I've been a huge fan for big pilot watches not because of the trend to go bling these days but because i'm quite a big chap by asian standards. I own 2 Zeno Watches(not sure if any of you have heard of, but its not a big name) that are 47mm and a German Diver's watch that's 52mm (Huge watch...but i absolutely love it).
Here comes the problem, i\m looking to buy my first real watch which i have contemplated for the past 1 year now and i can't seem to accomodate to anything smaller than 44mm...it's a real problem because anything smaller and i feel like i'm wearing my nephew's swatch(no offense...i know swatch is a good brand).
I've narrowed down a couple of watches with my "expert" forum reading knowledge but i'm hoping you guys can lead me the right path. I'm working around a budget of US$10 to 12k after haggling(you guys get the drift) and as mentioned 44mm and bigger. A date display is an absolute must.
Here are my shortlist :
- Jaeger LeCoultre:
Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm (Titanium)
- Audemars Piguet:
Royal Oak Offshore Chrono Themes (SS / Safari) <--This is my personal favourite but its way over my budget...just keeping it in the list hopefully as my next purchase.
- Officine Panerai:
Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT 44mm (PAM 00233)
- Officine Panerai:
Radiomir 8 Days Steel (PAM00268)
- Officine Panerai:
Radiomir GMT 45 mm (PAM 00242)
- Hublot: Big Bang <--Any models in specific worth looking at?
- IWC:
Big Ingenieur (Steel)
- IWC:
Big Pilot 2006 (Steel)
- Gerald Genta: Gefica? (I've got no idea what's the price like for this...but it does look gorgeous)
- Gerald Genta: Any other Bi-Retro model?
The above is pretty match what i gathered or rather the good watches i know, if there are any other recommendations from any other brands, please please feel free to educate me. I have personally been a fan of Panerai for quite a while but I don't really want to restrict myself too much for this purchase. I haven't seen a Hublot in flesh but have read abit about how it's reviving. Any input on that?
I can't seem to find many sites online selling Gerald Genta so that is a bit worrying, also for that reason i couldn't find any price list to understand the cost. I'm looking to buy the watch from one of the 2 good watch dealers in SG, if there's anyone out that we can recommend me a good deal please do point me the right way.
Thanks for taking the time to read this long query, all your inputs will be much appreciated!
Cheers,
ClockOnWrist