Let's talk about watches...

[SCgarman]

7 hours ago, chasy said:

As I told my rude Rolex AD - "It seems your focused on collectors and repeat buyers. Hard to be either when you refuse to sell someone their first watch"

This is their current draconian way of thinking/logic. Preferred clients are VIP's/whales with unlimited disposable income to burn. Selling a stainless steel Daytona/ GMTII/ Submariner to a one time purchase buyer unfortunately is a relic of a bygone era. The fact some AD's dangle a stainless Daytona in front of your nose, then hint it could be yours *if* you spend 100K+ on other "crap" in their store for you or wife/mistress is just a despicable way of doing business. But ultimately the AD's own the watches once purchased from the mothership, and they are free to "allocate" them as they please. Capitalism 101. 

[Arabian]

5 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

My wife needs at least 39mm, she wanted it to be easy to read.

It's not as easy as selling to flippers right from the AD. Rolex knows who sold the watch and if too many from a particular AD are showing up, they may not get the stock they want. My cousin and I were going to buy a couple of Rolex at the local Biel dealer and they said they don't sell the more sought after ones to non-locals which he is local. They knew they'd be flipped vs someone who wants just to own it. 

We moved on to other things and forgot on the watches. I barely wear them any longer.  That being said, I really like this new Omega/Swatch they just released:

https://www.swatch.com/en-us/bioceramic-moonswatch-collection/mission-to-the-moonphase/mission-to-the-super-blue-moonphase.html

Good looking watch and the price is very reasonable, the whole line is great. My only issue is the Velcro strap, seems a bit bulky and they need an automatic movement version as well. I think an entry level ETA movement is fine.

[BrightonCorgi]

4 hours ago, Arabian said:

Good looking watch and the price is very reasonable, the whole line is great. my only issue is the Velcro strap, seems a bit bulky. and they need an automatic movement version as well. i think an entry level ETA movement is fine.

The other lines have an automatic. I like the moon phase and they're super light watches. Could put on a better NATO strap or something else.

[Blazer]

I've been crying for a week since my band gave way while grilling and the face landed perfectly on the patio.

[Jack]

On 7/29/2024 at 11:00 PM, Edicion said:

One of the most beautiful classic watches ever made? Possibly. I'm also a fan of other classic watches. I came across one of these Leonidas (1950s ca) in the wild, and although it was a fraction of the cost of a Patek, it wasn't the right time. Gorgeous piece with clean lines.

Starting to get pricey to service, from what I've heard. The earlier Valjoux movements.

Heuer bought out Leonidas at some point and created a similar watch, the Carrera. I sold off my two early 1960's versions, but kept the re-issue that they did in the 1990s and those are relatively affordable and use a different movement (Lemania) than the old Valjoux 72.

Original on the left, re-issue on the right.

[El Presidente]

 

Winston Churchill's 1946 Movado Calendograf Watch

While Switzerland was technically neutral during World War II, it's clear from this Movado Calendograf Watch — gifted to Winston Churchill by Swiss citizens during a 1946 visit — that they had a preference as to who won. The watch has an 18K gold case and a bi-colored dial with an outer date ring, month and day apertures, and a center seconds hand. On the back, it carries an engraving with the following message: "To Winston Churchill as testimony of the admiration and gratitude of some Swiss citizens, September 1946". 

[El Presidente]

I'm liking this one. 

 

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

[Fuzz]

18 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

My wife needs at least 39mm, she wanted it to be easy to read.

It's not as easy as selling to flippers right from the AD. Rolex knows who sold the watch and if too many from a particular AD are showing up, they may not get the stock they want. My cousin and I were going to buy a couple of Rolex at the local Biel dealer and they said they don't sell the more sought after ones to non-locals which he is local. They knew they'd be flipped vs someone who wants just to own it. 

We moved on to other things and forgot on the watches. I barely wear them any longer. That being said, I really like this new Omega/Swatch they just released:

https://www.swatch.com/en-us/bioceramic-moonswatch-collection/mission-to-the-moonphase/mission-to-the-super-blue-moonphase.html

I'm interested in that blue moon Moonswatch! $AUD500, but only one store in Sydney will sell it, and only after 5pm between 1st Aug to 19th Aug. Not sure I want to try my luck and and wait around the store for it.

[BrightonCorgi]

8 hours ago, Fuzz said:

I'm interested in that blue moon Moonswatch! $AUD500, but only one store in Sydney will sell it, and only after 5pm between 1st Aug to 19th Aug. Not sure I want to try my luck and and wait around the store for it.

You'll see them on Chrono24 shortly after and maybe a couple of weeks at not much profit.

 

14 hours ago, El Presidente said:

While Switzerland was technically neutral during World War II, it's clear from this Movado Calendograf Watch — gifted to Winston Churchill by Swiss citizens during a 1946 visit — that they had a preference as to who won.

Movado was founded by a Jewish family in CH that was prominent. 

[Rhinoww]

On 7/31/2024 at 12:50 PM, Fuzz said:

I'm interested in that blue moon Moonswatch! $AUD500, but only one store in Sydney will sell it, and only after 5pm between 1st Aug to 19th Aug. Not sure I want to try my luck and and wait around the store for it.

Nearly identical copies will be on AliExpress or DHgate in no time. Waterproof with quartz movements for not much money. If you don’t mind the disposable nature and put on your own band they are indistinguishable to my eye. 
Just sayin'... 

[Uwiik]

What is the situation right now in the Western World regarding luxury watches? Here in Asia they're beginning to go backwards as sales tumble to record lows and all resellers got flooded with stocks they cannot move. Now we can get Swiss watches from resellers at only slightly above RRP and most AD started to treat potential customers better and have a more realistic waiting list. I really hope this economic slowdown will persist for a while so things can get back to a slight normalcy, things have been insane for the past 4 years. Wondering also when the cigar market will feel the hit and start getting more realistic in price, so far no indication of this. Therefore, the cigar smoker is wealthier than Swiss watch buyer? 🤭

[Fuzz]

As the app for my Huawei GT 2 Pro is no longer on Android PlayStore, picked up a new Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. Despite the shorter battery life than my GT 2 Pro (though, many more features), I quite like it.

[BrightonCorgi]

18 hours ago, Uwiik said:

What is the situation right now in the Western World regarding luxury watches? Here in Asia they're beginning to go backwards as sales tumble to record lows and all resellers got flooded with stocks they cannot move.

Have you been through Changi Airport recently? How do the watch boutiques look in the duty free?

[SCgarman]

15 hours ago, Uwiik said:

What is the situation right now in the Western World regarding luxury watches? Here in Asia they're beginning to go backwards as sales tumble to record lows and all resellers got flooded with stocks they cannot move. Now we can get Swiss watches from resellers at only slightly above RRP and most AD started to treat potential customers better and have a more realistic waiting list. I really hope this economic slowdown will persist for a while so things can get back to a slight normalcy, things have been insane for the past 4 years. Wondering also when the cigar market will feel the hit and start getting more realistic in price, so far no indication of this. Therefore, the cigar smoker is wealthier than Swiss watch buyer? 🤭

I'm a destitute pauper but get to wear this daily. Could be worse🤪

[Uwiik]

On 8/2/2024 at 1:30 AM, BrightonCorgi said:

Have you been through Changi Airport recently? How do the watch boutiques look in the duty free?

Did a transit in Changi on my way to Frankfurt a couple of months ago. The collection was a joke, nothing on display but a full gold Submariner with blue dial, I didn't bother to ask for further information from the attendant. I visited a local Indonesian AD a few weeks ago and the attendant said they are accepting wait list for full steel Rolex right now. I was quoted a wait list of 18-24 month which is unheard of before. Re seller seems to be really desperate right now though, bought my latest brand new Rolex last month for only $2000 over rrp, so I'm happy.

[BrightonCorgi]

13 hours ago, Uwiik said:

Did a transit in Changi on my way to Frankfurt a couple of months ago. The collection was a joke, nothing on display but a full gold Submariner with blue dial, I didn't bother to ask for further information from the attendant. I visited a local Indonesian AD a few weeks ago and the attendant said they are accepting wait list for full steel Rolex right now. I was quoted a wait list of 18-24 month which is unheard of before. Re seller seems to be really desperate right now though, bought my latest brand new Rolex last month for only $2000 over rrp, so I'm happy.

A friend bought his wife a rare dial 36mm Datejust from a US AD a couple of months ago. He was quoted weeks or something and got it in 48 hours. Like when a restaurant says it's an 30 minute wait and 5 minutes later you're walking to the table.

[HDGSN]

On 7/30/2024 at 12:42 PM, SCgarman said:

This is their current draconian way of thinking/logic. Preferred clients are VIP's/whales with unlimited disposable income to burn. Selling a stainless steel Daytona/ GMTII/ Submariner to a one time purchase buyer unfortunately is a relic of a bygone era. The fact some AD's dangle a stainless Daytona in front of your nose, then hint it could be yours *if* you spend 100K+ on other "crap" in their store for you or wife/mistress is just a despicable way of doing business. But ultimately the AD's own the watches once purchased from the mothership, and they are free to "allocate" them as they please. Capitalism 101. 

I might be the exception to the rule, but I was allocated a VTNR without any spend history and just a 3 month wait. Yes, the VTNR was what I wanted.

[SCgarman]

1 hour ago, HDGSN said:

I might be the exception to the rule, but I was allocated a VTNR without any spend history and just a 3 month wait. Yes, the VTNR was what I wanted.

Likely two possibilities. 1 You got lucky, right place/right time. 2. With the current world economy along with increasing production Rolex is slowly starting to become obtainable again. Enjoy it! While I am left handed, I have always worn a traditional format watch on my right wrist. 

[BrightonCorgi]

11 hours ago, HDGSN said:

I might be the exception to the rule, but I was allocated a VTNR without any spend history and just a 3 month wait. Yes, the VTNR was what I wanted.

Those are odd ball watches that there may not be such a line for. Very cool to a specific use case watch.

[El Presidente]

 

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph / 43 MM

The Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph combines a 43mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant to 100 meters with a clean steel bezel and black ceramic crown and pushers. Inspired by Habanos cigars, this timepiece features a smoked bronze Méga Tapisserie dial whose darkened edges extend to the black inner bezel, where a tachymeter scale for measuring distances is printed in white.

 

 

[Jack]

2 hours ago, El Presidente said:

 

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph / 43 MM

The Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph combines a 43mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant to 100 meters with a clean steel bezel and black ceramic crown and pushers. Inspired by Habanos cigars, this timepiece features a smoked bronze Méga Tapisserie dial whose darkened edges extend to the black inner bezel, where a tachymeter scale for measuring distances is printed in white.

 

So, how does it look on your wrist? Did you purchase two? One for you and one for "staff of the month".  We all know selling Habanos is like having a printing press for currency!

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, Jack said:

So, how does it look on your wrist?  Did you purchase two?  One for you and one for "staff of the month".  We all know selling Habanos is like having a printing press for currency!

....it was just a touch too bulky on my wrist 

For the employee of the month award, we prefer to give out cars. 

[Jack]

44 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

....it was just a touch too bulky on my wrist 

For the employee of the month award,  we prefer to give out cars. 

Agreed, always appreciated a fresh box of Carr's from my robot overlords.

 

[SCgarman]

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

....it was just a touch too bulky on my wrist 

For the employee of the month award, we prefer to give out cars. 

Did Artie check out the 18K gold Rolex 44mm DeepSea yet? Gonna need a big wrist to carry that thing. 322 grams of solid gold.

[Reuben]

Ive come very close to splurging on a Rolex quite a few times but havent pulled the trigger yet!  Once i was in Switzerland and i brought money to buy a Rolex, but i surprisingly the prices were so much higher than the price of the same watch in the US that i held out.  Then i got over it, then I want one again ect ect 😅