40th birthday - IWC, Planet Ocean, Chopard or Pelagos

[Actus Reus]

Hi chaps (and ladies, it is international women's day afterall) - quick question if I may...

I read this part of the site quite often, but never post. I'm 40 in about 8 weeks and I think I'd like a watch to mark the occasion. I have a Tag Carrera, Monaco and a 1976 Omega Chronostop already.

I really can't decide between the new Planet Ocean (probably on the rubber strap), Tudor Pelagos, IWC Petit Prince (or maybe a Portuguese) and a Chopard Mille Miglia GTS.

Quite different watches there and I like all of them, but just can't decide. I've ruled out stretching to a used Sub, and would rather keep the budget below four grand if I can. Anybody able to offer words of wisdom or alternatives? I work in a suit all day, but I kind of think the Monaco on leather and Carrera on a steel bracelet have the dress watch thing taken care of. Any thoughts?

ETA: Chopard I can get new for £3k, all the others at list. I'd rather the watch kept a fair chunk of its value and I'm minded to think a Pelagos, in black, is probably best bet for that?

[richthebike]

Out of leftfield you can order a Triton Subphotique for sub 4 with some gentle haggling.
Finishing is superb, it's super rare, a lovely size, and you can special order dials in unique colours.

Also, well done on the Chronostop! Mines a '68 with all the lume pips in place and Mexico Olympics paperwork. Took a bit of finding but I love it.

[Dicky Knee]

It's a very personal decision.

For me, I love the PO and am hankering after a GMT so that would be my pick.

As for the others (and this is where it is very individual):

Tudor Pelagos-I really don't like the hour hand, I have tried but I can't.

IWC. Always wanted a Portugieser but it just didn't seem special when I tried it on.

Chopard. I know a guy with a Chopard through work and I really don't like him much so can now never buy a Chopard.

As for depreciation, it wont matter if you never sell it. If it matters alot then go for the Rolex. Otherwise have a bit of a shop around. Dominic Hackett is always worth a call to get a price on a new watch or see what he has in stock used.

[Actus Reus]

Thanks both. I’m just back from trying on a few Omegas and the Chopard and I’m leaning toward the PO, I think. Had a look online at the Triton and will see if I can find one in the metal - nice looking things!

I’ll pop to Selfridges and try all three on back to back on Monday - the Portuguese is out for the same reason as above. Somehow it just didn’t feel special.

And thanks - the Chronostop found me - it was the watch Mum gave to Dad as an engagement gift.

[lostkiwi]

Of that selection i'd probably pick the Chopard.

Different, stylish and relatively rare.

[Squadrone Rosso]

I have a Chopard MM GTXL. Rare & lovely. In fairness, your list is nice

I had a Maurice Lacroix Pontos for my 40th from Mrs SR. Again, because it was different.

[Actus Reus]

Thanks - stupidly I complicated matters by trying on a black bay GMT earlier. Sorely tempted to have both Tudors at the moment.
The PO is lovely, but the Chopard and Tudors are that much rarer.

[lostkiwi]

I wouldn't expect Tudors to stay rare for long given the popularity on here and the waiting lists.
To be fair I'd almost expect the PO to be rarer than a Tudor Black Bay.

[Actus Reus]

Very true - for what you get they seem really great value, too.

[Seight_Returns]

Very nice short list. All very desirable.

There's no bad choice there - I really like the look of the Pelagos, the IWC is very elegant but I'm not a fan of the brand. If I had to pick one to mark a milestone birthday that I'd enjoy owning for years to come it would be the PO.

[Actus Reus]

So I caved in earlier today and bought a black Pelagos RHD and also ordered the GMT. Couldn’t decide between them and was offered a fairly decent deal. The Pelagos came home with me and now the wait begins for the GMT.

[UnclePat]

Hard to argue against those as a duo. Pleasingly different from one-another in style & materials, but both very capable with excellent movements and good value for money too. Enjoy.