What is the quessentential WIS must-have watch?

I was thinking about this while riding my bicycle in to work today. I don't want to put up a poll, because I don't want to limit suggestions.

To define this further, I mean a watch that is easily attainable by any WIS, regardless of funds, gives great value, is mechanical, solid, from a quality manufacturer (or even manufacture), that should be in every WIS's collection at some point.

It doesn't have to be a piece of 'generational hand-me-down' quality either. That's why I said 'easily attainable by any WIS' and keep in mind, there are millions of WIS on the Poor Man's Watch Forum. It can be a 'froog' (i.e. frugal) but it has to be mechanical.

What are your thoughts? I'll post my vote tomorrow.

[Launch Mini]

Been thinking about this too.
Not an easy answer.
But I think it would have to be a Rolex Submariner.
Obviously, because it's a Rolex, but it has plenty of history that most people can relate to. Not some obscure history like some others claim.
It's also a James Bond Icon. His watch ,an Aston Martin and a Martini , Shaken not stirred.
It's a mutli purpose watch, You can dress it up or down.

[SLRdude]

For a frugal... Seiko automatic dive watch, like the monster or the samurai.
Honestly... for value/history/namebrand/quality... Omega Seamaster Professional, hands down.
You can pick up a Bond or a SMP BNIB for around 1600 and it will last many lifetimes.

[JJ Irani]

Since you mentioned regardless of funds, it would have to be 16610 Sub-date. Quite easily attainable....well, at least most places, and is definitely the best of the best going out there....from virtually every point of view, including recognition and resale value.

JJ

[padi56]

Well for the best bang for the Pound it has to be Seiko for the Frugal range.Then anything really from the Omega sports range,and the timeless classic the Rolex SD.But if I was to choose one only, it would be a Rolex SD.

I'm still up in the air on this, but it's come down to a draw between the no-date Submariner and the Black Monster. I say the BM because it's getting a cult status and really the only people who seem to wear it are WISs. Where else can you get a 200M auto dive watch with lume this bright for under $150?

But the Sub is iconic with 50+ years of history. Tough call.

[RobDad]

Hmmmm, a tough one really. It took me 3 years to find a new Sub-date in London at an AD, so I don't think they are that easy to find, and at £2650 they are hardly 'affordable' to everyone.

My vote would be for the Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch, as it's way cheaper with a great history, hand wound like a proper old-fashioned watch, with a gadgety chronograph, and there are plenty out there for £1000 if you are prepared to pick up a nice secondhand example.

Can't agree with the Omega Seamaster either - seem more common than Quartz Tag Heuers, and tend to be worn by people who want a Bond Watch as opposed to WIS's (although this is bound to change!)

I would say the Black Monster, but I had a bad experience with stripped threads on one, which kind of ruined it for me.

Actually, I seem unable to wear anything 'cheap' with the exception of my trusty G-shock, which is opposite to my Sub in every way - ding-proof, bomb-proof, kid-proof, ugly, cheap, lots of functions you don't need etc!
I've actually thrown that watch into walls, bounced it off walls, even kicked it and it doesn't have a mark on it - If you include quartz watches, there has to be a place for Casio!

[mamas]

I would agree with robdad.. i think that a speedy pro is a must... although affordability is a probelm.. This watch is an icon, a watch which is amongst the toughest mechanical watches out there and is timeless. For £750 you can get a nice used on fairly easily on flea bay.
Given that affordability is an issue then one of they seiko divers have to be on the list.. probably not the monster as i think it will date..

I would say an omega vinatge seamaster of any descrition from 1950s or 1960s is another option.. for $300 usd you can pick up a nice one, with an inhouse movement which would function perfectly for at least another 50 years. These watches are amongst the most underated by WIS's imho.
mamas

[mailman]

I have three opinions on this topic which echo some of the posts above.

You could make a case for the Soeedy Pro due to it's history. You could say Seiko Samurai or Monster, due to their affordability and the lume on the Monster. I think the monster is the ultimate froog

ND Sub...what more is there to say?

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by RobDad

Hmmmm, a tough one really. It took me 3 years to find a new Sub-date in London at an AD, so I don't think they are that easy to find, and at £2650 they are hardly 'affordable' to everyone.

My vote would be for the Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch, as it's way cheaper with a great history, hand wound like a proper old-fashioned watch, with a gadgety chronograph, and there are plenty out there for £1000 if you are prepared to pick up a nice secondhand example.

Can't agree with the Omega Seamaster either - seem more common than Quartz Tag Heuers, and tend to be worn by people who want a Bond Watch as opposed to WIS's (although this is bound to change!)

I would say the Black Monster, but I had a bad experience with stripped threads on one, which kind of ruined it for me.

Actually, I seem unable to wear anything 'cheap' with the exception of my trusty G-shock, which is opposite to my Sub in every way - ding-proof, bomb-proof, kid-proof, ugly, cheap, lots of functions you don't need etc!
I've actually thrown that watch into walls, bounced it off walls, even kicked it and it doesn't have a mark on it - If you include quartz watches, there has to be a place for Casio!

If you're going to include quartz, and Casios in particular, I would go with this one. Radio controlled, analog and digital readouts, multiple (24) time zones, calendar, chronograph, 5 alarms, memory to store 30 numbers:

and it's under US$ 200.

[RobDad]

The only problem with most G-shocks is how ugly they are!!!

There seems to be a move towards rounded, shiny 'organic' design in watches at the moment, from that Casio, right across to the new case for the DJ. It seems to have started with Oakley watches (ugh!), recent G-shocks, arguably the new love for 'cushion' cases like the Panerai, etc and the move to larger sizes.

Sometimes it works, mostly it doesn't. Have noticed the same with Cars - having been a kid in the 80's with Lamborghini Countach and Mk1 Golf GTI posters on my wall, alongside an Ad for a Sub-date out of National Geographic, I just can't seem to fall in love with the fat, blobby cars and watches they're making now. I like some angles! (and I'm only 37, fell like a classic car freak)!!!

Currently own a 16610, and a really simple, square 'classic' G-shock from about 10 years ago - having sold off a whole bunch of watches I just never wore (various Oris, Fortis, old Tags)

Still waiting for something new to grab my attention, but as I really don't like/need chronographs, I have the perfect Dress/Casual watch in the Sub, the perfect beater/alarm/anti-mugger watch in the Casio - (and it's been great fun trying to break the G-shock, and never succeeding!!!)

[Alan From New York]

Originally Posted by Atomic

I was thinking about this while riding my bicycle in to work today. I don't want to put up a poll, because I don't want to limit suggestions.

To define this further, I mean a watch that is easily attainable by any WIS, regardless of funds, gives great value, is mechanical, solid, from a quality manufacturer (or even manufacture), that should be in every WIS's collection at some point.

It doesn't have to be a piece of 'generational hand-me-down' quality either. That's why I said 'easily attainable by any WIS' and keep in mind, there are millions of WIS on the Poor Man's Watch Forum. It can be a 'froog' (i.e. frugal) but it has to be mechanical.

What are your thoughts?

Dive or Pilot watches with ETA's 2824 movement are ubiquitous and offerred at a wide range of price points.

Whilst Seiko makes a nice product, you can't have a WIS without SWISS.

As far as branding is concerned, it's almost impossible to make a bad choice.

This was my choice as my first "nice" watch.

[desmo900rider]

NEWB WARNING ON>>>

Whats a "WIS"?

NEWB WARNING OFF>>>

[dman]

Originally Posted by desmo900rider

NEWB WARNING ON>>>

Whats a "WIS"?

NEWB WARNING OFF>>>

Watch
Idiot
Savant

We frown on being known as watch geeks.

Originally Posted by dman

Watch
Idiot
Savant

We frown on being known as watch geeks.

Even though that's what we really are.