Adding to the Collection - What do you recommend?
What should I add to the collection?
I've sold three watches in the past three weeks, so now my collection is back down to my two mainstays; Seamaster 300m and two tone datejust
I'll keep it to sport watches, as the datejust is dressy enough for me right now and I'm hoping a JLC Reverso will be in my future (but it's at least a year or two away). Ideally I'd like to find a everyday/beater around $2K and then just sit around a while and wait to catch a good deal on a higher end ($8-12K) piece, maybe something from a connection I know who occasionally gets great deals or from a Rolex AD in the next year or two. The second photo are some that I'm liking at the moment (obviously a couple of these sit in between my two budgets).
I've found that I like watches with "flashy" (for lack of better vocabulary) or maybe textured case designs, I'm not into your typical everyday watch like a Rolex Explorer, Omega Aquaterra, etc. So as much as I'd love a Spring Drive movement, GS's case designs just don't really speak to me. What other suggestions do you have? I'm going to do some shopping around in the next couple months.
Family connections to Fossil had me interested and involved in watches from a very young age, but my journey into Watch Enthusiasm as a hobby truly began in 2021.
Field watches have never really spoken to me. But I'm definitely considering that Hamilton Chrono.
I saw the white Captain Cook on YouTube a few months ago and loved it - but it looks like they don't make it larger than 37mm, which is too small for me. Looks to be targeted more towards the ladies.
BTW, I'm typically not much of a leather guy for sports watches (not that I don't appreciate them sometimes, but I just typically like bracelets more), but that brown leather on your green CC is SEXY.
Looking at your collection, which looks awesome by the way, maybe a GMT or a world timer? For GMT you have the obvious Rolex, The Tudor one is nice…. but a GS maybe? As for worldtimer, Glycine airman is a classic.
Looking at your collection, which looks awesome by the way, maybe a GMT or a world timer? For GMT you have the obvious Rolex, The Tudor one is nice…. but a GS maybe? As for worldtimer, Glycine airman is a classic.
GMT Master II is my grail watch (right now...), but I'll likely never get one, or at least not any time soon. IDK, maybe if I buy that wedding ring some day from my Rolex AD they'll bump me up the list.
Until then - I've definitely considered the Tudor version. Don't like spending good money on an item that's just a budget version of what you really want - but I know I'd still really like the Tudor. So it's definitely an option.
Unfortunately I'm in this weird place where the Pepsi is the only GMT I've found that really speaks to me for whatever reason. Maybe it's just because I haven't immersed myself in other options enough. I've thought about looking into Christopher Wards.
Not familiar with the Airman, but a cursory Google search has me intrigued. I'll do some looking. Great thoughts, thanks for the recommendations!
I saw the white Captain Cook on YouTube a few months ago and loved it - but it looks like they don't make it larger than 37mm, which is too small for me. Looks to be targeted more towards the ladies.
BTW, I'm typically not much of a leather guy for sports watches (not that I don't appreciate them sometimes, but I just typically like bracelets more), but that brown leather on your green CC is SEXY.
This model of the Captain Cook is 42mm. There are a variety of colour and materials up to 43mm in the Captain Cook collection. There are even different bracelets to choose from.
Hey I feel like you should look into something in between your two watches in terms of dressiness because neither of those would be an everyday beater from my perspective. maybe even a complication like a GMT. I would suggest the Monta Atlas
Vacheron 222 for the better piece. Any Christopher Ward, Longines or Hamilton to tide you over.
The brands that come to mind for $2k range and stand out as “flashy“ to me are Longines, Nomos, Junghans, Sinn, Oris. (lot of German brands which is interesting haha)
Longines Heritage Classic
Nomos Tangente
Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope
Sinn 556 I Mother of Pearl
Oris ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition
I think any of these would add to your collection well given the function or dial variety (sector design, small seconds sub-dial, chronograph, or dial colour/texture). I know you said you don’t like field watches and pilot’s watches are pretty similar, but I think the dial colours more than make up for the simplicity in design. Good luck!
Might I suggest maybe a fully tegimented Sinn U50. Has a unique case/bracelet texture and somewhat colorful OEM strap options if one was so inclined. Talk about a beater. It will look nearly brand new after years of use.
There’s also this. It’s bright with an interesting case design.
Speaking from experience, I suggest looking at Bremont
I’d say Sinn or Longines. The Longines Spirit has been playing on my mind a lot lately
I feel like a Breitling Avenger or Chronomat* at a good price will fit in perfectly
One thing to keep in mind, you said you are looking for an everyday/beater, but you like flashy. To me flashy usually means polished surfaces (like the outer links of the Aquis you have posted, or the entire case of the Hamilton chrono). Polished surfaces show scratches more, so if you are someone who gets really bugged by scratches that is something to consider. For a beater, what about a Seiko dive watch like the Willard or 62MAS reissues for around a grand. Better yet, wait another month or two when they are more readily available and get the new Citizen challenge diver reissue (also comes in black)
Go for the Seamaster. That blue is like nothing else
Look, I am not going to be much help here, but here me out; all of them. He is our plan, the first one is going to be the Grail watch. Then we learn, we‘re lying to ourselves. The next one will be the most expensive watch if it wasn’t the grail watch. Then, we break out of the rehabilitation clinic and buy the next three. We need the next fix, so we get the last watch. The last watch because that‘s what we keep telling ourselves. This platform is full of addicts and I am one too.
There’s also this. It’s bright with an interesting case design.
Absolutely love that dial!
BB58 or Speedmaster
Get a piece you like with some arabic numerals, just to add some variety to your collection. But, end of the day, it's what resonates with you that matters, above all our chatter here. Cheers! 🍻
GMT Master II is my grail watch (right now...), but I'll likely never get one, or at least not any time soon. IDK, maybe if I buy that wedding ring some day from my Rolex AD they'll bump me up the list.
Until then - I've definitely considered the Tudor version. Don't like spending good money on an item that's just a budget version of what you really want - but I know I'd still really like the Tudor. So it's definitely an option.
Unfortunately I'm in this weird place where the Pepsi is the only GMT I've found that really speaks to me for whatever reason. Maybe it's just because I haven't immersed myself in other options enough. I've thought about looking into Christopher Wards.
Not familiar with the Airman, but a cursory Google search has me intrigued. I'll do some looking. Great thoughts, thanks for the recommendations!
i actually got a Tudor GMT. Have only good things to say about it.
As for the Airman, check out TGVs YouTube (Urban Gentry) channel he’s done a lot on the Airman.
hamilton!!!
The Oris Aquis would be my choice for a daily if I could have only one 😄
Shiny on the bracelet but also easy dressed down with the additional rubber strap.
But on the other hand your Seamaster does exactly this job quite well, doesn’t it?
So in this case I would pick the 58 to have a nice variety in your collection.
I know you said that GS cases were not your thing but if you like flashy then have a look at the GS white birch or Sho Sho (my current favourite BTW).
When I think sport watch with bold case designs, these watches come to mind:
All 3 above fits within your budget and are unique case designs that can be spotted across the room. For something lesser known, I'd consider:
Oh and I'd throw the Tissot PRX in there as well: https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-ca/tissot-prx.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwkYGVBhArEiwA4sZLuLk75PrHR_4fAH6rLszp4wmBzedKBCoPtLN4_G1L8bYUfM6u1tzkIBoCcyQQAvD_BwE
GMT Master II is my grail watch (right now...), but I'll likely never get one, or at least not any time soon. IDK, maybe if I buy that wedding ring some day from my Rolex AD they'll bump me up the list.
Until then - I've definitely considered the Tudor version. Don't like spending good money on an item that's just a budget version of what you really want - but I know I'd still really like the Tudor. So it's definitely an option.
Unfortunately I'm in this weird place where the Pepsi is the only GMT I've found that really speaks to me for whatever reason. Maybe it's just because I haven't immersed myself in other options enough. I've thought about looking into Christopher Wards.
Not familiar with the Airman, but a cursory Google search has me intrigued. I'll do some looking. Great thoughts, thanks for the recommendations!
For GMTs the Longines Zulu Time should be at the top of your list
Your current collection doesn't include a black dial. I'd look at the Doxa 300, great all around piece and can go anywhere....it's currently on my radar. My two "big boys" are a Speedmaster 3861 and the same SMP you currently have. If I choose the Doxa it will be in orange to mix things up...just my .02
Captain Cook Over Pole is intriguing to me.….actually after posted adding I just saw the Rado was suggested and you mentioned too small for you. As pointed out they do have larger Captain Cooks in a variety of finishes. The Over Pole is 37mm but might surprise you if tried on.
https://www.rado.com/en_us/captain-cook-overpole.html
Your current collection doesn't include a black dial. I'd look at the Doxa 300, great all around piece and can go anywhere....it's currently on my radar. My two "big boys" are a Speedmaster 3861 and the same SMP you currently have. If I choose the Doxa it will be in orange to mix things up...just my .02
Your Speedmaster has been one of my considerations. I agree - I think my next watch needs to be a black dial that I can wear with anything - swim trunks or a suit. Something I can have for life and something that can take some scratches over that time. Because of that, I know I can't go with a hessalite speedy, but those sapphire ones start to get so expensive that I consider waiting.
Really I think the Black Bay is what I need - I had about decided to buy it - but then I started overanalyzing - I like date functions, it doesn't have one. I hate the snowflake hands, and the bracelet has some complaints.
Really what fits all the requirements is a sub. but I can't swing $14K with the markets killing us and the possibility of a diamond ring purchase coming up.
Unfortunately for the Doxa, I hate cushion cases.