Hmmm... I have a problem with the nature of the question. My problem is that I don't know what criteria are being considered for the decision, and how they are weighted. Indeed, these points determine how the decision is biased.
My personal preference is for older watches. But as with any technology, advances are made as time goes by, so the later (younger) watches, such as the Hamilton 950, will be the most technically advanced. That makes them no more desirable to me.
Indeed, one of the things that makes older watches desirable to me is their proven ability to stand the test of time... and continuing to function correctly despite the effects of aging. Now perhaps the newer, more technically advanced watches will do the same... but even when that is the case, the older watches will still have a longer track record.
In other words, if longevity is given any weight at all, the list of the "best" will tilt.
Likewise, if craftsmanship is given consideration, then again we see a slant toward older watches, which had more hands-on involvement and more individual attention to details.
So what are my top 5? Well, I don't really have a list I carry in my head. At present, I would say the list would include Waltham model '83s, perhaps the 845 and 18S Vanguards, and probably an old 18S Bunn Special. None of my top five list would be 16S... I just never got into them.
- Greg
150941
Ch.149 member #77
