Need Help to Decide : Panerai vs Omega vs Tag Heuer
Discussion
To cut a long story short, I have a £1k voucher to spend to replace some stolen items. I can spend it on a watch, provided it is not a Rolex.
I visited my local independent store and looked over some options.
I currently have a Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph that I have had for about 9 years, and worn daily since. It has served me well and I have no issues with the "Tag" image concerns.
The store showed me a number of options, but I have narrowed it down to two:
1. Tag Monaco
2. Omega Planet Ocean Chronograph (in Titanium on Rubber Strap)
I like the design of the Tag, and the fact the square case is a break from the norm. However, I already have a Tag, and its nice to have something different.
I like the 'heft' of the Omega on the wrist. Admittedly I tried on the steel version in store, and have not tied the titanium one, but all said I know to expect it to be lighter but I like the look of the grey - again a break from the norm. This is the steel version I tried:
The hang up is that I wonder if the orange on the Omega will make it look and feel dated rather quickly. Whilst I am not really concerned by future value since I don't intend on selling or trading them in, I don't want to splurge cash on something that I end up not wanting to wear. I can say my Carrera chronograph has been on my wrist pretty much since I bought it, and I still think it looks quite fresh. Also I am not sure if this is just too much of a sports watch, and would it look just silly with a suit etc? That said, I have the Carrera for this purpose, but still, its nice to have a choice of what to wear.
To add some more complexity, I can get a good deal on a discount of either of the two above ones, hence this adds to the proposition.
However, I have also longed after a Panerai for some time, and I wanted a base 8 days titanium.
It can be had from another store, where I could use the voucher but would not be able to get any discount. Question is, is this again something a bit plain jane with just a silly crown guard at the end of the day? Admitted I really like the clean look of the base model Luminors, so this still is a strong contender.
Lastly, since I was not planning a purchase at this time (only now doing so due to the voucher I need to use), I had wanted to buy a black ceramic Rolex submariner. I cannot use the voucher against a Rolex. Also, given I am now pushed into a purchase, I will not be buying anything else again soon, so the Rolex will just have to wait until I can man maths a reason in years to come.
So folks, what do you suggest. Assuming the price is not an issue on either of these three (upto 7k budget) what would you pick and why?
Any other suggestions I should consider? Any non Rolex is open as a candidate.
I visited my local independent store and looked over some options.
I currently have a Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph that I have had for about 9 years, and worn daily since. It has served me well and I have no issues with the "Tag" image concerns.
The store showed me a number of options, but I have narrowed it down to two:
1. Tag Monaco
2. Omega Planet Ocean Chronograph (in Titanium on Rubber Strap)
I like the design of the Tag, and the fact the square case is a break from the norm. However, I already have a Tag, and its nice to have something different.
I like the 'heft' of the Omega on the wrist. Admittedly I tried on the steel version in store, and have not tied the titanium one, but all said I know to expect it to be lighter but I like the look of the grey - again a break from the norm. This is the steel version I tried:
The hang up is that I wonder if the orange on the Omega will make it look and feel dated rather quickly. Whilst I am not really concerned by future value since I don't intend on selling or trading them in, I don't want to splurge cash on something that I end up not wanting to wear. I can say my Carrera chronograph has been on my wrist pretty much since I bought it, and I still think it looks quite fresh. Also I am not sure if this is just too much of a sports watch, and would it look just silly with a suit etc? That said, I have the Carrera for this purpose, but still, its nice to have a choice of what to wear.
To add some more complexity, I can get a good deal on a discount of either of the two above ones, hence this adds to the proposition.
However, I have also longed after a Panerai for some time, and I wanted a base 8 days titanium.
It can be had from another store, where I could use the voucher but would not be able to get any discount. Question is, is this again something a bit plain jane with just a silly crown guard at the end of the day? Admitted I really like the clean look of the base model Luminors, so this still is a strong contender.
Lastly, since I was not planning a purchase at this time (only now doing so due to the voucher I need to use), I had wanted to buy a black ceramic Rolex submariner. I cannot use the voucher against a Rolex. Also, given I am now pushed into a purchase, I will not be buying anything else again soon, so the Rolex will just have to wait until I can man maths a reason in years to come.
So folks, what do you suggest. Assuming the price is not an issue on either of these three (upto 7k budget) what would you pick and why?
Any other suggestions I should consider? Any non Rolex is open as a candidate.
I think I would be working out how to turn that £1000 voucher you can't use to buy the Rolex you really want into as close to £1000 in cash that you can spend on what ever you like.
Of those I would go Panerai as I don't think chronographs are really my thing. A normal Ti PO would be nice though.
Of those I would go Panerai as I don't think chronographs are really my thing. A normal Ti PO would be nice though.
gregs656 said:
I think I would be working out how to turn that £1000 voucher you can't use to buy the Rolex you really want into as close to £1000 in cash that you can spend on what ever you like.
Of those I would go Panerai as I don't think chronographs are really my thing. A normal Ti PO would be nice though.
I have looked at options within the family and close friends circle to "swap" the voucher for some cash, but no joy. I am not sure I can really sell it on the open market as its part of an insurance claim, and I would need to be there to do the transaction etc.Of those I would go Panerai as I don't think chronographs are really my thing. A normal Ti PO would be nice though.
The normal Ti PO is the smaller case size, 43.5mm if I recall. The chronograph is 45.5mm. I preferred the size of the larger case.
The Panerai is very tempting. I might have to visit a store to try it on and then take a look.
SimboRS said:
Why don't you sell the voucher for slightly less than its worth??
Love the omega although not to keen on the titanium version, out of those I'd probably go with the black and orange omega, but I'd look into buying it on a bracelet and getting the rubber strap aswell.
Difficult to do due to insurance involvement and the fact that the voucher is named and needs to be supported with photo ID at time of purchase. See my post above.Love the omega although not to keen on the titanium version, out of those I'd probably go with the black and orange omega, but I'd look into buying it on a bracelet and getting the rubber strap aswell.
Is there anything else I should be looking at around this price range?
Given I have already got a chronograph I am not too fussed by having another, hence my original thoughts were a Panerai or a Rolex Sub.
Dealer also showed my a Chopard, but I wasn't too sure if I was still leaning on a fashion watch selling at a watch makers price.
Given I have already got a chronograph I am not too fussed by having another, hence my original thoughts were a Panerai or a Rolex Sub.
Dealer also showed my a Chopard, but I wasn't too sure if I was still leaning on a fashion watch selling at a watch makers price.
nikaiyo2 said:
Panerai for me all day long, I am biased they are my favourite watch, a base Pam is perfect. If I could only keep one watch it would be a Pam, I am not up to date with the numbering, but make sure it has screw in bars not spring bars otherwise you will miss out on strap changing
Why does spring bars prevent strap changing? I think I will need to visit the showroom and try one on.I don't know if your dealer could get one, but the limited edition Omega 60th anniversary Seamaster is absolutely gorgeous. Sorry for the bad photo.
The Anniversary Railmaster is also a lovely piece. I'm very tempted by one, and hope that I can still find one when I've got the money.
There's also a 40mm Railmaster joining the regular collection. They won't reach Australia until the New Year, so I haven't seen one yet.
As for Chopard, the LUC range has some serious watchmaking chops behind it. Some of the pieces are considered comparable to the likes of Patek. This is the XP in stainless steel. It's an ultra-thin design, and a beautiful timepiece.
The Anniversary Railmaster is also a lovely piece. I'm very tempted by one, and hope that I can still find one when I've got the money.
There's also a 40mm Railmaster joining the regular collection. They won't reach Australia until the New Year, so I haven't seen one yet.
As for Chopard, the LUC range has some serious watchmaking chops behind it. Some of the pieces are considered comparable to the likes of Patek. This is the XP in stainless steel. It's an ultra-thin design, and a beautiful timepiece.
OK, another suggestion, the Speedmaster Racing. It's got a grey dial, and the orange accents are a bit more subdued than on the Planet Ocean.
If you want a completely stupid idea, the Omega Ploprof.
It's got a grey dial, though I'd get it with the orange bezel, and it will kick sand in the face of a Rolex Submariner. They're surprisingly comfortable to wear, having a titanium case, though they won't find under a shirt sleeve particularly well.
Unfortunately they cost £9000.
Of the three watches originally flagged, I like the Panerai the best. I think that its simplicity would make it more wearable, and it'd probably work with a suit. More importantly, it's something you want, rather than something you're buying for the sake of it.
That said, could you spend the voucher on a present for someone else, such as your partner, and then buy the Rolex Submariner? That's what your heart's set on, and it'd be cheaper just to get one now, rather than spend the money on something you don't necessarily want, before getting what you do down the line.
If you want a completely stupid idea, the Omega Ploprof.
It's got a grey dial, though I'd get it with the orange bezel, and it will kick sand in the face of a Rolex Submariner. They're surprisingly comfortable to wear, having a titanium case, though they won't find under a shirt sleeve particularly well.
Unfortunately they cost £9000.
Of the three watches originally flagged, I like the Panerai the best. I think that its simplicity would make it more wearable, and it'd probably work with a suit. More importantly, it's something you want, rather than something you're buying for the sake of it.
That said, could you spend the voucher on a present for someone else, such as your partner, and then buy the Rolex Submariner? That's what your heart's set on, and it'd be cheaper just to get one now, rather than spend the money on something you don't necessarily want, before getting what you do down the line.
Graemsay said:
OK, another suggestion, the Speedmaster Racing. It's got a grey dial, and the orange accents are a bit more subdued than on the Planet Ocean.
If you want a completely stupid idea, the Omega Ploprof.
It's got a grey dial, though I'd get it with the orange bezel, and it will kick sand in the face of a Rolex Submariner. They're surprisingly comfortable to wear, having a titanium case, though they won't find under a shirt sleeve particularly well.
Unfortunately they cost £9000.
Of the three watches originally flagged, I like the Panerai the best. I think that its simplicity would make it more wearable, and it'd probably work with a suit. More importantly, it's something you want, rather than something you're buying for the sake of it.
That said, could you spend the voucher on a present for someone else, such as your partner, and then buy the Rolex Submariner? That's what your heart's set on, and it'd be cheaper just to get one now, rather than spend the money on something you don't necessarily want, before getting what you do down the line.
Thanks for all the input. The Panerai is tugging at me heart strings, but the discount on the Omega is making me think its a better deal. The Plop is not for me lol. I previously looked as a deep sea, and then it just felt a little comical like it was trying too hard. No denying its a real tool, but not what I am looking for right now.If you want a completely stupid idea, the Omega Ploprof.
It's got a grey dial, though I'd get it with the orange bezel, and it will kick sand in the face of a Rolex Submariner. They're surprisingly comfortable to wear, having a titanium case, though they won't find under a shirt sleeve particularly well.
Unfortunately they cost £9000.
Of the three watches originally flagged, I like the Panerai the best. I think that its simplicity would make it more wearable, and it'd probably work with a suit. More importantly, it's something you want, rather than something you're buying for the sake of it.
That said, could you spend the voucher on a present for someone else, such as your partner, and then buy the Rolex Submariner? That's what your heart's set on, and it'd be cheaper just to get one now, rather than spend the money on something you don't necessarily want, before getting what you do down the line.
Another angle on all of this. Will the orange on the Omega bezel etc date the watch and stop it being a "classic". By that, I mean is it a timeless design or is it very "now" and won't age well. Again not from a resale point of view, but from a style point of view. Does this make the Panerai more classic? For example, only a real fan would know the difference between two Panerais that are say 10 years apart. Same for Rolex models within reason. But can the same be said for the Omegas that I have shown?
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff