Australian Members

I keep an eye on these three as well (mostly clockmaker and watchtrader) and I'm reasonably assured they are all legit (though I've never made a purchase).

I've dealt with Nick at clockmaker.com.au before
VERY knowledgeable fella and a straight shooter.

Though you can get many of the watches he resells at a lower cost, he is local and always willing to help out, a peace of mind that is often worth sacrificing a lower price for.

Also had good experience on Watchuseek.com

I'm in the market for a Railmaster at the moment actually so am cruising the forums a fair bit. Any model in particular you want me to keep an eye out for?

Originally Posted by Geoffrey Firmin

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A couple of quick questions

Does anyone know where i can buy decent shoe tress in Sydney or Canberra for that matter?

And where can I pick up Collinil shoe polish?

And lastly can anyone recommend a good Thai restaurant in the Newtown Enmore area? Went to Banks Thai on Friday night, first time in about 7 years and the food was tragic.

thanks

You need to go to Big Boy Thai in Redfern, which is just around the corner really. Best Thai I have ever had and used to be my local when I lived there, though every Sydney sider has a favourite Thai place.

Bet shoe tree's I have ever found in Canberra are the Florsheim's, in fact the only shoe trees I have ever found.

Just went in to the Henry Bucks sale in Sydney City today. Meh.. I only got a Hackett Pocket Square and an unbranded Gingham one that seems to be hand folded. $19.50 for the former and $25 for the latter. They had a few ties from Ascot at $85 and Canali Suits at about $1600 after discount. Which still is kind of expensive to be honest.
Oh and the EGs I spotted there was $1995 .. I think I'll just wait for my vacation to London late June...

Originally Posted by Charlie's Wardrobe

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You need to go to Big Boy Thai in Redfern, which is just around the corner really. Best Thai I have ever had and used to be my local when I lived there, though every Sydney sider has a favourite Thai place.

Bet shoe tree's I have ever found in Canberra are the Florsheim's, in fact the only shoe trees I have ever found.

David Jones had a (very limited) selection (of shoe trees, that is. Their selection of Thai food was even more limited).

Originally Posted by Mr Herbert

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has anyone any experience with any of the australian second hand watch sites?

any of them reputable?

http://www.watchtrader.com.au/store/watches/
http://www.clockmaker.com.au/
http://www.watchgallery.com.au/

are the ones i most often check out.

im in perth and the thought of dropping $7k on a watch ive never seen makes me nervous but there are few options on this side of the country it seems

Hi, I have used watchtrader a few tmes times previously, to sell watches on commission. Darryl is the man in charge - a very nice guy who is passionate about watches. He is based in Melbourne. I have not purchased a watch through him but would do so without hesitation.

I have not used watchgallery but often check out their stock online. They are also in Melbourne. Their prices are normally very reasonable. They have apparently been around for quite a while so should be reputable. I would be quite confident in purchasing from them.

Clockmaker is run by Nick in Sydney. I have not purchased from him before. I have however made enquiries re his watches. I generally find the prices he asks 'optimistic'.

Personally, I would prefer to deal with watchtrader or watchgallery. Two other options (also in Melbourne), which are worth considering -

www.watchtime.com.au - I purchased a new Sinn from them but they also sell vintage. They have a lovely shop in Block Arcade, in the city.
www.thewatchgallery.com.au - not to be confused with www.watchgallery.com.au !

HTH
Ben

Originally Posted by jaypee

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I've dealt with Nick at clockmaker.com.au before
VERY knowledgeable fella and a straight shooter.

Though you can get many of the watches he resells at a lower cost, he is local and always willing to help out, a peace of mind that is often worth sacrificing a lower price for.

Also had good experience on Watchuseek.com

I'm in the market for a Railmaster at the moment actually so am cruising the forums a fair bit. Any model in particular you want me to keep an eye out for?

I also love the Railmaster, and would love a 39mm version. I am often searching for that as well as the elusive Aqua Terra with blue hands and markers - both watches sadly discontinued by Omega (what were they thinking?).

Finally, am hunting for a no date Sub, but am coming to the conclusion that a vintage 5513 is probably beyond my means.

thanks for the feedback

will keep on watchtrader for what im after

Originally Posted by Mr Herbert

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thanks for the feedback

will keep on watchtrader for what im after

No problem. You may find that you have to wait while for your special watch to become available on watchtrader because the turnover of stock is not super quick. Do tell - what is this watch?

Hi everybody,

Time for my first ever question on the forum.

Is it possible to alter the shape of a shirts collar, i.e. make it a bit smaller and if so can anyone recommend a good alterations tailor in Canberra who can do the job?

I am asking because I got a couple of shirts the other day that are a great fit on me and the fabric is quite nice but the collar is a bit too big / has long points. Bought them on the off chance that I might get used to longer collar points but have since concluded that I won't.

Any answer will be useful in expanding my limited knowledge base.

LPS

LPS, to the best of my (limited) knowledge it would be quite difficult and probably reasonably expensive.

Particularly if the collar is fused (ie the inner lining of the collar is glued to the outer material on one or both sides, I think that it would be difficult to alter and probably much more trouble than it is worth.

If there is one thing that I've learned over the past few years, it is that rather than trying to alter shirts, and rather than trying to live with shirts that you don't really like, it's better to chalk any cost up to experience and to either sell or give away the shirts and to then buy a shirt that you like more.

@LPS Basically, no. I assume that you mean to just cut the points down to something you like. To change the collar shape would involve making an entirely new collar. Some shirtmaker might try it out, but i wouldn't expect a good result. If you *really* wanted it done, you would need to get more fabric and then create a whole new collar to your preference and replace the old one. A company like Turnbull & Asser charges 40GBP for the job, so I'd expect someone in Australia to charge a decent amount more than that.

Not really, certainly not cost effectively and almost certainly not in Canberra. Massively easier to buy shirts with collars you like and get them fitted to your liking rather than changing the collar on something you like the fit of.
I've had shirts taken in and darted at the Look Smart in the Canberra Centre with reasonable results. I'm told there's a bolshy old Croat tailor upstairs in Garema Place who's good (cash only) though not had personal experience.
Have you tried the ones you don't like with a different tie - fatter, thinner, different knot? They might be redeemable.

Originally Posted by bhall41

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No problem. You may find that you have to wait while for your special watch to become available on watchtrader because the turnover of stock is not super quick. Do tell - what is this watch?

just a submariner, they have one but it has no inclusions, id rather the box etc plus i need extra links as i have a big wrist.

Originally Posted by Mr Herbert

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just a submariner, they have one but it has no inclusions, id rather the box etc plus i need extra links as i have a big wrist.

Good choice - I want a sub too, although there is no need to pay $7K, unless you want something vintage.