Which one would you choose?
Planning a 40th birthday present to myself later this year. I’m on the dreaded list for the Rolex Explorer. If I don’t get the call by November I’ll likely choose one of the other options (although a lot can change between now and then). These are in the same general price range, which would you choose?
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BJ
I started this hobby in 2020. I have a humble 14 watch collection which ranges from Casio to Cartier.
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Last active: 2 weeks ago
Those are all great choices, you really can’t go wrong.
Primary use?
The SBGY007 can be had for like $6,300 from a professional dealer from Japan, on Chrono24, due to the strength of the dollar!
Those are all great choices, you really can’t go wrong.
Very true! Exciting to think that one of them will be added to my collection.
Can we pick two ☹ this is too hard
Primary use?
It’s a fair question, but I don’t really have a straightforward answer. Currently my collection is at 14 watches and I wear them all pretty equally. It will be the trophy of my collection, but it will get worn as much as any other watch.
The SBGY007 can be had for like $6,300 from a professional dealer from Japan, on Chrono24, due to the strength of the dollar!
Yes, I noticed that too! I’m not sure what the import duties would be to the US though. All things considered it would still be in the same general price range as the others.
Can we pick two ☹ this is too hard
This is precisely why I’m trying to get help from the community. If things go well, I’ll likely add two of these at some point. You can vote for one and reply which two you would pick if you could pick two.
It’s a fair question, but I don’t really have a straightforward answer. Currently my collection is at 14 watches and I wear them all pretty equally. It will be the trophy of my collection, but it will get worn as much as any other watch.
Without a specific use…I’d go Zenith or the Breitling as I don’t think you see them as much…all great choices
This is precisely why I’m trying to get help from the community. If things go well, I’ll likely add two of these at some point. You can vote for one and reply which two you would pick if you could pick two.
Hehehe. The explorer doesn’t resonate too strong with me and I feel like it has many good alternatives. Zenith and grand seiko too cool and unique. Zenith seems the most versatile for every day
Without a specific use…I’d go Zenith or the Breitling as I don’t think you see them as much…all great choices
I appreciate the thoughtful feedback! Great reasoning too.
Hehehe. The explorer doesn’t resonate too strong with me and I feel like it has many good alternatives. Zenith and grand seiko too cool and unique. Zenith seems the most versatile for every day
Great picks! The Zenith is definitely the versatile choice if the Explorer isn’t your thing. I understand why it doesn’t resonate with everyone. It could be described as a bit boring and safe, but I could be described the same way 😂
That Breitling was almost my first Breitling. I still think about if often, so it was an easy choice. That Zenith and Rolex do nothing for me. The GS would take 2nd, it's a beauty.
That Breitling was almost my first Breitling. I still think about if often, so it was an easy choice. That Zenith and Rolex do nothing for me. The GS would take 2nd, it's a beauty.
I appreciate the input! One of my pet peeves is numerals cut out of the dial, but this Breitling has me reconsidering that. At least it’s not a California dial (major deal breaker for me).
Yes, I noticed that too! I’m not sure what the import duties would be to the US though. All things considered it would still be in the same general price range as the others.
I’ve typically experienced ~5%
My heart says the Breitling. My brain says the Grand Seiko.
Interesting response. When I’m torn between my head and my heart I follow my heart.
and the winner is....?
The winner of the poll is the Explorer. I am still leaning towards that one as I’ve aspired to own it since I started the hobby. My birthday isn’t until November so there’s plenty of time for me to change my mind and for new watches to come out.
If I don’t get the call in time I think I would choose the Grand Seiko as of now. The dial, movement and finishing are such a compelling package. The Breitling would be a close 2nd. I’ve heard too many people say that the Zenith doesn’t wear well on the wrist which is disappointing to me because its proportions seem perfect for my small wrist. I’d like to get to try them all on before I decide, but only two of them are sold in my city. I’ll have to drive four hours to try on the zenith and the GS.
Interesting response. When I’m torn between my head and my heart I follow my heart.
Awesome decision. Well played, Sir.
First choice for me would be Zenith, then Breitling, third Rolex and finally GS.
Despite my handle, I wouldn't go for the Explorer. I'm a sucker for a well-executed green dial and that pistachio dial on the B09 is yummy. Great movement too.
Like you, I’m on the list for the Explorer and am thinking the same…nothing by December and hello Grand Seiko. Of course a lot can change by then, but that’s the plan for now.
Let us know what you get, and pics when you do!
First choice for me would be Zenith, then Breitling, third Rolex and finally GS.
Thanks for sharing your rankings.
Despite my handle, I wouldn't go for the Explorer. I'm a sucker for a well-executed green dial and that pistachio dial on the B09 is yummy. Great movement too.
It really is a delicious looking green dial. I appreciate you leaving your feedback.
Like you, I’m on the list for the Explorer and am thinking the same…nothing by December and hello Grand Seiko. Of course a lot can change by then, but that’s the plan for now.
Let us know what you get, and pics when you do!
It sounds like you’re a lot like me. Good luck with your wait. Hopefully we both have the Explorer on our wrists by the end of the year.
I am also on that waitlist. Truly I say plan on getting another one in the meantime. It could be that long of a wait.
I voted for the Explorer, but let's be real it is going to be a long wait. Soo..
My second vote is the Breitling Premier B09, it is a very cool-looking watch, and do it now!
Foe me it's a tough choice between the Breitling and the Seiko. But in the end the Seiko wins, But then I'm a little jaded when it comes to seiko
Argh, the more I look at the Zenith. The more I'm starting to swing that direction. Really hard choice!
Argh, the more I look at the Zenith. The more I'm starting to swing that direction. Really hard choice!
Definitely not an easy decision. Hoping to get the call so I don’t have to make it. Appreciate your comments.
Can’t go wrong here as I love them all and in a perfect world where money isn’t an option that looks like an awesome four watch collection. I might go Zenith, besides the explorer it is the most historically important and timeless watch.
Can’t go wrong here as I love them all and in a perfect world where money isn’t an option that looks like an awesome four watch collection. I might go Zenith, besides the explorer it is the most historically important and timeless watch.
Thanks for your input. Maybe one day I’ll own them all, but that would be several years down the road. Trying to only add one watch per year and every year there are more new watches that catch my interest.