Watches - another OCD problem
-
I used to own a B&M Capeland. My experience is that the services are expensive.
I can see that - supposedly they were “recently” acquired by the same group that produces Panerai, so hopefully they have the bugs worked out. I agree their designs are beautiful, but the salesman mentioned the $500 service that has to be “sent off for.”
The salesman seemed to be very knowledgeable, but it was odd they only stocked Seiko and Baume and nothing else in between or above. Sadly, Rolex pulled all stock from the Mobile, Alabama area, which screwed over a lot of shops. The local jeweler near me has a great selection of Omega and Breitling only to be told by Rolex that it was “us or them” - then when the jewelers couldn’t meet their “150 units” goals per year, they pulled stock and took away their licenses, with very little stock left to push after breaking relationships with the other companies.
One place still sells refurbished pieces (hence the sub I tried), but they had like 3 watches in stock, so it’s slim Pickens around here…
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Google tells me B&M got bought by the Richemont group back in 1988, so I doubt there will be any radical changes coming down the pike with them. Servicing, especially for chronographs, is what really bites you in the ass with luxury watches. That said, if you can get one with a super common movement that's been around for decades, like the ETA 2824, 2892, or 7750, servicing can often be done by a competent local watch shop (if such a thing exists nearby) for a bit of savings.
On the other hand, I've actually read about guys that will never have their watch serviced, wait until it seizes up, then buy a complete new movement and have a local repair shop swap it in. If you only have to do that once every 10-15 years, it might be the cheaper option.
-
@Appfaff you need that Submariner for the whole plutocrat look.
I found an Omega Seamaster limited edition today. I'm a fan of the Railmaster, but this is equally as nice. They're probably a similar price to a Submariner, but rarer. I'd get it over the Rolex.
Sorry about the photo. My phone's camera was misbehaving.
Also the Omega Tourbillon. No, I can't afford it!
-
Ok, now that is seriously cool.
-
Hodinkee have brought out one of their limited editions that:
-
Mere mortals can afford.
-
Hasn't sold out in minutes.
It's a Swatch Sistem 51 watch, based on a 1984 watch from their second collection. It looks quite fun, and is a not unreasonable $150.
More details at the 'Dink.
-
-
As well as the Omegas, I also took a look at a LUC XP in stainless steel at the weekend. @goodrain will be pleased to see no fake patina here.
It's a very pretty watch. The strap is blue cashmere with an alligator skin backing, the case is really slim, and the movement is nicely finished.
-
Hodinkee have brought out one of their limited editions that:
-
Mere mortals can afford.
-
Hasn't sold out in minutes.
It's a Swatch Sistem 51 watch, based on a 1984 watch from their second collection. It looks quite fun, and is a not unreasonable $150.
More details at the 'Dink.
This is a sharp watch. And one that I can afford.
Pardon my lack of good watch knowledge. Would you consider this brand over others at a similar price point?
-
-
@celik the Sistem51 is a way for Swatch to manufacture a cheap, mechanical movement. I'm not sure whether they can be serviced, I think that they're reasonably accurate.
They're probably not a bad bet for $150 or so.
Tissot have produced the Swissmatic, which Hodinkee covered recently. It's an upgraded derivative of the Sistem51, and replaces some of the plastic parts with metal, which should make it more durable. They start at $395, so a bump up for the Swatch.
-
On the other hand, I've actually read about guys that will never have their watch serviced, wait until it seizes up, then buy a complete new movement and have a local repair shop swap it in. If you only have to do that once every 10-15 years, it might be the cheaper option.
Funny enough, I had a friends who’s dad bought me a fake Franck Muller in Chinatown back in 2005. It has a mechanical movement, and somehow still works. It has been my most reliable watch for more than a decade and actually works very well… Part of me wonders if the fake was made better than the real thing haha [emoji23]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
@celik glad to help
@Appfaff I saw a comment the other day that the ETA movements are super reliable because so many have been made, and all the problems have been ironed out over time. The chances are that the fake Franck Muller uses one of these, or a clone such as a Selita, so that might explains its lifespan.
Then again, real Mullers also use an ETA based movement.
-
I’ll take a pic of it later and maybe you can recognize the movement since it’s a glass back.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
After admiring and drooling over this for the last 3 years, one of these finally came up for grabs in a price range I could semi-afford (although I am currently moving some of my gear to help cover the costs).
I realize there are some very strong opinions about panerai on both sides of the fence, but this particular model has always been one that really appealed to me.
-
Absolutely stunning
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
