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Old 29 January 2011, 04:42 AM   #1
RN1
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$6k to Spend - Need help to decide

Hello All,

I have been wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual date every day for the past 10 years (see first pic). With a big birthday coming up, it is the right time to add a second watch. I have a budget of $6k (sale price not list). So far here is what I am deciding between. Your input and suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am ok with recent vintage pre-owned in good condition but would prefer new.


Skeleton
1. Chronoswiss Opus or Grand Opus - Stainless
2. Chronoswiss Opus (38mm) or Grand Opus (41mm) - Black Magic


Other
3. Hublot - Black Magic Super B
4. IWC - Portuguese / Any other recommendations?
5. Breitling - Any suggestions?
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File Type: jpg 2004.jpg (121.3 KB, 336 views)
File Type: jpg grand opus.jpg (92.2 KB, 337 views)
File Type: jpg opusblack.JPG (76.7 KB, 336 views)
File Type: jpg hublot.jpg (45.0 KB, 332 views)
File Type: jpg iwc.jpg (63.9 KB, 332 views)
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Old 29 January 2011, 05:36 AM   #2
mtrunner
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Maybe a Blancpain. Most Blancpain are well over 10,000 but here are two models I have seen close to your price range. The first is the Blancpain Leman Grade Date Automatic. It retails for $9700 but I have seen it for $6800 Brand New. The second is the Blancpain Villeret Single Pusher Chronograph which retails for 14,100 but I have seen it LNIB for 7200. Just a thought.
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Old 29 January 2011, 05:41 AM   #3
RN1
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Maybe a Blancpain. Most Blancpain are well over 10,000 but here are two models I have seen close to your price range. The first is the Blancpain Leman Grade Date Automatic. It retails for $9700 but I have seen it for $6800 Brand New. The second is the Blancpain Villeret Single Pusher Chronograph which retails for 14,100 but I have seen it LNIB for 7200. Just a thought.
Thanks for the suggestions. Can anyone comment on the quality of IWC v. Blancpain? The Leman Grade Date Automatic is a little too subtle for what I'm looking for. However, both are very nice. The Rolex Oyster Perpet Date is a very classic looking watch. Perhaps the second should be a bit louder.
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Old 29 January 2011, 06:19 AM   #4
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I prefer the IWC, but there is also Panerai to look at. As for Breitling, I like the Cosmonaute, with its 24h dial.
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Old 29 January 2011, 06:27 AM   #5
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Of your options I would pick IWC
Blancpain is nice and good quality but I think IWC is better.

Hublot, great watches but the one you have chosen is not a stellar example. For Hublot if you are going to buy get a Bang

Chronoswiss, dont like em! Don't think they are anything great quality and they will have a bad resale.
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Old 29 January 2011, 06:30 AM   #6
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The new Breitling Transocean 01 would be an excellent choice.

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Old 29 January 2011, 06:52 AM   #7
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I'm moving to JLC and IWC myself. For 6K you are close to a JLC Calendar. Or the IWC Portuguese Chrono would be in that price range. I'm partial to the IWC Portuguese Automatic myself, but would be more than 6K new.

One thing I've learned, there are plenty of fantastic watches out there.
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Old 29 January 2011, 06:54 AM   #8
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Here is a better pic of the IWC Portuguese Chrono.
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Old 29 January 2011, 07:32 AM   #9
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Here is a better pic of the IWC Portuguese Chrono.
Thanks for the pic. The IWC certainly is a beautiful watch and I would be thrilled to own one. Most likely with go for a black leather strap with black face. Does IWC make a deployant clasp?
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Old 29 January 2011, 07:37 AM   #10
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Those skeleton watches look awesome where you can see all the gears. But do any come with metal bracelets? I hate leather straps (don't even mention the NATO, so tacky)
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Old 29 January 2011, 07:46 AM   #11
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Those skeleton watches look awesome where you can see all the gears. But do any come with metal bracelets? I hate leather straps (don't even mention the NATO, so tacky)
Yes, the metal bracelet can be purchased seperately. IMHO its a little too bling bling with the bracelet and it detracts from the skeleton view.

Is anyone else using firefox? Something is seriously wrong with this forum. I keep getting logged out.
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Old 29 January 2011, 08:39 AM   #12
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Great problem to have!

I would go with the IWC Chrono Automatic. I have owned one before and it is a great watch. It was just a bit big for my size wrist. It is one of my all time favorite chronos.

I am not a big fan of overly busy watches or the skeleton look. To each his own but I think the IWC is clean and timeless with a great brand history.

Plus you can get one BNIB for no more than $5K.
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Old 29 January 2011, 09:14 AM   #13
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I have the RG IWC Port Chrono and LOVE it!

They are very nice and versatile watches.

Here is black SS

DETAILS
REFERENCEIW371438
CASE MATERIALstainless steel
BRACELET/STRAPblack alligator leather strap
DIAL COLOURblack
JEWELS31
CALIBRE79350
Mechanical chronograph movement
Self-winding
44-hour power reserve when fully wound
Stopwatch function with minutes and seconds
Small hacking seconds
Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Water-resistant 3 bar
Case height 12.3 mm
Diameter 40.9 mm

Pic Compliments of IWC Website.
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Old 29 January 2011, 10:29 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Z-Dweller View Post
I'm moving to JLC and IWC myself. For 6K you are close to a JLC Calendar. Or the IWC Portuguese Chrono would be in that price range. I'm partial to the IWC Portuguese Automatic myself, but would be more than 6K new.

One thing I've learned, there are plenty of fantastic watches out there.
Thats the JLC I just got, and I simply Luv it.
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Old 29 January 2011, 10:43 AM   #15
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I would advise caution with Chronoswiss - their reliability is questionable at best. My place of work have had a lot of problems with the few we've sold - they look nice, and seem attractive at the price, but none of them has been perfect from the shop window.
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Old 29 January 2011, 11:31 AM   #16
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I vote for the IWC! Have a couple and I love 'em.
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Old 29 January 2011, 12:09 PM   #17
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The IWC line is nice. Hard to read the Chronoswiss (feels a bit fadish too).

If you can find something in your price in the JLC line that would me the way to go.
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Old 29 January 2011, 12:50 PM   #18
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I'd vote JLC and IWC. Both the Master Calendar and Port Chrono are gorgeous watches. We've had a couple of the chronos show up on TRF around your price range. You might want to keep your eyes peeled. As for the JLC, I feel that it is a very underrated brand and we don't see much distribution of the dress line on TRF, usually only the Master Compressors.
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Old 29 January 2011, 04:12 PM   #19
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Thanks for the pic. The IWC certainly is a beautiful watch and I would be thrilled to own one. Most likely with go for a black leather strap with black face. Does IWC make a deployant clasp?
The IWC Portuguese Automatic comes with a Deployant Clasp. The Chrono doesn't, but you can probably get a deployant for it (IWC or 3rd party). A lot of IWC fans out there, for good reason.

As mentioned earlier, the IWC Portuguese Chrono is a great watch for the price, nice size (40 mm like most Rolexes), and the blue hands for the chrono functions are a nice touch. The Automatic is a little larger (42.3 mm), has an exhibition back, deployant band, in-house movement, and date function. Even the "Askmen Watch Snob" likes the IWC Portuguese Chrono and places it as a watch that can do it all (everyday, sporty, dressy).

The JLC Calendar is a beautiful watch - triple date, moon phase, power reserve, exhibition back, deployant clasp! A great buy for the price - one of the best dress watches you can get for under 10K (you can get them new for just over 6K if you know where to look), IMHO. You can get a rose gold version for another 5K, but just tell people it's white gold ; )

I have the previous JLC Master Control Moon, and will get the new Calendar soon. The 40 mm size is an improvement for me and the addition of a power reserve is a nice touch. Who can resist more complication$.
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Old 29 January 2011, 06:10 PM   #20
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I love the IWC Davinci Vintage!
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Old 30 January 2011, 12:00 AM   #21
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Iwc chrono for sure. I'd keep an eye out for a lightly used panda model
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Old 31 January 2011, 04:04 PM   #22
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Can't go wrong with IWC!
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Old 1 February 2011, 06:55 AM   #23
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Personally I'm no fan of the Chronoswiss. At all. YMMV, of course.

JLC is what I would recommend, or an IWC. Or a Rolex sportwatch like a Sub or GMTIIC! :-)
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Old 1 February 2011, 08:11 AM   #24
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Of the watches in your selection, like others I would vote for the IWC. (Chronoswiss is not the brand you want to spend your hard earned money on.)

Like others, I would also strongly recommend a JLC Master Control over any of the four choices in the initial post. JLC is a storied watchmaker that produces superb in-house movements and elegant designs, and probably provides the best value of any fine brand. Lots of choices in your price range.
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Old 1 February 2011, 09:48 AM   #25
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As nice as all the watches shown are, i am not fussed on any of them, i will stick with Rolex.
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Old 1 February 2011, 09:52 AM   #26
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Do any other companies make better skeleton style ones? I think seeing all the tiny gears spinning would be really cool

Thanks in advance!
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Old 1 February 2011, 09:54 AM   #27
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If you gave me 6k to spend on 1 watch only I would go for

IWC Portuguese is sooooo HOT!!! You just cant go wrong.

Otherwise try PAM 312 with new in house movement. :)

JLC is another option.

As for Hublot Im more for Big Bangs. But then you have to cash another 2k to get one in steel version.

If you include Rolex I would take a GMT IIc
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Old 1 February 2011, 10:09 AM   #28
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So, what kind of style are you going for? I mean, you love your date perpetual? What about a sport Rolex? Sub, GMT, etc. You'd have plenty of room in your budget for that, heck maybe even two watches. You could get an Expy II and a 14060 for close to 6k or a simple Panerai maybe.

You looking for something different? I love Panerai's and they aren't as big as you'd think. Especially the Radiomirs.

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Old 2 February 2011, 07:59 AM   #29
RN1
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Thank you all for your suggestions and feedback. I ended up with the IWC Portuguese Chrono in Black. I receieved the watch today and could be happier. Also added the deployant clasp.
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Old 2 February 2011, 08:31 AM   #30
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Congratulations on your new watch. I am biased but I agree. I love my IWC Portuguese Chrono (white dial, black band).

BTW, which Deployant Clasp did you get? IWC or 3rd party?
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