Watches - another OCD problem
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Rolex are shutting down production for the next ten days, so you're even more stuffed if you want one of their watches…
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-closes-swiss-factories-amid-coronavirus-pandemic
I've been hoping there's less demand, not more. Still on the waiting list….
maybe the secondary market might crash a little..
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I think that a lot of things have been in a financial bubble for the last ten years, be it property, shares, classic cars, and some watches. Money from QE has flowed in, and driven up prices.
I suspect that a lot of bulletproof investments will be tanking in the near future, and the grey market prices of Daytonas will be one of them.
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rolex will always be deemed a "safe haven" in terms of luxury watches or investments to some. i don't see the prices for the secondary market going below retail but it sure as hell would not be 2x its retail value as it is now for new models.
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Took the opportunity recently to pick up my first Spring Drive - SNR031. It's definitely beauty AND the beast but very wearable given the titanium case.
Regarding Rolex, I know several folks who've had their US dealers contact them about previously unobtainium steel models coming in due to a re-direction of some units from China/HK.
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@Manticore nice Seiko!
Maybe I should put in an order for a steel Daytona whilst the going is good. That is, if I can find a dealer who's not been shut down due to Covid-19!
On the expensive chronograph front, Audemars Piguet have just announced the [Re]master01 Selfwinding Chronograph.
What is it with AP and pretentious names?
More at Hodinkee and Monochrome.
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I thought that there might have been a dealer somewhere out here in the sticks, but the nearest Rolex stockists are in Melbourne and Canberra. Omega are similar.
I'm surprised by that.
There are rumours of a new Submariner, but that might be wistful thinking. Rolex haven't made any announcements about new models, which were due to be announced in a month or so.
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Some of you may be familiar with the name Bob Barth. I was lucky enough to meet Bob once in Carmel at a Rolex event. His book Seadwellers is a fantastic read and a prized possession in my small library.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce we’ve lost a legend, US Navy SEALAB Diver Bob Barth has passed away. His work as a saturation diver or “aquanaut” where he spent days and weeks in a pressurized habitat underwater led to the invention of the Rolex Sea-Dweller. As they tested different breathing gas mixtures for the decompression chamber they would often hear a loud “pop” and the crystals were exploding off their watches. What made the watches waterproof were also trapping the helium under the crystal since helium particles are so tiny, they could get into the watch. As the decompression took place, the helium gas would expand and “pop” the crystal off. Bob Barth worked with Rolex to invent a one-way valve to release the pressure, now known as the Helium Release Valve on the Rolex Sea-Dweller. We thank Bob Barth for his service to our country and his dedication to Rolex. We will miss you and send our condolences to his family. Rest in peace Bob.”
[from Fourtane]
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Some of you may be familiar with the name Bob Barth. I was lucky enough to meet Bob once in Carmel at a Rolex event. His book Seadwellers is a fantastic read and a prized possession in my small library.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce we’ve lost a legend, US Navy SEALAB Diver Bob Barth has passed away. His work as a saturation diver or “aquanaut” where he spent days and weeks in a pressurized habitat underwater led to the invention of the Rolex Sea-Dweller. As they tested different breathing gas mixtures for the decompression chamber they would often hear a loud “pop” and the crystals were exploding off their watches. What made the watches waterproof were also trapping the helium under the crystal since helium particles are so tiny, they could get into the watch. As the decompression took place, the helium gas would expand and “pop” the crystal off. Bob Barth worked with Rolex to invent a one-way valve to release the pressure, now known as the Helium Release Valve on the Rolex Sea-Dweller. We thank Bob Barth for his service to our country and his dedication to Rolex. We will miss you and send our condolences to his family. Rest in peace Bob.”
[from Fourtane]
Really interesting, thanks for the info. I’ll try and locate a copy of the book. Lots of time for leisure reading atm.
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Hodinkee have published a piece on Bob Barth.
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It's just a short article, but it links to this one, which is about the Sea-Dweller, and is more interesting.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/hodinkee-exclusive-and-in-depth-bob-barths-historic-sealab-r
