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

[jimmyslr]

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

[andy tims]

Can't comment from personal experience on Zenith, but I've had loads of Sinn's - love em, but all bar the 757 have come & gone.



A proper "tool"

However, the 16600 is probably the last watch I'd ever sell. It's just perfect.

[bry1975]

If you've got no price limit IMO Sinn EZM1!

[Arrive Alive]

If you want a tool watch with a classy movement and don't want to see it on every other wrist perhaps it might be worth considering an IWC Igenieur?
(borrowed photo)
There is also a chronograph (3725)
They are, I admit, not for everyone. I own one of each and love them. They've been totally reliable and I've never met anyone else wearing one!

[jimmyslr]

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

[bry1975]

Imo that IWC does look VERY nice!

What about a Tuti Mil chrono or Fortis?

One place you should really check is the Military watch resource:-

http://www.mwrforum.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=...

[stiglet]

Left of centre suggestion - What about a Breguet Type XX?

I bought one not so long ago and they're quite nice



You should be able to pick one up s/h for less than a SD etc.