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19 April 2018, 12:53 PM | #1 |
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Best-finished/most interesting/versatile blue/black under $15k?
So, knowing what I've already got, what I'm looking for, and what my budget is, what else should I consider? I'd be grateful for any help expanding my horizons within these constraints. Many thanks! |
19 April 2018, 02:25 PM | #2 |
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The adventure continues huh?
Honestly, you kind of seem like a Rolex guy. You are keeping your Sub, the DJ was a hit with you upon first trying it on....what about a blue Sky D? For $30k you could do the DJ, SkyD & PAM. Is by no means what I personally like, but like I said, it just kind of feels like it may be the ticket for you. |
19 April 2018, 03:05 PM | #3 |
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Maybe check out the Vacheron Constantin Overseas. The blue dial is amazing, as is the movement and case finishing, and you get the Geneva Seal to prove it. Also, they're very versatile as they come with a bracelet, leather and rubber straps.
I don't think you'll get too much of a discount, but you also won't have to sit on a waiting list for three years. |
19 April 2018, 03:13 PM | #4 | |
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19 April 2018, 04:48 PM | #5 | |
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Thanks. Interesting suggestion. I do love Rolex, that’s for sure. I’m trying to broaden my horizons, unsuccessfully so far! The Skydweller is a neat piece but it’s apparently hard to find in stainless and they are trading well above MSRP. So it’d be a long wait for one. I may just get a PAM and the DJ and wait to see what else strikes my fancy. |
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19 April 2018, 05:35 PM | #6 |
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You can probably find a nice AP Diver or the older Royal Oak Offshore themes models in your budget. Great watches and sound like they will fit you fine.
Enjoy the hunt |
19 April 2018, 09:54 PM | #7 | ||
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"I’m sexy and I know it…” (sing along if you know the words)
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Favourite genre of music and films? Any pets? Do you like long walks on the beach? GSOH? If you’re going to use this site as a pseudo-dating joint, you have to provide potentially interested parties with all the pertinent information. Oh, almost forgot… inside leg measurement? Quote:
What happened to your wrist in the space of a fortnight? Come on, tell the truth… you’re really only 5’ 3”, and 305 lbs, and the only thing remotely athletic is a crusty old jockstrap you still keep as a reminder of a bygone era? |
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19 April 2018, 11:37 PM | #8 |
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I remeasured my wrist (had been about a year) after stuff was fitting differently than expected. I’ve changed my diet and workout routine in the last 6-8 months and apparently some of it has come out of my wrists. |
19 April 2018, 11:49 PM | #9 |
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20 April 2018, 09:30 AM | #10 |
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Royal Oak seems like a solid suggestion. Don't over-Rolex, if you want pick another one up later. Concentrate on one piece instead of multiples.
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20 April 2018, 11:24 AM | #11 | |
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That's the tough part. Other than the Grand Lange 1 in WG/black, nothing but the DJ41 has really spoken to me. I loved the look of the RO but the bracelet pulled my arm hair badly. There's also the issue that the blue color I'd be interested in isn't available for 18+ months unless I want to pay a huge premium. In terms of the Lange, I worry that the GL is too formal/delicate for casual wear and that a PM case will show a lot of scratches/scuffing due to the softer precious metal. What are your thoughts? |
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20 April 2018, 12:10 PM | #12 |
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How about a Blancpain? Either the original Fifty Fathoms or a Bathyscaphe. I recently picked up a blue ceramic Bathyscaphe and am really loving it. In my opinion it’s super versatile: came on an awesome NATO, looks sharp on custom alligator, and just tonight I put it on an isofrane clone for summer water fun!
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20 April 2018, 01:31 PM | #13 | |
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That looks fantastic. If it came in silver or white I’d be all over it. I saw the black one in Vegas last week. Only issue is that I’ve got a blue diver already so I don’t want to duplicate that piece. Appreciate the suggestion! |
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20 April 2018, 02:23 PM | #14 |
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^ the Bathyscaphe above does come in steel with a rather nice sunburst dark grey dial. It's also available on a bracelet, which would give you a couple more options strap wise.
Still on the Blancpain tip, if you like the way the 15400 blue looks, try the regular Fifty Fathoms with the blue flinque dial. The case is satin brushed which really makes the dial and the sapphire bezel pop. It's 45mm, but wears about the same size as an AP diver. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVJln-2cIdk&t=18s here's my regular black version, my wrist is about 7/14... a review of the black vs blue: https://www.watchcollectinglifestyle...hed-references $15K on the secondary market would easily bag you the 3 hand version, the chromo version or, if you want to be super fancy, the Quantiemme complet version. https://monochrome-watches.com/the-c...tors-series-7/ there's also the new titanium version- brushed ti case and a sunburst blue dial: ( photo's by Shorty's Home ) I just played with one of these in HK and it's sublime |
20 April 2018, 02:33 PM | #15 |
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I think you should go for variety. If you are going to get a DJ and already have a sub, I don't think you need another rolex. I would agree with the above comments - a) blancpain is a great option. b) I would also recommend chopard, the finishing is excellent, some great deals on the secondary market and good discounts on new pieces. I like the both their LUC and Mille Miglia/Superfast collection. c) I would also recommend a Glashutte Panomatic Lunar in the grey dial option. d) the new JLC polaris line is very good too - its dressy and sport. I also think they have a blue dialed memovox too.
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20 April 2018, 02:45 PM | #16 | |
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Best-finished/most interesting/versatile blue/black under $15k?
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I can go as high as $30k. The $15k was if I’m going to get the DJ41 and something else along with it. I’m considering putting the whole $30k in to a Grand Lange 1 in WG/Black but I’m not sold on precious metals for a case. I love the styling and feel on the wrist. Just went to see it again today. Stunning. I’ll have to go take a look at some of the Blancpains. Not sure they’re right for me (already have two dive style watches and looking for variety) but I’ll give them a look. |
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20 April 2018, 09:32 PM | #17 | |
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21 April 2018, 02:38 AM | #18 |
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I like the VC Overseas for something on a really cool bracelet, and I think an IWC reference 5007 Portugieser would be a cool piece to work well with the casually elegant taste you have.
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21 April 2018, 03:01 AM | #19 |
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21 April 2018, 03:33 AM | #20 | |
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I tried on a few Panerais again yesterday. Radiomir 1940 line. The 42mm looked a little "lost" on my wrist, but it was a white dial with a strap color I'd never wear, so it's hard to say if it would look better in black with a better strap color for me. The 45mm was more proportional but I didn't like the Automatic text on the dial (threw off the symmetry, non-matching font is no-go) and the larger size than I prefer + the thickness at the upper limit of my preference made it less appealing (12.5mm thickness, same as my SubC). The more I think about it, something with a quick change strap system would be great. It's what makes the PAM appealing-- go from a black croc to something bolder or a NATO/Perlon in no time. I wish the case size/proportions were better for me. Seems the search goes on. Frustrating! |
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21 April 2018, 03:56 AM | #21 |
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^
Some more options for you to consider, given your preference for a low profile design. https://www.chrono24.com/chopard/luc...-id7319092.htm https://www.chrono24.com/chopard/luc...-id5733705.htm https://www.chrono24.com/chopard/luc...-id5599426.htm https://www.chrono24.com/rogerdubuis...-id7653433.htm https://www.chrono24.com/rogerdubuis...-id7739739.htm https://www.chrono24.com/rogerdubuis...-id7036782.htm https://www.chrono24.com/bulgari/ger...-id7292455.htm https://www.chrono24.com/bulgari/oct...-id7158794.htm https://www.chrono24.com/bulgari/octo--id7847457.htm https://www.chrono24.com/bulgari/oct...-id7717692.htm |
21 April 2018, 04:05 AM | #22 |
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14500 would be my go too. A pam could always be added later.
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21 April 2018, 04:25 AM | #23 |
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Thanks PJ. These Bulgari options are interesting. I'll have to figure out where I can go try them on. The Octo Finissimo is especially intriguing. Very distinctive looking. I will admit to knowing nothing about Bulgari's horological efforts but the design is certainly eye-catching and the thinness is intriguing.
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21 April 2018, 04:27 AM | #24 |
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The issue for me was the bracelet on the 15400 was a hair puller. It may have sorted out over time but I wasn't ready to part with $18k for something that wasn't comfortable. Absolutely gorgeous piece but also not available in blue anytime soon, which is a bummer as I much prefer that to the silver or black.
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21 April 2018, 06:59 AM | #25 | |
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I/we know you’ve money burning a hole in your pocket, but there’s no race – take your time to explore the field, as it’s all too easy to latch onto something initially, only then to realise it was more the thrill of the chase that generated the excitement. As the old adage goes… buy in haste, repent at leisure – so keep your powder dry. The one that speaks to you the most will eventually make itself known; no point in trying to force the issue. As has been linked and suggested previously, in other threads, you should also take a look at the H Moser & Cie Pioneer – https://www.chrono24.com/hmosercie/p...-id7714139.htm Whilst not thin, the dome crystal is where a lot of the excess height is, which may not be an issue due to the fact it’s transparent, so for the most part, will be somewhat invisible – you’d still need to exercise wrist awareness. I can only presume the reasoning is for an undistorted view at acute angles, as the hand stack doesn’t look overly tall. http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...Seconds-(Steel) |
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21 April 2018, 10:52 PM | #26 |
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Curious why OP hasn’t responded to the VC Overseas suggestions? You and I have the same daily wearer/tastes and though it’s pricey the Overseas is a gorgeous piece. I have a 114060 and 36mm DJ and want something in the same vein for my next piece as you. I love the RO but the bracelet is a non starter due to the hair pulling.
The DJ41 w Rhodium dial is lovely. Cannot go wrong there. Good luck in your hunt. |
22 April 2018, 04:04 AM | #27 | |
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Interesting that you had the same hair pulling experience with the RO! Haven’t found a lot of others who’ve reported it. The Overseas wasn’t for me. Tried one on last week. It's beautifully made and nicely finished, and the micro-adjustment, quick change straps, etc are really great touches that respond well to real-world user needs for wearability. However, to my taste the design left a lot to be desired. I thought the piece overuses their cross logo in unattractive ways: the multiplied cross shape bezel design really didn’t work for me, and the cross elements in the bracelet were a bit much considering the cross is also in the bezel. My current fascination is with H Moser & Cie. Their Pioneer Center Seconds comes in steel with a rich blue dial. I am trying to figure out a way to see one. The Endeavour Small Seconds on the kudu strap could also be a solid option, but it’s precious metal so I’m less excited about that. |
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23 April 2018, 09:44 AM | #28 |
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At this point pick up a DJ and hold off anything else for say, six months in order to decide with perhaps more perspective.
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23 April 2018, 09:53 AM | #29 |
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23 April 2018, 12:17 PM | #30 | |
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I’d probably nudge you in the rhodium direction. The blue is gorgeous but it sounds like you may end up with another blue dial in the future and then the DJ blue may be redundant. Plus, I know you really like that rhodium a lot too, so I don’t think it would be settling. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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