Watch Thread : What to get for husband to be?

[xuan87]

I've read through the whole thread and seen everyone recommend the more commonly known Swiss brands. I'll confess right now that I know next to nothing about Swiss watches as I can't afford one and I don't think I'll be getting one in the near future.

However, I'll like to suggest one brand for your consideration: Christopher Ward. Their philosophy is very interesting but long story short, the founders were horrified at how much Swiss watches are being marked up and sold (10 to 20 times the cost of the watch, most of the final price is being spent on marketing to create the brand) and they decide to create their own brand which price watches at only 2 to 3 times the cost. I myself decide to get a C7 Rapide from then later in the year as I'm impressed by their philosophy. Reviews of their watches can be easily found on international watch forums.

With a budget of 4k, you can easily get one of their higher end limited edition watches for your HTB. I recommend the C900 Worldtimer or the C1000 Typhoon Ceramic.

 

[iV3RsOn]

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Am I the first to congratulate you? Seriously guys..

Now if you want a watch that will still look relevant 20 years down the road, in general there are really 2 roads to go. The design/aesthetics road or the brand/model road.

For the first, a dress watch with a simple face is really what you should be looking at. We have gone through 2 world wars, depressions, economic meltdowns, natural disasters, etc, but the aesthetics and DNA of a dress watch has hardly deviated and it will continue to look the way it has for the next 20, 50, 100 years. What I'm talking about is something along the veins of the JLC ultra thin Jubilee or the Patek Calatrava which are probably as classic as dress watches can get.

What you can look at is Frederique Constant's slimline manufacture series. A bro have suggested earlier the moonphase model, a good suggestion but you can go even more simple. The slimline gents automatic pictured below, is within your budget or maybe a little top up but definitely <$5k.

Based on your description of your hubby, the above is an appropriate watch to consider. It's classy, down to earth, subtle and as always, it's easier to dress down a formal piece as opposed to dressing up a casual piece. Switch to a brown calf strap and the dress factor is brought down a few notches, ready to match with shirt and jeans. He already has the seiko and G-shock for really casual moments like going to the gym, etc.

Of course there are other brands that have their own simple dress watch models, like Hamilton, Ball, Nomos (very good value German brand I must add.), Max bill, etc. The idea is to go as simple as you can, a date and a seconds hand at most. Simple ideas and simple designs are usually the ones that can stand the test of time. He's only 26, there will be more than ample moments a dress watch will serve him well, wedding dinners, events, etc.


For the 2nd road and you want something more versatile out of the box, I'm surprised no one suggested the Omega Speedmaster pro 3570.50 yet.

If the Rolex submariner is the grand daddy of them all then the speedy pro is probably the prince, in my opinion. It looks at home both in casual settings and with a suit. While Omega has introduced newer speedy models with technological enhancements, my guess is they will continue to sell the original speedy pro for as long as they can since it is their signature piece just as the submariner is to Rolex.

The aesthetics has remained relatively the same since 50 odd years ago. I've seen bnib grey piece going for $4.8-$5k and the retail at the AD is $6.8k before 5-8% discount iirc.

I don't mean to be rude to the bros earlier but Tudor black bay/pelagos, Dievas, Bell & Ross, even Panerai which I love dearly are not evergreen pieces. Even Baume & Mercier and Raymond weil, you have to be cautious cause these brands change their whole design every few years and only certain models will stand the test of time.

Do take note of TeenTitan01's post earlier. His quartz/automatic points are something to note as well.

 

[bberry]

i know yr htb type, cos im that type...

The intention is to keep the watch for many years, have to go for those reputable, durable watch.

my choice would be:

1. Rolex Sub/Explorer
2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
3. Tudor Pelagos
4. Breitling Superocean

If budget not enough, save up for it. Like what some bros suggested, get it to commemorate 1st anniversary or even for first born Then the watch can be passed on.

If got even higher budget,
1. PP Nautilus or Calatrava
2. A Lange & Sohne Richard Lange


For something to remember your wedding by, maybe something really unforgettable on your wedding night???


PS : for PP, A Lange & Sohne, JLC, Piaget ...go buy in europe...way cheaper

 

[arcfire]

Did anyone mention Zenith El Primero?

 

[J.T.M.]

Get a japan-made seiko - classic, reliable and made to last.

 

[Vanilla Way]

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Am I the first to congratulate you? Seriously guys..

Now if you want a watch that will still look relevant 20 years down the road, in general there are really 2 roads to go. The design/aesthetics road or the brand/model road.

For the first, a dress watch with a simple face is really what you should be looking at. We have gone through 2 world wars, depressions, economic meltdowns, natural disasters, etc, but the aesthetics and DNA of a dress watch has hardly deviated and it will continue to look the way it has for the next 20, 50, 100 years. What I'm talking about is something along the veins of the JLC ultra thin Jubilee or the Patek Calatrava which are probably as classic as dress watches can get.

What you can look at is Frederique Constant's slimline manufacture series. A bro have suggested earlier the moonphase model, a good suggestion but you can go even more simple. The slimline gents automatic pictured below, is within your budget or maybe a little top up but definitely <$5k.

Based on your description of your hubby, the above is an appropriate watch to consider. It's classy, down to earth, subtle and as always, it's easier to dress down a formal piece as opposed to dressing up a casual piece. Switch to a brown calf strap and the dress factor is brought down a few notches, ready to match with shirt and jeans. He already has the seiko and G-shock for really casual moments like going to the gym, etc.

Of course there are other brands that have their own simple dress watch models, like Hamilton, Ball, Nomos (very good value German brand I must add.), Max bill, etc. The idea is to go as simple as you can, a date and a seconds hand at most. Simple ideas and simple designs are usually the ones that can stand the test of time. He's only 26, there will be more than ample moments a dress watch will serve him well, wedding dinners, events, etc.


For the 2nd road and you want something more versatile out of the box, I'm surprised no one suggested the Omega Speedmaster pro 3570.50 yet.

If the Rolex submariner is the grand daddy of them all then the speedy pro is probably the prince, in my opinion. It looks at home both in casual settings and with a suit. While Omega has introduced newer speedy models with technological enhancements, my guess is they will continue to sell the original speedy pro for as long as they can since it is their signature piece just as the submariner is to Rolex.

The aesthetics has remained relatively the same since 50 odd years ago. I've seen bnib grey piece going for $4.8-$5k and the retail at the AD is $6.8k before 5-8% discount iirc.

I don't mean to be rude to the bros earlier but Tudor black bay/pelagos, Dievas, Bell & Ross, even Panerai which I love dearly are not evergreen pieces. Even Baume & Mercier and Raymond weil, you have to be cautious cause these brands change their whole design every few years and only certain models will stand the test of time.

Do take note of TeenTitan01's post earlier. His quartz/automatic points are something to note as well.

Thanks Paladium!Your post was a good read too! Wow seriously overwhelmed by all the choices you guys recommended. Each piece seems so unique and I'm spolit for choices!

 

[balzebub]

Maybe abit more about my fiance.
He works as a junior level accountant in an MNC ( accounts payable function) His firm allows employee to be in casual wear.
He's have a super soft spot for his family. Not loud but not exactly quiet too. Down to earth,speaks up when the situation calls for it kinda guy. We go to the gym together,watch a movie or simply grab coffee during free time. On his own he likes to play console games and hang out with some pals.

Oh junior level accountant, then stay away from the flashy or perceived to be expensive brands like Rolex or even Omega..AP, PP, JLC, IWC, GO, ALS no go... From my experience, if you are still a junior executive, better not to appear too "rich" or indulgent. Might make people higher up on the totem pole unhappy, which will result in a difficult life at the office...So an under the radar brand like Federique Constant, Nomos, Stowa, Devias, Damasko will be good, they make quality watches within your budget and some with in house movements as well. Or go with well known but lower tier Swiss brands like Tissot, Longines, B&M, or even Hamilton, Ball etc

Hell..in fact at 26, best to just save the money for a rainy day and go with a cheaper but equally nice and quality watch..

 

[Vanilla Way]

Sorry have to revise and compile the list before I get lost with too many posts:
1) Rolex AirKing
2) Federique Constant Slimline Moonphase or any slimline series
3) Nomos Tangente Datum
4) BALL HAMPTON 10026
5) BALL CLIFTON - 10054
6) Raymond Weil Men's 'Maestro' Silver Dial Moon Phase Automatic Watch
7) Raymond Weil Men's 'Maestro' Automatic Watch
8) Baume & Mercier Classima Men's Brown Leather Watch
9) Hamilton Men's 'Jazzmaster Maestro' Automatic Watch
10) Max Bill by Junghans
11)Omega seamaster
12)Base panerai-380 or 000
13)Tudor blackbay or pelangos
14)Omega speedmaster
15)Breitling superocean
16)STOWA MARINE OR ANTEA
17) Bell & Ross 03-92.
18) JLC Reverso/JLC ultra thin Jubilee
19)Bell & Ross 03-92

Probably out of reach but maybe for future references LOL
1. PP Nautilus or Calatrava
2. A Lange & Sohne Richard Lange

I did a search for images for omega speedmaster and there seems to be so many types of them. Are they all okay or there's particular ones to look out for?

 

[koicafex]

no love for stowa fliegers?

 

[Vanilla Way]

Oh junior level accountant, then stay away from the flashy or perceived to be expensive brands like Rolex or even Omega..AP, PP, JLC, IWC, GO, ALS no go... From my experience, if you are still a junior executive, better not to appear too "rich" or indulgent. Might make people higher up on the totem pole unhappy, which will result in a difficult life at the office...So an under the radar brand like Federique Constant, Nomos, Stowa, Devias, Damasko will be good, they make quality watches within your budget and some with in house movements as well. Or go with well known but lower tier Swiss brands like Tissot, Longines, B&M, or even Hamilton, Ball etc

Hell..in fact at 26, best to just save the money for a rainy day and go with a cheaper but equally nice and quality watch..

Oh man, the last thing I want is to let his watch stall his career. Is it really true? Even an entry level air king might cause issues?

 

[All in a Day]

Oh junior level accountant, then stay away from the flashy or perceived to be expensive brands like Rolex or even Omega..AP, PP, JLC, IWC, GO, ALS no go... From my experience, if you are still a junior executive, better not to appear too "rich" or indulgent. Might make people higher up on the totem pole unhappy, which will result in a difficult life at the office...So an under the radar brand like Federique Constant, Nomos, Stowa, Devias, Damasko will be good, they make quality watches within your budget and some with in house movements as well. Or go with well known but lower tier Swiss brands like Tissot, Longines, B&M, or even Hamilton, Ball etc

Quite amazed by the speed and enthusiasm of the replies. Much more than those "what watch to get for gf" queries.. hehe

Anyway, confused as u already are, backtrack to your 1st few posts and I still think the answer is Rolex. While it is true any watch that u eventually decide to get for him will be treasured simply because of the context, to me the Rolex is the choice because it is hardy, classic and (ever)lasting, so to speak, qualities that should resonate with an ideal marriage.

Yes, there are also other brands with these qualities, perhaps more value-for-money, more 'classy', less 'crass' etc. But let's admit a Rolex has its place in the celebration of milestones.

Don't worry about the 'loud' perception. Firstly, not all rolexes are bling. Secondly, I don't think he'll be a junior accountant all his life but I am sure he will treasure and remember his 1st rolex from his wife many years to come.

My 2 cents

 

[Vanilla Way]

Quite amazed by the speed and enthusiasm of the replies. Much more than those "what watch to get for gf" queries.. hehe

Anyway, confused as u already are, backtrack to your 1st few posts and I still think the answer is Rolex. While it is true any watch that u eventually decide to get for him will be treasured simply because of the context, to me the Rolex is the choice because it is hardy, classic and (ever)lasting, so to speak, qualities that should resonate with an ideal marriage.

Yes, there are also other brands with these qualities, perhaps more value-for-money, more 'classy', less 'crass' etc. But let's admit a Rolex has its place in the celebration of milestones.

Don't worry about the 'loud' perception. Firstly, not all rolexes are bling. Secondly, I don't think he'll be a junior accountant all his life but I am sure he will treasure and remember his 1st rolex from his wife many years to come.

My 2 cents

Wow, you do have some pretty good points there.

 

[trojanguy]

so expensive watches, buy him casio and love him. he will be more than happy

 

[All in a Day]

REVIEW: Rolex Air-King Date (vintage))

I stand corrected by the enigmatic titan

 

[Vanilla Way]

so expensive watches, buy him casio and love him. he will be more than happy

Haha already loving him. It's just a way of pampering him and I know everyone likes to be pampered once in awhile right?

Furthermore..a man should have a good watch, no?

 

[arcfire]

Haha already loving him. It's just a way of pampering him and I know everyone likes to be pampered once in awhile right?

Furthermore..a man should have a good watch, no?

Well, it all depends on the individual. I have friends who are doing very well but choose to go for cheap watches. They can thrash it, throw away and buy a new one.

 

[Nakedtoes]

Why nv consider brand like tudor n omega? Best is tudor follow by omega

 

[Paladium]

Have to agree with All in a Day. Rolex is still the go-to brand for longevity and relative value. So it's either you bite the bullet and buy a 1x good watch or you be conservative and get something within your budget and save the Rolex for another occasion/milestone down the line.

As for watches and career, well it really depends on his colleagues and superiors. Some people wear expensive watches and the people around them don't take note then there's the opposite situation where people's eyes go green with envy.

We can't control people's mouth and perception. If people want to be nasty, no matter how entry level the Rolex they will still be nasty. Will your hubby be comfortable with the stigma attached to a Rolex?

That being said, models like airking and explorer are pretty lowkey as compared to subs, and I've seen people strap on leather to these 2 models and they become as normal as other brands.

*pics credit to WUS*

 

[Vanilla Way]

Why nv consider brand like tudor n omega? Best is tudor follow by omega

Hihi nakedtoes. Yes it is under the list of consideration as suggested by some ppl here

 

[Nakedtoes]

Yes buy something u like he like n dun bother of what other said.. Everthing scare other ppl tok n other ppl think u live for yrself or for others strangers?