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This is another hobby of mine which cost a small fortune.................. I'm gonna have to find me a VERY understanding woman who can put up with my spending habits. I can't wait to be able to afford the toys I love the most - the one's that can be driven and have little prancing horse insignias on them.
-Rob
Rob,
FRom what I can tell those are great looking watches. How long have you been into them? Which is your favorite?
Rich, I've been collecting them for ten years or so. To me, they are tiny mechanical marvels - especially the automatics. My favorite is the one in the winder on the far left. It's a Breitling Chronomat that was made by the Swiss specifically for their U.S. employees. It reads "Breitling for America." Only a few were made and they were never for retail sale. In my brief stint in medicine, I bought it from one of my patients who retired from Breitling.
-Rob
Those do look really, really nice.
Watches, from what I understand it, are quite the pricey hobby. I've always fancied that I might want an antique pocket watch, but from the prices I've seen... I don't want one *that* much. And besides, with me, I could never have just one.
I don't collect them, but my everyday wear is Certina DS Pilot Automatic (ETA 2892A2, i think)... I will be satisfied with the Omega Railmaster with the coaxial movement. Infact, I have another mechanical wonder, the SANDY 490 Military Issue, Type 1. It has Tritium vials on the dial, and ETA 2801 mov, I wear it on the move. Also a Carrera quatz chrono. So, OK, I'm a collector, too :o
Nenad
My good friend collects watches. The 250k and up kind! He thinks knives are really cool now because they are so cheap. I used to have that prancing horse habit by the way. I restored a 250GTL and a 330GTS way back when. Both were barn finds. Had a few more modern ones too, but none any more.
I thought I was the only nut. I, too, am a collector of watches. Although my collection is small, I love each and every one of them. All are automatics except my Tag 2000.
Tag Heuer Lynx
Tag Heuer 2000
Omega Seamaster "Bond"
Omega Seamaster DeVille (vintage)
Rolex Submariner 16610
Sears & Roebuck Pocketwatch (very vintage - manual)
Funny how I took a break (financially) from accumulating timepieces and without missing a beat began accumulating straight razors and the related paraphernalia. :shrug:
You're right though, Rob. Automatics and manuals are mechanical marvels.
Jeff
Jeff, you have an awesome collection. I like the TAG 2000 - my brother has one too. The second watch from the left is a TAG Specialist Pilot. It comes with an operating manual that's 3/4 of an inch thick. It's amazing the calculations that the watch can pereform.
Tell me what you think of my plan: when the day comes to buy an engagement ring (the surprise is gone these days because the brides-to-be typically pick their stone and setting beforehand), I'm gonna make a deal with my fiance. If I'm gonna spend upwards of 5-figures on a ring, the least she could do is reciprocate with a Submariner 60th Anniversary (green bezel). Why should the bride get all the good, expensive stuff?
I never thought of getting a pocket watch because to me, a watch is functional jewelry that should be worn like clothing - for all to see. Watches are the only "jewelry" I wear.
-Rob
But, instead of plunking down 5 figs on just a ring, get her a ring for 5K and get yourself a Sub! That way, you save yourself a couple of bucks. :hmmm:
I personally think the Sub is the nicest of the sports models Rolex makes. The LV is very nice. I like the maxi dial. I wish the 16610 came with a maxi dial. However, I still like the 16610.
The Tag 2000 is for sale. If you're interested in an interim watch (much cheaper than $5k) until you take the plunge, send me a pm.
Jeff
I've been collecting watches for many years now. I have about 40 vintage pockets and about 30 vintage wrist watches, mostly high end Seiko's. I used to do the swiss thing until I realized what a ripoff most were. If you want a real quality timepiece get yourself a vintage American railroad grade pocket. They aren't that expensive and to buy a modern swiss watch with half the quality would cost you well into five figures.
The American railroad timepiece is one to behold. Any particular site to visit? Also, I like the vintage Seikos. They're nice timepieces! As far as Swiss goes, I probably won't buy another Swiss watch. You're right, they are a bit overpriced, especially Rolex. Of course, I have to hand it to their marketing department.
Do you ever visit Timezone.com?
Jeff
yep, I visit timezone all the time as well as the seiko and citizen forum. If you have a watch shop that sells vintage pocketwatches in your area that's the best place but on the web I've bought a few things from oldwatch.com he's a bit pricey but still reasonable as long as you stay away from the mint rare pieces.Quote:
Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr
Most people don't realize that seiko makes many high end watches that rivel the best swiss watches at far lower prices unfortunately they don't market them outside Japan the new spring drive is probably the only one they have started to market outside Japan. However there are dealers in Japan who will sell and ship these watches outside Japan. I have many of them myself.