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    Iron Heart Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Preview - Now Live

    Watches - another OCD problem

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    • GraemeG
      Graeme
      啓蒙家
      Joined:

      If I was going for a Panerai, I'd bump up the budget a bit (or a lot), and get one with an in-house movement. The OPII is a modified ETA.

      That said, I've heard that Panerais aren't that accurate, so maybe the OPII would be a better calibre. 😛

      last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • louisboscoL
        louisbosco
        啓蒙家
        Joined:

        there's a pam, which model number i forgot, that has everything in it. gmt, power reserve, date hands and second hands as well if i remembered correctly. that and the 005 are 2 models that i'm very fond of. the 005 was my first step into luxury watches. it has a special meaning. i still kinda regret selling it.

        "Loyalty is a two way street. If i'm asking for it from you, then you're getting it from me."

        • Harvey Specter
        last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • B
          bubbapest
          Raw and Unwashed
          Joined:

          Welp, I think its time I buy my first big boy watch.

          cant decide–- Tudor Black bay or the IWC Pilot Chronograph... If IWC made the Big Pilot smaller.. so I guess the Pilot, with that dope winder, that would be my choice in a quick sec.  That being said... Any tips on buying a watch in person?  Do I negotiate price?  Any tips?

          Also for NYCers--- Wempe or Torneau... or IWC boutique if I go IWC?

          Thanks!

          last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • CutlasshoundC
            Cutlasshound
            見習いボス
            Joined:

            @bubbapest:

            Welp, I think its time I buy my first big boy watch.

            cant decide–- Tudor Black bay or the IWC Pilot Chronograph... If IWC made the Big Pilot smaller.. so I guess the Pilot, with that dope winder, that would be my choice in a quick sec.  That being said... Any tips on buying a watch in person?  Do I negotiate price?  Any tips?

            Also for NYCers--- Wempe or Torneau... or IWC boutique if I go IWC?

            Thanks!

            I have both of those. Great watches. Both different imo. Not sure if I had to pick one, which I would choose. Probably the black bezel black bay to be honest, but for no reason other than it is currently my favourite out of the two.

            As to the technical merits, there are others on the forum that could provide you with an excellent answer (and likely other recommendations - the Grand Seiko watches perhaps).

            Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

            I ain't got time to bleed.

            last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • TempvsT
              Tempvs
              Joined:

              @bubbapest:

              Welp, I think its time I buy my first big boy watch.

              cant decide–- Tudor Black bay or the IWC Pilot Chronograph... If IWC made the Big Pilot smaller.. so I guess the Pilot, with that dope winder, that would be my choice in a quick sec.  That being said... Any tips on buying a watch in person?  Do I negotiate price?  Any tips?

              Also for NYCers--- Wempe or Torneau... or IWC boutique if I go IWC?

              Thanks!

              For me personally the new Black Bay is the better watch to wear every day. The IWC pilots range are great but overall the Tudor beats them from a value point of view. The new in house Calibre is a nice point but there is nothing wrong with the ETA in the first watches, simple but so reliable and easy to service.

              Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

              I am not strange. I'm just not normal!

              last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • GraemeG
                Graeme
                啓蒙家
                Joined:

                I'd suggest hitting Wempe, Tourneau, and anyone else you think is interesting, and see what appeals. Sometimes things that look great on paper, aren't so good in the metal. Occasionally it goes the other way.

                I haven't seen the IWC Pilot Chronograph. However, I would suggest taking a look at their Timezoner if you want to go that way.

                If you like the Big Pilot watch, then consider getting one. A lot of people go on about how they can only wear pieces of a particular size, but I've found that it's more a case of getting used to something. Provided the lugs don't project beyond the edge of your wrist, you'll be fine. 🙂

                As for Tudor, I'd go for the Black Bay in Bronze or None-so-Black Dark.

                But have fun, and we demand pictures when you get your new watch! 😛

                last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • GraemeG
                  Graeme
                  啓蒙家
                  Joined:

                  @louisbosco here's another Panerai for you, the new Bronzo. More pictures and details at Hodinkee.

                  last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • B
                    bubbapest
                    Raw and Unwashed
                    Joined:

                    @Graeme:

                    I'd suggest hitting Wempe, Tourneau, and anyone else you think is interesting, and see what appeals. Sometimes things that look great on paper, aren't so good in the metal. Occasionally it goes the other way.

                    I haven't seen the IWC Pilot Chronograph. However, I would suggest taking a look at their Timezoner if you want to go that way.

                    If you like the Big Pilot watch, then consider getting one. A lot of people go on about how they can only wear pieces of a particular size, but I've found that it's more a case of getting used to something. Provided the lugs don't project beyond the edge of your wrist, you'll be fine. 🙂

                    As for Tudor, I'd go for the Black Bay in Bronze or None-so-Black Dark.

                    But have fun, and we demand pictures when you get your new watch! 😛

                    thanks
                    do you haggle when you buy?

                    last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • GraemeG
                      Graeme
                      啓蒙家
                      Joined:

                      The only expensive watch I bought was in a sale, and 50% off.

                      I'd take a look at the grey market dealers, and use them as a price guide. You might not get a match, but you might get close. Someone like @Tempvs can probably advise better, as he owns all the watches in the world!

                      last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • louisboscoL
                        louisbosco
                        啓蒙家
                        Joined:

                        @bubbapest:

                        thanks
                        do you haggle when you buy?

                        i've always believed you could. though i'm not really sure if this practice varies from country to country. my cousin is a brand manager for hublot at The Hour Glass, a retail luxury watch chain in asia/ south east asia. rolex wise, i know discounts are hardly given for the popular sport models eg. gmt, sub etc. but i've managed to get at least 10% off the RRP on my GMT with them, probably through connections.

                        that said, like a car, there's a "recommended" price they mark up and sell watches. they can definitely mark it down a little, sacrificing profits and commission, but it also depends at what point of the month you go in and how desperate are they to make that sale. finally, don't expect too much off the popular models. max i'd say 5%…

                        @Graeme:

                        @louisbosco here's another Panerai for you, the new Bronzo. More pictures and details at Hodinkee.

                        sorry @Graeme not feeling the bronze. hahaha. we'll go further in depth when i'm over east. 🙂

                        "Loyalty is a two way street. If i'm asking for it from you, then you're getting it from me."

                        • Harvey Specter
                        last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • ChrisC
                          Chris
                          Raw and Unwashed
                          Joined:

                          @Graeme:

                          This is great, and I agree- probably a great daily wear watch.

                          This is the kind of watch I'd like a buddy to own.  It's a monster that I'd never wear, but I'd love to get a chance to play with it.

                          And these two are just wonderfully strange.  I love them both, but the MB&F is just a bit more weird, which makes it better.

                          last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • B
                            bubbapest
                            Raw and Unwashed
                            Joined:

                            @Graeme:

                            I'd suggest hitting Wempe, Tourneau, and anyone else you think is interesting, and see what appeals. Sometimes things that look great on paper, aren't so good in the metal. Occasionally it goes the other way.

                            I haven't seen the IWC Pilot Chronograph. However, I would suggest taking a look at their Timezoner if you want to go that way.

                            If you like the Big Pilot watch, then consider getting one. A lot of people go on about how they can only wear pieces of a particular size, but I've found that it's more a case of getting used to something. Provided the lugs don't project beyond the edge of your wrist, you'll be fine. 🙂

                            As for Tudor, I'd go for the Black Bay in Bronze or None-so-Black Dark.

                            But have fun, and we demand pictures when you get your new watch! 😛

                            youre a damned genius

                            im a proud owner of a big pilot

                            treat yoself

                            will upload pics soon

                            last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • ColeC
                              Cole
                              啓蒙家
                              Joined:

                              @Graeme:

                              I'm not normally a fan of Panerai, but the LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days PAM 700 is a big, black science experiment, with a fifty year guarantee. Want!

                              I like the look of that watch very very much. Sadly this is way out of my pricerange.  😞

                              WTB:
                              IHJ-96-OLV Size L
                              IHE-13

                              last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • TempvsT
                                Tempvs
                                Joined:

                                @Cole:

                                @Graeme:

                                I'm not normally a fan of Panerai, but the LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days PAM 700 is a big, black science experiment, with a fifty year guarantee. Want!

                                I like the look of that watch very very much. Sadly this is way out of my pricerange.  😞

                                I think this is fantastic. I'm a big fan of this brand.
                                Fifty year warranty is a bit misleading thought.
                                I'm sure it will need regulation and service and waterproofing a lot more frequently, 3-5 years. Panerai service costs can be eye watering expensive as they replace many parts because of discolouration.

                                Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

                                I am not strange. I'm just not normal!

                                last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • BloodnThunderB
                                  BloodnThunder
                                  Raw and Unwashed
                                  Joined:

                                  Paging @Tempvs and all other watch connoisseurs.  In your opinion what is the best watch/watch brand(s) in the $1,000 - $1,500 range.  Not a huge collector so at this time I can't justify spending $3K+ on a watch but have started to seriously consider adding a solid watch to my EDC.  Am looking for something not huge and preferably with a face/dial that works well with a leather strap.

                                  IG: Shadesofindig0

                                  last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • TempvsT
                                    Tempvs
                                    Joined:

                                    @BloodnThunder:

                                    Paging @Tempvs and all other watch connoisseurs.  In your opinion what is the best watch/watch brand(s) in the $1,000 - $1,500 range.  Not a huge collector so at this time I can't justify spending $3K+ on a watch but have started to seriously consider adding a solid watch to my EDC.  Am looking for something not huge and preferably with a face/dial that works well with a leather strap.

                                    Seiko in my view. Well made and so reliable. They represent fantastic value for money.

                                    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

                                    I am not strange. I'm just not normal!

                                    last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • GraemeG
                                      Graeme
                                      啓蒙家
                                      Joined:

                                      @bubbapest Glad to hear that you got what you really wanted in the end. 😃 😃 😃

                                      The price for the big, black Panerai is €50K. I suspect if you can swallow that, you'll be able to cope with the service costs. I wonder how many will actually get worn regularly. I know that @Tempvs gets a lot of use out of his tourbillon, but I suspect a lot will live in safes for most of their existence.

                                      I like it too, but it's out of my price bracket. 😞

                                      last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • B
                                        bertoni
                                        Joined:

                                        @BloodnThunder:

                                        Paging @Tempvs and all other watch connoisseurs.  In your opinion what is the best watch/watch brand(s) in the $1,000 - $1,500 range.  Not a huge collector so at this time I can't justify spending $3K+ on a watch but have started to seriously consider adding a solid watch to my EDC.  Am looking for something not huge and preferably with a face/dial that works well with a leather strap.

                                        I am in no way a watch connoisseur but I recently made the same decision as you mate. Ended up with a Sinn 104 St Sa.

                                        http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m575/Johan_Jonsson/Sinn104/DSC_0451_zps89121094.jpg~original

                                        41mm and within your price range. Absolutely love it.

                                        last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • louisboscoL
                                          louisbosco
                                          啓蒙家
                                          Joined:

                                          @Graeme:

                                          The price for the big, black Panerai is €50K. I suspect if you can swallow that, you'll be able to cope with the service costs. ~~I wonder how many will actually get worn regularly. I know that

                                          I like it too, but it's out of my price bracket. :(~~

                                          😉 😉 😉 😉 😉

                                          @BloodnThunder:

                                          In your opinion what is the best watch/watch brand(s) in the $1,000 - $1,500 range.

                                          in there's price range, there's plenty pretty good ones to look at. firstly, there's the seiko 007 or 6309s. fantastic watches, great basic movement. though the 6309 is a vintage and requires a little more TLC. if not look at brand like steinhart. i find their military repros a good place to start off. there's also vintage rolexes. i like the simplicity of the 6694 oyster date, though same may find the face a little small at 34mm.

                                          figure out what you like; diver, pilot, race inspired? then narrow it down…

                                          "Loyalty is a two way street. If i'm asking for it from you, then you're getting it from me."

                                          • Harvey Specter
                                          last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                          • TempvsT
                                            Tempvs
                                            Joined:

                                            @Graeme:

                                            @bubbapest Glad to hear that you got what you really wanted in the end. 😃 😃 😃

                                            The price for the big, black Panerai is €50K. I suspect if you can swallow that, you'll be able to cope with the service costs. I wonder how many will actually get worn regularly. I know that @Tempvs gets a lot of use out of his tourbillon, but I suspect a lot will live in safes for most of their existence.

                                            I like it too, but it's out of my price bracket. 😞

                                            I try to wear it most days.

                                            Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

                                            I am not strange. I'm just not normal!

                                            last edited by 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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