At any given time, I have about 10-20 watches I'd happily buy next. Over the past several months to a year I've been picking off less costly watches (say $1k to $4k) from my radar as I'd been trying to be fiscally conservative because there has been the possibility of a move in the future. The good news is that situation will be resolving itself shortly so in the next few weeks or months I may be able to finally stretch the budget and grab one of the more expensive watches ($12k +/-) on my list. Here's an idea of what I've been considering: Modern: AP RO 15400 Blancpain Virrelet Moonphase VC Overseas Omega Aventurine Moonphase JLC calendar or Memovox Vintage: Red Sub 1680 Ed White or 2998 Speedmaster Any thoughts on the watches listed above? Any others I should consider? My current group consists of a modern Sub and GMTII, a Speedmaster FOIS, a handful of 1970s Omega cal. 1040s. I'd be curious to know everyone's thoughts. Thanks!
If it were me, and I had that kind of disposable income, it would be the JLC Calendar and Red Sub. Picks when you finally decide.
Modern: AP The Original 15202ST - Maybe their best movement ever. Vintage: What would you expect of this forum - 2998, after all, it's only paper
Such an eclectic mix... Can't go wrong with any ... I have the VC and the Aventurine... They're so different...
Andy, from your list I think the Aventurine does the most for me...but I know you've had a lot of Speedmasters over the years. Have you thought of a JLC MUT Moon...possibly gold? I saw one the other day and it was super elegant. Any of the various IWC Portuguese float your boat?...5001 7 day...3714 chrono...maybe the blue Laureus 3714-32?
There is a lot of doubt in the market about red Subs being correct. In any event, I don't personally understand that little red word creating such a price difference from a white 1680. You could get a really nice 1680 and one of your modern choices (particularly if second hand) in your budget (particularly some JLCs).
New or used on modern? If new, I'd go vintage. If used then honestly I'd get whatever one I could get for a killer deal. I'm assuming you would enjoy each equally. This is how I picked up my one month old FF. Loved it, wanted it, but never thought it would be close to a price point I could stomach. Most of mine are modern. My recent acquisition was a 105.003. Just love the vintage feel and really do like it just a little bit more then my two modern speedys.
The 15202 is intriguing but that may be pushing the budget a bit too much, plus I would possibly miss the seconds hand. And of course the 2998 would likely stretch my budget as well the way prices have been going recently!
Hmm, I do like the previous gen. Portuguese quite a bit. And yes, I do love the MUT moon. Actually, the calendar and Memovox are just the two JLCs that came to mind first but there are several I'd consider.
I almost always go pre-owned for modern watches. I think my approach will just as you describe - to keep an eye on eBay and Watchrecon and go for whichever deal finds me first!
I like the splash of color on the dial, but a "white" 1680 would be sweet too. But you've hit on one of the many reasons that have kept me out of the vintage Rolex to this point.
I own a 2998 and an Ed White and they are wonderful vintage pieces. However, my AP Royal Oak 15400 is the most stunning steel watch that I own. It is breathtaking to look down at my wrist and see the facets of the watch and bracelet. The tapestry dial is a work of art. My wife has the matching 15450, 37mm, in white dial. Good luck in your hunt!
