Watch choice opinions

[bigkeeko]

My watch collection is down to TWO. Watch box is as bare as a streakers arse.

I had thought about buying a couple of mid rangers to fill my box (Hamilton/Steinhart/Chris Ward etc) but after much reading about watches in general I have went full tilt and have come up with this idea.

No shame in admitting this but putting down a substantial deposit and taking an interest free deal over 3 years. I know It`ll be a keeper it as I had my Breitling for 6 years. The thing is, I`ve read tons about movements and heritage , history and horology in general and I know on Wednesday when I see and feel them I`ll probably have a better idea but I thought I`d ask for opinions.

The contenders.


IWC Pilot Chrono model. Model IW377704. Movement is a reworked Valjoux 7750 called their 79320. I Visited their Museum in Schaffhausen this year. I was blew away.





Rolex Submariner . Yep, that old chestnut. Can`t help coming back to these.






Zenith Stratos Flyback Chrono. Part of the Zenith Military Chronograph Legacy collection. El Primero. 36,000 vph.







Any opinions appreciated and any advice taken on board and genuinely appreciated.

[TheJimi]

The Zenith for me

[AndrewCrown]

Dear B
What a difficult choice, but I have to commend you for boiling it down to just 3.
All three are great looking watches with decent heritage...
I'm suggesting you go for the Rolex... I am biased having owned one for 14 years... just can't fault it and it always looks and feels good. The submariner is one of life's icons.. 'The day I bought my first Rolex' etc.. Although I have a datejust... I think if i was going to buy it again, I'd go for a no date Submariner... have a look at them... everso slightly different... and getting difficult to find.

Cheers

A

[bigkeeko]

Thanks for the replies.

I know residuals shouldn't play a part but from what I've gathered Zeniths suffer most of the three and Rolex the least. I,m going to see tomorrow so the decision will be made then. Still none the wiser but it's a good position to be in. :-)

[Beachbum]

From a purely residuals perspective, the Rolex, from a purely aesthetics view the Zenith.
As with all these things though, it is a very personal decision. what we say wont make a blind bit of difference, when you actually go there and see them

[toon10]

It's down to personal choice. My boss has the IWC pilot and it's a thing of beauty. The Rolex does nothing for me at all but then I find most of their offerings bland to look at despite being great wathces.

[bobbybee]

IWC = modified ETA, nothing wrong with that
Rolex = in house workhorse, been around for decades
Zenith = El Primero one of the most highly regarded automatic chronograph movements

So for me the Rolex for longevity, the Zenith for engineering and the IWC doesn't get a look in.
Going for pure aesthetics, all 3 have their attributes, but personally I'd go for the simple look of the Sub-Date.

[yeti]

Beachbum said:

From a purely residuals perspective, the Rolex, from a purely aesthetics view the Zenith.

Bingo.

For an absolute 'keeper' though, as predictable as it is, I'd go for the Rolex (although maybe not that one; I'd aim for the SDc 4000). Quality, longevity, desirability and value retention are simply peerless. They are common for a reason - they are very good and everyone knows that- which may or may not be a problem for you.

However, I would also be looking at the Seamaster 8500m at that level in 42mm guise. I know, another predictable choice but the quality is astonishing and they finally have the movement to back up the price.

In IWC terms, Ingenieur or Aquatimer float my boat better...

[TheJimi]

yeti said:

Beachbum said:

From a purely residuals perspective, the Rolex, from a purely aesthetics view the Zenith.

Bingo.

For an absolute 'keeper' though, as predictable as it is, I'd go for the Rolex (although maybe not that one; I'd aim for the SDc 4000). Quality, longevity, desirability and value retention are simply peerless. They are common for a reason - they are very good and everyone knows that- which may or may not be a problem for you.

However, I would also be looking at the Seamaster 8500m at that level in 42mm guise. I know, another predictable choice but the quality is astonishing and they finally have the movement to back up the price.

In IWC terms, Ingenieur or Aquatimer float my boat better...

Surely if it's an "absolute keeper", residuals wouldn't be a factor?

I'd say the opposite from you; if it's an proper keeper, them the Zenith, but if it's to enjoy for a while then move it on, Rolex.

[CardShark]

Try them on and buy the watch that sings the loudest, and don't rush if you're not sure. There isn't a duff choice amongst them IMO, though the comments around residuals and inhouse movements ring true and would probably influence me should I be in your position.

[The Surveyor]

I'm not a Rolex fan, but of those three the sub is the better looking IMHO. The Zenith face looks too fussy, even for a chrono and the IWC looks a little 'ordinary' compared to the Rolex. The sub just looks nicely elegant.

[Dempsey1971]

The IWC is a thing of beauty. That bracelet alone is such an engineering marvel, and it becomes a real stealth watch. Not shouty, not bling, not over elaborate, but I actually got fonder and fonder of mine as the months / years have rolled on.

The Rolex is a true great, but it's just a bit safe, and ultimately, dull. I know many will disagree, but it will always be seen as the unimaginative default watch.

The Zenith is lovely, but a bit fussy for my tastes, especially if I owned it for years and years (and you said this was a keeper). Less classic and could age badly.

But in the end, go with the advice above and go with the one that sings the loudest to you, not what others think, as in the real world, few people will notice or care what is on your wrist.

[anonymous-user]

If you're interested in residuals get the rolex, if you're concerned about your image get either of the other two.

Rolex is associated with many negative stereotypes, if you can look beyond that, then they make some good iconic watches.

To me, the other two are much more interesting.

[bigkeeko]

Excellent and elucidative replies people. Some genuinely good advice there.I suppose from a Horological perspective the IWC lags with the generic movement but I really have always liked the fact that they`re not `showy` or in your face.
Rolex. No, ifs or buts an iconic timepiece. Zenith. El Primero. I`ve even been nosing round the Striking 10th versions.

I`ll report back with whatever I buy and as someone said, in the dealers the decision will be made which might be heart over head or head over heart.

Thanks again for the response.

[sparkyhx]

heart and head says Zenith, wallet says Rolex

[TheJimi]

sparkyhx said:

heart and head says Zenith, wallet says Rolex

Says it all, imo

[CardShark]

If you're buying a keeper then buy with your heart.

[SteveS Cup]

In terms of looks IMO I'd go for the IWC... I'm lusting for one at the moment.

[Craikeybaby]

Another vote for the IWC here, they are all great watches, but the IWC looks best to me.

[bigkeeko]

Well, I`ve pulled the trigger.

No ifs no buts and no maybes. Not `quite` in the line up but there you go. I checked out the IWC, a Sub C, a Master GMTII and the Zenith Stratos Chrono. I went from one dealer to the next and on entrance on the last I saw the below and `BANG!` , eyes, wide open and pulse up. On the wrist, that was it. I`m smitten. fk resale.




Please watch this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MXPpW-xiWg&in...

Edited by bigkeeko on Wednesday 19th November 23:59

Edited by bigkeeko on Thursday 20th November 00:01

Edited by bigkeeko on Thursday 20th November 00:02

Edited by bigkeeko on Thursday 20th November 21:49