Planning A Present To Myself.

[OrangeSport]

So, the new job's sorted, the Mrs has her new car, finances are nicely in order, this year's holidays are sorted and that means it's time I treated myself. 2014 was a rough year... To be honest I'm going to wait 'till November as I'll be secure in the new job by then, it's my birthday and the kitty will get a boost from a couple of policies which pay out. Still, these things take some planning and I now have a shortlist of 11 watches I keep on coming back to. I only want to get one, and I don't need any of them. So, this isn't about which best fits my needs or my budget, it's just a nice present to myself.

The contenders are as follows.

My usual "type" of watch I like. Sporty, no date and classic:





A couple of my favorite divers:





Some dressier pieces:





And a number of interesting pieces of varying complication:











So, nothing in common apart from I like them all. A lot. A few things to keep in mind; I prefer my autos to be no-dates (but like those here with dates enough to live with the date), I love the wrist presence of a Rolex, I have not tried a Reverso on (and I believe they fit some people and not others), the Astron fascinates me... I plan to buy a full gold Rolex when I retire. Probably a GMT. I am happy to spend a decent amount on quality Quartz watches.

I strongly suspect that either the Explorer or Oyster Perpetual will find a place on my wrist. Not sure which as I prefer the look of the OP, but I prefer the history and clasp of the Explorer. So, I would love to hear from any owners of any of these. Good points, bad points, whatever. Part of me would like to be persuaded away from Rolex to a brand I don't already own, if the argument is strong enough.

Look forward to your comments, but I am not really looking for alternatives. I've worked hard to get it down to 11!

[Steppy]

I would go for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual which is great piece or a Grand Seiko (just not the one you picked - a simple 3 hander instead)

GS would really offer you something special, a level of finishing that is so exquisite and perfect.

[OrangeSport]

GS would really offer you something special, a level of finishing that is so exquisite and perfect.

I thought that too, and they've always thrilled me when I've seen them in the metal. Recently I've heard a few stories that suggest they aren't quite as perfect as I thought though..

Pierced lugs are a big plus!

[pantagruel]

Of the pieces you listed I probably would choose the Explorer, with the JLC running a close second. The explorer is just a terrific all purpose watch. It is so versatile. Good luck with your choice!

[OrangeSport]

The explorer is just a terrific all purpose watch. It is so versatile. Good luck with your choice!

It's the perfect "one watch solution" isn't it?

[CamB]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say I really quite like the MeisterSinger. Its different and a real looker.

[OrangeSport]

It is, isn't it? Of course, I already have the Perigraph, but....

[CamB]

It is, isn't it? Of course, I already have the Perigraph, but....

Ah I didn't notice that you already had one!

[OrangeSport]

It's not a deal breaker though. And it is a no date....

And relatively inexpensive..

[crownpuller]

My simplistic approach is:
If you want a chronograph - Seamaster....
If you don't - Explorer.
The comfort level on both bracelets is right up there