Well I've sold off the estate, the family and all my dogs and horses and had been hoping to find a Zenith El Primero Rainbow Fly-back. Unfortunately I'm not sure that the one available is worth the asking price - so back to the drawing board.
I need a robust and high quality chronograph (realistically this probably rules out anything over 10/15 years old) that has good water resistance (swimming), is legible, tough (worn and used in a highly demanding environment....a primary school), around 40mm, has a date (so my favourite Omega Speeedy is no good for purpose :( ) and is available for < £2K.
I want a classic/prestige brand (for resale). It must also look beautiful - which rules out much of the disgusting bling now available. Most of my watches are military which gives an idea of my taste. IWC look good, but I have no idea what is availablle... European watches only need apply.
Any ideas?
F.T.F.A.
I believe they did a Speedmaster model with a date, might be hard to find now
Get yourself EZM1 of these
Understated. Classy. Elegant. Bullett proof resale.
Cheers,
Ben
..... for I have become the Jedi of flippers
" an extravagance is anything you buy that is of no earthly use to your wife "
It does sound like you want an Damasko - a 56 (if you can find one!) will run you under half your budget,and you should be able to resell it without loss. (At least if the supply situation doesn't change. :) )
Chrono Avenger?
Available in titanium or SS, 300m water resistance, tough, 44mm though (so maybe a little big), good brand/rep .. but there are so many choices!
/vince ..
Sinn 757?
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Some great suggestions for me already - thanks.
I'd already noted the high reputation that Damasko has here.
Anyone know much about IWC? How do they compare with the cheaper Sinns - do IWC use an in-house movement (a plus factor for me)?
Bell & Ross Space 3?
I like Sinn and can see the appeal of Damasko, but I don't think everyone sees them as prestige brands. That said, there will be buyers on resale. And Sinns certainly have a reputation for toughness.
If Germans are acceptable, I'd throw a Tutima Military chrono in too. Lemania 5100, very toolish in titanium.
TBH I wouldn't swim in my ZEP Rainbow Flyback - the WR is ok, but the crown is not screw down, and I have accidentally pulled it out twice.
IWC Aquatimer chrono? Breitling as suggested?
Damasko, or Sinn 757, perhaps in the just-introduced Diapal version (classier case finish than the base model).
IWC use inhouse-modded 7750s ... there is a movement of their own forthcoming. The 3717 is the nicest of the present lineup. If you can burn the money, or if you can find one at a reduced price, they are nice.
Cheers,
Martin ("Crusader")
Breitlings are pretty bombproof. For well inside your budget you can get a just-used Chrono Superocean - 500m WR, tough as old boots, tweaked 7750 (but not so as your local watchmaker wouldn't recognise it!) 42mm, day-date. Can't really go wrong. It's also perfectly legible, unless you've got cataracts or a +10 prescription. Wear it on a rubber strap, though, as you won't like the polished bracelet. New on rubber the RRP is a bit under £2,000 inc tax.Originally Posted by davide
If feeling braver, look for the previous Blackbird limited ed. All brushed finish, higher quality bracelet, simpler dial, bit of a collectible but still comfortably within reach. You'll lose almost nothing on one of those, as a lot of Breitling fans prefer it to the newer, much larger Blackbird featuring a modular chrono.
...but what do I know; I don't even like watches!
Hi,
You could do a lot worse than one of these. Tough as nails, especially the later models with sapphire crystal. I have a feeling that these are going to become very collectible soon.
(Pic stolen from chronomaster)
Too big? I highly rate my DC56, and would second that recommendation! I'd do you a good deal but you said your estate's already gone! :)
The Sinn 103 st sa -- simply gorgeous! One just came up for sale on the sales corner and was gone very quickly. They are a great watch and a fraction of what you are looking to spend. The thickness might be an issue, though as they are quite "tall" (17.5mm).
I love my 103 and wear it whenever I am not wearing a suit.
As has been suggested above Damasko - DC56 or the Sinn 757 would do the job.
Possibly a pre-owned Bell & Ross - BR03-94 or IWC - Flieger Chrono might be available for your budget & be a tad more prestigous (to those in the know).
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
This one is 41.5mm is tough as old boots and IMO looks the pig's tits!!
This is my 100% keeper
That does look tough alright - in fact it's wellard
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
I'm seriously taken by Damasko after all this adulation - I see one model comes with a 12 hour bezel which makes it even more desirable as it gives it a GMT function and an extra use as a travel watch.
Are they almost unobtainable?
Anyone want to move theirs on? :wink:
Have to be used but how about a G-P F1-2000:
Not sure how tough it really is, certainly not in the Sinn/Damasko class but it is beautifully slim which means it doesn't pick up knocks like some of the other options.
I do not own a Dasmasko, and I have never seen on in person. I have heard only good things about them, so I am exploring the possibility of buying one.
However, here are some comparison shots of…
Rolex Daytona
IWC Portuguese
SINN Diapal
Omega Speedy Pro
Omega Speedy Pro S.E.
Kobold Surveyour
Click on links to enlarge photos…
Love that GP F1!! :hello1:
Fortis do some excellent chronos with 200m WR within your budget. I'll leave it you to decide if they are a prestige brand.
Good idea. Rolex dealers, just before they gave up trying to sell Tudors in the more, uh, brand-slut markets (being the UK and USA), were knocking these out new for just over a grand. There might still be some floating about in the UK dealer network but like all things which you don't value until they're gone, the price is probably going to go up.Hi,
You could do a lot worse than one of these. Tough as nails, especially the later models with sapphire crystal. I have a feeling that these are going to become very collectible soon.
...but what do I know; I don't even like watches!
Sinn 756 S :D
Top notch:
Rolex Daytona, or
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms chronograph, or
Vacheron Constantin Oversea's Chrono.
FWIW and assuming they were available, for a "tough chrono" my choice would always be Damasko; here's two I previously owned....
However obtaining one my be a little bit difficult :twisted:
Next on the list would be the Breitling Chrono Avenger - and, yes, you've guessed it, here's my current one. :D :wink:
...and a comparison shot of the CA with the DC67 and Seiko Marinemaster.
Cheers,
P.S. Just needed an excuse to post a pic or two of my favourite watches... :wink: :D
I have this (the Omega) and it is a very good watch, Water Proof 300 M, Chrono, Date, extremely robust and reliable 7750 based movement. Highly legible dial at all light conditions - lume is good to.
Sold a Speedmaster Pro and got this instead as the Speedy had no water resistance and no date.
It has a lot of wrist presence - and Ti, like mine, or Steel versions should be available at less than 1K GBP
Very big assumption unfortunately :(. What's the waitlist on a Damasko chrono now? 12 months or something?
...but what do I know; I don't even like watches!
The movement on the GP isn't that reliable. Be warned...
Thanls to all for the suggestions.
I like the idea of a Damasko DC66 with 12 hour bezel, but they are unavailable :( ....... unless someone wants to move one on?
Hi David,
I'd be inclined to go for an IWC 3706, the right diamater, tough movement, 7750 based but beautifully re-worked, day and date, 60m WR and looks great on strap or bracelet.
The dial is a model of clarity and very legible, even the chrono functions. Tritium or Luminova dials depending on age, with the lume applied to the cardinal points and hands,
Price-wise on strap approx. £1500, and on brace closer to £1800.
HTH,
Sanjay :)
...IWC Aquatimer Chrono Automatic has been mentioned before. Modified Val 7750 (it's really different, compared with the one in my Breitling Avenger Chrono!), water resistance 120m (and even operable at that depth), day-date, a nice mixture of dressy and toolwatch, etc. :)
Cheers,
Andreas
There are a few lucky owners out there but given the supply situation I'm sure they're quite reluctant to sell on. If you like the overall look, Sinn makes a watch very close in design - as discussed in these here pages - and in much greater numbers. Getting expensive these days due to the strength of the Euro, so would probably recommend buying sooner rather than later for Sinn (or, indeed, Damasko).
...but what do I know; I don't even like watches!
If I needed a tough chronograph with the accent on the "tough" I'd pick a quartz, something like the Chrono Avenger M1.
john
THIN is the new BLACK
I'd go quartz as well. How about this:
Picture is from Chronomaster.co.uk
Better looking than the Breitling IMHO.
Cheers,
Mabuse
How about this? A Senna Link TAG, very robust and comfy, keeps great time :) yours for a few quids :wink:
cheers
Mark
How about a Zenith Prime? Handwound with date and pretty tough.
Here's a pic
Cheers
I like that bambam - I assume it's an El-Primero movement?How about a Zenith Prime? Handwound with date and pretty tough.
Here's a pic
Cheers
But perhaps a more elegant strap is required? :wink:
Plenty to choose from so far, looks like a difficult choice to make!
Yes, it is an El-Primero movement and you're dead right it needs a more elegant strap!! Must get one on there...I like that bambam - I assume it's an El-Primero movement?How about a Zenith Prime? Handwound with date and pretty tough.
Here's a pic
Cheers
But perhaps a more elegant strap is required? :wink:
Quite pleased with mine :D
Here is my suggestion, it is a few hundred pounds over your budget, but one of my favorites:
Habring2 Manual wind 7733. 42mm with date. Water resistant to 30M. Limited to 12 per year with choice of black or blue dial. They will do custom dial color combinations and case materials but it boosts the cost.
If you really want to blow the budget they have one with the same specs, but in a Ti case and no pushers. It is operated from the crown like this:
DaveB
Rado Sintra. As unscratchable as a Damasko.
You really have to tell us if you are looking for quartz or mechanical ...
john
THIN is the new BLACK
I'd go with this one too David. The build quality is fantastic and it's as tough as you are ever going to need it to be.The Damasko may be the toughest watch out there but the ongoing supply situation....aargghh!......do Damasko still make watches ?????? :evil:...IWC Aquatimer Chrono Automatic has been mentioned before. Modified Val 7750 (it's really different, compared with the one in my Breitling Avenger Chrono!), water resistance 120m (and even operable at that depth), day-date, a nice mixture of dressy and toolwatch, etc. :)
Cheers,
Andreas
* Edit* ....and you can get the IWC on a bracelet :D
:)
Alan
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