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

[Keith T]

Newcomer: the round-faced, reasonably sized one is

RogerP: I hear you. It's gimmicky, it's got a lot of writing on the dial.... but I sort of see the appeal in a nerdy/unconventionally attractive way. If you really want to be talked off the ledge, then pretend I just shouted "Don't jump!" directly into your left ear canal. And always remember Dino's admonishment: Never buy a watch from a _______ company. (In this case, the word "pen" would fill that blank for Montblanc, no?)

Kid Nickels: As far as choosing a gifted Rado, I think you either go full-out black ceramic with one of their modern* design pieces, or you opt for the 70's-funky-fabulous Diastar update. I'm not sure what to even properly call this case shape....but it definitely says "Rado":




(image from manufacturer's website)

So maybe we're talking lesser of evils here....I'm not personally a big Rado fan, to be kind, but one of life's unbreakable rules is.....never turn down a free watch!

Have fun with your choice.

 

[Dino944]

And always remember Dino's admonishment: Never buy a watch from a _______ company. (In this case, the word "pen" would fill that blank for Montblanc, no?)

Kid Nickels: As far as choosing a gifted Rado, I think you either go full-out black ceramic with one of their modern* design pieces, or you opt for the 70's-funky-fabulous Diastar update. I'm not sure what to even properly call this case shape....but it definitely says "Rado":

(image from manufacturer's website)

So maybe we're talking lesser of evils here....I'm not personally a big Rado fan, to be kind, but one of life's unbreakable rules is.....never turn down a free watch!

Have fun with your choice.

Wow Keith, I guess I forgot about my own statement about not buying a watch from a pen (or other non watch related item) company. But I still think it holds true. Thanks for reminding me!

I agree with your statement about Rado. Personally, they don't do much for me, but a free watch...never turn it down. Everyone could use a good solid bang around watch...and a Rado could be it for Kid. I would probably go with the retro 70's Diastar (with sort of oval/egg shaped case) like the one you posted. It was probably their most famous watch until they really became known for their black ceramic watches. A friend of mine from India said, Rado is very big in India and people in his family often gave them as gifts. So although he was into Panerai, Rolex, and Lange he also had a Rado.

 

[Keith T]

Gratuitous wrist shot from vacation...Omega Seamaster 2254.50 on Zulu strap:






This one has now been in the waters off Grand Cayman, Paradise Island, and Cozumel.

Maybe someday I'll even dive with it LOL.

Likes: sword hands, KILLER lume, Ministry of Defense-looking dial (plus the waves...don't forget the waves!) and of course the sea monster on the back. Case size is a sweet-spot 41mm for me. I wear this one in the pool, sometimes to the gym, etc.

Dislikes: completely unnecessary helium release valve (again, for me)-- and also the bezel could be easier to grip. It turns okay, just sometimes difficult to grasp.

 

[mimo]

Morning TWATters. I am not sure that there is any better way to start the morning than with some dirty Piaget pr0n.

Just wow. A little out there design-wise, but surprisingly wearable given its dimensions.

I don't like skeletons much, but I do like the look of this dial a lot. It's just so crazy complicated and finely detailed in there it's fascinating. Love that sheen on the finish...it just looks delicious...steam punk soup. But I hate the case on the big one. I just do. So, suprisingly, I won't buy one.

Maybe one day if I get to work wherever Frilly works, I'll buy the round one. Or not.

I've always had an awkward man-crush on this watch. And now a local purchase opportunity presents itself. Somebody talk me off the ledge, please. I know it's very unconventional - but that is precisely what is appealing to me. I know it's (absurdly?) overpriced at retail, but I won't be paying retail. Please save me from myself. For some reason the insert photo icon doesn't appear when I log on at work, so cut and paste the link below, or google 'Montblanc Nicolas Riuessec Chronograph' : http://www.fototime.com/3EFB795436A443A/orig.jpg

I agree about buying a watch from a pen company, I agree that it looks a little self-conscious and over-designed, and I agree that all in all it's rather silly. But just as I retain a love for the inherently stupid 45mm Planet Ocean Ti, and various other things, I do kind of get it. It's kind of wrong but irresistible, like making out with a hot traffic warden. I think you should buy it and wear it shamelessly. Go on. I want to see more pics apart from anything else.

Kid Nickels: As far as choosing a gifted Rado, 70's-funky-fabulous Diastar update....definitely says "Rado":

To me it says early 70s Speedmaster Pro "homage". I don't like the case shape. But then it's not my watch. Maybe, in addition to my earlier suggestions, you might want to embrace the modern "Rado-ness" of ceramic. If that's your thing, I think this is quite cool at about $3500.

On a separate note, nice pic of your Seamaster - looks great on that strap.

 

[RogerP]

Quote:
I hear you man - and Dino as well. On the one hand it can be fairly described as gimmicky, but on the other hand, off-center time displays aren't gimmicky when done by Lange and GO, and while there is no getting around the fact that this is a freaking Montblanc - and I don't even like their pens - the movement is actually a quality piece of work - column wheel, vertical clutch etc. I think my problem is that having a solid array of fairly conventional watches, I am finding "different" appealing. I'll spare you all the pics of the Dubey & Schaldenbrand I nearly bought... I appreciate both of your efforts - my toes are no longer overhanging the edge, but I haven't quit stepped back in the building yet. Edit - Mimo - hilarious! You know the real impact of this place? I am looking at the price of the watch and thinking "That's two St. Crispin's, one Vass and two Carmina."

 

[mimo]

"That's two St. Crispin's, one Vass and two Carmina."

Oh the pain. I feel every bit of that. And similar equations have kept me from properly joining the TWAT club until now.

 

[Derekweb]

Wife wants to buy me a watch for my birthday. What is a good watch in the 1K range? Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Dino944]

To me it says early 70s Speedmaster Pro "homage". I don't like the case shape.

Hi Mimo, the Diastar with its oval/egg shaped case dates back to 1962, which is well in advance of the 1970s Omega Flightmasters and some of the other funky 70's Omega cases. Omega is definitely better known, so I think lots of people associate that case shape with 70's Omegas, but Rado was there first...so maybe Omega did a Rado Diastar "homage."

Case shape is a personal thing. Its not necessarily my favorite shape, but if going with a Rado, its really their signature piece, so that might be something for Kid to consider. I think if I were getting a Rado it would most likely be a Diastar, runner up would be something ceramic...although after seeing some of the fractured ceramic watches from other companies maybe I'd stick with the Diastar.

I hear you man - and Dino as well. On the one hand it can be fairly described as gimmicky, but on the other hand, off-center time displays aren't gimmicky when done by Lange and GO, and while there is no getting around the fact that this is a freaking Montblanc - and I don't even like their pens - the movement is actually a quality piece of work - column wheel, vertical clutch etc. I think my problem is that having a solid array of fairly conventional watches, I am finding "different" appealing. I'll spare you all the pics of the Dubey & Schaldenbrand I nearly bought...I appreciate both of your efforts - my toes are no longer overhanging the edge, but I haven't quit stepped back in the building yet.Edit - Mimo - hilarious! You know the real impact of this place? I am looking at the price of the watch and thinking "That's two St. Crispin's, one Vass and two Carmina."

Its not the off center display that bothers me, and I don't think off center displays are gimmicky. Also, I don't give Lange or GO a pass just because the cost more or are more prestigious. I find the dial layouts of those far more attractive...but that's subjective. Aside from buying a watch from a pen maker (I probably wouldn't buy a suit from a ketchup maker) what really bothers me are subdials and how they are attached. It just looks too fussy and over stylized. I' don't think its gimmicky, I just don't care for it. However, if it really calls to you and the price is right ...go for it. You are the only one that has to be happy with it.

 

[mimo]

Derekweb:

Why don't you show us some things you like, at any price range, then it's easier to gauge your taste before making suggestions. At the price range, there are plenty of solid automatic watches from established makers, using generic movements but each with their own style. Give us a clue as to what kind of look you have in mind.


Dino:

Once again, thank you for the education. But it's still ugly even if it's authentic.

 

[Keith T]

I actually like the Speedy Mark II (somebody around here has one...Singular?) but hadn't really made the connection w/ Rado.

 

[Newcomer]



Oh the pain.  I feel every bit of that.  And similar equations have kept me from properly joining the TWAT club until now.

You know, I hate to say it, but I am kind of over shoes

Watches have just given me so much more pleasure.

I think that my wallet misses my main hobby being shoes though.

And I second the Rado D-Star suggestion. Although I understand where Dino is coming from, in regards to getting a Rado that *is* inherently a Rado, I do not think I would ever wear Diastar re-makes.

 

[wurger]

 "That's two St. Crispin's, one Vass and two Carmina."

Oh the pain.  I feel every bit of that.  And similar equations have kept me from properly joining the TWAT club until now.

Haha, most of the watches we talk about here are worth at least more than 10 pairs of shoes, that's more than one's entire shoe collection.

 

[Omega Male]

Uh huh. Yeah.

 

[kungapa]



Haha, most of the watches we talk about here are worth at least more than 10 pairs of shoes, that's more than one's entire shoe collection.

You are funny mister. Maybe half, but probably not.

 

[PartagasIV]

That Reverso. WAT.