Experts- please suggest a watch for me to buy! I'm a newbie here!

[zub3qin]

I am looking hard for a watch that suits my needs. I know there are tons of experts here, so I am counting on you to lead me in the right direction!

Here are some things I am looking for:

1) A not-too-large dial (40mm or so is fine)-I am not fond of the BIG watches.

2) A smooth sweep second hand (not in the subdial, but on the main dial) 28,800 bph preferably and automatic.

3) Easy to read date

4) Not Rolex and not quartz

5) Somewhat different looking than my omega seamaster chrono and tag link chrono. Black rubber strap/black case would be nice.

6) Clear caseback is desirable but not mandatory

I don't mind chrono watches, but it is important that the sweeping second hand is on the MAIN dial- I don't know if this exists.

So after extensive searching, these are the watches that sort of seem good, but none seems perfect:

But maybe they will give you an idea of what I am looking for.

1) Tag Carrera Vintage Limited Edition (see photo below)-

Cons: no date. Hand-wind. Will handwinding get old quickly?

2) IWC 3717 Black/black strap (see photo)

Cons: Large? Second hand on subdial only.

Can you run the chrono all the time to have the main dial second-hand running constantly or is this bad for the replica mechanism?

3) Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean

Cons- the replicas seem to be HUGE (45mm?) I know there used to be smaller ones (42mm?) Are these still avaialble? Do they come in a black face with a black rubber strap?

This is what I think I'd get if I had an option. Is there a Tag equivalent to this one?

Please help this newbie find a watch to buy!!!!

[By-Tor]

Hey, welcome to RWG!

Suggesting a watch for someone is difficult. It's like asking "what kind of girlfriend should I get?" Very personal thing.

Click my signature and go to my section, there are lots and lots of different watches reviewed. Maybe you find something.

Good luck!

[zub3qin]

Hey, welcome to RWG!

Suggesting a watch for someone is difficult. It's like asking "what kind of girlfriend should I get?" Very personal thing.

Click my signature and go to my section, there are lots and lots of different watches reviewed. Maybe you find something.

Good luck!

Thanks for the quick response. Last night, I was up for hours reading your very thorough reviews. They are great! But sometimes you just need people to throw out suggestions.

I trust you- do you have any recommendations for me to look at based on what I like? You probably know EVERY watch out there- your reviews are amazing. Is there such a thing as a smaller Seamaster planet ocean with a black rubber or leather strap?

[By-Tor]

Thanks for the compliments.

They are making a new version of Planet Ocean 42mm. We don't know when it comes out but it's supposed to be great. I would wait for that one before making a purchase.

[dbutlerman]

Based on what you're looking at, I think the Planet Ocean 42mm would be your best fit (It isn't a BIG watch @ 42mm, has sweeping second hands, has a date, doesn't look like either of the Chrono models you mentioned...). Again, it is a personal thing, but I've had a 3717 and the PO and I've sold the 3717 and kept the PO. You can still get the 42mm version from a couple of sources. TrustyTime/Andrew has an "entry-level" version with an automatic movement . It is not the most accurate version out there, but, it does come on a rubber strap.

http://www.yourtrustytime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_114&products_id=163

He also shows the 4th Gen Planet Ocean @ 42mm. This is a very accurate model, with very few major flaws. This once is more $$$ and doesn't have the Rubber Strap, but if you contact him, he may be able to work something out for a strap.

http://www.yourtrustytime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_114&products_id=24

[OmegaPOFL]

hmm....

have you looked into Vacheron Constantin Overseas?

i'm pretty sure they are just under 40mm.. have a date, but it is closed caseback..

or Cartier Santos, the new ultimate is an amazing rep.

this is a picture of TXcollector's santos he received

(hope he doesn't mind)

[zub3qin]

Based on what you're looking at, I think the Planet Ocean 42mm would be your best fit (It isn't a BIG watch @ 42mm, has sweeping second hands, has a date, doesn't look like either of the Chrono models you mentioned...). Again, it is a personal thing, but I've had a 3717 and the PO and I've sold the 3717 and kept the PO. You can still get the 42mm version from a couple of sources. TrustyTime/Andrew has an "entry-level" version with an automatic movement . It is not the most accurate version out there, but, it does come on a rubber strap.

http://www.yourtrustytime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_114&products_id=163

He also shows the 4th Gen Planet Ocean @ 42mm. This is a very accurate model, with very few major flaws. This once is more $$$ and doesn't have the Rubber Strap, but if you contact him, he may be able to work something out for a strap.

http://www.yourtrustytime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_114&products_id=24

Thanks for the great advice and links. There is a big price difference between asian 21J movements and the 4th gen ETA 2824 movement (which is 3 times the cost).

With 21J, I know there is a bigger issue when it comes time to service, or replace parts (don't even bother- may as well get a new watch) vs getting an ETA which is easier to service in the long run. But if I am interested in a watch that just chugs along and doesn't die in the first year or two, is there any difference in reliability between the two movements in your opinion?

Something tells me I should just get the 2824, since the bph/sweep is smoother, but at three times the price, there has to be an asian 2824 middle ground!

By-tor: thanks for your advice. But it is soooo hard to wait now that I am getting into these forums, for a new 42mm PO! You think we are talking many months before it is out?