(2/17: FOUND!!!!!!!!!) Help me pick out my 1st "big boy" Watch

[Mr.K]

You could always go used and open up your choices. Pre-owned watches are just as good as new, except not with the larger price tag.

 

[AlwaysDressed]

I was in the same boat about 3 years ago. I went with the Omega Railmaster XXL. Its a 49.6mm monster. It's actually larger than the Big Pilot (46mm) and all of the modern day Panerai (42mm, 44mm, & 47mm) I paid about $2300 for it new. Not sure if they still sell this Extra Large Model though. But I'd say take a look at the Railmaster Line in general.

Here are a few of pics of my wactch on a few different straps.

 

[HRoi]

you've got enough goodies in those sig links to finance a portuguese

 

[btinl]

IMO, you should save more money and wait for something better.

 

[CDFS]

Originally Posted by btinl

IMO, you should save more money and wait for something better.

There's always something better...

 

[Incman]

Are those all your pics AlwaysDressed? Very nice.

 

[robdpittman]

Originally Posted by CDFS

There's always something better...

+1

I'm a big Omega fan. Solid, beautiful, classic watches.

 

[Fred49]

This is not going to be a popular choice. I bought a Rolex Explorer II in 1981 or 82. I have only had it serviced a few times and have beaten it to death and it still runs to the minute.
I also have other much more expensive watches but this was a great first watch.

 

[Fred49]

Not sure of the price now so if it is more than you want to spend sorry.

 

[Trompe le Monde]

not "big ol face" but meets the rest of your criteria

http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/vi...6&idcategory=0

and the money shot.......

42mm - 3500usd

 

[leon12]

BP on the cheap, I've heard good things.

http://www.archimede-uhren.de/US/Pilot-family.htm

 

[FStyles]

Originally Posted by AlwaysDressed

I was in the same boat about 3 years ago. I went with the Omega Railmaster XXL. Its a 49.6mm monster. It's actually larger than the Big Pilot (46mm) and all of the modern day Panerai (42mm, 44mm, & 47mm) I paid about $2300 for it new. Not sure if they still sell this Extra Large Model though. But I'd say take a look at the Railmaster Line in general.

Here are a few of pics of my wactch on a few different straps.

WOW that's pretty badass! I'm looking up railmaster now. the last one with the gator strap is especially sexay

thanks mate!

Originally Posted by HRoi

you've got enough goodies in those sig links to finance a portuguese

I do. I've got enough in the BA too.....but what I don't have enough of is patience in dealing with :"her"

Originally Posted by btinl

IMO, you should save more money and wait for something better.

Yeah, thought about that. Not happening.

Originally Posted by Trompe le Monde

not "big ol face" but meets the rest of your criteria

http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/vi...6&idcategory=0

42mm - 3500usd

^^ that's actually pretty nice. Anyone know anything about these things??

 

[Trompe le Monde]

Originally Posted by FStyles

^^ that's actually pretty nice. Anyone know anything about these things??

a lot of handwork

a lot more personal than the other big factory watches

http://www.timezone.com/library/tzin...25903176093750

 

[dl20]

Originally Posted by FStyles

sigh...this is depressing me. My hard earned $2.5k is just a drop in the toilet of shiotty watches

No Way dude! Plenty of options in your price range. I have several pricey pieces but one of my favorites is a 500$ Marathon JSAR. You can certainly make out better on the TZ sales corner than buying retail or even grey market but you can get a nice piece with 2k none the less.

I really like the Railmaster myself and dont think you'd want to part with it when the time comes to upgrade. Noone else mentioned them but take a look at baume et mercier as well. My first "real" watch was a classima that I still wear often and a dozen watches later.

I'd say even if you got the itch to purchase stalk the TZ SC for a few days. I just saw a reverso in mint condition for 2500 a few days back. Just make sure to do your due diligence and check references at watchnet.

dl

 

[Kaplan]

Originally Posted by dcg

My choice (and I'm looking in the same price range) is the Omega Speedmaster Pro. Probably not the best for resale value or in terms of minimalist design, but well made, timeless, and has a nice history behind it.
+1 on the Speedy Pro

Originally Posted by leon12

When I was in your position, I waited patiently for a discontinued white Mark XV to pop up.. IWC rules.

I really like that white faced Mark XV. No chance of ever finding one not used I guess?

Originally Posted by Fred49

This is not going to be a popular choice. I bought a Rolex Explorer II in 1981 or 82. I have only had it serviced a few times and have beaten it to death and it still runs to the minute.
I also have other much more expensive watches but this was a great first watch.
I agree. I got a no-date sub in 1991 and wore it exclusively until I got a PAM 177 last year.

To the OP: If you like the pilot look, how about a Stowa? I especially like the no-logo one with the blue hands here - and it's only about $750 (allowing you to put something aside for one of the IWCs you really want). It has a pretty good reputation, AFAIK.