+1 
Love my HC too, for value, quality and presence there is not much else in that price range. I know a Rolex used will be around 5k from watchfinders...
Love my HC too, for value, quality and presence there is not much else in that price range. I know a Rolex used will be around 5k from watchfinders...Of course, a Hydroconquest is not "better" than a Rolex Sub... the latter is a more premium and beautifully engineered watch using higher quality components. That is fact.
However... as daft as it may sound, I live in the homeland of watches, and a few of my friends have Rolexes. I personally would never at this stage in my life (early 30's) wear a Rolex as a general everyday watch, as I think it has too many negative connotations, despite the fact that they are beautiful timepieces. They are almost a victim of their own success, and are so frequently bought by people just looking for a status symbol, that it does genuinely affect peoples first impressions of you.
I, like mrk, also love my Hydroconquest, and the best thing is that it is uncommon and characterful enough that it doesn't get mistaken for anything else. I actually feel like an individual, and really enjoy when people ask about it. For me, Longines is the gentlemans brand, understated and elegant, and people will appreciate it, but won't automatically assume you are trying to prove something when they see it. I can wear it in every social situation I can think of whether it be sitting around a pool, or out on the lash/clubbing and it looks great and would never get undue attention.
The reasons I give for choosing this watch catching my eye among all others I could have afforded are heartfelt and genuine, whereas I don't think I could do that if I just went out and bought a Rolex Sub or Oyster. In fact, the next watch I buy will likely be an Omega SM or PO Chrono, because to me those are just (imo) stunning, stunning dive watches and represent the next level on my desirability scale.
as for Europe, I'd like to avoid the price gouging.