u/AD72K02

Hi Guys, my birthday is coming up, and I’d like help choosing my 40th birthday watch. I’ve made it a tradition to buy a special watch every five years to celebrate life’s milestones, so this is an important one.

I started at 35 years old with a Yema Superman Worldtime Coke in 39 mm with my limited budget. Now the budget has increased to 2000€ - 3500€. 

Please find below the selection criteria, the contenders and the inspirations : 

• Dress watch, Chronographe or Aviation
• A renowned brand (no micro-brands) 
• A leather strap 
• No second-hand option

The contenders : 

• Longines Avigation Bigeye
• Longines Master Collection Moonphase
• TAG Heuer Carrera Day Date Blue with a leather strap
• Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono
• Eska heritage noir

The inspiration (above or below the budget, but with designs I like) : 

• IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX
• Breitling Classic AVI
• Breitling Navitimer
• Seiko Prospex Alpinist
• Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
• Khaki Field Murph 38mm

The idea is to build a balanced collection over time. Every five years, I would add a complementary watch, so that in the end I have something cohesive and well-rounded. I’m not really interested in chasing trends or constantly rotating watches.