What time is it? Watches and horology

Yes, these are questions I've asked. It'll be insured. I will not use any of them whilst exercising, so having a leather strap isn't an issue. The front runners at the moment are, I think, the Speedmaster and Tudor. I would consider buying both at some point. My girlfriend doesn't think either of them are special, but I don't care. She wants me to buy a Rolex... but I feel that's because she is being shallow about it being a Rolex. The Speedmaster and Tudor also fit under my sleeves the best. Think I'm talking myself into what I should buy here....

I've had an Speedmaster and have an Explorer 1 - I wear the Explorer 9 days out of 10 and sold the Speedmaster. Are you looking at a 36mm version? Couldn't get on with the new larger one...

I'm not a fan of the hands on the BB36 but if you like them, you can't deny the value for money vs the rest.

If @dammit is to be believed, the Railmaster is impossible to buy.

I've not seen a DJ41 in person but anything that size tends to be too big on my wrist. They are very pretty though...

The First Omega in Space is 39.7mm. It's a nice halfway house between a 36mm watch and a modern 42.5mm behemoth. A behemoth on my wrists anyway.

I have tried on the Railmaster on in the Omega shop on Oxford St. It sits quite high but is very lovely. The strap is great too.

Yes, looking at the 36mm version. I just have a hang up about spending that much on a used watch, as they're still 4.5k-ish. I could buy the Speemaster and the Tudor for that much.

Yeah, I thought the 41 would look massive but it's actually quite good. The 36 looked puny. Ridiculous, in fact. The 41 fits more like a 39 IMO. The new rhodium dial is fantastic - without a doubt a nicer dial than the wrest.

I prefer the Orange Monster, good watch for the price although I could never get on with the bracelet.

I just discovered this again the other day, the first automatic watch I bought. Put it on a new strap and am liking it.

have to say I see you more of a tudor or omega guy over rolex for sure

She wants me to buy a Rolex... but I feel that's because she is being shallow about it being a Rolex.

Don't get a Rolex then. For what it's worth I don't think there's any point in buying an expensive watch that isn't the most comfortable thing to wear, especially if you plan on wearing it daily, you'll only end up resenting it.

I do like the Oyster case, a lot. Hence liking the Tudor too. It's unbelievably comfortable. I keep coming back to the First Omega in Space. Think it's the one. Thanks guys!

Can't believe the boutique didn't call me.

Also, I wear my Speedy every day, it's crystal needs a polish but it's a fantastic watch that makes me happy whenever I strap it on my wrist.

Yes, definitely the Speedmaster IMHO; the best explorer is a 1016, and they're silly money these days.

Looks like their lithography workshop rather than a general workshop. The yellow light doesn't cure the photoresist but it's a bit of a pain the rest of the time.

I know they’re quite different

Three of them are quite similar imo. First split off the Tudor, Explorer, and Railmaster and pick which of those you prefer. Fitting well under a shirt cuff and looking good with a suit as well as a t-shirt would probably guide me.

Then you can just make a relatively objective decision about which goes with what you wear most of the time. and which is the most comfortable. From that list I'd swing towards the Speedmaster as it wears well on different straps and ticks off chronograph from "the list", as it were. Whereas if you've got a DJ do you really want another steel sports watch down the line?

Thanks for the info. I thought it was an interesting pic.

Indeed, very interesting! I'm not surprised they do some of their work in a clean room, nor that they use photolithography. It's a great way to get high quality engraving/etching/coating.

Hmm good points. Tbh I really think I am leaning towards the Speedmaster. I wear a suit if I go to a wedding and have no intention of moving to a job where a suit is required.

Ok I'm kinda split now, I'll reserve total judgement until I see one IRL.

I know this is a bit of a wishy washy answer, but try and buy the one that will blow your socks off everytime you catch a glimpse of it on your wrist, even in 5-10 years later.

If I'm split between a few, I get on the instagram, search for the reference numbers of the watches and save a few really good wrist shots of each onto the phone.

If I ever find my self staring at my phone I'll have a flick though, and if theres one I don't get bored of seeing and cant bare not having that's the one. Usually takes me like 6 months to decide, I might buy a watch once every 2-4 years, could be a £200 watch but I want to try and make sure its a keeper.

U know the Speedmaster is a model and Tudor is a brand? #JustSayin

Advanced Research dept. The ultimate level in highly strung watchmaker evolution.

@JB I'd go Explorer and then Omega. If I had either I'd lend you to try on for a few days, soz.

I don’t know who you’re talking to, or what you’re getting at, but I’ve mentioned two Omega’s, two Rolex’s and one Tudor. So referring to the Speedmaster as the Omega doesn’t work and referring to the Tudor as the Black Bay 36 is totally unnecessary. #JustSayin

Ah. Black Bay. Ery time.

Nah fuck it. If budget permits Get the Explorer. :oP

referring to the Tudor as The Heritage Black Bay 36 M79500-0002 is totally unnecessary.

#JustPushingGlassesUpNose

If you’re going for a 1 watch collection, the FOIS is a superb choice and great value at <£3k grey market or duty free.

Let's face it, the Explorer is probably the least wanky of the Rolexes...