Watches - another OCD problem
-
The Tag Heuer Connected watch looks interesting, but missing a heart rate monitor seems to be a shortcoming. Furthermore the screen's specs are a touch behind some of the competition.
I'm also very amused by Hodinkee calling the OS Google Wear. It's actually Android Wear, but I'm a nerd so I know these things.
One thing that did surprise me was that Tag spoke of it being upgradeable, but the only path offered is to trade up to a mechanical watch two years down the line. I thought the point was that its guts could be swapped out for a new CPU to keep it up to date.
I do like how the faces aren't photorealistic. The aesthetics of it appeals to me.
-
I dropped into one of the watch shops in Melbourne today, and had a chance to look at the very lovely Piaget Altiplano Chronograph.
It's the thinnest chronograph on the market, and won its category at the GHPG a few weeks back. Shame it doesn't come in steel as the gold case would get badly dinged in day-to-day wear, and puts the price up. If you want one it's around £20K or $30K (US).
Hodinkee have a week on the wrist feature for this piece.
What I'd wanted to see was the Zenith Elite Chronograph, which has a similar look, a steel case, and costs about a quarter of the Piaget's price. Unfortunately it wasn't in stock. However, they did have the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special in bronze.
I really liked the original Type 20 because it had an insane chronometer movement in it, whereas the other models in the range are less interesting. This one did appeal because it felt a reasonable size to wear, and had a lot of character. Plus the bronze case will acquire a patina over time.
There was also the Type 20 GMT, which is a limited edition tribute to the Wright brothers. I was a bit less struck on this one, as the case was a bit larger, and the Bund strap bulked it up further.
-
Ok, so i'm a complete newbie but am thinking of buying my first decent watch. I prefer a sports/airman/diver style watch and have a budget of around 1000 euros. I was looking at the Glycine Airman Double Twelve:
…and the Sinn 104 St Sa:
Anyone have any other suggestions for the best value for money watch at the price point? Would appreciate the help
-
Off the two I'd go for the Sinn, but if you're looking for alternatives @bertoni then I've got a couple.
The Longines Heritage Military COSD is based on a World War 2 military watch. According to aBlogToWatch, it's priced at around $1700 on the nylon strap, and $1900 on a crocodile strap. Not sure what it'll be in the EU, but it'll be around your price bracket.
Some of the entry level Nomos watches, such as the Club will be in your price bracket. It might not be your aesthetic, but it'll get you serious cred from the watch snobs due to its in-house movement.
If you want an oddball choice, how about the Tag Heuer Connected? It's set to retail at €1350, and offers various upgrade paths to either keep the internals up to date, or replaced with an automatic movement.
OK, another alternative choice: An Omega 1953 RAF watch. These have an antimagnetic case design and a chronometer grade movement. They're pretty rare, but not too hard to find, and typically sell for €1500 to €2000.
I'm a big fan of this watch. It's a vintage piece with a 37 mm case, that makes it more wearable than some of the smaller period designs. The movement is very highly regarded. And Omega can pretty much rebuild them to an as new condition at their service department in Bienne, for around €1000.
-
Thanks for the replies Giles and Graeme. Yeah i'm more into the Sinn. It was my choice from the get-go. But my OCD rears it's lovely head and I need to know there isn't better out there for the dollar!
I like the look of the Longine Graeme but i'm not a white face kinda guy. The Nomos looks lovely too but is a bit too classic in design for my taste.
I know @rocket will favour the Sinn…I just wish the case was tegimented like the U1 as i'm a bit worried it's gonna scratch like a mf.....
Look forward to any more suggestions....or a donation of a spare watch from @Tempvs hahaha!
Bet he does….(have a watch for every day not one to donate 