Yes, big watch freak here. I am not very judgmental in terms of price and brand. I know enough about watches (from a marketing, technical, historical and brand side) that I can appreciate the particular qualities of a $60 Swatch as much as those of a $100,000 Tourbillon watch (which I don't own).
Also lusting after a Grand Seiko SD from Seiya.
I recently checked my Panerai and found out it is one of the very first PAM001. The thing is worth four times the price I paid for it back then, even now that it's used. Crazy.
Giles, the Riki is awesome. Never heard of that brand before. What movement is in there? I suppose something like an ETA 2824 or do they use a Japanese Citizen Miyota?
The Panerai is great with jeans but I almost find it a bit too flashy. I wear it when I don't mind showing off a little but not for everyday. Very often I wear a Rolex Explorer I (fantastic watch), an ORIS GMT (just got that one) and a Breitling Chronospace. When I want to really tone it down I wear the Swatch (an Irony model that almost looks like a Calatrava, black and steel very classy), a Citizen Modena Chrono Ecodrive in Titanium (discontinued and a wonderful watch, precise, low maintenance, very good design and craftsmanship with polished Titanium case and band which is rare) or a Seiko Sportura Kinetic (the one with the pillow shape case).
I also do enjoy my G-shocks and funny enough I get quite a few comments on those. Nobody ever notices the JLC but it's in principle my best watch.
Till