My Grail Watches: The Bulova Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to the Moon" Automatic

It's been a very tough year economically. It has certainly forced me to reset my personal hopes and dreams for my watch collecting hobby. The luxury and ultra-luxury watch stratosphere seem far out of reach. That doesn't necessarily mean giving up watch collecting, but it will mean focusing on affordable watches and attainable luxury watches. I've created a list of realistic grail watches. They are all watches I would like to buy sometime. But, realistically, it may take months of effort and struggle to add any of them to my collection. Fortunately, I've got plenty of watches to tide me over during these scary times.

This Bulova Marine Star is a classic at any price!

Let's take a look at the first of the five watches that are currently on my grail list. This is a watch that I always look up on Amazon and that I always think about buying.

Grail Watch Number 1: Bulova Men's Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to The Moon" Automatic

Bulova has long been an American-brand and, even under the ownership of Citizen, it remains a watch designed and inspired by American culture. The Frank Sinatra series of Bulova commemorative watches is a prime example of American cultural inspiration. To my eye, the Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to The Moon" Automatic is the very best looking of these watches.  As of this posting date, the watch is on sale for 35% off. This brings the price down to below $550. It's not cheap. But, it is an attainable luxury watch. 

Bulova Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to the Moon" Automatic (Amazon Photo)

I like everything about this watch: Sinatra Signature, sunray dial, gold-tone numerals and markers, the exhibition case back. It's all good. If you'd like to see it, I've got an Amazon affiliate link. You can get it yourself or to give as a Christmas gift. You can even visit it regularly to dream and drool. Check it out here:

Bulova Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to the Moon" Automatic on Amazon

Men's Watches with Class

Four Men's Watches With Class

Class is an interesting word when it comes to watches.  As a personal accessory for men, a watch is a chance to express individual style.  But, when it comes to class, there are elements of refinement, taste, and pedigree that must perfectly combine into a timepiece.  While a storied watchmaker can certainly add to the pedigree of a watch, how the wearer sports his timepiece is a key element of class.

President Eisenhower's Rolex Datejust

Some watches are like an end zone dance in American football.  According to old school icons like Bear Bryant, when players score, they should act like they've been in the end zone before.  The end zone dance is just an unsportsmanlike way to rub victory into the faces of the vanquished.  So, while a high end pedigreed watch can make a statement, the demeanor of the wearer changes whether that watch is a score or an end zone dance.  To be classy, a watch should make a subtle, tasteful, statement rather than a gaudy display.

Here are four of the classiest watches in my personal collection:

1. Tissot Carson Powermatic 80.  This watch has the pedigree of a powerful name brand, a traditional automatic movement, and the Swiss Made label.  Yet, it is not so expensive that it lurks outside the realm of imagination.  It's also not in the least bit gaudy.  It's an understated, conservative, watch that looks great with a suit.  You can find plenty of similar Tissot Powermatic 80 watches on Amazon.

2.  Bulova Dress Watch.  My quartz Bulova Dress Watch sports the iconic tuning fork logo and subtly evokes the tech sector with a graph-like grid in the background.  It's simple and tasteful.  While my Bulova is hardly a high dollar timepiece, the brand has historic appeal and luxury connotations for most middle class Americans. 

3.  Pulsar Dress Watch.  My first Pulsar dress watch is all business.  It is simple, elegant, competent, and non-intrusive.  It says that it's told time before and that it's good at the business of telling time.  This watch was minimalist before minimalism was cool.

4.  Seiko University of Florida Dress Watch.  Long, long ago, I graduated from the University of Florida and received this Seiko as a graduation gift.  It features the University's Century Tower and University Auditorium.  By today's standards, it has a rather small dial.  The bezel and bracelet appear to be inspired by the Rolex Perpetual Datejust.  Overall, it's a nice look and lets people know that I am at least somewhat educated.