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

[chocomallo]

Yep! TWAT.1 had a lot of Langes and APRO’s.

TWAT.2 has PGLB, Richemont trash, soft iron casing, LOMS Rolex Explorer.

I think Foo exiting stage left was the equivalent of the Chicxulub crater. Sayonara F. Rex. Welcome the age of Dorian. UMC is an age of the past.

To add a bit of history, there was that fella who was a former investment banker turned clothing salesman with a modded Panerai (gold plated hands). He was like a wooly mammoth. The No Man Walks Alone fella. He was instrumental in TWAT as I recall.

And survival of the fittest yields Dorian…

 

[Kaplan]

He was instrumental in TWAT as I recall.

IIRC Greg started the original thread with a photo of the above mentioned Panerai and an espresso. Of course that thread didn't have 'appreciation' in the title, but this was in the pre-puritan days before SF became afraid of words.

 

[Clouseau]

Those Panerai are an abomination like 90% of the watches posted here. 😇

 

[patrick_b]

I think Foo exiting stage left was the equivalent of the Chicxulub crater. Sayonara F. Rex. Welcome the age of Dorian. UMC is an age of the past.

I’m fairly certain if you say “finishing” three times in a single post, you summon the ghost of Foo to return.

 

[9thsymph]

I’m fairly certain if you say “finishing” three times in a single post, you summon the ghost of Foo to return.

It's "ebauche" said three times that summons our dark lord

 

[Clouseau]

@9thsymph

@Kaplan i suppose you know this one?

 

[Ebitdaddy]

These hodinkee LEs came out great. Wow. Very tempted

 

[Dino944]

The only Lange that ever truly caught my attention were the Datographs. Their finishing is top notch, but priced far too high. You can get about 95% of what they offer for a fraction of the cost with Glashutte Orginale.

The movement is exceptional, but for me the dial was always a problem. I have never liked the mix of Roman Numerals, Arabic Numerals, and stick markers all on the same dial. It just looks poorly planned and clumsy to my eye. I also don't love the very low placement of the subdials. So for me, the movement was really the only think I liked about it.

I do think fit and comfort can definitely be an issue. The two collector friends that owned them, each sold them after about a year or so of ownership.

 

[chocomallo]

Datograph sucks to wear.

Any chance you’d post some side-by-sides of your 3940 and the Mirage? Would be fun to see the contrast. I think I’m coming around the the Berneron after seeing more examples online. I especially like the lapis lazuli dial.

I know I asked you not so long ago, but where do you see your collection going this year?

 

[Schwazer]

 

[Omega Male]

This is why you never take watch shots with bare feet.

 

[Clouseau]

This is why you never take watch shots with bare feet.

Nice…dial.

 

[Keyser_Söze]

This is why you never take watch shots with bare feet.

Watch is a better investment.

 

[Newcomer]

Any chance you’d post some side-by-sides of your 3940 and the Mirage? Would be fun to see the contrast. I think I’m coming around the the Berneron after seeing more examples online. I especially like the lapis lazuli dial.

I know I asked you not so long ago, but where do you see your collection going this year?

I tried to take some pictures, hurriedly, of the 3940, Mirage, and Movado, and they turned out horribly. I will try again and get them up.

Right now, my keepers are: 3940, Mirage, Movado Celestograf, Heuer Carrera, Rolex Explorer, and Tudor P39.

I am pretty certain I am moving on from JLC MUT, Speedy, and Bulgari OF. I want to sell these and roll up to something like what @9thsymph is looking at. For me, white metal, subdued, thin and small daily work watch. Speedy gets no wrist time with P39. Plus, there are other Speedys I’d rather have. The JLC is duplicative of other watches and it’s just so cold. And the Bulgari OF, I don’t know, I like it but I’d rather add another IBSW at some point. To a large extent, I’ve had these watches, worn these watches, and I’d like to try something else.

Crossing into vintage and neovintage has been really transformative for me, and I want to focus on what I believe to be the best iteration of something historically. I like things that are slightly off the beaten path, but in strong condition. The Heuer 3647S with eggshell dial is a nice example of that - it is perfect condition, uncommon dial, etc. In terms of 2025, the Chopard 16/1860/1 is likely the lead candidate but who knows if that will be the decision:

After this, I have no idea where I will go. I’d like to take a breath and not put any more of my money into watches for a little while, and focus on enjoying what I have. Not to say I will not pick something up here and there, but I need some clarity regarding my direction (if any). Right now, I’m legitimately excited about every watch that I own, and that is a great feeling.

 

[Black Lotus]

Funniest watch-related thread of 2024:

x.com

fxtwitter.com