Help me pick my next watch
Discussion
I am in the privileged position of having some cash from an inheritance to add another to my watch collection. I have done the sensible bit and made myself completely debt free and whist I don’t have the powerfully built director status of some of the PistonHeads collective I have a good job that pays well and is secure, so I want to spend some of the money my gran left me on another watch, chosen wisely it should last for years and be a good reminder of her and how she has helped me since a young age. All the watches I like are not inexpensive but I have the funds to make a purchase if I find what I am looking for without regret that I should have invested it more wisely or less selfishly.
I already have a Rolex LV Sub & Air King. A daylight Chrono & GMT Panerai, Tag Monaco & a Breitling Super Ocean. I try to wear them all but favour the Sub & the Panerai watches. The Air King hardly gets a look in these days.
The watches below are on my wish list , any comments for and against welcome as is anything else interesting I might be missing out on. If I was young(er) and single and didn't need my kidneys I would be in for a PP Aquanaut but I'm not nor can I afford a divorce if the Mrs clocked I spent 40k+ on something I wore on my wrist!
It was always my intention to add a Rolex Daytona to my collection. Prices of the 2016 onward models are now too expensive I simply can’t justify spending the current asking prices. There are older variants typically steel & gold with white face for about 12K. My concern is many of these don’t have boxes or papers and whilst buying from a trusted dealer should mean the watch is authentic, if I am investing in an expensive time piece, I want to ensure it retains its value or even grows like I have seen with my other Rolex watches.
Ulysee Nardin Macho Paladium 950. Much easier on the wallet, don’t have anything similar, not overly bling and I doubt I would get my arm chopped off for it. Not sure if it will continue to depreciate, hold its value or climb. Struggling to find a reasonably priced one that has all its papers & box in the UK/EU. Plenty in the US but I am not out there again until next summer.
Vacheron Constantine 56 day/date. Just under 11K new if you shop about. Like the UN, don’t have anything similar, not overly bling and I doubt I would get my arm chopped off for it. Very understated but a beautiful time piece. I am a little concerned about resale value if I can already get 5-6k off list compared to if you went to somewhere like Watches of Switzerland selling at full retail.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. Always been intrigued with the AP watches, never really had enough cash to buy one. My only concern here is those watches in the 11-12k bracket where I am comfortable spending, tend to be in the 11-12yrs of age bracket. Should this be a worry? I would guess not if well maintained.
I already have a Rolex LV Sub & Air King. A daylight Chrono & GMT Panerai, Tag Monaco & a Breitling Super Ocean. I try to wear them all but favour the Sub & the Panerai watches. The Air King hardly gets a look in these days.
The watches below are on my wish list , any comments for and against welcome as is anything else interesting I might be missing out on. If I was young(er) and single and didn't need my kidneys I would be in for a PP Aquanaut but I'm not nor can I afford a divorce if the Mrs clocked I spent 40k+ on something I wore on my wrist!
It was always my intention to add a Rolex Daytona to my collection. Prices of the 2016 onward models are now too expensive I simply can’t justify spending the current asking prices. There are older variants typically steel & gold with white face for about 12K. My concern is many of these don’t have boxes or papers and whilst buying from a trusted dealer should mean the watch is authentic, if I am investing in an expensive time piece, I want to ensure it retains its value or even grows like I have seen with my other Rolex watches.
Ulysee Nardin Macho Paladium 950. Much easier on the wallet, don’t have anything similar, not overly bling and I doubt I would get my arm chopped off for it. Not sure if it will continue to depreciate, hold its value or climb. Struggling to find a reasonably priced one that has all its papers & box in the UK/EU. Plenty in the US but I am not out there again until next summer.
Vacheron Constantine 56 day/date. Just under 11K new if you shop about. Like the UN, don’t have anything similar, not overly bling and I doubt I would get my arm chopped off for it. Very understated but a beautiful time piece. I am a little concerned about resale value if I can already get 5-6k off list compared to if you went to somewhere like Watches of Switzerland selling at full retail.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. Always been intrigued with the AP watches, never really had enough cash to buy one. My only concern here is those watches in the 11-12k bracket where I am comfortable spending, tend to be in the 11-12yrs of age bracket. Should this be a worry? I would guess not if well maintained.
It's a great position to be in,and I think you're looking in all the right places.
I know this might not be popular, but Rolex are very nice tool watches, but not the real lux jewelry you're now looking to add. You've got that base covered, so its time to add an indulgence to the collection.
Values are tricky, so try not to get too hung up. This piece needs to bring you joy.
For my notional 12k I would look at:
1. The new Chopard Alpine Eagle. Go and try one on, then come back and tell us that it isn't amazing! It totally blew me away. I'm waiting for value to settle, but they grey market ones haven't appeared yet, so I think it'll be solid. It's a huge step on from a Daytona, Sub etc.
2. Go try a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. This will either bring you massive joy, or you won't get it. The new steel ones have something about them, and they can be had on the grey market for sub 7. I'm watching for a steel/leather to come up then I'm having it.
3. With the unspent 6k from the Bulgari being below budget I'd be into a really nice dress watch. Grand Seiko will always get my vote here. If you can still get an SBGK005 that's where my money went. Next level. The Japan Autumn colour special edition is still available too. Less dressy than the Elegance SBGK but go try one on at the Boutique and see how you go.
4. If you must look at value or really want another Rolex then get a vintage solid gold day date. Point of difference, it's never going to get any cheaper, and it's very nice. Either that or find the best Root Beer GMT2 you can find. Explorers are still on the up - if you got both a minty E1 and E2 you'd be under 10k and safe for money. They're not on the same level as the stuff you've listed though, so I wouldn't go this route.
I know this might not be popular, but Rolex are very nice tool watches, but not the real lux jewelry you're now looking to add. You've got that base covered, so its time to add an indulgence to the collection.
Values are tricky, so try not to get too hung up. This piece needs to bring you joy.
For my notional 12k I would look at:
1. The new Chopard Alpine Eagle. Go and try one on, then come back and tell us that it isn't amazing! It totally blew me away. I'm waiting for value to settle, but they grey market ones haven't appeared yet, so I think it'll be solid. It's a huge step on from a Daytona, Sub etc.
2. Go try a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. This will either bring you massive joy, or you won't get it. The new steel ones have something about them, and they can be had on the grey market for sub 7. I'm watching for a steel/leather to come up then I'm having it.
3. With the unspent 6k from the Bulgari being below budget I'd be into a really nice dress watch. Grand Seiko will always get my vote here. If you can still get an SBGK005 that's where my money went. Next level. The Japan Autumn colour special edition is still available too. Less dressy than the Elegance SBGK but go try one on at the Boutique and see how you go.
4. If you must look at value or really want another Rolex then get a vintage solid gold day date. Point of difference, it's never going to get any cheaper, and it's very nice. Either that or find the best Root Beer GMT2 you can find. Explorers are still on the up - if you got both a minty E1 and E2 you'd be under 10k and safe for money. They're not on the same level as the stuff you've listed though, so I wouldn't go this route.
..and specifically to your suggestions
The UN is undoubtedly a fine piece. It's not going to be as strong as the others listed but if you like it, then find the best value you can and give it a try. They're probably less appreciated in the UK I'd say.
The VC fiftysix is very special. Again, VC less appreciated than they deserve, and you'd get so much out of knowing that was in your collection. It does bring something different toy the watches you have already, so I can see it settling in well. As you say, amazing piece.
Have you tried a VC Overseas? My money would go for a gen 2 with the proper Maltese bracelet. It's a complete weapon.
AP. If I was going this route I'd not go overseas. However, given you wear you Panerai(s) a lot this might be a good answer. Don't worry too much about second hand, or lacking paperwork, but do go somewhere credible to buy it and definitely try a few - there are lots of variations. If you like it and get it then you're not going to go far wrong.
The UN is undoubtedly a fine piece. It's not going to be as strong as the others listed but if you like it, then find the best value you can and give it a try. They're probably less appreciated in the UK I'd say.
The VC fiftysix is very special. Again, VC less appreciated than they deserve, and you'd get so much out of knowing that was in your collection. It does bring something different toy the watches you have already, so I can see it settling in well. As you say, amazing piece.
Have you tried a VC Overseas? My money would go for a gen 2 with the proper Maltese bracelet. It's a complete weapon.
AP. If I was going this route I'd not go overseas. However, given you wear you Panerai(s) a lot this might be a good answer. Don't worry too much about second hand, or lacking paperwork, but do go somewhere credible to buy it and definitely try a few - there are lots of variations. If you like it and get it then you're not going to go far wrong.
I am biased as I have my own Nomos. But have you considered the Nomos Lambda?
https://cdn.nomos-glashuette.com/media/image/e9/23...
https://cdn.nomos-glashuette.com/media/image/e9/23...
I’d suggest the first modest spend from the budget to be a nice hotel in London, and a couple of days with some good food and wine perusing the jewellers and trying stuff on.
If a Daytona has always been on the list, I’d look at precious metal all the way at present. A responsibly sourced white gold panda can be available for sub £15k if you look hard-should you wish to use your Explorer as a bargaining tool even better.
If a Daytona has always been on the list, I’d look at precious metal all the way at present. A responsibly sourced white gold panda can be available for sub £15k if you look hard-should you wish to use your Explorer as a bargaining tool even better.
richthebike said:
2. Go try a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. This will either bring you massive joy, or you won't get it. The new steel ones have something about them, and they can be had on the grey market for sub 7. I'm watching for a steel/leather to come up then I'm having it.
Great shout - I really really like the Octo's. To my eye, they've been one of the more exciting and newer releases in more recent times.richthebike said:
It's a great position to be in,and I think you're looking in all the right places.
I know this might not be popular, but Rolex are very nice tool watches, but not the real lux jewelry you're now looking to add. You've got that base covered, so its time to add an indulgence to the collection.
Values are tricky, so try not to get too hung up. This piece needs to bring you joy.
For my notional 12k I would look at:
1. The new Chopard Alpine Eagle. Go and try one on, then come back and tell us that it isn't amazing! It totally blew me away. I'm waiting for value to settle, but they grey market ones haven't appeared yet, so I think it'll be solid. It's a huge step on from a Daytona, Sub etc.
2. Go try a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. This will either bring you massive joy, or you won't get it. The new steel ones have something about them, and they can be had on the grey market for sub 7. I'm watching for a steel/leather to come up then I'm having it.
3. With the unspent 6k from the Bulgari being below budget I'd be into a really nice dress watch. Grand Seiko will always get my vote here. If you can still get an SBGK005 that's where my money went. Next level. The Japan Autumn colour special edition is still available too. Less dressy than the Elegance SBGK but go try one on at the Boutique and see how you go.
4. If you must look at value or really want another Rolex then get a vintage solid gold day date. Point of difference, it's never going to get any cheaper, and it's very nice. Either that or find the best Root Beer GMT2 you can find. Explorers are still on the up - if you got both a minty E1 and E2 you'd be under 10k and safe for money. They're not on the same level as the stuff you've listed though, so I wouldn't go this route.
Looking for a finissimo skeleton myself, had a look there is a leather strap model for under 7k.. https://www.chrono24.co.uk/bulgari/octo-finissimo-...I know this might not be popular, but Rolex are very nice tool watches, but not the real lux jewelry you're now looking to add. You've got that base covered, so its time to add an indulgence to the collection.
Values are tricky, so try not to get too hung up. This piece needs to bring you joy.
For my notional 12k I would look at:
1. The new Chopard Alpine Eagle. Go and try one on, then come back and tell us that it isn't amazing! It totally blew me away. I'm waiting for value to settle, but they grey market ones haven't appeared yet, so I think it'll be solid. It's a huge step on from a Daytona, Sub etc.
2. Go try a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. This will either bring you massive joy, or you won't get it. The new steel ones have something about them, and they can be had on the grey market for sub 7. I'm watching for a steel/leather to come up then I'm having it.
3. With the unspent 6k from the Bulgari being below budget I'd be into a really nice dress watch. Grand Seiko will always get my vote here. If you can still get an SBGK005 that's where my money went. Next level. The Japan Autumn colour special edition is still available too. Less dressy than the Elegance SBGK but go try one on at the Boutique and see how you go.
4. If you must look at value or really want another Rolex then get a vintage solid gold day date. Point of difference, it's never going to get any cheaper, and it's very nice. Either that or find the best Root Beer GMT2 you can find. Explorers are still on the up - if you got both a minty E1 and E2 you'd be under 10k and safe for money. They're not on the same level as the stuff you've listed though, so I wouldn't go this route.
James_P said:
Looking for a finissimo skeleton myself, had a look there is a leather strap model for under 7k.. https://www.chrono24.co.uk/bulgari/octo-finissimo-...
The grey markets have been under 7 for a bit depending on fx. Such a special watch at that price point.
Thanks for all your input. I still haven't made a purchase yet. The AP I was considering that Dom had for sale has gone 
I can't find a Daytona that I can fall in love with steel & gold are fairly plentiful at the lower end of the Datona spectrum but I really like the steel with black face bezel but the price is crazy too much for me to stomach.
I was with a client last week who had a Sky Dweller on his wrist he lent it to me for a couple of days & I found it rather quite nice! not too bling and a bit more subtle than a Daytona.
I am out in Dusseldorf for a couple of days this week and their is a dealer about 5kms from the airport that has a 2018yr example in oystersteel & gold with a white face for £12,200, I am going to make time to go and look at. I really wanted oystersteel with the blue face but from the enquiries I have made so far there is no chance unless I want to pay a big premium which I am not prepared to do.
I need to make the right choice as I don't really have the funds to go for another piece if its at the top end of what I am comfortable paying for a watch but I will get there in the end. The search goes on!
I can't find a Daytona that I can fall in love with steel & gold are fairly plentiful at the lower end of the Datona spectrum but I really like the steel with black face bezel but the price is crazy too much for me to stomach.
I was with a client last week who had a Sky Dweller on his wrist he lent it to me for a couple of days & I found it rather quite nice! not too bling and a bit more subtle than a Daytona.
I am out in Dusseldorf for a couple of days this week and their is a dealer about 5kms from the airport that has a 2018yr example in oystersteel & gold with a white face for £12,200, I am going to make time to go and look at. I really wanted oystersteel with the blue face but from the enquiries I have made so far there is no chance unless I want to pay a big premium which I am not prepared to do.
I need to make the right choice as I don't really have the funds to go for another piece if its at the top end of what I am comfortable paying for a watch but I will get there in the end. The search goes on!
It is all subjective at the end of the day but, to me, this would be a no-brainer. I would add a smidge to my budget and buy a brand new tt Daytona 116503 from an AD. RRP is £13k and, despite the £2k overs demanded by the Del-boy/watchfinder types, the waitlist is only around 3 months. I have the black dial version which tends towards the dressy side. The white dial version is a bit more versatile imo. Either way you can’t go wrong. It is the value sweet spot in the Rolex range and if I were forced to keep only one watch, this would be the one. If you haven’t tried one on your wrist, you should.
T6 vanman said:
Thoughts on a Blancpain??
I like this one.. not sure how easy it would be to get hold of though.https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/blancpain-fifty-...
gregd said:
T6 vanman said:
Thoughts on a Blancpain??
I like this one.. not sure how easy it would be to get hold of though.https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/blancpain-fifty-...
If it were me , i would go for a Pre Comex 5513 or a 5513 Maxi dial.
Make sure you buy from a trusted source though. Sweeping hand / Oakleigh watches and a search on Chrono24 will bag you one . 12k ish.
My wifes Daytona is a lovely watch and surprisingly neater in looks than the heft of a Submariner. Its a very beautiful and classy watch.
Good luck . The Rolex 5513 will allways appreciate quicker than most Rolex models.
Make sure you buy from a trusted source though. Sweeping hand / Oakleigh watches and a search on Chrono24 will bag you one . 12k ish.
My wifes Daytona is a lovely watch and surprisingly neater in looks than the heft of a Submariner. Its a very beautiful and classy watch.
Good luck . The Rolex 5513 will allways appreciate quicker than most Rolex models.
If you like UN (I do, I think they produce some great watches) at Heathrow WoS they have a few interesting bits at interesting prices.
They have some Skeleton X examples in at about £12k which look great. And then they have a Freak X which looks lovely at about £15k. These might float your boat and are interesting and rarely seen in the wild I’d have thought. I’ve only ever seen one person wearing a UN in the UK.
They have some Skeleton X examples in at about £12k which look great. And then they have a Freak X which looks lovely at about £15k. These might float your boat and are interesting and rarely seen in the wild I’d have thought. I’ve only ever seen one person wearing a UN in the UK.
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