The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

[Lowndes]

Does anybody here routinely switch out the strap on their watches? As previously mentioned I recently got an IWC Portuguese Chronograph and love it for pretty much all the scenarios I need a watch for except the most formal. For weekend casual wear though I would prefer to put it on a lighter honey color strap. How easy are straps to switch out and does anybody do this?

 

[lone wheeler]

apologies, figured it out at last!...

 

[cchen]



Does anybody here routinely switch out the strap on their watches? As previously mentioned I recently got an IWC Portuguese Chronograph and love it for pretty much all the scenarios I need a watch for except the most formal. For weekend casual wear though I would prefer to put it on a lighter honey color strap. How easy are straps to switch out and does anybody do this?

Easy

http://gearpatrol.com/2012/04/10/timekeeping-how-to-change-a-watch-strap/

 

[suaviter]

Is there a good site for finding values on vintage watches? I'm looking to purchase a JLC Memovox Cal 825 (1958) and am trying to research if I am overpaying. The watch I'm looking at supposedly has all original parts and has been very well maintained. The seller is asking $3k.

watchrecon.com

 

[tifosi]



Does anybody here routinely switch out the strap on their watches? As previously mentioned I recently got an IWC Portuguese Chronograph and love it for pretty much all the scenarios I need a watch for except the most formal. For weekend casual wear though I would prefer to put it on a lighter honey color strap. How easy are straps to switch out and does anybody do this?

It is very simple with a basic strap changing tool.

 

[Betelgeuse]

How much does the Grandes Seiko costs? Kinda falling for it.

 

[in stitches]

Lowndes, bummer about the JLC, especially because Im a huge fran, but the IWC looks great. Congrats!

 

[robw]

I do it pretty regularly. It is not a big deal, but there is always the risk that you will scratch the lugs. Some advice if I may. First of all, buy a quality spring bar tool. A sharp tool will hold the spring bar and make it less likely that it will slip so you don't scratch the lugs. Also, work from the underside of the watch, not from the top, so if you do scratch or nick the lugs it will not be seen.

Some people cover the lugs with scotch tape but I have not found it necessary.

What I also do is when I get a strap made, I will order with the quick release type bar so you don't need a tool. These come with a little knob type thing that you slide that moves the spring bar. I suppose you could just buy the spring bar like and cut a little hole in the watch strap and do it this way too.

None of this helps you with the buckle if you will be changing that too, but scratching on the buckle is usually not as big a deal. You could also just have buckles for each watch strip so you need to deal with that at all.

Does anybody here routinely switch out the strap on their watches? As previously mentioned I recently got an IWC Portuguese Chronograph and love it for pretty much all the scenarios I need a watch for except the most formal. For weekend casual wear though I would prefer to put it on a lighter honey color strap. How easy are straps to switch out and does anybody do this?

 

[Belligero]

Did an impromptu watch-dude swap at a concert tonight, and my 116600 ended up on stage!

Olav Larsen (awesome musician) had his all-original like-new-condition blue Tudor Sub in plexi, which is a hell of a cool watch and was great to wear for a while. Here it is on his wrist:

Photo credit: Olav

This one of his isn't too shabby, either:

Photo credit also to olav1979

I guess Norway's not the worst country when it comes to the watch thing.

 

[Belligero]



Spoiler: 5146G and 1675

Tried on a friend's new PP 5146G. Pretty incredible in person, though I was egging him on to get a 5960.

Got a GMT Master 1675 by "accident." Threw in a low proxy bid in an auction and somehow won it. It's a 1971, all original, pretty near mint condition, original box but no papers. Seems like it was barely worn. I had always wanted a 1675 or 16750, and now after receiving it, I like it a lot more than I thought I would. I'll probably end up selling it though, if anyone's interested, to help fund future acquisitions.

1946 Longines chrono with the 13ZN movement, very good condition. Keeping this for the collection, but would probably entertain offers.

All sweet. My affection for plexi GMTs is well-documented, and that high-grade Longines is

 

[europrep]

Hey watch guys. I am a casual reader of this thread. Wife just informed me she would like to get me a watch for my birthday. I currently only own one watch (CVDK) so I am looking to get something more casual that is good for weekend wear.

I would enjoy hearing thoughts for anything in the $1-3k price range. New, pre-owned, or vintage. I am fairly open minded at the moment with my only requirements being mechanical and water resistance = or > than 10ATM

I read on this thread two good spots to visit in Boston for pre-owned. Any reliable online pre-owned sites in Europe?

Spoiler: My Klaauw

 

[AidanSSK]

Tried on a friend's new PP 5146G. Pretty incredible in person, though I was egging him on to get a 5960.




Got a GMT Master 1675 by "accident." Threw in a low proxy bid in an auction and somehow won it. It's a 1971, all original, pretty near mint condition, original box but no papers. Seems like it was barely worn. I had always wanted a 1675 or 16750, and now after receiving it, I like it a lot more than I thought I would. I'll probably end up selling it though, if anyone's interested, to help fund future acquisitions.




1946 Longines chrono with the 13ZN movement, very good condition. Keeping this for the collection, but would probably entertain offers.

The 5146 is my favorite PP, beautiful. One day I'll own one. The Rolex is also nice

 

[cchen]



Hey watch guys. I am a casual reader of this thread. Wife just informed me she would like to get me a watch for my birthday. I currently only own one watch (CVDK) so I am looking to get something more casual that is good for weekend wear.

I would enjoy hearing thoughts for anything in the $1-3k price range. New, pre-owned, or vintage. I am fairly open minded at the moment with my only requirements being mechanical and water resistance = or > than 10ATM

I read on this thread two good spots to visit in Boston for pre-owned. Any reliable online pre-owned sites in Europe?

Spoiler: My Klaauw

How about Nomos or Tudor?

 

[ThinkDerm]

:foo:

I know you guys are all (or none of you) wondering what's going on with my international GMTII acquisition scheme. The watch has been purchased in Spain but it turns out it will be quite difficult if not impossible to actually get the VAT refund because my friend's flight out of Madrid is so early in the morning the customs office won't be open and she won't be able to get the receipt stamped. I saved roughly $1k getting the watch in Spain (well, almost $2k compared to list price + sales tax in SF) and would get roughly $1k back if we can finagle the VAT refund.

I'm also waiting on delivery of my Nomos (plus one for the wife) so hopefully I will have a group shot to contribute to the thread in the next week or so.

mail in the vat forms / there is a box to drop in at airport

 

[europrep]



How about Nomos or Tudor?

Thanks. Nomos Ahoi did catch my eye. I will have to see if I can find it to try on as there are only a couple Nomos dealers in my area.