Dress Watch; Villeret vs UN Classico vs Omega 1948

[Explorer2Guy]

I have a 216570 in black and am looking for a dress watch. I’d like to stay around $4,000 to $7,500. I’ll probably buy grey market and Jomashop seems to have the best selection of in stock pieces.

So far I like the Ulysse Nardin Classico (I actually prefer the non-enamel face), the Blancpain Villeret and the Omega Seamaster 1948.

I’ll probably go with a black band and white face but the UN and Omega have a blue band option. The UN with the blue face is stunning and timeless. The Omega Seamaster 1948 is definitely more retro. The Villeret is very, very conservative and maybe a bit boring.

I really want the Calatrava with the sticks and ivory dial but at $34,000 grey market, that’s not happening.

It looks like resale on the UN is abysmal but that’s why the grey price is 60 pct resale.

Any insight?

Thank you.

With respect to the navy blue band on the Seamaster 1948 and the blue face Classico, is navy blue regarded as dressy for those pieces?

Thanks, again.

[mnf67]

If you don't mind going used, the Blancpain 7002 from about 15 years ago can be found used within your range (they are hard to find because there were only a few hundred made). Steel, with a nicely decorated hand winding movement, and about 7.5 mm thin:

[mr.president1]

Just bought the Omega 1948 and posted an incoming. Timely post! I find the blue band to be more dressier. It also comes with a brown band as well along with a NATO (if you’re looking to buy full set). I highly recommend this option. Was in a boat similar to yours, and really needed something classy, dressier, and significant.

[Explorer2Guy]

Thank you for the replies. The Blancpain posted is stunning.

I’ll continue to look for a 1948. I regret not purchasing the one at the Seattle store connected to the Fairmont Hotel