Looking For A Second Watch, A Little Less Blingy

[Hiya Buddy]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the market for a new timepiece, not because I dislike my Datejust II (it's an awesome watch!) its because my DJ II is a little too blingy to be worn on the subway and busses. My issue is that I go to a commuter school and see some rather sketchy characters on the subway to and from the school. The same applies to the bus I have to take to get to the subway. My DJ II is a two tone steel and yellow gold with a champagne diamond dial, and believe me this thing looks heavenly. The problem is even if I say its a fake, its more likely that I'll get mugged for it so I want something more subtle. Are rolexes immediately noticeable because of distinguishing features? So I'm in the market for a watch with steel or steel and white gold, but not too noticeable. Im probably looking to spend $12,000 + tax at the most. My options as I see it are my DJ II in steel and white gold with diamond dial (Not the best option but I love the diamonds), possibly some sort of Yachmaster in steel and platinum, or a Steel Submariner. Those are my rolex options, but I'm wondering what other watchmakers I should consider. I'm eyeballing the Calibre de Cartier Steel and Pink Gold mens watch for $12,000, but the price point is just at my maximum and the other posible option would be the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph. Does anybody have any other ideas? I'm considering Breguet, but I haven't really heard too much about them and Breitlings seem a bit goddy even though I'm a bigger guy with a wrist to accomodate a large watch.

P.S.

A possible to solution to my problem would be to hide my watch underneath my hoodie or jacket, seeing as winter time is a comin to New England soon. Even then, its a risk when you're walking with something that costs as much as car or downpayment for something. Ultimately, I would want something more subtle than my DJ II, but I am conflicted because I am not sure which watch to go for. I'll be checking around NYC on one of these upcoming holidays to try them on, but as TRF member among many I'd rather consult you guys first. Also, because my schedule for classes is Monday, Wednesday, Friday I am only able to wear my rolex so much and sometimes I find it stopped. Is it bad for my watch to stop and start so many times? I figure it would be detrimental to the mechanism unless its ok because it is an automatic time piece. Thanks for your time!!!

[Dan2010]

14060M.

Classic, stealthy, and lacks the cyclops so people wont recognize it as a Rolex unless they are a WIS which case they probably wont be mugging you for it.

[gqllc]

Either the one mentioned above or the 16610 SS Sub...the most replicated watch in the world besides the datejust!!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by gqllc

either the one mentioned above or the 16610 ss sub...the most replicated watch in the world besides the datejust!!

x2

[topgear]

what about SS Sub ?

[TSW]

Another vote for the Sub

[ebpeking]

GMT 16710..?

Owned a Breguet type XX once upon and was not a happy man. Had some quality issues...

[brady]

Could always look at Panerai if you are willing to look outside of Rolex. They do stand out but since most are not very blingy, I don't think they invite muggers the way the coronet does. 16610 or 14060M are always great choices. Exp II is right up there too especially since they kept the brushed lugs. Or an older GMT.

[Baco Noir]

Look at a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Sweet watch and more incognito than a Rolex on the subway!

[princeton3]

That is a pity that you can't wear a piece of jewelry that you acquired, I presume, through hard work. Good luck in whatever you decide.....

Originally Posted by brady

Could always look at Panerai if you are willing to look outside of Rolex. They do stand out but since most are not very blingy, I don't think they invite muggers the way the coronet does. 16610 or 14060M are always great choices. Exp II is right up there too especially since they kept the brushed lugs. Or an older GMT.

[Cru Jones]

Hmmmmm....personally, even if it isn't "blingy", if I had such concerns while commuting, I don't think there's any $12k watch that would make me feel comfortable.

Get a nice g-shock or Seiko orange monster and save the watches for the weekend/home. Or, start driving.

[horseco]

Forget that, get insurance, be prudent & wear whatever you want...

[F&Iguy]

how about an Explorer 1 39mm or the new expolorer II ? lower price point and still a rolex!!!

[brady]

Originally Posted by horseco

Forget that, get insurance, be prudent & wear whatever you want...

I don't think he was going to stop wearing his watch completely, but rather look into wearing something a little more casual during a commute that sounds a little risky with or without a nice watch.

Someone who commutes through a risky part of town on a regular basis is likely increasing their personal risk by wearing a watch peppered in gold. It may be wise or less risky to wear something that that blends in better but is still enjoyable. Being prudent and getting insurance is great, but sometimes the risk still outweighs the benefit.

The city that I live in has had an increase in murder rates over the past 6 years and many of these stem from robberies. We had a 42 year old mom killed and her 9 year old shot 6 times in a home invasion over a plasma television. The days of "give me your X and I'll let you go" seem to be the past, now it's "give me your X, and now that you've seen my face..." *blam*.

Good luck with whatever you decide, but if you have a gut check that says you are putting yourself at too much risk, you are probably right.

[kyle L]

I don't think that the Cartier will be any less blingy... What about an Explorer 214270 or a 114270?

[le_baroudeur]

Explorer 1, or 16600 or 16610 (if date needed) or 14060m... Do you need the date feature? (cyclop is screaming "rolex").

You should stay with this brand, it is honestly the best everyday watch ever made.. You seem to like your dj2.

It is not a problem if the watch is not worn, but the safest (thieves) and best (for soul) place is on your wrist!

[The Joker]

Any rolex will be quite blingy and noticeable IMO.

What about a Speedmaster Pro or JLC reverso, both on a strap.

[eric23]

Buy a Patek and no one will ever notice you.

[le_baroudeur]

Isn't just the two tone option that is bothering you? Will a stainless steel rolex be more adequate? If not... Well, you should perhaps consider a seiko, the best quality for its price, my second choice for reliability after rolex. BUT you tried rolex, so there is no return! ( explorer 1 is very very "under the radar")

[kbezmoney]

Originally Posted by eric23

Buy a Patek and no one will ever notice you.

[horseco]

Originally Posted by brady

Someone who commutes through a risky part of town on a regular basis is likely increasing their personal risk by wearing a watch peppered in gold. It may be wise or less risky to wear something that that blends in better but is still enjoyable. Being prudent and getting insurance is great, but sometimes the risk still outweighs the benefit.

Being prudent, may simply mean taking your watch off & putting it in your pocket before you enter a suspect place or situation... I think its a shame, but a Sub may be just as attractive to a would be bad guy as a TT DJ...{ I wear a solid gold Daytona in Northern New Jersey & the 5 boroughs of New York & I am not ashamed to say I have taken off my Rolex & put in my pocket, on more than one occasion...}

[Wolfgang427]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Hmmmmm....personally, even if it isn't "blingy", if I had such concerns while commuting, I don't think there's any $12k watch that would make me feel comfortable.

Get a nice g-shock or Seiko orange monster and save the watches for the weekend/home. Or, start driving.

Agree I wouldn't take a risk, wear a plastic watch and you won't have to worry.

[gregmoeck]

black faced milguass = stealth

[BarkMaster]

Are long sleeve shirts out of the question or would they be out of place?

[BlackAngel]

Sub no date is a good candidate. However, I think its better to just wear a G-Shock when riding public transportation then just swap the watch when your at work. Better be safe than sorry.

[Time2time]

A Milgauss.

Classically understated.

[agsstructures]

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300 white dial - problem solved!!!!

[BlackAngel]

Originally Posted by knobberboy

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300 white dial - problem solved!!!!

X2 But i'll prefer the blue dial

[Rollie2011]

This is an easy one.

Get and Explorer 1 and enjoy a classic and stealthy watch ;)

[Megalobyte]

A used Patek Aquanaut. Nobody will ever know you're wearing a high end watch, except you.

Or a SS Sub, so many clones and copies out there so they go relatively unnoticed.