pplater
5432
Advice for a neophyte?...
To the extent that a novice may give advice to a neophyte, it would be this: "Increase the budget: you've earned it!"
In all seriousness, this is a very big occasion and a very significant purchase. It's not unreasonable, is it, to allow yourself (say) a grand for each year of the fifty? You're clearly no fool; you clearly have an interest in watches; you obviously have firm ideas about what you want and like. The 'spend' is in good hands.
Otherwise, the advice you have been offered by others here is good advice. You may wish also to have a glance at the Independents; it's a personal vice, but there is something somehow apt in having a limited or bespoke piece as the mark of a significant occasion.
Much more importantly: thank you for gracing the forum, and welcome. Hopefully we will see a lot more of your thoughtful contribution.
Cheers,
pplater.
Introduction and an inquiry on chronometers
Hello to all, I am new to this community and wanted to introduce myself. I love watches but, alas, own none of the fantastic timepieces that are featured on this site...yet! For my 50th birthday, my wife would like to get me a wristwatch of the type I see...
Hello and welcome here, Glenn.
It all depends on your budget, my friend. Less than 6 000 USD? Try Ulysse Nardin and their Marine Chronometer, OR a Rolex ( they are almost ALL chronometers, by the way ). Omega, maybe? But I know too little to tell you. More than 6 000? There are some gr...
Glenn, welcome to PuristSPro!!
I think you will find many sources of information here to help with your pursuit of a new chronometer. There really is a wide price range available in this category. The case metal and movement can really have an impact. My favorite is Glashutte's Senator...
Agreed with Michael on . . .
. . . Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer . . . . . . and would add the Montblanc Villeret Retour-à-Zéro . . . . . . to the fairly short list of modern top-tier chronometers....
More info
Thank you for your prompt replies!! I knew that I had found the right community to post my inquiry!! Let me give you some more parameters to work with: First, let's talk price...something under 15,000USD. Second, size. I am quite taken with the larger siz...
Almost forgot...
Seventh, Complication. I am almost certainly locked in to a chronograph (hence my previous comment on MOP). Day/Date is optional. A case that allows viewing of the mechanical components is also optional.
Ah, well, there is quite a difference . . .
. . . between chronometer and chronograph , Glenn. There are far more chronographs to choose from, even given the additional functions listed. I might have an interesting candidate to share later in the day ;-) . . .
I drove to West Los Angeles this afternoon . . .
. . . to take photos of the limited edition Zenith annual calendar . . . zenith.watchprosite.com . . . but it wasn't available. So much for the best laid plans of mice and men ;-) . . . This message has been edited by Dr No on 2011-11-04 00:35:29...
Isn't that why...
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone??? ;-) Lovely watch though. Cheers, pplater.
(sigh) . . .
. . . yes, that's precisely what Bell had in mind when he invented the telephone - saving the scatter-brained from needless efforts. Silly me, I took it for granted the watch would be available as the press release was posted several days ago . . .
Today, I feel in a pedantic mood
Bell was the first to patent a long distance speaking device, hence his fame and his family fortune. As to the first inventor of said device, well........... MTF
In rebuttal to Dr No: Chopard LUC
My learned colleague, Dr No, is correct. There is a difference between a chronograph (measured time) and chronometer (time measure). What about combining both and having the best of both? A fly-back chronograph chronometer....Chopard LUC Chrono One....a c...
Yes. A wonderful suggestion.
Even is slightly reminiscent of the Legendary Datorgraph at first glance. I considered this piece myself.
welcome
nice to meet you. At that price point the chronograph I find nicest is the JLC Master Chronograph which should satisfy your size/dial/metal requirements and has a good movement to boot. Best Andreas
Chronograph??? Aaaach, that is another story!
So what do we have in stock... Hmmm, less than 15 000 USD... The problem is that you wanrt a bracelet... I'd say Rolex Daytona, which is an iconic Chrono. A " Zenith movement " would have a more sober dial. I woiuld not forget a certain Breguet Type XX, w...
Some 'tips'...
Welcome, Glenn! Omega comes to mind with their co-axial escapement that is chronometer-rated. Some of their 'older' models have chronometer-rated movements based on the ETA 2892-A2 and the Valjoux 7750 (as do many other Swiss watch manufactures, as you ma...
There may be fewer choices..
... if you want a Chronograph which is also COSC certified Chronometer. Maybe Chopard LUC has one (the newest Jacky Ickx?). Not sure. I thought of Grand Seiko because GS is made under the stricter standard than COSC, but Chronograph Grand Seiko are all Sp...
Not that few.
I own a Chronoswiss Chronometer Chronograph (although I don't know if they still make it). There is also (gasp!) the Rolex Daytona, available well within the specified price range and very much of a chronometer. I would recommend that anyone interested in...
Okay, thanks.
.. those particular brands you mentioned are what I know next to nothing You learn something new everyday. Thanks. Ken
Advice for a neophyte?...
To the extent that a novice may give advice to a neophyte, it would be this: "Increase the budget: you've earned it!" In all seriousness, this is a very big occasion and a very significant purchase. It's not unreasonable, is it, to allow yourself (say) a ...
Impressive!
Hello again all, I have to say, I now know that I have chosen the right place to post my inquiry! Your suggestions will provide me with a fair few nights of surfing the web to check out all of the fine timepieces!! I was already considering Omega, JLC, an...
If you want to discuss a specific watch whose brand has a dedicated forum
Please ask in the dedicated forum. If you want to discuss several watches from several brands housed here or not, please do it in the same place, on HoMe, like you did with this current post. It would be better, in my opinion, to create a whole new thread...
These 10 Come to Mind
Hi, These watches are all within your target price, steel cases and have bracelets. 1. Blancpain LÉMAN, Flyback Chronograph Grande Date ( 2885F-11B30B-71 ) 2. Breguet Type XX Aeronavale ( 3800ST/92/SW9) 3. Breitling Transocean Chronograph (AB015112/BA59) ...
Impressive!...
All organised in alphabetical order and each one with its serial number. You have a beautiful mind, Bob! Cheers, pplater.
OK, I'll chime in...
after reading most of the posts, I'll throw in my 2 cents: If you want a chronometer and chronograph on a metal bracelet, possibly with some gold accents, this limits you quite a bit, but I'll forget the gold accents for now and focus on 2 pieces. The Bre...
A picture to illustrate . . .
. . . the second alternative . . . . . . in your narrative...
I was out of town...
Thank you all again for your wonderful suggestions! I was out of town over the weekend and am now getting caught up with the posts. ...more questions to come in the various forums.... Glenn
Breitling Transocean Chronograph w/Caliber B01
I think that this watch fits your description quite well - chronometer and chronograph with metal bracelet, no gold, classic, and of course a watch with a history but with modern caliber.....Do let us know what you end up buying. J....