Some ideas please

[Johnniem]

I have decided to treat myself to a watch this year. I currently wear a Rolex Oyster Datejust (1971) which I inherited from my father. I like it but it isn't 'the one' and I want a nice watch that I have paid with my own 'hard earned'. I'm not sure that there is a 'the one' really as I love so many watches and most are different from each other. My criteria is that it is a watch I needn't take off (much like the Rolex to be honest) and must have a stainless steel strap. Unfortunately leather straps rot on me and rubber smells 'orrible!

A mate has mentioned Panerai (a make I hadn't heard of but looks quite good) but this may be too big for me to wear everyday (I work in a professional firm in London). I really like Breitling but know little about them. In fact the one in the recent thread with a white face and blue outer dial looks fantastic! It needs to be water resistant sufficiently for deepish snorkelling (6 - 10 m) and up to £4k

Any ideas chaps?

[Wadeski]

whatever you get, it sounds like you need titanium - it doesnt irritate the skin, smell, or anything really. great stuff.

[uktrailmonster]

For the snorkeling you need a proper divers watch i.e. 200m+ water resistance with screwed down crown etc.
The obvious choice would be an Omega Seamaster. The Planet Ocean version is very popular at the moment. As you like Breitling, you might want to consider one of their Superocean models. But my favourite divers watch is the Doxa Sub Sharkhunter. Get Googling! Note that watches with 50m water resistance ratings are not suitable for regular use swimming in water. Depth ratings are not literal like many people assume.

[Johnniem]

uktrailmonster said:

For the snorkeling you need a proper divers watch i.e. 200m+ water resistance with screwed down crown etc.
The obvious choice would be an Omega Seamaster. The Planet Ocean version is very popular at the moment. As you like Breitling, you might want to consider one of their Superocean models. But my favourite divers watch is the Doxa Sub Sharkhunter. Get Googling! Note that watches with 50m water resistance ratings are not suitable for regular use swimming in water. Depth ratings are not literal like many people assume.

Omega watches are good but a bit common as 'first buy good watches'. No disrespect to owners of Omega timepieces but my old man had one as well as the Rolex so it kinda put me off. The 200m+ advice is a good point well made, thanks.

[uktrailmonster]

Johnniem said:

uktrailmonster said:

For the snorkeling you need a proper divers watch i.e. 200m+ water resistance with screwed down crown etc.
The obvious choice would be an Omega Seamaster. The Planet Ocean version is very popular at the moment. As you like Breitling, you might want to consider one of their Superocean models. But my favourite divers watch is the Doxa Sub Sharkhunter. Get Googling! Note that watches with 50m water resistance ratings are not suitable for regular use swimming in water. Depth ratings are not literal like many people assume.

Omega watches are good but a bit common as 'first buy good watches'. No disrespect to owners of Omega timepieces but my old man had one as well as the Rolex so it kinda put me off. The 200m+ advice is a good point well made, thanks.

I agree, Omegas are a bit common. But you could say that about Breitlings too. How about an IWC or Girard-Perregaux then? Both extremely classy and not too common. You'll soon spend your £4K there too! Check out those Doxa Subs I mentioned too if you want something a little different.

Edited by uktrailmonster on Monday 21st January 20:37

Edited by uktrailmonster on Monday 21st January 20:41

Edited by uktrailmonster on Monday 21st January 20:45

[tertius]

Hmm, £4K is a h*ll of a lot of money, you could buy several really nice watches for that.

The G-P suggestion is a good one, though I don't especially care for the Sea Hawk myself.

As an alternative to Panerai, what about Anonimo? Well within your budget, though I'm not certain they are available on a bracelet.

Alternatively perhaps a JLC Master Compressor?

Or the new Blancpain 50 Fathoms?

[Don1]

Oh yes - a JLC. I had to look hard to go beyond the 'coture' name (footballers etc ruined that 'tag'). but it's a seriously lovely bit of kit.

[Fittster]

uktrailmonster said:

What does the gauge do?

[uktrailmonster]

It's a power reserve gauge. Tells you how wound up it is. Calibrated in hours remaining.

Edited by uktrailmonster on Tuesday 22 January 12:28

[Johnniem]

uktrailmonster said:

Johnniem said:

uktrailmonster said:

For the snorkeling you need a proper divers watch i.e. 200m+ water resistance with screwed down crown etc.
The obvious choice would be an Omega Seamaster. The Planet Ocean version is very popular at the moment. As you like Breitling, you might want to consider one of their Superocean models. But my favourite divers watch is the Doxa Sub Sharkhunter. Get Googling! Note that watches with 50m water resistance ratings are not suitable for regular use swimming in water. Depth ratings are not literal like many people assume.

Omega watches are good but a bit common as 'first buy good watches'. No disrespect to owners of Omega timepieces but my old man had one as well as the Rolex so it kinda put me off. The 200m+ advice is a good point well made, thanks.

I agree, Omegas are a bit common. But you could say that about Breitlings too. How about an IWC or Girard-Perregaux then? Both extremely classy and not too common. You'll soon spend your £4K there too! Check out those Doxa Subs I mentioned too if you want something a little different.

The G-P and IWC are beautiful watches to be sure but the back plate on the Doxa is a bit weird!. Keep it coming chaps!

Edited by Johnniem on Tuesday 22 January 12:36

[uktrailmonster]

The Doxa looks less weird when worn, but I know what you mean. More of an instrument than a dressy watch, but very cool.

[sparkyhx]

Glashutte Original Sport Evolution might bust your limit - they do different face colours



http://www.timeofswitzerland.com/popup_bilder.cfm?...

Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 22 January 19:15

Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 22 January 19:16

[Wadeski]

sparkyhx said:

Glashutte Original Sport Evolution might bust your limit - they do different face colours



http://www.timeofswitzerland.com/popup_bilder.cfm?...

Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 22 January 19:15

Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 22 January 19:16

/wibble

is it too late for santa?

[lowdrag]

uktrailmonster said:

The Doxa looks less weird when worn, but I know what you mean. More of an instrument than a dressy watch, but very cool.

I'd never heard of Doxa but I have to say they look great. Hmm - another for the collection?

[uktrailmonster]

lowdrag said:

I'd never heard of Doxa but I have to say they look great. Hmm - another for the collection?

Presumably you've heard of Jacques Cousteau? He helped make these watches famous. He's wearing an original Doxa Sharkhunter in this photo. Cool as you like...

Edited by uktrailmonster on Wednesday 23 January 22:51

[Johnniem]

Have spent many hours on t'internet and in shops now and almost settled on the Breitling SuperOcean heritage 46 with the blue dial and bezel. There a 6 months wait for it but I am definiately keen. It actually looks bloody good and ticks all my boxes. What do people out there think of this watch please? Am i considering a duffer? Good thing is that the cost is quite low (esp when a 30% discount is up for grabs!), I might be able to buy another, more dressy, one too!

[uktrailmonster]

I'm not really a Breitling fan, but that looks quite nice. Less blingy than most of their watches. Don't like the steel bracelet though, a bit too fussy for me.
Have you tried it on? 46 mm is pretty huge. That would be my biggest concern. If I was going to wear it all the time I'd certainly want something smaller. A 46 mm watch is quite a prominent statement. Fine as a special occasion dress watch, but a bit much for everyday use. I see they do a 38 mm version, which will be a bit less obvious.