The Better Fit to Current Collection vs. Forever Piece

I'm looking for advice and your thoughts. I've been into watches simply as a fashion accessory for most of my life, but horology and everything around it has only been a deep obsession for a little over a year now. TLDR: Check the title

I've been planning on a new watch for about 3 months since whittling the collection back down to 2 mainstays. I've considered a lot of routes here and after much shopping, obsessing, research, and consideration I've narrowed it down to 2 pieces - one that fits my collection better right now, and one that I'm confident would be in the collection permanently. 

The BB 58 is the right now piece - with a Blue Seamaster 300m that I (try to) baby and a two-tone datejust as my 2 mainstays, I think the BB58 would fit so well as a jack of all trades. I see it really doing everything in my collection - from serious use beater on up to pairing with a suit. It would take a lot of every-day wrist time that I'm currently spending on a Hydroconquest that's too big for my liking and the Casioak that I don't really like as much as I hoped (legibility issues). I think it would round out my collection to get me back 3 watches filling every environment I put myself in. 

But I could see it being eventually replaced. I won't go too deep into the when and why on that, I just can envision it being replaced. The watch I don't foresee that on is the SBGE257. One of only two GMT watches that I like, a green watch, and a Spring Drive - I really do think it would take a place with the Seamaster as watches I plan ("plan" being a key word...) to keep forever. 

The Grand Seiko gives me some more versatility in my wear - but I'm still left without a beater I really like, and I don't have a watch that fits the casual wear I envision (you might be thinking they all do that, but for my taste I don't see any of those fitting perfectly in that role). 

So let me know your thoughts. I'm sure many others have faced this dilemma before, so what did you decide? Did you regret your decision? Advice? Reality is, I'll get something like the BB58 at some point, and I'll get the SBGE257 at some point - but which should I go for right now? 

Reply
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If you think you'll keep the GS, I'd get that one.  

If what you want out of the BB58 is a decent looking beater watch to pass through for a while, I think there are more interesting options for less $.

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ds760476

If you think you'll keep the GS, I'd get that one.  

If what you want out of the BB58 is a decent looking beater watch to pass through for a while, I think there are more interesting options for less $.

I haven't thought of one that fits, though I agree that there certainly should be something that fits that bill for less! Throw out your suggestions. 

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OP, I have the same dilemma, but in a different context.  

I can get with this gal now, even though I don't really like her all that much.  I mean, she's, you know, okay, and all.  But, I don't see things going anywhere:

Britney Spears Thanks The #FreeBritney Movement For Saving Her Life |  British Vogue

Or, I can get together with this girl, who I am deeply in love with, who's really smart, and who I see building a wonderful future together with:

Inventing Abbotts Jennifer Connelly Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image |  Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial

OP, which should I choose?

By the way, the SBGE257 is amazing - you put it on a green strap, and it's out of this world cool looking.

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tlandonevans

I haven't thought of one that fits, though I agree that there certainly should be something that fits that bill for less! Throw out your suggestions. 

I'm sure there are a zillion from smaller brands that I don't follow that closely, but off the top of my head could see looking at the Longines Legend Diver 36 (the big one is way too big), a bunch of Sinn models, DOXA, Aquastar, Squale 1521, Oris 65, Farer, Serica (a plug since I just ordered one), and so many more...

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GS is my vote!

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Mr.Dee.Bater

OP, I have the same dilemma, but in a different context.  

I can get with this gal now, even though I don't really like her all that much.  I mean, she's, you know, okay, and all.  But, I don't see things going anywhere:

Britney Spears Thanks The #FreeBritney Movement For Saving Her Life |  British Vogue

Or, I can get together with this girl, who I am deeply in love with, who's really smart, and who I see building a wonderful future together with:

Inventing Abbotts Jennifer Connelly Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image |  Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial

OP, which should I choose?

By the way, the SBGE257 is amazing - you put it on a green strap, and it's out of this world cool looking.

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The GS is the brunette right ok I’m going with the brunette…👍🏻

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For me I just buy both! If I can have Britney too why not!!

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GS

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This might be sacrilege, but I'm not sure how the blue Seamaster 300M can't be a beater in that collection.  I wear mine doing almost anything.  It's a tough watch.

G.S. gets my vote. 

Oh, and third option

Warm & Fuzzy
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Ichibunz

For me I just buy both! If I can have Britney too why not!!

Again... How your wife hasn't kicked you out yet, I'll never know. 😉😂

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GS 

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Grand Seiko. Here’s why:

You have a two-tone Datejust. You don’t need a diver that might go with a suit.

You have a SMP 300. You don’t “need“ a dive watch. Also, the market has a ridiculous number of good dive watches at all price points. You can get a rocking second dive watch for $300-600 and an insanely good one for $1200. You can’t say the same for a GMT, much less a spring drive GMT.

You have no green spring drive GMTs. You need the Grand Seiko.

Wear the Casioak for the gym, the basketball court, or for fishing leaves and bird droppings out of your gutters.

If you want a nicer “beater,” get a Seiko 5 or a Prospex if your budget allows. Or a good micro using a Miyota or NH35.

This isn’t a knock on the BB58, by the way. Nice watch. I’d go for the blue myself. I just think:

(Datejust + SMP) / 2 = BB58

But it sounds like you want something different from a great average at this point. So GS GMT.

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Also vote GS. Mostly because I don't see it becoming a beater, meaning you'll have to sell it to get a beater. 😅

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GS

  1. plenty of cheaper dress-divers in the market that’s comparable to the BB58. I speak this from experience :)
  2. complete the mid-tier trinity of GS, Rolex and Omega, cus why not?
  3. complete the land, sea and with the GS: Air
  4. plenty of gilt finishing out there Vs a nicely finished dark green with gold accents from a brand renowned for its design, movement innovation and finishing. answer is glaringly obvious imo 😁
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Mr.Dee.Bater

OP, I have the same dilemma, but in a different context.  

I can get with this gal now, even though I don't really like her all that much.  I mean, she's, you know, okay, and all.  But, I don't see things going anywhere:

Britney Spears Thanks The #FreeBritney Movement For Saving Her Life |  British Vogue

Or, I can get together with this girl, who I am deeply in love with, who's really smart, and who I see building a wonderful future together with:

Inventing Abbotts Jennifer Connelly Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image |  Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial

OP, which should I choose?

By the way, the SBGE257 is amazing - you put it on a green strap, and it's out of this world cool looking.

Image
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That’s a long winded way of saying GS but I like it 😂

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OP, GS if it were me. 

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Since you already got watches with dates, the BB58 would definitely be a good addition.  You are correct that it would slot right into your collection.

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I'm not trying to be snarky, but why would you "baby" a Seamaster more than you would a BB58? I love that GS from the photos I've seen, but i'm genuinely curious. 

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Mr.Dee.Bater

OP, I have the same dilemma, but in a different context.  

I can get with this gal now, even though I don't really like her all that much.  I mean, she's, you know, okay, and all.  But, I don't see things going anywhere:

Britney Spears Thanks The #FreeBritney Movement For Saving Her Life |  British Vogue

Or, I can get together with this girl, who I am deeply in love with, who's really smart, and who I see building a wonderful future together with:

Inventing Abbotts Jennifer Connelly Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image |  Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial

OP, which should I choose?

By the way, the SBGE257 is amazing - you put it on a green strap, and it's out of this world cool looking.

Image
Image

Take the second girl, she hot 🔥

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Just gonna throw it out here. We may give our choices, but ultimately the watch you'll wanna wear the most in your collection will speak for itself 😉. If you see yourself wearing the BB58 more, beating it, creating memories with it, why not? All other comments are valid too ❤

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Look you can daily wear a bb58 but have a look at the hamilton khaki or glycine combat sub if you want a beater no need to drop 4k when you can drop 400 (also the GS is stunning and as you say a keeper not much like it on the market but there is a lot of retro re-issues kicking about right now).

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I would say: "Get the forever watch, every time." However, you say that even if you get the GS, you'll still have a gap which you see the BB58 filling: "I'm still left without a beater I really like, and I don't have a watch that fits the casual wear I envision..."

This suggests to me that you really want both, or that you haven't identified the beater you really want yet. So, get the GS, as that is a forever watch, and hold fire on the BB58 because it isn't the beater you really want (have you considered a Sinn U50 as your beater? It can certainly take a beating!).

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Mr.Dee.Bater

OP, I have the same dilemma, but in a different context.  

I can get with this gal now, even though I don't really like her all that much.  I mean, she's, you know, okay, and all.  But, I don't see things going anywhere:

Britney Spears Thanks The #FreeBritney Movement For Saving Her Life |  British Vogue

Or, I can get together with this girl, who I am deeply in love with, who's really smart, and who I see building a wonderful future together with:

Inventing Abbotts Jennifer Connelly Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image |  Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial

OP, which should I choose?

By the way, the SBGE257 is amazing - you put it on a green strap, and it's out of this world cool looking.

Image
Image

Puts it in perspective, well done!

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I may be biased because I just picked one up last week, but get the new Tudor Ranger 🙂. It’s simple but beautiful, crazy comfortable and basically the same dimensions as the BB58, completely brushed case so it’s a great “beater” (which is why I bought it), it’s cheaper than both of your other selections, and it’s a hell of a timepiece with an amazing bracelet (micro adjustments and no faux rivets). 
 

But, if I’m choosing between the two you listed it’s always GS. Just keep in mind it’s about 14.7mm thick. 

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The thickness is overblown. On wrist that 257 feels a lot slimmer. I want the 255 (blue). It's been on my wishlist for a long time. Just need the right moment and life event to pull the trigger.

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yankthemike

I'm not trying to be snarky, but why would you "baby" a Seamaster more than you would a BB58? I love that GS from the photos I've seen, but i'm genuinely curious. 

Something about the aesthetic. The Seamaster has a more modern look, has contrast between high polished and brushed links, the dial is very flashy. I just don't envision that looking as good with years of yard work and BBQ scratches. 

The BB58 already leans into the retro styling, all brushed rather than polished. I think some wear marks will eventually "fit in" a little better. 

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Calumets

I would say: "Get the forever watch, every time." However, you say that even if you get the GS, you'll still have a gap which you see the BB58 filling: "I'm still left without a beater I really like, and I don't have a watch that fits the casual wear I envision..."

This suggests to me that you really want both, or that you haven't identified the beater you really want yet. So, get the GS, as that is a forever watch, and hold fire on the BB58 because it isn't the beater you really want (have you considered a Sinn U50 as your beater? It can certainly take a beating!).

You hit the nail on the head - I want both watches, or at least I want the SBGE257 and a watch that fits the role I envision the BB58 filling. Several have suggested a cheaper watch to fill that slot, and I agree, there should be something cheaper for an everyday/beater. Problem is - I just haven't found one that draws me in. 

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tlandonevans

You hit the nail on the head - I want both watches, or at least I want the SBGE257 and a watch that fits the role I envision the BB58 filling. Several have suggested a cheaper watch to fill that slot, and I agree, there should be something cheaper for an everyday/beater. Problem is - I just haven't found one that draws me in. 

A beater should be function over form, unless you can have both. In this case, you need something which can take a beating: that means something that is hard as nails. To me that suggests either a G-Shock (of no interest to me personally), or something with toughened steel construction (lots of options).

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I admit, I have never understood the idea of a watchfitting into a collection.  I always aim for watches I at least intend to keep forever.  Placeholders never work for me, even placeholders I happen to like.

But then again, I spent the last week of my 1WC participation wearing a dress world timer on a sailcloth and feeling awfully pleased with myself about it whether I was in jeans or a suit.

So the GS clearly stands out to me in that regard.