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Milestone watch recommendation

Lombardo123

Hi all, please feel free to move this if it should be added to another thread, I couldn't find one to add the comment to.

Would class myself as a novice really, but looking to make what I consider a significant purchase for myself to mark a milestone. I've done this twice previously and have chosen the two pieces below, a Longine Conquest and a Hamilton Jazzmaster. At the time I would have considered these big purchases but I'm willing to open up my budget for my next piece. Hopefully they give an indication of what I like. I'm not a fan of too much detail on the dial.

Trying to keep the collection as diverse as possible has me leading towards a blue dial,and in keeping with the theme of not much activity on the dial I was looking at something similar to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. I was also always drawn to the Tag Carrera 5.

Being a novice, I thought I'd ask for some help in terms of maybe lesser known brands, or lesser known models of bigger brands that might fit the bill.

I'm open to pre owned (Particularly in the case of the Aqua Terra) provided I get papers/box etc and realistically if I like the watch, it doesn't HAVE TO be a premium brand.

I'd also be keen to see what resources those more educated than me use to keep an eye on deals etc so I can ready to purchase if something comes up.

Any recommendations welcome

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hitemfrank

Have a look at Sinn watches. They have some lovely watches.

You can also get a nice hardback catalogue from them by just sending them your address.

https://www.sinn.de/de/Katalogbuch_bestellen.htm

That's a very nice Longines you have there.

Lombardo123

Nice recommendation, I had a look through and the blue dial 556 series is lovely. Definitely on the short list.

Lorddrakul

@Lombardo123: For my tuppence, I'd go with the Longines, purely on aesthetics.

But either one is a quality piece.

Good luck with your choice.

Lombardo123

The two watches I attached are the ones I already own.. I like them

I'm looking for a third one to add to the collection. The longline is 5 years old and the Hamilton 3, looking for a newer model!

Cienciano

Lorddrakul wrote: »

@Lombardo123: For my tuppence, I'd go with the Longines, purely on aesthetics.

But either one is a quality piece.

Good luck with your choice.

Guess who just read the first 2 lines of the op and skipped to the photos? :pac:

As you know, lots of personal taste involved in picking a watch like that, everyone will have different opinions. If it were me, I'd probably spent a week solid online looking. Then I'd buy a grand seiko :pac:
Probably out of your price range

https://www.montredo.com/en-gb/watches/grand-seiko/grand-seiko-heritage/sbga203g/22336/

https://watchesofmayfair.com/brand/grand-seiko/heritage-collection/grand-seiko-sbga375-spring-drive

Problem with looking at watches, photos rarely do them justice. If you find models you're interested in, check on YouTube at least. As hitemfrank said, sinn do some beautiful watches. I'd be similar to you regarding the dial, I only want a date on it

Lombardo123

Cienciano wrote: »

https://www.montredo.com/en-gb/watches/grand-seiko/grand-seiko-heritage/sbga203g/22336/

https://watchesofmayfair.com/brand/grand-seiko/heritage-collection/grand-seiko-sbga375-spring-drive

Wow.. Amazing watch, most likely out of my price range, I'd be murdered for even considering it, unless I squirreled away cash for another while! In saying that, I actually haven't seen an AT that's too much cheaper so I think I might have a problem either way, I seem to have expensive taste.

Lorddrakul

Cienciano wrote: »

Guess who just read the first 2 lines of the op and skipped to the photos? :pac:

It's true, I have the attention span of a...

Oh look, a bee!

Time

You haven’t mentioned a budget, but if it stretches to 5k you’d be into entry level Rolex territory. A second had datejust or oyster perpetual would both be available within that range and have beautiful blue dials. They also hold value. Alternatively you’d get a brand new Tudor which is very similar well under that price.

If you like the style the IWC pilots is also very nice and good value second hand. Aside from that I’d personally agree with the Grand Seiko option, stunning watches in the flesh.

Time

Lombardo123

Time wrote: »

You haven’t mentioned a budget, but if it stretches to 5k you’d be into entry level Rolex territory. A second had datejust or oyster perpetual would both be available within that range and have beautiful blue dials. They also hold value. Alternatively you’d get a brand new Tudor which is very similar well under that price.

If you like the style the IWC pilots is also very nice and good value second hand. Aside from that I’d personally agree with the Grand Seiko option, stunning watches in the flesh.

Thanks very much, more homework to do. I think 5k is probably a stretch too far for me at the moment. For the right piece I could stomach 3k probably, I'll have a look and see how much that limits me on the ones you've recommended. I don't mind pre owned for the more expensive ones if the condition is good. I think that's more likely to be honest given I can't see myself getting away from the aqua terra at this point!

Lorddrakul

You could go a couple of different directions, but based on those two, which are both quite dressy (IMHO), you could go for a tool watch.
A proper diver, pilot or motorsport watch might be good.

A Tudor Pelagos, Omega Speedmaster, Tag Heuer Monaco, Laco Pilot or the like. All should be within the budget of well sub-5k.

Cienciano

Just a rough idea:

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/watches/between/2001/and/3000?filterPriceFrom=1500&filterPriceTo=2500

Lombardo123

Thanks very much everybody.

It's quite exciting trying to hunt down the right watch!

I'll report back with maybe a shortlist and try get peoples opinions on holding value etc longer term.

Zagato

Don't think anyone has suggested Nomos. They have some nice blue dials.

Zenith Elite could be within budget if you buy pre-owned, another nice blue dial.

Lombardo123

Hi all,

Still searching and thought I had found something that met my criteria, but wouldn't break the bank as much a the aqua terra. It was a blue dial Seiko SARB045. I have attached a picture but It looks like I am out of luck here. It seems to be discontinued.

Wondering is there anywhere a particular I should be scouting for these? Anybody come across one before?

Also found other options like this seiko: SDGM007. Again I seem to have awkward taste

saccades

https://www.seiyajapan.com/products/seiko-automatic-presage-sarx045-japan-made

100% legit site.

Lombardo123

saccades wrote: »

https://www.seiyajapan.com/products/seiko-automatic-presage-sarx045-japan-made

100% legit site.

Thank you!

Thirdfox

Ahem :P...

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058022351&page=2

(imagine if it was from Omega - it'd definitely be more than 5k

)

But if micro-rotor/aventurine ain't your thing and you definitely want to spend up to the 5k mark then I recommend:
1. Speedmaster if you like to expand out beyond the 3 handers you have currently - though would you find a chrono dial too busy?
2. Cartier tank - very "milestone" watch I think - distinct style that will wear even dressier than your Longines/Hamilton.
3. JLC Reverso - same reasons as suggestion number two - both the tank and reverso have simple non-fussy dials - and are iconic (for good reason).
4. Tudor Pelagos - nice foray into "tool" watches - speaking from personal experience I loved it as a daily wearer - iconic snowflake hands - very legible and titanium is comfortable.

Finally one offshoot brand that might pique your interest:
Ball - they use tritium not lume - so the glow never stops (for a good 25 years at least) - and US railroad timekeeper history - clear dials too - tritium makes it different to other watches and the price won't break the bank (if you were looking at around 5k mark before).

hitemfrank

Just another thing about Ball watches, if you get it from iguanasell.co.uk you generally get a coupon on the site for 18% off.

At least I did for mine and I've seen it a few times since.

Lombardo123

Just said I'd give an update here.. I'm a mess, how do you decide on just one!!

I have a shortlist, spanning a lot of different budgets. I'm still looking to fill a gap in my small collection for a blue dial that isn't too busy.

1. The Holy Grail is the Omega Aqua Terra. Pushes the limit of what I thought id ever spend, but having felt and worn one during a recon mission, I'm finding it hard to ignore. I have somebody coming through Dubai Duty Free in the next few weeks, I might see if there's much money to be saved there.

2. On the back of the recommendations I've also enjoyed looking at Ball watches. The Ball Fireman Victory looks fantastic and I'm opening up to the idea of it. Realistically a saving of potentially 66% or so on option 1!

3. The other option is something that's lovely to "fill the gap" and that's the Seiko Blue Dial Sarx045. Part of me wondering if I go this way, I'll end up still wanting one or two!

Very hard to pull the trigger!

hitemfrank

Iguanasell.co.uk had 30% off a lot Ball Watches in their January sale.

I've a Ball Engineer and if there is a similar sale next January or later in the year I'll probably pick up a Fireman.

I'm loving the look of this one - Fireman Racer

Ball-Fireman-Racer-Automatic-Watch-Stainless-steel-NM2088C-PJ-WHBE-1_800x.jpg?v=1579812134

Ball-Fireman-Racer-Automatic-Watch-Stainless-steel-NM2088C-PJ-WHBE-1_800x.jpg?v=1579812134

[Deleted User]

Since you're so set on "blue" thought i'd drop in another for consideration:
Stowa was out of my price range when looking recently but there's some lovely watches on the site- this one comes with different straps

https://www.stowa.de/en/Flieger+Classic+40+blue.htm

Christopher Ward have C 60 Elite 1000 at just under 1600 euro
https://www.christopherward.eu/c60-elite-1000-blue-orange-2

or the C65 at over 2k:
https://www.christopherward.eu/c60-elite-1000-blue-orange-2

there's also a few under 1000 euro with blue face.

As they say the search is nearly as exciting as the purchase- I was in your position some weeks ago so happy hunting

Lombardo123

Hi all,

Another stupid question..

I really prefer the date to be located at 3 o clock on the dial.

All the new Aqua Terra options available to me seem to only have the 6 o clock option.

Can you still get a new one with it at 3? I'm not seeing anything.

I would prefer to go used and have it at 3 o clock!!

banie01

Lombardo123 wrote: »

Hi all,

Another stupid question..

I really prefer the date to be located at 3 o clock on the dial.

All the new Aqua Terra options available to me seem to only have the 6 o clock option.

Can you still get a new one with it at 3? I'm not seeing anything.

I would prefer to go used and have it at 3 o clock!!

If there is a more specific version you want?
My advice would be to go used, get as near to the watch you want.

You will also have a nice little saving versus new on a 2nd hand aqua Terra and dependant upon where you buy and the service history of the piece may well still have an active warranty too.

Thirdfox

banie01 wrote: »

If there is a more specific version you want?
My advice would be to go used, get as near to the watch you want.

You will also have a nice little saving versus new on a 2nd hand aqua Terra and dependant upon where you buy and the service history of the piece may well still have an active warranty too.

I would warn that if there's no recent service - keep in mind the cost of a service mind be 300-400ish from Omega - so factor that in from a pricing perspective

Zagato

Lombardo123 wrote: »

Hi all,

Another stupid question..

I really prefer the date to be located at 3 o clock on the dial.

All the new Aqua Terra options available to me seem to only have the 6 o clock option.

Can you still get a new one with it at 3? I'm not seeing anything.

I would prefer to go used and have it at 3 o clock!!

Paw3001 just put one up TZ-UK for £1870 it's an 8500 41.5mm with grey baton dial bracelet has some scuffs. If interested you could join and PM him?

C0N0R

Might not be your cup of tea, but blue dial and date at 3 o clock made me think of this, the second rather than the first, The first is just there to show bracelet options

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean Heritage/A17320/7380/item/150726?searchId=5e064970-436b-4f97-aa93-9b615aaab9e8&rank=6

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/SuperOcean%20Heritage/A17321/42307/item/148016?searchId=34a3e850-1ff5-4bf1-b09e-e56db2b795a7&rank=17

blue5000

We're a right bunch of enablers on here, wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea either, blue Squale, date at 3
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f30/fs-squale-30-atmos-marina-blue-5097869.html

Lombardo123

Thanks very much everyone.. Its amazing how eager everyone is to help people spend their money

I think I'm set on an AT and I am set on the dial being at 3 rather than 6.. Call me strange I know. But it just 'feels' better.

Thanks for the heads up re: warranty and cost of service, I hadn't actually factored that in.

I feel like I'm going around in circles with this, but my biggest watch purchase to date by far, I need to make sure I'm completely happy!

893bet

AT on TZ-UK today.

Grey dial, 1850 gbp.