[tom2517]

Originally Posted by carlings

I couldn't find a discussion thread for this particular price range here, so hopefully this is welcome.

15,000 bucks is a LOT of money -- but also seems like something of a "value" price point in the high end, to the degree you can talk about any such thing.

At least you have plenty of choices of not-so-complicated, but nevertheless beautifully finished watches from the top watchmakers.

What should be the top contenders? Right now I'm thinking:

Lange 1815 38.5mm used
Lange 1815 up/down with the older 36mm case
Lange Saxonia Thin new or used Saxonia with small seconds
Patek Calatrava 5119 or 5196 used
JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon in gold
Breguet Classique with enamel or guilloché dial?
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony

Then you have the off-beat picks, like picking up a vintage perpetual from AP. Seems like you're asking for trouble come servicing time though.

For the best finishing, it seems simple enough. You go with the Lange, done. But finishing isn't everything. In the flesh I was particularly impressed with the beauty of Breguet's dials, and that goes for both the enamel and guilloché offerings.

The JLC Moon is also very nice, particularly in rose gold. But it may be slightly overpriced considering your top end options.

What else should be considered? And what dress watch would you personally buy for 15k?

I would not get a Patek at this price range. Patrimony would be my pick.