IWC

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 silver and black dial though! As for the El Primero 36,000VPH, I really wish I liked it but I've always felt the dial is just too busy for my liking.

The GO senator also looks very nice, however I'm not sure about the numerals: in my eyes they make the watch look more suitable for a more "mature" wrist Also, date is pretty much the only complication I really do want so I'd probably look at the date version. As for the blue dial, feels it might be a bit too risky option in my position. I like blue but I would be afraid of getting tired of it.

I have actually tried the JLC Master Ultra Thin (I think it might actually be called Grande Ultra thin, with the second dial) and really did like its looks (pure elegance and so comfortable) but it doesn't have the date and that for me is, unfortunately, a deal breaker. But I do like the watch - more than the standard Master Control in fact.

I also had a look at the Junghans but am not the biggest fan of the bauhaus (I think that's how they called it) style. On that note, I did have a look at Nomos as well but it didn't really talk to me.. Very thin hands, and, well, hard to put my finger on it really but I didn't feel the love...

As for the Bvlgari Octo, it was not really my style. Or actually it could be but if I wanted the style, I would be tempted to have a look at used Royal Oaks first (or if I was swimming in money, Patek Nautilus ) And yes, the Octo is slightly above my budget as I'd like to pay around 3000GBP...

Omega DeVille is in principle very nice as well but I'm not a huge fan of the roman numerals (the IWC has one - I can live with that!). Also, maybe it's just my own perception but Omega as a brand feels slightly too main stream to me. I know, they went to the moon, the co-axial movements are great and value for money of an Omega is superb but still. Even the Seamaster Planet Ocean, albeit being one of my favourite diving watches, always seemed a bit like a "second option" to me. It's probably just all in my head and maybe I'm over complicating it.

Finally, a note on the very valid point of peer recognition. Indeed, I'm originally from Finland where high end watches are considerably scarcer than in the UK and especially in London. Didn't even consider buying one when living up north but I always remember when I saw my boss' JLC Master Hometime: it was love a first sight. And that's when I started to play with the idea of getting a properly "nice" watch.

Peer recognition per se is not a big factor for me ("popularity is an epitome of mediocrity" ) but ideally, all else being equal, I do confess to have some preference for slightly less known brands (e.g. JLC!). What matters to me most right now is that 1) the watch simply looks great on my wrist, 2) it's an elegant yet modern and definitely not too "flashy" piece and 3) is not too elegant to make me feel awkward wearing it without a suit! Also, as stated previously, I do like simplicity and clear clean lines.

In conclusion, I will be going to a watch shop tomorrow and will be trying the IWC Portofino as planned but also Zenith Captain. I might just also have a look at the Deville and JLC Ultra thins (they do feel exquisite!)

Any further advice is definitely still most welcome but for now, many thanks again to all of you!

Best regards,

Mika

  login to reply