Suggestions?

[DantonIzzo]

I don't buy a watch very often, but when I do, I try to mark a special occasion. Other than a cheap Seiko and a Casio Calculator watch, I currently own:

1. Baum and Mercie Classima Chrono -- I bought this in 2014 as a gift for myself to celebrate paying off my student loans.
2. Tudor Black Bay "Red Rose" (ETA) -- I bought this in 2016 to celebrate the birth of my first son. He's getting the watch when he turns 18.
3. Omega Speedy Pro -- I bought this in 2017. No story behind this one. I just love it and it currently gets the most wrist time. Although now I wish I had bought the FOIS version, as I like the size better.
4. Rolex Datejust 116200 (36mm) -- I bought in 2018 to celebrate the birth of my second son. He's getting the watch when he turns 18. Glad I bought this then, as it seems like even a datejust (especially blue one), you can't get a discount on.

I started my own firm in 2018 and things have been going very well. My partner and I exceed our revenue/profit goals for 2019, so I would like to buy a watch to celebrate and mark the milestone. I put my name on the BLRO when it was announced, but I will unlikely to get it at MSRP, so I'm gonna give up on Rolex for now.

What I am looking for: After owning and wearing my current watches, with a 6.5 inch wrist, I realize that the sweet-spot size for me is between 35-39mm wide and 44-48mm lugs-to-lugs. I'm open to all genre of watches. I don't want to spend more than $8,000 (new or pre-own). I'm also looking for value (not necessarily cheap, but value).

What I have been looking at:

1. Omega Speedy CK2998 (either the blue or the black panda)
2. JLC Reverso Classic Medium Duo (with the brown CASA Flagiano strap)
3. Zenith El Primero 38mm
4. ALS Saxonia -- either the 35mm or 37mm (although this might be out of my range)
5. 1930/40s Rolex Bubbleback (rose gold)

I would appreciate any thoughts? Anything else I should look at?

Thanks!

[royerlich]

What are you looking for? Leather or metal, something dressy, casual or sporty, all steel case or maybe a bit of gold?

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[DantonIzzo]

Originally Posted by royerlich

What are you looking for? Leather or metal, something dressy, casual or sporty, all steel case or maybe a bit of gold?

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As you can see, from my list above, I'm kinda all over the place. I guess the only criteria would be:

1. Size: 35-39mm wide, and 44-48mm lugs-to-lugs
2. Price: $8k or below
3. No two-tones
4. If precious metal, I would prefer rose gold

[royerlich]

Maybe a hamilton khaki field? You get more than what you pay for in my opinion and i recently purchased one with a nice leather strap

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[DantonIzzo]

Originally Posted by royerlich

Maybe a hamilton khaki field? You get more than what you pay for in my opinion and i recently purchased one with a nice leather strap

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I like the Field Khaki. Congrats on yours! Beautiful!

[Dlong]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

I don't buy a watch very often, but when I do, I try to mark a special occasion. Other than a cheap Seiko and a Casio Calculator watch, I currently own:

1. Baum and Mercie Classima Chrono -- I bought this in 2014 as a gift for myself to celebrate paying off my student loans.
2. Tudor Black Bay "Red Rose" (ETA) -- I bought this in 2016 to celebrate the birth of my first son. He's getting the watch when he turns 18.
3. Omega Speedy Pro -- I bought this in 2017. No story behind this one. I just love it and it currently gets the most wrist time. Although now I wish I had bought the FOIS version, as I like the size better.
4. Rolex Datejust 116200 (36mm) -- I bought in 2018 to celebrate the birth of my second son. He's getting the watch when he turns 18. Glad I bought this then, as it seems like even a datejust (especially blue one), you can't get a discount on.

I started my own firm in 2018 and things have been going very well. My partner and I exceed our revenue/profit goals for 2019, so I would like to buy a watch to celebrate and mark the milestone. I put my name on the BLRO when it was announced, but I will unlikely to get it at MSRP, so I'm gonna give up on Rolex for now.

What I am looking for: After owning and wearing my current watches, with a 6.5 inch wrist, I realize that the sweet-spot size for me is between 35-39mm wide and 44-48mm lugs-to-lugs. I'm open to all genre of watches. I don't want to spend more than $8,000 (new or pre-own). I'm also looking for value (not necessarily cheap, but value).

What I have been looking at:

1. Omega Speedy CK2998 (either the blue or the black panda)
2. JLC Reverso Classic Medium Duo (with the brown CASA Flagiano strap)
3. Zenith El Primero 38mm
4. ALS Saxonia -- either the 35mm or 37mm (although this might be out of my range)
5. 1930/40s Rolex Bubbleback (rose gold)

I would appreciate any thoughts? Anything else I should look at?

Thanks!

You better jump on the 38mm Zenith El Primero as the MSRP is going up $1100 on March 1st. Getting mine next week.

[Dlong]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

I like the Field Khaki. Congrats on yours! Beautiful!

My colleague at work just got one of those for $380. Real sweet for the price.

[billfredericks]

Reverso, or stretch the budget for a pre-owned Lange 37mm.

[billfredericks]

...wasn’t on your list, but what about an Explorer I (36 or 39)?

[jimcon11]

A vintage 36mm super compressor diver. Take your pic as there are a lot of cool ones in the 1.5-3k range.

[royerlich]

Originally Posted by Dlong

My colleague at work just got one of those for $380. Real sweet for the price.

I got mine for 270$ but paid another 100$ for import taxes and shipping.... still worth it tho

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[Dino944]

I like the Reverso, more than the others on your list. Zenith's El Primero movement is famous, and their vintage style chrono's are quite handsome. The Bubbleback will probably seem quite small by today's standards. But if you like smaller watches, go for it. I would also consider looking at the blue dial JLC Reverso Tribute small seconds with either the blue dial or wine color dial. In the under $8K range they are some of my favorite watches that are currently in production.

[DantonIzzo]

Originally Posted by billfredericks

...wasn’t on your list, but what about an Explorer I (36 or 39)?

I’m kinda Rolex out.

[DantonIzzo]

Originally Posted by Dlong

You better jump on the 38mm Zenith El Primero as the MSRP is going up $1100 on March 1st. Getting mine next week.

Interesting. Where are you hearing this from and is the price going up across the board?

[Collector2019]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

Interesting. Where are you hearing this from and is the price going up across the board?

Seem here / which model exactly?


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[LordNantucket]

If you can find a Lange within your budget, I would definitely go in that direction as it would be a great dress watch to compliment your existing sports. Similarly, it is playing at a different level from the other watches mentioned.

If no Lange, the JLC would be a great versatile piece!

[billfredericks]

Originally Posted by LordNantucket

If you can find a Lange within your budget, I would definitely go in that direction as it would be a great dress watch to compliment your existing sports. Similarly, it is playing at a different level from the other watches mentioned.

If no Lange, the JLC would be a great versatile piece!

Saxonia thin under 11k in a few places...

[LordNantucket]

Originally Posted by billfredericks

Saxonia thin under 11k in a few places...

I believe OP has stated that he wants to keep it under 8k.


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[billfredericks]

Originally Posted by LordNantucket

I believe OP has stated that he wants to keep it under 8k.


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Correct. I was implying that “finding one within [his] budget” was unlikely.

[Dlong]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

Interesting. Where are you hearing this from and is the price going up across the board?

Heard it from the AD I bought mine from. Not sure about across the board, but they said the 38mm 1969 el Primero is going from $7100 to $8200. Just repeating what I was told. I’ll be more comfortable when I have it in my hands Wednesday.

[Ocean Wanderer]

Considering your current collection, would you be interested in a nice Cartier Tank or a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso?

Edit: my apologies, it looks like you are already considering the Reverso. A nice Cartier Tank might also be worth taking a look.

[DantonIzzo]

Originally Posted by Ocean Wanderer

Considering your current collection, would you be interested in a nice Cartier Tank or a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso?

Edit: my apologies, it looks like you are already considering the Reverso. A nice Cartier Tank might also be worth taking a look.

I’m leaning toward a reverso currently.

[Ocean Wanderer]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

I’m leaning toward a reverso currently.

I think that it would be a great choice.

Please do share some photos of your new piece once you have made a decision!

[Justindo]

Personally, I would go for the Reverso or the Lange if you can swing it. Either would be a superb addition to your current very nice collection.

[Nav01L]

If you’re truly looking for substance, the ALS may be worth stretching into, though it’ll be just under double your budget. You might also want to look at a 5196, though for historical significance more than for its movement.

In your pricerange, a JLC Reverso would come to mind. Or a Cartier Santos blue. Of course, on the more sporty side, a Speedmaster FOIS would certainly not be a bad choice either, though it tends to wear larger than nominal size and I personally prefer the standard version at 42.

[Pongster]

Voting for the el primero also