Which watch would you buy first? (A poll)

[fallraen]

Hi guys, once again I am in a slight dillema as to what to get this year. So I'm going to start a poll as to see what you guys think.

I currently only own some Seiko divers (Samurai etc) and a sterile dial Traser (the rest not really worth mentioning) and I'm ready to expand my collection. I'm also ready to give up my Panerai 'homages' and get a real panny soon (can't take it, the quality of these homage things quite bad although they work well for rainy days). I bought a Speedmaster Pro, which I regret selling as well... so its back on my list.

I'm really into dive watches and 'pilot' ones so in my list you will see a whole bunch of them , budget wise... I should be able to get all on my list but... to spend 15k on a watch seems quite heartache for me because I keep thinking I can get 3 watches for that price instead of one. :P but then again I keep thinking of the exclusivity and rarity of a time piece (not just the watch alone but, the availability and workmanship that goes into the movement / design). This is where the confusion begins.

Feel free to vote and let me know your opinion!

[lolex kia]

I think the first choice must a Rolex and the GMT2C is the most appropriate to begin with. You may call it a pilot's watch. It has a long illustrous
history, and has been touted as the watch the astronauts who walked on the moon preferred - the unofficial moonwatch. Personally, I would have
preferred the blue/red or black/red traditional GMT.

If you buy a a non-ceramic GMT, a submariner with date, and a omega
speedmaster moonwatch - all pre-owned, I think you can make it on a 15K
budget (6:6:3 respectively)

[wolfeyes1974]

I assume you're willing to spend $15K in total.

In order of my preference:

Pam 312 - approxi $9.5K (current grey market price)
GMT IIc - Pre-owned piece
Sinn U1 - Brand new. approxi $2.3K

So, 3 watches...each on rubber, steel bracelet and leather strap...you get your variety.. to get 3 watches, i think you need to cough out another $1K-2K more

[Oceanklassik]

1. GMT IIc
2. Pam 312
3. Omega Speedmaster Pro

[armchaireconomist]

Amongst the list... one immediately stood out. And that's the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. So I voted for it.

IMHO... it's a different class together from the rest. Blancpain makes only about 5,000 watches a year. So they are really boutique and exclusive. And I would argue that Fifty Fathoms is more iconic than the Sub.

Limited production, exclusive, iconic... really don't need to say more. It's a 80-20 watch - 80% of the people wouldn't know what you are wearing. But of the 20% who knows... you'll get lots of respect.

I very nearly bought it... but thought cashflow was more important at that time. It was a wise decision. I can still heard it calling me today though... so one day...

[fallraen]

Unfortunately the Fifty Fathoms, I hear is close to 20k? and its also rather hard to find on the pre-owned market. So I have a feeling it will have to wait... For me I would compare the Polaris to the FF, the Polaris seems more interesting with its alarm complication (limited to 768pieces)but the FF's 100hr power reserve and sapphire bezel is also functional and attractive.

I like the idea of getting a PAM 312 and GMT2c but I think prices for the newer PAMs are still at the peak and most people are selling at 'list' price or more. I think I might settle for a GMT2c and a Sinn or Speedy.

I want to get a PAM but one with 'in-house' movement, don't really feel too good getting a 5k watch with a unitas base movement. I know there not the same but.... its just a feeling I get. If you're going to pay so much might as well get one with a 'in-house' movement?

[exxondus]

Unfortunately the Fifty Fathoms, I hear is close to 20k? and its also rather hard to find on the pre-owned market. So I have a feeling it will have to wait... For me I would compare the Polaris to the FF, the Polaris seems more interesting with its alarm complication (limited to 768pieces)but the FF's 100hr power reserve and sapphire bezel is also functional and attractive.

I like the idea of getting a PAM 312 and GMT2c but I think prices for the newer PAMs are still at the peak and most people are selling at 'list' price or more. I think I might settle for a GMT2c and a Sinn or Speedy.

I want to get a PAM but one with 'in-house' movement, don't really feel too good getting a 5k watch with a unitas base movement. I know there not the same but.... its just a feeling I get. If you're going to pay so much might as well get one with a 'in-house' movement?/

hee i ish also feel the same thats why buy Homage using Swiss unitas movement for less than 500 to quench the thirst a bit. forget the ones being sold in bulk or by chriswatch. give you more headache sia...and heartache for wasting the money :P

[Ender]

Hi guys, once again I am in a slight dillema as to what to get this year. So I'm going to start a poll as to see what you guys think.
I currently only own some Seiko divers (Samurai etc) and a sterile dial Traser (the rest not really worth mentioning) and I'm ready to expand my collection. I'm also ready to give up my Panerai 'homages' and get a real panny soon (can't take it, the quality of these homage things quite bad although they work well for rainy days). I bought a Speedmaster Pro, which I regret selling as well... so its back on my list.
I'm really into dive watches and 'pilot' ones so in my list you will see a whole bunch of them , budget wise... I should be able to get all on my list but... to spend 15k on a watch seems quite heartache for me because I keep thinking I can get 3 watches for that price instead of one. :P but then again I keep thinking of the exclusivity and rarity of a time piece (not just the watch alone but, the availability and workmanship that goes into the movement / design). This is where the confusion begins.
Feel free to vote and let me know your opinion!

Wow! The watches you listed are really varied, especially in terms of price.
Based on what you have said, I wld also recommend as per wolfeyes' 1st 2 pieces.
Pam 312 - In-house movement, date, versatile (just change the strap!), domed.. wait and see if price continue to drop.
GM2C - Personally, I am not a fan of this piece but I have heard many Rolex collectors praised it as one of the best contemporary Rolex watch out there... it is also versatile and would not look out of place whether at a business dinner or just a casual weekend lunch with berms and ti-shirt.

Have fun!

[triton]

can i ask, if one of the religion in watch collecting is that if the watch is still in production, must you get a BNIB or a preown.

[triton]

i have always wanted to own a PAM all these years, in fact 10 years already. sad to say i still own a look-alike. nothing more.

I'm also ready to give up my Panerai 'homages' and get a real panny soon (can't take it, the quality of these homage things quite bad although they work well for rainy days). I bought a Speedmaster Pro, which I regret selling as well... so its back on my list.

[psee]

Blancpain FF, i know 2 persons bought it at 14k from cortina at lucky plaza....one is mr hary and the other one is my bro's friend. but this was like 4 to 6 mths ago. not sure if cortina can still sell it at 14k. but u can go to the same branch and ask.

i wonder how come u did not add omega ploprof in your list? it is really a nice diver watch, esp with shark proof metal brac...

Another vote for the BP FF ... While there are some really excellent watches in your list, the BP FF is in a totally different league IMHO

[Vedder007]

I asked the same question 4 months ago. And was advised by my friend that if you are gonna get your first watch, get a Rolex. The rest can come later.

I like the idea of mixing and matching BNIB with pre-owned to maximise your $15k budget.

I would pick a BNIB GMTIIc, a pre-owned Submariner (Date) and a Sinn U1.

[fallraen]

can i ask, if one of the religion in watch collecting is that if the watch is still in production, must you get a BNIB or a preown.

I am willing to get pre-owned. And yes I am willing mix and match BNIB / Pre-owned to maximise my budget.

I think the Sinn's can wait till the next THG sale, if I'm not wrong they give good discounts during the 'private' sales. I don't mind getting a pre-owned U1 as I know they are quite available on the pre-owned market + it is a hardy watch and I don't think there's much to worry about (except the strap which must be cut and might not fit).

I will have to see the FF at the boutiques if possible before I make my decision. But the Tribute to Polaris really appeals to me too.

[shuseido]

look for johnson at BB boutique at raffles hotel. i believe the price he quote u won't be good. but if u r really keen....pm me. i go down with u and i am quite sure i can secure a good price for u. cos i bought some watch from him before.

What a helpful and nice bro!

[rh1667]

i have always wanted to own a PAM all these years, in fact 10 years already. sad to say i still own a look-alike. nothing more.

At least you own a look-alike, i have always wanted a PAM too....but somehow.......still........