30th Brithday Watch

[aron916]

Mentioned on here a while ago that i was looking to upgrade my Rolex Air King which i got for my 18th - i still have it and still dont use it as its just too small so looking to sell on / px.
My 30th is coming up in Feb so i thought it would be a good time to treat myself.

I have had a quick look online but i think i need to go proper window shopping to get a feel for the watches.

What recommendations do you have based on the rough criteria below?

Budget of £5-6k
40mm +
Nothing too crazy but id still like something a bit different.
Not a massive fan of Tag, Breitling or Omega

Really liking this but dont think my budget will stretch
http://www.thewatchgallery.com/shop/hublot-classic...
thanks

[aron916]

liking this panerai: http://swisswatchtrader.co.uk/watches/panerai/lumi...

how do they hold their value compared with say a rolex sub?

[aron916]

Gio G said:

OP - when you mean different, do you mean something exclusive? What are you into, Divers, Pilot etc..

G

Quite like the idea of exclusivity where only people 'in the know' could appreciate the watch for what it is.
Would prefer a diver style to a pilot - dont want anything too 'busy' - i find Breitlings a little busy for my liking.

By different i mean something a little out of the ordinary - dont get me wrong i have nothing against the classics and have toyed with the idea of the Rolex Submariner for a while but they seem to be quite 'popular / common', a classic choice but maybe too obvious.

[aron916]

My issue with the above is it looks too much like a submariner.
If it looks the same and costs the same I think I'd rather go for the Rolex

[aron916]

Agree on the price, doesn't need to be a certain value but a top line of £5-6k

On the Rolex front, what I'm trying to say is that the style as above is a little too similar, so ideally looking for something different to this look.

Thanks for the other suggestions guys!

[aron916]

Quick snap of my current watches.
Please excuse the terrible iphone quality.

Left to Right - Clogau Sports, Wenger Commando, Rolex Air King.

[aron916]

well the rolex may be used as a part ex for the new one so that might be gone - would be nice to keep - maybe pass onto my son on his 18th... then again, its not being used now and unlikely to be so its £1800 odd sat there which could go towards getting me a very nice watch that i would use.
Dont really have many occasions for dress watches and agree that a Panerai might be the way forward.

Edited by aron916 on Monday 27th October 11:58

[aron916]

Thoughts on Cartier Roadster XL?

Beyond my budget but came across this beautiful IWC special edition:
http://www.thewatchgallery.com/shop/iwc-aquatimer-...

Edited by aron916 on Monday 27th October 15:24

[aron916]

How do things like Tudor and Panerai hold their value?

[aron916]

Window shoppin gtrip on the weekend saw me try on the following:

Breitling Transocean


Zenith Montre d'Aréonef


Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight similar to this:


Cartier Calibre:


Chopard Mille Miglia:

[aron916]

What is the consensus on purchase timing?
My birthday is in the new year so......
Are there likely to be any 'January sale' discounts on high end watches?
Or
Do the manufacturers tend to implement annual increases?

Currently my top Panerai choice is the PAM00351:
http://www.panerai.com/en/collections/watch-collec...

[aron916]

Sy1441 said:

If your looking at Panerai then I'd give Paul @ swisswatchtrader.co.uk a look in, he's got some crackers just now.

The PAM0177 looks nice, only 3 available currently at SWT though

[aron916]

yeti said:

If your budget stretches to £6k, my Panerai PAM190 is looking for a new home.

Have a read up about it, it's the best of the bunch with its 8 Day JLC movement and perfectly simple case and dial. And gold hands, naturally

Thanks for that although i prefer the chunkiness Luminor to the Radomir

[aron916]

Well the day has come - 30 today!
In work today but heading to the lakes tomorrow for a long weekend, plan was to look for watches en route and look to PX my Rolex.

BUT my fantastic Fiance surprised me this morning with a gorgeous PAM00351!!
Not even tried it on yet but love it already!
Will get some pics over the coming days!

Im a very happy boy today!

[aron916]

Need to have a closer look later, tbh im still in 2 minds between the 351 and 359!

[aron916]

Here it is! Love it!

[aron916]

Wadeski said:

out of interest, did you sell the Air King?

I haven't as yet, I might keep if for my son on his 18th tbh