Who likes watches?

[mktng]

I cant say that i'm a huge watch dude. But I do appreciate well made products and admire the people who hand make these things. The craftsmanship is just unreal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGPjFFMD3c0

$3,000,000 watch though. I guess you'd expect nothing less than perfection..

[Germany_chris]

It's a Patek

[redir]

Wow that was impressive. The level of exacting detail in miniature like that is fascinating.

[jr59]

Chek out the Patek 89;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patek_Philippe_Calibre_89

Or the Graves;

http://www.forbes.com/sites/msolomon/2014/07/30/the-17-million-pocket-watch-the-henry-graves-supercomplication-goes-up-for-auction/

[Jgrooms]

Watches are back. Every man should own one nice watch imo. Check out watch u seek aka the wus.

[Lewis Moon]

Nah....I'm waiting to have an implant so the time shows up in the corner of my vision.
...and doberman teeth...I want doberman teeth.

[Dired]

a bit more detail on the patek

http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/introducing-patek-philippe-grandmaster-chime-ref-5175r

[eippo1]

Very cool. I may have to watch (get it :hello:) that more than once. I was fascinated with them as a kid and took more than one apart to put back together again.
Don't see the reason for the double-face, though.

Someday, I'd love to own a Breitling, Panerai, or Seamaster. For now, I'll stay happy with my Orient.

[MattTuck]

Well, that was certainly a complicated and ostentatious watch :)

"Pardon me Sir, I do say that gold hockey puck on your wrist is gonging!"

Not my style, but the mechanics are sure impressive!

[jr59]

Well, that was certainly a complicated and ostentatious watch :)

"Pardon me Sir, I do say that gold hockey puck on your wrist is gonging!"

Not my style, but the mechanics are sure impressive!


Wait.... You mean the sounds from a wrist watch is more bothersome than the sounds from all the cell phones going off for one reason or another? :eek:

Besides, I don't think this watch will ever be worn, or if it is it won't be worn much in public!

[jmoore]

High end craftsmanship is alive and well in the watch world. Great to see!

[oldpotatoe]

Chek out the Patek 89;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patek_Philippe_Calibre_89

Or the Graves;

http://www.forbes.com/sites/msolomon/2014/07/30/the-17-million-pocket-watch-the-henry-graves-supercomplication-goes-up-for-auction/

Lessee one of these or

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aero_L-39_Albatros

Hummmm

[54ny77]

i'm not into watches whatsoever but i was captivated every step of the way in the making of that thing. awesome video. thanks for posting!

[jr59]

Lessee one of these or

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aero_L-39_Albatros

Hummmm

Trouble is the Grave pocket watch was designed and made in 1930 or so.
No computers, or anything like that. All hand done and designed.

The plane...not so much.:p

[oldpotatoe]

Trouble is the Grave pocket watch was designed and made in 1930 or so.
No computers, or anything like that. All hand done and designed.

The plane...not so much.:p

Ok

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6QOufwouw

[Jgrooms]

Seiko dive watches. Cheap & infinitely customizable. SKX w 5 'speed racer' dial. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/23/67042b479447e9237ade3942e5540f30.jpg

[Jgrooms]

And a cyclist's fav? A Festina TdF chrono bike. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/23/94575c5537938f801dd1e96b214b6519.jpg

[verticaldoug]

Auction season is upon us.

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/salebrowse.aspx?intSaleid=25411&viewType=grid

[redir]

I never could wear a watch because it drives me crasy to have something on one arm but not the other so I guess I would need two watches but then that would look funny. Yep I know OCD I haz it.

But I do appreciate a nice pocket watch.

[Steve in SLO]

That Patek is a marvel of craftsmanship, not that I would buy one even if I could afford it.
My tastes run to the more practical. Old Potatoe might even approve of this one:

[oldpotatoe]

That Patek is a marvel of craftsmanship, not that I would buy one even if I could afford it.
My tastes run to the more practical. Old Potatoe might even approve of this one:

I do, I like mechanical, analog watches.

[Steve in SLO]

OP: I know you are a Rolex fan, too but I thought his one in particular you would like. It is a Type 20 watch, which was widely used from the late 50s to the early 70s by French Air Force pilots.

[Germany_chris]

This thread just turned into a watch you seek what are you wearing today thread.

[Steve in SLO]

This thread just turned into a watch you seek what are you wearing today thread.

True, but better than another Lance wearing Rapha thread, IMHO.

[oldpotatoe]

OP: I know you are a Rolex fan, too but I thought his one in particular you would like. It is a Type 20 watch, which was widely used from the late 50s to the early 70s by French Air Force pilots.

Inspite of their WWII 'history' and the mess in SEAsia, they have become a quite good fighting force, to include their AF and French Naval Aviation.

Sorry for the drift.

[Germany_chris]

true, but better than another lance wearing rapha thread, imho.


ok

[jr59]

This thread just turned into a watch you seek what are you wearing today thread.

I'll play;

[Germany_chris]

I'll play;

Doesn't qualify as you are not wearing it :eek:

[danielpack22@ma]

Fantastic video! Thanks for posting. For now I'll have to stick with my Omegas, but one day I hope to have a JLC.

[MattTuck]

The moment that I really like, but that I did not notice in this video, is when the watchmaker puts the last component of the escapement into the movement and the watch looks to have sprung to life on its own. I've seen that in some other watch making videos...

[jr59]

Doesn't qualify as you are not wearing it :eek:

Hmmm?

[Germany_chris]

Hmmm?

There we go now we have a what are you wearing today worthy watch you seek picture, blurry and all. :banana:

[eippo1]

ok

I like your style

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c271/eippo1/WP_20141023_001_zps29a98cef.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/eippo1/media/WP_20141023_001_zps29a98cef.jpg.html)

and yes, I'm too lazy to fix the day.

[guido]

Timex Ironman 100 lap memory.

[oldpotatoe]

Hmmm?

Yowser

Still lusting after a gold GMT master...I'll trade a 80th anniversary Campag Moots for it....wink wink.

[Germany_chris]

I like your style

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c271/eippo1/WP_20141023_001_zps29a98cef.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/eippo1/media/WP_20141023_001_zps29a98cef.jpg.html)

and yes, I'm too lazy to fix the day.

It's a big bubba, here it is next to it's older brother. If it can take as much abuse as it's sibling I'll be happy

[wc1934]

Amazing video - I am going to watch it again!

[Stephen2014]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=508-rmdY4jQ this is great for understanding how a mechanical watch works on the inside.

[tlittlefield]

My favorite...

[bicycletricycle]

Someone was selling a tu-95 bear on eBay for 3 million dollars. You can bomb another continent with one of those!

Sweet watch , kinda funny that it's too big to wear, the watch world is interesting. The most expensive watches keep worse time than the cheapest watches, heck, my phone has an infinite amount of "complications" :)

Amazing craft of coarse.

[Lewis Moon]

Timex Ironman 100 lap memory.

Casio water resistant...rubber wristband. I've never been much into wearing jewelry.

[ByronApp]

Incredible. Amazing attention to detail.

[fuzzalow]

Mechanical analog timepieces. Craft and purpose that comes from a different age, running on a different impetus for power. Timepieces that capture and control motion in order to measure the quantity of time. Using motion which exists as movement in space and is real to denote time which exists only conceptually.

Sure, I like mechanical watches. And from what was written above, also an apparent taste during a previous time for the lysergic.

I like very simple watches now as found in a traditional Omega moon watch. It has a mainspring to be wound each day to power it.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Hr33-3lR7Ns/VEq3Yvl0YuI/AAAAAAAAAtc/fVskyAVirPM/s640/DSC00207.JPG

[SZWONDERS]

I have a tag heuer that i received as a high school graduation present. Its a 2 time zone watch thats pretty rare. Not that expensive in the world of rolex and such. Also not that colossal as some breitlings these days, but in the early 90s it felt like a brick when my father placed it on my wrist.

[mike p]

I always thought the Ryan STM was one of the most beautiful airplanes ever made, especially an example in all polished aluminum.
Sorry watches do nothing for me :-)

Mike

Ok

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6QOufwouw

[wallymann]

My tastes run to the more practical. Old Potatoe might even approve of this one:

i like mechanicals, mostly utilitarian handwound chronographs. i think every man should own at least 1 proper mechanical watch. heres what i have currently:

http://brown-snout.com/horology/collection/_thumbs/100px/collection_montage.jpg (http://brown-snout.com/horology/collection/collection.html)

great GP -- never knew they made a type-20. yours having the 12-hour register makes it really useful. most vintage type-20s only had the 30-minute register, which IMO makes them useless as a real-world timer. i had a vintage GP olimpico a couple years ago, since sold.

http://brown-snout.com/horology/collection/_archive/girard-perregaux_olimpico_chrono/P1010497.JPG

[ojingoh]

I love watches. I also acknowledge the criticism that it's not about keeping accurate time! For me, the combination of cool looking and mechanical engineering is greatly appealing.

Like anything with a lot of choices, the tiniest difference can seem enormous.

Also, vintage watches seem much more interesting now.

Here's my daily -- previous calibre and case Tag Heuer Monaco:
http://i.imgur.com/FFdLQ3u.jpg?1

[Stephen2014]

Heuer's best ever design.

Jack's autobiography is available as a book or free to download (legally).

[rphetteplace]

MK II watch....Just over $1K they appreciate sell instantly if you lose interest daily usable I love it.

[jlwdm]

MK II watch....Just over $1K they appreciate sell instantly if you lose interest daily usable I love it.

Too small for my tastes.

Jeff

[MattTuck]

i like mechanicals, mostly utilitarian handwound chronographs. i think every man should own at least 1 proper mechanical watch. heres what i have currently:


great GP -- never knew they made a type-20. yours having the 12-hour register makes it really useful. most vintage type-20s only had the 30-minute register, which IMO makes them useless as a real-world timer. i had a vintage GP olimpico a couple years ago, since sold.



That tube clock is tres cool. Where'd you get it?

[echelon_john]

My daily driver. Love this thing. This is the larger version.

[Ryun]

Sporting the GMT Panerai today

[Nooch]

I love watches. I also acknowledge the criticism that it's not about keeping accurate time! For me, the combination of cool looking and mechanical engineering is greatly appealing.

Like anything with a lot of choices, the tiniest difference can seem enormous.

Also, vintage watches seem much more interesting now.

Here's my daily -- previous calibre and case Tag Heuer Monaco:
http://i.imgur.com/FFdLQ3u.jpg?1

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15465302509_7bfd0fabae_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pyBHCH)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/pyBHCH) by TrickImaging (https://www.flickr.com/people/54300653@N02/), on Flickr

[crankles]

the monacos are one of my favorites and will own one someday soon. Of course, that panerai would always be welcome at the table as well.

currently sporting a shinola runswell. Not an auto, but the ronda/argonite quartz keeps decent time.

I'll wear the Helson tomorrow for picture day.

[Mikej]

Hmmm?

Are you sure you're not just trying it on at the pawn shop?

[jr59]

Are you sure you're not just trying it on at the pawn shop?

Seeing as my pawn shop burnt to the ground last year, along with most of what I owned. (bikes were saved).

highly doubt it!

[echelon_john]

Panerai for the win! :hello:

Beautiful watches.



Sporting the GMT Panerai today

[Steve in SLO]

Just thought I would throw this in here, for the vintage enthusiasts.

[old2new]

I must admit I do like watches.

I have found that many cyclists tend to like watches and audio equipment. I think the appreciation for finely tuned working machines is the reason.

I also appreciate something that has a very high build quality, can be fixed and will continue to work as designed for many years.

[CDollarsign]

To all you guys with Rolies:

What do you do for a living?

I need to reassess being an engineer it appears...

[jr59]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15465302509_7bfd0fabae_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pyBHCH)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/pyBHCH) by TrickImaging (https://www.flickr.com/people/54300653@N02/), on Flickr

Sporting the GMT Panerai today
I love the 8 days.

Just thought I would throw this in here, for the vintage enthusiasts.

Vintage Daytona. Very nice. I miss mine.

sure are some very fine pieces on this thread

[Stephen2014]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14877327747_82e45a15db_c.jpg

I got this. A serious lookalike, the movement is the Chinese built version of the Breitling Chronomat.

[AngryScientist]

i was a watch nut long before i was a bike nut. i love mechanical watches.

here's a great picture - me, drinking, holding my #1 lady and showing the watch.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L08xuko3cYw/VBY3UYyAuuI/AAAAAAAAByA/q-yc_QUmvnU/s1000/P1080338.JPG

[Steve in SLO]

To all you guys with Rolies:

What do you do for a living?

I need to reassess being an engineer it appears...

I'm a doctor (insert stereotype comment here).

I actually don't make enough money to collect at the level I have been able to, I just got lucky:

I was turned onto watches by a great watchmaker who lived near me and who was a master technician for both Omega and Rolex watches. I pulled up to his shop in a Porsche 911 I owned at the time, and that did it: we talked for about two hours. Turns out that,like me, he raced vintage Porsches and he used to run with Paul Newman and actually repaired the Grail of Daytonas himself.
He was very free with his time and taught me how to do maintenance and basic repairs.

That was at the dawning of eBay era, when nobody took good pictures of their items, people were reluctant to buy items without pictures, and from out of the country. I started buying watches and took a number of chances and got lucky more times than not.
When I bought an Omega Speedmaster 2915 (The collectors will know this is a biggie) for $3500, I thought my wife was going to kill me. I told her it was an investment, and when I sold it 4 years later for $17,000, she was much less upset.

I have done well with the buy/fix/sell model since, and was lucky enough to get it on the ground floor of the popularity of collecting vintage watches.

[martl]

I Love my Nomos Tangente. Bought it in 2000 for the equivalent of 380€ - same model is now around 1000€ new.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/29/06ac36d1a1413eca37149addbb649ac7.jpg

[oldpotatoe]

To all you guys with Rolies:

What do you do for a living?

I need to reassess being an engineer it appears...

Rolex? Bought 36 years ago for $645. Perdium paid for it.

[Cat3roadracer]

Just thought I would throw this in here, for the vintage enthusiasts.

Look no further - here is our winner.

[ntb1001]

I bought my first Rolex in 1990 for $1700. Explorer 2 model. .I bought it in a jewelry store that was no longer carrying the product t line and the we're clearing out the inventory. ..I sold it about 5 years later for $3500.
I've had 3 different Rolex models since then...currently wearing a GMT Master with ceramic bezel.

[ntb1001]

I bought my first Rolex in 1990 for $1700. Explorer 2 model. .I bought it in a jewelry store that was no longer carrying the product t line and the we're clearing out the inventory. ..I sold it about 5 years later for $3500.
I've had 3 different Rolex models since then...currently wearing a GMT Master with ceramic bezel.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/29/68c338c4e3df1f9f9d68f4a86d54909a.jpg

[jr59]

I've bought, sold, traded, and fixed high grade watches for a very LONG time. Before 1980, I'm sure. I've owned so many that I can't count them anymore.

I have it down to about 12 or so these days.

They come and they go, it's no big deal. Today I have been wearing a RGM,tomorrow, who knows.

[Caballero]

Just thought I would throw this in here, for the vintage enthusiasts.

Beautiful.
My hobby is collecting watches. Mainly rolex.(vintage) Omega. Breguet. Pp. and Lange

[pdonk]

Suggestions for a person interested in getting his first real watch appreciated.

Budget 2500

A few preferences

Mid size body. Nothing too large
Thinking a stainless body and band

Like look of rolexes and omegas but doubt I can afford

Suggestions of what to get and where appreciated.

[ceolwulf]

^ I would get a Grand Seiko but that's just my taste :)

[jlwdm]

What do you mean by mid size body? Lots of different opinions on this.

Jeff

[pdonk]

The monaco is definitely too big. The explorer 2 ,looks about right. Angryscientist's looks large.

Guessing I'll know when I see it.

[tlittlefield]

42 mm is a good size to look at...

[Nooch]

The monaco is definitely too big. The explorer 2 ,looks about right. Angryscientist's looks large.

Guessing I'll know when I see it.

The monaco's really not that big.. more scale (i wear medium gloves):

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/15483305217_7bfc23e7b8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pAcZde) (https://flic.kr/p/pAcZde) by TrickImaging (https://www.flickr.com/people/54300653@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7500/15483117798_1f67bf7cb5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pAc2uS)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/pAc2uS) by TrickImaging (https://www.flickr.com/people/54300653@N02/), on Flickr

[Stephen2014]

The monaco is definitely too big. The explorer 2 ,looks about right. Angryscientist's looks large.

Guessing I'll know when I see it.

Are you going to ride with it or is it for non-cycling wear?

[CaliFly]

Love me some watches. Panerai owner/fan before it was chic. PAM 232 is my current fave. Stayed away from Rolex for a long time because the 80's represented them badly. Finally caved with a white dial Explorer II...man, I miss that watch. A GMT IIc makes it into the rotation every so often now.

Nice watches don't have to be expensive. I have this Bathys 100 Fathoms that really looks great. Got the thing for less than $1000.

Today I feel like 007...

[weisan]

http://www.onlineandroidtips.com/images/o106.jpg

[Steve in SLO]

http://www.onlineandroidtips.com/images/o106.jpg

Silly boy…you have so much to learn.

[pdonk]

Are you going to ride with it or is it for non-cycling wear?

Off bike only. Business appropriate but can wear casually preferred.

[weisan]

Silly boy…you have so much to learn.

Yes I do!
And I can't wait to learn it all at once.:p

For the record, I stopped wearing watches since I left the army 25+ years ago. And then many years down the road, one fine day, I have this fine thought that maybe I should get a dress watch to go with the suite and tie, so I went and got a Seiko kinetic auto relay that looks like this... That didn't work either... Just sorta sit in the drawer. I stopped wearing gloves while riding about the same time, maybe I simply don't like the feeling of having anything on my hands, wristbands included...except maybe my wedding ring, which is more out of concern for my "personal safety". :D
http://www.watchalyzer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/seiko-premier-kinetic-perpetual-calendar-watch.jpg

[Stephen2014]

Suggestions for a person interested in getting his first real watch appreciated.

Budget 2500

A few preferences

Mid size body. Nothing too large
Thinking a stainless body and band

Like look of rolexes and omegas but doubt I can afford

Suggestions of what to get and where appreciated.


Have you thought about a tonneau? I've got one and I really like it, not one of these though, mine is the Winner brand.http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiPPG68D1Pw/UTXGaOQuQqI/AAAAAAAAA6U/ybTD3IO8_i0/s1600/longines-l2.671.4.78.6-33mm-evidenza-l26714786-automatic.jpg

http://www.wristflatter.com/2013/03/longines-l26714786.html

[Stephen2014]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15254356380_b5168a52d7_c.jpghttps://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15254356390_ee28b926cc_c.jpg

[wallymann]

Today I feel like 007...
http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697889259&stc=1&d=1414705864


sharp example with nicely aged tritium lume...classy!

[CaliFly]

Here's 47mm of pure goodness.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697865068&stc=1&d=1375470345

[eippo1]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15254356380_b5168a52d7_c.jpghttps://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15254356390_ee28b926cc_c.jpg

Nice. I assume that would be Charlie Sheen's brand as well...:hello:

[MattTuck]

Some great looking watches in this thread.

Now I just need some cash to buy one of these.

[Ken Robb]

I don't understand the current popularity of huge watches that prevent shirt and jacket cuffs from falling where they should and get caught on the edge of pockets when reaching for keys,coins, etc.

The sign of fine watches used to be a very thin elegant profile. A thin watch was easy to wear and showed the skill of the maker who was able to make and fit all the parts in a tiny space. When we saw a thick watch we assumed it was a cheap mass-produced disposable timepiece. I never got over thinking this way.

I was in a local jewelers last week and was pleased to see a Rolex Cellini amongst the popular boat anchors.

I understand that watches for diving and other hard uses need cases bigger than pure "dress" watches but "my watch is bigger than yours" seems silly to me. OTOH I do wear some silver Zuni belt buckles that are bigger than I need just to hold up my jeans. :)

[MattTuck]

well, three hypotheses for you on the big watch thing.

1.) it is the 'in' style
2.) watches are jewelry and a status symbol - they SHOULD attract attention
3.) watches are pricey, and people don't want a dainty little disk when they plunk down their money. they want something that feels big and expensive.


I'm with you though, I like thin watches.

[Likes2ridefar]

I don't understand the current popularity of huge watches that prevent shirt and jacket cuffs from falling where they should and get caught on the edge of pockets when reaching for keys,coins, etc.

The sign of fine watches used to be a very thin elegant profile. A thin watch was easy to wear and showed the skill of the maker who was able to make and fit all the parts in a tiny space. When we saw a thick watch we assumed it was a cheap mass-produced disposable timepiece. I never got over thinking this way.

I was in a local jewelers last week and was pleased to see a Rolex Cellini amongst the popular boat anchors.

I understand that watches for diving and other hard uses need cases bigger than pure "dress" watches but "my watch is bigger than yours" seems silly to me. OTOH I do wear some silver Zuni belt buckles that are bigger than I need just to hold up my jeans. :)

I have relatively small wrists at 6.5" and have owned a 47mm Pam cali, a 45mm radiomir and a few 44mm luminors. The luminors did not work with a dress shirt but the others did. I found luminor models uncomfortable to wear all day. Especially the automatics.

Surprisingly the 47mm radiomir case style was wearable on my wrist without looking ridiculous.

The 45mm radiomir actually wears pretty small considering its size since it has no lugs. My wife "borrowed" the 45mm radiomir...I havent seen it for a while:( she also stole my 36mm datejust:eek:

otherwise though I agree with you. I'm back to wearing 40mm or less besides my one weekender exception, the AP Diver, which is 42mm. it's super top heavy but tolerable on the rubber strap. I think it looks neat so deal with it.

daily wear is a patek aquanaut, and barely even notice it with the lightweight rubber strap.

[merlinmurph]

well, three hypotheses for you on the big watch thing.

1.) it is the 'in' style
2.) watches are jewelry and a status symbol - they SHOULD attract attention
3.) watches are pricey, and people don't want a dainty little disk when they plunk down their money. they want something that feels big and expensive.


I'm with you though, I like thin watches.

That's exactly it. We're talking fads and style, not utility. Since when did style have anything to do being logical?

[Likes2ridefar]

Left work early so officially the weekend:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/3982bd30ae40fb4522b8c528e5f0524e_zps364ad716.jpg

[sevencyclist]

I like the simplicity of this automatic Blancpain.

I personally like the conformity of Roman numbers oriented in direction of looking out from center of dial rather than the more recent "improved model" with upright numbers when viewed in the traditional view.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15490068349_f28aeef98e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX)2014-10-30 06.22.19 (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX) by sevencyclist (https://www.flickr.com/people/38629387@N08/), on Flickr

[Likes2ridefar]

I like the simplicity of this automatic Blancpain.

I personally like the conformity of Roman numbers oriented in direction of looking out from center of dial rather than the more recent "improved model" with upright numbers when viewed in the traditional view.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15490068349_f28aeef98e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX)2014-10-30 06.22.19 (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX) by sevencyclist (https://www.flickr.com/people/38629387@N08/), on Flickr

Nice! I've always wanted to get a fifty fathoms...maybe some day.

[echelon_john]

It's a little white-bread for my taste.

I like the simplicity of this automatic Blancpain.

I personally like the conformity of Roman numbers oriented in direction of looking out from center of dial rather than the more recent "improved model" with upright numbers when viewed in the traditional view.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15490068349_f28aeef98e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX)2014-10-30 06.22.19 (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX) by sevencyclist (https://www.flickr.com/people/38629387@N08/), on Flickr

[jlwdm]

It's a little white-bread for my taste.

Which is perfect for a dress watch.

Jeff

[wooly]

Anyone feel like Tuna?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q-hhxl82by0/VFP7lVCi_HI/AAAAAAAABnI/RtHc6gm-4ls/w569-h758-no/IMG_0076.JPG

[Likes2ridefar]

Which is perfect for a dress watch.

Jeff

I've always liked this for a dress watch. Iwc Portuguese seven days...

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr229/dimbek/iwc%20portuguese%20no%20buckle/IMG_7927.jpg

[Ken Robb]

I like the simplicity of this automatic Blancpain.

I personally like the conformity of Roman numbers oriented in direction of looking out from center of dial rather than the more recent "improved model" with upright numbers when viewed in the traditional view.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15490068349_f28aeef98e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX)2014-10-30 06.22.19 (https://flic.kr/p/pANDDX) by sevencyclist (https://www.flickr.com/people/38629387@N08/), on Flickr

Nice watch!

[Ken Robb]

It's a little white-bread for my taste.

Good one, John. I wonder how that came to be the name of a watch company.

[MattTuck]

I've always liked this for a dress watch. Iwc Portuguese seven days...

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr229/dimbek/iwc%20portuguese%20no%20buckle/IMG_7927.jpg

I really like both of these from IWC. Portofino handwound 8 day reserve first. then portuguese automatic 7 day reserve. If I had $11,000 or $26,000 respectively to blow on watches, they would be mine.

http://www.kijinkan.co.jp/iwc/portofino/img/iw510102.jpg

http://195.154.205.140/IMG_neuf/imgStd/IWC-IW500106.jpg

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . are all frickin' amateurs! :p ;)

BBD

[Stephen2014]

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA2NVgxMDI0/z/Ma0AAOSwU9xUNf7d/$_35.JPGhttp:// http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA2NVgxMDI0/z/Ma0AAOSwU9xUNf7d/$_35.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA2NVgxMDI0/z/Ma0AAOSwU9xUNf7d/$_35.JPG
Ventura style crazy hours by Cogu

[sevencyclist]

Good one, John. I wonder how that came to be the name of a watch company.

Name of the guy who founded the company was Jehan-Jacques Blancpain.

http://www.blancpain.com/en/history

[Likes2ridefar]

For the weight weenies, the rm27-01, rafael nadal's choice piece while on the court, a mere 19 grams

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/ef55e800a3a69f9f47458ac3ab577f04_zpsf82ea22a.jpg

[Likes2ridefar]

Or the watch forever:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/46581597e8061843a03eb93615b14390_zpsdcede1b8.jpg

[jlwdm]

I've always liked this for a dress watch. Iwc Portuguese seven days...

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr229/dimbek/iwc%20portuguese%20no%20buckle/IMG_7927.jpg

I also like that watch in that color and have tried it on many times. I am always disappointed with the weight of the watch. It just feels too light on my wrist.

For a thin bezel with an off white face I went a little dressier with the Dornbluth 99.1. My smallest watch at 42mm.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/6ridge9/88aa02e4-d1f4-43fe-bdc0-bc0af4711643.jpg (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/6ridge9/media/88aa02e4-d1f4-43fe-bdc0-bc0af4711643.jpg.html)


Jeff

[Likes2ridefar]

Promise I'll stop after this... My personal favorite ridiculously complicated watch:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/12f52d3379753a63cc70207b8df7098f_zpse0021cb2.jpg

[Likes2ridefar]

I also like that watch in that color and have tried it on many times. I am always disappointed with the weight of the watch. It just feels too light on my wrist.

For a thin bezel with an off white face I went a little dressier with the Dornbluth 99.1. My smallest watch at 42mm.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/6ridge9/88aa02e4-d1f4-43fe-bdc0-bc0af4711643.jpg (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/6ridge9/media/88aa02e4-d1f4-43fe-bdc0-bc0af4711643.jpg.html)


Jeff
Awesome! I've never seen one in hand..but hope to change that one day.

[rrudoff]

Only two watches in past 35 years. Seiko Dive watch when 18 as gift from parents, then Omega Ti Seamaster as 10th anniversary gift from wife, 14 years ago. Wear the Seamaster 95% of the time, Seiko is surfing watch. No real desire for anything else. They have held up remarkably well.

[aingeru]

Promise I'll stop after this... My personal favorite ridiculously complicated watch:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/12f52d3379753a63cc70207b8df7098f_zpse0021cb2.jpg

damm, I worked for this company for two years as a watchmaker...world class product. Had enough of mirror polishing parts (laughs)

[Steve in SLO]

Just giving the watch thread a kick to wake it up...

[Likes2ridefar]

While I love mechanical watches, this is my all time favorite because of its led lights that work as a flashlight in a pinch, but the best feature is the vibrating stealth hourly notification, alarm and timer(to the minute!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/57bb5cccee36ff5f90a8b19b68ecd87f_zpsdaefd826.jpg

[Ken Robb]

Just giving the watch thread a kick to wake it up...

I have a Waltham chronograph w/stopwatch functions that is this shape. It was made in Switzerland though Waltham was an American company. I bought it at their Chicago HQ in 1967 or 1968. A guy who claimed to know about watches told me it was made by International Watch Company but I don't know that he was as smart as he claimed.

[Ken Robb]

Just giving the watch thread a kick to wake it up...

I just noticed that the stem on this is on the opposite side of the dial from most watches.

[Likes2ridefar]

I just noticed that the stem on this is on the opposite side of the dial from most watches.

Even lefties deserve some love...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/e622994d4513484fa29615c73172fdaf_zpsf141cba1.jpg

[Ken Robb]

I never fell for the "left-handed monkey wrench" gag and I would have been dubious about the existence of a left-handed watch had I not seen these pix.

[Likes2ridefar]

I never fell for the "left-handed monkey wrench" gag and I would have been dubious about the existence of a left-handed watch had I not seen these pix.

Panerai names them destro.

My coworker, female, is right handed and wears a Rolex diamond encrusted datejust on her right hand....

She also doesn't know how to read a map I learned recently, or do anything not based off memorization. I'm not sure what my point is.

[choke]

I never fell for the "left-handed monkey wrench" gag and I would have been dubious about the existence of a left-handed watch had I not seen these pix.You can add the Sinn EZM series to the list as well. http://www.broadarrow.net/ezm1.htm


This is the watch gets the most wrist time at the moment....

http://misc.ciocctoo.com/sh2.jpg

[Ken Robb]

You can add the Sinn EZM series to the list as well. http://www.broadarrow.net/ezm1.htm


This is the watch gets the most wrist time at the moment....

http://misc.ciocctoo.com/sh2.jpg

Doesn't look left-handed to me?

[pinkshogun]

i bought this at a flea market in new york more than 20 years ago. i doesnt work but looks pretty cool on the wall

[Steve in SLO]

I never fell for the "left-handed monkey wrench" gag and I would have been dubious about the existence of a left-handed watch had I not seen these pix.

It's funny, Ken, that I am left-handed and don't really like those left crowned watches. I never got used to them--I am so used to winding the normal right side of crown watches that I have to turn this watch upside down to wind it. Thank goodness it is an automatic.

[choke]

Doesn't look left-handed to me?I guess I wasn't clear in my post....the watch pictured is one of mine which is getting the most wear lately and not related to my reply to you.

The Sinn EZM series (most of them anyway) have the crown on the left side. Here's a link to an article with many pics of the EZM-1....http://www.broadarrow.net/ezm1.htm

The EZM-2 was interesting in that it was a quartz diving watch which was filled with a silicone-based liquid to provide for use at greater depths underwater. The liquid inside made it much harder for the outside pressure to crush the case. I owned one for a a while and my biggest complaint was that the left-side crown dug into my wrist; I eventually sold it for just that reason. The pic below is my old watch.

[Peter B]

I Love my Nomos Tangente. Bought it in 2000 for the equivalent of 380€ - same model is now around 1000€ new.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/29/06ac36d1a1413eca37149addbb649ac7.jpg

Stowa Antea KS, the workingman's Nomos.

And a Flieger.

[laupsi]

could resist participating!

[Likes2ridefar]

could resist participating!

I've always thought that brand has some interesting models. Almost pulled the trigger a few times but so far no...

Right now I'm thinking about going for a liquid metal PO omega.

[oldpotatoe]

129 replies and counting...many, MANY pictures of fine watches. Ya wonder how they all stay in biz, making things so expensive AND so durable.

Quite the contrast to the 'conspicuous consumption/avarice', $175 t-shirt thread.

[Stephen2014]

http://www.watermanswatches.com/Monthly_Ivory.jpg

My Rolex Prince........lookalike, arrived today :)

[jr59]

129 replies and counting...many, MANY pictures of fine watches. Ya wonder how they all stay in biz, making things so expensive AND so durable.

Quite the contrast to the 'conspicuous consumption/avarice', $175 t-shirt thread.

Very true, but it wasn't long ago that you got some Rapha gear and were singing it's praise! :cool:

[verticaldoug]

http://www.gphg.org/horlogerie/en/prize-list/prize-list-14

The winners from the Grand Prix D'Horlogerie De Geneve

I always liked Breguet.

[oldpotatoe]

Very true, but it wasn't long ago that you got some Rapha gear and were singing it's praise! :cool:

No, I like Rapha and the $175 tshirt gig doesn't bother me..still lust after an all gold, GMT master..maybe with a green or blue face...yummm

[DRZRM]

I have always loved those Dornbluths, tried one on in a watch store in Amsterdam a few years back and really fell for it. I have a couple nice "tool" watches as the WIS refer to the non-dress watches with complications that one might wear everyday regardless of what you are doing. Think Omega Speedmaster.

Some of my favorites are my Sinn 956:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/sinn956strapcreamdial_1836_detail.jpg

Omega Broad Arrow Speedy:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/P1010250.jpg

and my Sinn 142 and IWC GST (titanium, pretty light).

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/SinnIWC.jpg

I stopped buying watches when I had my first kid, but I'm pretty happy with what I have.

I also like that watch in that color and have tried it on many times. I am always disappointed with the weight of the watch. It just feels too light on my wrist.

For a thin bezel with an off white face I went a little dressier with the Dornbluth 99.1. My smallest watch at 42mm.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/6ridge9/88aa02e4-d1f4-43fe-bdc0-bc0af4711643.jpg (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/6ridge9/media/88aa02e4-d1f4-43fe-bdc0-bc0af4711643.jpg.html)


Jeff

[jr59]

More than a few high end, lust worthy watches in this thread.

I am pleasantly surprised!

:hello::hello:

[wooly]

My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary and when to Paris without the kids (:banana:). Got this as a remembrance - It's a Breitling Transocean Limited Edition GMT. I never thought I'd get a Breitling as I have never really been into their aesthetic but kept on coming back to this one. Like wheels on bikes, I got three straps, this leather one being one of them

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P_HIVLd-C50/VFurdjrirQI/AAAAAAAABng/odNW85TaELw/w460-h778-no/IMG_9342.jpeg

[crankles]

I never thought I'd get a Breitling as I have never really been into their aesthetic but kept on coming back to this one.


I was never attracted to them either...but I'm with you on this one...very nice

[DRZRM]

+1, never been a fan, but that is a looker. Very nice!

I was never attracted to them either...but I'm with you on this one...very nice

[oldpotatoe]

I was never attracted to them either...but I'm with you on this one...very nice

Like 40 years ago I had a true 24 hour, I think Breitling..as in hour hand went around once in 24 hours, not twice. Bought it in Naples at USN base. Stopped working when winding stem fell out. Never got it fixed. A 'little' cheaper than they are now.

[Likes2ridefar]

I, too, am in the dislike Brietling camp however I do like that one you purchased. Enjoy it!

The only other one I've always had my eye on...almost bought it on a few occasions is the super ocean heritage in the smaller size. the 46 is wayyy too big on my wrist.

I don't really like the flashy mesh bracelet but on the rubber I think it's nice.

My only beef with the brietling and I suppose I'd have to include most expensive watch brands is the fact it has a relatively cheap ETA movement inside it yet they charge nearly $4k for the SOH. Watches of similar quality with the same movement can be purchased for significantly less.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/20141107_084849_zpsukjod7g3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Spookykinkajou/media/20141107_084849_zpsukjod7g3.jpg.html)

[jmoore]

Interesting short video on how a Nomos is built

http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/382462/how-to-build-a-wristwatch/

[Likes2ridefar]

a few days ago I saw Parlee has a special edition Movado available.

http://www.movado.com/the-inside-scoop/movadoparlee

[malcolm]

Like 40 years ago I had a true 24 hour, I think Breitling..as in hour hand went around once in 24 hours, not twice. Bought it in Naples at USN base. Stopped working when winding stem fell out. Never got it fixed. A 'little' cheaper than they are now.

I've got a meister singer single hand 24 hour watch. Only has one hand and marked in 5 minute increments so if you need more accuracy it's not your watch other than that it's pretty cool. Pocket watch movement I think. I'll post a pic if I can.

[wooly]

I, too, am in the dislike Brietling camp however I do like that one you purchased. Enjoy it!



The only other one I've always had my eye on...almost bought it on a few occasions is the super ocean heritage in the smaller size. the 46 is wayyy too big on my wrist.



I don't really like the flashy mesh bracelet but on the rubber I think it's nice.



My only beef with the brietling and I suppose I'd have to include most expensive watch brands is the fact it has a relatively cheap ETA movement inside it yet they charge nearly $4k for the SOH. Watches of similar quality with the same movement can be purchased for significantly less.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/20141107_084849_zpsukjod7g3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Spookykinkajou/media/20141107_084849_zpsukjod7g3.jpg.html)


Breitling has an in house movement for most of not all of the chronographs now. The one I purchase does and the in house movement played a big part in my decision. I agree with you tho that pricing for some premium brands without in house movements is crazy.

[malcolm]

Are there that many different people making movements entirely in house ??

I know many like Sinn use existing movements and modify them.

[Likes2ridefar]

Are there that many different people making movements entirely in house ??

I know many like Sinn use existing movements and modify them.

not many completely in house but a number have a few models that are.

Rolex, jaeger lecoultre, patek, AP, lange & sohn, panerai has a few, omega has a few, seiko, cartier has a few now, i think maybe girard perregaux does, glashutte, and there are others that have a singular or few models.

for me personally the biggest offender is panerai. those are at least 4000+ now for the base models and probably cost them 1% of that to make.

[malcolm]

My favorite Muhle Glashutte, whole company name Nautische Instrumente Muhle Glashutte
It's their SAR watch used by captains in the german maritime search and rescue. I got it in Italy on a trip 5 or more years ago. I think it's an in house modified existing movement.

[Likes2ridefar]

I've got a meister singer single hand 24 hour watch. Only has one hand and marked in 5 minute increments so if you need more accuracy it's not your watch other than that it's pretty cool. Pocket watch movement I think. I'll post a pic if I can.

I've always wanted one those but am too cheap to pay retail and always miss the used ones for sale...they sell fast! nice!

[malcolm]

I had been looking at them for a good while as well then saw one by chance in Italy for considerably cheaper than I had seen the available in the states. It was the only one he had left. I just kinda lucked into it.

[Steve in SLO]

Likes2ridefar:
There is a 38 mm SOH on eBay right now that I would bet is not going to go for north of $1500, FYI. He also has a for sale on either timezone or watchuseek

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321565583795?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Likes2ridefar]

Likes2ridefar:
There is a 38 mm SOH on eBay right now that I would bet is not going to go for north of $1500, FYI. He also has a for sale on either timezone or watchuseek

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321565583795?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

thanks, i'll have to check the forums to see if I can wiggle a deal. would love to have one at that price. thanks to this thread a dangerous itch for watches has been revived. I had behaved for nearly a year.

edit: found it on timezone asking $1795....

[FlashUNC]

I've been saving my pennies for a Omega Speedmaster. Seems to be the consensus pick on "Well, if there's one watch to have..."

[wooly]

I've been saving my pennies for a Omega Speedmaster. Seems to be the consensus pick on "Well, if there's one watch to have..."

I'm feeling the same way but a Zenith El Primero is really calling my name right now.

[Likes2ridefar]

I've been saving my pennies for a Omega Speedmaster. Seems to be the consensus pick on "Well, if there's one watch to have..."

Like all high end watches, the speedy is part of a collection, imo:)

they can be had easily on FS forums like timezone, rolex forum, etc so consider used to save a lot of $. since they've been around a long long time they are readily available.

[Likes2ridefar]

I'll have one of each please!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/20141107_134050_zpsflwrnxop.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Spookykinkajou/media/20141107_134050_zpsflwrnxop.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/20141107_134000_zpstgeliddt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Spookykinkajou/media/20141107_134000_zpstgeliddt.jpg.html)

[Steve in SLO]

Here's a pic of all cal 321 Premoon Speedmasters from a few years back.
The first model Speedmaster I referenced in response #65 on this thread is at left.

[Likes2ridefar]

Here's a pic of all cal 321 Premoon Speedmasters from a few years back.
The first model Speedmaster I referenced in response #65 on this thread is at left.

I'm a sucker for the ones with patina.

[MattTuck]

I really don't like the overly complex dials/buttons on the speedmasters, but I think these two are something I'd wear everyday.

http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/images/watches/soldier-detail/33192425104001-20.pnghttp://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/images/watches/soldier-detail/33112425103001-20.png

[DRZRM]

Yeah, arguably the most sensible tool watch of them all. I had a "moon" watch for a while, and while I eventually got used to manually winding it, I couldn't get used to the lack of the date function. I eventually got a speedy Broad Arrow automatic and sold the speedy moon watch. A bit shinier (silver bezel) and it offends speedmaster traditionalists, but it better suits my needs. Here is a side by side from before I sent off the moon watch.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/drzrm/P1010257.jpg

I've been saving my pennies for a Omega Speedmaster. Seems to be the consensus pick on "Well, if there's one watch to have..."

[Likes2ridefar]

i really like the date day/date speedmaster but it's probably even more offensive.

[Steve in SLO]

DRZRM, don't worry about offending 'traditionalists' with your silver bezel. If you look at my photo above, you will see silver was originally on the first model watch. Real traditionalists will know that.

[DRZRM]

i really like the date day/date speedmaster but it's probably even more offensive.

You mean this one? A bit smaller than the speedy, and I think the dial layout looks...odd, but my dad always liked that watch.

http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/images/watches/soldier-detail/32205000-20.png

Edit: Huh, thanks Steve, good to know. I thought the older ones all had the black. I generally find the easiest way to not offend "traditionalists" is to stay off the watch sites (timezone, watchuseek). Very few people actually notice what's on your wrist in real life. Way more folks have stopped to comment on my bikes than have ever mentioned a watch I was wearing. Besides, when I had kids I stopped buying watches (other needs for disposable funds) and if you are not collecting, those places don't have so much to offer.

[Likes2ridefar]

You mean this one? A bit smaller than the speedy, and I think the dial layout looks...odd, but my dad always liked that watch.

http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/images/watches/soldier-detail/32205000-20.png

yep that's it! I've always liked GMT watches or things with functions I actually use.

[FlashUNC]

I'm a sucker for the ones with patina.

I'll second that. They seem to age really well with some mileage on them. Like some bike frames I know, come to think of it...

[choke]

I've been saving my pennies for a Omega Speedmaster. Seems to be the consensus pick on "Well, if there's one watch to have..."I'm feeling the same way but a Zenith El Primero is really calling my name right now.It's not a Moon Watch but....:)

http://misc.ciocctoo.com/chr.JPG

[choke]

Ya wonder how they all stay in biz, making things so expensive AND so durable. This runs well and keeps great time; inside the dust cover it's engraved From Kittie to Charles Sept. 12/1908.

http://misc.ciocctoo.com/pw1.jpg

[jlwdm]

I, too, am in the dislike Brietling camp however I do like that one you purchased. Enjoy it!

The only other one I've always had my eye on...almost bought it on a few occasions is the super ocean heritage in the smaller size. the 46 is wayyy too big on my wrist.

I don't really like the flashy mesh bracelet but on the rubber I think it's nice.

...

Super Ocean Heritage on a rubber strap is the only Breitling I like also. Wish there was a 44mm as the 42mm is a little too small.

Jeff

[jlwdm]

I've got a meister singer single hand 24 hour watch. Only has one hand and marked in 5 minute increments so if you need more accuracy it's not your watch other than that it's pretty cool. Pocket watch movement I think. I'll post a pic if I can.

I have looked at the Meistersinger No 1 many times, but still have not pulled the trigger. I like the same dial color of your model.

Jeff

[jlwdm]

I've been saving my pennies for a Omega Speedmaster. Seems to be the consensus pick on "Well, if there's one watch to have..."


I am not a fan of the Speedmaster, but it has many followers. Just do not make the mistake of buying it because it is very popular. Buy what you like - watches are very personal.

Jeff

[thirdgenbird]

I wanted a tag heuer carerra

I got a citizen nighthawk (great budget watch)

Then I wanted a vintage heuer

Now I'm thinking speedmaster mark II or rolex milgauess (dreaming on both accounts)

The nighthawk is doing fine.

[FlashUNC]

I am not a fan of the Speedmaster, but it has many followers. Just do not make the mistake of buying it because it is very popular. Buy what you like - watches are very personal.

Jeff

Oh, don't get me wrong. I like it, a lot.

[Louis]

I prefer simple watches and have gotten years of great use from my Luminox field watch. I have it on a black NATO strap, which I think looks better than the stainless. I don't know exactly how old it is, at least 12 years old, but last year it started to loose time (instead of being silly accurate, with often no adjustments required between DST and Std time) and they replaced the entire movement for a very reasonable amount. (I think the entire overhaul was around $80.)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/useridstephen/luminox.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

I wanted a tag heuer carerra

I got a citizen nighthawk (great budget watch)

Then I wanted a vintage heuer

Now I'm thinking speedmaster mark II or rolex milgauess (dreaming on both accounts)

The nighthawk is doing fine.

Looks like a 70s mark II can actually be had pretty reasonably.

[DRZRM]

I always loved the Speedmaster Mark II. If we are talking dream watches I wished I'd bought before they became so expensive, my top three are Omega Flightmaster:

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/monochorme/monochrome/omega/Omega-Speedmaster-Flightmaster-03.jpg

Omega Bullhead:

http://glamgrid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Omega-Seamaster-Bullhead-%E2%80%93-A-Design-Story-Since-1969-2.jpg

and the IWC Portuguese panda

http://www.uhren-fan.de/img/articles/02.0598_1.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

Anything to look for when mark II shopping?

[DRZRM]

It's all about a trustworthy buyer in todays used watch market. The internet has created such a population of Frankenwatches in the last 10-15 years. While there are certainly counterfeits, the bigger problem are all the watches that have been cobbled together (wrong movements, crowns, hands, crystals, etc.) some are better some are worse. I would only buy from a very, VERY, well regarded member of TZ or watchuseek, and I would actually check several references. Alternately, if there is a local resale scene where you are (any big city) meet your seller at a authorized dealer/service provider and have them crack the case and make sure the movement is what it should be.

Assuming you want vintage and not the reissue (not a problem on such new watches) lots of people have polished out the sunburst texture on the case (most visible in the Bullhead picture in my previous post. In fact the Flightmaster I linked to has been polished into a circular pattern. It looks better that smooth but it is still not right) so that it is totally smooth. It's an easy way to get out scratches/dings, but it looks all wrong. This is what they should look like.

http://modernvintageclassicwatches.com/wp-content/gallery/omega-flightmaster-c-911/omega-flightmaster-4.jpg

and here is the visible sunburst on the Mark II:

http://omegaforums.net/data/attachments/43/43527-d0ba3aa9ea8f9eeb4258c17e0d24f2cf.jpg

It's a great looking watch, and there are still good deals to be found on them in good shape, just be careful out there. It might be worth taking a look at the Mark 4.5 too, I think it is less collectable, and can be found a bit cheaper.

Anything to look for when mark II shopping?

[thirdgenbird]

Thanks. I'm not currently in the market, but could be in the next year or so. I was thinking about a vintage one. While I would like a correct example, I wouldn't be against one that was repaired if it still reasonable, worked, looked reasonable, and most importantly, was priced appropriately. They are 15 years older than me after all.

That last one with a bracelet... Yum...

[Ken Robb]

Here's a pic of all cal 321 Premoon Speedmasters from a few years back.
The first model Speedmaster I referenced in response #65 on this thread is at left.

In 1967 when I was 2nd LT. Robb the PX had Speedmasters for $195 but who could afford THAT much?

[velotel]

My father bought the Patek Phillipe in 1951 or 52, I’ve forgotten exactly. I don’t wear it often but only because it’s too damn valuable and expensive to repair! In absolutely perfect condition. A good friend here has a watch/jewelry story (old family tradition) and I took it to him recently to have the inside lubed as needed. He and his watchsmith apparently loved opening it up and checking all the parts. Apparently every part is numbered and unique to the watch. Just messing around with it was an enormous pleasure for them. He took pics of the interieur to show me, very cool. Little spots of color inside, I asked him what they were. Rubies, part of the action. He even found the watch in some Patek database with the date it was made and sold, etc.

The Breitling my wife bought me for my fiftieth. Hard to believe that was twenty years ago already. Titanium of course, really does make a difference in weight. Based on what I’ve seen in the watches a lot of you like those watches with the little circles and hands inside for various functions. When you’re older you’ll look at those and wonder what you’re looking at without searching your glasses! That’s why I like this model of the Breitling, the hands are easy to see with no glasses. A good watch but in truth I don’t wear it often. Only when I think I might actually need to know the time and even maybe not then since there’s the time in my car and on my phone. Never have liked stuff on my wrist and hands, just my wedding band.

The Patek to my eyes is perfect, simple, clear, elegant. Wind it from time to time (carefully!), put it on, forget it since it hardly weighs much.

[KF9YR]

1697889730

I've always liked the Seamaster chrono. When I saw one in Titanium I couldn't pass it up.

[wallymann]

In 1967 when I was 2nd LT. Robb the PX had Speedmasters for $195 but who could afford THAT much?

what truly sad is that $195 in 1967 is something like $800 in today's dollars -- which reasonably do-able by most folks if they were so motivated.

but the *exact* same new-build speedmaster professional today retails for $4,500 which is significantly less affordable for most folks today!

http://brown-snout.com/horology/collection/omega_speedypro-50th_chrono/speedmaster6of9.jpg

[MattTuck]

what truly sad is that $195 in 1967 is something like $800 in today's dollars -- which reasonably do-able by most folks if they were so motivated.

but the *exact* same new-build speedmaster professional today retails for $4,500 which is significantly less affordable for most folks today!

http://brown-snout.com/horology/collection/omega_speedypro-50th_chrono/speedmaster6of9.jpg


in 3, 2, 1... ;)

[irideti]

Pepsi

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv281/ipenguinking/16750.jpg (http://s692.photobucket.com/user/ipenguinking/media/16750.jpg.html)

[SlackMan]

what truly sad is that $195 in 1967 is something like $800 in today's dollars -- which reasonably do-able by most folks if they were so motivated.

but the *exact* same new-build speedmaster professional today retails for $4,500 which is significantly less affordable for most folks today!


I recall some years ago when Omega decided to push through huge price increases to attempt to vault themselves into a more exclusive set of watch makers. Not quite like Patek, Audemars, etc., but significantly higher 'status' than they were. Of course, they did this mostly without improving their watches (although this was near in time to when they came out with co-axial movements). Anyway, the punchline is that they must have even more gigantic profit margins now. And given that luxury watches are essentially just jewelry, that is not surprising. To be clear about the 'just jewelry' comment, I'm not criticizing--I have an Omega Seamaster GMT (the Great White), happily purchased before the huge price increases!

[Ken Robb]

Remember the $195 was in the PX and quite a bit cheaper than civilian retail but I don't know what the retail price would have been then. The PX was also the first place I saw some obscure Japanese brand called "Seiko". :)

[lemania]

what truly sad is that $195 in 1967 is something like $800 in today's dollars -- which reasonably do-able by most folks if they were so motivated.

but the *exact* same new-build speedmaster professional today retails for $4,500 which is significantly less affordable for most folks today!

The retail price of my 1971 Speedmaster was up about $5.00 .

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HT3MMUr5em-J54RvZLKjoKaKvZElFbeoReUlDVPs38U=w737-h553-no

[oldpotatoe]

Remember the $195 was in the PX and quite a bit cheaper than civilian retail but I don't know what the retail price would have been then. The PX was also the first place I saw some obscure Japanese brand called "Seiko". :)

First cruise, 1975, Navy Exchange in Rota, Spain, had Rolex Oysters(not date just) for $190, in the green case...I should have bought one...or three.

[Ken Robb]

The retail price of my 1971 Speedmaster was up about $5.00 .

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HT3MMUr5em-J54RvZLKjoKaKvZElFbeoReUlDVPs38U=w737-h553-no

So, was $200 the retail price in 1971 or was that some discounted deal/price?

[gone]

The retail price of my 1971 Speedmaster was up about $5.00 .

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HT3MMUr5em-J54RvZLKjoKaKvZElFbeoReUlDVPs38U=w737-h553-no

I'll give you $250 for it. Cash money.

[lemania]

So, was $200 the retail price in 1971 or was that some discounted deal/price?

I am sure that was retail price as the plastic price tag was attached just above the Omega logo to the presentation case at one time. Prices may have varied at different retailers. I will locate the original receipt someday around here.

[Stephen2014]

The way Brooks inflated their prices they could have brought out a saddle called the Brooks Speedmaster to go with people's Omegas.

[thirdgenbird]

I'll give you $250 for it. Cash money.

I will go $300. Cash money.

[Likes2ridefar]

Thanks. I'm not currently in the market, but could be in the next year or so. I was thinking about a vintage one. While I would like a correct example, I wouldn't be against one that was repaired if it still reasonable, worked, looked reasonable, and most importantly, was priced appropriately. They are 15 years older than me after all.

That last one with a bracelet... Yum...

The Rolex forum has a great selection of used watches and you'll quickly see the big sellers there that are trustworthy and provide better service than most ad's.

[hokoman]

I recall some years ago when Omega decided to push through huge price increases to attempt to vault themselves into a more exclusive set of watch makers. Not quite like Patek, Audemars, etc., but significantly higher 'status' than they were. Of course, they did this mostly without improving their watches (although this was near in time to when they came out with co-axial movements). Anyway, the punchline is that they must have even more gigantic profit margins now. And given that luxury watches are essentially just jewelry, that is not surprising. To be clear about the 'just jewelry' comment, I'm not criticizing--I have an Omega Seamaster GMT (the Great White), happily purchased before the huge price increases!

I got recruited to open the first omega boutique in the us - rodeo drive back in 2007 or so. It was short lived since the boutique was full retail and you could go down the street and get 30% off at any authorized dealer. They closed and reopened as a tourbillon boutique... Watches are totally overpriced for what they are and how much the replacement components are.

[Louis]

Watches are totally overpriced for what they are and how much the replacement components are.

Not if they are Veblen Goods (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veblen_good)

[Steve in SLO]

Watches are totally overpriced for what they are and how much the replacement components are.
In the vintage market, you could say that watches are totally overpriced for what they are and so are their replacement components.
And Louis you nailed it: they are Veblen goods, like so much else we talk about here. It is just cool that so much passion, engineering, technology and design aesthetic goes into them.

[Stephen2014]

http://www.velo-heaven.com/images/nov14/smiths-sports1.jpg

Stopwatch with handlebar clip.

[Likes2ridefar]

I made an exception today and wore the AP diver to work and have already, three times, knocked it against a door frame. A quick reminder why it was relegated to weekend duty and why I quit wearing panerai all together.

[jlwdm]

I bang my Panerai and other big watches all of the time. No big deal, just like getting a scratch on a frame.

Jeff

[MattTuck]

That Henry Graves supercomplication sold for something like 23 million. crazy.

[Likes2ridefar]

I bang my Panerai and other big watches all of the time. No big deal, just like getting a scratch on a frame.

Jeff

I disagree thus my post.

It irritates me when I damage anything I own not only watches. Fortunately the AP is built like a tank and more likely to dent the door.

The first panerai I owned was a 104 and a week after purchase I flew to Asia from NYC. When I awoke after a long slumber I discovered about a 1/4" wide group of fine scratches right on the middle of the crystal.

I ended up selling it when I returned after being quoted $1000 by Panerai to replace the crystal. They required a mandatory spa treatment along with the replacement crystal.

[fuzzalow]

I made an exception today and wore the AP diver to work and have already, three times, knocked it against a door frame. A quick reminder why it was relegated to weekend duty and why I quit wearing panerai all together.

I agree and although it might seem overly finicky to concern about beating a watch up in use, IMO fine watches are more jewelry than function nowadays. Some might view it as hirsute to wear a Panerai while working on an oil derrick but I'd see it as wasteful of fine goods. Yes this is an exaggeration but still. If one were to put a nick into the smooth bezel of a Daytona just brushing past someone in getting out of an elevator, it might be a source of irritation.

A much bigger concern is how the timepiece plays image and perception-wise in the evironments that it is worn in. Be it self image or how it plays to co-workers, or more importantly, clients. For my personal use, I like chronographs because I like the complications and the sportiness of the timepiece. But I think it plays badly in professional environments as too ostentatious. There will always be the nimrod that takes his bonus money and buys a two-tone Daytona and flashes it around for months on end to everyone thereby killing the fashion in all watches for the foreseeable future. It is sad when the appreciation of a fine timepiece is perverted from its coveted ownership as a trinket of bling.

There is always a style haven to be found in the safety and discretion of a Cartier Tank. It works for work.

[ceolwulf]

^ That sort of thing is part of the reason I like Grand Seikos so much. To most people, it's just a Seiko. Can't possibly be anything special.

[jr59]

^ That sort of thing is part of the reason I like Grand Seikos so much. To most people, it's just a Seiko. Can't possibly be anything special.

Only some of the finest timepieces ever made.

[Miller76]

These two are getting the most wear at present. I won the SUUNTO in a card game, and the Panerai was my engagement gift from my wife.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/14/d3d211b17f6fa79df334f4dab86fa1e3.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/14/ae3c2b47d644c30585d48a7e9aa8facf.jpg

There have been some stunning watches in this thread, and just as with bikes, the formula for the number of watches you should own is always n+1

The omega was the first really nice thing I bought for myself when things started go well at work. I bought it in London, second hand in 1999 I think when I was around 22 or 23

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/14/9f9635302ee4fb960699b01fcd563478.jpg

[DarkStar]

These two are getting the most wear at present. I won the SUUNTO in a card game, and the Panerai was my engagement gift from my wife.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/14/d3d211b17f6fa79df334f4dab86fa1e3.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/14/ae3c2b47d644c30585d48a7e9aa8facf.jpg

There have been some stunning watches in this thread, and just as with bikes, the formula for the number of watches you should own is always n+1

The omega was the first really nice thing I bought for myself when things started go well at work. I bought it in London, second hand in 1999 I think when I was around 22 or 23

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/14/9f9635302ee4fb960699b01fcd563478.jpg

The Omega, one of the few watches that I really like!

[Schmed]

^ That sort of thing is part of the reason I like Grand Seikos so much. To most people, it's just a Seiko. Can't possibly be anything special.

I had a Rolex for 5 days, but decided it was a bit too fla$hy to wear at work. Bought a Seiko Marinemaster, and everyone says "is that a Rolex", and I answer, "no... just a Seiko".

A wonderfully crafted Seiko with an in-house movement, 300M rating, and impeccable build quality! :cool:

[buddybikes]

Was in my aunt's apartment with my mother and sibling cleaning out her stuff when she moved into assisted living. Orders were to take/remove everything. In one drawer were a bunch of old watches, mostly cheap womens from 1960's, but there was an Illinois solid gold railroad watch as well as solid gold hamilton wrist watch. Asked others if they had any interest, they just nodded no so on my hand and pocket they went.

I am really an antique clock collector, this is where beauty and function come together and add some "life" into the house. Won this at an auction 6 mos ago, circa 1860 calendar French bracket clock.

[malcolm]

^ That sort of thing is part of the reason I like Grand Seikos so much. To most people, it's just a Seiko. Can't possibly be anything special.

I like mechanical watches as well and most of mine are from very small companies most people have never heard of. The only watch I have that anyone ever comments on is a quartz omega I got twenty years ago, nice watch but to me nothing special.

[Climb01742]

sadly, since getting these, i don't find i wear any watch that much anymore. luckily, these are, to me anyway, simply beautifully designed objects. i like the simplicity of each. for me, less is more in a watch.

[malcolm]

Only Rolex I've ever really cared for, white faced explorer, that and an original milgause, but couldn't find nor afford one of those.

[Likes2ridefar]

reviving my favorite thread with a happy friday watch photo.

this one is my second favorite gshock watch behind the same model Japanese grey version. the vibe alarm tickles the nerd within hourly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Spookykinkajou/20141121_100213_zpsgdkzf2gw.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Spookykinkajou/media/20141121_100213_zpsgdkzf2gw.jpg.html)

[Shiversolitude]

thats really cool. I have awful luck with watches though. Id be afraid to even look at something like that.

[ceolwulf]

Old Faithful today.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/28/33f04a953be00bf1348d8553ba8777db.jpg

[Likes2ridefar]

Old Faithful today.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/28/33f04a953be00bf1348d8553ba8777db.jpg

I've always really liked that one. I had a rubber strap version but the strap just didnt rest right on my wrist. I'm tempted to try the one pictured...

[Nooch]

Bringing up an oldie (but a goodie)

Was doing some housekeeping and pulled out a couple items.

This watch was my grandfather's -- reads Waterproof 17 Jewels Incabloc. I'm assuming it's from sometime in the 50's and perhaps army issue (korean war) or purchased sometime around then, but really have no idea. no brand name and an interesting rounded crown. If anyone might have any info on this one, I'd love to know...

A few in the second picture, an older Seiko 5 and Timex, both automatics, were an a dresser that was in our house when we bought it. Amazing how much smaller we were back then, as there's no prayer of any of the existing bracelets/straps fitting me, so I've gone NATO happy. Finally, the Tag Monaco I've had for some time, but figured a refresh with the NATO straps was in order.