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

[Warren G.]



Nice shot of your AP. BP = Blancpain?

I think in that post. BP = IWC Big Pilot.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Love that 15300 echau!!

 

[jhcam8]



I think in that post. BP = IWC Big Pilot.

Well, at least I didn't guess British Petroleum.

 

[Warren G.]



Well, at least I didn't guess British Petroleum.

 

[antikantian]



Nice shot of your AP. BP = Blancpain?

Opps, no, I meant IWC Big Pilot.

 

[antikantian]



Opps, no, I meant IWC Big Pilot.

EDIT: Didn't see the reply

EDIT of the EDIT: Edit fail...

 

[Achillus]

Spoiler

Watches only started getting big in the last decade or so, and we're already seeing the trend moving back towards moderately sized watches.

I think the precursors to the trend towards larger timepieces started earlier than the last 10 years. Patek introduced the 43mm Nautilus in 1974(?), and the original Gerald Genta AP Royal Oak was first produced in 1970, with the Royal Oak Jumbo appearing in 1977(?). The first appearance of the Royal Oak Offshore was at Basel in, I want to say, 1993(?). Also, and this is clearly a unique watch with a specific purpose, but the first IWC Big Pilot (52 TSC) appeared in 1940 and was 55mm (although the line of Pilot's watches that were introduced later were more reasonably sized). I'm not sure how big the original Portuguese was, but the first iteration came in 1993 as well.

While horological history is littered with larger watches, I do agree that the vast proliferation of the gargantuan case only came recently. The largest automatic movement, IWC's Calibre 5000, was first introduced in 2000, which, incidentally, coincided with the Richemont takeover. The larger watches have their place, but I certainly agree that a manufacturer's overall collection should strike a size balance. It would be a shame if Patek, for example, decided to increase their watch size across the board.

Just to qualify this, I'm not necessarily a massive watch nut. While I do own some larger pieces, I don't buy based on trends, but rather what appeals to me irrespective of what's popular. My shirt cuffs always cover my watches.

To get back to the p0rn, here are some pics from current or past timepieces from my collection:

Nice.

 

[Achillus]



New cordovan Nato strap for my sub:

Looks good .

 

[jhcam8]

This side-by-side shot gives a truer picture of the size differential, which, as can be seen, is not great:

 

[Newcomer]



Ya know, never really liked the look of APs, but my goodness, on the wrist that is one lovely looking watch. Much more elegant than I envisioned it being.

 

[bhall41]

Grand Seiko today:

 

[style_man]

Awesome Seiko. I've been meaning to add a GS to my collection for some time now.

 

[MLIW]

These are my latest finds for restoration:

Ellis Exeter - 1869
Limit
Ingersoll
Unmarked with Grossman Movement
Unmarked - believe to be Swiss ladies

Its going to be fun!

 

[imageWIS]



This side-by-side shot gives a truer picture of the size differential, which, as can be seen, is not great:

Sigh... It is obvious there is a size difference that is large enough to cause the new version to be unwearable by most people. As well, I have had both watches on (and I used to own a FF 40mm), and its not just that the head has gotten larger, but as well the bracelet is slightly wider as well, adding to the heft / size.

 

[jhcam8]



Sigh... It is obvious there is a size difference that is large enough to cause the new version to be unwearable by most people. As well, I have had both watches on (and I used to own a FF 40mm), and its not just that the head has gotten larger, but as well the bracelet is slightly wider as well, adding to the heft / size.

Sigh, sigh -- I was just demonstrating that the original post with separate pics made the differences appear greater than they are. Of course the bracelet's bigger - why wouldn't it be?

"...unwearable by most..." is probably not the case, but it is a larger watch and, as stated ad nauseum here, some like 'em big and some do not.

 

[jhcam8]

Actually, I've seen the light -- a recent addtion!