Travel Watch
Ok hear me out. I am looking for a travel watch, something that won't draw much unwanted attention overseas, but I also have always pined for a polar explorer. Part of me really wants a Longines Zulu Time in 39 MM (smaller wrist) and enough change to get a Cartier Santos for formal occasions. With this combo (traveling with Longines) I don't think I would have to worry about theft, robbery while overseas. But then again the Explorer calls to me.
Which direction would you go for the same money (approximately). Santos plus Zulu Time or Explorer 2?
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Arkwhaler
Watch nerd in evolution. Growing interest in German watches but open to all fine pieces.
USA
Member since
Last active: 4 hrs ago
17.40 cm
It's better to have a watch and wear it without any fear. Having to worry about wearing the watch will only take away the experience and chance to make memories with the watch.
I would get the Zulu 39 and Santos, it's a good combination. If you can't make up your mind, try the Explorer 2 if you get a chance or if you have already and still feel like that is the one, then you should go for the one that you find is right.
1 vote for the Zulu
Any plan that includes a Cartier Santos has my fierce support. That watch is the definition of class.
Jack Mason makes a true GMT at 40mm. Only $1k so you should feel safe wearing it. Still punches above his weight class.
My vote is for the Zulu (this is the 42). It's a fantastic piece and great value
Jack Mason makes a true GMT at 40mm. Only $1k so you should feel safe wearing it. Still punches above his weight class.
That new Miyota Caliber 9075 is going to make for some interesting choices!
I own the 42mm Zulu time and my next watch will be the Santos.
I also pine for the Polar Explorer, but have made my decision.
My vote is for the Zulu (this is the 42). It's a fantastic piece and great value
Tentatively this is my plan if I can find one in the metal to see. I don't have any green or blue in my collection, and I have one Rolex already so seems like the Zulu plus some money toward Cartier or another dress watch in the future might be the best option.
I own the 42mm Zulu time and my next watch will be the Santos.
I also pine for the Polar Explorer, but have made my decision.
Yeah it's tough.
I would go for the Zulu/Santos combo! I find that when I travel though, I usually end up bringing a g shock…
I’ve been in Europe for a week and will be here for another. Didn’t travel with my Rolex for fear of drawing attention. I’ve seen more Rolexes than I can count, including a GMT Master 2 white gold Pepsi ($40k watch) on a kind gentleman that I had a Watch conversation with. Truth is, depending on where you are going, you are likely to be just fine with whatever you wear. Nobody pays attention to watches but us watch nerds.
So I’d vote Explorer. Get the watch you want and don’t worry about it!
Cartier & Rolex are going to get you mugged in many euro capitals, Rome, Berlin, Paris, Madrid & London especially.
My advice is either learn to fight, holiday in better locations or just buy a G-Shock with world time 😉
The Santos and the Explorer II can be described in many ways, but sure aren’t watches that “don’t attract attention”. Just wear the Longines and you’ll be fine.
Honestly the Cartier Santos is all you need. The more I wear it the more I love it. And if I was to ever start again from scratch, that would be the first and quite possibly the only watch I buy.
I love the Zulu Time. That would be my choice.
+1 zulu 39mm
Just got mine for a week. Love it.
Explorer ....The world is really going to shit if you have to worry about what watch to wear safely. I have been wearing a Rolex for over fifty years and early in my career I traveled constantly. Wear what you like, dont go showing it off at the bar and you will be fine. Act like a victim and you will be one. Stand up for yourself.always be aware of your surroundings. Now dont get mad this is just how I have made it through life and is just my opinion. Im 75 and still wear any of my watches anyplace....
My feeling would always be 2 very nice timepieces is always better that one more expensive very nice timepiece.
I bought the Longines VHP GMT for this exact reason - travel without worrying. 41mm white dial variant plus a beater G-shock all attainable for under £1k
Get the explorer 2! That things designed to travel and it’s the watch you want! Sling an f91w in your bag if you’re going to stop off in a dodgy area. Also 1 expensive watch on your wrist is better than having a spare one in your bag.
You can just as easily get mugged for your G shock as anything else. 😯
Zulu + Santos!
A lot of great opinions here. Thanks!. I will have to see the Longines in the metal to make a decision. If the quality feels there, that probably the direction I will take.
Save money and get a Lorier. It captures that adventurous, traveling spirit and won't get you robbed!
Although I like Cartier, it really is the odd one out here. If you want a traveler’s watch, and are considering GMT’s, you’ve got to go for one (assuming you don’t already have one).
The Explorer II is awesome and, although it is a Rolex, doesn’t stand out too much. I love the all-steel, parimarily brushed build, the GMT hand, white dial. It even rocks the crown guards (not something I would say about a lot of watches). If it was a bit smaller, I would struggle not to have one.
The Longines Zulu Timer isn’t for me, but it embodies an adventurous spirit. And if you really like the Santos, I think the Zulu Timer would compliment it very well.
Your choice at the end of the day. Looking forward to the wristshots!
Agreed with the Longines + Cartier pairing. I myself have the Q Timex GMT for travel
I would take only the Santos, it's classy and if you put on a rubber strap(the new model can swap it in a matter of seconds) is sporty. Maybe even an aftermarket leather strap, it's really a versatile watch.
Get the Explorer and live it up. If feeling uneasy there is always boxing lessons haha!
I be honest all three be nice but what an awful vacation would be if your favorite watch get lost or stolen. avoid the risk. And go basic lots of fun watches to travel. Here’s an example I had a F91 Casio and was in the very rough part in a barrio in Tijuana Mexico nobody ever noticed but and friend in the Navy got his homage fake Rolex stolen. Crazy people out there. Be wise what you wear on vacation.
That's a tough one, but I'm leaning to the the two watch deal...Longines + Cartier. Travel/every day watch with Zulu and dress watch with Tank. Great part of a collection.