Lee's Watch Thread for MM'ers of Impeccable Taste

[Apoc]

Gotcha, not so bad for a KS I suppose.

I've had far, far worse experiences.... like the time I backed an in-ear fertility doodad two months before the wife got pregnant and it wasn't ready to ship until after he was born. Luckily, they offered refunds.

This campaign had 1300 backers for a cool $250,000. Their goal was $20,000. When you factor in they have a team of four and many of the products are one of a kind, I'm not gonna complain about it being three months late.

[WRXtranceformed]

I'm super curious to see your thoughts on them when they arrive. What's weird is a see a lot of failed kickstarters but watch crowdfunding efforts seem to destroy their targets. I think there really is a strong/growing market for unique microbrands.

Ball Watches has a new model dropping soon that caught my eye, it's in "preorder" pricing right now. For reference, Ball is a very old US-based watchmaker with really cool historical roots. You can read their story here: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ballwatch.com/global/en/company/history.html">http://www.ballwatch.com/global/en/company/history.html</a><!-- m -->

The watch is the Roadmaster GMT, which makes some pretty cool use of tritium tubes in an inner GMT bezel. Ball uses i believe a proprietary Swiss-made movement that operates within COSC standards and is shock and magnetic proof. This model also has a sapphire crystal display caseback, which I have a weakness for. 42mm is a great size:




I've had a few people offer to trade me for their Ball watches, but they have some really weird, big chunky styles. This seems like something that would be up my alley, but at $1700 + tax or $3k+ after the preorder is over, that's a little much for me to take a flier on one. We'll see what happens when they hit the resale market

[Apoc]

So I got my first of two Undone customs today. I thought I was getting both, but I'm not surprised I only got one. I shot them a note to see what they say - I suspect they're still trying to get their heads above water.

Anyway, the watch is really nice looking. The weight is decent if you don't like heavy watches; you can definitely tell it's not an automatic. The finishes looks pretty good and the blue hands that look black when they're not catching light are really pretty cool. There's some residue on the back engraving, so I'll need to polish that up. This is my first leather band, so I really can't comment on the quality. It seems stiff and the dying looks solid, if that's how to rate that sort of thing. I totally blanked on the band and I'm unfortunately on the last hole. I could probably get up one hole, but I like 'em somewhat loose. Hopefully I'll eek out another hole or two once I undo my dadbod slide. I'll wear it, but the real reason I got it is to give it to my kid one day. Overall, it seems like good value for the money, especially considering the inscribed face and back.

[Ken]

Nice! Although, yeah, that engraving work looks a little shoddy. They must be playing catch-up right now.

[WRXtranceformed]

Dude that turned out great actually! What a cool gift for Dom for the future. And if for some reason he doesn't grow into a watch guy, you can just keep it and be awesome.

I love the blued hands, that was a very nice choice. Hopefully the engraving residue cleans up. For any polished surfaces, I recommend Cape Cod polishing cloths: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cape-Cod-Polishing-Cloths-0-53oz/dp/B0017H3PIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494939511&sr=8-1&keywords=cape+cod+polishing+cloth">https://www.amazon.com/Cape-Cod-Polishi ... hing+cloth</a><!-- m -->

Just don't get that on the band or the watch crystal, but it polishes really well and removes hairline scratches. I've also been really high on the Veraet cleaning solutions and cloths, I have not found anything better than their products at removing finger / skin oils and dirt without leaving swirl marks or scratching especially on polished surfaces: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.wristclean.com/">https://www.wristclean.com/</a><!-- m -->

The leather band should break in over time, probably a week or two of daily wear. I actually use the same Lexol or Pinnacle leather conditioner that I use on car seats on my leather bands and it works great, especially during the break in period. Bummer it's a little maxed out on the size but you can always pick up a new band for it! It has those quick change spring bars which is really nice. Just find out what the lug width is and any proper sized leather, rubber or nato strap or straight end-linked metal band should fit it. You may just need to order spring bars with the new band if it doesn't have the same "quick change" system yours does.

I know you like fancy things, Hirsch is a good company to look at for aftermarket straps: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.hirschstraps.com/">https://www.hirschstraps.com/</a><!-- m -->
For metal bracelets, Strapcode is a good choice: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.strapcode.com/store/index.php">http://www.strapcode.com/store/index.php</a><!-- m -->
For cheap but decent, I've had some luck with Clockwork Synergy: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.amazon.com/Clockwork-Synergy-LLC/b/ref=w_bl_sl_ap_ap_web_6992533011?ie=UTF8&node=6992533011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Clockwork+Synergy%2C+LLC">https://www.amazon.com/Clockwork-Synerg ... rgy%2C+LLC</a><!-- m -->

[.RJ]

Gotcha, not so bad for a KS I suppose.

I've had far, far worse experiences.... like the time I backed an in-ear fertility doodad two months before the wife got pregnant

You're not supposed to stick your dick in her ear.

[Apoc]

I'm on the second hole today and I can get my finger between the buckle and my wrist, so I'm thinking a lot has to do with leather stiffness. I do kinda like the straps with stitching though...

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/leather-hirsch-straps/products/hirsch-leonardo-heavy-calf-curved-ended-watch-strap-blue">https://www.hirschstraps.com/collection ... strap-blue</a><!-- m -->

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/leather-hirsch-straps/products/hirsch-jumper-calf-leather-watch-strap-blue">https://www.hirschstraps.com/collection ... strap-blue</a><!-- m -->

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/leather-hirsch-straps/products/hirsch-trooper-calf-leather-watch-strap-in-blue">https://www.hirschstraps.com/collection ... ap-in-blue</a><!-- m -->

[WRXtranceformed]

I'm on the second hole today and I can get my finger between the buckle and my wrist, so I'm thinking a lot has to do with leather stiffness. I do kinda like the straps with stitching though...

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/leather-hirsch-straps/products/hirsch-leonardo-heavy-calf-curved-ended-watch-strap-blue">https://www.hirschstraps.com/collection ... strap-blue</a><!-- m -->

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/leather-hirsch-straps/products/hirsch-jumper-calf-leather-watch-strap-blue">https://www.hirschstraps.com/collection ... strap-blue</a><!-- m -->

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/leather-hirsch-straps/products/hirsch-trooper-calf-leather-watch-strap-in-blue">https://www.hirschstraps.com/collection ... ap-in-blue</a><!-- m -->

Yeah those are really nice choices! Hirsch straps are very desirable so if you got sick of it it's usually not hard to resell them in the watch community. Leather with stitching looks very choice, my Tissot has white stitching that looks incredible. I forgot to mention that your wrists will definitely swell due to weather / body stuff so it's possible the leather is softening and / or your wrist was swollen when you tried it on. My watches fit a little more snug when it's really hot out

If you get serious about pulling the trigger on one you may want to look into the straight vs. curved end. The curve may not exactly match the curve of the case so straight is the safest option

[WRXtranceformed]

Sold the TAG, a watch band and a few other random things I don't need...Rolex slush fund up to $757.55! Only about $6,000 more to save, give or take :lol:

[G.Irish]

So with Rolexes like the GMT, Daytona, etc. is it fair to say that they depreciate very little, if at all? Like could I buy a Daytona for like $11k now and sell it for $10500 next year? And for that level of watch, is watchuseek the best place to buy/sell or no?

I've been having bad Daytona thoughts (in addition to bad sports car and house thoughts).

[SlimKlim]

If you buy used/gray market I think it's reasonable to expect it will hold most of it's value, unless you damage it while you own it.

WUS seems to be the best forum, I'd also strongly recommend keeping an eye on reddit.com/r/watchexchange. A good amount of stuff trades on there pretty regularly, and a lot of people post WTBs. If you don't have a reddit acct I'm happy to help broker something.

[WRXtranceformed]

So with Rolexes like the GMT, Daytona, etc. is it fair to say that they depreciate very little, if at all? Like could I buy a Daytona for like $11k now and sell it for $10500 next year? And for that level of watch, is watchuseek the best place to buy/sell or no?

I've been having bad Daytona thoughts (in addition to bad sports car and house thoughts).

They do take an initial depreciation hit for sure, especially if you buy them from an Authorized Distributor and pay that premium for the factory warranty & sales tax. A lot of how big of an initial hit they take depends on the model though, some are just more desirable than others (the Daytona is definitely one of them that is highly desirable I believe). But from what I can tell following the forums and Bob's Watches, they seem to hold their used value a LOT better than other luxury brands like Omega and Breitling. From what I understand the big reason is the brand quality / reputation for durability and luxury as well as the fact that Rolex really only makes minor changes in their models from generation to generation. A Submariner now looks by and large very similar to the older ones. I mean God forbid should you ever need the money, you can take a Rolex to any pawn shop in America and they're going to give you good money for it.

What's interesting about Rolex though especially the desirable models is that they actually appreciate in value when they get older and into vintage status. The "Paul Newman" Daytonas are crazy expensive to buy on the used market, vintage Submariners are selling for more now than new ones. Collectors love vintage Rolexes so if you buy a Daytona and hold onto it, it will probably be worth more when your kids are grown up than what you paid for it!

[WRXtranceformed]

If you buy used/gray market I think it's reasonable to expect it will hold most of it's value, unless you damage it while you own it.

WUS seems to be the best forum, I'd also strongly recommend keeping an eye on reddit.com/r/watchexchange. A good amount of stuff trades on there pretty regularly, and a lot of people post WTBs. If you don't have a reddit acct I'm happy to help broker something.

I also forgot to mention this, I would not be afraid at all of buying a Rolex on the grey market, either new or used, from a trusted source like Jomashop or Bob's Watches. In fact it's probably the best route to go if you want to maintain that value like Joey said.

I love WUS, it's a wealth of knowledge, one of the biggest forums in the world and it has a really healthy sales section that I've sold almost a dozen things in. With that said, I am REALLY leery to buy a watch like a Rolex from someone on a forum. You would have to REALLY trust who you are doing business with, and they would have to have a lot of positive feedback selling high end watches and/or be a Rolex reseller / known luxury jewelry store. The fakes nowadays are just too good and the chance of getting scammed are still there even though WUS has done a good job putting countermeasures in place.

Just something to think about. It's a big purchase, you want to do it from a source you trust and frankly sometimes it's worth paying a little more on the grey market (or from a local stores that specializes in luxury watches) for the peace of mind.

[Apoc]

Great... now I'm looking at Rolexes on jomashop.

Anyone have recommendations for watch storage? My wife gave me an engraved 10-watch display box* awhile ago and it's mostly full. I also put a lot of things on top of it, like my wallet, my vintage pocket watch from Prague, a vintage compass she gave me, and my "daily" watch (so I don't have to dig it out every day). I'll need to keep what she gave me, but I want something that cleans up my nightstand a bit. I think anything that has a liftable lid is a no go, because I'll want to keep some things on display on top.

*looks a lot like this: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://amzn.to/2pUJJ0V">http://amzn.to/2pUJJ0V</a><!-- m -->

[WRXtranceformed]

Great... now I'm looking at Rolexes on jomashop.

Anyone have recommendations for watch storage? My wife gave me an engraved 10-watch display box* awhile ago and it's mostly full. I also put a lot of things on top of it, like my wallet, my vintage pocket watch from Prague, a vintage compass she gave me, and my "daily" watch (so I don't have to dig it out every day). I'll need to keep what she gave me, but I want something that cleans up my nightstand a bit. I think anything that has a liftable lid is a no go, because I'll want to keep some things on display on top.

*looks a lot like this: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://amzn.to/2pUJJ0V">http://amzn.to/2pUJJ0V</a><!-- m -->

:lol: It's a disease! Here's my grail on JS, just staring at me....waiting to be purchased.....eventually....<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.jomashop.com/rolex-116710bkso.html">http://www.jomashop.com/rolex-116710bkso.html</a><!-- m -->

All of the boxes I am using at the moment have liftable lids similar to yours, and I have a Heiden double watch winder that I can't really put anything on top of because it's angled. Frankly from what I can tell most watch specific boxes with pillows have that kind of lid. What you might be able to find is something like my wife found for her jewelry which is basically just a tray with soft felt lining. You can find them segmented into sections or wide open like this one:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.amazon.com/WOLF-435102-Standard-Jewelry-Black/dp/B001CF91YI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495045451&sr=8-2&keywords=jewelry+tray+watches">https://www.amazon.com/WOLF-435102-Stan ... ay+watches</a><!-- m -->

You would just keep that in one of your drawers. Now that I think about it, I have a segmented one my wife gave me that I keep in one of my drawers, I just don't keep my watches in it. I've got my boxes all full and a few that I have in the current rotation just randomly sitting around my office on soft sunglass pouches :lol: :lol:

[Apoc]

I think what I'm really looking for is something like this that has two drawers, instead of a lift lid and a drawer.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://amzn.to/2rfqYJS">http://amzn.to/2rfqYJS</a><!-- m -->

[WRXtranceformed]

Ahh okay...yeah they are out there just harder to find and seem to be pricier! Dang

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.amazon.com/WOLF-461028-Meridian-Piece-Blonde/dp/B00EZ6XB06/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1495045980&sr=8-27&keywords=two+drawer+watch+box">https://www.amazon.com/WOLF-461028-Meri ... +watch+box</a><!-- m -->

[Apoc]

Now find it with a glass top. :lol:

Something like this would be nice, if it held a decent number of watches: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://amzn.to/2qtl86J">http://amzn.to/2qtl86J</a><!-- m -->

[WRXtranceformed]

Now find it with a glass top. :lol:

Something like this would be nice, if it held a decent number of watches: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://amzn.to/2qtl86J">http://amzn.to/2qtl86J</a><!-- m -->

Getting closer!

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.watchboxco.com/collections/leather-watch-boxes/products/20-black-leather-watch-box-with-clear-glass-top">https://www.watchboxco.com/collections/ ... -glass-top</a><!-- m -->

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.watchboxco.com/collections/leather-watch-boxes/products/20-carbon-fiber-pattern-leather-watch-box-with-glass-top">https://www.watchboxco.com/collections/ ... -glass-top</a><!-- m -->

Top opens but it is glass (keep the pieces you don't wear much in there) and a bottom drawer with 10 slots

Here's a 36 watch case in case your collection gets more out of control than mine

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.watchboxco.com/collections/leather-watch-boxes/products/36-carbon-fiber-pattern-leather-watch-box-with-glass-top">https://www.watchboxco.com/collections/ ... -glass-top</a><!-- m -->

[JustinG]

go big or go home