40th watch deliberations
Discussion
Despite being a regular reader of the watch forum, to date I only have two watches - a G Shock "Casioak" purchased in early lockdown and a 2001 Breitling Superocean Professional, which was a 21st present from my parents.
My 40th is fast approaching, and pre pandemic I’d had my eye on a Rolex Explorer (214270).
However, I’m finding it hard to justify the outlay to myself at the moment and have been mulling over a number of alternatives with a more modest budget.
So far the shortlist has included:
• Seiko Alpinist SPB089 – quite a rare watch, with only two on ebay at the moment, both well over RRP (£1,200 to £1,500), one of which I’ve been messaging the seller about, who is now saying it’s no longer for sale.
• New Seiko Alpinist SPB159 which is yet to be released in the UK (£600).
• Sinn 856/856UTC (c.£1,500 on a silicone strap)
• Sinn 556 I RS (c.£1,000 on a silicone strap)
• Tudor BB58 navy blue – I’ve liked the BB58 since it first launched, and when the blue version was released, I thought it was great. However, part of me thinks that if I went with that, I’d be half way to the cost of an Explorer anyway and would still want one of those long term.
Any thoughts on my dilemma, or alternatives I haven’t thought of based on the field/diver watch theme above?
My 40th is fast approaching, and pre pandemic I’d had my eye on a Rolex Explorer (214270).
However, I’m finding it hard to justify the outlay to myself at the moment and have been mulling over a number of alternatives with a more modest budget.
So far the shortlist has included:
• Seiko Alpinist SPB089 – quite a rare watch, with only two on ebay at the moment, both well over RRP (£1,200 to £1,500), one of which I’ve been messaging the seller about, who is now saying it’s no longer for sale.
• New Seiko Alpinist SPB159 which is yet to be released in the UK (£600).
• Sinn 856/856UTC (c.£1,500 on a silicone strap)
• Sinn 556 I RS (c.£1,000 on a silicone strap)
• Tudor BB58 navy blue – I’ve liked the BB58 since it first launched, and when the blue version was released, I thought it was great. However, part of me thinks that if I went with that, I’d be half way to the cost of an Explorer anyway and would still want one of those long term.
Any thoughts on my dilemma, or alternatives I haven’t thought of based on the field/diver watch theme above?
Dan_1981 said:
sod it and buy the explorer. Lets face it - you'll spend forever wishing you had bought it...
Times change, things get easier and more difficult, cash flow goes up and down. But one things for sure, if you had your heart set on an Explorer to mark your 40th and didn’t achieve it, you’ll kick yourself until your 50. Do it! 
Just looking back at some of the responses, some great points and suggestions.
Suspect I'm probably even more confused now though
The black bay 58's are certainly back in contention and think it's a good alternative to the Explorer, as well as the blue Seiko Alpinist which is very much a value proposition.
Not much love for the Sinns though, which I'm perhaps a little surprised by - normally some Sinn fans on PH.
Suspect I'm probably even more confused now though
The black bay 58's are certainly back in contention and think it's a good alternative to the Explorer, as well as the blue Seiko Alpinist which is very much a value proposition.
Not much love for the Sinns though, which I'm perhaps a little surprised by - normally some Sinn fans on PH.
From what you have said the BB58 in Blue or Black would get my vote. You could also consider the 36mm Black Bays which have Explorer ish vibes. This pre-owned one is under £2K
https://www.pragnell.co.uk/tudor-black-bay--m79500...
Leftfield choice but I tried this actual watch on whilst picking up a Milgauss from Pragnell's last week and it's lovely (decent price too).
https://www.pragnell.co.uk/omega-railmaster-o22010...
https://www.pragnell.co.uk/tudor-black-bay--m79500...
Leftfield choice but I tried this actual watch on whilst picking up a Milgauss from Pragnell's last week and it's lovely (decent price too).
https://www.pragnell.co.uk/omega-railmaster-o22010...
aussieal said:
Just looking back at some of the responses, some great points and suggestions.
Suspect I'm probably even more confused now though
The black bay 58's are certainly back in contention and think it's a good alternative to the Explorer, as well as the blue Seiko Alpinist which is very much a value proposition.
Not much love for the Sinns though, which I'm perhaps a little surprised by - normally some Sinn fans on PH.
Might be better to get yourself down to a high street/ shopping centre and try a few on...it’s surprising how seeing things in the metal can change or validate your thoughts...Suspect I'm probably even more confused now though
The black bay 58's are certainly back in contention and think it's a good alternative to the Explorer, as well as the blue Seiko Alpinist which is very much a value proposition.
Not much love for the Sinns though, which I'm perhaps a little surprised by - normally some Sinn fans on PH.
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