Just before Christmas I sold all my watches. Most of them were Rolex.

I have enjoyed Rolex watches for many years, but in recent years they have become quite prolific. I have just returned from Munich and it seemed that every second wrist had a steel Rolex on it. Not only have they become quite commonplace, there is nothing like a Rolex to attract unwanted attention from the light-fingered.

So I have decided to change direction to some different pieces that are good quality but perhaps more understated.

I have bought a steel JLC Master Control in 37mm and a JLC Day/Night Reverso in yellow gold. Both were fresh from JLC service.

I WANT a 36-37mm round dress watch in yellow gold and a steel sports watch to replace my Rolex GMT II (the watch I miss the most) around 39-40mm. It must be tough and waterproof.

Due to the current trend of watches that are somewhat oversize I am considering older models that are either NOS or manufacturer serviced.

What would you buy for the above requirement?

 

Nice JLCs you have chosen maybe you want to pimp up the thread with a few pics?

Dont limit yourself with those 39-40mm sizes, a lot of watches wear completely different, than what the size suggests.
I also set myself a 40-41mm limit but ended up buying a 42mm Polaris Date and couldnt be happier, has been my daily choice since i got it.
Enjoy the hunt

 

Great idea and love the two choices so far. What about a Zenith Defy? or possibly if funds are healthy from all those over list Rolex sales what about an a lange söhne saxonia thin 37mm??

 

This is something that has been on my mind lately. I have 6 decent (ish) watches purchased on the last 4-5 years. Only one really gets any meaningful wrist time, but because I am new to watches I have been loathe to sell any, because I was delighted with each when I bought them, and have a silly attachment to them as trophies (of sorts).

But I have recently started thinking it's ok to move the ones I am not wearing on, and use them to finance something I might actually wear. Even if it means taking a small hit. At what point do we stop hoarding for sentimental reasons, and make our first sale?

I'd love a JLC, but can't justify the cost when I have a draw of expensive watches I never wear.

 

I’ve had to many watches to count, most have been vintage pre 70’s though with exception of a couple. I’ve sold most and would sell all with exception of one which is destined for my Daughter as it has a strong connection for us both. Times change and you can sell for many reasons. I always use Watch money through sales to fund. I’ve always had around 5 and I feel 4/5 is enough. Sell the ones you don’t use and buy something special. If it turned out not to be special enough then sell that. This is a hobby, they are watches not children and there is no end point!

 

How about a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony ref. 42002? A classical dress watch from one of the Holy Trinity watchmakers. Automatic, date and a guilloche dial...

 

As for a sports watch to replace your Master GMT, why not consider a Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT? A high horlogerie GMT complication from one of the most respected watchmakers, 100m water resistant and a great left-field choice.

 

FIFY

 

Thanks Mrs Merriam-Webster!

Please meet Monsieur Robert:
https://dictionnaire.lerobert.com/definition/horlogerie

 

Oh man i surrender

 

Sports models? Under the Radar ? You can't get past the Titanium Tudor Pelagos LH with the red/ black date and Tudor M.N . No bling , but Rolex DNA.....

 

Wow, I mean, 36-37mm gold dress watch and 39-40mm steel sports watch... the world is your oyster. I'll play along and suggest any A Lange & Sohne Saxonia (my preference is the moonphase in black dial and yellow gold but the time-only variant is 37mm). And I'll go with the underrated IWC Fliegeruhr UTC.

 

If 39mm steel GMT watches is what you're after, however, I can't say enough good things about the AP RO 26120. Not quite subtle though...

 

Some good suggestions chaps, thanks.

I looked at the Zenith Defy a while back.

The AP Royal Oak I also looked at. Just before the pandemic I was in AP's office in London and was offered a white or black dial in just a few weeks at list price. I perhaps should have accepted their offer! However, I have always struggled with Genta designs.

With regard to the round gold dress watch, here are two that are saved on Chrono24.

 

Here are my recent JLC purchases.

 

VC overseas 41mm

 

Not crazy about them, I think it's the notched bezel.

TBH, I think the Tissot PRX is a nicer looking watch than any of the steels sports from the Holy Trinity and if my son wasn't about to buy one I probably would!

 

I strongly approve of your Reverso choice. The Duos are wonderful in any metal but the heft of gold gives them even more wrist presence. I have it’s cousin in White Gold with black and Salmon dials. There is a thread dedicated to JLC here, if you haven’t already done so I encourage you to post those excellent shots there.