Retirement / new career celebration watch?
So I'm retiring from a one career, from an admittedly toxic workplace, and starting what will hopefully be a very rewarding second career. I want to reward myself with a watch. To date the most expensive watch I've bought is the Seiko SPB143. I'm leaning to the new Tudor Ranger. The 1016 is one of my grail watches and the Ranger really suits my style. Another watch I would love to have but never will is the JLC Geophysics 1958. The Tudor at $3000 is really more than I feel totally comfortable spending on a watch but think it's worth it to commemorate. Are there any other watches I should be looking at instead of the Ranger?
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Dennis
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Tennessee
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Here's one of my faves. Titanium, solar, sapphire, radio. etc.
And here's my crazy grail pilots watch. Again titanium etc. Even has a quick micro adjust clasp!
EDIT: the Japanese version has the micro clasp
Congratulations on the career change. I can't offer any recommendations in terms of another watch that would be similar to the Ranger, but I can offer two potentially conflicting tidbits of advice. First, never spend more for a watch than you're totally comfortable with, and second, if you have a specific watch in mind, don't settle for an alternative. While it would be great to associate a new watch with the career change, any joy it may provide could be offset by regrets based on extending beyond for budget comfort zone or ending up "settling" for a watch that is reminiscent of the watch you really want.
Congratulations on your new job and leaving the toxic environment of the old job. My recommendation is a Sinn 856, similar to the Ranger in design elements and made of some very durable German steel and a little bit easier on the wallet. Not by much but a fantastic watch no the less.
I think the Ranger is simple perfection. It's overbuilt for the price IMO. I say go Ranger , Congratulations & Don't look back!!!
Congrats on the job change! Takes a lot of balls to do something like that, I think we can all take something away from your post. I love love love the Tudor Ranger. It’s basically a rolex explore at a fraction of the price. Go for it big dawg you deserve it!
Congratulations on your new job and leaving the toxic environment of the old job. My recommendation is a Sinn 856, similar to the Ranger in design elements and made of some very durable German steel and a little bit easier on the wallet. Not by much but a fantastic watch no the less.
I had forgotten about the Sinn 856. The 556 provides a similar look for less, but without the Tegimented steel case.
The Ranger is great. Also check out the Tudor 1926. I think that’s an under appreciated watch.
Congratulations! I made a big pivot a few years ago and have been so much happier.
I'll echo Sinn and add Damasko as a similar style.
Looking at your watch collection I see you really like field watches. So Tudor Ranger would be a good grail but you can also get the following:
Hamilton Khaki Field watch:
Or the Seiko Alpinist:
Alpina:
Citizen:
Also Glycine have some diver models that are also field watches
Longines:
I'm a big Tudor fan. I think you'll notice a real quality difference if you decide to get it. Plenty others to look at in that price range, but IMHO Tudor will be of the highest quality and have the best fit and finish until you start getting up into the the $5k+ range.
#lorier Falcon series III
https://www.lorierwatches.com/products/falcon-siii
I have a 124270 Explorer. My wife just got the Falcon 3. I am seriously blown away by it.
I’m a big Tudor fan. I think they are fantastic watches for the money. Go for it.
I would say try both options (and perhaps a few others) on then decide 🤔
judging from your liking of the ranger and 1016, I suspect this GS may be appealing to you.
Firstly, congratulations! There’s nothing worse than working in a toxic environment. I hope this new move brings you much more daily joy.
The 1016 is a great grail - and to that end, the Ranger is a no-brainer. You’ll be super happy with that purchase!
As another consideration, a sleeper in my collection is my Hamilton Field Murph. Now, I’d normally recommend alternatives in the same price range (the Field Murph is ~1/3 the price of the Ranger?). It’s not the build quality of the Tudor, but certainly punches way above its weight (And price tag). And it’s an absolute strap monster.
Get the Ranger. It's in your heart as the one you want. Nothing will fill that spot. If you have to save longer for it do it. There is nothing better than delayed gratification. Having your new career off and running then getting the watch will be even more rewarding.
Congrats on making the change, I know that is a hard pivot to make. I have to agree with others, get the watch you desire. Yes, there are a lot of great options in that price range, but go with the one you want. My only suggestion is around the JLC, which is an awesome watch. Thoughts on getting the Ranger and perhaps add a less expensive alternative later to the JLC? While it does not have the 12/3/6/9 format, it does come close aesthetically for not a lot of money and solid Miyota movement. For less than $400 (I‘d add a custom strap) it is a heck of a deal that could scratch the itch.
Otherwise, the Longine‘s Heritage Classic is on the splurge side, but can be had under $2000.