Help on celebration watch choice?!

[andWatson2]

Hey all—I’m turning 40 in the next few days, looking to add another watch to my small and humble collection.
I bought my first ‘real’ watch (Sinn 104 white) back in late 2019 while impatiently waiting for my Submariner 114060 to celebrate some major life goals…then, bought a Sinn 104 black matte a month or so later. Loved my Sinn twins. Great MN AD sold me my Sub in Feb’ 2020 and I’ve almost never taken it off in nearly 3 years. It brings me so much joy and satisfaction in a daily basis. I absolutely love it and it’s my favorite possession.
Life handed me a ton of challenges shortly after acquiring my Sub—2020 &2021 were a real bi*#$
in all the possible ways life can be a bi*#$. Sold my business, sold my house/classic truck and most of my belongings, divorce, and moved across the country for a fresh start in a new place. No sympathy, not a victim, just facts.

Gifted my oldest brother his first ‘real’ watch, my Sinn 104 black w/ matte for being a huge supporter and help in it all—he loves it.

Throughout it all, my Rolex reminds me daily of my accomplishments, successes, and lucky lot (blessings) in life.
After a great deal of patience and perseverance, things are turning around. I have a wonderful new business venture on the horizons, great new friends and turning 40 and moving on. Time to celebrate.
So: walked into new AD to inquire about updated Air King availability and talk watches. Sales associate was fantastic and basically implied that many SS sports models could be a ‘reality’ and ‘doable.’ I put my name down for a couple models, including AK, Milgaus blue, and Pepsi on jubilee…
I’m wondering if I am falling out of love with the original idea of the new AK (despite fantastic updates) and am considering some beautiful alternatives—budget is <$10k.

TL;DR
What would you all add to the mix:






Best photo of current collection (minus black Sinn 104!)


I absolutely love this forum and all the pics, info and opinions by the WIS…I’ve learned so much…thanks for your opinions and insights.

Best ya’ll! One day at a time!


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[Benzsiam]

Add one of the GMT (BLRO, BLNR or CHNR) would be good.

[Chewbacca]

Just want to say you have an amazing positive outlook on life and for that alone there isn’t a bad choice.

[omar-rye]

I think a Speedy would compliment a Sub nicely. If you can get the Pepsi then that would be terrific but chances are you’ll be waiting way past your 40th for that

[mattidk]

Just give you my idea i got sub date on my 40 :)

[Bizcut1]

Inspiring story that reminds us all that everyone gets knocked down and what counts is getting back up.

Speedmaster - perfect compliment to the Sub.

But, in either case, you are a winner already.

Good luck, Ben.

[bp1000]

Great story!

I think the speedy would be the perfect addition! I absolutely love the new version. Subtle changes but make for a practically perfect watch.

The sapphire would be my pick.

[Harry-57]

If those were the only watches available I'd take the Sinn with the white dial. You should do as you see fit. I can't tell you what you like best.

[socal5567]

Ak!!

[travisb]

Glad to hear things are turning for the better!
What's at the top of your list? Whatever that is, I'd inquire with your AD and wait it out.

[Graecus]

This,

and have the speedy as fall back option

Good luck

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[brandrea]

I’m happy to hear you’re doing well. Life can be challenging at times, and I’m glad you’ve preserved.

I like the idea of adding a Speedy to the mix. Gives you a new complication and another brand to diversify

[1William]

The Speedmaster would be the one. Many are in the secondary market and you can walk into most AD's and pick up a new one should you desire.

[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Just want to say you have an amazing positive outlook on life and for that alone there isn’t a bad choice.

Thank you. Very kind.


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[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

I think a Speedy would compliment a Sub nicely. If you can get the Pepsi then that would be terrific but chances are you’ll be waiting way past your 40th for that

Speedy sings to me in every way except being manual wind. Pepsi is classic too, but it seems like the watch to get just to get it and sings to me less. Maybe I’m crazy


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[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by Bizcut1

Inspiring story that reminds us all that everyone gets knocked down and what counts is getting back up.

Speedmaster - perfect compliment to the Sub.

But, in either case, you are a winner already.

Good luck, Ben.

Thanks Ben! I’ve learned the only way is through…


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[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Great story!

I think the speedy would be the perfect addition! I absolutely love the new version. Subtle changes but make for a practically perfect watch.

The sapphire would be my pick.

Thank you. Love the speedy/sun combo too. Sapphire all the way.


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[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by travisb

Glad to hear things are turning for the better!
What's at the top of your list? Whatever that is, I'd inquire with your AD and wait it out.

I’ve been wanting the quirky and slightly less loved AK for a couple years, calling it my future rebound watch. AD said she could make that a reality, so it’s probably top. But wondering if it‘a redundant (Rolex, black dial, oyster, no date)

Speedy moon watch will be in the collection one day for sure…seems reasonable to obtain at any time for a fair price


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[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m happy to hear you’re doing well. Life can be challenging at times, and I’m glad you’ve preserved.

I like the idea of adding a Speedy to the mix. Gives you a new complication and another brand to diversify

Thank you Brian. You seem to be enjoying your 321, looks awesome!
Diversity, classic reference, new complication—plus I have a serious interest in moon missions, space/flying, etc. all compelling arguments to be made for going ‘non-Rolex’

You also have a Radiomir, correct? Thoughts on it? I live the vintage styling, lume and color.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by andWatson2

Thank you Brian. You seem to be enjoying your 321, looks awesome!
Diversity, classic reference, new complication—plus I have a serious interest in moon missions, space/flying, etc. all compelling arguments to be made for going ‘non-Rolex’

You also have a Radiomir, correct? Thoughts on it? I live the vintage styling, lume and color.


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Well you certainly can't go wrong with a Speedy for all the reasons you mentioned

Beyond the rich history of the watch, they are offer super legibility as compared to the other famous chronograph. I LOVE my 321 indeed. It may have been the best watch buying decision I've ever made, and I don't think that's just the honeymoon taking

Panerai is a whole different wearing experience but equally as rewarding. I went with the Radiomir for its simplicity and it indeed wears very comfortably for a 47mm watch. The dial on this 690 is just a joy to look at. It never gets old and is a real chameleon




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[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Well you certainly can't go wrong with a Speedy for all the reasons you mentioned

Beyond the rich history of the watch, they are offer super legibility as compared to the other famous chronograph. I LOVE my 321 indeed. It may have been the best watch buying decision I've ever made, and I don't think that's just the honeymoon taking

Panerai is a whole different wearing experience but equally as rewarding. I went with the Radiomir for its simplicity and it indeed wears very comfortably for a 47mm watch. The dial on this 690 is just a joy to look at. It never gets old and is a real chameleon


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That is a gorgeous piece. Nice work. Thank you for the helpful feedback and pics!!


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[yesnaya]

I was never a fan of the Airking and between the panerai and the omega, omega for sure. I own a speedmaster professional, and I sold my panerai (PAM560). Pretty easy for me.

[warrior]

Good inspiring story. Things are looking up! As for the Watch choice, the SPEEDMASTER Professional. One of THE coolest watches in my opinion. Timeless looks, cool domed crystal, history. The new bracelet is killer.

[East Bay Rider]

Rolex GMT Master would be my first choice but after that definitely the Omega Speedmaster in pretty much any flavor.

[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by warrior

Good inspiring story. Things are looking up! As for the Watch choice, the SPEEDMASTER Professional. One of THE coolest watches in my opinion. Timeless looks, cool domed crystal, history. The new bracelet is killer.

Thank you. Things ARE looking up indeed! History/iconic references and timeless, classic styling is important—
AK is just…well, different. Speedy Moonwatch checks more boxes I suppose


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[andWatson2]

Originally Posted by yesnaya

I was never a fan of the Airking and between the panerai and the omega, omega for sure. I own a speedmaster professional, and I sold my panerai (PAM560). Pretty easy for me.

AK is so polarizing. I wish it had more vintage styling…and maybe fewer numbers…good heads up on omega vs. panerai


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[Meyrin]

I take my hat off to you, andWatson2! You´ve had a rough time, but you picked yourself up off the floor and got on with life, without moaning and groaning and expecting someone else to help you. And selling up and moving across country and starting afresh takes a lot of guts, imho! And on top of it all the stress of a divorce. Bravo! About a new watch...I´d go for the Speedy Moonwatch with hesalite crystal, as I don´t like the saphire sandwich models. But enjoy whatever you buy, and keep your Sub! Good luck to you!

[MHB]

Maybe a piece with some color? Your collection is nice though very monochromatic. But get whatever sings to you!

[GST15]

I would steer clear of the Panerai. I think the Speedmaster professional would be a solid choice. JMHO

[rrschmieder]

Originally Posted by MHB

Maybe a piece with some color? Your collection is nice though very monochromatic. But get whatever sings to you!

Agree - perhaps get a timepiece with some color, which speaks to the 'colorful' positive changes in your life! The Pepsi GMT would be quite the statement piece.