Hey watch crew,

Had a little watch rendezvous today and need your two cents. I strolled into the watch store with my eyes on the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic–a classic choice. While it’s undoubtedly a fine timepiece, I found myself not experiencing that “wow” factor. It felt more like a reliable pair of jeans than a showstopper. It’s a subjective feeling, but you probably catch my drift.

Then there’s my Junghans Form C, a trusty quartz, oddly feeling a tad more special. But then… slipped on the Tudor Black Bay 58, and voila! Immediate ‘wow’ moment. The finishing felt impeccable, and the wrist presence was undeniable. It felt like strutting around in a special outfit. Ever had that rush with a watch?

So, here’s my question to the community: Can one find the “wow” factor without breaking the bank, and if so, what budget range should I be considering? I’m torn between investing in one exceptional piece that truly wows me versus getting multiple smaller watches. Should I just save up for something that feels like a knockout piece? Why bother dropping cash if it’s not making you grin every time you check the time, right?

For what it’s worth, I currently only own the Junghans Form C. Brand status or resale value doesn’t interest me one bit. My taste is a bit all over the place: Tudor Black Bay 58, Farer GMT, Speedy, Nomos, Hamilton Aviation Pilot Pioneer. I’m thinking of spending up to 1.500 euros.

Ready for your wrist wisdom and if you’ve found that special watch “on a budget”. I’m curious to hear your experiences and recommendations! I get that my questions are kind of a personal flavor thing, but still really curious about what you think.

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