Trying to to buy a "mega-watch". Budget £40,000. Help!

[anonymous-user]

Hoofy said:

The market is flooded with watches of all designs and shapes, some close copies of sought-after watches. Some are fake, others are just cheap Chinese brands.

A regular poster put them on the wrist shot thread. Almost certainly genuine.

[Hoofy]

desolate said:

Hoofy said:

The market is flooded with watches of all designs and shapes, some close copies of sought-after watches. Some are fake, others are just cheap Chinese brands.

A regular poster put them on the wrist shot thread. Almost certainly genuine.

I'm not disagreeing! I don't think a regular on here or the other popular watch forums would claim a fake watch is genuine.

[LWG95]

Suggest that you look at the Breguet range, subtle, stylish and well engineered with a history of the brand going back to 1775.....

[sad61t]

PJ S said:

Love Leroy (they dropped the L a bit over a year ago), but that Osmior is using the Manufacture Fleurier movement, rather than an in-house one.
It’s also an older and discontinued model.
Even with only 300 pieces made, Leroy is not going to be one which holds its money – but then brands like that are not bought by watch aficionados who worry about residual values.

Thanks for the information about Leroy. I had thought the PC model was an older model after visiting their site (although there is a gorgeous single pusher chronograph). I assume the Vaucher movement is one of their Private Label ones? (It would make sense for a short run from a small atelier like Leroy.) In some ways I would be happier knowing there was the option to get a service or part from a larger manufacturer (ultimately Parmigiani) many years in the future.

It was the dial that captured my attention; it is so clear and well-balanced yet holds many complications.

[PJ S]

sad61t said:

PJ S said:

Love Leroy (they dropped the L a bit over a year ago), but that Osmior is using the Manufacture Fleurier movement, rather than an in-house one.
It’s also an older and discontinued model.
Even with only 300 pieces made, Leroy is not going to be one which holds its money – but then brands like that are not bought by watch aficionados who worry about residual values.

Thanks for the information about Leroy. I had thought the PC model was an older model after visiting their site (although there is a gorgeous single pusher chronograph). I assume the Vaucher movement is one of their Private Label ones? (It would make sense for a short run from a small atelier like Leroy.) In some ways I would be happier knowing there was the option to get a service or part from a larger manufacturer (ultimately Parmigiani) many years in the future.

It was the dial that captured my attention; it is so clear and well-balanced yet holds many complications.

At that price, it’ll never sell – why would you take it over the Parmigiani Tonda Quator or Centum at ⅓-½ the price?
For that sort of outlay, you’re going to opt for the Patek 5159J/W/R or 5496R – if the Leroy Marine Deck and PF Tonda PC isn’t a combo that appeals.

[PJ S]

CKQC said:

PJ S said:

I do it all the time, so it’s no issue – but here’s a prime example of my previous point. And it’s limited to 50 pieces, so possibly rarer than some Patek tourbillons.

Allow me to somewhat ignore the criteria set out in your opening post, and provide you with some food for thought.

Thanks for this. Have to be honest and say that none of them feel as elegant as the Pateks do to me. Taste is such a subjective thing! I was hoping you could point me to excellent deals in the used market for the sort of thing I'm looking for?

That’s a shame, because the GOs offer excellent value for their money and will give you all you ask for – bar the cachet of a Trinity brand name.
It seems to me that you’re not yet ready to venture beyond the shallow end of the pool, which is perfectly fine… but it does limit your options significantly.

If 38.5mm isn’t too small for you, then take a look at the AL&S Saxonia Annual Calendar or the Langematic PC – both of which move the seconds hand to the vertical/zero position when setting the time.

[wezo]

How about an MB&F Moon Machine, fits your criteria albeit not many about and possibly lacks liquidity, but an amazing piece of kit for sure.

[PJ S]

^
It fits the moonphase criteria, but is absent of the annual or perpetual calendar criteria.
Have you seen the size of it?! I’d sooner strap a westminster grandfather clock to my wrist… seriously!

[Enzo Gorlami]

I was in a similar position last year.

I considered many of the brands mentioned here-£40k opens up a lot of possibilities when it comes to watches.

I've owned quite a few brands but Rolex is the only one that has consistently kept my attention over the last 25 years or so.Ive had a full sized yellow gold Yachtmaster for 20 years and still love it as much as the day I bought it.I wore it every day for 13 of those years.Other brands I have tried the novelty wore off after a while.

In the end I bought a platinum daytona.Fabulous watch and no regrets 15 months down the line.

[CKQC]

PJ S said:

That’s a shame, because the GOs offer excellent value for their money and will give you all you ask for – bar the cachet of a Trinity brand name. It seems to me that you’re not yet ready to venture beyond the shallow end of the pool, which is perfectly fine… but it does limit your options significantly.

Yes, I would agree with that. I am a rather unsophisticated watch "aficionado" when it really comes down to it I suspect... Perhaps, another time!

PJ S said:

If 38.5mm isn’t too small for you, then take a look at the AL&S Saxonia Annual Calendar or the Langematic PC – both of which move the seconds hand to the vertical/zero position when setting the time.

I have small wrists actually, so 38 is pretty much bang on for me. Nice looking thing. There are a couple in London that I will go see.

wezo said:

How about an MB&F Moon Machine, fits your criteria albeit not many about and possibly lacks liquidity, but an amazing piece of kit for sure.

I think one of my criteria is elegance, and while this is quite spectacular, I don't think it's quite for me. Thank you though.

Enzo Gorlami said:

In the end I bought a platinum Daytona. Fabulous watch and no regrets 15 months down the line.

Yes, I have a few Rolex's which I enjoy including a Daytona. I prefer my Royal Oak to the Daytona and while a platinum Daytona is a lovely thing, to me, it isn't a "next level" watch.

[Chad_Hugo]

If holding value is one of the criteria forget about at least 70% of the watches mentioned so far.

Try checking what it costs to service a 10 year old Tourbillon, or why not call a few dealers and ask them what they would pay for some of the watches listed here? Make sure your sitting down if you do though...

If you want a good looking, timeless, complicated piece with a moon-phase which will 100% hold value long term try looking at:

-Patek Philippe 5146J. A classic, beautiful annual calendar I think 39 mm, way, way under budget. There are nice examples in the UK around 22k-24K. White gold, rose gold, or even platinum.

-Patek Philippe 5205R. Annual calendar again but a bit more modern twist to it, 40mm also. The rose gold version with black dial is stunning. You can pick up a mint used example full set for around 31-32k. Again, way under budget and will retain it's value.

The other watch I would look at is the precious metal Rolex Sky Dweller. It lacks a moon-phase but is a stunning piece and well worth looking into. There is a huge variety of dials/metals to choose from. Can be good value used. If you want something a bit more discreet there is a white gold version on a bracelet or strap. The rose gold version on strap with the chocolate dial is beautiful. Massively under budget, 40%-50% under budget in fact.

[Snubs]

If it were me i'd definitely be going for A. Lange. Something like this is on budget:



That one, along with plenty of others, can be found on Chronext:

https://www.chronext.co.uk/a-lange-soehne

[PJ S]

^
That’s the Saxonia AC.

OP, if you’re planning on going to Wempe, do spend a bit of time looking at the GOs as well – your perception may change when you actually see them in the metal.
Time permitting, you should also go to Frosts of London, and take a look at the Bovet 19Thirty (and the Recital 12) – take a loupe with you!

[Hoofy]

Snubs said:

If it were me i'd definitely be going for A. Lange. Something like this is on budget:



That one, along with plenty of others, can be found on Chronext:

https://www.chronext.co.uk/a-lange-soehne

That's nice!!

[geezerbutler]

LWG95 said:

Suggest that you look at the Breguet range, subtle, stylish and well engineered with a history of the brand going back to 1775.....

Not a bad suggestion - maybe something like this?

http://www.chrono24.com/breguet/classique-perpetue...

[CKQC]

geezerbutler said:

Not a bad suggestion - maybe something like this?

http://www.chrono24.com/breguet/classique-perpetue...

Morning folks, that is a lovely looking Breguet. I am doing some looking around on Monday, so will try and put some pictures up at some point.

Slightly falling for the 5940 again. It's the watch that started all of this when I saw it in Dubai last year... It's rather dearer though generally. Thoughts on the 5490?Unusual shape for Patek which is why I think I'm drawn to it



http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-1...

Comes in a choice of three dials. Which one for you guys out of interest, and why?

Cheapest one is £39,000 - https://www.chrono24.co.uk/patekphilippe/18k-wg-se...

[blindswelledrat]

Hoofy said:

blindswelledrat said:

CKQC said:

I have been focusing my attention on Patek more than any other watchmaker at this point, and I have been very drawn to the 5905, but that would appear to be somewhat above budget. Picture below.

Whilst I see the value in a nice watch, it is incomprehensible to me that something so ordinary looking could be worth that kind of money.
Do you honestly look at that and think it looks really special enough to throw £40k at it?

You could probably pick up a Chinese knock-off with the same functionality for under £100. It's what is going on behind the face that is the real difference.

I agree with that, it's just that sometimes I see watches like that and you are paying for Lamborghini innards with a Ford Mondeo body. I just don't get it.

[Flying machine]

blindswelledrat said:

Hoofy said:

blindswelledrat said:

CKQC said:

I have been focusing my attention on Patek more than any other watchmaker at this point, and I have been very drawn to the 5905, but that would appear to be somewhat above budget. Picture below.

Whilst I see the value in a nice watch, it is incomprehensible to me that something so ordinary looking could be worth that kind of money.
Do you honestly look at that and think it looks really special enough to throw £40k at it?

You could probably pick up a Chinese knock-off with the same functionality for under £100. It's what is going on behind the face that is the real difference.

I agree with that, it's just that sometimes I see watches like that and you are paying for Lamborghini innards with a Ford Mondeo body. I just don't get it.

I expect that it's something that you either get, or you just don't, and obviously you just don't blindswelledrat! Not that I'm criticising - I've never had the opportunity to handle such an expensive watch so I just don't know either. I do think that there are more instantly attention grabbing (in a good way) watches at that sort of price point though

[Flying machine]

CKQC said:

geezerbutler said:

Not a bad suggestion - maybe something like this?

http://www.chrono24.com/breguet/classique-perpetue...

Morning folks, that is a lovely looking Breguet. I am doing some looking around on Monday, so will try and put some pictures up at some point.

Slightly falling for the 5940 again. It's the watch that started all of this when I saw it in Dubai last year... It's rather dearer though generally. Thoughts on the 5490?Unusual shape for Patek which is why I think I'm drawn to it



http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-1...

Comes in a choice of three dials. Which one for you guys out of interest, and why?

Cheapest one is £39,000 - https://www.chrono24.co.uk/patekphilippe/18k-wg-se...

That Breguet is stunning! AL&S Langematik Perpetual are also in budget too? What a wonderful problem to have CKQC, wish I had the same sort of problems!

The Patek 5140 you mentioned earlier looks rather superb, you're just going to have to try them all and decide which you like best. I'd be interested to see if you manage to negotiate any discounts on such expensive watches if you buy them new from an AD as top of my wishlist is a (slightly more modest) PP 5146g

[CKQC]

Flying machine said:

AL&S Langematik Perpetual are also in budget too? What a wonderful problem to have CKQC, wish I had the same sort of problems!

Thank you, yes, very fortunate and grateful. Sadly, not in the budget in the UK.



Got me looking at the reference 410.038 A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual, which is just UNBELIEVABLE, but out of my league.

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/a-lange-sohne-datograp...

|https://thumbsnap.com/3ufgm0Cl[/url]

Flying machine said:

The Patek 5140 you mentioned earlier looks rather superb, you're just going to have to try them all and decide which you like best. I'd be interested to see if you manage to negotiate any discounts on such expensive watches if you buy them new from an AD as top of my wishlist is a (slightly more modest) PP 5146g

Absolutely nothing wrong with a 5146. Super tasteful my friend…

I’d be very hard pressed to choose between the two, which I may end up doing given the greater distance from £40,000 limit.



Patek 5140 above - https://www.chrono24.co.uk/search/index.htm?access...



Patek 5146 above - https://www.chrono24.co.uk/search/index.htm?access... [url]