Horological Meandering

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

I forgot to add that i am also interested in a Rose Gold or Pink Gold watch, but i'm not sure given my budget would it be possible....

I also own a Zeno great watch, it used it a lot, until the strap worn out, and I haven't buy a new one hehe=P.

But really nice, big watches indeed.

With your budget, you can get some nice pieces out there.

The other day I saw a RG Reverso Squadra from JLC with a rubber strap and it looked amazing. While I don't remember the exact Price list, I think it was a couple of grand away from your budget maybe it's worth to wait a little to get sucha  a great piece, it was also a limited edition of 500, and it is a big watch.

About your other choices well, like you the AP is my fav, but yes a little out of budget.

The options I really like are, the Panerai 1950 8 days.

the Gefica; I saw this watch a month ago and I'm really into it, and it fits perfectly your budget. It makes a statement on the wrist. I love the WG bi retro. But it's out of budget, also mine hehe.

The Big Bang is an amazing watch I own two, and I'm on the way for my third, so this would be a good option, I would try to get a limited edition, The one you like the most, there are several out there.

Another option I might suggest, Is the Panerai 1936, it is a 48mm radiomir, it's a limited edition, and it's kind of rare to see, I have only see one.

The only thing I don't remember is if it has a calendar. It might.

 

 

Hey giago, thanks for your reply.

right now a JLC Reverso is not exactly on the top of my list, its a little too dressy to make it my everywhere watch.

As for the Gefica, i'm still clueless on the price..need to check around. If you know, do PM me. And i agree, it's an absolute piece of art to be worn. gorgeous thing there, but i'm not sure about it being my first proper watch... Could be a good second, but i always thought my 2nd would be an AP...

Wow, your on your third on Hublot?? Share some pictures?? Which ones do you have? Care to share what draws you to them? I know the brand's coming back and the finishing is good but there's really little i know about the big bang, like is the movement any good?

I actually like the radiomir a fair bit, but the guys from Panerai forum(it's a pretty dangerous forum there...its almost like going in there and you see the pictures of their watches and you feel like buying all of them...) talked me into owning a luminor for my first and i quite agree with them because it is afterall the luminor that i first saw which led me to liking panerais. So i'm kind of looking into the 233.

Oh well i guess the process of picking out a watch is the interesting bit.

Cheers,

ClockOnWrist

This reverso can be a daily wearer no problem. Actually in the begining it was intended to be a sporty watch. But time changes...

Maybe you are right with the Gefica,but  if you go for it you won`t regret.

 

Right now I'm waiting for my Ayrton Senna Big bang, The others I have are a RG with Tantalum, and the Puerto Banus (it is SS).

I really love this watch, why? I don't know haha, but it's like every watch, you start to use them and you get in love with them, and with some others you can't.

I will try to upload pictures from them, I'm new here so I'm seeing how things work hehe. And I suck taking pic's of watches.

 

The Panerais are great watches. Love them too, I own 5.. Would be a great option, and maybe you can get a couple with your budget, or go for a good one. The 1950 8 days, is a great option, I want one myself.

 

I also like the process of picking one, most times it takes me a while, and later you enjoy it more.

 

Even though the case size is a bit below your proclevity the case of the Master Compressor is produced from rose gold and titanium or all-titanium which could water your buds.  It offers reliable protection and supreme shock resistance.  This watch is A+ for Guru's bang test.                                           

                               

Visionary Art! It is written the Big Bang is the quintessential key to the new Hublot Fusion concept. Not only is this collection aesthetically innovative its purely a fusion of unusual materials.  This rare hard to find 44.5 mm model will bring state-of-the art bling your wrist ling.

                                               

Audemars Piguet: Royal Oak Offshore Chrono Themes (SS / Safari). 


                                                            

This 46mm fascination is greatness recognized from the outside in.  This beauty is impossible to find everywhere. 46mm diameter Big Ingenieur with the 7-day power reserve in house movement - same as the one used in the Big Pilot and Portuguese 7-day chrono.

 
                        


The most desirable IWC around today, at a great price! This piece has recently been discontinued making it impossible to find! If you like a big watch, at 46mm this is it! Limited Edition of 500 Pieces.

   
                                                                 

This watch represents the pride of Panerai; their newest in-house (manufattura) movement with all the bells and whistles.  The vintage retro look of the 1950 case, i.e. the domed platic-looking crystal and massive Radiomir case with the sandwich dial is the ideal host for Panerais greatest technical achievement.  Mamma Mia...What a great watch!!!!!

                            
                                                              

Comes with the new Panerai in-house movement; only 400 pieces produced for "J" series;

                                                                               



Radiomir 242 45mm GMT in steel case and gorgeous honey brown strap.





I hope I have been able to help ease your decisions making strifes on these beauties. Have fun!

Thanks alot for including some reference prices...it's great help, not sure if the forum allows but i hope you don't get into any trouble for that.

I'll be sure to contact you soon!~

Cheers,

ClockOnWrist

Thank you so much

It has truly made my day that I was able to be a plus in your world today

Anytime. 

Question? How do I contact you if you have elected not to receive PM's? 

Let me know as I am looking forward to hearing from you more.

kind rgards,

Guru

You put items you have for sale in the collectors market.

All the price info is likely to zapped from you post and maybe  zap your post.

Good luck.

I honestly didn't know the prices would be a problem....

Will keep mindful

thanks Bill.

In less than a day after posting this post the guys from Panerai have bombarded me with recommendations and evil pictures leading me to their dark side...

Is there anyone out there who feels strongly for the rest of the watches i've shortlisted? I'm actually very keen to hear about Hublot Big Bang and the JLC Master Compressor...

Cheers,

ClockOnWrist

I think that one is 48mm and it looks awesome! I beleive they have an RG version of that too. If you say 44mm will be small of just right, then Panerai might be just right for your wrist. Other big watches that I recommend trying on your wrist are the IWC Big Pilot, JLC EWC, AP Shaq (but AP may not fit into the range you are looking at).

 

 

 

44 mm SS case
In-House Manufacture Caliber 100 Movement: