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

[no frills]

Looks like I missed a major arrival while I was off skiing last week. An old-school Patek perpetual-calendar chrono with moonphase!? That's some rather heavy artillery.

But considering how serious a complicated Patek can be, this one isn't lacking for character or liveliness at all . The 36 mm case, those lovely pump pushers and its generally charming looks make it even cooler and more appealing. Good choice with the classic 18K YG to complement the white-metal ones you already have, too! It really works with the more understated case size. Your 3970 appears to be in NOS condition; that's an amazing find. I love that there's even a solid caseback included for bonus style points.

Colossally sweet watch. Nice little something you picked up for the wife, too!

Thanks, and hope you had a great ski trip! The 3970 was indeed NOS, and came in at less than the price I thought I'd have to shell out for this reference (which is why I ended up frontloading the purchase). It came with the solid caseback first, but I had Patek USA (Henri Stern in NYC) switch it out to the display back as I like staring at it from behind!

Wifey quite appreciated the advanced anniversary gift. Wondering if I should have waited till June before I gave it to her, but, eh, I'm not good at that waiting thing, as you might have noticed...

In my eyes, this is the only way to go. A car is just tomorrow's nails and scrap. A PP is tomorrow's inheritance.

I try to live a frugal life myself, I have a modest income and a simple lifestyle as a dad and geek. Less work, more free time. Fewer possessions, more experiences. Watches are my passion, and there I splurge like a madman.

I see too many people trying to GQ everything in their life. Some can afford to do that, without sacrificing the more important things. Most of us cannot.

+1 here. Could spend more on other baubles, I suppose, but even for my family I like focusing on trips and experiences.

 

[mimo]

I like staring at it from behind!

Good call. I feel the same about my girlfriend. And your watch.

 

[Cylon]

I like mimo.

 

[notwithit]

Sorry if this is the wrong thread, but I'm hoping someone can help me out with a question:

I want to swap out the watch strap that came with my Seiko 5 for a NATO strap. I'm having trouble removing the springbars, however. I've tried depressing them with my fingernail, and I've tried using the tip of a screwdriver from an eyeglasses repair kit, but I can't get them to pop out.

Any suggestions? Or do I need to take this to a jeweler to get them cut and replaced?

If it helps, it's this model: http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNK807-Automatic-Canvas-Strap/dp/B006CHML4I

 

[Cylon]

http://www.mywatchmaker.net/watchmakertools.htm

"springbar tool" is what you need my friend

You can buy it from anywhere of course, but thats where I bought mine

(i'm not sure if this model has fixed springbars though)

 

[in stitches]



Going with a bit of blue today.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Nice Photo. Chag Purim Sameach! -LR

thanks, man!! belated purim sameach wishes to you as well!! (its still shushan purim, so it counts. )

 

[Newcomer]



http://www.mywatchmaker.net/watchmakertools.htm

"springbar tool" is what you need my friend

 
You can buy it from anywhere of course, but thats where I bought mine

(i'm not sure if this model has fixed springbars though)

+1 to this. The bergeon tool is the bees knees. Do not cheap out and get the less expensive springbar tools, you will regret it later!

 

[dddrees]

+1 to this. The bergeon tool is the bees knees. Do not cheap out and get the less expensive springbar tools, you will regret it later!

Agree.

Don't need to be marking up your watch unecessarily.

Just make sure you get the right size as well.

 

[mimo]

Doesn't look like a prawn sandwich. What?

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]



Agree.

Don't need to be marking up your watch unecessarily.

Just make sure you get the right size as well.

What's the difference? Why is it better?

 

[dddrees]

What's the difference? Why is it better?

If you get the correct tool, you can remove the springbar easier with less chance of scratching up the lugs of your watch.

 

[MSchott]

What's the difference? Why is it better?

Bergeon is a better quality tool in every way and will be easier to use. Also, if you are worried about scratching your lugs, tape them first.

 

[Newcomer]



What's the difference? Why is it better?

And it is better because the little nib doesn't snap like the cheaply made ones. The cheap ones WILL break.

 

[in stitches]



If you get the correct tool, you can remove the springbar easier with less chance of scratching up the lugs of your watch.

this. using anything else can easily scratch the lugs, and even the case if your hand slips. i learned that from experience.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]



And it is better because the little nib doesn't snap like the cheaply made ones. The cheap ones WILL break.

Ok I see. Mine hasn't broken off yet.

this. using anything else can easily scratch the lugs, and even the case if your hand slips. i learned that from experience.

I just don't see the physical difference between the cheap ones (which I have) and the one in the link.