My collection..and a request for opinions

[996nick]

First, an apology. First time I have ever posted photos. They arent great, but I hope it gives you a flavour of the collection. This worked in preview "mode" and I am hoping for the best. Practice will make perfect hopefully.

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First off, a Navitimer. Fantastic watch.

Then (L-R), modified seiko skx-007, poljot aviator alarm, modified seiko 5. All solid daily beaters.

Next, an IWC Ingenieur 3227. A watch bought on impulse, and hasnt had a lot of wrist time yet. I wear a suit day to day, and its a little large for cuffs, and gets banged about in desk diving. If I was going to flip one this might be it.

Then, an old quartz Zenith, a Tag and the 007 again.

Finally, the watch I have on - a sterile hommage.

So, what is the collection missing?

I have saved hard, and lived like a monk over the last few months (well not quite), and Mrs 996 has ok'd a budget.

I have a budget that would buy me a new Rolex SS deepsea at RRP if I wanted one (but I dont). I do not want a Rolex or an Omega (no problem with them, just dont want one). No quartz. I am not sure that I really want a sports watch like a Blancpain FF or a Glashutte sports model (but I might be persuaded!). I think a date is very desirable (although there could be exceptions, see below). I am happy to purchase used.

I think what I need is a dress watch and that is what the search has focussed on.

I have been impressed by the JLC ultra thin (but am in a dilemma re the lack of date). Similarly, the PP Calatrava (which I can just about stretch to if the watch is used and several years old).

I looked at a Chopard LUC, very slim watch, but it was quite expensive and I was slightly concerned about resale (although I have never flipped a watch and dont seriously intend to now unless life goes badly wrong).

I liked very much the JLC reverso Grande Date, until I tried it on. I think I had bigged it up so much that I felt a bit let down, and I decided not to buy, although I may rethink that.

I have toyed with the idea of a vintage Omega tank watch with a T17 movement. Fantastic looking watches, and would give me a fair bit of budget left for something else, but I dont know how a watch this old would cope with frequent wear.

I like the look of (but have not seen in real life) the cheaper and less "bling" Franck Mullers and the Glashutte Panomaticlunar.

I am also thinking about getting the budget to cover 2 watches (for example a used JLC and a Panerai).

I have been thinking about it for some time, but just cannot find certainty. There is so much on offer, with new watches appearing all the time (suspect a purchase in the future will be the Tudor Monte Carlo!). The selection of watches on offer where I reside is not the broadest in scope, and I suspect that part of the decision making process will be a day at Blowers, and a long weekend to Bond Street.

I am hoping for ideas I havent thought of yet, or recommends that will tip the balance for me one way or the other. Opinions before the better half changes her mind on the budget will be most welcome.

[FrankHovis]

How about an IWC Portuguese? Stunning looking watches and look good with a suit

Nice collection by the way

Edited by FrankHovis on Sunday 28th March 20:35

[petecoll]

You need a Nomos Orion. Just Google it.

Pete

[sneijder]

You need a Sinn, and I need more pics of that Yobokies 5 military mod. I fancy one, but I'm concerned the bracelet is a bit 'Ratners' what's it like ?

[deejuic]

Personally, I like your idea of going used and getting a JLC and a Panerai. Dump the homage and get yourself a real one...and you'll have a great JLC to go along with it!

[AB]

Panerai - That is the watch I will be getting next.

Although why not an Omega? Are they too mainstream?

I agree with you about the Rolex and I will never have another one but I love my Omega and gets 99% of wrist time, works well with suit, casual and everything in between.

[matc]

FrankHovis said:

How about an IWC Portuguese? Stunning looking watches and look good with a suit

Nice collection by the way

That was exactly what I was going to suggest as I was reding his post. I was drooling over one in the local AD at the weekend, just stunning watches IMO.

[Not Ideal]

Get a Panerai. I prefer mine over my AP which cost 5 times as much.

[tuffer]

Let me know how much you want for that Ingenuir....

[996nick]

Thanks all for the replies so far, please keep the thoughts coming.

FrankHovis - yes the portugese is a stunning watch, however, no date and I dont like it enough to make an exception. On the back of your comment though I need to look again at the similar model that has the power reserve and date - but no chrono. And thanks!

Sneijder - Which Sinn were you thinking of? Yes thats the mod, and yes it is a bit flimsy. This is the standard bracelet - I think Harold offers a more expensive upgrade though. With the internal ring that has the markers on it, the watch can sometimes feel a bit busy, but its reliable and robust.

Deejuic - the hommage broke today (screw holding a lug in fell out). Cant get rid as it was a present. However it has served a purpose, and I will go and see a panerai in the metal to see if it wins me over....

Petecoll - thanks I will. IIRC they have in-house movements, and should be well within budget, so good value and quality.

AB - re Omega, I think it maybe because they are a bit mainstream. I have no doubt they are good quality value for money watches, but they just dont do it for me (unless its a vintage "tank" style with a t17 movement!)

Tuffer - sorry it isnt for sale...yet. Will pm you should I change my mind (or if I decide to go for the calatrava!).

Hmmmmmm.....wondering about a black face Max Bill Chronoscope now as well......