MikaJ
33
Decision reached!
So, after a fair amount of reflecting and trying out several watches, I have mad up my mind. Here's what happened:
I went to Omega store, tried on DeVille with silver dial (my favourite one) and really liked it. Also tried the Aqua Terra and Aqua Terra mid size. The Mid size was nice but the DeVille still triumphed it. I left the shop seriously considering getting the DeVille.
Next stop, AD that sells multiple brands: tried the IWC Portofino silver dial and, as expected, liked it a lot. More than DeVille in fact. Gave a quick look at some Portugueses and Pilots but they didn't really impress me for some reason. Quickly browsed through Panerai, Breitling, Baume & Mercier and Vacheron Constantin but nothing called my attention (at least nothing within my budget).. Left the AD quite convinced of getting the Portofino.
Then I entered another AD and saw the Zenith Captains (central second; silver and black dial). VERY nice watches that caused me to seriously doubt the the Portofino! Couldn't decide between the dials: intuitively preferred the silver dial but the black one looked more modern. However, at the end, both dials seemed a bit large for my almost-tiny wrist so I wasn't 100% convinced although the watches did look seriously good (not to mention the quality movements ticking inside them).
While staring the black dial Zenith on my wrist on on the mirror, the sales guy brought me, unasked, the new JLC Master Control with black gator strap. I put it on and basically the planets aligned and clouds disappeared from the sky! It was even better looking than the previous Master Control I had tried some years ago: the size=perfect; the shiny very gently "brushed" silver dial just divine; the contrast of silver hands and blue second hand=great detail! The watch just looks so simple, beautiful and timeless. My decision was made on the spot. I reserved the watch from their airport tax free shop and will be picking it up in a couple of weeks' time when flying next time.
In hindsight, surely this was meant to be: The first high end brand I really learnt about a few years ago was precisely JLC; the Master Hometime of my colleague was the first luxury watch I ever had held in my hands; Master Control was my "mental pick" before I actually could afford it and somehow buying into the idea of getting a "tool watch" first and getting lost in all the possibilities. Plus the fact of JLC having made the watch from scratch is something I can appreciate: there's true craftmanship behind the watch; not just branding (ok, slightly naive but bear with me).
Once again, thanks to everyone for the advice, it was extremely helpful! Pics to follow as soon as I have the watch on my wrist.
Cheers,
Mika
Available on the marketplace
First high end watch: IWC Portofino Automatic?
Hi all, First things first, apologies if this message goes to the wrong corner of the forum - haven't been too active on this forum and struggled to find a proper place for IWC related questions. On to the complication: I am about to make my first "high e...
Take your time
I no longer wear the watches that I bought in my twenties as I always chose watches that lacked a timeless quality. I would say take your time. First of all, a good three hand watch is a great way to start off, and the classic design of the Portofino will...
It's your first one ...
No matter what watch you select, be sure that your tastes will change as the time passes. The Portofino is a nice watch but there are so many in this category that is hard to select a single one: Omega DeVille Coaxial Girard Perregaux 1966 Zenith Captain ...
It just so happens there's . . .
. . . a suit able wrist shot of a DeVille on my hard drive, Nilo. Neither my wrist (easy to tell - the guy's wearing a suit!) nor my watch, but my image, taken at a local Omega boutique. The modern DeVille would be a very good call given the stated condit...
Another to consider...
...in the style of the Portofino is one of the Junghans "Max Bill" models. They have a classic look, and are available in the same style as a simple three hand watch or as a two-register chronograph. While I haven't studied pricing, my impression is that ...
do take a look at Zenith
if you don't like them, buy the IWC But give them a chance if you don't know them well enough They do offer quite a few nice dresswatches for a very acceptable price. Go to their website an look at the different models, you'll find all the prices per watc...
In my humble opinion ...
... watches like the Submariner or the Planet Ocean go with suit and tie as well as flip-flops would. I know, many are telling the contrary, and many high-ranking CEOs proof their lack of taste every day, when posing for pictures with suit and a G-shock o...
Good call.
That steel Octo is a very good call. And water resistant to 100m. The steel bracelet is new for 2013, and agreed, no problem wearing this watch on more formal occasions. Alternatively you get the aligator strap. But I suspect this watch is a little above ...
AFAIK, not (far) above the Submariner ...
... which was also mentioned as an option. If pre-owned is also considered, I saw several offers for unworn Octos (on leather strap, though) for the list price of the IWC Portofino. Regards, Marcus
The best watch for you
Dear MikaJ, You have already chosen the best watch from an already short...er...shortlist. :-) "a watch that "looks right" on me now (and in the future), very simple dial (just the way I like) and probably would fit situations where I'm in suit or in shor...
You might like Nomos
They have designs similar to the IWC Portofino (which you clearly like), but with an in-house movement. And frankly, I think they do better with that design type overall than IWC does. Don't move too quickly past JLC. The Master Control is a marvelous lif...
Great advice, thanks!
Wow, great advice and nice suggestions, thanks everyone! I have checked out pretty much all watches mentioned here and I was impressed especially with Zenith captain central second - would be within my budget as well. A difficult decision between the silv...
After reading this, it strikes me that . . .
. . . you might be a good candidate for a Grand Seiko. [cazalea's SBGW001 on my wrist] A true manufacture watch and movement, exquisitely finished, sensibly size and beautifully proportioned, and best of all, reasonable cost. There are several models with...
Have you considered the Chopard Manufactum?
This is one of the big news from Chopard during BaselWorld 2012: The Manufactum Collection comes is a classic 38mm case and features a new automatic movement, Cal. Chopard 01.04-C, designed and built in-house, with a sole extravaganza in form of a generou...
Thanks but...
Indeed a beautiful watch! However, it is over my budget (guess that's due to te gold case).. Also I would prefer a slightly more modern look (it's the roman numerals again).. Thanks for the input in any case!
Decision reached!
So, after a fair amount of reflecting and trying out several watches, I have mad up my mind. Here's what happened: I went to Omega store, tried on DeVille with silver dial (my favourite one) and really liked it. Also tried the Aqua Terra and Aqua Terra mi...
It sounds like you found a new love...
WELL DONE! I like the way you iteratively arrived at your conclusion and - this is most important - bought the watch the 'spoke' to you. All the 'expert' advice is meaningless compared to the voice of your heart! I am looking forward to your pics and init...
Well done, Mika . . .
. . . as Magnus said, following your heart is always best . . .
Read this thread about Larry's dilemma...
Personally, from your list, I like the Rolex Submariner and I would consider the IWC Portuguese Chrono as well. Consider adding the Montblanc to your list as well.
Fair point
Hi Patrick, I had indeed come across Nomos (referring to the article you linked) - a colleague of mine who was looking for a Calatrava-resembling watch was telling me about it the other day. Several of the Nomos watches seem to offer good value indeed. I ...