For the ones that resemble the Moonwatch, there are two references

1. 3510.50.00. This is the first version. Hesalite crystal, 5-minute Arabic numerals at the indices.
2. 3539.50.50. This is the “second generation,” was only made for a few years. Sapphire crystal. No Arabic numerals. Slightly upgraded clasp on the bracelet. Improved water resistance.

So the main choice points are

Hesalte vs sapphire?

Arabic numerals or not?

Honestly if it is about the financial situation and biting the bullet now: What I would do is take that same money and invest it in an index fund. Pull it out in 15 - 17 years, it will very likely be worth more then, and choose a watch at that time.

One issue I am wondering about is “gold plated.” I don’t know much about gold plating, but would wonder if it wears much faster than stainless steel for example, and if so can it be restored?

I really love the idea of Eco-Drive, just never found a reference that I love the look of.

I would not buy a high end watch as a first watch. There is learning that comes from experience, about what kind of watch someone likes, how they like it to fit, what features they need or do not need etc.

Much of the Seiko 5 series would qualify here, often it is a “first mechanical” watch for many people. I’m thinking the dive-style, field, and GMT’s in particular. Back in the day it would have been the SKX divers and SNK field watches. Prices have gone up but I think still a good choice for beginners as well as enthusiasts.

There’s gotta be Timex and Casio on this list too. Timex maybe Q Timex 1979 Reissue, or Weekender, or Expedition. Casio would be F-91W or a G-shock of some kind.

Omega. I’d love to see slimmed down and smaller models across their whole lineup. They had it right with the 36mm “mid sized” Aqua Terra’s and Seamaster Professionals back in the 90’s – 2000’s. And an update to the Speedmaster 38, more Moonwatch looking, less blingy / dressy, lose the notched bezel, and thinner, would be great.

-If a watch is worth more than 20% of what my car is worth,

Interesting about the car rule. My watch is actually worth more than my car! Not because my watch is worth that much, but because my car is not worth much (<$4k I’m guessing)

OK just to keep in mind many places there are lots of warnings about not being safe in public wearing such a recognizable and expensive watch in many parts of the world. I think there is a discussion on r/Rolex just today about this being the case in London UK, depending on one’s risk tolerance of course…

Interesting take on this. I get the concept, but I would say that “10%” might be more or might be less depending on a lot of factors:

• Other expenses
• Debt (you did mention this)
• Cost of living where you live / want to live
• Family obligations
• Retirement
• Financial security, in other words is your income stable or is it going go fluctuate a lot year to year

So if my parents are billionaires and I’ve already got housing and retirement set, then that 10% might be closer to 50% or 90%.

If I’m just barely getting by financially and live in a high cost of living area and have lots of family obligations, then that 10% “fun money” might be closer to 1%.

And especially never buy a watch because “it is a good investment”

Timex Weekender

Mineral glass can most likely be replaced with sapphire, for more $ of course

22mm lug is a different matter

Hilarious

The Speedmaster Pro is manual wind, there is no rotor on that movement, 5 second Google search makes that obvious

Speedmaster Reduced doesn’t even look like that, the subdial configuration is different, also obvious on a 5 second Google search. Plus the Reduced never came with a display caseback, and definitely not one that says COLUMN WHEEL (which the Reduced is not) LOl

Yeah but if the original is too big, then it’s no good for that person

Kuoe looks better to me.

I don’t love the Baltic’s offset small seconds subdial. It’s kind of interesting but I don’t think it would grow on my over time.

I would avoid putting a nice watch in checked luggage. Stuff gets stolen or lost in a regular basis, and the airlines won’t reimburse you.

Timex Marlin

For actual going up in space, Hesalite.

For earthbound me, sapphire.

For someone rich enough for private space flight, both.

I don’t think anyone nowadays is buying a mechanical watch primarily for its technical performance specs. I think it is primarily for aesthetics and history, also happens to be very practical jewelry.

Now that said, when someone has decided they want a mechanical watch because of the reasons above, then specs do come in to play. It is pretty cool that a machine powered by gears and springs can tell time pretty accurately, and more accuracy is better although accuracy is not the only (or even primary) criteria. Same with other specs like water resistance, antimagnetism etc. None of those are reasons to buy a mechanical watch, but once someone has decided to buy a mechanical watch, those do come in to play. Still for me the looks and history are the most important factors.