Hi Guys, my birthday is coming up, and I’d like help choosing my 40th birthday watch. I’ve made it a tradition to buy a special watch every five years to celebrate life’s milestones, so this is an important one.



I started at 35 years old with a Yema Superman Worldtime Coke in 39 mm with my limited budget. Now the budget has increased to 2000€ - 3500€. 



Please find below the selection criteria, the contenders and the inspirations : 

* Dress watch, Chronographe or Aviation
* A renowned brand (no micro-brands) 
* A leather strap 
* No second-hand option



The contenders : 

* Longines Avigation Bigeye
* Longines Master Collection Moonphase
* TAG Heuer Carrera Day Date Blue with a leather strap
* Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono
* Eska heritage noir



The inspiration (above or below the budget, but with designs I like) : 

* IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX
* Breitling Classic AVI
* Breitling Navitimer
* Seiko Prospex Alpinist
* Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
* Khaki Field Murph 38mm



The idea is to build a balanced collection over time. Every five years, I would add a complementary watch, so that in the end I have something cohesive and well-rounded. I’m not really interested in chasing trends or constantly rotating watches.

[Recommendation Request] What will be my 40th birthday watch?