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

[rnguy001]

Thanks Belli - I'm no coffee expert by any means, but it's always great to find new ways to make better coffee.. I'm going to look into the aero press. I've been doing the pour-over method and Bodum french press, so this will be interesting to see if I can tell the difference.

I think there's a fair bit of crossover among those who get into coffee and people who dig watches.

If you don't mind a bit of off-topic posting, I gotta say that both appeal to me for many of the same reasons, as they each potentially offer a surprising level of detail to appreciate. Similarly, mechanical watches and quality espresso gear are essentially-mature technologies, so the good stuff tends to last a long time and retain its value.

Unlike a watch, however, it's not that tough to do a full service yourself on espresso equipment. Right now, I'm restoring an older Elektra lever machine. It's looking a bit neglected, and I had to hotwire past the broken power switch to get it going again, but everything else still works well even after sitting unused for about four years. This particular model has been in continuous production since the '60s, and factory replacements can be had for every single component. I've already descaled it, so with a few gaskets and small fittings, it'll be functionally as-new. I'll also try to brighten it up a bit; I don't think there's a collector market that values original "patina" on these things:

It's not necessary to have a lot of bulky equipment taking over your kitchen to enjoy good coffee at home, either. The espresso stuff is more for relaxed weekends and guests; I mainly brew on the simple and perfect Aeropress, which only costs about 25 bucks. That and a half-decent burr grinder are all you need for a world-class cup at home, provided you have quality beans. Skål!

 

[Dino944]

Just got this in. Super underrated watch. It's way too big for me, but for someone with big wrists it's an absolute killer. I can't believe people are paying more for RM011s than these!!

Too large for me, although, I did get to try on the ultra thin RO Tourbillon and it was stunning!!! As for RM...I've never understood the attraction to them. For what they cost there are so many other watches I would rather own.

 

[kimmo]



According to Rolex Passion Report, a new Tudor is just around the corner:

I find bronze-cased watches interesting, though perhaps a bit impractical (changing color, etc.), but may the aluminum-bronze alloy avoids that? Let the discussion start!

Oh, and here's a link to the full article:

http://rolexpassionreport.com/20205/what-rolex-is-going-to-introduce-at-baselworld-2016/

After seeing this being referred as "Black Bay UPS", can't shake the image off my head. I would probably still get the black version if I was looking for a reasonably priced diver.

 

[dan'l]

^ well after mentioning that, I cannot "unsee" it!

 

[Journeyman]

Interesting that, if that is a genuine pic of the proposed Tudor Black Bay "Bronze", that Tudor decided to adopt numerals for the 3, 6 and 9 spots, rather than indices as on other Black Bay models.

 

[SonofOctober]

a

 

[SonofOctober]

Good for Tudor. The Black Bay line is a strong foot forward, and really one of the best options at 3-5K.

Still go with Nomos in that range, but other than that there's not much out there.

 

[BLAUGRANA]

Black Bay is great, and I don't see UPS here, but not a fan of the Bronze edition. Would have preferred a green bezel version.

Looking forward to seeing what happens at Basel.

 

[mimo]

...chronos in the lower range that stand out...

Longines 688 column wheel chrono

As I happened to be wearing this one today, a couple of quick pics: Longines Flagship Column Wheel Chronograph - Silver Dial. Note the blued column wheel in the second pic. Well under $2k new on a bracelet; I added a gator strap for about $100 that I think really makes it. The low contrast dial made it a little too formal for a casual sports watch, but on a strap I think it becomes a modern sort-of-dress-watch really well.

There are a lot of versions; I like the "Heritage" line a lot, of which the cream dial with gold markers on a brown croc strap is a standout. @RogerP has the super cool 1973 Chrono with the same movement in a cushion case for a retro sporty aesthetic. It's awesome.





As i said before, it's not going to win any bragging contests, but it's a well made watch with a classy take on a proven movement, and I'm surprised by how many compliments it gets in this rather dull version!

new Tudor...bronze

I want to like this more than I do. Conceptually, I like the idea of a bronze cased dive watch. I like the use of brown to go with it. I like the woven strap. But, UPS aside, I'm not quite loving it. Maybe if the dial were brown instead of the bezel? And bronze watches make me think of Archimede at the value end, or Helson in this price bracket, and neither are quite historical or luxury enough to stand up to this brand identity.

OK, I'll come out and say it: I fear it looks a bit cheap, with too many elements in imperfect order and the association of bronze with lesser items. If they'd done something extra fancy and rare like the PAM 507 it might be an interesting curiosity for BB lovers. But as a mainstream option, as it stands it's a bit of an ugly sister. I'd rather see it with the burgundy, blue or black bezels, and one of their straps too.

 

[mimo]

Just had a further thought on the Bronze Bay: on the positive side, it now looks nothing at all like a Submariner.

 

[RogerP]

Thanks Mimi and yours does indeed work well as a dressy chrono - very nice indeed.

 

[TwoStep]

Today's watch

 

[TwoStep]



Just got this in. Super underrated watch. It's way too big for me, but for someone with big wrists it's an absolute killer. I can't believe people are paying more for RM011s than these!!

Amazing piece. I do not see why any serious person would choose a RM over an AP. RM to me, feels like it is for the same crowd that carries Hublot.

 

[aol910]

Quick question. Does anyone her know of, and maybe have experience with, a good watchmaker in Philadelphia? I need to service my out of warranty Hamilton.

 

[mimo]

Thanks Mimi and yours does indeed work well as a dressy chrono - very nice indeed.

Don't call me Mimi. It's not the weekend.