Which high end "sporty" watch?

[andy tims]

Just some initial thoughts at the moment, but I might sell several of my current collection & splurge a bigish amount on a high end piece.

These are all candidates

Blancpain - Leman Split Seconds Chronograph - 2086F-1130M-71
Breguet - Type XX Transatlatique Fly Back Chrono - 3820ST/H2/SW9
Vacheron Constantin - Overseas Chronograph - 49150/b01a-9097
Glashutte Original - Sport Evolution Chronograph 39-31-43-03-14
Glashutte Original - Sport Evolution Panorama Date - 39-42-43-03-14
Glashutte Original - Sport Evolution GMT - 39-55-43-03-14
IWC - Portuguese Chrono-Automatic - IW371417 (Blue Numerals)

Anybody experienced either of these, or have any further sugestions?

Cheers in advance

[deejuic]

andy tims said:

Just some initial thoughts at the moment, but I might sell several of my current collection & splurge a bigish amount on a high end piece.

These are all candidates

Blancpain - Leman Split Seconds Chronograph - 2086F-1130M-71
Breguet - Type XX Transatlatique Fly Back Chrono - 3820ST/H2/SW9
Vacheron Constantin - Overseas Chronograph - 49150/b01a-9097
Glashutte Original - Sport Evolution Chronograph 39-31-43-03-14
Glashutte Original - Sport Evolution Panorama Date - 39-42-43-03-14
Glashutte Original - Sport Evolution GMT - 39-55-43-03-14
IWC - Portuguese Chrono-Automatic - IW371417 (Blue Numerals)

Anybody experienced either of these, or have any further sugestions?

Cheers in advance

I've got the Portuguese Chrono. I love it. Although the Glashutte's are nice and are on my list of future purchases. you could also look at AP Royal Oak Offshore for the last of the high end sporty watches.

[gwasoc]

I've got the Portuguese as well. It never left my wrist for over a year, and was looking a bit tatty... Here's what IWC had to say (in their own engrish too! );

"We have well received and registered the above-mentioned product in the following condition:
Strap is much worn. Strap keeper broken. Numerous scratches on case and case back. 1 x screw
missing on case back. Case horns has deep scratched and dented (at 7H).

Request quote on service and replace strap. Enclosed copy of WTY dated 11/12/2007.

Upon the technical evaluation, we will recommend the necessary service, which is required in order to ensure an impeccable performance.

Thank you in advance for your faith in our services.
Sincerely,
Service Center"

Yeah I know - it gets a hard life (and I'm real clumsy )

Here's what it cost;

All watch componant service: zip!
Regulate: nada!
iwa03728 screw: zero!
labour: nothing!

I wasn't really expecting to get the watch serviced for free (suggested they might like to consider it though!), so I got an original strap from them, and had it polished up at an extra cost. I havn't seen it yet to see how good the polishing is, as I'm away at work, but will check it out in a couple of weeks.

+1 for IWC customer service so far...

[The Contrarian]

threads like these - need pics!!

[mrodge]

how about a Corum Admiral's Cup?- they look like nothing else on the wrist

[Murph7355]

andy tims said:

Blancpain - Leman Split Seconds Chronograph - 2086F-1130M-71

Would be my choice.

I have a std Flyback and it's a really, really beautiful watch. Very high quality piece, and the steel bracelet is the best I've ever seen.

The only drawback is you may find the watch a little small, so would suggest you try one on first.

[paultje]

Well I guess you know what I would say.......has to be a G.O.

here's mine......( I love showing this photo because it drives the OCD's nuts!)

[Peter G]

From you list, I'd go for the Breguet.

Obviously the Panerai is in that price sector, like a PAM 250.

http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/images2/watch_i...

And also I'd look at a JLC, like a Master Compressor Geographic.

http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/images2/watch_i...

I also like Zeniths myself, so would drop my 5k on an El Primero, though I think the styling these days is seriously "love or hate".

[andy tims]

Got myself sorted via TZ-UK & this will be with me early next week

[whoami]

andy tims said:

Got myself sorted via TZ-UK & this will be with me early next week

Great choice. I have this too.

Amongst all of my watches, the quality is on par with those costing twice as much.

[Slagathore]

Sooooo nice!!

I love that watch.

There are certain watches that I see, and something just seems to click, instantly, and then you add it to the list.

One day...

[andy tims]

Cheers guys. The waiting is hard though.

[cyberface]

Just spotted this thread!

I've got the Bregeut transatlantique and it's a superb watch I love it, but the bracelet isn't as good as it could be given Breguet's reputation and the price of the piece.



ETA: only other niggle is the minutes totaliser at 3 - no numerals and 2 minute short markers, 6 minute long markers means it's not easily obvious how many minutes have passed... who the hell counts in groups of 6 minutes FFS?

Edited by cyberface on Friday 14th August 00:56

[lowdrag]

I wouldn't have thought that a Portuguese, fine watch though it is, would be considered in the "sporty" category. Refreshing to see a list without "the usual suspects" for once. Could I throw Corum and Hublot into the mix here? And how about Panerai, and Girard Perregaux from left field?

[cottonfoo]

cyberface said:

ETA: only other niggle is the minutes totaliser at 3 - no numerals and 2 minute short markers, 6 minute long markers means it's not easily obvious how many minutes have passed... who the hell counts in groups of 6 minutes FFS?

Heh, I hadn't noticed that at all before! Still a very good looking watch.

[Asterix]

As a huge Glashutte fan (and owner), they'd get the nod from me - superb watches for

Would have a good look at the JLCs as well.

Saying that, the Breguet looks lovely too.

Tough choice at this sort of price point. I guess you have to try them all on and the one that sings to you will be the one.