Help and thoughts 😊
I’ve got a big decision to make, my 10 years wedding anniversary and 15 year work anniversary are both coming up in about 4 weeks . This purchase will be mostly funded by a long term service award so I’m stepping out of my usual $2k limit and probably stretching it to $5k. It’s taken me about 6 months to come up with these final contenders but I wouldn’t mind alternative suggestions but keep in consideration my 6.6ish inch wrist
1- Tudor blackbay 58 : looks beautiful , versatile and very similar in size to my Longines HC 39 which is my current favorite watch. The only drawback is that it’s a little too sporty to be an all occasion piece
2- Longines record auto 40mm: gorgoeus all around and perfect size, probably the opposite of the BB58 in that it would be difficult to dress down
3-omega seamaster smp300 black: this has been my teenage grail and I still love it but I think it borders on being a little too big, still a top contender
4- Longines Spirit Zulu time 39mm in green: love everything about this watch form sizing to looks and function , but I have two Longines and thought if I’m stretching my budget to $5k I might as well go up the chain of luxury watches, am I being too vain ? The same thought for the record (#2)
5-Breitling superocean heritage II 42mm: I thought this would be too big but I’ve tried it on and it’s just so beautiful that I might ignore that extra 1mm of L2L because it drapes so nicely around the wrist , I’m very much leaning towards this one at the moment, seems to be a perfect all rounder and a brand I think is under appreciated
6- Omega Aqua Terra white dial : I would have gone with black but I have the Longines conquest 2023 in black dial which shares a lot of design elements with the AT, I don’t need a GADA because I have over a dozen watches for different purposes if if were to have one it would be this.
I know the best advice is buy what you like and nobody cares what we were but I like all of these and my friends have either Apple Watches or Rolex submariners so got no help there 😄. The wife also likes them all!
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I'm going to be no help whatsoever as I like them all. Flip a coin? If you put a gun to my head I would go BB 58.
If the Super Ocean looks proportional on your wrist then go for it. I feel like Breitling has more cachet as a brand than the other solid options you have listed and it's a real eye catching model. Happy hunting!
As this is a great anniversary to celebrate, my bet would always be the Omega SMP or Aqua terra. Both are robust divers that are GADA and can dress up or down. As much as I love the BB58, this occasion calls for some Omega level watches 💸💸💸. The Breitling would be my runner up.
My choice is the BB58. But go wherever your heart goes.
Out of these, I lean towards the Breitling. I would still choose the Pelagos 39 over everything on this list.
Definitely the Seamaster 300. Size will be fine. 🎯
Would pick aqua terra or bb58, probably bb58
As you’re spending a lot of money on a special-occasion watch it’s vital you try them on in person. Pictures and specifications really don’t give any indication of the wearing experience.
If possible, try your favourites on more than once. There are many times I’ve loved a watch on first try-on, but subsequent viewings have left me cold.
You’ll probably find that, having tried them on, quite a few of these watches will drop off your list; and a couple will rise to the top.
As you’re spending a lot of money on a special-occasion watch it’s vital you try them on in person. Pictures and specifications really don’t give any indication of the wearing experience.
If possible, try your favourites on more than once. There are many times I’ve loved a watch on first try-on, but subsequent viewings have left me cold.
You’ll probably find that, having tried them on, quite a few of these watches will drop off your list; and a couple will rise to the top.
Totally agree and I’ve tried all of these on, just don’t have good wrist shots so I’ve put these pictures on here for reference
My choice is the BB58. But go wherever your heart goes.
Hearts wants them all 😅
Either of the Longines for me or possibly the Aqua Terra.
Definitely no to the snowflake hands and the Breitling bracelet looks terrible.
Not sure why the Seamaster doesn’t grab me but it doesn’t look like an enduring classic and, as I presume you’re hoping/expecting your marriage to be an enduring classic, I think that’s what you should be choosing.
The AT gets my vote, but as English_archer says, make sure you try them on first.
The AT gets my vote, but as English_archer says, make sure you try them on first.
Thanks , I did try all of those at different points over the last few months and that’s how they made the finals !
Thanks , I did try all of those at different points over the last few months and that’s how they made the finals !
I can see you are ahead of us on this one 😂. Okay, rather than choosing one from six, make it easier by choosing three from the six as a first step.
I can recommend the Cartier Santos (medium) and cannot speak highly enough of it. It is miles ahead of any of these in terms of style, wearability, class and timelessness. I own an SMP black dial and as much as I love it, I don’t feel special wearing it like I do with my Cartier.
My wife said to go for the Seamaster 300 and I concur!
Omega AT is a banger. The 41 has some amazing colours but if it’s too large the 38mm in blue or black could be the way to go.
Om.ega
I dig the Breitling. Especially on that bracelet.
I dig the Breitling. Especially on that bracelet.
I’m really leaning towards the Breitling too! The Omegas and the Tudor are iconic but the SO is just not something you see everyday. Planning a tour of the ADs next week to try them all on one more time.
I chose the BB58
Both look amazing! Congrats 🍻
Omega SM 300. It’s what I am planning as my next watch as well once I save a few more $$.
The SMP is awesome it would have been the obvious choice if it was one or two millimeters smaller or didn’t have the helium valve. I have to try it again and take some wrist shots!
I feel like these will all wear differently, I hope you’re able to try on all of the contestants! I have a blue BB58 and it is a fantastic watch that is very stoic and not very exciting. Great everyday watch. I would just ask if that’s what your looking for or if you want a watch that look more like an “occasion” to wear with more visual interest like Longines or Omega. I love that white dial AT!
I’m after that “occasion “ look which i felt the Longines record really hits but I agree with most of the comments here that I could get the Longines at another time and I already have two watches from the brand. BB58 is a solid choice but it’s not giving the kind of excitement im looking for. I think it’s going to be the SMP or the SO I’ll go try them both again next week and go with what feels right 🥳
Apple watches and Rolex Subs.... 🥴
Just get some new friends for your birthday.
And go with the Omega Aquaterra or Breitling.
Go with the Breitling or Tudor black bay.
I think I need to round it up to 3 and go hit the ADs and follow my heart . I’ve already tried all of these out but it all at different times
Maye you can try them again? There is no shame in visiting the same ad a couple of days and try the watches again.
My choices out of these would be either the Aqua Terra or the Longines Zulu Time. Other options would include IWC and Grand Seiko.
BB58 all.day.long
I would go with the Zulu, but I’m biased because I’ve been telling myself I don’t need one for months now.
I have a few of those choices and the aqua terra would get you the every day ability but can be dressed up the most. They shine beautifully. For an occasion this special I’d go to an Omega boutique and find a good sales rep. They will make it a special experience.