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).
Go with what you like. I will say, those new Mark XX are ridiculously overpriced for what they are. They’re a 3, 3 and half grand watch tops. And even that is paying for the name.
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).
What the other guy said,
go with the one that FEELS right.
Because you will get a dozen different answers from all of us as each piece will feel different to us…
for instance as someone who has five IWCs… no omegas nor GS nor Tudors… I would rate the Mark XX at the bottom of those four…
GRAND SEIKO ALL DAY
You don’t fall in love with a watch’s specs, you fall in love with a watch.
I own a 36mm 2006 Rolex Explorer. I love that watch. A better, newer 36mm version came out, but that’s not my watch. I wore this watch everyday and it’s my watch.
As you have tried all of them, just pick one that has better fit on your wrist as it’s for daily wear. If you feel the Tudor is the right one, then go for it.
Watches tend to end up with a collection as no watch fits for all occasions. Let’s grab the other theme later on (or later years).
Get the BB58 - reliable, good looking and unique!
That is quite a diverse range of cool items, why not save and wait until you find an easily affordable watch which you just cannot ignore. Good luck on yon quest.
seems to me you have already chosen the bb58
PErsonally in the poll the aqua terra is a no brainer
GS Snowflake. Absolute classic.
my only criteria is to choose which one looks like i would wear it the most and enjoy it. thats about it. 99.99% of us wont need chronometer levels of accuracy and 300m of water resistance. all the watches you list all will have roughly the same quality and reliability. i dont really care what others think of my watch, and in every situation that I have worn my higher end watches, amazingly others didnt give a crap about what i wore.
so, i just keep it simple - what watch has the look and feel that suggests i would enjoy it more and wear it more. thats it.
I really don’t get your question. Are you willing to spend 4000 or 6000? That is a difference of 2000 or 50%. Make a budget, then decide. Furthermore: why do you care about specs, are you seriously measure time with it? All feature great quality, manufactured movements.
A watch at this price is an accessory. Go for the one that feels and looks the best on your wrist in your budget. Which suits your clothing style? Which boosts your confidence the most (if needed) when you’re wearing it? Which makes you the least concerned to get robbed in broad daylight while wearing it?
It’d be between the AT which is the greatest GADA and the BB58 which is an absolute work of art. Get one, save up, get t’other