A buddy of mine's wife asked for some help in selecting a watch for him to celebrate some pretty big achievements. $25k budget, but no Rolex. I've been giving her some ideas and found a neat vintage Patek that would be awesome, and jokingly said, "Even though it says 'waterproof', he can't take a shower with it on." She replied, "well, if it is that fragile, then maybe we should look elsewhere."

I'm sorry, but if your 40 year old husband can't remember to take off his $25k vintage Patek before showering, maybe you should find something else to spend the money on. Either get a submariner or something comparable or learn to take care of your things. I'm not saying you have to baby it, but I personally wouldn't want to test the seals on a Patek for no reason.

I saw a video on YouTube the other day of a guy who was just getting his $1 million Richard Mille back from being essentially rebuilt because his daughter was playing around with it and taking pictures and dropped it in the pool. Apparently, even though it was supposed to be waterproof, they only warranty it if you have it serviced every 18 months. Basically, told him that he should have read the manual.

Sounds like you did understand the assignment and just picked something you liked.

I assumed that if she was ok spending $25k on a watch that she would be trusting of him not to screw it up. I gave her several different options but any watch at $25k isn't going to be a watch to be a beater.

I'm more curious about why no Rolex. It's like quintessential life milestone watch.

Could get a nice secondhand Day-Date for that much.

A coworker just bought a Royal Oak Offshore for around $25k. No issue with water on that one.

She didn't want him to be like all the other "bros". Wanted him to be more unique. Which I kinda get? I would prefer different watches dollar for dollar than a Rolex, but I wouldn't turn one down. I mean, they make a million units a year? Even if they are quality watches, I would prefer to have something more unique.

Would you rather have a day date that everyone has or a Calatrava or a Reverso Moonphase?

In that price range I would say A Lange & Sohne but almost no "nice" watch besides one specifically made for the water is going to be cool accidentally taking frequent trips into the shower.

Would love the Reverso. But there's his taste to account for also. People on here poopoo JLC all the time.

Why would anyone want to shower with a 25k watch on

I got my spot in line and that one is on the short list. Looking like 2025 before I am up.

Another looker

Do you have to put anything down?

schmendeler said:

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People on here poopoo JLC all the time.

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Who? Not everybody loves the reverso but i don't think anyone has anything bad to say about the brand.

YouBet said:

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Very nice and very affordable. I love the Payne's Gray with the brown strap as well.

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What is that?

Yep $300 non refundable if I decide not to purchase when my number is up.

That Grey one is my other option.

I do dread what the pricing will be of the Fume by the time I'm up. Call it my 42nd birthday present.

Anordain Model 1.

Charismatic Megafauna said:

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schmendeler said:

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People on here poopoo JLC all the time.

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Who? Not everybody loves the reverso but i don't think anyone has anything bad to say about the brand.

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I actually curiously like the brand more than their entire current offering.

aTm_bomb said:

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Anordain Model 1.

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I love that

Strongly considering the Anordain Model 1 Payne's Gray Fume as my 50th. I want a watch like that style to complement my Rolex. Was originally wanting a blue watch of some sort and have numerous watches saved but I really, really like this one for the price.

I have no idea what the wait time is so maybe I just go ahead and order it now.

Also, I don't know dick about movements. You can get it with a Sellita SW210 (hand wound) movement or a La Joux Perrett G100 (automatic). I was going to opt for the latter.

Everybody needs at least one of these type of watches, mine is a Casio g-shock riseman.

Is that bezel blue or black?

Looks gray. Aftermarket.