Hi /r/watches! I'm looking for recs on which watch to choose, and most of all feedback on my reasoning.
TLDR: I'm leaning towards the BB58 but not sure if I thought it out right.
For context, June this year I got the Night Vision Seiko Alpinist [SPB337] (example), and realized I do like mechanical watches. Since then I've been looking for a piece that's more elevated in quality.
Options (+ approx prices in USD):
- Tudor Black Bay 58 (≈$4k)
- IWC Mark XX (≈$6k)
- Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (≈$6k)
- Grand Seiko SBGA211 Snowflake (≈$6k)
As I dial in my tastes through too much YouTube and Reddit, I think I lean towards watches that are more sporty that allow the option to dress up. I've heard the wise advice "Go with the watch you like". I like them all, but can only afford one! A wonderful problem to have.
Here's the thing: every time I look at, and hold, the Tudor Black Bay 58, it feels so... right. The red triangle, the satisfying click of the dive bezel, the warm colors, the history, the very sturdy bracelet -- I truly feel in love. I watch YouTube videos of people reviewing this stuff just to look for a flaw... not really much.
But the other options look great too. Here's my best breakdown of pros and cons.
| Watch | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tudor Black Bay 58 | I'm in love with the color and the feel (see above). Absolute strap monster. Build quality feels sturdy! | No date (I might miss it idk), no micro adjust (Steel Reef extension link fixes this tho). |
| IWC Mark XX | Bracelet has micro adjust, great build quality, and it's very sleek/flat. It's versatile and low key. It has a date. Also higher tier brand I guess, but who cares? Strap monster. | Indices don't look very applied, less exciting dial. |
| Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra | Master chronometer, so big accuracy and very robust. High tier brand, cool I guess. Lauded as the ultimate GADA watch. Has a date. Can be a strap monster too. | When I tried it in person... I didn't quite fall in love the same way as the BB 58. A little thick (I can get over that). Apparently the bracelet is not the best. |
| Grand Seiko SBGA211 Snowflake | Spring drive sweep and accuracy is unbeatable, thus impossible to be called a fake. A more "niche" pick (no one will mistake for a Rolex), which is cool I guess. Has a date. | I'm on the fence about titanium. A bit dressy for my taste, and the appeal of the zaratsu polishing makes me paranoid about scratches. Scratches on the other 3 seem fine. |
So far, I lean towards the BB58, but I am concerned that
- I will be underwhelmed later since the specs on all the others are better
- It's 5 years old at this point -- what if Tudor releases a Master Chronometer version later and I get buyer's remorse?
- I'll miss the date function
I'm looking for advice on two questions:
- How is my reasoning above? What else should I think about to help decide?
- Which of the 4 watches do you like the best, and why? Be as biased as you can!
Thanks!
Tudor Black Bay 58. I'm in love, but worried I'll be underwhelmed as time goes on.
Omega Seamaster AT. Lauded as the ultimate GADA watch.
Grand Seiko Snowflake. Unbeatable accuracy (for something mechanical).
My learning: always get the one that feels right.
Specs, resale value and whatnot are things we use to rationalize an emotional choice. These are luxury watches, that we buy not for the timekeeping but for the pleasure of owning something we appreciate (which for some of us could be the specs).