The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

[div25sec9]



Foo--although I agree with you on your observations regarding IWC and Rolex, but I did want to comment on the JLC statement. I was just wondering what you meant by "not understanding the few comments." Do you mean that in regards to not understanding where I am coming from, or do you mean that in not understanding why I would think that way? I guess I have an answer to both. First, I agree with you that the thinner bezel definitely does restore a lot of elegance to the watch, and the changes do bring it more in line with its predecessor, the Master Grande Taille.
I will first address my position, I guess. When the Master Control drew me in, I didn't exactly understand why. In essence, it is just a typical 3-handed watch with a date display. It was only when I saw the new one that I realized why I love the original iteration of the Master Control so much. Really, it all comes down to the Bezel. There is something about the incongruity of the size of bezel in comparison with the numbers that makes me appreciate the Master Control so much. In being a little bit "off," there is a certain charm that comes with the watch. But I would not characterize it as something that is negative, as it has always drawn me in. It is something that effectively causes me give it a double take. I get the same feeling when I see perhaps my favorite JLC, the Reserve de Marche [which I actually prefer in its newer form]. Just looking at the Reserve de Marche, there is something off. The dials are asymmetrical but at the same time so balanced. I feel like this dichotomy of balance and incongruity is very interesting, as well as being very difficult to describe. Here is a simple analogy. You have a co-worker, and you notice that she is a pretty girl. Over time, however, you are drawn in by just one of her features, perhaps her freckles. Objectively speaking, freckles are often not associated with "beauty." However, they add a certain innocence, or some other benefit, that the girl would not have if she did not have freckles. Etc. I am sure you get the point. Sometimes, a design comes together in such a way that it works despite the fact that certain elements are, on paper, less than ideal. I'm a big admirer of unconventional beauty myself, and I do tend succumb quite easily to the charms of the "imperfect." I love the slightly too heavy bezel. I love the ever so slightly too small numerals, and the way their smallness is accentuated by the wide bezel.
Now, why would I like something that is a bit off? I find the Master Control a very versatile watch. Like you said, it is not as elegant as it could have been. Thus, I find myself much more comfortable dressing the watch down. I have worn it with jeans and a polo a few times, as well as with a suit. I love that it has a somewhat casual element that, in my opinion, marries so well into the formal elements. And in regards to it not being liked very well... how do you figure that? From what I have heard, it has sold extremely well.
If I wanted a perfectly proportioned three-hander with date, there is a bona fide bevy to choose from. I like that mine is a little different.

I'm considering the MC myself; as an owner, what are the pro's and con's?

 

[Cuttingboard]



I agree the bracelet is a lot better. long overdue....
I understand.... FWIW, the cyclops is really easy to take off and put back on.
The newer Sub cyclops have an AR coating now. So you can actually read the date now. With the older version, sometime the date is just too blurry or impossible to read from a hand distance (defeat the main purpose, lol I know right)

I didn't realize that the cyclops could be taken off...good to know.

I love the IWC Portugese 7-Day Auto, hope to have one by this time next year.

 

[TheTukker]



Any SF'ers experienced at buying watches from second hand dealers online?
I live in Australia and I'm considering buying a mint IWC Mark XV from a second hand dealer in Singapore that's listed it on Timezone.
However, I've never bought a good watch online, let alone bought a good watch and this is my first 'serious' watch purchase. I saved for the last few months for the watch so I don't want to botch it!
If anyone could help me out, tips, guidance etc, please PM me - would be greatly appreciated!

Here you go.

 

[Hayward]

It seems like all the watch marques have gone insane. Too Big, Too Busy. Pretty happy with my Sinn, Seiko and Orient watches. Even some of JLC's more tasteful designs are just too big now.

I keep telling myself I should have a more expensive conservative business dress watch but I find this one close to ideal: simple, easy to read, in-house movement, all the right homage styling cues but not insane.

 

[Kid Nickels]



It seems like all the watch marques have gone insane. Too Big, Too Busy. Pretty happy with my Sinn, Seiko and Orient watches. Even some of JLC's more tasteful designs are just too big now.

I keep telling myself I should have a more expensive conservative business dress watch but I find this one close to ideal: simple, easy to read, in-house movement, all the right homage styling cues but not insane.

+1... simple, classic, in-house & elegant. I hear you Hayward.

 

[Newcomer]



It seems like all the watch marques have gone insane. Too Big, Too Busy. Pretty happy with my Sinn, Seiko and Orient watches. Even some of JLC's more tasteful designs are just too big now.

I keep telling myself I should have a more expensive conservative business dress watch but I find this one close to ideal: simple, easy to read, in-house movement, all the right homage styling cues but not insane.

I really like your Orient Star. Orient is very underrated in my opinion, they make great watches for the price range. And I agree with you Hayward. Personally, 37-40mm is my sweet spot, and I too prefer to keep it elegant and simple.

And Cuttingboard, that would be an excellent selection for a new watch. Probably my favorite IWC by a large margin.

 

[Newcomer]



I'm considering the MC myself; as an owner, what are the pro's and con's?

Pros: elegant, timeless design; excellent movement; thin; keeps great time; beautifully finished and decorated; great size.

Cons: not very hardy; some people say its 'boring;' proportions are a bit off.

 

[Dino944]

Quote:

Hehe that isn't my wrist shot. I stole that picture from TZ. I always like the RDM, but the first one measuring at 37mm, it was really underwhelming in person. I think 39mm is the perfect size for that watch. I'm also a huge fan of the Reverso. But its a watch everybody should try on before pulling the trigger. As they vary a lot in thickness in addition to the case size which makes them wear differently.
Anyway guys, I just pull the trigger on a Sub-C. I know most people are against the new lugs. But I can live with it... I'm stoked! It should be here on Tuesday. Borrow pic from the seller. Got a few more bucks left over, So I'll have a good start for my next watch....

Congrats! Great choice. I know others have issues with the Sub-C, but overall I really like it. I have been considering getting one as my current daily wearer an Explorer 2 will be going for a service soon.

Here is one of my dress watches, purchased new in 2002. I will probably wear this one over the weekend.

 

[Kappelan]



It seems like all the watch marques have gone insane. Too Big, Too Busy. [/URL]

I don't really like modern trend in watch industry, especially about the sizes. Sometimes it's just ridiculous. That's why usually I prefer the vintage.

I like your Orient Star.

Here is one of my dress watches, purchased new in 2002.  I will probably wear this one over the weekend.

That's pretty nice dress watches.

 

[Kid Nickels]



I don't really like modern trend in watch industry, especially about the sizes. Sometimes it's just ridiculous. That's why usually I prefer the vintage.
I like your Orient Star.
That's pretty nice dress watches.

+1... beyond ridiculous.... obnoxious.

+1 as well... that VC is b-yoo-ti-ful Dino! what model/year is that?

 

[Dino944]

+1... beyond ridiculous.... obnoxious.
+1 as well... that VC is b-yoo-ti-ful Dino! what model/year is that?

Hi Kid,

Thanks for kind words about my VC. It's a Historique Carree, from 2001/2002. They made 600 in 18Kt white gold and 600 in 18Kt pink gold, it has a handsome deployant clasp in the shape of their insignia, the Maltese Cross. It was my first dress watch. Saw it in a magazine, fell in love with the shape and its dial and after I got my first real job I bought the watch.

Below is a quick photo showing the deployant clasp (when closed) and the movement.
Best regards,
Dino

 

[Kid Nickels]

wow! and the back and clasp... thx for the extra pix... seems like I have a new "must have" on the list! just awesome.

 

[Kid Nickels]

btw... found one of these today...not exactly this one but a vintage Seamaster from the early 1960's...thinking of grabbing it...

 

[ThatGuy]

Thread is fail. Lot's of ugly watch nut hugging and vintages out there. Gross

 

[fritzl]



Different strokes indeed. I've always liked leather straps. Am looking for one on my Sub 16610 (only because a 5513 looks better on a NATO strap)

even worse