Nice to have watch dilemma!

[Fatrat]

First world problems and all that but I want to treat myself to a new watch with a budget of £4K to £8K (for a new or secondhand watch)

Should be easy right? So ignoring some other watches my "main" watches currently are:

• Zenith Elite
• Offshore Professional
• 1958 Rolex Oyster
• Dornblueth 99.1

So what should I get? I want something chunky but with a relatively uncluttered display. So not a chrono. Also something I can wear without worrying about scratches / damage ( I dont mind paying for occasional replacement glass etc.)

I have done the Rolex Sub already and don't want to to down that route again

I am currently looking at a Dornblueth 99.5 or a Panerai but is there anything else I should be looking at?

[Regbuser]

Edited by Regbuser on Wednesday 13th April 20:25

[Macneil]

I'd look at JLC, but I do wish Mrs M had bought me a Dornblueth for my 60th...

[ColdoRS]

My £8k would go on a new Datejust 41, if you can get one.

Otherwise, a Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon of sorts, or a Carbotech cased Panerai? Both quite chunky and modern but a Speedmaster or Luminor are pretty timeless.

[rallye101]

I'm on the " wait" for a perpetual 41....£4850 rip....who knows!

[richard-cxcy4]

Panerai is a good call. Perhaps a Linde Werdelin?

[shambolic]

Breguet is stunning. I’m looking for a dress watch just now. I’m 50 in 12 months. So may be a hint to my missus.

[Crumpet]

Omega Planet Ocean? Certainly chunky.

IWC Big Pilot 43. A lovely thing and no chrono.

Some kind of Bremont? Maybe an MB3?

I was all set to buy a Panerai Luminor Marina with a white dial, but after a bit of research it sounds like they’ve done a ton of cost-cutting and the movement has suffered. Went for a Speedmaster instead.

[anonymous-user]

Fatrat said:

First world problems and all that but I want to treat myself to a new watch with a budget of £4K to £8K (for a new or secondhand watch)

Should be easy right? So ignoring some other watches my "main" watches currently are:

• Zenith Elite
• Offshore Professional
• 1958 Rolex Oyster
• Dornblueth 99.1

So what should I get? I want something chunky but with a relatively uncluttered display. So not a chrono. Also something I can wear without worrying about scratches / damage ( I dont mind paying for occasional replacement glass etc.)

I have done the Rolex Sub already and don't want to to down that route again

I am currently looking at a Dornblueth 99.5 or a Panerai but is there anything else I should be looking at?

Your thread reminded me that I absolutely love the Offshore Professional, but wasn't really in a position to aquire one when they were originally released. Off the back of this I just went to have a look at the website and found it was down, and then very sadly found this page https://dangerous9straps.com/blog/2019/10/a-tribut... where I discovered he has passed away. Very sad He always seemed a very affable guy on here and my goal was to purchase an Offshore when circumstances allowed. I appreciate this may not be news to others on here so apologies. RIP Lorne.

[bigandclever]

Off thread, there was a nice thread at the time for Lorne .. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I don't think I ever saw anyone have a bad word, about him or his watches.

Back on thread, I'm like a stuck record for (nearly) always saying Dornblueth. Is this going to be a keeper, or do you have an eye on residuals?

[blueg33]

I would be looking at a Grand Seiko

[T6 vanman]

Fatrat said:

First world problems and all that but I want to treat myself to a new watch with a budget of £4K to £8K (for a new or secondhand watch)

Should be easy right?

I want something chunky but with a relatively uncluttered display.

Is there anything else I should be looking at?

These two hit the mark??

[Fatrat]

Great suggestions

Thank you all.

Has anyone had any experience buying from Chrono 24? I guess if I picked a verified seller I shoud be OK?

[944 Man]

Fatrat said:

First world problems and all that but I want to treat myself to a new watch with a budget of £4K to £8K (for a new or secondhand watch)

Should be easy right? So ignoring some other watches my "main" watches currently are:

• Zenith Elite
• Offshore Professional
• 1958 Rolex Oyster
• Dornblueth 99.1

So what should I get? I want something chunky but with a relatively uncluttered display. So not a chrono. Also something I can wear without worrying about scratches / damage ( I dont mind paying for occasional replacement glass etc.)

I have done the Rolex Sub already and don't want to to down that route again

I am currently looking at a Dornblueth 99.5 or a Panerai but is there anything else I should be looking at?

Panda (or reverse panda) dialled Zenith El Primero, for me.

[T6 vanman]

Fatrat said:

Great suggestions

Thank you all.

Has anyone had any experience buying from Chrono 24? I guess if I picked a verified seller I shoud be OK?

Yes .... Bought 3~4 from off there, Look at the seller and google ... many are physical stores,
Think 1 from an internet entity ... again painless,
All from abroad

Would use again

[The Goat]

Panerai is a good shout if you want something chunky with a classic, uncluttered dial. Something like a Luminor Base would fit the brief & be well within the budget.
My pick would be the latest base logo Pam 01086 or the older Pam00774 if you can find one.

Pam01086


Pam00774


I know that Bucherer have a 00774 available as I nearly bought it a couple of weeks ago but decided on a blue dial instead.