Need ideas for 1 watch that can do EVERYTHING

[ATV]

Hello all,

I'd like to buy my first "proper" watch (previously just worn any Seiko that took my fancy whenever I've lost mine)

The watch would have to perform the following functions:

1) It would have to be suitable for me to wear ALL the time. I only take my watch off when I'm asleep. I go to the gym in it, swimming, shower etc. So it would have to be tough enough to withstand daily scrapes and scratches.

2) Smart enough to wear with a suit

3) Have a particular wow factor so that I'll look down and smile at it every morning before I put it on

4) but not be too ostentatious and gaudy that would make me look like Del Boy (or Del Boy wannabe)

As it will be my first (and probably only) watch which I will be spending a considerable amount on, I am happy to splash out a bit. My budget would probably stretch to no more than 10k for something really special but would feel more comfortable with 5k I think.

I'd also prefer something brand new rather than pre-owned, as I have a particular aversion to spending money on something if I don't know fully how its previous owners have looked after it.

Have been leaning towards a Stainless Steel Rolex Daytona with a black face. Alternatively I was thinking of one of the Patek Calatrava models (but which one?) which I think are beautiful in their simplicity but perhaps out of my price range and probably might fall down on point number 1.

Any advice would be welcome

[Fittster]

If your going to spend that sort of money I'd suggest you go to Bond St. area and have a look at all the lovely watches on offer.

[RichB]

ATV said:

been leaning towards a Stainless Steel Rolex Daytona...

You did say that wouldn't make you look like Del Boy

Edited by RichB on Thursday 26th March 17:54

[Stuart]

Why only 1?

[fergus]

One of the JLC master compressor range?

[Ikemi]

Are you sure once you've spent £5/10K on a watch you're not going to get the bug and want another?

I'm with Stuart. Half the fun is looking for your next watch, trying on watches and then making that all important purchase. Browse some windows (and these forums/tz-uk) and see what appeals to you ... Tag, Omega, IWC, Damasko? Maybe you'll come across 'the one', the single watch that is special and makes you smile

Edited by Ikemi on Thursday 26th March 18:29

[Papoo]

Wow, with that budget, you've a lot of choice..

My choice? A JLC master world geographic in stainless steel. Either that, or a Blancpain 50 fathoms... Absolutely beautiful piece..

[fergus]

Ikemi said:

Are you sure once you've spent £5/10K on a watch you're not going to get the bug and want another?

I'm with Stuart. Half the fun is looking for your next watch, trying on watches and then making that all important purchase. Browse some windows (and these forums/tz-uk) and see what appeals to you ... Tag, Omega, IWC, Damasko? Maybe you'll come across 'the one', the single watch that is special and makes you smile

With 5-10k, I think you are in a league above those mentioned?!

[Peter G]

If you want virtually bomb proof have a look at the ceramic Panerai Black Seal Radiomir.

Failing that maybe something in Titanium should wear better than steel.

10k is an enormous budget, and if I had that much I'd be buying a portfolio of pieces...

[Vipers]

If you get an expensive watch, make sure you add it to your house contents and covered when out of the house. My Seadweller is around £70 for cover. Well worth it.

[Dominic H]

To play devil's advocate. Forgetting the AP, you could put together this collection of used pieces for under £10,000...



18ct Zenith El Primero
IWC Doppel Chrono
Hublot SuperB chrono
18ct IWC Romain
(AP Royal Oak)
TAG Heuer 1000m Divers watch
Putting a collection together is half the fun...

Dom H

[Stuart]

Dominic H said:

To play devil's advocate. Forgetting the AP, you could put together this collection of used pieces for under £10,000...



18ct Zenith El Primero
IWC Doppel Chrono
Hublot SuperB chrono
18ct IWC Romain
(AP Royal Oak)
TAG Heuer 1000m Divers watch
Putting a collection together is half the fun...

Dom H

Although for a round £10k, he'll throw in the box and a G-shock of your choice to take the spot vacated by the AP. And deliver.

Job. Done.