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Fine Watches

S snipesMember
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
For those of you with self-winding watches, is there a winder that is recommended, or are they all about the same? I see some that range from under $50 to several hundred for a single watch.


Haggis, they seem like a racket to me as you have to decide do you need one for each watch, a subset, etc.? Of course I have one though. My personal opinion is I view them as disposable electronics. If/when they die, just buy another one.
doubleddoubledMember
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
What are the thoughts on the Tudor line of watches? I understand they are owned by Rolex, which frankly does nothing for me.

I received one as a gift twenty-seven years ago, and while it looks good, it doesn't tell time real well. My Cartier Tank, same age and another gift, is accurate and still looks great.
winedocwinedocMember
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
For those of you with self-winding watches, is there a winder that is recommended, or are they all about the same? I see some that range from under $50 to several hundred for a single watch.


I agree with snipes - I have owned a few more reasonably priced ones, and they invariably break down. I currently have this one from Brookstone. The great thing about this, is that it is modular. One of them breaks, you get rid of that one and replace it with a new one, which I have done once. You can also get as many as you need, from a single to 6 to 8- the way they are built, you just stack them on each other.

I also agree with Bigfoot - the Orbita is quite pricey but one of the best in category. I could afford one for a single watch winder, but I need 4 watches wound, and it gets quite pricey at that point.

Hey snipes and Bigfoot, will be in Atlanta in September - I will try to connect with you guys!
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
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.


snipes, since Tudor returned to the U.S. market in 2013 they have been eating up market share.

While their quality is nowhere near Rolex, nor is their pricing. They have started using in-house movements on some of their watches but not the Ranger yet. The Ranger still uses the very reliable ETA 2824 movement created originally by Eterna. This is a rock solid engine and easily serviceable by many.

The watch is far superior to the Hamilton of today but obviously cost more. I think you would be well pleased with Tudor as their QA/QC is excellent for their price point IMO.

We can talk more at dinner next week.
W wine+artMember
Haggis, it might be helpful to understand what you are looking for in a watch to offer better options, if that makes sense.

If one is looking for highly accurate watches and I mean highly, highly jeweled, high frequency quartz cannot be beat with any mechanical watch, period. An example is the Grand Seiko ( grow their own quartz) 9F movement which is within 5 seconds per year. Many have tested out at +/- one second per year. Girard Perregaux caliber 350 quartz is an amazing 32,768 hertz ( vibrations per second) will also perform within one second per year.

High end quartz is also thermo-compensating to eliminate the temperature fluctuations that occur in standard quartz watches just as an example.

None of this matters to 99% of people, but something tells me you like specifics. Big Grin I currently own 19 watches ( planning on reducing) with 17 mechanical. If you prefer mechanical, the wants and desires of your watch selection will be critical.

I will be glad to help and offer opinions if you like, but don't want to bore with details also.
B bigfoot003Member
quote:
Originally posted by Wine doc:
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
For those of you with self-winding watches, is there a winder that is recommended, or are they all about the same? I see some that range from under $50 to several hundred for a single watch.


I agree with snipes - I have owned a few more reasonably priced ones, and they invariably break down. I currently have this one from Brookstone. The great thing about this, is that it is modular. One of them breaks, you get rid of that one and replace it with a new one, which I have done once. You can also get as many as you need, from a single to 6 to 8- the way they are built, you just stack them on each other.

I also agree with Bigfoot - the Orbita is quite pricey but one of the best in category. I could afford one for a single watch winder, but I need 4 watches wound, and it gets quite pricey at that point.

Hey snipes and Bigfoot, will be in Atlanta in September - I will try to connect with you guys!


Please do - curious to hear about your Audi adventures and any customizing you've been up to. Mine's undergone a rather thorough conversion!
haggishaggisMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
Haggis, it might be helpful to understand what you are looking for in a watch to offer better options, if that makes sense.

If one is looking for highly accurate watches and I mean highly, highly jeweled, high frequency quartz cannot be beat with any mechanical watch, period. An example is the Grand Seiko ( grow their own quartz) 9F movement which is within 5 seconds per year. Many have tested out at +/- one second per year. Girard Perregaux caliber 350 quartz is an amazing 32,768 hertz ( vibrations per second) will also perform within one second per year.

High end quartz is also thermo-compensating to eliminate the temperature fluctuations that occur in standard quartz watches just as an example.

None of this matters to 99% of people, but something tells me you like specifics. Big Grin I currently own 19 watches ( planning on reducing) with 17 mechanical. If you prefer mechanical, the wants and desires of your watch selection will be critical.

I will be glad to help and offer opinions if you like, but don't want to bore with details also.


w+a: Being in the sciences, I very much appreciate the details! Bring them on.

As for my criteria, I'm not interested in the level of accuracy that you describe for some watches. I'm interested in something that looks good (appeals to my aesthetics), is reliable, and is affordable. Some of these magnificent time pieces are way beyond my budget. I'm looking at something in the $1000 or range.

The styles I like are IWC Portofino (can't afford) and Junghans (Max Bill, Meister, Form C). So, "Bauhaus", minimalist, whatever.

More later, and looking forward to learning more from all of you. Thanks!
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by haggis:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
Haggis, it might be helpful to understand what you are looking for in a watch to offer better options, if that makes sense.

If one is looking for highly accurate watches and I mean highly, highly jeweled, high frequency quartz cannot be beat with any mechanical watch, period. An example is the Grand Seiko ( grow their own quartz) 9F movement which is within 5 seconds per year. Many have tested out at +/- one second per year. Girard Perregaux caliber 350 quartz is an amazing 32,768 hertz ( vibrations per second) will also perform within one second per year.

High end quartz is also thermo-compensating to eliminate the temperature fluctuations that occur in standard quartz watches just as an example.

None of this matters to 99% of people, but something tells me you like specifics. Big Grin I currently own 19 watches ( planning on reducing) with 17 mechanical. If you prefer mechanical, the wants and desires of your watch selection will be critical.

I will be glad to help and offer opinions if you like, but don't want to bore with details also.


w+a: Being in the sciences, I very much appreciate the details! Bring them on.

As for my criteria, I'm not interested in the level of accuracy that you describe for some watches. I'm interested in something that looks good (appeals to my aesthetics), is reliable, and is affordable. Some of these magnificent time pieces are way beyond my budget. I'm looking at something in the $1000 or range.

The styles I like are IWC Portofino (can't afford) and Junghans (Max Bill, Meister, Form C). So, "Bauhaus", minimalist, whatever.

More later, and looking forward to learning more from all of you. Thanks!


Good info... let me think.
W wine+artMember
Haggis, based on both the cost you are looking for plus the style, Junghans will be near the top of any list for sure IMO. You might explore the following just to confirm your decision.

Christopher Ward
Stowa
Braun
Laco
Meister Singer
Huckleberry & Co.

Autodromo is probably too busy for you, but they have some interesting dials in your price range and even Oris, but they may be too much of a tool watch for you.
haggishaggisMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
Haggis, based on both the cost you are looking for plus the style, Junghans will be near the top of any list for sure IMO. You might explore the following just to confirm your decision.

Christopher Ward
Stowa
Braun
Laco
Meister Singer
Huckleberry & Co.

Autodromo is probably too busy for you, but they have some interesting dials in your price range and even Oris, but they may be too much of a tool watch for you.


Hi w+a: these are great suggestions. Thanks so much! I have checked CW. I like the style a lot, but not completely enthused about their new "branding." But, I look forward to researching them all.
D dinwiddieMember
Does anyone know where in the DC area to have fine watches repaired? I have a 65yo steel case Rolex Oyster that was my father's that the self-winding mechanism on no longer works. I would love to get it repaired if possible.

It probably isn't worth much to anyone except me, but I would love to get it repaired so I could wear it once in a while. It was my mother's present to my father for their first anniversary.
InsightInsightMember
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by dinwiddie:
Does anyone know where in the DC area to have fine watches repaired?


For a Rolex, you really should see an official Rolex dealer. Liljenquist & Beckstead in Montgomery Mall is the closest to you.

PH

NO NO NO! Do not assume a Rolex AD will have someone on staff who's capable of properly repairing vintage Rolex watches. It's akin to assuming that you should take a '57 Bel Air or '67 Corvette 427/435 to your local Chevy dealership. It's an entirely different process both from a knowledge level as well as having (or knowing where to get) period correct parts.

I'd recommend getting in touch with either an authorized Rolex Service Center (likely the most expensive, and you'll have to be clear that you'd want as much of the key original parts like the dial and hands to not be replaced if at all possible), or well-regarded vintage Rolex service outfits like Watchmakers International or LA WatchWorks.

Take my advice, please. I own 10+ vintage Rolexes and frequent the fora dedicated to vintage Rolex on a daily basis.
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by fusionstorm:
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by dinwiddie:
Does anyone know where in the DC area to have fine watches repaired?


For a Rolex, you really should see an official Rolex dealer. Liljenquist & Beckstead in Montgomery Mall is the closest to you.

PH

NO NO NO! Do not assume a Rolex AD will have someone on staff who's capable of properly repairing vintage Rolex watches. It's akin to assuming that you should take a '57 Bel Air or '67 Corvette 427/435 to your local Chevy dealership. It's an entirely different process both from a knowledge level as well as having (or knowing where to get) period correct parts.

I'd recommend getting in touch with either an authorized Rolex Service Center (likely the most expensive, and you'll have to be clear that you'd want as much of the key original parts like the dial and hands to not be replaced if at all possible), or well-regarded vintage Rolex service outfits like Watchmakers International or LA WatchWorks.

Take my advice, please. I own 10+ vintage Rolexes and frequent the fora dedicated to vintage Rolex on a daily basis.


+1000

Rolex is all about conservation not repair. You want to take it somewhere that will make sure it works without getting rid of the age or battle scars which will destroy the value of the watch. In some cases replacing the bezel with a new one will reduce the value of the watch by 25-50%.
D dinwiddieMember
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
quote:
Originally posted by fusionstorm:
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by dinwiddie:
Does anyone know where in the DC area to have fine watches repaired?


For a Rolex, you really should see an official Rolex dealer. Liljenquist & Beckstead in Montgomery Mall is the closest to you.

PH

NO NO NO! Do not assume a Rolex AD will have someone on staff who's capable of properly repairing vintage Rolex watches. It's akin to assuming that you should take a '57 Bel Air or '67 Corvette 427/435 to your local Chevy dealership. It's an entirely different process both from a knowledge level as well as having (or knowing where to get) period correct parts.

I'd recommend getting in touch with either an authorized Rolex Service Center (likely the most expensive, and you'll have to be clear that you'd want as much of the key original parts like the dial and hands to not be replaced if at all possible), or well-regarded vintage Rolex service outfits like Watchmakers International or LA WatchWorks.

Take my advice, please. I own 10+ vintage Rolexes and frequent the fora dedicated to vintage Rolex on a daily basis.


+1000

Rolex is all about conservation not repair. You want to take it somewhere that will make sure it works without getting rid of the age or battle scars which will destroy the value of the watch. In some cases replacing the bezel with a new one will reduce the value of the watch by 25-50%.


I was hoping for somewhere closer. As I noted, the watch has special meaning to me because it was my mother's gift to my father on their first wedding anniversary, I am never going to be selling it. My father gave it to me because he doesn't wear it anymore (manly because at age 97 and being blind, he doesn't need a watch.) I remember it being the watch he wore when I was a kid.
robsutherlandrobsutherlandMember
quote:
Originally posted by dinwiddie:
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
quote:
Originally posted by fusionstorm:
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by dinwiddie:
Does anyone know where in the DC area to have fine watches repaired?


For a Rolex, you really should see an official Rolex dealer. Liljenquist & Beckstead in Montgomery Mall is the closest to you.

PH

NO NO NO! Do not assume a Rolex AD will have someone on staff who's capable of properly repairing vintage Rolex watches. It's akin to assuming that you should take a '57 Bel Air or '67 Corvette 427/435 to your local Chevy dealership. It's an entirely different process both from a knowledge level as well as having (or knowing where to get) period correct parts.

I'd recommend getting in touch with either an authorized Rolex Service Center (likely the most expensive, and you'll have to be clear that you'd want as much of the key original parts like the dial and hands to not be replaced if at all possible), or well-regarded vintage Rolex service outfits like Watchmakers International or LA WatchWorks.

Take my advice, please. I own 10+ vintage Rolexes and frequent the fora dedicated to vintage Rolex on a daily basis.


+1000

Rolex is all about conservation not repair. You want to take it somewhere that will make sure it works without getting rid of the age or battle scars which will destroy the value of the watch. In some cases replacing the bezel with a new one will reduce the value of the watch by 25-50%.


I was hoping for somewhere closer. As I noted, the watch has special meaning to me because it was my mother's gift to my father on their first wedding anniversary, I am never going to be selling it. My father gave it to me because he doesn't wear it anymore (manly because at age 97 and being blind, he doesn't need a watch.) I remember it being the watch he wore when I was a kid.


LA Watchworks or Bob Ridley http://www.watchmakers.com/

You're sending it out and not seeing it for weeks if not a couple of months regardless so as long as it's in the continental US it doesn't really matter where the shop is, you courier it insured and then have it sent back.
purplehazepurplehazeMember
Better advice than I gave.

That said, I can't imagine an authorized dealer even attempting a repair that they didn't have an approved person on site to perform. When my Rolex needs servicing, I take it to the dealer I mentioned. They send it out and call he when it's done. I'm sure that repairs on an older unit require specialized parts and expertise.

PH
D doktapMember
quote:
Originally posted by dinwiddie:
quote:
Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
quote:
Originally posted by fusionstorm:
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by dinwiddie:
Does anyone know where in the DC area to have fine watches repaired?


For a Rolex, you really should see an official Rolex dealer. Liljenquist & Beckstead in Montgomery Mall is the closest to you.

PH

NO NO NO! Do not assume a Rolex AD will have someone on staff who's capable of properly repairing vintage Rolex watches. It's akin to assuming that you should take a '57 Bel Air or '67 Corvette 427/435 to your local Chevy dealership. It's an entirely different process both from a knowledge level as well as having (or knowing where to get) period correct parts.

I'd recommend getting in touch with either an authorized Rolex Service Center (likely the most expensive, and you'll have to be clear that you'd want as much of the key original parts like the dial and hands to not be replaced if at all possible), or well-regarded vintage Rolex service outfits like Watchmakers International or LA WatchWorks.

Take my advice, please. I own 10+ vintage Rolexes and frequent the fora dedicated to vintage Rolex on a daily basis.


+1000

Rolex is all about conservation not repair. You want to take it somewhere that will make sure it works without getting rid of the age or battle scars which will destroy the value of the watch. In some cases replacing the bezel with a new one will reduce the value of the watch by 25-50%.


I was hoping for somewhere closer. As I noted, the watch has special meaning to me because it was my mother's gift to my father on their first wedding anniversary, I am never going to be selling it. My father gave it to me because he doesn't wear it anymore (manly because at age 97 and being blind, he doesn't need a watch.) I remember it being the watch he wore when I was a kid.

Don't underestimate the value of your father's 65 year old Rolex timepiece. If he still has the original box and papers, it could be worth a small fortune. Priceless to you as it's a family heirloom, but valuable nonetheless to a watch enthusiast. Take the time and find a reputable Rolex dealer and repair shop.
As an aside, I was recently in Amsterdam and strolled into a fabulous watch shop. They are an authorized Rolex repair shop and the repairman I spoke with had encyclopedic knowledge of vintage Rolex'.
Good luck with your search and repair.
W wine+artMember
When 2016 Baselworld highlighted the new Tudor Black Bay Bronze as one of their watches of the year I was interested due to the color combination which I did not own.

Since the watch had an all new in-house movement design plus a case made from aluminum bronze alloy I decided to wait for more in depth reviews over time before pulling the trigger even thought the price point was very attractive.

I bought yesterday and wearing today. I will be curious to see how the patina changes over time.
InsightInsightMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
I will be curious to see how the patina changes over time.

It's too bad the superluminova compound (used to make the hands, 5 minute markers and 3-6-9 numerals on the dial glow in the dark) has yet to have exhibited any development of patina over time. Tritium can't be used any longer on dials, but would oftentimes develop lovely patina with the right alchemy of light/humidity/environment as the material exceeded its half life and started to break down.

Congrats! The BB Bronze is a lovely piece. Tudor/Rolex was smart to incorporate a lot of design features that harken back to beloved vintage sports models.
D doktapMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
When 2016 Baselworld highlighted the new Tudor Black Bay Bronze as one of their watches of the year I was interested due to the color combination which I did not own.

Since the watch had an all new in-house movement design plus a case made from aluminum bronze alloy I decided to wait for more in depth reviews over time before pulling the trigger even thought the price point was very attractive.

I bought yesterday and wearing today. I will be curious to see how the patina changes over time.

Enjoy the timepiece. Isn't it time we got together with the usual suspects?
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by DoktaP:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
When 2016 Baselworld highlighted the new Tudor Black Bay Bronze as one of their watches of the year I was interested due to the color combination which I did not own.

Since the watch had an all new in-house movement design plus a case made from aluminum bronze alloy I decided to wait for more in depth reviews over time before pulling the trigger even thought the price point was very attractive.

I bought yesterday and wearing today. I will be curious to see how the patina changes over time.

Enjoy the timepiece. Isn't it time we got together with the usual suspects?


Chicago?
S snipesMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by fusionstorm:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by wine+art:


Congrats! The BB Bronze is a lovely piece. Tudor/Rolex was smart to incorporate a lot of design features that harken back to beloved vintage sports models.


Thank you.


Looks like we are both new Tudor owners. I found a local deal on the North Flag we talked about with the same in house movement as the BB(I believe). Installed my new watch strap for it this morning.

I've seen some pictures of the Bronze with a bit of early patina and it's a very attractive watch. Congrats.
D doktapMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by DoktaP:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
When 2016 Baselworld highlighted the new Tudor Black Bay Bronze as one of their watches of the year I was interested due to the color combination which I did not own.

Since the watch had an all new in-house movement design plus a case made from aluminum bronze alloy I decided to wait for more in depth reviews over time before pulling the trigger even thought the price point was very attractive.

I bought yesterday and wearing today. I will be curious to see how the patina changes over time.

Enjoy the timepiece. Isn't it time we got together with the usual suspects?


Chicago?

Chicago, Montreal or Toronto.
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by fusionstorm:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by wine+art:


Congrats! The BB Bronze is a lovely piece. Tudor/Rolex was smart to incorporate a lot of design features that harken back to beloved vintage sports models.


Thank you.


Looks like we are both new Tudor owners. I found a local deal on the North Flag we talked about with the same in house movement as the BB(I believe). Installed my new watch strap for it this morning.

I've seen some pictures of the Bronze with a bit of early patina and it's a very attractive watch. Congrats.


snipes, congratulations. I was going to call you last week as I saw the watch you were looking for on sale but it sold within hours. I'm glad you found one.

The movements are very similar for sure. I think your movement is the MT5621 and mine is the MT5601. That said, both are COSC certified, 28,800 vhp with a 70 hour-power reserve and a silicon balance spring.

As you know, I tend to only wear any of my watches 2-4 times a month. I may need to wear this one a little more than normal to develop much of a patina. Hopefully you will wear your new piece next time we dine together.
InsightInsightMember
One of Paul Newman's Rolex Daytonas with verified provenance hammered earlier today for an astounding $15.5M ($17.75M after buyers premium). While I'm not lucky enough to own a "4 digit reference Daytona with a Newman dial", I've got plenty of other vintage sport Rolexes that have appreciated nicely in value in the past 10 years or so since I started collecting them.

W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by fusionstorm:
One of Paul Newman's Rolex Daytonas with verified provenance hammered earlier today for an astounding $15.5M ($17.75M after buyers premium). :


I too was following this auction and thought the watch may go North of the $10M estimate.

Not bad for a watch that sold for around $200 originally. I love the engraving on the back his wife added of, Drive Carefully Me.

I have also seen many more bund straps being advertised this week than I can ever recall.
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