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Looking for my next watch???
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Author:  Sasho [ Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Looking for my next watch???
So I recently picked up my Navitimer after waiting three months for delivery and currently I've just sent my SO to get overhauled. Couldn't be happier with my two Breitlings :D I am now looking to add a third piece to my humble collection (around summer) and I was thinking about diversifying brands a bit and looking at something outside of the Breitling world. For the last couple of months I have been lusting after the IWC Spitfire Chrono, white dial with the brown croc.

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I had the opportunity to try the spitfire chrono the other day at the local AD however, given its size (diameter 42mm and case height 14.7mm) it looked a bit funny on my small wrist. The way the lugs are designed, they stick out a bit and the brown leather croc strap is not as thick as the Breitling one, its actually pretty thin, so goes straight down. Doesn't even create that circular mold around your wrist. I know I am focusing on the details but it bothered me a lot. The guy said that it looks fine and I could wear it, but for me, looking down at my wrist I wasn't 100% on it. Really don't like the flatness of the leather and how much the lugs stick out. With my Breitlings there is a sense of elegant chunkiness and I love how the croc takes that circular shape around your wrist and I cant help but smile each time I look at the time. Despite their size, they just sit right on my wrist at least. Not the same with the IWC. Anyways, he will see if he can get a spitfire UTC since that one is smaller (diameter 39mm and case height 12.5mm) and see how that fits. I must say though, leaving the AD, I was disappointed since I looked towards really getting the spitfire chrono. Don't know how I feel about the UTC and of course I haven't had the opportunity to try it on yet. Will see how that goes if he can get one in.

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One thing is for sure, somehow I am not as excited as I would be if picking up a Breitling. In a weird way, Breitlings just fit my wrist better, or at least I think they do, and I really enjoy wearing them and looking at them. However, I would really like to add another brand to my little collection and I was wondering what else is out there? This is where the knowledge on this forum comes in helpful :wink:

Do you guys have any suggestions outside of the Breitling world? I am looking at something smaller than 42mm, automatic, white dial, preferably on brown croc, a bit dressier but still sporty. Price obviously is a limitation, cant go sky high so if we can keep it under $6k I can play in that area. Any thoughts?

BTW, having said all this, yesterday this really caught my eye.

Image

If there isn't anything else out there I guess I might look at the chrono galactic in white though. From this angle the watch looks awesome!!!!

Thanks!
Author:  F14D_Tomcat [ Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Sasho wrote:
BTW, having said all this, yesterday this really caught my eye.

Image

From this angle the watch looks awesome!!!!


I really like the face of that one Alex, quite unusual.

It may even look better in TT, the Romans will really stand out. If that is your taste, of course. Just my 10 cents.
Author:  Sasho [ Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Haha thanks Tomcat :wink:

Indeed, there is something about that picture (not taken by me btw). If I am honest, I am getting around the new bezel and specifically on that picture I think it looks like the bees knees! I would need to try one on and see if I get the same feeling. I am starting to find out that some watches look spectacular in pictures with all the detail shown but in person or from a far they have much less presence.
Author:  boogiebot [ Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
you can get a b4b GT for around 6k after discount if you take it on strap. i know you said 44mm but this is one you might want to consider very nice watch!
Author:  roman4405 [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
I'm gonna guesss that you could get a B01 on a strap for around $6k, with all the things that I hate the Breitling is doing I still like the B01...as long as the bezel is brushed. Have you thought about Omega? The Aqua Terra is a very nice watch, their white dial is beautiful. Go on WUS and look for a pic of one in the Omega section. Pllus it has their 8500 in-house movement and I'm pretty sure it can be had for under $6k. And there's always the Speedy, not really what you asked for but just a cool watch.
Author:  Sasho [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Thanks!

Quote:
boogiebot


Yeah, the B4B are pretty sweet. The dimensions are a bit bigger than what I am looking for. This will be my suit watch and I am looking for simplicity :wink:

Quote:
roman4405


Indeed I've been looking at the Aqua Terra. Picked up April's issue of watchtime and theres a review of the exact watch in question. Some of the highlights that I took away:

* easy to operate 4/5
* finishing of the case except for the not-quite cleanly polished angles over the strap lugs 8/10
* elegant design if you look at it up close however it loses individuality when viewed from far 12/15
* obviously the in-house 8500 movement with a beautiful display back showcasing it 18/20
* overall value is good considering the craftsmanship and in-house movement, with the broc croc it can be had for $4,750 so within budget for sure

I am not quite sure on the dimensions. I wouldn't want it to fit like a plate on my wrist. I'll need to try it and see if I fall in love with it.

Keep the suggestions coming!
Author:  Budlum24 [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Sasho wrote:

I am not quite sure on the dimensions. I wouldn't want it to fit like a plate on my wrist. I'll need to try it and see if I fall in love with it.

Keep the suggestions coming!


There is an AT midsize (39-mm) available with a silver dial on brown croc. It still packs the cal. 8500 as well. 231.13.39.21.02.001

I'm a recent Omega convert...give me a break. :lol:
Author:  thomasenlow1 [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
[quote="Sasho"]The dimensions are a bit bigger than what I am looking for. This will be my suit watch and I am looking for simplicity :wink: [quote]

I always think of three hand or GMT watches as being best for dress wear. Something finely done but without the clutter of a chrono. Maybe a long power reserve would be handy if you are only thinking this would be worn once or twice a week.

Just some thoughts
Author:  Sasho [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Budlum24 wrote:
Sasho wrote:

I am not quite sure on the dimensions. I wouldn't want it to fit like a plate on my wrist. I'll need to try it and see if I fall in love with it.

Keep the suggestions coming!


There is an AT midsize (39-mm) available with a silver dial on brown croc. It still packs the cal. 8500 as well. 231.13.39.21.02.001

I'm a recent Omega convert...give me a break. :lol:


Sweet, that could be interesting for sure. The AD that carries IWC also carries Omega so I will scope it out for sure. I'm a bit lazy to do the search, on the 39mm whats the thickness?

thomasenlow1 wrote:
Sasho wrote:
The dimensions are a bit bigger than what I am looking for. This will be my suit watch and I am looking for simplicity :wink:
Quote:

I always think of three hand or GMT watches as being best for dress wear. Something finely done but without the clutter of a chrono. Maybe a long power reserve would be handy if you are only thinking this would be worn once or twice a week.

Just some thoughts


My thoughts exactly 8) That is why I am looking forward to trying on the IWC UTC. I found these pictures of the watch on WUS...what do you guys think? Looks pretty badass

Image
Image
Image
Author:  Scott [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
The watch looks nice, but I can't take my eyes off the band. I'm another one who's sold on the Aqua Terra 8500. Beautiful, great quality, and gives you a large face for the case size. Certainly a change of pace from what you have. I admit, though to being attracted to the IWC brand--great company, long tradition, quality product. Under $6K, you might need to look for a discount, but I think Ulysse Nardin still makes a 40 mm Marine. Again, a unique look, good quality.
Author:  boogiebot [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
used rolex Sub?
Author:  roman4405 [ Tue Mar 29, 2011 2:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Sasho wrote:
My thoughts exactly 8) That is why I am looking forward to trying on the IWC UTC. I found these pictures of the watch on WUS...what do you guys think? Looks pretty badass



I really like the Spitfire's, they seem to be very overlooked in the IWC lineup but they're great looking watches. The only thing that bugs me about them, well all IWC's actually, is that they seem to be priced very high. Just my opinion of course and maybe discounts can be had, I don't know, I've never seriously talked about getting one.
Author:  Sasho [ Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Scott wrote:
The watch looks nice, but I can't take my eyes off the band. I'm another one who's sold on the Aqua Terra 8500. Beautiful, great quality, and gives you a large face for the case size. Certainly a change of pace from what you have. I admit, though to being attracted to the IWC brand--great company, long tradition, quality product. Under $6K, you might need to look for a discount, but I think Ulysse Nardin still makes a 40 mm Marine. Again, a unique look, good quality.


I was at my AD today and tried a black dial Omega AT 41.5mm, they didn't have the 39mm version. The 41.5 was way too big. I'll have to wait to try a smaller with the white dial and croc strap. I have thought about UN, especially the GMT. Will have to slap one on and see :wink:

boogiebot wrote:
used rolex Sub?


I will most def add a Rolex to the collection down the road, can't miss such an icon. The now discontinued sea-dweller has caught my attention. I am not a huge fan of the cyclops. However, for now I am looking for a white dial since my Breitlings are both black.

roman4405 wrote:

I really like the Spitfire's, they seem to be very overlooked in the IWC lineup but they're great looking watches. The only thing that bugs me about them, well all IWC's actually, is that they seem to be priced very high. Just my opinion of course and maybe discounts can be had, I don't know, I've never seriously talked about getting one.


I just got a call today from my AD and the IWC UTC has been discontinued. My guy put in a request if any other dealers have some to ship them here to Calgary but told me not to hold my breath since they are pretty rare. Also I was scoping the IWC forum at WUS and it looks like there will be a new pilot line in 2012. Most def something to keep an eye on. High price, tell me about it! While I was at the AD I decided to try an icon of mine, the IWC portugeuse...outstanding piece, price after 15% discount with taxes here in Calgary $7,200 :shock:

I am not sure what to look forward to now :cry:
Author:  roman4405 [ Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
Sasho wrote:
I just got a call today from my AD and the IWC UTC has been discontinued. My guy put in a request if any other dealers have some to ship them here to Calgary but told me not to hold my breath since they are pretty rare. Also I was scoping the IWC forum at WUS and it looks like there will be a new pilot line in 2012. Most def something to keep an eye on. High price, tell me about it! While I was at the AD I decided to try an icon of mine, the IWC portugeuse...outstanding piece, price after 15% discount with taxes here in Calgary $7,200 :shock:

I am not sure what to look forward to now :cry:


That sucks about the Spitfire, I didn't know they were discontinuing it. Was the Portuguese you tried on the in-house model? They have a ETA based one, the Portuguese Chrono I think, that's very similar to the Auto and just a beauty, but a little less expensive. Their Portuguese Hand Wound is probably my favorite IWC, I don't know if you want a manual wind though but it should be under your budget and looks outstanding with the white dial. Very classy.
Author:  Sasho [ Wed Mar 30, 2011 3:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for my next watch???
roman4405 wrote:
Sasho wrote:
I just got a call today from my AD and the IWC UTC has been discontinued. My guy put in a request if any other dealers have some to ship them here to Calgary but told me not to hold my breath since they are pretty rare. Also I was scoping the IWC forum at WUS and it looks like there will be a new pilot line in 2012. Most def something to keep an eye on. High price, tell me about it! While I was at the AD I decided to try an icon of mine, the IWC portugeuse...outstanding piece, price after 15% discount with taxes here in Calgary $7,200 :shock:

I am not sure what to look forward to now :cry:


That sucks about the Spitfire, I didn't know they were discontinuing it. Was the Portuguese you tried on the in-house model? They have a ETA based one, the Portuguese Chrono I think, that's very similar to the Auto and just a beauty, but a little less expensive. Their Portuguese Hand Wound is probably my favorite IWC, I don't know if you want a manual wind though but it should be under your budget and looks outstanding with the white dial. Very classy.



Yup, the one I tried is the Portuguese Chrono pictured below (ETA based movement, self-winding, 44-hour power reserve, case height 12.3mm, diameter 40.9mm)

Image

The Portuguese Automatic 5001 is a bit bigger and will have IWC's in-house movement. The movement in question is part of the 50000-calibre family. They feature some of the best ideas ever to appear in an automatic movement (Pellaton winding system, together with a balance and Breguet spring for maximum precision, 1960 complete revolutions of the rotor wind the movement for a full 7 days). It also gets the display back and size is bigger (case height 14mm and diameter 42.3mm). However, all this awesomeness comes at a price. The prices from IWC's price list for 2010 have the Port chrono at $6,800 and the Port auto at $10,900. A pretty decent difference. I'm more interested in the chrono and the auto can be something I aspire to get a bit later in life :wink: I guess I will also keep my eyes open for a previously enjoyed port chrono and save a few bucks.
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