Watches - another OCD problem

[Graeme]

Another GMT watch for @Snowy. This time it's a Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chrono, part of a limited edition of 400.

[Snowy]

@Graeme I think you're going to need to slip some (a lot?) of the old sterling pound my way for any of the crazy watches to even be thought about. Happy to own, for the right amount of pounds allocated this way ::)

[Graeme]

Just trying to lead you astray and into bankruptcy.

[louisbosco]

@Snowy
i mean if you're not into brands, steinhart makes decent homage watches that i find are of great quality. i have their nav b uhr which is technically a "iwc big pilot" in DLC coating. they've a rolex gmt model called the ocean one i think. not sure if you've heard of them but do check their website.

http://www.steinhartwatches.de/

[Graeme]

At a lower pricepoint there's the Nomos Zurich Worldtimer, currently out of production; and the Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF.

The Nomos has an in-house movement. The Sinn uses a modified ETA calibre, but is generally over-engineered.

[Anesthetist]

That GS Chrono is amazing Graeme. BTW, Nomos makes a hell of a watch.

[Graeme]

There's not been much Blancpain love here recently.

First up is the new, ceramic and very stealth Bathyscaphe.

And then there's the unique Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar for the Only Watch auction, which looks pretty cool.

Speaking of Only Watch, Watchonista has a list of all the pieces. Most are pretty meh, but there are a few I really like.

[tigerpac]

That Chinese Calendar is pretty interesting

[Graeme]

I can't resist, but here's another piece from Only Watch. This time it's the Leroy Chronomètre Observatoire.

[Graeme]

The Leroy is interesting for two reasons:

• The case and movement are aluminium. This isn't a common choice for watches, in fact the only other timepieces I know of are the FP Journe Octa Sport and Centigraphe Sport, and these have moved onto titanium cases for the latest versions.

• It's an observatory chronometer movement. That means it's about as accurate as a mechanical timepiece can be.

There's an article at Monochrome Watches about it. Worth a look if you fancy nerding out.

I'd better get saving…

[tigerpac]

They're doing previews of all the only watches before the auction right?

[Graeme]

There's a world tour of the pieces in October. It takes in Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Monaco, New York and Geneva. Details are on the website.

Are you interested in any of them, or just wanting a chance to ogle them @tigerpac?

[tigerpac]

Interested in ogling them

[Graeme]

There are one or two pieces that I'd be tempted by, the Hermes in particular. (Yeah, I know, there goes my WIS card.)

I reckon it might be worth following the auction, though. If you look at the results for 2011 and 2013 then there were some pieces that went for less than a standard model at retail. The LUC from 2013 springs to mind.

[tigerpac]

Ah that's good to know @Graeme!

I thought they'd all be out of reach so will have to drill down on some of them more now knowing that.  Still only a very small chance but a chance is a chance!

[jock1624]

Found this retro styled Seiko for a steal :

[Flash]

Never thought I'd be excited for my mother in law to come stay with us for a week but she is bringing the Tudor black bay I ordered in Hong Kong last week

[davito]

Epic mate @Flash My blackbay almost never leaves my wrist,  cool mother-in-law you have bro

[Graeme]

Here's another interview with William Gibson, this time on watches.

http://www.watchpaper.com/2015/07/16/william-gibson-on-watches/

"Today, there’s no specific need for a mechanical watch, unless you’re worried about timekeeping in the wake of an Electromagnetic Pulse attack."

He's also got a Jaeger LeCoultre Mark XI. That's probably my favourite vintage watch, and I've been keeping an eye open for one for a while. They're a bit rare…

[Giles]

@Graeme If you find 2, please let me know…....