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

[Texasmade]

And Breguet is mentioned in Yevgeni Onegin iirc.

On topic: as to my watch aquisition, I'm still waffling between the Tank Americaine or VC 1972.

Tank Americaine. I have the L model in steel and normally wear that for my dress watch.

 

[mebiuspower]

Leather is leather, if you sweat in them in the summer and don't let them dry off, of course they're going to wear out in 6 months.

The only recourse is to get something from ABP which has rubber lining on their leather straps, but if you sweat like a monkey the strap will still get wear.

 

[Dino944]

Do any of these pricier strap makers actually have product that lasts longer than the cheaper guys?

I burned through my Lange alligator in 6 to 10 months with two watches, I think they use Jean Rousseau.

I want to put alligator on some of my other watches but idk about spending $$$ on something that is going to be thrown out in 6 months…

Maybe also extra wear because I wore them continuously without letting the leather get a break? Similar to nice shoes?

Do you live in a really hot and humid climate? Sweat ruins all strap. The one thing you might consider is getting an alligator strap, but with a rubber backing for the inside that is in contact with your skin. I've seen it, but never bought one. That might help you get some additional mileage out of an expensive strap.

Edit - I hadn't seen @mebiuspower 's post ...but it seems we have the same suggestion!

 

[Dino944]

And Breguet is mentioned in Yevgeni Onegin iirc.

On topic: as to my watch aquisition, I'm still waffling between the Tank Americaine or VC 1972.

Are you looking at the newest version of the Tank Americaine? Generally Tank Americaine's look more substantial, while the 1972 is more svelte, but it also depends on which version of the 1972 you are considering (the original, the early 2000s version ref 37010, or the more recent offering with the "Herring bone style dial" probably my least favorite of the three).

I'm actually thinking about the new Tank Americaine in the future. A friend saw one on a trip to DC, but I haven't tried one on yet. I own a 2008 Tank Louis Cartier XL that I love. That's considerably thinner and smaller. I also have a 2006 RG 1972. It's a totally different feel and look from any Tank I've tried. It just depends on what puts a bigger smile on your face...or get both!

 

[Dino944]

is there a particular you chose a safety deposit box as opposed to an in home safe? still too much risk?

Not sure about @brax 's part of the world and I can't speak for his reasons. However, some insurance companies in the US will give you a break on your insurance if the watches are designated as "In vault." Meaning, they spend the bulk of their time in a safe deposit box. You have to contact them and let them know if you are removing watches and wearing them, or something along those lines. You do not get any discount for having them in a safe at home. My dad called his insurance company years ago and asked.

 

[Ebitdaddy]

Like, is that everyday wear in hot temperatures? I've never even had a cheap strap die that quickly.

Hot and dry, but wasn't outside that often. I was wearing it ~12 - 15 hours a day though.

 

[Southeasterly]

You’re about to get that call from the AD. Another quarter like this and the Daytona will be back in stock.

Swiss Watch Exports Slump on Lower Shipments to China, Hong Kong

Exports dropped 3.8 percent by value in February to 2.15 billion Swiss francs ($2.4 billion) from a year earlier, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said Tuesday.

www.businessoffashion.com

 

[am55]

This watch always surprises me by how good it looks in photos and how weird it looks in real life:



DB has perfected the art of making photographable watches. Yet despite their relatively high availability where I am I've never seen one on a wrist.

 

[JamesInLondon]

This watch always surprises me by how good it looks in photos and how weird it looks in real life:



DB has perfected the art of making photographable watches. Yet despite their relatively high availability where I am I've never seen one on a wrist.

About a decade ago I made the decision to buy a perpetual calendar, but it had to be a ‘neutral’ watch - not one of the big guys. I narrowed it down to Urban Jurgensen and DeBethune. I went with the UJ, although I loved the 3D moon phase, I just couldn’t get my head around a manual wind perpetual calendar.

I admire DeBethune, but I could never see myself buying one.

 

[brax]

curious how having some in a safety deposit box impacts your wear rotation? Do you have 2-3 at home and 2-3 in the box at any given time? Or do you just go long stretches without wearing a particular watch?

you're certainly punching above my weight, but is there a particular you chose a safety deposit box as opposed to an in home safe? still too much risk?

As you imply, the home safe is the way to go. I just haven‘t gotten around to it. Part of my lax approach to buying a safe is that I drive directly by the bank on my way to work. They know me and I can be in and out in five minutes.

 

[brax]

And Breguet is mentioned in Yevgeni Onegin iirc.

On topic: as to my watch aquisition, I'm still waffling between the Tank Americaine or VC 1972.

Maybe some of the Waffle House aficionados from this thread can help you decide.

 

[brax]

Not sure about @brax 's part of the world and I can't speak for his reasons. However, some insurance companies in the US will give you a break on your insurance if the watches are designated as "In vault." Meaning, they spend the bulk of their time in a safe deposit box. You have to contact them and let them know if you are removing watches and wearing them, or something along those lines. You do not get any discount for having them in a safe at home. My dad called his insurance company years ago and asked.

I insured everything through Hodinkee after I had my Batman stolen. I’ll be sure to give them a call to discuss the possible discount. Thanks for bringing this to the thread’s attention.

 

[chocomallo]

I insured everything through Hodinkee after I had my Batman stolen. I’ll be sure to give them a call to discuss the possible discount. Thanks for bringing this to the thread’s attention.

But what we need as TWATs is a testimonial of Hodinkee paying out.

 

[chocomallo]

…

 

[Ebitdaddy]

Any advice on watch rolls? Bosphorus looks solid. I was going to order from Aaron Bespoke but it’s a chunk pricier.