Watches - another OCD problem
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What I'd suggest doing first is visit your local dealers and try things on.
If you're not going to be a full-on watch nerd, I'd suggest looking at a modern watch for the reliability side.
100% to everything you've said but especially this, @Graeme. I have a 50 year old watch and have no issues but each watch from this era … well, @Graeme is right about the servicing intervals. I liked vintage Rolex because of the relative bargain involved however that's not a thing anymore given price increases. The models I mentioned are great for a "bargain" in Rolex however you need to really "buy the seller" and worry more about service history given that those watches are 25+ years old (at the minimum).
For a less bothersome experience, modern is great. Vintage does provide a wide array of options (vintage Zodiac among them) but you can also buy great watches that are new (modern Zodiac among them). And, while I like Rolex a bunch for the timeless design of its timepieces, I don't like the attendant hype that's driven up wait times and secondary prices. There are a lot of wonderful options out there.
Great breakdown, @Graeme. And I'm sure you'll find something interesting, @popvulture
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Thanks @Graeme for that wealth of information — that's a ton of stuff that's all super helpful!
The stuff you and @henry_david mentioned about the Rolex hype makes a lot of sense — I feel like the pandemic / supply chain issues combined with forums and social media have created a ton of ridiculous frenzies in so many areas, driving prices way up. As a music gear geek, I've witnessed this hardcore — it's upsetting. BUT, I think in a lot of ways it just reinforces my gravitation towards Omega as a little more of a sleeper brand. I mean, it's not a sleeper — but it's not Rolex, so there's something I like about that. Part of me has always sort of sought out the dark horse.
I think a modern one would be great, especially considering condition and repairs. I think if I can find a 300M in the $3K zone, I'd be supper happy. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out.
Like I mentioned though, definitely not in any kind of hurry, so I'll see what I can do about checking out some shops here in Austin and trying a couple on. I'll surely need some in-person vibes to really get a feel, really wouldn't be a fan of spending that much money on something without getting some good hands-on experience.
Again, thank y'all so much! This is fun.
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@mclaincausey the buckle on the strap also has the ribbed pattern repeated. I should have taken a photo, as it looks good.
@popvulture this video compares a Rolex Submariner (of the previous generation) with an Omega Seamaster, and there doesn't appear to be much in it in terms of the quality of the watches. The Omega probably has the better movement, and in my limited experience, Rolex bracelets tend to be nicer.
@JDelage I got added to a watch trading group on Facebook, and I've seen Oyster Perpetuals going over retail. People are even asking for a premium on the Air King, which is apparently the least loved model in Rolex's range. I'm not convinced that there are any bargains.
I'm very much of the opinion that paying a premium on a watch from a manufacturer that sells around a million pieces a year is stupid. I'm not willing to play games with the dealers to get on "the list" in order to purchase one at retail either.
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I'm very much of the opinion that paying a premium on a watch from a manufacturer that sells around a million pieces a year is stupid. I'm not willing to play games with the dealers to get on "the list" in order to purchase one at retail either.
This is why I bought vintage when deals were still to be had there. Now … not so much. I happen to love this iteration of the Seamaster Diver 300M personally:
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I got added to a watch trading group on Facebook, and I've seen Oyster Perpetuals going over retail. People are even asking for a premium on the Air King, which is apparently the least loved model in Rolex's range. I'm not convinced that there are any bargains.
I'm very much of the opinion that paying a premium on a watch from a manufacturer that sells around a million pieces a year is stupid. I'm not willing to play games with the dealers to get on "the list" in order to purchase one at retail either.
All the steel Rolex, and many of the PM models, sell over retail on the second hand market (if mint). That's why it is worth putting your name down with a retailer, just in case. Is it worth buying 10's of thousands worth of stuff? No.
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Probably preaching to the converted here.
Yes and no
I can appreciate that the movement is of a different class in the GS and that the case finishing is rather good, too. Were I to buy a new watch tomorrow (barring scarcity)? I'd buy a contemporary Rolex. Were I to buy vintage tomorrow? I'd buy an early ref. 17000 Oysterquartz (or hope that someone gifted me the ref. 6063 Bao Dai). I do like GS, but not enough to buy it for myself. I just … like the styling far better. The dial side of GS (and this applies to ALS for me as well) doesn't do it for me.
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Amazing watch, G. One of the coolest blancpains ever. Enjoy it.
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I have watched many of those Watchfinder videos. That guy has an amazing voice.
I have 3 GS so far. I like them very much, especially the simple 3-hand dress watches.
GS has the edge on case finish. They may or not have the edge on movements, depending on your priorities. Rolex seems to have the edge on bracelet (maybe) and clasps (consensus). IMHO, Rolex has the edge on convenience / comfort. Look at dive watches or GMTs, and the Rolex are smaller and (more importantly) thinner than the GS.
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I have watched many of those Watchfinder videos. That guy has an amazing voice.
I have 3 GS so far. I like them very much, especially the simple 3-hand dress watches.
GS has the edge on case finish. They may or not have the edge on movements, depending on your priorities. Rolex seems to have the edge on bracelet (maybe) and clasps (consensus). IMHO, Rolex has the edge on convenience / comfort. Look at dive watches or GMTs, and the Rolex are smaller and (more importantly) thinner than the GS.
The three handers from GS are
The best there is out there. I would buy one of those any day of the week before a dress watch from another brand (PP included).I do hope that GS thins out its watches a bit… It's hard because the Oyster case just wears so well.
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Holy buckets this is a great piece. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-grand-seiko-slga009-white-birch-spring-drive-caliber-9ra2
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H. Moser and the Armoury put out a collaboration watch, the Endeavour Small Seconds Total Eclipse. It's got a 38 mm case, Vantablack dial, and a hand wound movement.
It was produced as a limited edition of 28 in each of two colourways. I like it, but it's already sold out.
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Vantablack aside, it looks like something Movado would come up with to me. I bet the seconds hand spinning in the void looks cool in the flesh though.
