Non Rolex Recommendation

[Jack_Bauer]

I’m looking for a non Rolex everyday watch that I can wear on a bracelet. I’d like the watch to be 40mm or smaller, have a nice bracelet with micro adjustments, and be under $15k. This watch will be used for everyday casual and office wear. What would you recommend?

[kunlun]

Try a Santos. It's a perfect Rolex replacement.

[WatchTimes]

Just got a Santos Medium on the bracelet and love it so that is a solid option.
LOTS of great options out there so its really hard to say.

[rolexpatek363]

I've just snagged a Zenith El Primero Chronograph 01.0500.400 with black dial, after a very long search. 38mm. Most seem to be the silver version. Will post pics when it arrives in about 10 days' time.

Here's another.

https://www.uhren-fan.de/zenith/clas...luxusuhren.htm

[huncho]

cartier santos fits what you want in every way

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

I've just snagged a Zenith El Primero Chronograph 01.0500.400 with black dial, after a very long search. 38mm. Most seem to be the silver version. Will post pics when it arrives in about 10 days' time.

Here's another.

https://www.uhren-fan.de/zenith/clas...luxusuhren.htm

Zenith el primero 38 was actually one I was looking into. Congrats on the nice score.

[Jack_Bauer]

Thanks for the recommendations for the Santos. The only hump I have to get over there is the square shape. I really like it, just not sure if it fits my style. Maybe my taste will evolve at some point!

[AEC]

How about a Master Control Calendar? 40mm, and it has on-the-fly micro-adjustment functionality in the clasp. MSRP is a bit over budget but I think there are deals to be had from cooperative ADs.

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

Thanks for the recommendations for the Santos. The only hump I have to get over there is the square shape. I really like it, just not sure if it fits my style. Maybe my taste will evolve at some point!

Try one on before you decide, its so comfortable its unreal.

[agriculture&watches]

My recommendation would be Santos or Aqua Terra

[Audevache]

Some alternatives that are a bit more out there include a Vacheron Fifty-Six three hander on a bracelet (can be had for that money pre-owned), and the Bulgari Octo Finissimo. Be aware that the latter while 40mm wears quite large.

I don't particularly care about Glashütte Original, but their SeaQ falls into that price range as well. And finally, if you want to go down the Grand Seiko rabbit hole, you'll have plenty of choice there.

I love my Omega Aqua Terra, but note that it doesn't have a quick adjustment.

Santos is indeed another great option, that I still plan to own one day.

[brandrea]

Omega and Grand Seiko is where I’d start to look

[snowgoat]

JLC Polaris - Chronograph is a cool rolex alternative

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

I’m looking for a non Rolex everyday watch that I can wear on a bracelet. I’d like the watch to be 40mm or smaller, have a nice bracelet with micro adjustments, and be under $15k. This watch will be used for everyday casual and office wear. What would you recommend?

Another nod for the Santos. Very comfortable and the bracelet adjustment is very clever. Top quality watch with amazing history.

[misochew]

Originally Posted by snowgoat

JLC Polaris - Chronograph is a cool rolex alternative

I agree

[TBS]

Tudor.

[ExplorerI]

I wear omegas quite a bit as well and you can’t go wrong.

[MichelleP]

I like the Santos as well or Glashutte Sea-Q 39.5. The micro adjustment on the Sea-Q is amazing

[PhilLynott]

Originally Posted by AEC

How about a Master Control Calendar? 40mm, and it has on-the-fly micro-adjustment functionality in the clasp. MSRP is a bit over budget but I think there are deals to be had from cooperative ADs.

This was my first thought as well reading the OP was not expecting it to be posted already!! That bracelet is one of the best in the game from the aesthetics to the tool free micro adjust and lug removing it’s a 10/10 and the watch is of course pretty decent too.

Edit to add the GO panomatic lunar is also a fantastic option with an equally amazing bracelet for well under your budget.

[Benzsiam]

TT Cartier Santos Carree would be good for daily wear, go with everything and very classy.

[Aboutderntime]

If you can stretch the budget, I'd vote for a silver or black dial 4500V Vacheron Overseas. If patient, can find one between 17-19k.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Try a Santos. It's a perfect Rolex replacement.

Agree medium size without a date.


Alt:
I like some of the grand seiko as well but it would be more difficult to find one that hits all the bases.


Tudors are good alternative if you like the Rolex style.

[kunlun]

Jack, I think it's been decided.

Buy a Santos.

You WILL like it.

[JAJ2349]

IWC Mark XX
Cartier looks great on my wife and daughter, but doesn’t work well on my wrist.

[RRGHOST1]

Omega Seamaster 75th Anniversary in Summer Blue.

[Block506]

Santos or IWC YC

[Jack_Bauer]

Appreciate the recommendations folks. I actually went to a local AD and tried on the Omega AT, Cartier Santos Medium, and JLC Master Control Calendar on the bracelet. They honestly were all awesome. If I had to pick one (which is tough), I would go with the JLC. I thought 40mm potentially would be too big but fit perfectly. It also comes with the bracelet and strap option which gives it some versatility.

[Jack_Bauer]

Just giving everyone an update after 6+ months of pondering this question, I'm right back to what the majority of you recommended originally the Santos. I wrote it off due it being a square shape but it is growing on me.

The leaders for my non-Rolex watch to pair with my Sub is the Cartier Santos large as it fit my wrist better than the medium. I like the versatility to be able to easily put a strap on it. The other watch that is in contention is Omega Speedmaster Pro but I feel like it doesn't differentiate itself from the Sub as much as the Santos. Other two watches I'm looking at are the JLC Master Control on the strap and Omega Deville Tresor Ref # 435.13.40.21.02.001.

[ons2101]

Interesting…..

Here are my recs thinking a little outside the box:


Vacheron Constantin fifty six steel

Parmigiani fleurier Tonda micro rotor

Chopard Alpine Eagle

GP laureato

Moser pioneer 40 on a bracelet

Glashutte Original: sea q or Panomatic or senator.



These can all be had at very good pricing if you buy gently used on the secondary market / trusted seller. They are not Rolex, honestly I like some of them better, and they are significantly discounted off msrp! I think MSRP retail pricing has been getting ridiculous. $15k is the new $8-9 k from a few years ago.




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[enjoythemusic]

Old thread.... Santos still a great piece last year, this year, years from now.... though the H. Moser is very nice. Santos adds diversity to your collection because of case shape.