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Post by somersetstokie on Sept 14, 2020 13:24:57 GMT
This thread's made me dig out my old watches and finally try to get rid of the ones I never use. Already got 30 for one (Fossil) and 100 for another (Citizen Eco-drive). How Times change. (Pun). I remember when most people either had no watch, or more probably one watch. Usually this watch was inherited from your father or Grandfather, and could even have been a pocket watch. Now everyone has a watch collection to wear as appropriate, including a dress watch, a Sports model, coloured fashion pieces, complex technologies, World Time zones, fitness accessories and so on. Amazing how its all turned round, and also there are so many makes and brands. I used to have a party trick when I could stand at one end of a pub bar and working my way round the room, identify every make of watch worn there by visual recognition, with a very high success rate. (Rotary, Everite, Omega, Tissot, Bulova etc. )Wouldn't know where to start now.
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Post by boskampsflaps on Sept 14, 2020 13:35:12 GMT
For info the Chinese company Wish.com (an extremely irritatingly slow site) sell all sorts of "top" watches such as "Rolex" and "Omega" for less than twenty quid although some are around £100 or more. They do have some nice other makes too and I bought a couple of really nice Citizen Automatic date watches for circa £13.One was a long time arriving and I got a refund (very quickly) and then it turned up two days later. I sent them a message to try and pay but they have never replied so I got it free. Try Aliexpress instead, similar kind of thing really but a better site imo, you can get some good homages with a decent movement and sapphire glass for not a lot of money. Might be of use too.... www.watchuseek.com/threads/best-of-ali-xpress.2636489/page-976
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Post by nott1 on Sept 15, 2020 6:40:13 GMT
For info the Chinese company Wish.com (an extremely irritatingly slow site) sell all sorts of "top" watches such as "Rolex" and "Omega" for less than twenty quid although some are around £100 or more. They do have some nice other makes too and I bought a couple of really nice Citizen Automatic date watches for circa £13.One was a long time arriving and I got a refund (very quickly) and then it turned up two days later. I sent them a message to try and pay but they have never replied so I got it free. Try Aliexpress instead, similar kind of thing really but a better site imo, you can get some good homages with a decent movement and sapphire glass for not a lot of money. Might be of use too.... www.watchuseek.com/threads/best-of-ali-xpress.2636489/page-976 Thanks, as a watchaholic(new word?) I'll certainly be checking those out.
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Post by salopstick on Sept 15, 2020 7:02:03 GMT
I never see the point of wearing a genuine “replica”
You would be better off with a Seiko 007 automatic. A belter of a watch I wish I had not sold mine
I’ve got a seiko kinetic too but my daily watch is a garmin instinct. Basically it’s a fenix in a g-shock style housing
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Post by EccyStokie on Sept 15, 2020 8:05:45 GMT
I must admit Iv a soft spot for quality watches. I think it started when I got carried away in a watch shop in Barbados. Splurged on a Tag Aquaracer back when I couldn’t afford it!
Since got a classic Tag as a wedding present from the wife and a very old classic Omega passed down to me. I only really wear the Aquaracer.
Fancy a Seamaster planet ocean next but it’s a steep upgrade in price.
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Post by FbrgVaStkFan on Sept 15, 2020 13:10:37 GMT
You all are making me get that itch again. ...must ...resist ...
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Post by foster on Sept 15, 2020 21:13:02 GMT
Just sold my (never used and boxed) Victorinox Maverick. Been in the cupboard for 5 years so just wanted rid and got 250 quid directly via facebook marketplace.
Probably could have got more but with no potential use, no warranty, and needing a new battery I just wanted to trade asap.
Sold 3 watches in 3 days and got near 400 quid. Will maybe sell another one and then replace those 4 with a new one.
Any recommendations for watches around the 500-1000 mark?
My only real objection is that I don't like gold, or brown coloured straps.
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Post by marylandstoke on Sept 15, 2020 21:58:32 GMT
For all of you, including elystoke, any watch that you yourself are happy with, and that tells the time accurately is a good acquisition. The good thing about having a genuine TAG Heuer or Rolex, is the satisfaction of ownership, and the sense of having "succeeded" in some way. Some people aspire to own a Rolex all their life without realising the dream. The downside is the fear or risk of losing it or having it stolen. Even with good insurance a replacement is never quite the same as having your first prestige watch. Unfortunately for many people, once you have one classic watch, you probably want another and it becomes an obsession. Mind you some copies and replicas are very good, and the only person who might know that you are not wearing the genuine article is yourself, so you pay your money and take your choice. This is great advice. For me the goal was just to get a nice watch with those magical words on the face: "Swiss Made". For my 30th a few years ago I treated myself to a Tissot and I haven't regretted it once. It's got a really nice, quality feel to it, the accuracy is incredible and everything that you would want from a Swiss made timepiece, and yet it wasn't so expensive that it makes me ever think twice about wearing it in certain situations. As that first step up into the world of luxury watches, I would 100% recommend Tissot. I have a couple of Tissot in the “starting 11” They really are wonderful little pieces, and depending on what you fancy, you can get something nice for what, in collectors prices, int too bad. If you mug me for my Tissot, you need it more than I do. One other consideration that has not yet been mentioned...I have the wrists of a twelve year old girl. Case sizing can be important and I have found the T to be quite good for that. The Hamilton triangular is ace. My other Hammy is round and is about as big as I could take (ooh er) Overstock (the retailer) is quite fun for searching and I have bought a couple of things from them. All the box porn, case tags, books etc. Think Mrs Md got my present off there too. Theres an ad over here for potato chips...bet you can’t eat just one. Watches for me...same
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Post by lawrieleslie on Sept 16, 2020 7:09:58 GMT
Was looking the other year for a mate found watchfinder more reliable than most the thing you have to watch out for is scammers and also fakes try and do your research and try to not put contact details in forms of sites that you don't know validity of . Also it might be worth considering contacting a good auction house for info on any specialist auctions coming up or contacts they know of just be careful and do your research like all investments they can go up and down depending on demand condition and amount produced Yeh, I'd imagine it's very difficult for someone that isn't an expert to spot the difference between some of the copies you can get and the genuine article. I bought a couple of copy Rolex's in the Middle East in the eighties and I'd defy anyone to tell the difference from genuine ones without taking them apart and finding the Seiko workings inside Or worse the cockroach which was reputedly put inside Fake Rolex to create the ticking noise in the quartz mechanism. Hence cocky watches in Honk Kong years ago.
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Post by elystokie on Sept 16, 2020 7:22:43 GMT
Yeh, I'd imagine it's very difficult for someone that isn't an expert to spot the difference between some of the copies you can get and the genuine article. I bought a couple of copy Rolex's in the Middle East in the eighties and I'd defy anyone to tell the difference from genuine ones without taking them apart and finding the Seiko workings inside Or worse the cockroach which was reputedly put inside Fake Rolex to create the ticking noise in the quartz mechanism. Hence cocky watches in Honk Kong years ago. Thought I'd got a 6 week draft to HK once, turned out the guy read the draft order wrong and it was 6 weeks in Rosyth on a HK patrol boat we were selling to the Irish Navy
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Post by somersetstokie on Sept 16, 2020 9:10:26 GMT
As referenced by the OP, the watch at the start of the thread, the Omega Speedmaster Professional makes an interesting case study. Cue today's history bit.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, Gus Grissom and John Young wore the first officially NASA qualified Speedmasters on Gemini 3 in March, 1965. In 1966, Speedmaster reference 105.012 was updated to reference 145.012. These two models would be the two Speedmaster references known to have been worn on the Moon by Apollo astronauts, the original "Moon watches." Speedmasters were used throughout the early manned Apollo program, and reached the Moon with Apollo XI. Ironically, these and prior models are informally known as "pre-Moon" Speedmasters, since their manufacture predate the Moon landings and lack the inscription subsequent models carry: "The First Watch Worn on the Moon".
In June of 1965, Ed White made the first space walk by an American, during the Gemini IV mission, with an Omega Speedmaster ref 105.003 strapped to the outside of the left-side sleeve of his G4C space suit. This walk was the highlight of the mission and astronaut Ed floated free outside the spacecraft for approximately 20 minutes. The 105.003 Omega model is now known simply as an Ed White. This issue was made for a relatively short period of time, 1963-69, with the majority made in 1965.
As it was a different model to that which was used during the Apollo XI mission,(the 145.012) Ed White's 105.003 and those others prior to that, form the group informally named as "Pre Moon Speedmasters", as explained above. A decent "Ed White" example was sold at auction recently at Bourne End Auction rooms in Buckinghamshire, on Sept 2nd, with a pre sale estimate of £4,000 to £6,000. It was sold together with its original paperwork, and additional Omega replacement bracelet, with a hammer price of £8,500.
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Post by hillside on Sept 16, 2020 9:53:03 GMT
I’m thinking of buying an omega speedmaster professional. A sizeable investment.(4-5k) ... but is it worth it. Don’t want to buy it and it too lose money consistently on it. I currently collect g shock Casio’s , some of which are collectible but want to advance it abit I currently work within the prestige timepiece industry and would be intrigued to know why you are leaning towards the speedmaster professional from all of the Swiss made options within that price point. In terms of the highest quality movement and production I would recommend you looking into the Grand Seiko "Snowflake". It has the Springdrive movement essentially a hybrid Mechanical and quartz movement with second to none time keeping accuracy. It is finished with Zaratsu polishing a Japenesse Samurai heritage second to none within the watch making world and its dial is hand enamelled using techniques passed down for thousands of years. Its RRP is £5,400 if it had a different brand name on the dial its price could comfortably be £20,000 +. If you are looking for a piece that does not lose value however an Omega is a good brand choice.
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Post by richie22 on Sept 16, 2020 12:05:35 GMT
I’m thinking of buying an omega speedmaster professional. A sizeable investment.(4-5k) ... but is it worth it. Don’t want to buy it and it too lose money consistently on it. I currently collect g shock Casio’s , some of which are collectible but want to advance it abit I currently work within the prestige timepiece industry and would be intrigued to know why you are leaning towards the speedmaster professional from all of the Swiss made options within that price point. In terms of the highest quality movement and production I would recommend you looking into the Grand Seiko "Snowflake". It has the Springdrive movement essentially a hybrid Mechanical and quartz movement with second to none time keeping accuracy. It is finished with Zaratsu polishing a Japenesse Samurai heritage second to none within the watch making world and its dial is hand enamelled using techniques passed down for thousands of years. Its RRP is £5,400 if it had a different brand name on the dial its price could comfortably be £20,000 +. If you are looking for a piece that does not lose value however an Omega is a good brand choice. thanks for the reply, was lucky to see one of the Apollo speed masters last year and fell in love with it, I’ve been buying low end collectible watch’s for a while now, and wanted to advance it by getting something with prestige. I’ve seen plenty of speedmasters around the 4-5 k mark so fancied one.
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Post by hillside on Sept 16, 2020 12:38:45 GMT
[/quote] thanks for the reply, was lucky to see one of the Apollo speed masters last year and fell in love with it, I’ve been buying low end collectible watch’s for a while now, and wanted to advance it by getting something with prestige. I’ve seen plenty of speedmasters around the 4-5 k mark so fancied one. [/quote] Completely understand they are a spectacular watch and you can not go wrong with an Omega, I have recently added a Seamaster Diver 42mm on the rubber strap and am very happy with my purchase. Something to possibly consider would be a Bremont as they come fully COSC certified I just got a great deal on a brand new MBII as it was the discontinued style from this company www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/watches/swiss-watches/bremont/mens.html there is ultimately so much choice!
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Post by salopstick on Sept 16, 2020 13:35:34 GMT
If you want budget very budget decent watches the Russian vostok scubaman automatic ones are ok
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Post by butlerstbob on Sept 16, 2020 15:49:54 GMT
I’m thinking of buying an omega speedmaster professional. A sizeable investment.(4-5k) ... but is it worth it. Don’t want to buy it and it too lose money consistently on it. I currently collect g shock Casio’s , some of which are collectible but want to advance it abit I currently work within the prestige timepiece industry and would be intrigued to know why you are leaning towards the speedmaster professional from all of the Swiss made options within that price point. In terms of the highest quality movement and production I would recommend you looking into the Grand Seiko "Snowflake". It has the Springdrive movement essentially a hybrid Mechanical and quartz movement with second to none time keeping accuracy. It is finished with Zaratsu polishing a Japenesse Samurai heritage second to none within the watch making world and its dial is hand enamelled using techniques passed down for thousands of years. Its RRP is £5,400 if it had a different brand name on the dial its price could comfortably be £20,000 +. If you are looking for a piece that does not lose value however an Omega is a good brand choice. What's your opinion on the Breitling Avenger ii Automatic Chronograph chap? some people love them but from a high end perspective they don't seem to get a fantastic review when compared to omega...then again omega are probably twice the price!
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Post by questionable on Sept 16, 2020 15:54:38 GMT
As much as I like nice things regardless of price a watch would be the last thing I’d look at, although I have my eye on a nice Cayenne at the moment but not sure about the Hybrid model
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Post by somersetstokie on Sept 16, 2020 17:24:05 GMT
I’m thinking of buying an omega speedmaster professional. A sizeable investment.(4-5k) ... but is it worth it. Don’t want to buy it and it too lose money consistently on it. I currently collect g shock Casio’s , some of which are collectible but want to advance it abit I currently work within the prestige timepiece industry and would be intrigued to know why you are leaning towards the speedmaster professional from all of the Swiss made options within that price point. In terms of the highest quality movement and production I would recommend you looking into the Grand Seiko "Snowflake". It has the Springdrive movement essentially a hybrid Mechanical and quartz movement with second to none time keeping accuracy. It is finished with Zaratsu polishing a Japenesse Samurai heritage second to none within the watch making world and its dial is hand enamelled using techniques passed down for thousands of years. Its RRP is £5,400 if it had a different brand name on the dial its price could comfortably be £20,000 +. If you are looking for a piece that does not lose value however an Omega is a good brand choice. Hillside, I am sure that you will be pleased with recent developments in the auction markets, with some important recognition of the role and position of Seiko models in the Collector's portfolio. It is certainly true that brands such as Rolex, Omega and Breitling have usually been the star performers in the field, with influential buyers competing at the world's biggest prestige Auction Houses to own status symbols by a handful of Swiss brands, with prices sometimes into 6 figures. Discerning collectors are encouraged that Seiko is now being taken seriously. Bonhams auctioneers, Hong Kong office, recently arranged the dispersal of one of the World's largest and best collections of Seiko watches. in an online auction, entitled "Making Waves". After a few initial controversial issues with questions regarding some lots that involved possibly modified or rebuilt models, we were left with around 170 collectable pieces. The dedicated Seiko auction sale was a huge success, and it closed on August 25th
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Post by neworleanstokie on Sept 16, 2020 18:06:46 GMT
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Black Nipple Two-Tone Gold Stainless 40mm and Vintage IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3508 (designed by the legendary Gérald Genta - can withstand magnetic fields of up to 500,000 A/m.) Both have been sitting on the Watchwinder for the last 6 months.
My everyday is an Apple Watch Series 3 as it's just so practical while I'm working or working out. If I'm wearing to the office I'll switch out the Nike band for Hermes leather strap which looks good.
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Post by richie22 on Sept 16, 2020 19:39:23 GMT
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Black Nipple Two-Tone Gold Stainless 40mm and Vintage IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3508 (designed by the legendary Gérald Genta - can withstand magnetic fields of up to 500,000 A/m.) Both have been sitting on the Watchwinder for the last 6 months. My everyday is an Apple Watch Series 3 as it's just so practical while I'm working or working out. If I'm wearing to the office I'll switch out the Nike band for Hermes leather strap which looks good. player two has entered the game...
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Post by foster on Sept 16, 2020 19:51:51 GMT
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Black Nipple Two-Tone Gold Stainless 40mm and Vintage IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3508 (designed by the legendary Gérald Genta - can withstand magnetic fields of up to 500,000 A/m.) Both have been sitting on the Watchwinder for the last 6 months. My everyday is an Apple Watch Series 3 as it's just so practical while I'm working or working out. If I'm wearing to the office I'll switch out the Nike band for Hermes leather strap which looks good. Literally the only thing that stood out for me there was 'Black Nipple'.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2020 0:18:54 GMT
A Rolex sea dweller. Which is surprisingly shite at keeping the time. A Seiko which I love www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-divers-60/A g shock which you could probably hit with a hammer and it would still work. Don't think I need anymore. Seiko probably most practical as looks good and not insane price
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Post by heworksardtho on Sept 17, 2020 5:04:28 GMT
I haven’t got TIME to collect watches
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Post by hillside on Sept 17, 2020 6:34:48 GMT
I currently work within the prestige timepiece industry and would be intrigued to know why you are leaning towards the speedmaster professional from all of the Swiss made options within that price point. In terms of the highest quality movement and production I would recommend you looking into the Grand Seiko "Snowflake". It has the Springdrive movement essentially a hybrid Mechanical and quartz movement with second to none time keeping accuracy. It is finished with Zaratsu polishing a Japenesse Samurai heritage second to none within the watch making world and its dial is hand enamelled using techniques passed down for thousands of years. Its RRP is £5,400 if it had a different brand name on the dial its price could comfortably be £20,000 +. If you are looking for a piece that does not lose value however an Omega is a good brand choice. What's your opinion on the Breitling Avenger ii Automatic Chronograph chap? some people love them but from a high end perspective they don't seem to get a fantastic review when compared to omega...then again omega are probably twice the price! I own a Breitling Avenger II Seawolf limited edition Carribean dial and I love it. I mean they are big heavy divers watches which you can't really get away with in terms of dress watxh where as the Omega and Rolex equivalents you can. Like you say though price does increase greatly however in terms of its time keeping and mechanism it is just as good as either!
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Post by hillside on Sept 17, 2020 6:37:12 GMT
As much as I like nice things regardless of price a watch would be the last thing I’d look at, although I have my eye on a nice Cayenne at the moment but not sure about the Hybrid model Each to their own I suppose, I will say watch collecting does become addictive similar to following Stoke City (with less of the emotion)...
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Post by hillside on Sept 17, 2020 6:41:59 GMT
I currently work within the prestige timepiece industry and would be intrigued to know why you are leaning towards the speedmaster professional from all of the Swiss made options within that price point. In terms of the highest quality movement and production I would recommend you looking into the Grand Seiko "Snowflake". It has the Springdrive movement essentially a hybrid Mechanical and quartz movement with second to none time keeping accuracy. It is finished with Zaratsu polishing a Japenesse Samurai heritage second to none within the watch making world and its dial is hand enamelled using techniques passed down for thousands of years. Its RRP is £5,400 if it had a different brand name on the dial its price could comfortably be £20,000 +. If you are looking for a piece that does not lose value however an Omega is a good brand choice. Hillside, I am sure that you will be pleased with recent developments in the auction markets, with some important recognition of the role and position of Seiko models in the Collector's portfolio. It is certainly true that brands such as Rolex, Omega and Breitling have usually been the star performers in the field, with influential buyers competing at the world's biggest prestige Auction Houses to own status symbols by a handful of Swiss brands, with prices sometimes into 6 figures. Discerning collectors are encouraged that Seiko is now being taken seriously. Bonhams auctioneers, Hong Kong office, recently arranged the dispersal of one of the World's largest and best collections of Seiko watches. in an online auction, entitled "Making Waves". After a few initial controversial issues with questions regarding some lots that involved possibly modified or rebuilt models, we were left with around 170 collectable pieces. The dedicated Seiko auction sale was a huge success, and it closed on August 25th Somerset, it is just excellent that they are finally receiving the recognition they deserve based purely on the quality and precision that they implement in their watches. As you say I do believe that true watxh collectors are now seeing beyond the traditional big brand power of Rolex, Omega, Breitling etc and look into brands such as Grand Seiko, Blancpain and Zenith in a more favourable light. I will spend my evening looking into the "Making Waves" auction thank you for the information.
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Post by hillside on Sept 17, 2020 6:45:28 GMT
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Black Nipple Two-Tone Gold Stainless 40mm and Vintage IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3508 (designed by the legendary Gérald Genta - can withstand magnetic fields of up to 500,000 A/m.) Both have been sitting on the Watchwinder for the last 6 months. My everyday is an Apple Watch Series 3 as it's just so practical while I'm working or working out. If I'm wearing to the office I'll switch out the Nike band for Hermes leather strap which looks good. Happy to adopt these to save you on the electricity bill for you winder... I have point blank refused to get a fitbit or apple watch as I'm sure I'll love either and then let my collection just spin around indefinitely on the Wolf.
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Post by hillside on Sept 17, 2020 6:48:31 GMT
A Rolex sea dweller. Which is surprisingly shite at keeping the time. A Seiko which I love www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-divers-60/A g shock which you could probably hit with a hammer and it would still work. Don't think I need anymore. Seiko probably most practical as looks good and not insane price Nobody needs more than 1 in reality, but wheres the fun in that... I agree regarding G shock I have one for my im going on a long walk watch (gets barely any use) and it is as you say basically indestructible.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2020 7:29:40 GMT
A Rolex sea dweller. Which is surprisingly shite at keeping the time. A Seiko which I love www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-divers-60/A g shock which you could probably hit with a hammer and it would still work. Don't think I need anymore. Seiko probably most practical as looks good and not insane price Nobody needs more than 1 in reality, but wheres the fun in that... I agree regarding G shock I have one for my im going on a long walk watch (gets barely any use) and it is as you say basically indestructible. Well... Now I've wrote it down and had a look I do reckon I'm missing something a bit more plain/formal looking and Xmas is coming!
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Post by neworleanstokie on Sept 18, 2020 16:12:26 GMT
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Black Nipple Two-Tone Gold Stainless 40mm and Vintage IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3508 (designed by the legendary Gérald Genta - can withstand magnetic fields of up to 500,000 A/m.) Both have been sitting on the Watchwinder for the last 6 months. My everyday is an Apple Watch Series 3 as it's just so practical while I'm working or working out. If I'm wearing to the office I'll switch out the Nike band for Hermes leather strap which looks good. Happy to adopt these to save you on the electricity bill for you winder... I have point blank refused to get a fitbit or apple watch as I'm sure I'll love either and then let my collection just spin around indefinitely on the Wolf. Appreciate the offer but I'll pass! I resisted the Apple Watch for a long time but when the Series 3 came out which you could use without being tethered to an iPhone I opted in. It's super practical especially if you live in a city like NY. And it's great for running as it has all my music, ability to text and run keeper etc. The big downside with owning premium watches is the maintenance. Both have been in for overhauls etc.and those can be pricey. Pre-covid I would wear for special occasions - nowadays they just look good on the winder!
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