Having second thoughts on the F1 Cal 5

I've been considering an Aquaracer since December but could not decide on the size and fit so I put it off for a bit. Then I tried the Formula 1 Calibre 5, and they just fit my wrist and felt great. I've been familiar with the F1 series for many years as lots of my friends growing up have owned them. I like a lot of their previous designs but I especially like how it has matured into something that looks like a watch a grown up can wear. Certain things I don't like, such as the red tip on the second hand and the 60 on the bezel instead of a triangle with lume are subjective things I can get past. I really want one but there are certain things I can't seem to overlook.

It's a quality piece but at the same time, it just screams entry level, not that there's anything wrong with that. The cheap stamped clasp, plastic holder (I know, I know...), no AR and printed logo on a watch this price is give me pause. I had it next to an Aquaracer and even the way the brushed steel was finished seemed different and somehow felt cheaper. Again, it's a quality watch, not on the level as the Aquaracer but this has always been the Formula 1's placement in their hierarchy. At 1200usd, I can't help but think about other watches available that offer more value, not something that's ever bothered me before. But I also can't think of a single one I've looked at in the price range that I would rather have.

Does that sound a little nutty? The watch that wasn't originally on my radar has become my first choice, but it's not the same quality as my original first choice, and even though it's cheaper, there are others in the price range that offer better "value" which has caused me second thoughts on this watch.

Are we talking about this one ? (Picture attached)

If yes, i think its a decent watch. I still prefer the calibre 6 formula 1 to the calibre 5 one though. Then again i am notoriously in love with calibre 6 and i dont know both price of the watches so i can't comment on which one is more good value.

From the looks alone i think the calibre 5 is fine. Although from experience (and trust me on this as i have failed many times over), the rule of buying watch is never settle for the second choice if you already have the first choice.

With a little push on your budget, you can get an Aquaracer from the grey market, such as jomashop or authenticwatches

Buy something you're in love with.

My advice would be to wait and buy a watch that you love with no second thoughts. As for that F1, I think it looks great. I too like the recent case style, and the watch has a more mature look to it. Yes, it is an "entry" level watch, but the Formula 1 range was always meant to be so. In fact, the F1 series was originally only available in quartz and part of me would prefer to have a quartz F1 over an automatic. In fact, I have a quartz F1 chronograph and it's a great watch. Sure, the bracelet clasp isn't the greatest, but I that doesn't bother me. I appreciate it for what it is.

Good luck! Either way, I personally don't think you will go wrong, unless you "settle" on something you're not 100% sure about...

Follow your heart bro 👍

F1 is awesome!

That's the one. I really like the Cal 6 as well, such a refined looking dial with that small second hand.

[QUOTEy advice would be to wait and buy a watch that you love with no second thoughts. As for that F1, I think it looks great. I too like the recent case style, and the watch has a more mature look to it. Yes, it is an "entry" level watch, but the Formula 1 range was always meant to be so. In fact, the F1 series was originally only available in quartz and part of me would prefer to have a quartz F1 over an automatic. In fact, I have a quartz F1 chronograph and it's a great watch. Sure, the bracelet clasp isn't the greatest, but I that doesn't bother me. I appreciate it for what it is.

Good luck! Either way, I personally don't think you will go wrong, unless you "settle" on something you're not 100% sure about...][/QUOTE]

I agree. I do prefer the case style and looks of the F1 but the quality and finish of the Aquaracer is just so much better that I can't imagine picking a watch with lower spec. I don't know why I'm all of a sudden freaking out over things like this but my 600 dollar Airboss has a better strap, even my quartz Tissot has AR coating.

It's almost like the F1 has outgrown itself. I know it's always been known as an entry level watch, but it could be had at a relatively good value back in the day. The automatic version just doesn't present the same value IMO. It's probably just me but with a more grown up design I expected slightly more grown up specs. I'm going to give it more thought. I might go with the Aquaracer and go with a quartz f1 instead.