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

[Sander]

Well, "a lot" might be an overstatement. What makes a significant difference though is that the lugs on the Orion are longer than on the Max Bill.

So I guess my main point was that it looks a lot more than one would think from the 1mm difference.

 

[akatsuki]

For inexpensive modern type watches there are a lot of interesting choices:

Botta


Braun re-issues


Uniform Wares


I am not convinced of the quality of any of these, but for a relatively modern look, there are options out there.

 

[mayborne]

get the gold one with roman numerals. it kinda looks like a postmodern calatavra. pretty nice too for a grad gift. if not then omega speedmaster pro.

i think it was the ludwig...

 

[Cylon]

the ludwig?

It's a sign...

 

[gdl203]

Rollie with a suit

 

[Dino944]

I always say I am going to flip watches, but in the end they just end up sitting in a drawer or being passed on to relatives, etc.
For example, I have been looking at dress watches for what feels like a year now, and still haven't found one that I like as much as this RL right now:

and so I keep going back and forth since the brand name is meaningless. Do I get a Lange 1815 or Richard Lange? Maybe a VC Patrimony or the Quai... Hell, maybe a JLC Chrono or Master Tourb. But realistically I just like the RL more, so I am sitting there deciding whether to pull the trigger on a watch that will probably be worth half what I paid for it, and one that I probably won't be able to find used ever since I can't imagine they are selling that well.

As for flipping watches, I always have a tough time doing that. I have a Rolex Explorer that I've rarely worn and I often contemplate selling it, and then I just dont get around to selling it.

I've seen the RL watches but they don't do anything for me. I just don't see much point in buying what is essentially a recased watch movement from JLC. But if you prefer the design to the JLC designs, then maybe its the right watch for you. I just find with all the subdials etc so close to the center of the watch it really becomes apparent that the movement was intended for a smaller case. As for Lange, the only design of theirs that I've ever really liked a lot is the Lange 1. Its design was so original when it was released and I find it as beautiful today as it was back in the early 90s. The 1815 and Richard Lange are nice, but I'm not sure there is anything unique about them that would push me to choose one of those over a PP, AP, or VC, JLC, Piaget or any other well made watch. My main reason for bring up brand names was simply raise the idea of resale if you sell/trade watches often. But if that doesn't matter go with the design and maker that really calls to you.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[akatsuki]



As for flipping watches, I always have a tough time doing that.  I have a Rolex Explorer that I've rarely worn and I often contemplate selling it, and then I just dont get around to selling it. 

I've seen the RL watches but they don't do anything for me.  I just don't see much point in buying what is essentially a recased watch movement from JLC.  But if you prefer the design to the JLC designs, then maybe its the right watch for you.  I just find with all the subdials etc so close to the center of the watch it really becomes apparent that the movement was intended for a smaller case.  As for Lange, the only design of theirs that I've ever really liked a lot is the Lange 1.  Its design was so original when it was released and I find it as beautiful today as it was back in the early 90s.  The 1815 and Richard Lange are nice, but I'm not sure there is anything unique about them that would push me to choose one of those over a PP, AP, or VC, JLC, Piaget or any other well made watch.  My main reason for bring up brand names was simply raise the idea of resale if you sell/trade watches often.  But if that doesn't matter go with the design and maker that really calls to you. 

Good luck and let us know what you decide. 

 

I generally don't like APs very much (especially ROs).

What I find appealing about the RLs is the mix of Roman numerals and somewhat sporty style. The JLCs have a relatively sporty bezel (like a Calatrava 5296 for example) and the pointed hour markers keep it fresh. The Langes are pretty elegant and the 1815/Richard Langes, in their simpler versions are nice and formal, but I could probably get a Dornblueth knock-off of the 1815 for a bit cheaper.

If I could get a Calatrava 5296 with a 5117 roman numeral face, I think I would be pretty happy.

 

[in stitches]



+1

wow would that be nice to have. THAT is watch Appreciation.

Can someone explain to me the appeal of these watches? I guess they are really well made by a small company, and I understand that kind of appeal, but the dial just seems cluttered, the font very large and... dare I say... ugly?

they are exceptionally well made in small quantities, and the entire process from concept to finished watch is done in house iirc. the design i find to be exceedingly pleasant and classy. but hey, different strokes i guess.

Hard to explain. I think the FP J are beautiful - dial, case, movement, crown(s). If you don't like them, good for you, that's some more $xx k watches you don't need to lust for... The Resonance is high on my list if I ever buy a watch at that price point.

also this.

Rollie with a suit

looks A ok to me, im sure spoo would say the same lol.

 

[Sander]



get the gold one with roman numerals. it kinda looks like a postmodern calatavra. pretty nice too for a grad gift. if not then omega speedmaster pro.
i think it was the ludwig...

The speedmaster is a wholly different type of watch... why would you even suggest that?

the ludwig?

It's a sign...

Haha, it indeed looks like a sign. Still think Wittgenstein would have liked the Orion better (but maybe in white).

 

[Cylon]

I do vaguely recall something about his furniture in Cambridge..but I doubt I would have been able to recall that fact if asked. Thanks for the lesson!

Other options to consider (re: German minimalism): stowa (et al) flieger (with or without branding), Glashutte Senator Automatic (dial markers or for a little spice, roman numerals), or Dornbluth--all worth looking into but NOMOS is a really good choice too. Not looking to dissuade you from your original choice--just rounding things out

 

[akatsuki]

More FP Journe Appreciation - they would be at the top of my list, but I have heard they are a bit finicky and spend a lot of time in maintenance, and since I don't buy things I can't afford to use, I would be annoyed to have it in the shop a lot (I would stick snow tires and chains on a Ferrari if I had one...)

Octa Automatic Lune


Octa Calendar

 

[Kid Nickels]

^ love the Octa Lune too... nice. I'm still on the fence about the Calendar.

 

[gdl203]

 

[Eustace Tilley]

^ Meh - I admire the technical aspects of the watch, but none of the FPJ designs are to my liking

 

[Dino944]

More FP Journe Appreciation - they would be at the top of my list, but I have heard they are a bit finicky and spend a lot of time in maintenance, and since I don't buy things I can't afford to use, I would be annoyed to have it in the shop a lot (I would stick snow tires and chains on a Ferrari if I had one...)
Octa Automatic Lune

Octa Calendar

I love the Octa Atuomatic Lune. Its one of my favorite designs from Journe. I generally find his more complicated pieces too busy and not as attractive. The Octa Calendar doesn't do anything for me. But I've never seriously considerd buying anything from Journe because their reputation for problems and spending time in the repair shop would make it a headache to own instead of enjoyable. I was at a dinner for watch collectors and 2 people that owned Journes joked saying they are like Jaguars of the 1960s/70s...you have to buy 2 to really wear one. One that you intend to wear and another as spare for when the first is being repaired.