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Well, I recently started appreciating watches more and more and thought I'd look into buying another "higher end" watch. Like cars, I appreciate the engineering and design that goes into building a fantastic timepiece. However, I'm nowhere near an expert and thought I'd see what everyone's thoughts were on the list I'm currently looking at. I've read thru countless threads here on 6speed, and have gain some really good knowledge about the different brands, but still don't have an understanding on which of these manufacturers builds a more desireable watch. What matters to me is how well they are built, the quality of the movement, how durable they are, and how precise they keep time. Here is the list:
1) Rolex Deep Sea or Sea-Dweller
2) Hublot Big Bang Black Ceramic or Tantalum
3) Bell & Ross BR01-94 Carbon
4) IWC Aquatimer Chrono or Top Gun
5) Graham Chronofighter
I understand some are chronos and some are not. I really like the look of all the models listed and have seen them all in person outside the Deep Sea. The watch will be used weekly, if not daily. So, out of these which would you choose and why?
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The Hublot would be an excellent daily, but beware an all black watch might get tiresome. I went through that phase and came out of it quickly.
The Rolex SD is also a great daily watch, but prices are going up b/c they discontinued it. I personally don't think it's worth it because I'd rather go to the extremes: a simple submariner or a 44mm DS. Keep in mind, the DS is very heavy in person. Try to visit a local AD to try it on first. It also won't fit under most dress shirts, so that may be a factor if you wear a suit.
The IWC Top Gun is probably the nicest watch you listed, and will be very expensive. It would be a great collector's piece and is my choice of the lot.
Not a big fan of the BR, Aquatimer, or Graham. The BR and Graham are too trendy for me, and I prefer the planet ocean or speedmaster series over the aquatimer.
I have a good AD for Rolex & Omega I can forward to you for discounts, but you're on your own for the others. check out timezone for 2nd hand pieces.
I'm sure you'll get a lot of differing opinions, but imho the Deep Sea is the best looking of the ones you've listed...how it fits on your wrist is definitely ymmv, though.
The Top Gun 46mm double-chrono version is nice, but kind of pricy at 10.9k for an eta movement. Also not crazy about the Top Gun emblems on the back and side of the case. The 44mm single chrono is more reasonably priced, but I think they are out of production.
Thanks for all the opinions so far. Are all the above listed manufacturers comparable in their attention to detail and quality? It is my understanding that in this price range, their all somewhat equal, with the Rolex probably the most durable and best built. Is it safe to say the Bell & Ross would be second and the others pretty much equal? I've heard the Rolex movement in the Deep Sea is probably of the highest quality and most accurate from what I'm looking at. Lastly, I've read that the IWC line has incredible watches, but that their impressive offerings don't really start until you hit the $20k on up range.
I was originally looking for a watch that had a synthetic (rubber) band, hence my liking of the Graham, Hublot, B&R. However, I'm now starting to think the Hublot would be a waste since I aspire to own an all gold Daytona someday and the only Hublot I like is the gold with rubber band. So, I guess I'm down to the B&R, Graham, IWC and Rolex offerings. Any other opinions would be appreciated!
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strange, i just noticed you and I have a similar car history.
You're right. Great minds think alike!
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All great options but the rolex would be last in my opinion even if it is a DS or SD. My logic on this is the rolex is very common and can pull a negative sterotype (I have some also) but the others are more appreciate by collectors etc. If it was my $$$ I would go with the IWC but that is mainly grounded in the fact that I keep looking at them and just can't quite pull the trigger :-)
For me the all around best choice in your list is the Rolex.
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I've got it narrowed down to the Bell & Ross, Deep Sea/Sea Dweller or another one that I forgot to mention, a watch within the Glashutte Sport line. Going to take a look at them all again this week, and will hopefully make a decision. I appreciate the opinions from you all!
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I have several watches and my Bell and Ross remains a favorite. It gets the most positive comments of the watches in my collection so I would not consider it very stealth.
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