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

[Thrift Vader]

This conversation feels like deja vu. Nobody here is going to be convinced that a $5k sub is legit. It's just too stupid for someone to sell at that price to make logical sense. I suppose there is a 5% chance it's real and you could get a steal of a deal, but you're not going to convince anyone of that.

I have no need to "convince" you or anyone else that a watch is "real". After all, i'm not trying to sell it to you.

I asked if it was a good deal. and the noise of those who scream fake tell me that it's a great deal.
Thank you.

Resale of fakes can close a business here.
They must be able to prove authenticity. or they won't buy it from the original seller.
So i am 99% confident in the quality and authenticity of any item i am looking at.

edit, i agree with most of what @Journeyman said above, but i doubt you are going to find a good deal in the expensive parts of Tokyo. or at a watch fair in Ginza
But if you checkout other cities, as journey man agrees, the luxury used market is saturated and affordable.
Yes, last year i posted a Rolex with a red writing on it and everyone went nuts screaming fake.
It was around $8,500 iirc.
meh, I'll still hold out until i can afford a Millgauss most likely. but you never know. . . .

 

[Phileas Fogg]

The only way to guarantee you’re getting something real is to buy it from an authorized dealer who in turn procured their watches from the manufacturer. If I’m buying a watch for thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars, that’s all I will settle for.

By the way, “experts” are fooled all the time:

From a “Rothko” to a “Renoir,” New Exhibit Features Fakes that Fooled the Art World | Artsy

The new exhibition “Treasures on Trial” features dozens of fake or suspected-to-be-fake artworks and objects.

www.artsy.net

The RealReal Sold Me A $3,600 Fake; Here’s Why Counterfeits Slip Through Its Authentication Process

The RealReal's business is in part built on its promise of authentication, but I received a fake Christian Dior handbag. How can the resale business ever succeed if fakes are being sold as real?

www.forbes.com

The attack of the SuperFakes | TechCrunch

Seven years ago, watch fan Andrew Dakin bought a Movado watch on eBay for $500. It looked like a mint timepiece, well-maintained and classically styled. He had just started collecting watches, so he was happy to get a deal on a unique and valuable timepiece.

techcrunch.com

ultimately these are personal decisions. I am old enough and fortunate enough financially that the extra cost of buying from an AD is worth my peace of mind.

 

[sinnedk]

Don't recall seeing much here about Grand Seiko, other than some remarks about ass-kissing from Hodinkee. GS announced 7 new models, including four more of their "seasons" editions that have GMT hands.

Not sold on the GMT hands with these dress-style watches. I tend to like the dials on the green and white of those models (first and fourth in the photo), but the 24-hour numerals kill it for me.

This one looks okay, if you can stomach a $59,000 (!) price tag:

View attachment 1562336

Not sure about this:

View attachment 1562338

No:

View attachment 1562339

Pretty underwhelming on balance. I was disappointed, as I have recently become pretty interested in some of Grand Seiko's offerings, specifically the SBGW231 and to a lesser extent the Snowflake, although something about the power reserve indicator on the dial bothers me. I was hoping these new models would be a little more interesting.

Feel free and dismiss my comment.

I like the way Grand Seiko's look but for the price I just would look elsewhere as their brand outside of watch enthusiasts gets associated with your general Seiko. I am definitely not a show off when it comes to watches but for their asking price there are better options.

 

[NakedYoga]

Feel free and dismiss my comment.

I like the way Grand Seiko's look but for the price I just would look elsewhere as their brand outside of watch enthusiasts gets associated with your general Seiko. I am definitely not a show off when it comes to watches but for their asking price there are better options.

No reason to dismiss it, I'm not brand loyal to GS, nor do I have any emotional investment in them. I just like the aesthetic of many of their offerings, especially the (boring) SBGW231. I'd love to check out some better options, probably in the $4k-6k range or so, although any such purchase would probably be 3rd in line, at best, as to what my future watch plans are.

 

[Idesofmarch17]

Feel free and dismiss my comment.

I like the way Grand Seiko's look but for the price I just would look elsewhere as their brand outside of watch enthusiasts gets associated with your general Seiko. I am definitely not a show off when it comes to watches but for their asking price there are better options.

I generally agree, but I am a huge fan of some of the dials, including the Autumn dial. No other dial I have seen gets that wood vibe right, but I just wish it was a little more sporty with such a sporty color dial.

 

[Neville Southall]

Offered to me by my AD. Cop or drop? Unsure...

 

[Nickd]

I like the complication, I’m not certain I like the size - how big is it?

 

[Texasmade]

Offered to me by my AD. Cop or drop? Unsure...
View attachment 1563309

Cop if it can be bundled with an Aquanaut.

 

[Neville Southall]

Cop if it can be bundled with an Aquanaut.

I despise the Aquanaut, man. HATE that ******* thing.

 

[Neville Southall]

I like the complication, I’m not certain I like the size - how big is it?

38mm. Wears well.

 

[Texasmade]

I despise the Aquanaut, man. HATE that ******* thing.

Most of the watch world loves it so sell for a profit.

 

[Nickd]

38mm. Wears well.

I thought it was larger than that from the picture. 38mm is a good wearable size.

 

[Neville Southall]

In other news, I found the perfect strap for my Speedy. Leffot makes this great strap in bourbon shell cordovan. 20mm at the lugs but tapers to 16mm at the buckle.

 

[sinnedk]

No reason to dismiss it, I'm not brand loyal to GS, nor do I have any emotional investment in them. I just like the aesthetic of many of their offerings, especially the (boring) SBGW231. I'd love to check out some better options, probably in the $4k-6k range or so, although any such purchase would probably be 3rd in line, at best, as to what my future watch plans are.

same sentiment but far further than 3rd for me.

I generally agree, but I am a huge fan of some of the dials, including the Autumn dial. No other dial I have seen gets that wood vibe right, but I just wish it was a little more sporty with such a sporty color dial.

View attachment 1563286

that is pretty

In other news, I found the perfect strap for my Speedy. Leffot makes this great strap in bourbon shell cordovan. 20mm at the lugs but tapers to 16mm at the buckle.
View attachment 1563345 View attachment 1563346

not digging the strap, metal bracelet looked better IMO

 

[UnFacconable]

not digging the strap, metal bracelet looked better IMO

This isn't really directed at you or George, but I would say the choice in speedy strap is largely a reflection of the wearer's preferences. I suppose that's not unique to the Speedy but it seems especially versatile with very little that is right or wrong in an absolute sense. I don't like the look of the stock bracelet (I tend to think any bracelet with whatever you called the polished link edges on the Speedy and the GS's posted recently to be fussy) so I've only worn mine on straps. I might consider putting my Speedy on a bracelet if it was fully brushed either in an oyster style or with the new link shapes, but I don't like busy bracelets like they've used the last few decades.

I've had mine on perlon (typically black) lately which I think suits it well but isn't for everyone. I wouldn't wear it on a lighter colored leather strap but I can see why other's might enjoy that look.

[not my picture]