The ultra high end watch

[Altair]

I enjoy diversity and I have planned out an extensive purchasing plan for 2008, hopefully by then I will have obtained the other 4 watches I lust after in the mid high range completing my 8 dream watch list. I would also to get a no hold bared 9th watch, an ultra high end model. I am talking AD,PP, A Lange and Sohne high end in the range of 8-13 thousand USD. Since that purchase will equate to quite a few months salary I am carefully contemplating the options and planning ahead, it wont be for another year at least but I am already scheming and rubbing my hands.

The watches I am considering:

JLC Reverso GMT

AP Royal Oak Offshore

VC Overseas Chrono

What other watches, in that range, would you choose? and what of the previousely listed would you think is the better watch.

[Goodwatch]

I really like the Vacheron. The quality is superb and almost unsurpassed. This watch is one of my all time favourites and one that I consider worthy of this small list:

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

I really like the Vacheron. The quality is superb and almost unsurpassed. This watch is one of my all time favourites and one that I consider worthy of this small list:

wow! do they require a number of prerequisite courses in order to qualify to buy?
best,dan

p.s. i would not BEGIN to pretend to know how to use that watch, but it would be fun to learn, no?

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by unclesallie

wow! do they require a number of prerequisite courses in order to qualify to buy?
best,dan

p.s. i would not BEGIN to pretend to know how to use that watch, but it would be fun to learn, no?

No, it's easy. You pull out the crown and turn it three clicks, then you push the ehhh..... Wait, now I know. You push the little button three times and then you ehhh..... Does anybody know what time it is?

[Andad]

Hi Frans,

I can see how most of it works but can you explain the operation of the all the dials and hands to me? The 1 - 6 dial?
Why have 6 divisions for each second?
Does it have two movements?

Eddie.

[Ed Rooney]

I have no use for watch hands that do not glow in the dark, but I hope you enjoy it.

[arttay10]

I would put the Ulysse Nardin - 'Planetarium Copernicus' top of my Luxury List.

I think the Lord himself - would have trouble creating a finer timepeice.

[CPCC]

Didnt notice about the hands, otherwise it looks super sharp

[rpryan55]

In your price range I'd look at Patek. Perhaps the Aquanaut - look at the 5067/1A. Hot watch, good pricepoint, sure to increase in value. The rest you've mentioned are really cool watches, though.

[DJF881]

I don't think you should necessarily spend several months' pay on a ninth fine watch. What are you going to do when they start needing routine service in a couple of years?

Anyway, if you've already got a couple of Rolex sports watches, and you're dead set on breaking the bank, I think you should go for a Patek Calatrava. A lot of them fall in the $12,000-15,000 range, they're perfect for all the occasions where a sports type watch is a little bit inappropriate, and they're stylish but timeless. I think there's no better watch to show that you have good taste and resources.

Frankly wearing $50,000 worth of complications isn't likely to impress many people who wouldn't be sufficiently impressed by the simpler Patek.

As much as I'd love a Royal Oak, if I got a second watch, it would be a Calatrava.

[rpryan55]

Originally Posted by DJF881

I don't think you should necessarily spend several months' pay on a ninth fine watch. What are you going to do when they start needing routine service in a couple of years?

Anyway, if you've already got a couple of Rolex sports watches, and you're dead set on breaking the bank, I think you should go for a Patek Calatrava. A lot of them fall in the $12,000-15,000 range, they're perfect for all the occasions where a sports type watch is a little bit inappropriate, and they're stylish but timeless. I think there's no better watch to show that you have good taste and resources.

Frankly wearing $50,000 worth of complications isn't likely to impress many people who wouldn't be sufficiently impressed by the simpler Patek.

As much as I'd love a Royal Oak, if I got a second watch, it would be a Calatrava.

Forget my earlier post. The Calatrava is absolutely the better one to get.

[astcell]

If I was all about making an impression and being awed at, I'd get a dog and keep the $50,000 in the bank.

[Defiancekofb]

Originally Posted by astcell

If I was all about making an impression and being awed at, I'd get a dog and keep the $50,000 in the bank.

+1 Unfortuantely many people buy a Rolex watch for the same reason as the OP.

[Thurnau]

Originally Posted by astcell

If I was all about making an impression and being awed at, I'd get a dog and keep the $50,000 in the bank.

LOL This is so true! Dogs do make a lasting impression.

I like the JLC and Patek Phillipe. Vacheron Constantin was also very nice to look at when I was in Las Vegas.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I'd go for Patek Philippe.

This one:

[TheDude]

I'd recommend at least one "exotic" movement...

The Jean Dunand "Shabaka"








A Richard Mille would be nice too...









This Harry Winston is pretty killer too...

[Launch Mini]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

I'd go for Patek Philippe.

This one:

Attachment 17017

I had this on my wrist on the weekend & then the platinum version.
WOW, great watches.
Then I tried the 5140 Grand Complication , amazing timepieces.
they have the mico rotor, too cool.

[Defiancekofb]

Originally Posted by Altair

I enjoy diversity and I have planned out an extensive purchasing plan for 2008, hopefully by then I will have obtained the other 4 watches I lust after in the mid high range completing my 8 dream watch list. I would also to get a no hold bared 9th watch, an ultra high end model. I am talking AD,PP, A Lange and Sohne high end in the range of 8-13 thousand USD. Since that purchase will equate to quite a few months salary I am carefully contemplating the options and planning ahead, it wont be for another year at least but I am already scheming and rubbing my hands.

The watches I am considering:

JLC Reverso GMT

AP Royal Oak Offshore

VC Overseas Chrono

What other watches, in that range, would you choose? and what of the previousely listed would you think is the better watch.

Of these watches above, if you are going for the impressing others perspective, the average person isn't going to know these watch brands above. You want over the top then get a Patek Philippe, even the masses know what a Patek is.

[Altair]

I could not care less what impresses others, as far as watches go I am pretty sellfish in that I would only buy a watch that I like. I have two jobs that I enjoy and am single so I have some disposable income and love mechanical watches, I dont travel often or splurge on many things other than a car every 5-6 years and would like to have a few nice watches to enjoy.

Most of the watches on my list are great values as far as Swiss watches go but I would like to have one special watch that goes the extra mile as far as craftmanship is concerned, something that I, and only I, can apreciate whenever I wear it. I could get a Diamond encrusted Breitling if others attension is what I craved.

The brands I mensioned have absolutely amazing attension to detail, which is why they will never be faked to a T, unlike Omegas, Panerais, and Breitlings (all of which I love and own) and can be apreciated mostly my the watch obssesed owner. I wish people did not assume buying a watch is a means to impress others.

If it wasnts for its price tag, I would go for the A Lange and Sohne Lange 1, but alas I have to "settle" for something like the JLC Reverso GMT. I was just wondering if someone had suggestions for something else that has equal attension to detail and at a similar pricepoint.

[BiG JeEzY]

For the ultra high end range, my vote will always go to Patek Philippe. They have siimple, yet extremely elegant designs. Easily one of my favorite brands next to Rolex.

[DJF881]

Jeezy, that is the exact watch I'd get; the self-winding Calatrava with the date in white gold on an alligator strap.

Alan Furman discounts that watch to about $15k, so if Altair has been patronizing the same dealer for his other 9 watches, I'm sure they'd hook him up with that price or better.

[crimscrem]

Originally Posted by Altair

I could not care less what impresses others, as far as watches go I am pretty sellfish in that I would only buy a watch that I like. I have two jobs that I enjoy and am single so I have some disposable income and love mechanical watches, I dont travel often or splurge on many things other than a car every 5-6 years and would like to have a few nice watches to enjoy.

Most of the watches on my list are great values as far as Swiss watches go but I would like to have one special watch that goes the extra mile as far as craftmanship is concerned, something that I, and only I, can apreciate whenever I wear it. I could get a Diamond encrusted Breitling if others attension is what I craved.

The brands I mensioned have absolutely amazing attension to detail, which is why they will never be faked to a T, unlike Omegas, Panerais, and Breitlings (all of which I love and own) and can be apreciated mostly my the watch obssesed owner. I wish people did not assume buying a watch is a means to impress others.

If it wasnts for its price tag, I would go for the A Lange and Sohne Lange 1, but alas I have to "settle" for something like the JLC Reverso GMT. I was just wondering if someone had suggestions for something else that has equal attension to detail and at a similar pricepoint.

This is an issue that I've wondered about (how much to spend), and find very interesting. Obviously, we each make what we make and have different priorities and obligations. For example, I would never spend 2 months salary on a single watch. That's just my personal view. As much as I enjoy looking at and wishing for watches, I find that it's much more important to invest the money for later. So the question is at what point is it irresponsible to buy a watch?

We each have differing definitions of "disposable" income. Would spending $20-$30K on a watch break me? Probably not. Would it be irresponsible? Perhaps. At my age, spending $20-30K on a watch rather than investing would probably cost me some time in retiring as early as I'd like. Also, for me, spending that much on a watch doesn't bring to me that much more happiness than a $2000 to $8000 watch. I would much rather spend $6000 and invest/save the rest. I have friends that make the same and more than me, and they would never spend more than $500 on a watch. Watches just don't do anything for them.

You raised a very interesting question when you brought out the salary reference.

[TheDude]

Interesting points. Yet how many people buy a $50K or $60K car that will depreciate $20K in the first year???

Sure, buying a $20K watch -might- not be as good as investing that same money, but can you insure your normal investments? (hint - no)

At my old job, one of my colleagues in Italy handled the Gucci account. He claims that they are doing better in the bust times than ever - saying that the truly rich move their money into luxury items when the financial markets get rocky.

Go figure.

[unknown]

get yourself a catalog and look at all the beautifull things they make.

[crimscrem]

Originally Posted by TheDude

Interesting points. Yet how many people buy a $50K or $60K car that will depreciate $20K in the first year???

Sure, buying a $20K watch -might- not be as good as investing that same money, but can you insure your normal investments? (hint - no)

At my old job, one of my colleagues in Italy handled the Gucci account. He claims that they are doing better in the bust times than ever - saying that the truly rich move their money into luxury items when the financial markets get rocky.

Go figure.

The Gucci thing is an interesting point. I think that has more to do with the fact that the rich are still rich, and still like to spend money. I think there are also more people becoming rich as well. Obviously a weaker market hurts rich people too, but they're generally well diversified enough to withstand these downturns. I always say that a rich person who loses half is only half as rich. But a poor person who loses half is twice as poor.

I wonder how many of us actually save money for a watch purchase versus one day just say, "you know, I should treat myself to a watch." I'm more of the later. My recent Rolex purchases have been more of, okay, I'm going to spend a portion of my bonus on the watch rather than waiting until I've saved a dollar amount.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by crimscrem

The Gucci thing is an interesting point. I think that has more to do with the fact that the rich are still rich, and still like to spend money. I think there are also more people becoming rich as well. Obviously a weaker market hurts rich people too, but they're generally well diversified enough to withstand these downturns. I always say that a rich person who loses half is only half as rich. But a poor person who loses half is twice as poor.

I wonder how many of us actually save money for a watch purchase versus one day just say, "you know, I should treat myself to a watch." I'm more of the later. My recent Rolex purchases have been more of, okay, I'm going to spend a portion of my bonus on the watch rather than waiting until I've saved a dollar amount.

This was in the context of EU rich... more old money, folks who are as you say "insulated". However, it's interesting to note that the head of Gucci claimed banner sales - indicating that it was common for the wealthiest people to shift their wealth from markets to "things" when the economy takes a turn for the worse.

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by Altair

I enjoy diversity and I have planned out an extensive purchasing plan for 2008, hopefully by then I will have obtained the other 4 watches I lust after in the mid high range completing my 8 dream watch list. I would also to get a no hold bared 9th watch, an ultra high end model. I am talking AD,PP, A Lange and Sohne high end in the range of 8-13 thousand USD. Since that purchase will equate to quite a few months salary I am carefully contemplating the options and planning ahead, it wont be for another year at least but I am already scheming and rubbing my hands.

The watches I am considering:

JLC Reverso GMT

AP Royal Oak Offshore

VC Overseas Chrono

What other watches, in that range, would you choose? and what of the previousely listed would you think is the better watch.

You have dress and sports watches in the mix. You'd be hard pressed to get a new ROO in this range. If you're serious about a sport watch ( I saw the comment about Lange One and JLC) don't buy anything until you put a VC Overseas on your wrist.

[haakon59]

Originally Posted by Altair

I enjoy diversity and I have planned out an extensive purchasing plan for 2008, hopefully by then I will have obtained the other 4 watches I lust after in the mid high range completing my 8 dream watch list. I would also to get a no hold bared 9th watch, an ultra high end model. I am talking AD,PP, A Lange and Sohne high end in the range of 8-13 thousand USD. Since that purchase will equate to quite a few months salary I am carefully contemplating the options and planning ahead, it wont be for another year at least but I am already scheming and rubbing my hands.

The watches I am considering:

JLC Reverso GMT

AP Royal Oak Offshore

VC Overseas Chrono

What other watches, in that range, would you choose? and what of the previousely listed would you think is the better watch.

All of the brands/watches you mentioned would be wonderful. I like a little variety in my collection and buying a high end brand can bring a lot of enjoyment. My priority would be to buy something you of course like, but which is different in function/style from the rest of your collection. If you already have a lot of sports watches with metal bands, for example, you might want to consider a dress watch with a leather band. But this is just me. If you want another sports watch, the ones you listed are outstanding.

Another consideration would be how this would all fit into your lifestyle and budget. A PP Calatrava is a classic dress watch, wonderful. But it is expensive to maintain and you will want to do this every 5 years or so. Can you easily afford/save to pay (currently) around $1500.00 or so? If you can and this isn't a burden to your budget, then that will be a wonderful watch. If this would be a burden, I would go for a still prestigious but slightly lower priced/low maintenance cost brand. JLC is excellent for the money, for example. So is Girard Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin and Blancpain. On the other hand, brands like Breguet, PP, AP, VC, are going to be very high cost/high maintenance. What I am saying is that it might kill the joy of owning one of the elite if it stresses your budget to pay for the maintenance.

I have a friend who had a good year in sales and treated himself to buying a BMW to drive. It is naturally a great car and it was a big step up for him in luxury and quality. Previously he had owned a Honda. He was shocked when he had to replace the wiper blades the first time and found the price of every single part was several times higher than what he was used to paying on his Honda. His commissions that year had gone down and he became very stressed about it.

Owning and wearing a PP or VC or AP would be a great experience, I am not saying otherwise. If you are comfortable financially with the maintenance costs, well, I am sure you will enjoy the ownership of these fine timepieces tremendously. Best of luck to you.

[Altair]

Thank you all for your great remarks, haakon. No I would not enjoy paying 1500 USD for servicing every five years.

Anyway, after much thought I think I will go with the JLC Reverso GMT. Just seems like the best watch value by far and just calls out to me. The only square watch I ever liked.

[haakon59]

Originally Posted by Altair

Thank you all for your great remarks, haakon. No I would not enjoy paying 1500 USD for servicing every five years.

Anyway, after much thought I think I will go with the JLC Reverso GMT. Just seems like the best watch value by far and just calls out to me. The only square watch I ever liked.

I wouldn't enjoy it either, so this is why I mentioned it. Many people don't consider this. Want a suggestion? Find the model of Reverso you might purchase and call 2-3 dealers and ask them what the cost of a "regular servicing" of the watch is. These prices of course will vary depending on your location, etc.

This being said, JLC makes unbelievable watches for the money. The royal family in Britain uses this brand I understand. You get tremendous luxury for the money, but their watches have their own proprietary movement and this will likely mean you will be "stuck" doing all the maintenance with their "authorized" repair/maintenance facility--that is always a code for their having price leverage on you.

Let me mention a couple of other options. Cartier is one of the most recognized luxury brands in the world AND they are a big enough company that they can price their maintenance services similar to Rolex/Omega, around $400 (currently, in the US). Anyone recognizing your watch brand will think of a Cartier timepiece as being of the highest luxury yet they have positioned themselves as affordable maintenance-wise for the "middle-class" buyer. If you are specifically looking for a dress watch, you could consider the Omega DeVille in Gold, which will cost around $10K, but will also have more reasonable maintenance costs and has the new co-axial escapement specifically designed to cut down on maintenance intervals (7-10 years I think they currently predict). Your choice of the JLC reverso is excellent too, I just am not sure how much maintenance will run you on that model. When you try on the JLC, you will "feel" how well made it is. Best of luck with whichever brand you decide on.