The Watch Appreciation Thread - Page 1154

Quote:

Originally Posted by plot 

I've been a regular lurker in this thread for quite a while and I must say the knowledge presented in many people's posts is astounding and so incredibly interesting. This is by far my most frequented thread on SF.

I do have a question for those more knowledgeable on the subject though; I'm aware VC, AP and PP are regarded as the 'Big Three', however having seen ALS' watches I'm curious why it isn't included in this grouping of prestige watch companies. Is ALS regarded as higher or lower on the totem pole than the Big Three? And on the same note, I notice that Breguet is rarely discussed in this thread. Where do they stand among these four other watch companies?

In order:

Old School Big Three: PP, VC, AP

New School Big Three: Philippe Dufour, F.P. Journe, ALS

In my mind, Breguet, Girrard Peregaux, and JLC are first tier but not first rank . JLC has some great values.

Other marques worth considering: Voutilainen, Speake-Marin, Becsei, L&H, and others

YMMV

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMartNJ 

I wore my Explorer II the entire time I was deployed and only suffered a small scratch on the case.

 

I scratched the crystal today on a table corner.

 

Augh - that sucks!

Wearing this little beauty today.  I really love the blue/green dial.  I posted a pic of this earlier but it was shot in low light (in Disneyworld).  This pic shows off the 5711's mesmerizing dial a bit better, but there's nothing quite like having it sit on your wrist and seeing it in person.

Quote:

Originally Posted by apropos 

Rolex movements are IMO incredibly robust, and if I was washed up on a desert island and for some reason needed a solidly built tool watch to time tides and kill small creatures or whatever I would go with a Rolex over a watch from any of the big 3 or AL&S or (insert haute horology marque). You don't need to handle Rolexes with kid gloves.

There was an (in)famous Walt Odets Rolex review article a while back which while... not exactly complimentary towards Rolex from the POV of movement finishing/assembly did in a somewhat backhanded way express admiration for its ability to keep functioning so superbly despite the shortcomings in movement finishing.

Yes, I remember the article by Walt Odets, I believe he was reviewing an Rolex Explorer. 

I agree complete, if stuck on a desert island or traveling to a remote area I'd want a Rolex.  In addition to being rugged, I remember someone also saying if something happens and you need money or goods, a Rolex works as currency in any country.  You can easily trade or sell it for necessities because everyone knows the brand name...your probably can't say the same for VC, Breguet, Philippe Dufour, or Journe etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by apropos 


Indeed, should. It's a pretty easy way to pick an IMO immature WIS by whether they Rolex bash or not - it's a common rookie mistake.

Rolex movements are IMO incredibly robust, and if I was washed up on a desert island and for some reason needed a solidly built tool watch to time tides and kill small creatures or whatever I would go with a Rolex over a watch from any of the big 3 or AL&S or (insert haute horology marque). You don't need to handle Rolexes with kid gloves.

There was an (in)famous Walt Odets Rolex review article a while back which while... not exactly complimentary towards Rolex from the POV of movement finishing/assembly did in a somewhat backhanded way express admiration for its ability to keep functioning so superbly despite the shortcomings in movement finishing.

There is a good definition of a "WIS" on Timezone.  Go check it out... I fully agree with the description and I am not sure about what is worse:  Being a pro-WIS or being a rookie WIS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnguy001 

Picking up my JLC NSA which is coming back from service today (3 months - not bad!) Wearing this in the meantime. I know it's a little different and not necessarily SF approved but I love the unique place it holds in my collection

Have a great weekend everyone

Thanks for sharing - does the IWC have a blue or a black dial?  Have a good weekend!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino944 

Yes, I remember the article by Walt Odets, I believe he was reviewing an Rolex Explorer. 

 

I agree complete, if stuck on a desert island or traveling to a remote area I'd want a Rolex.  In addition to being rugged, I remember someone also saying if something happens and you need money or goods, a Rolex works as currency in any country.  You can easily trade or sell it for necessities because everyone knows the brand name...your probably can't say the same for VC, Breguet, Philippe Dufour, or Journe etc.

I tend to bring my Explorer with me whenever I'll be at the beach, swimming, spending time in the sand with my kids, etc.  Tough as nails, and as much as I love my Pateks my Rolex gets at least one day a week of wrist time.