Thoughts on which tool type watch - sinn vs zenith vs rolex

Thoughts on which tool type watch - sinn vs zenith vs rolex

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jimmyslr

Original Poster:

798 posts

274 months

Saturday 16th April 2011
quotequote all
A subjective one this, but I have been toying with getting a nice watch for some time. I tend to wear one watch for most things so my personal preference is towards the relatively functional rather than the dressy.

To make it simpler, I'm interested in something like a Sinn 103 utc/chrono variant, a zenith el primero rainbow or a Rolex seadweller. I'd prbably buy secondhand, but in near new condition. It seems to me that:

Zenith - top notch el primero movement, great quality, classic looks (I think I like the coloured dial), somewhat undervalued/unloved brand, probably re-sellable if it didn't do it for me... not sure on price, maybe £1,700-2,000?

Sinn - slightly more tool like in looks dept, quality (but not unique) valjoux movement, some whizzy technical stuff like utc, diapal, argon etc, very good bang for buck, probably £1,000 (depending on model) for a whizzier one second hand - but are there many second hand? However, I wonder if I will spend time, or care about, explaining to people why it's as good as a rolex etc etc. Perhaps harder to re-sell if it wasn't for me.

Rolex seadweller - the ultimate tool watch, timeless design, not many features, arguably a lot of cash (but will hold value). However, the SD, or at least the sub, really is on a lot of wrists and feels a bit "me too", even if it is good. Say £3,500-4,000?

Any thoughts on relative quality, longevity, my prices or other random perspectives will be gratefully received.

Thanks, James

jimmyslr

Original Poster:

798 posts

274 months

Saturday 16th April 2011
quotequote all
The IWC is an interesting idea and different from their pilot watches. It looks quite a chunk of steel for my tastes with sturdy shoulders; I think I'd need to see it in the flesh.

Another thought is the, rather unimaginative by me, Tudor Heritage Chrono. I think it's lovely, but wonder whether it will still be "a classic" in 10 years time. It ticks the "it's not a sub" box!

Thanks for the ideas - keep 'em coming