Luxury Watch: Expert Insights & Discussion

andrea~ · 2022-12-19T22:51:33Z

Explore unique watch recommendations for collectors seeking 34-38mm timepieces with quirky displays or advanced materials. Insights on Audemars Piguet, Konstantin Chaykin, and more.

andrea~

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

47 replies7197 views1 photos

Andrea~, a discerning collector, initiated a compelling discussion on WatchProSite, seeking guidance for a new acquisition. His quest for a 34-38mm watch with a distinctive 'quirk' – such as an alternative time display or advanced case material – resonated deeply with the community. This article distills the collective wisdom and diverse recommendations offered, providing valuable insights for anyone navigating the complex world of unique horological pieces while balancing budget and grail aspirations.

Hi guys, I come to you for some help with my next purchase, as I've been going through many options and can't seem to find the watch that I would like to buy.

This is why I am posting this: to get some suggestions.

Here are the general requirements: a 34-38mm watch, simple but quirky. It needs to have a gimmick of some sort, like an alternative time display or case made of an advanced material (ceramics, composites...).

For reference, my grail watch is the original Star Wheel but it's about 4 times more than what I'm able to spend. Any watch that retains its classic sizing and has a similar or different quirk would be awesome, keeping the budget restriction in mind.

I have been looking for options, but most of them are either too expensive or too big.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Key Points from the Discussion

Consider delayed gratification: instead of buying an interim watch, save until you can acquire your grail piece, as the long-term satisfaction often outweighs immediate purchases.
Konstantin Chaykin watches, like the 'Clown' model, offer significant 'gimmick' appeal with their unique displays, and despite their diameter, often wear smaller due to short lugs.
Habring² offers interesting variations like the 'Erwin' or 'The Little Habring' with deadbeat seconds, available in 36mm, providing a subtle yet distinctive horological quirk.
The Trilobe Nuit Fantastique Secret, a 38.5mm watch with a scrolling minutes display, titanium case, and customizable night sky dial, presents an excellent combination of alternative display and advanced material.
While exploring advanced materials, be cautious with ceramic or carbon cases and consider sticking with traditional metals for longevity and classic appeal.
Rado and Bell & Ross collaborations offer interesting designs and material innovations, particularly in ceramic, providing lightweight and artistically inspired options for collectors.

The Discussion

Jay (Eire)

Dec 19, 2022

Not an alternative time display but an interesting variation. I believe 36mm as well as the more standard 38.5mm available for the dead seconds. Model is Erwin or The Little Habring for 36mm options. Am thinking of some others and I’m sure you have suggestions from others here too.

andrea~

Dec 19, 2022

Dead seconds can be interesting, but I am looking for something a little more quirky from a visual standpoint.

Jay (Eire)

Dec 19, 2022

Don’t know case sizes however.

andrea~

Dec 19, 2022

I'll check to see if they have something in a smaller size

andrea~

Dec 19, 2022

Not really my style though

Jay (Eire)

Dec 19, 2022

Again, owners here. Maybe too big however, it’s 39mm but the lugs would seem to make it wear larger.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 47 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum