Which watch for my 30th?
Discussion
Hi all,
I've been reading this forum for a while now, and I'm impressed with the depth of expertise on offer. I wonder if any of you would be kind enough to assist with some suggestions for me, please.
I'm 30 in September and I want to buy myself a present - a watch I can happily wear on my wrist at all times, grow old with and, when the time comes, pass it along. Something with longevity and timeless style.
I've spent the last ten years lusting after an SS Daytona with a white face, and now I can finally afford one. But should I buy one? Or is there something else I should go for in the same price bracket (7k), or less? I don't feel I have to buy new, and I don't necessarily need a sports watch. I just want something that will always look good, will have true quality, and will be something I can be at home with on my wrist at work or play.
Any ideas? Thank you all in advance.
Rob
P.S. I love the Lange 1 but guess that is out of my price range...
I've been reading this forum for a while now, and I'm impressed with the depth of expertise on offer. I wonder if any of you would be kind enough to assist with some suggestions for me, please.
I'm 30 in September and I want to buy myself a present - a watch I can happily wear on my wrist at all times, grow old with and, when the time comes, pass it along. Something with longevity and timeless style.
I've spent the last ten years lusting after an SS Daytona with a white face, and now I can finally afford one. But should I buy one? Or is there something else I should go for in the same price bracket (7k), or less? I don't feel I have to buy new, and I don't necessarily need a sports watch. I just want something that will always look good, will have true quality, and will be something I can be at home with on my wrist at work or play.
Any ideas? Thank you all in advance.
Rob
P.S. I love the Lange 1 but guess that is out of my price range...
The following is just my personal opinion, but I think that while the SS Daytona is nice watch, it isn't an "heirloom" type of watch. If I was looking for a watch in that price range to pass down, I'd be looking at an (perhaps used)IWC Portuguese Chronograph, JLC Master Compressor, or a nice Girard Perregaux. I think that AP and VC are probably way out of your price range, but in my opinion, all of the brands mentioned above are at least a level above the Rolex SS Daytona (which I believe to be all about marketing hype and less about the substance of what you're paying for - great tool watches, but not heirloom imho).
If i was in your privileged position, i would be looking at AP Royal Oaks, something from Breguet, Glasshutte panomatic and if your hunt around you may be able to pick up a Patek second hand.
Browse Blowers Jewellers for some ideas but I think that there are many choices out there far superior to the Daytona.
Browse Blowers Jewellers for some ideas but I think that there are many choices out there far superior to the Daytona.
Edited by toohuge on Friday 29th May 23:46
If you've always wanted a Daytona, you will need to think carefully about not buying one. Having liked them for 10yrs, you're likely to keep liking them for a while longer (and why not)!
However, there are probably nicer watches in terms of engineering and true rarity.
I bought myself a Blancpain Flyback for my 30th . Had always thought I wanted a Breitling, but when I saw and held a Blancpain next to one, there was no comparison. The Flyback hasn't disappointed and will always remain a very classy watch IMO, but one which can be worn at all times.
IWC are nice watches, but a shade more utilitarian IMO. Being into my chronographs, I have a fleigerchrono which is a lovely watch. It's also a ceramic version from the mid-90s so a bit different to look at and a lot more rare.
If you're not bothered about new watches, you could possibly get both of the above for not very far off your nominal 7k. Just as an example.
Breguets are very nice. Worth a look.
Never really been a fan of APs, Hublots etc. But many like them.
I guess you should have a good look round before blowing your stash. But ultimately, if the Daytona is still the thing that floats your boat, buy one
However, there are probably nicer watches in terms of engineering and true rarity.
I bought myself a Blancpain Flyback for my 30th . Had always thought I wanted a Breitling, but when I saw and held a Blancpain next to one, there was no comparison. The Flyback hasn't disappointed and will always remain a very classy watch IMO, but one which can be worn at all times.
IWC are nice watches, but a shade more utilitarian IMO. Being into my chronographs, I have a fleigerchrono which is a lovely watch. It's also a ceramic version from the mid-90s so a bit different to look at and a lot more rare.
If you're not bothered about new watches, you could possibly get both of the above for not very far off your nominal 7k. Just as an example.
Breguets are very nice. Worth a look.
Never really been a fan of APs, Hublots etc. But many like them.
I guess you should have a good look round before blowing your stash. But ultimately, if the Daytona is still the thing that floats your boat, buy one
Murph7355 said:
If you've always wanted a Daytona, you will need to think carefully about not buying one. Having liked them for 10yrs, you're likely to keep liking them for a while longer (and why not)!
This is probably the best advice, but I am rather fond of the IWC Portuguese and the JLC Master Date/Calendars.I'm a mere pauper, so got myself a Heuer Monaco.
At this price level there are many watches that could fit the bill, but I'm not sure a Portuguese would, purely because they aren't really a watch to wear on your wrist no matter what, more a dress watch. As so thoughtfully said above, after 10 years would you, should you buy something else, always have that itch that still needs scratching and wonder if it should have been a Daytona after all? The way things are, you could buy a Daytona, find you don't like it and resell it with not much loss and then try again. As a left field selection, but not dear enough I love Dornblueth watches (especially the 99.3 but it's hand wind) but again not exactly a watch for all occasions. If this is something to go anywhere and do anything it need to be tough and rugged, a divers style watch, and properly waterproof, so you are back to the traditional makes like Rolex, AP, and so on. Personally, I have had chronos for years, currently an IWC as it happens, but feel more and more the urge to go back to a plain watch. My personal choice, well within budget, would be the IWC Aquatimer Heritage on the steel bracelet. Functional, superbly made, and not "in your face", a watch that won't go out of fashion nor one to get mugged for. Just my take on the matter, and hope I haven't complicated things!
For a 30th, I reckon you should scratch that itch - if not now, when? Get the Daytona and feel good about meeting one of your milestones, enjoy the moment. Then, if it settles in and suits you, stick with it. If you find sooner or later that you're after a different look, trade it in. Like Deejuic, I wouldn't say the Daytona is an heirloom watch, but if it's to be an everyday wear, you won't want to spend the next thirty years worrying about every little ding to something more classic. So get the Daytona and tick that box.
I had for a long time lusted after a Monaco, finally last year after starting working for myself I tried one, must say I was a bit disappointed felt a bit light weight, while in the shop tried a Omega Planet Ocean and the rest is history, bought one.
The bottom line is you need try a Daytona if it’s all you expected then get it, but first maybe see what’s out there for the money.
My choice as said above IWC aquatimer vintage collection or Big pilot’s watch
Paul
The bottom line is you need try a Daytona if it’s all you expected then get it, but first maybe see what’s out there for the money.
My choice as said above IWC aquatimer vintage collection or Big pilot’s watch
Paul
CarNut79 said:
P.S. I love the Lange 1 but guess that is out of my price range...
Bonhams AuctionI noticed the link in another post, and when flicking through noticed this Lange - if you're happy about having a punt and don't mind second time around, this would be a very very desirable piece
IWC get my vote, but then I am a smidgen biassed. Can't see me ever owning a watch that I'll like as much as my Portuguese.
I'm a big daytona fan, and until recently had a black faced SS (perhaps not so biassed then!), and whilst I'm inclined to say go and scratch the itch as you'll probably regret not buying one if you like them as much as you say, with a 7k budget I can't help but think there's so many nicer, better watches out there.
JLC have got to be worth a look, an itch I've yet to scratch.
I'm a big daytona fan, and until recently had a black faced SS (perhaps not so biassed then!), and whilst I'm inclined to say go and scratch the itch as you'll probably regret not buying one if you like them as much as you say, with a 7k budget I can't help but think there's so many nicer, better watches out there.
JLC have got to be worth a look, an itch I've yet to scratch.
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