Watches - another OCD problem
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One of the local watch shops has a preview of new models launched at Baselworld, mostly from the Swatch group. I got a chance to look at a few pieces, along with a free almond croissant.
This is the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Annual Calendar. It's been a bit controversial, because it's half diver's watch, half dress watch. I like it, but would suggest getting it on the standard strap, as the NATO made it sit a bit too high on the wrist.
The Fifty Fathoms is now available with a big date complication, which I prefer to the standard, small date window.
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The Omega boutique also had a couple of new models on display, chief of which was the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. The watch doesn't have a dial, rather a moon map has been etched onto the bridges on both sides of the movement. The yellow doesn't pop as much in reality as it does in the photo, and I liked it a lot.
Omega have updated the Seamaster Professional Diver this year, and it's getting a lot of good press. It's a nice looking piece. Here it is in steel.
And here in steel and gold.
Lastly, I saw an Aqua Terra with a blue waves dial. It's a smaller piece, at 38 mm, and intended as a ladies watch, but I was very taken by it.
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I prefer the laquer dial from the last iteration of the Seamaster, but I might be biased (I have two). I'm also not a fan of the larger hands than the previous generation. They look ham fisted. The date at the six o'clock is a nice change though.
If that Aqua Terra had baton markers and a square date window, I'd be really temped.
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@DougNg if you've already got two Seamasters, you don't need to buy one of the new ones.
I'm not a fan of diving watches, so won't be getting one. But they seem pretty well executed, and they're at an attractive price point.
The Aqua Terra comes with a square (OK, trapezoid) date window. The round one is on some of the smaller models. Time and Tide have a write up.
https://timeandtidewatches.com/editors-pick-another-look-at-the-latest-omega-aqua-terra/
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Ok, the 41mm Aqua Terra is extremely nice.
No way I'd be able to justify a purchase, but it is a lovely watch.
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It took me some time to realize where the actual time is indicated. I love the moon relief but on some watches there's just too much going on for my personal taste.
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@Graeme did they say when they might be receiving the gmt pepsi?
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@louisbosco the watches were on display at Monards and the Omega boutique at the Crown Casino. Neither are Rolex dealers, so no mention of arrival dates.
Watches of Switzerland have the touring collection of new Rolexes from Baselworld in two or three weeks. I can probably get more details then, but the impression I get is that unless you're a big spending VIP customer, they won't even allow you to put an order in for one of the hot pieces.
As an aside, I really dislike the way the Rolex dealers are handling waiting lists right now. If you're a favoured client (someone who spends big), it sounds as though you can get things easily. But it's entirely arbitrary, at the manager's discretion, and with no transparency. I also suspect that the waiting lists are massively exaggerated…
The Root Beer GMT is already shipping, and I believe that the Pepsi is too. But good luck finding one.
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@louisbosco according to the Rolex boutique at Crown Casino, the "Root Beer" GMT Master is already shipping, but they've only seen one to date. The "Pepsi" hasn't turned up yet, and they expect it in September.
In both cases, there are enormous waiting lists.
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[In both cases, there are enormous waiting lists.
That would, at least for me the No. 1 Reason why not to buy a Rolex new, when I spend such a load of Money on something I don´t wait a second.](https://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7660)
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@Graeme i can only imagine. i did some enquiring in singapore but it's roughly around the same time as well. i'm keen to see how it looks like in person..
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@Steffen I don't mind waiting lists, but the problem is that the allocation process is arbitrary. A big spender will get first pick, a first time customer won't even be allowed to submit an expression of interest.
If it was a strict queue, so you put down a deposit and waited, it'd be a lot easier.
My suspicion is that a lot of desirable pieces end up on the secondary market, and that's where some of the shortage is coming from. There are typically 300 unworn Daytonas on Chrono24 at inflated prices. That could easily be a big chunk of the annual production.
@louisbosco Rolex do a roadshow at their dealers, where you can see all the watches. It's in Melbourne in a fortnight, and will probably make it to Perth soon. That'll be your best opportunity to see one. Otherwise you might get lucky with a dealer having it in stock.
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There's an interesting piece on Hodinkee about Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's Rolex Explorer. He wore it on the first, non-stop, solo circumnavigation in 1969. I believe that he's also friends with @Giles.
The first solo circumnavigation was done by Sir Francis Chichester, and Hodinkee also have an article on his Oyster Perpetual. He made a stop in Australia, whereas RKJ did it non-stop.
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Omega have just announced the First Wrist-Chronograph reissue.
It's based around an original movement, which has been restored and upgraded by the watchmakers in Omega's Atelier Tourbillon.
They've only produced eighteen, at a price of 120,000 CHF. They'll still be easier to get than a stainless Daytona at retail.
