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TheReverend 
Posts:129
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| 04-08-2008 09:39:17 PM |
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Hi Gents,
I've been a long time posting! During the last few months I've sold about 75% of my collection, including some real gems (the NOS El Primero has gone), in the hope that my addiction would go away (I've still got the Speedsonic though  ). Unfortunately, it's not gone away...in fact, my addiction seems to have moved up a level, and just seems to get worse with every year that passes.
So, I have about £5k to spend on whatever I want, and I feel the need to consult the voice of reason, so I've come here. Jesus, I must be mad!!
I want something substantial, but not too blingy (unless anyone can find a NOS example of the 18k gold Omega on the un-cool wall, which is an exception!) as I would need to wear it to work.
My utopian dream is a perpetual calendar watch, but realistically, I would need to spend about £6k to get this, so I'm torn.
As ever, any recommendations gratefully received. |
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ATG
Posts:3193
Bristol, London, Liverpool - UK
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| 04-08-2008 11:10:16 PM |
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I could let the others chip in first!
But I have to say that if you want something very cool, practical with that 'one' thing that lets you enjoy the vintage feel you obviously like, I could suggest non better than one of the Bremonts and that is my honest opinion. You really do not need another watch either...... |
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Regards
Alistair |
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Bremont125
Posts:237
London
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| 05-08-2008 08:13:20 AM |
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Rev
I'm new to this game, so my tuppence can safely be ignored. However, as a Bremont owner, I'd also thoroughly recommend one. They're superb to wear, beautiful to look at, and really far more than I expected in a watch.
M |
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DaveS
Posts:470
Bristol UK
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| 05-08-2008 09:41:54 AM |
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Hello again your Reverence
Wow, what a fantastic position to find yourself in...... (£6k for watches, not necessarily the bit about selling the collection).
The Bremont route is certainly a good one, but there are clearly many other options that you might consider.
There is the "historic icon" watch route
There is the "high branded" route
There is the "start collecting again" route
On the Icon route one could start with rare and interesting species such as J le C Polaris or the original 60s version of the Longines Legend diver, recently re-issued. I love these simple, classic, functional dive watches. How about the Omega "grail", like Scott's. One could get into the Rolex game, and a very nice classic piece (though nothing with a military pedigree)
I try not to think about the high-branded route too often, and am not really qualified to speak on it, but it is there nonetheless. However, there are precious few that do not involve taking a hit from owning a new watch.
Or one could go for the collection.
I very much enjoyed reading this online (and apologies if you have already done so)
http://onthedash.com/docs/Collecting548.htm
It is Jeff Stein's 5-4-8 article, in which he picks out 5 watches for $8k. Interesting choices, but also interesting methodology.
Do you have any thoughts yourself as to where you're leaning?
Cheers
DaveS |
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ATG
Posts:3193
Bristol, London, Liverpool - UK
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| 05-08-2008 11:10:10 AM |
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good points Dave! I am not sure what I would suggest.
What I do know is if you spend getting of for £5k on a vintage watch you will always worry a little when wearing it.... the reason why I made suggestion is because I don't worry about my Bremont.
I have owned a load of the Iconic pieces;
Heuer - Manaco x 3 # Carrera 4 - including the val .72 and the Dato 45's # Autavia all except a GMT + Bunds x 4 + PVD x 6
Omega - Seamasters 1045 + .321 50's Speedmaster - .321 + .861 Moon watches, MkIIs, Pre professional probably about 20 examples.
Zenith - El Primero like yours x 2 + 146 HP versions x 3
Military - Hanhart modern, Omega Big hand, IWC mkx - Bund - Autavia - Carrera - Tudor MN a shed load of others
Universal - SPace Compax x 4 - Compax x 4
Breitling - Navitimer x 4 - Cal.11 x 3 - Tiptime x 2
And honestly more than I can remember!
Get yourself a big and bad cool modern watch that is very cool and practical. It looks like you are distilling down so go practical.
I forgot to mention a Daytona (black dial) or one I had which I really rate is the IWC Aquatimer 2000 in steel.
Best i can do sorry!
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Regards
Alistair |
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cyclopath
Posts:713
Sydney, Australia
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| 05-08-2008 11:18:02 AM |
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For what it's worth, I would seriously think about the Bremonts, of course allowing my bias here. As Al says, it is a put it on and wear without care watch - good looking, functional, very well built, rare to uncommon and who knows, maybe an icon one day?
Good luck. |
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Dave J
...and then one day you find, 10 years has got behind you, no-one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun... |
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ATG
Posts:3193
Bristol, London, Liverpool - UK
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| 05-08-2008 11:39:36 AM |
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Posted By DaveS on 05-08-2008 09:41:54 AM
Hello again your Reverence
Wow, what a fantastic position to find yourself in...... (£6k for watches, not necessarily the bit about selling the collection).
The Bremont route is certainly a good one, but there are clearly many other options that you might consider.
There is the "historic icon" watch route
There is the "high branded" route
There is the "start collecting again" route
On the Icon route one could start with rare and interesting species such as J le C Polaris or the original 60s version of the Longines Legend diver, recently re-issued. I love these simple, classic, functional dive watches. How about the Omega "grail", like Scott's. One could get into the Rolex game, and a very nice classic piece (though nothing with a military pedigree)
I try not to think about the high-branded route too often, and am not really qualified to speak on it, but it is there nonetheless. However, there are precious few that do not involve taking a hit from owning a new watch.
Or one could go for the collection.
I very much enjoyed reading this online (and apologies if you have already done so)
http://onthedash.com/docs/Collecting548.htm
It is Jeff Stein's 5-4-8 article, in which he picks out 5 watches for $8k. Interesting choices, but also interesting methodology.
Do you have any thoughts yourself as to where you're leaning?
Cheers
DaveS
That reminds me I also did one if those articles for International Watch Magazine, I should really scan it and put it on the site like Jeff did...Lol!
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Regards
Alistair |
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TheReverend
Posts:129
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| 05-08-2008 09:07:18 PM |
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Thanks gents, lots of ideas. You've identified my problem quite accurately, as I'm torn between buying a brand new watch, or one of the classics.
Now, call me a tart, but I'm strangely drawn to the Ulysse Nardin Blue Surf (and have been for a while, due to its design/colour) Google up "263-36LE-3" and you'll see what I mean. It's been discontinued for a while now, but if I'm to shell out on a new watch, I would ideally go for something which has a limited run in an effort to keep the depreciation down.
Conversely, and as a collector, I would also want to own some real classics. The Monaco has always been a favourite of mine, and I nearly bought one about 4 years ago, in tip top condition. It was at $4k at the time, and I should have bit the Bullitt, so to speak, (ho ho) and just done it. The problem I have is direction, which is what has led to two consolidations of my collection over the last few years. It's now the smallest it's ever been, at 8 pieces. Ultimately, I look at my collection and think 'that one doesn't fit' and sell it on. Similarly, I have had a number of watches that I simply couldn't wear, either because of the 'perceived' value, or just the type of watch. Take the El Primero as an example. It was totally unworn, and still had the protective coating on it. There was no way I was going to put it on! Similarly, my Speedsonic remains in it's box, and comes out only for special occasions, such as its birthday (wierd, but true) or mine!
Maybe I could lower my expectations and split the funds to cover both classic and new watch. I read the 5-4-8 articles when they're published in IWMagazine, which are great, so maybe that's the answer.
Cheers
Rev. |
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ATG
Posts:3193
Bristol, London, Liverpool - UK
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| 09-08-2008 02:22:18 PM |
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Rev.
What you need to do is come to the get together. There will be a load of cool watches there so you can have a good look and a chat? |
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Regards
Alistair |
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TheReverend
Posts:129
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| 09-08-2008 08:41:25 PM |
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| I think you're right Alistair. If someone could bring a Rolex Sea Dweller with them, then this would be a bonus, as I held one in a shop in Marlborough the other week, and questioned if it was genuine! The second hand didn't look right, and it wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be. |
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