Well it was 17:00 when I opened it.
Bulova Lunar Pilot. I like it a lot.
cat69uk
Just want to know the pitfalls, any model or year I should avoid? Serviced a deal breaker? Papers and box, does it matter? Not buying to retain value, but to use. Cheapest I have seen is £1,400, most I would probably spend is £3k. Any help greatly appreciated.
What versions are you looking at? There quite a variety in that price range from the 90s Bonds to Peter Blake's onwards.
If it's not to sell on then I don't think B&Ps are required and you should pay less as a result. Condition wise these 90s/00s models should but in excellent condition in the 2-3k range including the bracelet.
I'm looking at a Peter Blake and expect to pay between 1.8-2.5k with B&P privately depending on the version.
With spectacular timing (2 years and 2 weeks after I got it - with a 2 year warranty), the butterfly clasp for my Sinn U50's rubber strap has shat itself. Got an email in to Sinn to see about repairing it, but in the meantime I've swapped it back onto the OEM bracelet.
It's funny how different it looks on the bracelet compared to the (red) OEM silicone strap - much more understated, like a proper tool watch. Weirdly I think the pointier hands would work better with the bracelet though, where the blocky hands look good with the strap
https://photos.app.goo.gl/XkgfnraRQQHocHY68
Oh, duh, meant to ask: has anyone tried a MN-style strap on a dive watch, and how do you find it works? I've had watches on NATO straps before and frankly found the weight of the watch head felt unbalanced - the strap just letting it wang around on my wrist in a way that a bracelet or rubber strap wouldn't
@kamakazie also looking at the Peter Blake, a few on Ebay & Chrono24. Would you only buy from the UK, what about from Europe, Japan, risky?? Also anywhere else I should be looking?
@blazin-saddles also love the look of the Marine Nationale Pelagos, where did you purchase at 25% off!!
I've never bought from Japan but seen plenty of good feedback from others. Think you'll pay VAT and import duty so check that out first.
If you've got access to TZ Forums, there's a 2254.50 on at the moment for £2600. I was tempted but would prefer the quartz version.
@blazin-saddles also love the look of the Marine Nationale Pelagos, where did you purchase at 25% off!!
it was some sort of special offer at Goldsmiths that finished last weekend. They weren’t advertising it either, just the manager mentioned the discount as I was browsing.
I’ve never bought from Japan but seen plenty of good feedback from others. Think you’ll pay VAT and import duty so check that out first.
I’ve bought from Japan, usual things apply; check feedback / reviews , try and use seller with bricks and mortar. It was fine and I’d have no problem doing it again
@nicko74 where did you buy the Sinn, is there anywhere in the UK that one can try one on in person and see what they think?
I'm really tempted by a U50 but not sure on sizing.
Sinn dealers in the UK that I’m aware of include James Porter & Son in Glasgow, Frances & Gaye in Coventry and First Class Watches in Kenilworth.
Good question. I got mine direct from Sinn sight unseen - or at least not having tried it in the flesh! It was a bit of a gamble, but I've always been really pleased with it
Via some idle browsing I found this for a very good price
https://www.hillierjewellers.co.uk/mens-sharp-edged-kabuki-automatic-watch-p17826
Struggling to post an image
?♂️
Question for the watch clan. Anyone know where to get a replacement spring for a butterfly clasp? It's for my Sinn; Sinn themselves said I'd need to buy a replacement (c£200), but on closer inspection it's just that the spring at the middle of the clasp has broken.
3mm long, about 1mm diameter, about 8 coils of wire in it.
As there are some smar****ches crop up in here and I now mostly wear smar****ches, here's my new one. Samsung Galaxy Ultra
The squircle looks are a bit divisive, even in the Samsung watch community. I like it though (but then I also like G-Shocks). Operation is super slick and getting over 2 days from a charge. Some nice feature upgrades over previous models. Usually go for a very minimalist digital dashboard, but currently playing with having a lot of info on the screen. Will probably end up going back to something more simple after I've had it a while
Not sure if anyone’s interested in a limited Willard Black 1970 reissue, 8L movement limited to 1000 pieces, but I have an offer to get one for £1150 new reduced from £2850 from an AD. I’ll try and post a pic, pM me.
OMG.
Just watching The Fall Guy with Jnr and at 39:47 Ryan Reynolds is wearing a Tag Carrera Glassbox Chrono…. UPSIDE DOWN! Left wrist, pushers on the LH side toward the elbow. And it’s not a LH watch - the subdials show the Watch worn incorrectly.
FFS!
Just watching The Fall Guy with Jnr and at 39:47
Tried watching it tonight and honestly wondering how you managed to get as far as 39 minutes without turning it off.
That's coming from someone who loves trashy action films.
Actually wishing we'd gone for the Nick Cage film we were considering instead
and honestly wondering how you managed to get as far as 39 minutes
My son is 15.
As there are some smar****ches crop up in here and I now mostly wear smar****ches, here’s my new one. Samsung Galaxy Ultra
That's nice, but by god it's a chonky thing
Vibes:
Blimey, are you Andrej?
I've had the Lunar Pilot two weeks now and I'm really happy with it.
Been a real trip with watches the last few years
Sold as many to Rolex as I’ve bought from them and then sold them on as well.
Down to one bi-metal Sub
Recent purchases have been a Grand Seiko spring drive , a quartz Tag F1 and last week I picked up a Tudor Black bay 41 monochrome on the jubilee bracelet.
Lovely thing , quite hard to track down actually but am happy that I’ve another “ submariner “ as an every day watch , since the dealer bought my last one off my wrist when I went to buy one ?
@nicko74 - I do like that Sinn, I’m quite fond of the hands and indices on that model, and l love that strap, the rounded centre links really set it off, it’s completely different to anyone else. I don’t get on with rubber or silicon straps, they make my wrist too sweaty then I get a rash and the skin peels, not to mention the grotty buildup of stinky sweat, dirt and dead skin on the underside*.
I was thinking about getting a Sinn, but I’m struggling to justify it, the two cheap CasiOaks I’m wearing, (I swap between them as the mood takes me), are so light and comfy, with the stretchy woven straps I’ve put on them, that I haven’t worn any of my other watches, let alone even thought about buying another expensive one.
*Yes, I know, I could take it off and wash it, or wear it in the bath or shower, but I’d usually keep it on and think that’s enough, not thinking about taking it off, but it’s mainly the fact that it doesn’t take long in hot weather for my skin to start to turn red and peel because the strap isn’t breathable, which is why I bought adapters for my CasiOaks before I bought the watches.
Loved my Lunar Pilot but ultimately I found the proportions a bit challenging and Speedy Pro came my way so it went out the door. Great watches though, I see they slimmed the size down a bit for the new ones and doubled the price too!
Any quick fixes for a loose bezel? Mine is loose and the protrusions catch on sleeves:
This triggers my OCD a lot, and im wondering if there’s anything I can do and avoid an expensive separate repair until I can combine it with a service.
aha - the second watch based used of Dental floss - may be useful for others, worked a test and appears invisible!
https://www.watchcrunch.com/LilHarp/posts/dental-floss-for-fixing-loose-wobbly-watch-bezel-39555
@countzero: great summary, and I'm a big fan myself. It really exudes solidity, proper GADA watch, especially with the Tegimenting. And although I didn't like the bracelet at first I'm growing to like it. The clasp isn't the best, but it all works, and looks pretty versatile.
It's pretty dense for its size though, heavier and more robust than a CasiOak; my suspicion is a stretchy or NATO-style strap might not be the best as the weight would shift around on your wrist.
@kryton57 I'd get the nice man at Calibre to look at that. The bezel assemblies don't look complex, sometimes just a spring or a ball and spring and it would be a shame for the bezel to wobble off unnoticed and get lost...
@boblo it was last serviced by Calibre during lockdown ‘21 and has only been worn twice since. It’s wear - it was never the tightest and this was my daily from 2007-2014 during which i picked up the habit of using the bezel like a fidget spinner 🙁
my suspicion is a stretchy or NATO-style strap might not be the best as the weight would shift around on your wrist.
I recently bought a water resistant leather backed canvas strap for the SPB317 replacing a nato and it’s good at managing that issue:
£15 from eBay, yes it is shaped / flexible now and yes it does need to be a little distressed to compete the look 🙂
@Kryton57 - do you have a link ('scuse the pun) to the ebay supplier of that strap? I think it would look great on my Lunar Pilot. What length is it? I have a 7" wrist so need a bit of longiness.
I’m sure you’ll be fine, I have 6.5 inch wrist, 5 hole spare:
Being new to the forum, I'm wondering if folks have dabbled in building/ modding their own?
Here's an attempt of mine:
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Tell me what to do!!
I've got a lovely Rolex GMT Master II with black ceramic bezel, all boxes and papers. Has been my daily wear for the last 7-8 years. It's in lovely condition. My eye has been caught by Tudor's Black Bay Chrono. Do I keep the GMT or do I trade it and take the Tudor and I expect some cash?
What would you kids do??
Sell me the GMT for trade in price and buy the Tudor ?
Not sure if this is acceptable but i have finally decided enough is enough with my Omega Seamaster 300 auto. It just sits in the box and i really cant see me ever using it again. The fact my dad has just bought me a Speedmaster to sit beside it means i'm even less likely to use it.
I really dont feel comfortable selling it, a watch guru friend helped me buy it originally. Ive kind of lost touch so dont feel i can ask for his help again. I am not even that bothered about its value other than to say i dont want ripped off. Where do i go with it because ive checked out a lot of these websites and i just get drowned as i really am not that clued up on them.
Any help appreciated.
I’d probably list it on eBay with as much detail and as good photos as you can muster, start it at a price you’re happy with and let the demand dictate the price.
Ordered – cheers Kryt.
Pics when it arrives….
Any help appreciated
Keep it, they won’t get any cheaper and you have a desirable model. You don’t have to love / wear it everyday to keep it, but one day you’ll likely fall in love with it again. If you want convincing go and watch Adrian Barkers review on YouTube where he goes in depth about the movement - that alone is quite a compelling reason to own one.
I’d probably list it on eBay with as much detail and as good photos as you can muster, start it at a price you’re happy with and let the demand dictate the price. This scares me something chronic.
I will have a look on that youtube video but i really have got sick of taking it out of its box when i go for a birthday meal, having to set it etc and then put it back in its box. My apple watch is so much more for me unfortunately.
A) wear it more
B) it’s your call, but that’s the reason I refuse to buy a smart watch (although secretly jealous of my 11yo stoic ability to wear one watch continuously - an instinct 2s - without a second thought)
For me it’s an appreciation of the tiny mechanics, looks and potential conversation starter for something I’m interested in. I wore my SMP for three days last week, am wearing it now only changing for the Seiko above for a weekend involving things I might bash a watch on.
This scares me something chronic.
why? eBay have a good watch authentication service and protection programme. Otherwise, take it to Goldsmiths or a.n. Other watch dealer and ask for consignment selling, you’ll get much less money but you might feel more comfortable.
How does the watch authentication work. Do i send it off to ebay for this?
Yes Kryton, the smart watch has kind of killed off any appreciation i had of a nice watch. It simply takes the watch from a piece of art to something that has no significance at all.
I have called the local jewellers and made an appointment to go and see them. If they offer me anything reasonable (I dont know what reasonable is) then i will take it.
Had a good read of the ebay authentification process. Seems excellent service. If i list it as starting at £1500 then it gets sent for authentification etc free of charge.
I will see what the shop says then decide whether to list it. Thanks for the help
