Watch Thread / Wrist Watch Autists - Horology 'n shieeet

[Doug S]

Double posting again.

I just noticed that Andrew Cuomo is the proud owner of a Breguet Marine Big Date










$9,500 with box and papers. Great watch and nice to see something other than Rolex and Patek on these scumbags

https://chrono24.app/breguet/marine-automatic-big-date-stainless-steel-mens-watch--id35021185.htm?SETLANG=en_US&SETCURR=USD

 

[Rootless Cosmopolitan]

Kiwibros: I want to buy my husband a Rolex explorer ii “polar”

I think it looks classy af, but I am not a dude. Opinions? I’d be expecting him to have something to wear a lot.

 

[The Stranger]

Kiwibros: I want to buy my husband a Rolex explorer ii “polar”

I think it looks classy af, but I am not a dude. Opinions? I’d be expecting him to have something to wear a lot.

View attachment 7567721

Can't go wrong with a Rolex and the white dial makes it very versatile, I could see this going with just about anything. Be careful if you buy used, fakes are all over the place.

 

[Rootless Cosmopolitan]

Can't go wrong with a Rolex and the white dial makes it very versatile, I could see this going with just about anything. Be careful if you buy used, fakes are all over the place.

What do you think about the certification services on chrono24 or eBay? Legit or no?

 

[TruffleSpark]

Kiwibros: I want to buy my husband a Rolex explorer ii “polar”

I think it looks classy af, but I am not a dude. Opinions? I’d be expecting him to have something to wear a lot.

View attachment 7567721

The Explorer 2 is probably the last true tool watch that Rolex makes. Since it lacks a lot of the purely decorative flourishes that other Rolex tool watches tend to have. It was designed for speleologists and everything about its design is based around having it be as readable as possible in low light conditions. And the 24 hour hand, though it can be used to track another time zone, was made with the intent that it be used as an AM/PM indicator, as it is very easy to lose track of that when you are underground for long periods of time. It's a cool watch, but it's not really intended as a dress watch, even though you can still use it as one. So you should ask when your husband is going to be wearing it, it's a great watch for everyday wear and outdoor stuff, but might not be the best for formal occasions.

If you like that style, some similar but cheaper alternatives are the Tudor Black Bay Pro and the Christopher Ward C63 GMT:

 

[The Stranger]

What do you think about the certification services on chrono24 or eBay? Legit or no?

Sorry but I wouldn't really know, the only expensive watch I've bought is one no one bothers to clone

 

[Rootless Cosmopolitan]

The Explorer 2 is probably the last true tool watch that Rolex makes. Since it lacks a lot of the purely decorative flourishes that other Rolex tool watches tend to have. It was designed for speleologists and everything about its design is based around having it be as readable as possible in low light conditions. And the 24 hour hand, though it can be used to track another time zone, was made with the intent that it be used as an AM/PM indicator, as it is very easy to lose track of that when you are underground for long periods of time. It's a cool watch, but it's not really intended as a dress watch, even though you can still use it as one. So you should ask when your husband is going to be wearing it, it's a great watch for everyday wear and outdoor stuff, but might not be the best for formal occasions.

If you like that style, some similar but cheaper alternatives are the Tudor Black Bay Pro and the Christopher Ward C63 GMT:
View attachment 7568299
View attachment 7568301

Yes, it’s exactly the readability which appealed to me. It seems like a practical, durable watch.

Thank you for the thoughtful recommendations! I do want to get him a Rolex tho because I’m a basic bitch and I’m drawn to the recognizable brand. He doesn’t know anything about watches and almost certainly won’t care, but maybe if it’s something that other people will compliment him on he will grow to appreciate it?

It’s spendy but I’d be getting it for him to celebrate a major life milestone.

 

[Doug S]

Kiwibros: I want to buy my husband a Rolex explorer ii “polar”

I think it looks classy af, but I am not a dude. Opinions? I’d be expecting him to have something to wear a lot.

View attachment 7567721

That Explorer 2 is reference 16570. It’s a discontinued model but a fan favorite. Because of its popularity it’s done a great job of retaining its value.

you can’t go wrong with it. Expect to spend anywhere from $6500-9000 on this model depending on year, condition, if it comes with box and papers. Or if it has a service history.

Bobs Watches is very reputable. I’ve purchased from them before. They guarantee authenticity and have a one year warranty

Here’s a link to a very nice example

https://www.bobswatches.com/used-rolex-explorer-ii-ref-16570-white-dial.html

If it’s for a major life milestone than I think a Rolex is a great option.

Also, there is a newer version of this model that you may like even better

(I like the older version better, the one you cited)

https://www.bobswatches.com/pre-owned-rolex-explorer-ii-polar-226570.html

Be aware that this one is larger

 

[ChompChomp]

Kiwibros: I want to buy my husband a Rolex explorer ii “polar”

I think it looks classy af, but I am not a dude. Opinions? I’d be expecting him to have something to wear a lot.

Nice choice. Definitely a classic.

I'll throw an Omega option into the ring. This is a Speedmaster Blue Side of the Moon with Aventurine dial. It's big, blue, durable, and...sparkly.

Face:



Caboose:


Sexy textures:



Usually muted, but when the light hits just right, you can stare into eternity.



Imgur album with more from a reddit sale.

 

[VargReallyDidNothingWrong]

Recently replaced the crystal on my Orient Mako with a Chineseum "sapphire" crystal, had to order the press dies but I used wife's button/snap press for sewing. Turned out good, not sure of the water resistance but I think it's "hand wash" safe and that's all I need.

Looks like a brand new watch, if not for the aabsolutely wrecked bezel insert that looks like its been rubbed with sandpaper. Finding a bezel insert that fits the stock Mako bezel is hard, so I'm keeping it as is. It gives it some patina.

 

[Sirius]

This is my little shitter, a Timex Expedition North with a 36mm case. For the $100 I paid for it, I'm pretty impressed. Has a stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and even a solar cell. The strap it came with (some recycled nylon thing) was absolutely terrible though, and the lume is rather disappointing.

I'm really skinny so it looks big even on my wrist, I might start looking at vintage Omegas once I save some money up.

 

[Doug S]

I’m a basic bitch and I’m drawn to the recognizable brand.

It’s still the smartest move because Rolex is one of the few that retains value. He can have it his entire life, pass it on, or even sell it and get top dollar. Just be careful of what you pay and who you get it from.

 

[Doug S]

Kiwibros: I want to buy my husband a Rolex explorer ii “polar”

One thing you really have to watch out for, and it’s something that I’ve seen a lot lately with the Explorer II, is that there are models popping up with the non-fold over clasp.

I was under the impression that this watch always had a double locking clasp. And I keep seeing models pop up with a basic clasp and the years of production are all over the place.

Here’s an example of the cheaper clasp.

https://chrono24.app/rolex/rolex-1993-ss-explorer-ii-white-dial-w-original-rolex-box-16570--id41157864.htm?SETLANG=en_US&SETCURR=USD

Notice that this is a simple clasp? The Explorer series is part of the Rolex Professional category. One key feature of that category is a fold over clasp. It’s a more robust clasp that has two locks.

Here is what I thought was the correct clasp for this model






Notice the extra flap?




Here is another example of someone selling the same watch with the simple clasp. This seller is much more reputable and has adjusted the price accordingly





I’m trying to find an answer and don’t know if this simple clasp was ever offered as an option. As a buyer I would play it safe and go for the more robust clasp. (The dual locking fold over clasp)

 

[Something Awful]

I have three wrist watches. I usually wear an Apple Watch just for the activity tracking features, but the other two are:

Christopher Ward C11 Chronograph





I think this is super nice. I bought it for 350 pounds more than ten years ago. Props to Christopher Ward's customer service: I sent it in for servicing/repair for the first time recently, and they just did it without charging me anything.

And also this Timex Expedition T43391:



Fans of Shenmue will recognize it.

 

[BallsMcLongDong]

Boys, sometimes luck pays out.
One of my Grails is the Lord Elgin Black Knight. I missed a double bid 2 years ago for NOS Black Knight and White Knight (Technically El Dorado, but everyone calls it the White or Golden Knight) as a pair and have been kicking myself since.

I found one on ebay for a dance, listed as not running, on a beautiful old 10K gold mesh bracelet. No stretch band here, it's like a milanese but made of gold. Would have bought it just for the bracelet.
Anyway, it was in awesome physical condition, no missing markers, damage, schmutz in the honeycomb or flaked off paint, so I was prepared to buy some spare movements and franken a movement together.

Came in today. I opened it, and tried to wind it while pretending to work. Wasn't gonna do a complete tear down until tonight.
Heard some funny click clacks and it never stopped winding. I assumed broken mainspring, so I just took it out of the case and did a cursory glance.

One screw. The main top gear that meshes with the winding works was just a touch loose, so didn't mesh with the driving winding gear. Tightened down the screw, put a few winds in it, fired right up and has been appearing to keep perfect time so far.

Buffed the gold, gotta get more polywatch, but one of my grails looks and runs like a dream for a dance.

Learn some of the basics of watchmaking and buy a mid level Esslinger kit, boys. I have gotten (and repaired for friends) so many of their dream watches they got for a 1/10 of the price and got em running like a dream.

 

[Stackbodiesbro]

Got to try on a Patek Philippe Nautilus and perpetual calender this pass Sunday. Great watches but I couldn't see myself owning one unless I have a massive jump in my salary or inherit a crazy amount of money or something.

 

[Doug S]

on a beautiful old 10K gold mesh bracelet. No stretch band here, it's like a milanese but made of gold. Would have bought it just for the bracelet.

Was the watch itself gold or gold filled? I thought the Black Knights were all gold plated.

Either way, seems like a good score. How much did you get it for? You don’t see those watches in the wild at all. And because they’re so unique looking you can spot them a mile away

 

[BallsMcLongDong]

Was the watch itself gold or gold filled? I thought the Black Knights were all gold plated.

Either way, seems like a good score. How much did you get it for? You don’t see those watches in the wild at all. And because they’re so unique looking you can spot them a mile away

14K gold filled for the case, 18K solid indices. 10K gold vintage spiedel two piece band.

I got it around $70 best offer. Which I was excited for anyway, considering the condition of the watch is basically new (minus the replaced crystal, but I was able to track down the correct pointed facet crystal, waiting for it to get in) and I assumed I could just get replacement movement and service it and slap it in. Even better that I had to do nothing but screw down the drive wheel for winding.
The movement is even in immaculate condition, no dried oil stains or fingerprints or other schmutz that's usually in there when I crack a watch open.

I love the way they look. If I can score another for theft prices, I'd love to get a Golden Knight to complete the set and give it to my wife.

I've got a massive soft spot for the old dress watches. Especially the smaller ones with a unique design. I even bought and repaired/restored a 50's 10K gold Wittenauer and sent it to Dear Feeder with some extra straps and other basics since he wanted a plain faced watch he could wear with a suit. I won't lie, once I finished completely restoring it I had a Bilbo moment putting it in the package to ship out, haha.

 

[Hentai-Semitism]

I use Timex Expedition TW4B09000 as my main watch. I got it because blue dial + brown leather strap is my favorite combination. Also, it's only about $100. I apply transparent shoe grease to the strap every once in a while to prevent it from soaking up sweat.

Casio F-91W is something I wear at home because it's very small and never gets in the way. However, the backlight is awful. I hear that the F105W-1A is supposed to be an improvement in that regard.

If I had money to burn, I'd probably get an IWC Schaffhausen or an Omega. I dig Suunto Alpha Core Stealth because it's black with big red digital digits, but the proportions are a bit off.

 

[Doug S]

got it because blue dial + brown leather strap is my favorite combination.

Hell yeah. Almost any manufacturer that does this has a great looking piece. Go right up the price scales and you’ll see that they’re all standout pieces. I love that combo too.

Also, pic unrelated.