Analysis Paralysis (or how I learned to stop worrying and turned to WatchCrunch for guidance)

How do you pick one watch when spoilt for choice and on a limited budget?

None of us takes up this hobby because we like having one watch...but many of aspire to it. I'll posit that that desire comes from another: the need to have our watch be significant or meaningful to us. Some desire that significance in the form of singularity. Others (me, at this point in my life) save for a watch and want to make sure this watch suits anything we might throw at it. It's not a "GADA" mindset...it's a "I spent all of this money want want it to be as darn-near-perfect as possible" mindset. 

In keeping with this hobby, the watch I'm leaning towards getting for my 30th birthday is an Omega Seamaster Diver 300m.  A watch that, even when ignoring the Aqua Terra, Planet Ocean, and heritage lines, is notorious for having an overwhelming number of dial/bezel/case material/bracelet permutations (there are currently 50 online, and even more in the gray market and back catalogue). 

When I think I'm sold on the black dial/white bezel combo, I worry about versatility,...can it be worn with a navy suit as well as a gray? Then I worry about what others have warned about the bracelet...then I think about the history and ubiquity of the blue dial...then I think about how the blue dial/rubber strap combination is TOO blue, and doesn't work as well as the black and white with a black strap does...and I know this is a meaningless dilemma and I'm WAY too online when it comes to watches...but that's why we come to WatchCrunch,...

My question to the crunchiest amongst us is two-fold: 

1(a). How do you pick one watch when there's such a wide variety and you're on a limited budget? Do you? Or is being unable to choose a sign that neither option is the "right" one?

1(b). When it comes to the SMP300m, (if you've chosen a model) why have you chosen the model/colors that you have?

2(CURVEBALL): If I'm in-between, should I move on to another watch entirely? do I go with the Pelagos 42 blue instead? 

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Me I do lots of research then try some on , narrow it down to 2 um and are finally decide on 1 then buy it , personally I really like the pelagos 42 ,I had a seamaster many years ago ,nice watch 

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1a. I find my favorite or just an amazing watch that meets certain requirements and is within my price range and I go for it. I have 4 watch collection (not counting my 3 CasiOaks), one of them being the Blue Omega SMP.

1b. I chose the blue because I've always wanted a blue SMP since my dad got one in 2002 and then after seeing the transitional one in Casino Royale in 2006. I just found the blue to be so classic and sharp. I also think of blue as the best color for a dive watch. The white is also super sharp and will still go with anything you wear, but I'd rather have a white dial dress watch than a white dial diver. I strive for each watch I have to be a different brand, dial (color/material/texture), size, etc.

2. Don't move on, even tho the pelagos 42 in blue is killer. I'd say go with what you connect with this most. Blue will always be timeless, white is also stunning. If you want a blue and a white, then shoot for one dial from SMP now and another dial from another watch sometime down the road. 

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1a. just pick the one you like the most that´s within your budget

1b. I got the 2012 model with clean blue dial, no waves (212.30.41.20.03.001)....it feels for me more timeless and class (less sporty) than with waves 

2. Don´t overanalyze things...just get the one you really like.....you like the Pelagos more? then get the Pelagos 😀........if later you don´t like it anymore, you can always sell it

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Perhaps if you don’t plan, just let the universe wash over you and buy what’s going in the next 24 hours on eBay. That’s usually how I roll…

Joking aside, just let what is meant to be happen, don’t overthink it.

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Hi. I go with the white dial with black bezel, it will work in more situations. I had a blue one but ended up selling it as it was just to common for me in the end.

Though I do love that new Green dial that came out last year.

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Wow, I feel so seen by this post. I am having this EXACT dilemma myself. I have also pined for an Omega SMP, also looking to get one next year, also narrowed it down to Blue and B/W, also considered Pelagos! Let me tell you where I've landed on this very same issue: I'll know when I hold them both in my hand. I just don't think I can do it any other way.

1a. There is no right or wrong option. Watches aren't logical, they're an emotional asset. Just something to make you feel good about yourself because you enjoy it or it represents something personal.

1b. I can't help you here, I have not decided, I have the same issues you do. Maybe you get the blue, I get the black/white and we trade every 2 months?! haha, just jk...kinda...

1c. My original plan was actually just to get both an SMP and Pelagos, but 2 years apart. I'm actually more sold on a Grand Seiko vs Tudor these days, but who knows, time will tell.

Good luck! Do let me know when you stop torturing yourself and make a choice, it may encourage me.

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I usually consult my cat for he is very wise and knowledgeable in these matters.

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I hear that you got a limited budget, but do you have limited time? Just wait if you are unsure and see if you are as motivated in time or if you lose interest. 

The grey dial is interesting. I don't like those bracelets... But the SMP looks awesome on a STAIB-milanese 👌 I think the Golden Eye is the coolest SMP 😊 Quartz and cheaper.

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TBH if you have another watch you can wear for dress occasions, any of these can fit for daily life.

Personally, I had this choice as well, but for my Father. He likes watches but isn't into watches. I personally like the grey/blue one however I know the black would be the most versatile. For that reason I got him the black one so it really could be GADA. 

He wears it all the time (even in a suit), and I think it was the right choice for him.

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Catskinner

I usually consult my cat for he is very wise and knowledgeable in these matters.

My cats useless just sleeps , wouldn't have a clue .that's why she's called freeloader plus she just turned up on our doorstep 

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Tokyo Olympic edition! 

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Answer to 1(a) there is no pick one, no and then.

Answer to 1(b) black dial goes with everything.

Anwer to 2 (curveball) pick something with a black dial, goes with everything.

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I was between a white dial SMP 300 and had pretty much decided on it… until a wore a Pelagos for a few hours at a party. Love the feel and weight and size and ended up getting the LHD bc it’s quirky. 
 

The SMP is great in all colors and it’s really a personal preference. The bracelet sucks and maybe Omega will update it soon but this is easily swapped out. 
 

Good luck, not a terrible dilemma to have. 

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I was in the same position 12 months ago. I was looking for a luxury watch that would celebrate a significant birthday and that would be it. I chose the SMP 300 not just because I loved the look but also because of the co-axial movement, the certifications, the anti-magnetic properties meant this watch would be reliable and very low maintenance. I got the white dial having originally been drawn to the black, then blue and so pleased I did. The contrast on the dial is just perfection when you see for real. 

Of course, I now have 4 watches in my collection because the extensive research to find the one watch turned me into a complete watch nerd, and I can't get enough of them! 

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I was torn between the white/black dials but knew it would be rubber because I hated the bracelet. 

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1(a). How do you pick one watch when there's such a wide variety and you're on a limited budget? Do you? Or is being unable to choose a sign that neither option is the "right" one?

If all things are equal, go for the one that you see yourself wearing most often. Which means when I have all the colors of the rainbow available to me… I, of course, I end up pick the boring black dial version. 😂 I say this not as advice… but as a warning in hopes you’ll be more adventurous!
 

1(b). When it comes to the SMP300m, (if you've chosen a model) why have you chosen the model/colors that you have?

I can‘t in good conscience pick the bond version for what they did to the caseback… I hate it when any company does this, what’s the point of a clear caseback if you plan to obscure the movement with a graphic. So of the 4, I’d go with the polar dial. Feels the freshest and would look great on an Artem strap. I also think the white dial is the nicest with the wave pattern.

2(CURVEBALL): If I'm in-between, should I move on to another watch entirely? do I go with the Pelagos 42 blue instead?

Never considered just shelving a watch because I couldn’t pick the color I liked most… unless I wasn’t enamored with any of the color options and just wanted to wait till they dropped something that really excited me. I would say if the Pelagos is intended as a consolation prize or lesser  by any definition in your mind, than I would say no... as I bet you’ll still end looking at the SMPs. If the Pelagos is one you’d equally line up with the other 4, I would say it’s a fantastic looking watch and seems (imo) much sportier with the matte blue dial. I’d probably still get the polar SMP myself because I think I’d end up reaching for it more often (and it’d go so well on so many straps 😂)

Good luck!

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Tikkaspecial

I was in the same position 12 months ago. I was looking for a luxury watch that would celebrate a significant birthday and that would be it. I chose the SMP 300 not just because I loved the look but also because of the co-axial movement, the certifications, the anti-magnetic properties meant this watch would be reliable and very low maintenance. I got the white dial having originally been drawn to the black, then blue and so pleased I did. The contrast on the dial is just perfection when you see for real. 

Of course, I now have 4 watches in my collection because the extensive research to find the one watch turned me into a complete watch nerd, and I can't get enough of them! 

Of course, I now have 4 watches in my collection because the extensive research to find the one watch turned me into a complete watch nerd, and I can't get enough of them! 

This is the way | Star wars background, Star wars tattoo, Star wars artwork
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Get the one that tickles your pickle the most! 
 

No need to hyper analyze. When you look back, you won’t think I got the watch that will complement all of my suits.

You‘ll think damn, I’m still madly in love.

Watch collecting is about emotion, passion, and instinct. Not Baysesian logic, pros/cons and spreadsheets. Leave that for buying a house, or a retirement fund.

Buy what you like and can afford.

I love the silver/grey cause it’s what pulls me in the most. Is the most iconic? No. Is it timeless? No. Is it versatile? No. Will it keep me interested in the long run? Yes. Is it the most unique? Yes!

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Catskinner

I usually consult my cat for he is very wise and knowledgeable in these matters.

Given the cats lack of skin, I’d be surprised he is still willing to help with watches

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Been there!

Right now my problem is that I can't find a watch that has all the features and specs I want (the list is around 80 different things).

The closest watch I found so far comes in only 2 colors so my choice was easy. The other color was a pearly white which didn't really fit the style of the watch. 

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My opinion regarding the color:

Forget about matching suit colors - everything will match just fine. No one will care if it's not an exact match based on what internet fashion gurus say. And you won't either.

Go with the color you love the most. The one that makes your heart jump when you see it. 

Personally I do love a bit of color rather than no color. I often like blue watches the most. It's fun without being too over the top. 

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Of the watches above that white dial is stunning!

It's like 15 levels cooler than the others.

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I have one more suggestion. If you keep adding more features that you want - watch beauty will be less important and that might help you choose more easily. 

For example I need titanium, good night visibility (but not too bright like most LEDs), lug to lug not to long, standard width lugs, digital timers and alarms, a clasp with quick micro adjust, and a bunch of other stuff.

And there are only a few watches with all those features so I don't really have much of a choice. 

This way my watch will never look at beautiful as an Omega. But on the plus side I get to enjoy the comfort and the killer features.

This one is maybe better than my current one but I've not tried it yet. 

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I was listening to the most recent worn and wound podcast today, and they made an interesting point…

You should think about the watch you want (not buy impulsively), i.e. if after a certain amount of time you still want/think about it, great. But, you can’t think too much about it. If you over analyze you must ultimately come to the point that NO watch is necessary or worth the money you’re spending, relatively.

So, my takeaway is: ensure you found a watch you will love and wear forever, then just buy the f’in thing!

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looks at all the serious posts 

So, are you stuck between choices with no end in sight? 

No worries, my friend! 

https://www.random.org/dice/?num=1

Assign numbers for your choices, and roll the dice! Good luck and remember, the dice giveth and the dice taketh away. 

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I had the same predicament and went with the prior version in black. Black will always be versatile and timeless. I personally like the non wave dial Seamaster as they are less in your face than the new ones. 

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A) Try the watch on in person.  It is like Harry Potter, the watch choses you as much as you chose it.  Pictures don't mean much unless you plan on wearing the picture.

B) Don't compromise.

C) Accept your tastes will change every 7 or so years.  Count in cat or dog years for some.

D) Colour match if you need to hangout with Tom Ford.  Or just hangout with friends.

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1(a). How do you pick one watch when there's such a wide variety and you're on a limited budget? Do you? Or is being unable to choose a sign that neither option is the "right" one?

I try different ones - honestly. If I like it I keep it and wear it daily TILL I see something else that I like and I either sell the current watch for the new one, OR I add and see which one best meets my needs.

1(b). When it comes to the SMP300m, (if you've chosen a model) why have you chosen the model/colors that you have?

Interesting question. I actually went with the blue wave dial one originally. I sold it. Bought and sold other watches, and then bought the blue one again. And then sold it again.

Haha...

After I had it a second time I realized why I sold it the first time - it was too shiny for me.

I still REALLY liked the SMP 300m but my attention went elsewhere - Tudor BB Pro.

The BB Pro was another one of those ones that I tried twice - second time realized why I had sold it the first time.

I still really wanted the SMP300m and a friend of mine suggested I try the white one as it's way more subdued than the other colours - saw it in person and just fell for it. I've owned it now for about 1 month and it hasn't left my wrist.

And for me this is a big deal. The white one IMO is the complete package.

2(CURVEBALL): If I'm in-between, should I move on to another watch entirely? do I go with the Pelagos 42 blue instead? 

IF you are OK with it I'd try the Pelagos 42 as well - even more, IF you can see if you can handle both at the same time. Blue Pelagos was also one of the ones I had my eye on but I think I was really wanting to go back to Omega because I'm just a huge fan of the brand and the white SMP fits the bill.

Good luck - and even more so, don't overthink it and HAVE FUN!

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My White SMP300 says hello! :-)

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