What would 12k buy you at a Rolex AD here is an alternative!

459 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Lawyer Aidroos, 2 mo ago

HobHoner

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

There is no doubt that Rolex puts out a quality product, I bought mine in the 90s and it was 20 years old at the time of purchase and the watch just keeps on ticking. For 12k you can walk into any AD and be lucky to get a Datejust in stock and for 12k, maybe a submariner a nice watch, at about 12k if you could find one.

Now for something completely different, from a small independent brand, you can get the best of German watchmaking and a watch that is far superior in its finishing than almost any Rolex even ones that sell for 50k

The watch is a Jochen Benzinger
It is completely hand made, Jochen Benzinger teamed up with Habring Uhrentechnik in Austria to design a new manufacture calibre.

This is the kind of workmanship you should expect from a 12k watch

Watch Analog watch Clock Watch accessory Font

Watch Analog watch Black Clock Watch accessory

Watch Brown Analog watch Rectangle Clock

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AtomicTom

· #2 · 2 mo ago

Boy oh boy, these ARE beautiful Bob ! 😲😎

It’s really something hearing when anything is hand made right?!
I think a lot of times we hear that term and we don’t really get
what it means. However, when you see pictures of a watch like
this, you suddenly get it. 😉 The dynamic nature of the design,
the ridiculously wonderful detail, as well as finishing are simply
breathtaking, and even if we might not be able to pick one of
these up, just seeing them is terrific !

So thanks very very much for posting !!!

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jeep99dad

· #3 · 2 mo ago

Beauty

that mvt is spectacular. Not for me, but I definitely appreciate it

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greatpotfarm

· #4 · 2 mo ago

Totally agree! Much, much better choice than any Rolex. Shows sophistication and horological appreciation that goes well beyond a brand name as status symbol.
They seem to have a bit of their actual maker in them... a bit of soul.

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AranaWhite

· #5 · 2 mo ago

greatpotfarm said:
Totally agree! Much, much better choice than any Rolex. Shows sophistication and horological appreciation that goes well beyond a brand name as status symbol.
They seem to have a bit of their actual maker in them... a bit of soul.

It is a piece of art, exquisite. It would be something to spend days with him working. I’d rather have a simple sub I could wear 24/7. The only off putting part of a sub is the “symbol” that seems to be a stigma among some. Hands down I’d take a simple 41mm sub 124060, and wear it to death. It’s the pedigree, build, finish, the practically perfect geometry and esthetic for me, the part that irks you is the same for me.

Hob, are you shopping?

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HobHoner

Discussion Starter · #6 · 2 mo ago

AranaWhite said:
It is a piece of art, exquisite. It would be something to spend days with him working. I’d rather have a simple sub I could wear 24/7. The only off putting part of a sub is the “symbol” that seems to be a stigma among some. Hands down I’d take a simple 41mm sub 124060, and wear it to death. It’s the pedigree, build, finish, the practically perfect geometry and esthetic for me, the part that irks you is the same for me.

Hob, are you shopping?

I am on the Watchbuys mailing list and that is how I came across this beauty. but the answer is no I can't afford to spend this kind of money. I usually purchase one watch a year, and this year I purchased two watches almost back to back my Hanhart 147 ES Fkyback Chroono and my Oris Aquis caliber 400 so I will be taking a break for a while. I still like to ogle at watches I can and can't afford. If I did have 12k to spend I wouldn't buy this watch or a Rolex but a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duoface.

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Roarry

· #7 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

This indeed is a stunning watch. Just not for me. ^^
I own 3 Rolex watches & two Omegas. Both are very good brands that I'm happy to own. Rolex has come under fire the last few years for many reasons. But this isn't the reason for my post. It is what it is. I will say this: I'd buy a ton of stock in the brand if they were a public company.
I think I've satisfied my "quota" from the Crown. There are other brands that are of great interest to me.
Glashuette Original is one on my radar. The one I really like is more than $12k, but it will find its way into my collection by the summertime. Quite superb!

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Lawyer Aidroos

· #8 · 2 mo ago

Did anyone locate the swastika?

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Lawyer Aidroos

· #9 · 2 mo ago

For me the balance doesn't seem special. It's regulated like a cheap Seiko. For an Austrian niche market made caliber I would expect a lot of work towards adjustments to the time keeping side. Cheaper eta and sellita are adjusted in 5 positions.

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