Watch with a metal bracelet £3k - your suggestions please

[JDMc]

Hi all,

Looking to buy myself a new (to me) watch. I generally prefer what I would consider a more classic design, the links below are just for reference not necessarily the item I will buy.

Criteria are
+/-$5k (AUD)
Metal bracelet
Papers + Box present
Second hand is OK
Case material stainless or gold

So far I like:
IWC Portofino Chrono:
Love the bracelet and the gold detailing
http://www.chrono24.com/en/iwc/portofino-chronogra...
or
http://www.chrono24.com/en/iwc/iwc-portofino-chron...

Rolex Datejust:
Stainless/gold, I prefer the Jubilee bracelet
http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/datejust--id28160...

OR, I buy a JLC I like and find a metal bracelet - Does anyone have any experience of putting buying the bracelet separately?
I like the calendar/moonphase JLC's however most are on leather straps.

Love to hear some suggestions or pointers for what to look out for on the above.

Thanks.

Edited by JDMc on Monday 30th June 06:42

Edited by JDMc on Monday 30th June 06:45

[ecain63]

Have you looked at the fantastic Tudor Pelagos?

[CardShark]

No watch recommendations however I would recommend that you buy a watch with the bracelet rather than trying to source one after, even more so if you want to keep everything OE. Bracelets on their own can be horrendously expensive, better to purchase with a bracelet and add leather, if you wish, after.

[Spice_Weasel]

ecain63 said:

Have you looked at the fantastic Tudor Pelagos?

[Rich_AR]

ecain63 said:

Have you looked at the fantastic Tudor Pelagos?

I was going to suggest the same.

I tried one on last week. Lovely piece, felt really nice on the wrist. I'm now looking for one

[JDMc]

I should clarify, I prefer a simpler bezel usually.

The Pelagos and Rolex GMT do not appeal as much to me although I am yet to try one on my wrist. I may try and visit a Tudor AD in Sydney this week just to see it in person.

Edit: I've had a better look and the idea of a titanium bezel and bracelet seems great for an everyday wearer. Can anyone comment on how well they wear over time?

Thanks again.

Edited by JDMc on Monday 30th June 11:05

[WelshChris]

Speedmaster?

[yeti]

JDMc said:

Edit: I've had a better look and the idea of a titanium bezel and bracelet seems great for an everyday wearer. Can anyone comment on how well they wear over time?

It's a relatively new model so there are no long-term wearers out there.

However I have an IWC 3536 Aquatimer in Titanium which is about 14 years old and it has worn very, very well if that helps at all!

[SVS]

JDMc said:

The Pelagos ... titanium bezel and bracelet seems great for an everyday wearer. Can anyone comment on how well they wear over time?

I can't comment on the Pelagos specifically, although I'd hope the quality of titanium work by Tudor would be high. In general, however, brushed titanium is easy to refurbish yourself with an ink eraser.

[Oelholm]

How about an Omega Aqua Terra? Looks lovely in blue:


Picture from http://www.ocabj.net/omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-ch...

[hilly10]

[quote=Oelholm]How about an Omega Aqua Terra? Looks lovely in blue:

Good suggestion I am looking at one to add to my collection. Nice classy watch

[yeti]

Oelholm said:

How about an Omega Aqua Terra? Looks lovely in blue:

My favourite realistically priced new watch. In fact I'm going to look for one now...

[GoTea]

This thread needs pics!

[don logan]

Had my Pelagos since January and the novelty hasn't worn off at all, I think it's a very "honest" watch, purposeful, understated cool!

I can't speak for wear really because I'm a careful wearer, people do talk of the titanium not being great but I think they only ever mean superficial / surface marks.

I can swap from GMT / Deep Sea to Pelagos without it feeling like the (much) cheaper watch which to me is seriously impressive!

Oh, and the LUUUUUUUUUUME!!!!!!!!!!!!

[don logan]

GoTea said:

This thread needs pics!

Only have bad phone camera pics

[PJ S]

Pelagos is practically de rigeur, but don't overlook a Grand Seiko, just because it isn't from Switzerland or have Omega/Rolex written on it.
You may need to self-import from Japan, or consider pre-owned.

[JDMc]

Thanks for the recommendations and advice, greatly appreciated.

I went to a Tudor AD in Sydney today, unfortunately they didn't have a Pelagos in stock for me to try. I did however try their Black Bay Heritage with the Blue bezel as I believe it is similar in size (41mm). I actually liked it a lot, and for a daily wearer it wasn't overly fussy.

Now I need to find an AD that has the Pelagos to try it.

Any pointers on the best place to buy one online? Chrono24 has several but I am apprehensive with purchasing from unknown dealers. Hong Kong suppliers seem sensible as I benefit from Tax free pricing also.

Thanks.

[Wadeski]

how big is the Pelagos? It looks massive...

[whoami]

42mm

[dom9]

don logan said:

Only have bad phone camera pics

The former Mrs9 always used to tell me that all my watches looked the same and I should get rid of some... You're a man after my own heart, Mr Logan!

Maybe too 'fussy' for the OP but I still love the Tudor Black Bay on the bracelet and the blue bezel version is a little more demure than the red, arguably. No date though