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Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
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Author:  sharkman [ Mon May 31, 2010 1:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
In a month or so I plan to get what will be my "The Watch" in my collection. I am not inclined to spend more than $10-12,000 and would prefer to spend less for the right watch.

I am fully set on my Breitlings, having over-bought, learned what works for me and what doesn't, sold/traded those that don't, kept those that do. So Breitlings no mas(well until that Superocean hits the AD and I can compare color schemes).

I am intrigued by the Speedmaster LE split second Altair posted a couple months ago - the one with the light sunburst pattern on charcoal grey. I haven't been able to find any pricing info.

Also want to try the Rolex Deep Sea Seadweller - 44mm. That one may wear too large on my 6 &1/2 inch wrists, though the Steelfish is a great fit for me.

Then there is a 2010 LE Chopard GT XL Chrono with a steel dial with a cotes de Geneve finish. That one may be above the price range - maybe as much as $15,000 retail list and that's just silly for me to spend.

I am also attracted to the newer deville chronoscope with brown dial and black subs, alos 44mm. That on may be the choice as it would certainly save some money.

I would appreciaite your thought/opinions/experience on the above watches as well as your ideas on any other watches that may fit the bill. Pics would be great too. My ideal size is 43-44mm. I'm not intersted in any bracelets that rely on half links only for fit.

TIA,
Author:  rebel_1 [ Mon May 31, 2010 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
Have you considered a Fifty Fathoms?

Image

R/
Author:  sharkman [ Mon May 31, 2010 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
No , but I am now. Quite stunning and the chrono version is lovely as well. At 45MM it may well work and blancpain, well the name says enough.

Thanks. My watch IQ is somewhere between moron and low average. But I'm finally learing to ASK before I just leap.

And it fits well in the style range I omitted in OP - works as dress watch, but sporty.
Author:  Arthur L [ Mon May 31, 2010 3:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
My vote is for the Rolex DSSD, or IWC BP. Both may be too large, but never hurts to try it on eh? I also like this JLC alot, but nit to every one's tastes.

http://www.gemnation.com/watches/Jaeger ... 13154.html
Author:  mfserge [ Mon May 31, 2010 3:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
Carl Bucherer Patravi TravelTec.
Author:  Otto [ Mon May 31, 2010 3:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
Big Pilot for me, or maybe a PAM 233.

That's what comes to mind straight away anyhow. I'm sure others will start coming to me as soon as I've hit submit.
Author:  sharkman [ Mon May 31, 2010 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
Thnaks - I'll consider them all.
Author:  Roffensian [ Mon May 31, 2010 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
I think that it's very difficult for someone else to tell you what your 'grail' watch should be. I have had a number of 'grails' over the years, and always changed my mind before acquiring - to me that's kind of what a grail is. Just be prepared to have another grail after buying this one.

That said, if it were me I would want to have a watch that had certain characteristics - an in house movement being the most obvious for me. Assuming that we are only talking about new pieces, how about a Breguet Type XXI (the new Type XXII is incredible but above the price range by quite a bit). The Breguet marines are also nice, but likely over the limit.

Totally different to the Breguet there's the Omega PloProf, though you might not be able to carry that off with 6 1/2" wrists
Author:  mboverst [ Mon May 31, 2010 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
If your looking for a 44mm, in that $ range that's Grail worthy then it's gotta be the Pam 233.

Historic, in-house 8 day GMT movement....to me it's a no brainer
Author:  Huttfuzz [ Mon May 31, 2010 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
mboverst wrote:
If your looking for a 44mm, in that $ range that's Grail worthy then it's gotta be the Pam 233.

Historic, in-house 8 day GMT movement....to me it's a no brainer


The pam 233 does it for me too. It would be something different enough in your collection to say it's your grail.
Author:  Palantas [ Mon May 31, 2010 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
Ulysse Nardin makes some nice watches in that price range. I've always had an eye for a Maxi Marine Diver:

Image

EDIT:

I like the Fifty Fathoms too.
Author:  zjhoward [ Mon May 31, 2010 6:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
The IWC 5001 Portuguese Automatic with the white dial is a thing of beauty. That is currently my most realistic grail.
Author:  sharkman [ Mon May 31, 2010 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
Roffensian wrote:
I think that it's very difficult for someone else to tell you what your 'grail' watch should be. I have had a number of 'grails' over the years, and always changed my mind before acquiring - to me that's kind of what a grail is. Just be prepared to have another grail after buying this one.

That said, if it were me I would want to have a watch that had certain characteristics - an in house movement being the most obvious for me. Assuming that we are only talking about new pieces, how about a Breguet Type XXI (the new Type XXII is incredible but above the price range by quite a bit). The Breguet marines are also nice, but likely over the limit.

Totally different to the Breguet there's the Omega PloProf, though you might not be able to carry that off with 6 1/2" wrists



And this is exactly what I need - ideas. I know there is "a" watch out there and some presented so far could be "it." My God the type XXII is amazing!(nearly as amazing is the Type XXI). And I can actually try one on in Scottsdale rather than fly to NYC to try on the Blancpain.

I've been considering the Maxi Marine too. IWC BP, and even panerai(which I had a prejuduce against for some unknown reason - maybe because I wasn't breast fed or something).

Just once I want to make a considered watch judgment in advance. In case anyone on this site is blind - I am watch-impulsive by nature.
Author:  toddb [ Mon May 31, 2010 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
breguet marine chronometer has lovely engraved dial with those cool blue hands NON-chrono also comes on bracelet Dont like the rubber strap thingee. also A P 15300 ST non chrono royal oak now thats bitchin'
Author:  H2F [ Mon May 31, 2010 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Ideas for Grail - $10-12,000 max.
Another vote for a Pam to complete your collection! The great majority is even 44mm -- the perfect size for you! :D

You know, initially I was never attracted to it also. But now that I have one, if push come to shove, I'd prob sell all my Lings before the Pam :shock:.

Another thing to consider also is the seemingly universal "Risti" spirit /brotherhood of Pam owners /community. Hard to describe, but at the very least I'd throw in words like generous, genuine, and passionate. Don't laugh, but it makes owning a Pam truly "much more than just a watch..."

Finally, consider also how easy it is to flip a Pam if (when) you yearn for the next Grail... :mrgreen:
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