If You Could Only Have One...

[sgtpeper]

Hi All,

I have finally decided to treat myself to my first nice watch. I've had a lot of vintage watches in the past mostly older Seamasters and Tag watches but every time I've thought about buying a Rolex, I end up buying another sports car instead... BUT the garage is full and now I want a watch!

My goal is one watch that is sort of the Swiss army knife of watches and can be worn in any situation.

I have a marathon session of trying on different watches today and I sort of narrowed it down to a few watches.

1. CPO Explorer 2 40mm polar - I have smaller wrists so 40mm is about as big as I can get. I've always really liked the look of these since a friend bought one a decade or so ago.

2. Daytona looked good on me but not sure I want to wear a 25-30k watch daily and in all situations. BUT I've always had a thing for the look.

3. Tudor Black Bay Pro - I went into this thinking ONLY Rolex for me. But we looked at the Tudor counter and this watch really looks great. The t-bar band is really comfortable and I like the easy adjustments. It didn't wear as thick as some have said. My only issue is if I'm buying one and only one great watch, am I okay not getting a Rolex?

I would love suggestions and thoughts. I like to lean toward things that are a little different - and almost all of my friends have a version of the GMT or Sub so I'd like something a bit different.

Thanks for the input!

[996marty]

IMG_2024-03-06-190512.jpg

Maybe go vintage Tudor instead of the newer versions.
In my opinion they have way more going for them

[Carguy87]

Welcome to the forum!!

Personally I’d get something with a black or blue dial for a “one and done” nice watch. The polar is a killer piece (and it’s probably next on my list to add TBH) but idk about a white dial as a one and only.

What’s your budget? If a $30k Daytona is in the ballpark, and I had to pick a one and done knowing what I do now about my collection, I’d take a very hard look at a Vacheron Constantin 7900V dual time black or blue dial. Quick change system lets you go from bracelet to rubber to leather dress strap easily. It’s definitely not your typical GMT, and while yes it is a $30k watch most people will never notice it or have any idea it’s that much money.

And the people that will notice are watch nerds like us that will just congratulate you on it lol.

That being said and this being a Rolex forum, if it had to be a Rolex I’d go for a SkyDweller black dial if you have the wrist for it.

[KatGirl]

You need a regular black Submariner date, or no date. Perfect Swiss Army knife of watches…

Kat


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[Bazil]

Hi there, Explorer to Polar, one of my favourite watches ..
But I’d go Daytona .. YOLO .

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Polar 16570 100%.

[Watchdog]

Smaller wrists and looks good on you? Daytona

GMT and date is a bonus, however . . .

[travisb]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

You need a regular black Submariner date, or no date. Perfect Swiss Army knife of watches…

Kat


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x2. This is what first comes to my mind in terms of a "swiss army knife of watches".

[Andad]

A 116710LN would be a good choice.

[Cru Jones]

Of those three, I’d go 16570, but with a black dial. Good luck with your choice.

[rockmastermike]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Of those three, I’d go 16570, but with a black dial. Good luck with your choice.

This man is right.

[Navin Johnson]

Submariner is the way to go. The classic watch that will never go out of style

[HHIslander]

16710 is what you need.

[1William]

A gmt.

[TBS]

Tudor BBGMT. Accessible and everyday tool watch.

[JSol1]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

Hi All,

I have finally decided to treat myself to my first nice watch. I've had a lot of vintage watches in the past mostly older Seamasters and Tag watches but every time I've thought about buying a Rolex, I end up buying another sports car instead... BUT the garage is full and now I want a watch!

My goal is one watch that is sort of the Swiss army knife of watches and can be worn in any situation.

I have a marathon session of trying on different watches today and I sort of narrowed it down to a few watches.

1. CPO Explorer 2 40mm polar - I have smaller wrists so 40mm is about as big as I can get. I've always really liked the look of these since a friend bought one a decade or so ago.

2. Daytona looked good on me but not sure I want to wear a 25-30k watch daily and in all situations. BUT I've always had a thing for the look.

3. Tudor Black Bay Pro - I went into this thinking ONLY Rolex for me. But we looked at the Tudor counter and this watch really looks great. The t-bar band is really comfortable and I like the easy adjustments. It didn't wear as thick as some have said. My only issue is if I'm buying one and only one great watch, am I okay not getting a Rolex?

I would love suggestions and thoughts. I like to lean toward things that are a little different - and almost all of my friends have a version of the GMT or Sub so I'd like something a bit different.

Thanks for the input!

Not on your list, but for me ‘the Swiss army knife’ in my collection is my BLNR. Even though I own the BLRO as well, the BLNR is more understated. I also have both black and white Daytonas and they are great but not Swiss army great.

I have 6.75” wrists and the Polar was too big for me.

[rmlovett1]

From your thoughts and choices…black dial Daytona

[brandrea]

There’s quite a price difference in those references.

What is your budget?

Welcome to the forum

[sgtpeper]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I like the GMT and Sub but I did sort of want something a bit different - which is why I liked the Explorer. I REALLY love the look of the McQueen Explorer BUT don't like the idea of a daily wear watch with an acrylic crystal as I know I'll wreck it.

Ideal budget is under 20k but can stretch. Even more ideal budget under 10k. So I guess I'm pretty flexible for the right watch.

[Krash]

Is there a reason why you narrowed it down to those watches?

I’d recommend a Submariner.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I like the GMT and Sub but I did sort of want something a bit different - which is why I liked the Explorer. I REALLY love the look of the McQueen Explorer BUT don't like the idea of a daily wear watch with an acrylic crystal as I know I'll wreck it.

Ideal budget is under 20k but can stretch. Even more ideal budget under 10k. So I guess I'm pretty flexible for the right watch.

In light of the above, I’d go with an Exp2 white or back dial.

[Gerry62]

I’d recommend a Submariner 14060/16610 o Sea dweller 16600

[Benzsiam]

I would rather go for Sub (ND) at your local AD with some a wait time but possible.

[rossi46]

Explorer II black dial 16570

Perfect as your only, everyday watch. One and done!

[Rocky Hockey]

Another vote for the CPO Polar 16570. I find the GMT function useful when I’m abroad.

I also own the BB Pro, which is starting to take away wrist time from the Exp, and I like for all the reasons you mentioned, however, if it’s a Rolex you are seeking, I think you might regret passing on this opportunity.

I suppose a 16710 would be my first choice, but it’s not on your list. Also, my 16570 gets more wrist time (for me) because it can be a little more under the radar when I travel.

I love the look of the Daytona, but it doesn’t have the functionality (date/GMT) I like, plus, a Speedy might make a nice add on for not too much. The Daytona, practically speaking, is out of my price range.

Here is a picture of my well-worn 16570. It wears its bumps and bruises quite well IMHO.

No wrong choices on your list!


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[Mystro]

GMT or Sub and be done. The reason I say this is they both have a rotating bezels that can be used for timing. The GMT 4th hand adds another trick to game and might be more interesting as there isn’t as many of them walking around.

[senninha]

as someone who bought a daytona intending to daily wear it, i find it hard as i worry it’s too ‘visible’ in some areas i go to and i don’t otherwise live a ‘$15k watch’ lifestyle, and when wearing it i can’t pretend i don’t care about keeping it as nice as possible. i’m currently looking at a BBPro myself, as a steve mcqueen explorer fan i can’t get that out of my mind… that will likely become my daily.

[swexlin]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

You need a regular black Submariner date, or no date. Perfect Swiss Army knife of watches…

Kat


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Agree this is what you need

[sgtpeper]

The BB Pro is hard to get off my mind! Incredible looks and a great band!

I don't disagree with all the GMT and Sub comments, they're just really common in my group of friends.

[77T]

If this is what you mean, then go get it...




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