That Longines is beautiful. If you can afford spending 1K on a second option, you can probably afford 1.5 K, with a bit of self discipline, for the one you really like. Do check out other blue diver options though. There are some very good threads on the topic.

 

I have done. It kind of all started by walking past the shop windows, and what really jumped out at me was actually the Rado Captain Cook. But when I went in and tried that on first, it didn't look as great on my wrist as it did in the window. The CC is obviously gorgeous, but is a bit blingy for my personal taste - which is more tooly and sporty.. While I was in there I asked to just try on the Longines, and again - BAM!! Goldilocks watch for me personally. The Union was nice(but also more expensive), and just didn't pop with me like the HC did... 🤷‍♂️

In that price range, maybe a Sinn 101... - in white. But I think that would be maybe for my b-day 10 years later ha ha.. A blue diver is a more standard type diver - for me...

 

Get the Longines as a special treat and wear it as your best watch.

 

a watch is the only universally accepted male accessory/jewelry (other than a wedding band). So go ahead and splurge. I would rather have one very nice watch than several not so nice.

 

Thanks for the input.

But..... - a couple things. One, I do like my approach to buying cheap watches and having all the variety.

Two, while I believe the Longines is "one very nice watch", I'm not sure I fully grasp what exactly makes it TEN TIMES nicer than what I usually wear - bearing in mind we are talking tooly dive watches... I mean I KNOW it's "better", but how much of that "better" is something other than name recognition(or "brand snobbery" to choose a less favorable term..), "legacy", etc..? OK, more power reserve? I mean, AGAIN.... I know it's better, but I need something more than "it's Swiss"..... 🤷‍♂️

Please don't take offense. I appreciate the input. Just thinking out loud and trying to get my head around it all.. €1600 is a lot of money for me. And a HEXX of a lot of money for a watch...

 

How many watches truly give you the fizzies? It sounds like the Longines most definitely does.
When you look at the Bulova or OceanX would it be a substitute for what you truly wanted?
Plus, from your description, it sounds like the Longines would be a bit of a family gift to you,
which I think is pretty cool.
Have no regrets and good luck in your decision.

 

Here's my mental process when deciding what my upper spending limit on a watch should be: If I bought this watch today, and lost it tomorrow...what would my reaction be? Would it just suck a lot? Or would I cry my eyes out? If it's the second, then maybe its too much money to wear on your wrist.

As an example, I really like my Sinn 104. I got it used for a good price. If I was out on my boat and it somehow came off my wrist and into the deep it would suck a lot (mostly due to the time I spend regulating the movement myself). But I would find another uses one or possibly buy new.

There are a few more expensive watches I've considered: a Sinn 103 chronograph and a Longines Spirit. I can afford these, but the thought of one of those plopping into the lake is hard to swallow.

I've heard the saying something like "you can't afford something unless you can afford two of them" or something to that effect. I've never really agreed to that mostly because the statement is overly global with no upper bounds. For example, many wouldn't buy a house because most of us can't afford two houses. Same with cars/motorcycles. But I will concede that the philosophy is true for "luxury" items I guess.

In any case, happy upcoming birthday and good luck whichever way you go!

 

I can't afford any watches, yet I have sixty!

Wait ....

 

Just showed some of these responses to my wife(while saying "I knew they would say get the Longines" ha ha...), and she's just like "get the big one, it's your 50th..." Which is kind of more the point than worrying about dropping it in a lake. I mean, yeah, that would suck. But it's more of the big milestone kind of principle which had me even consider it in the first place...

Edit - I mean 40th... 😐

 

OTOH, maybe you're just afraid if you get the Big Watch, that all your others will fall by the wayside? Because that's OK, too...

Wrong approach is to get something lesser, and save money toward something else.

Worked this way on my end: had the same reservations about wearing an expensive watch, tossing that much cash at an adornment, worn in a place guaranteed to put it in harms way, on occasion.

In fact, had a pristine Ltd Ed watch for a minute, but sold it off, felt more like caretaker than owner.

But my wife-ish wanted to do something real nice for me, asked me what watch I'd want (or a 199x Ducati 900ss/cr), and I gave her a choice if three. She ended up gifting me a BB36, which is awesome, the previous blue model on oyster.

And here's the deal: maybe because I didn't spend money on it, maybe because it's just fantastic to wear, maybe because she notices when I wear it, no worries about wearing it around, like the GADA/tool watch it really is.

 

If you like the overall feel and aesthetics of the Longines, you should go for the Longines and enjoy it as your main watch in the coming years.

 

I’m wearing this right now and I really quite like it. €67 shipped… No really, I like my cheap watches, and all of the nearly endless variety I have with them, including a couple boxes full of straps, etc.…

 

Also it isn't really a lot of money for a watch these days. Still mainly considered 'budget' or 'entry level luxury' round these parts believe it or not.

Judging from your last post it seems like the step up in quality and price might be wasted on you somewhat? You do seem truly content with much cheaper watches.

 

Skip the Longines if you are worried about scratching it. That's no way to live to be anxious about a personal belonging all the time.

 

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the Bulova or OceanX. Both are good watches in their own regard. However, here’s another way to look at it. What are you going to do in 10 years, give or take, when the movement needs servicing? Most people are going to decide it isn’t worth it and throw it in a drawer where it will remain forever. OTOH, the Longines stands a pretty good chance of being worth the investment in maintenance. So you have to ask was it really worth saving a few dollars in the long run?

As far as worrying about scratching an expensive watch, personally I buy my watches to wear regardless of what I pay for them and inevitably they will collect scratches and dings. It’s not really any different than a car or anything else that gets used. At the end of the day it might affect resale should you want to sell it, but it’s not going to affect how you feel about it. My favorite watch is one I’ve been wearing for around 40 years. It’s got scratches and dings all over it.

 

Life is short. Watches get scratched. Itches do too. I’m afraid if you don’t scratch that itch you’ll have Longines lingering in your head for some time to come.

Buy the Longines and wear the hell out of it.

 

The Longines is beautiful. BUT a watch should make you feel content with it and something that you’re uncomfortable wearing because of the cost can’t achieve that.

 

If you are happy with "cheap" watches, don't fight it. There is nothing wrong with a Longines but there is nothing incredibly special about it either (I guess it depends on what you deem "special").

You don't have to buy expensive watches if you don't see the value or the point of spending that kind of money. I know that WUS is a big influencer when it comes to buying watches but you seem to be the guy that's ok with the type of watch. If I were in your shoes, I would just sit back and enjoy the road you're on.

 

The Longines is gorgeous and seems to be an increasingly respected brand.

 

The Hydroconquest is a really nice watch for the money. It’s well made, has a great movement, has brand recognition, and is a good-looking watch. Some people around here talk like $1700 isn’t much money. In my world it is, so I understand your concerns. Ultimately you have to do what’s right for you

That said, I don’t regret my decision.

 

Very nice.. And yes, I would be looking to get the blue rubber strap as well eventually...

I mean, in some ways it's kind of out of my hands - I could just not say anything and let the wife(and fam) give me the HC. But somewhere deep in my psyche I think there is some Protestant guilt trip thing going on, telling me to get the cheaper thing on the menu....

It's not like I'm super deeply torn about getting the HC and worrying about scratching it.. But I do sort of feel like my Plan B approach is the more sensible route.. One issue there though is that I don't have the opportunity to try on the Bulova - or the OceanX. And as I learned with the HC(and Rado CC for that matter...), trying something on is important.

I would honestly not be too worried if I got the HC, decided afterwards that it wasn't for me, and sold it, losing a couple hundred Euros in the process. It would be worth it to me I suppose for the learning experience...

So still undecided.....

 

The last of those had an immediate BAM!! effect - and the idea was born to eventually get one for a biggish b-day coming up next month. I have gone in and tried one on in various cities and shops this year, and every time I LOVE it.

BUT.... Now I'm at the point of having to go in and actually pay €1600 for a watch - basically 10x as much as I like to pay for one. And I am having misgivings.

So, that BAM effect is really cool. I don't blame you, the Longines is a very nice looking watch. I write down the watch model number when I feel the "BAM!" effect.

I also like that you have a Plan B. The bulova lunar pilot, and though I had never seen the OceanX, I checked it out and is also a nice looking watch.

As you mentioned, you do you, and you're the one with the choice at the end.

I'd suggest that you imagine yourself wearing these watches. See yourself in a month's time, 6 month's time, 2 years time with each of these watches on your wrist in both "day to day" and "special" occasions.

Imagine yourself with the watch on special occasions too. Then think of things like:

• Do your current concerns matter (or not matter) in those imagined moments, and in those given time frames?
• When imagining each watch on your wrist, are you thinking of one of the alternatives during these imagined moment?

Ultimately there are more questions or perhaps more criteria you are thinking about while thinking about these future moments. But ultimately, this little exercise is like "consulting your future self" on questions/concerns that have weight and value to you.

I find it helps quiet the mind a bit, and focus on making a decision, mainly because to the best of your ability, you've asked "future you" these questions as well. Which in my opinion helps mitigate any regrets.

After re-reading this, this sounds very hokey and "self-help guruy" BS, but I'm coming more from the place of pragmatism to help you choose.

Hope it helps!

 

So, that BAM effect is really cool. I don't blame you, the Longines is a very nice looking watch. I write down the watch model number when I feel the "BAM!" effect.

I also like that you have a Plan B. The bulova lunar pilot, and though I had never seen the OceanX, I checked it out and is also a nice looking watch.

As you mentioned, you do you, and you're the one with the choice at the end.

I'd suggest that you imagine yourself wearing these watches. See yourself in a month's time, 6 month's time, 2 years time with each of these watches on your wrist in both "day to day" and "special" occasions.

Imagine yourself with the watch on special occasions too. Then think of things like:

• Do your current concerns matter (or not matter) in those imagined moments, and in those given time frames?
• When imagining each watch on your wrist, are you thinking of one of the alternatives during these imagined moment?

Ultimately there are more questions or perhaps more criteria you are thinking about while thinking about these future moments. But ultimately, this little exercise is like "consulting your future self" on questions/concerns that have weight and value to you.

I find it helps quiet the mind a bit, and focus on making a decision, mainly because to the best of your ability, you've asked "future you" these questions as well. Which in my opinion helps mitigate any regrets.

After re-reading this, this sounds very hokey and "self-help guruy" BS, but I'm coming more from the place of pragmatism to help you choose.

Hope it helps!

Good points... I think I'm kind of unique probably when it comes to wearing watches. I have never owned a suit and I'm glad about it. I'm a school teacher, so nobody to impress at work. Most of my social life is on the sidelines of kids' soccer games etc. I have nobody to impress - other than myself. That cheapo Steeldive above with the jubilee bracelet - I feel like it's too flashy to wear to work or socially..

(It has had me wondering. While on the one hand no, I don't care what people think. That watch does make me a bit self-conscious, and think about what people would think - namely that I was wearing a watch which LOOKs like an expensive watch, but is really just a cheap one... So yeah, I wouldn't want people to see me as a poser... Which means... um, yeah, I guess in this case I would care what people think.. Or in any case I would worry about having to justify it.. Although in the end I really do just like wearing it for myself... )

But I love wearing it out on long walks in the country on my own... FWIW, it would be almost the exact same thing with the Longines. I would feel self-conscious wearing it at work or at a kids' soccer game. Again, just a fwiw... 🤷‍♂️

Which is interesting really - whether €67 or €1600, both are really just eye candy to me...(and OK, for pics on the forum.. )

 

Of all the words in tongue and pen, the harshest are: “It might have been”

 

Point taken. But again, what would the "might have been" be? Missing out on a grand worth of name recognition and watch "heritage"?

 

Get the Longines and enjoy it.

I love mine, especially since I brushed out the polished center links.

 

Get the Longines and enjoy it.

I love mine, especially since I brushed out the polished center links.

View attachment 17772743

Now that is cool!

 

This sounds just like my story, same watches for years then got bored in the Pandemic and bought like 12 cheap ones. 12 cheap ones turned into 2 more expensive ones, and those are the two that get 90% of the wrist time and give me the most fizz. Fizz is super subjective but with buying more expensive pieces it is a metric that must be considered...otherwise any quartz watch will keep better time.

Sounds like you really like the Longines, it's a fantastic watch and have eyed it myself. This is your 50th and your wife wants you to have it too, easy decision. Buy and enjoy!

 

This sounds just like my story, same watches for years then got bored in the Pandemic and bought like 12 cheap ones. 12 cheap ones turned into 2 more expensive ones, and those are the two that get 90% of the wrist time and give me the most fizz. Fizz is super subjective but with buying more expensive pieces it is a metric that must be considered...otherwise any quartz watch will keep better time.

Sounds like you really like the Longines, it's a fantastic watch and have eyed it myself. This is your 50th and your wife wants you to have it too, easy decision. Buy and enjoy!

This last paragraph says it well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I’ve learned it’s easier to accept regret if it is regretting something you have done

Perfect description of my first marriage........

 

My “unsolicited” advice to friends re marriage. It’s something best experienced once in life. If it fails, why even want to experience it again.

 

OP, get the Longines, but please buy used. The mark up on swiss watches at retail is misanthropic. Get it for a good price and the scratches will hurt less

 

Hard to go wrong with the Longines but check out grey. Sometime it could go 30% under msrp.
Also, it’s a safe bet but as with everything that is safe, sometime it does not trigger attachment

 

What is "grey" for me in Germany? Chrono24?

 

Grey = brand new but not from ADs