Watches

Smp300 lightly used

Smiths Everest < GS Sbgx261 < Tudor BB36 < Rolex Explorer 1

Cartier tank.

Grand Seiko SBGM221

My grail since I was a kid was the Omega SMP (because Bond, obviously). I finally purchased a Seamaster (the new version) for just under $4K in May 2020 and still couldn’t be happier with it.

Seamaster 2531.80

Its my perfect watch

For me it’s the 16234 Blue Dial Rolex Datejust in the 2000’s

Just get the BB58

Seamaster 300m. Because Bond and it’s the first luxury watch i saw in a shop.

Tudor BB58

Omega aquaterra

A medium Cartier Tank or a vintage datejust

Just about any Tudor

Grand Seiko, something like the SBGA469G, maybe? They have many watches at that price point that are remarkably refined and unique that will be lifetime pieces.

Definitely the GS Winter SBGA415 for me. I know its above that price right now but wont be forever if i had to guess. Absolutely love that watch

Here are the three that I’d consider grails in the price range :

• OP
• Santos
• JLC Master Control

Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Yellow. Yellow and Black, my team's colors, I'd wear it every game I get to watch.

Yes. 5 Million is alot of money. Infact I don't even know what watch is in that range.

Oh you mean 5k? Probs a BB58.

Two answers:

I think for a lot of people just owning one of the “classics” is a grail enough. A Rolex DJ or Omega Speedy can be found used for $5k-ish and finally getting to own one of those can be endgame for someone. Commonplace for rich watch nerds but really special for someone who can finally afford one.

A answer in the spirit of the question - a MR G. There’s a lot of G Shock enthusiasts out there and a $3,000 titanium G is the “ultimate” version of a the watch in the same way an Olive Day-Date or WG Pepsi might be for Rolex.

Sinn 104 can be had under $2K. I like it more than my Speedmaster. Super unique watch that looks stunning in person.

At $5k ... I kinda find myself reaching for the Pelagos 39 pretty frequently out of my collection. It's not a personal grail as there wasn't really a stretch to get it, but if I was picking any of my < $5k watches to buy again, it'd be my pick.

Tudor black bay, pelagos, or a used speedy

Omega Seamaster, maybe that 007 edition.

A matching pair of Oris big crown pointer dates. My son is almost 5 and loves looking at watches with me. Oris is a family name for us, and I have it in my mind that I'd get each of us a matching Oris watch for his 18th birthday/graduation something like that. If they remade the 7400b two tone model in something bigger like a 38-40mm, that would be the dream.

The Marine Nationale Tudor Pelagos FXD. When it came out I fell in love with it the same way I fell in love with the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Lumen. When I got the call to pick my Pelagos FXD and handled it I loved it as much as handling an AP 15202 Jumbo. I’m not someone who looks at price tag but I really judge if a watch is good for me based on how I feel when I put it on.

I don't want to sound elitist but a grail watch is usually significantly more than $5,000, or so I've been lead to believe. A large number of GSSDs cost roughly that or more and they're like a 'sensibly-priced' luxury.

Christopher Ward Bel Canto. Chiming hour.

Tudor Black Bay!

My first nice watch was a Grand Seiko SBGA407. It was just under $5k although it is just above it now.

Pelagos

Currently my grail watch (mostly because I just haven't gotten around to getting one; it was definitely a grail watch with regards to being out of my budget when I was a student) is the Victorinox Dive Master 500 auto. I plan on getting at least 2, and fully expect at least one of them to be a daily wearer.

Max bill chronoscope. I have the form c, which I love, but definitely want to upgrade.

I’d love a speedmaster personally

I recently bought mine, a speedy reduced 3513.50! Such a cool watch and you can find a mint example for around $3k.

Tudor BB36

Nomos Glashutte Metro Neomatik Update 41mm

2nd hand Blancpain FF trilogy

Aqua Terra is a bit over if new but that's probably what I'd spring for.

I'm going to be boring and say it's the Speedy for sure.

This is way harder than I thought, Im actually having trouble picking one. Id have to choose between these:

Cartier Tank Must

Rolex Air King 14010

Grand Seiko SBGW231

If I had $5K I would buy a Tudor Pelagos. The blue faced one. Those snowflake hands man...

Rolex Explorer

Tudor Pelagos 39

Omega Aqua Terra 38 (pick a color).

Grand Seiko SBGA413 Shunbun It’s over your limit, but ask for a discount, or buy it used.

IWC Pilot Mark XX

I have the 1st and 3rd. Fantastic watches.

Waiting on the Omega in Terra Cotta. The IWC in blue with the bracelet is likely next on my list.

I’d do the opaline dial Tudor Black Bay GMT. Currently eyeing it for myself as a reward for earning my pilot certification.

its not a real watch but id LOVE if seiko made the prospex land mechanical gmt with a spring drive gmt movement

Tudor Pelagos. Model I’ve wanted for 2 years and bought myself for my 40th. Worth more than most of the car I’ve owned in my life but not obviously so

Nomos Metro Gangreserve is a beautiful piece, versatile too for casual and formal settings

First generation Seamaster Planet Ocean has been living rent free in my head for the past couple of months. Finding one in like-new condition as I’d prefer may be a bigger barrier than the cost.