Originally Posted by Osnabrueck

Hey, another thread about watches! Thanks for opening up my favorite can of worms MJaaFY.

At the end of the day, if you're really in love with a watch you should go for it - but it doesn't hurt to know the nuts and bolts behind a name and weather or not you're buying a fine piece of hourlogy or just a piece of overpriced man jewelry aimed at the uninitiated.

Graham is another microbrew watch brand that started up in the mid 90s, makes use of modified ETA movements and is of little discinction. That particular diver's style watch you've pictured there is pretty damn ballsy, given that Graham has no diving pedigree. (Also, the inclusion of the word "oversize" on the dial's face sets off my poser alarm. Ok it's big, but do you really have put that in writing?)

If you're really in love with an oversized safety crown I would suggest getting a Panerai. And if you really want to be special, get a vintage Panerai. (It's worth noting that the oversized safety crown is a feature traditionally linked to Panerai, and to a lesser extent, Omega.)



Now maybe you're thinking - "Everybody has a Panerai." Sure, they're not the most rare watches, but - a real Panerai is probably pretty damn rare. There has also been some interesting mechanical developments over at Panerai since they got taken over some years ago, so there's also a very authentic engineering story going on there in addition to their colorful diver history.

But what are you really looking for in a watch? Are you looking for a diver chronograph with a rubber strap? Or are you looking for nothing in particular aside from something unique and attractive?

If you're feeling very spendy, you can't possibly beat Lange & Sohne when it comes to sheer craftsmanship, pedigree and "haute horology" factor.

If you're "only" in the $5,000 range or so, keep on the lookout for watches that offer something unique under the hood. At this price you can really get a true watch lover's watch that'll impress neophytes and connoisseurs alike.