The Watch Appreciation Thread - Part two (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre,

[Kaplan]

Looks nice. I think that bracelets are oft undervalued in that 80% + of the tactile feel of the watch is really the bracelet, more than the watch. Mind if I ask the price range for your refurbishing?

Was that a question for me? If so, the price is about $570 (compared to a new bracelet which here would be $1470).

 

[mak1277]

+1 for Crown & Buckle. I've used dozens of their Nato style straps. I gave up on the double pass version and have been just as happy. Once they get dirty/smelly I just toss and replace. Very reasonably priced and tons of options.

I too buy the single pass straps.

If you wrap them around the belt loop of a pair of pants you can run them through the washing machine and they're basically as good as new.

 

[patrick_b]

unless you're an astronaut or Sean Connery

Done. @George Red NATO approved.

 

[Neville Southall]

Done. NATO approved.

View attachment 1623300

I rest my case.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

I have two NATO straps, purchased from Clockwork Synergy and Bas & Lokes. I have purchased several non-NATO straps from Bulang & Sons.

 

[venessian]

what are peoples recommendations for NATO straps? I know Hokindee and The Armoury have them in their shops, but wanted to see if there were any other go-to recommendations out there

Crown and Buckle, MWC, Maratec, Worn & Wound, B&R seat belt, etc. are all good. WatchBandit make good ones in great, simple colors/combinations. @DavidLane makes amazing cordovan NATO straps.

Alternate fabric: Eulit Perlon, available through Holben's, etc.
Alternate style: Erika's Originals MN.

timesofplenty on eBay often has some beautiful color and pattern vintage/o-o-p NOS Perlon straps.

 

[classicalthunde]

UNPOPULAR OPINION: NATO straps should be banned, unless you're an astronaut or Sean Connery.

In all fairness, this is going to be for a Victorinox beater field watch for camping/rafting/hunting/yard work etc...

 

[venessian]

I'm going back and forth between these two - any thoughts?

Still haven't managed to see the GO in person - apparently neither dealer in Manhattan has one.

Also open to other suggestions along these lines.

View attachment 1623294 View attachment 1623295

Of those two, I prefer the GO mainly because I think it is beautifully balanced. On the IWC: I do not like gap-toothed dates at 6:00 at all, the highly blued numerals, and the red PR. So in IWC I far prefer the Portugieser (automatic, unless you really want a chronograph).

Dornblüth & Sohn also make many superb iterations of the marine watch, many complication combinations, various case materials, printed applied numerals, etc. All of them are beautiful.

Caliber 99 or Q-2010.2 up & down

Caliber 99.2

Quintus 2010.9

Caliber 99.4

Caliber 99.5

 

[Neville Southall]

Late lunch. Just waiting on the steak.

 

[Drek Galloche]

View attachment 1623299
My IWC pilot disagrees

So only one of you is a pilot?

 

[Krish the Fish]

Only one of you is a pilot?

The dog in the middle is the pilot

 

[Ebitdaddy]

100% the GO. Finishing is generally a step up from IWC and they are available at very attractive prices used. If you go new, push for 25% - 35% off. You can use my super cheap indian dude method too and just blanket email 10 - 20 ADs. Just BCC them all and basically let them bid themselves down. This is how I got my ALS for wayyy below list and then profitably sold it when I got bored.

I'm going back and forth between these two - any thoughts?

Still haven't managed to see the GO in person - apparently neither dealer in Manhattan has one.

Also open to other suggestions along these lines.

View attachment 1623294 View attachment 1623295

 

[mebiuspower]

I'm going back and forth between these two - any thoughts?

Still haven't managed to see the GO in person - apparently neither dealer in Manhattan has one.

Also open to other suggestions along these lines.

View attachment 1623294 View attachment 1623295

GO is a step above IWC... and once you go big date you won't go back...

 

[Phileas Fogg]

what are peoples recommendations for NATO straps? I know Hokindee and The Armoury have them in their shops, but wanted to see if there were any other go-to recommendations out there

don’t be schnookered into spending a lot on a NATO strap. CWC sells the genuine thing for half the price. HODINKEE straps are sewn whereas the genuine NATO straps are heat welded.

CWC British issue Military Watch Strap

Item code: 20049 The CWC issued strap to British forces (Military grey only) is currently supplied with the CWC SBS in 20mm and 18mm for G10 / GS watches. The CWC "Strap, Wrist Watch, Nylon" (the original MOD title for the strap) is the most durable genuine military-issued strap, which is why...

www.cwcwatch.com

 

[Neville Southall]

Everyone that says GO is “a step above “IWC”… really? Come on.