50th Birthday Watch?

Not sure about what you’re life style is or collecting philosophy but if I was turning 50 and was getting ready to drop 20k ish as a gift I would be looking at some JLC. I would love to own either master ultra thin moon in precious metal or a master control calendar. I figured that around that age I would be doing more social gatherings and would love a more dressy watch. Might be a little over budget but 50 is a pretty big deal lol.

I'm turning 50 myself pretty soon. I was looking at the Tudor BB58, and stretch goal was an Omega Speedmaster. But finances took a hit this year, so had to reduce my budget. But even under $1k, there are lots of good options. Top 2 right now are Seiko baby Alpinist or Hamilton Murph 38mm. Or maybe a Zelos with a meteorite dial if the right one pops up at the right time.

But if price was no object, that's tricky. I don't look too much at that price point since I'll never be able to afford something like that. Although, if I could get it for MSRP or not too much above, I would love a Daytona panda.

Omega Seamaster NTTD. The rest I'd spend on restoring my car. I 😉

In that range, I’m thinking Bulgari Octo Finissimo or VC FiftySix blue dial.

I would stretch the budget a couple thousand more and choose this...

Why? Because it drops all pretense of being a "tool watch" and admits fully that Rolexes are nothing man than man-jewelry! The one and only Rolex I like, for that reason!

Then, after a little while, once I've gotten tired of it, I could sell it and get these two that I really want!

41 mm Rolex Wimbledon 2 tone jubilee/fluted

I am one year older then 50... Can I participate? 😋

Maybe a zenith chronograph or Cartier Tank.

Or a omega Aqua terra

Or wait maybe a Rolex explorer 2

Hmm why not datejust or tudor pelagos

🤔

But I've seen a few Casio mtp... Wow do they look gorgeous!

Honestly I like to find those affordable watches that reminds you how it's fun to have spare money to travel and enjoy so many things.

So I'll stick with my rational mind and maybe go with a Longines and take money to go to visit Japan and try having a good price on a Grand Seiko!!

Another 50th anniversary celebration: https://www.fratellowatches.com/long-term-review-one-year-with-the-omega-speedmaster-silver-snoopy-award-50th-anniversary/#gref

Or this guy: https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/grand-seiko-9s-automatic-sbgr065-10-10-grs-xry3nc

I would go bespoke with someone like RGM. https://www.rgmwatches.com/watches

Dress watch, precious metal, simple.

Think Lange Saxonia, Patek Calatrava, Breguet Classique, or JLC…. Boring and predictable, maybe, but classic and as timeless and celebratory as turning 50. Buy pre owned, at 50 you need not the pretentiousness of only having a brand new watch, you can get it in your budget new, but why not go pre owned and have 5K left for bday trip.

Cheers

Ok here's my take. I'd go off the beaten path. For $20,000 you want something that stands out. A f.. k you watch. You'd have to buy these used but I'm pretty sure you could get them in the price range but you might have a pay some taxes.

First Vacheron Constantin American 1912

Second choice Czapak Quai Des Bergues

Third this one would save you a bunch of money but cool none the less

Kudoke

I'd buy a watch I really love within $1k and go on a holiday instead with my son and family. Time with them is more precious. I'm 55 ;)

For that budget- buy a few watch you love

A birth year watch.

"For $20,000 you want something that stands out. A f.. k you watch."

100%

The Kudoke is an absolute looker.

I got myself my Seamaster 300 , my Grail for my 50th 3 years ago. Love it 😀

I might have to buy that myself. 😂It's on a list.

Some fantastic suggestions, thanks guys!

Haha! I say go for it.