Please forgive the long post, and maybe this should be a new thread (mods feel free to move), but I'm curious hear the group's input on my dilemma (first world, I know).
In an effort to mark some significant recent, and upcoming, events (promotion, 10 year anniversary) I find myself in the market for my first real timepiece. I was bit by the bug years ago and have been a long-term obsessive about watches ever since. My list has evolved over time, but largely existed on a wistful "someday" level due to financial and life restraints. When everything exists in the hypothetical it's easy to "know" what you want and what you would buy - now that I have the opportunity it's a lot more difficult. I've narrowed things down to a few leading contenders and would love to get your feedback on the merits and drawbacks of each since I know many of you guys have these pieces.
Some background to give you a sense of where I am:
-- My budget is probably about $5K now, if I wait some time (like ~1.5 years until my 40th b-day I may be able to push it up some more).
-- I'm an academic physician, so while I often wear semi-formal wear (suits, sport coats, etc) it's not super rigid like a board room or anything. I'm also in scrubs a lot.
-- As you'll see below I tend to gravitate towards divers, pilot watches, chronographs and GMTs - I guess I like the more tool watch aesthetic.
-- The watch would be a daily wearer (not going to use the term "beater") so durability is important.
-- I would like to build a collection over time, but not for the purpose of investment. I want to wear and enjoy my watches, not have them in a safe so I can sell them later for a profit.
-- My ideal collection would likely include many of these down the line, but I need to decide how to start.
Here are the watches I'm considering in no particular order:
1.) Tudor Black Bay GMT
-- I loved this thing when I first saw it. I like that it seems to be getting back to what Rolex used to be in terms of a high quality, durable, well-designed, functional tool watch.
-- Seems like an amazing value given that it is $3,900 on a bracelet and $3,575 on a strap. With that you get 200M water resistance, in house 70-hour power reserve movement and a "true" GMT complication. It's also available new with all the benefits of that over the used market.
-- The pepsi color scheme is awesome and the more subdued, matte, colors of the aluminum bezel seem more functional than the bright ones on a classic Rolex GMT Master II 16710 (which is also ~$5000 more expensive!).
-- Cons: People worry about the thickness (14.8mm), but pictures don't look too bad. I have yet to try one on so who knows. Pepsi color scheme, while awesome, maybe not the most versatile. Also, date wheel issues being reported but hopefully will be resolved by the time I would buy it.
Attachment 109477
Image from Hodinkee.com
2.) Omega Speedmaster Professional reference 3572.50
-- The classic - though I particularly like this version with the Hesalite crystal and exhibition caseback. It has been discontinued, but frequently available on the gray market at ~$3,100-$3,500.
-- I love it and my dad used to wear an old quartz Omega - so there is a definite draw there because of that.
-- Cons: I've looked at Speedys so many times, I kind of feel like I may get bored with it at some point. Also, while controversial, I do use the date feature a lot on my current watch a lot.
Attachment 109478
Attachment 109479
3.) IWC Pilot's Chronograph reference 3717
-- I've always liked the legible, but complex design of this dial. I also like the splash of color from the seconds dial. This version is slightly smaller at 42mm than the current reference 3777 at 43mm
-- Also discontinued, but available via gray market at ~$3,500
Attachment 109480
4.) IWC Pilot's Chronograph reference 3706
-- I like the unique dial, colors and hands. The vintage vibe is cool and hails back to the, arguably, better days of IWC in the '90s.
-- Discontinued but available for ~$3,200
Attachment 109481
Others:
5.) IWC Doppelchronograph reference 3711
-- Not really all that practical but this thing is just dope. Super thick case so probably difficult to have as a daily wear. Maybe someday as an addition to the collection - might also scratch the IWC 3706 itch at the same time.
-- Surprisingly available on gray market for ~$5,000
Attachment 109482
6.) Rolex GMT Master II reference 16710
-- If price were not an object...unfortunately it is.
Attachment 109483
Let me know if I should be thinking about anything else that would fit the bill.
Ryan
Fausto
Re: Nato Strap
Originally Posted by rcunnane
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