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

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jbarwick

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That Tag is nice looking. The word that actually came to mine when looking at it was "refreshing". The blue on silver dial is a nice touch.

Disclaimer: Most of the stuff I own is blue. Wardrobe is mostly blue, new watch is blue, pen color choice is blue, car is surprisingly graphite but doesn't come in blue.
 

Dino944

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Thanks to all for the helpful replies. I think you've convinced me to go the AD route. We only have one in Houston and I have not dealt with them before, but now that I have a baseline for what's doable I may venture in. I guess if they're not competitive I can start making some phone calls. Thanks again!
Glad to help. If you aren't happy with your AD, send me a PM and I'll give you the name of the AD I used. I have only purchased my 1 AP from him (he is the owner), but he has a great reputation and is a pleasure to deal with. He was very straight forward, and there was none of the jerking around that I got from a few well known NYC ADs.
I saw that post from TPP. That's a 5004 in stainless steel: a perpetual calendar split seconds chrono powered by the CH 27-70, a Patek-modified Lemania based-movement. Limited to just a few pieces, so it regularly trades - if you can even find one - in excess of a quarter of a million dollars or so.


Pluses:

1. The split seconds chrono complication is supposedly one of the most challenging complications to execute; I don't have one in my stable, but I don't feel a deep yearning for one at this point (wallet thanks me profusely).

2. I do like the baton markers for this version of the 5004's dial. Most 5004s come with Arabic numerals like this:



Which for whatever reason works for the 5070 but doesn't quite work for the 5004, at least for me.

On the con's side:

1. Mentioned the crazy pricing already. The TPP post noted that the 5004 isn't simply a 3970 on steroids, but aesthetically the 3970 (for me) matches the 5004 point by point (and exceeds it, in my eyes, if the 5004 dial came with the Arabic numerals above):

\

2. The 5004A is in stainless steel - and it's priced at $200 to $250K or more if you can even obtain one (Patek manufactured it in such limited quantities and actually engraved the owner/buyer's name for many of them). That's a six figure or so premium versus a 3970 in platinum.



I get that the split seconds chrono complication has its merits, but versus the 3970 in platinum, I just can't get over the six figure premium to obtain a 5004... in stainless steel.
The Split seconds chrono function is very specialized, no doubt about it. However, I just don't think I could find enough joy in having one if I already had a 3970P. Besides, I would rather have a platinum case than SS. I love the heft of platinum and knowing that as a metal it's rarer than steel or gold, its tougher to mine and work with, than gold and again I just can't get away from its heft...love it!
Because TWAT loves a good story to accompany pics (of a watch that doesn't cost 6 figures)…

I had never been a Tag Heuer fan, mostly because of memories of all the fugly Link watches I saw in the 90s. However, I've recently been drawn to vintage (pre-Tag) Heuer dive watches, spending many hours looking at their old divers online. One blog led to another, and before I knew it I wasn’t looking at a diver anymore, but a chrono. More specifically the CS3110, a re-edition of the 1964 Carrera 2447D*:

wow....TC needs to get out of my head. I havent checked the thread in ages and came in to post a question about a couple APs im looking at....Any thoughts on the 15300st vs the 15400st? I cant decide on the size...the 15300 is 39mm and the 15400 is 41mm. I really wish they had something in between at 40mm. Anyone have experience trying on both? I recently cleared out a lot of my watches and want to fund one special piece.
Yup, tried them both. Each have their merits. You really need to try both on as they fit differently. Also, IIRC the inner part of the butterfly clasp is different. Some people did not like the feel of the butterfly clasp on the 15300 on the underside of their wrist. It changed for the 15400 and I think is more comfortable...but some people were ok with the 15300 clasp. The watches also feel different based on size and where the ends of the case fall on your wrist may differ significantly. Also, I'm not sure that the blue or the white/silver dials are the same colors. Its noted that the blue used on the 15400, 15202, and the new 41mm Royal Oak Chronograph (I forget the ref number) all use different shades of blue. There are elements of each that I favor so I think you really have to see which fits you best and which you like more. I prefer the dial of 15400 and (as silly as this sounds, the shape of the tail to the sweep seconds hand). However, I think the 15300 proportionally is a bit more attractive (not due to fit, just in general). The 15400 sometimes looks a bit distorted compared to the original 39mm size of the 15300....but it never looks bloated or fat in the way I find a Rolex DJII does next to a DJ. That being said its very close between the two of them. Both are exceptional in terms of fit and finish, its just a matter of deciding which suits you best.
 

rnguy001

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Actually "refreshing" is spot on!

I also am of the cool color persuasion - blues, greys, and my previous two cars have been graphite, but my current one is black..

Most of my watches complement what I usually wear I suppose (for better or worse..)


That Tag is nice looking.  The word that actually came to mine when looking at it was "refreshing".  The blue on silver dial is a nice touch.  

Disclaimer:  Most of the stuff I own is blue.  Wardrobe is mostly blue, new watch is blue, pen color choice is blue, car is surprisingly graphite but doesn't come in blue. 
 

DerekS

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Yup, tried them both. Each have their merits. You really need to try both on as they fit differently. Also, IIRC the inner part of the butterfly clasp is different. Some people did not like the feel of the butterfly clasp on the 15300 on the underside of their wrist. It changed for the 15400 and I think is more comfortable...but some people were ok with the 15300 clasp. The watches also feel different based on size and where the ends of the case fall on your wrist may differ significantly. Also, I'm not sure that the blue or the white/silver dials are the same colors. Its noted that the blue used on the 15400, 15202, and the new 41mm Royal Oak Chronograph (I forget the ref number) all use different shades of blue. There are elements of each that I favor so I think you really have to see which fits you best and which you like more. I prefer the dial of 15400 and (as silly as this sounds, the shape of the tail to the sweep seconds hand). However, I think the 15300 proportionally is a bit more attractive (not due to fit, just in general). The 15400 sometimes looks a bit distorted compared to the original 39mm size of the 15300....but it never looks bloated or fat in the way I find a Rolex DJII does next to a DJ. That being said its very close between the two of them. Both are exceptional in terms of fit and finish, its just a matter of deciding which suits you best.
thanks a million D. Looks like ill be checking them out saturday. Also getting a little tempted by the Scuba too.
 

Dino944

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thanks a million D. Looks like ill be checking them out saturday. Also getting a little tempted by the Scuba too.
My pleasure, Bro. The Scuba is a handsome piece also. It's the only Offshore model that I really like. Its only downside is its not as versatile as the 15300/15400, but depending on your job and life style it could be the right choice. I would probably go for something from the original Royal Oak design, and then...if you can add another AP later then maybe get a Scuba. But that's just me. No matter what, you can't go wrong. Every time I look at my RO I am truly impressed with the workmanship, and I can see why these watches are so expensive.
 

zippyh

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Because TWAT loves a good story to accompany pics (of a watch that doesn't cost 6 figures)…

I had never been a Tag Heuer fan, mostly because of memories of all the fugly Link watches I saw in the 90s. However, I've recently been drawn to vintage (pre-Tag) Heuer dive watches, spending many hours looking at their old divers online. One blog led to another, and before I knew it I wasn’t looking at a diver anymore, but a chrono. More specifically the CS3110, a re-edition of the 1964 Carrera 2447D*:

1000

1000


Here's one for dopey; the movement should look familiar...
1000


The pics above, along with some good info and specs of the watch can be found here:
http://www.calibre11.com/heuer-carrera-1964-re-edition/
http://www.chronomaddox.com/heuer/articles/carrera_article/_carrera_pt5.html#The_1990's
http://www.onthedash.com/docs/CompareCarreras.shtml

Everything about it is awesome and I think the dial/subdials layout looks as well balanced as the more frequently discussed Speedmaster Pro and Daytona.

Of course, it could have ended there, with me just adding the above links to my Favorites and looking at pics of the CS3110 from time to time, but a casual comment to a good e-buddy great e-uncle (or 'some shady guy I met on the interwebz', as he refers to himself) changed all that…

It just so happens that he has a minty one tucked away, purchased new in 2000 and worn only a handful of times since. A sort of outcast among his awesome collection of IWC, Rolex and Panerai pieces. The case is a bit small for his liking, something that would actually suit me fine.

An amazing offer was made if I wanted to purchase the watch. Still, there was some hesitation on my part because I had already been considering ridding him of another one of his not oft-worn watches (hopefully, that'll be the subject of another TWAT post in the future). In the end, the Heuer won and I'll be picking it up next week.

Finally, this is something I wasn't aware of, but thought could be of interest to others: http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/someth...important-watches-the-carrera-and-the-Daytona

*As the name implies, the Carrera re-edition was a faithful reproduction of the original 1964 Carrera (at the time, TAG Heuer believed that the Carrera had been launched in 1964 not 1963- it was only recently after earlier materials were found in the archives that the date was confirmed as ’63).
http://www.calibre11.com/tag-heuer-carrera-series-overview/

Wear in good health although that dude sounds sort of creepy.
 

Keith T

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LOL. Nice Tag, I really like the blue tachy numerals.
 

Fiddler

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This is a beautiful watch, but for some reason the fact that the minute hand comes to a point and the hour hand has a blunt end bugs me... is there a functional reason they did that?

I bought my Flieger Chrono at the precise time when IWC had just updated the model to a larger 42mm dial, added a pointy hand to the hour and introduced some sort of red into the dial. But I didn't care for any of that....I wanted the old design which I feel is so pure and simple why would anyone want to mess with it just for the sake of change. Luckily they had one last piece available.
 

Wes Bourne

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Wes Bourne - congrats on that very cool looking Heuer!

post pics when you get it..


That Tag is nice looking. The word that actually came to mine when looking at it was "refreshing". The blue on silver dial is a nice touch.


Great story, congrats on your Heuer. I'm sure it will bring you many years of enjoyment.


Actually "refreshing" is spot on!


[/SPOILER]

Wear in good health although that dude sounds sort of creepy.


LOL. Nice Tag, I really like the blue tachy numerals.


Thanks guys! Clean/fresh dial + cool old school Heuer logo + that bit of blue really did it for me. But fwiw, I was told that the blue is more subtle irl compared to the pics.

Q : since it was purchased by the original owner 13 years ago, should I get it serviced now/soon or hold off for a while? Again, it's in barely worn condition.
 

Wes Bourne

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Fiddler, that other watch I was considering also has that squared-off hour hand. I think it looks great.

Hayward, that's some sweet sweep action.
 

no frills

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Thanks guys! Clean/fresh dial + cool old school Heuer logo + that bit of blue really did it for me. But fwiw, I was told that the blue is more subtle irl compared to the pics.

Q : since it was purchased by the original owner 13 years ago, should I get it serviced now/soon or hold off for a while? Again, it's in barely worn condition.

Belated congrats on the Heuer and very awesome story. Thanks for sharing!

RE: Servicing. Most of my purchases have been of the pre-owned variety, and some of my oldest pieces are anywhere from 14 to 23 years old. They've never been serviced and they run fine. IMHO unless:

1. You suspect something might be up (in which case you should have brought this up with the seller);

2. You notice the piece isn't performing up to snuff (which, again, is cause for conversation with the seller);

3. You get some deal from the seller that will cover servicing costs this time around...

Well, I'd wait for a few years. Factor in the "cost" of having to wait for who knows how many weeks or months while that lovely piece is in the shop and... alright, I'll come right out and say it: I'm not very good with the whole patience thing, especially for a piece I've just recently had the pleasure and blessing of acquiring!
satisfied.gif
I want that beauty on my wrist right away!
 
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Wes Bourne

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Thanks for the advice frills. I actually have no reason to suspect anything is wrong with the watch. The seller awoke the watch from its state of hibernation and kept it wound for about a week and says it runs fine. He also subscribes to the 'if it runs fine, then wait' mentality re servicing.

And I agree with you as far as MOAR NAOW is concerned, so sending the watch away is certainly something I'd put off if I can. But is there a point where a watch is old enough that you should get it checked, for the sake of prevention, even if nothing seems wrong with it?
 
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