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

[JohnGalt]

Ordered this a few months back for my wife and didn’t expect it to come in so quickly. Got an email from AD Saturday morning - she was trying to be quiet in case I wanted to save it. Offered to keep it there in the safe until I wanted to give it to her in case it was for the holidays. She got it the same day, but it’s still “part of her Christmas present”. She hasn’t really worn watches, but really enjoys this piece. A blessing and a curse?

 

[Thrift Vader]

Dang, them rocks tho.

 

[an draoi]

Hello all. Not been here for a few weeks/months/. What did I miss? Hopefully no derogatory stories about Panerai.

Anyway, with prices going the way they have, I've been content to enjoy watches as an observer for the last few years. But an AD in Greece made me an offer I couldn't refuse and so I decided to scratch my Rad itch.

Oops, apologies for the finger smudges.

 

[an draoi]

Much like any brand, I don't love the entire catalog, but is there anyone who doesn't think this is spectacular?

View attachment 1655306

Beautiful watch, but when I tried it on I just couldn't love the lugs. Or the price. I recall asking the (Chinese) SA in the London boutique what kind of discount she could offer. She said none, but then launched into sales patter about how the relative weakness of sterling meant that I would effectively be getting a discount by buying in the UK, producing a chart showing these notional "discounts" by currency. That's all very well, says I, but it doesn't really help someone who gets paid in pounds does it, love? This flummoxed her somewhat.

Back from a week working at the home office in Copenhagen. Got to say, being away from home for the first time since Feb 2020 was an absolute delight, especially to be in Copenhagen which is my home away from home with basically no real COVID restrictions. It's nice to remember that my colleagues aren't just faces in the Teams video chat window...

As mentioned before the trip, I went with just my Santos and the three straps I have for it. Since I've worn it almost exclusively over the last 2 months on the rubber strap, I opted to only wear it that way on the travel days. Started off with the first two days on the bracelet and the last three on the tan leather strap.

The bracelet compared to the rubber strap feels very luxurious and more masculine in the sense of this is something big with an unmistakable presence. You definitely notice it way more on the wrist than the rubber strap. I used to have issues finding good fits with bracelets that didn't have a microadjust, but either I've gotten less picky about it or the Santos size increments are just perfect for me, it was always comfortable.

The tan leather strap is not the ideal match for the watch and the only reason I have it was because I got it and a second deployant clasp as a packaged deal for only $190. The tan and grey combo is actually growing on me a bit and its kind of a fun pairing. I plan on ordering a grey croc strap for it, but haven't gotten around to it. Anyways, I enjoyed wearing it on the leather strap, but it really changes the feel of the watch. Maybe its because I haven't broken it in enough, but the stiffness and the way it doesn't hug the wrist like a normal watch strap, makes it wear more like an accessory than a piece of jewelry or normal watch if that makes any sense. Like it kind of reminds me of wearing a leather cuff. Still fun to wear, but definitely my least favorite option of the three.

Regardless, as the first real field test of the Santos, it definitely fits the bill for what I was wanting out of it and I'm extremely happy with my purchase. I really enjoyed wearing it over my trip and didn't really miss having access to one of my other watches for the week.

Random wrist shots as evidence of my travel.

Nice. I think this is the first Santos I have seen that I have liked.

 

[Neville Southall]

Trying my best @George Red impression. Although, not on vacation. Certainly not working, though.

That looks so dope. Where is that?

 

[poorsod]

Would any of you consider buying a vintage Patek 565 or 2526 with a service crown? Ie a Calatrava crown instead of the original. I’m trying to figure out the discount from auction results but it’s not so clear. Maybe around 20-30%? What do you guys think?

 

[am55]

 

[radicaldog]

View attachment 1663771

View attachment 1663772

Source

Why juxtapose a horological marvel and a Rube Goldberg machine?

 

[Neville Southall]

Ya’ll like the Omega Dark Side of the Moon, or is it trash?

 

[Texasmade]

Ya’ll like the Omega Dark Side of the Moon, or is it trash?

Too big.

 

[Neville Southall]

Too big.

That’s the one downside, isn’t it?

 

[Texasmade]

That’s the one downside, isn’t it?

The Apollo 8 DSotM is a nice looking watch but the diameter is too big for my wrist.

 

[NakedYoga]

That looks so dope. Where is that?

Home sweet home. Charleston SC.

 

[bespoken pa]

Home sweet home. Charleston SC.

My second city, its been a while I need some 0 George in my life.

 

[NakedYoga]

My second city, its been a while I need some 0 George in my life.

Zero George is probably the only place I've eaten that I would actually describe as an "experience" without rolling my eyes. Wife and I went there for some special occasion, Valentine's Day maybe. What a meal. Apparently they're now renting out "residences" on the property too.