My watches are just cheap crap with a reason why I don’t throw them out. The TAG on the left is a favourite. 32 years old this Christmas. (The watch that is).
I only have a couple of cheapies I've picked up, ones a Mondaine (which could really do with a new strap)
and this which I really like, and had from Gumtree for £35.
I quite fancy a Seiko Kinetic Titanium for my birthday next year, apart from Creation, where's good to pick up Seiko's? Some of the ones on Creation seem pretty dated.
I've used Long Island Watches before with no issues.
2nd Seiyajapan - been fine twice for me.
Eddiebaby, I remember those TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches, they came out around the same time as my Series 1000, maybe a year later, and they were very popular, because apart from Swatch, which was the influence, there were no sports watches that were that brightly coloured. I think they were about half the price of the Series 1000. Can’t find any for sale online, to see what they’re going for now.
Any of you watchists got a suggestion?
Obviously the everyday watch is that Seiko on a variety of NATO straps, but of all my watches, this is my favourite +1.
The original owner was a polymath, a French reistance hero and a true gentleman. After the war, he'd never sleep in a bed again, and all i know is that it was because of something the Nazis had done to him (He always made the distinction between the Nazis and Germans)
From the research I've done, it's from '36. When I inherited it, I took it to my jeweller, Tribbecks in Salisbury, for a service. They did a sterling job. They asked if I wanted the glass repaired, butI declined. Every scratch could be a part of a story...
Makes me so proud to be able to wear it, and I'll pass it on to my son, who has the original owner's name as one of his names.
The original owner was a polymath, a French reistance hero and a true gentleman. After the war, he’d never sleep in a bed again, and all i know is that it was because of something the Nazis had done to him (He always made the distinction between the Nazis and Germans)
That story requires it's own thread.
Matt, I'm gradually piecing together his life, and that of his wife (Mrs CFH's great aunt!) who was an equally fascinating person.
He was half Guadeloupean, half French, an enthusiast for puzzles, chess and the like, worked for Reuters (among others) spoke myriad languages, and had the most elegant hands of any man who ever lived. Always perfectly turned out, always perfectly polite. A product of a bygone age.
...more please
As someone with an appreciation of the events around that time, a personal timepiece like that one and the wearer needs more coverage.
Damn you Kryton - Garmin Instinct (Tundra) added to the xmas list. Anyone want to buy a 935? 😉
I can relate OP
I have a thing for vintage quartz.
I've just added an Omega X-33 to:
Omega NASA prototype Speedmaster LCD called the "Alaska IV", only 12 made - all numbered, I have number 1, delivered to NASA for testing on the Shuttle programme.
2 Omega Speedmaster Lobsters
2 Omega Speedmaster LCD
Omega Mariner 1
Omega 2.4mhz "Stardust"
Omega Time Computer
Omega Skindiver
and a G Shock
Omega stardust- go on post a pic. Lovely watch.
Slightly OT. Can anyone recommend somewhere for servicing that isn't stupidly expensive? I've got a beautiful 50's chronograph that needs attention. Quotes have been over £600 which I just can't justify right now. Last time it was done by this guy who ran one of the forums, did a fantastic job but no longer takes work on. He did it for circa £250 .
Damn you Kryton – Garmin Instinct (Tundra) added to the xmas list.
😀 Glad to be of service.
Ever since this thread has been opened I'm hankering after a Rolex Submariner, I'm loving the look. Best get saving... 8o
@futon river crossing - I remember the Alaska from TZ so just re-read that thread, are you still planning to sell it next year?
Jeffc's collection is high end for most normal folk but anyone collecting older Rolex subs has seen prices rise by crazy amounts of late.
There's still plenty vintage and modern watches that are great to wear and a safer place for your money than bikes....
I see the forum software is still pants. Only 3 edits required!
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Omega NASA prototype Speedmaster LCD called the “Alaska IV”, only 12 made – all numbered, I have number 1, delivered to NASA for testing on the Shuttle programme.
None of the Alaska prototypes that were delivered into NASA testing made it back into the public domain.
None of them.
Ive caved and bought a Seiko Samurai (2017) on sale. My collecting friend reckons the price will double over a few years so this is a part investment.
@waitforme Richard Askham or Angelsea Watches.
@Derek Starship - not sure what you're saying?
Presumably you're saying that I have not been to Bienne twice and met with the top man there who personally looks after Nsas's Speedmasters and had the watch authenticated. That I don't have an extract from the archives stating that my watch was sent to NASA for evaluation in the Shuttle program.
@deepreddave - yep - I'm in contact with Sotheby's today actually, 50th anniversary of the moon landing auction.
Presumably you’re saying that I have not been to Bienne twice and met with the top man there who personally looks after Nsas’s Speedmasters and had the watch authenticated.
Why does the North Somerset Agricultural Society require such fancy watches with testing and authentication? I thought farmers were meant to be skint.
@futon - cheers. That'll be exciting and I guess you're expecting a healthy profit so fingers crossed for you. Potentially a good time to sell too given the vintage speedie market of late 😀
Has anyone on here had a first-hand look/feel of the Hirsch Eucalyptus Bark watch strap? Link below, and I am actually looking to fit one to my Speedmaster Professional (which is conveniently the watch used for the marketing photographs!).
It looks like an interesting alternative to the raw/distressed "vintage" leather straps that I was originally looking at, minus the animal content.
I'm looking for something that will age nicely, as the watch itself has a nice patina/character to it and so I don't want anything too obviously new looking.
Below is my Chopard, which I replaced with the Speedmaster. A bit of an impulse purchase and I did like it, but I have a self-imposed one-in, one-out policy on "nice" watches!
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4883/46151887552_0bd9df8ee8_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4883/46151887552_0bd9df8ee8_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2djhugb ]Chopard Mille Miglia[/url]
@deepreddave - yeah hope so, I have delayed selling to catch the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, as advised by the Omega experts, they are really keen to acquire the watch, mainly I think because it is Number 1. I offered it to them privately, but they are only ably to buy it in a public manner. Also, for them it generates publicity for their brand and heritage and the space connection.
Has anyone on here had a first-hand look/feel of the Hirsch Eucalyptus Bark watch strap?
Not likely to, it's rubber with some bark on the outside for effect. I'd maybe at a push (but probably never) spend £80 to upgrade from a rubber strap, but definitely never to one.
It seems as though there are some serious collectors on here.
I'm currently wearing a Rolex GMT II - in my opinion a lovely watch and a great alternative to the usual Submariner.
I also have a year 2000 Omega Speedmaster Reduced which i am considering selling. the watch is double boxed with all cards, papers and purchase receipt. It is currently in need of a service.
Any idea on value or anyone interested in acquiring?
@Malvern Rider
Yes I appreciate it's a bit of an odd one! I don't like the standard metal bracelet, and I want something a bit casual but different from the usual suspects.
I was thinking about one of the many Nato straps available, but it's hard to gauge which are good quality and which are just cheap & flimsy nylon with shiny plated lugs.
Omega NASA prototype Speedmaster LCD called the “Alaska IV”, only 12 made – all numbered, I have number 1, delivered to NASA for testing on the Shuttle programme.
Is this the one that has a thread on a watch forum about it?
If so, I never got closure on that thread! Great to hear that it is was you suspected, very special indeed.
I'd love a Speedmaster to go with my Seamaster but I've no idea what its worth and if I could afford it - can you let me know when you decide to sell?
Oh gosh, pretty...
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/46156339892_6fcd854908_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/46156339892_6fcd854908_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2djFiME ]IMG-20181206-WA0004[/url]
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4816/46156339912_05257e46cc_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4816/46156339912_05257e46cc_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2djFiN1 ]IMG-20181206-WA0002[/url]
Those Samurai's are nice looking and I missed out on a black one which was super discounted. Unfortunately my wife had gone out in the car with my wallet and by the time I'd remembered about the offer it had ended. Seen some really quite pretty domed sapphire which has red AR coating - black Samurai with glass upgrade would look lush IMHO
I'm still half tempted with a black Phoibos Subby homage as $ for $ they are excellent value. But deep down I'm holding out for the v6 Helm Vanuatu
Spinnaker are making some nice kit too, and some of the range is quite well priced
Aphex - Lowry jewellers online - half price Samurai’s including black ones... be quick now I’ve mentioned it.
Damn you lot. I know its not a fancy automatic with Jewels and whistles but I love the look of these and snapped this up at a decent discounted rate.
2" alt="Mondaine Evo 2" />
That is a super pretty watch.
Looking at these nice watches makes me want a new nice pens thread.....
Ooooo watches! I spend more time on watch forums these days. There's some proper watch nutters there. Anyway my current rotation is
- Victorinox INOX
- Victorinox INOX diver
- Seiko PADI Diver
- Hamilton Khaki Field Auto
- Oris Aquis
- Longines Hyrdoconquest
- Omega Planet Ocean - on the way.
I like the look of the Mondaine Helvetica
Oh, and thanks to @matt_outandabout for pointing out the Timex Waterbury - if only I could get over my Timex aversion.
The GP ON Mondaines must be in the %hundreds. Cheap, mass produced quartz movements housed in crappy cases and marked Swiss Made. No thanks.
Soooooo, spent a disturbing amount of time looking at G-shocks recently, I feel I am not alone here.
Has anyone bought through the Amazon Japan site? I have created an account and registered cards and such, and it all seems straightforward including that they take care of the import duty stuff.
Any horror or is it all that simple?
I bought a g shock from here this year.
You might get lucky with What you want from here rather than Japanese eBay 🙂
Mine was b stock- aka the box was scratched, £150 off!
Thanks TM, Forgot to mention that the one I’m looking at is a Japanese market only version, nothing outrageous and available on UK fleabay, but quite like the idea of getting it direct.
@wait4me - Deacons & Son, in Swindon, Marlborough and Royal Wootton Bassett. They fixed the broken mainspring and serviced my Yema, cost £450. For a just a service they’re likely to be cheaper than that. They have their own in-house watch-makers, so they know they’re about.
https://www.deacons-jewellers.com
