Fun time trying on watches

[ChrisBuer]

Over the last couple of days I've tried on a few different watches to see what styles might suit my wrist.

I think it's easy to select something online from a photo and think it'll work but it's not until you try it on for real that you know for sure.

Anyway I decided to try on three different watches at three different price points. The cheapest one (the Tag) I can get for roughly half of the price of the IWC. Then the Hublot is about the same price as the Tag and IWC combined.

For me the Hublot was a big no! I wasn't convinced by it initially but I wanted to try it on. I agree with what people have said on here previously. It's just a big no for me.

Hublot Big Bang Steel:





Next up was an IWC and I have to say I really liked this watch. It would work really well with both a suit for work but also casually at weekends.

IWC Portuguese Chronograph:





Finally I tried on a Tag Carerra which was probably my most favourite of all (and cheapest of the three). I'd be tempted to buy the Tag first and maybe get the IWC at a later date as I can see room for both in my life. I'd much rather these two than one Hublot

Tag Heuer Carerra Calibre 17 chronograph:





Anyway I had a nice couple of days mooching around various watch boutiques and even was some a few Patek Phillipe watches which were stunning but way out of my price range. Hey you can at least dream eh?

Watch selection is obviously very unique and personal so what one person will like another will not. This was even more apparent when I spent some time looking at some Rolex watches. I know they're very popular but I still don't get them. But that's ok as others won't "get" my selection of very different watches above

All good fun though

[ChrisBuer]

critical mass said:

It would be the IWC for me...but that's an odd collection with not a lot in common!

That was the intention.

One is simplistic (IWC), one is a half way house (Tag) and the last is big and bold (Hublot). I wanted to try on all three to see which suited me the best.

I also wondered if I'd rather have one watch in the Hublot, or instead spend a similar amount and get the Tag and IWC.

My previous "nice" watch was a 2011 Monaco. I've never had anything higher value than that and wanted to see if a higher price meant I desired it more. To be honest picking on looks alone, I like the Tag and IWC equally. The Hublot was a bit too much I think. Others however will disagree.

Edited by ChrisBuer on Friday 5th August 20:53

[ChrisBuer]

I also tried on a few more Hublots while I was there as the salesman seemed a bit bored and keen to take a few out to show me.

Classic Fusion Black Magic:





Big Bang Black Magic:

[ChrisBuer]

RichB said:

To my taste the Hublot os dreadful but that said all three look too big for your wrist. The straps appear to go straight down from the watch underneath rather than actually going 'round' your wrist.

I have that problem with all watches and always will have. It doesn't bother me

[ChrisBuer]

I have a final watch to throw into the mix which is actually my most favourite!

Chopard Grand Prix Monaco Historique

Edited by ChrisBuer on Saturday 6th August 21:17

[ChrisBuer]

Thanks for those suggestions Cardshark, I've looked and they are all stunning watches. However I've pretty much decided to go ahead and buy the Chopad (pending trying it on). It's everything that I want in a watch and the yellow sections even match my car (not the reason I'm buying it mind you!).

It's different, had a Motorsport feel to it and isn't a main stream high street brand like the Tag

Edited by ChrisBuer on Sunday 7th August 07:43

[ChrisBuer]

The Surveyor said:

Love that Chodard. Nicest of the lot IMHO

I agree. Can't quite decide whether I prefer the "bumblebee" version or the rose gold:

[ChrisBuer]

warren182 said:

Prefer the older chopard models. That's 44.5mm, far too big imo, especially when worn with a shirt. You'll need gorilla size cuffs )

That's OK, I have gorilla sized cuffs

[ChrisBuer]

Wow, the "next watch" looks stunning!! Do you have any more details? Make, model, etc?

[ChrisBuer]

Well after a lot of searching about, I've finally selected my watch of choice. I had originally intended on getting the "bumblebee" version but actually think the Rose gold version will wear better with both a suit (for work) and casually.

Whilst the yellow / black version was very nice, it did have a bit of a "toy watch" feel to it as the yellow was quite strong.

Anyway, opinions always welcome but I'm happy with my choice

[ChrisBuer]

tertius said:

Looks great but by jove you have jolly hairy arms.

Thanks?

[ChrisBuer]

Mansells Tash said:

this x1000 I cringe at the thought of going to try a watch on when I have no intention of purchasing anything, however, whipping the phone out and taking pictures of them as well? Even cringier!

Fair play to you though if you don't care...ps pull the stickers off them next time and report back what the sales staff say

At what stage did I say I had no intention of buying? I've been looking for a watch to buy for my 40th so have been trying different brands on to see what I prefer. I'm going to buy the Chopard.

Oh and the reason for the photos was that I wanted to show my wife to see which she liked as well.

Happy?

[ChrisBuer]

Mansells Tash said:

I already told you what I think and like I said, if it makes you happy, crack on.

Do you cringe when people share photos of their cars? I can't quite see why sharing photos of watches that I'm thinking of buying on a section of the forum dedicated to watches makes you cringe?

May I suggest you move along as you're comments aren't adding anything here. Thanks

[ChrisBuer]

happie33 said:

I appreciated the pics too .... Am getting another itch to buy.... I really like the chopard..... Was looking at the Mille miglia versions....

I may have been turned....

I love the Mille Miglia and this model in particular. Just stunning!

[ChrisBuer]

happie33 said:

That's the one......... Must look away now lol

Ah just go for it

It could be worse. I was on a track day yesterday and there was a guy there who was a few months into an order for a Caterham and still hadn't quite worked out how to tell his wife lol

[ChrisBuer]

Again you're implying that I can't afford to buy the watches posted? May I ask you why you think this? Do you know my financial position? No didn't think so, so may I suggest you stop being so presumptuous please?

At least the majority on here don't have a problem of me sharing photos of watches, on the watch section of the forum!

Oh and the car analogy is totally different. I don't care what I looked like in a car, I care about how it performs, drives, etc. A watch is a lot more personal as some styles just don't suit your wrist. Showing my wife a photo of the watches (which admittedly she knows little about mechanically) is more about what it looks like to her. She immediately said the Hublot didn't suit, the Tag was too similar to my Monaco, the IWC looked like "an old mans watch" and the Chopard was very nice. All done through the magic of photos without having to drag her round with me looking at watches

Edited by ChrisBuer on Sunday 4th September 09:22

Edited by ChrisBuer on Sunday 4th September 09:22

[ChrisBuer]

Mansells Tash said:

Not at all, given his basic lack of understanding of the English language and the inability to understand being told he looks like something but understanding from that he is being accused of actually being something I thought better to leave it there, regardless of the next comment that follows being undoubtedly short sighted and being based on their interpretation of what has been said rather than what actually has been said.

Edited by Mansells Tash on Tuesday 6th September 13:32

Awww bless the keyboard warrior is back he's delightful isn't he

Anyway back on topic, the Chopard is now ordered and I should pick it up in about 4 weeks. Can't wait!!