Such different watches. I’d get the Seamaster. That said they all have merit. I love the Monaco, but to me that’s a watch that compliments an existing collection. The Seamaster can stand alone. Santos is iconic but a very particular look, but it could be a good move if you love it. The Breitling is nice but I’m not super hot on Breitlings, personally.
It’s gorgeous. Imo, save a bit and go for it. The watch addiction starts small and involves a lot of bargaining with one’s self. If you’re like most people one day you’ll spend several times as much as what you once considered your absolute maximum. So rather than start off on a bad foot and purchasing a few lower end pieces that won’t even scratch your initial itch, just bite the bullet. Give in. Watches have your attention. This isn’t over, not by a long shot. Save yourself the trouble of taking the scenic route and start with a watch you’ll truly love.
Simple but excellent collection, OP.
Fun collection. A lot to like.
Curious about the “low price” she offered it for. Not sure if legit, but it looks like a great watch.
Lovely
It is what it is, a timeless classic you will never regret owning. It’s right near the top of my wishlist. Really happy for you, brother.
Answering in the spirit of the question by going retail, and ignoring the secondary, unlike some people here who are somehow like “I’d get a Submariner, an Explorer and a Grand Seiko and then invest the remaining $1800.” I’m going to go with the Tudor Pelagos LHD.
You seem like a really thoughtful person. I bet your dad will be feeling really loved just because you’re taking so much time and thinking of him. Get him a really solid Seiko, and he’ll wear it with pride.
The Nomos Club in blue is 🔥
Not sure what’s going on there but I really, really, dislike those gaps.
The Pelagos line has absolutely insane lume. Up until Pelagos nothing could touch my old Seiko diver for lume intensity, but when I got my Pelagos it completely blew it away. It looks almost dim in comparison.
Nice simple design. I really don’t criticize faux patina when it’s a palette issue. For example lume colour. It’s not faux patina, it’s old patina’d lume coloured. It captures a vibe. That said, what’s been done here with the dial, just baffles me. It reminds me of a watch they’d sell at Gamestop as part of marketing for a game series. Like a novelty piece. But that just means I wouldn’t pick one up. If you love it OP that’s awesome. You gotta go with what you love.
I feel like you’re not passionate about either. Imo, that’s a sign you have to keep on looking. If these were the right options I think you’d really want both, whereas it seems you’d just as soon have neither. Is there a strict budget?
This is….bravo, sir. Still working on number 1.
This is my take, too. Thin it out and then replace with higher tier pieces.
All of the above. Utility is high on the list though. I don’t like checking time on a phone when I’m out.
Having so much trouble putting anything else on besides my LHD since I got it.
A Tudor Pelagos would be my first suggestion.
Imo, the Hanhart has a cool factor, but the people answering this question will encourage you to buy what’s more cool not the watch they’d buy. Some here would buy the Hanhart, or if they had to choose would buy the Hanhart over the Tudor but would rather something else. However, aside from vintage pieces I rarely see Hanharts in SOTC or any other posts. When people talk about German watches, Hanhart is not mentioned first, second, or hell, even the top 10. I think this is a relevant observation. Why don’t they put their money where their mouth is?
Also, I believe a huge choice defining element is the warranty. Hanhart offers two years, Tudor: five. I can’t over-emphasize how big a deal this is to me as a watch person. Eventually you’re going to pay for servicing. That said, with a five year warranty you have a big chunk of peace of mind. The Hanhart may save you enough to cover a repair if needed, but there’s nothing like being under warranty.
Plus, this is your first mechanical watch. Imo, it’s already bold to start with a chrono. When it comes to a small collection “boring is beautiful” in my opinion. Simple, easy/inexpensive to service, and a brand that will help you build a foundation. Tudor is in my view an excellent starting point. That Hanhart looks like a watch someone buys 20 watches in to “spice things up.”