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Fine Watches

doubleddoubledMember
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
Curious...how many watches do you own (you being anyone who replies) and how many do you wear? I have three watches that I rotate weekly.

I have 3, two of which have sentimental values that were given on my college graduation - a Cartier Tank and a Tudor. I purchased a stainless steel Mont Blanc automatic about 7 years ago on a store close-out to be used as an every day and travel watch. When the time is right, I would like to buy one with Arabic numerals and a dark face.
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by DoubleD:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
Curious...how many watches do you own (you being anyone who replies) and how many do you wear? I have three watches that I rotate weekly.

I have 3, two of which have sentimental values that were given on my college graduation - a Cartier Tank and a Tudor. I purchased a stainless steel Mont Blanc automatic about 7 years ago on a store close-out to be used as an every day and travel watch. When the time is right, I would like to buy one with Arabic numerals and a dark face.


Glad to see Tudor moving towards in-house movements.

While I don't wear my Mont Blanc as much as I should, it has been an excellent timepiece.
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by CSM:
I have the following:

JLC Master Ultra thin, which I don't wear as often as I should
JLC Master Compressor Chrono 2
IWC Portuguese Chrono
Zenith Open Grande Date

Nice collection.

Zenith and also Eterna are both trying to find their way in today's ever changing marketplace. I hope they are both successful.

So, what are you considering for your 40th? Big Grin
C csmMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by CSM:
I have the following:

JLC Master Ultra thin, which I don't wear as often as I should
JLC Master Compressor Chrono 2
IWC Portuguese Chrono
Zenith Open Grande Date

Nice collection.

Zenith and also Eterna are both trying to find their way in today's ever changing marketplace. I hope they are both successful.

So, what are you considering for your 40th? Big Grin


The one that has caught my eye most recently is the Zenith Defy El Primero 21, but I haven't really begun looking in earnest. I also might like another JLC, but I'm not sure which.
vinoevelovinoeveloMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
I have never really been much of a boutique brand guy in the past with few exceptions. That said, there are more and more micro-brands available than ever before.

I bought the Magrette Moana Pacific Professional Black dive watch out of New Zealand. They made 500 of these automatic 500 meter watches.

Not expensive so not too much of a risk if it doesn't find its way into the rotation.


I picked up a stainless/black dual time probably 2 years ago and really like it. Somewhat in regards to your seasons comment - I seem to wear it the most in winter. The dual time feature works well when you business partners are consistently in different time zones.
S SarbuzeMember
I'm from just outside of Detroit (originally) and spent 4 years in the "D" during undergrad. I've always been fascinated by Shinola, having visited their flagship store a few times, but never pulled the trigger because I couldn't settle on one I loved.

A good friend of mine at work surprised me with a very nice Shinola watch as a congrats on a recent promotion. Wearing it today and love it. I realize it isn't in the "timepiece" category but they really do make nice looking watches. And I'm finally wearing something that says "Detroit" right on it...makes me feel good and nostalgic Smile

Shinola Argonitz 1069 w/ blue face and tan band
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by sarbuze:
I'm from just outside of Detroit (originally) and spent 4 years in the "D" during undergrad. I've always been fascinated by Shinola, having visited their flagship store a few times, but never pulled the trigger because I couldn't settle on one I loved.

A good friend of mine at work surprised me with a very nice Shinola watch as a congrats on a recent promotion. Wearing it today and love it. I realize it isn't in the "timepiece" category but they really do make nice looking watches. And I'm finally wearing something that says "Detroit" right on it...makes me feel good and nostalgic Smile

Shinola Argonitz 1069 w/ blue face and tan band


Sarbuze, congrats and a nice gift. Is your model 41mm?

I would put Shinola in the fashion watch category personally. They do very well it appears in their marketplace.

I bought one impulsively last year. At their low price point I figured what the heck. While I don't wear it often, I do enjoy it when I do. A solid fairly priced fashion watch I think.

I hope you enjoy yours a great deal!
N napacatMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
What do you guys now about a brand called Brathwait (Automatic Swiss movement)?

Not expensive ($600 or so) and really quite a nice looking minimalist type face.


Never heard of the brand.


They are quite good looking. I tend towards the simple and uncomplicated faces. I thought for the price it would be a nice addition...They use a Swiss caliber SW 260 movement.
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
What do you guys now about a brand called Brathwait (Automatic Swiss movement)?

Not expensive ($600 or so) and really quite a nice looking minimalist type face.




Never heard of the brand.


They are quite good looking. I tend towards the simple and uncomplicated faces. I thought for the price it would be a nice addition...They use a Swiss caliber SW 260 movement.


The dail is the first impression for sure. Much more to a watch than its engine, though its engine is clearly important.

Are you a NOMOS fan? They are clearly influenced by the Bauhaus school.
N napacatMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
What do you guys now about a brand called Brathwait (Automatic Swiss movement)?

Not expensive ($600 or so) and really quite a nice looking minimalist type face.




Never heard of the brand.


They are quite good looking. I tend towards the simple and uncomplicated faces. I thought for the price it would be a nice addition...They use a Swiss caliber SW 260 movement.


The dail is the first impression for sure. Much more to a watch than its engine, though its engine is clearly important.

Are you a NOMOS fan? They are clearly influenced by the Bauhaus school.


I don't know too much about Nomos...but they are attractive and I do like that style.
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
What do you guys now about a brand called Brathwait (Automatic Swiss movement)?

Not expensive ($600 or so) and really quite a nice looking minimalist type face.




Never heard of the brand.


They are quite good looking. I tend towards the simple and uncomplicated faces. I thought for the price it would be a nice addition...They use a Swiss caliber SW 260 movement.


The dail is the first impression for sure. Much more to a watch than its engine, though its engine is clearly important.

Are you a NOMOS fan? They are clearly influenced by the Bauhaus school.


I don't know too much about Nomos...but they are attractive and I do like that style.


They are making their own movements now.

As a huge fan of the Bauhaus school overall and their philosophy that I heed to in both design and art, the NOMOS watches leave me lacking for some reason. Odd.
N napacatMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by Napacat:
What do you guys now about a brand called Brathwait (Automatic Swiss movement)?

Not expensive ($600 or so) and really quite a nice looking minimalist type face.




Never heard of the brand.


They are quite good looking. I tend towards the simple and uncomplicated faces. I thought for the price it would be a nice addition...They use a Swiss caliber SW 260 movement.


The dail is the first impression for sure. Much more to a watch than its engine, though its engine is clearly important.

Are you a NOMOS fan? They are clearly influenced by the Bauhaus school.


I don't know too much about Nomos...but they are attractive and I do like that style.


They are making their own movements now.

As a huge fan of the Bauhaus school overall and their philosophy that I heed to in both design and art, the NOMOS watches leave me lacking for some reason. Odd.


Ok I can see that. For some reason if you like that style you should like them more. Seems to be an element missing. In looking at them...I did not have a strong desire to purchase.

For my taste...I completely like what IWC does. Although, some of the watches are getting really big.
haggishaggisMember
This is a general watch query, not limited to "fine watches," at least I don't think it is.

Being new to watches, I'm wondering what the relative merits are of (1) hand winding, (2) automatic, (3) self-winding. Apologies if I got the terminology wrong.


With respect to a different topic on Bauhaus style, I too like some of the IWC (Portofino) and Junghans (Max Bill).
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
Haggis they are both mechanical watches. Either hand wound or automatically (self-winding with a little weight that freely spins and creates spring tension as opposed to you winding the crown to create spring tension).

The relative merit is 1) that it is (usually) something that has has more care put into it than something which runs off of a battery. 2)Geeky in that you have a little mechanical machine beating away on your wrist whose sole job is to count very very accurately. 3)Beauty 4)something ultimately inconsequential and useless in today's' world that you can spend stupid money on just because.
haggishaggisMember
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
Haggis they are both mechanical watches. Either hand wound or automatically (self-winding with a little weight that freely spins and creates spring tension as opposed to you winding the crown to create spring tension).

The relative merit is 1) that it is (usually) something that has has more care put into it than something which runs off of a battery. 2)Geeky in that you have a little mechanical machine beating away on your wrist whose sole job is to count very very accurately. 3)Beauty 4)something ultimately inconsequential and useless in today's' world that you can spend stupid money on just because.


Thanks Rob. Much obliged. So, what about quartz movement/battery? I presume NOT favored by serious watch enthusiasts. I'm considering a "nice" watch that I will not wear every day, so I'm guessing that of the two mechanical options, manual movement/hand winding might be the way to go, as opposed to automatic?
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
Haggis they are both mechanical watches. Either hand wound or automatically (self-winding with a little weight that freely spins and creates spring tension as opposed to you winding the crown to create spring tension).

The relative merit is 1) that it is (usually) something that has has more care put into it than something which runs off of a battery. 2)Geeky in that you have a little mechanical machine beating away on your wrist whose sole job is to count very very accurately. 3)Beauty 4)something ultimately inconsequential and useless in today's' world that you can spend stupid money on just because.


Thanks Rob. Much obliged. So, what about quartz movement/battery? I presume NOT favored by serious watch enthusiasts. I'm considering a "nice" watch that I will not wear every day, so I'm guessing that of the two mechanical options, manual movement/hand winding might be the way to go, as opposed to automatic?


There are both beautiful and collectible watches that are quartz but in the same way that most mass produced wine doesn't excite many of us the way something hand created does, quartz doesn't excite the way mechanical does.

Quartz of the same watch will often be less money than the mechanical version and you can just throw it on and go, no setting of time etc...

In terms of a watch you infrequently wear I don't see much difference between automatic and manual unless you are putting the auto in a winding case where it will always be wound and keeping time. I put on an automatic watch this morning that had stopped, shook my arm like my hand had gone asleep for a few seconds and it was running again. Set the time after that and you're good to go. Mechanical I would have set the time then wound the crown for 20 seconds. Neither are onerous.
W wine+artMember
Will jump in quickly as I need to run and can write more later.

Adding to what Rob wrote, all quartz movements are not even remotely the same quality. Most Jump when moving, not all. Some have a sweeping movement like mechanical. Also much difference in anti-magnetic qualities, number of jewels and entry price points just to name a few.

Since the first quartz movement in 1969, much has happened including some quartz watches now having a $4000 price entry point.

Must run, more later, great topic.
N napacatMember
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
Thanks Rob and w+a. You are most helpful. I am looking forward to taking my first steps into the world of "fine" watches and really appreciate your thoughtful and helpful comments. A generous community, this. Much obliged!


All my watches (3) that I enjoy are automatic self-winding watches. They stop if I don't wear them for a few days...but it is really not an onerous process as Rob mentioned to get them moving again.

There are some people that buy for an increased value and hope to sell them. I just buy to wear. Two IWC Portofino's a Rolex Air King that I really like (not terribly expensive at all).

Invest in a great watch and you'll get the joy of wearing it...looking at it and appreciating all the work that went into making and crafting it.
winedocwinedocMember
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
Thanks Rob and w+a. You are most helpful. I am looking forward to taking my first steps into the world of "fine" watches and really appreciate your thoughtful and helpful comments. A generous community, this. Much obliged!


Haggis,

How exciting your foray into a nice watch, and as has been described, it does not have to cost a lot, but many do.
Three of my watches are automatic (self-winding), and I hate the arm flailing motion, so I keep them on a winder. This way they are always good to go and the date is usually correct, if not a day off. These are the easiest to deal with.
I have one manual wind watch, which I bought for that unique aspect, but if it has been a week or so, then I have to wind it up, which takes a few minutes.
I have one battery fine watch, but then I have to send it off to have the battery change - so this is a little bit of a pain.

I would recommend the automatic for your first fine watch or perhaps the manual wind if you become completely infatuated with it.

Happy shopping!
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Received a very nice gift from my better half of a Panerai PAM00111 with sandwich face with brown suede strap and black rubber strap. Will probably pick up an olive canvas strap in short order, but after one evening of wearing it, I was in love.


Cool Very nice, TPE.

I love their natural suede straps and the patina it takes on over time.

Funny you mention canvas. One of the hot topics currently on a watch forum I'm on daily is about Panerai watches on NATO/ Zulu and canvas straps. I think they look great.
T tpewinedrinkerMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Received a very nice gift from my better half of a Panerai PAM00111 with sandwich face with brown suede strap and black rubber strap. Will probably pick up an olive canvas strap in short order, but after one evening of wearing it, I was in love.


Cool Very nice, TPE.

I love their natural suede straps and the patina it takes on over time.

Funny you mention canvas. One of the hot topics currently on a watch forum I'm on daily is about Panerai watches on NATO/ Zulu and canvas straps. I think they look great.

Many thanks W+A. Good to know about the canvas straps. I think I am just a canvas strap kinda guy, when not wearing the suede strap. Don't think I will get much wear out of my rubber strap however.
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Received a very nice gift from my better half of a Panerai PAM00111 with sandwich face with brown suede strap and black rubber strap. Will probably pick up an olive canvas strap in short order, but after one evening of wearing it, I was in love.


Cool Very nice, TPE.

I love their natural suede straps and the patina it takes on over time.

Funny you mention canvas. One of the hot topics currently on a watch forum I'm on daily is about Panerai watches on NATO/ Zulu and canvas straps. I think they look great.

Many thanks W+A. Good to know about the canvas straps. I think I am just a canvas strap kinda guy, when not wearing the suede strap. Don't think I will get much wear out of my rubber strap however.


I have never put rubber on either of my Panerai watches. Just too hot for me and I don't wear either of mine in water.

Congrats again.
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Received a very nice gift from my better half of a Panerai PAM00111 with sandwich face with brown suede strap and black rubber strap. Will probably pick up an olive canvas strap in short order, but after one evening of wearing it, I was in love.


Cool Very nice, TPE.

I love their natural suede straps and the patina it takes on over time.

Funny you mention canvas. One of the hot topics currently on a watch forum I'm on daily is about Panerai watches on NATO/ Zulu and canvas straps. I think they look great.

Many thanks W+A. Good to know about the canvas straps. I think I am just a canvas strap kinda guy, when not wearing the suede strap. Don't think I will get much wear out of my rubber strap however.


I have never put rubber on either of my Panerai watches. Just too hot for me and I don't wear either of mine in water.

Congrats again.


Agreed. I gave my rubber strap to my BiL who does wear it. OTOH I do love the rubber strap on my chopard before I changed it to a leather one I had made (and will be changing back soon) and if I ever do get the Nautilus I"m lusting over I"m very happy with that rubber strap.

Oh and nice birthday present TPE. I'd say she's a keeper.
haggishaggisMember
quote:
Originally posted by Wine doc:
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
Thanks Rob and w+a. You are most helpful. I am looking forward to taking my first steps into the world of "fine" watches and really appreciate your thoughtful and helpful comments. A generous community, this. Much obliged!


Haggis,

How exciting your foray into a nice watch, and as has been described, it does not have to cost a lot, but many do.
Three of my watches are automatic (self-winding), and I hate the arm flailing motion, so I keep them on a winder. This way they are always good to go and the date is usually correct, if not a day off. These are the easiest to deal with.
I have one manual wind watch, which I bought for that unique aspect, but if it has been a week or so, then I have to wind it up, which takes a few minutes.
I have one battery fine watch, but then I have to send it off to have the battery change - so this is a little bit of a pain.

I would recommend the automatic for your first fine watch or perhaps the manual wind if you become completely infatuated with it.

Happy shopping!


Thanks, Wine doc, for your thoughtful comments and advice. Much appreciated!
S snipesMember
What are the thoughts on the Tudor line of watches? I understand they are owned by Rolex, which frankly does nothing for me.
I'm eyeballing the Tudor Ranger. I purchased a similarly styled Hamilton Officer 6-8 months ago and it has been in the shop more than on my wrist. If they can't fix it this go round I'm going to ask for my $$ back and move on to something else. Personally I like the looks of the Hamilton better.
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