Horological Meandering

About 18 months ago I sold everything (except 2 sentimental watches), and started over with a Habring Felix. Now I'm looking for watch n.2. It needs to be something that can be worn off leather from April to September. Ideally, I 'd like some sort of theme to emerge, though I'm having trouble defining my style. Do I want to stay with independents, time only, hand wound etc.? I don't know. I'm all over the place. Ideas ?
Budget is around 8keuro¬
- habring chrono with brown/burgandy dial
-rolex blnr or hulk
-Iwc Ing 3932
-ochs und junior moonphase
-Seiko sbgj 021 or 003

Had I known, I would have won that competition!! It's the only watch I wear!

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A few days back I saw a CK 2998 at an AD here in Spain.

It can be worn with strap and bracelet and I think it would complement your collection nicely.

Just a thought.

And a trip to an Omega boutique will be in order! Thanks for putting it back on my radar

I've had a Rolex Explorer 2 16570 in the past and found the gmt function useful, but not essential. I'm so used to calculating the -6 difference that I'm much faster than actually looking at the watch. I don't really travel outside this setup.
Chrono would be nice privded it's not super thick.

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But surely by next year I'll have something new that will take over

Very nice pic too!

It is elegant, but does casual quite well on brown straps. This weekend i even put it on rubber just for fun. Wouldn't wear it to work like this, but it's okay.

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And I do miss it. Almost perfect proportions but couldn't get the bracelet right in the summer. I think if I were to go Rolex again, I would want to give the new micro adjustment bracelets a try

Nt

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You can find one for your budget without box and papers, it is a very rewarding watch to own.
Goodluck

I knew tge second generation VC overseas was within reach, but always assumed the AP's held up better in the 2nd market. Bit worried about long term care though..

Any Rolex/Seiko trained after market watch maker can handle the 15300, not a complicated watch.

I think the recent release of the Omega Railmaster would be perfect. Time only and going by experience of the new Omega movements, amazing accuracy. And the fact that they released in a nice, almost perfect, size is a huge plus!

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Not sure where the final market price will settle. It competes in a tough bracket

You and I are similar, I like to have contrast in my collection. Go to HODINKEE and read the 'two watch collection' articles. I would pay special attention to Ben Clymer's post.

You need to create contrast that makes sense. My first inclination is go for a sports watch. You have an understated white dial, manual wound watch, How about a dark dial, automatic sports watch? I think you should stay with the independent brands, I think they're much more appealing however I wouldn't get bogged down in that either. How about start by considering Rolex or Grand Seiko. I would lean towards Grand Seiko though. Failing that a Nomos, however they're short on dark dials and you might end up with a similar look for both watches.

In my collection I have pairs of watches. Two pocket watch movement wrist watches, both of which are very different and historically significant. And my next pair is my GS Hi-Beat GMT and in the future a spring drive to go with it. These are examples of the Japanese approach to mechanical wrist watch accuracy. After that we will see!

Hi beat GMT models. That dial is stunning.
I'd love to stay with Independents, but the offerings on the sportier side can't really compete with big brands and mostly because of the bracelet/straps provided aren't on the same level.
Maybe a Habring chrono with the new movement (whenever it will be made available) and the brown/red/burgandy dial that I've seen photos of on a Hirsch performance strap could solve all my problems! P.s. I looked long and hard at Nomos before going down the Habring route. Love the brand, love the photos, went to the AD about 5 times and could not love them in person. Go figure!

And Rolex counts as independent

But do get tired of seeing them everywhere. We'll see how much I can get over this factor.
Unfortunately for me GS is impossible to see in the flesh in Italy, and generally seem priced much higher in Europe than the rest of the world.

I sold all of my Rolex. Ok this is a problem then, and a shame. GS might not be for you but it's unfortunate you can't go and try them. Keep us posted! You're off to a good start with Felix though!

But will probably have scratched the itch before then. If I make an overnight trip to Austria during the summer, I'll be done for. Some Omegas are calling me, though..
Which Rolex did you have and how does the GS wear in comparison? I'm a bit worried about the 14mm thickness , especially with the Felix at 7mm.

214270, 16700 and 1803. I like how GS wears much better than modern Rolex. Vintage Rolex wears brilliantly but we all know that. The thickness doesn't bother me at all, the design of the case (at least in the case of the GMT I own) works just fine. I wouldn't have it thinner or thicker. It just works.

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Is there a reason they seem to command such a premium over other JLC steel models? it looks as if the master compressor chrono is much cheaper 2nd hand

. . . as yours, my advice would boil down to one word: caution. 

Visit as many stores and boutiques as possible, without your wallet.  Don't succumb to temptation.  Explore; you'll find your way eventually.

Art