Must have watches

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Psmith

I operate in the area between 'must have' and 'must keep'

This is where I'm at too...I am slowly coming to the realization that while I love and appreciate many, many watches, they can't all be in my collection.

My "must-haves":
Sub (still working on the color/metal combo)
GMTc (LN or BLNR)/EXP II
DJII/DDII
Daytona

[VICI]

A SS, TT/Gold, strap watch

So:

Sub / AP
DJ / DJII / DDII
AP ROO - hornback

[kilyung]

Two words... precious metal. My Patek 5711/1A needs to someday be upgraded to a 5711P.

[JorgeCCW]

[Token74]

Originally Posted by caryyee

In a Rolex collection, you need:

1. A SS sports watch (ie Sub or GMT)
2. Daytona
3. A gold or TT dress watch (ie DJ or DD)

Almost right...

1. Sports Watch (my choice is Sea Dweller)
2. Dress Watch (my choice is TT Sub although may move to Daytona)
3. Beater Watch (my choice is a G-Shock Rangeman)

Done.

[Andrew NYC]

Obviously a lot of good suggestions here but I'll share what I have chosen:

A vintage Patek that's been handed down through the generations for special occasions, weddings, memorable events, etc. (Patek Ref 130 purchased in 1951). Anything from the 40s/50s is nice especially if it's got a nice complication, classic Lemania movement or a great history/story to it.

Lange 1 "Stealth" for modern, more everyday dress and business occasions.

AP Royal Oak "Jumbo" (15202) - the quintessential luxury steel sports watch. Wear this one at work, weekends, dressed up and casual. Feels so slim on the wrist and has a great history.

Rolex Day-Date (18K 18248) - when you need to turn it up a few notches there's nothing like a classic 36mm DD to announce you've arrived. The bark finish is a great differentiator that shows you're not a trend follower (as many people are repulsed by the bark - the hell with them I say!).

Rolex SS Sub - the go everywhere, do anything classic sports/tool watch. Man, this thing takes a beating and keeps on going. No problem dressing this one up or getting down and dirty. Unlike the AP RO you can actually beat this one up, go in the ocean, dive down a few hundred feet and not have a care in the world. Had a dive master once say to me however "You actually dive with that watch??" Duh.....

Panerai 232 - Limited edition, 47mm, classic radiomir with a sandwich dial, no date, seconds hand, etc. Clean and mean and a great edition to own if you want to have a signature, historic looking piece from Panerai.

Omega ProPlof 1200 - Another iconic piece modeled after a classic piece from the 70s. Updated case, escape valve, and co-axial movement. This thing is right out of a Roger Moore James Bond movie. I love the "shark proof" bracelet and massive case design. I've owned other Omega's but nothing this bad ass or fun to wear.

GO Navigator Date - Need a pilot's watch in the mix. I may be more in favor of the IWC Big Pilot but this one's a beauty and also has some significant history to it from a German manufacturer that was making these when pilots wore and depended on instruments like this. The big date execution, 44mm case and traditional dial design/layout makes this one a great choice. The GO cal 100 is no slouch either.

Luminox Black Ops 8802 - great "don't care if I loose it watch" that has awesome luminosity, rugged, quartz movement, good water resistance, rubber strap, etc. You need something like this for those times when a nice watch is not appropriate.

The only thing else I'd add (that I don't currently own) is a GMT/world time/travel watch. I have my eye on the new Rolex GMT II BLNR but there are of course many many great options. I also like the AP Dual Time, PAM 233/270, Lange Zeit Zone, etc, etc.

[BlueHeron]

@ Andrew, as you say, a WorldTimer is calling your name...

Here is a post I did awhile ago with many WorldTimer beauties:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ght=worldtimer

[Andrew NYC]

Originally Posted by BlueHeron

@ Andrew, as you say, a WorldTimer is calling your name...

Here is a post I did awhile ago with many WorldTimer beauties:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ght=worldtimer

Oh yea, great post!

For the longest time I wanted the Patek 5110 but got distracted by the Lange 1 Stealth. What I ultimately didn't love about the 5110 was the when switching to different time zones with the pusher button it was not smooth (kind of crunchy actually). Also it didn't have a date complication. Over time I lost my strong interest in this particular piece.

The Vacheron's you posted are mighty good looking especially the first one in the pictures.

The newer Patek 5131 is interesting and reminds me of their vintage world time watches but I can't get past the cursive script of the cities. Just doesn't look right to me.

The IWC is certainly interesting (and more affordable than many of the others) but I really (really, really) like the Lange Zeit Zone. For me, it has everything and the complication is really well executed. There's a lot going on, like many of the other world timers but I must say it's a very impressive piece (as others commented on in your post).

Thanks for sharing - a lot to think about. Perhaps that GMT BLNR could hold me over? Or would I just be dreaming of the world timer? Hmmmmm.

-Andrew

[Racerdj]

Daytona and Sub for sure!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Two words... precious metal. My Patek 5711/1A needs to someday be upgraded to a 5711P.

That is crazy talk, In the mean time, i have a jeweler friend who could put a diamond at 6 for you

[cemeabeme]

There are so many beautiful watches from the past, the present and I presume to come in the future. For me, if I could I would have (based on my limited knowledge of watches) the following:
1. Patek Philippe perpetual manual chronograph 5970p, g, r, j or 5270g;
2. Rolex auto ss sea dweller, gmt ii, sub or explorer ii

I would stop there, I think - If I couldn't resist, I would add a third piece...
3. Rolex auto Platinum day date ii w/glacier blue dial Arabic dial

[BlueHeron]

Originally Posted by Andrew NYC

Oh yea, great post!

For the longest time I wanted the Patek 5110 but got distracted by the Lange 1 Stealth. What I ultimately didn't love about the 5110 was the when switching to different time zones with the pusher button it was not smooth (kind of crunchy actually). Also it didn't have a date complication. Over time I lost my strong interest in this particular piece.

The Vacheron's you posted are mighty good looking especially the first one in the pictures.

The newer Patek 5131 is interesting and reminds me of their vintage world time watches but I can't get past the cursive script of the cities. Just doesn't look right to me.

The IWC is certainly interesting (and more affordable than many of the others) but I really (really, really) like the Lange Zeit Zone. For me, it has everything and the complication is really well executed. There's a lot going on, like many of the other world timers but I must say it's a very impressive piece (as others commented on in your post).

Thanks for sharing - a lot to think about. Perhaps that GMT BLNR could hold me over? Or would I just be dreaming of the world timer? Hmmmmm.

-Andrew

I'm right there with you on the font on the Patek - definitely a bit disturbing and I can't get past it either.

I have a Frederique Constant WorldTimer, not the most expensive watch ("affordable luxury") with rose gold plate instead of solid, but of all WorldTimer dials it is my absolute favorite.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by subtona

That is crazy talk, In the mean time, i have a jeweler friend who could put a diamond at 6 for you

Save me a lot of coin.

[Floorguy]

Mine is without a doubt, rolex gmt 1675!