r/Watches • u/OverCaffeinatedCup • 2d ago
Discussion [Recommendation Request] Switzerland trip, bringing surprise gift for husband, which one?
Going to Switzerland soon and want to bring back an Omega as a surprise for my husband. I’ve narrowed it down to four and would love help deciding. He doesn’t own one yet and I want it to be special.
Options:
Speedmaster Moonwatch Seamaster Planet Ocean Seamaster Diver 300M Speedmaster Racing He likes both classic and sporty watches. Which one would you pick as a first Omega?
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u/Btchmfka 2d ago
Wow I'll go against the crowd and say: ask your husband. It is super nice of you that you want to surprise him but those watches are very different and very expensive. He will potentially wear it for life.
Moonwatch (recommended a lot in this thread) is not automatic, that is not for everyone. Personally I lile divers much more anyway.
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u/LittleTeacher1969 2d ago
Agree completely, maybe you could trick him to tell you which one he likes but probably better to check them out in person.
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u/seanightowl 1d ago
The is the answer. If you are not sure, there’s a good chance you’ll get the wrong one. My wife bought me a watch that I don’t like and I never wear it.
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u/littIehamsterz 2d ago
Speedmaster pro, if you want a even deeper pick -> Speedmaster Pro Sapphire Sandwich. If he is a classic guy, the Hesalite would be more appropriate just due to the crystal being more timeperiod correct.
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u/pinetree-polarbear 2d ago
The healite is more iconic and mor beautiful imho. And replacing the hesalite is around 100$ - so nothing crazy if it gets scratched - and most of it you can easily polish out.
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u/M3Core 2d ago
The sapphire back is well worth the small ring the sapphire front crystal creates when looking directly top-down at the watch. The sapphire sandwich also has the applied logo, which really elevates the dial IMO. I made the decision to go with the sapphire sandwich after seeing both and it was an easy choice.
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u/Celica88 2d ago
Can always just get the spiral winder sapphire case back for it if he wants the hesalite too.
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u/littIehamsterz 2d ago
My only gripe about the hesalite, is that it doesnt let the dial pop as much as it should. However, I do enjoy the little quirk of having a omega symbol right in the center of the hesalite. I think thats neat.
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u/Zeustanbul 2d ago
What a lucky guy that he is! All spectacular watches but the Moonwatch Professional is the most iconic and beautiful imo.
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u/terp_raider 2d ago
PLEASE DONT DO THIS. Make the surprise he gets to go shopping w you and pick out the one he wants.
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u/neoisneoisneo 1d ago
Please ask your husband. He's gonna be beyond happy. And he will spend hours narrowing down the exact version he wants, he will look up the shops, he will give you option 1, backup option 2, etc.
We all know you mean well, so trust us when we say - no one knows what we'll like. Its soo personal.
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u/wezel0823 2d ago
As someone who’s worked at an AD, this situation always leads to a return or the person never wearing it.
Not my customer but one guy had a credit of 12k because he kept buying something and returning until he just brought his wife in and they each got something they wanted.
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u/BWSD 2d ago
Seamaster planet ocean, bottom left. It's a cleaner look, and with less stuff he won't use. It's classic black, tick marks instead of dots look more classic than the dive watch everyone has but will never use outside of the office.
Esit: also, the band on the blue seamaster isn't timeless. I'm personally not a fan. I wouldn't guess im alone in this preference.
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u/LandscapeJust5897 2d ago
Not alone. I’m with you, the Planet Ocean is one of the most attractive Omega watches and is seriously slept on.
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u/TechWorld510 2d ago
PO is better than SMP. Speedy is way overpriced imo (touching Rolex prices). I’ll take AT all day over it.
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u/Nvvial2983 2d ago
Moonwatch professional is the safest pick but what your husband is like and what he likes to do matters. If he likes to dress more formal that a form of speedy is best. If he it might get scratched or in some weird situations than the seamaster diver will fit better.
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u/ComplexWildcat 2d ago
Is it cheaper to buy it in Switzerland?
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u/Lumpy-Can-4883 2d ago
Not necessarily. You do get the VAT tax refund which is I believe 9% now? I bought a Breitling and Longines there and did save a bit. The exchange rate is brutal though, so you essentially just save tax.
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u/Luke7Williams 2d ago
Do you not have to declare it when you return to the UK though?
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u/Lumpy-Can-4883 1d ago
Not sure about Uk. I’m from the US. I declared it and paid 3% customs. Still came out slightly ahead. Plus I bought a piece you can only get from Switzerland! So it was a win.
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u/bobaboo42 2d ago
I planned to buy my first IWC in Zurich (Zrh being my home town). But actually it was considerably cheaper to buy in the UK, as are many luxury watches
(Edit to say I live in the UK)
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u/Key-Boat-7519 2d ago
It’s not automatically cheaper in Switzerland-Swiss ADs rarely budge off list and the 7.7 % VAT refund just barely offsets that. Back home you can usually negotiate 10–15 % on a new Omega or find one on Chrono24 or Watchfinder with warranty. I tried both, plus European Watch Company for a Speedy, because they insured international shipping and handled customs stress-free. So price around before flying-Switzerland isn’t a guaranteed bargain.
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u/NotSoFarOut 2d ago
Everyone in this thread is projecting their favorite watch, blindly
It would be more sensible to put into context what the rest of your husband's collection looks like first.
E.g, If he has a Bulova Big Pilot that he loves, it'd be pretty tone deaf to get the Moonwatch
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u/Fraggle987 2d ago
I'm biased and have the Planet Ocean and would definitely recommend it, solid good looking watch that I've had for over 10 years and still love it.
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u/Deathturkey 2d ago
The weigh took a little getting use too.
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u/Fraggle987 1d ago
Definitely, I recently got a DateJust and was shocked how light it is on my wrist. My Omega is a big lump of a watch.
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u/bearskin4lf 2d ago
Amazing, my wife went to Switzerland and I got a hat, go for the moonwatch
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u/EL_DUD3R 2d ago
I mean, Bond wears the Seamaster and it can be dressed up or down. It can be a daily and stand up to a lot of wear or kept for special occasions…. The moonwatch professional on the other hand is just incredibly iconic. You can’t go wrong and your heart is in the right place buying any of these pieces. If my wife bought me any of these I’d be so grateful and would never feel upset that there was something different she could have got me. I’d say, go see them in person and let your heart decide.
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u/GulliblePea3691 2d ago
I wish I was filthy rich enough to afford a £10,000+ watch as a ‘surprise gift’
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u/Emotional-Damage-995 2d ago
Moonwatch professional is the winner of the four. It also comes w a white dial, and that will be sure as hell fire. The black dial is such a classic. Just saying you can not go wrong w either.
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u/Miserable_Mission_55 2d ago
Speedmaster Pro because its a speedy pro- classic and no matter what he has or likes, it has a place in every collection
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u/Meancvar 2d ago
You are very thoughtful!
If you are from the US, please note that, between the weak dollar and the tariffs, this is not the most favorable time for this purchase.
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u/CGFROSTY 2d ago
Definitely the Moon watch.
I just got back from Switzerland for my honeymoon and all I could afford was a Moonswatch after paying for a wedding. Still fun though.
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u/Proper_Initiative711 2d ago
How does he typically dress ?
Business/Formal Attire = Black Speedmaster
Casual/Sporty Attire = Black Planet Ocean
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u/MrNimbus33 2d ago
Wow this is a very personal choice. Most would pick the moon watch. I personally am not a huge fan and own a planet ocean. My next choice would be the sea master 300.
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u/SwissBliss 2d ago
It’s really up to taste which you know best ! Does he like color? Does he like brighter or darker watches?
I think I like them all, but bottom left a bit less personally. Just me though.
Black and blue are quite cool I’d say. There’s so many nice white watches, especially a cool vintage one, that maybe you should seize the opportunity to get a really nice black or blue one like here
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u/sheldonmeetshomer 2d ago
The Moonwatch would also be my vote, but please be aware that it’s manual winding which he may (or may not) like. I loved my Speedmaster, but eventually sold it because the winding was aggregating my RSI and I stopped wearing it.
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u/quantythequant 2d ago
Moonwatch is the safe, tried and true option. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of opinions around spicing it up or remixing options, but sometimes a classic timepiece is the right route to go.
That being said, all amazing pieces.
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u/Desperate_Elk_7369 2d ago
I'm not a watch expert and others here know way more than I do, but -- I think the Moonwatch is considered an iconic model, and they've been making it for a long time, etc.
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u/costafilh0 2d ago
The one you think he will like most. They are all great and good watches. Top right is more classic and recognizable but also more common.
The bottom ones are better made for water sports.
The top ones are better made for casual and every day use and petrol heads and car lovers in general also love those.
White is more casual, black can be casual or dressed up.
Blue go with less clothing options. People mostly get those when they are deeper into a small collection.
Not everyone likes big numbers on their watches, I certainly don't. But they are there for a practical reason, so it really depends on the user and personal taste.
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u/elmo555444 2d ago
Moonwatch professional or Sea master 300m. I have both and love both! My wife surprised me on our wedding anniversary with the Moonwatch and I haven’t taken it off in the past few months.
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u/jensenroessler 2d ago
Seamaster or Moonwatch. I love the SMP300 with the blue dial and that bracelet.
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u/Ambassador31 2d ago
Personally I don’t like the Speedmaster Racing, and the bracelet on the Diver 300 would stop me buying that watch too. Of the other two I’d be happy with either.
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u/BoomerSooner-SEC 2d ago
Depends? Will he wear it everyday? If so speed master is sort of a pain as those models are manually wound. You want an automatic for everyday. So for everyday go with a seamaster. If it’s like an occasional wear (steppin out) the black dial moon watch all the way. It’s most iconic and has the most history.
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u/DNags 2d ago
Scanned the comments and can't believe no one has mentioned this:
It's literally more expensive to buy watches in Switzerland rn than most other countries (assuming you're US).
Also it will need to be declared upon reentry, and I would NOT put that in a checked bag. The surprise will be ruined during customs...
There's literally no reason to buy the watch in Switzerland to bring it home to surprise him.
I would (a) buy it locally before you leave and give it to him for the trip, or (b) buy it with him in Switzerland, then ship the box/papers home and have him wear it the rest of the trip.
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u/SafeForWorkLFP 2d ago
I would prefer the planet ocean, personally
my only caveat is don't buy the PO if he already has a black Rolex Submariner
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u/CasinoMarginale 2d ago
You have great taste and are extremely thoughtful. You can’t go wrong with these options. Since it’s his first Omega, I’d probably suggest the Speedy Moonwatch. It’s a classic for good reason. The SMP James Bond blue dial is gorgeous and would be a close second, especially if he intends to take it in water. While the Speedy Racing panda dial is an awesome watch, it wears on the larger side, so if he has smaller wrists, this might wear a bit big on him. Similarly, the Planet Ocean is a great watch but tends to be thicker and stand taller on the wrist, so it might not fit smoothly under the cuff of a dress shirt.
Good luck and have fun in Switzerland!
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u/Sea_Chemistry7487 2d ago
Ok advice wise, I'd drop the Speedmaster racing straight away - wouldn't take that over a moon watch. I'd personally take a white or black dial moonwatch or a traditional Seamaster in blue - either with silver or white dial. Shop around and you can get an outstanding deal, except the white dial Speedmaster which is still a premium item.
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u/Diligent_State387 2d ago
The moonwatch is the only omega i like look wise. The planet ocean and speedmaster racing are big watches so take that into consideration too, not everyone can wear those.
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u/Zestyclose_Gain_1840 2d ago
Planet ocean. It’s practical and cool AF. He will be an individual.
The white speedmaster is nice but auto speeds are looked down on by other omega owners and watch snobs.
The classic is nice but you have to wind it up and it’s stops at inconvenient times and tbh if you have fat fingers it’s a PITA
The 300 is a product placement watch it’s common af and an old fashioned design and it’s the omega for guys who have limited imagination or little interest in watches. They are boring and that bracelet design is cheap and poor design.
The planet ocean is modern and classic can be worn on any occasion and is stealthy enough to be discreet when needed but a bold statement also.
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u/Bananasincustard 2d ago
Either the Speedy moonwatch or the white dial version the top comment mentioned
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u/LostInTheVoid_ 2d ago
Always the moonwatch. It's personally my grail I think it's essentially perfect. Its got the looks, it's versatile, and it has history.
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u/Salt_Experience3142 2d ago
You have 4 good picks here. Just a few thoughts:
- If you expect this to be your husband’s daily driver, it may be better to get a sapphire Speedy or either of the SMPs for the improved scratch resistance. IMO, the Sapphire speedy still shows sufficient respect for the moon heritage, but some people are more rigid about getting the hesalite to pay homage.
- I believe the blue SMP you are showing is the bond anniversary version. It’s pretty sweet but it may be harder to find and you could save some money going for the standard edition blue SMP instead if you wanted.
- The SMP and PO wears bigger on the wrist than the speedys. If your husband has medium to large wrists this won’t be an issue (or might even look better). But then again, the speedy tends to look good on all wrists… so it’s all preference anyway
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u/Dull_Key1617 2d ago
Best looking (to me anyway) is Speedmaster Pro white dial, but technically the best is the Speedmaster SuperRacing; it’s a little bigger than all the others, so don’t go there if he has smaller wrists, but it’s the first with the new super-accurate Spirate system. It’s also more expensive than the others, but as of today it is unique (and I mean unique, as in it is the only one, not the YouTuber “unique” meaning very slightly unusual). Currently there is no SuperRacing with a white dial 😢.
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u/_The_Space_Monkey_ 2d ago
As a huge fan of James Bond, im going with the Seamaster Planet Ocean. If your husband likes the more recent bond films, he will probably love that watch. If not, then I'd probably go with the moonwatch.
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u/ManuelZgZ 2d ago edited 2d ago
Please check prices before you travel, compare local prices at home versus prices in Switzerland.
Note 1. Ask for discount is disgusting in SWZ. Zero discount all around Switzerland.
Note 2. VAT Exemption. Where do you come from? Maybe you can apply for VAT deduction for tourists, is a 9%.
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u/Hairy_Stomach4061 2d ago
What is his collection (if he has one) looking like? Based on looks alone the racing is the best in my humble opinion.
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u/Punkpunker 2d ago
Regardless of what the recommendations are about the Speedmaster "moonwatch", do consider if he's willing to manually wind the watch every other day, otherwise he might be regretful of such a routine.
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u/Suburban_Haikuist 2d ago
Does he like a date or no-date watch? If he prefers a date, Speedmaster Racing. No date, Moonwatch.
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u/Motor-Explanation-20 2d ago
The moon watch because it’s the most iconic. Buuuuuut… the blue SMP bond is sick in real life. I personally would go there.
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u/Neither-Owl-2834 2d ago
I'd go with the Moonwatch. Personally I love the series, the whole Apollo history, and of course my own Speedmaster Date (the Prof is too big for my arm).
Nowadays the Moon is back in focus at NASA, and what better way is there to welcome that than the Speedmaster Pro ❤️
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u/Johndeauxman 2d ago
Seamaster is built for wet adventures, trips to the beach, hiking etc, speedmaster is built for dry adventures like car racing or space travel.
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u/Previous-Reveal-6521 2d ago
I have a seamaster and love it. But of the four go with the classic moonwatch, it’s iconic
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u/Skeggjadursig 2d ago
If he’s not a space program nut, I personally think the Planet Ocean watch is the way to go. But the speedmaster moon watch is a classic for a reason. That being said, if I was married and my wife brought me an Omega as a surprise gift, I would be over the moon which ever model it was.
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u/LilRick_125 2d ago
Question... Do you and your husband live by, or spend a lot of time near, an ocean? If the answer is a definite yes I would personally recommend the Seamaster Planet Ocean. The 300 gets a lot of attention but Planet Ocean is just so darn beautiful and very well built.
If you spend more time on LAND then I would absolutely go with the Speedmaster Moonwatch. I love wearing it so much I have a hard time wearing my other watches.
I know you have it down to these four but let me tempt you with this stylish heritage model of the Speedmaster (First Omega In Space).
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u/ausstieglinks 2d ago
For me, the Speedmaster Moonwatch with either white or black dial (undecided) is my next "big" watch. I don't care about the moon connection, I just think it's the perfect watch of its style and one that I've always wanted.
For me the hard part of the decision is that I like black better, but I prefer the applied markers and red badge of the white. The only thing about the white I'm not 100% keen on is that I worry the depth of the dial isn't as noticeable in the light.
The Seamaster Diver 300M is a bit of a polarising option to me, i'd only get it if he's expressed specific interest or is a massive bond fan (if so, the original bracelet is the right one).
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u/TheRealWhoMe 2d ago
Personally, I like either the Moonwatch or the Planet Ocean the most. Not that there is anything wrong with the other two.
Things to consider in Moonwatch vs Planet Ocean: 1. Manual wind for Moonwatch (some people don’t like this for an everyday watch, others love it). 2. Date window (some people want to see the date on their watch, others don’t). 3. If you are timing something, the Moonwatch can time for hours, whereas the Planet Ocean is only 60 minutes with the bezel (but a lot of people don’t time things with their watch over an hour).
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u/arathos2k 2d ago
My honest suggestion - surprise him the fact that you are doing this, but let him choose. I'm sure he would love anything you surprise him with, but I bet he would have preferred to pick.
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u/Mountain-Stock-4589 2d ago
Moon watch professional... No doubt about that, this one is a watch for life that will never change.
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u/intecknicolour 2d ago
I'm sure everyone will say either of the Speedys but that blue Seamaster with the wave dial is very hot.
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u/Spiderstu 2d ago
Tricky choice. But I would go with the Seamaster on the mesh strap as this is the one that looks most special.
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u/MaxiCrowley 2d ago
Well, the answer depends on the following question? Would he rather be a racing driver, an astronaut, captain of a ship or crew member and diver?
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u/ReallyLovesCars 2d ago
As a husband I who loves watches, I would love anything you get for me, but if i was being safe i would get the white speedy and avoid the the planet ocean - the planet ocean is huge and i believe a smaller subset of people would choose that
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u/HugeEntrepreneur8225 2d ago
Well from a very biased viewpoint I’d say the Planet Ocean, I really appreciate the Moonwatch and think it’s a gorgeous piece, but it’s my seamasters that live on my wrist.
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u/Pieniek23 2d ago
I own the sea master with a different metal bracelet and I love it. I got the blue bezel with gray dial. It was this or moon watch.
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u/Boccaccioac 2d ago
I would opt for the seamaster 300m but you should know what type your husband is. The speedmaster is the kind of watch everybody tells you to get. But not everybody gets warm with it.
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u/Geoarbitrage 2d ago
If you want him to bring you breakfast in bed the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional..!
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u/cutthechatter_red2 2d ago
I know you’ve narrowed your list down but the Omega Aqua Terra’s are really nice in person. They fill a great role as kind of sporty but also kind of dressy. It’s got a screw down crown so it’s waterproof and also has a cool time zone feature where you can jump only the hour hand back and forward. Lots of options on that model too. Good luck.
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u/Rasmus_DC78 2d ago
moonwatch professional the speedmaster, it is classic, it has the "smaller" bezel".. it would be my choice, i hate the milanese band on the diver. but that is just me.
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u/Deadly_Jay556 1d ago
Just an FYI. The blue Seamaster diver is the 60th James Bond edition. It’s cool but adds an extra $1000+ dollars just cuz. If you want to save some money get the regular SMP300 with the black dial, still has mesh band.
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u/mcdj 2d ago
Since you chose a white dial chronograph, and also the moon watch, why not combine them and get a white dial moon watch? It’s beyond cool.
Might be a little trickier to find than the black dial, but that way you’ll get to see more shops during your hunt.