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

[Newcomer]

I’ve been mulling on this today because I have been contemplating whether to get a third watch recently. I am leaning toward the 5960 steel white dial. I want a watch with a bracelet that I can wear once it gets hot due to the humid summers in Tokyo. I love the apertures on the 5960 (hence my love of the 5205). But I dislike the lack of a running second hand. Of course I can run the chrono constantly, but that’s cheating I think. Were I to go the perpetual route, I would get a 5050. It’s got apertures and running seconds and also a retrograde date. Did you consider the 5050? Do you prefer subdials over apertures? Curious how you arrived at the 3940.

I love the 5960 white dial. One of my favorite sub-$100,000 Patek references of the past 15 years. I think it is one of the better examples of Patek dressing down a dress watch.

I love the 5050. Between the 5050J and the standard 3940J, it would have been a tougher call but I still would have landed on the 3940J. A significant differentiator, in my opinion, is the thickness - the 5050 is more than 25% thicker. That is meaningful to me, as I favor thin dress watches. I find that the 3940 case is more sinuous as well, although the cases are admittedly similar. Ultimately, I landed on the 3941 that I purchased because of the gilt dial and the reference itself.

 

[Texasmade]

My Snoopy 50 Speedy is broken. The chrono function isn't working properly. The chrono hand doesn't activate and the 2nd pusher to reset can now be pressed multiple times. It's also not keeping accurate time anymore.

 

[Mute]

My Snoopy 50 Speedy is broken. The chrono function isn't working properly. The chrono hand doesn't activate and the 2nd pusher to reset can now be pressed multiple times. It's also not keeping accurate time anymore.

I hope it's still under warranty.

 

[chocomallo]

My Snoopy 50 Speedy is broken. The chrono function isn't working properly. The chrono hand doesn't activate and the 2nd pusher to reset can now be pressed multiple times. It's also not keeping accurate time anymore.

I know the feeling. About 12 years ago, I was winding my Tortue MP. As I was winding, something broke and suddenly the crown was just spinning freely. It’s one thing when a watch just needs a service and begins to lose a bit of time. There is something more disappointing about a malfunction like what you experienced. At least it’s not RT, so presumably it can be repaired.

 

[mebiuspower]

 

[Texasmade]

I hope it's still under warranty.

It is. Watch has 5 year warranty and I bought in Nov 2021.

 

[double00]

I know the feeling. About 12 years ago, I was winding my Tortue MP. As I was winding, something broke and suddenly the crown was just spinning freely. It’s one thing when a watch just needs a service and begins to lose a bit of time. There is something more disappointing about a malfunction like what you experienced. At least it’s not RT, so presumably it can be repaired.

was it the mainspring ? story time !

 

[chocomallo]

was it the mainspring ? story time !

Yes. I’m quite sure it was the first service the watch ever had, so it had been probably 15 years. I think the watch was from around 1998 and it broke in 2013 if I recall. I bought it in 2012, no box or papers. Cartier made some modifications to the original movement of those watches when sent in for service. See the bridge on the right side replaced in the second photo. Interestingly, they also changed the screw at 11 o’clock on the case back from a pentagonal bolt to a round flathead screw. Not my watch, just from the web to illustrate.

 

[Delands]

Hello and welcome. AP has made some great watches over the years and are well know for their complicated pieces. If you like the aesthetics of 25657BA, then you may also want to consider what VC was offering around that time period such as their ref 43031. The designs are quite similar, a stepped case, small winding crown, but slightly longer straighter lugs.

VC and AP were producing very similar watches back then, and some used the same base movement's, that were finished a bit differently and to each brands' standards.

As for service costs AP has a list of service cost estimates. https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/services/pricelist.html AP does not mention this specific model, as it has been out of production for a while. However, they mention the cost to service a current QP as $2,200. Figure, it could be a bit more than that for a service, as some companies charge a bit more to work on pieces that are vintage or neo/vintage. Edit - regarding prices "Our service prices are valid only for mechanical watches which were produced within the last 25 years ... Service prices for older watches are available upon request."

VC doesn't have a list for their services. However, at least the AP list gives you a ball park idea of service.

Also, as @pmeis suggest, only buy one of these if you truly love them. Don't buy based on so called "Value." The idea of "Value" wears off over time and if you don't love it, you then you may have a piece that you bought only because of price but not something you love and enjoy wearing.

Hi Dino, thank you for the detailed reply. Really interesting to have a ballpark number for the service. It helps to factor that into the price of a watch with a recent service (or without).
That VC is really interesting as well. I'll look into it.
Thank you, much appreciated.

 

[Ebitdaddy]

 

[Satmoche]

View attachment 2311141

Does it have a double escapement? If so, double barrels too?

 

[mossrockss]

this is awesome, thank you for sharing. i only wish such a video were made showing the co-axial

 

[Texasmade]

Calibre 321 Speedmaster Platinum Chronograph Watch 311.90.42.30.99.002 | OMEGA US®

Discover the elegant style of the Speedmaster Calibre 321 Platinum watch (Ref. 311.90.42.30.99.002), and buy it online on the official OMEGA® Website! Take advantage of the full, certified OMEGA® experience for your online purchase and enjoy the performances and authentic style of this timepiece.

www.omegawatches.com

Somewhat new Speedmaster dropped.

 

[New Shoes1]

Calibre 321 Speedmaster Platinum Chronograph Watch 311.90.42.30.99.002 | OMEGA US®

Discover the elegant style of the Speedmaster Calibre 321 Platinum watch (Ref. 311.90.42.30.99.002), and buy it online on the official OMEGA® Website! Take advantage of the full, certified OMEGA® experience for your online purchase and enjoy the performances and authentic style of this timepiece.

www.omegawatches.com

Somewhat new Speedmaster dropped.

I wonder if I can get my AD to give me 10% off the retail price.

 

[Ebitdaddy]

Does it have a double escapement? If so, double barrels too?

Yup!