What’s a watch that you love (and can afford) but will never buy?
As I’ve gotten further into my collecting journey, I’ve learned more about what my preferences truly are. When I was younger I remember seeing big, chunky dive watches and thinking, “oh yeah that’s for me—I’ll wear that all the time.” And inevitably after a few weeks or months I’d ditch it for something smaller and lighter.
Now as the years have gone on I’ve discovered my true preference for the most part: small, thin, steel, three-handed sport watches on bracelets. This wasn’t a realization I came to after sitting down and thinking a while—it was just confirmed to me based on the evidence of what I wear the most and what feels most comfortable and natural on my wrist.
However, that doesn’t mean I don’t break from that mold. I still enjoy wearing chunky dive watches and hyper-elegant dress watches on leather straps from time to time. But my purchasing decisions when it comes to those watches are very different. If I’m going to buy an “atypical” watch for me, I have to do so knowing that it won’t get tons and tons of wrist time, and that I’m not buying it to be a daily piece.
But then there are some watches that I absolutely love and could afford to buy, but never will. For me this is true of the Alpina Alpiner Extreme. I LOVE the look, design, and vibe of this watch. I love the finishing and the integrated rubber strap, as well as the slightly larger size and case architecture.
However, I just know that if I buy it I will never wear it. It doesn’t fit much with my personal style (a little more business/smart casual), and knowing myself I always tend to lean away from watches on straps in favor of bracelets, and for some reason this is especially true of rubber straps with little wrist ventilation.
Oh well! There are lots of watches out there that can be admired and adored without being owned.
Interested in all things watches!
I’ve just recently noticed alpina, they make some cool stuff. I’m interested in their world timer.
Speedmaster
Love the story, love the brand, dislike chronograph's and handwind.
Speedmaster
Love the story, love the brand, dislike chronograph's and handwind.
100% agree!
Too many. I add lots to my wishlist but if I bought them all I'd be into 3 figures. Some inexpensive watches that didn't quite make the cut:
Seiko Alpinist & Recraft
Studio Underdog Watermelon
Tissot PRX
Farer Bernina
Brew Metric Retro
Oris Pointer Date & Art Blakey
Orient Bambino
Any watch with an integrated bracelet will never be added to my collection.
I own the blue version, and I love it. But, if your preference is for smaller watches, you’ll need to avoid it. It’s billed as a 41mm, but wears like a 43mm or 44mm. I enjoy anything from 36mm to 45mm, so I’m not picky. But, I definitely reach for it when I want a larger presence on the wrist.
A Rolex gmt master II. It’s kinda a grail watch, even if I got it on a wait list, I would want to wear it every where, it’s the ultimate travel watch! But it’s too high profile now and I’d just be worried going around the world with it.
Omega Speedmaster Reduced. As much of a space program nerd as I am and even though I could buy one today, I never will.
I have other stuff I'm into, like music and motorcycles, where that money could go to something I would honestly use and enjoy more. Or you know, I just think that money looks really good sitting in my savings account. 🤑
Fwiw, Alpina makes that on a bracelet too which looks pretty good to me.
Very valid point. There are a lot of watches I drooled over in my early journey into watches that I know just won't look right on me, even if they are gorgeous. I do love this Alpiner and also the Panerai Luminor but never thought it would be wearable. With the smaller Due models, I may just change my mind. But it's important to get to know yourself and what actually works for you personally!
Very valid point. There are a lot of watches I drooled over in my early journey into watches that I know just won't look right on me, even if they are gorgeous. I do love this Alpiner and also the Panerai Luminor but never thought it would be wearable. With the smaller Due models, I may just change my mind. But it's important to get to know yourself and what actually works for you personally!
Agreed!
Omega Speedmaster Reduced. As much of a space program nerd as I am and even though I could buy one today, I never will.
I have other stuff I'm into, like music and motorcycles, where that money could go to something I would honestly use and enjoy more. Or you know, I just think that money looks really good sitting in my savings account. 🤑
Yeah the money is a massive part of it lol
Fwiw, Alpina makes that on a bracelet too which looks pretty good to me.
The bracelet version is great! For some reason I just love the look of the rubber
A Rolex gmt master II. It’s kinda a grail watch, even if I got it on a wait list, I would want to wear it every where, it’s the ultimate travel watch! But it’s too high profile now and I’d just be worried going around the world with it.
Very fair. So unfortunate that these awesome watches have so much baggage associated now. I’ll stick to my microbrands for now I guess!
Too many. I add lots to my wishlist but if I bought them all I'd be into 3 figures. Some inexpensive watches that didn't quite make the cut:
Seiko Alpinist & Recraft
Studio Underdog Watermelon
Tissot PRX
Farer Bernina
Brew Metric Retro
Oris Pointer Date & Art Blakey
Orient Bambino
Felt the same way about the PRX!
I’m a proud owner of an Alpina Alpiner GMT quartz, I can vouch for the brand and the quality of their builds. It’s not my everyday, GADA piece, but it’s definitely in the rotation and since it’s relatively affordable (I paid USD449) it will be on my wrist during an upcoming overseas work trip. #alpina is solid
My Alpina Alpiner 4 automatic is one of mine favorite and in my rotation.
Don't love the look personally, but if you've got the wrist size for it and like the way it looks, you should absolutely get it! Might look a little out of place with a suit, but I could totally see this working with a polo, or even a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.