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

[AndyGarton]

I finally got myself a Speedmaster Pro, and I can't believe I waited this long - what a cracking watch. I bought the new 005 (hesalite) model, which I know some say is expensive, and partly paying for a useless box, but I got it at a very good price from a non-authorised dealer (I can live without the AD £500+ cup of tea!), and the box of goodies does add a bit to the experience. I do think this watch is good value regardless, compared to most other luxury watches anyway. I'm really pleased I went for the hesalite version - the dial is surprisingly clear as a result, although I don't really notice the often talked about "attractive" distortion (which seems about the same as a sapphire box crystal to me). It's well built and nicely finished, fits me beautifully in my opinion and is super comfortable as a result, and so far at least keeps really good time (+5 s/d).

 

[BostonHedonist]

Nothing like that first fresh Speedy. Nice choice @AndyGarton !

I particularly like that the caseback doesn't suffer from "First and Only" syndrome, as does mine.

 

[Keith T]

Outstanding pics, too @AndyGarton! Congrats. You guys must click the spoiler button for some nice close-ups of this brand-new Speedy.

Thanks all!
I love it. Better than I thought it would be. I think both of the watches I have (2254.50 sword hand Seamaster and this) will be ones I keep for a very long time.

Cool! As they say on the watch boards: "Mine says "hi".

 

[BostonHedonist]

Casual Speedy Friday.

 

[dcg]



I finally got myself a Speedmaster Pro, and I can't believe I waited this long - what a cracking watch. I bought the new 005 (hesalite) model, which I know some say is expensive, and partly paying for a useless box, but I got it at a very good price from a non-authorised dealer (I can live without the AD £500+ cup of tea!), and the box of goodies does add a bit to the experience. I do think this watch is good value regardless, compared to most other luxury watches anyway. I'm really pleased I went for the hesalite version - the dial is surprisingly clear as a result, although I don't really notice the often talked about "attractive" distortion (which seems about the same as a sapphire box crystal to me). It's well built and nicely finished, fits me beautifully in my opinion and is super comfortable as a result, and so far at least keeps really good time (+5 s/d).

You made the right decision with the hesalite. Congrats, and enjoy it!

 

[peterpeterson]

I like the box even more than the watch. I'm sucker for packaging and accessories.

I finally got myself a Speedmaster Pro, and I can't believe I waited this long - what a cracking watch. I bought the new 005 (hesalite) model, which I know some say is expensive, and partly paying for a useless box, but I got it at a very good price from a non-authorised dealer (I can live without the AD £500+ cup of tea!), and the box of goodies does add a bit to the experience. I do think this watch is good value regardless, compared to most other luxury watches anyway. I'm really pleased I went for the hesalite version - the dial is surprisingly clear as a result, although I don't really notice the often talked about "attractive" distortion (which seems about the same as a sapphire box crystal to me). It's well built and nicely finished, fits me beautifully in my opinion and is super comfortable as a result, and so far at least keeps really good time (+5 s/d).

Spoiler: More Photos...

 

[Keith T]

@BostonHedonist those gloves look sharp with the footwear and the rest of your ensemble

 

[dddrees]

This has always been one of my favorite parts when it comes to my Speedy.

 

[BLAUGRANA]

Fwiw, I bought my Speedy on Jomashop. Got a great deal and had no issues. But I can't say I would ever make use of their warranty. I look at the gray market discount as a sort of "early AD service Russian Roulette."

Yeah, if you're saving enough that would cover say one service or more then it's not a bad idea. Also it's good to note the length of the warranty on what you're getting as they vary. My FOIS only has a two year warranty where as say a Seamaster 300m Master Coaxial has I believe a four year warranty. The alternative would be grey dealers with a slightly used watch but still under warranty or if you shop around enough and depending on the piece an actual new watch.

I finally got myself a Speedmaster Pro, and I can't believe I waited this long - what a cracking watch. I bought the new 005 (hesalite) model, which I know some say is expensive, and partly paying for a useless box, but I got it at a very good price from a non-authorised dealer (I can live without the AD £500+ cup of tea!), and the box of goodies does add a bit to the experience. I do think this watch is good value regardless, compared to most other luxury watches anyway. I'm really pleased I went for the hesalite version - the dial is surprisingly clear as a result, although I don't really notice the often talked about "attractive" distortion (which seems about the same as a sapphire box crystal to me). It's well built and nicely finished, fits me beautifully in my opinion and is super comfortable as a result, and so far at least keeps really good time (+5 s/d).

Congratulations and some cracking shots! Despite just getting the FOIS, part of me still wouldn't mind a Speedy Pro. With what you can get it for on the grey market it strikes me as one best value pieces out there and at just north of $3k on the grey market it could be the best value under $5k.

 

[MrKamel]

what about rolex ^_^

 

[clee1982]

Sub with date is under $5k now?

 

[md2010]

Just bought a new piece today from eBay. It's a 35mm longines conquest heritage. Silver dial and plexiglass. I think I got a good deal, never worn with warranty card stamped from

AD. And 40% off retail.
Not sure if I can pull it off on my 6.25" wrist size. Will post pictures when it arrives.

 

[Journeyman]

Just bought a new piece today from eBay. It's a 35mm longines conquest heritage. Silver dial and plexiglass. I think I got a good deal, never worn with warranty card stamped from

AD. And 40% off retail.
Not sure if I can pull it off on my 6.25cm wrist size. Will post pictures when it arrives.

(I think that you mean 6.25", rather than cm.)

Congratulations on the new watch - which colour-way did you get? I really like the style and I think that it's a lovely, classic watch.

I know that you like bigger watches, but I think that a smaller watch will suit your smaller wrist really well. My wrist is a full inch bigger than yours but I really don't like watches over 38mm unless it's something like a Casio G-Shock. Of course, it's very much a personal preference, but I think that larger dress watches tend to look a bit silly, especially on smaller wrists.

 

[md2010]



(I think that you mean 6.25", rather than cm.)

Congratulations on the new watch - which colour-way did you get? I really like the style and I think that it's a lovely, classic watch. 

I know that you like bigger watches, but I think that a smaller watch will suit your smaller wrist really well. My wrist is a full inch bigger than yours but I really don't like watches over 38mm unless it's something like a Casio G-Shock. Of course, it's very much a personal preference, but I think that larger dress watches tend to look a bit silly, especially on smaller wrists. 

Thanks JM - I bought the silver dial. I thought the piece was really warm looking and priced quite reasonably.

 

[Belligero]



Sub with date is under $5k now?

With some patience, a decent 16610 can still be had within a $5K budget on the private secondary market.

They also tend to go for a bit less than normal if they're covered in BBQ paint, like the example pictured.