The London Lounge

I am looking at buying a new sporty watch. I have narrowed it down to a Parmigiani Kalpa Grande and a Vacheron Overseas. I would love any comments on the relative merits of these two watches along with other contenders.

Thanks.

My advise is always to go to a retailer who carries both, and put both on your wrist, mull over it, wind them. Then don't buy...go home and sleep overnight. Go back the next day, and buy the one which speaks to you.

Having said that, the Parmigiani is often a less noticed watch, if you like the visual design, it is beautifully finished, and the forma movement, particularly in manual wind version is beautiful and well made. The Vacheron is one of the grand old ladies of watchmaking, and offer excellent products, and the Overseas is no exception. For me, the looks does not take my breath away, so personally I would look elsewhere, but go where your heart tells you.

I would complicate your choices a little more...perhaps. Do take a look at the following:

1. AP Royal Oak. Look at the Anniversary piece, with display back, orthe Offshore calendar. I particularly like the Offshore calendar. Or if you don't mind a larger watch (47mm diameter) look at the Offshore Chrono.

2. Patek Nautilus Jumbo or regular

3. various Panerai. Large, slightly loud, but accepted in today's hip society.

What is the word on Parmigiani? I loved their Toric 8-day when I first saw it, but then rarely saw their watches after that. I did see it along with the Vacheron and some Panerais at the same store. The Parmigiani was the clear winner for me with the Panerai being a bit too ostentatious for my taste.

Do you think that Prnigiani is a top teir manufacture, or am I just buying a case that I like?

PChong-

I would like to add to my list for your opinion the AP Millenary.

Thanks for all of your help.

I would put Parmigiani to be top tier, and the finish is quite well done, and close to what can be achieved in series production.

The AP Millinary is quite interesting. The shape is not appealing to everyone, but if you like the shape of the case, then AP is a good house, and make good watches.

pchong - the advice is good - i would favour a Patek

For me the Rolex Explorer I is the perfect sporty watch, and also very subtle.

BB