Well I've been thinking about this for a while partly because I'm thinking of a new watch and partly because I see it turn up so often in posts and advice (here and elsewhere) that "A man should have a good classic watch". So I've decided to put down some ruminations on the subject, and hopefully get the opinions of some others too...
Frankly as an inexpericenced WIS I had to battle down a disgraceful urge for an Invicta Russian Diver (because it was massive and had a can thingy) the fact it'd look totally daft on someone with a 6.5 inch wrist seemed to elude my silly streak at the time. The watch that ultimately called to me was the (yep you guessed Submariner LV) on the rationale that the Submariner looked good 50 years ago so it should give me service without going out of style...
So I've run up a checklist for a classic piece and would like comments on my criteria and the watches that I've picked to fill them! Please suggest your own too as I'd like to see how close or far I run from the average.
Ok criteria: 1) Longevity- the deciding factor when I chose my Sub so it has to go first!
2) Versatility- A good watch must have the ability to be a sole trader IMHO as most men will be reluctant to shell out again and again just so they can tell the time whilst attired differently, thus a truly classic watch must at least have a stab at looking good both in Blue jeans and black tie?
3) Personality- without a doubt the most intangible of the three criteria so far but I think that any watch that someone is about drop a significant sum on, should feel as though it gives a nod to who the wearer is or at least who he'd like to be? There is absolutely no point in buying say a Rolex Day-Date good as they are if you think it's a hateful vulgar monstrous wart of a thing(I don't think that BTW don't attack day date folks)?
So let's have my picks limited to 5 for the sake of space.
1) Patek Calatrava 5127 in white gold- Well I used the advertising line for the Calatrava as the title for this thread, clearing away all the bumff about whether you ever actually own a Patek
and you are left with a wonderful watch that is an acceptible size for modern users at 37mm but won't become disgracefully huge if someone suddenly realises that strapping what was quite clearly conceived as a grandfather clock to your wrist is daft... Furthermore and happily IMHO Patek Philippe flies under the majority of folks radar so you won't endlessly have folk asking if it's real 
Cons: PRICE!!!! A Patek costs so much that it can only be bought on bank holidays otherwise your bank manager will see what you've done and develop an aneurysm, you've been warned...
2) Rolex Sea Dweller 16600- A Sub on steriods and the only rolex on the list I really can't say enough about this watch it's a great chunky sports watch, that also dresses up sooo well it beggars belief frankly other than the traditional -read abysmal- Rolex clasp frankly if this is as collectible as the Paul Newman in 20 years time it wouldn't surprise me!!!!
Cons- OOP so can't be bought new, alas it was replaced by the Deepsea which I honestly think is large enough to qualify as its own continent! Secondly it's a Rolex that means you will be asked if it's real again...and again...and again isn't that just magical? One guy on the Watch ya wearing thread was told his Sea Dweller wasn't real...
3) Omega Speedmaster Pro- The first watch on the moon and a great blend of history and up to date style! The display backs are gorgeous and really compliment the watch, with a plexiglass crystal and a hand wound movemnt it's a throwback that still punches well above it's weight!
Cons- I really can't think of any I suppose you could say hand winding is a PITA, but at that level of laziness I suspect breathing is a constant embuggerance.
4) The Jaeger leCoultre reverso tribute to 1931- Feel the awesome the first sports watch now finds itself mainly a dress piece but that doesn't stop it looking great anytime. Given the slightly off the beaten track choice of JLC you'll also have spent relatively little to get a watch its unlikely you'll ever find yourself staring down a roomfull of them and that can only be a good thing? Also 1931? It still looks so good so chances are your grandkids will still think your watch is cool long after they think the wearer isn't!
Cons- Perhaps despite what I said It is a little dressy for everyday and do you want your classic piece to be square? Also very low water resistance on most models no swimming!!!!
5) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300- The Jumbo pulls the RO right up to perfect everyday size and the watch that showed a sports piece can be luxury still leads the way! By a mile despite it's age many folk looking at it will still think it a new style it seems to be limitlessly contemporary, furthermore it's sporty roots let it be harwearing enough that you need never take it off. I doubt you'd want to!
So that's it whats your thoughts? I know no datejust ***? Am I totally barking?
Regards Grant
Frankly as an inexpericenced WIS I had to battle down a disgraceful urge for an Invicta Russian Diver (because it was massive and had a can thingy) the fact it'd look totally daft on someone with a 6.5 inch wrist seemed to elude my silly streak at the time. The watch that ultimately called to me was the (yep you guessed Submariner LV) on the rationale that the Submariner looked good 50 years ago so it should give me service without going out of style...
So I've run up a checklist for a classic piece and would like comments on my criteria and the watches that I've picked to fill them! Please suggest your own too as I'd like to see how close or far I run from the average.
Ok criteria: 1) Longevity- the deciding factor when I chose my Sub so it has to go first!
2) Versatility- A good watch must have the ability to be a sole trader IMHO as most men will be reluctant to shell out again and again just so they can tell the time whilst attired differently, thus a truly classic watch must at least have a stab at looking good both in Blue jeans and black tie?
3) Personality- without a doubt the most intangible of the three criteria so far but I think that any watch that someone is about drop a significant sum on, should feel as though it gives a nod to who the wearer is or at least who he'd like to be? There is absolutely no point in buying say a Rolex Day-Date good as they are if you think it's a hateful vulgar monstrous wart of a thing(I don't think that BTW don't attack day date folks)?
So let's have my picks limited to 5 for the sake of space.
1) Patek Calatrava 5127 in white gold- Well I used the advertising line for the Calatrava as the title for this thread, clearing away all the bumff about whether you ever actually own a Patek
and you are left with a wonderful watch that is an acceptible size for modern users at 37mm but won't become disgracefully huge if someone suddenly realises that strapping what was quite clearly conceived as a grandfather clock to your wrist is daft... Furthermore and happily IMHO Patek Philippe flies under the majority of folks radar so you won't endlessly have folk asking if it's real Cons: PRICE!!!! A Patek costs so much that it can only be bought on bank holidays otherwise your bank manager will see what you've done and develop an aneurysm, you've been warned...
2) Rolex Sea Dweller 16600- A Sub on steriods and the only rolex on the list I really can't say enough about this watch it's a great chunky sports watch, that also dresses up sooo well it beggars belief frankly other than the traditional -read abysmal- Rolex clasp frankly if this is as collectible as the Paul Newman in 20 years time it wouldn't surprise me!!!!
Cons- OOP so can't be bought new, alas it was replaced by the Deepsea which I honestly think is large enough to qualify as its own continent! Secondly it's a Rolex that means you will be asked if it's real again...and again...and again isn't that just magical? One guy on the Watch ya wearing thread was told his Sea Dweller wasn't real...
3) Omega Speedmaster Pro- The first watch on the moon and a great blend of history and up to date style! The display backs are gorgeous and really compliment the watch, with a plexiglass crystal and a hand wound movemnt it's a throwback that still punches well above it's weight!
Cons- I really can't think of any I suppose you could say hand winding is a PITA, but at that level of laziness I suspect breathing is a constant embuggerance.
4) The Jaeger leCoultre reverso tribute to 1931- Feel the awesome the first sports watch now finds itself mainly a dress piece but that doesn't stop it looking great anytime. Given the slightly off the beaten track choice of JLC you'll also have spent relatively little to get a watch its unlikely you'll ever find yourself staring down a roomfull of them and that can only be a good thing? Also 1931? It still looks so good so chances are your grandkids will still think your watch is cool long after they think the wearer isn't!
Cons- Perhaps despite what I said It is a little dressy for everyday and do you want your classic piece to be square? Also very low water resistance on most models no swimming!!!!
5) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300- The Jumbo pulls the RO right up to perfect everyday size and the watch that showed a sports piece can be luxury still leads the way! By a mile despite it's age many folk looking at it will still think it a new style it seems to be limitlessly contemporary, furthermore it's sporty roots let it be harwearing enough that you need never take it off. I doubt you'd want to!
So that's it whats your thoughts? I know no datejust ***? Am I totally barking?
Regards Grant
