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    Iron Heart Fall/Winter 2025 Live Reveal - Thursday 12th of June at 1700BST

    Watches - another OCD problem

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    • tmgT
      tmg
      Joined:

      The Black Bay is really nice, and on my list for next year, although I'm also considering a Bremont.

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      • AnesthetistA
        Anesthetist
        見習いボス
        Joined:

        I have a BlackBay if you want more real life pics…it's a great watch and will probably hold its value well.

        IG: bluehandsslim

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        • mclaincauseyM
          mclaincausey
          見習いボス
          Joined:

          @Giles:

          OK.  I am considering a major Volte-face.

          There are a couple of bits of machinery I would like to invest in for the office - more info soon….But I think you will likey....

          So I'm going to knock the Blancpain 50 Fathoms on the head.

          Your thoughts on this:

          Love it.  I love B&R and a more classic case shape like this is good to see.  The Panerai-esque numerals are terrific too, great face.

          Think it, be it.

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          • ChrisC
            Chris
            Raw and Unwashed
            Joined:

            @Giles:

            Your thoughts on this:

            Water resistance ratings are always something of a debate, it seems, but I prefer 200M or better.  You actually go in the ocean regularly, so 100M might be a bit low.  Otherwise, it's a nice classic looking watch.  It uses an ETA 2892 movement, which is quite good, by all accounts, and has a sapphire crystal, which is an absolute must for me.  I'd say that if the price is good, there's no reason you shouldn't get it.

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            • D
              davito
              Joined:

              @Anesthetist:

              I have a BlackBay if you want more real life pics…it's a great watch and will probably hold its value well.

              Thx much for that wristshot man, what a nice watch and love the little details

              Cheers,
              David

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              • tigerpacT
                tigerpac
                Joined:

                I'm sad to see the BP 50 Fathoms leave the picture but am sure whatever you decide on will be a good choice… otherwise you'll have to hear about it on here over and over

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                • GraemeG
                  Graeme
                  啓蒙家
                  Joined:

                  I'm sorry to hear the Fifty Fathoms isn't happening too. The B&R looks nice, but if you're after alternatives…

                  The Bell and Ross and Tudor are around £2000 to £3000. For that I'd buy one of the more basic Habring2 watches. Stewarts have the Jumping Second listed in that sort of price range.

                  Also take a look at the Nomos Ahoi. It's a swimming rather than diving watch, but is water resistant to 200 m.

                  If I was buying a new tool watch in that price bracket I'd also consider Bremont. They seem pretty tough, the Supermarine that I posted pics of the other day is shock proof, antimagnetic, and has a toughened case. The non-diving pieces have a similar aesthetic.

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                  • AnesthetistA
                    Anesthetist
                    見習いボス
                    Joined:

                    Nomos makes an excellent watch an unlike the others mentioned above they use a manufacture movement. I have a Tangente Index Sport Datum and I love it. Smallish, simple, and yet I see it as rugged enough for daily abuse.

                    IG: bluehandsslim

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                    • GraemeG
                      Graeme
                      啓蒙家
                      Joined:

                      Then there are vintage watches…

                      There's an original Fifty Fathoms No Radiation on eBay right now. The buy it now price is $6500, which is cheaper than the one I saw in the London Auction a few weeks back.

                      I also saw an Omega Seamaster 300. The winning bid, with a couple of hours left to run, is currently $2245. Omega have a vintage restoration service at Bienne, and could get it back to as new condition.

                      If that's too sedate, you could always get the Banana…

                      IWC are renowned for having an enormous spares department and offer factory restorations, so an old Aquatimer might be an option. The original model, the 812 / 1812 is seriously sought after - the only one I found is £8,350. The 1816 which followed it is less that half that. (1812 on the left, 1816 on the right.)

                      But what I'd be tempted by is a 1953 Omega RAF watch. I'd get one with the Broad Arrow dial for around £1000 to £1300, and ship it back to the factory for a restoration. That would cost about the same as the Bell and Ross, but be a far cooler piece to own.

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                      • GraemeG
                        Graeme
                        啓蒙家
                        Joined:

                        @Anesthetist:

                        Nomos makes an excellent watch an unlike the others mentioned above they use a manufacture movement. I have a Tangente Index Sport Datum and I love it. Smallish, simple, and yet I see it as rugged enough for daily abuse.

                        A colleague I worked with in Holland was into Nomos watches, largely for the reasons you cited. But I think that I'd get a Habring2 Jumping Seconds instead. That has a heavily reworked calibre that is virtually a manufacture movement, and it's from a well regarded, independent watchmaker.

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                        • GraemeG
                          Graeme
                          啓蒙家
                          Joined:

                          Another vintage piece.

                          This is a Breitling Navitimer that was issued to the Iraqi airforce.

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                          • ddtrashD
                            ddtrash
                            Haraki san Expert
                            Joined:

                            G

                            another watch to consider, similar in style, quality and robustness when compared to the BR 123 you have spotted.

                            The Longines Legend Diver

                            http://www.monochrome-watches.com/longines-legend-diver/

                            I have one of these and it is has proved a great daily wear.  I am led to believe that the 42mm case is the same case that Jaeger used for the much more expensive "Tribute to Polaris Memovox" range from a couple of years ago.

                            Full UK retail is a reasonable £1380.  I have seen a pre owned one for as little as £750.  In my humble opinion there are not too many other watches out there that offer as much "bang for your buck" as this piece, nice styling, robust, decent manufacturer etc.

                            I prefer the non date version ( pictured above ) but this is proving more difficult to find these days.  The date complication is still a really nice piece.

                            There is no 'I' in team …............ however there are five in 'individual brilliance'.

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                            • GilesG
                              Giles
                              IHUK Crew
                              Joined:

                              Thank for all your advice guys, plenty of stuff to chew over…..

                              "OK face up to it - you're useless but generally pretty honest and straightforward . . . it's a rare combination of qualities that I have come to admire in you" - Geo 2011

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                              • SeulS
                                Seul
                                Joined:

                                That… Omega... Seamaster... 300!..  ???

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                                • GraemeG
                                  Graeme
                                  啓蒙家
                                  Joined:

                                  Another option for Giles, the Blancpain 7002 Chronometer.

                                  It's the only chronometer rated Blancpain, and uses a tarted up ETA hand-wound movement. I like it, as it's an elegant piece, and they aren't too expensive. There's one advertised for $4600 on TimeZone.

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                                  • GraemeG
                                    Graeme
                                    啓蒙家
                                    Joined:

                                    Since the Omega Banana doesn't appeal to Seul (I know, pearls before swine), might I suggest the Swatch Happy Pig instead. 😃

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                                    • madmondayM
                                      madmonday
                                      Raw and Unwashed
                                      Joined:

                                      you sir have impeccable taste  😃

                                      head high, middle finger higher

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                                      • SeulS
                                        Seul
                                        Joined:

                                        I loved the Banana, but that Happy Pig just exudes class!..

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                                        • derivative666D
                                          derivative666
                                          Joined:

                                          @graeme that blancpain is gorgeous. That's a lot of bang for the buck

                                          "honorable mention to the bearded giant aka derivative666 for being a stand up dude & not changing with the seasons since i've been around these parts" Monday

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                                          • S
                                            Snowy
                                            Joined:

                                            Not sure I've ever seen a watch as ugly as this;

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