All About Watches

[formby]

A few thoughts…

You’ll find with ‘true’ collectors (if use of the word ‘true’ isn’t too impudent) usually curate, or have a theme to their collections as opposed to collecting for collecting’s sake. So with watches it maybe that have they have historic movements, or are horologically interesting in some other way, particular models that are associated with historic events and so on.

Then there is another type of collector, the ‘faux’ collector, who are often brand / model whoring. One tell-tale sign of this type is a preoccupation with the resale price of the watch so that when the novelty wears off, they can sell it without losing too much money and purchase the next ‘in’ thing.

Unfortunately, several brands are catering to this trend. IWC being a current offender, Zenith had a spell a while back and Omega have been at it for years.

People who genuinely love watches are usually loathe to part with them.

 

[doghouse]

A few thoughts…

You’ll find with ‘true’ collectors (if use of the word ‘true’ isn’t too impudent) usually curate, or have a theme to their collections as opposed to collecting for collecting’s sake. So with watches it maybe that have they have historic movements, or are horologically interesting in some other way, particular models that are associated with historic events and so on.

Then there is another type of collector, the ‘faux’ collector, who are often brand / model whoring. One tell-tale sign of this type is a preoccupation with the resale price of the watch so that when the novelty wears off, they can sell it without losing too much money and purchase the next ‘in’ thing.

Unfortunately, several brands are catering to this trend. IWC being a current offender, Zenith had a spell a while back and Omega have been at it for years.

People who genuinely love watches are usually loathe to part with them.

Its really a shame as the IWC MkXII is one of my favorite watches of all time, and I have always been an Omega fan.

I've also never sold a watch.

 

[formby]

Its really a shame as the IWC MkXII is one of my favorite watches of all time, and I have always been an Omega fan.

I've also never sold a watch.

IWC was a great brand back in the late 80s, early 90s, niche, not well known, Bauhausian look to several of their offerings but they've recently started to create special editions, have brand ambassadors &c. This is the road to perdition.

Omega, historically, were a rival of Rolex and have the cachet of the moon landing. But again, too many derivative models and they've been doing it for a long time.

 

[Lord Buckley]

Are they really using him? Such an odd choice. Tudor is all about reviving the 70s, not the early 2000s. I won't like the watches any less, but I'm not a fan of my $$$ going to a washed up football player.

Yes, I couldn't give money knowingly to that over paid, arrogant and under performing fitballer. However, this wouldn't stop me buying one second hand.

A few thoughts…

You’ll find with ‘true’ collectors (if use of the word ‘true’ isn’t too impudent) usually curate, or have a theme to their collections as opposed to collecting for collecting’s sake. So with watches it maybe that have they have historic movements, or are horologically interesting in some other way, particular models that are associated with historic events and so on.

Then there is another type of collector, the ‘faux’ collector, who are often brand / model whoring. One tell-tale sign of this type is a preoccupation with the resale price of the watch so that when the novelty wears off, they can sell it without losing too much money and purchase the next ‘in’ thing.

Unfortunately, several brands are catering to this trend. IWC being a current offender, Zenith had a spell a while back and Omega have been at it for years.

People who genuinely love watches are usually loathe to part with them.

I think the collecting phenomena satisfies the hunting urge, it's the seeking of something desirable, you go out into the outer reaches of the Chrono24 jungle looking for that desirable watch that will satisfy. Alternatively, you go to the jewellers.

I do get bored with specific watches and have no problem flipping. The worse thing I ever did though was get rid of my Rolex Explorer, there are legitimate reasons why I did this, but I could of got over it. That's my biggest watch regret. I also got rid of the Omega Speedmaster Redux, actually a fine looking watch that turns the Speedmaster into a dress watch, but the piggy-back calibration was a disaster and glad I got rid of that piece of space junk.

As you know I have my eyes on the new Rolex Airking, but I'm a good 18 months away before I will be able to justify paying for it. So I will wait, in the meantime I have no problems with exploring lesser models and brands: the Ball Fireman Storm Chaser Pro which I've just traded will do me just fine for now.

 

[sirloin]

My angle on collections, is to keep them focussed. A minimalistic approach if you will. I analyse and obsess on aspects, as most men do. But I also know, that a large collection of X, is not for me. Pick a number, say 3 watches, perhaps 5, and that is what I work towards. Not more that I can use regularly. The same with shoos. 5 derbys, 5 oxfords, 5 boots. Just the right types of cameras to fit my self image, nothing more. I then own the best within my limits (or slightly above...).

To me a good everyday high quality watch, would be either a Rolex or GS. Not unobtainable for most, but still a statement of choice made. Tried a colleagues speedmaster on the wrist - did not make me sparkle with joy.

 

[formby]

My angle on collections, is to keep them focussed. A minimalistic approach if you will. I analyse and obsess on aspects, as most men do. But I also know, that a large collection of X, is not for me. Pick a number, say 3 watches, perhaps 5, and that is what I work towards. Not more that I can use regularly. The same with shoos. 5 derbys, 5 oxfords, 5 boots. Just the right types of cameras to fit my self image, nothing more. I then own the best within my limits (or slightly above...).

To me a good everyday high quality watch, would be either a Rolex or GS. Not unobtainable for most, but still a statement of choice made. Tried a colleagues speedmaster on the wrist - did not make me sparkle with joy.

Rolex are a great everyday watch, and the Grand Seiko is a gem.

 

[prince nez]

Here's my carefully curated watch collection:

 

[Grand Potentate]

Here's my carefully curated watch collection:

please tell me that's Leitmotif

 

[FriendCustomer]

please tell me that's Leitmotif

 

[prince nez]

 

[Lord Buckley]

One of my VIP guests at the North Sea Jazz Festival this weekend had one of these:

Actually looks pretty good, the kind of watch that goes well together with a Porsche. A bit sporty and over priced me thinks.

I was somewhat embarrassed when my guest asked was that a Rolex I had on? And I had to reply that no, it was the Seiko Tudor Black Bay mod/homage. I made some excuse about being inbetween luxury watches having done a few trades.

 

[Monkeyface]

One of my VIP guests at the North Sea Jazz Festival this weekend had one of these:

View attachment 24066
Actually looks pretty good, the kind of watch that goes well together with a Porsche. A bit sporty and over priced me thinks.

I was somewhat embarrassed when my guest asked was that a Rolex I had on? And I had to reply that no, it was the Seiko Tudor Black Bay mod/homage. I made some excuse about being inbetween luxury watches having done a few trades.

Ugly watch and don't make excuses.

 

[Kingstonian]

I don't care for clutter on watches. Your eyesight deteriorates with age anyway, why make things difficult for yourself in future?

 

[Lord Buckley]

Ugly watch and don't make excuses.

In the flesh, there's a certain bare brutalism to it that piston heads will find appealing.

 

[fxh]

One of my VIP guests at the North Sea Jazz Festival this weekend had one of these:

Tacky Metre is an apt moniker.

 

[prince nez]

Speaking of precious metals, I just saw one in the wild that was unexpected. I was at my preferred jewelers picking up some repairs and looking for targets of opportunity, when a man in his early 60's (guessing), wearing shorts and a t-shirt (this is a downtown, metropolitan, upscale retailor) wandered up to us. My jeweler/ watch guy introduced us, and it was at this point that I noticed his Everose gold Day-date 40, with green sunburst dial. Now, I'm not a rose gold, or green dial guy, but it was spectacular.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Speaking of precious metals, I just saw one in the wild that was unexpected. I was at my preferred jewelers picking up some repairs and looking for targets of opportunity, when a man in his early 60's (guessing), wearing shorts and a t-shirt (this is a downtown, metropolitan, upscale retailor) wandered up to us. My jeweler/ watch guy introduced us, and it was at this point that I noticed his Everose gold Day-date 40, with green sunburst dial. Now, I'm not a rose gold, or green dial guy, but it was spectacular.

is that stitches?

 

[C0keZer0]

If it was in Baltimore, it could be Stitches but I have heard that he is no longer a saleman but attending grad school.

 

[formby]

That In-Stitches character was/is the most officious little gobshite to ever post on a clothing forum.

How many posts was he making a day, about 100?

 

[formby]

Tacky Metre is an apt moniker.

LOL, beat me to it.

Looks like it has a tourbillion. The Chinese are knocking out tourbillons now.

 

[Lord Buckley]

The Ball Storm Chaser Pro arrived today and what a beaut:

 

[formby]

The Ball Storm Chaser Pro arrived today and what a beaut:

View attachment 24152

Why don't you take a look at Sinn watches?

 

[Great White Snark]

Quite like the look of that, a bit like an old Heuer.

What's the purpose of the outer bezel divided into 20?

 

[gambit50]

The Ball Storm Chaser Pro arrived today and what a beaut:

View attachment 24152

Let's see, 2 WHITE balls against a BLACK surface(makes sense so far) but 2 penors, 1 of each colour, with the blanc much shorter than the noir (very accurate anatomical representation, helpful there) and a single, ginger tipped pube. I cannot figure out how those all work together, properly, and thus must admit that your interracial porn game is many levels beyond me. You should start a thread on this. Plenty of thumbs and likes, I am sure, since I believe Grand Potentate and ConchitaWurst (and perchance others whom I do not know of, apologies) both dabble in this palette of colormixsex. NO, not with each other you deviant ole bastard!!!(not that there's anything wrong with that)

 

[Lord Buckley]

Why don't you take a look at Sinn watches?

I quite like their chronographs and some of the pilot watches. They were much more reasonably priced 12-15 years ago when I first came across them. I was tempted then, but I was debating whether to get a Tag Monaco when there were all the rage, or the Rolex Explorer. So I never took the plunge and I don't think I will now.

Of the affordable mid-range German watch makers, I think Stowa's the best and their Marine range remains quite interesting, as is the more costly Edition 10:

Quite like the look of that, a bit like an old Heuer.

What's the purpose of the outer bezel divided into 20?

It's quite similar to the Tag Carrera in design and the base movement is the same being the Val/ETA 7750 before modifications. As too are some of Panerai, Hublot and IWC ranges.

The outer bezel is a telemeter for measuring distance.

I've only recently come across the modern Ball watch range and I am impressed with the quality and finish. They're priced where Tag was 12 years ago and have much more ambition to push the mid-range envelop than say Hamilton, the other watch maker trading on American credentials.

Let's see, 2 WHITE balls against a BLACK surface(makes sense so far) but 2 penors, 1 of each colour, with the blanc much shorter than the noir (very accurate anatomical representation, helpful there) and a single, ginger tipped pube. I cannot figure out how those all work together, properly, and thus must admit that your interracial porn game is many levels beyond me. You should start a thread on this. Plenty of thumbs and likes, I am sure, since I believe Grand Potentate and ConchitaWurst (and perchance others whom I do not know of, apologies) both dabble in this palette of colormixsex. NO, not with each other you deviant ole bastard!!!(not that there's anything wrong with that)

The watch aesthetics work, even outside of your phallic horological interpretation. As regards the reference to Trudeau, one has to interpret him through the prism of the psychic topography of a William Burroughs novel. Then when Trudeau comes out in 10 years time as a Sharia compliant feminist castrato cowboy, it will come as no surprise.

 

[ConchitaWurst]

my 15 yo reverso recently had a complete overhaul at jlc

 

[Lord Buckley]

my 15 yo reverso reverso recently had a complete overhaul at jlc

View attachment 24165

Very nice, the Reverso's are superb. How much was the overhaul/service?

 

[ConchitaWurst]

Very nice, the Reverso's are superb. How much was the overhaul/service?

thanks. quite a lot. it basically didnt work anymore; the winding mechanism got stuck (im a watch layman so cannot get you any further technical information). and upon inspecting the watch they informed me that there was corrosion at the backside of the dial, so they put in a new dial too. including new strap and light polishing it set me back eur 1,500. probably could have gotten a better deal at a non authorised dealer/repair shop

 

[Lord Buckley]

thanks. quite a lot. it basically didnt work anymore; the winding mechanism got stuck (im a watch layman so cannot get you any further technical information). and upon inspecting the watch they informed me that there was corrosion at the backside of the dial, so they put in a new dial too. including new strap and light polishing it set me back eur 1,500. probably could have gotten a better deal at a non authorised dealer/repair shop

For a complete overhaul you've done the right thing, go to the original watchmaker. For Euros 1,500 you've got practically a new and mint watch. That's one of the benefits of the luxury watch brands.

 

[Grand Potentate]

thanks. quite a lot. it basically didnt work anymore; the winding mechanism got stuck (im a watch layman so cannot get you any further technical information). and upon inspecting the watch they informed me that there was corrosion at the backside of the dial, so they put in a new dial too. including new strap and light polishing it set me back eur 1,500. probably could have gotten a better deal at a non authorised dealer/repair shop

wow, that's some service...

I quite like their chronographs and some of the pilot watches. They were much more reasonably priced 12-15 years ago when I first came across them. I was tempted then, but I was debating whether to get a Tag Monaco when there were all the rage, or the Rolex Explorer. So I never took the plunge and I don't think I will now.

Of the affordable mid-range German watch makers, I think Stowa's the best and their Marine range remains quite interesting, as is the more costly Edition 10:

View attachment 24162
View attachment 24163 View attachment 24164





It's quite similar to the Tag Carrera in design and the base movement is the same being the Val/ETA 7750 before modifications. As too are some of Panerai, Hublot and IWC ranges.

The outer bezel is a telemeter for measuring distance.

I've only recently come across the modern Ball watch range and I am impressed with the quality and finish. They're priced where Tag was 12 years ago and have much more ambition to push the mid-range envelop than say Hamilton, the other watch maker trading on American credentials.



The watch aesthetics work, even outside of your phallic horological interpretation. As regards the reference to Trudeau, one has to interpret him through the prism of the psychic topography of a William Burroughs novel. Then when Trudeau comes out in 10 years time as a Sharia compliant feminist castrato cowboy, it will come as no surprise.

i had a stowa marine original. it remains my favorite watch to date. honestly, i regret selling it, especially with how the prices have gone through the roof.

 

[Lord Buckley]

wow, that's some service...

i had a stowa marine original. it remains my favorite watch to date. honestly, i regret selling it, especially with how the prices have gone through the roof.

The Stowa's have gone up quite significantly since the word has got out they're superb watches with a great bang for your buck and quality ratio with impeccable design. But compared to Nomos for example, the prices remain quite reasonable. Even the baby of the Stowa watch range, the Partitio has gone from €495 to €728 in no time.

Stowa really got their message across on the web and the online ordering too. One that hasn't been as successful is Laco which suffers from producing too many cheap watches to justify the more expensive ones and the naming of the watches after every city imaginable strikes me as getting a little bit desperate on the marketing front.

 

[formby]

my 15 yo reverso recently had a complete overhaul at jlc

View attachment 24165

Mmmm, bit of an Art Deco thing going on here...

Quirky, in a Eva Green kind-a-way...

I think I like it.....

 

[Kingstonian]

For a complete overhaul you've done the right thing, go to the original watchmaker. For Euros 1,500 you've got practically a new and mint watch. That's one of the benefits of the luxury watch brands.

It does sound like Trigs broom though from 'Only Fools and Horses'.

He had it for years and years. Of course, it had several new handles and a new brush or two....

 

[Kingstonian]

my 15 yo reverso recently had a complete overhaul at jlc

View attachment 24165

Very nice watch. The repair bill is a lot more than the cost of my ordinary watches.

But it is one of the few really nice classic watches. No clutter either.

 

[Kingstonian]

The Reverso even renders Archie Luxury free of expletives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYjcQfpj5TQ

Archie thinks it is a cool watch.

 

[Lord Buckley]

The Reverso even renders Archie Luxury free of expletives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYjcQfpj5TQ

Archie thinks it is a cool watch.

Funnily enough I had a visit from an associate last week who's into his flash watches and I happened to ask him had he come across Archie Luxury yet?

 

[Kingstonian]

My father's (R.I.P.) old manual Certina from the late 1940s with dates(and date hand)around the dial.

It is battered and not worth any money but big sentimental value for me.

 

[formby]

View attachment 24190
My father's (R.I.P.) old manual Certina from the late 1940s with dates(and date hand)around the dial.

It is battered and not worth any money but big sentimental value for me.

Get it repaired/refurbed.

 

[Kingstonian]

I have had it repaired. It loses a minute a day. Not sure about doing anything to the case though. School of hard knocks etc.

 

[formby]

I have had it repaired. It loses a minute a day. Not sure about doing anything to the case though. School of hard knocks etc.

Fair enough...

Collectors seem to prefer older watches that are a bit 'battered' (not that you are after selling) as it adds, in their view, to the authenticity. A friend has just bought a Universal Geneve, whilst an esteemed old brand, it was in such bad condition that I would have baulked at the price.