Watch Thread

@Elcid @Xecuter

There's an article out on the man who first designed and later went against company orders to save Zenith's El Primero chronograph movement. Kinda of a cool read:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/c...-who-saved-the-el-primero-and-possibly-zenith

 

I heard that tag heur and Zenith are merging. I almost don't want to buy a Zenith now that they are associated..

Edit: A bunch of Jeans running the whole lot. Including Hublot.

The new company is chaired by Jean-Christophe Babin (CEO of TAG Heuer), assisted by Jean-Frederic Dufour (CEO of Zenith) and by Jean-Claude Femiot (CEO of watch case producer Cortech in Comol). “The operation is primarily of legal, financial, administrative and tax related character. Each brand keeps its own operational management”, says Jean-Christophe Babin.

 

Don't let it put you off! That's common.

Look at Swatchgroup (Omega, Breguet, Tissot, Longines, Swatch, etc.)

Or Richemont (Cartier, A.Lange und Sohne, Jaeger Le Coultre, Vacheron Constantin etc.).

They keep the brand's character pretty separate.

Let me say that if someone offered me a Breguet or Omega, I wouldn't turn it down!

I think another Jean, Jean-Claude Biver, who headed up Tag Heuer and Hublot who loves big, bold, crappy, who is the problem. Hopefully he won't mess up Zenith's character. I think he gets it, though. He loves watches at heart.

For real independents, you've only got a few like Rolex, Seiko and a few others.

 

OK, I have to agree with you. I do really have a thing against Tag though.

I've got a Seiko Alpinist in my collection and love it. Not a huge fan of Rolex as they are a bit too mass produced/popular for me.

Well I have an Open Grande Date Zenith on Layby, I've been chipping at it for a few months and might get it for xmas. It's either that or another DAC.

 

I wouldn't fear the big conglomerates. The market tends to correct over time for missteps and the conglomerates allow for interesting collaborations, especially in movements. See the link Kunlun posted about Zenith providing movements to Rolex.

I own a twenty year old Tag Link Professional diver. It was my entrance into fine watch-making and lead me to learn more about the field. Conglomerates tend to offer products across the price spectrum, such as the Swatch Group.

The Open Grande Date Zenith is a beautiful piece. Please post pictures if you decide to get it.

 

Latest acquisition from a micro --> Seals Watch Company Model A



I'm not into expensive watches so...
I think the most expensive piece is probably my Sinn U1.
The rest are quite affordable.

Other ones I'm waiting on is MWW's Iconik 3: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f71/manchester-watch-works-iconik-3-a-3481561-5.html#post32488610

 

The iconik has a nice vintage diver look, which dial are you going for?

 

Pre-ordered the white one. For some reason I've been partial to white lately lol. One of my faves is my Dievas Vortex Pro, white dial of course. ..

 

Cool, please put up some wrist shots when it arrives.

 

Will definitely do.
I also backed a Kickstarter chrono which looks quite decent, plus bought a cheap Timex chrono as well (Waterbury) cause... why not?!

For some reason, I just can't get into "high-end"/expensive watches. Especially if they are dive watches (i.e. complications not seen, no see-through case back, etc.). A month and a half ago or so, I went to a local jewelry store and was ALMOST on the verge of getting what has been "my grail", a watch I have wanted, a Rolex Explorer II 16570 polar. I went there with my cheap NTH Santa Cruz (http://www.janistrading.com/santa-cruz/ ) on the wrist. Once I had the Explorer in my hand, sure, the bracelet was aces, the watch looked just perfect, it felt "right" on my wrist but side-by-side, I just couldn't spend $5k+ for that when the Santa Cruz brings me a similar feeling even if it's not the same quality overall. Similar thing happened when trying a friend's Omega. It looked awesome (and I love how the Dark side of the moon dial in vintage black looks!) but I guess it just felt short of expectations. And seeing that I don't really use "dressy" watches, I'm not enchanted by some Zenith, Lange, etc. offerings.
Who knows!? Maybe I have to be rich to enjoy those offerings more! LOL But in the meantime, I'll just enjoy my cheaper watches (even if I end up selling them after I get tired of them, which BTW, knowing myself, could possibly happen with expensive watches as well...)

 

Go with what makes you happy and doesn't break your bank.

Everybody who loves watches and every watch that's loved is welcome here.

 

Random blurt.... I knew the guy who wrote the ticka-tick-Timex slogan.

/blurt

 

I don't know much about watches -- I haven't worn one in years -- but I know a great behind-the-scenes making-of video when I see one! If you haven't seen this one from NOMOS Glashütte, then you are in for a treat:

 

You like what you like, and as Kunlun said, all are welcome here to talk about watches. I own watches from $35 Russian vintage pieces to about a $3,000 Frederique Constant. I also have a few Kickstarter watches including a Rubicon 50mm (Yes, I am compensating, why do you ask?

There is much to explore and enjoy at every price point.

 

Nice. LOL.

I actually enjoyed reading this --> http://fortune.com/2015/03/07/fred-olsen/

 

While everyone is enjoying the meet, I thought I'd contribute here!

This is my Breguet Marine, with my lab coat after the end of a long day (you can see from the time on the watch just how long).

 

I have this pretty snazy soviet russien Raketa mechanical watch. Doesnt really work anymore though, I need to get it fixed.

 

I'm hoping @Torq will share more of his collection here! And everyone else, as well, of course!

Meanwhile, I got older and bought a new watch.