Advice on my first “luxury” watch purchase
[Warning: Long Post]
Hey!
I’m looking to make my first purchase of a “high-end” luxury watch, or at least what I consider high-end, within my possibilities 🙂.
As context, I’ve been a soft core watch enthusiast for over 15 years, and I own the following 9 watches:
1. Timex Weekender 40 Crono
2. Victorinox Chrono Classic Black
3. Boca MMXII Grand Traveler Beige
4. Casio A158WA-1R
5. Mougin & Piquard Chronovintage (J.Crew)
6. G-Shock GA-2100 SKE-7ACR
7. Timex Waterbury Ocean Legacy
8. Seiko SNXS79
9. Hamilton Khaki Field H70575733
(Listed from oldest to latest purchase).
In the past I mostly focused on the aesthetic part, and bought watches to match my work outfits (I’ve been in finance and tech for the past 13 years), and I’ve always considered it a great accessory that gives confidence, adds something personal and is functional.
But after buying the Seiko in January of this year, my first automatic, I have started to learn and appreciate more the technical and craftsmanship aspects of watches too - which landed me on the Hamilton I purchased a few months ago. I love it!
Now, as I am about to become a father in a week or two , I want to gift myself a more “serious” watch - something that I can pass down to my son in many years to come.
After many months of researching and viewing video after video in YouTube, I know that I want a versitile watch that can be worn everyday but also be dressed up if needed. I want something simple yet classic, and most importantly, I want something that will last.
I have a 6.5’ wrist, and prefer a smaller-medium watch, 36MM-39mm. I also have a preference for buying new, since I don’t have much experience with high end watches and the process of buying used scares me a bit.
I’ve narrowed it down to the following options:
Tudor Black Bay 36
Tudor Ranger
Rolex Explorer
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36
Omega Seamaster AquaTerra
Omega Seamaster Railmaster
Various Grand Seiko models (SBGH311, SBGH273, SNGA471, SBGA427)
I’m in San Antonio, TX and I will be visiting Lee Michael’s and the Omega boutiques soon to see what is available and try them on.
If anyone has any tips or recommendations on things to ask and things to look for, please share them! I’ve heard that sometimes AD can be a bit snobby.
Thanks!!
Father, techie, gamer, biker, dog lover, and newbie watch colector.
three of the ones you mention, first the Rolex Submariner if you can get it (instead of the explorer I prefer a submariner), the Rolex OP 36 and the omega Aquaterra in that order
You probably will be able to get an Explorer or 36mm OP (my choice would be the Explorer) from an AD with patience. That said, if you want a 36mm Explorer I you will have to look gray market. Then it's a tie between the Omega and Grand Seiko. Have you looked at a Longines Spirit? There is a Titanium no date version that comes on strap or bracelet that has amazing specs and saves a little cash. You're going to he a dad soon so a little extra cash is always good. I bought a 1oz American Eagle In Silver, Gold and Platinum the year my son was born. Had to be that year issues .He loves them. A little hint for what to do with the extra cash...then there's Mamma...she obviously deserves a little something too IMO
I love Tudor but if you can for a Rolex it would be better, and if not Omega since I consider it my second grail brand
If you're looking for an heirloom, I think a Rolex has to be high on your list. My preference would be the explorer. If you go that route, let your AD know how much the watch would mean for you and your family and what the occasion is for wanting the watch
You probably will be able to get an Explorer or 36mm OP (my choice would be the Explorer) from an AD with patience. That said, if you want a 36mm Explorer I you will have to look gray market. Then it's a tie between the Omega and Grand Seiko. Have you looked at a Longines Spirit? There is a Titanium no date version that comes on strap or bracelet that has amazing specs and saves a little cash. You're going to he a dad soon so a little extra cash is always good. I bought a 1oz American Eagle In Silver, Gold and Platinum the year my son was born. Had to be that year issues .He loves them. A little hint for what to do with the extra cash...then there's Mamma...she obviously deserves a little something too IMO
Mamma was taken care of first, I wouldn’t dare consider gifting myself something before her 😅!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll take a look at the Longines!
If you're looking for an heirloom, I think a Rolex has to be high on your list. My preference would be the explorer. If you go that route, let your AD know how much the watch would mean for you and your family and what the occasion is for wanting the watch
That’s a great tip! I’ll make sure to tell the AD of the occasion- hopefully that helps with time!
I'd also be looking at Longines. Then I'd skip Tudor and go to Omega. Rolex depends on whether you can be bothered with AD games.
I would go with Longines as they do quality well and don't cost as much while maintaining a rich heritage.
I'd try them all in person before making a decision. It's quite a lot of money to spend on a watch and you don't wanna regret your purchase.
Explorer/DJ 36. As someone with smaller wrists I'd say they fit the best out of all the watches there, the oyster case is just that good.
Tudor is worth considering if you like their vintage look, and other things such as micro adjust clasp. Don't get it if you really want a rolex since it'll not wear like one or feel exactly like a rolex.
GS an omega while being good options just don't look/feel right when I looked at them in person. Omega AT look too bulbus kinda like a Seiko turtle and I didn't like that. Also the 38mm doesn't have the newer 8900 which kinda sucks. It's also really shiny too. Older AT with date at 3 has a much nicer looking case design imo, I dislike the look of the new AT.
GS watches wear thicker than expected in my experience. SBGH311 is 13.3mm thick which is quite thick imo but the case size is definitely good. They just feel weird to me due to this. They look dressy but wears like a sport watch and I'm not really a fan of that.
I'd try them all in person before making a decision. It's quite a lot of money to spend on a watch and you don't wanna regret your purchase.
Explorer/DJ 36. As someone with smaller wrists I'd say they fit the best out of all the watches there, the oyster case is just that good.
Tudor is worth considering if you like their vintage look, and other things such as micro adjust clasp. Don't get it if you really want a rolex since it'll not wear like one or feel exactly like a rolex.
GS an omega while being good options just don't look/feel right when I looked at them in person. Omega AT look too bulbus kinda like a Seiko turtle and I didn't like that. Also the 38mm doesn't have the newer 8900 which kinda sucks. It's also really shiny too. Older AT with date at 3 has a much nicer looking case design imo, I dislike the look of the new AT.
GS watches wear thicker than expected in my experience. SBGH311 is 13.3mm thick which is quite thick imo but the case size is definitely good. They just feel weird to me due to this. They look dressy but wears like a sport watch and I'm not really a fan of that.
Yeah, I will be trying them all on before making a decision!
Regarding the Omega AT- I did already try the new one, and I agree it seems way too shiny. And I didn’t love the teak style dial, but i will visit it again to be sure. The AT 2504.50 is the look I would like, but I don’t think I want my first big purchase to be second hand and something I can’t try on.
Only advice I could give you is try on the watches before you buy. Make sure you like it different people have different opinions you can't find a watch everyone would like. If you find a watch you like and can afford the. You are ready to buy. FYI researching and trying on a watch is part of the fun don't rush it 😁
Agreed although the problem is everyone and their mother want to give Rolex money for their watches. And the greater the waiting list the greater the want. I have mixed feelings for Rolex and currently I don't have much interest in them (but that will most likely change 😂)
Seamaster AT…probably the most versatile watch you’re going to find readily available.
All great pieces #tudor #rolex #omega
Do you know what you like to see in a watch ?
Leather or steel bracelet ? Long vs short lugs ? Male or female end links ? Sunburst or flat dials ? Numbers or bar for indices ? Date or no date ? And if a date, its position on the dial. Knowing these things help but recognizing what you like can sometime take some time to realize it. This information is useful because you can eliminate watches easier. You should see a trend from your current watches. Personally, it took me a while to understand that I do not like watches with long lungs. Then let your heart guide you.
In regards to brands, the Rolex ADs are like museums because there is nothing for sale. You will see the little green signs and then there is the Rolex game you need to play.
Tudor make nice watches and are available. I already own 3 Tudors. Same comments for Omega. The Aqua Terra is a very nice watch available in many colors.
Grand Seiko, they are very impressive. They kinda sneak up on you and then they are hard to resists. The sparkles on those indices is very hard to miss. I am looking right now to make my first Grand Seiko purchase.
Do you know what you like to see in a watch ?
Leather or steel bracelet ? Long vs short lugs ? Male or female end links ? Sunburst or flat dials ? Numbers or bar for indices ? Date or no date ? And if a date, its position on the dial. Knowing these things help but recognizing what you like can sometime take some time to realize it. This information is useful because you can eliminate watches easier. You should see a trend from your current watches. Personally, it took me a while to understand that I do not like watches with long lungs. Then let your heart guide you.
In regards to brands, the Rolex ADs are like museums because there is nothing for sale. You will see the little green signs and then there is the Rolex game you need to play.
Tudor make nice watches and are available. I already own 3 Tudors. Same comments for Omega. The Aqua Terra is a very nice watch available in many colors.
Grand Seiko, they are very impressive. They kinda sneak up on you and then they are hard to resists. The sparkles on those indices is very hard to miss. I am looking right now to make my first Grand Seiko purchase.
Súper useful tips! Thank you!