That's a beautiful watch.

 

I appreciate that watch, but I am not keen on the look.

What are people's opinions on the Vacheron Fiftysix?

 

This would be my recommendation , several reiterations also available.

 

Really like it. For some reason strongly reminds me of the A. Lange & Söhne "Odysseus" with the blue dial, which is another watch that might be to your liking. But it's playing "hard to get" (as in, you need to be a Lange customer with a distinguished history of ... buying stuff from them).

 

I see the similarity, obvs. But prefer the VC.

The only thing I don't like about it is the 40.5mm size.

There are some nice, used, Overseas in 37mm about but I am not sure about the fussy design or the bangle...sorry bracelet.

 

This ^

 

I also sold my Rolexes for similar reasons. This is what I consider fills that role:

Mine is an older version but has been a reliable, accurate, and bullet proof travel companion for many years now. And since my Rolex sell-off it gets more wrist time!

 

Another vote for Barakuda

 

I’m surprised no IWC suggestions were made

 

I had a chance to try it on and was not impressed by the quality and finishing. It feels "cheap" compared to the other VC offerings. I recommend trying it at a store if you are interested in buying.

Since you like JLC, this is my vote:




The set also comes with a steel bracelet.

 

Interesting ref VC quality. I will try one.

I like the Polaris and would prefer a JLC, but they are 42mm no? Too big for me.

 

yes these are 42mm.
i own a Polaris Date in black colour, and i must say they look larger (due to slim bezel) than how they sit on the wrist. they have very short lugs that curve down, they have a relatively slim profile and there is no crown at 3 o'clock digging into the wrist. So the wearing comfort is much better than some smaller watches. its actually funny that many complain about the size..

 

You beat me to it. I was worried about the 42mm size but it fits my relatively small wrist (6.75" ~17cm) very nicely. The lug to lug is only 48mm, similar to my Milgauss and vintage Ed White.

 

I'll try a Polaris, it would be nice if they did a 37/38mm version...

 

I doubt they will do it anytime soon. It seems there is the whole collection based on this 42mm case. I wonder if they just reduced the size if it would work for this model. Technically it shouldnt be an issue, since the movements inside are relatively small.

 

I think this is because the original vintage Polaris was a 42mm case.

 

It also fits with the recent trend for big watches.

I saw a Patek Nautilus in a shop window yesterday (reserved) in 35.4mm. It looked very good to be fair, much better than I was expecting. I am not sure I want to make available the requisite £45k to buy one however!

 

Decisions, decisions

But still, not so long ago a Nautilus for "only" £45k would have been considered a steal, or was this a preowned one? Even then... I'm glad to see a modicum of sanity return to watch prices at the "liked-by-instagrammers high-end segment of horology".

 

What about the newer Railmaster? It is an understated beauty that is small/comfortable enough to wear everywhere, has a screw down crown with 150m WR, and is available on a bracelet or really nice strap. I got the strap one for <1/2 price from an AD on Chrono24, and the bracelet models aren't much more!

Only "downside" is that it is a 'just time' watch, so no date/etc complications. I love it for weekends where the date isn't particularly relevant to me, and I can't be as 'careful' to keep my watch safe (thanks to chasing a toddler around).