  Assuming this is your first big purchase as mine was for me, having a piece that is awesome in any situation and robust as hell provides some great piece of mind. For me at least. 
 

A strong second choice for me would be this model. 
 

For me an omega aqua terra,perfect for any occasion.( not my image,just one pulled from google)

But obviously not in a shirt like that,no no no.

As I approach 60, I suggest you think through how you want to use the piece.  Daily driver? Dress watch? Something for adventures? Something special (wild card)?  I think that will help narrow the field.  My choices for each would be: Speedy (daily driver), Cartier Tank (dress), Seamaster GMT (adventure watch), and Dornbluth and Sohn Kalbe (wild card). Lot's of good choices in that price range!

I probably would buy the Aqua Terra aswell 🤔

If we're talking truly forever, I think there are two obvious options: black/silver dial OP 36/41 or a Speedmaster.  Others have spelled those out so I won't dwell.  

Personally I'd go with something a little less well trodden

Seamaster 300 (vintage version, not Ceramic) - $6150

SBGM221 - $4600  

 Seiya Japan has a matching OEM Beads of rice for $1300 as well

SBGA 211 Snowflake - $6200 at retail but used models in the $4-5K range

IWC Mark XVIII -  $5250  (definitely get this one on the best in class bracelet)

Not sure how you want to go through.  These are the sportier options, if you're thinking dress watches,  the world opens even more.

I rarely wear a full suit, mostly sports jackets or less formal, and already have the dress watch filled out as well.

The 39mm looks good too in pictures, but I like the more tool-watch look of the originals. Which colour is the big question though!

Anything but the new Omega Mars timer that just came out

I recently picked up a Chris Ward Sealander in 39mm. Why am I mentioning this in a thread about $6K watches you ask? I did it as an experiment to see how well I would get along with an "Aqua Terra" or GADA style watch before I go and buy the real thing. So far I'm liking it and will probably be shopping for an Aqua Terra in the next month or so. At that point the CW will become my beater. And a darn good one too I think. So AT would be my choice. But fancy movements and respected brand mean nothing if it doesn't speak to your heart. Got anywhere nearby that you can go try some on?

Omega AQ!! Champagne Dial! Or the yellow one…

This is brilliant. I may consider this at my next milestone!

Love the Pilot Chronograph - looks great with the rubber strap

For me its the sbgn003 that I bought recently. Works with everything and a just grab and go watch. Super accurate, light, goes with casual and also a suit. 

I've seen lots of Aquaterras I guess but I would also go with a globemaster or an aquaterra,

I know the listing prices are much higher than 6K but it is possible to get deals for both of them around 6K to 6.5K 

I already have a GS SBGN003, it's an awesome watch, I use it a lot and especially when traveling, I think there isn't any better travel watch ☺️

I have the same watch, what a piece! Best travel watch ever, it can do everything ☺️

I just came back from the AD and I was impress by the Speedmaster 38, have you guys seen it? It's a beauty! I wrote about it here: I went to try the Moonwatch and I was surprised by the Speedmaster 38, what a beauty!

Omega Aqua Terra Small Second. Its a "go anywhere do anything" watch with a bit of flair. The coaxial movement is a big step in the history of mechanical Watches too.

I want to say Aqua Terra, a retail OP, or something vintage, but I feel like I would actually go full midlife crisis with a complicated and wonderfully loud Sinn of some sort.

SMP300, used. 

6k is good budget for entry level luxury watches like

New: Omega: speedmaster, sea master 300m; Grand seiko; Longines; Montblanc; Oris

Used: Rolex older 36 mm; most omega speedmasters and sea masters 

Vintage Rolex datejust and an Omega speedmaster.  If you are going to buy a Grand Seiko, I would rather buy it as a second watch because you only truly understand the GS value to you when you start owning other watches before it.  

I will have this one...

For me it would be a Speedmaster. I’m heading towards 50 in a couple of years and can’t decide to get one from my year of birth, or a new one to mark the occasion.

So my birthday was yesterday and…