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Fine Watches

S snipesMember
Is anyone else interested in seeing the upcoming Apple watch? I've poo pooed these new smart watches, but something about Apple's upcoming edition has caught my attention so much that I could see myself purchasing one of these for ~$500 and scratch the new watch itch assuming they put out a good product.

Are the days of traditional mechanical watches and craftsmanship winding down? I mean let's face it, a high percentage of sub $5k watches use purchased movements from Swatch that can't cost much more than $100.

Will the younger generation continue to prize the simple elegance in a single function mechanical piece of jewelry?
V vinaigreMember
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
Is anyone else interested in seeing the upcoming Apple watch? I've poo pooed these new smart watches, but something about Apple's upcoming edition has caught my attention so much that I could see myself purchasing one of these for ~$500 and scratch the new watch itch assuming they put out a good product.

Are the days of traditional mechanical watches and craftsmanship winding down? I mean let's face it, a high percentage of sub $5k watches use purchased movements from Swatch that can't cost much more than $100.

Will the younger generation continue to prize the simple elegance in a single function mechanical piece of jewelry?


I'm interested in the Apple Watch, I've been in the market for a fitness bracelet. The good ones go for $150-$200 with all the features I would want (heart rate without a strap, certain splash proofness, sapphire crystal etc..)
The Apple Watch will do all that and then some.
I would rather wait even if its extra $$
Its on my wish list for my BDay !!

I still haven't given up on my wanting a Panerai.... One day !!
InsightInsightMember
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
Are the days of traditional mechanical watches and craftsmanship winding down? I mean let's face it, a high percentage of sub $5k watches use purchased movements from Swatch that can't cost much more than $100.

Will the younger generation continue to prize the simple elegance in a single function mechanical piece of jewelry?

It remains to be seen what the millenials decide is still "retro cool" as they continue to mature.

At least to me, it is interesting to note that the values of vintage Rolex timepieces have mostly gone up in the past 5 years. Granted, that coincides with a drop in values post-Great Recession and an increase in value as the global economy improved. I guess my faith in investing many times over in a marquee brand that represents "old" technology has been rewarded (at least on paper).
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
Is anyone else interested in seeing the upcoming Apple watch?

Not in the least.

Are the days of traditional mechanical watches and craftsmanship winding down? I mean let's face it, a high percentage of sub $5k watches use purchased movements from Swatch that can't cost much more than $100.

Snipes, just the opposite has happened. More and more companies have moved towards in-house movements than ever before. Montblanc and Cartier being just two examples alone. Also, do not forget that the finer companies greatly upgrade and modify the ETA movements when they buy the basic 2824 or Valjoux 7750 designs. Also, do not overlook the custom cases, their materials, ( much difference) their testing and straps.

Will the younger generation continue to prize the simple elegance in a single function mechanical piece of jewelry?


Snipes, horology has never been about the masses, so yes there will always be a market for the few that seek out the finer timepieces. Much like wine, art and other forms of collecting, horology nuts rarely own just one fine timepiece. Also keep in mind, with few exceptions fine watches are not mass produced all things considered. ( Rolex being an exception)
P parcivalMember
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
My dad just gave me his titanium IWC/Porsche Design watch.

I had to laugh, it's so small! It's so 80's!! I want to wear white Vuarnets at the same time! With a pink sweater ties around my shoulders...


What are we talking about . . . 36mm case?

Seems like the new "standard" is 40mm at the smallest end of the spectrum though I think most Rolex's are still at 38mm (is that true?)
P parcivalMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
Is anyone else interested in seeing the upcoming Apple watch?

Not in the least.

Are the days of traditional mechanical watches and craftsmanship winding down? I mean let's face it, a high percentage of sub $5k watches use purchased movements from Swatch that can't cost much more than $100.

Snipes, just the opposite has happened. More and more companies have moved towards in-house movements than ever before. Montblanc and Cartier being just two examples alone. Also, do not forget that the finer companies greatly upgrade and modify the ETA movements when they buy the basic 2824 or Valjoux 7750 designs. Also, do not overlook the custom cases, their materials, ( much difference) their testing and straps.

Will the younger generation continue to prize the simple elegance in a single function mechanical piece of jewelry?


Snipes, horology has never been about the masses, so yes there will always be a market for the few that seek out the finer timepieces. Much like wine, art and other forms of collecting, horology nuts rarely own just one fine timepiece. Also keep in mind, with few exceptions fine watches are not mass produced all things considered. ( Rolex being an exception)


W+A . . . agree. I do think the apple watch will make a big splash. But a digital computer on your wrist is no substitute for a hand-crafted time piece. For me, my watch is really the only jewelry I wear other than my wedding ring. I like the functionality promised by the apple watch but time pieces aren't just about functionality . . . they are the true culmination of fashion + function in one complete package. apple watch is just in a totally different ball park
V vincentricMember
quote:
Originally posted by vinoevelo:
I'm not sure it qualifies as 'fine' but the nerd in me couldn't resist any longer and I picked up a blue swatch sistem51. It will be interesting to see if this movement lasts over time and ends up as revolutionary as the marketing group would have one believe.


Interesting. Combien?

Definitely qualifies as nerd, but in a good way. Fine? I'm not qualified to judge on that one. If the watch keeps accurate time and doesn't break down, it could be a true breakthrough, and high on the watch nerd scale. The timepiece that tops the nerd list for me isn't an expensive watch, but rather the favorite clock of my mother's cousin who was a Swiss watchmaker in Zurich. I was a very simple gold with a simple face. Inside was an extremely accurate self-winding movement driven by changes in the barometric pressure.
InsightInsightMember
quote:
Originally posted by patespo1:
Did you guys see this story?

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/...llar35000/ar-BBhHiKP

Would you have kept the watch or sold it?

I would've sold it. But the only vintage I like and own is Rolex.

The MSN article is also a bit misleading. The buyer who paid $35K and an Omega Speed Master for the JLC is one of the foremost vintage timepiece vendors in the world. Though he may be keeping it, he will be selling it (now or in the future) for significantly more than he paid.
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
You would never know it was a PP. It's a very very handsome watch but for $50k I personally think its a bit silly. Get an IWC if you want a pilots watch.

Loved the retro Dark side of the moon (white side not so much), The Glashutte senator was nice, The duometer Breguet 7077 pretty spectacular but I loved the Chopard LUC regulator and the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity. The UN anchor Tourbillon was a good watch from them and the 4N from Francois Quentin while not my thing at all is a masterpiece.
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