Watches - another OCD problem
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@mclaincausey I agree that most complications on mechanical watches have become "edge case". I can not think of many complications in a watch that I use on a regular basis other than date function and the dive watch rotating bezel for rough timing duties (typically for me when cooking).
The smartphone has pretty much killed off the relevance of all mechanical watch complications. One exception I can think of is a favourite of @Graeme the Patek 5212A weekly calendar calatrava. I might be missing how to configure it, but my smart phone does not seem to have the weekly calendar function?
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I find it quite endearing that complications in mechanical watches are a beautiful tribute and legacy to craftsmanship and engineering ingenuity through the ages.
Yes a digital smart watch / phone packs some serious processing power but for me they are not even comparable to a mechanical timepiece. Useful,......absolutely,.......but not a like for like comparison.
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@TinMan Yep. agree there is some really good info and opinions on this thread.
The good news is that the further away from the main brands you look the more likely you are to find something that is rarer, ideal for yourself and sometimes a bit of a bargain, particularly on the pre owned market.
L.U.C (Chopard) are one such example of a small in house company who make some serious horological treats that not very many people other than enthusiasts are aware of.
That L.U.C. GMT One is a far nicer hand finished, made in small numbers, and cheaper watch when compared to anything from the big brand brands.
The same blacked out limited edition (only 250 pieces made) watch that I pictured can be picked up brand new unused for $10-$11k. Compare this to a mass produced GMT master II, Retail for these starts from around $10,700 if you can get one. The L.U.C. offers some serious horological bang for your buck in comparison.
I am a bit of an L.U.C. fanboy which is probably coming across on this thread. I like the company, they make some excellent watches. I also really like that they are not afraid to put some serious heavyweight complications (perpetual calendar) into a steel case.
Most watch companies only put the high end complications in precious metal cases. We are still talking big money but $30k will get you a brand new perpetual calendar watch (Perpetual twin model in steel), compare this to a precious metal Patek or Vacheron which is going to be 4 x the price.
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@ddtrash - The LUC GMT is a "caller's" GMT, that is to say you have a quick adjustment of the 24hr hand, not the main hour hand. It's too bad that we call GMT two completely different functionalities. Also, a "caller" GMT is a lot easier to implement than a "traveller" GMT, so you can't compare the prices.
This said, I agree it's beautiful. My favorite true GMT are the Rolex GMT and Explorer II, or the Ulysses Nardin (some design more than others).
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@mclaincausey thanks Holmes! I cried when she gave it to me haha 🥹
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@Mizmazzle meant whoa not which. Give Morgan my best and my kudos!
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@mclaincausey will do!!!
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@Mizmazzle lovely watch. She’s a keeper!
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@Mizmazzle congrats! Amazing gift.
I was able to swing by an ad briefly and try on a couple options.
The Rolex’s are cpo and overpriced but at least I got to see them in person. The Tudor is new. I like them all a lot. Still thinking… no rush I think I’d also like to try on a speedy.
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Cartier Santos 100XL
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Looks like every Reddit post asking if a watch is too big. Jokes aside, killer Santos!
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I dropped into the Omega boutique in Melbourne yesterday and they already had the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 in. And, yes, its name is entirely too long.
The back of the movement is pretty good.
I liked the previous generation of this watch, but version 2.0 has an upgraded movement and the details on the Moon are finer. It's also got a Saturn V as a seconds hand on the subdial, I've stolen a photo of it from Monochrome.
It's less noticeable on the wrist than in the product shots. From a distance it looks like a slightly elongated (and misshapen) traditional hand, you have to get very close to see the details.
The trouble I have with it is that there's already quite a lot going on with the watch, and it's just that bit too much. I remember a tailor telling me that you can get away with being radical with one aspect of a suit, so if you want a crazy fabric, then you stick with a very traditional cut. I feel as though Omega have pushed it just a bit too far here.
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@Graeme said in Watches - another OCD problem:
I feel as though Omega have pushed it just a bit too far here.
You think ?
"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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Calm down, Omega.
Kinda cool tho
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@Giles Eddie Izzard once observed that there's a fine line between being cool and looking stupid. One match in the mouth is cool, two looks stupid.
Omega has definitely gone for two or even three matches in the mouth with this watch.
I do like it, but it'd have been better if it was toned down just ever so slightly.
