Aqua Terra or IWC Mark XX for me. 1st gen ATs will only run you ~$3k and look better than some of the newer models IMO
this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2023
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I just bought an Omega Constellation Pie Pan 2699 Deluxe from 1954 a little over 4k€, definitely a grail watch for me!
Any number of Grand Seiko watches, especially the spring drive models IMO
Tudor North Flag (not sure if I could get it for less than $5k) Sinn 556 if not.
Personally I think for a middle class person it's not worth it, I'm middle class and would rather have that money in an emergency stash for house or car repairs. I like brands like Timex and citizen. This is probably the wrong sub to say something like this...
Edit to add: I also realize this is not the answer to the question you asked.
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AnOrdain model 1 with plume fume dial
I've wanted a white dial Sinn 104 for a while.
IWC Spitfire is my favorite $5k watch.
Mine was an Omega Seamaster 300 professional. Got it about 3 years ago
I love my grand seiko sbga445. I think new theyre $5100(slightly out of budget) but its the same as the 415 for a lot less money. (It was the only expensive watch i ever wanted enough to pull the trigger on)
Nomos
Also a Tudor Black Bay
I want a grand seiko.
ok. so all of my higher end watches, cost me less than 5k.
Rolex 2 tone submariner 16613- well, you need a time machine, but yeah.
SBGA413 Shunbun - Besst daily driver IMHO, and i got it used mint for $4900
Breitling B01 Chronomat. Gotta shop around, but you can go less than 5k if you do.
My god you people ask this question everyday.
My personal choice, a Rolex Air King 14000. Easily found under 5k
Grand seiko snowflake or Omega Speedmaster!
I only owned one watch. I put it in my wallet to be sure to get the battery repaired. Then promptly lost the wallet. So I need a new watch. It was a free style dive watch.
Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Chronometer 2254.50.00.
You could probably buy two of them for that price (used on chrono24). I could afford a much more expensive watch, I bought this one about 10 years ago and I absolutely love it. It is my favorite watch, and I would never sell it.
Love this review
https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/omega-seamaster-professional-300m-review-2254-50-00/
Omega Seamaster
A Tag Carrera or Aqua Racer
a light used Aqua Terra is pretty much top pick across the board. IWC Mark is also nice.
You can get a new Tudor Black Bay 58 for around $4,000, and it is an incredible watch. I have the blue BB 58, and I'm convinced there isn't a better watch at the same price new. If this is going to be your one grail watch, you'd probably want to get the black dial, because it is more versatile than the blue. Have fun hunting!
Oris propilot x kermit cal 400. I cant even begin to explain how badass this watch is even without the sick green dial that is so bright the sun needs shades. The angular way the case and bracelet come together its perfection to me. The way they hug folks wrists like ot was formed to the skin. I need one.
Grand Seiko SBGA437 or SBGJ259 if I find one for cheaper than $5k.
That’s if I had $5k watch money. My actual grail watch is a Seiko SPB373, I think.
Currently in the Casio price bracket.
If these carrera glassboxes depreciate, I think you can get a used version around 5k. If not for me probably I would be looking at an Omega Seamaster Professional, maybe a moonwatch if I liked boring dials.
Probably a Tudor Pelagos 42 mm in blue you can get them for like $3-$4k used or grey market. Or maybe a speedmaster used.
You can get a new Oris, a used IWC or Omega of various models.
Cant believe nobody mentioned longines here. Something like spirit, zulu time, legend diver, all good candidates
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For new? How about a Martin Braun EOS sunrise/sunset watch
Used.. almost any Panerai GMT
Omega SMPc or used Speedy
Longines Zulu Time 39mm
I bought a Ulysses Nardine Marine Torpilleur for $4,900 (after taxes) on the grey market.
Longines Master Collection moon phase
Honestly. Grand Seiko SBGH 267. The hi-beat whirlpool dial. 20th anniversary. They only made 1,500
I'm only adding this because it's one of my 2 grail watches and it retailed for $6,300. Though now they are pretty comfortably around 10k.
Sea of Clouds Grand Seiko, It's my dream watch.
That's a great budget to throw at something pre-loved.
Easy choice would be an Omega Seamaster 300 or Speedmaster. Maybe look a little harder for a Heuer Monaco or Cartier Santos.
I'd probably try and take my chances and get a foot in the door with a Rolex. Oyster Perpetual or Air King.
It's even easier to split the budget between two that aren't quite grails but are still quite good(ex: used Tudor Black Bay & Oris Big Crown Pointer Date), but I'd be here all day listing those.
I have a seamaster 36mm from 2012 ish and it’s my engagement watch. It costed my fiancé about 3800 and it’s an amazing watch. Bought it from Jomshop
Sinn u50 or omega moon watch
You don’t choose a grail watch. It chooses you
Sinn U50
My advice is: 95% of expensive watches depreciate quickly after buying new. Look at Tudor. No one really wants a new Tudor with many better watches for the price. They sell new because it is thought of as almost a Rolex for status. So Tudors get sold off quickly into the secondary market at much lower prices after acquiring a real Rolex or just the realization it is a decent but not special watch. Omegas as well. Check out previously-owned watches for great deals on a watch that would be ridiculously expensive to buy new…and just not worth that price. Then you can enjoy a fine watch at a much better price point.
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.