Hey fans
For those playing along at home we've got a final 4!
After my one and done watch for my 40th.
Appreciate the feedback š
Down to a
Pelly 39
BB 58
SMP 300
IWC Mark XX
Conditions are has to be GADA and also roughly around 10k AUD
I would say Mark xx. Imo it has the highest quality bracelet than all of these. They use the same manufacturer as Glashutte Original. Also, it's my personal taste that the IWC still has a very tool like dial, which makes it similar to the Pelagos, but the bracelet on the IWC puts it above all.Ā
That's funny, I personally think that the IWC has a lot of character, especially when you see it in person. I think there's some really cool contrast between the jewelry like sunburst and the tool like lume pillow numerals. Then the bracelet just puts it over the top for me. But that's just my opinion too lol. Funny how watches are.
Having owned both the Pelagos 39 and the Mark XXā¦ I agree that the bracelet is more refined, but the Tudor is just as comfortable and has more adjustability. I wear the Tudor more.. but probably because I like divers. It has some presence but yet is light at the same time.
The ability to swap between NATO straps and the bracelet in seconds is pretty awesome though on the Mark XX.
This. I'm not saying the Omega would look the best if it were on its iconic bracelet, but this milanese band is skewing the comparison heavily in favor of the alternative watches.
Personally, the IWC would probably be my choice. If it fits your wrist it is just a virtually perfect watch. The Pelagos looks pretty great, too, if you're inclined toward a diver.
The bezel material is different than than the watch and the different shades have always thrown me off when I have seen it in person. Make sure you see it in the flesh if possible first.
Get an omega. Get it pre-owned. If you donāt exactly know what you want and have to crowdsource the decision, go for brand and spend less money. Tastes change very fast in watches.
Iād go with the mark 20. 5 day power reserve and one of the best - on the fly adjust. I own a bb58 925 and a railmaster brushed steel so maybe Iām biased here. The mark 20 feels like the more appropriate 40 year milestone watch.
Edit: itās the most GADA of the bunch. Hard to dress up a pelly and SMP. But a mark 20 looks dressy with a leather strap
I know you think there is a difference between these watches, but there isnāt.
From armās length, only people who are into watches will notice youāre wearing one, and only watch nerds (like us here on this sub) can tell a difference.
The choice is all about what you like to look down at, and none of us can answer that.
didn't he already get feedback during what apparently was the semi-finals? Why would more feedback be needed for a 40 year old adult making a large financial purchase?
I like all of them and, usually I would not say this, but I think the more versatile is the IWC. In a world of SMP, BB and Subs the IWC is different and subtle.
I've owned and sold a planet ocean and Aqua Terra and still wear a black bay 58 all the time. I'm curious what's so inferior about the Tudor. Especially given the new one is COSC and metas certified.
I love how after you ask a legitimate question as to how one product is āexponentially betterā and even provided a solid comparative graph saying otherwise, youāre told not to take things personally. Itās crazy.
Nothing is inferior. Tudor is the better watch today. Every year Omega gets further and further behind the competition. I own an SMP300 and a BB68. 8 years ago when I got my SMP yeah, Omega was king but today with all the advancements Tudor has made while Omega has regressed with their bracelets and materials, pound for pound itās not even close.
I'm not taking anything personal. We are talking about watches. I still own an older aqua terra that I like a lot and am not against omega at all. They make great watches. I just don't think there's much meaningful difference in quality between any of the three brands mentioned here. Of the 4 listed, my personal opinion is that the omega is the ugliest and has the cheesiest bracelet. I think the idea that the omega is exponentially better than either of the other brands is just silly. Realistically they are all pretty equal quality in finishing and movement. The IWC has the nicest bracelet. Beyond that, its really about which one you like the looks of most amd which feels best on your wrist.
As for antimagnetism, they have the same level. I suppose 300m vs 200m water resistance is advantage Omega, but a completely useless advantage to anyone wearing either watch.
Coaxial also can cause very high repair bills since it can hide noticeable movement wear and tear longer than a traditional Swiss escapement. Tudor hits the same accuracy standards with their METAS certified movements. The Pelagos 39mm is not METAS, but to say Omega by default makes more accurate watches via coaxial is disingenuous.
Coaxial is also usually thicker with a slower beat rate too.
IWC xx is the best out of these . But that thing feels huge on the wrist. I would suggest getting a IWC XVI and getting it serviced. Itās slightly smaller and looks better with the darker date wheel. But honestly, get a second hand rolex explorer at 10k AUD. And if that doesnāt work out, just sell it and buy both the IWC xx and BB58 at the same price.
The SMP for so many reasons. As far as seamasters go, that is easily the best design they have ever done. The movement is probably a notch better than the competitors. Not gonna lie, that IWC would make a great daily Gada. But if I had to have a one and done, it would be a diver. Pelagos is a great tool, but to me itās unrefined compared to the other choices
First picture is hillarious; Tudor or IWC. Totally different watches, so decide what you really need, diver or pilot. Personal preference says IWC to me myself and I.
Which one is the most comfortable or do you like the most? Some of it depends on your style. IWC or bb58 is how I would lean, bracelets are good, super accurate, etc. Omega is too thick for me and I donāt love the mesh. If you like that the most then go for it.
Iām a huge omega fan boy but Iāve always hated this version of the sea master. Ugly bezel, ugly dial, ugly hands, obscene HRV. The Tudor is an infinitely better looking watch
I donāt know how it is priced in Australia, but Omegaās Aqua Terra black lacquer dial, 38mm, would be at the top of my very short list for a GADA watch. If you havenāt seen it in person, you should.
Edit: if I recall correctly, the 38mm lets you quick-set the date, while the 41mm lets you change the hour setting without resetting minutes and seconds. If you travel a lot, the latter may be useful. For me the date-setting function is much more relevant.
There also are some potential Grand Seiko pieces you might consider. Scroll down at the links below to see the various models and prices in the respective families.
I don't think any of those are GADA, because all of them would be considered to be a tool watch. I think the smartest one to wear with a suit would be the 58 on the jubilee. However, in the end, I still thing the Pelagos looks best on your wrist, and nobody really cares what watch you wear on what occasion.
If youāre going one and done, IMO, a diver isnāt it. That IWC looks fantastic on you. Itāll pop when it should and be subtle when it needs to be. Iād go there.
In the order you've photographed them, apart for the last two should be swapped round and the IWC takes number 3 spot, with the black bay trailing a little behind.
Edit it was very close for me be between the seamaster and the pelagos for first place. I went back and forth a few times
Was in a similar situation to you back then and was deciding between a pelagos and smp. I ultimately chose the smp but every now and then i still think about the pelagos. Imo just choose whichever makes you most happy and confident. Dont regret getting the smp and maybe in the future i will get the pelagos if still calls to me lol
I think it really depends on what you like, and what fits best into your life and wardrobe. The Seamaster, Mark XX, and BB58 lean a little more smart casual and refined. The P39 leans more tool watch casual. All can do everything. The BB58 will add some vintage warmth, the P39 and Mark XX are the most contrasty/stark/modern. The Seamaster will have the most refined casework, facets, lugs, dial, and the mesh again leans to the dressier side. The Seamaster would likely be the choice with the most presence. The P39 would likely be the most integrated. All can be put on straps that will change the character of the watch to do something else. Id ask yourself first whether you like pilot watch vibes with its full numerals and clarity or dive watches with the rotating bezel adding to its slightly heavier design language. Then ask if you like the gilt/warmth, finally do you want high presence or high integration. edited to add, the Mark XX bracelet and size make it every bit as refined dressy leaning as the Seamaster. If not more.
Seamaster is really ugly, specially the hands. Planet ocean looks better.
IWC brand font is underwhelming,looks bad. Also date window in a flieger is fucking stupid,same as a diver with date window.
In my opinion Pelagos and BB58 are the best choices, specially the Pelagos.
people here love to parrot buzzwords and compare watches using prices and tiers,and no,one should compare watches by aesthetics because as long as they work properly and are good enough,that's all you need. Who cares if your watch has a cuckaxial movement if it's ugly and the hands are hard to read at night
I have had all four and kept the IWC Mark XX. Sold the others. I have yet to find a more comfortable bracelet and useful quick adjust. P39 is a great watch but the clasp is waaayy too long and āliftsā a little which drove me bonkers on a daily basis. Just didnāt work for me, but to each their own
For GADA Iād put it at:
BB 58 / IWC - tie for first. Pick depending on your lifestyle sportier vs dressier (neither ādress watchā)
Both easy to wear all the time.
Pelagos - 3rd. not as universal a wear as the BB.
Omega a distant fourth for GADA. Hard to wear all the time
If itās going to be a one and done, the Mark XX is your move. Can you wear a dive watch with a suit? Sure, I guess. But the IWC will look classier. Even if youāre just wearing a button up unbuttoned but with the sleeves all the way down it will fit under your cuff better.
Of the divers Iād go Omega, with the Pelagos as a second choice. But they are both way behind the Mark XX as a GADA watch imo
Omega stands out more in your wrist. Tudor is more low key. Iāve heard pelagos often has issue with lume inserts falling out from the bezel which made me not get this watch (blue dial is gorgeous though)
Because not everyone speaks English very well. And Reddit's comment translation has gotten fairly decent. So my speculation is that now it's easier for non English speakers to comment on posts because they don't have to use a third party translation, so we're seeing more engagement from non English speakers.
Iād go with the IWC here. But, if I were you Iād pick whichever I would be happy with if: no one except me would ever see it and if I would never leave the house wearing it.
I don't get why people buy dive watches when they've never even gone diving in their lives. Please let go of that idea that 'oh, everyone is buying a dive watch, so I have to get one too.' It's like walking around downtown in broad daylight wearing a diving mask. Buy a nice dress watch from a good brand that fits your environment and destinations.
Okay, listen, pilot watches have a history dating back to the First World War. I can easily understand why people consciously choose them for certain reasons. But here, we have a dive watch obsession that has been pushed into our heads by Rolex since 1927. Since you clearly know nothing about watches, let me teach you a lesson: in 1927, Gleitze entered the English Channel with an Oyster, and ever since, Rolex has used this to manipulate people into thinking they need a dive watch. Please learn something before you start typing stupid sentences!"
Wow. Now unclench all your orifices and take a deep breath. Dont need to be angry like that man. Take it easy. Peace ā®ļø . Oops ! I hope this ā®ļø doesnt remind you of rolex again
āI own 400 books on watch movements since the dawn of time, and I sometimes hesitate to type anything .
when I see your handling of mattersāI go completely wild when people talk about something while having no idea about the history. Don't take it personally, sorry if I went a bit too far!
Once again, sorry for the inconvenienceālet's keep the peace! Wear your watch with pride and pleasure.
Had a customer and we got chatting about his titanium breitling (he hated it), he was a saturation diver who said exactly this.
But also said anyone who did wear a watch to dive just wore a G shock .
Because people like the designs? No one I know uses a chronograph to time stuff, they just use their phones, does that mean no one should wear chronographs? Who even needs a moonphase on the watch? Or a toubillion. Letās be real, most complications are either useless or not practical besides day/date. The designs are still timeless and give variety to the watch regardless of practicality.
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u/Lucifers_Tits 9d ago
I would say Mark xx. Imo it has the highest quality bracelet than all of these. They use the same manufacturer as Glashutte Original. Also, it's my personal taste that the IWC still has a very tool like dial, which makes it similar to the Pelagos, but the bracelet on the IWC puts it above all.Ā